[ oh, that is entirely too sweet and charming. Nanami looks amused when he accepts the plate, a little enchanted by the small gesture of affection and how naturally it unfolds.
it could so easily tip into an unfavourable direction but right now it's pleasant and almost cosy. ]
Here in Japan or overseas?
[ there are many places in Japan that can offer both big city and beach, but there's a certain appeal to going to another country. Nanami doesn't travel for leisure as much as he would like to. but sometimes he likes to pull up a map and just look at places that might be nice to see. ]
If I sound too much like the Spanish Inquisition, feel free to stop me. [ a pause, a twitch at the corner of his lips. ] If you dare stop an inquisitor, that is.
It doesn't bother me. Isn't the point of a first date to get to know one another?
[ No one has really cared to ask that many questions before now, so Yuji accepts it. If Nanami wants to quiz him on his thoughts and goals, then let him. He can survive something as simple as a question and answer session.
Tapping his chopsticks on his mouth, he considers. ]
Japan would be nice, since that would be easiest. Some of my classmates have said they like going to America, or somewhere else in Asia, where the beaches are all soft sand.
[ Nanami laughs a little at the directness. this has all the markings of a first date, of course, but he wouldn't have called it that, not so directly. young people these days...]
There are nice beaches here too. There's one near Osaka - you'd have a two-in-one if you went there. And Okinawa has beautiful beaches too.
[ he's been there once, a long time ago. back when they were all still young and beautiful little shitheads with not enough common sense. but they had fun together and it's still one of his favourite memories even if they've lost two dear friends along the way. ]
I'd like to see more of Asia myself. It's right at the front door so to speak and yet so overlooked.
[ No one's ever asked him out before! He's doing his best, but he's not sure whether he's behaving in a way someone's supposed to. Are you meant to act shy, and coy, and play like you're not super interested? That seems like a waste of time.
He wants Nanami to know he's into him, just in case he gets the wrong idea. Older men must like directness, right? ]
Osaka would be cool! Maybe I should make a bucket list or something like that to keep track.
[ Yuji pauses, considering. Where else would he like to go? He's not sure, but... He'd like to go places with Nanami, that's for sure. ]
You should take time off and do it. It must be so exciting to go on holiday like that.
[ exciting is for young people. that or a similar tease dances at the tip of his tongue when his brain latches on something else. putting down his chopsticks, he takes a sip of tea, gaze never leaving Yuji. ]
What do you mean by 'first one'? This date?
[ it seems utterly unfathomable to Nanami that Yuji's never gone on a date before. never mind that it's been a while since Nanami has gone on a real date, that's not the point right now. ]
[ Yuji pauses as well, tilting his head to look over at Nanami. He hadn't really thought too hard about it, but... Is that bad? Is there something wrong with it? Maybe he's a little inexperienced, but...
[ this may be the least eloquent Nanami Kento has been in years. even Gojo doesn't catch him by surprise like this anymore and Gojo is so very creative.
is this bad? would he have acted differently if he'd known?
[ Yuji points at himself before he laughs, shaking his head. ]
No way! No one's ever confessed to me before, not even in high school!
[ And he's too busy now to even entertain it with most people; all of his friends at school know his life revolves around school work and earning money to survive on. There's little point asking him out.
Unless you're someone like Nanami, who he can't let escape. ]
[ Nanami finishes the last little squid on his plate and washes it down with more tea. now this has taken a completely unexpected turn, hasn't it? how exciting. he lets a out a sigh. ]
Ah, this is not good. I thought you were a clever little flirt machine that just charms people left and right wherever he goes.
[ not to mention Nanami's assumption there may be an ulterior motive at play here. but that seems entirely unlikely now. a small head shake. ]
Now, I have to make an effort and behave since it's your first. I can't believe you're doing this to me.
[ Why does he feel like this is either really good or really bad? Yuji can't grasp it, but he does give Nanami a sheepish little smile, nibbling on his food absently. Ah... ]
No way! I'm not that kind of person at all! I'm only flirting with Nanamin like this because I like him so much.
[ Woah, embarrassing... Covering his mouth, he shakes his head. ]
I just want you to be yourself. I don't need anything more special than that.
