hawk x ???

@♡ blinded_foxᶠ "Oh I couldn't agree more. They are the best cuddle partner for a single man like me during winter" The grin of adoration still present on his face as she excitedly told him about the videos. To be honest, Hawk wasn't one who often spend his time watching videos so he didn't know about it but from his own experience with his pet at home, Hawk had to agree that it was indeed such a sight. "I guess when we finally get to see one another, I have to show you some videos of my dogs to you. And please, I just know you are just as passionate as I am when it comes to dogs. The enthusiasm that I hear from your voice really speaks a volume about it."

His laughter rang out through the pod again at her attempt on imitating the dog. "For sure, for sure. And that was a great impersonation, Fox." It's definitely the first time he ever had this much fun while being in a pod session, well, not counted the one he had with his best friend, just in purpose to serve a comedic feeling to the show. To be honest, talking with Fox like this managed to take his mind off from something that had been dampening his mood. The way she giggled, well Hawk had to admit that it sounded really cute, and he couldn't wait to hear it in person when the time comes. "The retriever is Zoro and the husky is Robin. And yes, from One Piece hehe. I love that anime." Humming for a little, he then continued "By the way, what kind of music do you enjoy to listen to?"

@♡ blinded_hawk ʸᵘⁿʰᵒ "i do..." she fondly responds, expressing her love for bigger dog breeds. "they make the best cuddlers, a-and i find it so adorable when some of their big, floofy bodies could weigh more than me, but then act as if they're still a puppy—you know those videos where the big dogs will either just jump into their owner's arms or expect to be carried around, as if they're still a puppy still? those always make me smile!" she excitedly explains. "t-thank you, but i probably couldn't beat y-your level of passion, dochawk."

the expression of her face is torn; embedded with elation, but also creased with immense envy. she wanted her own dogs; just like hawk already had. "a husky p-puppy?" fox literally makes the expression of a pleading emoji. she then chuckles, laughing at the implication that his dogs constantly made sure his days were kept busy. "i bet! especially huskies... they're so fiercely independent, stubborn—'my way or the highway!' or; 'don't tell me what to do, hooman!'" she gruffs up her voice to express the sentiments, trying to sound more dog-like.

she giggles when she's asked if she has a fox for a pet. "no, i don't. i do find them really cute as well however! especially artic foxes!" thinking back to his dogs again, fox starts doodling in her notebook, drawing the portraits of a golden retriever and husky, in chibi style. "what are the name of your dogs?"

@♡ blinded_foxᶠ Okay. From the way she's so excitedly listing those breeds, he could tell that she loves dogs that much and it was endearing to hear and to know. His demeanor relaxed even more with this knowledge they could start somewhere. To be honest, Hawk wasn't really a very talkative person when you meet him in person, that's why when his friend signed him for this, with all the anonymity this show offered, it put him in relief.

"So you like the big dogs type eh? And I'm really happy to meet someone who is just as passionate about dogs or animals in this show. I thought I'd be the only one." He let out a soft chuckle. A fond smile appeared on his face as his mind traveled back to his house, specifically to the two dogs at his place. "Yeah, I have two. One retriever and one husky. The husky one is still just a puppy though but yeah there are never a dull day at home." Hawk couldn't help but to grin at that. "What about you? Do you have any pets, Fox? Could it be you... have a real fox as a pet~?"

@♡ blinded_hawkᵐ for a few long seconds, she got complete silence. the uncomfortable dread of anxiety starts to seep into her mind, but just in time, she hears hawk laugh. blowing out a light exhale of relief, she calms down. smiling happily at the subject of their conversation, she mentally agrees with hawk—puppies were such unique companions, that touched the hearts of many.

she waits for him to finish talking, but her eyes dazzle in jubilation at the sound of golden retrievers and siberian huskies. her lips are just itching, eager to let out and express for love for them. they too, are some of her favorite breeds. she quickly writes into her notebook again. was hawk fond of them as well? if so, already this conversation was headed towards pawsitive direction.

counting mentally to two after his last question, fox feels that it's sufficient time for her to respond. "me too! i love them as well!" she exclaims, her voice bouncing with excitement. "i do also love samoyeds, labrador retrievers, australian shepherds, border collies, great pyrenees, bichons, maltipoos, shetland sheepdogs, shiba inus—to name a few." she stops herself, embarrassed that she was going off on a rapid fire. "c-can you tell i really like dogs?" she chuckles softly. "why the soft spot for golden retrievers or huskies? do you own one? or maybe your family does?" fox curiously asks, wanting to know more.

