it’s interesting how the ratio of guys and girls seems so unbalanced that some actually got a shot at having two dates. when they asked her if she would potentially be okay with having more than one date, jinah originally thought they had been joking.
now when she sees her second date partner, she’s once again convinced they were trolling her if not for the actual costs and organization that went into the show. no, this was just a cruel joke of fate for the both of them. the streamer laughs but internally she feels a tug of guilt. sao is and always has been a romantic. it had been his misfortune to fall for her and jinah’s misfortune to hurt him in the way she had.
with them filming for her show together and slowly patching things back together, she wonders if this would be a major set back or help them continue down a better path. regardless of what it would bring, part of her was also excited. despite her shady motives, sao had never been anything but wonderful to her and the selfish part within her was very much looking forward to being spoiled again.
so his reaction just makes her place her hands on her hips, upper body leaned back as a scandalized gasp leaves her lips. “whaaaat? am I not good enough to be your date? so rude,” she jokes, the teasing grin never leaving her face.
to make sure the production didn’t feel the need to cut this away due to them actually getting into a fight she quickly turns to the lens, chuckling along while pointing at sao. “look at this guy- he doesn’t wanna take his pal out for a date.”
here’s the thing: sao knows how this will look on camera. anyone who watches a little too closely would be able to read right through his microexpressions -- the way his brows lift, the way he pitifully masks contempt with surprise and, if they’re truly pressed on making him out to be this sleazy character, the way the light dims in his gaze. all of this would support what jinah said to the camera, albeit teasingly, and that’s not the impression he wants to let off.
so what can he do? he just has to work with it.
“no, no, no, it’s not that!” his arms flail out, waving furiously in front of him. “it’s just that i -- i didn’t expect it to be you, since i was also on your show... maybe it’s fate?” he offers the last part nervously, his eyes softening as he peers at her. an awkward second passes as he chews on his lower lip, looking hesitant to say, lest do more. then at last, he clears his throat and flashes her a smile. it’s not a bright and brilliant one, but it’s not small and timid either; it’s in-between, a proud display of excitement and anxiety.
“i passed by this um, spicy noodle stand on the way here. do you wanna try that first? since you’re good with spice.”
he picks his words carefully. do you want to try, since you’re good with spice. it’s about what she wants, because the role he’s chosen to play? a friend with a crush who’s eager and lucky.
