Description: The fall semester of school is coming quickly, and Kentou has little time to prepare! Where can one get a fancy school uniform on such short notice? Thankfully, Kentou happens to have a good friend in the tailoring business! With Yurika's help, the boy sharpens up his image for the coming school year. He's ready for anything now!
Nice summer days like this one are days pretty much anyone could look forward to.. That is assuming that it isn't the day one is getting evicted or anything like that. The Downtown area of Southtown is home of many decent businesses and centers, and one that a certain Yurika Kirishima doesn't frequent very often; in fact it was just recently that she had paid much attention to the YFCC at all!
Perhaps that is part of the reason why she had selected a tailoring shop in that particular area, just a couple of blocks away from the Center? It could be but what's important at the moment is that Yurika had gone ahead and reached the tailorists about half an hour before the agreed meeting time, to make the purchase. She had taken his measurements long before of course, so it was quite simple to make the arrangement over the phone as well! It's a nice little place, in fact it's quite small, only a double-story place that's about as big as a fast-food resturaunt, the lighting is decent enough, and there are racks upon racks of new and used suits and uniforms. The moment one would walk in, the door would cause a bell to jingle, and one would be greeted with the refreshing, cool air of the air conditioner, quite a nice escape from a very hot-weathered day. And Yurika just so happens to be sitting inside, dressed in her light-blue school uniform with a newspaper in hand and back to the stores front window. Of course she'd be easily recognizable from behind anyway; hopefully that would deter expected company from just waiting around outside all day.
Even when the boy really, reaaaaally doesn't want to be somewhere.. Kentou is generally punctual. Upon occasion he gets tied up in his sometimes tight schedule, but he always makes an effort to be precisely where he agreed to be. Even if, for once, he wishes he could think up some excuse to not show. Certainly, the bandaids over his forehead and cheek would have given him a visible, visceral excuse! The beating he took at the chains of Zaki definitely did a number on him. However, the youth never lets such injuries become an excuse to slow him down. He's actually proud of the beating he took and the fight he gave in turn! As terrible as he was beaten down, a day later the boy felt invigorated. Ready to continue his training with new ideas and new convictions. Fighting Zaki had taught him a great deal, as he knew she would when Yurika-sempai had trumpeted her great strength.
In truth, the boy wishes he could just chat it over with her under any other circumstance but this one. The youth walks towards the street-corner tailorshop with all the somber mirthlessness of walking to the gallows. Typically Kentou runs everywhere he goes with boundless zeal, but this time he can only manage enough enthusiasm for a brisk walk down the street. The hot weather causing a glistening sheen over his tanned skin, but his ubiquitous light-shaded uniform is well suited towards venting excess heat. Unlike the vestments he will soon be swapping them out for.
The glimpse of the Seijyun uniform through the front window returns a smile to his face while pushing the front door inward, bells announcing his presence with a musical jingle, "Yurika-sempai, Hello." Not needing too much effort to force a smile in her presence. A hand moving to comb his wild bangs over the bandage across his brow belatedly. Stepping further into the store as his mousy eyes survey the various suits and wears on mannequins or neatly folded. The clean smell of polished leather and sterile clothing cleaning away the sweet stink of the downtown streets at high noon. The silent AC feeling good on his skin, but doing little to make him feel less out of place in such a sharp, opulent store as this.
Man.. Is he really going to be wearing one of those things? Ugh..
Yurika just happened to be browsing through the card of the coming week Saturday Night Fight event when Kentou makes his way in. Though she didn't really have any intention of trying to get into it herself, seeing who was champion and who was not proved to be fairly useful information for the musician. While not getting caught up in battles, Yurika had been keeping busy in her own way, most recently trying to convince a Pacific student to switch to Seijyun. But that's one of her own little things she does, there's certainly no way Kentou would be interested in that!
The young student-to-be is greeted with a pleasent smile of her own once Kentou enters.. As always she seems so pleased to see the youth, and she folds the paper closed on her lap as the other gives a small wave. "Kentou, I didn't think you were actually going to arrive tod-"
Well she was going to start with a tease, but the smile shifts into an expression of concern once she sees those band-aids. Well it's best not to overreact, Kentou is a tough fighter, and he actually seems to be walking just fine.. Still though as long as the issue isn't what she feared it would be, she wouldn't make much of a fuss about it! ".. Ah.. We're not having school troubles yet already, are we?" the student body prez asks with a weak smile.
