INBOX

[gracile]

Inbox

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Haru Okumura ⬤ Persona 5
residential district ⬤ TBD
moonblessing ⬤ IRIS

info ⬤ permissions ⬤ kinklist

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[gracile]

I guess so! [She giggles again, taking a step towards Yukari, clasping her hands in front of her; she's slung her purse over one shoulder, so she's all ready to go.

She leans forward, a little bit, like she might be expecting something.

What does one do on a romantic date?] Um.

S-shall we go, then?

[piercedyourheart]

[ ah, haru is...very close. she looks nice. no, great. should she say anything? maybe she shouldn't? or maybe--

ugh, this self-doubt had to go. the guy on the network had said to explore. if she was going to explore then dammit, she was going to enjoy it. plus, haru had never been on a real date before. that settled it. yukari was going to make this the most enjoyable romantic first date anyone in lunatia has ever experienced or die trying.

she leans forward to kiss her on the cheek then loops her arm around hers to lead haru away from the door.]

Let's go!

[ yukari fills the walk over to the coffee shop around the corner with small talk. the shop is no azure, but it's close by, at least. location was key. once inside, she gestures toward the menu. ] Anything you want is on me. Honestly I'm interested in seeing what a coffee aficionado drinks. How do you choose?

[gracile]

[When Yukari leans in, Haru instinctively angles her face towards the other girl's-- she's assuming that they're going to do what they did the other month, lying in a field-- only to realize at the last second that Yukari is going for her cheek, and turning her head accordingly.

Oh no, she's already dating wrong.

Yukari taking her arm is a lovely distraction, though, and Haru's cheeks keep her warm all the way to the coffee shop nearby, when she sits across from the other girl.] Oh, thank you! That's very kind, Yukari-chan. I'm not used to not being able to treat people...

But, hm. First I like to look for the different type of roast, because that determines the basic type of the coffee. Dark roasts tend to be rich and complex, but often a little more bitter, whereas medium roasts are typically a nice middle ground.

Then, once I know what I'm in the mood for, I'll look at particular tasting notes.

[She explains with a smile.] Does that make sense?

[piercedyourheart]

[ 'you mean you wouldn't just buy the entire shop' is on the tip of her tongue, but yukari realizes that's more of a third or fourth date joke (if haru even understood it was a joke) and decides to reign it in.

and, man, haru knows her stuff. she rests her chin on her hand, nodding along at intervals. ]

It does, yeah. And tasting notes are flavors like chocolate or caramel that they'll have next to a particular coffee, right?

[gracile]

[Haru claps her hands together.] Yes, that's exactly it! They're also called "flavor notes," and they can be any of those things. Or there might be flavor notes of citrus, or brown sugar, or anything like that.

Now, sometimes that's because these elements are actually added to the beans in some way during the roasting process, but more often than not, it's just similarity in how it tastes. It doesn't mean there's actually chocolate or caramel in the coffee, it's just that you might have a deeper, more bitter taste that reminds drinkers of very dark chocolate, or a lighter, sweeter roast that tastes more caramel-y.

[She leans forward, scanning the menu.] A lot of people like to look more mature and impressive, and they'll say that they like dark roasts, but did you know that in blind taste testing, more people actually liked medium or even light roasts instead? I guess bitterness isn't for everyone!

[Are you getting the feeling that Haru could talk about this all day, Yukari?]

[piercedyourheart]

[ a little bit, yeah. while yukari might not have much to contribute, it's fun watching her talk about something she's passionate about. haru might just miss that doofy smile on yukari's face while she's taking a look at the menu. ]

Bitterness probably isn't for a lot of people. I can't imagine drinking black coffee. Sometimes a few of the crew on set will drink it if we're shooting really early or late and they always look like they swallowed poison. [ she sticks out her tongue in disgust. ] No thanks! I mean, what's the point of food if you don't even like the taste? Looking cool isn't worth it.

[gracile]

[Haru can't help but giggle at Yukari's answer.] I almost exclusively drink black coffee, Yukari-chan. I think putting anything else in it really just masks the taste!

[She tilts her head to the side.] But I don't disagree with you. It's not "better" to drink black coffee. If you prefer cream or sugar, you should drink what tastes good to you. It's important to be true to yourself, even if it's just in coffee.

Do you see anything that looks good to you?

[piercedyourheart]

[ she sticks out her tongue again. bleh. ] Give me sugary stuff any day. Still, you're right. The only person you should ever want to be is yourself. Someone that you can be proud of.

And it might just be a cafe au lait for me. I never get too crazy with my coffee orders. [ unless it's a space starbucks or something. then all bets are off. ] Does anything fit your gourmet tastes? [ a pause before a sheepish grin. ] ...'cause if it doesn't, we can find somewhere else. Seriously.

