bunnyhopped | (riverview) inbox/open post

[ She hums thoughtfully at his explanation because— while she can't say she's ever felt that way about anyone and been worried about those kinds of circumstances, she can imagine where he's coming from. In the end she can only really offer the same advice she's been giving. ]

I mean... Maybe that's something the two of you need to work out? Remember the whole talking thing? I mean, maybe she feels that way too, but if you talk about it you can both say if you want to take that risk or not.

[ He presses his lips together in a line, picking at a wrinkle in his shirt. ]

So like. I mentioned the whole— she doesn't like talking thing, right? I think it's, like, less that she doesn't like talking, and more that she doesn't like talking about feelings. Like. She's, uh. Really practical? And doesn't like feeling vulnerable, I think? And talking about that stuff is, like, a one-two punch of being emotional and vulnerable.

The last time I tried, it, uh. Turned into a fight, like I said. Not over the thing, but over... other stuff.

[ "Other stuff," like his crazy shitbag of a father is as mundane as arguing about chores. ]

And we kinda just screamed at each other and haven't really talked about it since. I think we're both worried about it turning into another shouting match.

[ Hana has taken to flopping down at this point because she has to wait for her nail polish to dry but also - this conversation is much more intensive than she initially thought it would be and she feels a little bad that Peter is going through this. He's seemed like a pretty laid-back guy so far... ]

Okay... Maybe you could start by doing something you both like. I mean, take her out on a date. Not to lull her into anything but just, to remember that you two can make a great team and have fun together or whatever. Take her dancing! She's your dance partner, right?

Then... I dunno, I guess you have to bring it up eventually but be really patient about it. I'm pretty sure relationships are all about open communication and taking the time to understand the other people and stuff like that. And, honestly, how are you guys going to be functional together if you can't be emotionally vulnerable around each other? Isn't that like, a big part of being in a relationship? Being able to support each other even when you're both vulnerable?

[ disclaimer: most of this wisdom probably comes from fictional but surprisingly poignant and relevant k-dramas. proceed with caution. ]

[ i mean Peter's knowledge comes strictly from 80s sitcoms and classic movies, so he's not doing much better ]

I mean, to be fair? We kinda put the "fun" in "dysfunction."

[ which is probably not reassuring in the slightest, but Peter's default defense mechanism is humor. ]

But you've got a point, yeah. Pretty sure "healthy communication" wasn't exactly in our curriculum, growing up. I guess we'll work on it.

[ A pause, followed by a quieter sigh. Then, ]

You know, you're not bad at this. Is this not your first time at the "Ask Hana" rodeo?

[ He gets a snort from her about his dysfunction quip, although based on what she's heard so far that really does not inspire confidence in this romantic endeavor of his. But hey, at least he's trying, if the fact that he's come to her for advice is any indication. Even though they're not talking face to face, the clarity and cheer in her voice says she's 100% genuine and confident when she says, ]

You can work on it together! Like real dance partners.

[ And then she chuckles because, oh god, no she's actually terrible at this. Truthfully, she's never... really had feelings for anyone the way Peter seems to be for this person. Anything she's had in the past... she was quick to cut things off as soon as there was a problem. But k-dramas, at least, have informed her that sometimes two people have to work through issues to make something work, which isn't anything she's had to do before. ]

Believe it or not, this is my first time at it. Even though I'm so amazing at it, you know?

[ He huffs out a laugh in return. ]

Alright, calm down. Don't forget I nearly hung up on you to start with.

So do I get to find out who this mystery dance partner is, since I so kindly listened to your problems?

[ if they were having this conversation in person, she would definitely be batting her eyelashes and looking all pretty please ]

Absolutely not.

[ And he doesn’t skip a beat. ]

A guy’s gotta have some secrets.

Oh okay.

[ lame. ]

Guess I'll just have to see who tries to stab you when you talk to them!

Thanks for the vote of confidence, buddy.

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