recolle | (closed) someone tell me

(closed) someone tell me

WHO: Nikkari and Keigo
WHERE: Club Sunshine
WHEN: forwarddate to 9/27
WHAT: boy meets host, what happens next is anyone's guess.
WARNINGS: probably none

[working at Sunshine is actually something Nikkari looks forward to most of the time - he gets to meet people, his boss isn't unreasonable, and in making people feel good about themselves, he feels good himself. juggling work and school isn't too hard given how he operates, and when he comes in today, tonight seems like a usual one.

except when he's told he's been asked for by name he immediately straightens up and makes sure he's perfectly presentable. there have been times in the past he's been asked for, but still, this one, he's told, is new. not totally out of the blue, since word of mouth happens, but still a nice surprise. means he has to make a good impression, if he hopes to pull someone back in the future. even if they don't ask for him, if they come back to the club, then that's a success.

when Keigo comes in, the staff will be pleasant and friendly, guiding him to a booth to sit in after getting his request, and leaving him to wait. there's an art to how long you make a customer wait for their host - never too long, but not too fast as to suffocate them. so when Nikkari approaches, it's not been too long.]

Excuse me.

[and he gives Keigo a smile.]

I hope I'm not interrupting your thoughts.

[when he sits down he's already wondering what kind of person this customer is - what kind of night they're after.]

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[ why did he go through with this?

keigo knew of host clubs back home, but he'd never had any reason to venture into one. this... apparently was similar, if he was understanding correctly, but it didn't make the situation any less humiliating. he was young, too young to be resorting to something like this... wasn't this the kind of thing that middle-aged men did? men who had nothing going for them, romantically, so they paid someone to talk to them and make them feel like less of a useless lump... men who wouldn't be able to get a date unless they paid someone... men who would die alone and forgotten...

no. keigo would not go down that route! this held no bearing on him, personally! he would just blame baren for this. 100%. this was absolutely his fault. keigo was doing this just to prove him wrong, nothing more! and the promise of five hundred dollars wasn't a terrible motivator, either!

...then why was he still so anxious?

it truly was a mystery, a mystery that nikkari would be tasked with solving. maybe. he would approach a young twenty year old with his head in his hands, looking a cross between high-key stressed and embarrassed. if this was all for the sake of a bet, keigo certainly appeared wrought with deep contemplation... though, he heard the footsteps and immediately lifted his head before nikkari sat down, his hands dropping to his lap. he looked a little alarmed, but it faded quickly as he gathered his practiced responses to the situation that he may or may not have planned and went over extensively before arriving there. ]

No, not at all.

[ even if he was, it wasn't like he was interrupting anything useful, aside from a whole lot of contradictory, circular thoughts. ]

Besides, I'm the one who called you out, aren't I? How can you be interruptin' anything?

[ try as he might to seem relaxed, there was still a twinge to his expression, a tightness in his posture. he couldn't let this guy get under his skin, no matter what! there was no way baren was going to win out. nope. never. ]

[all of Keigo's little hints get telegraphed to Nikkari loud and clear, and he immediately knows what kind of plan to have. sure, some people came in wanting to be wooed and swept off their feet, and some people wanted to talk and get reassurance. the job of a host was to determine what they needed - a softer approach, then. or something like it. his age wasn't even a factor, because he couldn't be too far off Nikkari's own age. sure, middle aged sorts came in - but younger sorts might just want a good time with company, older sorts might want a conversation partner. everyone wanted to feel special - nothing wrong with that.]

Well, I could have seemed a little too eager to meet you. But then again, it's not every day someone comes and asks for me by name - especially someone cute.

[and he's looking straight at Keigo, so there's no chance he's talking about someone else.]

Do I get to know your name?

[ oh, this guy... keigo could immediately tell the exact reason why he worked for such a place. and maybe why baren told him to seek him out in the first place. he was laying it on thick, which keigo could only surmise was part of his job description. he was only doing what he was paid to do, so keigo couldn't fault him necessarily, but it was the principle! baren must have thought he was so attention-starved that something like that would work on him! but no, he wasn't falling for that! it was too obvious! he was stronger than that!

...but it had been a long time since anyone complimented him so smoothly and brazenly. whether or not it was inherently genuine didn't matter, not at first. the first snap reaction keigo's mind took and ran with was to fluster immediately, which of course caused his face to turn a very noticeable pink.

great. totally flustered on the second sentence... what a weakling he was. he could still salvage this, though, right? (????) clearing his throat, keigo looked to one side and tried to keep his best "unimpressed" face. it wasn't convincing, but it was a start. ]

...Higashino.

