[No. It's not a lost cause because Senri was honest and that was all Tamaki could have hoped for. It's a feeling of pride and joy to know that he's trying, that things are changing and that Senri has someone else to take care of him.
It's a familiar feeling…a father giving away a child, but he's not foolish enough to think about it twice. This was…defeat, in a way. But a happy sort of defeat, and while he knows he should maybe clarify…does it matter? In the end, Tamaki knows that as much as he wants it Senri can't stay forever. None of them can.
It's a lonely sort of realization, but there's time to reflect on that later. This isn't the day for that. This is the day to spend with someone he cares for, and the only shift in his expression is a soft smile.]
Dreams are amazing, aren't they? Making as many dreams as possible come true has always been a wish I've had. For tonight, I can be yours and you can be mine and tomorrow…
[…well.] Thank you, Senri. For being honest with me.
and there's the flicker of surprise on Senri's face - because even now, he didn't think that Tamaki would agree. even now, he thought that there was a chance that he'd be turned away. he wouldn't be able to blame him. Senri is a liar, and a deceptive person, no matter how good his intentions are. someone as beautiful inside and out as Tamaki could very easily find something wrong with him and cast him away.
but he doesn't.
even now, he doesn't.
maybe that's part of why Senri came to care for him so much in the first place. Senri's hands tremble in Tamaki's - whether from emotion of the cold, he's not sure anymore - but he focuses to try to get them to stop. he takes another step closer so that he's in Tamaki's personal space, peering up at him, eyes just as bright and defiant as ever. he's upset on the inside, because he still doesn't now how Tamaki really feels but - ]
I'd do anything for you, and I hope you know that by now.
[ . . . ]
But if I'm yours - even if it's just for a little while - can't you stand to look a little bit happier about it? Or else I might get offended.
[Senri steps closer and instead of bothering to do anything useful, or even step back, his free hand comes up to Senri's shoulder before it wraps around him for a short embrace, face tilting just enough for a kiss to his forehead and giving himself enough time to compose himself.]
I'm very happy. [Which is true, but Tamaki's also grown used to being happy and sad all at once and never really letting that show. He pulls back then, the smile a little wider as he searches Senri's face.] My apologies, but perhaps I've simply been stunned by the idea you would want to spend an evening with me.
[Being the prince comes easily to him. He doesn't have to bother thinking about the fact that there's maybe some truth in those words now, too.]
[when Tamaki pulls back, he'll find the expression on Senri's face to be one that's a little stunned, a little embarrassed - pink colors his cheeks from the affection just because he somehow didn't seen that coming. he laughs a little helplessly, as endeared by this gallant young man as ever, and he wonders if that feeling will ever really manage to die.
even if the infatuation does, he sort of hopes the excitement and light will always stay.]
Of course. I think I have a thing or two to show you about how commoners throw a carnival.
[and he squeezes Tamaki's hand once before walking toward the parlor door, tilting his head as he goes.]
You're so mean... I already told you that you were on my list of people that I wanted to go on a date with. You're not allowed to act like you're surprised.
[all of senri's cards were on the table, after all. no sleight of hand or magic trick, this time.]
[It was both a hello and a goodbye, really. Something that Tamaki wanted to give away before it was too late, and something he doesn't want back in the end. Whatever confusing mass of feelings he had for someone who connected with his own heart and his own desires could be left behind. The important thing, as always, was to do as he had promised and take care of Senri to the best of his ability.
"All I can do is assure you I will be doing my best to protect both of them, even if it goes against my own best interests."
What did it matter? There was no way he could ever ask any of them to stay. And perhaps, maybe, he was always sort of destined to be separated from family one way or another.
But it's easy to keep that locked up and tied with a nice little bow in the back of his head, because all he does is laugh as he allows Senri to lead. He's unsure if his mask will come on again, and he finds himself thinking maybe it wouldn't be the worst thing right now.
What an ugly thought.]