[ 'be yourself'. now that's not a request he gets very often. usually people ask him to be a little less himself and more likeable. at the very least less intimidating?
and here's Itadori Yuji. sunshine boy extraordinaire, blurting out his feelings and other little truths on this first date... somebody should save the young man before it's too late.
Nanami can't recall ever meeting anyone like Yuji before. it's so charming. ]
Fine, then. Let's each be ourselves tonight and keep playing 20 questions. You don't have any other hidden potentially shocking revelations, do you?
[ Yuji is just being himself, or trying to be - it doesn't matter to him about pretence or anything like that, it's not how he was raised. His grandpa told him to be honest, to help people, to be a good kid... That's what he pays attention to. Wanting to be good, and the best that he can be.
A part of him thinks that perhaps he should be a little less honest, to try and play the game a little more, but... He doesn't want to, not when it comes to someone like Nanami. If he hides things and plays games, then Nanami will scold him for it, or dislike him, he's sure of it.
[ nothing wrong with boring or what is perceived as boring. from certain angles, Nanami leads a mostly boring life. Yuji, on the other hand, has the kind of energy that doesn't really go with 'boring'. he just seems to be very bogged down by life at the moment. a wry smile. ]
But thanks for being so open and honest about it.
[ honesty is a rare commodity in the circles Nanami moves in these days. there's unspoken conventions, different sets of rules, the necessity to switch out one mask for another. if Yuji sticks around, he may have to learn that game. or maybe not. maybe being associated with Fushiguro and the whole power house behind that is enough to keep busy mouths shut.
would Itadori Yuji fit, Nanami wonders. there's no doubt that Fushiguro and Gojo would do everything to make him feel welcome, but would Yuji like it? ]
I'll say a thing now, and hope you don't throw hot tea in my face. When I came here tonight, part of me was curious about the flirting machine you've been advertising to me, but a small part was also half-expecting this to be the prelude to being asked a favour or two.
I don't think that anymore, clearly you're not that type of person, but I wanted to return a bit of the honesty you've granted me so graciously so far.
I don't have much of a reason to lie to you, Nanamin, so what would be the point?
[ Still, the man keeps going, and Yuji's eyes widen at the realisation.
Nanami thinking that he's some kid that wants to - what, use him for his money? Ask for help with university or something? It tugs a frown onto his face immediately, blinking up at him as he wilts a little. Is that really the impression he gave? That's a little pathetic, isn't it...?
No. He's spent so long taking care of himself, working hard, refusing help from so many people, there's no way he would go out of his way to do something like this just for the sake of money. That's so lame... Putting his chopsticks down, he swallows. ]
M'not gonna throw tea at you.
[ He can't really look at Nanami now, a little embarrassed. ]
I didn't even think about that at all. I just wanted to spend more time with you, not... Do that.
Yes, I know that now. Like I said, it was only a small part of me that was wondering.
[ he reaches out, hand covering Yuji's wrist briefly, giving it a reassuring squeeze. the thing is if that had been Yuji's intention, Nanami wouldn't even be terribly mad about it. but this is better. ]
I'm sorry for ruining the mood. Will you forgive me?
[ he believes Yuji. how can he not when the young man smiles like that and has been nothing but honest and open? he could have trusted Fushiguro's judgement, or his own after their brief encounter. but he's too old to trust first impressions or other people's judgement anymore.
fortunately this seems to be working out in his favour after all. inexplicably. ]
If you haven't made plans for your 'bit of time in the summer', you could make the rounds at the summer soirees with me.
[ Yuji nods, humming, seeming pleased by the acceptance - as long as they're on the same page.
It's not like he's here because he wants to scam Nanami out of money or anything like that; he really is doing okay on his own, even if it's tight sometimes and even if he's a little too busy for life a lot of the time. Having a rare night off like this is a gift, and he's glad he's getting to spend it with Nanami.
Getting another drink, he tilts his head at the offer, eyes widening briefly. ]
[ it might raise a few eyebrows if they show up together, considering Nanami's forever bachelor reputation, Yuji's non-existent footprint in those circles, but perhaps by then he'll be an established connection of Fushiguro's.
but even if he isn't, it wouldn't matter. it's not like Yuji needs it if he shows up with Nanami. ]
They won't be as spectacular as the Gojo party but they're not too horrible.
