GB   ...

GB   Hmm.

How long as it been since the two of you have relaxed together like this? In the few moments of respite The Program affords, you feel grateful that it reunited the two of you like this. You're half-tempted to start humming or singing, but it would be quite embarassing to start in front of someone else, out of the blue.

But this is nice. It’s so easy to let your guard down and return to something familiar.

GB   Hey, Oojin?

They look up from their game console, wearing their usual lazy grin.

OJ   what's up

OJ   you look like you have something on your mind

You touch your cheek with your hand.

GB   Goodness. Was it that obvious?

OJ   not in a bad way

GB   Well, I was just thinking about all this.

GB   This whole mess we've found ourselves in.

OJ   understatement

GB   Yes, it's certainly not ideal.

GB   But we're here together. Isn't that peculiar?

GB   It's just like back then.

It was only a few years, back in Letterpal. Before your world turned upside-down, and your family moved all the way to Forest Grove.

GB   It feels like you had the same console, too.

OJ   actually, this is the gamekid 2p

OJ   what i had in middle school was the gamekid advance

OJ   big leap in technology there

GB   Oh, you know what I mean.

GB   It feels like hardly anything has changed.

GB   Well, except...

GB   You seem more grown-up.

OJ   ha

OJ   haha ha

GB   Wh-what's so funny?

They shake their head, shoulders trembling with residual laughter.

OJ   nothing

OJ   just thinking about the bare minimum, here

OJ   i mean, i would hope so, right?

OJ   god forbid you see me again and i've somehow regressed

GB   You say that, but...

GB   There are plenty of people who don't grow as they get older.

Growing is a life-long responsibility, and it saddens you to think of those who lack the ability and willingness to do so. Otherwise, how else will you take care of yourself? Of others, and the world?

OJ   does this 'growth' include height

OJ   because i'm still working on that

You look at Oojin with the most neutral expression you can muster.

GB   And... how's that going?

She closes her eyes.

OJ   bad :(

GB   I'm sorry.

You give them a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

GB   But! That doesn't matter as much.

GB   I'm happy you were able to grow up in a more important way.

GB   Even if I couldn't see you for most of it.

GB   I missed you.

OJ   aww gabby

GB   Is it strange that I missed school you, too?

GB   Becoming teenagers with you?

OJ   gabby, i would've loved to have seen you at dumbass prom

Their personality wasn't so different back then. But it was underlined with a fear and awkwardness you associate with that age. And now, seeing how comfortable they are, completely at peace with their usual weirdness... it's putting you in an introspective mood.

GB   I know you’re not the most outgoing person, but…

GB   You’re confident in some ways that I’m not.

GB   Hee hee.

GB   I'm always second-guessing, you know?

GB   You never know what people will think, how they'll respond.

GB   But you carry yourself in a way that seems... easier.

GB   I wish it were that easy for me.

They tilt their head. Suddenly, you feel the weight of your words, and you cover your mouth.

GB   I, uh -

GB   Wow, that must've come out of nowhere, huh?

GB   I'm sorry!

GB   Don't - don't read too much into it.

GB   I'm sorry if I said something strange, just now.

OJ   no, it's fine

OJ   it's just, haha

OJ   the way you put it, i thought it was an insult

You lower your hand.

GB   The way I - what?

OJ   i mean, i guess i know i can’t change certain parts of myself

OJ   i've lived long enough to learn that i guess

OJ   so it’s easier to run with it

OJ   and not think too hard about it

OJ   instead of trying to be someone people expect highly of

They're smiling, again. Almost as if to reassure you, specifically.

OJ   besides

OJ   it’s easier being the weird one, y'know?

GB   Oh.

Suddenly, their words sink in, and your eyes widen.

GB   Oh, no, Oojin!

GB   I - I didn’t say you were weird!

GB   Not at all!

OJ   huh

OJ   you didn’t?

Oojin blinks. For a moment, they seem somewhat dazed. Like they were thinking too many things at once. But they tilt their head and shrug, like they didn't see much of a problem anyway.

OJ   i guess not out loud

OJ   but that’s what you meant, right?

Goodness. That's what you get for getting lost in thought. You don't even remember what you've said or thought anymore.

Poor Oojin - they could've easily assumed that you were trying to talk down to them in a roundabout way.

GB   I… well…

GB   I mean you’re much more… honest about yourself to other people.

GB   About your flaws, and what people usually try to hide.

GB   We've all got our eccentricities, right?

OJ   right

OJ   character quirks

GB   But you have such a confident way of expressing yourself.

GB   Flaws and all.

GB   Not that that’s not a bad thing!

GB   And I'm not trying to make a... statement on your flaws or anything.

GB   I don’t mean anything negative. I promise.

You fold your hands on your lap.

GB   It just... makes me think about myself.

GB   I'd like to think that I'm much better than the person I used to be.

GB   And I have grown. I'm proud of that.

GB   But that kind of attitude can be dangerous.

GB   It can make you think... you don't have anything else left to learn.

Pride is the most dangerous sin, after all.

GB   So...

GB   I always look for new ways to grow.

GB   Abati used to say that all hardships build character.

GB   That's how I see it.

GB   The worst thing you can do is be too comfortable.

You laugh softly. Oojin nods.

OJ   yeah

OJ   yeah, i get that

OJ   i'm always learning, too

OJ   that's why it's good to get out of your comfort zone

OJ   out of your own head

OJ   to… have some perspective

OJ   it helps a lot

They’re staring at you rather intensely, now. Is this... that important to them?

GB   Right.

GB   I hope I'm helping, too. In that way.

OJ   you are

It's strange. Oojin was never this direct when you were younger.

OJ   don't worry

OJ   you are

Maybe that's just how they grew.