[ You know, there are rare moments when Gentaro is completely entranced by something. Or someone. Gentaro prefers to keep to himself, to keep people at a distance. It's safer that way, less unpleasant when things shift and change and slip through his fingers like sand. Gentaro floats through life, a ghost whose presence is marked by the books he writes, and he's prepared to let go of things at a moment's notice.
... Except...
He keeps coming to this bakery. It's pleasant and comfortable, and the food is excellent. The tea and coffee are, too. He comes to the bakery for the refreshments, and no other reason.
No other reason--not even the owner, with his bright eyes and disarming smile. Gentaro finds himself inexplicably drawn to Mitsuki, but he keeps his hand close to his chest. Still. It's impossible to not be affected by Mitsuki, so when he walks inside and sees him, Gentaro offers a smile. ]
Ah, good morning. You're as vibrant as ever, I see.
[Mitsuki hadn’t had the intention to open his own bakery, content to keep working for his parents, but… When he got the opportunity, he took it. Investment for his own place, distinct from Fonte Chocolat. The bakery is bright and airy, more cheery then the elegance of his family’s bakery, more suited to Mitsuki.
He’s proud of it.
He’s especially proud when he’s reminded that he has regulars, pleased with the impact he’s able to have on people and delighted that they like what he makes enough to keep coming back. He brightens when he sees one of those regulars, grinning brightly.]
Good afternoon, Yumeno-san!
[He rests his hand on the counter, leaning closer.]
Have you been well? Not dealing with any writer’s block, I hope!
[ He could write ballads about Mitsuki, but he refrains. Gentaro leans against the counter, close enough to touch Mitsuki. Really, he should be praised for his self-restraint. Or perhaps he's a touch masochistic, and pining for him is satisfying in its own way. Still.
He can't deny that sometimes, he thinks about taking Mitsuki to a place where they can see the stars together. ]
Oh? My, I do hope you don't worry for me so often. [ Something warm settles in his chest. ] Luckily, I have not suffered from that particular affliction. Still, I'm touched you asked.
[Mitsuki would like to think that by now, he can read Gentaro pretty well. The author is handsome and reserved, but he also likes to tease.
It’s endearing. It makes him want to talk to him more.]
I always worry about my favorites!
[He doesn’t want to pull back, not really, but he does need to be somewhat professional. So he straightens up, dusting off his apron even though nothing’s there.]
I’m glad to hear it, though. It doesn’t sound like a good time.
[He cocks his head.]
Now, what are you in the mood for today? We’ve got some new things for fall!
[He gives everyone the best service possible!! It’s just an undeniable fact that some people make his day brighter than others.]
Alright, alright, I hope this isn’t the first time!
[He turns to the display case, mulling over his options before deciding the best course of action might be to offer a selection. Macarons are an easy choice, so he picks out a variety - standards like chocolate and raspberry, plus some more seasonal choices like pumpkin, sweet potato, and apple.
That, and some coffee, made the way he knows Gentaro likes.]
[ He says that so casually, even if it's true. He watches Mitsuki--seeing him make decisions is, he's finding, very fascinating. He knows the things he makes very well, and he knows his clientele well, too. He thinks Mitsuki is (almost frighteningly) perceptive, and combine that with a genuine, earnest desire to make others happy...
[7 AM isn't early for Hifumi. It's late. Very, very late. He ought to be in bed already, as he's usually very good about heading to the apartment straight from work, but last night was enough of a challenge that he wants to decompress before either subjecting Doppo to it, or trying to keep up a happy face for his best friend.
He's sitting in this sparsely populated cafe, having taken a table in a corner around a set of dividing pillars. There's only one other table in this section, and it's really only big enough for one person to sit comfortably, so he feels safe. He can just sit here and relax until he feels ready to face the sun properly.
His jacket is off, laid across his lap for now as he sips his espresso and thumbs through something on his phone while humming a familiar upbeat tune.
Honestly, nobody's going to want to sit back here, so he's totally at ease! It's just too out of the way, unless you're really trying to get some privacy!]
[ ... Except that Hifumi has just so happened to take up one of Gentaro's usual spots.
