#manobu

[royal-despair-threads]

Manobu & Fina [Prologue]

Since being woken up, Manobu has really kept to himself. He stayed to the perimeter, mostly admiring the the design of this room. Beyond just the room itself, he also took notice of the others stuck inside as well. Given his facial expression, he didn't seem impressed in his co-captives.

After enough idling, the young architect decided to take a closer look at the display case. On his way there, he accidentally bumps into someone.

"Hey! Didn't you see my coming this way? Really, you should have just moved out of my way." His arms are now crossed as he looks at her with disgust.

Fina was day dreaming and not really paying attention when someone bumps into her. She rubs her arm and looks down to see a white haired boy. He looks upset and she panics a bit "Oh I'm so sorry about that! I wasn't paying attention to my surroundinds."

Snapping, “Well, you better start paying attention!” Manobu huffs and goes to move past her, purposefully making sure to bump into her again. This makes him turn on his heels and stare her down with anger in his eyes.

“Didn’t we just talk about this? God! Can’t you do anything right?” He begins tapping his foot. That quickly comes to stop and his expression softens. “You know, there is a way to make up for all this trouble you’ve caused me.”

Manobu smiles and rubs his chin. “Say, what’s your name? I do need a hand maiden.” He raises his eyebrows.

Fina freezes at his harsh gaze. Not even the worst of customers have done this to her. "I'm so sorry about that. My name is Josefina De Belasco." She feels tears prickling her eyes, she feels bad for making him so angry. "If that will help me gain your forgiveness then I suppose I can do my best with that task."

Is that... a frown? On Manobu's face? Yes, but it's extremely forced. The architect puts a hand over his chest, "You wound me and then expect me to remember a name like that?" He moves his hand off his chest and aims to flick her on the forehead. "Don't be dumb, pick an easier name that I might find time to remember, idiot."

He then turns away and sticks his hands in his pockets. He closes his eyes. "Remember my name. It'll be valuable information for you since you are now my hand maiden until you've paid for your crimes." Manobu's eyes open. "Manobu Hasekura, Superior, Your Majesty, The Perfect Gentleman--" He glances towards her hoping she gets the idea; he's better than her as far as he's concerned.

"I'm so sorry, mister Hasekura. You can call me Fina if you prefer." Wait. Manobu Hasekura? As in the Manobu Hasekura. She wasn't very knowledgeable of the whole architect world but she knew enough to get by. And one thing that even a novice like her would know is him. She's heard his name plenty of times when she goes venue hunting. His buildings are some of the most beautiful locations. "Um, sir. I'm so sorry to ask but by any chance, are you the architect Manobu Hasekura?" She felt a bit better getting to actually meet him but it's not gonna fix that fact that he's very rude and mean.

"Fina," Manobu repeats to himself quietly. He nods when he thinks he's remembered it or found a way to change into something a little more demeaning. He's about to speak, but she catches him off guard when she speaks again. Boy, what she said made him grin like he hadn't grinned before.

"Yeah. I am. My shoulders are getting a little tense. How about you give me a massage now? I did just cross off meeting the Faceless Architect off your bucket list, after all."

She was taken aback by the demand. "Oh um...Of course mister Hasekura." She walks over to him and begins to lightly rub his shoulders. She's not really sure how it's supposed to be done. She's never had to rub someone's shoulders at least not someone she just met.

"Mister Hasekura. I know you said "handmaid" but will it be stuff like this that you'll have me do?" she doesn't mind simple tasks but she isn't sure if she'll be able to keep up if he has her do something more difficult.

Manobu lets out a sigh of pleasure as she somewhat hits the right spot. He's quick to notice that she's not really experienced in this so he turns back around, letting her know that she can stop for now.

"It'll be whatever I feel like making you do," he states while placing his hands on his hips. "That's not going to be a problem, right?" The way he said that last word was kind of threatening.

She shook in fear when she heard that. She was to afraid to say no. Who knows what would happen if she didn't agree. Fina gulped down enough of the fear to give a quiet response. "No problem mister Hasekura."

