Out of everyone she’s spoken to so far, Akane is quickly proving to be one of the easiest people to talk to. At the compliment, Ayano looks nothing short of surprised — a genuine smile lights her features and makes her look alive. And in spite of the woman’s apparent hesitance, she brings up a topic that Ayano can actually talk about.
Her appreciation is obvious by the way she doesn’t get tongue-tied.
‘I’m not a very “trendy” person,’ she admits freely, ‘But I like it here. Since everyone has their own sense of style — it helps you remember that they’re all unique.’ So goes the unspoken implication that she has trouble, otherwise. Ayano is someone who always looks for strengths in other people, but after so long on her own, it’s hard to ease back into that. If everyone wore the same school uniform, kept the same hairstyle, moved the same way — it might be impossible.
But the people here are special. That is, at least, one thing she likes about this place.
‘Are you sure you aren’t a trendsetter, though, Akane-san?’ The woman’s laughter helps; her voice has taken on an edge of teasing, almost, respectful joking that promises no ill will. Plus: it seems she’s actually almost serious. ‘You’re very unique, and I… I like your outfit!’ In particular, her eyes ghost over the very same glorified arm socks Akane can’t stop messing with.
‘If you really tried, you might be able to start something.’
She keeps smiling in a way that says she’d personally love to see that. Ayano’s something of a trendsetter, but only in her family: hoodies, hairclips and scarves aren’t something that most people are interested in. Akane’s personality has a sway that she lacks. ‘… anything’s possible, isn’t it?
‘I’ve even — I’ve seen people who look like superheroes, on the street.’
And does she sound amazed.