It as just myself and Hifumi for the first month. [Believe him, if he knew she was trying to do mental gymnastics about it, he'd tell her he had tried and still hadn't found a proper answer. Still holding the plates, he does indeed beacon her tot he kotatsu, placing both plates and the coffee cups on top of it.]
That was my thought as well...especially after meeting others from different worlds. [He then nods, but mostly to himself.] If it helps you don't have to go...the entire way. Just holding someone's hand or being close is enough.
[Ah, a kotatsu... if only it were really the season to turn it on.
She still sits on the floor next to it, kneeling politely and taking the cup in her hands.
She takes a long inhale.] Oh, this smells delightful. [She murmurs softly, because it's a nice distraction.
She does take her time before she answers, her ears a little pink.] Y-yes, I've heard that, of course. I'm glad they do give us other options. But I've also heard that, um, the people who run this place... [She pauses again, working out how to say this] ...incentivize it?
That it's difficult to avoid, unless one is very determined.
[Distractions is something he is really good at, after all. He lets Haru take her own time on it since...it is quite a heavy subject.]
They do encourage it a lot and you do get...payment more than just holding hands its true...but I know some people who haven't done it at all the time they've been here. They don't force you into it. [At least compared to what he's heard from Ryuji and Ann.]
[The embarrassment, that is. Ren might be mostly comfortable in his sexuality, but he's extremely understanding for others. When it comes to speaking about it to his close friends however...he shuffles a bit before answering.]
I have. Both by choice and...highly encouraged during the moons.
[Of course he has. She doesn't even know why she'd asked. He's charming and handsome and a natural people person. There'd be no way he wouldn't have. She shouldn't feel jealous.
It hurts a little, even if she knows it shouldn't.] Well, knowing you, I'm certain that whomever you chose must've been a wonderful person! [She says with a slightly brittle smile.]
[While she doesn't say it, Ren is observant. The little bit of hesitation. Maybe it's just his imagination, however. He has to bite his tongue when she mentions a 'wonderful' person. He wouldn't call of them like that.]
Hifumi is wonderful, yes...but not the only one.
[He looks down at his own coffee and smiles.]
Thank you. Coming from you, it is a high compliment.
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That was my thought as well...especially after meeting others from different worlds. [He then nods, but mostly to himself.] If it helps you don't have to go...the entire way. Just holding someone's hand or being close is enough.
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She still sits on the floor next to it, kneeling politely and taking the cup in her hands.
She takes a long inhale.] Oh, this smells delightful. [She murmurs softly, because it's a nice distraction.
She does take her time before she answers, her ears a little pink.] Y-yes, I've heard that, of course. I'm glad they do give us other options. But I've also heard that, um, the people who run this place... [She pauses again, working out how to say this] ...incentivize it?
That it's difficult to avoid, unless one is very determined.
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Insert joke about turning things on here.]Thank you.
[Distractions is something he is really good at, after all. He lets Haru take her own time on it since...it is quite a heavy subject.]
They do encourage it a lot and you do get...payment more than just holding hands its true...but I know some people who haven't done it at all the time they've been here. They don't force you into it. [At least compared to what he's heard from Ryuji and Ann.]
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As always, Ren's coffee is incredible.] I'm glad to hear that, then. N, not that I'm embarrassed or anything! It's just that I'm.
[A beat.] ...okay, I'm a little embarrassed. [And not entirely comfortable having her sexuality out of her control.
There's a pause before she adds.]
Have you...?
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[The embarrassment, that is. Ren might be mostly comfortable in his sexuality, but he's extremely understanding for others. When it comes to speaking about it to his close friends however...he shuffles a bit before answering.]
I have. Both by choice and...highly encouraged during the moons.
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It hurts a little, even if she knows it shouldn't.] Well, knowing you, I'm certain that whomever you chose must've been a wonderful person! [She says with a slightly brittle smile.]
This coffee is splendid, by the way.
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Hifumi is wonderful, yes...but not the only one.
[He looks down at his own coffee and smiles.]
Thank you. Coming from you, it is a high compliment.
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She does seem sweet. It's not a lie. But what does she have that Haru doesn't?
Haru feels guilty for even briefly considering that. Hifumi's kind. She shouldn't be jealous.]
How long did you brew it for?