[gracile]

[Her smile is kind, reassuring--] It looks perfect, Yukari-chan. This was a really nice choice.

I think I'll have something medium... it's not yet cold enough for a real dark roast, I don't think. [She says, choosing one that sounds tasty to her.]

So, what are your hobbies, Yukari-chan? Do you have anything you're passionate about?

[piercedyourheart]

[ and very pretty, in yukari's opinion. ]

Me? [ she huffs a laugh. ] I'm so busy at home that I don't have a lot of time for hobbies and even when I have time, I look up so much about the hobby that I never actually do it.... But if I have to pick anything, it's archery. I don't even remember why I picked up as club back in high school, but I haven't stopped since.

[ yukari traces patterns in the grooves of their table, lost in thought. ] There's a kind of zen to it. When you draw back an arrow, you have to let go of anything that's bothering you. The only things that exist are you and the target. It all just...melts away until you take the shot. And when you're right on the mark, it's the most satisfying feeling in the entire world.

It's funny, archery helped me get both of my current jobs back at home. One is just a part-time and the other is--well, it's acting, and that was a hobby, too, but I never thought I'd do that professionally, you know? Guess life is weird like that.

[gracile]

Oh, I didn't know you were interested in archery! Your fingers must be very dextrous and nimble.

[Haru says cheerfully, without even the slightest hint of innuendo to her voice. Don't be a pervert, Yukari.] Honestly, that sounds very like why I enjoy gardening-- it's something that allows you to just focus on what you're doing and not worry about anything else. To cleanse your mind and your spirit, right?

You said you act on a television show, if I remember correctly. Goodness, I'm dating a celebrity!

[piercedyourheart]

Yep, I am! Even found somewhere to practice. Can't get too rusty considering all the weird stuff that happens here. [ hey, she's not junpei. she is going to write that off as a one-time event and refrain from dwelling on that for the rest of the night. ]

Exactly! Our staff adviser used to say about the same thing. [ she puffs out her chest and says in a blustery tone, ] "You ladies are carrying on the proud tradition of the cleansing practices of your ancestors blah, blah, blah." [ she deflates with a laugh. ] Yeah, they were right, but it sounds so cheesy coming out of an adult's mouth.

[ then haru says that. yukari's cheeks turn a bright shade of red while her brain temporarily short-circuits. much too quickly, she blurts out, ] Oh, I don't know about a celebrity, I'm gonna go get our drinks berightback--

[ she dashes off toward the bar before another opportunity to embarrass herself further arises. when she returns with steaming cups of coffee in hand a few minutes later, only hints of her flush remain. she places one of the cups in front of haru. ] One medium roast, no sugar or cream, for your tasting pleasure.

[gracile]

[Oh. Had she said something embarrassing? Haru's surprised by the quick way in which Yukari excuses herself. Perhaps she'd been too complimentary?

It's a little worrisome, but she tries to ignore it. Maybe she's reading too much into things.

When Yukari returns, Haru takes the cup of steaming coffee in both hands, inhaling the fragrant liquid and letting it warm her.] Thank you so much, Yukari-chan. It smells wonderful.

I'm sorry if I offended you by calling you a celebrity! It's just... it seems to me that you are, aren't you? You're a hero to fans of your show.

[piercedyourheart]

Huh? Oh, you didn't offend me! It's just--ah, never mind. [ yukari shakes her head and starts to take a sip of coffee before deciding against it. ] Don't worry.

I suppose so, but honestly? It doesn't feel like it. I only got the job because of my archery skills. [ that's grossly underestimating her own abilities, but that's neither here nor there. ] Having someone know you, but not actually know you feels weird, you know?

[gracile]

[Haru enjoys the smell of the coffee for a little longer, blowing on the surface of the drink to cool it down as she listens to what Yukari says.] But they could have gone with any archer, couldn't they have? They didn't. They chose you.

I think you're selling yourself short a little.

[She sips her drink.] But I can certainly imagine that it does feel strange to be recognized, but not for being yourself.

[piercedyourheart]

[ yukari opens her mouth to refute haru, but closes it just as quickly. well, damn. it's hard to fight that level of frank sincerity. ]

That really means a lot, Haru-chan. Thanks.

Agencies don't prepare you for that kind of thing. Media training teaches you a lot, but once a host starts asking about your love life on live TV, you realize that people you'll never meet want to learn about your first crush and if they're your type. It's--

[ lonely.

suddenly self-conscious, she looks away and tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. ] Sorry! First dates usually don't get this deep, promise. It's usually stuff like "what's your favorite movie" and lots of awkward pauses. You're just, [ she glances back to haru with a small blush, ] easy to talk to, I guess.

[gracile]

Oh, you're quite welcome! I think it's important to be honest with everyone... especially yourself. [There's something about Yukari's reaction-- and her blush-- that makes Haru squirm just slightly where she sits, her own cheeks turning warm. For some reason, it feels nice to make her blush.

