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🧙 WHO: Rosho and Juza
⚔️️ WHAT: a fight to the death for the last convenience store pudding (not really)
🕒 WHEN: NOW
🗺️ WHERE: Camelot
⚠️ WARNINGS: n/a

[ After a long week of work, Rosho's looking forward to be able to relax over the weekend, but he'll have to make a quick stop to the nearby convenience store to grab a few necessary items. With his basket in hand, he grabs a six pack of beer, some detergent for laundry, and a fresh packet of hard candies for Sasara. Thats about everything he needs, but... Rosho still wanders over to the cooler to grab a little something special.

However he pauses as he stares, rather surprised to see only one pudding cup available. Have they not restocked yet? He knows for sure if he only brings one, Sasara will not only whine but refuse to not share. Maybe he should wait a few minutes, or ask the clerk about if they have more. But the longer he stands there the more likely it is someone else will take the last one.

And so Rosho reaches forward.

Just at the same time a rather tall teenager has started to reach for it as well. ]

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[ Between him and Taichi, the fridge has enough of a stock of hotdogs and microwave-able meals. Desserts are short, however. It might be part of it that Juza eats them almost as soon as, but he's also the one buying them so it isn't that there's anyone else at fault.

He has the same thought... maybe because it's a near-weekend-night the store's supply is a little scarce. His basket is mostly empty. There's some cheap chocolate and sweet crackers, but from the cooled section he's only been able to pick up one carton of chocolate milk. The yogurt section isn't cutting it either.

When he finally sees the lone pudding cup, Juza reaches for it without hesitation--

Ah.

His frown is a little more intense than he'd normally give a perfect stranger—the glare's offensive enough, normally he won't risk it. But...... this is about pudding. Juza says nothing, but doesn't withdraw his hand either. ]

[ That sure is a very intimidating expression he's being given. If Rosho had a weaker constitution he'd absolutely flinch and back off. Too bad for this kid that Rosho's pretty much developed an immunity to any kind of tough, scary looks a teenager could muster up. He's never encountered it in regards to sweets though.

( There's a strange sense of deja-vu going on here all of a sudden... )

He waits a moment longer only to realize that the kid seems to be sticking with the silent approach. A stubborn one, huh? Even though he knows better than to pick a fight over a cup of pudding with someone far younger than him, Rosho is very, very serious about pudding.

But he'll try for a more reasonable approach here. ]

You should talk to the clerk and see if they have more in stock.

[ Given that even most adults shirk back when he makes a face like that, Juza isn't yet thinking that he's got to fight about it. Getting a once over of this guy, he looks like a regular... teacher. He's not a troublemaker in class but be it math, science or literature, he hasn't really been prodded about his homework since elementary school.

It's like that. And Juza doesn't even have to get into a fight before it's over, usually. ]

Huh? [ Trying to get rid of him, right. He's sure he'd grabbed it first, though. ]

Sorry, [ Just a mutter, fits the grim face. ] But I just want that one.

[ Preferably more, but that doesn't look like it'll happen. He's still not letting go. ]

[ This one's stubborn! He's either a really big fan of pudding as well or he has an immense sweet tooth, and with a glance at his basket, Rosho can tell its definitely the latter. (Doesn't he have enough already? Just leave him with the pudding!) ]

You see the problem here though, right? There's only one left but we both obviously want it.

[ Its basic math, and he's very sure sharing with a stranger isn't an option. ]

You've picked out a lot of sweets already. Shouldn't you maybe cut it down a little?

[ This guy doesn't know about his sweet tooth, this guy doesn't know that it's O High's top delinquent who can't live without candy, and lucky ~~for him~~ he's not Settsu either. There's no pulling from his end, but the tension still doesn't seem to drop. Yeah, right, it's a problem if he doesn't get this last cup. ]

'm still growing, I gotta eat something.

[ Him, still growing... Even in his flat sandals, just standing there, Juza already has something on Rosho's height. What's with him, by the way? Isn't it embarrassing to be so into sweets at that age? ~~Juza doesn't really think that...... but who knows how old he even thinks his opponent is; maybe Sakyo's age.~~ ]

Thought adults are about eating healthy and all... Pudding can't be any good 'n that.

Edited 2021-07-31 21:03 (UTC)

[ Not only is the excuse baffling but that is absolutely a near-insult at the end there, as vaguely stated as possible. What does he think he should do, drink prune juice and eat raisins?? He's not that old! Rosho almost chokes. This is truly a formidable opponent. ]

You've sure got some nerve. I'll have you know I exercise regularly! And this is only my third pudding this week!

[ ROSHO DON'T SAY THAT............

Mind you this excludes all the other sweets he tends to eat every single day. ]

Having sweets at any age is okay, the important thing is managing the type of appetite you have and making sure you stay fit also. You can do both!

[ Saying he's got nerve makes it sounds a lot like the street thugs that come up to him... when they want a fight and he refuses...... ] Tch. So? [ He doesn't wanna listen to some health class lecture, either. ]

I haven't had any. [ Pudding, that is. He's also had some sweets. This week. Today. For lunch. ]

Like I said, [ He's a growing teenager of few words. ] I gotta eat.

