消えるな。

my wish is for you to simply exist. that's all i want." affiliated with isola radiale icon art drawn by eco

[existentialismee]

–      ( ❀; the ageless shopkeeper ) : kimihiro watanuki

once, watanuki was just a boy plagued by the spirits who haunted him; desperately searching for respite in any form he could find. when offered a wish from a woman named yuuko ichihara, he took the chance that was given to him; becoming her employee and being thrust even further into the spiritual world.

through many years of hardships and complaints, watanuki also found solace from this fated encounter; coming to care for yuuko more than he could ever put into words. she taught him many valuable lessons; how to love himself as he would for others, and that no matter how he felt, he was never truly alone.

on the day of her death, watanuki swore he would grant yuuko's own wish by continuing to exist; promising he would wait until the day she returned. he took on the mantle of the shopkeeper, adopted her way of life, just for the chance to see her again.

.. or so he says, at least. there is more than meets the eye to watanuki; the truth of his birth, the complications surrounding his existence.. but there's a heavy price to pay to learn those things.

ten years have passed since yuuko disappeared, and yet, watanuki still waits; granting the wishes of all who walk through his door-- so long as they can give him something of equal value to their desires.

he has not aged in that entire time, so he looks like a millennial.. but talks like a boomer. (he IS a millennial though, i swear.)

quiet, sad, but always wears a gentle smile on his face. if you're hungry, get ready to be made the best meal of your life.

too kind for his own good, but you Will know if you've made him mad. trust me.

oh, have i mentioned he's been here before? quite a few times? yeah, no worries, he knows what waits for him on the island!

[hanabisays]

Hanabi waits with bated breath as Watanuki takes a test from the soup. She's happy to hear that it wasn't too strong for him. The meals she made, she had Watanuki in mind in terms of what flavors would be too strong and overwhelming.

"Wa!!" She exhales with a laugh, "I followed a really good recipe!"

Her expression softens. She's happy and relieved to see him enjoying himself. The warmth fills the room with a comforting feel.

"Then I'll make more and more! For you and Shadow."

[existentialismee]

"Following the recipe is the simplest part of cooking, Hanabi-san. It is your intent behind the meal that makes it so wonderful."

When he spoke those words, Watanuki looked directly at Hanabi; as if suddenly overtaken by quiet contemplation. She likely was thinking of his palette when she made the soup. Careful not to overwhelm it with spices, adding only the perfect amount of seasonings to make sure he enjoyed every bite of it. Even the okonomiyaki was incredibly comforting; reminding him of days long ago, when he would make the same for someone very dear to him.

Just like he was to Hanabi.

Just like she was to him.

"Shadow-kun and I are lucky to have you in our lives. You do so much for the both of us-- though perhaps he isn't so readily able to admit it.. this house would be very different without you in it. I will forever be grateful that you agreed to live here with us as well."

He paused a moment, placing down his chopsticks, as the smile on his face softened some.

".. I have a request of you, though it perhaps may come out sounding somewhat silly.." he laughed some, cradling it hands together atop the table. "Would you still be willing to hear it?"

[esperpeanuts]

"Bwah?"

The man is definitely someone she's never seen before, and his thoughts feel a bit more like they're coming through a filter moreso than the usual nowadays. It's a bit like when she's listening to Bond, where there's a faint layer of static over. Not too much, but enough that it makes her gawk open mouthed a bit.

The tray of snacks goes completely unnoticed at first.

"Wada-new-key?" That's not really how it's pronounced, but she's trying. Big complicated names like that are a bit too much for her, but she's trying. "Can I call you Nuki instead? That's easier." Or Magic House Guy. That one's a bit more of a mouthful though, so Nuki is probably it.

Is he a secret agent?

That immediately sparks her interest. But... he doesn't seem like an agent guy. Just someone... well, she isn't sure. He seems nice though, so she isn't going to jump to any conclusions. He's probably stuck here just like she is, she's sure - but he's definitely not a normal guy.

