The Wannabe Intellectuals

Chloe and Mark were on a first date at 'The Ennui,' a bar with uncomfortable chairs and craft cocktails named after literary tragedies. Both were dressed in varying shades of intellectual gloom, meticulously curating their conversation to include references to obscure French philosophers and the inherent futility of consumerism.

Chloe had just finished explaining her dissertation on the semiotics of artisanal toast, while Mark was mid-sentence dissecting the socio-political implications of his barista's beard, when it happened. The DJ, clearly having a moment of ironic rebellion, dropped "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls.

A flicker of panic crossed Chloe's face, quickly masked by a thoughtful sip of her 'Sartre's Solipsism' cocktail. Mark, mid-gesture about the inherent absurdity of the modern man, froze.

Then, Chloe's foot started tapping. A small, almost imperceptible tap, but it was there.

Mark's head twitched, his eyes distant, as if trying to calculate the trajectory of Geri Halliwell's career.

"So," Chloe said, clearing her throat, "fascinating insights on beard politics. Tell me more."

"Indeed," Mark replied, his voice a little strained. "But first... do you... know what you want, what you really, really want?"

Chloe slowly lowered her cocktail glass. "Are you... asking about my future aspirations, Mark?"

Mark leaned forward, a conspiratorial glint in his eye. "Or are you asking if you'll be my lover?"

Chloe burst out laughing, a genuine, unpretentious laugh that echoed strangely in the austere bar. Mark grinned.

"If you wanna be my lover," she sang, a little off-key, "you gotta get with my friends!"

"Friendship never ends!" Mark belted out, pumping his fist softly.

The intellectual gloom evaporated. They spent the rest of the night debating the true lyrical genius of each Spice Girl, and which one they'd be. Chloe was clearly Sporty, Mark insisted he was a Posh trapped in a Scary's body.

It wasn't deep, it wasn't philosophical, but it was definitely a start. And probably the most honest they'd been all week.