5/Where People Roam

Where People Roam
Date of Scene:	20 May 2015
Location:	Pikarigaoka - Clover Tower
Synopsis:	It is a lovely summer day and some people have a nice little run in.
Cast of Characters:	Yuko Minami, Hotaka Domen, Junpei Matsuo

---

Hotaka Domen has posed:
It was a beautiful day out and after school hours have passed. People were walking around the mall below the Clover Tower. There was sights to be seen here, either it be from the view way up high or on the ground among all the clothing, toy, and different stores that lined the area under the Tower's shadow.

This is where Hotaka Domen actually was, walking among the people who went about their shopping at the mall. He still had on his Seishou school uniform, which being this side of town? Was no his local school area-- which was fine by Hotaka. He didn't really have any friends over there anyways--- or anywhere any more.

He did however, have that navy dress jacket of his swung over his shoulder as he walked, he swapped out his normal school shoes for a pair of black Tennis running shoes, and his tie had been tucked away into the navy dress pants. The young man still had on the buttoned dress shirt though, going over his cell phone in his hand as he walked. There was also that black bracelet bracer easy to see which kept the right side of his sleeve from being buttoned like it should be.

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo hadn't bothered changing out of his Seiyu uniform. Sure it was all black slacks, shirt, jacket, but really it was all about how you let the clothes drape. His bicycle was parked nearby as he'd been out riding to try clearing his head after last night's weirdness. He saw Hotska and angled to step in line with the other student, "Hello there. Mind a little company?" Why not? He had no problems trying to be friendly. School rivalries? Pfft that was for school hours.

Yuko Minami has posed:
Arriving at the mall from the opposite direction, Yuko Minami, likewise, was still dressed in her Verone Academy high uniform. Instead of wearing the traditional blazer, however, she has a thick brown vest to keep her blouse clean while she's lugging around a massive backpack full of something or another. Working, most likely!

Slipping a receipt out of her pocket, she glances about a few times before catching sight of Hotaka and Junpei in the distance. She hesitates for a few moments before approaching the two, bringing up her hand in a tired wave before grabbing one of the backpack's straps to steady the cargo again.

"Good afternoon, Matsuo-san. Friend of yours?" She offers Hotaka a light bow of her head, although it's fairly obvious that she is mentally done with working already.

Hotaka Domen has posed:
Hotaka pauses in his step as someone comes up on him. Those blue eyes looking over at the other teen around his age a once over quick glance, before he looked away, "Your from Seiyou huh?" he asks Junpei, seeming that he doesn't mind the company at all, or at least isn't say it out loud.

"I think your school is the one that lets us use the Amphitheater at times." There was a light smile but it doesn't stick around. The brown head placing his cell phone back in his pocket and keeping his right hand there. If someone /was/ magically sensitive among this group, they may pick it up-- an air for a moment around his wrist of something... off; at least different.

Then Yuko shows up and his blue eyes cast a glance over to her, he stares at he for a moment even as she nods his head to him and he returns the gesture. Trying to stay slightly polite. "Mm, no... we just met." Hotaka admits for Junpei's sake.

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo looked over when he heard Minami-san's voice and gave a small return bow, "Just met actually. You're not having to work today Minami-san?" Polite voice as he looked to the stocker girl. He'd been lucky in nobody mentioning the thing with the stage and the band and all that. On the one hand it was life affirmingly fun. On the other he was terrified he had done something top stupid to walk away from. Oh well! Done is done. "I am glad you are well after yesterday's nuttyness. You heard anything from Katsu-san?" He knew the other girl less well than even Minami, but he had woke up feeling like he got run through a tumble dryer and wouldn't want anyone else feeling as. Poorly without at least some level of sympathy.

Then his attention shifted to Hotaka, "That is right. After all we are lucky to have these nice things. It is only right to share. I hope everything is well." He had all the magical sensitivity of a stone. Well OK maybe a bit more since he knew to clear out of the concert last night. He just didn't realize why. Still, any possible sensitivity would be written off as next day nerves over his storming the stage to get the band going again.

Yuko Minami has posed:
Blinking slowly as she looks from Hotaka to Junpei, the green-haired girl just shrugs after a moment. "Well, it's good to meet you either way. Minami Yuko, Verone Academy high." She wobbles slightly before pulling the backpack forward slightly to steady it, then shakes her head at Junpei.

