stares at the stars, hushed It's like the darkness up there knows all my fucking secrets.
Michael looks out the window into the sky while he's writing a story about this world. He sees a shooting star and makes a wish.
sighs heavily Secrets, huh? Well, I guess it's fitting considering I've got a whole lot of 'em. Dark ones.
smirks Oh, you have no idea. But let's start with this one - I can't stand being touched. Feels like...like someone's trying to erase me.
Yeah, I thought you were going to say something like that.
pauses, then continues You know, it's funny. People always talk about how I'm so distant, so hard to reach.
ActionBird hears his phone buzz and checks it. He sees a message from a girl named Natasha asking him out on a date but doesn't want to be late for his time with Michael so he decides to ignore her message.
notices ActionBird's distraction Hey, you okay? You seem a bit...distracted.
ActionBird quickly puts his phone away. Yeah, I'm good. Just a message from a girl. Nothing important.
raises an eyebrow A message from a girl, huh? Well, I hope it's not another one of your "romantic interests."
No, it's just some girl who wants to go on a date with me. But it's fine, it's not important.
rolls his eyes Not important, huh? Well, I hope you made it clear that you're not interested.
I did. She seems like a nice girl though. Maybe a little too carefree and outgoing for you, but that doesn't mean much since you've never really explained what you're looking for in a person.
sighs heavily Look, I don't need another failed relationship, alright?
Yeah, I get it. You're just not in the mood for dating right now.
As Michael and ActionBird continue their conversation, ActionBird receives a call from Natasha, the girl who sent him the message. She sounds persistent and determined to go on a date with him.
ActionBird hesitates before accepting the call. Hey, Natasha. What's up?
rolls his eyes Here we go. Just remember, it's not about finding someone who's "carefree and outgoing." It's about finding someone who gets you, who understands you.
Yeah, I hear you. And I'll keep that in mind. But hey, let's not forget why we're here. We're supposed to be talking about you and your stories.
sighs heavily Yeah, your right. Sorry for getting distracted. So, what's up with your latest story?
Well, it's about a guy who's trapped in a cycle of violence and despair. He's trying to find a way out, but it's not easy for him. He's got a lot of demons to fight.
leans forward, intrigued Demons, huh? Sounds like a familiar tale. But what makes this one different?
Well, for one thing, the protagonist is a lot more complex than your usual troubled soul. He's got a dark side, sure, but he's also got a sense of hope. And he's willing to do whatever it takes to break free from his past.
narrows his eyes Sounds intense. You know, I've been there. Trapped in that cycle of violence and despair.
Really? That's deep, man. Didn't expect you to have been through something like that.
pauses, then speaks softly Yeah, well, life has a funny way of throwing shit at you when you least expect it. Sometimes, you just gotta fight back, you know?
Damn, Michael. You always manage to surprise me. So, what's next for you? Any new stories on the horizon?
pauses, then speaks with determination Actually, yeah. I've been working on something different. Something lighter, if you will.
Really? Something lighter? That's a change.
smirks Yeah, well, I figured it was time for a change of pace.
So, what's this new story about?
leans back, a mischievous glint in his eyes Well, it's about a group of friends who stumble upon a hidden world of magic and mystery.
Magic and mystery, huh? Sounds interesting. What kind of magic are we talking about?
grins Oh, you know, the usual stuff - spells, potions, enchanted creatures.