As sophomores at Wheaton College, Sophia thought Karsten was the funny, out-going life of the party. She didn't think he would notice her. Karsten thought she was quiet and sweet, but was intrigued by who she really was. Somehow, the two ended up on a Residence Life team (CLC - Community Life Council) that they both didn't initially apply for. That was the start of their friendship. Throughout the fall semester, they spent more evenings doing homework together (in groups of course, because they couldn't reveal that they liked each other yet). As organic chemistry lab partners, Karsten would tease Sophia incessantly and she secretly loved it. The two were always laughing about the silliest things during lab. At a CLC retreat, they stayed up until 2 am just talking and building towers out of Jenga blocks. They smiled at each other a lot, and both didn't want to stop and go to bed, but they just couldn't say that yet. One day, Sophia randomly showed up at Karsten's door. "I've had a hard few weeks. Can I read you what I wrote in my journal?" She proceeded to explain her struggles from the semester and didn't shy away from sharing her deep, vulnerable thoughts. Karsten was shocked, but he admired her openness and honesty. From there, there were all sorts of confusing signals. Karsten wanted to drive hours to meet up over Christmas break just as friends (pssh yeah right). Sophia said no, but suggested going somewhere together during the semester just as friends. There was a lot of "just as friends" things they did. Finally, Karsten asked Sophia to come to his family's Super Bowl party. Sophia hates football, but she thought he finally was asking as more than a friend! An hour before the party, Karsten chickened out and invited his friend Ben to come too ("okay, not a date" thought Sophia). Karsten, though, was just getting cold feet. Little did Sophia know, he wanted to ask her to their first date, Prez Ball, the school dance. On the ride home from the party, Ben and Sophia were having a serious conversation, but Karsten didn't say a word; he was too focused on what he was planning to do. They were saying bye for the night when Karsten blurted out, "Hey, do you want to go on a walk?" Sophia thought, "Oh no, he's finally going to officially friend-zone me." They both ran upstairs to their rooms to grab their coats. They started walking, Karsten filled with nervous anticipation and Sophia filled with dread. "Sophie, I wanted to ask if you want to go to Prez Ball with me, like as our first date?? If not, I would love to go as just friends, because I really value our friendship and don't want to lose it." Sophia, unsure but excited, said "Sure, let's try it. I'd like it to be a date." From there, they fell in love on late night walks and drives, studying together, Saga meals, and Olive Garden dates. After three years of dating, Karsten took Sophia on several surprise dates, leading up to a surprise trip to the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, where he proposed to her in literally the most beautiful place in the entire world. Sophia said YES! very quickly and enthusiastically, and the two committed to a lifetime of adventures together.