"No, I haven't had a chance to talk to her again since. Too busy with work for the store. Again." She definitely doesn't sound all that enthusiastic about that fact, gesturing at her cargo with her head lightly. "Actually have a delivery for today. Mm.. Where are you two headed? If you're headed the same way, it might be... Not as boring to follow you around for a while."

Truly the image of diligence and enthusiasm.

Hotaka Domen has posed:
"Something happened last night?" Hotaka asks with a raised eye brow listening to the two of them, before they furrowed slightly. He didn't press further, before he shifts his weight slightly watching as Yuko tries to steady her bag. "Hotaka Domen, from Seishou." He gives a very faint smile. "Nice to meet you both."

He then looks over to Yuko once more as she asks. "No where-- really. I was just walking, but..." His eyes go back to backpack. "Lets go find a place to sit down at least so you can rest your shoulder." He says as he turns away from the two, and motions for them to follow. "I think I saw an outdoor sitting place not far."

    'Being friendly are we?'

The voice creeped into Hotaka's mind as he winced a little, closing his eyes for a moment to ignore it. He wasn't going to respond, nope. Instead he flipped around, walking a bit backwards. "And you said you came from Verone, Minami? I don't think I'm familiar with it."

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
"I have nowhere in particular to be." Junpei sounded cheerful at an excuse to wander. "If you like I could help carry some of that?" Granted if she still didn't quite trust him that would get shot down pretty quickly since nothing really would stop him from running off. "If not that is OK." Then belatedly he realized he hadn't made introductions to Hotaka and made a small bow, "Matsuo Junpei, Seiyou Public." Still cheerful sounding as he tried to sum things up. "Some kind of speaker malfunction I think. Nothing bad just... Few people got dizzy. They sent displayers in to check on the crowd. Heard DARTS actually steppe up and kept everyone entertained." Handwobble. "Not my kind of music, but they seem like OK people. Nobody got seriously hurt. They're gonna look thins over so it won't happen again." All's well that ends well?

Yuko Minami has posed:
"Yeah... Not really clear on the details, though. I... Uh." Yuko mumbles a little as she zeroes in on the whole keeping-a-cover thing, feigning an embarassed grin before continuing. "Burned my mouth on takoyaki, so I was in the bathroom for a while. It's okay nonw, though."

Would they buy it? It's not like anyone saw her transform last night! Maybe. Hopefully.

"Just browsing, then? Ah... My shoulder's fine! It's okay. I might not look it, but I've carried stuff a lot heavier than this before." There's a hint of smugness as she says that, readjusting her hold on the backpack just to emphasize that.

"Verone's got a really nice campus. Dorms for students and everything. Really expensive, though, and some of the people there aren't even that smart. Just... Rich." If she could scoff, she would, but she's got to keep a good appearance while she's representing the store in this delivery. "But if it'll help me get into a better university when I'm done, then... Mmhm. Maybe a break wouldn't be too bad, actually."

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo caught the faint bit of dismissivness, "Papa says it is unfair, but it is how the world works." A small shrug, "I can't say I like it but better to know how things work so you can plan around rather than aim for ideal situation then get shaken apart when things don't go smoothly." He'd had his own brushes with such situations but he was a live and let live sort. "I get all sorts of odd looks about the hair. Decided to go with washable dye in case I need to be respectable." Must take a lot of washing since there were still faint streaks of blue in his hair. Oh well.

Hotaka Domen has posed:
Hotaka turns back around just in time to avoid hitting someone, before he glances over his shoulder to Junpei, "Speaker trouble huh? That is odd. Glad things worked out though." He says looking away, then over to Yuko, "That really sucks." He says to her before looking where he is going again.

Well, it /sounds/ like he bought it. Maybe--or just playing along. Who knows!

Hotaka listened to Yuko explain she has carried heavier things to both of the boys and lowered his head with a mild smirk, his bangs covering over his face, before he shoved some of them back. "Alright then, but nothing wrong with kicking back right?"

Once they got to the location, Hotaka reached over and moved out a chair of Yuko at the table, before using his foot to pull out his own and just sitting down pretty relaxed really and letting his school uniform jacket hang off the back of the seat. The table had one of those nice umbrellas to keep everything in the shade, thankfully.

"So you come from a rich school? Hehe. I always wanted to go to a really nice school--- like a really nice one, but my parents could never afford it... I don't exactly come from one of the higher end areas." Hotaka explains as he watches some people walk by. He looks over to Junpei, "What about yourself, Matsuo? You live around here?" Hotaka seeming to worried about the whole hair conversation, because eh-- Hotaka himself felt a little boring compared to these two really.

