Nova Smiles Softly, Eyes Scanning The Spread In Front Of Her, Clearly Impressed. I Have To Say, This

nova smiles softly, eyes scanning the spread in front of her, clearly impressed. “ i have to say, this is really impressive. did someone teach you to cook like this, or is it just another natural given talent ? ” the question is asked with a playful tone. as she reaches for the beansprouts, nova takes in a slow breath, grounding herself in the moment, aware of the faint hum of nerves that still linger in the background when food is involved. but instead of avoidance, she lets herself appreciate the colours and textures— the effort miles put into preparing the meal. " honest reviews only, " she hums, pretending to think it over. nova is a sweet girl for the most part, but she can be critical. sometimes overly so. doesn't shy away from pointing out where things could be improved. however here she finds no faults. " it's a little annoying that i don't have a single criticism. it really is just that good. remind me to never get into a cook-off with you, i don't lose well. "

𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆, open starter location: coral cove, apt. 4a / time: 6 p.m. context: after university, miles stayed in california to pursue baseball professionally. it's been around two (2) months since his return to palmview.

“ thanks for making the time, it's been a minute since i've really been able to cook something homemade.  ”  while he missed his family's cooking, miles was sure he mastered all the comfort foods he could remember from his childhood. being away from home for so long was difficult and being away from everyone he knew growing up was harder.  “ here, have some more of this.   ”  he stirs a spoon to mix the egg with the tofu soup.  “ hope you're hungry—and i take all reviews. ”  he raises a hand over his heart and dips his head in a small bow. between them, there's a spread of sides that included beansprouts and fishcakes amongst other smaller plates.

" i mean, think of it this way, i get more excited to see you than most because i know when we do get together, we get to spill every little life detail that's happened in between. " gossip, basically. no matter how she tries to spin it, noa braunstein is obsessed with a good story. the brunette nods, casually sipping her wine— much needed after a long week. " i know what you mean. but the problem with guys like that is, once you fix them up they suddenly think they can do better. like, hello ? no one likes an ego trip. they act like they're all that and completely forget you were the one who upgraded them in the first place. and by the time they realize you were the best thing to ever happen to them, it's too late. the damage is done. besides, true love is accepting someone for who they are, flaws and all. unfortunately for him, socks with sandals ? not a flaw i can look past. " noa sees the smirk forming and instantly gives celeste her full attention before she even speaks. when she finally does, noa squeals with excitement, practically leaping forward to grab her friend's arm " what do you mean it's no big deal ? it's so a big deal. tell me everything. "

"i'm pretty sure time is relative, or whatever it is they say," she would've said anything to get noa to agree with her, even if she wasn't entirely sure what she was talking about. of course, celeste didn't actually expect her to move, she just had a penchant for being right. "i can't argue with a girl's closet though, so as painful as it is to say, you have me beat on this one." her hand covered her heart, face dropping into a pout as she tucked her legs under her. she was making valid points, which only solidified celeste's theory that there must be something wrong with her. where noa was disgusted, she would've been endeared, planning the project in lengthy detail and attempting to execute it promptly. "no i get it, i really do, i guess i just think there's something hot about a man that needs you, y'know ? but i'm acutely aware that i need help, so maybe don't take my advice on this one ?" a grape popped into her mouth as she thought of everything that had happened to her this week, smirk growing and scooting herself closer. "well, i did meet a guy and get his number. but it's no big deal, i swear !"

kai smirks, leaning back on the swing, hands loosely wrapped around the chains. “ guess i felt like being unpredictable for once, ” he responds, voice laced with a familiar mix of sarcasm and indifference. " gotta keep you on your toes. " kai kicks the ground beneath, causing the swing to sway lazily. the façade drops for a moment, reflection of concern behind his gaze as he glances winnie's way. " so, what's up ? did something happen, or did you just miss me for my charming personality ? "

LOCATION: coral cove park STATUS: closed / kai finnegan @dreamerfms

she knows the second kai reacts to her SOS with a thumbs up, they're due to meet in the park after midnight. usually she's the first one there, but to her surprise, kai is already waiting at the swing set for her. she plops herself down on the swing next to his and offers a small smile. "you switched things up on me," she teases. "usually it's me waiting on you."