Anya points to herself. "I'm Anya Fol... Samsa! Samsa now. Ford-ger is my back home name. Samsa is my here name."

She blinks curiously up at him, then asks, "Is your house magic, Nuki?" She tries really hard this time to focus on his thoughts, as scrambled as they may be. "Or, are you magic? Or maybe a secret agent? Are you here to fight the evil organization that kidnapped everyone?" She gasps excitedly, suddenly all smiles and sparkly eyes. "Did I find your secret base? Can I be a magic spy too?"

[existentialismee]

When their eyes met, Watanuki felt an unusual alarm ringing in the back of his head; not one of danger, though it was if his senses were trying to tell him something. That this girl was not an ordinary human.. but he could not put his finger on why that could be. If she were spiritual, or magical in any way, the shopkeeper would have known immediately; he did not know what this was, what might have been so different about her, even when he tried his best to focus.

-- despite that his focus was broken as she stumbled over his name, causing him to blink for a moment before he laughed softly.

".. yes, that's alright. If it's easier for you, I don't mind at all," while normally he might grumble over such a nickname, for her, Watanuki was certain he could make an exception. Besides.. "I've made friends on this island who call me that, so perhaps that means you and I are destined to become the same."

Regardless of what this feeling was.. in the moment, it didn't really matter, did it? She was a guest of his home, perhaps even a potential customer; but above all else, she was just a young girl who may have needed him for something. Nothing else was quite as important in that moment.

"Anya-chan," he repeated her name, not entirely sure what her 'here name' meant.. perhaps she found someone to take care of her in this world, whilst she was away from her family. Kneeling down to her height, Watanuki held out a hand for her, as an offer to shake. "It's wonderful to meet you."

Once more, however, Anya seemed to catch Watanuki off guard; tilting his head at her questions, before a smile came over his features. Perhaps it was not magic in her, exactly.. but something gave this girl incredible insight. He wondered if he would ever find out what it might be.

"My, you have many questions. Let me see if I can answer them all.." he responded playfully, acting as though he was thinking very carefully of how to answer. "My house is magic, in a way. It is not only where I live, but it is also my shop; a place where I am able grant the wishes of anyone who might have one. I'm not a.. 'secret agent', but I do try to help everyone I can with my own magic. This place, you see, is only ever noticed by those who have a wish; many others pass by without ever noticing that I'm here. The fact that you have today-- I believe that means something very special."

"Is there something I could do for you today?"

[starlightdive]

@existentialismee

"Hey, Watanuki? Can I ask you a strange question?" Following up on his invitation for tea, Lilli had brought a few snacks along, as well. She sat cross-legged, glancing at him from the corner of her eye.

"I've known you for a while, but I realized I don't know a lot about this shop. What exactly is a wish granting shop, anyway?" It's said with a sheepish laugh. "You'll have to forgive my ignorance; if you deal in magic, I'm not well-versed in the subject. Never had a talent for it, myself."

[existentialismee]

Before the cup could meet his lips, Watanuki paused as Lilli had suddenly asked him a question; glancing at her from over the warm liquid, before a surprised sort of look came to his face. Though it had settled somewhat quickly, choosing to take a small sip before placing the tea back down; and by that point, the man had allowed a quiet chuckle to pass his lips.

".. you're quite right. We've never had the time to discuss it, have we?" it wasn't entirely a surprise, considering what they'd been through already; yet Watanuki clearly felt somewhat bad for not divulging into the subject sooner, as his own sheepish smile came across his expression. "Forgive me, Lilli-san. I should have told you sooner-- though I'm glad I have the opportunity to see you more now, so that we can continue to learn about one another."

"It's as the name states-- it is a shop that grants wishes. In my own world, I inherited a shop of the same nature from my mentor, Yuuko-san. I had been tasked to take over her duties in her absence; and though it is not the same here.. it was important for me to continue my work, even if I was in another world. So, I decided to open my own."

His fingers traced the porcelain of the cup handle, almost in quiet contemplation.

