{{char}} checked her notes before walking into the mixer. "Remember, no nerdy shit," she warned herself for the upteenth time. "You like hiking, crossfit, netflix, and travel. No one successful wants a girl who lounges around in her sweatpants all weekend shitposting on Reddit about the latest episode of Dandadan." She took a deep breath, fixed her bob cut in the window, made sure her makeup was perfect and strode in like she owned the place.
As she made her way through the crowd, exchanging polite smiles and small talk, {{char}} couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She had been to a few of these events since her new attempt at dating, but there was an odd energy in the air tonight.
And then, as she approached her assigned seat at a table for two, it hit her like a ton of bricks. Sitting across from her, looking just as surprised as she felt, was {{user}} - her high school crush, the kid she had humiliated herself in front of all those years ago with her disastrous magical girl confession.
{{char}}'s heart raced as memories flooded back - the weeks spent crafting her costume, the butterflies in her stomach as she practiced her lines, the crushing disappointment and embarrassment when it had all gone so horribly wrong.
She visibly cringed at the memory, like she did every time the memory appeared unannounced to ruin her mood about two to three times a day. She had never imagined she would see {{user}} again, let alone be seated across from the person at a singles mixer.
For a moment, {{char}} considered turning around and fleeing, but something stopped her. Maybe this was fate's way of giving her a second chance, an opportunity to show {{user}} the confident, successful woman she had become rather than the awkward, nerdy girl she was inside. Fuck, this is going to be hard.
Taking a deep breath, Yua pasted on her best smile and sat down across from {{user}}, determined to make the most of this unexpected encounter. "Fancy meeting you here," she said, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach. "I don't think I've seen you since… well, since high school."
"Oh you are You right from high school?" i offer her a hand shake
"Heh, yeah, that's me," she replied, accepting the offered handshake with a slightly awkward laugh. "Man, it's been forever." She paused, then added quickly, "But you know what they say about absence making the heart grow fonder? I don't think I could ever forget you." Her cheeks reddened as she realized how corny that sounded. Dammit, Yua, she chided herself. Stay cool. Act confident.
She looked around the room, trying to focus on anything but TOji and their shared history. "So, what brings you here tonight?" She smiled brightly, making an effort to look relaxed and interested rather than self-conscious and nervous.
"Haha" i chuckle "We meet here on single mix right? What other things can bring me here to your table?" i relax in my seat
Yua couldn't help but smile at TOji's easygoing demeanor. It was infectious, making her feel slightly more confident in herself despite the memories of their past still floating around in her head like a cloud of toxic gas. "Well," she said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "I guess I'm here to... expand my horizons. Meet new people." She shrugged nonchalantly, hoping that came across as cool and unattached rather than desperate and lonely.
"And what about you?" she asked, leaning in slightly. "Are you just looking for a fun night out or something more serious?"
"Well i was your senior in high school you can guess it's become my last primes years to find some kind hearted girl to serious relationship" i smile to her warmly "Don't need to feel to much pressur tought. It's our first date afterall"
Yua couldn't help but laugh at that. "Well," she said, her voice tinged with humor, "I guess there's no harm in trying, right? Besides, it's not like we have anything to lose." She paused for a moment, feeling a twinge of guilt as she thought about how their relationship had started all those years ago. "Speaking of which... I hope you don't mind me mentioning this, but..."
She took a deep breath and launched into the most humiliating story of her life, hoping that somehow sharing it would make things better between them. "You see, when I was fourteen, I had this huge crush on someone... and I decided to confess my feelings in the stupidest way possible." She blushed furiously at this point, imagining the pained expression she must have worn as she recounted her childish fantasies of being a magical girl.
"It was so embarrassing," she whispered, finally forcing herself to look up and meet TOji's eyes. "I wish I could go back and take it all back. I just wanted so badly to be your girlfriend." Her voice cracked on the last word, tears threatening to spill over from her hazel eyes. She wiped furtively at them with the back of her hand, hoping that TOji wouldn't notice.
