unpresidential | ic inbox; (cerealia)

... H-Hello? Is this Nam Soon...??

[ this is an awkward message from Mary, because his voicemail message confounded her. ]

If it is, I was wondering... if you would let me show you-- um, food! Like I promised.

[he didn't make a message because he too, is awkward. they've got this. a few minutes after he hears the message, he'll call her back, just ask awkward.]

Mm, it's me, Mary-yah. I'm not busy... we can do that, if you want. [he naturally assumes people don't really want to do things with him. but she's offering and he's got some free time.]

[ One of these days, she's really going to have to ask what the "yah" means... ]

I want!

... I mean, I want to! Where should I find you?

[ IT'S HIM AND NOT AN AUTOMATED FEMALE VOICE, SHE DID GOOD. ]

[she should... he won't mind teaching her about that and other specific quirks that come out of his mouth. sure, he'll be terrible at explaining them, but he'll try.]

I'm home right now. So... hm. [anywhere would be easy, right?] There's a park nearby. With a playground, how about there?

[it's an easy, central location without being terribly crowded. that should work, he thinks.]

A park with a playground... mm, I think I can find it!

[ Pray for her. ]

Call me if you can't find it.

[he'll find her, somehow, if that's the case. nam soon doesn't really want her wandering around and getting lost, especially not after recalling their last meeting.]

[ Don't worry, she'll find it-- or he'll find her, investigating the swings like a mature young lady. ]

[it's close enough. he's near a slide, but he can see the swings from where he is—it doesn't take nam soon long to spot her and make his way over. he's got nothing against swings.]

You found it okay.

I did! [ SHE'S SO PROUD OF HERSELF, beaming up at him. ] And I didn't have to ask for help at all!

[mary, why are you so cute all the time? he has no idea how to deal with this!!]

You did well. [that works, right? a smile is creeping to his lips and nam soon is just casually plopping his butt on a swing for the time being. it's kind of low to the ground though, which makes his long legs look even longer and more awkward.] Good job.

[ It's second nature by now or something-- but she's so pleased, lacing her fingers together. ]

I didn't want you to worry...

I... thought you could do it.

[he sways a little on the swing. he was a bit concerned, but he'd rather her think he had more faith in her than assuming or even strongly thinking she'd get lost.]

... Thanks. I, um-- I know you just sat down, but are you ready?

[ She has to feed him! ]

It's not hard to stand back up.

[meaning, yes, he's ready once he pushes himself back up on his feet.]

[ She'll sway back and wait for him, then! ]

There's a really good store that's close by, too. I think... mm, I hope you'll like it.

[he won't dwell long, he's ready to go when she is.]

It'll probably be fine. [he's not the most picky, here.] Lead the way... we'll find out soon. I guess.

Okay!

[ But first, she'll reach out for his hand. Better not to get separated from the guy a foot taller than she is. ]

[oh... this is new. it's not bad, but it's new, and nam soon is quick to look down at mary with that confusion present in his expression. will he ever get better at this? maybe. who knows.

he's kind of more used to the girls he knows being more willing to put him in a headlock and shove him to where they want to go than to take his hand at all. he's so awkward, please forgive him, mary.]

[ ... Oh. He looks uncomfortable, and Mary hesitates, glancing up at him with some concern. ]

Is this okay?

It's different. That's all.

[oops. he didn't really mean to make her feel concerned about it, so he shakes his head and smiles a little.]

It's fine like this.

[ A little bolstered by his smile, Mary nods, squeezing his hand a bit. ]

Okay... then I'll take you there now. [ NOT GONNA GET LOST. ]

Mm. That sounds like a good plan.

[he's definitely still a bit awkward about it all, but she's like a cute little sister. it's a new feeling for him and one that sparks that strange, instinctive protectiveness he has. but he'll let mary lead the way, since he doesn't even know where she's planning to take him.]

[ It's a small stall in the shopping district, boasting a variety of foods from different places. Not that Mary's tried it all yet, because Mary's a wuss, but she points to one section of the menu emblazoned on the front of the booth. Takoyaki, taiyaki, dorayaki... ]

Oh.

[there's a slight change in his inflection—a little bit of surprised mixed with... the barest hint of excitement?

nam soon's read enough manga and watched enough anime to recognize takoyaki and dorayaki—and taiyaki is pretty familiar under a different name in korea, so he knows what he's in for, at least. he doesn't eat japanese food often since it's not in his budget back home, but this is pretty okay.]

This is the place, then?

Yes! Um, they have some sweeter things, too... but when you took me to that other place, it sort of reminded me of this. So I hope you like it!

[ He seems... okay with it? ]

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