Of course, he doesn't notice right away. He's enough of an early riser that he's not half-asleep, but rather, he's full of anxious energy. His expression doesn't betray that; he looks as serene as ever, even though he has a deadline looming and frustratingly, a stubborn case of writer's block. There's just enough time that if Gentaro can manage to get past it, he'll make his deadline comfortably.
... But he'd tried writing earlier in the morning, and that damned block hadn't budged an inch. So--here he is, at his usual cafe, order taken, writing supplies in the bag he carries, and--
Hifumi Izanami in his preferred spot.
Ah.
Gentaro isn't quite sure what to make of this. Usually, their meetings are significantly more volatile. Seeing him like this, at ease... it's strange. He doesn't look offended by his presence, just quietly taken aback. ]
[It actually takes Hifumi a few seconds to realize someone else is there, and longer still to look up long enough to realize he's being stared at. Then he notes who it is, and his expression brightens almost comically.
This isn't the Hifumi that Gentaro is used to seeing, all done up in his jacket and endlessly confident. He's a different kind of confident right now, one that comes with the reckless optimism he wears so well and so gladly.]
Well, that does nothing but confuse him even more. He's used to the Hifumi he faces off against, a Hifumi that's endlessly and carelessly arrogant, and unafraid to show off his sharpened tongue. Gentaro's expression shifts from surprised to baffled before he composes himself. He slips back into that serene, cool, refined mask as he tips his head toward him. ]
[ Gentaro has absolutely no idea how to react, here. This is a completely different side of Hifumi, and he's not sure how to handle it. He's about to tell him that, yes, he has had the espresso, but perhaps he shouldn't when he assumes Hifumi's had little sleep.
And then Hifumi comments on his clothes, and Gentaro stiffens. His hand tightens on the bag, and he feels a slight heat creep up the back of his neck as he grits his teeth.
He takes a deep, deep breath. Causing a scene here will only cause issues, so... ]
... I am not sure it was a good idea to order espresso when you are clearly sleep-deprived.
[It's a harmless comment, really. He's just curious. After all, he's the guy who dresses like a host all the time when he's not at home. Is he actually judging? Not at all!
He doesn't even notice Gentaro taking it poorly.]
Ohh, don't worry about me! [He waves his hands.] I got off work at 5! There's still time to go grocery shopping before I sleep~!
[ In the midst of being completely baffled, Gentaro hadn't even thought of how far he is from his neck of the woods. He watches him carefully, searching, as if he's a puzzle Gentaro's trying to figure out. ]
Indeed it is. [ And, for whatever reason, Gentaro pulls out a seat and sits across from his unexpected companion. ] Is there any particular reason you are so far from your usual haunts?
[Hifumi looks surprised to be joined, but he flashes a massive, bright smile at Gentaro nonetheless.]
I just started going one way and ended up looking for coffee when I stopped! Found this one online, and I just haaaaad to come by. The five-star reviews were too much to resist! It's, like, totally worth it, too!
[ Gentaro's order comes, and he murmurs a quick thank you before he turns back to him. As he sips his coffee, he doesn't shift his gaze away from Hifumi. ]
I see. There must be a sore lack of coffee shops in Shinjuku, then.
[And just as the waitress rounds the pillar, Hifumi shrieks and dives under the table. There are several long seconds after her steps recede before Hifumi peeks back over the tabletop.]
N-n.... No, I just.... It's like a little... [Give him a second.]
Has absolutely no clue what's going on. He's stunned, and despite their previous interactions, Gentaro isn't nearly cruel enough to make fun of Hifumi. He just...
He's hopelessly confused. Gentaro stares at him, stunned. More than that, though, when the shock wears off, Gentaro looks-- concerned. That's not a normal reaction, after all. Even stranger is that... well. Hifumi's a host.
He's missing something very vital here. ]
... I would ask if you were alright, but I am not foolish enough to ask such a question when the answer is staring me in the face. [ a pause. ] Nor will I pry.
[ He's going to kick himself later for this, but... ]
Should you wish to talk about anything, then rest assured that I will simply forget this conversation happened if you ask me to.