[royal-despair-threads]

Leon & Manobu [Prologue]

Leon rubs his temples, staring down at the piece of butterscotch sitting on the table. Should he? It's his only piece, after all. And he doesn't know how long he'll be stuck in this room. Maybe he should save it for later, but Leon knows he needs some kind of morale boost after being the one to break up about three fights and deal with the aftermath. Whether that was making sure an unconscious Takuma wasn't putting any weight on his lower body after Petra punched his unmentionables so hard he passed out, or dispelling all the tension. There's so much teen drama. Paired with the fact that he had a brief but memorable discussion with his friend, and Leon can see that he probably needs it. Despite this, he purses his lips under his mask and slides it into his pocket. He can save it for later.

Seated on one of the velvet chairs that lines the perimeter of the room is one watchful architect. He's observant, but he doesn't really care for what other people do. Besides, it seems like everyone here is unworthy of being talked to by him.

That said, he had noticed a certain individual pocket something. What they pocketed? He didn't know, but he was going to call them out.

"You," he echoes his voice out while pointing his finger at the masked student. "Are you stealing? It's just like petty looking thief like yourself to rob such a beautiful room of it's treasure."

Manobu stops pointing in favour of crossing his arms. The right corner of his mouth tugs upward into a smirk.

Leon glances over in the direction of the voice. Registering the words, 'Are you stealing?', he silently shakes his head and pulls out the single piece of butterscotch. "This? Woke up with it in my pocket, unsurprisingly. Candy has a way of making itself to me. Besides, I don't consider myself particularly sticky-fingered." He doesn't seems particularly offended at the accusation of thievery.

He shifts slightly from where he sits to face the stranger. Of course he recognizes him. Leon knows the face of the person who slept like a corpse all too well. He was actually hoping they would impersonate him sleeping when they played Truth or Dare. "I've got a handful of grape hard candies too."

So, they aren't offended and they weren't stealing? Manobu's smirk dissipates a little, almost changing to an expression of boredom. Either way, his interest in this conversation has certainly taken a turn for the worse.

"I don't really care too much about candy. Can you offer me anything else besides candy? If not, you should probably stop wasting my time."

“And I should be entertaining you because...?” Leon typically isn’t one to be short with people, but after dealing with the things he has in the span of a few hours? It’s a wonder he hasn’t snapped yet.

“If you don’t want to talk to me, then leave me alone. I’ve had enough bullshit for today. If you have something to say to me other than insults and complaints, great.” He isn’t necessarily snapping, but Leon is fairly irritated. He hides it well under a blank expression though.

A quick glance of curiosity at the person who’s suddenly seemed to bark back was enough to see the change in their expression. It seems he’s bound for a rollercoaster ride here in this room; his interest in conversations with people rising and falling all the time.

“Are you blind? You should be honoured— blessed to even have the opportunity to even look me in the eye!” Manobu stands up and takes a couple steps closer to them. An aura of pride seemed to emanate from him.

“I think I’ll do whatever I damn well please. For a petty thief, you should recognise treasure when it’s standing right in front of you.” The architect gestures to himself. Looks like he’s taken a newfound interest in making sure this person knew just how different in status they were.

"How impressive." The albino's voice is drenched in sarcasm, Leon staring right into his eyes as if challenging him. "Truly, woe is me that I didn't recognize the pure magnificence standing before my vile self. How fitting that the owner of such brilliance is an absolute child who's haughty remarks hold no real weight."

A sickly sweet smile soon rises to his lips. He still possesses that eerie calmness. Leon wouldn't give this arrogant prick an emotional reaction to pick up on. That's how they start latching onto you after all, and he doesn't need a leech.

"If I'm a petty thief, then you must be the piece of trash in the roadway. Because not even I would want you sweetheart!~"

Manobu curls his hand into a fist and moves it in front of his mouth as he chuckles lightly. "Pathetic," he states boldly before turning around and going back to sit in the chair he had gotten up from.

"Listen closely, Albi, I know people like you all too well. You're lost, confused, and probably a little bit unsure of yourself. All that can be cleared up once you know you're place in the world. Here's a hint: it's under my foot." Manobu lifts his foot up for them to go be a footstool if they please.

"Word of advice from someone's who's successful: watch your damn mouth."