" honestly, ronen, i don't really care what it is as long as i'm well dressed, " she begins, soft shrug of shoulders. " i have the closet of dreams, and that makes me so happy i could actually cry. " and she has before, with zero shame. " sure, i'm in one piece, but that doesn't take away from the fact that someone got into my space like that. it's like someone jumping on stage while you're doing your thing, you know ? i'd be furious on your behalf. " he continues and she scoffs, would throw something at him if the item currently in her hands wasn't so valuable to her. " people with real taste, something you so clearly lack. sometimes i wonder how we're even twins. " the mention of their father strikes a small nerve, but she holds it back. their parents weren't always a fun conversation topic. always felt best to avoid it where possible. " just because i like buying clothes and spending money doesn't mean i don't live in the real world. last time i checked, i wasn't in a simulation. " as the topic turns to his closet, her mind begins to swim. already she's envisioning his fall looks, though she's certain he won't wear them as she plans. still, it won't stop her from buying the items regardless. " well, sounds to me like you're in need of a clear out. it's good to mix things up every now and again, the same old gets boring fast. " as she folds the sweater away and places it back in the bag like it's her most prized possession, she glances across at him with a curious stare. " so, do you have any life updates for me ? any girls on the scene i should know about ? because you haven't been on a date in a while. it's almost the holidays, which means it's the perfect time to get out there. "

"you may call it prevention therapy, i'll call it economy building." his sister had always been a big spender-- she'd never needed an excuse. however, he shouldn't judge too harshly. he could be a pretty big spender himself. he told himself it was different, though. a grand romantic gesture versus a new pair of shoes... just didn't seem even in his eyes. "well, you're standing here in front of me... in one piece. talking about spending money. you seem pretty normal to me, so... not too sure what i should be worried about? unless someone has trained a robot to be EXACTLY like you... that'd be kinda sick, actually." although, if anyone had enough knowledge on noa to program a robot, it would be ronen. "and who said you looked cute? just so i can recommend them a good eye doctor. and hey, the real world is different. not everyone is going to make it as easy for you as dad did."

ronen can't help but laugh as she holds up the sweater, making it clear she had been the victorious one. "you didn't want sympathy, but you wanted me to be concerned... all that for you to have the sweater on your person? no way anyone could've programmed a robot this good. also, i think i've got enough clothes. like, i'm pretty sure my closet might burst."

noa shrugs her shoulders slightly, knowing smile still fixed in place, " something like that. but i do care, that's why i'm here. to ensure you don't end up lonely and miserable. " eyes narrow a moment later, trying to gauge his reaction as best she could, though he was more difficult to read than most. " okay, well, i'm still going to ask her because i don't take any mans word when it comes to other women. i mean, she's gorgeous, and i have a lot of highly successful people on my books. one of them could be her perfect match for all you know. " hands come onto her hips, slightly look of irritation now. she's come across many people hesitant to try out matchmaking, but he was by far the most challenging person to convince. " qualified ? it's called having a gift. i get results. you're just like— like the grinch of love, or something. but even he grew his heart in the end. and mark my words, fairbanks. you will too. "

apollo nods as she speaks, happy to know he doesn't actually give off friendly vibes. something only a troubled person could be happy about. "oh, so you know i don't want to talk about it, you just don't seem to care?" this actually isn't the first time someone has told him to smile. it was his teachers favorite thing to remind him. you're a handsome kid, but you'd be much more approachable if you smiled. he'd do what he was told, and it'd be believable, but it was always forced. "okay, well, i'm going to turn you down for nova. no way she'd be into that shit." he brushes off if that was going to happen it likely would have by now and ignores the feeling in his stomach at the idea of nova going on dates set up by noa braunstein. "way better at it? and what makes you so qualified?" although, he couldn't say she was completely wrong. he did make the wrong choice and FREQUENTLY.

" how do you have that kind of self control ? " she asks, genuinely perplexed. " if i see a piece i like, it feels practically criminal to leave it on the rack. i would lose sleep thinking about it getting into the wrong hands. some people buy for the brand but don't know the fashion, you know ? nothing is more tragic than a poorly styled item. " there's a slight physical recoil at the thought, melodramatic as always. it's simply her nature. " no, totally, i get the fear of maxing out. but, if you think about it, what's the point in there being a limit if you never reach it ? " let's out a breath and nods eagerly, smile growing. truly no happier place to be than surrounded by beautiful clothing. " show me, i'm ready to be inspired. "

" i'm sorry. how could i possibly stand here and be asking you such a silly question! " she laughed jokingly in response to noa's statement back towards her. " listen, i get it. fall is the season and let me just say... i've seen so many of the pieces now and they are such good ones. i almost bought majority of them myself. but if i did i was worried that my card would've been maxed out or something. " shopping and fashion was her life at this point. " i can show you some of the new things! i think you are going to just love them! i know for a fact that i do at least. you'd consider that a failure? i usually always say at least 5. or however many i just can't see myself putting back on the rack. i can't be trusted with my cards.. debit or credit. it's not good... oops. "