The Saturday Night Fight is a storied topic for Kentou. For a time, the youth watched the event every weekend. Juggled fighter statistics on trading cards and updated them religiously. It was, for a time, what Kentou considered the 'height' of the fighting paradigm. That was, until, his disastrous debut in the series.
He has since managed to redeem himself professionally, but even still the youth has not tried to rejoin that circuit. The best fighters continue to participate in it, even his Master is a regular fighter there! But for Kentou, he's begun looking at the event with a more worldly view. To his slightly older perspective.. The whole event is beginning to seem like an entertainment. A farscial event where real fighters wear costumes or other silly things in ridiculous circumstances. Now, certainly, Hotaru-Sensei would say that really good fighters should be able to adapt to any situation. Including the unrealistic, sometimes ludicrous ones that occur frequently in that weekend circus. There is merit in that, Kentou is forced to admit. In truth, the boy prefers the martial purity of the NeoLeague circuit instead. One on one, skill verses skill, talent verses talent. No rules save those of honor and integrity. Maybe its a little bit of his father surfacing in him, but the youth has felt that focusing on that circuit will teach him better. Not that the boy goes out of his way to malign the SNF institution, it simply gives him an.. uneasy feeling.
As far as the politics of school goes. Well.. Its virgin territory for the youth. His disinterest is only due to his complete inexperience. That, however, will be changing very shortly. The first fall classes are only days away, and Kentou can't drag his feet on this final formality any more.
Regardless, the boy approaches Yurika with a glad smile. Bowing politely to her as he folds his hands before him, sheepishly grinning as he realizes he couldn't hide the bandages fast enough, "...Oooh? Its nothing. I was just.. You know.. Um.." Oooph, how to phrase this. His eyes shift to and fro as if searching for some way to admit this without letting the girl incriminate herself, "..Iiiii just had a little run-in with Zaki-san is all. JUST! Just.. A small duel.. is all.. eh-ha!" Hands lifting quickly, trying to ward off any further accusations. Immediately then clearing his throat as he adds, "I.. I hope you haven't been waiting long, Yurika-sempai! I.. Am I late? I'm not late am I? Uh.." Suddenly looking around, trying to find a clock on a wall somewhere, anywhere within this labyrinth of stitching and silk. Wondering if he lost track of time..
The young musician shouldn't be surprised. Actually when she thinks further on it, it should be more of a shock that he had managed to talk her into a fight! It'd been quite some time since she had spoken to the gang leader herself, come to think of it. But if anything, Yurika looks relieved by the origin of things. She'd rather he be fighting Zaki than getting bullied at Pacific! "Oh, I see, it seems like it went well.. You really have been improving haven't you Kentou?" she asks as she raises to her feet. "I haven't been waiting long, no, but I went ahead and had the uniform set aside for you to try on.. So I'll need you to take this.."
Yurika reaches into her handbag, and takes out a long, wooden tag with the number '4' engraved on one end, and has a little key on the other. The clock? It's actually in the back toward the cash register, which is right next to a big white sign with the blue words 'Changing Room' and an arrow pointint to the left on it. "So tell me.. Was the match all that you had hoped it would be? I was worried you might have ended up being disappointed because she doesn't exactly fight fist to fist.."
Ah good. Kentou was a bit worried about how Yurika would take it that he was picking fights with her student body. Thankfully, she appears understanding. At her comment about his improvement, the boy gingerly touches the bandaid on his brow and bashfully chuckles, "Aw.. W..Well I think so. She was really strong! Just like you said!" Kentou immediately then gushes. Feeling privileged that he had the honor of fighting her, as Zaki isn't exactly common on the fighting circuits. All told there aren't terribly many fighters that hail from the lady-like finishing school. But the ones that do.. Are universally strong, that's for sure!
Relieved that Yurika hasn't been waiting on him or that he was accidentally late, the boy begins to relax. His eyebrows lifting as she admits to having the suit all prepared for him already to try out! "Oh.. Oh okay!" His smile strengthening a bit. This is why he asked her specifically, after all. He really has no experience or the faintest idea over any of this formal fashion. Her advice and expertise in the matter is precisely what he was looking for. The boy doesn't even question her setting everything up for him, only feeling totally grateful for it.
