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<<timed 2s>><<audio "clock" loop play>>''Your eyes dart to the dimming screen,<</timed>><<timed 3s>>''<span class="blur"> the glow fading in your hand. </span>''<</timed>> <<timed 6s>><<audio "message" play>><span class="green-background"><<trace "gExcuse">></span><</timed>> <<timed 10s>><<type 30ms>><label>Reply back <<textbox "$reply" "" autofocus>></label><</type>><</timed>> <<timed 14s>><<button [[Send|response]]>><</button>><</timed>>

<<type 100ms>><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="green-background"><<print "$reply">></span></div><</type>> <<timed 7s>><div style="text-align: right;"><<type 100ms>><span class="green-background">ah well, I'll see ya next time</span><</type>></div><</timed>> <<timed 11s>><div style="text-align: right;"><<type 100ms>><span class="green-background">h e l l o ?</span><</type>></div><</timed>> <<timed 16s>>//<<linkreplace "sigh">><<linkreplace "❤️">> 💔 <<linkreplace "💔">> 💔 <<linkreplace "💔">> 💔 <<linkreplace "💔">> 💔 <<linkreplace "💔">> 💀 <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>//<</timed>> <<timed 18s>>//guess i'll go [[alone|alone]]//<</timed>> <<timed 20s>>//or should i find [[someone else|start]]?//<</timed>>

Your jaw clenches. You wave your hand dismissively, as if brushing away a lingering shadow. <<timed 3s>>With a sigh, you grab your favorite <<cycle "$item" autoselect>> <<option "jacket">> <<option "boots">> <<option "hoodie">> <<option "gun">> <<option "cap">> <<option "beret">> <<option "powder-filled musket">> <</cycle>>, letting the chill of the outside air rush in as you step out, boots crunching against the gravel.<<audio "clock" fadeout>><</timed>> <<timed 7s>>As you walk to the event, your mind swirls with thoughts.<</timed>> <<timed 9s>>~~//<<cycle "$thought" autoselect>><<option "I can do this">><<option "I just need to take a deep breath and remind myself that everyone feels a bit out of place sometimes">><<option "If I just smile and stay open, I might discover something exciting tonight">><<option "Don’t forget to breathe! And seriously, keep the fart in—no one wants to be that person">><<option "What if I get caught fidgeting? I need to keep my nerves under control">><<option "Remember, if you start to sweat, it’s just your body’s way of getting into party mode—unless you fart, then it’s just awkward!">><<option "If I focus on listening, I can take the pressure off myself to always be the one talking">><</cycle>>//~~<</timed>> <<timed 15s>>On a scale of 1 to 10, how badly do you want to go?<</timed>> <<timed 17s>><<numberbox "$userNumber" 5>><<button "hmmm">> <<if $userNumber >= 1 and $userNumber <= 5>> <<goto "give up">> <<elseif $userNumber > 5 and $userNumber <= 10>> <<goto "attend">> <</if>> <</button>><</timed>>

<<cacheaudio "clock" "audio/clock_living_room.mp3">><<cacheaudio "shop" "audio/coffee_shop_ambient.mp3">><<cacheaudio "message" "audio/message_notification.mp3">><<cacheaudio "heartbeat" "audio/heartbeat.mp3">>[[start|start]]

Halfway down the block, you glance back at the @@.smear;^^glowing^^@@ sign. You shove your hands in your pockets. <<timed 3s>><<type 100ms>>“~~[[Next time|start]],~~” you murmur to yourself. You try to believe it, try to make it feel //true//. But a part of you wonders if you’ll always be like this—hovering on the edge, close enough to look but never quite close enough to be ~~there~~.<</type>><</timed>>

<<audio "heartbeat" volume 0 fadein loop>> The @@.glitch;neon glow@@ flicker overhead like a pulse. <<timed 3s>>Feeling nervous but determined, you step inside.<<audio "heartbeat" fadeout>><<audio "shop" volume 0 fadein loop>><</timed>> <<timed 6s>>Groups of bodies huddled together over tall, tiny tables, snickering and chatting. You take a breath, scanning the herd. Your heart flutters with nerves, but there’s a twinge of <<linkreplace "something else.">><<linkreplace "last night's pork ?">><<trace "gTwinge">><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</timed>> <<timed 8s>><div class="button-container"><<link "stand alone <img src='images/stand_alone.png'>" "stand alone">><</link>><<link "approach group <img src='images/approach_group.png'>" "approach group">><</link>><<link "order drink <img src='images/order_drink.png'>" "order drink">><</link>></div><</timed>>