    'I sense... something. Hm. Not sure where...'

This causes Hotaka to tense up a little before he shifts his position in his chair. Go back to sleep Alastar is all he can really think of right now, because just when he could actually have a social life again...

Yuko Minami has posed:
That was a fair assessment. "Yeah, I guess it is better than being caught with your pants down. Still sucks, though." Yuko blows some hair out of her face and takes note of the remaining streaks, giggling after a moment. "That explains a bit. Do your parents ever get mad when you do that to your hair, though?"

Following the two to nowhere in particular, Yuko lets out another laugh before nodding at Hotaka. "Kicking back's great. Especially if you've got something good to watch, or a new game to play... If I wasn't working, I'd probably be doing that right now. Ah, thanks, Domen-san." She smiles briefly before straining to get that backpack off, the chair creaking in protest from the weight of whatever's inside that thing.

Yuko, meanwhile, lets out a long sigh of relief. "Okay... M-maybe that was a little heavier than I thought. Mm. A rich school isn't that great, honestly. Just costs a lot to get in, but that just means it's not as hot with the air conditioning."

A pause. "... And the food's good. Expensive, though."

Hotaka Domen has posed:
Hotaka listens to Yuko explain some stuff, including the friendly banter between her and Junpei. He then shrugs softly at the end of it all. Seeming a bit--- out of sorts maybe. His foot tapping gently before he moved them behind the chair's legs and brought his hands out, moving his left hand to rest over his right wrist idly.

"Well, if I was going to an expensive school-- I would expect good food." He decides to add with a minor smile that turns into a nervous grin, before he lowers his head. "You said you work?" He says looking back at her, "Where at-- if uh, if you don't mind me asking."

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
"They," Junpei seemed hesitent as he took a seat. "Mom seems to think it's a phase. Dad's glad I'm taking up Taiko in addition to guitar." There was much more to that though, but none of it he would be comfortable sharing. "Squirt loves it though. Thinks it's the greatest thing in the world her big brother plays loud music." He gave a soft chuckle, "I'm just glad her interest in rt is still going. Makes me happy she's committing herself to something." No comments about expensive schools though. He's a public school brat, albeit one that goes to a place that may as well double as a fortress. It was great.

Yuko Minami has posed:
"Even their cheapest is kind of expensive, but... You can taste the difference, so it's not too bad. Wouldn't mind if they had one of the carts set up shop inside, but that's never going to happen." Yuko laughs again before Hotaka's expression draws a concerned look from her, and she rests her hands on the back of the chair holding her bag while peering at him a little more closely. "Are you okay, Domen-san? Did you eat something weird? If you need anything to drink..."

Trailing off as if the rest of that thought would just make sense to the two somehow, she glances around a few times before checking that receipt from earlier. "I work at the big market not too far from the harbor. It's the one with the big red awning. Hard to miss, so drop by if you're ever looking for anything." She smiles sweetly at that, playing the role of the store representative almost enthusiastically.

She turns to Junpei next, raising an eyebrow as he mentions Taiko. "Like the video games? Or the real drums?" She goes quiet for another moment as she glances from her receipt to the nearby stores, then claps her hands rather suddenly. "Oh! Do either of you want anything to drink? I can drop this stuff off and pick up some for all of us if we'll be here for a while."

Hotaka Domen has posed:
Hotaka peers at Yuko, "Yeah... I'm fine. Just have a bit of a mild headache. Probably from the heat." Or an annoying voice who likes to remind me of his presence. He then looks over to Junpei, "Hm? Taiko? That is pretty cool-- but playing the Guitar must be really fun."

The teen grins a bit, "Always wanted to play a musical instrument seriously, but eh--- I'm not really talented at much. Though I do enjoy reading sometimes." His blue eyes then gaze over to Yuko, "Oh-- uh--- if you need to drop that stuff off, we could come with you and all get drinks. Sure. I mean... hehe... why not, right?"

He rubs the back of his neck slightly, with his right hand, idling forgetting about the bracer with the odd writing on it in crimson red as he goes to place it back down on the table to stand up. Cause really, while he didn't mind sitting--- he rather just keep moving along.

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
"Real drums. About sixteen of us all in concert going from the big ones." He reached up to try giving a sense of how big their largest drum was, "All the way to little bitty ones. It's great." There was a note of pride in his voice. "Loud, lot of excersize just to be able to play full sets without getting tired, but... When you talk to drum it is its own experience."

