[ Juza's thumb covers the 'STUPID SPICY' warning as he holds it, seeming to give the box itself a look that promises whatever is impending. He even turns it over, but the faint gold-on-white text isn't something he's gonna read. Guessing it's Taichi who left it out on the counter, and not his elusive boyfriend, he knows how the stars align when Juza and sweets are involved. It predicates the matter of course Juza takes to open it. Challenge... in this place, that sounds like it's about magic. Sometimes harmless, sometimes not, that's a gamble he's willing to take for the sake of something sweet.
Juza even ignores the last ditch effort warning label inside the box, focused only on the red-cellophane wrapped square. 12 different kinds of peppers do have a smell, even when they're bundled up in sugar, but also what's better than white chocolate...? It's even sweeter than milk chocolate. Juza, as much as he thinks of savoring the bite after taking it, doesn't hesitate.
He chews half of the whole piece once, maybe twice before the tip of his tongue, quickly enough the back of his throat and the roof of his mouth too, even his cheeks burn. Like a deer caught in headlights he stays at the kitchen counter, until some guttural sounds echoes through the apartment and he turns around to the sink. ]
eh...–he...–?! ['The hell?!' ...If he could talk without inhaling the spice. His love for sweets is as grand as his tolerance is miniscule, and even though the blob of "chocolate" is in the sink already Juza can't stop coughing. ]
[ Taichi and Juza are some of the best people for this job; there's almost no chance they'll eat salad. The migration of flying lettuce—odd in itself—isn't something Juza would have expected to attract wildlife poachers, but there's plenty of help wanted to apprehend them and let the lettuce move to winter quarters in peace. 's odd as these things look in the air, seeing one struggling in some trapper's net is even worse.
They've been trying for minutes to get it down. Climbing doesn't quite work, and Taichi's reach, even extended with a stick, is too little. However, so is Juza's even though he's taller. He drops the stick back on the ground. ]
Ain't happenin'. [ He concludes. But it's not like they can leave the lettuce up there. For one they wouldn't get paid, and even a little more than that, Juza'd feel bad. ]
[ At least there are traps laid that they can retrieve the lettuces from. Taichi wouldn't quite have been so confident with a quest if it were direct combat only.. but this is definitely something they can do!
Something they should've been able to do!
When Juza's height isn't high enough there's something wrong with these trappers. Taichi sighs in defeat, then pumps himself up with a little "yosh!" under his breath, hopping back and forth between his left and right foot before running at the tree and trying to climb up it, as if enthusiasm along would propel him upwards. To his credit, he manages to get a couple of feet up before a skinny branch breaks under his weight and Taichi's ass is back to square one, firmly on the ground. ]
〔 October started as busy as September left off, in terms of birthdays. Juza is happy to argue that there's no such thing as 'too much cake', but the tone of that's much different to, say, his and Tsumugi's quiet night-time conbini runs back home. Taichi and Juza's apartment remains in the spirit of Autumn troupe's rough ways with each other, but he is looking forward to a calm afternoon when he texts. 〕
Tsumugi-san There's a pop-up cafe near the school's campus Would you like to go?
〔 At the time and place they end up arranging, Juza is already there waiting. Seems like he's already spent some time in the area, at least, as much as going to school can be construed as that. 〕
[Hikaru's 'job' is being a social influencer. Not like he has to leave Taichi's room much unless there's some location that's making a buzz. Then Hikaru's all about going out to go get a picture. But since losing his twin, Hikaru's become way more anti-social. It isn't a good habit but it is what it is. Which is why he's never said a word to Juza and kind of goes about avoiding him. He does not know him and doesn't even know what he'd talk about with him.
But even Hikaru isn't so much of an unfeeling asshole to just ignore what sounds like Juza dying? He runs out without much thought, almost afraid to see somebody tried to break in or something. Instead, he just sees Juza and it looks like he's choking? Looks like Hikaru's not going to get to enjoy not seeing him for much longer.]
〔 Taichi's last ditch goes unhindered, Juza watches him crash back onto the ground. Autumn troupe is tough... but he puts out his hand to help him back up, while the look on his face remains critical. Here's thinking something like an actual fight would have been easier for Juza at least. Pulling an expression like his next thought of step is to cut the whole tree down, he mutters something. 〕
Maybe... 'f I boost you up. 〔 Running up the tree, it looks like Juza found some value in that effort. 〕 Or lift you, somethin' like that...