[ There's a little more strength in the resistance Rosho should suddenly feel. Maybe Juza does try to pull the cup towards him. His grip on the basket's handle is tightening similarly. He's sworn off street fights, but it's like he's making a fist. ]

[ With a heavy sigh and a shake of his head, Rosho doesn't seem like he's willing to relent at all. In fact he just looks like he's getting really frustrated with this stubborn kid. Honestly, he expects that if he keeps this up, this may turn into a major problem. ]

You're not the type that looks like you'd have such a sweet tooth.

[ He remembers hearing that often when he was young, back when he started his punk phase, visiting the conbini to pick up a stash of pudding cups for the week. Colorful fruit sandwiches, sweet bean buns, melonpan, cream puffs. Even if his life was a bit difficult at that time, school leaving him dissatisfied and his mother's disappointment constantly looming over him, the sweets always made him happy.

Rosho's grip on the pudding cup goes slack, and then he pulls his hand away. ]

Enjoy it. [ Just this once, he can live without it. But Rosho doesn't walk away just yet in defeat. ] But, in return, I'm going to have to ask for a recommendation. I'd like to bring something sweet back home for myself.

[ Even though Juza makes an effort to give off that strong aura, he doesn't quite expect him to just give in. Ah... he's crushing this perfect, last cup of pudding in his grip this way, if he isn't careful. So his fingers loosen too, but he keeps the cup in his hand.

Yeah... he's not really the type. He's heard that before, in ways that were mocking but also ones that sounded more like shock or surprise at the very least, in a way that made him feel flustered. Nothing like that now, but it knocks him a little off guard. His glare fades to just his usual, soft frown. ]

Hm. [ He doesn't feel like saying thanks for getting to take the pudding... The proposal seems fair, though. ]

The cream puffs here are okay...... [ Meaning: ] But I like the roll cake more.

[ Not even a word of thanks, huh? Such typical punk behavior. But the intimidating demeanor seems to be completely gone. Its pretty abrasive to deal with, but it's so nostalgic that Rosho can't help but find it to be a little cute.

He really does remind him a lot of himself... ]

Ah, a roll cake actually sounds like a really good choice. I'll go with that then.

[ It'll be easier to share since he can just slice it up and divide it between himself and Sasara no problem. All thats left to decide is flavor. ]

I've only ever had the strawberry, but they've also got chocolate and vanilla. Which flavor do you prefer?

[ Calling him cute's just gonna meet vehement denial in the form of another, again dangerous-looking scoff. Of course Juza's got no idea of that history there. This man's so neatly dressed, he must've always been a little stuffy, always with his shirt tucked in and such.

That's all except for that air he also got about him, when it came to the pudding.

With that Juza finally puts the cup in his basket. It's his, alright. ]

Strawberry's fine. [ 'Really good' if he could muster up to be more expressive on that front. But what most people don't get about sweets is that it's not just about the sweetness. ] If you're having anything with it, though...

[ Like other fruit. Juza's posture relaxes and slacks a little, the basket just at his side. ] Like if you had fresh strawberries, chocolate's a better match.

[ Juza my sweet angel, if you only knew of the days this sensei wasn't so stuffy. But as he adjust his glasses and gets that contemplative look on his face he always gets when it comes to only two things (sweets and math), its difficult to think of him not being anything other than a bookworm teacher who talks a bit too much for one's liking when all they wanted to do was grab pudding from the convenience store. ]

That's true. I mean, the rolls are good, but they're awfully plain in comparison to bakery sweet rolls where they include the strawberries in them. The variety here's so small too. They haven't got any marble cake or matcha or banana. Japanese conbini end up with the special flavors too like Hokkaido milk and black sugar.

[ Western convenience stores are pretty lack-luster. But, its far too late for him to be able to stop by the bakery, so he just has to make due with what they've got available here. ]

I think a chocolate roll will do. Afterall, its hard to find anything wrong with simple chocolate. I'll have to bring home a carton of milk too though... its not too warm, so I should be able to make the walk just fine.

[ It's a pain when a teacher talks that much without taking a break. Juza's not good enough at math to even pay that much attention, for one, but only someone like him could do a complete 180 when it's the same about sweets and desserts. It's not just about his lack of frowning, his eyes almost light up here. ]

They don't even sell parfaits. [ He adds. In full agreement with it, that the selection here is scarce compared to even the smallest shops on Veludo Way, Juza doesn't sound so disappointed, though. Feels like Rosho'll hear his own, particular opinion. Forgotten is the animosity unleashed over pudding. ]

If you're gettin' chocolate, you should get a bar too. With the milk, you can just melt 'n pour it on... [ A sort of home-made sauce. Though Omi isn't here, those quick cooking tips Juza got from him sometime help the taste of store-brought food. ]

This one's good enough, [ Here, the one in his basket. And: ] they got more of it.

[ Rosho can't help the soft laughter he gives. Once they've gotten talking about sweets, the kid has started to warm right up. He's even sharing something from his basket with him? It just goes to show why its never a good idea to judge someone by the way they look. A tough looking punk like this can have a soft spot inside of him too, and Rosho's already really endeared. ]

Haha, thank you! You know, I didn't think anyone else used the chocolate bars like that. Its really resourceful. When you want a hot chocolate but you don't have any cocoa powder available, right? I did that a lot in college.