Then he chuckled soft and turned his attention to Hotaka, "I can vouch for that place's selection. Everything from premade Benton, to. Well. Bit of everything. Band gets its stuff from therevso we don't have to buy expensive when out together." Buying in bulk saved them lots of money. "I love both. Different reasons, and would hate to have to choose." His eye flicked to Hotaka's bracer but he said nothing. "Skill is important, but sometimes you have to do things for you even if you don't think you'll measure up. How else are you supposed to get better?"

Yuko Minami has posed:
There's still a bit of concern on Yuko's face even with Hotaka's reassurance, but it's enough to keep her from prying further. "If you're sure, then." The bracer draws a long stare from the girl, although she can't quite put her finger on what it is about that thing that's bothering her.

Well, maybe it's nothing to worry about. Could just be a reference to something she doesn't recognize.

"Yeah, Matsuo-san's been there a couple of times. Giving us good reviews won't get you any discounts, though." She chuckles lightly at Junpei's comments on the store.

She taps her chin lightly at the suggestion to get drinks from the same place all at once, eventually picking up the backpack with another strained creak of the chair. "I guess that would be easier, then, huh? Sorry to drag you both around like this."

Hotaka Domen has posed:
Hotaka looks over to Junpei, "I suppose..." He then fully stands up and notices the look at his right hand. His blue eyes blink before he winces a little and goes to just-- stuff it back in his pocket, while using his left hand to throw his school jacket over his shoulder once more. "I'm just not very remarkable, you know? One of those boring kids with zero talents." He says with a nervous laugh.

He then looks away from them both, before looking back at Yuko, "It is alright, Minami." He says with a soft smile. "I was not... actually expecting to run into anyone. I tend to be a loner, so the company is a bit nice for a time."

Then he speaks more softly as he lets Yuko lead the way, "...not like I have much of a social life anyways." Which was more said through an irritated rumble.

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo gave a mock pouting face at Yuko's admonishment about discounts, "I would settle for group rates at least." Their is a cheerfulness to his voice. "And it is no worry. If I'm out and about it's because I have nowhere I need to be, and seeing new people is always nice." He offered Hotaka a hand, "and if you're sure you're OK. I mean if you need to go home, lay down no worries. Don't want you powering through a migraine." He smiled softly, "and everyone has talents. Just gotta try things til something clicks. Til then don't sweat it." He fell in line behind Yuko and after a moment asked, "Do either of you bike?" Mentally he sighed at the idea of having to double back later to pick his up, but that was a worry for later. Enjoy the walk now.

Yuko Minami has posed:
How strange. Not nearly strange enough to call attention to, but still a little odd nonetheless. Yuko's attention is mostly focused on not falling over, anyway, although she does glance back to give Hotaka a disapproving frown. "That's not true. Unremarkability can be remarkable in the right situations!"

After that short attempt at being reassuring, she returns her focus to the road in front of her. "Social lives are overrated, anyway. I mean... I guess networking's important, and it's fun hanging out with people sometimes. I just don't get how some people can just go to parties every day and not get bored." The green-haired girl stretches her arms out and staggers a bit before righting herself.

"I haven't been on a bike in years. The last one we had broke, and... It's too expensive getting a replacement. I could use that money for other stuff." The store they're heading for is fairly plain-looking restaurant, a small hole in the wall compared to the larger chains and other storefronts littered throughout the mall. If Junpei or Hotaka were to look at the menu, they'd notice that a lot of the words were in English, and didn't even translate into normal English words! A foreign restaurant, perhaps?

Hotaka Domen has posed:
Hotaka followed her onward to adventure! Or at least getting something to drink and he listened to them both though he didn't have much of reply, mostly because he was just off thinking to himself and trying to not let this nagging feeling of 'should just get away now' get to him. He had pulled away from his childhood friends to protect them, to allow himself now get involved with new ones...

Hotaka's attention snapped back to the real world when he noticed they were almost at their destination, which he at last remarked about things. "The headache isn't that bad, just distracting, you know? Glad its happening out here and not with homework."

As for even the unremarkable can be remarkable and the list of things he does do goes over his head. "Well..." Pause, "....I do write... sometimes..." He says very softly. "...and take part in Kendo... though that was more forced on by my mom." Hotaka frowns, "She wanted me in a physical activity and doesn't exactly like the fact I write. Useless skill she thinks." Not so unremarkable after all, huh? "But its just writing, music is far more awesome."

There was a buzz in his pocket from his cellphone, but he was quick to hit the ignore button. "So... what kind of restaurant is this anyways?" He looks over at the menu with some puzzlement.

