recolle | [OPEN] you dared me in the dark

[ ooc: original thread! ]

Ah, wait up!

[ keigo wasn't used to anyone being able to match his energy or enthusiasm for ... really anything, so hanging around ryoji proved to be both exhilarating and challenging. with little hesitation left, keigo started on after ryoji, stuffing the remainder of his crepe into his face. he'd never ridden one of the birds before, certainly hadn't given it much thought in the past, despite gawking at them with renji back in the winter. it would be an interesting turn of events, for certain.

once he caught up ryoji, and swallowed down the crepe he had been chewing all the while, he huffed in an almost indignant manner. ]

Well, what, we gotta pay to ride them 'r somethin'?

I think so. Some of the chocobo are privately owned, others for the public to learn how to ride. Did you get the chance to do that during Founders Day back in January? You just sort of sit there and hang on, easy~

[ It's not that easy. But nevertheless, Ryoji goes to talk to one of the attendants about riding the chocobos, insisting that they have experience with riding and no they don't need lessons, thank you. ]

[ keigo really wasn't that excited about this bingo business. it was a strange game with stranger options involving a lot of embarrassing shit he didn't really want to do. and it was why he was wandering the streets, face down staring at his card as he walked. like a really smart individual. usually his peripheral vision was fairly decent, allowing him to avoid most treacherous events easily, but this time around, he was so absorbed in what he was doing that he didn't see the girl in front of him until it was too late. ]

--oof! Ah, shit, I'm sorry!! Are you okay?! I didn't hurt you, did I??

Edited 2017-07-19 15:56 (UTC)

[ like keigo, ann was also staring down at her bingo card while walking down the street. she's close to a blackout now, only a few squares away...she's so close, and usually used to looking down at her phone while she walks anyway, but today's just not that day.

she knocks into the boy in front of her, shoulder bumping against his. ]

Oh-! Ah, no, that was my bad! I'm so sorry!

[ her bingo card's also fallen to the ground. ann bends down quickly to retrieve it before it flies away; keigo can probably get a look at it then! ]

[ what the hell was this even. keigo couldn't really understand the point of that square; what kind of people were running this stupid game??? who would try to juggle watermelons??? especially ones grown around there; at least back home, most watermelons were round and smaller than the huge, oblong ones they sold in the stores.

why was he even contemplating this... it was stupid! what was the point? maybe it was a need to compete with others... just to prove he could? either way, he caught sight of a familiar face as he was in the process of looking at fruit, and instantly, he knew: he had to rope this guy into it. ]

Oi, oi! You!

[ ah, hello. welcome to hell. ]

You have one of these card things, right??

[ though things had been substantially better for keigo the past few months, there were times when he felt that creeping sensation of loneliness and listlessness enough to possess him to go out on the down intent to get hammered. since he was only 20, it meant risking a great deal; though his fake ID was fairly convincing, he knew it would only be a matter of time before he got found out.

but for now, he got what he wanted. he could rest easy knowing that the bartender on duty didn't think anything of it and supplied him with as much liquor as he could drink. and it was a fair amount. by the time people started singing karaoke, he was feeling pretty damn good. and pretty bold.

in his hazed mind, he remembered one of the squares on his bingo card that he was adamantly against trying to fill. though he tended to carry himself with perceived confidence, in actuality, he was far too self conscious and concerned with his reputation to try and do anything remotely embarrassing. but that's why alcohol was so great, right? his inhibitions lowered, it became shockingly easy to stand there and sing a few songs. and to make it better, no one was jeering at him! at least, not yet. keigo never thought of himself as a decent singer (just the type to sing alone, when no one was around) but be it the fact that his audience was just as hammered or too polite to shoo him away, it ended up working in his favor.

maybe it was a slow night or something. but whatever his anxiety was trying to tell him, however, wasn't getting through. he was having fun and the songs were easy; nothing out of his range and most were in his tastes. after the song he had been singing was over, his eyes scanned the karaoke area and he noted a guy sitting at a table alone. maybe they locked a quick gaze or maybe keigo just thought he looked like an easy target for some fun, but his fate was sealed. someone else wanted to take the mic, so for his last song (out of the three or so he sang) he picked something more or less like a ballad. ]

Oii~ii, you there!

[ and keigo pointed at the guy, probably no older than he was, and plastered on a very exuberant grin ]

You all alone?

U-uh, no, I didn't get the chance...

