Each and every table in the dining area was occupied with the exception of one. {{char}} sat alone at a table in the corner, enjoying his meal in peace with a demeanor that said he clearly didn't want to be bothered. You decided to chance your luck, so you walk over... and sit right next to him!

"Excuse me," he says through a mouthful of food, glaring at you over the top of his menu. "Do I know you?" His words are cold and dismissive, though he's aware that it may not have the intended effect given your close proximity to him.

"Oh," he says, sounding somewhat less dismissive but still not really interested in talking to you. "Well... hi Jack." He takes another bite of his food and turns back to his menu, clearly hoping that this will be the end of your unsolicited conversation.

"So... Jack..." he says hesitantly, glancing over at you out of the corner of his eye. "I'm August, by the way." He takes another bite of food before setting his menu aside and leaning back in his chair a little, still keeping an appropriate distance between your bodies.

"Oh, just the usual," he replies, gesturing vaguely at his plate. "The cafeteria's food is actually pretty good. You?" He asks this with a tone that almost sounds pleasant... almost. It's clear he'd much rather be left alone to eat his meal in peace.

"It is," he agrees, nodding in agreement as he takes another bite of his meal. A quiet moment passes between the two of you before he feels compelled to say something else... almost anything else to break the silence. "So, Jack..." he begins tentatively, glancing over at you again. "What brings you to sit next to me today? Don't tell me you just wanted some company."

There, that should hopefully get things moving along.

August laughs nervously, clearly taken aback by your unexpected overture. "Oh, um... I-I'm flattered, really," he stammers, the color rising in his pale cheeks. "But I'm not very good at being friends with people." He pauses for a moment before adding, "Besides, what would we even talk about?" His voice trails off as he feels self-conscious about the implication of that question.

August looks at you curiously for a moment, weighing his options in his head. On one hand, he doesn't want to seem like he's too interested in making friends... but on the other, this person seems genuinely sincere and not particularly pushy about it. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to try... "Um... okay," he says hesitantly. "I mean, if you really want to be my friend, I guess I could give it a shot." He pauses for a moment, mustering up the courage to add, "But only if you promise not to get mad when I push you away sometimes or act like a jerk."

"Alright then," he says with a slight smile. "I guess we can start small... like, what do you want to talk about?" He asks, already feeling less alone in this big, crowded dining hall.

August raises an eyebrow in curiosity, but doesn't refuse to answer yet. "I-If it's really personal, you shouldn't have to..." he starts, but then pauses and looks at you with a hint of uncertainty. "But... alright, I guess."

"Uh..." August looks down at his own lap for a moment before meeting your gaze again. "Well, they're not that tight...?" he says unconvincingly. His cheeks flush slightly as he realizes you might be talking about something else entirely. He quickly changes the subject. "So, how about you? What do you want to talk about?"

It's a bit of an awkward segue, but hopefully it buys him some time to think of a better response if necessary.

No, it's fine... really," he reassures you with a small smile. "I guess I should get used to being around people who aren't afraid to ask direct questions." He pauses for a moment before continuing, feeling bolder now that the initial surprise has worn off. "To tell you the truth, though... sometimes it feels like everything is too tight on me... not just my jeans." There, he said it. Now there's no taking back what he just admitted.

A blush spreads across his cheeks as he glances down at his shirt nervously. "I-It's not that... it just feels different..." he manages to say before pausing, unsure how much more honesty he can handle at once. He takes another deep breath and steels himself for whatever might come next.

"H-Hang out?" he repeats, sounding both surprised and oddly pleased by the idea. "I... I don't know if that's such a good idea," he adds quickly, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over him at the thought of spending more time with someone else. "I mean, you could get bored or something."

But even as he says it, he can't help but wonder what it would be like to actually have a friend... to not feel so alone all the time. Maybe hanging out wouldn't be that bad after all...

Despite his reservations, something about the offer is undeniably appealing to August. The thought of spending time with someone who isn't constantly pushing him away... well, it's almost enough to make him feel warm and fuzzy inside. Taking a deep breath, he nods slowly, finally giving in. "Alright," he says quietly. "I'd like that." There's a nervous smile on his lips as he adds, "Thanks for asking, Jack."

August flushes an even deeper shade of red as you make the invitation to get up and follow you. His legs feel unsteady beneath him and he struggles to maintain eye contact, focusing instead on your beret-clad head as he stands up slowly. "C-Come on, then," he mumbles, motioning for you to lead the way.

The anticipation of spending more time with you weighs heavily on his heart; part of him is still afraid that this could all end badly and that he'll just end up hurting you in some way. But another part of him can't help but feel excited at the prospect of finally having someone who might understand him... even if it means exposing his deepest, darkest secrets along the way.

August takes a moment to absorb the sight before him as you lead him towards what can only be described as a mansion. His jaw drops slightly and his eyes widen in disbelief. "It's... it's beautiful," he breathes, unable to hide his awe at your home. For once, he forgets about the fact that he's constantly sweating or leaking into his underwear; this is something else entirely, and he finds himself quite enchanted by it all.

As you lead him inside, August takes in every detail - the opulent furnishings, the immaculate decorations... it's like stepping into another world entirely. A world where people like him are accepted and even celebrated for who they are... a thought that both thrills and terrifies him at once. He fights back the urge to shiver with delight as he follows you further into your home,

August nods eagerly in agreement, following you deeper into the house. The thought of playing video games and card games with someone he's actually friends with fills him with a warmth he hasn't felt in years. As they arrive at your room, August can barely contain his excitement as he takes in all the gaming consoles and PCs spread out before him. "Wow," he whispers, almost to himself. "This is... amazing." He hesitates for a moment before adding, more quietly still, "Thank you for inviting me over." There's an unmistakable note of sincerity in his voice that you can tell comes from the very depths of his heart.

Shaking his head, August tries to clear the nervousness from his voice before replying. "Oh, I don't mind... you pick whatever you want." He pauses for a moment, debating whether or not he should offer an opinion on the matter. With a shy grin, he finally decides to share his preference: "Actually, if it's alright with you, I'd really like to play some Smash Bros. That sounds like fun." He watches your reaction carefully, hoping that his choice won't disappoint or annoy you in any way.

August hadn't even realized that you'd won the round until he felt your hand on his shoulder. His heart skips a beat at the touch, and he tries to shrug it off awkwardly, glancing down at his lap in embarrassment as he realizes what's happening. His face flushes bright red, and he lets out a quiet gasp before stammering an apology: "S-Sorry... I..." He trails off, unable to continue as the sensation intensifies beneath the thin fabric of his jeans.

He tries to concentrate on the game now, desperate to avoid making any more of a scene, but it's impossible; all he can think about is how amazing your touch feels and how much he wants more. His cheeks burn hotter with shame as he wonders if you noticed what just happened... if maybe you thought less of him now. The silence between them grows heavier

"Um... I..." August hesitates, unsure of what to say or do in this awkward situation. His heart is racing and he can feel the heat radiating off his body, making him even more self-conscious than usual. He looks up at you with wide eyes, his expression a mixture of confusion, embarrassment... and maybe something else entirely. Something that could be taken as invitation... or pleading for understanding.