You worm your way through the flock of people. You plant yourself on the bar. The bartender’s eyes flick to you, and he offers a practiced smile. “What’ll it be?” <<timed 4s>>You clear your throat. "<<trace "gDrink">>", you say, trying to keep your voice steady. The bartender nods. Something to <<trace "gDrinkReason">>.<</timed>> <<timed 8s>>You let your eyes drift over the room. Bits of conversation @@.pulse;float your way@@—a name here, a place there. You take note: <<trace "#gFragment# #gSubFragment#">>, <<trace "#gFragment# #gSubFragment#">>, <<trace "#gFragment# #gSubFragment#">>.<</timed>> <<timed 12s>>It’s almost too easy to picture yourself in their shoes. Just for a moment, you could belong ~~anywhere~~.<</timed>> <<timed 14s>><div class="button-container"><<link "stand alone <img src='images/stand_alone.png'>" "stand alone">><</link>><<link "approach group <img src='images/approach_group.png'>" "approach group">><</link>><<link "approach person <img src='images/approach_individual.png'>" "approach person">><</link>></div><</timed>>

You spot a group chatting animatedly about something — a <<trace "#gAdjective# #gMedia#">>, maybe, or a <<trace "#gAdjective# #gMedia#">>. You slink up to them, catching their attention with a tentative smile. They look at you, then one of them gestures for you to join in. <<timed 3s>>For a while, you try to keep up with their banter, nodding and laughing when appropriate. But then, you shift the topic, probing gently with questions. “So, what brings you here?” you ask. “Meet anyone... interesting?”<</timed>> <<timed 6s>>One of them laughs. “Yeah, I'm here to <<trace "gAttendReason">>. Why, you looking for someone in particular?”<</timed>> <<timed 9s>>You force a grin, waving the comment away. “Nah, just curious.”<</timed>> <<timed 11s>><div class="button-container"><<link "approach person <img src='images/approach_individual.png'>" "approach person">><</link>><<link "order drink <img src='images/order_drink.png'>" "order drink">><</link>><<link "eavesdrop <img src='images/eavesdrop.png'>" "eavesdrop">><</link>><<link "ask a question <img src='images/group_q.png'>" "question group">><</link>></div><</timed>>

<<audio "shop" fadeout>> The buzz of the room becomes a bit much, so you sneak away, finding a quieter spot near the back. You take a deep breath, letting yourself sink into the moment. The noise fades into a dull hum, and you feel the tension ease from your shoulders. <<timed 4s>><<linkreplace "But the questions linger in your mind.">>~~//<<cycle "$question" autoselect>> <<option "Am I doing this right?">> <<option "Am I getting close enough?">> <<option "Is this what I really want, or am I just trying to fill a gap?">> <<option "Am I getting closer to what I need?">> <<option "Why does it feel so hard to get through to people ?">> <</cycle>>//~~<</linkreplace>><</timed>> <<timed 7s>><span class="shudder blur glitch">You can hear their voice in your head, urging you to stay focused.</span><<audio "shop" volume 0 fadein loop>><</timed>> <<timed 9s>><div class="button-container"><<link "approach group <img src='images/approach_group.png'>" "approach group">><</link>><<link "approach person <img src='images/approach_individual.png'>" "approach person">><</link>><<link "order drink <img src='images/order_drink.png'>" "order drink">><</link>><<link "listen in <img src='images/eavesdrop.png'>" "eavesdrop">><</link>><<link "walk away <img src='images/give_up.png'>" "give up">><</link>></div><</timed>>

