"Flirting Is a Social Experiment"

Clara leaned against the lockers, scrolling through her phone with half-lidded eyes, waiting for the final bell to ring. The school day had been exhausting—too many people, too much noise, and way too many expectations. She was just counting down the minutes until she could go home, put on an oversized hoodie, and disappear into some random niche rabbit hole online.

Then, he appeared.

"Hey, you dropped something," a voice said beside her.

She barely glanced up, only to see a guy with a cocky grin holding out his empty hand.

Clara blinked. "What?"

"Your standards," he smirked. "Hi, I’m Jay."

Clara just stared at him. For a second, she wondered if this was some sort of prank. But no—he seemed genuinely pleased with himself. Like he had just delivered the most brilliant pick-up line in human history.