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onepromiseThere's something about the old district that brings Mai an odd sense of comfort. Perhaps it's the twisting alleyways and the old stone streets that rise and descend as one makes their way around Gion, or the vibrant willows that loom over the canals and flank the traditionally-styled buildings. In all of these ways, it really just reminds her of her sprawling family estate, where not a lick of modernity makes it past the front gates. For all of the complex feelings she has for that place, Mai still doesn't stray far from home, electing to stay in Kyoto while her sister traipses around Tokyo like some kind of hot-shot in the big city.
At the end of the day, the two of them lead completely separate lives. Maki has no idea-- probably doesn't even care-- that Mai even goes out on dates. First dates, mostly. She can usually only stomach one before something inevitably sours-- the other person ends up being too boring, too annoying, or too intimidated by her to really hold their own. That's fine. They probably have some kind of feedback about her, too, but by the time it really matters, Mai tells herself that she's lost interest. And that's fine, too. Dates are a little distraction from the things in her life that she hates, but relationships are a whole other deal. Definitely more effort than she feels like putting into anything, really. Or maybe that's just another thing she tells herself.
This is a first, though, being presented with the choice of either a fight or date. This Aira girl-- who was very insistent that Mai get her name when she had needled one of her classmates for her phone number-- is a real breath of fresh air, isn't she? It's not everyday that Mai has to contend with an ego like that, and maybe any other day she might've just gone with the former option just to put her in her place for it.
If Aira's little threat was anything to go by, though, a fight might still be on the table-- but Mai actually put enough thought into her outfit for this ice cream date that messing it up in some dumb tussle would probably piss her off even more. It's rather cute, this little number she picked out. Mai accessories it rather simply-- an unadorned white headband, strappy white sandals, and her trusty white parasol to stave off the afternoon rays from her skin. Obviously, she admired herself quite a bit before heading out. She wouldn't normally wear something so bright, especially not for a first date, but Aira talked a big game and Mai was loathe to be shown up by a girl like her. Besides, it gives her a far more eye-catching appearance than her dark, drab uniform-- even if she does make it look pretty good.
It's still early in the afternoon by the time Mai finds herself outside of the ice cream parlor, nestled amongst the old-fashioned buildings on this particular street. She's the first to arrive, but that's how she likes it. It gives her the chance to practice the cool expression she wears on her face, a blend of feigned disinterest and mild haughtiness. As anticipated, there's a sizable line of people waiting for their turn to order. Some of them are tourists, mostly out-of-towners with a smattering of foreigners sprinkled in. Not that it really matters much to Mai, who keeps her eyes peeled for an easy mark. There are a few contenders, guys who don't really need ice cream more than she does, in her opinion. Pushovers, when it comes down to it, which is fine by her. She'll wait, though, for her partner in crime to arrive before striking-- if Aira is still up for it.
Until then, she'll take the time to type out a quick couple of texts:
waiting outside
hurry up
some guys are trying to hit on me
She's lying, of course! Anyone who has dared to look her way with more than a passing interest has been met with an icy stare, so far-- once again, her resting bitch face comes in handy. No one needs to know that she's feeling that rare tickle of impatience for her date to arrive. Mai really only sends this message to Aira out of a not-so-subtle attempt to get her to rush over, maybe see her a touch flustered, though she won't count on it too heavily. It's still within the hour before they're supposed to meet, but in Aira's own words, they are burning daylight...
It's all right. Maybe she can try figuring out why patience is such a virtue. Or not!
At the end of the day, the two of them lead completely separate lives. Maki has no idea-- probably doesn't even care-- that Mai even goes out on dates. First dates, mostly. She can usually only stomach one before something inevitably sours-- the other person ends up being too boring, too annoying, or too intimidated by her to really hold their own. That's fine. They probably have some kind of feedback about her, too, but by the time it really matters, Mai tells herself that she's lost interest. And that's fine, too. Dates are a little distraction from the things in her life that she hates, but relationships are a whole other deal. Definitely more effort than she feels like putting into anything, really. Or maybe that's just another thing she tells herself.
This is a first, though, being presented with the choice of either a fight or date. This Aira girl-- who was very insistent that Mai get her name when she had needled one of her classmates for her phone number-- is a real breath of fresh air, isn't she? It's not everyday that Mai has to contend with an ego like that, and maybe any other day she might've just gone with the former option just to put her in her place for it.
If Aira's little threat was anything to go by, though, a fight might still be on the table-- but Mai actually put enough thought into her outfit for this ice cream date that messing it up in some dumb tussle would probably piss her off even more. It's rather cute, this little number she picked out. Mai accessories it rather simply-- an unadorned white headband, strappy white sandals, and her trusty white parasol to stave off the afternoon rays from her skin. Obviously, she admired herself quite a bit before heading out. She wouldn't normally wear something so bright, especially not for a first date, but Aira talked a big game and Mai was loathe to be shown up by a girl like her. Besides, it gives her a far more eye-catching appearance than her dark, drab uniform-- even if she does make it look pretty good.
It's still early in the afternoon by the time Mai finds herself outside of the ice cream parlor, nestled amongst the old-fashioned buildings on this particular street. She's the first to arrive, but that's how she likes it. It gives her the chance to practice the cool expression she wears on her face, a blend of feigned disinterest and mild haughtiness. As anticipated, there's a sizable line of people waiting for their turn to order. Some of them are tourists, mostly out-of-towners with a smattering of foreigners sprinkled in. Not that it really matters much to Mai, who keeps her eyes peeled for an easy mark. There are a few contenders, guys who don't really need ice cream more than she does, in her opinion. Pushovers, when it comes down to it, which is fine by her. She'll wait, though, for her partner in crime to arrive before striking-- if Aira is still up for it.
