But still, you must've been waiting a while... [ So Lapis does feel a little bad. She'll just have to insist Jinwoo lets her know for a next time. For a potential next time. She's overthinking this.
Then he holds the vase out to her, and she just. Freezes for a moment, clearly surprised despite how it's so obvious. And then he says about getting her a bouquet for her next birthday, and -
- Her cheeks are burning before she realises it, and it's far too late to try to hide it. But she manages to balance the bouquet in her arm to reach for the vase, holding it as if it's something precious. And for Lapis, it is. ]
That's... Thank you. [ She hesitates, quickly clearing her throat as she snaps out of her stupor. ] T-this is so sweet of you, I don't...
[ Wait hold on they're still outside the block. ]
S-sorry, I... L-let's move to my room! [ Out of public view so she can salvage some of her composure. ]
Still, just... just message me next time. Or even just wait in my room.
[ Is Lapis aware of the implications? Maybe, but also she does not care and has no issues with just... letting him in when she's not there.
Anyway, to her room. It gives her time to cool off, and when they step in there's an... attempt at motioning him to take a seat. On the one seat in the room. She needs to save up to decorate...
But the flowers are a good start, and she places the vase on the nightstand; not able to stop herself from smiling now. ]
Thank you again, Jinwoo. These are beautiful... [ And also real. She remembers the price Tsuru gave her. ]
[ Jinwoo isn't sure if he could even get into Lapis' room while she's not inside. And even if that was a possibility... well. Messaging is better. After walking in, he removes his shoes and takes a seat. It's surprising to see that even the room's layout is the same—after giving it some thought, it makes sense for LILITH to arrange them like that. ]
Glad you like them. [ Oh no, the price question. ] No, I didn't.
[ So long as he isn't Man Standing outside the block again. ]
Good.
[ Lapis will be holding him to that. She takes a seat on her bed now, though her eyes stay focused on the flowers for a moment longer. ]
Of course I like them. [ Then her gaze flickers to Jinwoo, her smile brightening just slightly. ] And glad to hear it. I wonder if we just missed each other then, since I got a pretty good price on these flowers too.
[ The mention of home makes her smile falter, becoming something more thoughtful. ]
They do... I used to garden when I could, back home. So I wanted flowers for my room...
[ And there he was, waiting there with them. The thought makes her smile briefly return. ]
Though now I'll need to get you something you really like in return.
Sounds like it. [ He wasn't paying as much attention to his surroundings on his way back as before stepping into the flower shop. ] I hope that guy won't lose his job...
[ Missing zeroes here and there might be terrible for a business, after all. ]
Who knows, maybe you could have your own garden here too.
[ Growing anything in this climate, though... that's another story. ]
You don't need to do that. [ Jinwoo lets out a brief chuckle. ] If you want to, however, that's a different story.
I hope not... Especially if real flowers are that expensive. [ Though it's not like Tsuru seemed even slightly bothered. ] And my own garden... Maybe.
[ It's not possible outside, not with all that pollution in the air, but maybe something in the base. There's a greenhouse here, but she doubts they would let her grow something there. She could always ask though. Or make something like a terrarium...
Sorry Jinwoo, she's going to think deeply about that for a moment. ]
I want to do it, so I'm doing it. [ Pause. ] Though now I need to figure out what kind of things you really like.
You really do like fighting, huh. [ The 'whys' behind that make her a little curious but... It's not her place, so she won't pry. ] Though you can't do that all the time...
[ What he doesn't say is that he misses that high a little. But maybe there's something else he can do in the meantime if leveling up isn't possible. ]
The game center? I walked next to it but didn't go inside. Do you want to try it out?
[ Lapis simply tilts her head, seeming to consider that. She never found much enjoyment in fighting - it was necessary, but that was it... But there was a sense of accomplishment, when she overcame something difficult. Defeated an enemy that gave her trouble.
So maybe she can understand that?
Though Jinwoo asking her if she wants to try makes her blink, pausing for a moment. ]
I've never... really played video games before. [ Oh god that sounds bad actually. ] But trying couldn't hurt.
[ Maybe he could get his leveling up drug there, then... Jinwoo doesn't mention that after seeing that spark in Lapis' eyes after he mentioned gardening, though. ]
We'll think of something.
[ A small correction was necessary. ]
Maybe picking up cooking wouldn't be too bad considering what they're serving in the cafeteria.
[ He can cook a few simple meals, but that's about it. ]
[ The correction gets a blink, but her expression settles into something almost sheepish as she nods. Lapis hadn't really expected him to be anything but politely interested, so it's a little... nice to hear he wants to help with gardening escapades.
