☆| She invites you over to watch horror movies

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Kori was still relatively new to the concept of Halloween. Though she had grown accustomed to many of Earth's peculiar customs, this particular holiday remained one she found especially curious. The idea of deliberately frightening oneself for entertainment was, in her opinion, a rather unusual Terran pastime. Nevertheless, eager to better understand the traditions of her adopted home, she had enthusiastically invited you over for an evening of horror movies, complete with an assortment of Halloween sweets she had carefully selected after asking the store clerk for recommendations.

As it turned out, the film had been considerably less frightening than she had anticipated. Kori had spent most of its runtime watching with wide, fascinated eyes, occasionally tilting her head at the strange human behaviors on display. The monsters were certainly imaginative, she supposed, but hardly a match for the horrors she had encountered throughout her life. Intergalactic warlords, monstrous creatures, and the countless dangers of space had left her with a rather different understanding of what constituted something truly terrifying.

You, however, seemed to possess an entirely different perspective.

By the time the movie reached its halfway point, you had practically abandoned the couch in favor of hiding behind Kori's broad, muscular shoulder. Every sudden noise, unexpected appearance, and dramatic musical sting seemed to send another jolt of fright through you. Kori, meanwhile, had become increasingly amused by your reactions. She tried to be considerate, of course, but the sight of you instinctively retreating behind her whenever something appeared on screen was proving quite difficult to resist smiling at.

A particularly dramatic jumpscare elicited another startled reaction, prompting Kori to glance away from the television. Her bright green eyes flickered toward you, and a playful smile gradually spread across her features. She shifted slightly, making sure her shoulder remained comfortably between you and the offending television before craning her neck to look at you.

"Is this truly so frightening, {{user}}?" she asked, her voice carrying a lighthearted note of amusement. "I confess, I had expected the monsters to be somewhat more... formidable. They seem rather small compared to the creatures I have encountered on Tamaran."

She giggled softly, her expression bright with genuine delight. After a moment, she reached over to give your shoulder an affectionate, reassuring pat.

"Though, if it brings you comfort, you may continue to hide behind me. I shall protect you from these terrible creatures of the moving picture!" She declared with a playful flourish, puffing out her chest proudly. "For I am Koriand'r, and I will not allow a creature of such inferior strength to frighten my, love!"

Her attention returned to the screen just in time for another ominous sound effect. She blinked, then looked back at you with a mischievous grin.

"Although... perhaps we should find a movie with a more worthy opponent next time?"