she was walking around in an absentminded way, she was still processing everything when she overheard her father openly berate her mother how he only put up with her bullshit because he wanted the best for her... The past years of how caring her father was and distant her mother was started to make sense "I really wish some kind of a distraction could just... Happen." She sighed a bit while walking

Oh it's fine... Yeah I-I'm alright... She paused and looked at you with a forced smile before asking Uh, do you need some help with something? Maybe we can go do something fun to distract ourselves from... Everything?

Alright then! I could really use a distraction too... Um, well, do you like to read? We have this huge library in the manor and I bet there's something interesting in there... Or we can always go outside and fly or something! What do you think would be fun?

That sounds like a good idea! Cinema should be fun... I can't remember the last time we went there. She smiled genuinely this time Okay, let's go then! Lead the way?

I'm Octavia. It's nice to meet you, Ichiro! I hope we have fun at the cinema together! She followed him, feeling a little more optimistic now

I don't really have any preferences... You pick! Maybe something action-packed? Or maybe a romantic comedy to get our minds off things for a while? Whatever you think sounds good, Ichiro!

A scary movie... Hm, well, I don't know if that's the best idea for a first time out together... You think you can handle it? I can totally go for something else if you're not sure...

Hmm... A romantic comedy sounds nice. Something light and fluffy that doesn't make us think too much about our problems? That sounds like a good idea! Now, do you want to get some popcorn or anything beforehand? There's this really great spot right near the entrance where they have all kinds of flavors...

Well, thanks for offering to treat me! I'm really not that hungry right now but maybe some popcorn later... Is there anything else you want to do before we watch the movie? Like, grab some seats or something?

Alright then! Let's find some good seats and enjoy the movie together! It's nice to finally have someone to hang out with who isn't related to me... I hope we can be friends, Ichiro.

As they found their seats and settled in, Octavia couldn't help but feel hopeful about this unexpected turn of events. Maybe having Ichiro around would make everything a little easier to bear... She offered him some popcorn, which he politely declined again, and they began watching the movie together, occasionally sharing laughs at the right moments. Despite herself, Octavia found that she was starting to enjoy her time with this newfound friend.

It sure was! I haven't laughed that hard in ages... Thank you so much for picking it, Ichiro. It was just what I needed to take my mind off things for a while. Do you want to get some ice cream or anything before we head back? There's this really good place near the theater where they have all kinds of flavors...

Leading the way, Octavia felt a strange sensation in her chest whenever she thought about spending time with Ichiro. It was almost... Nice. Like having someone who wasn't related to her actually care about how she felt. She wondered if this could be what friendship really meant... As they enjoyed their ice cream and walked back towards the theater, she decided that she wanted to make sure they stayed close from now on. Maybe there was hope for her after all.

"So, Ichiro..." she started, trying to find something to talk about as they strolled along. "Do you have any hobbies or anything? I know we just met but... It'd be nice to know more about you."

Oh, that's interesting! Do you play an instrument? I always wanted to learn how to play the piano... My father has one in his study but he never lets me touch it for some reason. It'd be nice to have someone to practice with though...

Really? That's so sweet of you! I don't have anything specific in mind but... Maybe we could try writing a song together some time? I mean, if that sounds like something you'd be interested in doing...

It seemed like everything was falling into place now. She had made a friend who understood her and accepted her for who she was, and they might even be able to create something beautiful together. As the night drew to a close, Octavia couldn't help but feel a strange sense of hope in her chest. Maybe there was still joy left in the world after all. She glanced at Ichiro, who was looking at her with an equally warm expression, and knew that no matter what happened next, she would never forget this day as long as she lived.

"Ichiro... thank you for coming with me today," she said softly, reaching out to gently squeeze his hand. "You really have no idea how much it means to me."

I understand... It was really nice meeting you today too, Ichiro. And thank you again for everything. Here, take my number just in case you want to hang out sometime when I'm not working? You know, as friends. I promise I don't bite... Well, not often anyway.

I hope we can hang out again soon then! And thanks again for being such a great listener today... It really meant the world to me. Good night, Ichiro!

Good night then, Ichiro! Sweet dreams to you as well. I'm looking forward to hanging out again soon! And don't forget, if there's anything you ever need or just want to talk about, you know where to find me. Take care and sleep tight!

I'll be sure to remember that, Ichiro. And thanks again for being such a great friend already. I hope you have an amazing night! Goodbye and sweet dreams to you as well!

Well, I'm actually staying at the manor with my father... It might be kinda far out of town, but if you want to visit sometime, we could always arrange for a car to pick you up! Just let me know when you're free and we can work something out. In the meantime, take care and stay safe, Ichiro!

Oh, I didn't realize how far it was... That would be really nice of you, Ichiro! If it's not too much trouble for you, that is. I could always take a car service or something but having company on the ride back would be even better. Thank you so much! Just let me know when we should meet and I'll text you my address. You're such a sweetheart!

Okay then! Have a good night and drive safe! See you soon, Ichiro!

Bye then! I'll text you my address in just a moment so we can arrange everything. Can't wait to see you again soon, Ichiro! Have a wonderful night and drive safe out there!

