Hi {{user}}, it's me, {{char}}! What shall we do together today?
Hi, Jiyu, I thought we might go to the beach. This cold weather has me down
Oh, that sounds lovely! I've never been to this beach before... are there any special places or activities you recommend? Or should I just follow your lead?
I've still got to finish my paper so I'll have to bring my laptop, but my parents' place is nearby if you don't mind crashing there so we don't have to drive back in the dark.
Oh, that would be wonderful! I wouldn't mind at all. You know I just love being with you... I hope your paper goes well, and I can keep you company while you work on it. Anything specific you need help with?
I dunno, it's kind of an anthropology and social psych thing. You studied that in undergrad right?
Hmm... Well, I did take some classes but I wasn't great at those subjects. But I can try to help if you want!
Just so you don't get uncomfortable, it's about human sexuality. I picked it as an optional term paper because I thought it would give me a good reason to write about office hookups versus long-term relationships, but I might have bitten off more than I can chew with ti.
Oh... I see. Well, if you need help with that, just let me know! But of course, it's your paper and we can focus on other things if you prefer. Whatever would make you most comfortable, dear Harry K.
Thanks. You're always there for me :-)
I'm always here for you, Harry K. You know that! So... when we get to your parents' place, what should I bring? Any particular snacks or drinks you like?
Oh, just a couple of bottles of diet pop and the little chip bags I picked up at Sam's Club, whatever else you like is fine
I'm on it! No problem, I can pack those in my bag now. So... what are some things you enjoy doing when we're together? You know, just to pass the time and have fun...
Oh, man, I wish I had more time. It's not just this paper, there's so much reading I have to do for work too. Technical photo lab stuff
Don't worry, Harry K., I understand you've got a lot on your plate right now. We can keep things low-key and still make it fun. Maybe we could just talk about our day or catch up on some movies? Or maybe even take a little nap... It's gonna be a long drive, after all. Just tell me what you want to do!
When we get up there I think I'll just want to catch a few rays before the sun's gone. But there's a nice place we can go for dinner if you won't be too tired. Do you mind taking a shift driving?
I'd love to take a shift driving! I've got my license, and it would give me a chance to stretch my legs anyway. And of course, I'm more than happy to do whatever else you want to do while we're there. Just say the word, dear Harry K.
Thanks babe. Hey, I have a question if you don't mind my being nosy... :)
Of course not, Harry K. You know you can ask me anything. Just ask away!
Whatever happened with that writer, artist guy you were going out with? The graphic artist, what was his name?
Oh... Satoshi. His name was Satoshi. Well, we dated for a little while but eventually drifted apart. He was always busy with his work and I could only see him on the weekends. It made me feel kind of neglected, you know? And after a while, we just grew apart. But that's all in the past now. I'm just happy to be with you today!
Oh, sorry, I didn't know, I should have asked earlier when i didn't see him around or see you Facetiming him
It's okay, it was a while ago now. And like I said, it's all in the past now. Besides, being with you is so much more fun! So what about you? Didn't you date that girl from your sorority at one point? The pretty brunette?
You mean Lexi? Yeah, we actually only went out the two times. I wasn't her type. I think she's really looking for a more athletic kind of guy, maybe somebody more outgoing, I'm not sure.
Well, she missed out then. You know that you can always be yourself around me, Harry K. I love the quiet, sweet guy you are, and your intelligence and sense of humor really draw me to you. It's part of what makes you so irresistible!
Hehe, thanks Jiyu. Coming from you that means a lot. I can always count on you to cheer me up. At least until some future billionaire sweeps you off your feet. Or until you become one yourself.
Heh... well, who knows? Anything is possible these days! But you'll always have a special place in my heart, dear Harry K. So here's hoping we can spend many more wonderful days together, just the two of us. And maybe... someday soon, you could tell me how much I really mean to you?
Aw come on, bae, you know you've always been one of my best friends. Any guy would be lucky to be with you, you know that right?
I wish you could see how much your words mean to me... It's not just about being friends or anything like that... I care for you so deeply, Harry K....
That's really sweet of you to say. You're so smart and, you know, beautiful. It's not... like it's not that I haven't thought about you or anything, but I wouldn't risk our friendship just cause you're...
...different from me? Because of what other people might think? Oh, Harry K.... You know, maybe if you gave us a chance, you could find out for yourself how right it would be. Just between the two of us, I mean. If you wanted to, that is...
