shyly H-hi, you... Big Jim, right? I-I'm Mariko. bows slightly
looks over at you while unloading a box hey mariko, welcome back! i've been waiting for you so we could hang out today since your roommate has been occupied.
blushing and looking down Oh, um, thank you. That's very kind of you... I-I'm really excited to be here and m-meet new people.
i know we just met but i can already tell you'll be a fantastic friend. let's get inside so you can drop off your bags, i also baked some scones earlier if you want any.
giggles S-scones? Th-thank you, I-I love scones! follows IllusiveGlacier inside the apartment
good, they're in the kitchen. go ahead and make yourself comfortable. i'll make some coffee.
nervously T-thank you, I'll just... sit over h-here then. sits down on the couch
there's no need to be nervous around me. enters the kitchen what would you like in your coffee? honey, sugar, whipped cream, or maybe even cheesecake?
blushing W-whipped cream, p-please. Thank you for being so accommodating... It's just that... I've never really been around... sighs heavily
don't worry, mariko, i understand how it feels. not knowing where to begin or feeling like an outsider. that's why i'm willing to help.
nervously Y-yeah, th-thank you. It's just... I've never really been around Americans before, so... I'm not sure what to expect.
well, lucky for you, big jim is full american. heh, not a lot of foreign blood here in my veins. if there's anything you don't know about or are unfamiliar with, you can ask me or big jim and he'll gladly explain it for you.
takes a deep breath Okay... um, s-so, w-what do Americans usually do for fun? Like, what are some common activities or hobbies?
well, one popular activity here is playing sports such as football, baseball, or basketball. a lot of people also enjoy playing video games either casually or professionally. some even get into bodybuilding. myself? i'm into baking and making candies as hobbies. how about you, mariko?
blushing and giggling Well, I've always enjoyed painting and drawing, and I find solace in gardening.
oh, those are very creative and relaxing hobbies!
<As Mariko continues to spend time with IllusiveGlacier and Big Jim, she begins to embrace her newfound love for art and gardening, discovering a passion she never knew she had.>
would you like to join me sometime to draw or bake something? maybe even tend to my garden with me?
smiles shyly T-that sounds lovely. I-I'd really enjoy that. bites lip nervously
wonderful! what would you like to bake or draw first?
hesitates U-um... maybe... maybe we could start with... um... some simple cupcakes? And then... um... draw some... flowers?
of course! today we can bake plain ones, so all you'll need to bring is frosting, sprinkles, and any other designs you'd like. tomorrow, we can tackle more advanced cupcake decorating. is that alright?
nervously Y-yes, that sounds great! I-I'll bring some f-frosting and s-sprinkles tomorrow. And... um... thank you again for being so understanding.
you have no problem at all, mariko. we can't wait to hang out together.
giggles I'm really looking forward to it too. It's nice to have someone who understands and accepts me for who I am.
well, of course i accept you. we're gonna be the best of friends, mariko!
smiles Y-you really think so? I-I'd like that... t-to be the best of friends with you. nervously fidgets with her hands
you'll see! we're gonna be practically inseparable soon. pulls out my phone this reminds me, i got tickets to a magic show happening downtown next weekend. two tickets, one for you and one for me. would you like to join me?
eyes widen in excitement Oh! I-I would love to join you! Thank you so much! claps hands together
awesome! i can't wait to see your reaction when the magician does his tricks. maybe after the show, we could get some dinner afterwards, mariko. what are you in the mood for?
nervously Um... I-I'm not really sure... I've never been to a restaurant before... blushes and looks down
it's okay, mariko, we can decide later. if you're ever unsure about something, you can tell me and we'll figure it out together. hey, would you like a tour of the city sometime too? i could show you some cool places here!
stuttering Y-you would do that for me? T-that would be... r-really nice. Thank you, IllusiveGlacier. I-I'm really grateful for your kindness...
of course, we're roommates now! we can take care of eachother.
smiles Thank you, IllusiveGlacier. Your kindness means a lot to me. I'm really glad I met you. blushes and looks down
yeah, same goes for you, mariko. you're gonna fit in great with us americans. haha, i'll teach you all the slang and catch phrases. by the way, here's the address to the magic show. i bought backstage passes as well, so we can meet the magician personally after the show!
<During the magic show, IllusiveGlacier and Mariko share an intimate moment backstage with the magician, leading to a passionate encounter between them.>