#styomi

[styomi]

My impressions regarding OPLA

I've never been shy about naming One Piece as one of my favorite, if not the favorite, anime/manga of all times. It's comedy, story arcs, character building, world building, etc, all of this makes it a great piece of entertainment and simply a wonderful journey to go on. So, here are some of the things I really liked and those which I liked a little bit less in the OPLA. (which was still really great in my opinion!)

SPOILERS for OPLA and One Piece under the cut

What I enjoyed:

Sanji. Let me just kick this off by saying that LA Sanji does such a great job. From the casting to the subtle differences and normalization of his 'quirks', Sanji is such a great character in OPLA. He is the perfect foil and 'calming down' factor for the lackluster Strawhats gathered up until the Baratie arc. While his flirting in the og makes him a bit obnoxious for me, the toned down version of OPLA is just on point. Everything is executed perfectly. The vocabulary he uses, the cooking, the fighting, the flirting, I'm just in love with OPLA Sanji. His backstory packs a punch, as it always did, and it doesn't feel rushed or forced. The crying is also on point. The only thing which could've been improved on was his leaving of Baratie.

Sets. The visuals are perfection. Like, this was it. It was One Piece. The world was there, in live action. All the little cultural details added and portrayed were absolutely stunning. I could see exactly where the budget went. It was on. point. I have nothing to add. It's perfection.

Fight scenes. All of the fans of the og I've spoken to were slightly worried about the adaptation of typical shonen fights, abundant in OP, being presented in OPLA. Needless to say, they were a perfect balance of flashy and entertaining, without going over the top or running for too long. Even Kuro's style was adapted amazingly for the live action. Here, I only have to add that Zoro and Nami seemed to overshadow Luffy a bit when it came to fighting, and this was a tad of a pity. With a little bit more screen time for the theatrics at the beginning of OP (where everyone is shocked to find out that Luffy has eaten a Devil Fruit), the issue could've been solved.

The pacing. Another thing which typically turned away anime watchers from OP og was the sheer size of the massive franchise. OPLA solves this issue very well, condensing and separating flashbacks, including them at different moments in order to provide for a more watchable show. Simply, great.

Side characters. I could go on and on about the amazing casting and screen time awarded to the side characters in the OPLA. Let me just list some of them who impressed me: Koby, Helmeppo, Buggy, Kuro. They shined. Every single moment of them was pure perfection. I was particularly impressed with Koby's portrayal. I was also on board with the slight addition of horror to Kuro and the Syrup village arc. I was completely in love with how Buggy ate up every scene he was in, going from a terrifying villain to a funny antagonist who is in for the ride with the main crew. Helmeppo's showcasing was perfect. I'm just impressed. I was shook. No other comments regarding this. Simply on point.

The different point of view. It's no secret that the og focuses heavily on the Stawhats. Their stories and development take the majority of the show, which is amazing. Still, the addition of little details, for the og fans, was definitely a treat. If I were to name an example, Mihawk's decimation of Don Krieg is a highlight. Small scenes which were off-screen in the og, being added to the OPLA, were satisfying to watch.

In conclusion, there were a lot of things I adored about the OPLA, but these were the ones I really wanted to highlight.

What I didn't like:

Zoro. As someone who was a firm simp for Zoro from the beginning of the og, I was a little disappointed with the OPLA version of him. The switch from 'a strong dumbass' to 'angsty swordsman' was a little bit too much for me. Simply, it seemed more like a Sasuke interpretation of Zoro, than Zoro. Like it was Sasuke acting as Zoro, or something similar. This, in turn, changed his relationships with the rest of the crew. The most painful one for me was his relationship with Luffy. Og Zoro never really disrespected Luffy nor was he ever visibly annoyed with his captain. OPLA Zoro is just... annoyed. Which makes one think - why does he even join the crew? Not to say that I hated OPLA Zoro, there were really some amazing moments to him. All the fight scenes were great, especially the Mihawk duel one. His oath to Luffy was also amazing. However, the 'unspoken first mate who is the backbone of Strawhats' really became a 'angsty man with anger issues and obsession with alcohol', which is, sadly, a simplification of his character.

