"All work and no play makes Nanami a dull girl~" Hitomi hummed on the other end of the phone "Come out with me tonight. I haven't seen you in weeks since you started that research project with… what's the company's name?"
"Oh, you wouldn't know it, it's just a startup." Nanami replied, quickly dismissing her friend's question, Overhaul rolling his eyes in the background. "And I know, I know, I just haven't had a lot of time, but I'll definitely make it up to you, scout's honor."
"Well scout, you said that last time, so your honor's really on the line now. It's a Friday night and I know you have that cute black dress you haven't taken out for a spin yet, so what's it gonna be?"
Hitomi was one of her closest girlfriends and had been asking her to have a girl's night out for weeks. The excuses were running low and the steam she needed to blow off was running high. After all the work she'd put in, it was time to let loose for once. "You know what… Hell yeah."
"That's my girl. I'll pick you up at your place around 10. See ya. ~"
Ending the call, Nanami was reinvigorated. She had to admit that despite Overhaul being the opposite of a normal guy, it was a bit demoralizing working so closely with a man her age and only being seen as a colleague. I am a young, vivacious, attractive woman and it's high time I acted like it. Responsibly, of course.
"I presume you'll be taking your leave for the night?" He queried but sounded disinterested.
"Why yes I will. I have plans." She said aloud to him. "Plans that involve me looking cute for once." She remarked to herself eyeing her usual lab coat + sensible business attire critically in the reflection of one of the glass cabinets. Behind her she could tell he was looking in her direction.
"…. What?" she asked, already expecting a smartass answer.
He stared a beat, looking as if he was wanted to say something, but didn't, "Nothing. We'll resume on Monday. Have a nice night."
"Hm. Suit yourself, see you Monday!" Nanami chirped as she almost skipped out of the door, not realizing he hadn't taken his eyes off her.
Nanami rushed home, all-too excited about her plans. She hadn't treated herself to a night of casual debauchery in what felt like eons and was fully prepared to indulge the whims of her friend. Tossing her bag on the counter, she rushed to the shower, shaving her legs and washing her hair. She knew the exact dress Hitomi meant and made a b-line for the back of her closet to retrieve the box it was in. She'd been too shy to wear it before, but Tonight is the night. She confirmed with herself before slipping on the garment.
It was a short, satin black dress with spaghetti straps and a subtle slit along the side, the straight neckline complimenting her delicate collarbone and now-confident, square shoulders. Damn I look good, she thought gassing herself up in front of the mirror. She decided to wear her hair down, styling it simply with a part down the middle.
Throwing on a pair of strappy shoes, it was now 10:01 and the doorbell rang. Looking through the peephole she saw a woman dropping it low, thoroughly invested in making that ass clap while yelling "Ayyyee".
Yup, Hitomi's here.
Opening the door, Hitomi turned around greeting her with a huge smile she'd sincerely missed," Well hello gorgeous. ~" Hitomi beamed as she gave her friend a once over before embracing her, "I missed you, girl."
"I missed you too," Nanami replied wholeheartedly, rocking back and forth in the embrace before taking a step back to look her in the eye. "Are you ready?" Nanami asked, determined to make good on her promise to behave like a "normal" young adult.
"You bet your ass I am... But not before we pregame." Hitomi said with a devilish grin.
Two shots later and they were in the Guber car. Hitomi chatted about her promotion and the new place she'd just moved into with a killer view. It was nice being a regular twenty-something for a change and getting to talk about all the fun transitions going on in each other's lives—well, really in Hitomi's since Nanami had a gag order on half of what she did at present. Still, she listened intently, happy that her friend was thriving.
"So you're saying I should come over after this?" Nanami chimed in.
"No, I'm telling you youshould come over after this. You can borrow some of my pajamas and we'll make a sleepover out of it!" Hitomi squealed.
"That sounds perfect. Snack run on the way home?"
"You truly are my soulmate," Hitomi gushed, dramatically. She perked up and gasped, looking past Nanami to the front of the club as the car pulled up.