Then he mentions cooking, and she nods as she taps a finger against her chin. That would be practical to learn... ]
That sounds like a good idea. I know how to make some things - [ We are not including whale cake in this, culinary abomination that it is. ] - but it would be nice not to rely on LILITH for food.
[ Maybe Jinwoo hasn't realized yet that he's looking for opportunities to spend more time with Lapis. No, actually, it's very likely that he hasn't figured that one out. ]
What are the chances that the next kaiju is a big chicken? Or a cow...
[ While he has nothing against delicious in dungeon-ing monsters, he'd rather not see monster dishes become regular ones at the cafeteria. ]
I could try to learn how to cook your favorite food, and you could try learning something I like.
[ Considering how much time Lapis has spent alone, she's finding she's enjoying being able to spend time with someone. And she likes how at ease she feels around Jinwoo as well, so it only makes sense to keep seeking him out. ]
Maybe... twenty percent? Though I'm not sure if I want to make a habit of eating monsters.
[ She still wants normal things in her diet. Or as normal as they can get around here.
And his idea quickly gets her to perk up again, immediately nodding in response. Learning to cook is good, but learning more about what he likes makes it a bit better. ]
Oh! We could do that. [ Pause. ] What's your favourite food?
[ So pretty small. He doesn't even question the maths behind that probability. ]
I like fried chicken. [ Nothing too fancy, but that works in his favor right now—he doesn't want to force Lapis to learn how to cook a complicated dish. Besides, he asked about a big chicken kaiju for a reason. ] And yours?
[ Don't question the maths Lapis is terrible at maths. ]
Fried chicken... Okay, I'll remember that. [ Time to learn to make the best fried chicken ever, because she's a perfectionist who won't allow anything less.
But then Jinwoo asks her and she pauses for a moment. Or two. ]
Um... [ What does she eat when she's tired and stressed - ] Pancakes. Sweets ones, usually.
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Then he holds the vase out to her, and she just. Freezes for a moment, clearly surprised despite how it's so obvious. And then he says about getting her a bouquet for her next birthday, and -
- Her cheeks are burning before she realises it, and it's far too late to try to hide it. But she manages to balance the bouquet in her arm to reach for the vase, holding it as if it's something precious. And for Lapis, it is. ]
That's... Thank you. [ She hesitates, quickly clearing her throat as she snaps out of her stupor. ] T-this is so sweet of you, I don't...
[ Wait hold on they're still outside the block. ]
S-sorry, I... L-let's move to my room! [ Out of public view so she can salvage some of her composure. ]
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[ Honestly, he didn't even bother to check, just zoned out for a bit. Besides, this sight was worth the wait. ]
Oh, okay.
[ The implications? He sees none. If she wants him in her room, Jinwoo's getting in there. ]
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[ Is Lapis aware of the implications? Maybe, but also she does not care and has no issues with just... letting him in when she's not there.
Anyway, to her room. It gives her time to cool off, and when they step in there's an... attempt at motioning him to take a seat. On the one seat in the room. She needs to save up to decorate...
But the flowers are a good start, and she places the vase on the nightstand; not able to stop herself from smiling now. ]
Thank you again, Jinwoo. These are beautiful... [ And also real. She remembers the price Tsuru gave her. ]
... You didn't spend too much on these, right.
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[ Jinwoo isn't sure if he could even get into Lapis' room while she's not inside. And even if that was a possibility... well. Messaging is better. After walking in, he removes his shoes and takes a seat. It's surprising to see that even the room's layout is the same—after giving it some thought, it makes sense for LILITH to arrange them like that. ]
Glad you like them. [ Oh no, the price question. ] No, I didn't.
[ Honestly, Tsuru offered him a great deal. ]
These feel more like home, so...
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Good.
[ Lapis will be holding him to that. She takes a seat on her bed now, though her eyes stay focused on the flowers for a moment longer. ]
Of course I like them. [ Then her gaze flickers to Jinwoo, her smile brightening just slightly. ] And glad to hear it. I wonder if we just missed each other then, since I got a pretty good price on these flowers too.
[ The mention of home makes her smile falter, becoming something more thoughtful. ]
They do... I used to garden when I could, back home. So I wanted flowers for my room...
[ And there he was, waiting there with them. The thought makes her smile briefly return. ]
Though now I'll need to get you something you really like in return.
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[ Missing zeroes here and there might be terrible for a business, after all. ]
Who knows, maybe you could have your own garden here too.