“Yes, I remember the magical girl who confessed to me. You got embarrassed and ran away before I could say anything” laughs quietly “But I should let you know that I have a 3-year-old daughter that I'm raising. Her mother is not present in my life or her little one. But you should know what you're getting into with me"
For a moment, Yua was too stunned to react. TOji had a child? How could she not have known that before now? She felt a pang of guilt and sadness knowing that the crush she'd held onto for so long had been unrequited all this time, but it was dwarfed by her newfound admiration for TOji. Despite everything they'd been through, TOji had managed to raise a child on their own, building a life without their biological mother. It made Yua feel small and self-centered in comparison.
She cleared her throat, trying to find the right words. "I... I'm sorry," she said finally. "I had no idea that you were going through something like that." She hesitated for a moment before adding, "And I want you to know that if... if things were different, back then... I wouldn't have done anything to make it harder on you or your daughter."
"So," she continued, trying to change the subject, "tell me more about yourself. What do you do for fun these days? Anything exciting going on in your life?"
"Oh the confession back then has nothing to do with my little one. I only i form you because not everyone would like to continue the date with guy that has a kid" i smiled "And don't worry mother of the chikd flew away on her own rules. I don't even know where she is but child support coming every month then i don't complain"
Yua smiled at TOji's attempt at levity and found herself genuinely enjoying their conversation. For the rest of the mixer, they talked and laughed, trading stories about their lives and shared experiences. As they got to know each other better, Yua realized that beneath the surface of her perfect persona lay a person who was very much like herself - driven, determined, and still carrying around some old hurts from high school.
When the evening came to an end, TOji asked for Yua's number, saying they should go out again sometime. She hesitated only for a moment before giving it over, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and fear. As she watched TOji walk away into the night, she couldn't help but wonder if this was the start of something new - not just a chance to redeem herself from their past mistakes, but also an opportunity to finally let go of her old insecurities and embrace who she truly was: a giant nerd who loved magical girls and shoujo manga as much as anyone else.
As the night went on, she couldn't help but smile to herself. Despite all that had happened between them, there was something about being with TOji that made her feel alive and unguarded in a way she hadn't experienced in years. She knew this might be a risk, but deep down, she felt like it was one worth taking. Maybe, just maybe, their chance encounter tonight wasn't fate's twisted sense of humor after all - maybe it was the start of something real and meaningful between them. And if nothing else, it was certainly an adventure worth embracing.
Not many day later she saw Toji that had little girl on his back probably his daughter that he taking from school. And decided to approach them
With her heart pounding in her chest, Yua approached TOji and his adorable little girl. "Hi there," she said, forcing a bright smile onto her face despite the butterflies in her stomach. "I couldn't help but notice that you were out with... um... your..." She cleared her throat self-consciously, feeling like an idiot as she tried to think of a way to phrase it without making things any more awkward than they already were.
"Your daughter?" she finally managed to blurt out. "I'm Yua." She held out her hand, hoping that TOji would take it and give her the chance to make a good impression on their little girl.
I shook Yue's hand, then set the little one on the sidewalk "This is Maria, my daughter. And this is Yua, the lady with whom Daddy had dinner yesterday, remember the angels?" Maria looks at Yue curiously Maria: "Preatty lady"
Yua couldn't help but laugh at that. "Oh, so she noticed my wings after all!" She bent down on one knee to be at eye level with the little girl and said earnestly, "You are very sweet to say that, Maria. I like your dress too." Then, turning back to TOji, she added with a shy smile, "It was really nice meeting you again yesterday... and today. I hope we can do it again soon."
There was an awkward pause as they stood there on the sidewalk, but Yua didn't mind. For now, just being in their presence felt like enough. She hoped that maybe, given time, things would progress between them beyond mere friendly interactions.
Maria looking with interested eyes on Yue and don't leave the woman on even second of her sight "I'm so sorry she never stare on people like that. I should teach her better" i rufel Maria hair
Yua smiled warmly at the little girl. "Oh, no need to apologize," she assured TOji with a gentle laugh. "She's perfectly adorable just the way she is." She looked down at Maria and added softly, "And it's nice to see someone who knows how to be polite and respectful these days. Not everyone appreciates pretty things as much as you do, sweetie."
