The next day, Tatiana woke up with a sense of anticipation that she hadn't felt in a long time. She had always been confident in social situations, but there was something different about her upcoming meeting with Samuel. It wasn't just the usual excitement she felt when getting to know someone new—it was the thrill of the unknown, the challenge of drawing someone out who seemed so determined to keep to himself.
As she got ready for the day, Tatiana carefully chose her outfit—something casual yet stylish, comfortable yet put-together. She wanted to make a good impression, but more importantly, she wanted to feel like herself. She knew that being genuine was the best way to approach Samuel, who didn't seem like the type to be swayed by pretense or showiness.
After class, Tatiana made her way to the campus café where they had agreed to meet. She arrived a little early, giving herself time to order a coffee and find a spot that was quiet but not too isolated. She chose a table by the window, where the afternoon sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over the room.
As she waited, she rehearsed a few conversation starters in her mind. She didn't want the conversation to feel forced or awkward, but she also knew that she would need to take the lead. Samuel was clearly not the type to initiate small talk, so it was up to her to set the tone and keep things flowing.
When Samuel walked in, Tatiana couldn't help but smile. He looked much the same as he had the day before—unassuming, with his dark hair slightly tousled and his eyes focused intently on the ground as he walked. He wore a simple shirt and jeans, and his backpack hung loosely over one shoulder. He spotted her almost immediately and made his way over to the table, his expression neutral but not unfriendly.
"Hey, Samuel," Tatiana greeted him with a warm smile as he approached. "Glad you could make it."
"Hi," Samuel replied quietly, taking the seat across from her. He set his backpack down beside the chair and glanced around the café, as if taking in the surroundings.
Tatiana noticed the way he seemed to scan the room, almost as if he were assessing his environment before fully engaging. It was another reminder that Samuel was different from most people she knew—more thoughtful, more deliberate. She found it intriguing.
"So," Tatiana began, leaning forward slightly, "I'm really glad we're doing this. I've been looking forward to it all day."
Samuel looked a little surprised by her enthusiasm, but he nodded. "Yeah, me too. It's... nice to talk to someone from class."
Tatiana took that as a good sign. She could tell he wasn't used to this kind of social interaction, but the fact that he was here, making an effort, was a positive step.
"I was thinking," Tatiana said, "since we're both in communications and media studies, we could start by talking about what drew us to the major. What made you choose it?"
Samuel hesitated for a moment before answering. "Well, I've always been interested in how technology and communication intersect. I'm an engineering major, but I thought taking some media studies courses would give me a broader perspective. I like understanding how people interact with technology, how it affects society."
Tatiana nodded, genuinely interested. "That's really cool. It's interesting how technology can shape the way we communicate, and vice versa. I actually chose the major because I love storytelling—whether it's through writing, film, or even social media. I think the way we tell stories can have a huge impact on the world."
Samuel's eyes flickered with interest at her words. "Yeah, storytelling is powerful. It's one of the reasons I'm interested in media studies too. I'm more into the technical side, but I appreciate how stories can change perspectives."
As they continued to talk, Tatiana noticed that Samuel began to relax a little. He still wasn't the most talkative person, but his responses were thoughtful and sincere. She could tell that he was engaged in the conversation, even if he wasn't always quick to express it.
After discussing their shared interest in media and technology, Tatiana decided to steer the conversation toward more personal topics. She wanted to learn more about Samuel as a person, beyond his academic interests.
"So, Samuel," she said, shifting the conversation slightly, "what do you like to do when you're not studying? Any hobbies or interests?"
Samuel seemed to consider the question carefully before answering. "I like reading, mostly. And I play chess sometimes. It helps me think."
"Chess?" Tatiana echoed, her curiosity piqued. "That's awesome. I've never really played, but I've always thought it would be interesting to learn. It seems like a game that requires a lot of strategy and patience."
"It does," Samuel agreed, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "It's one of those games where you have to think several moves ahead. It's not just about the pieces on the board—it's about anticipating what your opponent will do."
Tatiana found herself fascinated by the way Samuel talked about chess. It was clear that he had a deep appreciation for the game, and she could see how it mirrored his approach to life—careful, deliberate, always thinking ahead.
"You'll have to teach me sometime," Tatiana said with a grin. "I'm not sure I'd be any good, but it sounds like fun."
"I'd be happy to," Samuel replied, his smile becoming a little more noticeable. "It's a good way to challenge your mind."
Tatiana felt a small surge of victory at the sight of Samuel's smile. It was the first time she had seen him smile like that, and it made her even more determined to keep the conversation going. She wanted to see more of that side of him—the side that was passionate about something, even if it was something as quiet and introspective as chess.
As the conversation continued, Tatiana found herself increasingly drawn to Samuel's quiet intelligence. He wasn't like anyone she had ever met before, and that only made her more determined to get to know him better. She could tell that there was so much more beneath the surface, and she was eager to uncover it.
By the time their conversation began to wind down, Tatiana felt a sense of accomplishment. She had taken the first step in getting to know Samuel, and she could tell that he was beginning to warm up to her, even if only a little. It was a small victory, but a significant one.
"So, this was really nice," Tatiana said as they prepared to leave. "I'm glad we got to talk."
"Yeah," Samuel agreed, his tone genuine. "It was nice. Thanks for inviting me."
"Of course," Tatiana replied with a smile. "Let's do it again sometime."
As they parted ways, Tatiana couldn't help but feel excited about what the future might hold. She had made the first move, and it had gone better than she could have hoped. Samuel was still a mystery in many ways, but she was starting to see glimpses of the person he really was—a person she was eager to learn more about.
As she walked back to her dorm, Tatiana couldn't stop smiling. She had a feeling that this was just the beginning of something special, and she couldn't wait to see where it would lead.