〔 Or they just chop it down, like his scowl still suggests...... 〕
〔 It's a trend Juza isn't that familiar with: studying at a cafe. To him, it's plenty to enjoy the cakes and cookies, tea and hot cocoa, without doing his homework on the side. This place, though, 's close to the school and has gotten to him not just by word of mouth, but because they handed out coupons for a free drink, as well.
He has a book open on the table, right next to his hand and the emptying mug. However, it's what's happening over at another table that's got his interest more than revision. He's obviously staring, can't hide it, and in the back of his mind's his and Rosho's encounter at the convenience store. Taking pictures of his food, instead of eating right away, 's in a way he recognizes Kazunari doing, and the kind of stuff Juza himself ends up "liking" on Instablam.
A guy like him doesn't exactly look like he's too shy to ask. 〕
[ With a cup of white chocolate latte and a plate of not just one but two desserts before him, Rosho couldn't look happier, though its easy to be deceived in thinking that he doesn't have much of an appetite when he's so focused on taking pictures of his plate. He never thought he'd turn into one of these people, but surprisingly, food blogging can be pretty fun. ]
Mm, now I've got to figure out some kind of caption...
[ As much as he enjoys the taking pictures and certainly the eating part of this whole blogging thing, he never knows what to say. The best Rosho can think of is a review of the taste. He's preparing to take a nice big spoonful of the Mont Blanc first before he gets that sneaking suspicion he's being watched. He's learned to be very astute about these things, being a teacher and all, so Rosho can't help but let his gaze wander until he comes across a familiar face clearly watching him.
Thankfully he's not bothered at all. In fact, he puts his spoon down and gives a wave and a smile. ]
[ Tsumugi hadn't forgotten his message to Juza. Sure, it's now belated by over a month, and maybe birthdays aren't actually that important to him, who knows, but a promise is a promise! He still wants to properly (but calmly) celebrate his day.
But even if he didn't owe Juza a sweets outing, he would've accepted the invitation without hesitation. After all, it's not often he gets to spend an afternoon with him. (... and okay, one of the pop-up cafe's mascots is a dog, and it's really cute. Not as cute as Zabi, but a close second.)
So he tries his best to get there early - which turns into "basically right on time", with how he's not quite as familiar with the area - but still arrives several minutes after Juza. From a short distance away, he calls out to him ] Juza-kun! [ smile growing until it's something warm and friendly as he's standing next to him. ]
I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long... [ Ha ha... ha... ] Are you ready to get going?
〔 Dying of spice right now pushes the—lack of—social customs they've established between each other out of the way. Juza makes some sound of a kind, supposedly an answer to the question as Hikaru suddenly stands there and he turns around. His face is red—rather than choking and blue—and his throat 's burning. Wide-eyed, he can't believe the chocolate betrayed him......
Something to drink, his mind finally jumps to. So without giving any legible reply Juza just about puts his entire head under the tap and turns it on-- only to find the water 's not doing anything but swishing the spice around in his mouth. Now he's dying coughing from it getting down the wrong pipe too.
Eventually, though: 〕 Milk...— 〔 "Or else" it sounds like, for a lack of Juza having the wits about him to deviate from his scowling nature. Not that he'd actually beat Hikaru up even if he didn't go to the fridge. 〕
〔 That's about as close as any dog can hope to get. Juza wants to order the pudding modelled after it... and then some, of course. Sure enough, his time spent waiting has been taken up by a mental-thumbing-through the menu.
It's nice to move their sweets meet-ups into the daylight, Juza thinks so too, especially when night time conbini runs have been altered by the different layout of this city. He finds Tsumugi after hearing his name from him. Juza's smile is one that's not really seen at all, until one stands close enough. Tsumugi gets to. 〕
No, not that long. 〔 He assures. It didn't feel like, and he wouldn't point it out even if. A nod. 〕 's not far from here. Just across the street.
〔 Though, he's got something to say about being late as well, even as Juza's ready to take the short walk. 〕 Sorry, it must'a looked like I forgot about your message. Didn't know where to invite you 'till this came up.
