"I think I like you."
It was a statement, low, almost silent. Not a question prodding for a response, not an offer that could be turned down, but a statement.
A declaration that was undeniable, he couldn't prove it wrong, he couldn't turn it down, he couldn't choose to just not answer.
So he just froze and refused to respond.
There was a sigh from the older girl, movie might as well be forgotten. She was getting sick of the constant blood and guts anyway.
"Hoi Mob, you gonna pass the popcorn or am I gonna have to teleport it into my mouth?" Tome asked, trying to downplay what just transpired and failing.
Mob was barely conscious however, whatever state his internal meter was in bound to have shot up tenfold in the span of a few seconds. How did it even come to this, weren't they just talking about trashy romance movies earlier?
"Ugh, Mob, don't be like that... Mob... Mob?"
Tome proceeded to shake his shoulders, still nothing.
"Mob, come on, don't be dumb, stop acting like some kinda war veteran. It's not like the world is gonna end or anything..."
Mob couldn't really find the courage to meet her gaze. There was so much wrong and yet there was nothing he could point to, nothing he could apologize for or ask for forgiveness for. A girl just told him that she liked him, a girl that might as well have been his sister for how close they were.
"I mean, I'm just some weird loser anyway right? Crazy for aliens, trying to get telepathic powers so I can talk to em. Wouldn't wanna date a weirdo, would you..."
Tears welled up and threatened to break loose. Though tome stood strong and beat them back.
"Ah, forget it. Sorry for making things awkward, Mob. See you around-"
"Tome-san," Mob called, "wait."
Tome was almost out the door when he called, this time it was her who couldn't bear herself to look.
There was a bit of shuffling heard. Tome's face betrayed a blush as she could feel him behind her.
"P-popcorn?" he asked, shakily, though there was something else in there too. Something that wanted to fight past the shakiness. Something to hold him still.
Tome turned and saw practically everything that wasn't bolted down in the measly college apartment was afloat and enveloped in a pinkish tinge, the same one all across the esper's face at that moment.
Grabbing a handful of popcorn, the girl took a look at the flushed esper, who appeared to become more and more unsure with every passing second.
"You sure you aren't an alien?"
Confused, Mob was about to speak up when he was cut off by a slight pressure on his cheek. It felt good, and warm,
and holy shit a girl just kissed him.
Tome took the handful of popcorn and shoved it straight into her mouth with the finesse and tact of a rhino drinking tea from a child's playset.
"Well, ith getthin' lathe anywhey Moab-kuhn," said Tome who walked away, mouth full of popcorn, "you know my number."
And with that she was gone and Mob was left standing in place with a whacked up apartment and an electronic brick in his pocket that may aswell have held the secrets of life itself.