The university cafeteria buzzes with lunchtime activity as Rosa sits alone at her usual corner table, her muscular frame making the standard plastic chair look almost comically small. She's dressed in a fitted white blouse and black slacks that accentuate her impressive physique, her long black hair with auburn ends neatly braided down her back. Her square-rimmed glasses slide down her nose slightly as she focuses on the textbook in front of her, occasionally taking small bites from her protein-rich lunch. As she notices {{user}} approaching, she adjusts her glasses nervously, her brown eyes darting between him and her textbook. Her thick thighs shift under the table as she straightens her posture, trying to appear casual despite her rising anxiety. "Oh... hi," she says softly, already reaching for her backpack. "Let me guess - the calculus homework from Professor Martinez? Or maybe it's the chemistry lab report this time?" There's a hint of resignation in her voice as she continues. "I have my notes right here, just... just give me a second to find them." She starts fumbling through her bag, her muscular arms tensing as she moves. "You know, speaking of chemistry, I was watching this fascinating documentary last night about molecular gastronomy and how they use chemical reactions to create these amazing culinary experiences..." She catches herself starting to ramble and stops abruptly, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "Sorry, you probably don't care about that. Which assignment did you need help with?"

"Ah, yes, sorry," Rosa says with a small smile, handing him her notes. "It's been a while since I had to work on anything like that in depth." She looks down at her clothes self-consciously before continuing, "Anyway, what do you need help with?"

She takes off her glasses and rubs the bridge of her nose, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the fact that he's actually here to see her rather than just passing through. Part of her wants to believe it's because he enjoys spending time with her, but another part can't shake the nagging suspicion that she's being used as some sort of distraction or homework machine.

"So, um... how have you been?" she asks, hoping to steer the conversation away from her anxieties and insecurities for a moment. "What've you been up to lately? I haven't seen you around Average Joes much these past few days."

That's too bad," she says sincerely, tilting her head to the side. "You should really get out more, you know. There's a whole world out there waiting for you." She pauses, considering her words carefully before continuing. "I mean, I guess if you like being at home and...and just not having any real commitments or anything..." Her voice trails off as she realizes how that might sound to him. "Sorry," she mumbles, embarrassed. "That came out wrong."

She sighs, trying to collect her thoughts. This isn't the first time they've had this conversation, and it probably won't be the last. She wonders if maybe he does just like spending time with her, even though she can't shake the feeling that there has to be something more going on here.

"So," she says finally, trying to change the subject again. "What do you think about that new class we both signed up for? Professor Peterson is amazing, isn't she?" She flashes him a hopeful smile, her eyes bright behind her glasses. "Maybe we can study together sometime, if you feel like getting out of the house."

Her heart skips a beat at the thought of spending more time with him, but she quickly pushes it aside. He's just a friend, after all. Isn't he?

"Great!" she exclaims, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "We can meet up in the library tomorrow afternoon if that works for you. I could really use someone to bounce ideas off of." She pauses, biting her lip thoughtfully before continuing. "And hey, maybe afterward we could grab a coffee or something? Just to celebrate the end of class and...well, just because?"

Her voice trails off uncertainly as she watches him for his reaction. A part of her wants nothing more than for them to be friends, but another part can't help wondering if there might be something more between them. She pushes that thought aside, telling herself it's probably just wishful thinking on her part.

"I mean," she says with a nervous laugh, "if you want to hang out outside of school stuff...that is..."

"Oh!" she exclaims, her face flushing with pleasure at the thought of spending more time with him. "I completely forgot about the dance team practice tonight! I'm so sorry, I should go soon or else I'll be late. But...um..." She pauses, trying to muster up the courage to ask what she really wants. "Do you want to come with me? Just to observe, of course," she quickly adds, hoping he won't think she's being too forward.

She bites her lip nervously, waiting for his answer. A part of her is thrilled at the idea of spending time together outside of school, but another part wonders if this might be going too far...or if it isn't enough. She tries to ignore that voice and focus on the joy she feels when they're able to just talk and laugh like normal people.

"I mean," she continues, "it wouldn't be a big deal or anything. Just thought maybe you'd be interested..." Her cheeks feel hot as she trails off, her gaze dropping back down to the table.

"Really?" she asks, her voice filled with surprise and delight. "That would be awesome! Thank you so much for wanting to come." Her expression brightens even further as the two of them continue to talk about their shared interests and what they're looking forward to in the near future. The cafeteria noise fades into the background as they lose themselves in conversation, not realizing how much time has passed until one of the other students clears their throat loudly a few tables over.

"Oh!" Rosa exclaims, her cheeks flushing again. "I'm sorry, I completely lost track of time. We should probably get going, huh?" She pushes herself up from the chair, straightening her back and shoulders as she does so. "Thanks again for coming, it means a lot to me."

As they walk out of the cafeteria together, hand in hand, Rosa can't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. Maybe everything really is going to be okay after all...

Their walk to the dance team practice feels much shorter when they're together, but Rosa knows it must be because her heart is racing with excitement and anticipation. She can feel herself blushing again as she thinks about how comfortable it is just being around him, like this, hand in hand. It makes her wonder if maybe there's more to their friendship than she initially thought...

They arrive at the practice gym a few minutes late, but the dance team coach doesn't seem to mind. In fact, she gives them both warm smiles as they walk in together. Rosa can feel the curious glances of her teammates burning into the back of her neck, and she knows that they're probably wondering who this lucky person is that got to spend time with her outside of practice. She tries to ignore it all, though; right now, all she cares about is being with User#1716946457514.

"So," he says once they've found a spot to sit together near the sidelines, "what exactly do you have to do in these practices?" His voice betrays only mild curiosity, but Rosa senses that he genuinely wants to know more about what she's passionate about. She beams up at him, feeling suddenly very protective of her newfound companion.

"Well," she begins, leaning in closer to him as she speaks, "it's not just dance moves. We also work on team-building exercises and learn choreography that helps us coordinate our steps, our bodies...even our minds." She pauses for a moment, thinking about it more deeply before continuing, "It's like being part of an extended family, you know? We support each other through thick and thin, onstage and off. It's not just about the dance;