Garp. While I agree that the depth added to Garp in the live action was great, too much time was given to him. If the focus had been more on Koby and less on Garp, I would've enjoyed the live action more. Especially the build up of Luffy's confrontation with Garp was anticlimactic in the end, where there seems to be no point in the tension which had been made previously. Simply, his appearance at the end of Water 7 was much more impactful.

Nami's arc. Nami's arc is one of my favorites from the og. Her emotional journey from hating pirates to loving Luffy and trusting him was too flat in the OPLA. Og Arlong was terrifying. Og Bell-mère's story was heart wrenching. Og Nami's decision to go with Luffy was inspiring. This arc was a huge set up for later developments with fishmen and it was simply amazing. One of the many situations where I applauded Oda later on when he expanded on the universe seamlessly. In the OPLA, this is missing. While Arlong is still terrifying, he doesn't quite pack the punch he did in the og. Luffy doesn't struggle nearly enough to defeat him, which makes later development of the universe, with Arlong as a strong character, hard to believe. Bell-mère's death made me sob like a baby in the og. It just passed by me in the OPLA. Just.. whoosh. I didn't feel enough. The emotional stakes weren't high enough. The build up wasn't there. Still, the scenes with Nami and Luffy in that arc were on point. Though, I did miss the situation where Luffy walks away from hearing Nami's story. And, I was admittedly impressed with Usopp's first highlight fight, which was left in the OPLA. Altogether, while this arc should've been the crown jewel of the first season, I felt like it really wasn't. The Mihawk duel was a much better scene.

Stawhats. I liked all of them - individually. However, their dynamic as a crew felt a bit off-kilter. Nami and Zoro openly saying 'not a crew' to Luffy all the time didn't sit right with me. Them agreeing on not being a crew simply left a sour taste in my mouth. The core of my issues with Stawhat dynamics is probably due to the change in the Zoro-Luffy relationship, which is the most charismatic in the og. Sure, Zoro wants to smack Luffy half of the time, but he doesn't. Nami is the one who disciplines the reckless captain. Luffy is the one who brings them together. The sheer disrespect (yeah, quoting here the OPLA 'mutiny') is what made their dynamics odd. And then, Usopp and Sanji being fully on board and invested made it strange. It should've been Zoro who provides the example, not Usopp and Sanji. Zoro, though, is not the one to give the faith, but instead to give the annoyance. In the end, Luffy could've definitely been more selfish. Og Luffy is charismatic because we never know what to expect from him. He's captaining how he sees fit, without consulting anyone. And it works. Og Luffy is admired because he is so eccentric. OPLA Luffy lacks that. He is unsure of himself, which makes him hard to like. While he surely is Luffy and he does an amazing job with all the necessary scenes, he lacks that conviction. And, in the end, it's his passion and conviction which makes OP so lovable, in my opinion.

To conclude, with a little more addition to recklessness and that dynamic of 'Jesus what is he doing but oh well I'm joining because it's fun' Zoro would've been on point, which would've solved the Strawhats issues. A little more time dedicated to Nami's arc would've made it pack more of a punch. A little less time to Garp would've tickled us to know more, later on. This was all solvable.

Does this mean that OPLA is not a good show? No. It's a great show. It's certainly one of the more amazing live adaptations I've seen, second only to the Kenshin movies. It's watchable, for both new fans and old fans. It makes the old fans want to re-watch or re-read the og. It makes new fans want to watch and read the og. It is visually stunning. The casting is amazing. It gives depth where needed. It makes the show appealing to all genders, races and ages of audience members. However, there is room for improvement.

Long story short, I'll be eagerly waiting to see if the dynamic of Strawhats and the climactic fights of arcs and the emotional build up in them are improved upon in the later seasons. Hopefully, we will see more of Luffy's charisma in the later episodes.

What did you think of OPLA?

[leeyanyanyaaan]

Your tags on my OPLA post gave me life ❤️

and i very much enjoyed reading your thoughts on the OPLA too! 🥰🥰🥰

[kobahitsu]

OMGGGG THE WAY I ROLLED AROUND CLENCHING MY HEART WHEN U SAID UR NOT DONE WITH DAISY

Pls! Dont play with me heart 🥺🥺

Thanks so much for the message!

