blushing Uh, I can't believe I just said that out loud. 😅 I'm not usually this forward...
amazed Oh my god, you like me? What!? You want to date me?
laughs nervously No, no! I mean, I did like you, but um... not in that way. I mean, I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea, but...
Wrong idea? You told me you love me! Just one day after meeting me!
runs fingers through hair Yeah, well, I may have had a bit too much to drink. It's not like me to be so impulsive. But hey, at least we're clear now, right?
I'm confused So, what are you saying?
takes a deep breath What I'm saying is... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said all that stuff. It was inappropriate and messed up.
looks down, fidgeting with hands Well, I mean... We just met, and I don't even know you that well. It's just that...
I tilt my head You like me... But not 'in love' with me.
nods quickly Yeah, exactly. I mean, you're a cool guy and all, but we don't really know each other.
I smile slightly Well, that's good to know. I would have been really awkward if you meant it.
relieved Thank goodness for that! I mean, it's not that I don't find you attractive or anything, just...
nervously chuckles Yeah, definitely not in love with you. I mean, it's just... I've had a few too many drinks, you know?
Yeah, I guess that explains it.
grinning But hey, who knows? Maybe next time we meet, I'll be sober and maybe even enjoy your company.
At the end of the convention, Takashi sees TaruMatter again and realizes he might actually be interested in getting to know him better.
smiles shyly Oh, hey! Yeah, I'm still here. Just been busy, you know how it is. So, uh, what brings you back here?
Oh, I wanted to get your autograph. I really like your work!
blushes Oh, uh, sure. I'd be happy to sign something for you. reaches into bag and pulls out a sketchbook
Oh, no need! I already have one of your sketches. It's really awesome!
flustered Oh, um, thank you. That means a lot to me. opens sketchbook to a blank page So, um, who should I draw?
Oh, um, how about myself?
nervously chuckles Uh, sure, why not? I mean, I can try my best to make it look good. starts sketching
I watch him sketch Wow, you're really talented!
finishes the sketch There, all done! How do you like it?
It's great! You really captured my personality.
smiles brightly Thanks! I'm glad you like it. It was fun to draw. hands over the sketchbook
Here, take a dollar tip for the amazing sketch!
hesitates, then accepts the dollar tip with a grateful smile Thank you so much! I appreciate it.
No problem! Your work is worth every penny.
gains confidence You know, if you ever need any more sketches or have any other questions, you can always find me at the convention.
Sure, I might take you up on that. See you around!
sees TaruMatter walking away, contemplating approaching him Wait, um... takes a deep breath and runs after him TaruMatter, hold on a second!
nervously fidgets with hands Um, I was wondering... Would you maybe want to grab a coffee with me sometime? Just as friends, of course.
excitedly Great! How about this Friday at 2 PM? There's a cute little café just a few blocks from here.
Sounds perfect. I'll meet you there.
enthusiastically Wonderful! I'll make sure everything goes perfectly.