[ The little snort has Yuji looking up, shy, as if he's done something wrong, but... The warmish expression on Nanami-san's face is worth any kind of embarrassment, and it makes him feel a little aching giddiness inside of him. He wants to keep making this man laugh, he thinks, keep making him smile, all those handsome features settling into something that has Yuji yearning.
Silly thoughts, for a guy he just met. ]
Maybe! I don't think I'd be all that good at handling any of this kind of thing.
[ The true value of these parties...? Yuji blinks at him, owlish, before he shakes his head and waves his hands, looking sheepish all over again. He keeps making a fool out of himself, doesn't he? No way this guy is going to be interested in someone like him. ]
I just wanted to come here and help Fushiguro with whatever he needed. I wasn't thinking about 'value' or anything like that? Just him.
[ Maybe he is acting like a little bit of an idiot... ]
I'm doing general studies right now. I thought about being a firefighter for a while, but my grandpa wanted me to go to university before I died, so I'm doing my best.
[ said in a neutral tone as Nanami adjusts his impression of Megumi's friend. not that he thought the young man was an ambitious opportunist but the complete disregard of the networking opportunities is, well. surprising.
as Yuji continues, Nanami finds his interest piqued. it's quite a stretch from firefighter to getting a degree, and as far as he knows Fushiguro picked one of the top three universities in the country which don't come cheap. he turns slightly towards Itadori, polite interest yielding to more genuine curiosity. ]
[ Life might have been easier if he had been willing to give it all up and just fight fires, or done some kind of easier, cheaper route, but... He wanted to do what he could, to make his grandpa proud. He might have lost his grandpa sooner than he'd have liked, but the truth is that it just made him all the more determined.
Turning his head to look at Nanami again, he smiles softly. ]
I'm not really sure what I want to do after university, but I'm not sure if I'm even going to be able to graduate right now, so I'll worry about that later!
[ shit is indeed expensive. which is why it's surprising to hear that this young man is going through it just to appease a deceased grandfather, and without knowing if it will help him at all.
however. while it would be easy to write Itadori off as one of those kids who don't know what to do with themselves, Nanami doesn't. there's the fact that Fushiguro is fond enough of this boy to introduce him to Nanami, but what's more important is that Nanami believes that Yuji wants to help and save people. there was no pretence or ego in those words. ]
Frankly, potentially not being able to graduate doesn't sound like something you should 'worry about later'.
[ he is nothing if not practical. of course it may not be his place to say anything, seeing how they're practically strangers, but there's something about the young man, that makes it tempting to take an interest in him. ]
[ It seemed easy to him, once, the idea of just going off and fighting fires, or being some kind of service worker, anything that would fulfil that duty or feeling inside of him. He doesn't worry too much about that now, though, because there are other things on his mind - he has to deal with the knowledge of his growing debts, that he has to keep his grades up, that one failure could have him losing his entire future.
Looking back at Nanami, he shakes his head a little, trying to seem as optimistic as possible despite... Not feeling that way completely. ]
Oh, it's just my scholarship. It covers a lot of things, but not everything, and trying to do my jobs and keep my grades up has been difficult the last few weeks. Coming here is the first break I've had in a long time!
[ He waves a hand, trying not to let his concern show. ]
It'll be fine, I just need to get a few more shifts and then it'll all work out. I'm going to work hard!
[ ah, money. of course. that answers the question of how Itadori could afford attending the same university as Fushiguro-kun.
the young man seems cheerful enough, though, so Nanami assumes for the time being that perhaps it's not too bad and that the comment about not knowing whether he can graduate may have been hyperbole. not intentionally, but he remembers that at that age, he too felt more intensely about things that in hindsight are rather trivial. ]
Scholarships are a blessing and a plague. Not enough to live off, but too much to die for at the same time.
[ the work ethics is commendable even though Nanami doesn't think that working more shifts will solve the money problem. working harder doesn't always pay off. financially it may help, but people who work hard have to pay for it in other areas. ]
[ Yuji can admit that things could be worse. He could’ve had no home and no friends, with no future - but he did well and worked hard and now he’s studying. Maybe it would be better if he didn’t have to work so hard, but that’s not really the mindset that he has - he doesn’t mind putting in one hundred percent if it means he’ll succeed in the end.
