“So, about that ‘favor’ I just did you…” Brian began.

Right to the point, huh? :3

I glanced around at the other people who were departing the bus, still more were waiting at the stop.  “Can we talk about it later?  In private?”

He gave me a curious look, but he replied, “Of course.”

Ah, fair enough. I guess they won’t be doing it while shopping, then.

Which I suppose frees up the shopping trip for other events. Maybe it’ll just be a scene about Taylor’s awkwardness as she spends time with Brian post-kiss, and her efforts to figure out how she’s going to explain this by the time they get to his apartment.

I knew I was making it worse by procrastinating, that I’d only get more awkward if I dwelled on it.

Oh boy, if that’s accurate, we’re in for a treat.

Well, unless you’re bothered by second-hand embarrassment, I guess.

Whether I admitted my feelings or told him about Sophia, both felt too personal to talk about with the crowd of strangers following us off the bus.

Yeah, that’s fair.

Of course, there is the possibility that this Arc will forgo the usual structure and not have a combat section, to focus on the Taylor/Brian subplot. Heh, maybe Taylor’s fight against the awkwardness is enough combat for the latter half of the Arc?