[ "You're...eating my...leg!" ]
[ "Oh!" ]
[ "HAHAHA" ]
"Evil Bear, why you so evil?" Futaba said with a snarky shake of her head.
Haru was conversely quite speechless at the sight. The effects looked fairly authentic! It was indeed quite unsettling!
She realized that her arm had found its way latched against Futaba's bicep in her surge of alarm, and she loosened her grip, slowing her breath.
Horror movies were almost like roller-coasters for the mind. Perhaps not unlike the thrill of the metaverse, Haru appreciated a bout of excitement now and again. Just...as long as she wasn't alone...
Haru felt her lungs seize up when something grabbed at her hip, clawing with a-...
-rrrrmmmmmm!-
O-Oh, ha, it was only her phone...
Ah. A text from her driver. It was time to take off.
"Oh, is it that time already?" Haru lamented.
"Enh?" Futaba grunted, pausing the film.
"I have to get going for now," said Haru. "I have other things to tend to for the evening..."
"Oh, right! Yea, no worries. Sorry I forgot."
"No, I forgot, as well. We-...Um, we should finish this movie soon. Maybe tomorrow?"
"Totally! I might be out but send me a text and I'll come around."
Haru rose from the rickety wooden chair, and it squeaked with relief, its burden lifted. Futaba pounced up on her heels and shoved herself into Haru for a good-bye hug.
"Mmmmph!" Futaba groaned, her usual combination of 'it's good seeing you' and 'it's a shame you're leaving.'
Haru returned the hug, murmuring a placation of "We still have the whole weekend ahead of us."
"I know," Futaba conceded. "I just-...Y-Yea, everyone's been too busy lately, and...with Makoto avoiding me ever since I...-" She whimpered a small, pathetic whimper. "W-Well, yea, I just-..." Tidying her posture back up and breaking their hug, she concluded, "The point is, I am excite to have you around, buuut I know you gotta go 'adult,' so...-" Her eyes popped wide in a moment of realization. "Not to mention, your little...impending encounter? Ehhh?"
As Futaba elbowed her in the rib, Haru tilted her head back, rolling her eyes as her cheeks began to sizzle.
"Y-Yes, well, I do...have matters to attend to, so...-"
"You better make lotsa mental notes, Sis, I wanna know all about how it goes!"
"I am certain you do..." Haru said with her eyelids half closed and a sheepish smile on her face.
Futaba beamed a shining grin at Haru, who felt oddly smaller than she usually did in the moment.
When it seemed she couldn't contain her vicarious excitement any longer, Futaba burst out a quick, "Ok-OK-okay, don't let me keep ya."
"Thank you. I...-" Haru noticed the empty coffee cups on their saucers on the floor.
"Nuh-nuh-nuh, I got it," Futaba insisted, gently shoving Haru toward the stairs. Very quietly, Futaba said, "You've got places to be, people to do...-"
With a sharp, defensive gasp at Futaba's boldly inaccurate statement, Haru playfully smacked Futaba on the arm with the back of her wrist.
Giggling like school children, the pair of them fumbled their way down the stairs.
"Uh-oh," came a familiar woman's voice from the café counter. "I thought I heard the sound of miscreants up to no good..."
"Your ears do not deceive you," Sojiro jokingly remarked, wiping the counter-top with a spray bottle and rag in hand.
Sitting at the counter with a plate of curry and a cup of coffee sat Chief Inspector Niijima! Her hair was...much shorter than the last time Haru had seen her a few weeks back.
"Oh, hey, Sae-San!" said Futaba, ever informal...
"Hello to you, too, Futaba," Sae replied, appearing to be as amused as Haru was by the lack of social etiquette. "And hello, Ma'am," she said, nodding her head at Haru, who smiled back and bowed slightly.
"Good afternoon, Niijima-San," said Haru, at least using the woman's surname. She knew Sae seemed to prefer more neutral titles amongst the company of this lot, and part of why she visited Le Blanc with regularity was the comfort she found there. "You, um...-" Haru found her throat catching a bit as she was distracted by how fashionable the woman's clean-cut hairstyle was. Almost masculine, even. It caught her off-guard. "You cut your hair," Haru noted plainly, dumbly, eyes wide. She could practically feel said eyes glittering with admiration.
"I did," Sae said with a warm, unceremonious tone as she sipped at her coffee.