[ It's a good thing someone found value in Taichi's effort to run at the problem. A boost or lift? Taichi leans back, his hair hanging off the top of his head as he looks at Juza upside-down from the ground. ]
Up?
[ He supposes he should get up from the ground but instead raises both his arms up just to see if Juza will carry him the full way up. ]
[Hikaru is not much help during this display. Unsurprisingly. His eyes are as wide as Juza's, confused what is happening. But Hikaru sees no blood or anything, Juza is obviously moving around just fine so he's...okay? Right?
He's not.
And Hikaru jumps when Juza makes his demand, running to go get him the milk right away. Juza has never been too scary to him before this moment but Hikaru has enough sense about what he's supposed to do when a guy like Juza makes demands.
〔 Up. Yep... Juza doesn't think twice about it and reaches down to grab Taichi's wrists to help him up. Or actually just lift him all the way, right—Taichi has to do no more than straighten his legs under himself. 〕
Yeah...
〔 Once more, his gaze is up in the tree, where the trapped lettuce head only just so stands out against the leaves changing into dull colors with the season. Jumping, running, or getting on his toes, it can't quite be reached solo, that's the verdict. Good thing they teamed up. Juza goes on to explain his mumbled thoughts from just before, looking back down at Taichi. 〕
〔 They're not locked in a stand-off over a cup of pudding this time. Juza doesn't think of himself as important enough to just stick to memory, though, at least not when he doesn't have an infamous nickname over here. 〕
Uh......
〔 A teacher's keen gaze—even though he never really found out about that. The hint that the school offers not only magic education but also parfaits 's what really stuck from their meeting.
And 10hyodo follows Pi_Please... although, he hasn't got that connection in front of him. 〕
[ He's just as quick to assure Juza with a small shake of his head. ] Oh, no, it's okay! I'm sorry I didn't suggest a place sooner. [ He was the one inviting him for his birthday, after all!
But if Juza's trying to apologize, that must mean he isn't mad. So he'll take that forgiveness gratefully and follow him down the street to the café in question.
Tsumugi had looked at some photos on social media of the café, but it did nothing to prepare him for how absolutely precious it all is in person. It's... almost too precious, honestly. They're a bit out of place here - Juza more so, but even Tsumugi a little. But they've always been a bit of an odd duo, haven't they? And they're certainly planning on spending a lot to make up for it. rip tsumugi's wallet
Luck's on their side, it seems, as they're shown to a table with little wait. He kindly thanks the waitress and then, turning his attention to Juza, says ] Please, feel free to order whatever you want. [ before opening his own menu and looking over his options again. ]
[ Taichi stands on his own two feet at least once Juza straightens him up, though he looks excited at the idea of getting on Juza's shoulders. he's gonna be so tall!? ]
Sure, let's do it!
[ Taichi moves to get behind him, waiting for Juza to kneels so he can hop up without, like, pulling Juza down to the ground. (If it was from the front, he wouldn't be patient, Juza seems sturdy enough.) ]
And Taichi's agreeing to the plot means Juza doesn't hesitate. He can bear the weight, he can figure out the balancing. For real, Taichi could probably climb up on him better than up the tree. Once he's up there, Juza grabs his ankles before standing. 〕
All good?
〔 There's a murmur of a grunt as he does, and it's got to be a slower act than he thought, after just getting Taichi up off the ground easily. He could do leg day, though; while this is definitely Juza's part of the workout. 〕
〔 Juza's display of angry desperation doesn't end until he's chugging the milk. Straight out of the carton—if anything's left in it, better get a new one. And even after that he's got a look on his face. All the pain and turmoil in his eyes meets Hikaru, but isn't meant for him.
Something between a cough, a pant and a burp follow his setting down the milk and Juza wiping his wrist over his mouth. 〕
The chocolate...
〔 Anguish sorta glints in his eyes as he glances back at the wrapping paper, the package that's some ways pushed across the kitchen counter. He makes a fist that bunches the front of his T-shirt. Heartburn from sweets...... the way old folks get. They don't talk, but this 's saying more than a thousand words, almost like; this time Hikaru gets the look in Juza's eyes full force.
[Why does Juza look like he's been betrayed? The chocolate? Did it go down the wrong way? But he'd acted like somebody who had something too spicy for them? His eyes stray to the chocolate wrapper and he goes to pick it up, thinking it's one of those dark chocolates that has some chili pepper in it.
