Lunch with Hana.

Arriving back at your desk, Hana turns to you and says, "So, how'd it go? I see you're still alive, at least."

It's amazing how much something as simple as your desk mate being nice to you can improve your mood. Even if this is all it does, the AMA is one of the best things to happen to you.

"Honestly, it went much better than expected. Maybe I'm a little more charming than I thought I was."

She laughs and says, "Don't overestimate yourself, Frank. Jan will eat you for breakfast."

Hana turns back to her computer and gets back to work. You notice that she doesn't have her earbuds in.

For the next hour or so, you mess around on the app. Everything about it should be impossible. It seems like it's only visible to your eye. That's a good thing because you keep looking at Hana's profile and staring at her cute picture. One thing that you read about that makes you feel significantly better is that affection scores can only go up. It's refreshing to know that you can't make any relationships worse than they already are. Your wife immediately comes to mind...

Around noon, Hana gives you a little tap on the shoulder. You follow her back out of the office to the courtyard. While passing Jan's office, you notice her looking. You give her a little smile and a wave. Kill her with kindness.

Back on your bench, the two of you eat silently. Hana was right. It's nice to get away from all of the noise. After finishing the sandwich you made yourself, you relax a bit and close your eyes.

Hana nudges you and says, "Don't fall asleep on me now, Frank."

"Well look who just ruined the peace and quiet."

"Ha! It would be weird if we just sat here in silence the whole time."

"I know. Just messing with you."

A minute passes and Hana finishes her lunch. The AMA gives you confidence to make conversation and ask questions you normally wouldn't.

"So, Hana, do you live in the city?"

"Mhmm… in an apartment close by with my sister."

Knowing that she probably makes about as much as you do, you are surprised. The city is very expensive to live in.

"Wow. That must be pricey."

She scoffs, "Tell me about it. My sister constantly not being able to pay her half of the rent only makes it worse."

"I understand if it's none of my business, but how much does it cost?"

Hana hesitates before answering, "A little over $2,000 a month..."

"Holy shit."

"Yup... not exactly my best decision. I guess that I thought that I would find another job that paid better. Delusional, I know."

"What does your sister do?"

"She's a waitress and goes to school... so yeah... she pays maybe a third of the rent."

"That must be rough for you. What's her name? She your younger sister?"

Hana gives you kind of a weird look and says, "She's 20 and her name is Ayame... You sure do ask a lot of questions."

"Sorry... I was just curious. Well that and I sort of had an idea."

"Oh? What is it?"

"Well, I've got a house close by. The commute is only 15 minutes. We have a spare bedroom and my daughter is leaving for college in a few months. Maybe I could rent it out to you. I wouldn't even charge half of what you're paying now."

Hana seems genuinely surprised by your offer. You know it's a bit forward and maybe even a little inappropriate but the AMA makes it seem realistic.

"Umm… wow..."

"It's just an idea. Sorry if it's too much or anything like that..."

"Well that's very nice of you but I don't know... We kind of only just started getting to know each other. It's not that I don't trust you, it's just... yeah... too much."

"I understand. I just thought that I'd offer. Think about it and let me know if you change your mind. No rush."

Maybe she will be more open to the idea if you raise her score some more. It was probably a bit too aggressive by you but hey, the score can't go down, right?

"I'm not even sure if Ayame would go for it. She loves living in the city."

"Well my house is basically in the city. Just not downtown. Plus, if you pay most of the rent, it should be your decision, right?"

"Yeah… I'll mention it to her and see what she thinks."

"Sounds good. I'd have to run it by my wife but I'm sure that I could get her to agree."

Hana stands up and says, "Alright lets go back in. I'll think about your offer. It's very kind. Thank you, Frank."

You smile at her and follow her back inside. The score above her head has changed to a green 26. Progress with Hana was pretty easy. You'd love to have her and her sister live with you. Some of it is to just help them out, but mostly your intentions are less than pure.