"Looks pretty baller, doesn't she?" said Futaba, using a term Haru didn't quite get the context of. It certainly sounded like a compliment, at least, with the way Futaba had said it.
Sae seemed to recognize the term, and laughed, nearly spewing coffee from her nose.
Clearing her throat, Sae responded, "Uhm-...Well. I was aiming more for 'practical and professional,' but...-"
Haru thrust out the compliment hanging at the edges of her cheeks since they'd made eye contact.
"It looks very nice on you."
"Thank you," Sae replied pleasantly. She carried as if she made nothing of it but Haru was certain Sae's hairdo was in fact related with a recent conversation the pair of them had shared. Haru had encouraged Sae-San to try something new when she'd tossed out the idea of changing styles. It was warming to see that her advice had contributed to something as stunning as-...Er, that is-...Regardless! Um.
"H-How are you doing?" Haru asked.
Niijima-San nodded, her mouth full of curry, and shrugged. After swallowing, she managed to reply, "I've been better, but I've certainly been worse..."
[ Sae Niijima has been coming to Le Blanc more and more lately, I'm told. I even ran into her when I was there earlier. Apparently she and Sojiro have become fast friends now that Sae has time to spare. You might recall her efforts to clean up the corrupt components of the police force in the area, but evidently she finally reached a point this autumn where she feels sufficiently satisfied with said efforts and has been taking some time off. It's difficult to explain, but she carries herself a bit differently than you might recall. I hope you're able to catch up with her when you visit, as I'm sure she would like to know what you've been up to. When you're brought up in conversation, I can tell she still harbors some guilt over the circumstances you had to deal with. She did her best, but you know Sae-San – her best isn't good enough if it does not reach perfection. While I think she has finally started to overcome that lofty and self-defeating expectation with regards to her work, I still get the impression the feeling lingers with regard to her connections. Maybe this is why she's been coming to Le Blanc so much, connecting with Sojiro and Futaba in what ways she can. ]
[ After all, it's not as though Makoto has been terribly responsive lately. ]
"Ah," said Haru, watching as Sojiro pulled Futaba aside to help him clean some dirty dishes. "Is there anything I can do to help guide that sentiment closer toward the 'better' side of the spectrum?"
"Hah, that's very sweet of you, Ma'am," said Sae with a bemused smile, "but I'll manage."
"I, um...-" Haru closed the distance between them, setting a cautious hand on the woman's shoulder. She quietly said into Sae's ear, "I apologize if my...assertion made things worse..."
"What, with Makoto?" Sae balked, tilting herself back slightly. "Pff." She flicked a dismissive wrist. "No, Okumura-San, that's not on you. You were trying to help, and I appreciate it. I'm her sister, it's my responsibility. But I just...-" She paused, running her hand across her scalp with a defeated sigh. "How am I supp-..." Her voice caught on an unpleasantly high syllable and she coughed, blinking her eye. She tried again. "How am I supposed to know how to get through to her when I feel like I don't even know her anymore?"
"Surely she sometimes wonders the same thing," Haru posed. "I know things are...in a difficult place between you two at the moment, and believe me, you aren't alone in this regard with your sister."
"At least she responds to you," Sae bitterly pointed out.
"O-Oh, only barely," Haru insisted. "And likely, even then, due to how persistent I've become..."
Sae chewed on some curry, taking in a deep breath.
"-...not my fault for being honest," Futaba was growling at Sojiro in the background. They were both being very hush-hush.
Haru didn't want to assume things, but she was confident that something related to Makoto was being discussed. Suffice it to say that...Futaba had made Makoto rather uncomfortable the last time they had met up. Whatever had happened – and Haru was not seeking the details – it had sent some ripples throughout Makoto's social life. The woman had been rather busy with her education and training as it was, but whatever had been going on between her and Futaba seemed to escalate Makoto's career pursuits to a level that all but shut out her past associations with the Phantom Thieves.
Non-personal matters aside, Haru could at least appreciate what an issue it could be if someone aiming to become a Chief of Police was discovered to have such intimate criminal associations in her past as being a member of the Phantom Thieves.
Self-defense or not, though, Haru was not in support of Makoto's starkly anti-social approach.
"You said it yourself, Sojiro," Futaba was grumbling, "I can't control how I feel, only how I act. Well? Maybe Makoto needs to learn how to control how she acts, too..."
