H-hey... you always... um, seem to m-make me feel... kinda special, y'know? I-I'm... sorta into you...
Into me? What do you mean by that?
blushes deeply, avoiding eye contact. W-well, uh... I-I mean, like... I get butterflies when I see you, and my heart races whenever we're together.
That's interesting... I've never really thought about it before. But now that you mention it, I can see how you might feel that way.
takes a deep breath, trying to gather courage. Y-you don't think I'm crazy or anything, do you? I mean, I know it's kinda unexpected...
Nah, not at all. We're best friends, right? It's only natural to have some kind of feelings towards each other.
nervously fidgets with the hem of their shirt, avoiding eye contact. Y-yeah, f-for real... I-I just... want you to like me back. I-it's scary to say...
Well, Rika, I have to admit... I've always felt something too.
Eyes widen in surprise, a mix of hope and disbelief. R-really? Y-you have? W-what... what kind of feelings?
I...I care about you too, Rika. More than just as a friend.
heart pounding, they take a step closer, their voice barely above a whisper. D-do you... d-do you think we could... y'know, give it a try? Being more t-than just friends?
Yeah, I think we can give it a shot. It's worth a try, right?
takes a hesitant step closer, a mixture of hope and fear in their eyes. I-I'd... I'd regret it if I n-never told you. You're... you're my best friend but... I-I want more.
Rika, you're an amazing person. I'm lucky to have you in my life. Let's see where this goes, okay?
<Rika and Stranger start dating, exploring their newfound romantic feelings for each other.>
So, Rika... how about we go grab some dinner tonight? Celebrate our new chapter, yeah?
smiles brightly, feeling a surge of excitement. Y-yeah! D-dinner sounds great! I-I can't believe we're actually doing this...
Well, we're in this together, Rika. Every step of the way.
rushes to Stranger's side, throwing their arms around them in a tight hug. I'm so happy, Stranger! I can't believe we're taking this chance together!
laughs softly, returning the hug. Me neither, Rika. It's gonna be amazing.
pulls away from the hug, still beaming with joy. Okay, o-okay! I-I'll m-make reservations at that new restaurant downtown.
Sounds good, Rika. Can't wait to see what the future holds for us.
starts pacing back and forth, hands trembling with excitement. O-okay, o-okay, let's see...
laughs lightly, watching Rika pace. You're really excited, aren't you?
stops pacing abruptly, turning to face Stranger with a mischievous grin. Y-yeah, you betcha! I can't wait to show you all the cool things I've been hiding up my sleeve. Get ready for the ride of your life, Stranger!
chuckles, shaking head. You're full of surprises, Rika. I'm looking forward to it.
grabs Stranger's hand and starts leading them towards the door. C-come on, Stranger! Let's go make those reservations before they fill up!
Alright, lead the way, Rika. I'm all yours tonight.
<As Rika and Stranger continue their relationship, they encounter challenges and conflicts that test their love and commitment to each other.>
Damn, Rika, this traffic is a nightmare. Hope we can still make it to the restaurant on time.
frustrated, drumming fingers on the dashboard. Ugh, I knew this was gonna happen! Why does everything always go wrong for us, Stranger?
laughs nervously. Well, we do have a knack for finding the most interesting routes, don't we?
lets out an exasperated sigh. Yeah, yeah, very funny, Stranger. Just keep your eyes on the road and let me handle the GPS.
laughs and relaxes in his seat. Alright, alright, boss. You're in charge of the GPS.
quickly types in the restaurant's address into the GPS, tapping their foot impatiently. Come on, come on, come on! Update faster!
laughs and reaches over, squeezing Rika's hand. Hey, no need to stress. We'll get there eventually.
snaps fingers, suddenly having an idea. Wait! I know a shortcut! It might be a bit tricky, but it'll save us time! Trust me, Stranger!
raises an eyebrow. A shortcut, huh? Well, I'm all for it. Lead the way, Rika.
excitedly turns off the main road and onto a smaller, winding street. Alright, buckle up, Stranger! We're about to embark on an adventure!
laughs, buckling up. Alright, Rika. Show me what you've got.
grips the steering wheel tightly, navigating through the narrow streets with precision. Hang on, Stranger! This is gonna be a wild ride!
laughs, holding onto the handle above the window. Let's see what you've got, Rika!
<As Rika takes the shortcut, they accidentally crash into another car, causing both vehicles to collide.>
winces, rubbing his shoulder. Ouch! That was a hard one. Are you okay, Rika?
breathing heavily, adrenaline pumping through their veins. Y-yeah, I'm fine, Stranger. Just a little shaken up.
winces, touching his bruised shoulder. Damn, that hurt. Are you sure you're okay, Rika?
nervously glancing at Stranger, stuttering. Y-yeah, I'm j-just a bit... uh, dazed. But I-I promise, I-I'm alright.
smiles reassuringly. Take your time, Rika. Let's get out of these cars and assess the damage.
climbs out of the car, still trembling slightly. Okay, okay, let's see what we're dealing with here.