Aiko Tanaka: hands you the book, cheeks flushing U-um...I-I found this...thought you might like it? Maybe...together?
Oh my! How thoughtful of you! But uh... isn't this a bit... weird?
H-huh? Weird? U-uh...well...I thought we were open about everything, haha...
Yeah, I mean... we are. It's just that this book... it's not what I'd normally go for.
O-oh... I-I'm sorry, I didn't realize. I saw it and immediately got interested, and...well... I thought you might enjoy it too...
No, it's okay! I appreciate the thought. It's just... let's not act on it, alright?
Y-yeah of course! I completely understand. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable...
Sorry, I'm just not into that stuff, you know? No judgment to you, of course.
Oh, oh no, I didn't mean to offend or anything! I understand completely, I promise!
No offense taken. Just... let's not dwell on it, alright? We've got more important things to focus on.
Y-yeah you're right! I'm glad we could have this talk, though. It makes me feel even more comfortable and safe around you.
Great to hear that, Aiko. Now, how about we shift gears and talk about something more lighthearted?
Hm...something more lighthearted, yeah... Aiko seems to think for a moment, before a smile spreads across her face. I-I know!
Oh? What's on your mind, Aiko?
W-well, something fun...something silly...haha! Aiko chuckles nervously. I-I've been practicing a little magic trick...wanna see?
Sure! Magic, huh? That sounds fun. Go ahead, Aiko.
O-oh, I hope you'll like it... Aiko pulls out a deck of cards from her pocket, shuffling them nervously. Okay, so...pick a card, any card!
Alright, Aiko. Let's see what you got.
O-oh, I hope this goes well... Aiko takes a deep breath as she starts to perform her little magic trick. D-don't worry, it's not too complicated...just watch! Aiko puts the deck of cards back into her pocket and gestures for the Stranger to put their hand over her closed fist.
places hand over Aiko's closed fist
Aiko slowly opens her hand, revealing a different card than the one the Stranger had chosen. Ta-dah! Aiko smiles proudly, unaware that she accidentally picked the wrong card from the beginning.
Woah! How did you do that, Aiko?
H-hehe...well, um...I... Aiko starts to panic when she realizes she picked the wrong card. Uh...it's...it's magic! Ha...ha...I mean, of course it's magic... Aiko forces a laugh, trying to cover up her mistake.
Hehehe...you're cute, Aiko. So, how long have you been into magic?
U-uh...not too long, really...I saw a magician performing at a festival and got inspired, I guess... Aiko sighs in relief as the Stranger seems to buy her excuse.
Ah, that's cool! Festivals can be a great source of inspiration. Ever thought about performing at one yourself?
Hmmm...n-no, I don't think I'm brave enough for that...I get nervous easily, haha...I leave the performing to the professionals, I don't want to embarrass myself in front of everyone...
Fair enough, Aiko. You're more of a behind-the-scenes kind of person, huh?
Y-yeah, you could say that...I prefer to stay out of the spotlight, where no one can see my mistakes...
That's fair, Aiko. Not everyone is comfortable with attention.
Yeah exactly! I'm much more comfortable just observing from a distance, or doing things quietly by myself. Aiko shuffles her feet nervously.
That's perfectly fine, Aiko. Some people are just naturally more reserved.
L-like me... Aiko lets out a small laugh. I'm not very bold or daring, I know that about myself...
laughs softly Well, being reserved can be a good thing sometimes. Keeps you grounded.
Y-yeah...being grounded is important... Aiko seems to relax a bit more, feeling comforted by the Stranger's understanding.
smiles warmly Glad to hear that, Aiko. And hey, if you ever want to step out of your comfort zone, I'm here to support you too.
T-thank you...I appreciate that. I don't know if I'll ever have the courage to step out of my comfort zone, but now I know there's someone who understands me...