/jp/ - Otaku Culture

>>47196485
"You're a Youkai right? It's not like I hold any grudge against your kind, but that building, the HSE, the community that's formed around it, if I do anything hasty now, it could prove disastrous. I hope you understand." He explained.

Reservations due to a current crisis, I got that and had a response ready for it. However when I opened my mouth no words came out, I tried again and... nothing. What the hell was this?! I'd cracked deals under many times the pressure, life-or-death scenarios, I secured a building contract from the Yakumo herself! What was I having trouble here for? It all felt so stupid... I shouldn't be here, it wasn't my place to stand with someone, just a passing fancy, I should be ashamed-

'Is that what you really think?' I heard a smug voice say.
'Now, now. Everyone fumbles at one time or another.' A calming voice interjected.
The world froze and everything bought Fuyuichirou and two figures behind him seem to fall away.
'Can't believe you actually did it, what's more, I can't believe Fuyu-Chan isn't a blabbering mess right now!' the ghostly image of Goro said, poking the frozen man's cheek. 'He's always been weak to girls, even though they all feel safe around him, he can't feel the least bit of ease when they get close to him!'
'Yeah, some woman take a man's fortitude for granted, but the toils of life and feminine charms are two different things.' Anon smiled crossing his arms.
'What are you two saying? And, wait, I'm angry at you guys right now! You egged me into coming here unprepared and now he's rejecting me.' I spat.
'Losing him? I'd say this is the closest you've ever been to having him.' Anon said. 'Sometimes you have to be a little persistent if you're the one doing the chasing right?'
'Yeah, what, a client tells you no and you take that on faith?' Goro laughed. 'I remember selling distilled water to Kappa, do you know how much I had to wear them down for them to see reason? "Oh, why would we need water for cleaning when we got a whole river!" They'll call me a saint in years to come who saved all their irreplaceable equipment for my insistence.'
'So what? I'm just supposed to argue against it being dangerous to be with a Youkai right now? Because we all know it very well is!' I said.
'Do you like him.' Anon asked, scratching his neck.
'Yes, I do, but-'
'Then you'll figure it out.' Anon said with a smile. 'By the way, I have no idea what you'll say and, despite what he might tell you, I'm sure Goro's just as stumped.'
Goro shrugged 'Hey, I've heard more heckling from the spectators then anybody in the business, but I'll still tell you this: Don't walk out that door if you know you'll regretted having not tried harder.'
'Fine. I'll give it another try.' I sighed.

And just like that the two ghostly men smiled and disappeared, leaving me back in the bakery with Fuyuichirou. "Are you alright Takane?" He asked.
"No, I'm not." I shook my head, my mouth moving, starting to convey a vague idea my head had before it could fully form. "Being rejected so forthrightly on such shaky ground, It's quite disconcerting."
Fuyuichirou grimaced. "I'm sorry, but I think I'm being rather clear: I can't marry a Youkai, it'll jeopardize my family, my business-"
"So even though you want me to be with you, you still refuse because of circumstance?" I asked pointedly.
He flushed ever so slightly. "There's too much uncertainty in it. You know that as well as I do."
I picked up my chair and walked next to him setting it down and took my seat once again. "And what about the uncertainty that you might never have another opportunity like this again? You know me, my nature, and you know the things I can do, why would you balk at that?"
"Because I know that might come at a price, even if it's something I want, that just means I have to be all that much more careful, even if it does mean losing opportunities." Her said turning away from me.
"Even if I love you?" I said, hugging his arm. He looked down at me in stunned silence. "If people love each other, they're the happiest and at their best when together right? Isn't that why love exists?"
"It... it might." He struggled out.
"Then you'll-" I began.
"A trial period." He said, holding his hand up to block my face out. "Let's, let's have a small trial period, least our feelings get the only say in this matter."
I sighed. It was a compromise, but more of a victory then what I expected. "Alright then, a trial period." I said, nuzzling up to his arm.
"Uhm, Miss Takane, I have to get back to the ovens." He said.
"In how long?" I asked.
"Three minutes." he said immediately, and then uttered a curse for his instincts answering for him.
"Then I'll let you go in three minutes." I said.