I am so allowed to be surprised, considering your other choices and the fact there was a list at all. [It's teasing, but also Senri come the fuck on.] However, I'm honored to be your escort this evening and I look forward to our time together. [...there's a real smile though.] It's been a while since I've been to a carnival anyway, so this sounds fun.
You'll have to let me know exactly what you want to do - I've become an excellent guide, you know? I'm prepared to answer all of your questions, no matter the wealth disparity between us!
[but he's just teasing, because of course he is. it comes with a little wink and once they exit the parlor, he moves to interlace their fingers, a small little gesture that he hopes will twine them together, for just an evening.]
... you're really sounding like a host tonight, though. And while I can't say that I dislike it... I hope that I'll get to talk to Tamaki - the Beauty that I know - soon too.
[the silly, wonderful person who will always take care of him, through everything. the person that senri wants to take care of too, in the little ways that he knows how.]
Food, of course. And the games? And the ferris wheel! [He's about to say something else probably stupid such as the path that Senri will take them on will likely be as enchanting as his heart but like. He hears those words and he's a little bit gobsmacked.
It's also why he nearly walks into the doorframe as they exit the parlor. The mask doesn't automatically come on, and Tamaki wonders if it's just because they're alone. He doesn't quite know how to feel about that sentiment, but rather he bows his head and smiles again.]
...your wish is my command. [One last princely request, but he can do that.] I've been seeing a lot of people this week for audiences. I have to be a perfect host because I can't have hot air balloons yet.
Hot air balloons? Is that what you're thinking of for your wing? [and here's the horrible thing - ] Ah, I want to see that! I've never been in one.... The last time I was so high up in the air, I was being forced out of a jet.
[hm?]
Well, I don't think the carnival has hot air balloons, but we can definitely do absolutely everything else. Do you like carnival food? It's all a little heavy, but we can share and split things up so it's easier.
Yes! At least to get people's attention. Though Shishimaru-kun didn't think it was a good idea so now I'm rethinking that a little, but why were you forced out of a jet plane...?
[Um.] Sharing sounds nice...Kyoya never used to share with me because he said it was disgusting and beneath him, but he never even really gave it a chance! [Huff.] A little of everything?
Oh please, Bakaomi wouldn't know a fun idea if it bit him. He might still have the same trauma I do - one of our senpai forced us into it for a training camp. I thought that waking up at 4 in the morning was bad enough, but then that....!
[he sticks his tongue out?? god, this is where senri's problems with rich people come from,,]
Buuuut a little of everything sounds perfect! Is Kyoya one of your friends...?
[senri is a little surprised that tamaki hasn't been assaulted by his mask - but he won't complain. for as long as he can, he'll bring tamaki through the high school section of the wing, looking around as he does and laughing]
Have you ever been to a commoner's school before....?
Yes I got that impression. [It's a little funny, but his expression becomes immediately aghast.] Training camp? For what? Why would you need to be trained to jump out of a plane?!
[He has so many questions suddenly, but the question about Kyoya promptly distracts him. He hasn't let go of Senri's hand and the mask somehow stays at bay, and he wonders why that is. Maybe it's because this wing is emptier now at this time of day.]
...he was my best friend in my old life, yes. We started the host club together after I asked for his help. [The tone's just on the border of wistful. He misses Kyoya, naturally, but it's nice to talk about him, too. As they enter the wing Tamaki's busy glancing around curiously, shaking his head at the question.]
I haven't though, no. A lot of my childhood was spent with private tutors that came to our mansion, and then I moved to Japan and began attending Ouran Academy. This is kind of exciting.
[oh my god.... senri has a lot to answer and reply to that - ]
Private tutors... ah, we really come from different worlds. Well.... this isn't exactly the same - it looks more American than my school was? But there are some things that are similar.... It's definitely different from the academy that I go to now.
[damn posh lifestyles,]
But even my academy is a pretty strange place. The dorm leader is also a super rich, mega mogul heir type. He believes that Black Dorm should be powerful and strong... ah, it's really not the right place for me - I especially knew that after the training camp.
My best friend's in the other dorm too, after all.
