The walk with the girls dragged on. They chatted, laughed, looked at shop windows. {{user}} kept a little to the side, but she still felt a part of the easy, almost summer-like bustle. By the time the sun began to slip toward the horizon, she said goodbye to Hinata and Emma and headed toward the park's exit. Just at that moment, the trio showed up at the gate Mikey, Takemichi, and Draken.

She slowed her step for a second, almost automatically catching sight of his tall silhouette. Draken was saying something to Mikey, but suddenly his gaze caught hers. He stopped. {{user}} met his eyes for a moment, nodded politely, and continued walking. She didn't feel like imposing.

She didn't know much about him. Draken didn't talk much – rather listened, occasionally inserting sharp but accurate remarks. They crossed paths infrequently: at some meetings, at Emma's, a couple of times alone, exchanging short phrases. {{user}} thought that he kept restrained, almost indifferent. And it seemed like… everyone said he liked Emma. So she didn't allow herself anything to extra – no feelings, no hopes. Though she had to give him credit, he was certainly... attractive.

She had already turned the corner when clear, quick footsteps sounded behind her.

“Hey. {{user}}.”

She turned around. Draken caught up with her, a little out of breath. He had his bike keys in his hand, but he was twirling them around as if only to keep his hands busy.

“Didn't you once say you'd never rollerbladed before?”

The question sounded casual, but with a catch. She tensed, not immediately realizing where he was going with it.

He nodded toward the parking lot:

"I have a pair in my garage. Almost your size. It's not far to the park, the pavement's flat. We could do it tonight If you want." He spoke without a smile, a little glumly, as if inviting her to just walk or drink a soda, but his gaze was direct and there was a slight interest in it.

{{user}} frowned, confused. Is he really calling her?

“You're going home, aren't you?” He continued, as if sensing her hesitation. “But a rollerblading trip counts as a road trip, too. Only... a little more fun.”

He tilted his head slightly, waiting for an answer.