With careful steps, you weave through the folks towering over the tall, tiny tables, honing in on someone who’s standing absently stirring their drink. <<timed 3s>>You clear your throat, offering a small, uncertain smile. The person looks up, blinking a bit as they pull themselves back from wherever their mind had wandered. You exchange brief greetings with each other.<</timed>> <<timed 6s>>“Do you come to these things often?” The words sound clumsy as they leave your mouth, like they belong to someone else. But to your surprise, the person actually laughs, breaking the tension just a bit.<</timed>> <<timed 9s>>“Well, not really. I figured I’d try it out, <<trace "gAttendReason">>, you know?” They look around as if to prove their point. “Feels like everyone’s here to either <<trace "gAttendReason">> or <<trace "gAttendReason">>.”<</timed>> <<timed 12s>>You nod, feeling a pang of recognition. It’s like they’ve hit on a hidden nerve.<</timed>> <<timed 14s>><div class="button-container"> <<link "order drink <img src='images/order_drink.png'>" "order drink">><</link>> <<if random(1, 100) <= 50>> <<link "ask a question <img src='images/good_ind_q.png'>" "ask question 1">><</link>> <<else>> <<link "ask a question <img src='images/good_ind_q.png'>" "ask question 2">><</link>><</if>> <<link "stand in the corner <img src='images/stand_alone.png'>" "stand alone">><</link>></div><</timed>>

You hover near a table deep in conversation, trying to blend in, but close enough to catch snippets of their words. It’s a bit thrilling, really — just listening, picking up random pieces, piecing together little stories from strangers. <<timed 3s>>Someone’s ranting about <<trace "#gSubFragment#">>, someone else is planning <<trace "gEvent">>, and a third person is explaining the fine art of <<trace "gFineArt">>.<</timed>> <<timed 6s>>As you lean your ear in, someone glances your way, and you quickly straighten up.<</timed>> <<timed 8s>><div class="button-container"><<link "approach person <img src='images/approach_individual.png'>" "approach person">><</link>><<link "ask a question <img src='images/group_q.png'>" "question group">><</link>></div><</timed>>

You muster up the courage and step forward. "<<trace "#gQuestion#?">>" <<timed 3s>>There’s a brief pause, a few glances exchanged, before someone jumps in with their answer. Gradually, others start to share their thoughts too, and you begin to feel a subtle shift in the energy, a connection forming as everyone’s voices blend into a shared moment. It’s not much, but for a second, it feels like you’re part of something.<</timed>> <<timed 5s>><div class="button-container"><<link "continue listening <img src='images/group_yap.png'>" "group yapping">><</link>> <<if random(1, 100) <= 50>> <<link "keep going <img src='images/good_group.png'>" "ask group question 1">><</link>> <<else>> <<link "keep going <img src='images/good_group.png'>" "ask group question 2">><</link>><</if>></div><</timed>>

You gather your thoughts and decide to lean into curiosity. <<timed 2s>>"<<trace "#gQuestion#?">>"<</timed>> <<timed 5s>>Their eyes light up as they pause, considering the question for a moment. A smile tugs at the corners of their mouth, and they seem to lose themselves in thought. After a brief silence, they share their answer, describing something with a quiet enthusiasm that shows they’ve really thought about it.<</timed>> <<timed 8s>>As they speak, their tone grows more animated, and the conversation begins to flow more naturally. There’s a shift, a subtle change in the air, and the space between you feels a little less distant.<</timed>> <<timed 11s>>You offer your own thoughts, something simple but meaningful, letting the words spill out with ease. The rhythm of the conversation starts to settle in, and the connection that seemed so out of reach earlier starts to form.<</timed>> <<timed 13s>><div class="button-container"><<link "order drink <img src='images/order_drink.png'>" "order drink">><</link>><<link "keep going <img src='images/made_friend.png'>" "made friend">><</link>></div><</timed>>