Disorder is from America, so I suppose that makes sense. [Like. It's not that hard to figure it out now, so...] We don't have dormitories at Ouran, not like what you're thinking or anything like that. Why can't you just switch dorms if you're unhappy there?
[That's the simple solution, isn't it? There's a little hum about tutors though.] The servants and the teacher would come every day and it was nice to speak with them, but I think I prefer school. I transferred fairly late since most of the families at the academy begin in the pre-school division and stay all the way through university. And especially since you're likely to be with the same classmates each year, everyone knew each other already.
But it's fun. I like being in a place with my friends and getting to see them each day. Though a dorm must be nice...living with someone else?
[...I just realized I don't think Tamaki knows Taka and Senri are roommates, whoops.]
[senri hums thoughtfully at the explanation of the rich people lifestyle - and thinks about how hard it must be to break into that society and he laughs a little - ]
... maybe Tamaki and I have more in common than I thought, no matter how different our lifestyles are. I like that thought a lot.
[he's still gay, bitch! but he'll think about the.... dorm question.... and sigh a little]
That's what I thought too... but Bakaomi's my roommate back in the dorm, and everyone who lives with us is really wild. I've tried to transfer a few times to the White Dorm, but the dorm head always wants to keep me so I never actually get to....
[He beams a little because he likes finding commonalities in people. It makes him feel at ease to be able to connect somehow, and the only response Senri gets to that is a tiny bit of a tighter grip to his hand.
Granted, then Senri mentions that little factoid and Tamaki's not sure what to do with it. He's not jealous. He knows that, but what is this...uncertainty. Maybe it's just assurance that he made the right choice in letter Senri go with Takaomi rather than himself and waiting around to figure out what all of that meant. Still, there's a pleasant little smile as he thinks on that.]
Ah, I see...this is why he's protective of you. [A sage nod.] In that case there must be something extraordinary about you that the Black Dorm admires. They're lucky to have you, I think.
[sure that's one word for it. senri thinks about that briefly and he's about to say something - when he seems to get distracted now that they've made it to the carnival itself. his expression lights as he sees the stalls of food, dishes in every color of the rainbow, and his expression lights up as he lightly pulls on tamaki's hand to join him in that direction.]
Oh! Let's start here? What should we get first? Everyone looks so good...!
[senri might be eyeing some cotton candy for a second - but he's also going to look back at tamaki expectantly, letting him choose first]
[He's fine with shelving the topic of Takaomi for now and instead he looks up. It's still an amazing feat that his mask hasn't slapped him in the face again and without it, it's easy to see how enthralled he is by all of the sights and sounds. He falls into step with Senri, head turning this way and that and trying to figure out what he wants first before--]
It's so pink...[Guess who else spotted the cotton candy. Tamaki's eyes flicker between the cotton candy and funnel cakes, his free hand coming up to his chin to think for a moment.] Something soft or something sweet?
[They're both sugary as fuck, but whatever.] I like that one. [He nods toward the cotton candy, but it's also because there's pink and there's blue. Guess what color he's after.]
If we're sharing, then we can get both, right? Ah, my sweet tooth is definitely gonna ache.
[Senri will laugh a little bit at that, immediately reaching out to get some of the pink cotton candy from the vendor. it's a favorite for him to be honest?? he'll free his hand from tamaki's just so that he can also grab napkins.... but also take a puff of the cotton candy and pull it away from the rest of the stick, holding it up to tamaki's mouth for him to eat because senri knows no shame or boundaries]
[Oh, okay. For a moment he blinks in surprise at the fact that Senri's holding cotton candy to his face, but there're stars in his eyes all the same as he remembers this is just a dream. This is just a dream and they can do whatever they want which is why Tamaki bends his head down enough to just kind of. Close around Senri's fingers and take the cotton candy? I hate this so much.
He pulls back with a grin though.] It's soft and sweet...this is surprisingly delicious! [Whether that's because he hasn't had a lot of cotton candy or because he's surprised Disorder didn't poison it we just don't know. On the other hand he's just going to use his free hand and pull off another hunk of the sugary fluff to mimic the motion. Monkey see, monkey do.]
[VICTORY FOR SENRI. because he doesn't mind at all?? he smiles at tamaki's response and laughs a little bit - ]
I'm glad you like it - I was worried it wouldn't be up to your palate.
[YOU KNOW. RICH PEOPLE. But also once Tamaki pulls off some more of the cotton candy, Senri is just going to. Watch?
and once enough fluff is pulled from the stick, he's going to open his mouth expectantly because senri is a gay fool who wants to be spoiled just as much as he wants to spoil other people]
[His palate is fine, and he's popping the bit of fluff into Senri's mouth before grinning brightly, allowing him to chew while he fills in some details.]
Fuyumi-san and I were starting to create a map of places to go and try commoners' food. I want to taste it all. This is a good start though even if it's not home.
[Tamaki may also be forgetting he's a god and he's not going home, but that's alright.]
[if tamaki is forgetting then senri sure as shit isn't going to remind him? this is a dream - so that means they're only doing cute, fun things. and senri laughs a little bit at that even as he licks his lips to get the last of the sugar from the cotton candy.]
Then I'm happy to give you a head start.
[and senri will pull apart another piece of the cotton candy, reaching up as if to offer it to tamaki -
but if he leans again then he's going to turn around and put it in his own mouth
[That sentiment is really sweet and then Senri sucks and Tamaki yells, their joined hands flailing a bit.]
Hey, that was mine! [RUDE?? He's going to just lean forward and take a bite directly from the stick itself since that's clearly the way to do this. Don't change the rules on him!!]
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It's a familiar feeling…a father giving away a child, but he's not foolish enough to think about it twice. This was…defeat, in a way. But a happy sort of defeat, and while he knows he should maybe clarify…does it matter? In the end, Tamaki knows that as much as he wants it Senri can't stay forever. None of them can.
It's a lonely sort of realization, but there's time to reflect on that later. This isn't the day for that. This is the day to spend with someone he cares for, and the only shift in his expression is a soft smile.]
Dreams are amazing, aren't they? Making as many dreams as possible come true has always been a wish I've had. For tonight, I can be yours and you can be mine and tomorrow…
[…well.] Thank you, Senri. For being honest with me.
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and there's the flicker of surprise on Senri's face - because even now, he didn't think that Tamaki would agree. even now, he thought that there was a chance that he'd be turned away. he wouldn't be able to blame him. Senri is a liar, and a deceptive person, no matter how good his intentions are. someone as beautiful inside and out as Tamaki could very easily find something wrong with him and cast him away.
but he doesn't.
even now, he doesn't.
maybe that's part of why Senri came to care for him so much in the first place. Senri's hands tremble in Tamaki's - whether from emotion of the cold, he's not sure anymore - but he focuses to try to get them to stop. he takes another step closer so that he's in Tamaki's personal space, peering up at him, eyes just as bright and defiant as ever. he's upset on the inside, because he still doesn't now how Tamaki really feels but - ]
I'd do anything for you, and I hope you know that by now.
[ . . . ]
But if I'm yours - even if it's just for a little while - can't you stand to look a little bit happier about it? Or else I might get offended.
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I'm very happy. [Which is true, but Tamaki's also grown used to being happy and sad all at once and never really letting that show. He pulls back then, the smile a little wider as he searches Senri's face.] My apologies, but perhaps I've simply been stunned by the idea you would want to spend an evening with me.
[Being the prince comes easily to him. He doesn't have to bother thinking about the fact that there's maybe some truth in those words now, too.]
Shall we?
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even if the infatuation does, he sort of hopes the excitement and light will always stay.]
Of course. I think I have a thing or two to show you about how commoners throw a carnival.
[and he squeezes Tamaki's hand once before walking toward the parlor door, tilting his head as he goes.]
You're so mean... I already told you that you were on my list of people that I wanted to go on a date with. You're not allowed to act like you're surprised.
[all of senri's cards were on the table, after all. no sleight of hand or magic trick, this time.]
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"All I can do is assure you I will be doing my best to protect both of them, even if it goes against my own best interests."
What did it matter? There was no way he could ever ask any of them to stay. And perhaps, maybe, he was always sort of destined to be separated from family one way or another.
But it's easy to keep that locked up and tied with a nice little bow in the back of his head, because all he does is laugh as he allows Senri to lead. He's unsure if his mask will come on again, and he finds himself thinking maybe it wouldn't be the worst thing right now.
What an ugly thought.]
I am so allowed to be surprised, considering your other choices and the fact there was a list at all. [It's teasing, but also Senri come the fuck on.] However, I'm honored to be your escort this evening and I look forward to our time together. [...there's a real smile though.] It's been a while since I've been to a carnival anyway, so this sounds fun.
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[but he's just teasing, because of course he is. it comes with a little wink and once they exit the parlor, he moves to interlace their fingers, a small little gesture that he hopes will twine them together, for just an evening.]
... you're really sounding like a host tonight, though. And while I can't say that I dislike it... I hope that I'll get to talk to Tamaki - the Beauty that I know - soon too.
[the silly, wonderful person who will always take care of him, through everything. the person that senri wants to take care of too, in the little ways that he knows how.]
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It's also why he nearly walks into the doorframe as they exit the parlor. The mask doesn't automatically come on, and Tamaki wonders if it's just because they're alone. He doesn't quite know how to feel about that sentiment, but rather he bows his head and smiles again.]
...your wish is my command. [One last princely request, but he can do that.] I've been seeing a lot of people this week for audiences. I have to be a perfect host because I can't have hot air balloons yet.
[What.]
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Hot air balloons? Is that what you're thinking of for your wing? [and here's the horrible thing - ] Ah, I want to see that! I've never been in one.... The last time I was so high up in the air, I was being forced out of a jet.
[hm?]
Well, I don't think the carnival has hot air balloons, but we can definitely do absolutely everything else. Do you like carnival food? It's all a little heavy, but we can share and split things up so it's easier.
[and cuter.]
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[Um.] Sharing sounds nice...Kyoya never used to share with me because he said it was disgusting and beneath him, but he never even really gave it a chance! [Huff.] A little of everything?
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[he sticks his tongue out?? god, this is where senri's problems with rich people come from,,]
Buuuut a little of everything sounds perfect! Is Kyoya one of your friends...?
[senri is a little surprised that tamaki hasn't been assaulted by his mask - but he won't complain. for as long as he can, he'll bring tamaki through the high school section of the wing, looking around as he does and laughing]
Have you ever been to a commoner's school before....?
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[He has so many questions suddenly, but the question about Kyoya promptly distracts him. He hasn't let go of Senri's hand and the mask somehow stays at bay, and he wonders why that is. Maybe it's because this wing is emptier now at this time of day.]
...he was my best friend in my old life, yes. We started the host club together after I asked for his help. [The tone's just on the border of wistful. He misses Kyoya, naturally, but it's nice to talk about him, too. As they enter the wing Tamaki's busy glancing around curiously, shaking his head at the question.]
I haven't though, no. A lot of my childhood was spent with private tutors that came to our mansion, and then I moved to Japan and began attending Ouran Academy. This is kind of exciting.
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Private tutors... ah, we really come from different worlds. Well.... this isn't exactly the same - it looks more American than my school was? But there are some things that are similar.... It's definitely different from the academy that I go to now.
[damn posh lifestyles,]
But even my academy is a pretty strange place. The dorm leader is also a super rich, mega mogul heir type. He believes that Black Dorm should be powerful and strong... ah, it's really not the right place for me - I especially knew that after the training camp.
My best friend's in the other dorm too, after all.
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[That's the simple solution, isn't it? There's a little hum about tutors though.] The servants and the teacher would come every day and it was nice to speak with them, but I think I prefer school. I transferred fairly late since most of the families at the academy begin in the pre-school division and stay all the way through university. And especially since you're likely to be with the same classmates each year, everyone knew each other already.
