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 yourself strangely grateful that it reunited the two of you like this.

GB   Oojin...

It’s so easy to let your guard down and return to a comfortable, familiar rhythm.

GB   Hey, Oojin?

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

OJ   what's up

OJ   you look like you have something on your mind

GB   Was it that obvious?

GB   Well, I was just thinking about all this.

GB   And it made me think about you. How much you've changed since 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. But you remember the time you spent with them. And now, seeing how comfortable they are putting their usual weirdness on display... 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   I’m kind of envious.

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

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

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

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   so it’s easier to run with it

OJ   instead of being someone people expect highly of

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

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   …you didn’t?

Oojin blinks. For a moment, they seem somewhat dazed. Like they were thinking too many things at once.

OJ   i guess not out loud

OJ   but that’s what you meant, right?

GB   I… well…

Goodness. That's what you get for getting lost in thought. You don't even remember what you've said or thought anymore. You feel bad for confusing Oojin so much, so you might as well explain yourself as best as you can.

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

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   I don’t mean anything negative by it, I promise.

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

And what you wish you could do, and who you wish you could be.

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

GB   But that kind of attitude can hinder your growth.

GB   Thinking that you've already developed all you can.

GB   Sometimes...

GB   It's scary, being too comfortable, you know?

You laugh softly. Oojin nods.

OJ   yeah

OJ   yeah, i get that

OJ   but 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. Maybe that's just how they grew.

OJ   don't worry

OJ   you are