He glances at his foot before his eyes flick up to meet his face. He's attractive, the Dollmaker will give him that, but Leon isn't going to make this little exchange easy for him by bending to his every will. He plays the the long strand of hair he has absentmindedly. "Kinky. Didn't know you were into that kind of thing." Like he can talk, but that's besides the point. His admittance of that would only give this prick a new avenue of attack.

"As for my success? Well, we're all Ultimates here, can that metric even be considered valid? Besides, they're less forgiving than me darling. I doubt most of them would give such an impertinent brat the time of day~" He laughs lowly, the sickly sweetness never leaving his tone. "I for one would love to see what Petra would do to you if you said the same thing towards her."

Manobu's face was one of confusion when he heard the word kinky, but he shook his head slightly to get himself back on track with the task at hand.

He puts his foot down, it's clearly not getting anything to rest on. "You're an Ultimate?! You act like I didn't know that." Manobu snorts. "How could I not know the Ultimate Footstool when I saw them?" He tilts his head to the side with an antagonising expression plastered on his face. "Petra? That name sounds kind of familiar... oh! She's your Queen Bee, right? I should be talking to her. I try to only affiliate myself with those with an ounce of worthiness."

"Oh, she's just lovely, I'm sure you'll love her." His grin doesn't fade for a moment. Why should he be reacting to his taunts anyway, especially when he's just barely starting to get under his skin? He knows who he is. If his moment of confusion was anything to go by. Leon is beginning to entertain the idea of fucking around with him. And so... switch!

"So, what's your talent anyway?" His smile becomes much sweeter in almost a blink of an eye, and he tilts his head. He's still irritated, quite so, but he he can get along with Petra he can get along with anyone. "I'm quite curious, since you seem to take such pride in it." He rests his chin in the palm of his hand, quickly contemplating how he can screw with him even more. Oh! That should get him nice and confused. "And I'm so sorry for my earlier behavior, you wouldn't believe what's been happening while you were asleep~"

Well, it's a little disappointing that he doesn't seem to be getting the other person to squirm. He also doesn't know how to respond to talk of this female. For now he resorts to listening to what his peer has to say.

Once the other is done speaking, Manobu just looks bored (maybe further disappointed by the suddenness of them backing down and changing their tune). "Hm? Finally figured out how to talk to someone above you?" Manobu reaches up to crack his neck. "Your apology's not accepted. Just know you'll owe me big time." A wink.

"I'm an architect," he answers. "The best one out there." He stifles a yawn now that the albino mentions him sleeping. "I don't have to believe it-- because I don't care. Nothing important happens unless I'm there. If I'm asleep, nothing important happens."

Mm.. somewhere in the middle then? This man is proving to be quite the character, and Leon is trying to decode him the best he can. He watches Manobu closely, intently, trying to find anything he can use. Leon knows with his knowledge of psychological cues, he should be able to find something. All his life's experience wasn't for nothing after all.

Then, it clicks. Does he... want him to start getting uncomfortable? He's kind of a bitch so that would make sense. It would also explain how the only time he ever seemed interested in the conversation is when he was confronted. He wants someone who has feel superior to. Someone who will bite back, but can't handle insults. .... Probably. Leon can certainly act that way, but it's not that easy to feel genuine about it. His weak spots are few but especially effective. Honestly, the thing that makes him most uncomfortable right now is not knowing whether he has a handle on the situation or not... You know what? Fuck it. He'll just be his god damn self, for once. He has a ton of people who like him right now, what is one standoffish brat going to do the tip that balance?

"Oh? And what could someone as pathetic as me possibly provide for someone as arrogant as you? You seem the type to ask for something no one could possibly provide, or something really embarrassing. Probably so you can feel like you're above them, right? Or I suppose you already think you're above them." Leon shrugs lightly. "I will admit, that's a cool talent. Architecture and design in general is interesting. And think what you will of the importance of our situation, I really could care less."

[royal-despair-threads]

Manobu & Runa [Prologue]

After making idle chatter with a few people and playing a somewhat scandalous game of truth or dare, Runa had glanced over and noticed the last person in the room had finally woken up. She rose her shoulders and hurriedly made her way over.

“Oh, hey are you alright? Some people were starting to think you wouldn’t wake up.” She offered a worried expression.

Despite someone directly talking to him, he doesn't look towards her. He looks up at the ceiling as if there was something much more interesting to keep his attention. After a couple moments pass by, he looks to the lass and feigns surprise.