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo quirked an eyebrow at the dailies on the chaulk board and shrugged. "I got into cycling to build stamina, but it let's me see a nice bit of the country." All of the taiko troop's members were cyclists. "Plus easier to carry a lot of things in panniers than on back or shoulder." He looked from Hotaka to Yuko and shrugged, seemingly content to just tag along. "You write. Poetry? Fiction?" He sounded genuinely interest in Hotaka's hobby, not the one his mom forced. Frankly he hated Kendo other than as an abstract 'this is part of your history.' Too formalized. Too structured. It felt like trying to tell a tornado to behave and follow rules. Real fights weren't like that. There were no points taken off for 'correctness of spirit' or whatever. You won or lost, and probably got hurt for your troubles.

Yuko Minami has posed:
"Oh, so like the type of headache I get when... Um. Y-yeah, I understand. Homework really does make those worse, huh?" That was a close one. If Yuko had said anything more, they might have found out her terrible secret! Thankfully, she hasn't gone quite that far just yet. Besides, she's got a job to do!

After a brief exchange with the store owners, an older couple in their 50s or 60s, Yuko empties out the contents of her backpack. There's several sealed packages of spices, sauces, and even a heavily secured and bubble-wrapped jar of saffron in the mix. Another exchange of papers and signatures later, and Yuko's back to approaching Hotaka and Junpei with three bottles of ramune.

"I hope that didn't take too long. Here." She offers them both each one of the bottles, looking significantly more relaxed now that her backpack isn't half her own weight. "You said you were into writing? That's useful! Without writing, what would people read? Or watch?" She pauses for a moment, tapping her own battle against her cheek before just pressing it there to let the coldness sink into her face.

"You could even write about kendo and make it more interesting than real kendo. I don't know if you could do that with taiko or cycling, though... Uh. Maybe a song about those would work better."

Hotaka Domen has posed:
Junpei showed great interest in his hobby and Hotaka blinked a few times in surprise to this. "Um...uh..." He then looks a little sheepish murmurs the answer, "...poems... really." He then glances off to the side as his sheepish feeling over his hobby just holds. Maybe because he was lead to believe that poems are not something a man should do, as they show to much heart and emotion.

Then as Yuko comes over with the cold drinks, he shakes his head, "Uh-- not at all. No. Nope." Yeah, he was now trying to shake it off and takes the cold soda from her, which requires taking out his right hand to do so. He then holds the top of it between his index and middle fingers idly for now.

"Um... like I told Matsuo..." There comes that sheepishness again. "...I write poetry... that is all... and I'm not even that good at it." Hotaka glances side to side, before resting his jacket on his shoulder and goes to pop the marble down into the drink, holding the cap so it doesn't get everywhere and once the carbonation settles, he then removes the cap. Taking a slight sip from the glass bottle.

"...and the Kendo isn't bad, lets me sometimes let out pent up aggression, you know? I imagine the drums are probably the same way right?" He asks looking at Junpei.

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo perked up when Hotaka said he wrote poetry. Even as he noted Yuko conducting her delivery he managed to grin at him, "What are song lyrics but poetry?" He sounded genuinely interested and enthusiastic. "Music, poetry. Even Drums. It is all expression of the same thing." A small laugh at the mention of aggression, "just so. Very aggressive, very proactive. Sometimes it does feel good to hit things. I'm just... Kendo feels too formal. Tries having it both ways about formal ridgidness, but claiming combat."

Yuko Minami has posed:
"Poetry? Huh... Ah, don't be so down on yourself like that." There's another frown from Yuko at that, although it fades pretty quickly just from how good having that cold bottle on her face feels. "What's bad for you might be brilliant to someone else. The important thing is that you like it, and that you can get mass appeal with it so you can sell all sorts of dumb merchandise."

If her priorities weren't apparent before? Well. They are now.

The talk of kendo and taiko goes over her head for a bit until she starts connecting the dots, a low "ah" escaping her while she pops her drink open. "That's why I stopped watching kendo and boxing tournaments. At least wre-um... Other fighting doesn't stop until someone gives up."

Hotaka Domen has posed:
Hotaka goes to take another sip of his drink as he says softly, "...sometimes fighting is what keeps you alive from the demons inside...." It almost sound poetic! Though the bracer's crimson red words almost seem to glow, but it was only caught if someone was /really/ paying attention in the minor tense of Hotaka's shoulder.

    'Watch it, boy.'