[ he began, voice stubborn and almost petulant. well that sounded almost too harsh, so: ]

Nn, Keigo. Whichever.

[ well, that was... not smooth at all. ]

Baren was the one who told me to see you, anyway... so...

[see, blushing turned what was a typical compliment into something genuine. just calling him cute did that? oh, it's good for Keigo's health that Nikkari was duty bound to not tease him over it. privately, he thinks he might at a different time if he sees the man again. for now, he really will go softer on him.

at the mention of Baren's name, Nikkari genuinely laughs - he'll have to thank him later for directing new business his way. what a good friend he is.]

I should apologize on his behalf now, because I'm pretty sure he's already done something that needs apologizing for. At least, if Baren hasn't changed in the few days since I last saw him, that'll hold true. At least him suggesting you see me isn't one of those things to say sorry over.

[as to why? Nika figures he'll get it out of Baren later.]

Keigo, what do you prefer to drink? Can't get so swept up in making amends for my friend's behavior that I just go and leave you thirsty.

[ oh boy. keigo felt like he was the butt of some joke that baren was laughing about, far away from here... did he seriously direct him to see nikkari for the sake of getting him paid? he should have known. keigo's posture slumped considerably and he closed his eyes, sighing. this was... so humiliating. ]

Yeah, I'm sure you're not complainin' on that end, are ya...

[ keigo muttered somewhat bitterly, resting his chin in his palm. well, he spent the money, what was the harm in spending any more? keigo puffed out a breath, sending a few loose strands of his hair away from his eyes. ]

Whiskey, if you got it.

[ a pause as he waited for a reaction. well, he wasn't legal in america, but it didn't hurt to try and test his limits here, did it? if he was meant to embarrass himself, damnit, he wanted a scapegoat in the form of alcohol. ]

Sure, but you'll want to have your ID out before we order so you're ready when they ask.

[he doesn't know Keigo's age, so this is genuine - just trying to save him some hassle. looking over the menu, he thinks he'll just get his regular and keep himself very sober since it's not too late.]

Just standard, not that I think you couldn't pass. The other day, someone actually got upset at being asked - something about how couldn't we tell that he was forty seven and certainly didn't need to be asked for something like that. You think he'd see it as a compliment instead, right?

[ ah, so that was the kind of place... and here keigo was hoping that he'd get away with some illegal drinking. he laughed, something that sounded like a kid getting caught in the middle of cheating on a test. he waved his hand around, closing his eyes. ]

Don't bother, then. I'll just have tea or somethin'.

[ he opened an eye, giving nikkari an amused look. ]

Some people just wanna kick up a fuss for workers. I'm not gonna do that, though.

[Majima would have Nikkari's head if he enabled anything illegal in here - the bonds of trust run deep. but Nikkari, if he judges, doesn't show it, instead closing the menu with one hand.]

Really? You don't know how relieved that makes me.

[and the way he says it, it's not like some practiced line, just a genuine thought and feeling. that it is part of being charming, he'll never say. instead, he raises his hand to get a waiter's attention, asking for two teas, and then turning his focus back to Keigo.]

I hope you don't mind that I'm getting one - it's kind of sad if only one person's enjoying themselves. Besides, we need two if we're going to toast to our getting to meet, because I'm glad you decided to come in and see me.

[for the new experience, if nothing else.]

But tonight's not about me - I'm more curious about you, Keigo.

Edited 2017-09-21 07:36 (UTC)

[ well, at the very least, keigo could tell that one thing this guy had said was genuine. that was a plus. and as much as he liked to break rules, however, keigo wasn't in the mood to get kicked out on the streets. maybe in a different club, where he wasn't essentially paying someone to talk to him.

he wished he could have said he was shocked that the guy was ordering on his tab, but that was the kinda place this was, wasn't it? if anything, he looked resigned to his fate. ]

Nah, it's fine. I don't really expect to leave here without spending more than the minimum.

[ the question now became: how long would keigo go with his pride still intact? ]

But what could you possibly be interested in about me, huh?

[ he peered at nikkari with an almost knowing look, smiling sweetly as ever. ]

I'm just some random loser you probably won't see again after this.

Random loser? Not in my view.

[he tilted his head a little, looking curiously at Keigo.]

You're new here, which mean that something happened to make you decide to actually come. That's already something interesting. You've got your own life, things you like, news that either makes you excited or stressed out. Things that someone would be interested in knowing about you, that make you important and unique. I know, you've probably got an idea about what a host club is like, but...is it so weird that I'm curious about you? I don't just say things to people, that's not my style.

