Minty: "Let's bring it back to the present. You were so brave to let Iboni put that index card energy into a book for everyone to read. Now that the story is out, do you feel like the Denim Jacket has become a sort of costume for a character named Jervien, or when you look at the cover, is it still—and always—just him?"
[The audience settles, sensing the transition back to the profound connection between the girl on the couch and the boy in the book.]
Yvonne: "I haven't thought about it. That didn't entered my mind. But looking at the cover that Iboni made for it... I see him. He always sleeps in class, to be honest. He always sleeps every chance he gets. [Began to form a subtle smile]"
[The audience lets out a soft, collective "Awww," and the kilig in the room turns into something much more tender and nostalgic. They can see a few people in the crowd smiling to themselves, probably thinking about their own high school crushes who had that one specific, endearing habit.]
Minty: [Her voice drops to a warm, gentle register, seeing that subtle smile on Yvonne's face] "The sleepy student... that is such a classic, quiet image. It's funny how the things we remember aren't always the big, dramatic speeches—it's the way someone breathes when they're napping at their desk while the teacher is talking."
[Minty watches Yvonne for a moment, her own expression mirroring her soft smile. She leans in, wanting to capture the essence of that specific memory.]