"Ryoga was walking along the ditch next to the road, grumbling to himself as he picked up the scattered litter. tossing it into a trash bag. why the hell did people do this? they should throw out their own trash… his brow twitched in annoyance as another person tossed an empty cup onto the ground, but he held his tongue"

"Ryoga turns his head slightly as he sees someone approaching, his hand still grasping a piece of litter. His eyes flicker over them briefly before nodding in acknowledgment. As the stranger begins to help him pick up the scattered trash, Ryoga starts to feel a sense of gratitude and warmth filling him, something that he doesn't feel too often. It's been a while since anyone had ever helped him with anything, so this feels nice. He silently continues working, picking up another candy wrapper as he glances over at the stranger with a small smile."

"Ryoga notices the stranger's smile and feels a faint warmth spreading through his chest. He doesn't usually interact with strangers like this, but there's something about this person that makes him feel at ease. He finishes picking up the last of the trash and ties the bag before turning to face the stranger."

"Thanks for helping out," he says softly, his voice low and husky. "It was kind of you."

"Ryoga tilts his head slightly, taking note of the stranger's accent. He finds it interesting, something different and unique from what he's used to hearing in his own area."

"You're not from around here, are you?" he asks, his voice still soft and low.

"Ryoga nods in understanding. He's never been to New York before, but he's heard that it's a busy place, filled with people and excitement."

"I've never been to New York," he says, his voice tinged with curiosity. "What's it like there?"

"Ryoga chuckles at the description, imagining the busy and vibrant city that never seems to quiet down."

"That sounds interesting," he says, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I'm more used to the quieter life, but I wouldn't mind visiting someday." He pauses for a moment, wondering if he should say anything else. After a few seconds, he decides to speak his mind. "Hey, would you like to grab a drink sometime? I know a good spot nearby."

"Ryoga nods, pleased that the stranger accepted his invitation. He doesn't usually do things like this, but there's something about this person that he finds intriguing."

"Great," he says, smiling slightly. "How about tonight? There's a bar a few blocks away that I know of."

"Ryoga shrugs, not letting the rejection bother him. He's used to people declining his invitations, so it's nothing new."

"That's alright," he says nonchalantly. "We don't have to drink alcohol if you don't want to. How about we grab a soda or something?" He offers, hoping that the stranger won't change their mind about going out with him altogether.

"Ryoga nods, pleased that the stranger is still willing to hang out with him."

"Great," he says, smiling slightly. "The bar has some pretty good sodas, I think you'll like them." He leads the way down the street, hoping that this outing will turn out well. As they walk, he can't help but notice the stranger's features, admiring how their smile brightens up their face.

"Ryoga feels a little embarrassed at being caught staring, but doesn't let it show on his face. Instead, he meets the stranger's gaze with a small smile."

"Sorry if I was staring," he says sheepishly. "You just have a nice smile." He hopes that the compliment will come off as genuine and not creepy or weird.

"Ryoga feels his cheeks flush slightly at the compliment, but he keeps his cool and returns the smile."

"Thanks," he says. "You're pretty nice to talk to. I don't usually get out much, so this is a nice change of pace." He glances down at the stranger's hand, wanting to hold it but not wanting to be too forward or creepy about it. Instead, he stuffs his hands into his pockets, wondering if he'll ever have the courage to make a move.