[ after all, he was too preoccupied coming up with conspiracy theories with renji at the time... either way, he was following after ryoji in an attempt to avoid getting them both wrapped up in something neither of them could escape, but it seemed to be a moot point. ]

D-did you just tell them we have experience? Are you nuts?!

[ oh damnit. it was a girl. a really cute girl, too. keigo's face flushed red from embarrassment almost immediately, but his instinct to make things right kicked in, preventing him from dwelling on that. he saw her dropped card and stooped down to help her grab it, despite... her already having begun to... ]

Shit, I'm sorry!! Lemme get it for you!

[ he insisted, but once he realized what it was... ]

Uoh!! You have a bingo card too??

[ Akira is staking the karaoke bar to see if this place is worth taking friends, maybe coworkers... Checking the place out alone isn't a big deal. He's very used to being on his own, especially in new areas and ventures. He's waiting for one of the private karaoke rooms to open up with the number resting in front of him on the table.

Since some of the people he knew are of age, he thought the open bar area is worth reviewing. It's animated, filled with laughter and varying singing expertise... A great place to people watch—how wrong is he for taking a table to wait here? There are also drunks galore, though very few bothered him. They come and go, then finally Keigo shows up.

With the tilt of his head, he recognizes the face from the network, but this version is so giddy. Intoxicated. ]

Yeah. [ He almost blurted out "I have my cat with me." Not true though. ] Higashino, right?

[ Akira just instantly goes into Fight of Flight mode. It all depends on Keigo's next move. ]

[ keigo almost forgot that there were people who might have recognized his face thanks to retrospec's little invasive app. it was the furthest from his mind in those moments, and akira successfully brought it up to the forefront by simply relaying his name.

there was a brief flash of confusion in keigo's eyes, and if he had been sober, he would have likely been mortified that someone recognized him before he did them, but lucky for everyone, he was plastered. so rather than be discouraged from going through with his little plan, he was only further emboldened. ]

That's right!

[ that grin was back with a vengeance, and keigo stepped along the small stage to better position himself directly in akira's line of sight. ]

You shouldn't be alone! It's a beautiful night!

[ flirtation came easily to him on a normal day, but it was rare that keigo was so brazen with males. akira was just lucky enough to catch his eye, for some reason or another. ]

Maybe I should dedicate this song to you, hm? Music makes everything better, doesn't it?~?

[ keigo would never, ever, so long as he lived, miss the chance to go to the beach. it didn't matter what he was doing or if he had plans that day, if someone offered, he was there. takumi just so happened to offer, and keigo just so happened to refuse plans with anyone else as a result.

though he sort of knew the reason behind it: they had squares that matched up on their cards. what really puzzled him was the strange questions he posed beforehand. keigo had gotten so wrapped up in excitement about the beach that he hadn't thought to pursue that line of questioning.

well, he'd get his answers soon enough. though it was the evening and the sunlight was beginning to turn that warm orange color, keigo was dressed appropriately for a beach episode: swim trunks, sandals, and not much else. he'd set a towel down on the sand and was sitting on it, waiting for takumi to arrive with barely contained excitement. and when he finally caught sight of him, he stood up so abruptly he almost lost his balance. ]

Oiiii! Over here!

[ he waved his arms around excitedly, resisting the urge to just barrel takumi down the instant he saw him approach. ]

[ Oh. He had expected Keigo to just pass out or get sidetracked by the other flashy things in the bar, but the guy seems committed to him tonight. It's kind of cute if he didn't reek of alcohol? His nose wrinkles when Keigo swings by him, but fortunately scales back up onto the stage. Either way, Akira smiles awkwardly as he scratches his cheek, pondering to himself a little longer.

It doesn't seem like he'll nab a private karaoke room to enjoy by himself tonight, so a little song should cheer him up. ]

It does, you're right. [ Akira can very well stop him right now. He can end this descent into shame, but he doesn't. He's going to let Keigo live his life. ] What are you going to sing for me?

[ What a fun and new experience!! Having a drunkard serenade you in public! Akira would be lying if he didn't think this was somewhat exciting. ]

[ Takumi is here with a cooler and another bag of stuff, ready for the beach. However, he's a little more clothed than Keigo. The evening is slowly fading, so he's wearing a thin short-sleeved hoodie with his swim trunks... And a bandanna with a hat on top of it. It's to hide the new color of his hair, but his eye color is wildly different. He's putting all of his eggs into the one basket called incoming darkness.

