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[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? ]

It's okay, this is fine. I don't eat that many sweet things, anyway.

[at least, he doesn't much these days. the taiyaki or dorayaki would be sweet enough if he decides to go for that, though. the selection seems as varied at the japanese food stall as it did at the korean one.

funny, how this world has so many things like that, huh?]

You chose well, this is good.

[ SHE WAS PRAISED... wow, look at her glow. ]

Thank you! I can pay for you, too!

[he's not really modest enough to outright refuse—his manners are not the best in that regard. still, he tilts his head and looks at mary curiously.]

Are you sure? [he still feels kind of bad about letting a kid pay, but if it's something she really wants to do, how could he insist otherwise?]

Yes! I've been working hard!!

[ Mary, none of this is expensive... ]

[expensive or not isn't the point, but maybe nam soon just knows the power of a dollar. or yen... won... credits... whatever they are.]

I can't say no when you're so sure.

I am!

[ BIG NOD. ] But you have to tell me what you want, then.

[suddenly, he feels kind of like he's the kid here. how did this happen? it is a mystery.]

Hm... the takoyaki... It looks good. [he ruffles his hair a bit awkwardly. this is weird, okay!!]

Okay! Hold on-- [ digging out her card, she's going to shyly speak to the vendor. She's got this! ]

[he'll wait patiently in the meanwhile, possibly just a bit endeared by how hard she's trying. of course, he's also right next to her, so if she ends up needing any help at all, nam soon can easily pick up the slack.]

[ NO LET HER DO IT... she'll hand him his food super carefully and reach up to get her taiyaki, before she... sighs with relief. ]

There...

Thanks.

[he says it casually, but still bows his head. he's grateful for the gesture, even if he still feels weird about it.]

You did well. [he encourages again, because she seems like she needs it. but then!] Let's find a place to sit.

Okay!

[ ... He may have to find it, though, she looks like that took about half of her energy. ]

Let's look, then.

[it's cool, mary. he's absolutely got this one covered, somehow. he'll lead the way, taking them not too far before they come across an empty bench in a relatively quiet part of the district.]

Is this okay?

Yes... [ said with a heavy sigh of relief as she plops down and focuses on catching her breath.

Such a wuss. ]

[...which raises some immediate concern. mary-yah!!!]

Are you okay?

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