The boy accepts the wooden engraved tag curiously. Flipping the polished object to and fro in his hands a moment as he inspects it, completely unused to the whole matter of 'changing rooms'. "S..So I just.. um. I just take this.." Holding up the tag demonstratively, "And.. I go back there?" Gesturing in that direction as he takes a few tentative steps. Uncertain of the whole process, "And the .. the clothes are back there already.. and everything?" Huh.. Man. This whole deal is pretty convenient!
As Yurika questions the quality of the match, his grin brightens with even more excitement, "Better even! She was REALLY good! I.. I gotta be honest. When you said she was the best at your school I was.. I.. uh.. well. I mean, compared to Sakura-sama and Hotaru-sensei ..Well.." That sheepish, embarrassed grin returns. Not wanting to vocalize that he didn't quiiite believe her, "..But she really was! And.. Well.." The boy's head makes a lazy circular motion on his shoulders, taking a few more steps towards the changing room, "I guess a lot of people use weapons nowadays. But.. I figure.." His grin this time gaining an edge of wry wolfishness, "..If I can learn to fight even armed people with my bare hands.. How much better would that make me?"
After all, the very best fighters in the entire world have no need of such crutches. Ryu. Kyo. Kain. They fight only with chi and their bare hands and often rip weapon-users to pieces. True power isn't in the implements people bring to a fight. Its in the raw skill and talent they have inherently. Kentou doesn't want to cloud his mindset with the idea that people who use knives or chains are cheating. In reality.. They're just holding themselves back. Or so he figures.
".. Mnn.. Yes, Miss Kasugano.." Yurika replies, making absolutly no attempt to hide her rather droll way of saying her name. Though she doesn't seem to be looking at him, but rather off to the side when she repeats it. "I hadn't really anticipated her joining Seijyun faculty back then.. I suppose she does have some promise within her." Promise for what, exactly, she doesn't make clear, but one could make a pretty simple guess as to why she isn't so fond of the schoolgirl. But even so, then why would she be so fond of Zaki? Curious! Her expression brightens a bit though, as she motions for Kentou to follow her.
"Yes, just follow along, I don't think you'll be too disappointed by it, I looked it over myself and was quite pleased." She doesn't mention a lot of things, however, not wanting him to shy away from the idea of changing. He's going to have to put on a lot! "I've noticed Miss Futaba has been steadily improving as well, Seijyun is really starting to blossom with impressive fighters. If it keeps up, hopefully something good will come from it. I don't blame you for doubting me of course, but I'm certain you've learned that not all gems are there in plain sight. People that you see on television, or sanctioned battles, aren't necessarily the most talented; of course that doesn't go for just fighters. Regardless, that is a good train of thought about weapon fighters, though. I never really had an opinion on it myself.." To reach the changing room isn't far, of course. Just a short walk past all of the clothing racks leads to a changing area made up of seven 'closet' doors, the doors themselves raised a few inches off of the floor. And numerically marked, of course.
Even someone as naive as Kentou can take a wild guess at Yurika's disapproval for the rough and tumble tomboy that is Sakura. While the boy knows Sakura to be every bit the wonderful person the magazine interviews and professional commentary makes her out to be publicly, the prim and proper Yurika may take issue with her. Kentou's knowing smile suggests a certain inevitability about the subject. If Yurika can be friends with him and Zaki, making friends with Sakura is all but certain! Maybe they just got off on the wrong foot somehow? Hard to say, but the boy doesn't want to press the issue with her.
With a nod, the boy follows Yurika towards the changing area. Endlessly turning the wooden carving in his hands, this time listening intently to what she has to say about his Master.
Now that he thinks on it.. What do they think of each other, anyway? Mousy eyes turn up towards Yurika in full as he considers. Hotaru hardly mentions one word about her and Yurika barely ever brings the topic up. The fact that he's good friends with Yurika or that he's Hotaru's apprentice has never been a secret from either of them. They go to the same school together and Yurika is even class president! Surely they must speak to each other somewhat regularly? They're both such nice, mild-tempered people. They seem like they would get along together so swimmingly.