Stepping out there was a bit of a line and Nanami was already mentally preparing herself to suffer for fashion as her heels were not meant for standing hours on end. Just as she was accepting her fate, Hitomi hooked her arm with her own "Where are you going? I know the manager here."
"No way, you know I hate skipping lines. We'll get death stares all night."
"Didn't you promise to indulge me tonight? You know, 'scout's honor' and all?" Hitomi cajoled.
"…You're the worst." Nanami sighed, admitting defeat. She'd flaked too much to refuse her friend now.
"Knew you'd be a team player. Now let's get it moving, sweet cheeks."
Marching to the bouncer, Hitomi worked her magic and they were in. Nanami was pleasantly surprised it wasn't loud and rave-like like she'd assumed. The lighting was dark and blue, the dance floor was full of people, moving and singing along to a crowd-pleasing playlist. The bar was at capacity, dozens of drunken hopefuls vying for the stressed bartender's attention. Despite having a quirk that gave him multiple arms, he was still struggling to keep up. The lounges that lined the wall were filled with people ordering bottle service, putting on airs and trying to look cool as they had to yell at each other over the music just to make casual conversation. One might think she was judging them, but the opposite was true. It was nice being able to people watch, especially when said people seemed to be enjoying themselves so much. She needed this after the past couple months.
"Come on, let's get some drinks!" Hitomi yell-whispered in Nanami's ear over the music.
"Ok, I'll get in line for us."
"What? No, this is not the final destination, my sweet. Follow me!"
With their arms still linked, Hitomi led the way up the stairs in the corner of the room, weaving through people that had already drunk themselves underneath the table. The further they went, the more the crowd shifted from casual partygoers to hip bar flies. They continued down a hall until they came to a door with a slit in it, not dissimilar to one you'd find in a medieval castle. Hitomi knocked confidently and Nanami wiggled in excitement at what mystery could be behind the door. A man on the other side pulled the metal slit open, only revealing his hardened gaze.
"Password."
"No vermouth for the uncouth" Hitomi recited like it was normal, Nanami trying to keep a straight face.
The slit closed again before the door was opened and they were permitted to enter by the doorman. Upon walking in, Nanami was treated to an ideal speakeasy atmosphere. The lights were low and warm, and the barkeep relaxed as he made artisanal drinks. At the dozen or so small booths people were engaging in easy conversation. This is perfect, Nanami thought to herself, breathing a sigh of relief.
"You're welcome." Hitomi winked, knowing this was what her friend desperately needed. She hadn't said it outright, but she knew Nanami was massively stressed and just needed to feel pretty and relaxed for an evening. She was more than willing to oblige.
Giving her friend an earnest look of gratitude, Nanami hugged her before offering to get them drinks while Hitomi found a spot to sit. Already feeling a little warm and relaxed from their pregaming, Nanami plopped herself on the barstool and waited patiently for the barkeep to notice her. As she studied the space, she saw a wall lined with unmarked bottles, herbs, and other ingredients for drinks. It looked like a mage's pantry from a fantasy novel and she was here for it. Now where's the menu… Nanami thought to herself, glancing around.
"There's no menu miss," the barkeep replied confidently to her unasked question as he polished a glass. "we make things custom here. Tell me what kind of spirits and flavors you like, and we'll go from there."
"Oh, now that's interesting. Let's see I'm ordering two drinks, but for me personally, I like gin... green tea.. and…lavender? Yup. I like lavender." She said thinking carefully about the ingredients and how they'd mix.
"Those are great flavors. I'll start working on it now. And for your friend?"
She was much more careful about Hitomi's, wanting to reward her friend for being so thoughtful in choosing this place. " Hm… She likes rum, most spicy things, and cinnamon."
"Got it. Sit tight and I'll have those drinks out for you in a second."
"Thanks!"
Friendly staff, lowkey, and interesting drinks? Yeah, I could really get used to this place. Nanami thought contently, already plotting her next visit. She was about to wave down Hitomi to let her know she'd secured the drink order, but someone she assumed to be the manager she mentioned earlier was making conversation and they seemed to be enjoying themselves. Not wanting to interrupt, she stayed at the bar, content to be hypnotized by the barkeep's expert work in making their ~mystery drinks~.