@♡ blinded_foxᶠ The enthusiastic reply that came from Fox got Hawk startled a little. It took him a few moments before laughter escaped him. It was very refreshing to hear that, at least it tells him that she was already getting comfortable enough talking with him like this. Though that aside, he did agree with her statement, being almost everyday seeing any kind of puppies at work.

"I couldn't agree more," Hawk replies with a warm chuckle, his voice maintaining that same composed and captivating tone. "Puppies have a unique ability to bring joy and companionship into our lives. They embody loyalty, innocence, and boundless energy. It's truly remarkable how these creatures can touch our hearts in such profound ways." He pauses momentarily, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, "Tell me, what is it about puppies that resonates with you?" He’s genuinely interested, and it shows in the way he listens attentively, ready to engage further based on her response.

Hawk chuckled, making a mental note, if by the end of the revelation they’re still being close, he would ask her to come and visit his working space, spending time to just play with the puppies. “Do you have any favorite breed? For me, I always have a soft spot for a golden retriever and a Siberian husky.” He nodded while his mind already traveled to his own dogs at home, always getting positive energy from them when he came home tired.

@♡ blinded_hawkᵐ she decides that she's going to take notes. it feels amiss for her not to. just by the sound of his voice, hawk sounds well-grounded; gentle but confident, reassuring but captivating, and intelligent but personable. the words that formulate and make up his sentences are eloquent and formal, making him sound professional. she wonders if hawk works in a career that is hightly prestigious, or one that requires a leadership role. as she always is when meeting new people, she's intimidated, but at the same time she's engaged, eagerly awaiting what more he has to say.

word for word, she's writing down each and every one his pragmatic statements, nodding in agreement as she writes them out. everything he says is applicable and relatable. she's biased to his voice, lulling pleasantly in her ears. it's as if she's listening to an audiobook or listening to a movie dialogue without film, and hawk is the main male protagonist that's come to swoon her by sound.

nearly starstruck into a daydream by the timbre of his voice, she nearly misses the question that he asks her. luckily, the answer for her isn't difficult, blurting it out in an instant, as soon as she's processed the inquiry. "puppies!" she exclaims in glee, her eyes lighting up.

@♡ blinded_foxᶠ From the other side of the wall, a voice responds with a warm and steady cadence, "Hello, Fox. It's Hawk here. It's a pleasure to meet you, even if it's just through this wall for now." Hawk's tone is reassuring, a gentle contrast to the nervous energy he senses from Fox so at least he had to make sure that she was comfortable enough with him. "I understand the jitters; it's not every day we find ourselves in such a unique situation, paired with a stranger for a contest. But I believe it's these unexpected encounters that make life interesting, don't you think?" He pauses, giving Fox a moment to process his words.

"As for me, I've been looking forward to this second round. It's an opportunity to learn and grow, to test our abilities in ways we might not have imagined." Hawk shifts slightly, his voice taking on a reflective note. "Life does have a way of testing us, pushing the boundaries of what we believe we're capable of. But it's in these moments, when we're out of our comfort zones, that we often discover new strengths."

He continues, "I've always found that a good conversation can be the bridge between uncertainty and understanding. So, let's start with something simple, shall we? Tell me, Fox, what's one thing that always brings a smile to your face, no matter the day?" Hawk's question hangs in the air, an invitation for Fox to share a piece of her world with him. It's a small step, but one that could lead to a connection, a shared moment amidst the competition. And who knows, perhaps this second round will be more than just a contest; maybe it'll be the start of a memorable dialogue, one that both Fox and Hawk will look back on with fondness, regardless of the outcome.

@♡ blinded_hawkᵐ it's as if life was testing her limits—her willpower, by testing the confines of her compacted social battery. moments ago, she had just received another message from the production team. she was going to be paired with another—second—contestant. reading the message, she felt like she was hallucinating. but here she was, standing before another pod room door.

at least this time, she's more prepared, notebook page filled with icebreakers and conversation prompts. and as well, because this is her second round, she has the value of experience to her strengths this time. walking over to the same, familiar couch inside the room, she sits down. her legs together, she angles her knees off to the side neatly, while she sits up—straight and tall. she's exhibiting her press conference and media interview pose, on edge and nervous, until she can slowly gain comfort, as time progresses.

clearing softly, she introduces herself to whomever's on the other side of the wall. "hello, i-it's fox ... who m-may i have the pleasure of speaking t-to? ..." she asks timidly.

@♡ blinded_hawkᵐ unfortunately, due to personal reasons, chinchilla has decided to leave the show and will no longer be with us. she will be missed; we wish her all the best. a new critter has been matched with you. they have been notified of this, and will appear shortly in this room. stay tuned!

@♡ blinded_chinchillaᶠ I guess i am with you now, eh chinchili~
lets have fun this week, shall we?