Fushiguro had already been such a big help, and having the chance to enjoy himself outside of school and work is a blessing itself. Being able to spend a little time with someone as handsome - and as kind seeming - as this Nanami-san was excellent too, and he’s enjoying himself.
Even if they’re just talking about school. ]
Yeah, it’s like that! So I need my jobs to pay for my apartment and groceries, that kind of thing. It could be worse, though, so I can’t be mad about it!
[ Or he could, but Yuji isn’t like that…
His smile softens as he watches Nanami. He wants to know more about him, too… ]
There’s a coffee shop, ‘Lots a Latte’? I work there. And then I clean the store below my apartment at night.
[ things can always be worse. things can also always be better. Nanami can see that Yuji is doing the best he can in his current situation. still he believes that the young man could do better with a few adjustments. it's not really his place to say anything, though, but he could have a word with Fushiguro sometime regarding his interesting friend he's made.
the name of the coffee shop does ring a bell - that kind of name would, wouldn't it? - but Nanami can't quite place it or recall if he's been there before. maybe he's passed by or heard Ijichi talk about it. probably the latter. Kiyotaka does love his caffeine and bad word play. ]
That's a rather tight schedule you have there. It's been a while since I went to uni but I can't imagine that the work load has grown smaller.
[ he also can't imagine coffee shops paying well enough to make it worth anyone's time. so they have to rely on students who can't be too picky yet. ]
I reckon I shouldn't monopolise your time if this is the first break you've had in a long time.
[ It is tight, and Yuji’s had offers from people to help him out, Fushiguro included, but he doesn’t feel right taking them. Megumi had offered to let him move in and he had declined, because the apartment he’s living in is the one he’d picked out with his grandpa before he’d died. The money he earns is his and he’s proud of the work he does, even if it doesn’t seem like much to anyone else.
This is the world he’s made for himself, and he’s not embarrassed or ashamed of the way he lives. He’s finding his own little spots of happiness, and that’s enough for him.
The threat of Nanami leaving has him reaching out without thinking, though, to grab hold of the sleeve of his fancy suit jacket, Yuji’s eyes widening. ]
I don’t mind if you monopolise me! Or - my time, I mean. I’m having a lot of fun talking to you.
[ Then, realising what he’s done, he drops his fingers away shyly. ]
I mean… I- sorry. I don’t want you to leave, that’s all.
[ The laugh is kind of... Cute, actually? Yuji likes it. ]
I wouldn't mind that, if it was someone I liked.
[ Or someone like Nanami, who is seriously interesting and makes Yuji want to give him more of his time. At least he's managed to find a way to get this man to stay at his side for a bit longer, his expression softening briefly before he smiles.
It's exciting, even if it might just be for tonight. It's almost like playing pretend a little. ]
I like to read a little, and I try to play spots whenever I can. Baseball, basketball, that kind of thing. I want to keep fit as well.
[ he's grown so used to people saying one thing and meaning another, or hiding meaning under layers and layers of pleasantries that Yuji's lack of a filter is refreshing. it seems genuine too, that guilelessness that reminds him of someone he used to know.
propping his elbow up on the back of the bench, he rests his cheek against his curled fingers, as he listens. ]
All that as well? That's really impressive.
[ it takes a lot of discipline to maintain that kind of a schedule. Nanami doesn't know a lot of people who would keep up with that. ]
[ Yuji is a poor liar, always has been, people reading through any attempts he makes - mostly because he doesn't think things like lies through and says whatever first thought comes to his mind. It makes problems for everyone if he attempts to fabricate things, and he prefers to tell the truth anyway. Lying feels weird.
The new angle on Nanami's face... Yuji licks his lips absently. ]
It's normal, isn't it? University students are busy.
[ It's not that big a deal to him, since he's used to the hard work. It could be worse? ]
I don't think that. I think... You all have so many things you do, such exciting jobs, even if they seem boring to you. All of it is fascinating when you're someone like me.