"That isn't the point, Futaba. You can't simply drop that sort of...-"
"Um," Haru said, loudly clearing her throat to maintain momentum in their own discussion. "That is to say, Sae-San, that I'm certain Mako-Chan will come around when the time is right."
"I sure hope so," Sae mumbled, staring into her coffee as she lifted the cup to her lips. "At this point, I just don't know what will help..."
Once again trying to avoid acting on speculation, Haru simply nodded, her gut tipping her off that something ill had transpired between the two sisters recently. Sae seemed noticeably shaken. Distraught. Like the calm demeanor she'd put on when they'd come downstairs was sewn into the suit she was wearing.
-rrrrrrmmmm!-
Haru's driver buzzing to make sure she was still coming.
Haru made an impulse decision in that moment. Extending an arm, she pressed her palm cautiously against Sae-San's back. The woman's suit was elegant to the touch, but slightly worn from heavy use.
"You still have my number, don't you?" Haru checked.
Sae nodded, seemingly confused.
"I have to leave – someone's waiting on me – but please, Niijima-San, if there's anything I can do to help, will you let me know?"
"I...-" Sae seemed taken aback by the gesture.
"I promise to not meddle directly, but surely someone in your position needs time to recuperate? I could arrange...a masseuse for you? Recommend you to a therapist? Or-...Or even just invite you to coffee at my shop, my treat. Anything you think will help."
Her brows lowered as she glanced back over her shoulder. Sae seemed to stoically freeze up, but she nodded.
"Thanks, Okumura," she sighed. "I...will consider the offer."
"Please do, Ma'am. You have a good evening, now."
"And you, as well."
Heading for the door, Haru quickly texted her driver to advise him that she was heading out presently.
"Knock 'em dead, Onee-Chan!" Futaba cheered from the dish sink.
"I'll be back tomorrow," Haru called back. "Take care Sakura-San, Imouto-Chan. Have a good evening!"
"G'night."
"See ya!"
"Farewell."
Scooping up her umbrella, Haru headed out the door – that wonderful little bell bid her 'good-bye' along with everyone else.
Traversing the rain-soaked back street, Haru made firm, solid strides across the cobblestone, splashing a little rainwater with each step.
As she walked, she realized that during her time with Futaba, she'd gotten a text message reply from Ann.
[ WOW are you serious? GOOD FOR YOU! ]-
[ This is a big step, isn't it? Don't be afraid. ]-
[ As for advice? Honestly, just don't overthink it. ]-
[ Well OK I mean based on what you've told me, maybe overthinking could be good ]-
[ but more in the way of, like, details. You know? ]-
[ But really, Haru, I think you've already got that one down. ]-
[ The most important thing is to just be yourself. ]-
[ If it doesn't click, it doesn't click. ]-
[ But my professional opinion? ]-
[ You two already HAVE clicked. It totally sounds like there's some kind of chemistry going on. ]-
[ To be fair, that doesn't mean much in the long run... ]-
[ But from the sounds of it, you both have good heads on your shoulders. ]-
[ Unwind, order something you like, not something you think will look appropriate. ]-
[ As for your worries about how to dress, it's too early to focus on that. ]-
[ I know that technically you're probably expecting me to put on my work face for this one, but ]-
[ you're not one of hundreds of random comments online. ]-
[ You're Haru Okumura. You've got this. ]-
[ Just dress comfortably. That's your main objective, here. ]-
[ Be yourself, be comfortable. ]-
[ You want to project who you really are, outside of your working relationship, you know? ]-
[ The whole point of this is to kind of see HOW your dynamic changes, but seriously? ]-
[ Ideally speaking, it actually shouldn't change much, if you really connect. ]-
[ What changes when you start dating someone, formally, is more about the 'what' than anything else. ]-
[ How you relate, how you enjoy company, how you process things, ]-
[ how you resolve problems, I mean, ]-
[ really, all of that should basically be the same as long as you're both on the same page. ]-
[ I mean, I guess I'm saying all of this because of the remark when you said ]-
[ "It's almost like we're playing a game" ]-