"Oh, were you talking to me? I'm sure that wouldn't be the case now would it? Unless you have something important to say, you really shouldn't talk at all. I hatewhen people waste oxygen that could have gone to people like me...."

He looks away and rubs the back of his head. In a low murmur, "Of course people would worry... The best always wake up last..." Looks like someone actually was listening to what she had said.

Okay, whoa. Runa figuratively took a step back. Assess his character. He’s standoffish. More so than Ethan. Narcissism was probably common in his vocabulary. He’d definitely make a good antagonist.

She inhaled a breath, and smiled, “I was talking to you actually, but sorry in advance if you aren’t feeling up to talking to someone right now.” Her shoulders relaxed as she chuckled, “But I’m glad you’re alright.” She glanced around the room before looking back at him. “Also, if you’re say things like that, here’s a heads up that some of the people here are prone to starting fights so be wary about what you say, okay?”

“Anyway, can I at least get your name? Or with an attitude like yours, should I just call you your majesty?”

"Apology accepted," he states matter of factly. Manobu's facing her once again and he smiles at the last thing she had to say, even giving a light chuckle.

"Colour me surprised, you might just be the smartest person in this room besides me." The architect waves his hand dismissively. "Manobu Hasekura, but Your Majesty works even better. If you actually call me that, we'll get along just fine." He gives her a wink.

"And who are you? Do you wanna give me your name or should I name you myself?"

Runa put a hand on her hip, a little happier he was addressing her somewhat like a person. “Thank you for the compliment.” At least she was sure it was a compliment. “Okay then, your majesty, my name’s Runa Knightly.” She smiles, “Runa’s fine, but honestly, I’ve been called colorful things by a specific someone here so all in all, I’m immune to whatever suits your fancy. I’m the Ultimate writer. Everyone here is an ultimate like myself.” She gestures to the rest of the room.”

“What do you specialize in?”

A couple moments would pass before Manobu responds, but in that time he's processing the information he's receiving. According to her, everyone here is SHSL. Would that make them... classmates? The thought made him look disgusted for a second.

"Well, you're Ru from here on out. I don't have time to remember more than one syllable just for someone like you. You're not that special, Ultimate Writer or not." He's smirking.

Manobu takes a deep breathe and stretches his arm across his chest, bored of her now. "Don't you have manners? It's 'What do you specialize in, Your Majesty, if you would be so kind as to grant me such information.'"

He certainly was full of himself. Runa had never met such a person. Petra was somewhat narcissistic, but she wasn’t upfront about it. However, his character was amusing and considering the types of personalities in the room, he’d probably get his fair share of hate. Or an insurmountable amount...

Whatever his talent was, she hoped it didn’t involve interacting with other people. “Oh, do forgive me, Your Majesty.” She picked up the ends of her skirt to curtsy, “Would you be so kind as to grant me the honor of knowing your talent?” The persona she was acting out to humor him reminded her of a character she once wrote about.

Awful yes, but Manobu’s face seemed to glow brightly with Runa’s correction and added curtsy. If Runa was trying to get on his good side— well, she was certainly entertaining him.

Manobu waves a hand as if to dismiss her earlier rudeness, “I guess it is the least I could do, especially for someone who knows her place in the world.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “I’m mostly recognised as an architect. Ever hear the story of the Faceless Architect?”

Knows her place in the world? She would have been offended if she hadn’t thought he acted this way with everyone. But she put a hand to her chin as she gave the term a quick thought. Faceless, faceless... She really didn’t know much about architecture. But hadn’t a friend of hers mentioned something...?

“Oh.” She blinked then pointed at him, “Flawless Foundations, yeah?” She leaned back, “So I’m assuming this is the great face behind the infamous Faceless Architect? I never would have been able to tell. What an honor.”

An honor, she says? Manobu's beaming now. He points to himself with a thumb, grin spreading across his face.

"That's right! Now that you've seen me, you'd think the company was named after me, right?"

“Oh, absolutely.” She put a hand to her cheek. “I guess I shouldn’t bother his Majesty any longer, however.” She grinned. “But it was a pleasure meeting you.” She curtsied again for sake of the act as she turned on her heel with a wave and a smile.

