Today is slightly awkward for Togusa. This month has been harrowing, and even the past week alone has been the most intense of Togusa's career. But it's his birthday. He didn't tell a soul, he thought he's kept it under wraps, but people who have known him longer might still remember even through the chaos. He didn't want to make a big deal, just wanted to let the day pass quietly, with one exception: Gentiana.
Togusa had made a lunch not-date-because-these-aren't-dates with her and no matter what, he was going to keep it. He still feels conflicted when it comes to Gentiana, but the conflict is settling down the more he talks with her. Whatever it had almost been between them, it had vanished when she had left the Retrospec app. And Togusa hadn't known what to do for weeks. It took significant urging to get him to even call her again, try to reconnect, and then he was doing his damndest to make sure that things stayed casual. That he didn't expect too much.
Togusa still appreciates all that Gentiana is, so that he can appreciate the friendship that they are cultivating. But then things slip in, like seeing her in a dream, or thinking he saw her in the fog. He has to believe that he is approaching this the right way.
The smile that appears on Togusa's face when he sees Gentiana in the University coffee shop is genuine, like the horror of the last week can be left behind him for a few hours. It shows on his face that he still greatly enjoys her company, despite everything.
V: Many Happy Returns
Togusa had made a lunch not-date-because-these-aren't-dates with her and no matter what, he was going to keep it. He still feels conflicted when it comes to Gentiana, but the conflict is settling down the more he talks with her. Whatever it had almost been between them, it had vanished when she had left the Retrospec app. And Togusa hadn't known what to do for weeks. It took significant urging to get him to even call her again, try to reconnect, and then he was doing his damndest to make sure that things stayed casual. That he didn't expect too much.
Togusa still appreciates all that Gentiana is, so that he can appreciate the friendship that they are cultivating. But then things slip in, like seeing her in a dream, or thinking he saw her in the fog. He has to believe that he is approaching this the right way.
The smile that appears on Togusa's face when he sees Gentiana in the University coffee shop is genuine, like the horror of the last week can be left behind him for a few hours. It shows on his face that he still greatly enjoys her company, despite everything.