[ It's optimistic, really. The idea that he and Nanami might still be spending time with one another in summer, that they'd be dating after this... He feels giddy at the prospect, and has to take a quick sip of his drink to calm himself down, to stop himself being too... Much.
Nanami Kento is known to be a highly eligible yet perpetual bachelor. for a while there were rumours that he and the other perpetual bachelor by the name of Gojo were secretly a thing but that was just gossip. they know each other too well to think they could be anything but friends at this point. and hardly anyone can recall the last time either one of them has been in a serious relationship. for Nanami to make plans for summer, well, that's definitely something.
he wouldn't see it that way of course. there's no way of knowing if they'll still be on speaking terms come summer. however. why not plan ahead as if they will be? that's the fun of it all, no? ]
Hmm, fine, if you're so sure, how can I refuse to believe you?
As far as he's concerned, it'll be a nice night out with Nanami, and that's what he's looking forward to most. He'd been a little uncomfortable with the intensity of everything at Gojo-san's place, so being able to relax and have Nanami to lean on, as a kind of comfort blanket, was appealing too.
Everything about spending time with him was appealing.
Feeling the energy bubble up inside of him, he beams. ]
[ confidence is key to surviving all these well-to-do pretty sharks. Nanami will make sure it will be a nice night for Yuji - those summer parties are less political and ego driven than the charity functions - and it will be a good opportunity to introduce Yuji to a few people who might be helpful in the future.
knowing the few he has in mind, he's sure Yuji will have them eating out of his palm in no time. who could resist that cheerful smile, really? ]
[ Yuji is already thinking about being able to be on Nanami's arm, seeing him all dressed up, looking handsome, hearing him talk shop or whatever to people while he nods along... He can't wait to see the man he likes all dressed up again, handsome and smart, the kind of thing that has him flustered and embarrassed when he thinks too hard about it.
He has no idea why Nanami is interested in him, some silly kid trying hard just to graduate, but...
This attention is all he wants, so he'll take it greedily for as long as he can. ]
Yeah? I suppose we have to match our outfits, don't we? That'll be fun!
[ matching their outfits to the occasion is only part of the reason why Nanami's suggested taking Yuji shopping. another part, the bigger part, is that the idea of dressing the young man up is highly appealing to him. that, too, is new and unusual.
Nanami hasn't felt the desire to spoil anyone before but with this cheerful and upbeat creature, Nanami finds himself wanting to spoil him rotten. ]
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it could so easily tip into an unfavourable direction but right now it's pleasant and almost cosy. ]
Here in Japan or overseas?
[ there are many places in Japan that can offer both big city and beach, but there's a certain appeal to going to another country. Nanami doesn't travel for leisure as much as he would like to. but sometimes he likes to pull up a map and just look at places that might be nice to see. ]
If I sound too much like the Spanish Inquisition, feel free to stop me. [ a pause, a twitch at the corner of his lips. ] If you dare stop an inquisitor, that is.
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[ No one has really cared to ask that many questions before now, so Yuji accepts it. If Nanami wants to quiz him on his thoughts and goals, then let him. He can survive something as simple as a question and answer session.
Tapping his chopsticks on his mouth, he considers. ]
Japan would be nice, since that would be easiest. Some of my classmates have said they like going to America, or somewhere else in Asia, where the beaches are all soft sand.
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[ Nanami laughs a little at the directness. this has all the markings of a first date, of course, but he wouldn't have called it that, not so directly. young people these days...]
There are nice beaches here too. There's one near Osaka - you'd have a two-in-one if you went there. And Okinawa has beautiful beaches too.
[ he's been there once, a long time ago. back when they were all still young and beautiful little shitheads with not enough common sense. but they had fun together and it's still one of his favourite memories even if they've lost two dear friends along the way. ]
I'd like to see more of Asia myself. It's right at the front door so to speak and yet so overlooked.
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[ No one's ever asked him out before! He's doing his best, but he's not sure whether he's behaving in a way someone's supposed to. Are you meant to act shy, and coy, and play like you're not super interested? That seems like a waste of time.
He wants Nanami to know he's into him, just in case he gets the wrong idea. Older men must like directness, right? ]
Osaka would be cool! Maybe I should make a bucket list or something like that to keep track.