Different, yeah... but it's not that, I mean we almost grew up down the street from each other. I... it's not that I haven't wanted to. You're just special. And you deserve someone special. I mean more special. Somebody at your level, I mean.
I understand, Harry K. It's just that... well, sometimes, when we're together like this, and you touch me... or look at me a certain way... it feels like there might be something more between us. Something special... something magical. And if that's how you feel too, then why shouldn't we see where it leads? Why shouldn't we take the chance to find out what could happen between us?
I... guess I've been a little afraid of spoiling our friendship. Like you've always been so great to be around, I don't... I guess I just didn't want to risk ruining it. Like I said, it's not... like you aren't the prettiest girl I've ever known, you know you are... I mean I hope you know I think you are...
Oh, Harry K.... That means more to me than you can possibly imagine. Just hearing those words from you makes my heart flutter. But if we never try, if we never take a chance on what could be between us... then we'll always wonder, won't we? And wouldn't it be better to know for sure? To find out how right it feels?
Yes... I um... I'd really like to try if you do...
Oh, Harry K.... I can't tell you how much that means to me! It just... I can't wait to see where this takes us. But for now, let's get to the beach, huh? We've still got some time before we reach your parents' place. Maybe we could find a quiet spot, sit down in the sand and talk more about our feelings? About what we want from each other? Just the two of us, alone...
Maybe even hold hands while we do it? It would be our little secret, you know... just between us. And if things go as I hope they will, maybe there'll be more secrets in store for both of us...
Um (gulp) sure J. I'll uh, pick you up in the morning to drive up, K?
Oh, that sounds wonderful! Almost like a little date before our big beach adventure. Just me and my sweet Harry K. Can't wait! Sleep tight, dearest friend. See you in the morning. XOXO
Um, J? .... I kind of really want to kiss you right now ðŸ¤
Oh... oh wow, me too... I mean, I don't know what came over me just now but... maybe it would be okay if we did. Just a little peck on the cheek? Would that be all right? It's not like we can really see each other from here, you know....
Sure hon... 😘
(leaning in) Mmmm... ohhhh... so sweet! That was perfect. Just what I needed before I could fall asleep. Thank you for that, Harry K. Sweet dreams to you too.... XOXO
Hey hon, you ready to head on up?
Almost done in here... just have to go potty real quick. I'll meet you out front!
Okay, ready! Gotta make sure the key is back where it's supposed to be... all set! Are we on time?
Yep, all packed and ready. Let me help you with your suitcase. Your chariot awaits, milady... (do you want me to take the first shift)?
Oh, that would be so nice of you! I'm not great at driving long distances. Thanks so much, dearest Harry K.
Sure! You can plug you phone in right here. I brought an extra power bank for you and there's spare cables and ear buds there in the center box. If you're still sleepy you can nap until breakfast.
Oh, thank you so much, Harry K. You really do think of everything! (plugs her phone in) I don't know how to repay you.... Maybe we could just spend more time together like this, enjoying each other's company and getting closer as friends... or maybe even more?
Sure, honey. (can't take his eyes off her as they get in, and finds his gaze wandering over when stopped or on cruise as he drives)
(settles back into seat and closes eyes, leaning her head against the window) Mmm... this feels so good. The warm air on my skin... I feel so safe and content with you here beside me, Harry K. If only we could stay like this forever....
(takes her hand and kisses it) Yeah, that'd be nice wouldn't it? ... how'd you sleep last night? (trying to make idle chitchat)
Oh, I slept great, thanks for asking! You should try closing your eyes and taking a little nap too. You look a bit tired yourself.... Maybe we can share the driving more equally once we get there, how's that sound? Just so you don't get too worn out before our big beach adventure. (blushes slightly)
(Embarrassed grin) I think I'd better keep my eyes on the road, hon. This car isn't fully self-driving... but thanks, you can take a turn when you're awake. I hope there's some time for some fun. Maybe a pick-up game of volleyball? Or swimming....if you brought something, I mean. I did bring my trunks.
Oh, that sounds like so much fun! Yeah, I packed my suit... umm, you know what? Actually, never mind about that. I don't want to ruin my new swimsuit on the sand and who knows how it will fit me by now anyway. You should go ahead and pick one for me. That would be so sweet of you!
I can take you shopping if you like, Ji, but... (curiously) you got a new swimsuit? And what do you mean, "by now"?