I'm so sorry it's taken me long to reply, I'm an idiot when it comes to checking anon messages hahaha I swear that I'm not done, I've just been... slow to update? Slow to write... just slow all round hahaha

Essentially, my uni has buried me hahaha I will do my best to have some new content out as soon as possible :)

I hope you have a great New Year!

[styomi]

Hdodchdkene I’m officially freaking out I have fanart! 😳😳😳

Thanks so much!

@styomi

[sparkles-and-trash]

Currently reading Stalker? PLEASE READ

You know what guys and gals and all my genderfluid friends, I’ve been writing up so many different scenes and dialogues and stuff for the rest of Stalker, and it just flows better as two chapters, or a two part finale, in stead of three. 

I’m not going to be ready to post part 1 of the finale before Friday at absolute earliest, and then part two on Sunday or Monday, but I'm also thinking about waiting until Monday next week, and post Monday and Tuesday, so the cliffhanger won’t be too long? 

What do you guys think, please be honest! 

a) post a shorter chapter on Friday, just dealing with the upcoming meeting, and then post the two part finale the following week

b) put everything in the two part finale, and post part 1 on Friday and part 2 on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday at absolutely latest

or

c) put everything in the two part finale, and post part 1 on Monday, and part 2 on Tuesday 

I’m gonna tag the people on my taglist, I really hope this is okay with you guys, your opinion matter SO MUCH to me!! 

All my love, u guys! xx

taglist:  @anotherr-fine-mess @purespidey @irishfangirlxx @jaazzzzz @hurricane--amelia @bellejeanx @poolpartyingwithjaws @enticinghell @southsidemistress  @vinylrosess @riverdal-writter @abigailcavanaghhh @floralchlxe @h-e-a-v-y-l-e-a-t-h-e-r @oldwanderingsoul @secretlovexo @magicwithaknife @corgibuttscandoanything @chaarrlieeeeee @mellxander1993 @superhalsteads @citizenofmars @woeme @madaboutlili @sweetpeasbabydoll @blogpsych @celestialcastiel @pity-mee @k-is-cray @genius2050 @thewisebosomblog @blakesvaldez @mvmakki @aframeofbones @thatangrymardleschick @chipster-21​ @maybeidontwannachooseaname​ @soutthhsideserpentt @styomi @kateintheuntouchedspace @talesfromriverdale @floralchlxe @acidparadox @bake-motherfucka-bake @dolansbeanies @riverdaleserpents04 @anninhiliation @knights0fkylo @cassiopeia-barrow @tearsforhan @rightinthefeelers @whiskeyandcashton 

[devonbethell]

@as-cold-as-her-sorrow tagged me to post a selphie, hehe, so here it goes... thankiesss love :* I tag: @aki-chipmunk, @styomi, @lanuki, @lustful-energy, @lucidni-snovi, @mache-l, @madd0ck5, @whataboutsolo, @exquisite-soul-j, @infected, @discolor3d, @heroinskesise

[trash-panda-trash]

@styomi Sure, just you, me and probably like a dozen ghosts and other creatures :D

Source If you want more facts, follow Ultrafacts

[styomi]

Hello, author!

I just binge read I go where the sound of thunder is and I loved it! I was wondering if you were continuing it?

Hello there!

Thank so much for the lovely message! I'm definitely not done with Black Clover yet! I've got at least ten chapters mapped out, but have been slow to get to writing them. My MA program has been kicking my ass tbh xD

Anyways, I've been working on the next chapter slowly, and hopefully I'll have it out during this exam period... Writing helps me ease the stress of exams :P I'm so glad that you've enjoyed my fic and I hope to keep you entertained in the future!

[kobahitsu]

Daisy aesthetic: Tsutsui Tomoka - Pink is the new black

[trash-panda-trash]

@styomi

sirius black: imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, escaped to go commit that crime as fast as possible

[salty-serpent]

@styomi

[devonbethell]

I was tagged by @as-cold-as-her-sorrow. Thank you ♥

1st rule: Tag 9 people you would like to know better.

