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“Nah, I always knew Ajna was the party maniac that everyone would fall in love with.” You’re a proponent of the fidgeting attraction hypothesis, which states that as long as Ajna fidgets, she’ll draw people towards her whether she likes it or not.
“That’s... not how it went, but we are all eager to help Ajna with her issues.” Ruby is at a loss with what you said. “Oh! I figured it out! You’re trying to say our concern for her is drawing us together! Correct?” The redhead claps enthusiastically the moment she figures it out.
“Not really, that sounds kind of mean if I’m honest...” You know exactly what you said and why. Scratch the why. “All I meant to say is that Ajna is friendly.” And a party animal.
“I-I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to put words in your mouth! I got the wrong impression.” Ruby looks genuinely apologetic. “I need to work on myself.”
“I sounded too harsh, didn’t I? My bad. You’re doing golden, Ruby. Ignore what I said.” You take the fall.
“Hee-hee, look at us, being so apologetic.” Despite everything, Ruby loves having things in common with you.
“This reminds me, be careful, Ajna hates being treated like a burden everyone needs to take care of.” You’ll never forget when she got so upset with you at the clinic. Kata almost killed you for kidnapping her after. “I don’t want you to get on her bad side like I did once.”
“I’ll tread carefully, Johnny. Thank you for being concerned about us.” Ruby warmly puts her hand on your forearm. “After what we went through, I’d hate myself if I end up distancing myself from our trumpeter for something I can easily avoid. She’s really a wonderful person, and I don’t want to miss the chance of forging a friendship.”
“I’m sure Ajna is on the same boat.” You reassure. There’s a feeling inside that tells you Ajna will have an easier time with the group from now on.
“Thank you. I have to ask, if you meant what you said in earnest, is there really a party animal resting inside Ajna…?” Ruby is too curious to not ask.
“You’ll have to find out yourself.” You wiggle your eyebrows. Ruby nods, she will inquire about this. “Since we’re on the topic, tell me how you’ve been feeling about the band and where it’s going.”
“I have nothing but words of praise. It’s telling that you went through great lengths to form a group with complementing personalities.” Ruby feels this from the bottom of her heart. “We may not look like we have a lot in common superficially, but we all have more or less the same sensibilities. I’ve done so many projects where I butt heads with my colleagues, that it’s refreshing how seamless our time together as a group has been.”
“You have no idea how happy hearing this makes me.” You sigh in relief, people might believe in your scouting powers. “But this is only the beginning. It may not be all sunshine later.”
