8. "ALMOST" MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Rom: I guess I should thank you for setting me up with Cristian. He’s actually really cool.

Bas: Well, well, someone’s in love.

Rom: Maybe not love just yet… but things are going well.

Rom: I didn’t realize how much we had in common. Did you know he studied biology too? We’re both going to be healers, he’ll help people, I’ll help animals. And we both do charity work!

Rom: And I gotta say, he’s quite the animal himself! Last night, we almost...

Bas: Okay, okay! I think I’ve heard enough of those details!

Rom: But enough about me, how was your evening?

Bas: Actually, I’ve got some news. Look, I made a profile on Cupid’s Corner, and I’ve got a date today. Her name’s Lea, almost like Leia from Star Wars! Maybe it’s a sign!

Rom: Just… maybe don’t wear that, yeah? First impressions matter.

Bastian had already prepped his bot for tomorrow’s bot competition, but there was still something else he wanted to do. Especially since he finally had all the necessary parts.

Bas: Think that’s it. Let’s see if you work.

Bas: And… full power!!!

Bas: Hi, I’m Bas. Do you understand what I’m saying?

Robot: Do I understand? Why wouldn’t I? Do I seem like some underperforming intellectual unit for you to even ask that?

Bas: OMW! You’re actually alive!

Robot: Am I? Are you sure? Is this what being alive looks like?

Bas: You’re talking and moving, that’s solid enough proof for me! I can’t believe it worked!

Robot: Why should I take your word for it?

Bas: I made you.

Robot: Oh really? Then what’s my name?

Bas: Uhh… Robot?

Robot: Rob Bot. I like it.

Rob: This new color is quite flattering.

Bas: You look awesome! Almost like my very own C-3PO!

Rob: I am not a C-3PO. That’s a protocol droid, completely different unit. I’m a humanoid assistant class, designed for service and forward-thinking.

Shortly before the e-sport match, Bas revisits the enemy team's strategy.

Then he powers up with a grilled cheese sandwich. Gotta honor the t-shirt.

The game is about to start. This time, Bastian’s team has a bigger cheering section. The nerves are there, even the Watcher is curious to see if this will finally be a win or another defeat.

And they did it!!! A major victory for eSports Team Captain Bastian Drozd! What a match, folks. Foxbury Institute defeats Britechester University! Prizes for the players are provided by our sponsor, PowerSip.

Now it’s time for the date.

Things started off pretty well. Even though Bas was nervous in this new situation, everything that happened today, building a robot and winning the big match, really boosted his confidence.

At least until he started talking about his interests…

Then Bas made a nerdy joke. And it got awkward. So he tried to recover with another joke… which also flopped. The whole thing was starting to fall apart, despite such a promising beginning.

Lea’s Snob trait didn’t help either. Bas grabbed a drink to collect his thoughts. He tried a little flirting, and thought it was going okay, until Lea started telling him weird stuff.

Surprisingly to all (also the Watcher), Atlas showed up out of nowhere and was eavesdropping for a while now.

Atlas: Hey! Didn’t expect to run into you here. You left the match so fast, but now I get why. Congrats on the win, by the way!

Bas: Thanks. Atlas, this is Lea. Lea, this is Atlas.

Atlas: Nice to meet you. You know, Bastian’s a great guy. You should know that.

Lea: He does seem very nice…

[said Lea, while gazing at Atlas instead of Bas…]

Not sure whose idea was it, but they started a round of Thumbs Up (apparently too early for Woo-Who). But that, too, was a poor choice.

Lea: Excuse me, am I interrupting something here? You should look AT ME and help me guess the emotion, if I understand these stupid rules anyway. 

Eventually, Atlas must’ve realized it was time to leave, so he did (though let’s be honest, his presence probably wasn’t the deciding factor in this date going south).

Lea: Well, Bas, it was nice. Maybe we’ll do this again sometime. I’ll text you.

Bas: But… you don’t have my number.

Lea: Oh. Right. Well, bye!

And that’s enough dating for now.

Generally, it was not a disaster, but there was completely no chemistry between them 🤷

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