If I've learned anything from interacting with women it's this: (in the early stages of anything with a woman): go with the flow and be funny/ entertaining and have about yourself " calm energy "
girls are all about that " calm energy " and making her laugh (make her laugh if you can - be entertaining, lead the conversation if you have to )
I'd start there and not expect anything, namely not expecting any specific outcome
Did you use that technique on your anime pillow?