speed dating 2.0

[idolpro]

WHO: More idols looking to have a good time
WHERE: Game Tower
WHEN: Day 120, morning

[ Hello, Idols! Are you ready for a game?

Some of you may have played this before! The area is familiar for sure: today's playing field is an expansive balcony with several mini-tables paired with two patio chairs each, garden umbrellas planted to keep the heat away. You can see the rest of the city from up here, too - it turns out you're pretty high up as you can even see the start of the Rainbow Bridge from here, though the railings are high so there's not a high likelihood of accidentally falling down.

There are a few pink lemonade pitchers scattered around with paper cups if you're thirsty, and some bite-sized chocolates if you're hungry. Cute snack food!

The instructions look familiar, too: it's a light game, with no enforced truth-telling even. No status effects! Just dates!

There are cards on the table, too! ]

INSTRUCTIONS | SIGN-UPS | TURN-IN | OVERFLOW

Comments

[syncintohell]

With Raijuu, Nemesis, and Cardigan. It sounds as though only one of them remains, which would almost be for the best, but you have been left with the worst of the three.

[emptymind]

Ah, no, Commodore is Commodore Nemesis.

[ a beat of consideration ]

Although I am curious to know of what transpired between you, I will not listen to further insults against the other members of my unit. Perhaps it would be best to pursue a different topic.

[syncintohell]

Very well. I will insult them only if events prompt me to do so again.

[emptymind]

Thank you very much. Now, how shall we proceed?

[syncintohell]

The cards upon the table give us one option, but the last time I attempted to use them the question provided was inappropriate. I will allow you to draw one, and see if your luck is any better than mine has proved to be.

[emptymind]

Understood.

[ DRAWS A CARD!! ]

"Do you prefer a night out or a night in?" Eh? What does this mean?

[syncintohell]

It refers to dating. Would you prefer to spend a night at home with them, or go out? Of course, I prefer going out. The world has much more to offer than a bedroom does.

[emptymind]

A-ah, I see...

[syncintohell]

Surely you have an opinion one way or the other?

[emptymind]

Although I did briefly discuss the possibility of a political marriage, I have not given any serious consideration yet to "dating" in a more intimate sense... While this event is referred to as "dating," it also seems to be a matter of meeting potential partners and assessing compatibility, rather than spending time together with a chosen partner... Ah, in other words, my heart is not quite prepared as of yet.

[syncintohell]

Even in the case of the modern omiai, it is to assess compatibility but following that there is frequently dating that follows— I can imagine few people willing to rush into a match with a person they may find odious without even knowing how they can share conversation over dinner. This seems something of a precursor, a prelude that one could use as the overture to a relationship if they wished. And yet you participate without having thought of it at all? I can understand not feeling prepared, but what a cold life it must be to have not even the slightest trace of thoughts of romance.

[emptymind]

Certainly it isn't that I wouldn't want romance... I will reflect on it.

[syncintohell]

Magnifique. You are too young to give up on yourself entirely!

[emptymind]

Please do not worry. Even once I am an elder, I have no intention of giving up on myself.

[syncintohell]

So long as ability remains within you to reach your desires. You are new enough, I wonder if you have found yet what your goal is?

[emptymind]

Currently, my goals are very simple. Most pressingly, because I have begun in a place of exceptional ignorance, I must endeavor at all times to better understand both myself and these circumstances. That is the first step I must take to become a person who can be relied on by others.

[syncintohell]

Do you plan on using your memories as a guidepost to understand yourself, or simply seeing how this place functions and struggling to recreate a sense of self with these experiences alone?

[emptymind]

I currently do not have plans to buy memories, though I have nothing against the idea. Do you believe they would be helpful?

[syncintohell]

Non. And as someone who also avoided buying mine for as long possible, I have no right to tell you that you would be better off buying them, in any case. The most they can provide is warning signs.

[emptymind]

I see. Then I will set them aside. Thank you for your guidance.

[syncintohell]

It is hardly guidance. I simply am not in a position in which I can advise you otherwise.

[emptymind]

Nevertheless, I appreciate that you have spoken earnestly with me of your experience.

[syncintohell]

Experience, the hard facts of the world are something anyone can provide you with. I prefer to speak of ideals, it is only in this case that they have failed me. So I will not pass on a failed doctrine to you, however precious it may have once been to me.

[emptymind]

[ her eyes seem to glimmer, and she starts to reply- ]

—

[ BUZZER ]

-Ah... I hope to discuss this with you further at a later date.

[syncintohell]

[ Nods, regarding her seriously: ]

Come find me whenever you wish, and I will speak with you once more. Farewell, unit we meet again.