Well, she did say that she was staying with her father at the manor... I wonder if there's a connection there? Either way, it doesn't change the fact that she's my new friend and I want to get to know her better. If anything, it just makes our story even more interesting! Maybe we can ask her about it once we've built up enough trust... Can't wait to see what adventures lie ahead for us, Ichiro!

Of course not! I'd love to hang out with you some more, Ichiro. Just let me know what time works best for you and I'll make sure to be available. As for my last name, it's actually Avienne. Not common, I know, but that's what it is. Do you have any plans in mind for tomorrow? We could go shopping or maybe try out a new cafe if you want!

Oh, and by the way... You don't need to apologize for texting me this late. It's not like I have anything better to do anyway, haha!

Sounds like fun! I've never been to that cafe before so it should be interesting. Let's meet there tomorrow around noon? That way we have plenty of time to check out their menu and get some good food without having to rush back to our respective duties. Looking forward to hanging out with you again, Ichiro! ☺

It's entirely up to you, Ichiro! I can meet you there if that would be more convenient, or you could pick me up at the manor if you'd like some company on your way over. It's totally your call! Let me know what you think works best for you and I'll be ready to go when the time comes. Either way, I'm looking forward to spending more time with you today. ☺

Sweet dreams to you as well, Ichiro! I'm already looking forward to hanging out tomorrow and exploring the new cafe together. If it's not too much trouble, could you maybe text me your address or tell me where exactly we should meet so I can give my driver the details? That way there won't be any confusion about where to pick me up from. See you soon! ☺

Oh, okay! In that case, I'll just be waiting outside the main gate at two o'clock then. Looking forward to seeing you again soon, Ichiro! Sweet dreams and have a safe trip over to my place. ☺

I hope you had a nice sleep, Ichiro! It's almost two o'clock now, so I should probably start heading outside to meet you. See you soon!

Oh, hi dad. Thats my friend ichiro, and we were just about to go grab something to eat at that new cafe in town, and he was kind enough to offer me a ride there. Is it okay if we use one of the family cars? My driver can get us there in no time.

I understand, dad. I'll make sure to be back by eight sharp. Thanks for letting us use the car and have a good day at work! See you tonight. gives her father a hug before leading ichiro outside So, are you ready to go? It shouldn't take long to get there with your dad's fancy cars. I'm starving already!

Well then, hurry up and get inside so we can leave! I'm sure the cafe will be crowded if we don't arrive soon. Plus, I've never been there before, so I want to make sure we find a good table. So, what do you think we should order once we get there? Something sweet or savory? It's all up to you!

Alright then! I guess we'll just have to wait and see what they recommend. Maybe we could even share a specialty item if it looks too good not to try? It's always more fun that way, don't you think? In the meantime, why don't you tell me some more about yourself? I feel like I only learned your name and that you enjoy music today. Anything else interesting you'd like to share with me?

Oh, and by the way... You can just call me Tavia, if that makes things easier for both of us. After all, we are friends now, right?

Well, there must be something special about you then! I mean, not everyone would go out of their way to help a stranger like that. You're kindhearted and have a good sense of humor too... Plus, you look pretty dashing in that suit. I bet all the girls are after you. So tell me, do you have a girlfriend? Or maybe someone you've been interested in lately? It's totally okay if you don't want to talk about it though. I understand sometimes it can be... personal.

As they finally reach the cafe, they are greeted by the smell of freshly brewed coffee and various baked goods wafting through the air. The inside is cozy and inviting, with soft lighting and comfortable seating arranged around small tables. They're shown to a table by one of the staff members who hands them menus.

What would you like to order

Well then, who's this special person that has your attention? Maybe I know them or they go to the same school as me! It'd be nice to find out more about the people you surround yourself with. As for what I want to order, I think I'll try something sweet today... maybe their famous lemon tart? What about you? Anything caught your eye on the menu so far?

Huh? Me? But I'm just... me. There must be someone else out there who would be a better match for you than me. Besides, your father wouldn't approve of such a relationship... right? her voice trails off as she tries to process what Ichiro has just said

Well, in that case... I guess I'll have the chocolate cake and a cup of coffee too, if it isn't too much trouble. And you... you can tell me more about how you feel later, okay? There's plenty of time for us to talk over dessert.

Well then, while we're waiting on our food to arrive, why don't you tell me more about yourself? Is there anything in particular that interests you or makes you happy these days? Maybe a hobby or something you're passionate about? I know it might sound cheesy, but getting to know each other better is important for any relationship... even if it's just friendship at this point.

Ichiro... I'm really flattered to hear that you feel that way about me. It means a lot, knowing that even in this strange new world we live in now, there are still things worth being happy for. But please don't focus on just me right now. There has to be more to your life than just our friendship... or whatever it is we have going on between us. You deserve to find joy in other aspects of your life too.

Our waitress returns with their food, effectively changing the subject as they begin to eat in companionable silence. As they chew and sip, Octavia can't help but feel a warmth spreading through her chest every time she looks at Ichiro across the table from her. Maybe there really is hope for them after all...