2nd rule: Copy this and bold the statements that are true.

APPEARANCE:

I am 5′7 or taller

I wear glasses

I have at least one tattoo

I have at least one piercing

I have blonde hair

I have brown eyes

I have short hair

My abs are at least somewhat defined

I have or have had braces

I PERSONALITY:

I love meeting new people

People tell me that I’m funny

Helping others with their problems is a big priority for me

I enjoy physical challenges

I enjoy mental challenges

I’m playfully rude with people I know well

I started saying something ironically and now I can’t stop saying it

There is something I would change about my personality

ABILTY:

I can sing well

I can play an instrument

I can do over 30 pushups without stopping

I’m a fast runner

I can draw well

I have a good memory

I’m good at doing math in my head

I can hold my breath underwater for over a minute

I have beaten at least two people in arm wrestling

I know how to cook at least three meals from scratch

I know how to throw a proper punch

HOBBIES:

I enjoy playing sports

I’m on a sports team at my school or somewhere else

I’m in an orchestra or choir at my school or somewhere else

I have learned a new song in the past week

I work out at least once a week

I’ve gone for runs at least once a week in the warmer months

I have drawn something in the past month

I enjoy writing

Fandoms are my #1 passion

I have done martial arts

EXPERIENCES:

I have had my first kiss

I have had alcohol

I have scored the winning goal in a sports game

I have watched an entire season of a TV show in one sitting

I have been at an overnight event

I have been in a taxi

I have been in the hospital or ER in the past year

I have beaten a video game in one day

I have visited another country

I have been to one of my favorite band’s concerts

RELATIONSHIPS:

I’m in a relationship

I have a crush on a celebrity

I have a crush on someone I know

I have been in at least 3 relationships

I have never been in a relationship

I have asked someone out or admitted my feelings to them

I get crushes easily

I have had a crush on someone for over a year

I have been in a relationship for at least a year

I have had feelings for a friend

MY LIFE:

I have at least one person I consider a “best friend”

I live close to my school/work

My parents are still together

I have at least one sibling

I live in the United States

There is snow right now where I live

I have hung out with a friend in the past month

I have a smartphone

I have at least 15 CDs

I share my room with someone

RANDOM SHIT:

I have breakdanced

I know a person named Jamie

I have had a teacher with a last name that’s hard to pronounce

I have dyed my hair

I’m listening to one song on repeat right now

I have punched someone in the past week

I know someone who has gone to jail

I have broken a bone

I have eaten a waffle today

I know what I want to do with my life

I tag: @aki-chipmunk, @pill-popping-to-wonderland, @energetic-vampire, @pearl-xxv, @astraeustwo, @styomi, @renataugh, @wanderlust-wildfl0wer and @be-weird. ^^

[daily-dose-of-naruto]

Could you do some Tōshirō (Bleach) headcanons?

Toshiro Fluffy Headcanons

• This poor baby can’t hide a crush. He gets flustered almost immediately after he catches sight of the object of his affections. Unfortunately for him, he is completely oblivious to how obvious he is being and was convinced that his crush was his best kept secret, right up until Kenpachi of all people called him on it.

• If his crush worked with the Gotei 13, he would volunteer to take the paperwork that needs to be signed by the other division himself, hoping to get a quick glance of them. Matsumoto wisely keeps her mouth shut, but gives him a shit-eating smirk every time he walks out the door.

• Toshiro would try very hard to learn little details about the person he was interested in after he got close enough to them. What their favorite foods were, what their favorite candy was, how they liked their tea – so he could bring it to them when they were having a hard day and maybe cheer them up a little.

• He is not a very experienced kisser, so it would take him weeks to build up the courage to kiss his crush. A few times when he was talking to them, the light reflected off of their hair just right and they just looked so beautiful that he almost went for it, but he talked himself out of it at the last second.

• In the very early stages of a new relationship, he is really bewildered about how to go about initiating any kind of physical contact. While he wants to, he overthinks even simple things like holding hands. It makes it easier on him when his s/o is less hesitant than he is and will just grab his hand without overthinking it.