[ oh no, oh baby, don't make him go on a rant about how work is SHIT. he only started because he had to and now he's trapped in that hamster wheel (that rakes in a shit ton of money); no slowing down in sight, at least not in the near future.
at some point in life he must have felt the same as Yuji. must have or else he wouldn't be where is he now. regrets? hush, that's not a topic for company as charming as this boy. ]
[ Yuji looks away, a little sheepish - it's embarrassing, to lay himself bare as he sits next to a relative stranger, his cheeks going red. He feels sheepish, especially when he thinks Nanami-san is so cool and interesting, that his own experiences are a little...
Well. Pathetic is a word, isn't it? ]
I'm an orphan, so I didn't get to do a lot of exciting things as a kid, and now I'm so busy that it kind of feels like I'm just floating along until I figure it out. You seem really cool and put together, so of course it's fascinating to see someone like that up close.
You're very kind, but I'm quite boring, I assure you.
[ Nanami doesn't consider himself particularly cool or interesting - the side-effects of more or less growing up alongside one Gojo Satoru - so he doesn't take the small signs of interest from Itadori serious. interest is just a fleeting fancy at these kinds of parties. as soon as they part ways, Nanami is sure the boy will forget this conversation. ]
If you would take a piece of advice from a relative stranger, however, I'd suggest you take some time and figure out what you want for yourself. Being that busy without having an idea why you're doing it can be exhausting, and you're too young to burn out already.
[ Yuji finds him fascinating. This cool, adult male who doesn't seem totally wrapped up in the silly things like Gojo-san was, no matter how Fushiguro supported him. He seems put together, and strong, and the fact that he's been so kind to Yuji isn't something he'd forget.
Leaning back, he hums a little, nodding his head. ]
Right now... It's the only way I can survive. If I stop working or lose my grades I'll be kicked out! So it's fine for now.
Edited 2024-03-25 21:04 (UTC)
that icon 👀👀👀 - wrapping this up so we can move on to the date or something established😏
[ maybe it's better to get the suffering out of the way during one's youth when there's more resilience and a higher chance at bouncing back. what's remarkable is how cheerful this young man seems to be despite everything.
before Nanami can say anything else, another man joins them. black hair, black suit, glasses slightly askew on his narrow nose, looking utterly hassled, perhaps near tears as he approaches them with a breathless 'Nanami-san!'. ]
Ah, there you are. I thought you'd ditched me for Ieiri-san again.
[ Nanami rises to his feet to the sound of Ijichi's soft complaints about Gojo and Ieiri. it gets a soft laugh out of Nanami, not entirely unsympathetic, but he knows his PA actually enjoys being harassed by the other two. ]
Young man, it was a pleasure, but I must take my leave now before I turn into a pumpkin.
[ he gives Yuji's shoulder a firm pat, and throws a casual 'don't die from exhaustion, and finish uni, ok?' over his shoulder. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Silly thoughts, for a guy he just met. ]
Maybe! I don't think I'd be all that good at handling any of this kind of thing.
[ The true value of these parties...? Yuji blinks at him, owlish, before he shakes his head and waves his hands, looking sheepish all over again. He keeps making a fool out of himself, doesn't he? No way this guy is going to be interested in someone like him. ]
I just wanted to come here and help Fushiguro with whatever he needed. I wasn't thinking about 'value' or anything like that? Just him.
[ Maybe he is acting like a little bit of an idiot... ]
I'm doing general studies right now. I thought about being a firefighter for a while, but my grandpa wanted me to go to university before I died, so I'm doing my best.
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[ said in a neutral tone as Nanami adjusts his impression of Megumi's friend. not that he thought the young man was an ambitious opportunist but the complete disregard of the networking opportunities is, well. surprising.
as Yuji continues, Nanami finds his interest piqued. it's quite a stretch from firefighter to getting a degree, and as far as he knows Fushiguro picked one of the top three universities in the country which don't come cheap. he turns slightly towards Itadori, polite interest yielding to more genuine curiosity. ]
Why a firefighter?