What do they say about him? He wonders. But then, perhaps they aren't as quite as friendly towards each other as the boy would assume. After all.. The younger Kirishima throws a shadow over the entire matter. Hotaru has a history with that jerk. Even Kentou doesn't know the full depth of it, but there was some considerable antagonism between the two. Would Hotaru blame the sister for the sins of the brother?
Impossible, Kentou dismisses. Hotaru is ever reasonable and just in her convictions, Yurika has nothing to do with Kurow's depredations. There's no way Hotaru would blame Yurika for anything. But then.. What if the reverse is true? Kurow, for all his dark tendencies, IS Yurika's brother. No matter how much he brings it on himself, wouldn't she be the slightest bit defensive and protective of him anyway?
A matter that Kentou is thankful he's never had to test. But he does find the silence between the two young ladies curious.
However, as Yurika regards his somewhat dismissive attitude of weapon-users, the boy flusters faintly. Only then does he recall that Yurika, herself, also uses a weapon to fight. His cheeks color with apology, but he doesn't speak out on it. She seemed to take that well enough. Besides! With her unique, unorthodox weapon, she demonstrates an incredible amount of skill to use it effectively! Anybody can use a chain or a sword to hurt someone. Making an effective weapon out of a violin takes incredible finesse, in his book!
Finally reaching the door, he wets his lips as he stares at the etched number on the door mirroring the one on the key. With a huff of finality, he states, "Okay.." Setting his jaw as he pushes the booth door open which promptly swings closed behind him.
"Lessie.. Hmm.." Sounds of shifting clothing. Followed by yellow uniform flopping over the edge of the booth's door. More rustling fabric.
"This goes.. no. Wait.. THAT goes.. Okay.. Annnd.. Okay. Right.. Okay.." Shift. Loop. Fasten. Unfasten. Readjust.
Time passes.. This may take a minute..
It is true, you'd think that Yurika and Hotaru would speak with one another rather often, but one of the factors that comes into play is actually a very simple one: Hotaru travels off-campus more.. A whole lot more as far as most people know, than Yurika, whom seems to continue to carry a sheltered life within the walls of Seijyun grounds. Really, Yurika is often left wondering when Hotaru exactly does do her studies. But grades never seemed to be an issue for young Futaba.
As for the realization that Yurika is also a weapons user, well.. She must certainly have her reasons, and that reason she's not afraid to share with Kentou.. Though she can't help but smile when she notices the reddenning of his cheeks. "You know the truth is.." Yurika notes once the pair arrive at the door, and he dissappears inside. "The weapons, the gloves.. I simply do not like touching people with my hands. It feels too.. Personal to me.." Which is a bit of a white lie. She actually finds most fighters pretty disgusting to touch. That matter something best avoided to talk about. "I'm not too worried about it though.."
So the uniform is hanging within the changing room of course, the ensamble simple at first, there are blue dress pants, white dress shirt, red vest. It's not blazer season just yet.
However there are some nastier surpsies as well, such as white socks, a red tie, little silver cufflinks and a.. Pocketwatch?
Kentou rarely wonders what Yurika does with her time. If anything, he's amazed that she manages to find enough time to meet with him as much as she does! He can only begin to imagine all the responsibilities she has at school. Class president. Directing and producing beauty pageants. Her responsibilities to her school and classmates are legion. To say nothing of her own busy academic schedule!
And Hotaru, he knows for a fact, barely has enough time in the day for all of her responsibilities. She teaches classes at the youth center. She has an incredibly busy fighting career. Tournament after tournament. Participating in multiple circuits AND spends a few hours training him every single day.
It stands to reason that they really don't have an opportunity to see each other very much, if Kentou really thought hard on it.
From behind the closed door, Kentou's sincere laughter is heard at Yurika's true reason for using weapons and gloves, "Heee! Considering some of the people I've fought.. I really don't blame you there!" His long pants legs flopping over the edge of the doorway. He still remembers fighting that Birdie character.. Uugh. Did that guy ever shower? In his entire life? EVER?
It seems to take a good long time for Kentou to puzzle out the various accessories. And, as the door opens yet again, its clear he may need some help still.
While tailored to his lanky, toned frame.. His white dress shirt is off-center, if tucked into his dress pants. His tie haphazardly coiled around his neck in a semblance of a knot, the collar pointed skywards. His hands, held before him, hold the pocket watch as a puzzled expression is etched on his youthful face, "Where does THIS go anyway?" Exasperated. His cuff links unbuttoned with sleeves hanging open at his wrists.
