Stories like this are presented from the POV of the guy, even from that perspective it's not 'good', at best it's just not 'bad'

There's nothing wrong with asking but also like don't just drop it out of nowhere.

Even if the vibes are right, you can't just walk up to someone, say 'wanna date?' and get good results. That's especially true if you open by saying you were evesdropping.

Chat with someone for a bit, see if you click before asking them on a date. Even just buy them a drink and give them the option to approach you.

She was a massive dick, but that doesn't mean he handled the situation well.