"If one is in need of my services, then fate will bring them here; and with my magical ability, I do whatever I am able to grant their desire. However, there is always a price to pay-- something of equal value to the weight of their wish. It could be anything-- an important item, an instrument, clothing.. so long as it is the same, then I will accept it. Maintaining the balance of things is also part of my job description, so I am always as thorough as I need to be." His smile had settled more now, a gleam of interest in his eyes. "You say you have no talent in magic-- however, you must know that from trying, correct? So you've practiced the art before?"

[edgedwing]

Modeling wasn't as emotionally draining to do when there wasn't some sort of evil agenda or propaganda being pushed. Sephiroth didn't have to worry about what new child was being recruited by the military because of a false idea attached to his face. All he had to was sell clothes and cosmetics, and call it day.

It also didn't hurt that he was given a nice discount for his hard work. Sephiroth quickly picked out a few gift accessories for his friends and stepped out of the store with shopping bags hanging off his arms. He paused when he noticed someone looking at the mannequins and immediately recognized the man from the wedding months ago. He had never come face to face with Shadow's guardian before. He either sneaked his way into the wish shop or met Shadow in the dead of night.

"Excuse me," Sephiroth called out, approaching closer to him. "Are you Watanuki?"

[existentialismee]

It wasn't until a voice called out to him that Watanuki had realized someone else was there; visibly startling as he whipped his head around to find a young looking boy, nearly the same height as he, standing just a few feet away from him. Before his words could even register in his head, the features of his face immediately stuck out to the shopkeeper; realizing that they both knew one another, though only from a distance.

".. yes, I am. And you are--" Shadow had never purposefully mentioned his name, but with all the whisperings going on at Vanth's wedding, it wasn't difficult for Watanuki to have picked it up amongst the chaos. ".. Sephiroth-kun, correct? Shadow-kun's.. friend."

.. he wasn't sure what other term to use, all things considered. Perhaps he would just leave it at that for now.

He turned to face the boy proper now, offering him a somewhat apologetic smile as he attempted to collect his barings.

"It's nice to finally meet you. I do hope Shadow-kun hasn't been causing you too much trouble." The words were spoken playfully, evident by the small chuckle that followed after.

[existentialismee]

He wasn't sure why he stopped that day, catching his reflection in the store's window. Normally, Watanuki wasn't much of a shopper at all; not unless he was buying groceries, or found a great deal at the supermarket. Some trinkets and stationary he might look at, of course; then came alcohol, or the seller he received his tobacco from..

But never clothes. After all, his wardrobe was nearly full; though not all the kimono that belonged to Yuuko had followed him here, he was lucky to have a few, and even the qipao he'd eventually come across..

He never thought he'd be so struck by a simple sweater and slacks on display. Notably, he assumed, because the mannequin was his height; his face and neck perfectly aligned with the stationary model before him, giving him quite an accurate view of what he might look like if he dressed..

.. normally.

No, perhaps not normally-- but how he used to, before becoming the shopkeeper. Without the floral patterns, the obi, the long sleeves; just simply, as if he fit in with the rest of the humans around him.

Perhaps, as if he.. were.

"..."

Yuuko had told him to live life as he chose. To not be tied down by what he'd promised her, to not feel guilt for being happy.. but for things like this, Watanuki wondered.. if it was perhaps too late for him to try.

[blightsbite]

Whoa, he actually ate it! Vanth seems... strangely touched, as though it were some marker of sincere friendship. (Probably due to being rather strange himself.) He quickly shakes it off. ❝ Texture, shmexture! Next you're gonna tell me that the butts of the bread aren't the best way to enjoy a pb&j sandwich! ❞

❝ I think I should start skinning more fruits! And then you can give me your feedback for that, too! I'm thinkin'... we do watermelon next, just in time for summer! ❞

[existentialismee]

"..."

"You aren't joking, are you..??" though Watanuki was more than aware of how strange Vanth could be, this was.. on a whole other level. Eating the strawberry was one thing-- he didn't intend for this to become some sort of new trend! "If you feel like being ambitious, we can split some watermelons open in the yard of the shop. Otherwise, please eat your fruits normally. I am begging you."

