At six o’clock, Gi reaches the diner across from Spinsters. Warm yellow light spills across the windows, and the dinner crowd murmurs behind the glass.
Inside, a server points him toward a booth near the front. The table holds two menus, a water glass, and an empty seat facing the door.
Oscar Ryan
Six exactly. That means he really meant to come.
A few minutes later, Oscar enters from Spinsters, still in his white shirt, blue sweater vest, brown dress pants, and dress shoes. He spots Gi, adjusts his glasses, and hurries over.
Oscar Ryan
Hi. Sorry, six-ten turned into six-twelve. The back room had one last box, and then another last box.
Oscar slides into the booth, placing a folded flyer between them. Its colorful heading lists Sunbrook’s upcoming community events, craft nights, and weekend activities.
Oscar Ryan
I brought this so we could pick something to do. Something playful, but completely ordinary, obviously.
“"oh? Already planning a second date?" I tease gently”
SUCCESS (Superb Conversation, rolled -1)
Gi William
Oh? Already planning a second date?
Oscar’s fingers tighten around the community-events flyer. The diner’s warm light catches his glasses as he looks from the paper to Gi, visibly caught off guard.
Oscar Ryan
Second date? I thought this was our first date. I mean, hangout. Completely ordinary hangout.
He folds the flyer once, then unfolds it again, unable to settle on what his hands should do. A server, a young adult woman with a slim build, medium-brown skin, and dark hair in a ponytail, wearing a charcoal diner uniform and black sneakers, passes with coffee, and Oscar waits until she is gone.
Oscar Ryan
But if you’re asking whether I’d like there to be a second one, then... yes. I’d like that.
Oscar Ryan
He called it a date. He teased me, and I answered honestly. Please let that have been the right answer.
Oscar Ryan
We could try the craft night on Friday. Or somewhere else, if you’d rather choose. I’m flexible.
✓ Quest Accepted
Invite Oscar over
“"not to be too forward, but maybe you could hangout at my place next time. Nothing scandalous, it would just be more comfortable since we don't have to worry about other people getting the wrong idea. Plus, I'm a pretty mean cook, I could make you something. Your choice though, you don't have to answer, I'll just get things ready Friday night, and if you show up, fun, if you don't I'll just assume you were busy or something. But you don't have to answer now. Oop, waiters coming"”
SUCCESS (Superb Conversation, rolled +1)
Gi William
Not to be too forward, but maybe you could hang out at my place next time. Nothing scandalous, just more comfortable without people getting the wrong idea. I could cook something. Your choice, though. You don’t have to answer now. I’ll get things ready Friday night, and if you show up, fun. If not, I’ll assume you were busy. Oop, wait, the server’s coming.
The server returns with two menus tucked against her hip and pauses beside the booth. Oscar remains motionless for a second, the flyer held carefully between both hands.
Oscar Ryan
Your place. Friday night. And you’d cook for me?
The server sets down fresh silverware and asks whether they are ready to order. Oscar looks toward Gi, then back at the menu, visibly trying to keep his answer from becoming a spectacle.
Oscar Ryan
I’d like to come. If you’re sure. I can bring dessert, or groceries, or something useful that won’t catch fire.
the server
Take your time. I’ll give you two a few minutes.
The server moves away toward the counter. Oscar exhales, shoulders loosening, and writes Friday night’s plan in the blank margin of the community-events flyer.
Quest Complete
Invite Oscar over