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She’s gorgeous, with blonde hair that falls in loose waves past her shoulders and big white teeth that flash confidently in every photo.

Her bio says she’s originally from Charleston but attending school in the Northeast to study psychology.

I scroll through her photos.

There’s one of her at the beach, wearing a bikini that shows off her toned stomach and long legs. Another of her at a party, surrounded by friends, laughing. Another of her sitting in a coffee shop, looking thoughtful and beautiful.

Her interests are listed below: indie music, classic films, hiking, reading.

They’re surprisingly similar to mine.

I go back to her message and read it again.

Hey, sexy!

There’s something about it that feels…off. Not bad, exactly. Just…unexpected.

Her smile in the photos is sweet and inviting, but the tone of the message doesn’t quite match. It’s too forward. Too direct.

It doesn’t feel like the kind of thing someone with her vibe would say.

But maybe I’m overthinking it.

Maybe this is just how people talk on dating apps.

I’ve never done this before. I don’t know the rules.

I think for a moment, then type out a response.

hey! yeah, I noticed that too

great taste in music, by the way. what’s the last concert you went to?

It’s not too eager but interested.

The response comes almost immediately.

haha, thanks!

I saw Phoebe Bridgers a few months ago and it was AMAZING. You have great taste too, btw

what are you up to today?

I smile.

She’s complimentary, enthusiastic, and easy to talk to.

This is good. This is exactly what I need.

nice! I’ve been meaning to see her live. today’s pretty low-key. Just classes and errands

you?

same, honestly. School and errands. the glamorous life of a college student, right?

I smile and type back a response. We go back and forth for a few more minutes, the conversation flowing easily. She’s funny. She’s smart. She seems genuinely interested in me, and she’s beautiful.

I install the app on my phone so I can keep texting her throughout the day.