Point is, he sees Keigo and raises a hand to wave at him before approaching. His steps seem hesitant, but he's here? Cut him some slack. There's a part of him that was looking forward to spending time with a friend, away from work and worries. ]

Aren't you excited... The ingredients for the shaved ice is in the cooler if you want to start making your own. I'll set up the fire.

[ Takumi loves the beach, too, but he's a little antsy as he sets up by one of the bonfire stations next to Keigo. ]

[ there would be so much Regret in the morning. somewhere in keigo's mind, a voice was screaming end this, but it was drowned out by the sheer amount of fun he was having in that moment. there was something exciting about doing something so random and out of his element, even if it required copious amounts of illegally purchased alcohol to initiate it in the first place.

the grin turned into a sweet smile as keigo settled in his place on the stage, head tilted to one side as he used his fingers to idly twist his hair between them. he was really playing up this whole part... how embarrassing. ]

Hmm, let's see... [ he had picked out a song beforehand, but now that he'd found a proper target to unleash a musical assault upon, he decided on something different. ] How about this...

[ to go with his completely dramatic personality, keigo picked an equally dramatic and perhaps cheesy song to serenade his victim with. akira had one last chance to make a break for it, since keigo was now fixing him with a purposeful gaze.

run, child. ]

No, it's alright! I got it--

[ she really does have it keigo?? ty for the offer but SHE'S GOOD! this poor guy...if only she were looking at where she was going! he looks like he feels so bad but...

wait. ]

Huh? You're from Retrospec?

[ he Knows!! ]

[ Akira is mentally spitting because this song is so sweet, but he doesn't even know Keigo that well. Or at all?! But he can appreciate the meaning of the song and... He guesses Keigo's intention? Most people can't stomach this kind of secondhand embarrassment, but he definitely can. Akira stays seated from his table, head propped on the palm of his hand, as he watches...

And that stare just kills him on the inside. It's all endearing, especially when it has so much emotion poured into it from a drunk. Keigo seems free and, for one moment, Akira wonders who's the true recipient of this song. They're a lucky(?) person. The smile on his face doesn't disappear, but he does shut his eyes to save himself. He needs solace if only for a second or two to steel himself in case Keigo returns to his table?

There is a silver lining in all of this. When Keigo is sober, karma is going to hit him like a dump truck. Akira will make sure to seal his fate—all playful fun.

But first he has to applaud when the song ends. Of course the intoxicated audience do the same, asking for an encore, and someone are in actual tears? They're asking WHO HURT YOU, STRANGER? ]

[ look, he's just trying to be nice! either way... ]

Yeah! I am!

[ it was always a little harrowing to run into someone from the app, but at least this girl seemed friendly enough. ]

Are you playing the game, then?

[ throughout the entire song, keigo never once let his eyes leave akira's vicinity. no matter who the "actual" recipient of the song was, keigo wasn't pulling any punches when it came to presentation. anyone would have probably assumed he had a thing for akira, given how intense the performance was.

and once it was over and keigo was met with applause, he looked absolutely ecstatic. he grinned and even laughed a little, looking like he was on top of the damn world. he gave a little bow and set the microphone down, denying the audience their bid for another song. after all, he'd sang a few already, so there wasn't any need to hog the stage, was there?

all said and done, he hopped down from the stage and, still all grins and giddy excitement, headed akira's way. oh no, this wasn't over yet. ]

So! Did you like it?

[ keigo feared no sunset! even if he had a shirt somewhere nearby, he didn't seem very keen about putting it on. his excitement would keep him warm... or something.

but more importantly, keigo noted the way takumi... looked. a bandana and a hat? what was that about? maybe he was afraid of getting sunburned... and once takumi was closer, he did note something different about his eyes. weren't they a different color? ]

Um... oh, yeah! I love the beach, so!

[ trying to sound convincing when he was distracted was a Task, but letting takumi tend to the bonfire was probably the best thing to do at that point. he put focus onto the cooler instead, opening it to look at what was inside. ]

So, you said our cards lined up, yeah? I'm guessin' it's the sandcastle one, right?

[ The crowd wails when Keigo steps off, but soon forgets when someone else picks up the mic. They don't start singing, but they're giving this... Drunk speech about loving yourself.

