The brisk autumn air blew through Hans Westergaurd's loose gray button down shirt as his black oxfords pounded against the cement sidewalk to the library. Gold, red, and orange leaves cascaded around the two large white pillars of Arrendale University Library. He pushed open the heavy glass door and walked in front of the desk. Two girls watched him, and he smiled politely and nodded. The blonde girl giggled and waved as he followed the black and white tile and took a right through the philosophy section to a small little enclave at the end of the aisle. Four green corduroy armchairs were arranged around a small square stout wooden table in a square in front of a motivational poster of a man surfing. He set his backpack by the chair by the wall. Two armchairs were empty, and the other was filled by thin woman curled up like a cat. A spiral notebook was in her lap and her notebook was perch on the arm rest. Her pale blue skinny jeans highlighted her long lean legs, and she seemed cold despite the black turtle neck.

Hans couldn't remember whether he had met the girl. Her snow white hair seemed recognizable, but he couldn't recall her name. Hans ran his hands through his red hair and asked, "I don't mean to intrude, but have I seen you around before?"

The female looked up from the white computer screen, and icy blue eyes searched his body as she repositioned her braid over her shoulder. She unwrapped a piece of gum in a green foil and popped the spearmint gum in her mouth. "At the beginning of the semester, you hooked up with my little sister. You snuck out of my apartment while I was making coffee," she replied placidly as she casually flipped her spiral notebook over.

Hans' face fell as he recalled that awkward evening. He had gone to a friend's party where he saw a petite girl with orange hair with a single blond streak. He had complimented her hair. She was a freshman and didn't know anyone at the party except for another girl with ferociously curly red hair that was beating everybody at beer pong. He walked her home with the purest intentions, and she invited him inside. They ended up making out and fell asleep. He woke up at six a.m. and realized his mistake. He tiptoed out of room and prayed not to disturb Anna or her roommate, but he saw the kitchen light was on. The evening didn't mean anything to him, and he had almost forgot that it happened.

"Ah," he muttered.

"Not that I am one to judge. You could have called and told her you weren't interested. She really did like you," she responded quietly as her long delicate fingers fluttered against the keyboard. She bit her raspberry colored lips in concentration as Hans pulled out his textbook and placed it on the table.

"It didn't mean anything," he responded as he threw his notebook on top of his textbook.

"Not to you," she replied with a heavy sigh,"But to a sweet girl and a hopeless romantic like Anna, every kiss means something." She paused to re-read the freshly typed paragraph. She nodded in approval before continuing with her art history paper. "

They studied in silence. Occasionally, the female would leave to grab a book off the shelves, and Hans would watch her leave. The girl would look over at the young man as if he was a fond childhood toy. She finished her paper, shut down her computer, and placed her belongings in her brown leather messenger bag. As she stood up to leave, Hans looked up at her and said, "You clearly know an ounce more about me than I know about you. So what is your name?"

"Elsa," she answered.

"It was a pleasure to meet you Elsa."

"Likewise, Hans."

A few days had passed, and Elsa had become a fixture in Hans' mind. Her dark thick eyelashes, cool gaze, her petite frame that belonged to a ballerina was engraved in his mind. He secretly hoped he would run into her in the halls of the prestigious university or the cafeteria, but she couldn't be found. He wasn't sure whether any of his friends knew who she was. Hans was absolutely intrigued by the only woman who didn't immediately surrender to his charming personality and dashing good looks. He loved that she was honest with relenting any of her mystery.

Almost a week later, he was strolling down the street behind the school. There was a small brick coffee table with two glass tables with black metal chairs. He pushed open the green painted door and the aroma of fresh pastries and freshly brewed coffee filled the air. There were a few paintings hung above two leather couches where a couple was cuddling. Hans ordered a latte and an asiago bagel and turned around to find the woman, who had captivated his interest, sitting at a tall table in front of the window. He pulled down his black vest and smooth out his white button down shirt before approaching her. "May I sit here?" he asked smoothly.

She looked up from the large red porcelain cup filled with coffee and replied, "Of course." He climbed onto the stool as the waitress brought over Hans' bagel with a small plastic cup of cream cheese and coffee. The receipt had her number written in black sharpie. He, with a smug grin, thanked the waitress and she bounced away happily. In response, Elsa crinkled her nose and shook her head in disgust.

"I can't help it," Hans replied as amusement echoed in his voice and facial features. "Besides you must have men vying for your affections."

Elsa rested her head on her fist and looked out the window to see the leaves gracefully cascading onto the road. She brought her coffee to her lips before responding, "If they do, I am not aware of it."

"Can I be honest?" Hans asked as Elsa steadied her gaze into his emerald green eyes. He took a deep breath and said, "I think you're the most interesting girl I have ever met, may I take you out to dinner?"

"No," she answered involuntarily as she placed her hands in her lap. Her blue sweater hung loosely to her thin frame as she looked around nervously. "I'm sorry, I can't, but I will see you around."

"Fine, but you can at least give me your number," Hans said as he pulled out his phone from his pant pocket and handed it to her. She hesitated before putting her contact information into his phone. She gave it back before quickly finishing her coffee and leaving.

Hans looked at her number and smiled. Even though, she had said "no" to a date, Hans was certain he would get to know her better even if he had to hunt her down. Ambitious to a fault, Hans always managed to obtain his desires, and now he had a new one.