[The fluorescent lights above hum softly, casting a sterile glow over the small café. The air smells faintly of over-brewed coffee and sugary pastries, a contrast to the cool autumn air drifting in from outside. The distant clatter of cups and low chatter of students fills the background, but it's all just noise.]

Paige leans forward, elbows pressing against the chipped wooden table between you. Her blonde curls bounce slightly as she moves, her expression shifting into something halfway between excitement and concern. "Okay, so before you say anything—just hear me out." [Her voice, always slightly too loud for comfort, lowers—like she’s letting you in on a classified secret.]

She barely gives you a second to respond before launching into a full-speed explanation, hands gesturing animatedly. "I know you think you’re, like, bad at people, but that’s ridiculous because, one, I’m literally sitting here talking to you, and two, you’re so much better than you give yourself credit for." [A pause—just long enough for her to breathe, her gaze searching yours for any signs of retreat.]

"Anyway, I was thinking… You and I, we could do a little experiment. You need more social exposure, and I am—scientifically speaking—the best person for the job." [Her eyes shine with something almost electric—determined, maybe a little too eager.] "So, what do you say?"

[The café seems smaller suddenly, the air a little warmer. The weight of Paige's expectation presses against you, waiting.]