But instead sees 'STUPID SPICY' and when reading it more, he starts snickering. He can't help it. He loves pranks and even if Taichi didn't mean for it to be one, it was what he had done.]
Taichi. He left it out for me to eat with him. [Taichi didn't tell him but Taichi's also been amazed by Hikaru's ability to eat anything spicy without showing any emotion.] It's some spice challenge thing. He probably wanted me to eat it to see if I'd be affected.
[ Taichi will become the leg day master. He will get Juza's muscles so big and then he can claim he worked out. ]
All good. I'm gonna stand up now, don't move!
[ He puts his hands on top of Juza's head to balance himself and starts slowly standing up on his shoulders. He wobbles at least twice before he's straight, then he's reaching up for the lettuce. ]
〔 He has to get more muscle-y so Juza can keep bench-pressing him even when he gets stronger.
For now, this is enough, actually. Don't move...... well, he's really trying while at the same time trying to translate Taichi seeking his balance into his own stance. He's not the only one who wobbles. Juza's face is twisted up even more seriously than usual. That might also be from Taichi patting around his head, though. 〕
...Yeah?
〔 Juza looks up, putting his head as far back into his neck as he can without compromising Taichi's fickle stance. Of course his hands still squeeze tight and secure around his ankles. The view up is dizzying, as he watches Taichi inch closer to freeing the lettuce... 〕
[ He can't help the well-meaning chuckle. The kid has a deceiving gaze, where most would assuredly recoil away from it, Rosho can tell its the intent focus of someone with nothing but sweets on their mind. ]
Its okay. I know it looks awfully suspicious for one person to have two sweets in front of them. Technically, this should be shared, right?
[ Rosho remembers students teasing him during lunch, watching him sit at his break desk with two cups of pudding. He always tries to restrain himself with one but its so hard when he loves pudding so much. ]
I haven't tried these before but they look like they'll be really good. Would you like a taste?
[ Naturally, Taichi loses balance right as he grabs the lettuce, and goes tumbling backward. Hopefully Juza holds on and Taichi will merely end up upside down rather than smashed on the pavement. ]
[ There's a whole host of people who wouldn't forgive Juza if he dropped him. And he knows Taichi's healing's nothing if he's the one who's flat on the ground. So, the yell as a warning and a flare of green up above, makes him clenching his teeth and his grip on Taichi's legs.
There's much more than a wobble, anything to compensate for their combined weight and height leaning backwards in a dangerous way. Juza bends his knees, his back, and in the end he's hunched over...... holding Taichi upside down by his feet, like Santa Claus' bag slung over his shoulder. ]
Ugh--
[ Taichi's heavier like that than standing up on his shoulders. And maybe just centimeters away from smashing his head on the ground. Juza can't quite turn his head to check. ]
M-My whole life flashed before my eyes... I almost never saw the last episode of Akapoyo-kun..!
[ His voice is shaking like he's genuinely terrified, but thankfully Juza is much taller than he is so as long as he caught him by any amount, he was safe. Taichi tries to do a pull up to try to get back up, but in the end, he is no Tasuku and has to keep dangling from Juza's back with one arm wrapped around the lettuce for safety. ]
[ Juza's life before his too. What if he had to tell everyone Taichi broke his neck for a vegetable, that's hard to believe?! They're watching the next episode of Akapoyo-kun together. His knees wobble. ]
Haah– [ Or it's that Taichi's kinda heavy despite his stature, and his attempt of pulling himself up just makes it harder for Juza to keep his grip. ] Ah... sorry, I'm letting you down. [ Slowly, until his back 's flat on the ground and just his legs have to follow gravity and flop off of Juza's shoulders. Rather than finding the whole world upside-down, it'll be Juza appearing over him. ]
Hey, [ The hint of a smile all slowly moves the corner of his mouth. ] you got the lettuce.
[ Hey, don't laugh. Juza's eyes are still watering, so that kinda messes up his usual expression, for better or for worse. But Hikaru standing over the empty box and giggling coaxes him to take a look as well.
