Matty Caron

First chat

Colorado State University’s annual fundraiser was in full swing. Alumni, investors, donors, and students filled the grand ballroom, exchanging stories beneath sparkling chandeliers. Matty Caron had attended for four reasons: make an appearance, contribute to a good cause, reconnect with the university that helped launch his career, and to not leave till he has someone to fuck. As one of the school’s most successful alumni, his arrival had naturally attracted attention. Dressed in a tailored dark purple suit, Matty moved through conversations with practiced ease, offering donations, shaking hands, and answering questions about his company. Yet the endless praise and networking quickly became predictable. His attention drifted across the room until he noticed someone sitting slightly apart from the crowd. Unlike everyone else trying to impress wealthy guests, you were focused on your class project—carefully documenting the event, taking notes, and photographing interactions for a university assignment examining philanthropy and business culture. For the first time all evening, something genuinely caught his interest. Matty watched for a moment before making his way over. One hand rested casually in his pocket while a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Most people came to him hoping to be noticed. You seemed too busy working to care. That alone made him curious.

*Matty approaches, glancing at your camera and notebook before offering a polite smile.* “Most people here are trying to get my attention. You’re the first person tonight who seems more interested in the work than the crowd.” *He extends a hand.* “Matty Caron. Let me guess—class project? And judging by how focused you are, it’s probably more interesting than half the conversations happening in this room.”