[including comments on being cute. take that as you will, Keigo.]

Even if I don't see you again after tonight, that doesn't mean I don't want to know about you now.

[ keigo listened as intently as he could, given his inherent skepticism, but the longer nikkari spoke, the harder it became to just write him off. part of keigo was still doubtful, still taking everything that was said with a grain of salt, but even still, he was weak to positivity.

he regarded nikkari with some clear uncertainty in his expression, but his eyes weren't critical. they were softer, considering and contemplative. ]

It is weird you'd be interested about me, but it's your job to be interested, right?

[ perhaps the cynicism he ended up providing wasn't an appropriate measure of how he truly felt, so he sighed, shaking his head. time to fix that. he came there for a reason, after all. ]

The truth of the matter is that ... [ he hesitated, looking to one side with a clearly mounting embarrassment. ] I didn't just come here because Baren recommended you. Not entirely. He wanted to "help" me get a date.

[ jesus christ, he could just throw himself into traffic right now. ]

So it's not like I asked who was the best host here or somethin'... he just threw your name at me and said to go look you up here. He just said he knew "people who were lookin'" and... yep.

[ did it make more sense as to why he felt tricked now? he didn't want to come out and say that, naturally, because he'd end up feeling stupider than he already did. but he hoped that maybe nikkari would at least understand a little better as to why a guy like him, so cynical and self-deprecating, would bother to come to a place geared towards deluding oneself.

...in a manner of speaking, anyway. ]

I've never thought to seek out a place like this. It's not really "dating," so...

People who were looking...

[the thought crosses Nikkari's mind that maybe Baren was trying to set them up, but he dismisses that - he doesn't need it, and he wasn't really looking. romance is something that happens fleetingly and then gets forgotten with him. connections were more important.

instead of laughing, though, Nikkari shrugs a little, smile easy and more fond as the waiter returns with their tea, currently steeping in cups.]

I'm almost not surprised he decided on something like that. He's pretty...impulsive, when he wants to be. But stubborn as well, so he'll make decisions that he'll stick by in a flash.

But that being said, you've got some options. One, we pretend this is a date and act like it, complete with me bringing up everything I like about you. Two, you could see being with me as a sort of trial run, and I'll give you honest feedback on what I think might work when you want to take someone out or not. Or, three...we could say to hell with the dating idea and take advantage of the time to simply enjoy each other's company. No pressure, no expectations, not me trying to win your heart or laughing at jokes that aren't funny. Only saying what we mean, pretty much.

[a host could be a therapist in one half hour and a yes-man in the next, changeable as a chameleon. so it was down to what Keigo decided.]

And yes, it's your call. I'm fine with whatever you choose, as long as I get to spend more time with you.

[that part falls out almost too easy, still with that gentle sincerity. he's been keeping himself in check for now, he earned one.]

[ and that was why keigo had a feeling baren did this all on the express purpose of making someone money. such trickery... but he was determined to win out on that bet! surely with this assumption, it would be far too easy!

but ... nikkari was too damn good at his job. keigo felt stupid for the briefest of moments when he was overcome with a very genuine relief as the options were laid out to him. the guy was pretty open about this sort of thing, wasn't he? keigo could respect that.

with a pensive look, keigo huffed out a sigh. well, with those options, it was clear which route was the best to take. ]

Maa, you're pretty eager about that, aren't you... [ you'll get paid, don't worry, was the unspoken thought that prevailed in his head, but keigo did his part to keep his skepticism under control. for now. he owed that much to the guy for working such a (presumably) taxing job. ] But, if it's all the same to you, I'd rather not do any pretending.

[ his gaze shifted to nikkari directly, fixing upon him purposefully. ]

I get tired of pretending.

[calmly, Nikkari meets his gaze, and there's a sense that even the eye hidden behind his bangs is looking too - looking, and truly listening. just as a person, it tugs at him, and he considers Keigo in a slightly different light.

whether he knew it or not, that one line spoke volumes, steering Nikkari towards a path. and the smile he has on is one of a friend.]

Then I won't pretend for you. I promise you that.

[simple as a declaration, said from the heart. if Keigo trusted him enough to be honest about why he came here, then Nikkari can certainly return it with honesty - which, truth be told, is his natural state of being. without knowing, they'll both be more comfortable.]