Just as she was fully relaxing, the door opened, but there was no exchange of passwords this time. She turned to see who the VIP who bypassed the system could be and—Omfg. No,no,no. Absolutely not. Nanami thought as her eyes went wide before she snapped her head back forward, attempting to hide her face. What the hell is he doing here? Ok don't panic. Don't panic. There is zero reason to panic… but still why?" Nanami lamented inwardly. She was tipsy, enjoying herself and definitely not in the proper state to deal with him, but here he was.
Overhaul casually strutted into the room like he owned the place, and Nanami quickly realized it was probably because he did. Shit.
Her hair was in a different style, long enough to hide her face, and the lights were low. She prayed it would be enough to keep him from recognizing her. After a couple minutes she was curious as to where he was, hoping he had silently left the room. Not being completely sober, she thought opening up her selfie camera would grant her an ingenious vantage point of the room. She opened it up and saw him sitting casually in a booth behind her, calmly observing the room while two men sat with him, conversing like old friends. If she hadn't known who he was, she'd think he was just another very hygienic, handsome stranger—Handsome? Where the hell did that come from, Nanami thought to herself, blaming it on the shots from earlier.
Looking up, she could see the shelving that held the liquor and herbs behind the bar was backed with a stylish mirror. Not wanting to look like a creep with her camera open the whole night, she closed her phone and peered at the mirror, continuing to observe him observing other people. Looking closely, she could see what he was wearing now. He was in his trademark black button-up and slacks, but this time his sleeves were rolled up neatly to his forearms and he went without a tie, the top two buttons of his shirt undone exposing a thin gold chain that matched the studs in his ears and the slightest bit of cleavage. Nanami cleared her throat, continuing to study him. His gloves were black this time, matching the rest of his all-black look. He for sure has a closet neatly lined with 100 of the same outfit. Nanami contemplated as she sipped the drink the bartender had handed her. She'd thanked him, but she was massively distracted while doing so. Her eyes roamed up towards his face, and – Shi—Fuck! Nanami exclaimed inwardly, trying not to choke on her drink as she saw him staring right back at her through the mirror, brow raised questioningly at her. Clearing her throat, she pretended as though nothing had happened, suddenly very interested in her drink.
Just as she was about to look back at the mirror to make sure he hadn't noticed her lame attempt at espionage, she felt a hand place itself on the small of her back. "You alright miss?"
She looked up to see a man she hadn't met before. He was dressed in a suit, his hair slicked back and neat. He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. Coupled with the fact that his hand was still firmly placed on the small of her back, Nanami was beginning to get uncomfortable. "Yes, I'm alright, thank you." She said with a cheery smile, hoping he would go away.
"It's not a problem, anything for a beautiful lady."
Ugh, gag. Nanami reacted instinctually. The entire internet exists and pick-up lines are still this corny…
"So you wouldn't have helped me if I was unattractive?"
"We—Well no—I mean yes! What I mean to say is, could I buy you a drink?"
Waving her drink, still-half full, she replied" No thank you, I'm covered for now."
"And what about later?" He intoned suggestively moving further into her personal space.
"Yeah, no. I'm good for... a while. Like a really long while." She retorted, in her mind effectively shutting him down.
A look of annoyance flashed across his face before he maneuvered his hand from the small of her back to her thigh, "I find that hard to believe. You're here alone so why not leave with some company?" He was close enough she could smell the alcohol on his breath. About to refute him by saying she'd come with a friend, she saw Hitomi heading for the bathroom. DAMN YOUR BLADDER HITOMI Nanami cursed inwardly.
Just as she was about to pop off, she saw the man's face sour as he looked behind her. "Haven't you been rejected enough for one night? Take a hint." She'd recognize that tone of arrogance anywhere.
"Um, I can speak for myself." She said to Overhaul who was now standing at her side. Turning she looked the other man in the eye, "Take a hint."
"Oh, so that's what this is. My apologies, I didn't know the lady was claimed." He said removing his hand, taking a step back from her.