He was fun. Eccentric... yeah.

Manobu just gave her a head nod. "I'll call on you when I think you'll be useful. Be around for when that happens, if you gain a use for some reason."

[royal-despair-threads]

Manobu & Seojun [Prologue]

As the game of truth or dare ensued on between everyone else, Seojun happened to notice someone by the end of the carpet that still hadn't woken up by this point.  Just how long was this person going to sleep?  ...Were they okay?  This man with white, long hair (who was quite the looker no less) had been passed out throughout this entire ordeal...The fights, the yelling, the safe, the games, the insults and laughs and everything.  The Internet Troll couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for him; perhaps someone should check on him?

That's exactly what he was going to do.  Quietly, after his turn, he excused himself from the group, and approached the passed out Manobu.  Crouching down, he reached for the male's wrist, to find a pulse still on him.  Thank god.  That's one question answered.  Now it was time for another.  As he lightly pats on his shoulder, the blonde began to speak.

"Hey.  Hey, are you okay?  Can you hear me?"

Only now gaining consciousness, his jaw is clenched which causes an unpleasant grinding when he grumbles to himself at being woken up. It would seem the architect has hit that point of sleep where you sleep too long and just don't want to get up at all. Rudely, he swats at the gentle hand that pats at his shoulder.

Manobu opens his eyes, squinting at first before opening his eyes completely as the blurriness fades away and gives way to details. He props himself up and rubs at his face.

"Yeah, yeah, loud and clear," he responds only to the other's latter question. He cocks his head around the room to take it all in before seeing exactly who it was that thought they could touch him without his given permission.

"Hmph," he holds his breath. Luckily for this guy in front of him, the immediate confusion Manobu is experiencing is making him act cautiously at first. "Where is this?"

Seojun had a bad feeling as soon as his hand was swatted away from his shoulder, but perhaps he just wasn't fond of being touched.  He could get that; that's why he drew his hand away.  It was also understandable for him to act like this, after being asleep for such a long time.  The slightly taller man sits down with him, leaning back slightly, all the while heaving out a heavy sigh.

"Apparently, somewhere called the 'anteroom'."  He responded, giving a small shrug.  "According to someone else in here, we're also on a boat.  We don't know how we got here; just that we woke up here."  His aqua-marine irises make their way to the stranger's amber.  "You want me to catch you up to speed on what's happened?"

A small groan comes from Manobu as the other boy took it upon himself to sit with him, but besides that he keeps quiet to listen and take everything in.

"Anteroom," he repeats quietly. The architect yawns and places his hand over his mouth to hide it. He glances to the stranger and lets out a "Tch!"

"What makes you think I need catching up? Maybe I was listening the entire time? Are you saying I'm behind these... these things?" He moves his hand to gesture to the other students in the anteroom. "Just who do you think you are?"

Immediately, when asked this question of “who did he think he was”, Seojun had the brilliant idea of responding in the most outrageous way possible.  He had the brilliant idea that would most likely piss off this guy even more.  Or maybe, it’ll make him laugh.  Who knows.  But the taller man knew one thing.  He points to Manobu with a flirtatious wink, flashing him a wide grin.

”The man of your dreams.”

Silence went by, before he simply snorted in laughter.  That was funny to him, apparently.  Once Seojun was able to breathe, he let out a heavy sigh.  “Nah.  I’m Seojun Tsoi, the guy that Hope’s Peak decides to mistitle with grace.”  Once there was another moment of silence, the blonde raised an eyebrow, circling his open hand slowly, asking him to proceed.

“And, you are...?”

'Man of his Dreams' may be laughing, but Manobu lets out a "Tch!" and turns away from him. The architect was clearly less than pleased by that response as he pulls away slightly from Seojun. When he talks next, he's still facing away from the other boy.

"Manobu Hasekura. Former Faceless Architect and currently the person everyone either adores, wants to be, or immediately becomes jealous of." Manobu lets out a dramatic sigh before turning his head to look at Seojun.

"I don't know what Hope's Peak called you, but I know it's got to be better than Sijun Koi," he says purposefully getting his name wrong. "Unless you've got something to give me like an offering, I suggest you scram back under the bridge, Troll."