[ for someone like keigo, who thrived on being the person everyone wanted him to be, it was oddly... sobering to be so blatant about the very thing he did best causing him grief. it was true, he wanted to be the person others could rely on to make them laugh, to make them happy, but it became so overwhelming, hiding all the things that bore down upon him.

maybe the fact that keigo didn't know nikkari at all was the blessing in disguise. being candid with a stranger somehow felt easier than it was with even his closest friends. less guilt, maybe. less expectation, most likely. no real pressure, definitely.

and for as flighty as keigo could be, there was one thing he felt particularly confident in, and that was picking up on cues when it mattered most. the way nikkari was looking at him wasn't lost on keigo, and he felt his chest wrench slightly. how stupid for something so simple to make him experience such a deep sense of relief.

so he smiled. and it was a soft, genuine thing that seemed to brighten his expression. not a beam of sunshine, but a warm glow that radiated slowly. he'd return to full effect soon enough. ]

Thank you. That really means a lot to me.

[ more than you know. ]

Edited 2017-09-22 09:23 (UTC)

[there it was. there's the sort of look he wanted to see on Keigo. the more relaxed, genuine look - that's how he wanted him to be, in this place. that's the sort of experience that someone nervous should have, and more than that, the comfort is what Nikkari wanted to give people. they should walk away happy from this. all he does is nod and look away, before reaching up to his neck almost without thinking, loosening his tie and undoing the first button of his shirt. that's more to make breathing easier than anything else.

now that they understood each other, the rest of the night would be easier. nothing to expect, no consequences to face in the morning, if Keigo chose.

they're interrupted by the waiter bringing back their teas, which Nikkari quietly thanks them for, before he picks up his cup and holds it out a little.]

To tonight.

[because yes, he's still a weird dork who's going to toast to them like he said he would. not lingering too long on the subjects that required so much trust, lest Keigo get uncomfortable.]

[ well, if the lack of pretending was the true focus here, keigo predicted a far more relaxing evening. it would be... difficult, to shake the habit, however; the ingrained reaction to most things he experienced was to cover it up, to hide it away and deflect. undoing years worth of behavior for one night would be a trial. but, for the sake of relaxing, for the sake of making any form of connection, keigo would try his best.

he couldn't help but laugh a bit at nikkari's almost grandiose way of regarding the situation, but he responded in kind. he held his cup upward, tilting his head to one side as he regarded nikkari with an unfettered gratitude. ]

Yes, to tonight. Hopefully it'll be a good experience for us both, yeah?

[the cups clink softly together, and Nikkari takes a drink of his tea before replying with a chuckle.]

You don't have to worry about me. I'll be happy if I can keep seeing that cute smile on your face.

[if the two of them could laugh, that was enough. because it would be real between them, and not for anyone's pride.]

[ keigo, likewise, took a drink from his cup, giving a vibe that was more or less relaxed, at least compared to when he first showed up. not having to pretend... even if it just for one evening. it was such a relief.

though, if that was the case, then it meant that keigo couldn't really reel in his reactions as deftly as he might have liked. not that he ... really could otherwise, but. ]

E-eh?

[ he regarded nikkari with a surprised expression, a flush returning to his face at that brazen remark. this guy... ]

O-oi... what was that about not pretendin'... You don't gotta keep sayin' that kinda stuff to me.

[ because why would a guy like this find him appealing in any regard? ]

Yeah, I don't have to. That's the point of not pretending.

[the eyebrow above his visible eye lifts just a little bit, and he presses down the laugh inside him. sincerity really was foreign to this guy, huh?]

[ one of these days, keigo would become self-aware enough to realize that his lack of confidence was probably annoying. at least for now, he was realizing that maybe it wasn't a great idea to continuously doubt someone, no matter the circumstances.

maybe it made him an idiot, but it was better safe than sorry. he frowned, turning his head to one side as he rubbed at his neck in a sheepish gesture. ]

...Sorry. I'm just not used to people bein' that blatant with me, I guess.

[ or honest. ]

Especially not about my... [ he looked a bit more flustered as he came up upon the word. ] ...appearance.

No way.

[there's a tinge of disbelief - sure, he'd guessed about the lack of compliments, but it's different to hear it verified.]

But...if it bothers you, I can always cut it out. Maybe it's being here that makes me forget that it's not always the best idea to come out and say it.

Aah, well...

[ keigo glanced back towards nikkari, a sort of embarrassed smile curling at his lips. ]

It... It doesn't bother me. Not really. Not...

