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[catarou]

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[catarou]

... Good morning.

[ ...

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.

[domperignon]

Ahaha, that's 'cause I don't!

[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?

[catarou]

[ 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.

[domperignon]

[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~!

[catarou]

[ He bites back a comment that he's not worried, but he has a feeling he'd steamroll right over it. Instead...

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?

[domperignon]

Mmmm, hour and a half? Maaaybe a little longer?

[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!

[catarou]

[ 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?

[domperignon]

[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!

[catarou]

[ 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.

[domperignon]

[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.]

[catarou]

[ Gentaro--

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.

[domperignon]

[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!

[catarou]

[ ...

Any irritation toward him quickly fades. Gentaro watches him, that concern deepening. He's curious; Gentaro isn't sure what to do with this information, because it's completely unexpected. Hifumi Izanami, host extraordinaire, is afraid of women?

He wonders, as he looks at Hifumi gripping his jacket, if Hifumi is like him, whose clothes are his armor.

Gentaro sips at his coffee, then levels a gaze at him. ]

If you would like to leave-- [ ... ] My place is not far from here.

[ It's a quiet offer, one that surprises him the moment it leaves his lips. ]

[domperignon]

[Hifumi is in the process of lifting up the jacket to shrug it on when Gentaro idly offers that. His jaw drops, but he closes it quickly, lowering the jacket once more.]

Aha... You're... nice? [Why is Hifumi surprised by that? It's probably for much the same reason Gentaro thinks Hifumi might be unkind.]

Isn't that me imposing an awful lot?

[catarou]

[ His first instinct is to snap back at him, but... Gentaro simply can't bring himself to. Instead, he finishes his coffee and gives Hifumi another searching, quiet gaze. ]

I offered, so no, it would not be. I have no plans today.

[ ... That's a lie, but it's fine. ]

[domperignon]

[Hifumi watches him for a second, then looks nervously back around the pillar... Honestly, he's not sure he'd make it home in this state, somehow. The jacket powers him, but...]

Well... if you're sure! Sure thing! I can make you some breakfast!

[catarou]

[ ...

Hifumi Izanami keeps surprising him. Gentaro stands, graceful and composed, and he gives Hifumi a shake of the head. ]

That is not necessary, but I do appreciate it all the same. [ a pause. ] Do you need to put on your jacket? It is a bit chilly out.

[ That's another lie, but Gentaro reveals no sign that he knows it is. ]

oh my god i have absolutely no host mode icons active sorry

[domperignon]

[It's a small blessing, and Hifumi bows a little in response before standing properly and putting the jacket on. His demeanor shifts after a deep breath, and he adjusts the rose at his breast pocket with a dazzling smile.]

Don't worry if I attract too much attention while we walk. I'm used to it.

don't you

[catarou]

[ ... Ah.

His suspicions were correct, then. ]

Of course.

[ He pays for his drink--and leaves a nice tip for the waitress--before leading Hifumi out. He's still not sure what's going on here, but you know what, he can't go back on his offer. Gentaro finds he, strangely, doesn't want to. It's because he wants to figure Hifumi out, he thinks. That's all. ]

I am impressed you have managed to stay awake so long. That espresso is certainly powerful, hm?

WOW ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

[domperignon]

[Like this, Hifumi is as transparent as it gets. He follows, tossing a quick wink and blowing a kiss to the ladies at the counter.

Once they're outside, he falls into easy, casual step.]

You're only sleepy until the alcohol gets out of your system. [God help Gentaro, he's getting winked at as well.] Besides, hosts don't have time to sleep. Too many lovely little kittens to treasure, too little time!

WINKS

[catarou]

[ ......

What does he do with this. Gentaro clears his throat, again taken aback by Hifumi. He's never been winked at before. ]

.... I see. By "kittens," I assume you mean those who frequent your club.

ilu ;;;;

[domperignon]

[Hifumi waves at a passing young lady walking her dog.]

Not just the ones who can afford the luxury of my company! All the kittens of the world. From the shyest wilting violet to the sultriest vixen.

[catarou]

[ ..... ]

How generous of you.

[ For someone who's so well-spoken, Gentaro isn't sure what to say. Luckily, his place isn't too far from the cafe.

He unlocks the door and lets Hifumi in. ]

Feel free to make yourself comfortable.

[domperignon]

[Hifumi steps inside and removes his shoes swiftly, slipping on the guest slippers and offering a hand to help Gentaro balance so he can get his own shoes off.]

Wouldn't it be better if I made you comfortable? You're doing me a favor, aren't you?

[catarou]

[ He almost accepts that hand, but he's as poised as ever as he slips his off.

The offer gives him pause, and he tries to pretend very hard that the back of his neck feels very hot. ]

... I did not invite you here to receive something in turn. I am not nearly so self-serving.