Its almost jarring to see the young scrappy rascal in such a formal appearance. Disheveled he is, somehow his wild tresses manages to bring out the sharpness of the fabric at his shoulders. His tie dangling in sync with his braids down his back.
Yurika would probably faint if it were anyone other than Kentou. She actually was trying to figure out just how disasterously this was going to turn out. When Kentou steps out, well.. He can tell just by looking at her blank stare that he had managed to surpass her expectations. .. In the bad way. However after she gets over the initial shock, the young musician actually giggles, raising a hand to her lips as she says mirthfully, and with a slight shake of her head, ".. Oh Kentou."
Well the first thing was first, she ends up dragging a wooden stoll over and sits on it, wasting little time unbuttoning the vest and then doing the same for his shirt; but only enough to start correcting the line-up.. "It's best to start from the bottom and work upward. The end has to line up properly," the musician then notes. "That silver object is a pocketwatch, if you press down upon the little button the chain is attatched to, the lid will flip open. It's mostly for decoration, but it would probably be helpful in you keeping track of time; though you seem to be quite punctual without one..."
Kentou probably wouldn't realize, but it's actually a little odd that she's doing the corrections so well- Kurow is obviously not to the type who'd enjoy being fussed over. "The loop at the end you can attatch to the belt loop or the belt itself.. And long sleeves don't seem to work well with you, so.." With a bit more fussing, Yurika brings it upon herself to remove the cufflinks, fold the cuffs over and then roll them up so they appear to be much shorter sleeves.. And might actually be a little 'cooler' appearance wise. ".. How does it fit? Are the pants too tight?"
Kentou's expression manages to be as apologetic as possible. Self-consciously tugging at the flaring collar at his slender neck, vainly attempting to tame the fabric into a semblance of order. Clearly, his parents never taught him how to wear a tie. Or a button-down shirt, for that matter.
With a thankful sigh, the boy's arms slowly fall away to his sides, allowing the seated girl access to his vestments. Gaze turning downwards as he watches her work with some curiosity, mentally noting all of her little directions, "Uh huh.. Uh huh.."
As the silver timepiece is explained, he turns his attention to the cool device in his hand. Absently pressing the button as directed, blinking as the lid clicks open and revealing the intricate clockwork within. "Man.. T.. this looks kinda expensive though. I mean.. I don't know if I should be spending that kind of money on .. um.."
The boy does not yet know the totality of the proper young lady's gift. In his mind, he's paying for these things with Hotaru's granted academic fund. He wouldn't want to squander such generosity on trinkets! As beautiful a trinket as this would be.
As for Yurika's expertise, the boy thinks nothing of it. Of course she would be well-versed in fashion, even male fashion! It is her forte, after all! The idea that this is irregular for her doesn't add into his thoughts at all. Especially with how naturally she arranges the fabric on his athletic frame.
Straightening his arms to better allow her to roll his cuffs, the boy begins to smile a little wider. "Ooo.. Nice.." He was worried. Those long sleeves were impeding his movement! After wearing a loose-fitting fighting uniform so often and for so long.. The boy was starting to feel like he was being fitted for a straight-jacket. While certainly more constricting than he's used to, he has to admit the outfit fits a lot better than he gave it credit for. Perhaps that's the mark of a particularly well-designed outfit?
"Mmm.. It fits.. It fits great actually.." The boy shifts in place, side to side. Tempted to deftly kick up and over his head just to be 100% sure of his mobility but.. Doesn't want to risk the fabric in such a showy display. "H..How much is all of this going to be a.anyway?" The boy is beginning to get a little worried on the price-tag. This outfit is really first-rate! Isn't that supposed to be expensive?
"Yes well you're in luck," Yurika notes, obviously not missing Kentous concern about trinkets he may not necessarily 'need'.. "I condensed as much as I could that would fit into your budget, and so it actually shouldn't be a problem at all financially. Though really it's a decorative statement.. It'd be difficult to explain to you how right now, but I think you'll understand over time."