Hotaka ahems softly, before he laughs a tough, "Almost went down the wrong way! That would have sucked huh?" Then a bit more laughing. Yeah-- laugh it off. Best thing he can do right now. "And I--" He looks at Junpei, "Never thought of it that way." He hrms softly.

"I guess my real issue is that it hasn't been very... expressive lately or... maybe to expressive? Not sure. Just been so stressed out and busy doing things for the house.... for my mom... that it no longer has the proper feeling." Hotaka was slowly opening up to the two of them, shoving aside his sheepishness for the topic.

Though his blue eyes glance over to Yuko, "You are really into the business thing-- huh, Minami?" Sip of his drink.

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo nodded slowly to Hotaka, "You are a good son and so keep too tired to relax and let the words flow huh?" He clapped Hotaka on the back. "We'll figure something out I'm sure." A look over to Yuko all with a soft laugh, "Exactly correct. I dislike fighting, but if you fight it is to win." Beat. "Speaking of, there's going to be an eight band jam in two weeks. I guess that is a kind of fight all it's own since winner gets money, right?" Just enough to cover costs of getting there, and if he was lucky it would get Kimiko-chan a new bike where her father carelessly bent the frame on her old one.

Yuko Minami has posed:
Luckily for Hotaka, Yuko's attention was on that bottle in her hands. She needed make sure that little marble was pushed through properly, after all! "Hm... That sounds like it could be the start of a poem itself, actually. Or... One of those starting lines for a long series." She strokes her chin lightly and eyes Hotaka's as he laughs, looking just a little confused at that outburst. "What almost went down? Um... I don't really follow."

How strange. Then again, the past week had all been rather strange to begin with, so maybe this was just all part for the course. Somehow.

"Stress is bad. You should try and relax with something you like. Maybe... Let your brain turn off for a few hours." She turns to Junpei while tapping that bottle on her chin again. "Yeah, that sounds about right... Hm. Where's that happening, anyway?"

And then she turns back to Hotaka, her eyes lighting up a bit. "I know! Maybe going to Matsuo-san's band jam could help you get out of your funk. Listen to some music, maybe get some ideas for things. Is there an admission fee?"

Hotaka Domen has posed:
"Heah.. haha... a good son." Hotaka says those words with a soft smile, but anyone who was good a reading body language could see--- it was not a /happy/ smile, he even hid it in his eyes, or tried too as he took another swig of the cold soda.

His mother... he could never explain her to anyone. Her mind so twisted by what also bound him. His father, their servant before he was killed somewhere along the lines-- killed by what, he'll never know. Probably killed by those who stand against who Alastar served no doubt... or maybe at a particular age, they just--- end your life. Hotaka really didn't understand how it all worked, just he was all part of it with no choice in the matter.

Those blue eyes look over to Yuko as she asks what went down wrong and then talks about how stress is bad. However before he can even /comment/ on the band deal, the younger girl is all over it and all he can do is blink his eyes a few times. "Um, well..." Then she asks Junpei about admissions, "I'm not sure if..."

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo noticed Hotaka's body language and frowned, "Hey, free admission. Sure they're basically eating us alive on taking cuts if anyone sells band merchant but the exposure will be worth it!" He hoped anyway. His head shook to try clearing that perticular snarl away. His mom had helped set up a separate bank account for band business and made them keep very careful records. "I'm sure you know how it is with suppliers and trying to negotiate prices Minami-san. However so long as you keep an eye on food prices, or just bring your own, you should be fine coming as is."

Yuko Minami has posed:
Even with as bad as Yuko can be regarding body language sometimes, Hotaka's odd smile doesn't go unnoticed. She opens her mouth and closes it several times, trying to figure out just what she can actually say in response to that. She glances towards Junpei to see if he had noticed the same thing, but eventually says nothing about the topic.

Definitely something to ask about in a more appropriate location, though. With the topic turning to the band jam, Yuko nods in approval at the mention of free admission, but does frown slightly at hearing about the massive cuts. "That sucks. But... Mm. don't think you could get the other bands to agree not to perform without reducing the cuts, do you?"

Hotaka Domen has posed:
'Free Admission' Hotaka let that roll around in his head. He love to go, he really would, but he also knew the more he kept socializing like this, the more he allow himself to step back into the realm of having people close to him...
... The more ammo Alastar would have to make his life miserable and tighter the shackles would become. Because Hotaka knew, without a doubt--- that these two were being lined up on the Demon Warrior's 'hit list' and that could happen /any/ time.

Not just transformed, but even right now.

