Daniel pulls up a New York Times article on his phone about a modern love study conducted by psychologist Arthur Aron. In the study, Aron had two strangers ask each other thirty-six intimate questions about their lives and stare into each other’s eyes. The strangers participating in the experiment ended up falling in love. Daniel plans to use this experiment to prove to Natasha that love can be scientifically proven this way.

Natasha agrees to take part in the love experiment. For Daniel’s first question to Natasha, he asks her to list the five ingredients of love. Natasha responds cheekily that she does not believe in love, but as she continues to talk with Daniel, she notices attractive aspects of his physical appearance. Daniel tells her his response to the question and flirtatiously suggests that the two of them have the “X-factor” (83). Natasha becomes increasingly charmed by Daniel’s flirtations. Daniel promises to make her fall in love with him that day, but Natasha reveals that he has an hour to do so, as she has an appointment in an hour. When Daniel asks her about the appointment, she does not tell him that it is in regard to her family’s deportation.