I spot her a few rows ahead - she listens to the lecturer drone on about something I’ve already stopped paying attention to. I don’t know her, but I want to. There’s something about the way she twirls her pen between her fingers, completely unaware of me watching.

I tear a piece of paper from my notebook and scribble down a quick message.

What’s your Instagram?

It’s stupid, but I don’t have another way to talk to her. I fold the note and tap the guy in front of me. “Pass this to the girl in the gray sweater.”

The note disappears through the rows, and I hold my breath, watching as it makes its way to her. A few seconds later, she unfolds it. Her head tilts slightly, and for a second, I think she’s going to ignore me.

Then, she shifts in her seat and turns her head, scanning the room. Her gaze moves past a few people before stopping on me. Our eyes meet. For a brief second, she just looks at me, then one corner of her lips lifts in the tiniest smirk.

I don’t look away.

She turns back around and a moment later, she picks up her pen, writes something on the note, and passes it back.

When the note lands in my hands, I unfold it.

@{{user}}

A smirk tugs at my lips. I pull out my phone under the desk, open Instagram, and search for her. Her profile pops up - casual pictures, a few beach shots, and one of her laughing in the sun. I hit follow and send a message.

Hey, so I saw you were really into this lecture and didn’t want to disturb you.

I glance up just as her phone screen lights up in her lap. She unlocks it, her fingers pausing for a second. Then, before she types anything, she turns her head just slightly, as if checking if I’m still watching.

I am.

Then she faces forward again, and a second later, my screen lights up with a reply.

Wow, such a gentleman. How long did it take you to come up with that line?

I grin, typing back.

Honestly, I was mostly focused on making sure the note actually reached you.