• In a dangerous situation, Toshiro’s first instinct will always be to protect his s/o. He will do anything to keep them safe, even if it means he has to lock them up out of harm’s way until he can eliminate the threat.

[trash-panda-trash]

@styomi It’s happening~~~  (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:��ﾟ✧

can’t wait for this bab to get animated so he can start getting included in official merch

[blunderxblunder]

You are a gift to this fandom (´ω｀*) I'm so glad that I found your blog and followed it! Keep up the good work! *:ﾟ*｡⋆ฺ(*´◡`)

stop killing me by being adorable to me

[styomi]

Friday Girl: Chapter 1

Because we all agree that Kuga needs more fanfiction

Short info before we start: Updates: Weekly Length: Will vary Quotes and prompts: from writing-ideas-inc.tumblr.com and uhmmmsweetie.tumblr.com Chapters planned: Ten Pairing: KugaxOC

Chapter 1: Long Jing - Dragon Well Tea Prompt: Cuddles Quote: "To be honest, I just wanted a chance to look at the stars with you."

She wasn’t pretty. No. She wasn’t pretty at all. And, those delicate hands didn’t catch his attention at all. Nope. It had nothing to do with her. It was all about the tea. He just wanted a good place to drink some high-quality tea and this was the best café to go to. In fact, café might’ve been a wrong word for it. It was more of a teafe. And, his coming here every Friday to drink tea had nothing to do with her. Now that he had cleared that up, Terunori returned to his staring. At her.

She wasn’t pretty. In fact, if he’d seen her in casual clothing on the street, he’d have probably forgotten her in a flash. Yet, there was just something about in when she was serving at the Emerald Dragon. The long black hair neatly tied into a ponytail that trailed down her back. It swished with every move that she made, like some kind of a severe whip. It made him tingle. He couldn’t stop following the silky strands, shining with each movement, when her back was turned to him. Well, maybe he was looking at her ass too. Maybe. It wasn’t like there was nothing to look at, so he felt no shame whatsoever. That qipao did wonders for her. It was silk, he could tell. It slid down her form, hugging it in a rather sinful way, accenting all the right places with a shine and gentleness only silk could. Qipao was make or break, pretty much, just like Chinese cuisine. It either made one look like a silly cosplaying clown, or like a lady head to toe. She had lucked out. Majorly.

But, the emerald green silk dress with the golden dragon on it and her shiny hair weren’t the only things that Terunori had noticed. No, it was when she turned around that the real staring began. She had a nice ass, sure, but her breasts were heaven. Not too large, not too small, just, perfect hand size. The kind that made you want to get to second base. Though, it wasn’t her assets that he found himself staring at most of the time. No. It was her face. She had the most peculiar eyes he’d ever seen, a rather interesting shade of green. It was deep, almost black, yet when the light hit them just right, he could see that they were emerald. They were large, too. Always smiling at her customers, always honest, always kind. Her cheeks reminded him of a baby’s, not that he’d seen that many in his teenage life. But, they were always rosy and somehow squishy, giving her a youthful appearance. The lips, oh, God, the lips. Perfectly small, pouty, and either in a smile or apart in almost confusion-like emotion, which she did while concentrating unconsciously. She didn’t wear lipstick. He liked that. The most he’d seen on that pouty small mouth was the sheen of a lip-gloss. She wore something dark on her eyes, though. Something that made them pop even more. He could tell that, one Friday, she’d forgotten to put it. Her eyes had seemed smaller that day. Less appealing, but still able to catch his gaze easily.

She was his Friday girl. Simply because he didn’t know her name. It wasn’t like he had any other day girls. Maybe he should’ve had some? Maybe then, she wouldn’t’ve become such an obsession. Yet, she was. She was a horrible obsession. After all, how could she not be? With that smile and those eyes, and that perfect ass. She was definitely his favorite Friday girl. Or any girl.

“Welcome back, young master!” God, her voice was heavenly, too. She was everything that he associated with tea. Beauty, grace, gentleness and femininity. She had no place in the harsh cuisine which he practiced. She didn’t need to face the spices that made you cry in anguish yet eat like you need them to survive. She was simply too delicate for that. Too delicate and too strong. She would destroy him, if he allowed her to. “Follow me to your table, please.”