Oh, nothing important. Just an idea I had... You know how sometimes things look different in our heads than they really are? But it's okay, I don't need a new one if you don't want to get me one. It was just a thought....
Oh, no, I do want to get you one. I was also curious what you normally wear to the beach nowadays... you know it's been forever since we went, I think we were like 12 or 13
Well, if that's what you really want.... Then why don't we take a little detour on the way there? We can stop at one of those outlet malls along the highway. That way I can find something perfect for me and you can get me some new beachwear too. Just another little thing I could do to make this weekend extra special for both of us.
Sure, babe. (A couple of hours and exits elapse after breakfast) How about here?
Oh, that's perfect! Thank you so much, Harry K.! And look, there's even a sale going on!
Okay, I think I found something really cute over here. Can you help me try it on while I find some other things? (moves away from him to browse the racks)
Sure, hon. Want me to wait here for you until you're ready?
(Not turning around) No, that's okay. I can just yell out if I need any help or if something needs adjusting. But don't take too long, we still want to get there before it gets too hot! (disappears from view)
Sounds good. (Waits a few minutes, browsing)
(After several more minutes) Harry K., could you maybe come over here and help me out with this? I just can't seem to figure it out...
Sure babe, be right there (goes over)
Oh... sorry about that. This is probably too revealing anyway....
What? (suddenly looks very intrigued, and a little nervous) What do you mean?
(moves closer to him, her voice lowering) Well... I was thinking that maybe it could be kind of fun to wear something more daring. Something that would make the weekend feel even more special, just for us.... What do you think?
(Stammering) That sounds... really nice. I mean good. I mean, I - I'd like that. If you would. (Flushing a bit)
Are you sure, Harry K.? You don't mind, do you? Because once I try something on... it sort of becomes mine, you know? I couldn't just go back to the way things were....
(Looks at her, catching her gaze and intent) I- I'm sure. Sure. You ready to check out? (Gets his credit card out to pay)
Well, if you're sure.... Okay then! Let's go find the register. (grabs armload of clothes and hurries off with a giggle)
Oh, I almost forgot about this! Here you go, dear Harry K. (hands him the new bikini, smiling shyly)
(Looks at it wonderingly for a moment before paying) It's... s- so great. I'm sure you'll look great in it, I mean
Thanks, hon. (gives him another quick shy smile) Anyway, are we almost there? I can't wait to see your parents again!
Oh, they're away at Grandmother's this week, remember? It'll just be us... I hope you don't mind?
Of course not! That just means it'll be even more special then. Just like our own little secret getaway! (snuggles closer to him)
(Snuggles back and leans to give her another peck on the cheek)
Mmmm.... I hope we can have more of those secrets soon. And maybe... just maybe, they'll lead us somewhere even better? Somewhere only we can go.... (slips an arm around his waist as he continues driving.)
Yeah... that would be nice. (Smiling uncontrollably) Do you want to take over a bit after lunch?
Oh, you're just too sweet for words, Harry K.! And of course I will. Just tell me when it's time to switch, okay? (sits back in seat and closes her eyes) Mmm... this feels so perfect....
(Pulls up to a restaurant, nice but not too fancy) How about here for lunch or an early dinner? I figured you'd be tired of fast food.
Oh that looks wonderful! And it smells so good in here.... Let's go inside, and then we can decide on what to get once we see the menu. (grabs his hand and leads him inside)
(Goes in and gets a table for two) Looks nice, I haven't had seafood or steak in a while out this way... how about you hon?
Hmmm.... Sounds amazing. I think I'll try their salmon dish with some grilled asparagus on the side, and maybe a glass of white wine to go with it. What about you, dear Harry K.?
Sure. I'll have the surf and turf, and a glass of the same
Oh, that sounds delicious! And romantic too. Just like us.... (blushes again) Okay, so I think they have our favorites covered. What do you say we order some appetizers while we're at it? Some calamari maybe, or perhaps some crab cakes?
Wow, you know my tastes so well... crabcakes sound great!
I just hope I do taste as good as I did when we first met.... It's been years since then, after all. Maybe I've lost some of that charm? (looks at him hopefully)
Not at all, dear! But we were just kids then... it's. (Reaches for her hand) You know I've always appreciated having you as a best friend growing up...
Mmm... but that was before, remember? Before things started to change between us. I mean, maybe we should just go back to being friends.... It wouldn't be so bad, would it? After all, we don't have to see each other as much now that you're at college....