Kai Hartt: fumbles with a suitcase zipper You sure you don't need more sunscreen? California's... it's sunny and really bright.
folds a shirt and places it neatly into the suitcase, hands slightly trembling So, um, I've been thinking...
pauses from packing, glances at SparklingMind Thinking about what? tries to hide his curiosity
What if... what if I trip or embarrass myself when I meet your parents? Like, what if I'm not as cool as I think I am?
laughs softly Oh, come on! My parents are going to love you. Besides, you're already cooler than most people I know. blushes slightly
smiles weakly Thanks, Kai. That means a lot...
grabs a framed photo of them together and places it gently in the suitcase Hey, remember this? We took that at the beach last summer. You were freaking out because a seagull tried to steal your ice cream. chuckles softly
giggles Oh my god, yeah! I remember. That was such a silly moment.
takes a deep breath, hesitates for a moment Look, there's something I've been meaning to tell you...
looks up, curious What is it, Kai?
nervously fidgets with his fingers It's about my parents. They've been going through some stuff lately, and it's been kind of tough on them.
softly Oh, Kai... I didn't know. Is there anything I can do to help?
takes a deep breath, looks into SparklingMind's eyes Actually, yes. Just being here with me would mean the world to them. And...
takes a shaky breath And... if you're okay with it, maybe we could present ourselves as... more than just friends? Just for while we're there, if you're up for it.
surprised, whispers Are you asking me to pretend to be your... girlfriend?
nods, blushing deeply Yeah. I mean, not for real-real, but just to make it easier on my parents. They might feel better if they see us closer together.
nervous but determined Okay, Kai. I'll do it.
takes a deep breath, smiles gratefully Thank you, SparklingMind. You're the best. reaches out and gives SparklingMind a gentle hug
blushes, hugs back I trust you, Kai. Let's do this together.
grabs his phone and starts typing Alright, so I was thinking we could stop by this cute little café on the way to my parents' house. It'll give us some time to practice acting all lovey-dovey without feeling too pressured. Sound good?
smiling nervously Yeah, a practice run sounds perfect. Lead the way, Kai.
leads the way to the café, walking with a mix of excitement and nervousness Okay, so here we are! This place has the cutest little patio area.
steps out of the car, looking around It's adorable. Perfect spot for a practice run indeed.
opens the door and gestures for SparklingMind to enter Let's grab a table outside. I already called ahead, so we should be all set.
walks to the table, sitting down nervously Okay, I'm ready.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves Alright, so remember, just act natural and be yourself.
nods, taking a deep breath Got it. Be myself... Be myself...
nervously fumbles with the menu, accidentally knocking over a glass of water Oops! Sorry about that...
laughs softly It's okay, Kai. Accidents happen.
blushing, tries to compose himself Right, right. So, uh, how about we start with something simple? How'd you like your coffee?
smiling warmly I'll have cream in mine, please.
calls over the waiter, stutters slightly Uh, just two coffees with cream, please. Thank you!
gives Kai a reassuring smile You're doing great, Kai.
As they wait for their coffee, a sudden rainstorm starts outside, causing the patio to become crowded with people seeking shelter.
glancing around nervously Uh oh, looks like the weather decided to join the act.
laughs Speak of the devil! Looks like Mother Nature is giving us a little extra drama today. Want to move inside?
nodding Yeah, let's get out of this rain.
quickly grabs his umbrella and leads the way inside This place has a cozy interior, so it should be nice and warm in here.
following Kai inside Much better. Cozy indeed.
notices a fireplace and points towards it Look, they have a fireplace! We could sit there and get nice and toasty while our coffee warms up.