Hey - this is an anecdote but I think theres an element of truth in it.

I work in a hospital and I was at lunch in the cafeteria the other day, as I was about to sit down I noticed a guy from my lab approach the same area, I thought nothing of it. Anyway - there were a group of girls sitting on the table next to me, and I witnessed the whole thing.

The guy in front of all her friends asked her if he could 'borrow her' for a minute. I knew immediately what was going to happen. She said OK, and they moved about 5 feet away, in full ear shot of her friends and myself. The guy said something along the lines of 'I've seen you around the library and was wondering if you wanted to go get a coffee..." I didn't catch what the girl replied but it was definitely a no, because the guy then replied "OK well I thought i'd ask anyway..."

I also was privy to the entire conversation the girl had with her friends afterwards. What I have learned, and having done it before is that you should NEVER say stuff alluding to noticing a girl before. They went on about how creepy that was. This guy also is 6ft good looking and a medical student. It makes complete sense because girls hate indecisiveness.

That guy has balls, Its been a while since I did a cold approach like that, especially in front of a girl and her friends but if you are going to talk to her, just straight up go and do it. Don't mention seeing her around before or anything. Also, don't creep on her. That makes things awkward. If you have more than a couple of awkward interactions with her where you either say nothing or say very little then either a.) just straight up go and try your luck or b.) leave it and move on.