perfectmatch | week one | match ceremony

Today's Match Ceremony starts the moment the sun goes down. They will be led to a courtyard on the estate, filled to the brim with lanterns of all kinds and plush couches and chairs for them to sit on. The place is lit bright by the lanterns and the vibe is very cozy. There will be a few camera crews lingering around, ready to catch sight of the contestants as they settle in and get comfortable. There is also food and beverages, some alcohol, some non-alcoholic, for everyone to partake in.

In the center of the courtyard is a stage, hanging above it are eight lanterns, none of which are lit up. Wei Wuxian stands in the middle, dressed to impress for tonight's festivities. In one hand, he has his flute, in another, a cup of huangjiu. He lifts it merrily, giving a laugh before knocking back the alcohol and tossing the cup away. (A staff member nearby catches it, thank god.)

"Welcome, everyone! To your first match ceremony! I am your humble host and we're here to see if chemistry can happen, even under duress~!"

A staff member nearby grimaces at that. It might be the same staff member who caught the cup. It's fine, the producers won't punish him. Probably.

But characters will notice that there is a podium next to the stage for them to lock in their answers.

"For those who are new to this, let's talk about how this works. First, I will call up one of the members of Team Suibian and they will go to the podium over here, make a choice of who they think their match is, and together you will press your hands to the podium to lock it in."

He gives a hum, twirling the flute in his hand a few times before grasping it by the end and using it to point at the contestants.

"As a result of your choices, the lanterns above me will light up with however many perfect matches you've chosen. It is your job to figure out which of the choices made tonight are indeed perfect matches. If you aren't able to get any of them right, you will get a black out. Which means, someone will lose their wish. Don't do that!"

He'll let his warning hang for a moment before smiling, tapping his shoulder lazily with the flute and then grinning broadly.

"With that, let's get started."

——

Each character of Team Suibian will be called in random order, under the selections top level. Feel free to react there!

After the matches, the results top level will reveal how many are right!

Otherwise, feel free to use this log for any reactions, catherding, whatever you want for the match ceremony.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I can bet. The road to fame seems rocky.

[ And what little she knows of his fans makes them sound like they're kind of intense. ]

So should I take that as you saying you'll bounce back just fine?

[ The truth booth was a shot in the dark, but the matching ceremony seemed like it could have also been a disappointment. Though at least it doesn't sound like he's looking for love, so maybe less of one than it might be for someone sincerely seeking. ]

There's nothing to bounce back from.

[ in a way it's all rather expected, actually. which he won't say as much, but that's why he's here.

odd nostalgia echoes from a few directions and that at his core his heartbeat is that of an introvert. ]

Whew! Good!

[ She visibly relaxes a little, leaning back to rest her hands on the ground under her. ]

Then I don't feel bad admitting I felt a little awkward doing all that waiting, even if I already saw it coming, but you really saved me from any embarrassment with that poise of yours. It made it a lot easier to follow suit.

It's better to prepare yourself ahead of time for anything that might arise during a performance.

[ but he will accept that praise with a small nod. ]

But you said you saw it yourself too. Because of the discussions?

Mmhm. It wasn't that hard to hear what names kept popping up, and what names didn't.

[ The smile is a little bittersweet, but it's more stung pride than anything. ]

I'll admit, I thought my dance partner at the end of the ceremony was going to be a little bit different, but I'm not even a little bit sorry it was you. I guess I just wanted to check in with you, and also pass along my gratitude.

[ another nod. ]

Certain types of humans are popular in specific environments. [ it's clinical sounding, detached and analytical. ]

The type who open up easily and make friends with each other upon meeting.

Heh... I like to think I'm that type though.

[ She has at least done a decent job of making some friends, though friendship and romance are a pretty far cry from one another. ]

Admittedly you seem a little more... aloof? Not necessarily a bad thing, but you definitely don't give the impression of someone who holds himself at a little bit of a distance. At least at first, but we've all only known each other for a week.

I do. I prefer to let my performances speak for me.

And like you said, it's only been one week.

I'll make sure to keep paying attention to them then so I can get to know you better.

Then I'll do the same for you.

You'll have to tell me what to substitute for performances, though.

Usually I'd say my robotics creations, but it's not like I have many opportunities to showcase that here.

[ Hmmmm. ]

Can I rain check that, and get back to you in a few days?

Sure. While we're here, how about a date next week? To explore our randomly generated chemistry?

[ this is the most casual way he's asked anyone out on a date so far, but given everything that's happened, it makes the most sense. ]

[ Casual works just fine for her, and she smiles brightly at the joke. ]

We should at least put the rng to a little test, right? I'd be happy to go on one with you.

I'll look forward to it.

And that the next match ceremony will be in our hands.

[ dialogue box: luka will remember this pops up. ]

I'm not sure if that's a relief or not, but seems like it might be a little less awkward at least.

[ Good luck to everyone that spurned them!!

No, alas, Serpilia is not the type to hold a grudge for that, especially when everyone's just doing their best to find their match. She is going to keep the 1/3 number in mind though, and maybe focus her attention on some of the people who weren't on everyone's mind already. Seems like her luck of finding whoever she's paired with is better that way. ]

Well that's guaranteed. Do you have any thoughts for yourself?

[ luka's not necessarily the type to hold grudges, he's just also luka so-

people who know ALST will understand, this meta will not be helpful. ]

Not a lot... I'm thinking I might be better off trying my luck with some of the people that don't seem so confident with their matches, and let the others give the Truth Booth a go first. If they end up being wrong, then I'll do some rethinking after that.

[ It's hard when she gets along pretty well with everyone, but hasn't necessarily hit it off extra had with anyone. It's why she can't really fault anyone for not picking her for this either. ]

How about you?

[ isn't that so courteous of her. ]

Confidence doesn't mean anything on it's own. [ ... ]

I have a thought. I'll share it next week.

You're right, but with three matches, I'm going to place my bets on some of them being right to feel that way.

[ You never know where the upsets are though... ]

Oh? Now you've got me curious, but if you're not interested in sharing, I'm not about to pry.

[ right in what way, though? luka can't really wrap his head around right or wrong without a reference of some sort. ]

Timing's important. [ which is all he'll say because it is, but that's not the real reason he's not sharing.

but ultimately, he's an impulsive person, so. ]

Yeah, yeah. I'll just let my curiosity linger unsatisfied for now.

[ A pause before she hoists herself back up, brushing off her knees a little. White pants and the ground don't go well together. ]

I'll just look forward to seeing what you end up deciding later, but more than that I'm looking forward to our date later. Let's hope they send us somewhere good.

[ Haha... ]

Me too. We'll have to show them what we deserve.

[ which we? it's fine.

and he is looking forward to it beyond his unfettered flirting. out of all the people he could have been paired with automatically, he's beginning to feel like he didn't draw too badly after all. ]

[ She's feeling the same right now, even if he's apparently a hoodie hater and she loves a cozy hoodie. ]

Darn right we will!

week one | match ceremony

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