[It was a difficult night. He doesn't want to get into it with someone who doesn't need to hear it, but he's a little more subdued now. It's from tiredness more than anything. His bedtime is creeping closer, after all.]
You don't have to go outta your way for me! You already did a whole lot letting me hide out here!
[ So... Gentaro really was incredibly wrong about Hifumi. As he watches him, he makes a decision. ]
Hmm. Make no mistake--it is not going out of my way for you. Rather, I was going to make tea for myself. [ That's a lie. ] Preparing a cup for you is hardly strenuous.
[ Briefly, he pauses, but it's only the shortest moment before he continues making the tea. Chamomile, for Hifumi; jasmine, for himself. ]
Hmm. If you insist.
[ There's something strange about the idea of Hifumi owing him something. Or that they could end up at the same cafe together in the future. Strange, but... not exactly unpleasant.
The water finishes boiling, and he pours the tea. He adds just a tiny bit of honey to each of the cups and brings them over. He sets Hifumi's cup in front of him on the coffee table. ]
[Hifumi, tired though he is, practically bounces forward to the edge of the couch cushion. It's better than the awkwardly quiet five minutes he just spent with his own thoughts while the tea got made.]
Thanks!
[Nothing's weird to Hifumi about being friendly even to someone who's technically a rival. Does it matter when they're not rapping? When Gentaro seems to have his back for a sec? He's not gonna argue much.]
Hmm... you're not wrong, particularly when I have a deadline.
[ The amount of takeout he's ordered... He glances to Hifumi before taking a sip of his tea, and he says, like it's the most normal thing-- ]
On both accounts, actually; when facing down a looming deadline, my entire being becomes possessed by the ghosts of writers that have lived and died in this space...
[ Gentaro, meanwhile, looks downright alarmed. But Hifumi races right on past that extremely concerning admission, leaving Gentaro's head spinning a bit.
He surveys Hifumi, then composes himself and chuckles. ]
Far from it. It is only a standard chamomile. There are far more expensive teas, but... I prefer the simpler ones, often.
Isn't that the kind that's supposed to help you sleep? If it works, I'll go get some for Doppo! Thanks for the rec!
[And then he takes another sip.]
Hmmm... maybe it's the honey you used? Geez, it tastes fancy even if it's not! There's a real art to stuff like that! It seems simple, but when it's right, it's suuuuuper! Like... like fried chicken! Or sushi rice!
[ He nods, and... strangely, he finds he doesn't at all dislike this Hifumi. It's interesting, to say the least. Granted, he's still reeling from the whiplash of... everything? But he can roll with the punches. ]
Hmmm. I think I shall keep that my secret. [ Another thoughtful, considering sound. ] I suppose you'd have a taste for the finer things in life, hm?
[ It's not disparaging, but it does carry with it a touch of genuine curiosity. ]
If I'm getting fancy food, it's for Doppo! Maybe things like shoes or jewelry, though? Those're nice to spend a little more on! I gotta look good or somebody'll say something!
[He is a guest in this house, but he now has the audacity to gently nudge Gentaro with his elbow.]
But you're a big famous author, right? So you gotta be the same! What's your splurge? Maybe... antiques? Do you collect something secret?
Hmmm. Considering your profession, I'm not at all surprised.
[ And then Hifumi nudges him, and he's so caught off-guard by it. It's... weirdly, not in a bad way. If his cheeks grow a little pinker, that's certainly nothing. ]
Hohoh~ Trying to collect my secrets, are you? That's quite bold of you.
Gentaro's glad he's not taking a sip of his tea, because he surely would have choked on it. He's not used to such bold compliments, especially from someone he knows. ]
... Truly, it's not necessary to take me out as thanks.
[ Is this flirting? Gentaro has no idea. He has no idea what's happening here. Compliments? How do you accept those?! ]
[ Gentaro is about to refute that, to tell him that no, he doesn't think he's a jerk at all. ... That surprises him the moment he thinks it. But Hifumi touches his shoulder, pats it, and Gentaro finds himself leaning into that touch.
Embarrassing. Completely, horribly embarrassing. Gentaro draws in a breath. He needs to make a decision; Gentaro wonders if he's going to regret this, but... ]
... It's quite far to your place, I assume. If you would like, you may rest here.