"Claimed" whose backwards ass mans is this? Nanami thought, getting progressively irritate.
"Well now you know." Overhaul replied gravely as he stepped closer to her side. Nanami quickly reeled in her look of surprise at the proximity before using her liquid courage to steel her gaze at the unwanted party.
The other man smiled hollowly, putting his hands up in joking surrender. "Well, it's a shame we couldn't pursue this connection further. It looks like I'll be taking my leave, have a nice night~." And with that he disappeared into the crowd.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Nanami quickly found herself holding her breath again as she realized the predicament, she was in. Still close to him she slowly looked up to meet his gaze. She expected to get a smart remark, but he stood silently for a couple moments, studying her. She suddenly felt very vulnerable as his eyes roamed over her and she instinctually shifted in her seat. Seemingly realizing what he was doing, he stepped back a bit, looking away, and Nanami found herself missing the warmth.
Feeling the blood rushing to her cheeks, she quickly turned forward again, now fiddling with the straw in her drink. After a moment of tension, she finally spoke.
"I could've handled myself." He quickly turned his head back to her, giving an incredulous look before she finished, "… But thank you."
His gaze softened, as he sighed and she could tell he was keeping whatever smart remark he had to himself, "You're welcome." He said as he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and dusted off the seat next to her before sitting down. He waved down the bartender who quickly dropped what he was doing to start his drink. Nanami was about to gloss over this detail until the possibility of seeing his face hit her.
Biting her lip and looking around nervously, Nanami wasn't sure where to take this next. Does this even need to be taken anywhere next?... can it? She thought semi-hopefully, before mentally slapping herself for being tempted so easily. You are tipsy and thirsty. He doesn't even see you that way, just a colleague helping out another colleague. Stop making it weird.
"Soo…" she began, nervously tucking a stray hair behind her ear "What brings you here?"
He turned; his brow furrowed.
"Ok, that was cheesy."
Rolling his eyes he put her out of her misery by answering, "Just business."
"Yup. Don't know why I even as—"
"And... I like it here."
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
"Well sure, but I just never imagined you liked anything outside of cleaning and…" She pantomimed a little explosion.
He huffed, bringing a hand up to his mouth. Nanami would usually let it slide, but she was 3 drinks in, and feeling talkative. "Was that a laugh?"
"Absolutely not." He quickly replied, looking away.
Her eyes lit up with excitement. He's lying. "It's alright, I won't tell. My lips are sealed." She winked.
"It will be easy since there's nothing to tell." He replied nonchalantly.
"Hmm," Nanami hummed, a look of mischief clear on her face, "challenge accepted."
He narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously," What do you mean."
"Oh, it's nothing, I just have a new goal. You've inspired me," she replied simply pulling her mini-planner and a pen from her bag. She could feel him eyeing her waiting for an answer, but she continued without a word. Opening the notes section, she turned to fully face him, holding the small booklet between them in one hand with a pen in the other. Glancing between him and the booklet, she began writing something. After a few seconds of this, she nodded to herself in approval and set the planner down on the bar.
Watching her intently, he looked down to see what she'd been scribbling. Even with most of his face covered, she could tell he frowned, as he shifted his gaze back up to her looking completely done with her foolery. It was a simple doodle of what he could only assume was himself, as the only three features in the portrait were his plague mask, short hair, and two dots she meant to be exaggerated angry eyes. Returning his stare, quite proud of herself, she dramatically lifted the pen before placing two tally marks.
"… What is that." He asked, obviously irritated. She smiled, unclicking her pen while maintaining eye contact. A few months ago she would have taken his irritation very differently, but over time she came to realize just how fun it was to tease him. Being so serious all the time, he's practically begging for it. Nanami thought, already enjoying herself.
"What do you mean?" Nanami responded feigning innocence.
"Ignoring that terrible attempt at a portrait, I'm referring to the tally marks. What do they mean and why are there already two of them?"
"First of all, you have wounded me. To question my artistic ability so openly… Haven't you seen the meticulous diagrams I put into our notes?"
