Claire, as a certain puzzle OTP gets introduced by their respective roommates/best friends. (What? A happy chapter? GASP!) Set at least fifteen years before Unwound Future.

"Look, I think Clark's trying to get you a dance."

"Who said I wanted to dance?" But I follow my best friend's pointing finger anyway. Across the room, her boyfriend catches us looking. He grins broadly and nudges the fellow next to him, who catches my eye just long enough to turn a vivid shade of pink. He tugs at the edge of his cap and turns his gaze to his shoes. "Brenda," I say, "I don't think the poor chap even wants to be here."

"Oh, don't mind Hershel. He's shy. He'd stay in his room all day if we'd let him. But you'll like him, Claire. I've been meaning to introduce you. He's absolutely cracking at puzzles."

I try to sound bored. "Is he really?"

Brenda giggles. "Aha, don't think I didn't see your eyes light up!"

Now it's me turning pink. I push my glasses further up my nose.

"You two would be so perfect together," Brenda gushes. "It's like a match made in heaven!"

"Give over, I haven't even talked to him yet!"

"Well! Let's fix that, shall we?" She gives me a conspiratorial wink.

"Brenda..."

"Aw, Claire, don't you want to dance with him?"

I take another look; Clark throws up his hands in despair and goes to pour himself a glass of punch, while his now-scarlet comrade draws back against the wall. I catch his eye again. He smiles, just slightly, and touches the edge of his cap.

"Perhaps I do," I find myself saying.

Brenda grabs my arm. "Then let's go!"

I laugh, and let her drag me off.

"Claire, Hershel Layton. Hershel, Claire Foley. She's my best friend," Brenda adds in an undertone, "so be nice to her! Now, Clark!" she calls out. "Aren't you going to lead me a dance?"

"Sorry," Clark mouths over his shoulder as Brenda sweeps him out onto the floor. I'm not sure whether he means the apology for me, or for Hershel Layton. Either way, I'll be giving Brenda an earful later. She practically threw us at each other—what an introduction!

Well, that's all one. I turn my attention to the young man in the red cap. "A pleasure to meet you, Hershel Layton."

"L-Likewise, Miss Foley."

I giggle. It tickles to be called "Miss Foley" by someone my own age. "Please, it's just Claire."

"Of course. M-Miss Claire."

There's a very long silence, though he does keep sneaking glances at me from the corner of his eye.

"Brenda says you're one for puzzles…?"

His eyes light up. "Oh, yes! I've been working up a new one all day, in fact—er…"

"You made one up?"

Hershel nods.

"Cracking! Let's hear it!"

He flushes scarlet, biting his lip.

"I'll tell you one of mine in exchange, if you'd like." Clark and Brenda always seem to enjoy my puzzles, but in the way you enjoy the cinema. What truly lights them up is whirling around the dance floor or debating the finer points of convergent evolution. (Right now, knowing the two of them, it's probably both.)

It's the right thing to say; Hershel Layton smiles, and the corner of his eyes crinkle slightly. "It would be my honor, Claire."