Until then, she'll take the time to type out a quick couple of texts:
waiting outside
hurry up
some guys are trying to hit on me
She's lying, of course! Anyone who has dared to look her way with more than a passing interest has been met with an icy stare, so far-- once again, her resting bitch face comes in handy. No one needs to know that she's feeling that rare tickle of impatience for her date to arrive. Mai really only sends this message to Aira out of a not-so-subtle attempt to get her to rush over, maybe see her a touch flustered, though she won't count on it too heavily. It's still within the hour before they're supposed to meet, but in Aira's own words, they are burning daylight...
It's all right. Maybe she can try figuring out why patience is such a virtue. Or not!
no subject
Date: 2025-04-12 11:29 am (UTC)Vaguely, it occurs to Aira that messing around with a girl like this might end up being bad for her heart. It's only a small voice in her head, though. She's taken on murderous spirits and evil aliens, so how bad can Mai be by comparison?
... Well, unfortunately, it presents a very different sort of danger. Still, now isn't the time to get caught up in anxious introspection. That isn't her style! And delicious ice cream awaits once they finish fooling these saps.
"Ugh. I can't believe guys can be such big jerks..."
She appears to wilt in Mai's arms, sighing and hanging her head. At the same time, she's able to surreptitiously angle her elbow and give Mai a little jab to the side of her stomach. In the meantime, she doesn't look directly at their targets, but she can hear one of them murmur something to the other. Then they nod in unison, and one of them steps up to make the desired offer. Easy as that.
Aira ends up excitedly squeezing Mai's forearm, immediately perking up.
"R-Really? Are you two sure? That's so sweet, thank you!"
no subject
Date: 2025-04-14 10:41 pm (UTC)It's catchy, of course, and the young man grins, so proud that he gets to be the one to brighten up Aira's day.
"Well, I don't want you thinking that all guys are big jerks!"
God— that's so sappy that Mai has to bite her tongue to keep herself from laughing in his face for it. He really thinks that he's some hero for this, huh? Good thing he has no clue that he's dancing right in the palm of their hands. What he doesn't know won't hurt him, right? And he can go ahead and chalk this up as his one good deed for the day, probably.
The exchange of places is made, brief pleasantries are traded, and Mai swiftly forgets the names of this pair as soon as they're given. Once they finally turn to walk off, Mai sneaks a look over at Aira, wearing the smuggest smile ever.
"Our luck really changed for the better, huh?"
Now, they're only two customers away from being able to place their order, so Mai tilts her head up to peer at the menu to decide on what combination would really hit the spot after their little stunt. All the while, her shoulders are trembling slightly from the laughter she's doing her best to hold in. It would be pretty bad if all of the people behind them found out that the two of them lied to skip the line. Oh, well! Maybe she wasn't being completely dishonest, and really did want Aira to have a nice day— though at someone else's expense.
"I know what I want." Of course she does. Mai picks one of the more pricey parfaits, and the look she gives Aira shows that she knows she's worth it. "What about you?"
no subject
Date: 2025-04-17 05:53 am (UTC)In any case, she can tell that Mai is still having some trouble holding in her mirth. Standing in line side-by-side, Aira keeps a hold on her arm, then squeezes once she feels the tremble of her stifled laughter. Gals just being pals can still be touchy like this, right? That's what suits their ruse at this point, anyway.
Responding to Mai's smug smile, Aira keeps up the bright-eyed act. Her pleased little giggle has an innocent quality that ought to fool any snoopy eavesdroppers.
"Yeah!" she exclaims. "That was so nice of them."
She glances at the menu, though earlier, she decided she really wanted a classic hot fudge sundae, with nuts, sprinkles, and a cherry on top. That desire has held, and as promised, she also pays for Mai's fancy parfait. They might not have had to wait all that long, owing to their deftly executed ploy, but the final bit of anticipation still hits. Aira digs in as soon as she gets her sundae, but also makes sure that her first bite has a little bit of everything on the spoon. Then she hums with genuine glee.
"Mm mmmm, it's so good! Hehe."
She beams at Mai, then scoots farther out from the line before helping herself to another big bite.
no subject
Date: 2025-04-20 08:51 am (UTC)And a couple of pretty girls absolutely deserve desserts that are equally pretty in their presentation. This ice cream shop doesn't skimp on quality, right down to how every ingredient is arranged in a way to craft a really picture-perfect result— if Mai were the type to have enough patience to snap a photo before digging in, anyway. She's secretly glad that Aira doesn't waste any time, herself, a breath of fresh air from Mai's friends who spend way too long trying to stage the ideal photo to post. No need to worry about any melted scoops or deflated whipped cream, here!
Mai will take a dainty spoonful of the parfait and let the mild sweetness wash over her tongue as she watches amusedly at her date going to town on her sundae. When Aira beams happily at Mai, she can't resist thinking that her smile is delightfully sweet, certainly enough to put their treats to shame.
"Told you this place was worth it."
Worth the wait? Probably, even if Mai is definitely spoiled now for any future visits. Worth the price, though? Definitely, Mai will muse to herself as she scoops up another dollop of whipped cream and fruit past her lips.
"You know— I don't hear you offering me any of your sundae, Aira."
Though it's not like Mai is going out of her way to hold up a spoonful of her parfait to Aira's lips, sweetly beckoning her to say 'Ahh…'. She can oblige, of course— that kind of stuff is the hallmark of a date, isn't it? Aira will just have to go first, though, Mai has already decided!