"Yes. I have Kurono redraw them after you leave so people won't think I'm working with a child." He deadpanned.
Her brows shot up, her face incredulous at the petty remark. He let out another huff, similar to before. Nanami's mischievous smile returned as she confidently went to put down another tally. What she knew was a smile underneath his mask seemed to drop as he looked at the notebook and then to her in realization.
She raised a brow, continuing to play dumb," What? I thought we were having a laugh?"
"Erase it. Now." He said, placing a finger on the bar to emphasize the "now".
"… I don't know what you're talking about. You're always so particular about taking notes, you should be happy."
"You truly vex me."
"… That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me. Say it again, slower this time." She meant to say it playfully leaning closer, but it came out way more sultry than she meant it to thanks to the alcohol. They were mere inches away, close enough that she could smell his cologne and discern the specific hue of gold of in his eyes, I always thought they were more yellow gold, but there's a little saffron in there too... Registering that she was in fact too close, she quickly sat back in her chair, turning her face which felt very warm all the sudden. She had just finished her drink but pretended to be thoroughly invested in it as she stared straight forward. Out of the corner of her eye she could see his head tilt and would bet money he was smirking under that mask. As he leaned towards her, she felt her heart racing, What's he doing? Why am I so nervous all the sudden? Just as she braced herself for the unknown, she heard him pick up her pen. Her notebook still open, he began to write something, though the proximity made her too tense to look. Cautioning a glance, she did a double take as she saw him draw a tally mark next to a small doodle she knew was meant to be a portrait of her.
Looking back up at him as he laid down her pen, she managed to get out," What does that mean?"
"As you so eloquently put it before, 'you've inspired me'." He replied simply. The bartender nervously placed the new drink in front of them and Overhaul rose to leave.
Still taking in the exchange, Nanami could only think to ask, "You're just going to leave your drink here?"
"You can have it; I've taken enough of your time. Good evening, Dr. Watanabe." He nodded to her and then someone behind her before leaving, the two other men he came with following shortly after.
"Well, well, well I didn't know my friend was such a little minx," Hitomi purred from behind her, wiggling her brows suggestively.
"What do you?... NO. That was—Just no. Absolutely not. That was my research pa—a colleague." She responded emphatically, her cheeks still too warm for her liking.
"Wish I had a colleague that looked like that~."
"Don't make it weird. Where were you anyway? I needed you a while ago." Nanami said pouting.
"Sorry I got caught up in conversation with the manager here and when I went to the little girls' room I saw what I presumed to be a mack session after that creep in the suit left. I just decided to let you work your magic in peace."
"There was in fact no 'mack session'. And you weren't going to come over and back me up when that creep was on my case earlier?"
"When have I ever left you high and dry?" Hitomi asked, offended at the implication that she'd just abandon her friend. "I only stayed put because you were all hugged up with your 'colleague' and looked like you had it handled."
Nanami immediately regretted the insinuation. Hitomi had always had her back and she was just projecting because she knew the truth. Though it turned out alright in the end, when the creep was harassing her, she felt helpless for a moment and she hated it. She didn't want to have to be saved next time, she wanted to save herself.
"I'm sorry, I just felt small in that moment and lashed out at you. That wasn't fair."
"I understand, and forgive you," Hitomi replied softly, hugging her friend from the side. "You didn't ask for advice, but if you want some, I highly recommend taking some self-defense classes. People always say you'll forget all the steps in the moment, but at the very least it might give you a confidence boost."
"That's not a bad idea. First thing come Monday; I'm going to start looking. Thanks for being such a good friend." Nanami smiled warmly. "Now, enough with the serious stuff. You ma'am, owe me a sleepover."
"Oh, I owe you some hang time now? Well let's go then. I'll get a drink too and then we can bounce."
Nanami was confused for a second before remembering Overhaul had left a drink that she was now responsible for finishing. Sighing and dreading as to what kind of boring drink someone like him would order, she was surprised to see another of her own. Smiling to herself for a moment, she sipped slowly. It was naïve to take his act of kindness at face value, but she found herself contented with the turn of events all the same.