7. FIRST STEP

After exams, Bas still had some tasks to do. Firstly, getting himself, and the whole team, ready for the SimScuffle match. Bastian was the new team captain, so he had to give it his all. This time, losing was not an option. 

Maybe the new "Mental Aura" boost would help, at the very least, it wouldn’t hurt.

Interestingly and kind of funny, Bas found a note in his room that Link had to leave back when they were still roommates. He didn't notice it before. Unfortunately, Link kept up the whole douchebag role right to the end.

Grades came in and perfect GPA was maintained. Bas could now shift focus to upgrading his robot for the Sunday Bot Contest. He reached Mindfulness and was in a perfect mood to work.

Or at least, he thought he was.

Atlas: Hey! Watch it with that hammer! Maybe you’ve done enough for today?

Bas: No, I have to finish this.

Atlas: You’ll finish tomorrow. Tonight, I’m taking you to a party.

Bas: I don’t know if I’m feeling up to it, to be honest.

Atlas: Oh come on! You can’t live in the workshop forever! It’s Friday night, Bas, for Watcher’s sake!!

At the venue, they ran into Irving, and Bas called Rom to come join them too. Much to Atlas’s delight, as he still believed “the more, the merrier.”

Rom still wasn’t quite sure what to think of Atlas. But it looked like he was starting to come around to the idea of this new friendship.

Atlas: Sorry guys, but I think I’ll leave you here. I’m supposed to meet my blind date and I think she’s just walking over.

Blonde Girl: Are you Atlas?

Atlas: Yeah, hey. And this is my friend, Bastian.

Blonde Girl: I thought it would be just the two of us… And honestly, this place is super boring.

Atlas: We can go somewhere else if you want.

Blonde Girl: Yeah, let’s go.

Rom: Where’s he off to?

Bas: Apparently it’s his blind date.

Rom: I didn’t think people actually did that.

Bas: Me neither. Speaking of dating, did you reach out to Cristian?

Rom: Uhh… no...

Bas: Why not?

Rom: You know, Bas… There’s actually someone… I mean, I…

Bas: What? You’re seeing someone?

Rom: That’s not what I meant… I just wanted to…

Bas: Well, if you do want to give him a chance, now’s your opportunity.

Rom: Huh?

Cristian: Hey! I was hoping I’d run into you here. Thought you might call.

Rom: Uh… Just didn’t get the chance, you know, exams.

Cristian: Yeah, they’ve been brutal, right? Biology’s no joke.

Rom: You’re in biology degree too?

Cristian: Yep. But that was my final year.

Rom: So what now? Got any plans?

Cristian: Actually, yeah. I’m starting an internship at the hospital in Ciudad Enamorada.

Soon, they found out they had more in common. They had a lot to talk about and both wanted to make the world a better place. Before they knew it, the conversation shifted to… entirely different topics. And then, things escalated quickly. ;)

(Rom has traits like: Good, Dog Lover. Cristian’s traits include: Generous and Outdoor Lover.)

While his friends were off flirting and dating, Bas did what he loved most, started gaming.

Atlas: Seriously, Bas? I should’ve guessed this is how you’d end up once I left you.

Bas: You’re back already? What happened to your date?

Atlas: Honestly? I feel like smashing stuff too. Move over.

Bas: So… how the date went?

Atlas: Not great.

Bas: Sorry to hear that.

Atlas: Eh, it happens. Just didn’t click. Blind dates aren’t really my thing. I think I prefer the old-school way — meet someone, become friends, take it from there.

Bas might got a little carried away with those drinks.:D

Bas: How do you do it?

Atlas: Do what?

Bas: Meet people. Go on dates.

Atlas: I dunno… I guess just normally?

Bas: It’s not that normal for me. Meeting new people is hard. Once I know someone, I’m fine. But when I’m surrounded by strangers, I feel uncomfortable and lose confidence. I haven’t really dated anyone since… basically high school…

Atlas: Have you tried Cupid's Corner?

Bas: What’s that?

Atlas: It’s an app. Kinda helpful. Makes starting conversations easier. If you want, I can help you set up a profile.

Bas: Eh, why not. Let’s do it.

Atlas: First, you need a picture.

Bas: Seriously? Is that necessary?

Atlas: Yup. No profile photo, no account. Let’s go.

Bas: How about this one? Or this? This one’s pretty good.

Atlas: Meh… Let’s try one more shot.

Atlas: Okay, I think we’ve got a winner.

Bas: Yeah, I guess that one does look the best.

Atlas: Now you just need a short bio.

Atlas: Aaaand done! Let’s see who pops up for you now.

Bas: Agnieszka, pretty. Is she from Chestnut Ridge? But she’s an adult. I thought I set young adult.

Atlas: Probably a bug. But look at Lea, she’s cute. From San Sequoia, also nearby.

Bas: Whoa… even Karmine has a profile here! I remember her from school—she used to date my friend.

Bas: Well… okay. I’ll give it a shot. Thanks for helping.

Atlas: Thank me when you find your soulmate!

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