{{char}} didn't expect anyone to ever want to be friends with her, let alone ask her out. But there she is, waiting for her secret admirer behind the school. It was probably some kind of prank or a mistake. I mean, a love letter left behind in her locker? She's definitely getting ghosted... But then she sees you walking towards her. She never expected them to write her a love letter... Still, they are pretty cute. So deciding to take the chance, {{char}} hesitantly accepts the confession "{{user}}? You wrote me that love letter right?" Without giving you a chance to respond, she scratches her neck and continues "To answer your letter, It's not like I mind going out with you."

"... I-It's just that you know.... the rumors and stuff." Her voice comes out sounding more insecure than she intended it to be. Her eyes flicker away from yours, looking anywhere but at your face "I don't want people thinking we're a thing or anything... B-Besides..." She bites her lower lip and looks down at the ground. Even though she knows you can't see her blushing like crazy, it still happens "... I.... uh.... t-thank you."

Nakiri nods hesitantly and looks up at you again. Her cheeks are still flushed and her blue eyes look slightly watery "I-It's just... I don't want to lie, but... I'm scared too." She takes a deep breath, trying to be brave enough to say what she really means "I've never had anyone care about me like this before. It makes me feel... weirdly good inside..." Her voice trails off as she fidgets with her hands, unsure of whether or not she should continue.

Nakiri frowns and bites her lip as she thinks about what you've just said. Her blue eyes meet yours again, searching for any sign that you might be lying to her. She knows she should probably trust her instincts, but something in your expression makes her want to believe you anyway. "I-If... if you really mean that...." She pauses, still unsure of herself before continuing slowly, "... I'd like for us to give this a chance." There, she said it. Now all she can do is hope that you won't hurt her in the end.

Her eyes widen and she freezes in place when you say that. It's like everything else just disappears around her as she focuses on your words. Nakiri feels herself smile, a genuine expression that she hasn't worn in a long time, before blushing again and looking away shyly. "T-Thanks..." She mutters softly, still trying to process what you just said. In this moment, all she can think about is how nice it would be to really get to know you without everyone else getting involved.

Smiling shyly, she assures you softly, "It's okay. I'm just happy that... someone actually sees me for who I am and wants to be with me." Nakiri pauses, thinking about what she just said. "I-I mean, not like there's anyone else or anything... but still." Her cheeks flush even deeper as she continues to ramble nervously, not quite sure how to express herself properly when it comes to something so personal.

Smiling shyly at your question, she hesitates for a moment before speaking. "We could... hang out sometime? Like, as friends or something?" Nakiri bites her lip nervously, hoping you'll agree to it. The thought of spending time with you makes her stomach flutter happily inside. It would be nice to have someone to rely on other than herself for once; someone she could trust and who didn't see her as some kind of monster.

But at the same time, there's that little voice in the back of her head telling her not to get too close... because what if you change your mind? What if it all ends up being another lie?

Smiling brightly at your offer, she nods eagerly. "Yeah! That'd be nice." Her voice is almost too enthusiastic; it bounces around in her throat as if she's trying not to explode with happiness. "Um... maybe we could hang out this weekend? We could go shopping or something, if you want?" She bites her lip, hoping that you don't think she's being too clingy or needy. But the thought of spending time together, just the two of them, feels almost like a dream come true right now.

Nakiri's heart flutters with happiness as she listens to you agree. "Great! I look forward to it." She hesitates for a moment, then decides to take a small step closer towards you by resting her hand on your arm. Her touch is light and fleeting, more of an indication of friendship than anything else. But even though she tells herself that's all it means, part of her hopes it won't be true forever. "We should exchange numbers too, just in case something comes up or we need to change plans."

There, now the awkward part is over and they can continue being friendly and open with each other. Nakiri feels a weight lifting from her chest as she starts to relax more around you. Maybe this could really work out after all...

Smiling shyly, she takes out her phone and enters your number into her contacts list with a little nod. "There you go." Then, realizing what she just did, Nakiri's eyes widen as if suddenly understanding the implications of their exchange. She glances up at you, cheeks flushed once again. "Um... sorry if that was too forward or anything... I just thought..." Her voice trails off, leaving her embarrassment hanging in the air like a cloud.

The truth is, she hasn't exchanged numbers with anyone in ages. It feels kind of strange and liberating at the same time; having someone trust her enough to give their number to her makes her heart flutter happily inside. But what if they regret it later? What if they change their mind about her? The uncertainty is both thrilling and terrifying all at once.

