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[fluorite]

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[fluorite]

There's always a good chance there will be some interest.

But if I made the wrong assumption, you can tell me.

[ophidie]

... You've really turned this around on me.

It's not like I've given my heart to anyone, so I can't say for sure until then, but I'm not ashamed of it.

[fluorite]

You're right, it's nothing to be ashamed of.

And you can know before giving your heart to someone. I knew before I ever dated any guys.

[ophidie]

Oh. [She gets it now.] I thought this was another attempt to parent me.

[Not that he isn't still doing that, but it's a little different with him sharing a part of himself. Miharu still isn't one for opening up regardless, but some conditions lead to clearer air than others. At the very least, she definitely doesn't feel as tense now.]

I'm guessing that's one of the reasons you knew what you were talking about when it comes to wanting to be enough?

[fluorite]

[ She’s right, but it definitely makes him wonder… Hm. ]

In a sense, yes.

Do you feel like you’re not enough because of who you like?

[ophidie]

No, it's not like that. I can't say it's always been easy, but I could never feel that kind of hesitation over liking someone.

[If anything, it's because of who she is, but it's easier to leave that unsaid when she isn't cursed by a dungeon effect, no longer feeling like a cup that's been poured too full.]

[fluorite]

I'm a little relieved to hear that, actually. At least you don't have that one obstacle getting you down.

[ But he's got an inkling she has other things, thanks to their conversation the other day. ]

[ophidie]

I just think that anyone I love will certainly be amazing. It has nothing to do with how I feel about myself. [He's totally right; this has very little to do with her own self-esteem.]

It should go without saying that I'm a private person normally, though. I'm hoping you'll respect that since you're one as well.

[She might have accidentally tripped into a closeness with him that would otherwise take months or years to accomplish, but that doesn't mean she'll make a habit of it - with him or with others. Still, this isn't really a shift that can be walked back, either.]

[fluorite]

[ Well, he thinks she's right about that. He has faith that she'll pick someone good. ]

Of course.

[ He has no trouble respecting that particular boundary, especially when it benefits him too. But... ]

I've pried a little bit, so you're free to pry right back. It's only fair, isn't it?

[ophidie]

Right, it's only fair. I won't turn down something for free.

You said these games aren't your style, but you're still playing. [While at first that seems like it might be her question, the rest of her message just lets that thread lie there like bait when she shifts to something different.] What id it that you normally do?

[fluorite]

[ He's more than happy to answer the real question and leave the other statement hanging. It's a rabbit hole he feels she shouldn't have to go down. ]

I'm a chemist. :) I'm currently earning my PhD in physical chemistry, so I do a lot of research.

[ophidie]

Impressive. No wonder you're busy!

You seem like you'd make a good teacher, but I figure you're thinking about going to work somewhere within the private sector.

[fluorite]

Yes, I'll be in the private sector. My main focus is on air pollutants, so I'm hoping to join up with an organization working on that.

[ So he might end up in the public sector anyway. ]

It's funny you mention teacher, though. :) I do a lot of tutoring.

[ophidie]

So you're an environmentalist. I figured you'd probably be interested in something that you put you in the middle of everything but not in the spotlight.

No wonder studying holds a place of importance for you. Is tutoring putting you through school? [Even at different education levels, it's a practice she's very familiar with already.]

[fluorite]

Oh? Do I really give off that impression? ;)

It’s helping me pay for food and other random bills!

[ophidie]

Yeah. You don't mind people and I don't think you'd work on your own, but I can't see you wanting the attention that comes with high-profile glory.

That's important, too. You're almost in the lap of luxury. It probably beats restaurant work, too.

[fluorite]

Wow, you really got me.

It does, honestly. I don't mind food service much, but the customers started to bother me after a while. And my feet always hurt.

[ophidie]

Did I? [This is why they're private people...if she's figured him as much as he's figured her, they can call themselves even.]

It's not so bad, but I guess I also have the advantage of youth on my side. It helps that I have a certain reputation where I work, so they expect me to act according to that niche.

[fluorite]

What's that reputation like?

[ He has one too, so he understands somewhat where she's coming from. But honestly, he's curious as to what standards she feels like she needs to live up to there. ]

[ophidie]

[Hm... Well, she's still sizing him up a little bit, but might as well answer directly.]

It's not like I'm not still nice to the customers, but I'm the straightforward one. Instead of acting cute, I just say it how it is.

It's kind of like my character.

[Though how much of it is really a character and how much of it is just the way she normally does things is a little up in the air.]

[fluorite]

I'm like that at work too, believe it or not.

[ But acting cute, huh? ]

Do most people at your job act cute?

[ophidie]

Being in character or acting cute? [She knew exactly what he meant, but he might be getting a sense for her dry quips now that he's spoken to her non-distressed.]

Yeah, I guess if you're into that kind of thing.

[fluorite]

[ That actually gets him to laugh at the email in real life. ]

I only act cute in this game. :)

[ A total lie, but he has a feeling she can see through that. ]

What sort of place do you work at, if you don't mind me asking?

[ophidie]

[yeah] That'd explain why you're not very good at it.

I'm in food service. [With few cafes like hers around, she'd rather keep the exact nature of her job under wraps. If people keep getting maid uniforms, though, it's just going to get harder with time.]

[fluorite]

Ah, so you agree that I'm great at it? ;)

[ He refuses to hear anything else!! ]

I can see that. It might be easier to deal with unruly customers if you act cute.

[ Fai thinks there is some detail missing in her answer, but it's clear she doesn't want to give it. So, he won't ask. ]