Her arms just continue to move, clearly having no trouble moving her arms quickly, efficiently, and managing to talk at the same time. The collar is drawn downard, shirt properly tucked in, and the tie is corrected, and looped so that it doesn't come undone easily. "As long as you don't pull this part off completely, you won't need to learn to tie it yourself. You just loosen the tie by pulling down lightly on the main triangle.. And you re-tighten it by pulling carefully on the back strap while holding the triangle.. Go ahead and give that a couple of tries, but be careful not to choke yourself, all right?" the last part added with a humorous enough tone.
As for the price? She simply gives her usual pleasent smile as she answers, and not very clearly, "It should be within budget, I'm quite the bargain hunter you know."
The explanation of the watch's true value is met with a pensive pout. The silver frame reflecting in his luminous eyes as he considers its potential meaning. It might be a statement, but is it the right statement? He wouldn't want to convey that he's something he really isn't. But! Yurika knows these things. He accepts that he may well understand its true value in time, nodding to her as he cups the timepiece in both hands protectively.
Occasionally making little squeaky noises at tight tugs of the fabric, the boy can't help but be mesmerized by her expert precision. Fingers guided over his suit in a manner fitting of a fine instrument player. As she explains the tie portion, the boy offers a sigh of relief.
Thank God, he'll never figure out how to tie one of those things! He carefully sets the timepiece in his front pant pocket, the silvery chain dangling at his upper leg. His slender fingers moving up to the knot at his throat, very gingerly guiding the looped portion up and down. Worried that it could come undone at any given moment.
Testing that function out with wide-eyes, the boy then regards Yurika as she explains the price, "..Oh.. R..Really?" Looking back to the fineries gracing his form. This certainly doesn't look like a bargain to him! But, regardless, the youth smiles brighter, "O.. Oh. Thank you Yurika-Sempai! You really have gone out on a limb for me here.. I really, really appreciate it!" Her help has been everything he could have hoped for and more! Now he'll be ready to face the school year. At least.. As far as being properly equipped, anyway!
"It really isn't all that much trouble, Kentou don't worry so much.. However if you really want to make a fuss about it.." Yurika's dark eyes narrow a touch and a more myschivous smile plays her features. "You could simply owe me another favor in the future." She's pretty certain he won't be able to answer that one too quickly. Which is half of the fun right there! Yurika then stands up slowly, looking the youth up and down, circles him once and looks him over yet again. The hair, while unkempt, doesn't seem to take away too much from the outfit and there isn't really much she can do about it either. The though of raising the braids a little higher comes to mind, though but.. Perhaps she'll let Hotaru handle whatever's left to take care of.
"You look quite nice, Kentou, you don't look like a dork at all.." the musician ensures afterward. "All that's left then is to pay for it.. Why don't you go ahead and hand me the money, then, and I'll to and make the payment while you change back into your regular clothing? And be careful when placeing them back on the hangers, I made certain there were two, one for the pants and vest, the other for the shirt and blazer. You won't need to bother with the blazer until winter.. If you feel like it." She speaks as if he has a choice in the matter, but her hand is already extended, ready to collect.
As Yurika slyly adds yet another 'favor' in Kentou's growing tab, the poor boy can only chuckle a bit nervously. A droplet of sweat rolling down the side of his face as he grins unevenly, "I'm.. Stacking up the favors aren't I? Eh-heh heh heh.." And the young girl's generosity has been virtually limitless! He really does need to do something for her, and soon! At the rate he's going, she's going to think he's an ungrateful little mooch unless he starts returning some favors!
Of course, the boy has been at something of a loss as to what he could possibly repay her with. But, he's going to have to start making more concerted efforts on her behalf.
Still! As the young lady finishes her handiwork, the boy looks over himself once more. Spreading his arms widely and twisting at the hips to and fro, trying to get a good look all over himself without the benefit of a mirror. His smile wide and sincere, the boy takes Yurika's complement to heart as he nods emphatically, "Thank you Yurika-sempai!" Now he need not live in fear of being the 'dork' in class. Yurika said so! -.-
At the request for payment, the boy brightly grins, "You bet!" Immediately moving over towards his uniform vest, tossed haphazardly over an adjacent changing room wall. Finally, a chance to prove that he isn't a total mooch! .... Well, okay. That smile is tempered with the fact that this is.. Well.. Hotaru's money he's paying with. Mentally swearing that he'll repay them all back, the boy brandishes a simple envelope. Within which is several crisp bills. The youth didn't even bother to count it, but he trusts that Yurika will give him whatever change she gets. "Here it is and.. Okay." Nodding quickly at the instructions as he begins to loosen his tie and inspect each of the hooks in turn. Lets see...