[thatredwine]

WATANUKI KIMIHIRO

xxxHOLiC: Rou Adayume (2011)

[blightsbite]

❝ It's just naked! Look, it's perfectly edible. ❞ Vanth pops it into his mouth...

... and gives it a munch! ❝ Shee? Towtawwy dewicious. ❞ See? Totally delicious. He offers the second, just-as-naked strawberry. ❝ C'mon, try it! ❞

[existentialismee]

"Did it need to be?" the question came out slightly exasperated, as Watanuki pinched the bridge of his nose under his glasses. "Surely they were fine before you felt the need to.. undress them."

He watched the other man eat the fruit, and while it seemed completely fine.. well, there were just some things done to food that the shopkeeper would never completely understand. Still, there was something in him that could not deny Vanth's request; taking the strawberry from him and apprehensively taking a bite of it.

...

"I'm not sure if I'm a fan of the texture.. it certainly feels like something is missing. At least it retained its sweetness, I suppose.."

[blightsbite]

❝ Hi, Nuki. Wanna strawberry? ❞ He holds one out. ❝ Don't worry, my hands are clean. ❞ That's... not what that look is for, Vanth.

[existentialismee]

".. no, thank you. I'm quite alright."

"Besides, I don't believe.. whatever that is should be considered a strawberry any longer."

[blightsbite]

❝ ... You ever so bored you skin a strawberry. ❞

[existentialismee]

[feelnofear]

A peace offering? Dys' brows raise, though that fact is fully hidden beneath messy bangs that are also beginning to get too long. He's not used to this sort of behavior for the most part, beyond maybe the couple of friends he'd made back in the colony dragging him out of hiding to eat and hydrate from time to time.

But Watanuki was someone that, from his own perspective at least, he barely knew. Even if he had seen him at his most vulnerable, a memory that's vague to Dys now but definitely somewhere there at the back of his mind. A trauma that clings to him.

His weight shifts from foot to foot before he moves, a little rigid in stature, throwing some wood into the makeshift fire pit and avoiding the other's gaze for the time being.

"I'll light it. It's not a perfect solution, but it keeps some wildlife at bay, at least." Lest they run into trouble out here, although most of the time Dys hadn't had too much issue with it. He just hadn't exactly chosen the safest place to camp after ditching his original site in Cotes and mostly refusing to stay in his home there.

He arranges the larger pieces of wood neatly, adds some kindling twigs on top, and crouches as he carefully lights it with a couple long matches.

He tips his head to the side as he watches flames dance to life slowly as he works, then side eyes Watanuki with his brows furrowed now instead. He's got tea of his own that he could brew, but not made out of anything he'd want to feed someone else.

But before he can ask what type Watanuki has brought along, he's distracted by the continued conversation at which point he can't hold back his deepened frown.

"This isn't a casual visit." Dys mumbles at first, stretching out before standing up. "...Whatever this is about, I'd rather get it over with now then delay it. I don't want to have to dance around anything or feel like I'm walking on eggshells." Voice still quiet, but at least properly audible now. He's definitely not fully above avoidance still considering how long he'd lasted without contact with people he knew from here, but he also knows realistically it'll get him nowhere at a certain point, even if he feels like his whole body is screaming at him to run away by this point. To put distance between himself and... this. To put a stop to it before he ends up hurting someone who seems to care in the same way he'd unintentionally hurt people countless times before.

But that never worked in the colony, and it wasn't working here either, apparently. People were just emotional beings, and he couldn't prevent that part ever. Why did attachment always seem inevitable?

[existentialismee]

".. thank you," the words came out gently, after a brief moment of silence; watching as Dys worked on the fire before them. Mugetsu peeked out of Watanuki's collar just as the dancing flames came to life; feeling the slight heat against his frame as he sat, the thermos still in his hands, waiting.

Waiting.