Huh. That's interesting to think about.] And I promise, I don't mind! I truly enjoy talking with you, too. Haven't we already gotten much of that out of the way by now, anyway?

[Another sip of coffee as she considers Yukari's words.] Does it embarrass you, having people interested in you like that? It might feel... hm... what's the word, exposed, perhaps.

[She pauses.] W-would you like to ask me something personal in turn? It's only fair.

[piercedyourheart]

I guess we have. And without all the awkward pauses, thank God.

[ oh, right, coffee. the whole reason she invited haru out in the first place. yukari finally picks up her forgotten cup and takes a sip as she reflects on haru's question. ] Hm, "exposed" is a good word. Once you're on stage, you're under a microscope...how you walk, how you talk, everything. You can't get away with ignoring something that irritates you, especially the weird questions. You learn to how to talk around what they ask so they feel like they got a good answer, but you keep your secrets. It's a balancing act.

Still, I wouldn't give up acting for anything. [ she takes another sip. ] It's like a dream come true.

Hey, you don't have to share anything personal if you don't want to, Haru-chan, [ she adds, brows furrowed. ] I can, but don't feel like you have to because you owe me anything.

[gracile]

I can't say I've ever been on stage like you have, so I can only imagine that it's a unique experience... but I do know the feeling you're describing, I think.

[She holds the cup of coffee in her hands, letting it warm her, rather than drinking.] Whenever I would go to a social event with my father, or a company event, I was always very aware that anything I did would reflect on him, for good or for ill. So I think I understand what you mean-- you feel like you can't let your guard down, right?

[Her thoughtful expression turns into a smile, if perhaps a slightly bashful one.] And it isn't because I think I owe you anything! I just... thought it'd be some nice, um, give and take?

I've never done this before, so...

[piercedyourheart]

Right, exactly! Just makes the people in your life who let you be yourself that much more special.

[ oh, no, that's cute. concerns eased, she smiles back and gives the request a moment of consideration. she could always ask about the phantom thieves or more about her dad. those were safe topics.

ha, like yukari ever picked the safe option. ]

Well, you mentioned something about an arranged marriage and that'd you'd explain when we weren't talking over text a while back. Now seems like the perfect time.

[gracile]

[There's a slight hitch in Haru's expression when Yukari brings up her arranged marriage. It's a sore spot, after all.

But she had told Yukari she'd tell her about it. The girl seems trustworthy.

She just sips her coffee again first.] ...yes, I suppose now is as good a time as any.

Um, Yukari-chan, can you remind me what I've told you thus far about my father? What he did, and who he was?

[piercedyourheart]

You mentioned your dad was the head of your company and he was the one who set up the marriage. He was a...complicated guy. [ that's the understatement of the century, yukari supposes. ]

That's about all you've told me, I think.

[gracile]

[Haru nods in response-- she remembers those conversations.] I suppose there's no harm in starting at the beginning, then.

My grandfather owned a cafe. It was small, but he loved it-- he believed in good homemade food and coffee, good service, community bonds, and all of that. [She inhales the fragrance of the coffee at the mention of it.] But as a businessman, he... was perhaps not the most successful. My father grew up in a rather poor household, saddled with his father's debts.

When he inherited the small company my grandfather had created, he was a much more successful businessman. He grew it to national prominence, and founded a very popular fast food chain-- I'm not sure if you've ever heard of Big Bang Burger?

[There's a pause, and Haru's expression as she looks down at her coffee is a smile, but it's a wistful one.] ...when I was young, I truly looked up to him. He was sometimes awkward, and sometimes too involved in his work, but he was a kind man.

I believe that initially, one of the things he cared most about in the world was ensuring that I would have the kind of luxurious childhood that he never got to have himself.

[Here, she trails off. Because there's an unspoken part that comes next.]

[piercedyourheart]

[ she leans in as haru shares her story. she can't help it; the cafe sounds so charming and idyllic that she can see why the heiress would want to open her own, and the description of her father reminds yukari of her father, who was (at first) always excited to talk about his research but could barely strike up a conversation with a stranger.

which begs the question: ]

So what happened to make him change?

[gracile]

[A brief shake of her head; her curly hair bounces softly.] I'm not sure there was ever one specific thing that did that. But... he became successful, and wanted to be more so. Whatever success he'd had was no longer enough; he wanted more.

[It's presented as simple fact, but the tone of her voice is regretful if not quite sad.] Everything in his life became an asset he could use. His employees, his company... and me, as well. He wanted to go into politics, which meant he needed to forge some connections with proment political families.

[She shrugs, slightly, her expression turning awkward, because there's really no good way to talk about this.] Having a daughter of marriageable age was one way he could accomplish that.