"Fair enough. But what you're neglecting to consider is the fact that it doesn't have to make sense to YOU for people to have a good time with it. Plus, like... you sound like such an unnecessary sourpuss with all that "it's annoying." Pretty sure you do annoying stuff, too. Everyone does."

"Mom made Nana's chicken and dumpling recipe, let's fucking go!"

"Like, let's not forget there was a period of months where the big meme was just the letter E."

"Still an overreaction. Some shit is just cringe, man. Willing to bet even you've had moments of it, whether you realize it or not. Me, though, I thrive on cringy shit. Fun's fun."

youtu.be/JYIaWeVL1JM?... The inside of Ruthie's van often sounds like this

"That feels like an extreme overreaction to something harmless, my guy. Sure, some people can wear a thing into the ground, but yikes."

She's gonna solo at least half of this, if only because the rest of the family needs to eat, too.

Spent the day organizing the workshop with her mom.

These two are where the delivery girl gets her good looks. (Amirah would jokingly say they're all from her.)

ultimately made, that person will be told how she feels, and only that person. Because her romantic life is no one else's business besides her and that potential partner. What it boils down to is "wait and see." Hope that gives some insight.

🍽 A small, informative note from the management on Ruthie and romance: Put simply - the way it works is that she'll decide, in her own time and by whatever process she operates on, whether she's feeling someone that way. Asking her will only make her delay thinking about it. When she has a choice

"Busy bear, as usual, but nobody can say that I didn't make time to pop my head in and see what's up!"

Sometimes in this crazy world, you just have to put your thing down, flip it and reverse it.

"Oh shit -- we on chili time tonight?" Excitedly spooning it into her mouth.

Cleaning her roller skates with a toothbrush. An act of patience and diligence.

Rocking her favorite sweater.

"True."

Clutching a hair brush and jamming to YES on her stereo. "Owner of a white sedan Owner of a white sedan Your lights are on 🎶 "

"No joke, the next time we go to Sendai to visit grandma and grandpa, I am absolutely going on the Kirin Beer factory tour."

Mom washed her hair old school style. Had Ruthie under the kitchen faucet, just like when she was a little kid. Good vibes for the day.

Rearranging her collection of VHS tapes.

Icing a bruise on her face. Last night's dodgeball game was awesome!

Recently whipped up in the Komatsu family kitchen: Chocolate cupcakes with cookie dough frosting!

She's been baking for the last couple of hours. Big family event on track for today.

Staple breakfast of her New Jersey roots: the unbeatable Taylor ham, egg & cheese.

"Both, equally."

🍽 A small, informative note from the management on Ruthie and romance: Put simply - the way it works is that she'll decide, in her own time and by whatever process she operates on, whether she's feeling someone that way. Asking her will only make her delay thinking about it. When she has a choice

🍽️ Okay, that's been my government-mandated time to mess around here. See y'all when I see you.

"Questioning life is kinda my whole vibe, Benji!" she grinned at him. "But yeah, make time to just go with the flow, do your own thing. Works pretty well for me, at least."

"You're probably best off not putting anymore thought on what was. Got the whole rest of your life for new, better shit with new, better people! And the ones who'll do right by you will prove it themselves, without you ever having to wonder."

"Ending like that kinda sours the whole thing. But fuck it -- you'll find somebody a hundred times better than her, anyway. My big brother Dan went through the same thing, actually." Arms folded over her chest as she paused for thought. "And now I basically got a sister-in-law these days..."

Shake of her head. Something tells her it's a familiar outcome. "Won't ask for details, but I can imagine it didn't go great. You're better off without some girl who did you dirty, anyway."

"'s how I've always been, always gonna be. I don't drag things out and let 'em get messy, if I can help it. Easier to just tell somebody the truth straight up, let 'em have their dignity intact while I keep mine that way, too."

"Appreciated and flattered, for real. But I'm not really feeling that same kinda vibe with you, Benji. Don't wanna unintentionally string you along, you know?"

Ruthie watching PEAK

"True. Words count for more, though."

"You look like you've never seen a girl in shorts before. C'mon, man..."

"Ben... Close your mouth, or flies are gonna get in."

"Oh, trust me. I can tell you do, and I appreciate the honesty about it. So, that's one more thing to say thank you for."

She does. It's why she leaves her window open for him, knowing he'll wander back whenever he goes off somewhere.

"I've learned that lonely roads can lead to hearts of gold. I'll protect the world..." Queen Kara Sylvia Shikagita Odius. The duelist, model, signer, and idol.

True enough. Damn cat basically adopted her, not the other way around.

"Am I?" spoken in between bites of ice cream, "I hadn't noticed." Yet again, further teasing. All done on purpose. "Pretty observant of you to spot it, Benji."

"Perhaps. But perhaps not. Depends on how I feel about it."

It's finally getting to be warm for real. Ruthie fit of the day.