[ Growing anything in this climate, though... that's another story. ]
You don't need to do that. [ Jinwoo lets out a brief chuckle. ] If you want to, however, that's a different story.
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[ It's not possible outside, not with all that pollution in the air, but maybe something in the base. There's a greenhouse here, but she doubts they would let her grow something there. She could always ask though. Or make something like a terrarium...
Sorry Jinwoo, she's going to think deeply about that for a moment. ]
I want to do it, so I'm doing it. [ Pause. ] Though now I need to figure out what kind of things you really like.
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[ Not because he wants to keep it a secret on purpose, though. After saying that, he can't leave Lapis hanging, even if it feels silly to admit it. ]
I don't have many hobbies... if any. I didn't have much time for myself for the past few years.
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[ Lapis can't really judge - it's not like she has many hobbies either outside of gardening and the occasional baking - but it does make her pause. ]
What do you usually do in your free time here, then?
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I had commitments. I still do.
[ He can't tell Lapis that when he wasn't joining dungeon raids, he was either unconscious or injured. ]
I hit the gym or the simulation arena. Or I just walk around the city.
[ It's nyoom around the city, actually. ]
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Mm, I can understand that. [ Considering how much of a workaholic she is.
But those don't really sound like. Hobbies..... ]
And you have fun doing those?
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[ Which SUCKS... ]
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You really do like fighting, huh. [ The 'whys' behind that make her a little curious but... It's not her place, so she won't pry. ] Though you can't do that all the time...
[ Think, think. What do people do for fun. ]
Have you tried going to that, uh, game center?
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[ What he doesn't say is that he misses that high a little. But maybe there's something else he can do in the meantime if leveling up isn't possible. ]
The game center? I walked next to it but didn't go inside. Do you want to try it out?
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So maybe she can understand that?
Though Jinwoo asking her if she wants to try makes her blink, pausing for a moment. ]
I've never... really played video games before. [ Oh god that sounds bad actually. ] But trying couldn't hurt.
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[ It occurred to him only now. ]
Maybe I can try gardening too?
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[ Not that she never tried it, it looks more headache-inducing than anything else.
And hearing that he might be interested in gardening gets her to perk up, her eyes lighting up for a brief moment. ]
You could! Maybe I'll see if that's possible in the greenhouse... If not, I can try to think of something.
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[ Maybe he could get his leveling up drug there, then... Jinwoo doesn't mention that after seeing that spark in Lapis' eyes after he mentioned gardening, though. ]
We'll think of something.
[ A small correction was necessary. ]
Maybe picking up cooking wouldn't be too bad considering what they're serving in the cafeteria.
[ He can cook a few simple meals, but that's about it. ]
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Then he mentions cooking, and she nods as she taps a finger against her chin. That would be practical to learn... ]
That sounds like a good idea. I know how to make some things - [ We are not including whale cake in this, culinary abomination that it is. ] - but it would be nice not to rely on LILITH for food.
And make stuff that we actually like.
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What are the chances that the next kaiju is a big chicken? Or a cow...
[ While he has nothing against delicious in dungeon-ing monsters, he'd rather not see monster dishes become regular ones at the cafeteria. ]
I could try to learn how to cook your favorite food, and you could try learning something I like.
[ Just putting the idea out there. ]
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Maybe... twenty percent? Though I'm not sure if I want to make a habit of eating monsters.
[ She still wants normal things in her diet. Or as normal as they can get around here.
And his idea quickly gets her to perk up again, immediately nodding in response. Learning to cook is good, but learning more about what he likes makes it a bit better. ]
Oh! We could do that. [ Pause. ] What's your favourite food?
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[ So pretty small. He doesn't even question the maths behind that probability. ]
I like fried chicken. [ Nothing too fancy, but that works in his favor right now—he doesn't want to force Lapis to learn how to cook a complicated dish. Besides, he asked about a big chicken kaiju for a reason. ] And yours?
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Fried chicken... Okay, I'll remember that. [ Time to learn to make the best fried chicken ever, because she's a perfectionist who won't allow anything less.
But then Jinwoo asks her and she pauses for a moment. Or two. ]
Um... [ What does she eat when she's tired and stressed - ] Pancakes. Sweets ones, usually.
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[ That answer both surprises him and makes sense. Jinwoo can't really explain it. ]
I'll try my best not to get kicked out of the kitchen while I'm learning.
[ He might reserve some funds for extra frying pans, though... ]
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[ If Lapis had a really bad day, she can cover them in so much fruit and chocolate. ]
And I'm sure you'll do fine! We can help each other.
[ Best to get the frying pans just in case, though. ]
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