Well, Kentou may be at a loss, but Yurika is already well aware of some of the things that she'd like the youth to do for her. But she figures it'd be best for him to get settled within the new atmosphere he'll be stumbling into first; luckily Yurika is a very patient individual. "Thank you," she says, after taking the envelope and makes sure he doesn't leave the door open while he's changing back before she heads off! After counting the money, she's not surprised at all that it isn't quiet enough. Still, she does a little math in her head and considers what he may need in the future, and pockets just a couple of the bills as she figures he likely didn't count them anymore. If he did, she could work around that easily enough!
A moment or two later she steps back to the changing area, and kneels to set the envelope onto the floor and slide it under the doorway. "Kentou, I'm going to go ahead and hold the reciept for you, just in case.. It looks like you still have enough to get school supplies if you haven't yet, so that's good. I'm afraid I'm going to have to start heading back to Seijyun in a little bit though, so do you have any other questions before I get going?"
Count? Money? Kentou?
Ha ha. Surely you jest. Accounting and bookkeeping are things that doesn't even begin to add into the youth's considerations. While he's peripherally aware that money is precious and shouldn't be thrown away on frivolous things.. Well. Then again, priorly Kentou spent every cent he ever earned on fighting league and tournament DVDs. That has been the totality of his experience in dealing with finances. He simply doesn't worry about such things, especially considering how trusting he is of his friends. If anything, he trusts Yurika with the lent finances more than he trusts himself.
As he carefully fits his uniform vest over himself by the time Yurika slips the envelope under the dresser door, Kentou smoothly crouches down to scoop the paper vessel up and slips it into his vest without so much as a glance. "Oh no.. Thank you!"
The dresser door opens, and the old Kentou steps out. Returned to his familiar fighting uniform with his new school outfit folded up and hanging from the hooks as directed, as neatly as he could manage. With a warm smile he states, "Naw.. naw I think I got everything I need. Thank you so much for helping me out, Yurika-Sempai! I really do appreciate all the help you've given me here!" Meaning every single word. He was despairing that he'd never be ready to put his best foot forward for classes. This will give him just enough confidence to face that first day head on. ^.^
Ah the old Kentou.. Yurika didn't actually expect to find the older look so refreshing, it makes her realize that his training ensamble is rather fashionable in its own right! Kentou actually doesn't even get to finish more than halfway through his second sentance before he's suddenly drawn toward the elegant student into a tight hug, her cheek to briefly touch his, "Kentou you are simply too adorable! How could I even hope to say 'no' when you need a hand~?"
Squeeeeeze! But after that she regains her compsure and stands up straight while coughing lightly once into her fist. "Well then, I believe we'll be parting ways again. As usual you're always welcome to visit me, and you have a wonderful time at school all right, Kentou? I'm quite eager to hear what you think about it after a couple of weeks." And not the first day.
Squeak!
His words cut off, the youth is swept up in that tight hug in surprise! Sometimes, Yurika's demure attitude belies the fact that on the inside she really is a big softie!
"Awwww..." Kentou murrs as he quickly returns the tight hug. Hands lightly patting her back before stepping back and grinning upwards to her with a renewed and brilliant grin! Cheeks flustered with embarrassed gratitude at such affection. And, as she regains herself and coughs to her hand, it seems he isn't the only one surprised at such outbursts of emotion! With a sly chuckle, he folds his hands mischievously behind the small of his back. Slipper-ed toe sliding about in a circle, "Hai Hai.. Its a deal! I'll tell you all about it!" ^_^
Assuming he survive his first few weeks, of course. Eh-heh. This.. Definitely promises to be interesting. Interesting in the Chinese, cursed sense of the term. But for all the doom and gloom he feels over his upcoming scholastic endeavor.. He feels so much better knowing he has such great and dear friends and mentors who'll be there to help see him through.
"You take care now, ne? I'll talk to you later!" Bowing once more, clapping his fist to his palm in his martial salute completely ingrained in his manners before heading out with an extra spring in his step!
Log created on 18:31:29 08/24/2008 by Kentou, and last modified on 01:47:07 08/25/2008.