Take a Chance! [Karamatsu X Female Reader]

2 - Drinks

"Um, w-wait just a moment!" you call out. You're almost embarrassed by how small your own voice sounds.

Karamatsu turns around, his eyebrows raised in surprise as if he wasn't sure if you were talking to him or somebody else.

"Sorry, I just- I'm new to the area and have never seen you around before. I really liked your playing!"

Karamatsu, who had earlier radiated bravado, now looks genuinely taken aback and at a loss for words. It takes him a moment to re-compose himself and formulate a response.

"Ah, I see my impassioned playing must have mesmerized you! I'm glad someone has an ear for good music~"

This Karamatsu guy definitely has an.. interesting way of speaking. Regardless, you ignore that for now and instead smile politely.

"Anyway, you said your name was Matsuno Karamatsu right? It's nice to meet you." You outstretch your hand to him to offer a handshake. That's the proper way to introduce yourself to someone, right?

He looks surprised once again, and looks down at your hand as though it's an alien object before finally hesitantly grasping your hand and shaking it. Where's all his confidence from earlier? And holy cow, why is his hand so sweaty?

"The pleasure is all mine. And please, call me Karamatsu. Ah, and if you don't mind me saying, your singing earlier was amazing! Where did you ever find a voice so lovely?"

You can't help but laugh a little. Seriously, what's up with this guy's dorky way of talking?

"I guess I was just born with it. To be honest, I haven't sung in a long time. I was kind of worried for a while back there that I would sound bad.."

Karamatsu looks genuinely appalled.

"Huh?? But you're clearly a natural born singer! For a moment back there I really thought I was listening to an angel sing. No, a goddess! And I'm not just saying that because you're a pretty lady either!"

You end up chuckling and having to stifle your laughter. The way Karamatsu awkwardly fumbles over some of his words is pretty endearing actually. You can't help but be amused.

"Well, I wouldn't go *that* far. But I'm flattered by the sentiment!"

After hearing your laughter Karamatsu seems to grow more self-conscious, and a faint blush begins creeping it's way over his face as he speaks "You shouldn't sell yourself short. I know talent when I see it!"

You just smile in response. "If you say so. You're pretty talented yourself though, so don't forget to give yourself some credit too. Being able to play the guitar like that is pretty impressive."

"Ah, well.. I'm no expert, but I hope that by putting all my heart and soul into my playing that my true musician's nature shines through!"

You grin. "It definitely does. It was actually pretty inspiring to see how into your music you are." You glance away a bit sheepishly. "It helped me to feel a little less self-conscious about myself even.."

Karamatsu blinks in surprise before quickly clearing his throat. "W-Well, that's only to be expected! I have that effect on ladies you know?"

Something about the way he says that doesn't sound quite natural. It's almost as if.. he's saying what he thinks he's supposed to say to try sounding suave? Rather than just being himself? And judging by the blush on his face, you're probably not too far off base.

You can't help but take this opportunity while his guard is down to playfully tease him just a little.

"Oh really? You must be crawling with ladies then huh, Mr. Karamatsu?"