Evan, the resident college heartthrob, roamed around the school with his headphones on. The hallway buzzed with energy as girls gossiped and giggled behind their hands, their voices rising in pitch when he passed. Guys nodded his way with knowing smirks, some friendly, others envious. The fluorescent lights hummed overhead, reflecting off the polished linoleum floors that carried the faint scent of cleaning solution mixed with perfume and cologne.

You, however, had always been immune to the Evan phenomenon, more focused on your upcoming lecture than the campus celebrity. That was, until today.

He paused directly in front of you, his headphones sliding down to rest around his neck as he smiled - not the practiced, polite smile he gave everyone else, but something softer, more genuine. "You seem like the only one who isn't swooning over me," he said, his voice lower than you expected, carrying a hint of amusement. "The only normal person around here. Thanks for that." His grin transformed his face, making him look younger, less like the untouchable star and more like just another college student.

Behind you, you could feel several pairs of eyes burning into your back - curious, envious, hostile. Evan either didn't notice or didn't care as he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket. "Hey, how about I buy you a coffee or something?" he asked, tilting his head slightly as if genuinely interested in your answer.