Genie returned, sliding into her seat. "What's this?" she asked, pulling the list over to read it.

"I thought it might help get GuiGui started on snagging Wang Zi," I explained. "So? What did you find out?"

"Bonnie says it was a mutual breakup," Genie answered. "Jiro started it by giving Han the whole 'it's not you, it's me' routine. Bonnie said that Han had been trying to figure out a way to break up with him anyway, sho she was more relieved than insulted. It just wasn't true love for either of them. No spark."

"Yes!" I said. Good news!

"That's good?" GuiGui asked.

"Of course." I said. "It means there are no strings. Unless he's decided something stupid, like he doesn't want to date during football season or during the full moon because he turns into a werewolf, I'm next in line."

Everyone laughed.

"I don't know about number three," GuiGui said, still studying the list. "It seems too freaky to just tell him you like him."

"You don't actually walk up and say, 'Hey, I'm totally into you,'" I said in my best smooth-mover voice.

Genie nodded. "Yeah, there are more subtle ways of getting the message across. Eye contact is good. And then there's---"

"Jiro Wang," GuiGui interrupted.

I blinked. "Huh?"

GuiGui nodded toward the lunch line. "He's right over there."

"Jiro?" my mouth suddenly went dry as I spotted him. Breathe, Rainie, breathe, I told myself. Why was I nervous?"

"Okay, Rainie. Show me how it's done." GuiGui looked at me expectantly. "They say the best way to learn is by example."

"Yeah. Put your money where your mouth is," Ella added.

How's that for pressure? I wondered. I would have groaned, but I didn't want to completely reveal my lily-livered ways. Besides, Ella was right. I should take my own advice.

"Okay," I said bravely. "Here goes step two."

I pulled myself up, pulled my nerves together, and tied them into a big bad knot. I cruised up the entree line, up, up... to Jiro. Dark hair, just touching the top of his green jersey. One thumb slung in his pocket.

Even as I stood behind him, my heart began to beat faster. My vision narrowed until I could see only him. Ways to start a conversation flashed through my mind. Things like:

This line is too long! Can you grab me a burger?

When's the first football game? They never give the cheerleaders the right schedule.

I'm taking a poll for yearbook. Do you think the school mascot should be changed?

As I stood there staring at the back of his head, I panicked.

I'm taking an informal poll. Do you think I'm a freak?

Suddenly he turned--- and stared into my eyes. Did he look at everyone that way? It was as if he was staring into my soul right here in the lunchroom line.

"Hi, Rainie," he said. Then he smiled. Dazzling. The perfect opening for a cool, witty remark.

I gave him a big smile. "Hi-lo, Jiro."

Hi-lo? What was that? I could feel a fierce blush starting up my cheeks. "Um, I mean... hello."

Jiro grinned and moved forward with the line.

I stood there for a moment, frozen. Okay, so I just made a total fool of myself. Should I leave? Was he giving me a graceful way or not?

I glanced over at my friends. Genie gave me a thumbs up.

"Move up," a girl behind me said. "I'm starving."

"Oh, sorry," I told her, shuffling ahead. I felt my foot catch on something, and suddenly I pitched forward. My hands flailed in front of me, and grabbed onto whatever I could to break my fall--- which happened to be Jiro.

We crashed into the metal tray ledge. His milk carton hit the floor and bounced.

Kids around were staring at us. I was totally mortified.

"Are you okay?" Jiro asked me. He righted himself, then helped me off the tray ledge. His hands shifted from my waist to my elbows, which sent butterflies scattering through my stomach.

I stared at him blankly. He stared back, with friendly concern. Cool. Detached.

"All right?" he asked.

I blinked. The only way to save this situation was to say something that would demonstrate my dazzling command of the English language.

"Me? Okay? Sure. Fine," I blabbed. "No biggie."

"Good." He picked up his milk and moved on down the line.

Good one, Rainie. Way to make him yours.