Set: The day after Lunar New Years, 2024 somewhere in Songtan, South Korea. Scene: (The day prior) Natasha offers to drive the 45 minutes to Songtan to meet Desmond for their first date, knowing that Songtan has the closest thing to authentic Hispanic food available on the peninsula (and much better shopping and coffee shops if the date did not go well). Desmond accepts this arrangement and engages in copious amounts of festive shenanigans the night prior. 2/10/2024: Natasha calls Desmond to let him know she is running late (unknowingly waking him up) and is pleasantly surprised when he patiently and calmly responds that is not a problem. Desmond proceeds to realize that his phone is on 2% and he had forgotten to set an alarm the night before. He hurriedly puts his phone on the charger and rushes into the shower to prepare. Natasha calls again with a 15 minute notice for arrival and to confirm meeting location. Desmond insists that he will meet Natasha at the stop light right outside of the walking gate at Osan. Desmond did not in fact meet Natasha at the walking gate, despite her having taken a wrong turn and arriving 20 minutes later. Natasha, impatient as usual, proceeds to begin walking into the restaurant district—content to find a coffee shop and accepting that Desmond clearly did not respect her time and/or wasn't actually interested in meeting. Luckily for Desmond, he lived in the same district and caught Natasha before she turned down one of the many winding side streets. Natasha greeted Desmond with a side eye and allowed him to walk her to the arranged restaurant. At the restaurant, the conversation had hit a lull, with Natasha beginning to accept that it would be a first, and last, date. Desmond, having previously accepted that the date would be an "L," threw a "Hail Mary" asking Natasha about her hobbies and interests. Natasha responded that she liked to hike, spend time with her pup, and read. Desmond latched on to the reading topic and proceeded to ask what kind of books Natasha liked. Being a first date, Natasha responded that she enjoyed reading fictional works of adventure. Not to be deterred, Desmond asked what her favorite book was. Natasha responded that one of her favorite authors was Sarah Maas. Without missing a beat, Desmond asked "Sarah J. Maas?!" Natasha felt heat beginning to flush her face while responding "…yes." Desmond then proceeded to explain that he'd recently read two of her works. Natasha blanched and smiled sheepishly as she asked which one. Desmond then explained he'd read the first book of two of her series and began shuffling through his phone for a photo of himself in a "I've read Sarah J Maas" sweater from the day prior. Natasha proceeded to begin laughing uncomfortably and hiding her face before asking him basic questions about the plot and characters, hoping he'd only read the cliff notes. Desmond, in fact, had fully read the books. He explained his thoughts and impressions of the characters and pulled out receipts of him progressing through the chapters of the books—including a growl count. Natasha was shook, feeling exposed by her interest in escapist, adventure literary works. With her frost thawed, and feeling newly re-invigorated and confident, Desmond finished his meal and proceeded to ask Natasha to go walk with him to find a coffee spot. Seeing Desmond in a new light, Natasha agreed… The two then wandered into 4 different coffee shops, walked a whole park, and spoke continuously for the next several hours.