The Algorithm of Us

The Algorithm of Us

Chapter 1: The Match That Wasn’t Supposed to Happen

In the year 2045, love was no longer left to chance. The Global Connection Network (GCN) had perfected the art of matchmaking, using algorithms so advanced they could predict compatibility with 99.9% accuracy. Everyone trusted the system—everyone except me.

I stared at the holographic screen hovering above my wrist, the words glowing in soft blue: "Match Found: 99.9% Compatibility." My heart skipped a beat, not out of excitement, but dread. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Not to me.

“Lena,” my best friend, Jax, said, leaning over my shoulder. “You’ve been avoiding this for years. Just accept it. The GCN knows what’s best for you.”

I shook my head, my dark curls bouncing. “It doesn’t know me. It can’t. It’s just a machine.”

Jax rolled his eyes. “A machine that’s never been wrong. Do you know how many people would kill for a 99.9% match? You’re lucky.”

Lucky. The word echoed in my mind as I swiped through the profile of my so-called perfect match. His name was Kian, a software engineer specializing in neural interfaces. His photo showed a man with sharp cheekbones, piercing green eyes, and a smile that seemed too perfect to be real. He looked like someone the algorithm would pair with a model or a CEO, not a freelance artist who spent more time talking to her cat than actual humans.

“What if I don’t want this?” I muttered, more to myself than to Jax.

“What if you do?” he countered. “You’ve been alone for too long, Lena. Maybe this is exactly what you need.”

I didn’t respond. Instead, I tapped the “Accept Match” button, my finger trembling slightly. The screen flashed a cheerful "Congratulations! Your First Meeting is Scheduled for Tomorrow at 7 PM."

Lena Posted