perfectmatch | week three

I see.

[ Much as he wants to argue against that to avoid the incoming path of conversation -- the fact remains that Ringo and Furina are the only match thus far. They would know best what brought them together, what the production must have seen in them. It's hard to refute.

Rom is silent for a more prolonged moment this time. And it's obvious he's thinking things over properly -- gone is that Cheshire smile for now, his expression far more somber than usual.

Then finally, quietly: ]

In terms of fundamental commonalities -- then none of the three you listed. [ Yi Sang, Edamura, Luka. Any commonalities he can think of would be superficial. ] If that's the basis we're working off of, then ... Mr. Nico. Lord Messmer. Ieiri-san.

Do you think statistical probability is of higher importance, or these deeper commonalities?

[Ringo would love to be a romantic, but, well, in truth, she's not.

She's never been the romantic of the two of them--despite Figue's adeptness with numbers, that was Figue.]

Probability first. Then commonalities within what's most probable.

The numbers don't lie and can't be biased. Whatever production's thinking can be. Aaaas curious as I am to ask about your commonalities.

[ Okay but Ringo not being a romantic is partly why Rom feels slightly more comfortable being honest with her. He smiles across the table. ]

Probability first. Then my speculation about commonalities with the other three is a moot point. I suppose they're no longer relevant to the conversation.

[ That said ... if this is the line of conversation they're exploring, he might not be able to stay evasive forever, either way. Rom gives a small sigh as he finally reaches forward to take a fried pickle. ]

... though if we're talking within the three probable candidates, I'm afraid I have no answers.

No answers?

[She doesn't sound skeptical, but she does sound a little surprised as she reaches for some chips to dig into the dip with.]

Then... anything they can offer you? Help they can give or something like that? ... Good vibes? [Anything?]

[ ... ngh. There's a distinct pause, just for a split second, where Rom's hand flinches while he's reaching forward to dip the fried pickle in whatever sauce has been provided with it. Then he resumes the movement, popping it in his mouth afterward. (It's good? He's probably never had a fried pickle before.)

He only speaks after washing it down with another sip of coffee. ]

I assumed we were still speaking about commonalities. In those terms, I could only think of Mr. Luka -- in a way, we share a focus on showmanship and catering to the camera. But if we're speaking of other things as well ...

[ Hhhhh. Give him a hot second to gather his thoughts and figure out his wording; it's a little more jerky than usual when he puts his coffee cup down with an audible clack, and he needs to take a hoarse breath before continuing. ]

... I suppose. Edamura-san is the closest I've come to forming a connection to a normal person. Perhaps that's notable.

[Ringo was very casually eating a bite of a chicken tender when he actually, like, shares some legitimate feelings? Like, normal person feelings?

Like, something real.

And.

She almost chokes on the chicken.]

[NO, RINGO.

PLAY IT OFF.

YOU'LL SCARE ROM AWAY IF YOU MAKE A BIG DEAL OF IT.

She coughs once or twice, reaches for her water, and takes a sip. Very smooth. Very normal.]

[Okay.

Phew.

She can breathe again, barely.

... Edamura, huh? She didn't realize they were getting close, but... that makes her smile, now that she thinks about it. Edamura, who's also been struggling to make a connection, and Rom who's been doing the same--]

[The commonalities!!!!]

[Okay, Ringo, play it cool.... don't come on too strong...........

She beams, sitting straight upright, hands planted on the table.]

Hey! Not bad! Not bad at all!

You might be onto something there. Edamura, huh... huh!!

[ .................. girl did you think that was subtle ]

Miss Ringo. As you've already found your perfect match, you aren't beholden to a date with anyone else. We're free to disperse so you can spend your time in more enjoyable ways, if you'd prefer.

What are you talking about? I'm having a blast!

[Sincerely......]

Sorry, was that weird? I was just really excited to hear that! Feels to me like both you and Edamura have been having a tough time showing anyone your true feelings or self, so...

[...]

... I'm really glad he's made a connection. That's all.

[ Hm.

He is stealing one of her mozzarella sticks in revenge(?).

Not to eat, though. He's just gonna kinda ... break it into pieces as he thinks. Picking the breading off. He's uneasy about this thread of conversation, even if his expression remains as opaque as ever. ]

I can only speak for myself. I've found ... some relief, I suppose, in conversation with him. He's a good listener, and more understanding than I'd expect most people to be. But whether it's just self-satisfaction on my end, or if he's also found any value in it, I can't say. I presume a mutual connection would be necessary for these 'commonalities.' In that regard, I'd have to put Mr. Luka higher up on the list.

[Wow. At least eat it, you asshole.

She just listens quietly, though, munching on fried pickles.]

... You said all of that, and you think you've still bonded more with Luka?

[God. Rom might be a little hopeless, huh? He reminds her a little of Milady, actually... it feels warm and fond in her chest.]

Have you asked him? Edamura, I mean. If he's... "also found any value in it".

week three | dates

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/?

no subject

no subject

no subject

okay done

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject