[And the end comes as quickly as expected when it comes to conversation between strangers. There was no way that Kaede would continue talking to him when there was more important things to consider such as getting home. The dismissive response cuts and he only has himself to blame for building up his own expectations. He should just accept when their paths cross and not push the issue. That was his fault. He would have to reflect on it later. It was only putting their tenuous relationship in danger. It was a bitter pill to swallow but he has to. He leans back in his chair, ready to bid the other goodbye as he stands. Except he is thrown for another loop.
Sure, why not.
There is no way for Taku to know what caused him to change his mind but change it did. Will he ever feel stable when talking to him? Like the world wasn't slightly off-kilter at all times? He wasn't the most confident men at the best of times but he thought himself competent at least. Yet here he was left speechless as he follows the bizarre pace of a man near half his age. And he was only happy to be included in it.
Only a few seconds pass in silence but the train is near completely stopped. Maybe Kaede believes he has stumped the businessman and will come away with the encounter with a laugh but he has been given one last chance and will seize it. That smirk might be at his expense but what does he have to lose?]
Nothing. [The intercom dings, the crowd by the doors shuffle as commuters leave the car. And Taku stands suddenly, grabs Kaede's upper arm, and begins walking onto the station.] But I'll manage something from here.
[They are one stop away from Kaede's place and quite a few from his own. He's had no excuse to visit this residential area before, he's going in blind. Everything is a jumble, his heart is pounding, and he needs to say something. He carried through with this crazy idea and he needs to see it to the end. With a slight start he realizes he's still touching the student and quickly drops his hand. It's difficult but he collects himself. Enough to keep his voice steady as if this wasn't a big deal. That's the most he can hope for after doing something like this.]
It's much easier to figure something out now that we've stopped moving further away from our goal. Now I can pay for your return trip or something else if you'd prefer. I can manage anything now.
[By some miracle he turns to cockiness at the end. He's not sure of anything he's saying at this point but maybe that will be explanation enough for a college student.]
no subject
Sure, why not.
There is no way for Taku to know what caused him to change his mind but change it did. Will he ever feel stable when talking to him? Like the world wasn't slightly off-kilter at all times? He wasn't the most confident men at the best of times but he thought himself competent at least. Yet here he was left speechless as he follows the bizarre pace of a man near half his age. And he was only happy to be included in it.
Only a few seconds pass in silence but the train is near completely stopped. Maybe Kaede believes he has stumped the businessman and will come away with the encounter with a laugh but he has been given one last chance and will seize it. That smirk might be at his expense but what does he have to lose?]
Nothing. [The intercom dings, the crowd by the doors shuffle as commuters leave the car. And Taku stands suddenly, grabs Kaede's upper arm, and begins walking onto the station.] But I'll manage something from here.
[They are one stop away from Kaede's place and quite a few from his own. He's had no excuse to visit this residential area before, he's going in blind. Everything is a jumble, his heart is pounding, and he needs to say something. He carried through with this crazy idea and he needs to see it to the end. With a slight start he realizes he's still touching the student and quickly drops his hand. It's difficult but he collects himself. Enough to keep his voice steady as if this wasn't a big deal. That's the most he can hope for after doing something like this.]
It's much easier to figure something out now that we've stopped moving further away from our goal. Now I can pay for your return trip or something else if you'd prefer. I can manage anything now.
[By some miracle he turns to cockiness at the end. He's not sure of anything he's saying at this point but maybe that will be explanation enough for a college student.]