week one | overflow

[showhost]

you're all animals


Embrace Space | Property Damage, etc
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[boneface]

[ There's an eager nodding here at Mark's words because they basically sum up what Ryuji was thinking too. He's so happy, he's thrilled! He got it right and things worked out and all it took was a leap of faith.

So, he smiles all bright at Mark and because, of course, he wants Mark to feel how happy he is, he gets all encouraging. ]

That's what you gotta do too! The way I was thinkin' about it is like, this place is different, right? It's not the same as outside where you have the time to figure it out and build up to maybe dating. If it was my choice, I'd spend forever prolly agonizin' about it.

But everyone's here for the same thing and open to the same stuff. So, if you feel even a little bit of an interest, follow after it! Make it known! Then you can see if it's right or not.

[titlecard]

[ Taking a moment to absorb Ryuji's words and really, really think. ]

It is different, huh? This isn't exactly like real life, [ a big part in the appeal of coming here, actually, ] so it makes sense to just go for it.

[ because just going for it in real life would be REALLY scary

A beat, and then he perks up — smile brighter, more enthusiasm in his body language. ]

Alright! I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna try. What's the worst that could happen? If I get it wrong, then I just get to try again — and we'll all get it right sooner or later.

[ They gotta!! They gotta, because he really needs that wish. ]

[boneface]

[ Ryuji is nodding along as Mark is reinvigorated because exactly, exactly! That's what he fully believes, especially the part about this not being like real life. Him? Talking to this many girls (and guys)? And being like... open to just asking them out. Yeah, he'd absolutely perish. ]

Exactly, Mark! If we're too frozen with fear, we're not gonna be able to play the game at all. And that'd suck!

[ Ugh, he wants Mark to find his perfect match so bad. He's sure it's gonna be cute. ]

I'll be here to help too! I ain't going anywhere. I know they're gonna send us to this like, honeymoon suite, but it doesn't mean I can't come back and help you figure it out!

[titlecard]

[ It's Mark's turn to nod, nod, nod, because Ryuji is right. Coming here and then just sitting off on the sidelines is counterproductive — it's time to take action, like his friend did. ]

You're right. You know what, it's been almost a week now — that's plenty of time to settle in, get used to this, play the game.

I— Ryuji, you're already helping me so much just by being here, but of course I'm not gonna say no to you helping out more.

[ Big, wide smile — and, fuck it, he's gonna go in for a hug. ]

[boneface]

[ Oh!! He's getting hugged!! And you know what? He's hugging back. A nice big squeeze of a hug, warm and good. They'll hug for a little bit before Ryuji pulls back after an appropriate amount of time and grins up at Mark. ]

Good! I'm glad. We're bros now, ya know? And I ain't gonna leave you in the lurch. You feel the slightest pull towards someone and we'll talk about it and figure out if it's right. I'm here for you, bro!

[titlecard]

[ An appropriately timed hug... Mark gives him a little clap on the back as they separate. ]

Thanks, man. [ They really are bros now... Ryuji is so easy to be around and talk to... even if they can't be a match, they're bros, and that's just as good. ] Definitely. You're the first guy I'm coming to now.

[ Ryuji, his immediately successful bro because he took a leap of faith and it paid off... Mark is going to follow in his footsteps. He is!! ]