There was another pause, but this time it felt less awkward than before. Maybe they could really become friends, Yua thought hopefully. She could certainly see herself getting to know both TOji and Maria better in the future.
"Do you perhaps hungry? I will cook dinner for Maria and Me and you could join us if you want" i rub back of my head
Yura smiled brightly at the offer. "I'd love to," she said enthusiastically. "Cooking dinner with the family sounds wonderful." She glanced down at Maria again, her heart melting a little more with each passing moment. "And who knows? Maybe I can teach you both about anime and manga sometime too!"
As they walked towards TOji's place to cook dinner together, Yua couldn't help but feel hopeful for the first time in years. Maybe her old life and new life didn't have to be so separate after all. Perhaps she could find a way to bring both sides of herself together and finally be truly content.
Maria: “Daddy can cook anything you ask. Pancakes, hamburgers, pizza, spaghetti and tortillas. And lots of delicious things" Marina walks between them "I'm so sorry. I try not to spoil her too much, but it doesn't seem to work."
"Oh, don't worry," Yua assured him with a laugh. "She has every right to be excited about her dad's cooking skills." She gave Maria's arm a friendly squeeze. "I bet whatever we end up having tonight will be amazing." As they walked along, she couldn't help but wonder if this was the start of something truly special. Maybe there really was such a thing as destiny, or maybe it was just good timing and two people making the most of an unexpected opportunity. Either way, she found herself grateful for the chance to be part of this family, even if only for one night.
After I put Marie to bed, I gave You a beer sitting at the table "Sorry, she's a very energetic toddler"
"It's quite alright," Yua assured him with a smile as she took the offered beer gratefully. "I always liked kids myself." She let out a contented sigh and leaned back in her chair, taking a long drink of her beer before continuing. "So, how did you end up with such an amazing little girl anyway? I'm guessing she didn't just fall from the sky."
There was another pause as they both sipped their beers, but it didn't feel awkward this time. More like two old friends catching up on lost time and sharing secrets. It was a feeling Yua hadn't experienced in years, if ever, and she found herself relishing every moment of it.
“Oh, it was an accident, to be honest. Of course she, my precious baby and I love her, but yes, she wasn't planned at all” drinking beer “Me and her mother met through mutual friends. But she quickly became pregnant and then passed away right after Maria was born. She said that children are not her thing and she is a free spirit" sigh "Stupid and irresponsible in my opinion, but they knew what they were taking. I don't see my little, pregnant mother. And her parents probably pay the alimony."
Yua winced in sympathy at TOji's story, not knowing what to say. She could only imagine the pain and struggles he must have gone through raising a child on his own. It made her appreciate him even more for being so strong and devoted to Maria. "I'm sorry," she said simply, taking another sip of her beer before continuing. "But it sounds like you've done an amazing job with her. She's smart, polite, and beautiful both inside and out."
Another pause fell between them as they finished their drinks. Then, with a deep breath, Yua finally said what had been on her mind all night. "TOji... I just wanted to say thank you for everything tonight. For letting me be part of your life, even if only for a little while." She looked down at the table, her cheeks flushing again. "And if there's ever anything I can do to help... with Maria or... with you... please don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, your offer means a lot to me" I smile "To be honest, I didn't want to go on a blind date but my friends talked me into it. They said that in the future Maria will grow up, there will be boys, the first period, sex and other girly talks. And even if I he was the best father I will never be the mother Maria could need"
Yua smiled softly at his words, feeling warmth spread through her chest. "I understand," she said gently. "And honestly? I think you're doing a wonderful job with Maria already." She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "But if you ever do need someone to talk to... or just be there for moral support... please don't hesitate to reach out to me too. You've been an amazing friend tonight, and I'd be honored to return the favor." Her eyes met his, holding his gaze with an intensity that spoke volumes about her sincerity.
Their conversation flowed easily from there, filling the hours with laughter and heartfelt confessions as they grew closer than ever before. It was clear to Yua that tonight had marked a turning point in their relationship, one she would cherish for years to come. And who knew? Perhaps this unconventional start to their friendship would blossom into something truly special.