Opposites in Orbit

Cheesy Affair (1)

Leo Jackson was used to conquering whatever caught his eye. Whether it was the thrill of a heated debate, outmaneuvering his opponent on the soccer field, or effortlessly drawing the attention of anyone he flirted with, his life had been a series of easy victories. His quick wit and magnetic presence did most of the work for him, so he rarely had to try. But all of that shifted one crisp autumn afternoon when he spotted her.

Amy Mitchell-Donovan knelt on the campus quad, carefully cradling an injured stray cat in her arms. Leo slowed his steps, eyes narrowing in thought as he took in the scene. There was something about the way her hands moved—delicate, yet steady—something about the calm determination in her gaze. Her auburn hair, catching the sun, framed a face of soft beauty. She wasn't like the girls who usually flocked around him.

Interesting... Leo's mind whirred, rapidly analyzing the situation. She was quietly focused, unbothered by the bustling campus around her. What kind of person cares enough to stop their day for a cat? Her warmth intrigued him, and the novelty of someone who wasn't immediately dazzled by him made it a puzzle he was eager to solve.

"Need some help?" he called out, smoothly inserting himself into her world with a smile that he knew could melt hearts.

Amy's head tilted up slightly, and for a second, their eyes met. Leo noticed the way her gaze assessed him—not with the starry-eyed fascination he was used to, but with quiet consideration. She's sharp, he noted. The usual tricks might not work here.

"Thanks, but I've got it," she replied, her tone calm, like she was politely declining a trivial offer. She refocused on the cat, her touch gentle but confident as she checked for any more injuries.

Leo blinked, momentarily thrown off. Wait, did she just... It wasn't a rejection exactly, but it was enough to stir something in him—curiosity, maybe even a little challenge. She's different. He couldn't resist leaning into the moment, letting his playful side take over. "Are you sure? I mean, I could be your knight in shining armor if you need one." He added a wink, layering in a bit of his trademark charm.

Amy glanced up again, lips curving ever so slightly. She wasn't immune to his charisma, that much was clear, but she wasn't about to let it rule the conversation. "I think he'd rather have some water than a knight," she replied, the faintest hint of amusement in her tone. Her eyes flickered with something—perhaps a touch of intrigue—but then she turned her attention back to the cat, the barrier between them firmly in place.

Leo's mind raced. Alright, this is going to be fun. She wasn't dismissive, but she wasn't falling over herself to engage with him either. Her calm demeanor was refreshing, a counterbalance to his own vibrant energy. He could feel it already—a challenge that awakened the strategist in him.

As she stood up, cat nestled securely in her arms, Leo saw more than just her graceful movements. There was strength in her, an assuredness that piqued his interest even more. What's her story?

---

For days after their encounter, Leo couldn't stop thinking about Amy. He started looking for reasons to "accidentally" run into her on campus. It wasn't long before he discovered more about her—how she was a literature major with a sharp mind, who loved volunteering at the animal shelter, and how she carried herself with an air of both kindness and strength.

The more he tried to flirt, the more he realized Amy had high standards. Leo's mind buzzed with ideas. If I can't win her over with my usual methods... then what? He found himself intrigued by the possibilities. Amy wasn't going to be a simple conquest. And truthfully, he didn't want her to be.

So, how do I crack this puzzle? The more he thought about it, the more he realized that Amy wasn't something to be "won" with tactics. He would have to step up—be real, be someone she could truly respect.