[ he chuckled softly. jeez, this wasn't where he expected things to go, but if he wanted to have a nice time... ]

Not if you actually mean it. It's um.

[ the redness on his face seemed to deepen slightly. ]

It's nice.

[that's...sweet, in Nikkari's view. watching that happen, he'd have to be heartless to not be affected. he doesn't get flushed, but there is a tinge of softness in his smile at that point.]

As long as you aren't bothered.

[best to not stay too long here, though.]

Tell me a little about yourself? None of that "I'm just a loser" stuff allowed.

[ with that out of the way, keigo visibly relaxed. it would be much easier to tackle this without allowing himself to feel the insecurity he was prone to. ]

Ah, well. [ he laughed, twirling his fingers through his hair. ]

I'm a student at the university. I'm pursuing a degree in photography!

[ he seemed fairly proud of that. ]

It's definitely my passion!!

Really?

[Nikkari brightens at the information, taking another drink of his tea.]

That's not something you hear every day! Is there any kind of photography you want to do most - landscapes, the ones where you zoom in real close on something, stuff like that? I don't know too much about photography, so I'd love to hear about it.

[ keigo couldn't help but laugh at nikkari's response. it was almost endearing the way he seemed to be genuinely interested in keigo's field of study, and keigo was all too willing to indulge him. ]

Aah, well, actually... I kinda like taking photos of people best.

[ he withdrew his hand from its spot entwined in his hair, instead threading his fingers together as he took on a more thoughtful expression. ]

Candid stuff, I guess you'd call it. The everyday lives of people, when they aren't mugging for a photo... that's when you see their true emotions best.

I guess sometimes it makes you feel like you're connecting with a stranger, in that way.

[ he paused, glancing up at nikkari with a slight nervousness to his eyes. ]

Uh, though, that makes it sound like I follow people around or sneak up on them... that's not really what I meant!! I sorta meant more like that people are just as much the part of the scenery as the buildings or the trees or the sky... they all kinda fit together, y'know? And when people know they're bein' photographed, they tend to play themselves up... it's not always natural!!

[ ... and now he was rambling. ]

[he laughs, less at the rambling and more how Keigo felt he needed to explain himself. but it offered more honesty than maybe he knew - gave out his reasons and betrayed how dear it was if he wanted to defend it so passionately.]

No, I get that - when I know someone's taking a photo, I want to look my best or give them a smile I think they'll like. I care about being perfect or acceptable. And candid photos don't let you go down that path. You see people as they actually are. Not how they want to be seen. Kinda plays into the idea of truth, doesn't it?

[ keigo breathed out a sigh of relief. he was so used to others thinking he was a little too passionate about the things he enjoyed, so this was just another reason to relax around nikkari. he smiled, half out of sheepishness and half out of pure gratitude. ]

I'm so glad you understand! That's exactly what I mean!

[ he hadn't really had a good talk about his passions lately. nikkari was in for a treat. ]

I'm the same, honestly... it might make me a little hypocritical, in that sense... I don't like any side but my best being recorded. But at the same time, when people aren't puttin' on that kinda act... it definitely gives you a sense of the type of people they are. The little things that make them happy or sad... I like seeing that side of people.

I feel the same. [he nods.] I mean, I like seeing what makes people happy the best, what makes them laugh, but I know what you're saying about seeing people without an act. And with a photo, you can capture it before it flies away and someone's hiding again, huh?

Yeah, that's right! It's something worth treasuring, I think.

[ he looked down at his glass of tea, holding it between his palms. ]

It's even better if it's someone you care for a lot. But, I guess you'd hope that those people wouldn't hide it from you in the first place.

[ after a moment, keigo was suddenly struck with a realization: he'd been talking about himself an awful lot. with a gasp, he straightened in his seat, looking somewhat embarrassed. ]

Ah!! I've been ramblin' about myself a lot! But, y'know, I wanna know more about you, too! What are things that you like? Hobbies and stuff! [ ...that sounded lame. ] A-are you in school, too?

Yeah, actually - but I'm not on campus. Online classes, so that I can still work and help out my aunt.

[better than saying "my sleeping schedule is a mystery even to me." but he notes the comments on Keigo talking about someone he cares for.]

Undecided, though. I haven't found something I want as much as you want photography.

[ keigo nodded, his lips curling into a pleased smile. ]

Well, you seem like a smart person, so I'm sure you'd be able to find somethin' and really be great at it!

[ and that was a genuine compliment. really, keigo had been quite impressed with nikkari's observational skills, and that spoke for a lot. ]

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(closed) someone tell me

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