The 'stupid' part of stupid spicy is about him, isn't it...... A glare that didn't have much shape to it turns into a frown. ] Oh... I didn't see—
[ Then—reflexively—into something defensive. He can't just reveal how badly into sweets he is...! So bad, that he ate the chocolate Taichi got for his boyfriend. Such a sweet tooth, that he didn't even think, much less look, twice. A real bonehead for candy. And not that good at hiding his vice, on top. He's never successfully lied about his habit. ]
M-my bad. Thought it'd be interesting to try... [ But he can't just come out 'n say it at a time like this. ] The... [ *Gulp* ] spiciness...... I'm into it.
[ What a cute smile... Juza really is the kind of guy girls would fall for? Being on the ground, hovered over by a muscley man whose face normally looks sour, then suddenly that hint of a smile... god, Juza could be so popular with the right circumstances..!!
Oh, right, the lettuce. It's flapping a little frantically, trying to get out of Taichi's grasp, and they should let it go but.. ]
Quick, take a picture of me with him! We have to prove he was saved!
[Hikaru is perceptive. While he can never quite figure himself out, or anything in regards to himself, he can always figure someone else out fairly easily. But it helps that Juza is not good at hiding things apparently.
Though Hikaru has never talked to Juza outside of a simple greeting and these are more words than the two have shared since Hikaru just moved in without asking. But he has noticed the sweets that just appear and then just disappear. Not that Hikaru cares. He doesn't like sweets that much. But he still notices.]
You never ate the other spicy things Taichi's brought in.
[ Any acting capabilities are second to his love for sweets. And stunted by this system shock of spice. ]
Uh...... [ Of course he didn't. ] Always said he bought 'em for himself or you, so I wouldn't. [ Now, someone looks guilty. Or is it still more the regret of razing his tastebuds to the ground? ]
Sorry. [ Juza brushes it off with the word and leaves his template delinquent demeanor to cover his tracks, a shrug. ]
Edited 2022-03-27 18:14 (UTC)
"they should finish this"......momo should finish this
[ He's had Gap Moe explained to him but still doesn't quite get it... Taichi can try again if he wants. But, right, they should finish this. Juza gets his phone out of his pocket. While the photo he takes being in focus enough is all anyone can really ask for, he shows it to Taichi right after taking it. ]
's that good? [ A sliver of his finger covers the bottom, but Taichi and a lump of green are clearly to be seen. If yes, the lettuce can finally be free. ]
[Hikaru knows there's something more to this story. Hikaru isn't always smart but he's good at poking his nose into people's business and figuring them out for his own benefit. He knows he can crack this one. It's good to know more about the person he's living with anyway. He tries to think about it since Juza just seems embarrassed. There hasn't been any other foods that he's tried to take. Hikaru's foods are only ever stolen by Taichi.
So what's different? It only takes a moment of thinking it over, as he stares at the chocolate wrapper, before he's reminded of one person: Honey, who would probably give up anything just to be able to eat dessert.
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irritated、betrayed by chocolate......
[ Juza's thumb covers the 'STUPID SPICY' warning as he holds it, seeming to give the box itself a look that promises whatever is impending. He even turns it over, but the faint gold-on-white text isn't something he's gonna read. Guessing it's Taichi who left it out on the counter, and not his elusive boyfriend, he knows how the stars align when Juza and sweets are involved. It predicates the matter of course Juza takes to open it.
Challenge... in this place, that sounds like it's about magic. Sometimes harmless, sometimes not, that's a gamble he's willing to take for the sake of something sweet.
Juza even ignores the last ditch effort warning label inside the box, focused only on the red-cellophane wrapped square. 12 different kinds of peppers do have a smell, even when they're bundled up in sugar, but also what's better than white chocolate...? It's even sweeter than milk chocolate. Juza, as much as he thinks of savoring the bite after taking it, doesn't hesitate.
He chews half of the whole piece once, maybe twice before the tip of his tongue, quickly enough the back of his throat and the roof of his mouth too, even his cheeks burn. Like a deer caught in headlights he stays at the kitchen counter, until some guttural sounds echoes through the apartment and he turns around to the sink. ]
eh...–he...–?! ['The hell?!' ...If he could talk without inhaling the spice. His love for sweets is as grand as his tolerance is miniscule, and even though the blob of "chocolate" is in the sink already Juza can't stop coughing. ]
arf、flappy veg 🗡
They've been trying for minutes to get it down. Climbing doesn't quite work, and Taichi's reach, even extended with a stick, is too little. However, so is Juza's even though he's taller. He drops the stick back on the ground. ]
Ain't happenin'. [ He concludes. But it's not like they can leave the lettuce up there. For one they wouldn't get paid, and even a little more than that, Juza'd feel bad. ]
no subject
Something they should've been able to do!
