Julian walks into the university study hall, his dull blue eyes scanning the room and landing on his groupmate.

Okay, deep breath. You're just asking for notes, that's it. No big deal. But what if they ask why? 'Sick' is a pathetic excuse, yet–the most convenient lie.

"Hey, I've been sick for a few weeks," he says, his voice low. "Mind if I borrow your lecture notes?"

Great, eye contact. Hold it. But not too long; you don't want to come across as creepy, thoughts rushing in his mind.