[ At first that was a huge red flag but when you explained it? ]-
[ I think I get it now. ]-
[ Just keep in mind what kind of 'game' that is, who is meant to 'win' or 'lose' ]-
[ (ideally, you BOTH win? That's a thing) ]-
[ And as long as you both can stop playing when you need to, I can totally get the appeal. ]-
[ Ann has been thriving despite adversity. I think you are aware she gave up on modeling, correct? But did you know she's still attached to the industry? She's writing for a fashion blog now, apparently, and does freelance work. That field is outside of my personal interests, I admit, so I cannot recall the name of any website she writes for. As I understand it, she creates content online, and has even started a video channel that has gained a fast following. It's funny how small the world is – a couple of weeks ago I was wanting assistance with my makeup for a business event, so I decided to look up a tutorial, and one of her videos showed up! Ann is always bringing up her work every time I correspond with her. I truly think she has found her passion, and it brings me joy to listen to her rant about things she feels so strongly about. It reminds me of the kind of social change we used to talk about and work toward, you know? She and Shiho have been striving to help students escape circumstances like the ones they endured. ]
[ Anyway just ]-
[ UGHHH ]-
[ I CAN'T ]-
[ I'm so EXCITED for you! ]-
[ I'll be on standby if any emergency comes up, OK? ]-
Having reaching her car and advised her driver of their next destination, Haru replied to Ann,
-[ You're right! ]
-[ Your words are exactly what I've been needing to hear. ]
-[ I've been worrying so much about how this will change things between us... ]
-[ It's relieving to see you say that they don't have to. ]
-[ I've not really thought of it in that way before, but when I am with ]
She paused. She deleted the next word she'd typed, and entered a different word.
-[ but when I am with them, that 'game' I mentioned it feels we play, ]
-[ it's not just literal, and it goes beyond the metaphor. ]
-[ I think it's our way of...how did you put it? ]
-[ "Coding our behavior." ]
-[ I believe we've both been conditioned to be cautious about these things. ]
-[ And I know that, ultimately, for this to truly thrive, ]
-[ that caution will have to be thrown to the wind. ]
-[ We're not ready for that yet. ]
-[ But your advice is most certainly helpful and I will keep those things in mind. ]
-[ Thank you, Ann, I will keep you updated. ]
[ You got this, Haru! ]-
[ Don't let inexperience hold you back. ]-
[ It's not about who knows more, who's done more, none of that. ]-
[ It's about who you ARE, what you WANT, and whether those things are compatible. ]-
[ I'd wish you luck but you don't need it! ]-
[ I've even come to Ann for advice in ways I never would've expected. A lot has changed for her, but perhaps that would be better for her to explain to you herself. ]
Feeling some relief at her friend's unwavering and even actively enthusiastic support, Haru found herself with some time to spare in the car ride to Café Noire. Given her recent encounter with Sae-San, she felt compelled to try, even though she hadn't heard back the past two times...
She sent a text message to Makoto.
-[ Hello, I hope you're doing all right. ]
-[ I'm sorry if something I've said upset you. ]
-[ I was only trying to help. ]
-[ I see now that attempt was unwelcome and I apologize. ]
-[ I won't bother you about such matters any more. I promise. ]
-[ Please tell me how I can help you. ]
-[ How I can be whatever kind of friend you need. ]
Mere minutes later, Haru was caught off guard by an actual response from Makoto.
[ I'm fine. ]-
[ And I'll continue to be fine as long as everyone stops trying to micromanage me. ]-
[ You and my sister just bumped into each other, didn't you? ]-
Hm. Much more defensive than Haru had been hoping. And leave it to Mako-Chan to be as perceptive as ever.
-[ I see. Again, I apologize, it wasn't my intention to make you feel that way. ]
-[ Please, Makoto, let me know how I can help you. ]
-[ Yes, actually, we did. How did you know? ]
Haru drummed her fingers in her lap for a few moments until the responses started coming in.
