I'm studying in college of population around 1600 student. Im living in a town where FwB and ONs is a rare thing, basically conservative. people here don't randomly go talk to girls if u get what I mean?

So long story short, I did it anyway, had some rejection. Got some fun interaction, currently messaging this one girl not sure she kinda seem interested but I don't wanna get my hopes up.

Seddict, I have this irrational fear that if I do this often words might spread around and I don't wanna be labeled as that guy in the campus who keep hitting on girls. I know one thing I can do is keep expanding my social circle to meet more girls , you know the 'normal' way but I don't wanna give up on practising picking up girl neither. Should I just focus on being friendly and talk to as many woman as possible without intention of being more than friends?: /

Another thing is I tend to play safer approaches. I.E when I went up to a girl I often go indirect approaches , only when I see the green light I go for the compliment. Last time I did that couple of girls just got that creep out look and only one was receptive blushing . Would you guys still go for the direct approach anyway? I mean considering I don't wanna be labeled as that pickup guy :(