[ Yuji pauses, considering. Where else would he like to go? He's not sure, but... He'd like to go places with Nanami, that's for sure. ]
You should take time off and do it. It must be so exciting to go on holiday like that.
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What do you mean by 'first one'? This date?
[ it seems utterly unfathomable to Nanami that Yuji's never gone on a date before. never mind that it's been a while since Nanami has gone on a real date, that's not the point right now. ]
You're joking, right?
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[ Yuji pauses as well, tilting his head to look over at Nanami. He hadn't really thought too hard about it, but... Is that bad? Is there something wrong with it? Maybe he's a little inexperienced, but...
Ducking his head a little, he breathes out. ]
No, it's not a joke, Nanamin...
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[ this may be the least eloquent Nanami Kento has been in years. even Gojo doesn't catch him by surprise like this anymore and Gojo is so very creative.
is this bad? would he have acted differently if he'd known?
most likely not. ]
Sorry, it's just. You seem like the popular type.
[ or perhaps Yuji is just Nanami's type. ]
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[ Yuji points at himself before he laughs, shaking his head. ]
No way! No one's ever confessed to me before, not even in high school!
[ And he's too busy now to even entertain it with most people; all of his friends at school know his life revolves around school work and earning money to survive on. There's little point asking him out.
Unless you're someone like Nanami, who he can't let escape. ]
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Ah, this is not good. I thought you were a clever little flirt machine that just charms people left and right wherever he goes.
[ not to mention Nanami's assumption there may be an ulterior motive at play here. but that seems entirely unlikely now. a small head shake. ]
Now, I have to make an effort and behave since it's your first. I can't believe you're doing this to me.
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No way! I'm not that kind of person at all! I'm only flirting with Nanamin like this because I like him so much.
[ Woah, embarrassing... Covering his mouth, he shakes his head. ]
I just want you to be yourself. I don't need anything more special than that.
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[ 'be yourself'. now that's not a request he gets very often. usually people ask him to be a little less himself and more likeable. at the very least less intimidating?
and here's Itadori Yuji. sunshine boy extraordinaire, blurting out his feelings and other little truths on this first date... somebody should save the young man before it's too late.
Nanami can't recall ever meeting anyone like Yuji before. it's so charming. ]
Fine, then. Let's each be ourselves tonight and keep playing 20 questions. You don't have any other hidden potentially shocking revelations, do you?
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[ Yuji is just being himself, or trying to be - it doesn't matter to him about pretence or anything like that, it's not how he was raised. His grandpa told him to be honest, to help people, to be a good kid... That's what he pays attention to. Wanting to be good, and the best that he can be.
A part of him thinks that perhaps he should be a little less honest, to try and play the game a little more, but... He doesn't want to, not when it comes to someone like Nanami. If he hides things and plays games, then Nanami will scold him for it, or dislike him, he's sure of it.
Taking another sip of his drink, he nods. ]
Nope. I'm actually super boring, you know.
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[ nothing wrong with boring or what is perceived as boring. from certain angles, Nanami leads a mostly boring life. Yuji, on the other hand, has the kind of energy that doesn't really go with 'boring'. he just seems to be very bogged down by life at the moment. a wry smile. ]
But thanks for being so open and honest about it.
[ honesty is a rare commodity in the circles Nanami moves in these days. there's unspoken conventions, different sets of rules, the necessity to switch out one mask for another. if Yuji sticks around, he may have to learn that game. or maybe not. maybe being associated with Fushiguro and the whole power house behind that is enough to keep busy mouths shut.
would Itadori Yuji fit, Nanami wonders. there's no doubt that Fushiguro and Gojo would do everything to make him feel welcome, but would Yuji like it? ]
I'll say a thing now, and hope you don't throw hot tea in my face. When I came here tonight, part of me was curious about the flirting machine you've been advertising to me, but a small part was also half-expecting this to be the prelude to being asked a favour or two.
I don't think that anymore, clearly you're not that type of person, but I wanted to return a bit of the honesty you've granted me so graciously so far.
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[ Still, the man keeps going, and Yuji's eyes widen at the realisation.
Nanami thinking that he's some kid that wants to - what, use him for his money? Ask for help with university or something? It tugs a frown onto his face immediately, blinking up at him as he wilts a little. Is that really the impression he gave? That's a little pathetic, isn't it...?