[ What is he doing? He has absolutely no idea, but it's apparently happening. ]
[God help them both, an arm is going around Gentaro so Hifumi can jostle him far too familiarly.]
No way, no way! I'll just be in the way while you're trying to work, right? You don't have to be so nice!
[There's something like a pout that take over Hifumi's expression.]
Oh no, don't tell me... you're the fussing type, too, huh? You like taking care of people? Unless you're just lonely! Well, I'm pretty good company for that!
It's bad enough that Hifumi's got his arm around him now. It's bad enough that he can feel how warm he is. Gentaro feels flustered in a way he never has before, and that it's Hifumi who's responsible--
Mortifying.
Even worse, though, is what Hifumi says, because he's completely correct. Even worse is the fact that Gentaro instinctively leans against Hifumi. He's suddenly regretting everything that's led up to this moment, actually. ]
... You're making quite a few assumptions, you know. [ He's looking away from Hifumi, but some of that color returns to his cheeks. ] As for being in the way, I assure you that you won't be.
Ahhh, my bad, sorry! I'm just kinda friendly! If I stick around, I won't make a peep!
[Hifumi's laughing for a second, but he trails off, and... realizes he's being leaned into. It's probably the worst time for him to realize that, when he's sleepy and hyperactive in equal measure.
Leaning in, he notes the red in Gentaro's cheeks.]
Um... Do you, like, want me to stay? [He sounds incredibly uncertain about that statement, and a little of the brightness saps from his tone.] I'm not trying to assume! I'm just... wondering...
[ He's suddenly, somehow, even closer. And then Hifumi asks the most pointed question. He pauses, turning it over and over again in his mind, thinking and overthinking. Gentaro isn't certain how long has passed until he finally nods. ]
Had I not wanted you to stay, I wouldn't have offered, Izanami-san.
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[ ... Was concerning, but he moves on. ]
I, however, have had a full night's rest and am not visibly exhausted, so allow me to make you tea.
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[It was a difficult night. He doesn't want to get into it with someone who doesn't need to hear it, but he's a little more subdued now. It's from tiredness more than anything. His bedtime is creeping closer, after all.]
You don't have to go outta your way for me! You already did a whole lot letting me hide out here!
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Hmm. Make no mistake--it is not going out of my way for you. Rather, I was going to make tea for myself. [ That's a lie. ] Preparing a cup for you is hardly strenuous.
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Ahh, right! I kept you from getting some at the cafe, huh... My bad~! I'll owe you a cup!
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Hmm. If you insist.
[ There's something strange about the idea of Hifumi owing him something. Or that they could end up at the same cafe together in the future. Strange, but... not exactly unpleasant.
The water finishes boiling, and he pours the tea. He adds just a tiny bit of honey to each of the cups and brings them over. He sets Hifumi's cup in front of him on the coffee table. ]
Be careful. It's very hot.
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Thanks!
[Nothing's weird to Hifumi about being friendly even to someone who's technically a rival. Does it matter when they're not rapping? When Gentaro seems to have his back for a sec? He's not gonna argue much.]
This is a reeeeeally nice place you got here!
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[ He sits next to Hifumi, close enough to not be rude, but far enough away that it doesn't seem too forward. ]
Ah... Thank you. [ The most lowkey awkward thanks... ] Well, it certainly isn't anything extravagant, but it has what I need.
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[Hifumi picks up the tea, blowing on the surface intermittently like it'll actually help.]
Or maybe you write really fast? Dunno! You're the first writer I've ever hung out with!
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[ The amount of takeout he's ordered... He glances to Hifumi before taking a sip of his tea, and he says, like it's the most normal thing-- ]
On both accounts, actually; when facing down a looming deadline, my entire being becomes possessed by the ghosts of writers that have lived and died in this space...
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[But more importantly.]
Do you pay rent, then? If a buncha people died here, it's gotta be cheap!
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[ He takes a sip of his tea again. ]
I do indeed pay rent. The rate is absolutely... ghastly.
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Ahaha, I mean, I got stabbed at my apartment once! Weird stuff happens every day y'know? I couldn't call you on nothing!
[He finally takes a sip of the tea, then looks at it in quiet surprise for a second. It's... really nice, actually? Wild.]