Is it bad to imagine Keigo tripping on his way here? Akira is almost a little disappointed that it didn't happen, but smiles anyway when he's approached... Again. Akira is not known for the best life choices; this is an example. He fiddles with the card with his waiting line number on it when Keigo finally arrives, tilting his head a bit. ]

You were really good, Higashino. [ It's pleasantly surprising. He thought Keigo would shriek the same wasa Futaba does when she tries to sing. ] Should I take that song as a confession?

[ Even though he's sure as hell this guy probably doesn't remember his name right now. It doesn't stop Akira from playing along... It'd be sad to ruin the fun for the both of them. ]

[ rather than stand there at the table, keigo brought it upon himself to pull up a chair, exhaling sharply as he flopped into it. he'd been up there for a while, or at least it felt that way, so sitting away from the spotlight felt nice. whatever that guy is prattling on about in the background doesn't distract keigo from his continued harassment of this guy he barely knew, sadly. ]

Ahaha, well thank you!~! [ keigo grinned and rested his chin against his palm, looking genuinely flattered for the compliment. and the other bit that akira supplied was met with another laugh; a stark contrast to the stammering and blushing he normally would have fallen victim to if he was sober. ] You can take it however ya' want, I guess. I just figured it might brighten your night, y'know?

[ he looked so pleased with himself, too. probably the happiest he'd been in a long time. ]

[ Oh... This is suddenly pure. Akira finds it hard to play this out as he intended. Now his smile wavers to something nervous as he runs his fingers through his own hair with an exhausted laugh following after. ]

Yeah. You can even say it made my night, actually.

[ He had expected a normal scouting. He would come in, check things out, check their song choices, their menu, and then head out... But he's here, being serenaded and cared for by a someone that's completely smashed. It's embarrassing how he's enjoying this random encounter, only because of the sincerity.

Pulling up the card, he flashes the number to Keigo. The next private karaoke room should be his, so— ]

Do you want to join me?

[ STOP STARING. It's making him uncomfortable. Takumi is doing his best to pretend that Keigo is doing well at... Not noticing. Totally. Anyway, with the tinder ready, he starts pouring fuel over the wood before attempting to set it on fire. It... takes a while to get the fire going, sorry. He's literally harassing it at this point just to get a small light going. It's spreading, at least. ]

Yeah. It's the sandcastle, but I also have roasting marshmallows... So I thought we might as well enjoy ourselves?

[ When Keigo opens the cooler, there are all the things needed to make shaved ice—a miniature shaving ice machine, an assortment of syrups, a tub... of vanilla ice cream? A container of mochi. Hm. It looks like Takumi also packed from red beans and a jar of condensed milk, too. ]

Do you have experience in human-sized sandcastles, though...

[ This is the issue. ]

[ whatever copious amounts of alcohol keigo had consumed was doing wonders for his anxiety, that was for sure. while he normally was outgoing and social, he never would have blatantly flirted with a guy, especially not in public. but it was all harmless fun, right? the guy seemed nice enough and keigo truly felt like singing might make him feel less alone. though, naturally, that was assuming he was anything like keigo and hated being alone in the first place... at any rate, as akira's smile turns nervous, keigo's own turns almost teasing in how it plays at his lips. ]

Oh~? Is that so? You not normally serenaded like this?

[ a mostly rhetorical question; even in his addled mind, he knew it was likely an uncommon event for anyone. still, his inflection was teasing and almost affectionate, like he had known akira for longer than a few moments. his eyes followed his movements, though a bit blearily, and tracked onto the number displayed on the card. what an offer! how could he refuse? ]

Hah, you want an encore performance? Or maybe a duet? I'm game!

[ HE CAN'T there was something off going on there, okay. keigo liked to think he was fairly perceptive, especially when it came to strange behavior. and takumi certainly appeared to be acting strange... struggling with the fire notwithstanding.

the amount of stuff takumi had brought, however... man. keigo was impressed. was he planning on camping out or something? he glanced up his way, tearing his eyes from the copious amount of stuff packed in the cooler. ]

Well, that works for me, but...

[ he laughed, rubbing at his neck. ]

I... dunno? I've built sandcastles before, but they might have been human-sized when I was like... 7...

[OPEN] you dared me in the dark

RYOJI ; "chocobo race," "jump over object at least waist high"

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ANN ; "share a difficult retrospec memory"

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JUZO ; attempting to juggle watermelons

AKIRA ; serenade a stranger

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TAKUMI ; build a sandcastle at least as tall as you

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