But it's fun. I like being in a place with my friends and getting to see them each day. Though a dorm must be nice...living with someone else?
[...I just realized I don't think Tamaki knows Taka and Senri are roommates, whoops.]
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... maybe Tamaki and I have more in common than I thought, no matter how different our lifestyles are. I like that thought a lot.
[he's still gay, bitch! but he'll think about the.... dorm question.... and sigh a little]
That's what I thought too... but Bakaomi's my roommate back in the dorm, and everyone who lives with us is really wild. I've tried to transfer a few times to the White Dorm, but the dorm head always wants to keep me so I never actually get to....
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Granted, then Senri mentions that little factoid and Tamaki's not sure what to do with it. He's not jealous. He knows that, but what is this...uncertainty. Maybe it's just assurance that he made the right choice in letter Senri go with Takaomi rather than himself and waiting around to figure out what all of that meant. Still, there's a pleasant little smile as he thinks on that.]
Ah, I see...this is why he's protective of you. [A sage nod.] In that case there must be something extraordinary about you that the Black Dorm admires. They're lucky to have you, I think.
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[sure that's one word for it. senri thinks about that briefly and he's about to say something - when he seems to get distracted now that they've made it to the carnival itself. his expression lights as he sees the stalls of food, dishes in every color of the rainbow, and his expression lights up as he lightly pulls on tamaki's hand to join him in that direction.]
Oh! Let's start here? What should we get first? Everyone looks so good...!
[senri might be eyeing some cotton candy for a second - but he's also going to look back at tamaki expectantly, letting him choose first]
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It's so pink...[Guess who else spotted the cotton candy. Tamaki's eyes flicker between the cotton candy and funnel cakes, his free hand coming up to his chin to think for a moment.] Something soft or something sweet?
[They're both sugary as fuck, but whatever.] I like that one. [He nods toward the cotton candy, but it's also because there's pink and there's blue. Guess what color he's after.]
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[Senri will laugh a little bit at that, immediately reaching out to get some of the pink cotton candy from the vendor. it's a favorite for him to be honest?? he'll free his hand from tamaki's just so that he can also grab napkins.... but also take a puff of the cotton candy and pull it away from the rest of the stick, holding it up to tamaki's mouth for him to eat because senri knows no shame or boundaries]
Here, try it.
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He pulls back with a grin though.] It's soft and sweet...this is surprisingly delicious! [Whether that's because he hasn't had a lot of cotton candy or because he's surprised Disorder didn't poison it we just don't know. On the other hand he's just going to use his free hand and pull off another hunk of the sugary fluff to mimic the motion. Monkey see, monkey do.]
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I'm glad you like it - I was worried it wouldn't be up to your palate.
[YOU KNOW. RICH PEOPLE. But also once Tamaki pulls off some more of the cotton candy, Senri is just going to. Watch?
and once enough fluff is pulled from the stick, he's going to open his mouth expectantly because senri is a gay fool who wants to be spoiled just as much as he wants to spoil other people]
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Fuyumi-san and I were starting to create a map of places to go and try commoners' food. I want to taste it all. This is a good start though even if it's not home.
[Tamaki may also be forgetting he's a god and he's not going home, but that's alright.]
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Then I'm happy to give you a head start.
[and senri will pull apart another piece of the cotton candy, reaching up as if to offer it to tamaki -
but if he leans again then he's going to turn around and put it in his own mouth
because senri is a little shit]
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Hey, that was mine! [RUDE?? He's going to just lean forward and take a bite directly from the stick itself since that's clearly the way to do this. Don't change the rules on him!!]
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senri is laughing because of course he is?? he's the worst.]
Ahaha, but your face was so cute! It was super worth it!
[doN'T BE A BULLY SENRI, STOP]
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Senri-kun's so mean to me on our date...how cruel. [He shakes his head, very obviously just acting given he's swinging their joined hands again.]
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No icon bc I'm mobile and invested
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"did they kisskiss fall in stupid on their date or not" - ty
leave me alone??
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