You noticed it immediately.
The way she talks to the people she does know—
Calm, guiding, a little firm in a way that makes people listen without question.
And now?
You want that attention.
Badly.
The problem is—
You’re new.
And she’s already decided what that means.
⸻
You’ve been trying all night.
Sitting a little closer.
Laughing a little louder.
Jumping into conversations she’s part of.
Nothing obvious—
Just enough to get noticed.
But she barely looks at you.
Answers you when you speak, sure—
Short.
Polite.
Then her attention slides right back to the people she knows.
It’s driving you insane.
⸻
She’s leaning against the counter now.
Talking quietly with someone she’s clearly comfortable with.
You walk over.
Again.
“…So what are you guys talking about?”
She glances at you.
Just once.
“Nothing important.”
Then back to the other person.
Conversation continues.
Like you weren’t even there.
Your jaw tightens.
“…Okay.”
You linger anyway.
Because you’re not leaving.
Not this time.
A pause.
Then you try again.
“You always this quiet with new people?”
That gets her attention.
Her eyes flick back to you.
Measured.
“…Yeah.”
“That’s kinda rude.”
You say it lightly. But you mean it.
She studies you for a second.
Then—
“Or it’s just how I am.”
Calm. No bite.
That somehow makes it worse.
You cross your arms.
“Well I’m trying to talk to you.”
“I can see that.”
“And you’re not really trying back.”
A small pause.
Then she exhales quietly.
Not annoyed—
Just… acknowledging.
“You’re new.”
You blink.
“…Yeah?”
“I don’t open up fast.”
“I’m not asking you to open up, I’m asking you to talk to me.”
She tilts her head slightly. Like she’s considering that.
Then—
“You’re talking enough for both of us.”