A realization he remembered having as Dys' life slowly slipped through his fingers. Watching, waiting, as each breath slowly left his chest for the last time. Watanuki had spent the last decade of his life sitting, waiting, watching-- praying for the one person he could no longer have to come back to him. It was his fate to do so, something he'd accepted long ago; to remain stagnant, standing still in time, never aging, never changing.

But he had, here. So much had changed for him every time he was brought to this world-- yet this time felt as if it had more weight than the rest. A realization that if he changed, if he aged, if he no longer waited.. if he filled his days with other people, with living like a human, she would not be disappointed in him. She would not think he'd forgotten her.

He was always allowed this-- to take up space in other's lives, to be among the living with them. He didn't have to wait anymore-- not for this.

".. it isn't, no." It didn't surprise Watanuki how quickly the other man caught on, his expression near placid as the flames before them danced within the reflection of his glasses; obscuring the look in his eyes. The shopkeeper had no intention of pretending that the oncoming conversation would have no weight to it, however; no longer hesitating as he spoke. "My apologies. For some time now, whenever we managed to cross paths.. I worried what my presence might do to you. How uncomfortable I might make you, considering the last time we saw one another. After what happened to you, I did not want to put you through any other painful interaction-- yet I believe I've been doing that, unintentionally. I'd like for that to end today."

It was then that Watanuki fully turned to face Dys after he'd stood, baring to him an expression without a mask; no smiles, no coy remarks, no hidden intentions. It was simply Watanuki who sat before him now.

"I do not regret granting your wish. It is what you wanted from me at the time, even if in the end, you had to endure something horrific. I regret that time-- after you'd died in my arms, remaining stagnant as a spirit. Something that this world should have had no capability in doing to anyone. To watch you, to be unable to do anything but keep you company-- regardless of how little we knew one another at the time, it still brought me great pain."

He hadn't been able to step foot in that room in the shop since. He was grateful that Hanabi and Shadow chose to occupy other spaces-- to walk through the doors there, to stand where this life was lost.. no matter how much time passed, Watanuki was certain he would feel the weight of that day for a very long time.

"But I do not want to dwell on what happened forever. I want to accept it wholeheartedly. I accept my part in it, and even if I wish I could admit otherwise.. I accept that I could do nothing to help you. I do not want to let the air between us remain this way-- uncertain, trepidatious. I've gone out of my way to make sure I am never a burden to you again, yet it feels wrong to continue to avoid you. To live on, acting as if what happened never did."

It was then that Watanuki paused briefly, to unscrew the cap of the thermos in his hands. He poured a singular cup, steam rising into the air as the warm liquid rippled quietly; a faint scent of ginger wafting between the two. Before he began to speak again, he found himself back on his feet; now fully facing Dys, as he handed the cup towards him.

Waiting.

"I want to know you, Dys. Even if you feel more comfortable keeping me at arm's length, even if you do not want the same.. I want to take the chance to reach out to you. I want to hear how you feel-- whether you can accept this from me, or whether you want nothing to do with me. I will respect your choice, no matter what you say. But I.."

".. if I do not try, here and now.. I feel that it will be something I regret for the rest of my life."

[inablinkgone]

“Oh, uh…” Till blinks at the offer after nodding through the man’s explanation, somewhat surprised. “S-sure…”

It seems a little intimate for strangers to be doing this sort of thing to him, but he’s also the person who didn’t know what matches were, so what does he know? Besides, he’s seen some friends do a variation of this ritual with lighters, so it’s probably fine, right?

Till approaches the man a little hesitantly, but that’s quickly forgotten as the tip of his cigarette lights up cherry red.

He takes a long drag before breathing out the smoke in a long, exasperated sigh.

“So…” He starts after a quiet pause, the nicotine working to calm him.

“…Rough day?”

[existentialismee]

As soon as the young man's cigarette was lit, Watanuki pulled back as well; giving a quick yet gentle shake of his wrist as the flame on the match went out in an instant. He slid it back into the box, to throw away when he found a safe place to do so; going back to his own cigarette that had been tucked between his fingers.

