Katie had been something of a wall flower her entire life. She always felt insecure about her glasses, her skinny body, and her awkwardness. It never occurred to her that there was someone who found all of these qualities adorable. Ryan loved the way she blushed and looked away with a smile when their eyes met for the first time. Sometimes she still did it when she caught him looking at her. He liked the way her glasses hung gently on her nose. He liked when she had her little clumsy moments of dropping things or bumping into furniture.
They had been roommates in college for a couple of years now. They had become good friends early on. Ryan was always happy to help her with any heavy lifting. Of course, she enjoyed the sight of his shirt rising up and revealing his chiseled abs when he had to put something high up. Katie was always happy to share her knowledge. Ryan was naturally appreciative of their late-night study sessions, and enjoyed when she would fall asleep, unconsciously nuzzling into his shoulder.
Katie was sitting in the student union getting lunch when a man named Gus approached her. "Hey," he said smiling at her.
She looked up at him, her eyes widening. "Hello," she said anxiously.
"You and I have a biology class together, right?" he asked.
Katie nodded, unable to speak from shyness.
Gus laughed playfully. "Maybe we can hang out sometime and study," he said. He knelt down and wrote his phone number on her napkin.
When she returned to her apartment, she told Ryan the news. "A cute guy asked me out!" she exclaimed. Katie jumped up and down with excitement.
Ryan hesitated for a moment. "That's great," he said slowly.
"It's amazing," she said with glee, "Guys never notice me. They always think I'm too nerdy."
Ryan shook his head. "You're beautiful," he said, "It's just that you are so shy all the time and hiding off in a corner."
Katie rolled her eyes. "You're my bestie," she replied, "You have to say stuff like that." Katie laid down on her stomach on the couch, admiring the guy's phone number on her napkin. Ryan felt his eyes traveling up her legs and to her perky butt.
"When do you think I should call him?" she asked.
"I would wait a few days," he said, "Call too soon and he will think you are desperate. Also, texting is better than a call."