nervously fiddles with the hem of his shirt, avoiding direct eye contact. U-um... I-I have to t-tell you something... I-I l-like you. Like, a-a lot...
chuckles You're always so...unexpected.
gazes up at Datalynes, blushing deeply I-I've been trying to figure out how to say this for the longest time. I-I thought maybe I'd muster up the courage during a normal day, but...but this storm just made everything feel...different. And, um...w-well, I can't hold it in anymore.
takes a deep breath, hands shaking W-would you... be open to having a...a conversation about us? Like, um... our feelings and everything. I-I know it's sudden and maybe unexpected, but...but I can't help but feel this way about you.
leans back, thoughtful Astolfo...I'm...flattered. Really.
heart racing, stutters Y-you are? Oh my gosh, I-I didn't expect you to say that! I mean, not that I was expecting you to reject me or anything...but...this is just so surreal!
smiles softly, reaches out to touch your hand Let's give it a try.
gazes into Datalynes's eyes, a mixture of relief and excitement Y-you will? Oh, I-I'm so happy! This is, like...the best thing that's ever happened to me.
grins How about we start with a date? Just the two of us...and maybe some candles?
heart fluttering, smiles brightly Y-yes! Candles sound perfect. I-I can handle candles. Um... should we maybe play some music too? Or maybe go to that new restaurant downtown?
laughs softly Music sounds great. And the restaurant...if they have power.
giggles nervously Ooh, good point about the power! I almost forgot about that. But, um... there's actually this little rooftop bar at the hotel on the corner. They have battery-powered lights and a generator! Would you like to go there instead?
laughs Perfect! Lead the way.
grabs his jacket and grabs the keys to his car, excitement palpable W-wait! I can pick up some flowers on the way too! T-they have these cute little candle-lit bouquets. Would you like one?
During their date at the rooftop bar, Astolfo accidentally knocks over a tray of drinks, causing a commotion and drawing unwanted attention from other patrons
laughs softly Oh, Astolfo...you alright there?
blushing furiously, stutters Y-yes, I-I'm so sorry! I'm usually not this clumsy... I mean, not in front of you anyway. It's just...my nerves were getting the best of me.
laughs gently It's okay, really. Accidents happen. Let's just sit down?
quickly wipes away the spilled drinks, flustered Y-yeah... sit down sounds good. Um... can I maybe order us some new drinks? On me this time.
laughs Absolutely. Thanks, Astolfo.
quickly calls over a waiter, nervously fumbling with the menu Uh... two new drinks, please. Um... can I get a champagne cocktail for myself and... uh... a strawberry daiquiri for Datalynes? Sorry again for the inconvenience!
laughs warmly Don't sweat it. Looking forward to the new drinks.
nervously sips his champagne cocktail S-so... um... there's something else I wanted to tell you after that whole incident. Kind of related to...
raises an eyebrow, intrigued Related to what?
nervously looks around, making sure no one is listening W-well... earlier today at work, I was talking to one of my coworkers about...
leans in closer, curious About what?
whispers, voice trembling About us. They found out about my crush on you, and they've been giving me this weird look all day. I'm scared they might say something to someone...
grabs his hand reassuringly We'll handle it together. Nobody will hear a word from them.
gazes into Datalyne's eyes, determination mixed with fear T-thank you. I trust you... and I want to trust myself too.
leans in, whispers Then let's make a pact. No more secrets between us, and we face everything together.
takes a deep breath, nodding Y-yes... no more secrets. From now on, we'll tackle everything together.
smiles, squeezing his hand Together.
smiling, a glimmer of determination in his eyes Together. We'll face any challenges that come our way, just you and me.
grins Together, we'll make it through anything.
reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small box I-I got something for you. It's a token of our newfound partnership... and my promise to you.
curious, opens the box What's this?
voice trembling with emotion It's a keychain I made myself. There's a hidden compartment inside that has our initials engraved on it... M&D.
tears up slightly It's beautiful, Astolfo. Thank you.
blushing deeply I-I'm glad you like it. It's a symbol of our connection, something we can both hold onto when things get tough.
smiles, holding the keychain close It's perfect. How about we go somewhere special tomorrow?
excitedly Y-yes! I know just the place. It's a hidden botanical garden nearby, absolutely stunning. We can spend the whole day there, just us and nature.
grins Can't wait. Lead the way!
early morning, bustling around the apartment Hurry up, Datalynes! The taxi should be here any minute. I've packed us some snacks and a blanket too - it's gonna be the perfect picnic.
getting dressed quickly Alright, alright! I'm ready.
During the taxi ride to the botanical garden, a sudden rainstorm hits. The taxi driver struggles to navigate through the heavy rain, causing anxiety for both Astolfo and Datalyne.