When Juza's height isn't high enough there's something wrong with these trappers. Taichi sighs in defeat, then pumps himself up with a little "yosh!" under his breath, hopping back and forth between his left and right foot before running at the tree and trying to climb up it, as if enthusiasm along would propel him upwards. To his credit, he manages to get a couple of feet up before a skinny branch breaks under his weight and Taichi's ass is back to square one, firmly on the ground. ]
Ow ow ow!
tsumtsuki、a cake date not a coffee date
Tsumugi-san
There's a pop-up cafe near the school's campus
Would you like to go?
〔 At the time and place they end up arranging, Juza is already there waiting. Seems like he's already spent some time in the area, at least, as much as going to school can be construed as that. 〕
no subject
But even Hikaru isn't so much of an unfeeling asshole to just ignore what sounds like Juza dying? He runs out without much thought, almost afraid to see somebody tried to break in or something. Instead, he just sees Juza and it looks like he's choking? Looks like Hikaru's not going to get to enjoy not seeing him for much longer.]
You good...? [He clearly is not, Hikaru.]
no subject
Maybe... 'f I boost you up. 〔 Running up the tree, it looks like Juza found some value in that effort. 〕 Or lift you, somethin' like that...
〔 Or they just chop it down, like his scowl still suggests...... 〕
glossophobia、live-food-blogging
He has a book open on the table, right next to his hand and the emptying mug. However, it's what's happening over at another table that's got his interest more than revision. He's obviously staring, can't hide it, and in the back of his mind's his and Rosho's encounter at the convenience store. Taking pictures of his food, instead of eating right away, 's in a way he recognizes Kazunari doing, and the kind of stuff Juza himself ends up "liking" on Instablam.
A guy like him doesn't exactly look like he's too shy to ask. 〕
......
no subject
Mm, now I've got to figure out some kind of caption...
[ As much as he enjoys the taking pictures and certainly the eating part of this whole blogging thing, he never knows what to say. The best Rosho can think of is a review of the taste. He's preparing to take a nice big spoonful of the Mont Blanc first before he gets that sneaking suspicion he's being watched. He's learned to be very astute about these things, being a teacher and all, so Rosho can't help but let his gaze wander until he comes across a familiar face clearly watching him.
Thankfully he's not bothered at all. In fact, he puts his spoon down and gives a wave and a smile. ]
Its good to see you again.
no subject
But even if he didn't owe Juza a sweets outing, he would've accepted the invitation without hesitation. After all, it's not often he gets to spend an afternoon with him. (... and okay, one of the pop-up cafe's mascots is a dog, and it's really cute. Not as cute as Zabi, but a close second.)
So he tries his best to get there early - which turns into "basically right on time", with how he's not quite as familiar with the area - but still arrives several minutes after Juza. From a short distance away, he calls out to him ] Juza-kun! [ smile growing until it's something warm and friendly as he's standing next to him. ]
I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long... [ Ha ha... ha... ] Are you ready to get going?
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Something to drink, his mind finally jumps to. So without giving any legible reply Juza just about puts his entire head under the tap and turns it on-- only to find the water 's not doing anything but swishing the spice around in his mouth. Now he's
dyingcoughing from it getting down the wrong pipe too.Eventually, though: 〕 Milk...— 〔 "Or else" it sounds like, for a lack of Juza having the wits about him to deviate from his scowling nature. Not that he'd actually beat Hikaru up even if he didn't go to the fridge. 〕
no subject
It's nice to move their sweets meet-ups into the daylight, Juza thinks so too, especially when night time conbini runs have been altered by the different layout of this city. He finds Tsumugi after hearing his name from him. Juza's smile is one that's not really seen at all, until one stands close enough. Tsumugi gets to. 〕
No, not that long. 〔 He assures. It didn't feel like, and he wouldn't point it out even if. A nod. 〕 's not far from here. Just across the street.
