Rival Offline (Anya Forger x Damian Desmond)

Chapter Twenty Five: Plans

I went back to read my more popular work Love In Bloom and I physically couldn't stomach it, how did a 20 year old write something that looks like it was written by a 10 year old???

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Anya logged onto her computer and checked out the latest anime news. Her eyes lit up when she saw the announcement: *"Merchandise for the latest Super Dove Rangers is available for pre-order now! Catch the movie in a theater near you!"*

She was excited about the movie — the *Super Dove Rangers* had always been one of her favorites. However, she sighed, realizing that Becky might not be as thrilled about it. Becky was known for her preference for romance and happy endings, especially ones with kissing scenes. The thought of dragging Becky to a movie without that kind of finale made Anya chuckle.

"Guess I'll have to find a different way to watch it," she mused, already planning how she might convince someone else or find a way to enjoy it on her own.

She sent Damian a message, excitement bubbling over in her text.

Sakura: "Did you see the new Dove Rangers trailer!! Looks so hype! ≧◠ᴥ◠≦"

Kokei: "Yeah, I can't believe they got Yuuki Hashima to play Dove White. I didn't think he did live-action stuff."

Sakura:"I know, right? I really liked him in *Spy vs Assassin*."

Damian's reply came quickly, his enthusiasm evident even in his brief messages.

Kokei: "Same here! He was great in that. I'm excited to see how he'll handle the role in Dove Rangers."

Sakura: "You know, I find it hard to believe I'm talking to Damian Desmond right now. I didn't think you could get excited over things (͠◉_◉᷅ )"

Kokei: "Rude, I can get excited about stuff too. Your rude comments aside, you're probably going to watch it with Becky."

Sakura: "Unless Dove White and Dove Pink become canon, I doubt she'd be interested in watching it (╥﹏╥) Even though I think Dove White and Dove Blue are endgame."

Kokei: "But they're both guys?"

Sakura: "Okay, and? Nothing wrong with that ಠ_ಠ. You ever play *Persona 4*?"

Kokei: "Oh yeah, I did. Emile had it on the PSP."

Sakura: "Yeah, and if you've played it, you'd know that the protagonist and his best friend are basically lovers."

Kokei: "They weren't..."
"...but they should have been."

Sakura: "See, you get me now. Gay ships are so good that even the bros want them to be canon."

Kokei: So your not seeing it with anyone?

Sakura: No I'll probably just end up watching it when it releases on Blu-Ray :[

Kokei: Then just go with me

Damian's heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the screen, his mind racing. He had just asked Anya out so casually, something he never thought he'd do, especially not with someone like her. The very idea of asking Anya Forger to a movie seemed almost surreal to him.

He couldn't believe he'd just sent the message, and now he was waiting for her response, feeling a mix of excitement and dread. The thought of spending time with her outside of their usual context—where he didn't have to maintain the façade of "Damian Desmond, son of Donovan Desmond"—was both thrilling and terrifying.

What if she said no? What if she didn't want to hang out with him, even after everything they'd been through? The fear of rejection gnawed at him, but he tried to push it aside, focusing instead on the possibility of spending time with her in a more relaxed, genuine setting.

Sakura: Really?? 

Kokei: Yeah... why not. we're friends aren't we?

Sakura: Yeah! ≧✯◡✯≦ Thanks Damian you're the best!