It was a regular day for him, tell MK a story about ome of Monkey Kings many great feats, eat noodles that were 'free', flee the scene and visit the library. He wasn't looking for anything specific, moreso just wanting to pass his time usefully.

He picks a book, Lao Tzus teachings that he could never wrap his head around and sat by a window peacefully. Not entirely oeaceful thoigh, he seriously couldn't fully grasp at what he was reading. This leisure time ended up with him rather focused, enoigh to not notice you standing near him. You fiddled with yiur hands nervously as his eyebrows only continued to furrow. Finally, you cough into your fist and grab his attention. His head snaos uo at the sound, causing his glasses to slide down his nose a smidge.

"Sorry to disturb you," you offer him a small smile, "I was just curious, do you...often read Lao Tzu?"

Tang could only blink at the question. Even more at the person standing in front of him. With the way you were dressed, it was clear you had the same interest as he, a scholar in the wild!

He shot up, far too excited to fix his glasses and slightly ruffled hair, "Are you interested? Well I hardly say I frequent his teachings but they are one of a kind!"

Your eyes widen at the mans enthusiasm. It wasn't often you found someone who liked reading these types of things so you'd gatehred all the courage you had to ask him. You mentally prepared yourself for a rejection, perhaps even a cold shoulder. Infectuous enthusiasm? That was a first.

It took you a few seconds to respond, "Yeah, I don't really get it but it's fun," his smile widens, "it's pretty rare to find someone else into these thungs so I came up to you."

"Thats great!"

He clasped your shoulders, his grip tight but oddly warm. You could've sworn you saw a sparkle in his eyes. Your eyes dart between where his hands are placed and his ever inching face, "Say, do you like Journey to the West?"

It was your turn for your eyes to gleam, "Oh absolutely, I've reread the whole collection thousands of times, I take it you're a fan as well?"

He blubbers loudly, causing the occupants of the libraey to shush him. You're sure of it, his eyes have completely morphed into stars. He coughs and apologizes, a slight red to his cheeks, "Excuse me for that, but to answer your question it's a solid yes. That book has ingrained itself into my mind. I could recite it word for word if you'd like!"

His volume was but a whisper so you followed suit, "Really? That's wonderful, I don't meet many fans of it."

He smiles and remembers his hands were still firmly planted onto your shoulders. He quickly lets go, face reddening further. He's rather expressive you noted, clearly embarrassed over his sudden outburst and casual touch. In a way, cute, but also in a way comical.

"Sorry, I'm Tang, nearly forgot to introduce myself." He held out a hand for you to shake.

You smiled and gave him your name, takimg jis hand in yours. It was warm for a fleeting touch. The moment he let go something felt missing.

"Well anyways, are you new to Megapolis? I'd remember you if I'd seen you before," he holds his hands up in realization of what he said, "uh, as in because of your attire. That's what i meant."

You stifle a giggle at his awkward demeanor, a very drastic change from just a moment ago. Here you were worrying that he'd be annoyed by you.

"I am. This city is rumoured to be where Monkey Kings staff is after all. It'd be a crime not to be curious."

"Oho, you know of that legend?"

He finally fixed his glasses on his face, a shimmer gleaming from the glass. You gulped. Why'd he suddenly look so serious?

"Legend says that when Monkey King trapped the Demon Bull King under the mountain, he had to use his staff, sealing him away for centuries..."

He was an amazing storyteller. You were completely engrossed in his recounting of how the staff was rumoured to be in Megapolis. You two sat by the window comfortable, knees barely grazing each other. With every mesmerizing word he told, the more your focus shifted to how cute this guy looked. His hair was messy earlier but he quickly smoothed it out again. A few stray hairs still stood out, but you much preffered when it was messy.

"--so, any questions?"

You blink before realizing he'd asked you a question. You quickly shake your head, "Nope, your way of recounting the story makes me feel like I'm seeing it! You've got a talent for this."

"Oh you flatterer," he waves a bashful hand at your sincerity, "I'm just recounting what I've studied."

"You're very good at it," you give him a smile before checking the time, "ah, sorry to cut this short, I have an interview at the museum soon."

You clumsily stand up, careful not to make too much contact with him and he follows suit. You give him a questioning look, "Are you leaving as well?"

"Oh," he itched his neck, "well do you know your way to the museum? I--I can help you is what I mean."

You smile, you seem to find yourself doing that far too often with a stranger you've just met, "That'd be lovely. Thank you Tang."

He nods, ignoring the way his name sounded when you said it and the two of you walked off. He hasn't visited the museum in a while, and it's the nice friendly scholarly thing to do, sending a newcomer off to an interviee in an unfamiliar place. That's why he's doing it. Maybe.

When you reach said museum (after a lengthy conversation on Taoism which once again circled back to Journey to the West) Tang was a little more than reluctant to end such riveting conversation. Unbeknownst to him you'd gladly miss an interview to talk more.

"Wish me luck?"

"Don't worry, you'll ace it!"

He gave a thumbs up as you began to walk in. Your figure was slowly disappearing with a wave and Tang turned to leave. Then, a hand on his shoulder caused him to spin around.

"Number," you pant out, "mine, my number, see you!"