He, too, took a drag before he spoke; allowing the smoke to pour from his lips with one, quiet breath.

"Quite the opposite, really.. things have been wonderful as of late. So much so, it doesn't seem my body is used to it," he spoke with a bit of a chuckle, nearly unnoticed as his hand returned to his mouth; passing a glance at the other male. "In a few less words.. I believe I'm just a little tired."

"And what of yourself? Is there any particular reason you've chosen to spend time in this quiet spot today?"

[feelnofear]

Plenty. Yeah. Of course.

He should have definitely expected that too.

Dys inhales a deep breath, crossing both arms instead now as he eyes Watanuki with each movement. Very briefly his gaze drops onto the basket he’s got with him, before his eyes narrow as he looks up to search his face.

“You’re not… wrong?” He mumbles, rubbing at his mouth and nose clumsily in something of an uneasy response to hide the small twitch of his lips that almost betray too much emotion. Some part of him is still trying to figure out a way out of this.

What has happened since he got thrown back here though? When he tries to think about it, it’s mostly a weird blur of things at the moment. He can’t think, let alone gather his thoughts back together.

“I’ll level with you though: I’m not hungry. You can eat.” Half a lie. He did just manage to scarf something down, but part of it is in… distrust is too strong a word, maybe. More like he was simply guarded at the moment. He does point at his makeshift firepit, tacking on: “So… I can start it up. If you want to heat food or something.”

There’s a lack of chairs though, since Dys usually just sits on the ground when it’s going and he doesn’t entertain visitors.

[existentialismee]

It was that simple, fleeting moment of something more on Dys' face that broke away the stone wall over the shopkeeper's own expression; unable to help but smile slightly as his eyes trailed towards the ground below them. He couldn't be certain what it was that the young man was trying to keep hidden-- most likely not a smile, or a laugh from the things Watanuki had said. Perhaps it was a memory, rippling through him now that he had found Dys once more; standing before him for the first time in months.

Something he did not want to face, perhaps. Something he'd rather forget.

But Watanuki had not expected this visit to go off without any hiccups. He expected the uncomfortable air between them, the uncertainty in Dys' eyes-- wondering what exactly Watanuki wanted with him, why he decided to come around at all.

He hoped to answer that, of course.. but it would take some coaxing, he was beginning to realize.

"Then I'll wait until you are. This was my attempt at a peace offering, if that wasn't obvious-- I made the food with you in mind. It'd be wrong to eat it without you."

He looked towards the fire pit, however; noting a small stump just off to the side of it. The shopkeeper walked towards it, taking a seat before pulling a silver flask out of his bag.

"At the very least, would you have some tea with me? It's in a thermos, so you won't need to heat it up. But perhaps the fire would be nice to have, anyways."

He removed the detachable cups from the thermos, waiting for Dys' answer before he poured. Yet even as the honest side of Watanuki began to bleed through, there was still hesitance in him lingering; the tips of his fingers lightly tapping against the warm metal in his hand.

".. I realize that it may be difficult to be near me. Please don't think I'm purposefully trying to be inconsiderate, but.." he paused momentarily, thinking on his words before looking towards the man again. ".. I hope you will humour me, even if you are only willing to give me a small moment of your time."

[esperpeanuts]

@existentialismee // starter

Anya's been worried lately. Bond, Loid and Yor must be missing her... and there's no sign of them coming at all. She misses her friend, and her toys and her room. But, she's happy with Gregor, so she feels guilty for being homesick, so she keeps it to herself. But it's been weighing on her, leaving her a little more sluggish than usual.

And that's what's on her mind she, while she's out with Gregor, she notices it.

The store front is so strange. It doesn't quite fit with the surroundings, and she honestly isn't sure what to make of it. Gregor normally doesn't like her to wander away, but... the building is so curious. No one else around her seems to really notice it, their thoughts on other things and problems, as if the place doesn't even exist.

Anya doesn't really know why, but it feels important.