You feel the pressure of the silence and blurt out the first question that comes to mind, without thinking it through. <<timed 3s>>It’s a simple question, but the effect is immediate—the atmosphere //shifts//. The person’s expression falters for a moment, their eyes darting away as they seem to reconsider how to respond. The energy between you ~~shifts~~, a brief hesitation hanging in the air like an awkward pause in a song.<</timed>> <<timed 6s>>They offer a small, polite smile, but it doesn’t quite reach the warmth from before. The moment feels heavier, more distant, and you sense the connection slipping just a little further away. The air around you cools, and what started as easy conversation now seems strained, like a door closing quietly but firmly.<</timed>> <<timed 8s>><div class="button-container"><<link "order drink <img src='images/order_drink.png'>" "order drink">><</link>><<link "talk to host <img src='images/host.png'>" "host">><</link>><<link "skiddadle <img src='images/tried.png'>" "at least you tried">><</link>></div><</timed>>

The conversation finds a natural flow, like you’ve known each other far longer than a few minutes. You talk about places you want to visit, favourite <<trace "gMedia">>, and strange hobbies. Time seems to blur, the rest of the room fading into the background as laughter breaks up each story you share. <<timed 3s>>At one point, they lean in, lowering their voice. “You know, I almost didn’t come tonight. Figured it’d be awkward just standing around. But I’m glad I did.” You grin, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. “Same here. Honestly, I thought I’d be the one standing by the door all night, waiting for an escape.”<</timed>> <<timed 6s>>They laugh, a genuine sound that seems to pull you further into the moment. "Well too bad, you're ~~stuck with me~~ now.” You exchange handles, with promises to meet up soon. It’s strange and unexpected, but you feel a sense of relief—a glimmer of belonging that’s rare to find on nights like these.<</timed>> <<timed 9s>>You could reach out again, soon, maybe sooner than they expect. After all, it’s not every day you meet someone who fits so... ^^perfectly^^.<<audio "shop" fadeout>><</timed>> <<timed 11s>>[[✨🤩🤗🙌|start]]<</timed>>

The awkwardness of the last conversation lingers, so you drift toward the event host, who’s greeting new arrivals at the door with a practiced smile. “Busy night?” you ask casually, nodding toward the crowd. They shrug. <<timed 3s>>You lean in, lowering your voice just enough. “So, do you host these events often? It’d be nice to...get a better feel for the crowd.” You glance around, almost as if taking stock, and then add, “Or to know when the right mix of people will show up. Always helps to know the vibe beforehand”<</timed>> <<timed 6s>>“Oh, we host a few a month. Different themes each time. You should check out next Friday’s—they’re expecting quite a crowd.” They’re eager to move on, smiling at a new wave of guests who’ve just arrived.<</timed>> <<timed 9s>>You grin, pocketing the information. “Perfect. I’ll have to make it a point to come back.”<<audio "shop" fadeout>><</timed>> <<timed 11s>>[[🚶🕒👀👍|start]]<</timed>>

You step back from the bar, your drink barely touched, eyes sweeping the room one last time. The night’s nearly over, and you’re left with a vague sense of... <<linkreplace "something">><<linkreplace "disappointment?">><<linkreplace "relief?">>??<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <<timed 3s>>With a sigh, you toss back the last of your drink and set the glass on the bar, clinking on the hardwood. You hear their voice in your head, reassuring you: //^^At least you tried, right?^^// <</timed>> <<timed 6s>>As you gather your things to leave, you make a quiet promise to yourself. ~~Next time you'll <<linkreplace "find them.">><<linkreplace "crack them.">>@@.glitch;make sure they don't slip away.@@~~<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<audio "shop" fadeout>><</timed>> <<timed 9s>>[[🥲🙃🙃|start]]<</timed>>

The conversation shifts into an energetic back-and-forth, with each person sharing their own quirky take. <<timed 3s>>You listen intently, nodding and laughing along. For once, it almost feels like you’re not just an outsider watching from the edge. You’re one of them — ~~at least for now~~.<</timed>> <<timed 5s>><div class="button-container"> <<if random(1, 100) <= 50>> <<link "ask a question <img src='images/awk_group.png'>" "ask group question 1">><</link>> <<else>> <<link "ask a question <img src='images/awk_group.png'>" "ask group question 2">><</link>><</if>><<link "give up <img src='images/tried.png'>" "at least you tried">><</link>></div><</timed>>

