βοΈAnd how am I supposed to make an appointment?βοΈ
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Mk paced in circles around his room with a nervous energy that didn't match his usual lively demeanor, Mei, in front of him, watched him with her elbows on the table and her chin resting on both hands.
Mei: You're sweating a lot β she commented, barely containing a laugh β.
Mk: Because this is worse! β He stopped and looked at her desperately β I don't know how to do this! What if I screw up? What if she thinks I'm an idiot?
Mei: She already thinks you're an idiot - she said with a sly smile -.
Mk: Thanks for your emotional support, Mei!
Mei: Just say you want to spend more time with her. Don't put so much pressure on the word "date." It's not a contract with magic clauses, it's just...spending time with someone you're interested in.
Mk slumped into the chair next to her, throwing his head back.
Mk: What if he's not interested in me that way?
Mei: Well, you find out, but if you never try, you'll never know β she nudged him with her elbow β although if you want more opinions...you know who to go to.
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The scent of incense and tea enveloped him as he entered the small tang hall. The monk was leafing through a giant book on ancient love rituals, though it was probably just his afternoon reading.
Mk: Tang, do you know anything aboutβ¦dating? β he asked, somewhat hesitantly β.
Tang: Quotes? β He raised an eyebrow, continuing to read β What kind of quotes? Astrological? Historical?
Mk: No, the human-romantic type.
Tang closed the book, thought for a moment, and smiled.
Tang: The key is to know the other person well. What do they like? What makes them laugh? How do they feel safe around you? A date isn't a show, mk. It's about creating a space where both of you can feel comfortable being yourselves. I read that in a book.
Mk nodded, somewhat calmer.
Mk: That...makes sense, thank you, Mr. Tang.
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Sandy's workshop always had soft music and the smell of paint, mk showed up with a cup of tea in hand so as not to arrive empty-handed.
Sandy: Love advice? β Sandy let out a gentle laugh as she adjusted her paintbrush on a ceramic vase β Are you falling in love, buddy?
Mk: Don't say it like that! You make it sound ridiculous!
Sandy: Calm down, look, the important thing is to make her feel special. You don't need to spend a lot of money or set up fireworks. Sometimes, sitting quietly looking at the stars is more than enough.
Sandy: More than you think β Sandy responded, nostalgic β shared silence is also love, mk, remember that.
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Finding the monkey king wasn't easy, he was on top of a mountain, balancing on one finger with his eyes closed.
Sun: A date? β he repeated sarcastically, effortlessly getting down from his position β With whom? Your motorcycle?
Mk: Itβs not Mei! β he replied, almost offended β.
Sun: Calm down, look, kid... I'm not the best at these things, but if you really want to be with someone, you'll know it, your instinct will scream it at you, just don't be a fool and don't make her wait for years like I did withβ.
Sun: Bah, never mind, just be honest, okay? With her and with yourself.
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Mk didn't know why he was so hesitant to go with Macaque, maybe because the shadow demon wasn't the kind of person one associated with flowers, confessions or soft things, but still...there he was, under the dim lanterns of the shadow theater, watching the reflection of a dark mirror.
Macaque: Are you here to train or to talk? β he asked without turning around β.
Mk: Let's talk, it's something silly, about...dates.
Macaque: Silly, he says β he finally looked at him, with an arched eyebrow β and what do you know about that?
Mk: nothing, that's why I came, everyone gave me advice, tang, mei, sandy...even monkey king.
Macaque: Of course he would give you advice β he rolled his eyes β.
The silence stretched for an awkward moment, making me wonder if I'd made a mistake coming.
Mk: Have you ever had one? β he asked then, almost in a whisper β.
Macaque looked down and turned to the mirror.
Macaco: Once, a long time ago, it was with someone who shone too brightly for someone like me, too good, even when he was wrong β his fingers closed into a very small fist β but things don't always turn out well, not because of a lack of feeling, but because of... what you carry inside.
Mk: Do you regret it? β he asked in a low voice, not knowing if he should β.
Macaque:...every day β he looked up, and although his smile was faint, his eyes reflected no mockery or sarcasm β so, if you have the chance, boy, do it, don't wait, not everyone gets a second chance.
Mk felt his heart weigh a little more, nodded, and as he turned to leave, macaque added:
Macaque: Don't do what I did, don't push her away for fear of getting hurt, sometimes, it's worth the hit.
βοΈ-βοΈ-βοΈ-βοΈ-βοΈ-βοΈ-βοΈ-βοΈ-βοΈ-βοΈ-βοΈ-βοΈ
Mk sat alone on the roof, the breeze moving his jacket, he had his phone in his hand, open in the chat with (Y/n).
I hadn't written anything yet.
βDonβt put it as a date,β Mei told him.
βMake her feel safe,β Tang said.
βMake it special,β Sandy.
βDonβt keep her waiting,β wukong.
βDon't push her away,β macaque.
He sighed, pressed his lips together, and finally wrote:
Mk: Hey, would you like to hang out with me this week? No missions or responsibilities, just you and me. I can buy the ramen if that helps convince you. π
He hesitated, read it a thousand times, and then, finally, sent it.
The answer did not take long.
(Y/n): Only if you don't do something stupid ;)