No. He's spent so long taking care of himself, working hard, refusing help from so many people, there's no way he would go out of his way to do something like this just for the sake of money. That's so lame... Putting his chopsticks down, he swallows. ]
M'not gonna throw tea at you.
[ He can't really look at Nanami now, a little embarrassed. ]
I didn't even think about that at all. I just wanted to spend more time with you, not... Do that.
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[ he reaches out, hand covering Yuji's wrist briefly, giving it a reassuring squeeze. the thing is if that had been Yuji's intention, Nanami wouldn't even be terribly mad about it. but this is better. ]
I'm sorry for ruining the mood. Will you forgive me?
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[ Yuji turns his head, so that he can link his fingers with Nanami's briefly, smile warm. ]
I forgive you, promise.
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[ he believes Yuji. how can he not when the young man smiles like that and has been nothing but honest and open? he could have trusted Fushiguro's judgement, or his own after their brief encounter. but he's too old to trust first impressions or other people's judgement anymore.
fortunately this seems to be working out in his favour after all. inexplicably. ]
If you haven't made plans for your 'bit of time in the summer', you could make the rounds at the summer soirees with me.
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It's not like he's here because he wants to scam Nanami out of money or anything like that; he really is doing okay on his own, even if it's tight sometimes and even if he's a little too busy for life a lot of the time. Having a rare night off like this is a gift, and he's glad he's getting to spend it with Nanami.
Getting another drink, he tilts his head at the offer, eyes widening briefly. ]
Like... As your date?
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[ it might raise a few eyebrows if they show up together, considering Nanami's forever bachelor reputation, Yuji's non-existent footprint in those circles, but perhaps by then he'll be an established connection of Fushiguro's.
but even if he isn't, it wouldn't matter. it's not like Yuji needs it if he shows up with Nanami. ]
They won't be as spectacular as the Gojo party but they're not too horrible.
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[ It's optimistic, really. The idea that he and Nanami might still be spending time with one another in summer, that they'd be dating after this... He feels giddy at the prospect, and has to take a quick sip of his drink to calm himself down, to stop himself being too... Much.
He's been told that in the past.
Turning back, he grins. ]
It'll be great, because we'll be there together.
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[ it's highly optimistic.
Nanami Kento is known to be a highly eligible yet perpetual bachelor. for a while there were rumours that he and the other perpetual bachelor by the name of Gojo were secretly a thing but that was just gossip. they know each other too well to think they could be anything but friends at this point. and hardly anyone can recall the last time either one of them has been in a serious relationship. for Nanami to make plans for summer, well, that's definitely something.
he wouldn't see it that way of course. there's no way of knowing if they'll still be on speaking terms come summer. however. why not plan ahead as if they will be? that's the fun of it all, no? ]
Hmm, fine, if you're so sure, how can I refuse to believe you?
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[ Yuji doesn't know anything about this world.
As far as he's concerned, it'll be a nice night out with Nanami, and that's what he's looking forward to most. He'd been a little uncomfortable with the intensity of everything at Gojo-san's place, so being able to relax and have Nanami to lean on, as a kind of comfort blanket, was appealing too.
Everything about spending time with him was appealing.
Feeling the energy bubble up inside of him, he beams. ]
I'll make sure I look as good as I can, okay?
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[ confidence is key to surviving all these well-to-do pretty sharks. Nanami will make sure it will be a nice night for Yuji - those summer parties are less political and ego driven than the charity functions - and it will be a good opportunity to introduce Yuji to a few people who might be helpful in the future.
knowing the few he has in mind, he's sure Yuji will have them eating out of his palm in no time. who could resist that cheerful smile, really? ]
Or. We could go shopping together.
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He has no idea why Nanami is interested in him, some silly kid trying hard just to graduate, but...
This attention is all he wants, so he'll take it greedily for as long as he can. ]
Yeah? I suppose we have to match our outfits, don't we? That'll be fun!
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[ matching their outfits to the occasion is only part of the reason why Nanami's suggested taking Yuji shopping. another part, the bigger part, is that the idea of dressing the young man up is highly appealing to him. that, too, is new and unusual.
Nanami hasn't felt the desire to spoil anyone before but with this cheerful and upbeat creature, Nanami finds himself wanting to spoil him rotten. ]
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