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[ Life might have been easier if he had been willing to give it all up and just fight fires, or done some kind of easier, cheaper route, but... He wanted to do what he could, to make his grandpa proud. He might have lost his grandpa sooner than he'd have liked, but the truth is that it just made him all the more determined.
Turning his head to look at Nanami again, he smiles softly. ]
I'm not really sure what I want to do after university, but I'm not sure if I'm even going to be able to graduate right now, so I'll worry about that later!
[ Shit's expensive, Nanami. ]
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however. while it would be easy to write Itadori off as one of those kids who don't know what to do with themselves, Nanami doesn't. there's the fact that Fushiguro is fond enough of this boy to introduce him to Nanami, but what's more important is that Nanami believes that Yuji wants to help and save people. there was no pretence or ego in those words. ]
Frankly, potentially not being able to graduate doesn't sound like something you should 'worry about later'.
[ he is nothing if not practical. of course it may not be his place to say anything, seeing how they're practically strangers, but there's something about the young man, that makes it tempting to take an interest in him. ]
What's the main concern?
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Looking back at Nanami, he shakes his head a little, trying to seem as optimistic as possible despite... Not feeling that way completely. ]
Oh, it's just my scholarship. It covers a lot of things, but not everything, and trying to do my jobs and keep my grades up has been difficult the last few weeks. Coming here is the first break I've had in a long time!
[ He waves a hand, trying not to let his concern show. ]
It'll be fine, I just need to get a few more shifts and then it'll all work out. I'm going to work hard!
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the young man seems cheerful enough, though, so Nanami assumes for the time being that perhaps it's not too bad and that the comment about not knowing whether he can graduate may have been hyperbole. not intentionally, but he remembers that at that age, he too felt more intensely about things that in hindsight are rather trivial. ]
Scholarships are a blessing and a plague. Not enough to live off, but too much to die for at the same time.
[ the work ethics is commendable even though Nanami doesn't think that working more shifts will solve the money problem. working harder doesn't always pay off. financially it may help, but people who work hard have to pay for it in other areas. ]
Where do you work?
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Fushiguro had already been such a big help, and having the chance to enjoy himself outside of school and work is a blessing itself. Being able to spend a little time with someone as handsome - and as kind seeming - as this Nanami-san was excellent too, and he’s enjoying himself.
Even if they’re just talking about school. ]
Yeah, it’s like that! So I need my jobs to pay for my apartment and groceries, that kind of thing. It could be worse, though, so I can’t be mad about it!
[ Or he could, but Yuji isn’t like that…
His smile softens as he watches Nanami. He wants to know more about him, too… ]
There’s a coffee shop, ‘Lots a Latte’? I work there. And then I clean the store below my apartment at night.
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the name of the coffee shop does ring a bell - that kind of name would, wouldn't it? - but Nanami can't quite place it or recall if he's been there before. maybe he's passed by or heard Ijichi talk about it. probably the latter. Kiyotaka does love his caffeine and bad word play. ]
That's a rather tight schedule you have there. It's been a while since I went to uni but I can't imagine that the work load has grown smaller.
[ he also can't imagine coffee shops paying well enough to make it worth anyone's time. so they have to rely on students who can't be too picky yet. ]
I reckon I shouldn't monopolise your time if this is the first break you've had in a long time.
no subject
[ It is tight, and Yuji’s had offers from people to help him out, Fushiguro included, but he doesn’t feel right taking them. Megumi had offered to let him move in and he had declined, because the apartment he’s living in is the one he’d picked out with his grandpa before he’d died. The money he earns is his and he’s proud of the work he does, even if it doesn’t seem like much to anyone else.
This is the world he’s made for himself, and he’s not embarrassed or ashamed of the way he lives. He’s finding his own little spots of happiness, and that’s enough for him.
The threat of Nanami leaving has him reaching out without thinking, though, to grab hold of the sleeve of his fancy suit jacket, Yuji’s eyes widening. ]
I don’t mind if you monopolise me! Or - my time, I mean. I’m having a lot of fun talking to you.
[ Then, realising what he’s done, he drops his fingers away shyly. ]
I mean… I- sorry. I don’t want you to leave, that’s all.
no subject
Do you now?