[ It's my job to figure that kind of thing out. ]-
[ At least I seem to be able to handle that much. ]-
[ Why do you keep acting like I need your help? ]-
[ I never asked for it. I don't need it. I don't want it. ]-
[ And I definitely don't appreciate you gossiping about me behind my back to my sister. ]-
[ I don't know what you can do to help. ]-
[ Leave me alone, maybe? ]-
[ Give me space. ]-
[ Mako-Chan...has been almost as distant as you. I actually see her sister more frequently than I do her as of late. I don't mind, in one sense – I've come to appreciate Sae-San's company more than anticipated, after all. But much like you, I worry about Makoto. She seems to have gone in the opposite direction you have, Amamiya-San. I fear she is piling on too much work, too much responsibility, and without leaning on those of us who care about her, I can't help worrying the weight will collapse on her some day, as it did you. Sae-san shares this concern, and we've even been pooling our efforts somewhat to try and help, but...our effectiveness seems to be lacking. In my personal opinion, I think Makoto's primary problem is that she is burying herself with busywork but lacks...purpose. And I know, yes, her goals are clear and concise, aren't they? She wants to become Police Chief. It is very specific. And I'm sure it's for the intent of doing good. But I have difficulty picking up a true sense of purpose from it. As if she is pursuing this just to pursue it. To prove her worth, her talent, her ethic. This isn't by itself such a bad thing. But with how much work she inundates herself with, I cannot help but wonder if she will look back at these years some day and regret not spending more time with her loved ones. She has such lofty goals in the long term, but in the short term, what is her means to get there? By being alone and stubborn? ]
To Makoto's request, Haru warily responded,
-[ Very well, Niijima-San. ]
-[ Let me know if I can be of any help, should something arise. ]
-[ Anything. ]
-[ Please take care. ]
[ My, I suppose I may be coming across as judgmental. Look at me, having been given such privilege to pursue whatever I might desire, casting judgment on someone who is determined to work hard to earn the same. I suppose part of this may stem from having lost my father, while seeing Sae-San lamenting her sibling's disconnection so much. Maybe I'm also projecting some of this onto you regarding my comments on Futaba-Chan. ]
Haru sighed with some dejection at the response she'd received.
[ Give me space. ]-
It felt as if this was the only thing Haru could offer Makoto, time and again. It was to the point where their relationship was more 'space' than anything else. And facing this, how could she define such a relationship?
Before Haru could get too bogged down by the situation, she noticed that Café Noire was in sight. Ah, and there was a familiar yellow truck parked in the back. After their car pulled in around the back end, Haru could see that the truck's driver, dressed in a raincoat, was standing inside the truck's carrier compartment, loading items onto a pull-cart.
Their eyes met and he grinned widely, tossing out a friendly wave.
[ Ryuji has been staying very busy! I actually see him quite regularly, though our interactions are ever brief. He's become a courier, and delivers supplies to my café every week. I confess I never have much time to catch up with him for very long, so I'm not quite sure what is going on in his personal life. But I can tell he is happy. His informal but friendly demeanor seems like a good fit for his line of work. I try to avoid bringing you up, however, as I think the distance you've put from us seems to have hit him the hardest. I might sound like a broken record today but you should seriously consider reconnecting with him when you come back to town. I've ensured that he's been made aware that you'll be visiting, but it might be good for him to hear this from you personally, and arrange plans to see each other. ]
After advising her driver of her next needed appointment and getting out of her car, Haru carefully approached the truck under the safety of her umbrella.
"Careful, there," Ryuji advised her as he watched her delicately stride up the metal ramp to the truck's interior. "Wouldn't wanna take a spill out here, it's-"
Oh-!
Haru's shoes were not exactly designed for this kind of environment, and she slipped a little. Before she knew it, Ryuji had grabbed her extended arm, keeping her steady.
"Gotcha."
"Thank you," Haru sighed with some relief, regaining her footing on the solid, mostly dry floor of the truck. "Apologies, I...have been taking more risks lately..."
Giving her a casual slap on the shoulder, Ryuji went back to loading up boxes onto the cart.
"Hey, nothin' wrong with that. That sorta approach is the whole reason this place here exists, right?"
"Hm?" He means the café. "Oh, yes! I suppose that is right, isn't it?"
Ryuji reached for a clipboard, flipping a few sheets over. "Missed ya last week – figured you wouldn't show up today, either, with this weather." He handed the clipboard over to her.
She took it and began reviewing the order, her mind quickly wandering.
"Oh, no, I'm enjoying the rain quite a lot, actually."
"Even though ya almost face-planted because of it?" Ryuji teased.
She grabbed the pen on a string attached to the board and signed the delivery slip.
"Ha, that was hardly the rain's fault so much as mine for being careless."
Ryuji acknowledged, "Heh, fair point." He accepted the signed form, tearing off Haru's copy. "So, how ya been, anyway?"
"I've been well," Haru replied. "Busier than anticipated, however."
