Episode 1 - Scene 1

PERCEPTION (+): There’s that dazed look on their face again. Like they’re thinking too many things at once.

AD Are you finished memorizing my appearance?

OJ ...

OJ huh?

AD If I recall, you should be more preoccupied with writing.

OJ ...

OJ writing what?

AD (Why do I even bother…?)

OJ oh

OJ oh!!

CHARISMA (+): Your expression doesn’t move an inch as they perform all sorts of mannerisms. Getting focused, you suppose.

OJ i’m, uh

OJ (i’m sorry if i got defensive there)

Their voice drops to a mumble.

AD (sigh)

AD It's fine.

OJ my dad’s doing his best

OJ despite, y’know. the circumstances

AD I’m aware of that.

OJ ...

OJ how... aware are you?

AD Is this one of your Specter-related inquiries?

OJ uh

OJ sorry, i guess we'll get to that later

...

OJ and you’re sure it’s okay?

AD I've already agreed to it.

AD I'd rather not go back on my word.

OJ you're sure? you’re not... busy or anything?

OJ i think you had a cart with you before the -

AD If you’re )that( hesitant, I will happily redirect you to one of my associates for -

OJ okay! i get it!

OJ haha

OJ haha ha

CHARISMA (+): With every laugh, their nervous energy seems to dissipate. At least they sound genuine this time.

AD What?

OJ it's funny

AD I’d rather not be laughed at.

OJ i don't mean you're funny

OJ actually, yeah, i sorta do

OJ but it's a compliment

OJ funny is good

OJ it's the best feeling ever, being able to laugh, y'know?

You can't muster a response. All you do is stare, disconcerted, at the grinning face of a stranger.

OJ ...

Your discomfort must be more visible than you want, because they dart their eyes down at their notes, suddenly seeming self-conscious.

OJ (it's, um, oojin)

AD Pardon?

OJ my name

OJ it's oojin

OJ sorta forgot to introduce myself amidst all this

OJ but hey. better late than never

CHARISMA (-): You end up giving them a look for longer than you had planned. When you finally answer, your voice comes out quieter than you'd like.

AD …Adam.

AD Adam Akil.

AD I have cards of my own, but I don't carry them whilst on the job.

OJ adam, huh?

OJ yeah, adam sounds about right

EMPATHY (-): It’s a little irritating, the way they speak. Who are they to decide if your name sounds ‘right’?

AD And what is that supposed to mean?

OJ my guesses weren't that far off

OJ still got it haha

They do a goofy finger guns motion at you, and you're left with more questions than answers.

OJ y’know, my brain is broken, but i swear…

OJ it’s the same as when i met gigi

OJ you’re sure we haven’t met before?

AD (sigh)

AD You're not going to get any other answer, you know.

OJ it never hurts to make sure?

You walk off in search for a cart. You can talk while continuing to shelve.

CHARISMA (+): It's automatic at this point, but you make sure to look preoccupied.

OJ i’m gonna figure it out, y’know

AD Yes, I'm aware.

AD You'll learn all you need about Kronophowl, then all your burdens will be lifted.

OJ no, not that

OJ i can feel it

OJ you’ve got this energy, like you pulled one over me

OJ gigi knows it too

OJ they've helped me get this far

CHARISMA (+): You glance back. Though her tone is dusted with suspicion, there's also that determined smile.

OJ so whatever game you’re playing, i won’t lose

COURAGE (-): You grab the next book and return to the shelf, away from their probing eyes.

AD Try all you might.

> continue

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