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[atypical_echo]

You’ve reached Mark, for some reason. It’s 2022 apparently, last I checked - just text me. Or, you know, leave a message if you must.

Comments

[robintohood]

I get it. You want to avoid the temptation. You're welcome to drop by whenever and get a non-alcoholic drink instead. We'll have those too. Wait until you see the reading room.

These lights are okay or you wanna move them over some more?

[atypical_echo]

Seriously, you're blowing my mind with the idea of a reading room in a karaoke bar. I can't imagine you'd keep it quiet enough for comfort.

[He adjusts the lights, gets it ready, and gets more shots.]

Too bad you're a businessman. You'd be a good assistant.

[robintohood]

[Chuckles]

Well if this place doesn't work out then I could use you as my backup plan then. And don't worry. The reading room further away from the karaoke.

[atypical_echo]

[Mark laughs.]

You're definitely not in my budget. Alright, I'm ready. Show me more.

[robintohood]

[Jason leads Mark to one of the most expensive karaoke rooms.]

What do you think?

[atypical_echo]

Holy fuck.

[Mark has to stop. In fact, he steps in and turns around to consider it in full.]

Seriously, if I win the lottery, give me your designer information, so I can hire them.

[robintohood]

[Jason lightly shorts in amusement]

Will do. And to be fair, a lot of the furniture here I got refurbished.

[atypical_echo]

That's a lot of work, man.

[Ah, but he should work.]

Sorry. Shouldn't get distracted. I won't charge you by the hour on this.

[robintohood]

Thanks. Just charge me whatever you think is appropriate. You're a professional after all.

[atypical_echo]

[Mark looks at him in shock and just process that.]

Dude, there's a difference between respecting the cost of a professional's work, and giving yourself a chance to be walked all over.

[robintohood]

I've met plenty of questionable professionals. You're not one of them.

[Mark seems to be nice but not full of hot air and seems to have real passion for his work]

[atypical_echo]

[Mark's just a guy passionate about this stuff. Doesn't change how shocked he looks.]

We exchanged some online talk, some texts, and now you've known me for all of twenty minutes and you have that much faith? Dude, you're just too good of a person.

[robintohood]

[Jason laughs, partially out of the irony of being called a good person]

Thanks. Guess I just have a lot of faith in people. Also, you wouldn't be saying something if you really were gonna overcharge me.

[atypical_echo]

[Faith in people. Man, Mark almost wants to laugh at that. Instead he looks to the man and shakes his head. What a guy.]

Let's move on to another room then.

[robintohood]

Sure. Let me show you the reading room.

[Jason leads again to a room further away from the karaoke areas. Given how this particular area is decorated, it probably feels like the reading room one of Jason's favorites in the building]

[atypical_echo]

[When they stepped into the room, Mark gasped. Sure, he wasn't as book heavy as many other people, but this? This was good.]

Tip right here and right now. If you ever get interviewed about this place, insist on getting a picture taken in here. It would look great. Oh, and consider hiring live performers every now and then to play, but short periods, in here.

[Damn it's nice. He moves around to touch the bookshelves.]

I've got friends that would so hang out in here.

[robintohood]

[Jason chuckles. He's pleased by Mark's reaction]

Thanks. And please feel free to tell your friends about this spot. This is meant to be like a nicer-looking version of those little free library sheds you sometimes see outside of people's houses. You can take book or donate a book here for free.

[atypical_echo]

[The problem was that he didn't really have friends to bring here. He pauses for a moment, considering it. What it would be like to gather here with friends.]

I'll keep it in mind.

[robintohood]

Also, unlike the karaoke rooms, you're free to use this one whenever you want and no charge.

[atypical_echo]

[Well that makes Mark smile. He just didn't have a lot of people to share it with.]

I haven't exactly built up the greatest friend network since getting here, and I doubt Ripley would come here to do this when we already have The Bachelor night.

[robintohood]

Well, no judgement on loners here then.

[Especially since he's one as well]

[atypical_echo]

[Well, he doesn't know what to say to that, other than to nod along. Even if he really shouldn't be here, with the alcohol. But...]

Any chance you could put my picture at the bar with a sign that says 'no alcohol for this guy?'

[robintohood]

Not a problem. Don't wanna enable anything bad here.

[atypical_echo]

[Dude, Mark almost looks relieved.]

Next thing you know you're going to have hot chocolate available.

[robintohood]

[Laughs]

Now there's an idea. It's almost the right season for it and we do plan to serve non-alcoholic drinks.