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]

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.