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After the video shoot.
Alright! Good job, Nin! … Nin, you there?
Hey Nin, you okay?
Sorry, Hans… I might not be cut out for this talking thing… Was I any good?
You were amazing, like no kidding! It’s like that initial hesitation of yours was all an act. You spoke so well, especially the timely comebacks! You brought up some points I never would’ve thought of…
Cut it out, will ya? I don’t even know what I was babbling about… I probably just blabbered nonsense.
Why the sudden drop in confidence? You were great! Besides, what matters is the back-and-forth, you know. I talk as much as you, and you just have to react naturally, that’s all! Have some confidence.
Ugh… What’s “natural” anyway? And “confidence”? Mythical creatures, I bet.
Let’s call it a day, yeah? Got class tomorrow, and I need to catch some Z’s.
Sorry, Hans. You did good today…
Cut to Nin’s room
Ever since meeting Hans, it’s all been a whirlwind, rushing to complete our initial video recordings.
Back in the real world, all I see is this messy room. This is who I really am. Yet on camera, I talk big. I’m just a hypocrite, huh?
Hans has classes tomorrow. It’s something to admire, really—his consistency, never throwing in the towel…
Brrring, brrring
Oh, a call?
*Nin’s phone buzzes, showing “Keion” on the screen—he’s always called her Setia, her real name.
Hello? Oh, Keion, is that you?!
Hey Setia, it’s been too long. How you holding up?
(Rustle rustle)
Eh, could be better, to be honest.
What’s all that noise over there?
Sounds like you’re wrestling with more than just your thoughts, huh? But hey, I’ve got something that might cheer you up. Want to hear it?
What is it?
So, I’ve started grad school at Turvie, moved to Verrofu! Just got settled and wanted to catch up… How about we meet up soon?
*Note: Turvie Institute of Technology is located in Verrofu city.
You’re in Verrofu now? That’s awesome, really stoked for you. But buddy, visiting me might be tricky, it’s a bit of a mess here, not exactly a showcase for a neat freak.
Oh, I wasn’t planning to encroach your space. What if we grab a bite at some cozy diner instead?
Actually, I hate to say it, but the idea of stepping outside is as daunting as a spacewalk to me at the moment.
… Setia, you’re starting to worry me. Have you at least managed to let some fresh air in?
The place is swamped, getting to the window is like an obstacle course.
That’s intense. But here’s a thought—let’s ditch the diner idea. How about we just meet at the park near your place this weekend? No pressure, just a simple chat outdoors could do you good, you know?
Maybe…
It’s all good, Setia. If it feels too much when the day comes, just drop me a line, alright?
Alright, deal.
← Previous Episode: [ARLB] #2 How We Met: Accidental Click, Suspicious Text
Next Episode: [ARLB] #4 Hans’s New Term: The Flying Car Seminar→