SWITCHBOARD

[transmittable]

If you'd like to ask the Transmitter something over the phone, go right ahead! The Transmitter will answer the phone as soon as she's available. Leaving messages is impossible, given how old these phones are, but you should be able to reach her at almost all hours.

Comments are screened for privacy; all Patients are offered confidentiality, didn't you know?

Comments

[cadmiums]

Really? Why?

Yeah, I like the outdoors because it's seemingly limitless--especially the sky. In Tatsumi, I liked to climb buildings at night to get a better view of the milkyway and all the stars. But I don't really like being alone, and it was hard to find someone who was willing to climb with me.

[transmittable]

I'd go climbing with you. I've never really climbed buildings before, just...climbed rocks or jumped 'em, but... I've gone on a few vacations to the Big City, you know, and it always seemed like it'd be fun.

[ And... ]

As for- you know, water, just... I dunno, I just didn't like it. Getting caught out in the rain, or anything. It's all so vast and...unknown.

[cadmiums]

It is, but it gets a little cold at the top. I think I could keep you warm, though. I could try and shelter you from the rain too.

[transmittable]

[ ... ]

Warm sounds nice. Gotten caught in more storms than I care to.

[cadmiums]

We have a lot of dates to look forward to.

[ It's a nice feeling, even if maybe it shouldn't be.]

Oh, does this count as our third?

[transmittable]

...Is it? Huh, that... I don't know, do you want it to be...? I think it kinda counts, but this week was sort of...unorthodox.

[ ... ]

However orthodox we can get in this, um, situation.

[cadmiums]

I don't mind that it's unorthodox, I think that makes it more special.

[ But he thinks on that for a moment.]

I'd like to have taken you out more than I have anyone else.

[transmittable]

Then...this is a third date.

Thank you, for taking me on three dates so far...um... Ryoji.

[ It's almost lost beneath the static, but it is there. ]

[cadmiums]

[ Well the response she'll get in turn is anything but silent, as he nearly falls out of bed.]

Ah- I- you're welcome! That means we have to keep setting a record, right?

[transmittable]

Oh--!

[ Well it's clear she's watching him, because there's some scrambling on her end as well before there's just. nervous laughter. ]

Y-yeah, yeah, keep the number going up- s-sorry about that, I didn't think you'd fall.

[cadmiums]

[ Give him a second to resituate himself and there that's good enough. He's really happy by the sound and look of it.]

I was surprised but it's a good surprise. I guess that's what they mean when they say you've fallen for someone?

[transmittable]

[ She tries - and fails - to hide a giggle. ]

I don't think this is usually what they mean? I'm no words-girl, but it's not literal. You okay? Bump your head?

[cadmiums]

Oh, but it makes sense like this. [ Just grinning.]

I'm OK! I'm really good! [ He may have bumped his head but that doesn't matter right now.]

[transmittable]

Alright, but you know where the infirmary is, if you need it.

[ It's obvious that she's grinning too. ]

Wow, started this nervous and now I've got you tripping over your own feet. Guess that means it's a successful date so far?

[cadmiums]

Yeah, I think this beats our first date for sure. But so did our second date...

You're getting really good at this, I hope I can keep up.

[transmittable]

Oh, I've no doubt you'll be able to. After all, you've got...what's the phrase, natural talent, for all this dating stuff?

But that doesn't mean I'm not gonna try.

[cadmiums]

Mhmm, that's how I able to get you to agree to a date in the first place. I don't think I'd mind losing to you once in a while though, if it's like this.

[transmittable]

Right, your irresistible charm, or whatever. It's motivating, really. Being the underdog in the game of...uhh, dates.

[cadmiums]

I'd like to think of it more as...winning each other's hearts. That way we can both be victorious in the end.

[transmittable]

How do you come up with these things, Ryoji?

[ There it is again. A little more confident, though still shaky. She takes a deep breath. ]

Like a walking romcom.

[cadmiums]

[ He laughs, both at the sound of his name and at what's been said.]

I just say what's in my heart! ...but I've never actually played one of those, is that a bad thing? Maybe that's why Junpei keeps asking me for advice in them.

[transmittable]

Play...? I'm talking about movies, what are you talking about?

[cadmiums]

The video games where the goal is to date as many girls as possible.

[transmittable]

...Ohhh, because you're a player!

[ ...is that. is she trying to make a joke. ]

You know, video game girls and real girls aren't always the same kind of challenge.

[cadmiums]

[ .... ]

[ Yup he's laughing, give him a second. ]

I guess if you put it that way~.

They're not! I'd much rather make real girls smile, especially you.