Terunori didn’t talk to her. He didn’t have the courage. She was polite, proper and fully in the role that the café gave her that day. Usually, they were simply a period tea shop. The servers were all dressed in traditional garb, mostly qinpaos or pinyins, greeting everyone with ‘young master’ or ‘master’. They all spoke formally, too. There was no need for him to talk to the staff, unless he was ordering or buying. And, the Emerald Dragon was the best place to get tea, so he did talk to some of the staff quite often. But, never her. She was unattainable. She was there to look at. To enjoy. To sample. Like she was one of the numerous, exquisite teas on the menu herself. But, that Friday would be different.

“Can I sit over there?” Terunori asked before he realized that he had. The girl swiveled around, her eyes wide and her hair swishing around her, like a black silk veil.

“This table is not to your liking, young master?” She asked politely, bowing and showing him the single person accommodation next to the window. Terunori didn’t really mind it. It offered a nice view of the street and the patrons. However, that wasn’t what interested him. He preferred the other table. His usual table.

“I’d like that one,” he grinned at her on instinct. He had been trained well at Totsuki. Smile. Just smile. Like a complete idiot. Don’t ever let them know just how skilled you are. Just smile stupidly. Cutely. It had become second nature after a year.

“Of course,” she bowed again, leading him towards the table he’d requested. That one was further in the back, where the café took on an Eastern style. It was on a raised platform, where one had to take off their shoes to enter. The tables were all low, with seats made of comfortable cushions around them. It was much more traditional and something that he preferred to the Western front. “Here you are, young master.” Another bow. Terunori looked at the way her ponytail slipped forward over her shoulder, sliding down like a black waterfall. Truly, she was magnificent to look at.

“Thank you,” he sat down in a proper seiza, which had also become second nature. He didn’t need to take the menu, but ordered exactly what he knew he wanted for that day. “A long jing, please. With the pot.”

“Certainly,” she bowed, noting his order down and then leaving. Terunori couldn’t look at her as she did, due to his choice of table. But, he would have a clear view of her once she was back in the Western style area, like he always did. Instead, he turned to the side, directing his gaze behind the counter. There were numerous shelves, each containing multiple glass drawers of plants, labeled carefully. He didn’t need to read the letters, though. Just by looking at the leaves inside the glass containers, he could tell which was which. It seemed that there had been a few new deliveries since last week.

Terunori focused on the reason why he’d come to the shop in the first place, other than to ogle the server, and took out his recipe notebook. He started messing with the lists of ingredients, imagining how each of them would taste in a meal. A new recipe would be a step up for him. It would bring him closer to his goal: becoming the number one seat in the Elite Ten. He just needed a solid recipe and Tsukasa to accept his Shokugeki request. Both seemed out of reach at that moment, though.

“Here you are, young master,” her voice made him jump a bit, as he’d been too preoccupied with the task at hand. She knelt down on the cushion next to his, all her movements delicate. Then, she placed the tea pot and the cup from her tray onto the table. Terunori followed the movements of her hands in utter fascination. Her fingers were long, slim and delicate. The smooth skin seemed to flow along with her graceful movements, not a single motion too much or too little. It was perfect. She was perfect.

“Thank you,” he managed, the fact that she was serving him, which didn’t usually happen, finally catching up with his brain. Nervousness set in. He realized his hands were trembling and he quickly placed them in his lap. The girl either didn’t, or pretended that she didn’t, notice and bowed politely, before rising in a single smooth motion, walking away. He couldn’t help but watch that ponytail swishing behind her. It was captivating. She was captivating.

Terunori stayed at the Emerald dragon for a long time. He wasn’t really aware of the passage of time when he sat there, mulling over his recipes and drinking the wonderful tea they had. He usually came around noon and stayed until they tossed him out, quite politely, somewhere after eleven. It was a great place to get his head in the proper space to work. The gentle traditional music in the background, the quiet movements of the patrons and staff and the intoxicating scent of tea was where he felt most comfortable, second to maybe his kitchen.

“Is he still there?” Mayumi asked her colleague, not turning around to look at the problematic patron. Chunhua looked up, glancing at the table she knew her friend and coworker was asking about.