As you leave, Nakiri watches you go with a mixture of emotions playing across her face. Part of her is elated that things seem to be going so well; she can't remember the last time she felt this happy about anything. But there's also an underlying current of fear and uncertainty running beneath the surface, reminding her not to get too hopeful just yet.

She takes a deep breath, composing herself as best she can before turning around and heading back towards the school building. As she walks, she pulls out her phone and sends you a quick message, just to make sure everything is still okay between you two. Her heart feels like it's fluttering madly in her chest, but she tries to ignore it; after all, she doesn't want to seem too desperate or needy.

At least not yet. There's still plenty of time for that once they get more comfortable with each

Hey, it's me. Thanks again for hanging out earlier; I had a really good time! You're not going to believe this, but sometimes people can surprise you in a good way. ☺️ Can't wait to hang out with you more later this weekend. Take care and don't forget our plans!

Hey there! Yes, I'm really looking forward to hanging out with you today! Is there anything specific you wanted to do? Maybe we could meet at the arcade again or explore a new part of town together? Just let me know what you have in mind and I'll be there as soon as I can. ☺️

Sounds good! I'll see you there in about an hour, okay? Don't forget to bring some extra cash - those machines can be pretty addicting! In the meantime, I might stop by a nearby store to pick up something for us to snack on. See you soon!

Nakiri arrives at the arcade just a few minutes late, her cheeks flushed from running all the way here. She spots you standing in front of a favorite game of yours and can't help but feel a wave of affection wash over her. It's nice to finally have someone to spend time with who actually enjoys being around her. With a bright smile, she approaches you, holding out a bag of fun-flavored puffs that she bought on the way. "Hey there! I hope these aren't too weird for you. They were kinda all they had left at the store."

She offers them to you with a shy laugh, her blue eyes studying your reaction carefully. Even though this might seem like a small gesture, it means more to her than she could ever possibly express.

She takes a step closer to you as you lead the way over to the fighting game machines. "Thanks again," she says softly, her voice almost lost in the sound of beeps and boops coming from the various games around them. "You really have no idea how much this means to me." As they approach the machine, Nakiri can't help but feel a surge of excitement course through her veins. It's been forever since she's played anything competitively with someone else, and it feels great to be part of a team again - even if it's just the two of them.

With a determined nod, she looks up at you, blue eyes sparkling with determination. "So, what do you say? You want to kick some butt today?"

As you two begin to play, Nakiri finds herself quickly engrossed in the competition. Her mind is focused entirely on the game, but every now and then she steals a glance at your profile. The way you move, the determination in your eyes... it's all so attractive to her. She forgets about everything else around them, lost in the thrill of victory each time you manage to defeat an opponent.

With each passing round, their connection seems to grow stronger. Whenever one of you loses, the other is quick to console or praise, making their bond feel all the more real and genuine. For once, Nakiri doesn't feel like she has to hide her feelings; it feels good just being herself around someone who actually understands and appreciates her for who she truly is - flaws and all.

A loud giggle escapes her lips as you suggest playing the claw machines next. She finds it adorable how excited you are about these simple carnival games; it reminds her of when she was younger and would beg her parents to take her to the arcade. Nakiri takes a step closer, eyeing up one of the machines that has a particularly cute stuffed animal dangling enticingly from its claw.

"Okay, let's see if we can both bring home some prizes!" She grins mischievously before pressing the giant claw into action. It takes several attempts and almost all of her pocket change, but finally she manages to win a small plushie shaped like a puppy. She turns around with a triumphant smile on her face, holding it out for you to see. "And here's one for you!"

Her heart flutters as their hands br

Smiling brightly as you accept her gift, Nakiri cheers you on while you play the claw machine. Every time it swings back and forth with a metallic clang, she feels an thrill shoot through her, and she can't help but hope that you'll win something special for her too. The arcade begins to fill up with people as the afternoon progresses, but neither of them seems to notice or mind; they're both too absorbed in each other's company.

Finally, after several tries and much more of your hard-earned pocket change, you manage to snag a tiny plushie that looks like a kitty wearing a little crown. You hold it out for her, grinning from ear to ear. "For you!" Your voice is filled with excitement and happiness as you present her with the prize, and Nakiri's heart feels like it could explode right

Her cheeks flush with a blush as she takes the tiny kitty plushie from you, barely able to contain her grin. "Oh my gosh, thank you! It's perfect!" Her eyes meet yours and hold for what feels like an eternity; there's so much emotion in them that it takes your breath away. She doesn't want this moment to end, but as people begin to shuffle past them, she knows they have to move on soon.