These thoughts carried over Hotaka's face, showing a thought of concern, worry, a bit of distress as he broke eye contact with either of them and rolled the almost empty bottle between his hands. "I hope they don't cut you guys to deeply, but..." The words linger for a bit. His words heavy on his lips, even as he continues. "I'll have to decline." He looks at them both.

"Maybe... if you guys ever do a CD or have some stuff to download on a MP3 file format, I'll be glad to listen to it." Hotaka says with a soft smile. "I also hope you guys do get some really big notice while out their playing."

"What uh, what kinda music do you guys play?" Hotaka asks, trying to push the topic on before he goes to finish the last of the soda.

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo shook his head at Yuko sadly as he slumped, "The markup was after collective negotiations. Originally they wanted to charge admission, take ninety on mercy, and they get all food sales." In the immortal words of Nathan Explosion. Brutal. "As is we're collectively considering ourselves lucky they bargained down to seventy on mercy and no cover fees." Still very unfair sounding, but at least this way there might be an audience? "We're all unknowns so we don't have much if any leverage. So really as bad as it sounds this really does seem like the only deal we'll get unless somehow money rains from the sky and we can afford better promotion."

He was absorbed in the process of trying to not be bitter at the unfairness of the venue's terms to notice the increasingly glumness Hotaka had. Then the magic question! "Actually yes. Website, pay as you like MP3s, fairly cheap FLAC files. Downloadable art and posters. Shu is bloody brilliant at this stuff, and we're glad to have him as management." He sounded... Pleased as he got an opportunity to go into his music. "A lot of our live music is cover work, but our original tends to be power ballads, or whole albums that collectively have a narrative. OK. Album. If you don't count our theme nights with covers." A helpless shrug as he deflated somewhat. "We would like to put the covers up, but til we sort out the legalities we're erring on caution, which is terribad since I like our hair metal covers. They were fun to make. Kinda hoping we can do remixes next, maybe add some traditional taiko drums in, strings. Nothing overdone just hints of other in with the old."

Yuko Minami has posed:
There's definitely something going on, but what is it? A contagious sickness, perhaps? No, that would have just meant Hotaka not being outside at all. Embarassing gas? Maybe if the food at these events usually wasn't good. The urge to investigate whatever's going on is strong in Yuko, but she'll have to bide her time for now.

"Are you sure? It could be fun." Still furrowing her brow at Hotaka for a little longer, the green-haired girl nods eventually and turns to Junpei while sipping her soda. "I guess the no admission thing makes sense, at least. I mean, to be honest, I... Don't think I'd ever pay for a concert except for maybe one or two groups ever. But I'm sure you'll all do fine. Just keep your hopes up and you'll get your break sooner or later."

She giggles lightly and kicks back in her seat, looking considerably more relaxed than she did prior to the delivery. "Although I guess it is hard getting into music these days with how many people are doing it now..."

Hotaka Domen has posed:
Hotaka doesn't answer Yuko's question nor does he even look at her as she furrows her brow at him. Trying to ignore that 'look', even if it was making him tense up a bit. He does listen to Junpei explain the website and all of the things. Hotaka goes to reach of his cell phone, in order to at least use the notepad section to write down what the address is.

"So... what is the address I can visit this site at?" Hotaka asks him, while ignoring a very prompt remark from the voice in his head.

    'You know... I have decided I don't like her. She is trying to get to close, don't you think?'

Hotaka could only glance over to Yuko. Wishing he could tell her to just--- back away even as she gets all relaxed in her chair, but he doesn't move as takes down the address. "I-- should start to head back." Hotaka says calmly, tucking away his cell phone once more.

He then goes to walk away, "Thanks for the drink... and company. Maybe I'll see you two again sometime."

    'Maybe we can see if she screams as much as she stares.'

Hotaka closes his eyes to that comment with his back thankfully turned as he drops the glass bottle in the recycling bin. His left hand though however was trying to tighten up, but he forced it to relax. "You both have a safe trip home..." He then goes to make his way out and away.

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo nodnodded eagerly at Yuki's assessments, "This is my family's fears as well. Overcrowded market and even with modern methods making it easier to find an audience without a label, most of any profits would be from life shows, and right now any money made is having to get reinvested in equipment, getting CD's made and labeled, merch." He reclined in his seat, apparently at ease. "It is the nature of the beast though. I'm just grateful it's not twenty years ago where you were dependent on record labels, radio play, and CD stores able to kneecap y if any one of them decided they didn't like you."