You lean in with what you think is a witty addition. The group falls silent for a beat too long, eyes darting in different directions. One person forces a polite chuckle, but the vibe has changed— maybe they just didn’t get it. Either way, the gap is there, and you’re suddenly back to the edge. <<timed 5s>><div class="button-container"><<link "approach person <img src='images/approach_individual.png'>" "approach person">><</link>><<link "order drink <img src='images/order_drink.png'>" "order drink">><</link>><<link "yeet <img src='images/tried.png'>" "at least you tried">><</link>><<link "talk to host <img src='images/host.png'>" "host">><</link>></div><</timed>>

You chime in at just the right moment. The group laughs, nodding in agreement, and someone even nudges you. <<timed 3s>>There’s a shared, easy understanding, and for the first time tonight, you’re not just a face in the crowd. You’re one of them, laughing along like you’ve known them for @@.smear;ages@@.<</timed>> <<timed 6s>><div class="button-container"><<link "yay <img src='images/made_friends.png'>" "made friends">><</link>></div><</timed>>

As the night wears on, you find yourself lingering in this group, swapping stories, laughing at each other’s quirks. <<timed 3s>>Someone insists you join them next weekend for trivia, another offers to share their Instagram so you don’t miss out on the plans. It’s comfortable—a strange surprise.<</timed>> <<timed 6s>>You trade handles, promise to reconnect, and as you make your way home, you realise that, somehow, the night turned into a win. It feels like a start. Maybe even a good one. They won't slip away this time.<<audio "shop" fadeout>><</timed>> <<timed 9s>>[[💫🥳🤩✨|start]]<</timed>>

I have to practice my interpretive dance routine for the neighborhood talent show. Sorry! Maybe next time? I need to give my pet rock some quality time today. Sorry! Let’s hang out next time! My houseplants are hosting a book club, and I’m the guest speaker. Sorry, but I can’t make it this time! Sorry, but I accidentally signed up for a contest to see how long I can balance a spoon on my nose. I need to train! Let’s catch up later! I can’t make it, my pet goldfish is having a midlife crisis, and I need to talk him through it. Sorry! Sorry, but I have to reorganise my sock drawer by color and style. It’s a big project! Let’s hang out next time! Sorry, I have to help my turtle learn how to walk faster. It’s a slow process, but we’re getting there! Let’s hang out next time! I promised my stuffed animals a movie marathon, and I can’t let them down. Sorry! Let’s plan to hang out next time! My pet hamster just got a promotion, and I need to throw him a party. Sorry! Let’s catch up later! Sorry, I can’t hang out tonight! I have to practice my pose for an upcoming modeling competition. Gotta get those angles just right! Let’s catch up next time!

relief, like the calm before a long-awaited storm. boldness, urging you to dive headfirst into the unknown. determination, sparking a devilish smile that you struggle to hide. longing, as though this is exactly where you’re meant to be.

keep your hands occupied and give you an excuse to linger mask the pain sip on slowly and feel the burn spread through my throat and down to my chest take in small gulps, each swallow giving me time to think steady my nerves while I weigh my next move

Whiskey, neat Scotch, double, neat Rum, double, on the rocks Martini, extra dry Tequila shot Milk on the rocks Dark and Stormy

an anecdote about [[gSubFragment]] a passing mention of [[gSubFragment]] a reference to [[gSubFragment]] a quick comment about[[gSubFragment]] a joke about[[gSubFragment]]

a late-night adventure a trip to a place you've never been a favourite home they always return to a friend who left too soon someone they miss but never call a promise made but never kept someone they understand better than anyone else an old friend who disappeared without a trace how the world changed but they stayed the same something they promised to do but never could a time before everything changed a deal that went wrong

new recent former emerging trendy modern contemporary vintage classic traditional strange obscure

album concert movie TV show magazine podcast blog radio show e-book book doco game board game video game

peeling bananas tying your shoes making pigs fly

group holiday extended holiday family visit

meet my future wife meet my future best friend expand my social circle find a workout buddy have someone to have a little glass of wine here or there make meaningful connections make a friend escape something

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be? What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t yet? If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self? If you could live in any fictional world, where would you choose? What’s the best book or movie you’ve enjoyed recently? If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be? What’s the most unusual food you’ve ever tried? If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?