〔 Though, he's got something to say about being late as well, even as Juza's ready to take the short walk. 〕 Sorry, it must'a looked like I forgot about your message. Didn't know where to invite you 'till this came up.
no subject
Up?
[ He supposes he should get up from the ground but instead raises both his arms up just to see if Juza will carry him the full way up. ]
no subject
He's not.
And Hikaru jumps when Juza makes his demand, running to go get him the milk right away. Juza has never been too scary to him before this moment but Hikaru has enough sense about what he's supposed to do when a guy like Juza makes demands.
He hands him the damn milk.]
What happened...?
no subject
Yeah...
〔 Once more, his gaze is up in the tree, where the trapped lettuce head only just so stands out against the leaves changing into dull colors with the season. Jumping, running, or getting on his toes, it can't quite be reached solo, that's the verdict. Good thing they teamed up. Juza goes on to explain his mumbled thoughts from just before, looking back down at Taichi. 〕
'f you get on my shoulders, maybe?
no subject
Uh......
〔 A teacher's keen gaze—even though he never really found out about that. The hint that the school offers not only magic education but also parfaits 's what really stuck from their meeting.
And 10hyodo follows Pi_Please... although, he hasn't got that connection in front of him. 〕
Sorry. 〔 For staring. 〕 ...'t looks good.
no subject
But if Juza's trying to apologize, that must mean he isn't mad. So he'll take that forgiveness gratefully and follow him down the street to the café in question.
Tsumugi had looked at some photos on social media of the café, but it did nothing to prepare him for how absolutely precious it all is in person. It's... almost too precious, honestly. They're a bit out of place here - Juza more so, but even Tsumugi a little. But they've always been a bit of an odd duo, haven't they? And they're certainly planning on spending a lot to make up for it.
rip tsumugi's walletLuck's on their side, it seems, as they're shown to a table with little wait. He kindly thanks the waitress and then, turning his attention to Juza, says ] Please, feel free to order whatever you want. [ before opening his own menu and looking over his options again. ]
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Sure, let's do it!
[ Taichi moves to get behind him, waiting for Juza to kneels so he can hop up without, like, pulling Juza down to the ground. (If it was from the front, he wouldn't be patient, Juza seems sturdy enough.) ]
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And Taichi's agreeing to the plot means Juza doesn't hesitate. He can bear the weight, he can figure out the balancing. For real, Taichi could probably climb up on him better than up the tree. Once he's up there, Juza grabs his ankles before standing. 〕
All good?
〔 There's a murmur of a grunt as he does, and it's got to be a slower act than he thought, after just getting Taichi up off the ground easily. He could do leg day, though; while this is definitely Juza's part of the workout. 〕
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Something between a cough, a pant and a burp follow his setting down the milk and Juza wiping his wrist over his mouth. 〕
The chocolate...
〔 Anguish sorta glints in his eyes as he glances back at the wrapping paper, the package that's some ways pushed across the kitchen counter. He makes a fist that bunches the front of his T-shirt. Heartburn from sweets...... the way old folks get. They don't talk, but this 's saying more than a thousand words, almost like; this time Hikaru gets the look in Juza's eyes full force.
He's not okay...... the betrayal. 〕
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But instead sees 'STUPID SPICY' and when reading it more, he starts snickering. He can't help it. He loves pranks and even if Taichi didn't mean for it to be one, it was what he had done.]
Taichi. He left it out for me to eat with him. [Taichi didn't tell him but Taichi's also been amazed by Hikaru's ability to eat anything spicy without showing any emotion.] It's some spice challenge thing. He probably wanted me to eat it to see if I'd be affected.
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All good. I'm gonna stand up now, don't move!
[ He puts his hands on top of Juza's head to balance himself and starts slowly standing up on his shoulders. He wobbles at least twice before he's straight, then he's reaching up for the lettuce. ]
I think.. I think I can reach it..!
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For now, this is enough, actually. Don't move...... well, he's really trying while at the same time trying to translate Taichi seeking his balance into his own stance. He's not the only one who wobbles. Juza's face is twisted up even more seriously than usual. That might also be from Taichi patting around his head, though. 〕
...Yeah?