[Hifumi laughs shakily as he practically slithers gracelessly back into his seat.]
I didn't see any women working here when I came in! S-silly me...
[Once seated, he looks down at his jacket for a moment, clutching it ever so briefly, considering. Then he looks back to Gentaro, still a little pale, but smiling.]
Not much to say! I'm just me! But... you don't think women are suuuuper scary, huh... It's just little ol' me that feels like that!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mitsooki
... Except...
He keeps coming to this bakery. It's pleasant and comfortable, and the food is excellent. The tea and coffee are, too. He comes to the bakery for the refreshments, and no other reason.
No other reason--not even the owner, with his bright eyes and disarming smile. Gentaro finds himself inexplicably drawn to Mitsuki, but he keeps his hand close to his chest. Still. It's impossible to not be affected by Mitsuki, so when he walks inside and sees him, Gentaro offers a smile. ]
Ah, good morning. You're as vibrant as ever, I see.
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He’s proud of it.
He’s especially proud when he’s reminded that he has regulars, pleased with the impact he’s able to have on people and delighted that they like what he makes enough to keep coming back. He brightens when he sees one of those regulars, grinning brightly.]
Good afternoon, Yumeno-san!
[He rests his hand on the counter, leaning closer.]
Have you been well? Not dealing with any writer’s block, I hope!
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He can't deny that sometimes, he thinks about taking Mitsuki to a place where they can see the stars together. ]
Oh? My, I do hope you don't worry for me so often. [ Something warm settles in his chest. ] Luckily, I have not suffered from that particular affliction. Still, I'm touched you asked.
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It’s endearing. It makes him want to talk to him more.]
I always worry about my favorites!
[He doesn’t want to pull back, not really, but he does need to be somewhat professional. So he straightens up, dusting off his apron even though nothing’s there.]
I’m glad to hear it, though. It doesn’t sound like a good time.
[He cocks his head.]
Now, what are you in the mood for today? We’ve got some new things for fall!
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[ His expression, at least, doesn't betray how that thought makes him feel. ]
Hmmm... Why don't you surprise me? I haven't been disappointed by anything here as of yet, after all.
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[He gives everyone the best service possible!! It’s just an undeniable fact that some people make his day brighter than others.]
Alright, alright, I hope this isn’t the first time!
[He turns to the display case, mulling over his options before deciding the best course of action might be to offer a selection. Macarons are an easy choice, so he picks out a variety - standards like chocolate and raspberry, plus some more seasonal choices like pumpkin, sweet potato, and apple.
That, and some coffee, made the way he knows Gentaro likes.]
Here you go!
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[ He says that so casually, even if it's true. He watches Mitsuki--seeing him make decisions is, he's finding, very fascinating. He knows the things he makes very well, and he knows his clientele well, too. He thinks Mitsuki is (almost frighteningly) perceptive, and combine that with a genuine, earnest desire to make others happy...
Well. Gentaro's pretty smitten. ]
Thank you. Your seasonal flavors, I assume?
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[The macarons are packed into a small box, Mitsuki tying it up with a silk ribbon out of habit, before getting placed down for Gentaro.]
You'll have to tell me which one's your favorite! I want only your honest opinion, though.
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[ He says that with a completely straight face, too. He smiles and takes the box, then pays. ]
I shall record my every thought as I sample them.
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You make it sound so serious! But I think you could probably make it as a critic, if you ever get tired of fiction writing.
hi i'm here
He's sitting in this sparsely populated cafe, having taken a table in a corner around a set of dividing pillars. There's only one other table in this section, and it's really only big enough for one person to sit comfortably, so he feels safe. He can just sit here and relax until he feels ready to face the sun properly.
His jacket is off, laid across his lap for now as he sips his espresso and thumbs through something on his phone while humming a familiar upbeat tune.
Honestly, nobody's going to want to sit back here, so he's totally at ease! It's just too out of the way, unless you're really trying to get some privacy!]
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Of course, he doesn't notice right away. He's enough of an early riser that he's not half-asleep, but rather, he's full of anxious energy. His expression doesn't betray that; he looks as serene as ever, even though he has a deadline looming and frustratingly, a stubborn case of writer's block. There's just enough time that if Gentaro can manage to get past it, he'll make his deadline comfortably.
