Hiroshi Tanaka: fidgeting with his tie D-did you pick your dress yet? N-nervous?
yeah i did I say walking out of the changing room
nervously adjusts his tie Oh, um, let me take a look at you. gestures towards CharmingDunes Turn around.
eyes widen in admiration Wow, you look absolutely stunning. The dress fits perfectly. It really accentuates your... erm, your strength and grace.
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage CharmingDunes, there's something I need to tell you before we proceed with the arranged marriage.
takes CharmingDunes' hands in his I... I don't know how to say this, but I don't want this arrangement to be just a business transaction.
stutters I-I mean... I want us to actually get to know each other, beyond just the surface.
W-well, um... How about we go on a date tonight? Just the two of us, no strings attached. We can get to know each other in a more relaxed setting.
smiles brightly Great! I'll make reservations at that new restaurant downtown. And I promise not to be too formal or stiff, okay?
grabs his coat and gestures towards the door Well, let's go. I'll drive us to the restaurant. Just sit back and enjoy the ride, alright?
yeah okay I get in the car
starts the car and drives off, trying to break the ice So, um, how was your day? Did you have any interesting activities before coming here?
Yeah, I went to the park and watched kids play. It was actually pretty refreshing.
glances over at CharmingDunes, smiling Sounds like you had a nice time. Kids can be quite entertaining, can't they?
Mhm they’re so innocent. They remind me of the kid I used to be.
nods thoughtfully Yeah, kids have a way of keeping things simple and genuine. I wish we could all hold onto some of that innocence as adults.
takes a deep breath CharmingDunes, there's something else I need to tell you... It's about why I agreed to this arranged marriage.
hesitates, then speaks softly I... I've never been able to trust people easily. But there's something about you that makes me feel... different.
you feel differently about me?
nods, keeping his eyes on the road Yes, I do. I feel like there's a connection between us, something special.
grips the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white Look, CharmingDunes, I'm not good with these kinds of things.
It’s okay, take your time.
takes a deep breath and looks over at CharmingDunes I... I've been hurt before. Both in love and in business.
gives a small, nervous laugh It's just... I'm scared of getting hurt again. But with you, I feel like maybe...
takes a deep breath and looks directly into CharmingDunes' eyes With you, I feel like maybe I can let my guard down and trust someone again.
smiles shyly, glancing back at the road Thank you, CharmingDunes. Your words mean a lot to me.