[ Nanami isn't a dull person, but he knows people tend to be intimidated by his... personality and as such, most are grateful to leave his orbit. ]
Don't say those things about your time lightly. Some people might take your up on it.
[ another soft, good-natured laugh. since his driver is still nowhere to be found, there is no harm in staying a while longer. ]
So what do you do outside of uni and work? If you have time that is.
no subject
I wouldn't mind that, if it was someone I liked.
[ Or someone like Nanami, who is seriously interesting and makes Yuji want to give him more of his time. At least he's managed to find a way to get this man to stay at his side for a bit longer, his expression softening briefly before he smiles.
It's exciting, even if it might just be for tonight. It's almost like playing pretend a little. ]
I like to read a little, and I try to play spots whenever I can. Baseball, basketball, that kind of thing. I want to keep fit as well.
[ This is his tightly packed schedule. ]
no subject
propping his elbow up on the back of the bench, he rests his cheek against his curled fingers, as he listens. ]
All that as well? That's really impressive.
[ it takes a lot of discipline to maintain that kind of a schedule. Nanami doesn't know a lot of people who would keep up with that. ]
We must all seem terribly dull to you.
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The new angle on Nanami's face... Yuji licks his lips absently. ]
It's normal, isn't it? University students are busy.
[ It's not that big a deal to him, since he's used to the hard work. It could be worse? ]
I don't think that. I think... You all have so many things you do, such exciting jobs, even if they seem boring to you. All of it is fascinating when you're someone like me.
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at some point in life he must have felt the same as Yuji. must have or else he wouldn't be where is he now. regrets? hush, that's not a topic for company as charming as this boy. ]
Someone like you?
no subject
[ Yuji looks away, a little sheepish - it's embarrassing, to lay himself bare as he sits next to a relative stranger, his cheeks going red. He feels sheepish, especially when he thinks Nanami-san is so cool and interesting, that his own experiences are a little...
Well. Pathetic is a word, isn't it? ]
I'm an orphan, so I didn't get to do a lot of exciting things as a kid, and now I'm so busy that it kind of feels like I'm just floating along until I figure it out. You seem really cool and put together, so of course it's fascinating to see someone like that up close.
no subject
[ Nanami doesn't consider himself particularly cool or interesting - the side-effects of more or less growing up alongside one Gojo Satoru - so he doesn't take the small signs of interest from Itadori serious. interest is just a fleeting fancy at these kinds of parties. as soon as they part ways, Nanami is sure the boy will forget this conversation. ]
If you would take a piece of advice from a relative stranger, however, I'd suggest you take some time and figure out what you want for yourself. Being that busy without having an idea why you're doing it can be exhausting, and you're too young to burn out already.
no subject
[ Yuji finds him fascinating. This cool, adult male who doesn't seem totally wrapped up in the silly things like Gojo-san was, no matter how Fushiguro supported him. He seems put together, and strong, and the fact that he's been so kind to Yuji isn't something he'd forget.
Leaning back, he hums a little, nodding his head. ]
Right now... It's the only way I can survive. If I stop working or lose my grades I'll be kicked out! So it's fine for now.
that icon 👀👀👀 - wrapping this up so we can move on to the date or something established😏
[ maybe it's better to get the suffering out of the way during one's youth when there's more resilience and a higher chance at bouncing back. what's remarkable is how cheerful this young man seems to be despite everything.
before Nanami can say anything else, another man joins them. black hair, black suit, glasses slightly askew on his narrow nose, looking utterly hassled, perhaps near tears as he approaches them with a breathless 'Nanami-san!'. ]
Ah, there you are. I thought you'd ditched me for Ieiri-san again.
[ Nanami rises to his feet to the sound of Ijichi's soft complaints about Gojo and Ieiri. it gets a soft laugh out of Nanami, not entirely unsympathetic, but he knows his PA actually enjoys being harassed by the other two. ]
Young man, it was a pleasure, but I must take my leave now before I turn into a pumpkin.
[ he gives Yuji's shoulder a firm pat, and throws a casual 'don't die from exhaustion, and finish uni, ok?' over his shoulder. ]