Jason Brooks firmly believed flirting was an art.
Not a science—because science required rules. And Jason disliked rules almost as much as he disliked being ignored.
He leaned casually against the café counter, sunglasses perched on his head indoors, watching his reflection in the glass display like a man preparing for battle.
You've still got it, he told himself.
Across the room, the girl laughed.
That was his cue.
She was sitting alone at a small table near the window, scrolling through her phone, clearly bored but not desperate—Jason's favorite combination. She had that effortless confidence that came from knowing she could leave whenever she wanted.
Jason grabbed his coffee, adjusted his jacket, and walked over.
He tripped slightly on the corner of the rug, recovered quickly, and pretended it was intentional.
"Wow," he said, placing a hand on the table. "I was going to ask if this seat is taken"
The girl looked up slowly.
Blink.
Blink.
"…Excuse me?"
Jason smiled, unbothered. "I'm Jason. And you are?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Still deciding whether to stand up and leave."
"Ouch," he said, placing a hand over his heart. "Straight to emotional damage."
Despite herself, she smiled.
"I'm Lily," she said finally. "And this is my seat."
"Perfect," Jason replied, pulling out the chair anyway. "I don't like sharing chairs."
"That's not how this works."
"It can be," he said confidently, sitting down. "If you allow it."
She studied him. "You're very sure of yourself."
"That's because doubt has never helped me," he said. "Also, my sister gives terrifying advice."
That caught her attention. "You have a sister?"
"Yes. Cynthia Brooks. Very serious. Very intimidating.
Lily laughed. "That sounds useful."
"It is," Jason said. "But I chose a different path."
"Clearly."
Jason leaned back, crossing his arms. "So, Lily. What brings you to this fine establishment? A broken heart?"
She tilted her head. "Do these lines ever work for you?"
"Statistically?" he said. "More often than they should."
"And today?"
"I'm optimistic."
She laughed again, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous."
"Thank you," Jason said. "I work very hard at it."
She sipped her drink. "You don't seem nervous."
"That's because I am," he admitted. "I just hide it behind confidence and poor decision-making."
She raised her cup in mock salute. "Honesty. Bold choice."
"I'm full of those," he said. "So tell me—what do you do when strangers interrupt your peaceful coffee time?"
"I judge them," she replied. "Harshly."
"And how am I doing?"
She pretended to think. "You're not boring."
Jason grinned. "I'll take it."
Outside, the afternoon sun streamed through the window, and the café buzzed with soft conversation.
"So," Lily said, "what do you do, Jason Brooks?"
He hesitated—just for a moment. "I exist. Loudly."
She laughed again. "That's not an answer."
"I'm figuring things out," he said more seriously. "Trying not to become boring.
"You sound twenty-two."
"I feel exposed."
She smiled. "I'm twenty-one."
Jason gasped. "You're telling me I could've used even less effort?"
"Try it," she said. "I dare you."
He leaned forward slightly. "Alright. New approach."
She crossed her arms. "I'm listening."
"I think you're interesting," he said simply. "And I'd like to know you better. No speeches."
She studied his face, searching for the joke.
Finding none.
"That was… surprisingly decent," she admitted.
Jason beamed. "Growth."
His phone buzzed.
Cynthia's name flashed on the screen.
Jason groaned. "Speak of the intimidating sibling."
Lily smirked. "Should I be worried?"
"No," Jason said. "Unless you're allergic to judgment."
He answered. "Hey."
"Where are you?" Cynthia asked.
"Being charming."
There was a pause. "Jason."
"I'm at a café."
"Jason."
"With a human woman."
Another pause. "I don't want to know."
Jason smiled at Lily. "She says hello. In spirit."
Lily laughed. "Tell her I approve."
Jason relayed it.
Cynthia sighed. "Be back before dinner."
"Yes, mother," he teased.
He hung up.
"She sounds intense," Lily said.
"She is," Jason agreed. "But she means well."
There was a brief silence—comfortable this time.
"So," Lily said, "are you going to ask for my number, or keep performing?"
Jason blinked. "Wow. You're direct."
"I don't like wasting time."
Jason pulled out his phone instantly. "I respect that."
They exchanged numbers.
As she stood to leave, she paused. "You're not as annoying as I expected."
Jason smiled. "That might be the nicest thing anyone's said to me today."
She shook her head, amused, and walked away.
Jason watched her go, grinning to himself.
Still got it, he thought.
Outside, he texted Cynthia:
Jason: Met someone.
Cynthia: I don't want details.
Jason: You'd be proud.
Cynthia: That's concerning.
Jason laughed, pocketed his phone, and headed out—already planning the next encounter.