〔 Juza looks up, putting his head as far back into his neck as he can without compromising Taichi's fickle stance. Of course his hands still squeeze tight and secure around his ankles. The view up is dizzying, as he watches Taichi inch closer to freeing the lettuce... 〕
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Its okay. I know it looks awfully suspicious for one person to have two sweets in front of them. Technically, this should be shared, right?
[ Rosho remembers students teasing him during lunch, watching him sit at his break desk with two cups of pudding. He always tries to restrain himself with one but its so hard when he loves pudding so much. ]
I haven't tried these before but they look like they'll be really good. Would you like a taste?
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[ Naturally, Taichi loses balance right as he grabs the lettuce, and goes tumbling backward. Hopefully Juza holds on and Taichi will merely end up upside down rather than smashed on the pavement. ]
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There's much more than a wobble, anything to compensate for their combined weight and height leaning backwards in a dangerous way. Juza bends his knees, his back, and in the end he's hunched over...... holding Taichi upside down by his feet, like Santa Claus' bag slung over his shoulder. ]
Ugh--
[ Taichi's heavier like that than standing up on his shoulders. And maybe just centimeters away from smashing his head on the ground. Juza can't quite turn his head to check. ]
You okay?!
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[ His voice is shaking like he's genuinely terrified, but thankfully Juza is much taller than he is so as long as he caught him by any amount, he was safe. Taichi tries to do a pull up to try to get back up, but in the end, he is no Tasuku and has to keep dangling from Juza's back with one arm wrapped around the lettuce for safety. ]
Juza-san, help! The world's upside-down!!
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Haah– [ Or it's that Taichi's kinda heavy despite his stature, and his attempt of pulling himself up just makes it harder for Juza to keep his grip. ] Ah... sorry, I'm letting you down. [ Slowly, until his back 's flat on the ground and just his legs have to follow gravity and flop off of Juza's shoulders. Rather than finding the whole world upside-down, it'll be Juza appearing over him. ]
Hey, [ The hint of a smile all slowly moves the corner of his mouth. ] you got the lettuce.
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The 'stupid' part of stupid spicy is about him, isn't it...... A glare that didn't have much shape to it turns into a frown. ] Oh... I didn't see—
[ Then—reflexively—into something defensive. He can't just reveal how badly into sweets he is...! So bad, that he ate the chocolate Taichi got for his boyfriend. Such a sweet tooth, that he didn't even think, much less look, twice. A real bonehead for candy. And not that good at hiding his vice, on top. He's never successfully lied about his habit. ]
M-my bad. Thought it'd be interesting to try... [ But he can't just come out 'n say it at a time like this. ] The... [ *Gulp* ] spiciness...... I'm into it.
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Oh, right, the lettuce. It's flapping a little frantically, trying to get out of Taichi's grasp, and they should let it go but.. ]
Quick, take a picture of me with him! We have to prove he was saved!
[ So they get paid. ]
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[Hikaru is perceptive. While he can never quite figure himself out, or anything in regards to himself, he can always figure someone else out fairly easily. But it helps that Juza is not good at hiding things apparently.
Though Hikaru has never talked to Juza outside of a simple greeting and these are more words than the two have shared since Hikaru just moved in without asking. But he has noticed the sweets that just appear and then just disappear. Not that Hikaru cares. He doesn't like sweets that much. But he still notices.]
You never ate the other spicy things Taichi's brought in.
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Uh...... [ Of course he didn't. ] Always said he bought 'em for himself or you, so I wouldn't. [ Now, someone looks guilty. Or is it still more the regret of razing his tastebuds to the ground? ]
Sorry. [ Juza brushes it off with the word and leaves his template delinquent demeanor to cover his tracks, a shrug. ]
"they should finish this"......momo should finish this
enoughis all anyone can really ask for, he shows it to Taichi right after taking it. ]'s that good? [ A sliver of his finger covers the bottom, but Taichi and a lump of green are clearly to be seen. If yes, the lettuce can finally be free. ]
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Fly free, friend!
[ And he's definitely goin to get a high five out of Juza now ty. Don't leave him hanging!! ]
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So what's different? It only takes a moment of thinking it over, as he stares at the chocolate wrapper, before he's reminded of one person: Honey, who would probably give up anything just to be able to eat dessert.
And then he's grinning.]
You can't resist sweets, can you?
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Up high. But not too high because Juza is quite a bit taller. ]