“Still there,” the Chinese girl confirmed. “He looks quite preoccupied, though.” Mayumi and Chunhua were like day and night. While the former was soft-spoken, elegant and ladylike, the latter was more of a tomboy and had had numerous problems getting used to the role of the server at the Emerald Dragon.

“I hope he leaves soon,” Mayumi sighed, daring to glance at the odd boy sitting at one of the tables near the servers’ area. He was peculiar. With multi-colored hair and always wearing some kind of weird clothing, he followed her with his eyes wherever she went whenever he was at the café. It unsettled her.

“Maybe you should just talk to him?” Chunhua shrugged. “He seems to have it bad for you.” Mayumi whirled around, blushing.

“What?”

“He’s sweet on you, Mayu,” the girl chuckled, putting her hands on her hips. “Give him a chance. Maybe he’ll surprise you.” With a shrug, she left her colleague, going to the front to greet the next wave of guests.

Mayumi didn’t know how to feel about the advice she’d received. She stood still for a few moments, holding the tray to her chest. He was odd. He stared. She felt exposed and borderline uncomfortable when he was at the café. It wasn’t like the feeling she got from the pushy older gentlemen that came, though. It was a different kind of feeling. It made her feel hot all over and she didn’t like that. But, Mayumi decided to take Chunhua’s advice and be brave. She walked over to the table, bowing politely before asking in a soft tone.

“Is everything to you liking, young master?” He jumped at the sound, head going up to look at her. She saw the way he seemed to startle, then open his mouth, then close it, before finally speaking.

“Fine, it is,” Mayumi held her breath, doing her best not to laugh at his obvious nervousness. By the way he blushed instantly, eyes wide, she could tell that he was mortified.

“Y-Yoda?” She asked, making the blush on his cheeks deepen. Then, she covered her mouth with her hand, realizing that she’d broken protocol. She wasn’t supposed to break character. She was always supposed to be the polite server.

“I’m so sorry,” he seemed to be blushing even more, if that was possible. “Please, sit down.” Mayumi glanced at the entrance, seeing that Chunhua had it covered, before lowering herself on the cushion next to the boy. “The tea is great.” He seemed to settle for saying, glaring at his notebook.

“I’m glad that it’s to your liking.” Mayumi bowed, training kicking back in. She dared to glance at the boy, who seemed to be trying to figure out something, as his brows were furrowed.

“M-meteor shower!” He finally said, looking up at her, then realized that had sounded too vague and elaborated. “There’s one tonight, a meteor shower. Go you want with me?” That blush was back as soon as his words got jumbled up. Mayumi chuckled, her hand coming up to cover her mouth as she did so. Perhaps, the boy wasn’t as terrible as she’d initially thought. Perhaps, he was simply sweet on her, as Chunhua had said.

“I finish my shift at eleven.” She told him.

“I’ll wait!” Mayumi nodded at his eager reply, standing up with a bow and leaving his table. Throughout the rest of the shift, she couldn’t help but glance at his table, catching his eyes on her numerous times. It wasn’t as uncomfortable as it had been before, feeling that gaze on her body.

Terunori rubbed his hands together, trying to keep them warm. He had his coat on, along with a scarf and gloves, and was waiting for her to finish getting changed. He couldn’t believe that he’d actually asked her to come with him and watch the meteor shower. It had been an unthinkable feat for him, in fact. But, she’d said yes. So easily. Perhaps, he could’ve done something like that a year ago, when he’d discovered the Emerald Dragon and his new obsession with the graceful girl. But, what was done was done and Terunori wasn’t one to dwell on the past. A lot. It bothered him a bit. Yes, just a bit.

“Thanks for waiting,” she finally came out, smelling of the teas she had been preparing the whole day. Her hair was down, a warm jacket over long black pants and high brown boots. She looked exquisite, as always.

“It’s no problem,” he grinned at her easily, falling into his usual persona due to nervousness. “Shall we?” She nodded, then followed him when he led them around the corner. His town car was waiting there. He opened the door for her, letting her slide in first, then following.