He fished around in his jacket before pulling out a business card for Hotaka emblazzened with a winged bass guitar, site address, email, an a second card apparently more a folded poster really that was directions to the contest location. He looked at Hotaka curiously then with worry. "Hey dude.... You OK? Then he was gone, leaving Junpei confused and more than a little worried.

Yuko Minami has posed:
That'll have to do for now. Although there's still concern evident in her eyes, Yuko does manage a tired smile at Hotaka. "Alright. It was good meeting you, Domen-san. The store's near the harbor, so feel free to drop by whenever. It's... Not healthy to hold things in. Otherwise, you could make a real bad mess at the worst time possible." She takes a sip of her own drink before nodding at him as he makes his exit, returning to that brighter smile from earlier in the meeting. "Take care!"

Then there's a long sigh. She's not hiding her concern as much as she... Wasn't really hiding it before, but it's a little more apparent now. "That goes for you, too, Matsuo-san. Mm... Hope he'll be okay."

Another sip, and then she rests her elbows on the table while turning to face Junpei fully. "Oh yeah... You left one of those cards at that first day of the festival. Was that on purpose?"

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo nodded slowly, "Well it's the big project thing I've been in for the better part of a year now. Seriously if it wasn't for everyone else I wouldn't have gotten as far as I have even then." Yet he was watching where Hotatahad run off too, "

Hotaka Domen has posed:
Hotaka had taken the card and pretty much left out with no one stopping him. He seem to pretty much go the direction that they came. More then likely was in fact--- on his way out of here. Whatever was up with him would remain a mystery...

Yuko Minami has posed:
"A project, huh? Well, that's always a good way to get your name out if people know to look for them." Yuko nods slowly as she finishes off her ramune, letting out a low sigh of contentment while slouching back in her seat. "Maybe throw some samples onto Nico or other sites somewhere... Maybe even get some advertisers for your site."

She really doesn't want to get up and go back to work just yet.

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo nodded and took a sip of his tea when it arrived before taking a deep breath. "I'm worried about that guy." Domestic problems? Buddy, that's the understatement of ever. "I don't know how to help or if trying to help will just push him away more." There's a touch of regret there as he continued to look out where Hotata left. "Sorry if I'm being super weird about someone I'd just met but he looks like the world's trying to see how much he can carry."

Yuko Minami has posed:
"You too, huh? Yeah, there was something going on before. I dunno what, though, but... Maybe he'll come around." She shrugs lightly and starts flipping her bottle around idly, watching that marble clink around inside of the empty drink. "We can't push too hard, but if he knows he can trust us, maybe we can help with whatever it is."

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo mmed softly, "Noted." There was something on his mind but it was hard to articulate. So on to other subjects. "You do realize I was kidding about the bulk rates right?" There was a sheepish laugh as he glanced around. "What sorta games do you play anyway? My big brother's got this whole retro thing going on. I dunno. Seems like it'd be a headache getting a thirty year old game running."

Yuko Minami has posed:
Yuko chuckles and nods lightly, standing from her seat and stretching her arms out again. "I know. My parents set the prices, though, so I wouldn't be able to get you those discounts even if I tried." She taps that bottle to her chin again as she considers the best way to answer that question. On one hand, he didn't seem the type to look down on her for playing way too many games. On the other hand, it did feel rather strange talking to anyone about this sort of thing.

"Oh, you know. A little bit here and there, no real... Focus. Whatever looks good and isn't too expensive."

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo nodded, "It is what it is and you're happy. We all need ways to unwind and work keeps you on your feet. Just..." He got to his feet after finishing his tea. "One of those things my brother does I've never gotten the appeal of and I wish I did."

Yuko Minami has posed:
Yuko nods slowly and smiles lightly, glancing at her work vest for a moment before turning back to Junpei. "That's true. Mm.. It's not too late to get into it now if you really want to. You just need to find the right... Thing." She brushes the bottom of the vest and her skirt off, then points back towards the direction of the harbor with her thumb. "I should get going. The rest of today's work won't do itself. It was good seeing you again, Matsuo-san."

Junpei Matsuo has posed:
Junpei Matsuo bowed slightly deeper to Minami-san, "Likewise Minami-san. You are an interesting person and I'm glad we seem to keep bumping into each other." He left a few yen on the table as a tip to whoever did cleanup along with cost of the drink. "I do hope you, and MpHptata-san both can make it to the jam session. Should be fun win or lose on my part." He wanted to win, but he didn't want winning to be /everything/.