The way he enunciated 'Troll' is supposed to show him that 'Troll' is his nickname for him now.

Oof.  Yeah, that didn’t go as well as planned.  Instead of him lightening up even the slightest of bit, he only seemed to become more tense.

“Looks like someone did a little research on me.  Color me surprised.”  The name “Manobu Hasekura” sounded familiar, but he remembered that he wasn’t too interested in looking in much more other than what the public knew.  Architecture really wasn’t his thing, and while he could definitely be amazed by interior design, he wasn’t sure if that was another thing the white-haired man was skilled in.

“Alright, alright.  I do have something.”  He dug around in his pocket, taking out a piece of grape candy.  “One of the people in here, Leonhard Vogel, gave me a piece.  I didn’t get the chance to have it yet, so, you want it instead?  It’s grape.”

An eyebrow of confusion, perhaps curiosity as well, raised above the other. Manobu tried to think about research, but he doesn't remember looking up any of these other people. No matter, it looks like Seojun has something to give him. So fast, Manobu's a little surprised and certainly curious to see what it is.

"That piece of shit? You know what, hand it to me." Manobu holds his hand out for Seojun to give it to him. "Make sure you drop it into my palm. I don't need anymore Troll germs."

With a heavy sigh and an eyeroll, Seojun holds his hand up for the man to catch the sweet treat.  "I don't think Internet Trolls can give germs, if they're over the internet."  Dropping the candy into his hands, Seojun look towards the door, grimacing.  "Besides, I think you have bigger problems to worry about.  Hopefully, they'll be solved though."

Internet Troll...? Is that what Seojun is? That would make his earlier statement make more sense.

Anyway the moment the candy lands in Manobu's hand, he chucks it across the room at the wall with as much force as possible. He looks to Seojun with a stern glare. "Did you see that? That's what we call an insult. Don't ever give me trash again. For that, you owe me twice as much as the normal person if you want me to even consider wishing you good luck or even looking in your direction."

Manobu gets up off the ground and dusts off and dirt or dust that might have accumulated on his clothes in Seojun's direction. He then dusts his hands.

"Have you not looked at me much yet? There's no problem I can't solve."

As soon as the candy was darted across the room, Seojun immediately felt his eyes widen and dart up in the direction of the architect.  Did...did this guy really just do that?  Did this guy say that he was insulting him for doing what he wanted?  Now this seemed like a guy he would want to see get roasted alive, but alas, he digressed.  As soon as he was given dust by the white-haired male, one through ran through his mind. This guy really was worse than Petra. Standing up himself, the blonde properly dusted himself off with a wide smile that seemed...forced.  "Okay then.  Go ahead, Manobu.  I would love to see you try to open that door."

Manobu looks to the door. It can't be that hard to crack can it? Then again... they've probably been trying for a while which means...

"I'm not opening the door. I don't want to." He crosses his arms and sneers. "I don't do favours."

"Ohh?"  Seojun couldn't help but feel his smile widen.  "Don't tell me you can't open a door.  I thought there wasn't a problem you couldn't solve.  Are you saying you were lying?"

"I can open the door if I wanted to." Manobu huffs at the thought that he couldn't.

[royal-despair-threads]

Ethan & Manobu [Prologue]

Whether it be antisocial in nature to something else, Manobu really hasn't spoken to many other people yet. Odd given that there are 19 of them cooped up in a single room. Nonetheless, Manobu decided to not initiate any new conversations and instead went to checkout fish-tank in the southwestern portion of the room.

Manobu tapped on the glass where a fish was standing(swimming in place?) idly. He smirked to himself when the fish didn't move. Well, that seemed to be enough for the architect as he now slips his hands into his pockets and looks up to the chandelier as it glittered in all its glory and illuminated the room with a gentle glow.

Thoughts were running through his head, thoughts that seemed to distract him from realizing he was walking towards the center of the room to be directly under it. He's about to walk right into someone, but he catches himself just before. He looks at them and furrows his brows.

"Move it."

"Hm?" Ethan spun around to face Manobu, cocking his head to the side. He didn't move from his position in the slightest. Wow, this white-haired guy had an attitude, didn't he? No matter, though -- Ethan knew just how to counter that.

"Hmm, hold on, I'm not done checking you out yet," was his response.