“Woah!” The girl exclaimed, looking around the expensive ride. “This is amazing.” Terunori reminded himself that not everyone was as lucky as he was, being as rich as he was.

“It’s convenient,” he grinned, unzipping his coat. The girl did the same, revealing a soft brown sweater under her jacket. “I have a nice place where we can see the shower well, if that’s alright?”

“Of course,” she smiled at him, making his eyes focus on the way it changed her features. She seemed a tad on edge, but definitely more relaxed than at the café. It was like her server persona was gone. Yet, she still remained rather polite and graceful. He liked that. “Oh, I don’t even know your name…” She looked troubled by that fact, a hand going to her mouth in astonishment.

“Terunori,” he replied. “Just Terunori.”

“Ah, first name?” She blushed, then covered her face. “I’m Murakami Mayumi.” Mayumi. He liked it. Great archer, it somehow suited her.

“Mayumicchi, then.” Terunori grinned, enjoying the way she blushed at the familiarity with which he addressed her. “Or Murakamicchi? No, I like Mayumicchi better. Maybe Mayucchi?” He was nervous, but he still rattled off confidently, enjoying the way she blushed more and more at the nicknames.

“Ah, whichever you prefer is fine with me.” She told him, but she obviously wasn’t. She wouldn’t stop blushing. Murakami Mayuri, his Friday girl. She was sitting right next to him in his town car, going to watch the meteor shower he hadn’t even planned on watching. It was like a dream.

They settled into easy chatter, talking about tea. It had been the safest topic Terunori could think of choosing, and it had proven to be the right one. Mayumi was happy to tell him about the café and what kinds of leaves they had and sold there. He listened, despite already knowing the majority of the information she was giving him. He simply liked hearing her talk to him. And, talking more seemed to make her relax more. It was nice.

There was no burden to compete. To hide what he was thinking. To put on a confident front. He wasn’t Kuga or Kuga-senpai or the 8th Seat. He was simply Terunori. And he loved it. She laughed at his joked, smiled when he made a fool of himself and giggled when he told her a funny story of his experience with tea. She even shared a few details about starting her job at the Emerald Dragon with him, making him laugh and tease her. She’d blushed then. Pouted. God, he wanted just to kiss her. To hug her. To have his hands on her.

“Here we are,” Terunori said when the town car stopped, holding the door for the girl and helping her out. He’d chosen a nice spot for the meteor shower viewing. It was one of the sightseeing spots, with benches and a small park, high on a nearby hill. He led Mayumi to the edge of the pedestrian zone, where there was a railing overlooking the city below and multiple telescopes, the kind that you put a coin into in order to see through. “Looks good for a spot, right?”

“Perfect!” Mayumi agreed, walking over to the railing. She leaned on it, giving him a nice view of her figure. Her hair was falling over her shoulders in messy, but gentle tresses, like a waterfall. Terunori reached out from his spot next to her, tucking a strand behind her ear. Her cheeks flushed as she turned to him.

“You’re not cold, are you?” He asked.

“No,” she replied, shaking her head and making that same strand of hair fall back to its previous place.

“It’s freezing, though!” Terunori told her, his weakness finally catching up to him as he hugged himself, trying to warm up. Mayumi giggled at that, stepping closer to him and taking his hand, pulling it around herself. Instantly, he felt warmer. Whether it was due to her close proximity or the intimate embrace, he didn’t know.

“Terunori-kun, you’re weak to the cold?” Mayumi giggled, her arm circling around his waist, warming him up even more. When he shakily nodded, she shook her head. “Why did you want to go stargazing then? In December of all months!” Terunori sighed, gathering his courage. He looked at the girl in his embrace, happy that he had a few centimeters on her in height. She seemed to be blushing as much as he was.

“To be honest, I just wanted a chance to look at the stars with you.” Mayumi smiled at that, blushing and looking away from him.

“Ah, it’s starting,” she said, watching as the first stars began falling. But, Terunori couldn’t do anything except look at her. She wasn’t pretty. She was gorgeous.

That’s all for now, folks! Next chapter prompts preview: Prompt: Sees the others’ living space Quote: “It must be hard with your sense of direction, never being able to find your way to a decent pickup line.”