>>5621205The guy is still waiting. He looks genuinely happy to see her again.
"Come in. I'm Kaede. Not Lana." Kaede fills her kettle.
"Long story short, you got scammed. Needed some money, Got some money from pictures of me online. I think the scammer used them to con several others. Am I liable for that? Maybe a little, but I won't pay you back just because you're gullible."
The kettle wistled while the boy looks more and more like a beat up puppy.
"You look filled with determination for a date. So take it as preliminary screening." The boy perks up.
"What's your name?
- Christophe
- With a C or a K?
- C, why?
- That won't do. I'll need you to change it. What are you doing with your life?
- Engineering. I landed an internship with hero association - mainly designing, maintenance and building suits enhancing heroes, from technological means to esper headgears and monsterpart-enhanced leather to name a few."
His eyes are glowing, his voice accelerates while he details some way over Kaede's ability to understand technical mumbo jumbo.
"I won't lie, I'm not perfectly convinced. But at least, you scored a weak 'Maybe?'.
I have a deal proposition. 'Maybes' are a dime a dozen. But you have an opportunity to make me accept spend more time with you.
I need battle suits. Of course, I'll provide you with funds. Of course, they are not sufficient and I'll ask you to help me on that. You see, I aim to become a hero, and I lack some offensive ability, while I'm confident on my movement.
Could you design a knife - or other blade, i just want it sharp - that can hover out of its sheath while I position myself, then dashes back in place? Here's for your trouble."
Kaede gives him the enveloppe still holding the two month rent - almost four time what she scammed him.
The boy is confused. She write down his number - without giving hers - and gently boot him from her place.
A quick shower, and Kaede falls on her mattress. Time for a good night of rest.