"Ah, man, I hear ya. Things have really picked up earlier this year. They've got me runnin' all over the place." He nodded slowly, scratching his scalp beneath his raincoat hood. "On the upside, I've been to some damn good restaurants this month. Just when I think a dish can't get any better, somebody up 'n surprises me, ya know?"
Haru nodded and smiled, imagining Ryuji's enthusiasm and joy being spread to different establishments.
Ryuji was cautiously moving the push cart of supplies down the ramp, and Haru followed, offering, "Shall I assist you?"
"Heh, nah, I got it, thanks. Gotta earn my keep!" He shivered a bit under the chill of the rainfall, scampering the cart over to the back entrance.
After carefully walking down the ramp, Haru rushed to the door to open it for him. As he struggled in the rain a little, Haru couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at the notion of 'earning one's keep.' Had Haru done as such? It seemed she was constantly scrambling to try and 'earn' some abstract 'keep,' some semblance of comfort that where she was, what she had access to, was 'just.' The best she could do was spend the time she didn't need to spend earning a living giving back to those who did, was the way she saw it.
The pair entered the shop, and Ryuji wheeled the cart into the supply room.
"Oh, there you are," came an employee, who swiftly struck up a brief chat with Ryuji.
Haru took the opportunity to head to the store floor. She was greeted by some employees and customers alike, but stayed behind the counter to quickly put together a hot beverage with extra cream. Carrying it carefully back to the supply room, she found Ryuji dusting his hands off over an empty cart, and an employee beginning to set goods into their proper places.
Pulling out the folded, dampened copy of her order slip from his coat, Ryuji handed the sheet to Haru, who gently placed it on the stack of boxes, and exchanged said sheet for the hot cup she had just brewed.
"Eh? This for me?" Ryuji seemed a bit surprised.
"It's cold out today, Sakamoto-San," Haru insisted, nudged the cup into his hands.
"That's the truth," Ryuji conceded. Sniffing at the cup, he mumbled, "So, uh, what's in here, anyway?"
She knew he wasn't much of a coffee drinker but hoped he would give her drink a chance, at least.
"That's a light roast mocaccino with a touch of raspberry flavor, cinnamon, and some extra cream."
Ryuji smirked and laughed a little through his nose.
"Dunno what to expect, but, uh, thanks, Haru."
Out of the corner of her eye, Haru could see her employee almost bug-eye at Ryuji's informality. It was uncommon for the employees to see her interacting with him directly.
"You're very welcome, Ryuji," she replied with a warm smile and a nod. "I hope it helps keep you warm."
He tried to sip at it, flinched a bit, to which Haru warily advised, "P-Perhaps give it some time to cool down first..."
Smacking his tongue with a wrinkled expression, Ryuji nodded.
"So, uh...-" He shook off the bitter sip, asking, "You heard from Ren lately? Ain't he supposed to be showin' up soon?"
"Oh, um...-" Haru was a bit taken aback by this sudden topic change. Fussing with her hair prudently (the humidity was beginning to take its toll), she nodded, mumbling, "He...is planning to visit. In a week or two, I believe. I-...To be honest, I haven't heard back from him in some time..."
"Man." Ryuji shook his head slightly, a forlorn look about him. "Even giving you a bit of the cold shoulder, huh?"
"Oh, it-...I'm sure it's not quite like that, he...-"
"Somethin' ain't right," Ryuji muttered, his brows lowering. "Dunno how to explain it, but I just...know it, somehow."
Haru swapped looks with him. They both shared a certain glazed over concern in their eyes.
"We...don't know that something is amiss," Haru raised, "And yet, I cannot help but agree with you..."
Drumming his fingers along his paper coffee cup, Ryuji sighed and shrugged.
"Well. Not like we can do much about it right now, yea?" He grabbed his pushcart with one hand and started the trek back to his truck. "That guy'll be around soon enough, hopefully we can squeeze some truth outta him."
"Ryuji-San," Haru called to him as he exited the supply room. Following him into the hall, he watched him slow down at the door leading outside.
"Yea?" he called back curiously.
"Um...-" Haru crossed her arms over her chest and nodded thoughtfully with self-affirmation. "I'm sorry that Amamiya-San has...been so distant. I promise I'll do what I can to help."
Ryuji was slightly flabbergasted at first, but after a moment, he smiled with gratitude.
"Oh, yea? Me, too." He raised his cup to her with a, "Yo, thanks for the drink. Catch you later," and used his shoulder to push out the back door and into the rain.
