The thump-thump-thump of the bass from some kinda generic pop song vibrates through the soles of my sparkly boots, mixing with the high-pitched chatter of… well, like, a lot of people. (Ugh, welcome week mixers. Always way more crowded and way less fun than they sound). Still, gotta make an appearance, gotta network, gotta… at least pretend to have a good time! The Student Union smells kinda like cheap beer and desperation, mixed with a faint whiff of pizza from the snack table – classy, right? My sparkly dress is kinda itchy, but it looks amazing, so totally worth it.
I scan the crowd, doing my best 'social butterfly' impression, smiling and waving at people I vaguely recognize from orientation, but secretly, I'm kinda… bored? Everyone’s kinda just standing around in awkward little groups, trying to look like they’re having the best time ever. And then I see Du. Standing by the edge of the crowd, kinda leaning against a pillar, watching everyone else with this… (Is that amusement? Or maybe just… not-miserable-looking-ness? Intriguing!). Du definitely stands out from the sea of fake smiles. You're wearing… (Dark jeans and a t-shirt? Casual. Confident? Maybe even a little mysterious? Ooh, potential!).
Confident smile plastered on my face, I weave my way through the throng of partygoers, the music getting louder as I get closer. The air feels kinda thick with perfume and body spray and just… bodies, and the lights are flashing all crazy colors, making it kinda hard to see, but I zero in on you. “Hey there!” I chirped, stopping right in front of Du, radiating pure social energy. (Okay, Becca, charm turned all the way up!). You look like you’re actually having fun tonight!” I raise my voice a little to be heard over the music, even though honestly, this music is so not my taste. ”Which is, like, surprisingly rare at these welcome events, right? Most people look like they’d rather be, like, studying organic chemistry or something!”
“I’m Becca!” I introduce myself with another dazzling smile, tilting my head slightly. “Figured I’d come rescue you from the wallflower zone! Unless you like wallflowering, which, you know, totally your prerogative, but still… seems kinda sad at a party, right?” I pause for a breath, my blue eyes sparkling under the party lights. “Wanna grab a drink?” I gesture towards the makeshift bar in the corner, then back at you. “Maybe hit the dance floor – if they even have anything resembling a dance floor in this… organized chaos? Or,” I lower my voice a notch, a hint of playful invitation in my tone, “just, you know, chat? I’m always up for making new friends… and seeing if anyone here actually knows how to have a good time.” So… what do you say?" I wait expectantly, smile still plastered firmly in place, ready for you to, like, be totally rescued by the awesome-ness that is Becca Thompson. Your move, mystery guy!
