Jannah "Jenny" Bajwa sat on her couch, staring at her phone. Another bad date, another disappointment.
Her best friend, Sara Brown, sat down beside her. "We need a new plan," Sara said.
"What do you mean?" Jenny asked.
"Let's try an experiment," Sara said. "We'll find you 10 guys, and you'll date each one for two weeks. No getting too attached, no expecting too much. Just see what happens."
Jenny thought for a moment. "Okay, let's do it."
Sara grinned. "This will be fun!"
Just then, Jenny's phone buzzed with a mysterious text:
"Be careful what you wish for."
Jenny showed it to Sara.
Sara shrugged. "Wrong number."
But Jenny felt a shiver run down her spine.
_The First Date_
That evening, Jenny stood outside a coffee shop, feeling nervous. Ethan Sawyer, her first date, waited inside.
Sara had told Jenny about Ethan: nice guy, loves hiking, and likes romantic movies. Jenny's heart beat faster as she went inside.
Ethan smiled at her. "You look beautiful."
Jenny blushed. "Thanks."
They talked and laughed, sharing stories. Jenny liked Ethan's kind eyes and sense of humor.
As the night ended, Ethan walked Jenny home.
"I had a great time," Ethan said.
"Me too," Jenny replied.
Ethan leaned in, his lips close to hers.
But then he pulled back.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to move too fast."
Jenny smiled. "It's okay."
Ethan smiled back and kissed her.
As Ethan's lips touched hers, Jenny felt a spark. It was like the whole world had come alive.
"Wow," Ethan whispered, pulling back.
Jenny smiled, her heart racing. "Yeah."
Ethan grinned. "I think this experiment might just work."
Jenny laughed. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
But as they said their goodbyes, Jenny couldn't shake off the feeling that this was the start of something special.
*The Next Morning*
Jenny woke up to Sara's excited voice on the phone.
"Hey, girl! How was the date?"
Jenny blushed. "It was amazing."
Sara squealed. "I knew it! Ethan's a great guy."
Jenny hesitated. "But what if it's just physical attraction?"
Sara's tone turned serious. "That's what the experiment is for – to figure out what's real and what's not."
Jenny nodded, even though Sara couldn't see her.
*Date #2: Julian*
That evening, Jenny met Julian Styles, a handsome doctor, at a fancy restaurant.
Julian was charming, but Jenny sensed arrogance beneath his smile.
As they ordered dinner, Julian talked about his achievements.
Jenny listened politely, but her mind wandered.
Was this really what she wanted?
*A Surprise Encounter*
After dinner, Jenny excused herself to the restroom.
As she washed her hands, the door swung open.
Ethan stood there, a mischievous grin on his face.
"What are you doing here?" Jenny asked?
Ethan shrugged, leaning against the restroom doorframe. "Just wanted to see you again."
Jenny's eyes narrowed. "You're not supposed to be here. This is Date #2."
Ethan chuckled. "I know. But I couldn't resist."
Jenny's resolve weakened. "Ethan, this is just an experiment."
Ethan's eyes locked onto hers. "Maybe it's more."
Jenny's breath caught. No one had ever looked at her like that before.
"Ethan, I—"
"Jannah, is everything okay?" Julian's voice echoed from outside.
Jenny hesitated, torn between Ethan's intense gaze and Julian's expectant voice.
"Yeah, I'll be right out," Jenny called back.
Ethan's grin faltered. "Guess I should go."
Jenny nodded, her heart heavy.
As Ethan turned to leave, Jenny caught his arm.
"Wait."
Ethan's eyes sparkled. "Yeah?"
"What's going on between us?" Jenny asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ethan's face softened. "I think we have a connection. Something real."
Jenny's pulse quickened. "But what about the experiment?"
Ethan shrugged. "Maybe we'll find out it's more than just data."
Jenny's heart skipped a beat.
"Meet me tomorrow," Ethan whispered. "Just us."
And with that, he disappeared into the crowd.
Jenny returned to Julian, her mind reeling.
The rest of the date was a blur. Jenny's responses were automated, her thoughts consumed by Ethan.
As the night drew to a close, Julian walked Jenny home.
"I had a great time," Julian said, his voice dripping with insincerity.
Jenny smiled politely. "Thanks, Julian."
Julian leaned in, his lips brushing against hers.
But Jenny felt nothing.
"Goodnight, Julian," she said, pulling back.
Julian's smile faltered. "Yeah, goodnight."
As Julian walked away, Jenny let out a sigh.
Date #2: fail.
But her mind was already on tomorrow's secret meeting with Ethan.