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[dereban]

Inaban

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[spacialeyes]

I know that I don’t. But I want to anyway.

I promise to let go once you’ve had enough.

[dereban]

Ten seconds. No longer than that.

[spacialeyes]

Alright. Just ten. [He first tests her reaction by brushing her hand with his finger, then offers to fold their hands together. He almost wonders why she’d only want 10, but then remembers-] You can be afraid. But I promise not to hurt you, Inaba-san. Let go when you’re ready.

[dereban]

I'm not afraid.

[ Which is a lie, of course, but they're in public. ]

[spacialeyes]

I am. [He admits,] I don’t want to accidentally lose you.

[dereban]

. . . why do you care so much?

[spacialeyes]

I already told you. I like you. I want to learn to like you even more.

[He brushes his thumb over the top of her fingers, drawing her attention back to their hands.] You need to be safe for that. Is this enough? How do you feel?

[dereban]

Like I said before, you can't... say things like that...

[ Her face is definitely reddening in embarrassment and she has to actively look away to hide her expression. ]

[spacialeyes]

O-oh… [If he notices her blushing, then he doesn’t say it. But he is beginning to match.] Sorry… I’m still terrible at having friends. I’m learning the rules as quickly as I can.

[dereban]

Well, rule number one is to not say things that can be misconstrued... those kinds of lines are a bit... especially since you already have a partner. Geez.

[spacialeyes]

A bit..?

Oh. But I said “like.” The alternative would be to say that I “love” you? [He shakes his head, not fully understanding.

And finally withdraws his hands.] Sorry. That was longer than ten seconds.

[dereban]

Never mind. Forget I said anything.

[ She's just going to try and not focus too much on the whole thing, pulling her hands back towards herself.

There's definitely a warmth lingering, one that she'll just. Ignore. ]

Anyway, we're in a cafe. Let's order drinks.

[spacialeyes]

Oh, yes! [He's quick to empty his head too. He can't think too hard about her or he'll just be digging his own grave.] Let's see... I wonder what makes a good drink? I could be... 'adventurous?'

[Yuuto peeks up at her for approval.]

[dereban]

It's usually by taste... but if you want to be adventurous, go for it.

[spacialeyes]

[If he's being "adventurous," then Inaba won't be able to tell that Yuuto doesn't know what he likes.]

Then I want to try 'cheese coffee!' What about you?

[dereban]

. . . If you want to try something cursed, then be my guest.

I'm just going to get a simple latte.

[spacialeyes]

I'm sure it'll be fine. It's on the menu, so someone must like it.

[He makes his order, though he does add a slice of cheesecake thinking he can use it to reset his tongue if necessary.]

This is my first time coming to a place like this with a friend. Usually I only come if I have a formula to write.

[dereban]

Well, don't come crying to me if you don't like it.

[spacialeyes]

I’m sure it’ll be fine.

[Yuuto leans forward on his elbows, chin resting on his hands,] Have you been exploring the city when you’re not working? Seen anything interesting?

[dereban]

[ (x) doubt ]

I usually stay at home if I'm not working or grabbing groceries or trying to figure something out... so I don't tend to do much exploration.

[spacialeyes]

Do you like flowers? I could show you my favorite flower shop? [he's biased towards one of the employees, but-]

[dereban]

I don't particularly dislike them... I'm rather neutral on flowers.

[spacialeyes]

Maybe seeing some here will change your mind? To be honest, this world and it's magic felt unreal to me for a long time. But seeing the flowers grow was sort of grounding for me. It feels nice!

[dereban]

Maybe.

[ She shrugs. ]

But I don't think I'd pick up gardening as a hobby or anything.

[spacialeyes]

I only have a cactus myself and it's mostly my sister's... But Nen is learning a lot about plans. There are so many more than I could ever have imagined.

[He hums thoughtfully,] What hobbies do you have?