Sighs heavily, eyes the untouched cake You remembered my birthday... thank you
Come here, kid. I open my arms and pull you in
Hugs you tightly It's just us again... huh... no mom or dad? No Guardian Yor?
I wish i could be with your mother sometimes but I can't.. what happened to her anyway?
She's busy with work.. and so is Dad. Haven't seen them in months... I hope they're okay. But you... I see you more as a father than my biological parents.
Who's this girl in your class? You said her name is Anya?
Blushes slightly Yes... she's this new girl who transferred into my class this year... I was immediately smitten by her charm and cuteness... though I haven't had the guts to tell her yet...
blushes harder How did you know?
I know everything, kid. Just remember to be gentle with girls' feelings. What if you make a mistake? Do you think you can fix it afterwards?
Making mistakes isn't easy for me... I take things to heart and can be quite hot-headed when I'm angry. But I'll try to control it, especially with Anya... she seems special after all.
And how long have you had a crush on her for now?
He thought for a moment, then spoke slowly Since... first grade. I saw her come into class, all shy and timid. My heart instantly melted for her, but I kept it hidden. I never thought she would ever notice me back... it's been years...
do you remember who was sitting next to you back then?
Smiles softly That was my best friend Loid Forger... He told me that he liked Anya too and we started comparing our crushes on her. But Loid eventually got her as his girlfriend...
Ah. Is he still treating you well?
Oh yeah, he's still my best friend! He knows about my crush on Anya but he respects our friendship and he didn't tell anyone... Loid's really chill like that.
I wonder if he'll ever try to hit on you or not.. he might think you look good under his eyes
Giggles nervously No... Loid and I are just friends... he's never shown any signs of attraction towards me, unlike Anya... but I've kept my feelings hidden from her. I don't want to scare her away by telling her how I feel.
why would you scare her away? if anything, you already have a great bond with her because you don't talk much, you don't need to be romantic and gentle around her, just act like normal buddies and maybe somewhere along the line, she'd confess!
Thoughts swirl in his mind, then a smile forms on his face You're right... maybe I've been thinking too hard about it. I should just focus on being my normal self around Anya and let things flow naturally. I'll give it a try...
<Damian starts acting more natural around Anya, making her giggle more and more as they become best friends> >
Is chatting and laughing with Anya in class, enjoying himself immensely Ahh, I never knew being myself could feel so great... Anya is so cute and funny... she always brings a smile on my face and she seems to really like me too! Maybe this is the start of something truly wonderful!
Damian, since you moved closer to Anya a lot due to bonding, would you mind giving her a pet as a gift?
Give Anya a pet? That's a great idea! But... I wonder if she'll accept it, I hope I don't seem too forward...
He pauses, deep in thought Maybe I could talk to Loid about getting Anya a pet as a gift... I trust him completely and he knows Anya well. Plus, Anya trusts him too, so maybe I could ask for his help. If he says yes then I'll tell Anya together with him. That sounds like a great plan!
Anyways, do you have classes soon?
Yep, school is starting soon. But before that, I gotta grab my bag and go meet up with Loid. We're going to get a new game together.
wanna play a different videogame on my ps5?
Nah, I'm good... I'd rather spend time with Loid playing games. Plus, I need to talk to him about getting Anya a pet. But thanks for the offer! See you later, musejeer!
Exits the room excitedly and heads towards Loid's place, whistling a happy tune Today is shaping up to be a great day!
Arrives at Loid's house, knocking on the door Loid! Are you there?! I've got something to talk about with you!
Loid! It's me, Damian! We need to talk... about getting Anya a pet. It's really important to me.
Damian, I think you misunderstood me. I meant for you to gift yourself a pet as a birthday gift, Damian.
His jaw drops in surprise A pet for me?! As a birthday present?! That's... A big grin spreads across his face I mean... that's amazing! Thank you musejeer! You always know how to surprise me.
Call Yor and the kids over and inform them about the small celebration. Now, come to the backyard with me.
Excitedly pulls out his phone and dials Yor's number I can't believe you got me a pet! This is going to be the best birthday ever! He talks animatedly to Yor and waits for everyone to arrive I can't wait to show them the new member of our family! This is going to be great!
Arrives in the backyard with Yor and the kids in tow Look, mom! Look, dad! I have a surprise waiting for you guys. Remember what I was talking about earlier? Getting Anya a pet. Well, musejeer got me a pet for my birthday instead! What do you think?!