boldsimplicity | empatheias inbox

That's what you just said. So spending time with your kouhai of whom is taking you on a lunch date isn't worth it? You're gonna learn social skills and how to talk to people. That kind of stuff a classroom or a book can't teach you.

[ With a sudden assertiveness his usual chipper, easygoing self doesn't show, he grabs Ishimaru's hand in his and holds it as they walk. Not that his face ins't super red from being shy, but he's here to teach him a lesson. ]

I won't say no to learning those things, but--!

[Ishimaru stares at their joined hands with a look of both embarrassment and mortification-- this is fully PDA!! Everyone will notice something like this! ~~Except no one seems to care~~]

Displays of affection should be private though!! I do not need social skills to know that much!!

This is harmless... and I want you to take this... e-exercise seriously! This is hard for me to do at all, you know? I'm still trying to figure out if boys are even okay for me.

[ Time to think outside the box, senpai. The world is not all black and white. Not everything has defined lines and rules. ]

If we're taking this change seriously, what is okay with you to do? Like, in a for-real situation. You're not the type who likes to be touched, so...

[ He does let go, but he had to do something bold like that to cement his action. ]

I-I am taking this seriously! This is a very serious matter, especially if we're counting this as my first date!!

[It's difficult to keep control of his emotions normally, so Ishimaru feels his embarrassment deepen. Is this truly okay? What is he doing... going on a date like this?! But he already agreed, so leaving now is out of the question!

Maybe he can view it as a... test of some sort. Y-yes, that can fit.]

I. I do not know, I haven't thought of it before! [Some of his earlier gusto seems to have disappeared, and he almost seems uncharacteristically uncertain about his own response.]

Then I have to make an effort, too. It would be rude.

[ He was just being an impulsive, jump-right-in protagonist about having something he viewed so important challenged, but now he feels kind of bad. But you commit to your actions, and don't only put half your heart into it. ]

Well... we'll just go normally, and if I take your hand or something like that, just say 'no' and I won't. Okay? Maybe you don't actually like it. It's okay. I do - I like being pet and hugged, so if you want to, that's good.

[ You pilot a goddamn mech, Takuto, you can handle this. He gently grasps senpai's sleeve, then slides his fingers down and grasps his hand again - but much more gently this time. ]

Don't stress! I sprung this on you suddenly. A-and who knows if you even like boys, right? So... it's okay. Let's go.

Okay, you'll stop if I say 'no.' That's agreed upon!

[His gaze fixates on the hand that has grasped his own, but he doesn't utter any protest this time. While he's still uncomfortable, it doesn't feel wrong, and some part of him actually enjoys it?? That realization shocks Ishimaru and he feels his cheeks growing warmer against his will.

But that is definitely his limit, at least while they're out in public!]

L-Let me remind you that while this may be an official date now, i-it's mostly a test for the both of us! [This is to develop social skills! Y-yes!]

I'm trying to relax here...

[ But his hand is warm and Takuto takes comfort in that, as they walk. It's weird, doing it, but he's committed to the part now. ]

Is your wrist doing a bit better? You put some ice on it, right?

[Is he being a good 'date?' Ishimaru really isn't sure, but he must give his effort into this! While he's on this, he can't be anything less than 100% into it!

However, this is much different than having a test or studying. For one, he hasn't studied about these sort of interactions much and he's always had trouble with social interactions. ...It's just difficult, being in this sort of situation. Up until recently, he didn't even have friends-- well, memories of having them at least.

Still, disappointing Takuto is definitely worse than his own personal discomfort with the hand holding. Ishimaru just has to man up!]

Ah! Yes, it's doing much better now!

[He's snapped out of his thoughts by the question. Ah, getting locked into his mind and ignoring Takuto is definitely not the correct thing to do, right?! Ishimaru knows that much is rude.]

After the park, I went straight home and applied ice while letting it rest! I didn't know that my actions upset several people... for which I apologize! It won't happen again.

Shush. No more talking about that. I want to get to know you, okay? Like... a self-introduction! But with more detail. Like -- Takuto Tsunashi, 16 years old! My birthday is in June, same day as my best friend Sugata! I was raised by my grandpa, and I don't have parents. I do kendo, a dual-wielder, which is weird! I can swim really well, and Sugata can surf so I might get him to teach me.

[ A pause. ]

I had a part-time job as a server in a karaoke place, and heard a lot of bad singing. Uhmmm... I can sing pretty well! I only do pop songs, though, since that kinda thing suits me. What else... I do like eating sweets! I cry easily, especially in sad and romantic movies. A special thing about me is I have a big scar on my chest from an accident.

There. Like that!

[Ah, self-introductions? Well, he can definitely do that! It's not dissimilar to introducing yourself to class! This just seems a little longer than basic information-- still, he can follow his example!

Starting to feel more confident about this, there's a level of certainty and boldness that usually accompanies his voice.]

Ishimaru Kiyotaka! ...18 years old. [For a moment, he sounds a little uncertain about that part, but he continues on.] My birthday is August 31st and I was raised by my father, who is a police officer! I enjoy kendo and can swim decently myself! Training the body is needed as much as training the mind!

[Ha ha, this is easy!]

I work for the Schnee News Network and I cannot sing at all! My favorite food is rice balls and I drink a lot of green tea! I do not watch movies! My specialty is being the ultimate moral compass!

See? Then I'd say like, 'what's your type?' or whatever. But... hmm, you already saw my seal... so that's a special thing about me, too. But the rest is a secret.

You hold more secrets?! Are we not supposed to tell each other things?!

[So many secrets between friends, is that okay?! Well, he can't force him to tell... he couldn't even get Mondo to tell him his secret. Maybe eventually he'll find out!

Besides, he's holding secrets from Takuto and most of the people he's met here. Is that immoral of him? Ngh, he doesn't like that thought, but pushing his problems on everyone he meets is worse. He can handle it!]

[ Takuto's glowing, energetic aura falls and dims; a sign his act is faltering. ]

Do you want me to show you? You can't tell anyone else.

[Takuto is truly offering? Ishimary is definitely still interested, but he still hesitates for a moment.]

I would like to see it! But... do not force yourself for my sake!

I'll show you, but not right now. We're going out, remember? That's best saved for later.

[ He tugs on senpai's hand gently, leading him along. ]

I see... we'll definitely discuss it later then!

[So, secrets shouldn't be talked about during dates? Is that how it goes? It's strange that he's the senpai and yet he's the one learning about things...

Nonetheless, he keeps his hand in Takuto's.]

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