"Lychee is a fruit, and jelly cubes are basically flavorless jello that takes in some of the juicy flavor.... I think thats how it works." He offered her the Lychee one. "Try it. You might like em."I used to get them at... i think it was called H-mart or something. It was an asian market I lived near when I was in Virginia. I think any asian market might have them if you can find one.... I've seen them at conventions too, but they arent as common as ramune.
"Let me have the grape instead." Once he brought it out, she'd take the drink and take a sip gingerly, fully expecting not to like it. She was pleasantly surprised, not only by the flavor but the texture as well. "Mmm."
"You like it?" He asked before claiming the lychee for himself. He smiled. "Guess its worth trying stuff then... Maybe ramune next time..."
"Ramune? Is that food...or?" She took another bite of her sandwich, polishing it off before gulping down more of the jelly drink. The longer they sat together, the more relaxed Shay became. There was still an awkward edge to her smile, though.
He shook his head. "No, ramune is... kinda like a soda. Its really good and the bottle is cool looking." He was trying his best to keep things normal, but he had... questions. And things he wanted to talk about... But he... Just kept to this small talk.
"Oh," Shay said before looking away. She sat in awkward silence before standing and stretching, snatching up her empty paper bag. "I should...probably...get going." She was trying not to meet his eyes.
Kenta looked down when she got up to leave, his fake smile falling. He almost just said he'd see her later. Let it pass. Maybe things will be ok... But... Kenta grabbed her hand before she could walk away. Worth noting, he was still wearing his gloves, despite not seeing her for days since...
"Shay... What... What happened?" He asked. "You... Have you been... Avoiding me? Did I do something wrong?"
Shay looked back, fully expecting to see visions until she realized he was wearing his gloves. She looked away and when asked whether she had been avoiding him, answered with a hesitant, "no."
"You didn't do anything wrong, Kenta," she said solemnly. "Everything is just kind of moving fast right now, you know? I can't wrap my head around all of it."
"Moving fast?" He asked, confused. "What do you mean... Whats going on? Can I help..?"
"I -- I can't make friends, okay Kenta? Not close ones. That's not in me. It's better if I don't do it. Better for both of us." She wondered why he couldn't see it? They were getting so close now and all Shay wanted to do was run. Run far, far away.