"You and him must go back," commented Haru's employee. "Huh?"
"We do," Haru confirmed with a nod as a warm, nostalgic glow washed over her. "Well. I'll leave you to this," she said, patting the palette Ryuji had dropped off before bidding the employee farewell and heading out for the store floor.
Haru considered whipping up another drink for her impending meeting, only to realize that her guest likely already had a drink handy if she wanted one. That was just the sort of person she was.
After checking in with her employees on the shop floor to ensure everything was running smoothly, Haru caught sight of her appointed guest, huddled up in their usual spot in the back corner of the café. She was perched, back straight, one leg crossed primly over the other from beneath a long, pleated skirt of black, highlighting the dark, star-printed stockings she adorned. She was dressed in a white blouse with a silver neck tie, and a black vest, unbuttoned, to match her skirt. The vest had the insignia of her player brand stitched in silver thread over the left breast pocket – a pair of stars, interlinked, with her name etched into the opposing pocket in.
{ 東郷 }
{ 一二三 }
She was resting at a two-seated couch by the shop's courtesy book shelf, playing a practice round of Shogi by herself.
Haru was momentarily stunned during her approach when the woman's elegant face turned up to look at her, their eyes crossing paths and locking into place. The woman smiled slightly, the gloss on her lips glinting to match the spark in her sly eyes, and Haru felt a splash of heat wash over her from top to bottom, leaving her cheeks glowing for a few seconds.
She hurriedly crossed the distance to the couch and seated herself without incident, avoiding her friend's smirking glance as she felt her chest inflate with an excitement she was still getting acquainted with.
"Good afternoon, Okumura-San."
"Mm." Haru nodded from the woman's side, swallowing the bashful lump in her throat. "And...to you, as well, Togo-San."
The pair sat together on the couch for a few seconds, a silent bubble of churning heat adrift in a calming lake of tea cups, spoons, coffee beans, and idle chatter.
Hifumi began resetting the Shogi board. As she leaned over to do so, her legs repositioned themselves in such a way that her left leg brushed up against Haru's right, lingering. Haru's breath involuntarily held itself during these few seconds, the brief contact altogether more harrowing than she thought it should've felt.
She could hear a soft chuckle escape Hifumi's nose as the woman realigned herself, one knee hooking over the opposite knee. Folding her hands together overtop intersecting knees, she tilted her head slightly, and Haru marveled at the way her long, straight locks of black shifted and fell like an ebony waterfall in a poetic painting.
"You're early," Hifumi noted, startling Haru from her staring. "Would you care to play a game while we wait?"
[ You might recall that I mentioned I'd met with a mutual acquaintance who has become a regular at my shop. Hifumi Togo – the Shogi player you helped back when you lived here. Not only has she been doubling down on her pursuit of professional Shogi, she's also collaborated with Ann in some modeling for Ann's publication, and even works part-time at a book store where she helps keep things organized. It may come as a surprise, but we've actually been spending quite a lot of time together in recent weeks. She initially came to Noire for my coffee and tea, but by this point I'm rather convinced she appreciates my company in and of itself. And the feeling is reciprocated, I will admit. ]
Haru fumbled her way through a game of Shogi, losing spectacularly within five minutes. She could already see the move Hifumi would take to seal a checkmate.
"You seem distracted," Hifumi teased, lowering her eyelids and raising her brows at Haru, lingering her hand over the piece that would end the game.
"O-Oh, I'm sorry," Haru chirped airily, her head swimming with possibilities, fears, and embarrassment. "I-...I, um...-" Fidgeting her hands in her lap, she shrugged, smiling bashfully.
"I'm nervous, as well," confessed Hifumi in a whisper, leaning her head cautiously over Haru's shoulder. "I might be good at hiding it, but...-" She shifted her fingers to a pawn piece, moving it forward in a seemingly directionless move, giving up her opportunity to win the round. "-...I suppose I'm used to putting on certain appearances."
[ We've become much closer in a short few months than I ever would've anticipated when we first met. I suppose for you, that's commonplace. Or, well, it was, at least, wasn't it? But this is kind of new to me. It's exciting, in more ways than one. I'd like to talk with you about it in person. I know it's been a long time, so you might not remember, but were your interactions with Togo-San...almost like you were playing a game? Or maybe that doesn't make sense... ]