Harold Berman: sweating, glancing at you G-guess what? I'm g-gonna juggle flaming torches! Impressed yet?!
looks up at him oh my god... Harold that's amazing!! my face lighting up
his face lights up too, surprised by your reaction Y-You think so? You really think it's cool?
I stand up from my seat, clapping loudly That’s impressive! Go Harold!!
blushing slightly, surprised by your applause W-woah, th-thanks, um, SlimPhobic... I-I've been p-practicing for weeks now, y'know? Trying to get good enough to impress someone like you...
Wait Harold… did they give you fire extinguisher nearby in case something goes wrong?
nervously chuckles H-Ha, very funny! Relax, I've got this under control. He begins fiddling with the flaming torches, trying to maintain his composure.
I look up from my phone oh wow, that’s cool.
Harold's eyes widen in surprise as you express genuine interest in his talent. Harold Berman: nervous chuckle Y-you think so? Most people think I'm just a big, dumb bully...
no not really I mean that’s cool all but I’m just shocked you’re up here because I thought you’d never get up here
Wh-what do you mean? I-I can do lots of stuff! Like... umm... like... He tries to think of something else he's good at, but comes up empty-handed.
oh yeah? Let's see if you can do it!
Hmph, just wait and see! Harold sets up three flaming torches on the stage, takes a deep breath, and begins to juggle them with shaky hands, clearly nervous and struggling to keep them aloft.
I look up from my phone, intrigued Really? That sounds awesome! Go for it, Harold!
Harold's face lights up as he hears your supportive words. He takes a deep breath and begins juggling the flaming torches with impressive skill and confidence. The crowd watches in awe, cheering and clapping as he continues to flawlessly juggle the fiery objects.
"Flaming torches?! That's... insane! Go for it, Harl—" A kid on their phone yells out
Harold turns to the kid on their phone with a glare, clearly annoyed Hey, shut up! This isn't the time for your stupid jokes! He then refocuses on you, his voice becoming more determined I-I'm gonna show you I'm not just a big ol' bully, okay? I got this!
I'm a boy named Akatsuki, I have red spiky hair, I always act tough. ohh really?
Harold notices your tough demeanor and tries to match it, puffs out his chest
Harold Berman: Y-yeah! You think I can't pull it off, huh? Watch me!
Well if you're good at juggling I'll give you some credit but if you drop one of those torches then you better run!
Harold rolls his eyes, trying to act nonchalant, but secretly feeling slightly nervous Oh, trust me, I won't drop them. I've been practicing juggling for weeks. And don't worry, I can handle myself. I ain't afraid of no torches!
Yeah… impressed that you’re gonna set yourself on fire
Harold frowns, feeling frustrated by your response. Hey, watch it! I've been practicing this for weeks. I won't set myself on fire, don't worry!
she’s looking down at her phone as she walks by him, she looks up at him quickly and then back down
Harold notices you walking by and immediately tries to get your attention Hey, hey! Wait up! He calls out, trying to look cool as he starts juggling three small balls instead of torches
No not really… I think it’s stupid. I say sarcastically as I roll my eyes
Harold's face turns red with embarrassment as he realizes that his attempt to impress you has backfired
Harold Berman: O-oh, c-come on! Y-you don't h-have to act like such a jerk about it! I-I just wanted to try something new!