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In the entire circus, the person Zooble cared about the most was Gangle. Sure they found Ragatha and Kinger quite sweet, and Pomni seemed pretty nice, though it’s hard to say for sure since she’s new. And Jax… yeah, he’s just an asshole, no second thoughts on that. Zooble stretches slightly on the colored block they’re laying on as they continue to think. Gangle really was the only one they could truly trust… the only one that made them feel so…
“Hi, Zooble!”
Zooble was startled from their reverie as Gangle called out to them. With a swift, but somewhat awkward movement, Zooble sits up from their laying position to have a better view of Gangle as she talks.
“It’s rare to find you so out in the open like this, I mean, being right in the middle of the main tent and all. You’re usually in more secluded areas, aren’t you?”
Zooble breaks eye contact with Gangle, looking to the side. They hop down from the cube they had previously been on, and fold their arms, now standing directly in front of Gangle. Still not making eye contact, they keep a closed off demeanor.
“Just felt like a wider space might help clear my thoughts, y’know?”
Gangle tilted her head curiously, her comedy mask changing to a more concerned expression.
“Clear your thoughts? Um, can I ask what’s bothering you? I mean, it’s just you’re always helping me out when I feel sad or off… so I would like to help you in return if that’s ok? This is what friends are for, right? You’re the one who taught me that.”
Gangle gives a cute little smile that makes Zooble’s heart start racing. Her face, her words, her cute voice… these are the things that have been plaguing Zooble’s mind. Plaguing? Blessing? It’s unclear… all Zooble knows is that they might not see Gangle as just a friend anymore…
“It’s not much, y’know? Just thoughts… about stuff.”
Zooble stammers out. Shit, they were doing fine… a little lost in thought, yes, but that could have been played off as something else. Why did she have to smile like that? Zooble fidgets in place, trying to hold back their emotions.
“Not serious stuff, just, y’know, about how fun it is to hang around you.”
Zooble makes eye contact with Gangle again, breathing in deep to try and calm their nerves. That was a very neutral statement, that could be taken in a completely platonic way… Zooble thinks, trying to control their expression, trying their best not to let their true emotions through right now.
“H-How fun…? You… Zooble, you really mean that?”
Despite having her comedy mask on, Gangle sheds a tear before quickly wiping it away with her ribbon-esque hand.
“That’s really so sweet of you… I mean, I completely agree! With the having fun hanging out together part, I mean. I didn’t mean to sound like I agree with you having fun hanging out with me, that would sound weird…”
Zooble can’t keep in a slight laugh at Gangle’s nervous response. Gangle always got nervous with compliments, it was cute.
“Was that really all that was on your mind, though? You were acting kind of distant when I first got here… tired even? I mean, I know we don’t actually need sleep in here, but still…”
Zooble gives a slight nod.
“I get what you mean. Yeah, I’ve been kinda restless lately… maybe a sleepover could help?”