10000 Bucks For A Slab of Walnut???

Part 1

 "Oh man this is going great." One day, while exploring the woods near the town, I found myself lost in the rhythm of carving, my chisel dancing along the surface of the wood. The delicate details were beginning to take shape, each stroke bringing life to the sculpture that had been residing in my mind for weeks. The tranquil sounds of the forest enveloped me—the rustling leaves, the distant chirping of birds, the guy in the bushes—it was my sanctuary, my place of solace.

Wait a guy in the bushes? He's not usually there, wait is it a stalker? Is he walking towards me? "Wow, that's incredible," he said, and I jumped, my heart racing from both his unexpected presence and his unexpected kind words. Do I run or listen to him? "Oh jeez, don't tell me I lost it," my heart sank as I realized I threw a tool. Panic surged through me. My tools were my most prized possessions—and expensive. Is it here? Did I drop it here? If I can't find it, I'll have to use the last of my savings to buy it again.

As I nervously scanned the ground, he must have noticed my distress because he quickly knelt down to help me search. "What are we looking for?" "My forged Damascus, Red Oak, 12mm chisel." It held immense sentimental value (and monetary value), and the thought of losing it was painful, both to me and my bank account.

We combed through the leaves and dirt together, I was so scared and laser focused I forgot he was there for a second. And then, just as panic was threatening to consume me completely, his hand brushed against something. He held up the chisel, a triumphant smile on his face. "Is this it?"

Startled at first, relief washed over me in waves, and I let out a shaky laugh, my tension melting away. I was so relieved that I stuttered and was barely able to let out a yes and thank you. In that moment, I felt so relieved and happy he had came here (even though he's the reason I dropped it).

Then that's when I realized I had been staring at him for about a minute. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and I quickly averted my gaze, my heart racing. "S-sorry..." I stammered, feeling utterly mortified by my own awkwardness. "It's ok..." Oh man I'm scaring him, what do I say? "D-do come here often?" Please make it stop, I can't handle this pain anymore. I can't even form a full sentence, what am I a toddler? I heard a little laugh come from his direction "Yeah, do come here often," he said, his grin widening as he teased me

His playfulness was unexpected, yet it eased the tension that had been building within me. We both shared a chuckle, the tension between us gradually dissipating. His laughter was warm and infectious, making me feel at ease despite my jumbled thoughts and I started to giggle.

"What school do you got to?" I guess we both are about the same age. "T-the one down the road the trail connects to." "Oh wow really? That's the one I go to!" Wait a minute, he does look familiar wait this is Takumi, he's in classroom 3-A. He's on the soccer team I think. "You're Takumi Matsumoto right?" "The one and only, future Haaland, minus the height," he said proudly.