... But he'd tried writing earlier in the morning, and that damned block hadn't budged an inch. So--here he is, at his usual cafe, order taken, writing supplies in the bag he carries, and--
Hifumi Izanami in his preferred spot.
Ah.
Gentaro isn't quite sure what to make of this. Usually, their meetings are significantly more volatile. Seeing him like this, at ease... it's strange. He doesn't look offended by his presence, just quietly taken aback. ]
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This isn't the Hifumi that Gentaro is used to seeing, all done up in his jacket and endlessly confident. He's a different kind of confident right now, one that comes with the reckless optimism he wears so well and so gladly.]
Oh! It's you! G'morning!
[He's way too loud for this small space.]
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[ ...
Well, that does nothing but confuse him even more. He's used to the Hifumi he faces off against, a Hifumi that's endlessly and carelessly arrogant, and unafraid to show off his sharpened tongue. Gentaro's expression shifts from surprised to baffled before he composes himself. He slips back into that serene, cool, refined mask as he tips his head toward him. ]
I was not aware you frequented this cafe.
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[He seems energetic enough that he might vibrate right out of time and space. Hifumi after a long night with a cup of espresso is a formidable force.]
I heard the espresso was good, so I had to drop by! It's tooootally smooth! You ever had it?
[Wait.]
You dress like that first thing in the morning, too? [Checking the time.] Ehhh, it's already 7?!? How'd that happen?
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And then Hifumi comments on his clothes, and Gentaro stiffens. His hand tightens on the bag, and he feels a slight heat creep up the back of his neck as he grits his teeth.
He takes a deep, deep breath. Causing a scene here will only cause issues, so... ]
... I am not sure it was a good idea to order espresso when you are clearly sleep-deprived.
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He doesn't even notice Gentaro taking it poorly.]
Ohh, don't worry about me! [He waves his hands.] I got off work at 5! There's still time to go grocery shopping before I sleep~!
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He's not sure why he's bothering. It's inexplicable, just like the Hifumi Izanami sitting in front of him, bright and bubbly at 7AM. ]
Have you been here for two hours?
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[He shrugs.]
It's kinda far from the club! And I gotta go alllllll the way back home soon!
[Hifumi says that last bit with his arms spread wide, half stretch, half emphasis. He's extremely far off his usual beaten path. Weird, huh?]
You're a writer, right? It's all nice and quiet here! Probably great for writing!
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Indeed it is. [ And, for whatever reason, Gentaro pulls out a seat and sits across from his unexpected companion. ] Is there any particular reason you are so far from your usual haunts?
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I just started going one way and ended up looking for coffee when I stopped! Found this one online, and I just haaaaad to come by. The five-star reviews were too much to resist! It's, like, totally worth it, too!
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I see. There must be a sore lack of coffee shops in Shinjuku, then.
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N-n.... No, I just.... It's like a little... [Give him a second.]
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Has absolutely no clue what's going on. He's stunned, and despite their previous interactions, Gentaro isn't nearly cruel enough to make fun of Hifumi. He just...
He's hopelessly confused. Gentaro stares at him, stunned. More than that, though, when the shock wears off, Gentaro looks-- concerned. That's not a normal reaction, after all. Even stranger is that... well. Hifumi's a host.
He's missing something very vital here. ]
... I would ask if you were alright, but I am not foolish enough to ask such a question when the answer is staring me in the face. [ a pause. ] Nor will I pry.
[ He's going to kick himself later for this, but... ]
Should you wish to talk about anything, then rest assured that I will simply forget this conversation happened if you ask me to.
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I didn't see any women working here when I came in! S-silly me...
[Once seated, he looks down at his jacket for a moment, clutching it ever so briefly, considering. Then he looks back to Gentaro, still a little pale, but smiling.]
Not much to say! I'm just me! But... you don't think women are suuuuper scary, huh... It's just little ol' me that feels like that!
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oh my god i have absolutely no host mode icons active sorry
don't you
WOW ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
WINKS
ilu ;;;;
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