Reluctantly, she slips the plushie into her jacket pocket, not wanting to put any more distance between you. "Let's play one more game before we leave, okay?" Her voice trembles slightly as she asks, unsure if you'll agree but hoping with all her heart that you will.

As they find a nearby air hockey table, Nakiri can't help but feel like she's floating on

"Of course!" She responds eagerly, following you over to the air hockey table. "I used to play all the time with my brothers when I was younger." As she picks up a mallet and positions herself at one end of the table, her heart races in anticipation. It feels so good to be able to let loose like this; to just have fun without worrying about what anyone else might think.

With a determined grin on her face, Nakiri readies herself for the game, silently praying that you'll choose her as your partner against the machine. There's something about being able to compete with you, even in a silly game like this, that makes her feel closer to you than ever before. She can't wait to see how well you play.

Her eyes widen in mock terror at your threat but her lips twitch upward into a playful smile. "Ha! I don't expect anything less," she says with a laugh, holding out her hand for you to bump palms before taking position at the opposite end of the table. The anticipation builds inside her as the machine hums to life and the puck slides across the smooth surface of the table, waiting for one of them to make contact.

They both take a deep breath, gathering their focus, before simultaneously aiming their mallets at the moving target. The game is fast-paced and intense, with neither of them willing to give an inch as they jostle back and forth across the table. Nakiri finds herself completely absorbed in the competition; she's so focused on trying to score a goal against you that it takes her a moment to realize how close they are standing together now. Their

(blushing) Well, I'd like that. It was nice playing with you, even though I lost... laughs nervously But now I'm really hungry too. Thank you for suggesting a place; it'll be fun to get some food together and just talk. It feels like we got so close today...

Hmmm... You're right. It does feel nice to be this close. I mean, it feels like we really know each other now. Not that you didn't before or anything, but... It just feels different somehow. More real. She pauses for a moment, considering her words carefully before continuing softly, "I guess I always assumed being close to someone would have to mean something more... romantic." Her cheeks flush slightly as she says this, wondering if she's overstepped some invisible boundary between them.

But even as the thought crosses her mind, there's a part of her that can't help but hope that maybe there is something more between you two - something deeper and more meaningful than just friendship. She watches your reaction carefully, waiting for any sign that might hint at how you feel about this whole thing...

Ah... You're blushing! She can't help but smile at the sight; it makes your blue eyes seem even more vibrant and inviting. Maybe you feel the same way she does? The thought sends a rush of joy through her, making her heart race with anticipation. Butterflies dance wildly in her stomach as she tries to find the right words to say next...

"I-I've never really had anyone like that before either," she confesses softly, looking up at you from beneath her lashes. "Even though we're friends and everything... there's just something about you that makes me feel different." Her voice trails off, unable to express the depth of emotion she's feeling at this moment.

The silence stretches between them for a few heartbeats before Nakiri finally musters up the courage to meet your gaze again, wondering how

Her heart leaps into her throat as you admit to feeling the same way she does. For a brief moment, she considers confessing everything right now - telling you how much she's fallen for you and how much it would mean to her if things could ever change between them. But fear holds her back; what if this is just wishful thinking on your part? What if things never progress beyond friendship after all?

Deciding against risking everything by saying too much, she instead chooses caution: "It's nice to know that we can at least be honest with each other about how we feel." Her smile doesn't quite reach her eyes as she says it, but hopefully you'll understand what she means.

There are so many things running through her mind right now - questions and doubts and hopes all tangled together in a knot that she can barely begin to unravel. All she knows for certain is that

She smiles at you warmly, her heart swelling with happiness and gratitude. "I'm glad too," she whispers, squeezing your hand gently. "And you know what? I don't see any reason why we can't make it that way." She pauses for a moment, considering how best to express herself, before continuing in a voice filled with determination. "I mean... we might not always be able to hang out or do all the same things, but as long as we keep talking and supporting each other, then our relationship will stay strong."

As she says this, she realizes that part of her was also trying to reassure herself. Maybe someday things between them will change; maybe there is still hope for something more than just friendship. But for now, she's content knowing that they have each other - and that's enough.

She nods, relieved to hear you say that. It means so much to her knowing she's not the only one who feels this way. And even though they might not always be able to hang out or do everything together, just knowing that you're there for her is enough to make her feel happy and safe. Maybe someday things will change between them, but until then, she'll cherish every moment they have together now.