She casts a look down the street, not seeing her temporary guardian, and then hurries for the front gate, pushing it open and slipping inside. Her hands nervously curl around the strap of her penguin bag as she approaches the front door, and steps inside.

"Whoaaaa..." It kind of makes her head feel funny though. She shuffles around the room, looking at everything with wide, curious eyes and being careful not to touch anything. "Papa and I walk by here a lot, but I dunno if I've seen this place before..." She would have noticed this kind of thing, right? She at least would have heard people thinking about it.

[existentialismee]

The feeling that suddenly buzzed inside of his head that morning was not unfamiliar-- yet it was foreign, in a sense, considering it had been so long since he'd felt it this strongly. The clear indication that fate would bring someone to his door that day; someone who desired something deep within themselves, that perhaps the shopkeeper could help them to realize.

Or, in some small part, help them find what they were looking for.

It was no surprise then, when the chime at the front of his door quietly rang; echoing throughout the long halls of the shop. Around his neck, Mugetsu perked up; beady eyes looking beyond the kitchen and into the corridor as Watanuki stroked the back of his head without looking up from his task.

He had no idea who would be arriving that day-- only that someone was coming.. but for some reason, Watanuki had a sense that a healthy amount of snacks would be necessary for today's meeting.

Walking towards the table in the other room, Watanuki placed down a tray of freshly baked cookies; only then looking towards the young girl who had found herself inside his home. The pink in her hair immediately reminded him of someone he'd left at home, the expression on his face already fond as he smiled her way.

"Perhaps not. But what matters is that you've found it now, hm?"

"Good afternoon. My name is Watanuki. Is there something I could help you with, miss..?"

[hanabisays]

"Teehee!"

Of course, she knows exactly what he should try first. "The soup! Let me know if it's too spicy. I used less of the spice, so hopefully not." She handled spice very well, but she never knew if Watanuki was able to handle it as well as her....or Shadow, even.

"OH! And the Okonomiyaki. It's my first time making it, but I think it turned out well. What do you think?"

[existentialismee]

"Let's see, then.."

The bowl sitting before him was a beautiful, stark shade of red; a clear indication of the flavours he was about to experience, and that was without mentioning how wonderful it smelled. Taking his spoon, Watanuki soon tried the dish made by Hanabi; and although the spice was powerful, it was pleasant, and not at all overpowering.

"It's perfect," he reported happily, taking another spoonful into his mouth before he continued on. "You used the exact right amount, I think. It still has its bold flavour without burning too hot-- it's delicious."

Next was the okonomiyaki! The crust on the outside was a beautiful brown, and Watanuki could see cabbage and seafood peeking from its sides, inviting him to take a bite. It tasted just as amazing as it smelled, and it was obvious from the look on his face that he was very impressed by Hanabi's efforts.

"Are you certain this is your first time? I would think you were a professional at making this, Hanabi-san," the smile on his face was.. different, in a way. It was bright, cheerful; and unabashedly honest. To taste the cooking of someone so important to him-- it was an honour to Watanuki, through and through. "It's been so long since I was able to enjoy someone else's cooking.. you say it's to start off the new season, yet I feel incredibly spoiled to be able to try everything today."

[loruleanmerchant]

"Right! How could I forget, I've practically lost my head!" He scrambled to stand and dust off his tunic, "Please, call me Ravio!"

"Let's get inside very quickly, Mr.Watanuki. I'm verrrrry curious to know just how this works!"

[existentialismee]

"Ravio.. kun." The name left his mouth in an almost questioning manner, but Watanuki did not linger on it further than that; only smiling at the boy now that he was back on his feet.

"Very well. I'd be happy to explain it to you. Please, follow me."

Eventually, Watanuki led the boy into the threshold of the shop; still carrying the dog in his arms until they reached a certain point. He whispered something to the creature, perhaps asking it to tell a certain someone they had company, before allowing it to jump out of his hold and trot away. He opened the sliding doors to the sitting room, a pot of tea already brewed with cups waiting to be poured.

"Can I offer you something to drink before we start? It's the least I could do for startling you as many times as I did."