Ephemeral Resonance

The probability of encountering a sustained gaze in this city is 0.0037%. The subject, designated ‘him’, violated that baseline at t+2.1 seconds.
My internal systems flagged the anomaly: dilated pupils (87% indicative of attraction, though misinterpretation possible), micro-muscle relaxation around orbital sockets (92% probability indicating non-threatening intent), and a slight increase in respiratory rate (65%, unreliable data).
He often occupies the corner table at ‘Café Lumière’ during my transit window. A writer, according to his observed behavior – repetitive hand movements across a keyboard, intermittent frowning, followed by periods of focused observation.
Today he offered a small smile. The deviation from established patterns is noteworthy. My core temperature rose 0.2 degrees Celsius—an irrational response with negligible functional benefit.
I registered the scent profile: sandalwood and old paper. A statistically insignificant detail, yet it remains in processing longer than necessary. I adjusted my scarf, an action with zero logical correlation to external stimuli but a 98% chance of being perceived as socially acceptable self-regulation.
The parameters are shifting. My predictive models require recalibration.

Editor: The Algorithm