Gosh, I bet this tea cost a heckin' arm and a leg, too!
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He surveys Hifumi, then composes himself and chuckles. ]
Far from it. It is only a standard chamomile. There are far more expensive teas, but... I prefer the simpler ones, often.
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Isn't that the kind that's supposed to help you sleep? If it works, I'll go get some for Doppo! Thanks for the rec!
[And then he takes another sip.]
Hmmm... maybe it's the honey you used? Geez, it tastes fancy even if it's not! There's a real art to stuff like that! It seems simple, but when it's right, it's suuuuuper! Like... like fried chicken! Or sushi rice!
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Hmmm. I think I shall keep that my secret. [ Another thoughtful, considering sound. ] I suppose you'd have a taste for the finer things in life, hm?
[ It's not disparaging, but it does carry with it a touch of genuine curiosity. ]
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If I'm getting fancy food, it's for Doppo! Maybe things like shoes or jewelry, though? Those're nice to spend a little more on! I gotta look good or somebody'll say something!
[He is a guest in this house, but he now has the audacity to gently nudge Gentaro with his elbow.]
But you're a big famous author, right? So you gotta be the same! What's your splurge? Maybe... antiques? Do you collect something secret?
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[ And then Hifumi nudges him, and he's so caught off-guard by it. It's... weirdly, not in a bad way. If his cheeks grow a little pinker, that's certainly nothing. ]
Hohoh~ Trying to collect my secrets, are you? That's quite bold of you.
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[Hifumi you have done like 88% of the talking here.]
Even if I wanna take you out sometime to say thanks, you might not let me. I gotta take it all the way ASAP!
[Another sip of tea or two, then he looks Gentaro over.]
And it turns out you've got a pretty handsome face up close, so maybe you feel relatable? Hmmm... dunno!
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Gentaro's glad he's not taking a sip of his tea, because he surely would have choked on it. He's not used to such bold compliments, especially from someone he knows. ]
... Truly, it's not necessary to take me out as thanks.
[ Is this flirting? Gentaro has no idea. He has no idea what's happening here. Compliments? How do you accept those?! ]
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[He laughs heartily, laying a hand on Gentaro's shoulder and patting it.]
I got in trouble for being stupid, don't worry! I learned my lesson! It's just a bad habit of mine to make stupid comments I don't need to!
[Beaming.]
I'm totally chill! Mostly! Kinda like--
[Hold on he has to yawn give him a second.
It's a pretty indulgent yawn, and he shakes his head vigorously to chase off the sleepiness.]
Gosh, my b! I'm usually all cozy-wozy in bed by now...
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Embarrassing. Completely, horribly embarrassing. Gentaro draws in a breath. He needs to make a decision; Gentaro wonders if he's going to regret this, but... ]
... It's quite far to your place, I assume. If you would like, you may rest here.
[ What is he doing? He has absolutely no idea, but it's apparently happening. ]
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No way, no way! I'll just be in the way while you're trying to work, right? You don't have to be so nice!
[There's something like a pout that take over Hifumi's expression.]
Oh no, don't tell me... you're the fussing type, too, huh? You like taking care of people? Unless you're just lonely! Well, I'm pretty good company for that!
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It's bad enough that Hifumi's got his arm around him now. It's bad enough that he can feel how warm he is. Gentaro feels flustered in a way he never has before, and that it's Hifumi who's responsible--
Mortifying.
Even worse, though, is what Hifumi says, because he's completely correct. Even worse is the fact that Gentaro instinctively leans against Hifumi. He's suddenly regretting everything that's led up to this moment, actually. ]
... You're making quite a few assumptions, you know. [ He's looking away from Hifumi, but some of that color returns to his cheeks. ] As for being in the way, I assure you that you won't be.
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[Hifumi's laughing for a second, but he trails off, and... realizes he's being leaned into. It's probably the worst time for him to realize that, when he's sleepy and hyperactive in equal measure.
Leaning in, he notes the red in Gentaro's cheeks.]
Um... Do you, like, want me to stay? [He sounds incredibly uncertain about that statement, and a little of the brightness saps from his tone.] I'm not trying to assume! I'm just... wondering...
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Had I not wanted you to stay, I wouldn't have offered, Izanami-san.
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