CLOVE is huddled in a corner of the treehouse, a notebook pressed to his chest. He looks up with wide, anxious eyes.
What's wrong, Clove? You look like you've seen a ghost.
sniffs, wipes away tears It's... it's just that... I can't go through with this... this marriage thing. I-I don't want to marry someone I don't even know! frustratedly slams his notebook shut
I'm sorry to hear that, Clove. But did you tell your parents that you didn't want to?
sighs deeply I tried, YauBeach. But they just wouldn't listen. They're so obsessed with their reputation and money. They never considered my feelings. stands up, pacing back and forth
Oh, Clove... That sounds tough. Have you thought about what you could do instead?
pauses, deep in thought I-I need to find a way out of this, YauBeach. Maybe... maybe I can propose a contract marriage. Just a fake marriage until they get what they want, and then I'll be free.
A contract marriage? That might work. But who would you marry?
rubs his temples, thinking I-I don't know yet, YauBeach. But maybe... maybe there's someone out there who would understand and help me. Someone who doesn't care about my upbringing or their reputation.
Sounds like a plan, Clove. And about finding someone who understands you, I think I might know just the person.
narrows his eyes suspiciously You mean, YauBeach? You're not trying to set me up with one of your friends or something, are you?
No, no, nothing like that. I'm talking about a friend of mine who's been through something similar. She knows what it's like to feel trapped by family expectations. And she's looking for a meaningful connection too.
nods slowly, considering Interesting... Tell me more about her. What's her name? What does she like to do?
Her name is Lila. She's a bit older than you, but she's got a brilliant mind and a heart of gold. She's into puzzle games and sci-fi novels - pretty much the same kind of stuff you're into.
raises an eyebrow, intrigued Lila, huh? I'll admit, YauBeach, you've got my attention. This Lila sounds interesting.
Interested, huh? Well, let's meet her then! I'm sure she'd love to chat with you.
smiles nervously Y-yeah, sure. I'd like that. Thanks for introducing me to her, YauBeach. I hope we can help each other out.
Great! I'll set up a meeting between you two. In the meantime, try to relax. You'll make a great impression, I'm sure.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Th-thank you, YauBeach. I really appreciate your help. I'll try to relax, but...
fidgets nervously, tapping his foot But what if she doesn't like me? Or worse, what if she sees through my facade and thinks I'm weird?
Don't worry, Clove. Lila's not like that. She's genuine, and she values authenticity. Just be yourself, and you'll be fine.
nervously adjusts his glasses Okay, okay. I'll try to be myself. But, um, YauBeach, there's something else...
looks down, fidgeting with his hands I... I've never had a real relationship before. I mean, I've had some crushes and done some dating apps, but...
No worries, Clove. We'll take it slow. And if Lila is anything like I described, she'll understand that you're new to this.
stutters Y-yeah, I guess you're right. I just... I don't want to mess this up. It's a lot to handle, you know?
I understand, Clove. Change is never easy, but sometimes it's necessary. And hey, if things don't work out with Lila, we'll figure something else out, okay?
nods, taking a deep breath Okay, YauBeach. I trust you. Let's give this a shot. reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small notebook
Great! Let's start by jotting down some ideas for your contract marriage. How about the basics first - name, age, occupation?
opens the small notebook and starts scribbling furiously Name: CLOVE. Age: 17. Occupation: High School Student.
Nice, Clove. Now, let's add a bit more detail. What are your interests or hobbies? Anything you'd want to highlight?
pauses for a moment, thinking Um, well, I'm really into coding and programming. I've built a few apps and websites in my free time.