[ His parents thought it was ridiculous but the fact of the matter is chocolate is chocolate. Plus the hot chocolate gets a nice thick texture and an even sweeter taste. Aah, just thinking about it, he really wants to make that when he gets back home.

He should make chocolate fondue some day...... ]

You've got a really good eye for these kinds of things. Say, if you like parfaits, there's a vendor that comes by the school on the weekend that sells parfaits and ice cream. He's a former teacher who only comes around during the summer so you should stop by. There's a strawberry cheesecake parfait right now that's amazing!

[ Rosho reaches into his back pocket and pulls out his phone so he can show Juza pictures of sweets he's gotten from this ice cream and parfait vendor. Because of course Rosho would have those kinds of pictures on his phone. ]

[ Like a bonbon... there's a hard shell but a sweet(s-loving) filling...! Juza agrees, hot chocolate tastes good when it's made that way, even if the invention comes from a lack of something. Incidentally, he also ends that train of thought with fondue.

Oh, this is the kinda stuff that should go up in his "information corner". ]

By the school, huh...? [ ... ~~He's been here for more than a month, but the thought that there's a school hasn't crossed his mind.~~

Looking at the pictures, his eyes clearly widen. And the thought of a strawbery cheesecake parfait...! He's completely forgotten about the two of them standing in a store, in front of an empty pudding shelf. ]

I wanna get that. [ It sounds very urgent and immediate, coming from Juza. ]

[ Ah, he seems to not know about the school, so he's either too new or maybe he's just a little beyond high school age. Maybe at least recently graduated? The tough-looking ones can be a bit hard to assume for age, but he's got a pretty pure spirit and a mind full of sweets.

He replies so seriously but with so much passion, Rosho chuckles. ]

That's exactly what I thought when I found out about it. Really, if I'm not the one learning about places that sell sweets, I find out from female students. Liking that sort of thing is more typical for the girls. That's what most people think.

[ Oh...... hearing him say it like that, Juza is visibly embarrassed. Right, just out of high school, it's not like people there dared to make fun of him for it either. Never mind knowing in the first place—O High's top delinquent had made sure of that himself.

He's beyond the age of "girls have cooties", but hasn't come to accept his sweet tooth as something that'd earn him charm points there. ]

Ah... [ Ugh, he's gotten sorta red here. ] I just like the taste.

[ The different kinds of sweetness, and the decorations on cakes, and even just the designs in some hard candy. He likes sweets a lot, lot more than he lets on. Hm. As long as you don't fight him on a cup of pudding, that's basically the height of it.

He really can't lie about being interested... ] ...So, the school's the best place to find out?

[ It seems he's hit the nail on the head with something here, but Rosho isn't one to tease. While he'd been put in plenty of positions where the contradiction between his tough punk phase and his sweet tooth clearly didn't fit together, it never really bothered him, but he's seen it in younger kids before. Certainly when he started working at the high school it became obvious.

There's no shame in it at all, he wants to say, but that may not be his place to remark on. ]

Whatever it is you like about sweets, you're not alone. Lots of people your age and older are like that.

[ Certainly him. ] In regards to keeping up on that sort of thing, well, the school setting helps. But I noticed if you've got a good eye for looking for that kind of news online it becomes easier to keep in touch with whats around. Things like social media, where a lot of kids like to talk about the places they go to and the things they eat, and they share pictures. I tried checking in on that when I could.

[ Rosho's the one that goes a little red in the face now. ]

Its a little embarrassing, but, if I was able to do something like that... I would for sure. It looks like a lot of fun. I haven't found anyone around here that talks about sweets or bakeries. The only one that ever really helps me find out about places is my roommate, since he really likes food.

[ 'Lots of people your age'...... This is starting to sound like a different kind of conversation, but there seems to be a sort of knowledge to that talk in a way that Juza doesn't feel put off by it. He's interested in those other tips too. ]

Hm. [ Kazunari showed him the ropes of this name-copyrighted-and-changed social media app, so there's a sense he gets what Rosho is talking about. Juza nods. ] Like Instablam.

[ But if he's being told there's nothing to be embarrassed about he should say something too. There's yet another commonality of foodie roommates, though Taichi more so is forced to because his boyfriend has eclectic tastes. ]

You should try doing it, since you know a lot.

[ Insta... blam...? Is that what they call it? He doesn't use social media at all so that could be the right name for it, one of the things the kids use, but now he wonders if it could be called something different around here. He'll have to figure it out. ]

Ah... you think so? I wouldn't say I know a lot, I just really like sweets.

[ But he's always been very thorough with his interests, pudding obviously being his specialty. If he could do something with all that knowledge and love of something other people can associate with and enjoy, something as simple as talking about sweets with others like this young boy who's clearly a bit shy about something so common... yeah, he thinks he likes the idea. ]

But it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. I've got my own job, so I think having something like this, it should be easy to manage. Like a hobby. Um, this "Instablam" thing. Since you know about it, would you have advice on how to use it?

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