He was honestly expecting this guy to move, but it looks like Manobu's expectations would not be met. The counter of this other person was effective in throwing him off guard.

Manobu pulls a hand out of his pocket and rubs the side of his head while turning to the side. "W-What? Stop fucking around. I told you to get out of my way."

He's too flustered to even look back at him fully, but he is glancing at him from the corner of his eyes. Honestly, this was something Manobu had never encountered or even thought could happen.

"Do you even know who I am? Don't speak to your superiors like that, y-you peasant."

Manobu's now grinding his teeth with irritation.

"Oh, of course I know who you are, handsome," Ethan purred, a smirk appearing on his face. "You were formerly known as the 'Faceless Architect' for 5 years, and now you are called by your real name: Manobu Hasekura. You were anonymous to the world until recently. But nothing much is known about you, since you decline all interviews and requests with the public. Not only that, you started constructing with a company called Flawless Foundations at the mere age of 12. Am I wrong?"

If Manobu wasn't keeping careful control of his reactions right now, his jaw might have dropped. His teeth grinding comes to a stop and he just narrows his focus to examine the other boy much more closely. Admittedly, Manobu was certainly surprised by how much he knew about him and how little he knew about this stranger.

"Tch!" Manobu glances away. "You're not wrong, but I'm not at all surprised you know that," (Nobu, you liar). "The world does look up to me like some hero. The difficulties of being perfect I guess." He smirks.

"You'd be a good butler. I guess I'll give you this chance to tell me who you are." Manobu looks down at his wrist, as if he were looking at a watch but there isn't one. "You have thirty seconds... twenty nine... twenty eight."

Ethan refrained himself from bursting into laughter. A butler? Him? It was simply priceless. Manobu's response only fueled his amusement for the guy. He was certainly fun to play around with, especially with his attitude and reactions. Ethan's smirk widened. "Anything for you, handsome~ I'm Ethan Townsworth. Criminal Psychologist."

Handsome? Each of these little phrases and words continue to get under his skin each time they're mentioned, and it's almost as if they can visibly be seen sinking into him and making him angry.

Still, his smile remained but definitely lost it's brightness. "Nathan Worthlessthanapenny? You're parents gave you a fitting name!" A chuckle. "You might be a fan of 'handsome' but how about you try 'My Superior' or 'Your Majesty' or even 'God I Could Never Repay For Looking in my Direction'? Those might get you farther in this.... work relationship. Right my butler?" He offers a hand out to Ethan for him to shake on this deal.

[royal-despair-threads]

Petra & Manobu [Prologue]

Petra was getting antsy again. She had to resist the temptation to grab one of the chairs and yeet it at the door. It wouldn’t open it, but at least she would feel better.

Oh, what would it hurt? Except for a chair, of course. Petra took a step towards the nearest available chair, but ended walking into someone. She felt annoyance and frustration burn through her body.

“Watch where the FUCK you’re going, moron,” Petra snapped at the person she, herself, had run into.

"Sorry, you actually bumped into me and not a mirror. You should be nicer to yourself." Manobu smirks and gives her a slight poke in the shoulder. "Or not. You'd probably have to sneak up on a mirror just to use it."

His eyes narrow as he now stands with his arms crossed. He looks at her and laughs. "You got bite. Guess you're not just some backstreet farmer. What are you? Like me or just some poser?"

This guy was quick, huh? A fast reaction time to her barbs. He didn't really think she was just going to back down, did he?

"I know I'm hot, but keep your hands to yourself, perv," Petra snarled. She made a point of brushing off her shoulder, staring him dead in the eye as she did so.

"Obviously I'm not a backstreet farmer, but I sure hope I'm not like you," Petra laughed. "Between you and a 'poser', both are pretty shitty options. I'm Petra Sakai, the Ultimate Jazz Singer. And you are? Anyone I might actually be impressed by?"

A mixture of anger and impressed found its way onto Manobu’s face. He found something about this girl that made her seem like him, but that’s impossible. He’s perfect, she’s not.

Still, her arrogance was infuriating. “Pedro Kazai? Ultimate Dress Disaster? I’ll try to remember you, but you should try to stand out more.”

He turns to his side, looking away from her and considering walking away.

“I’m no one that would impress you. I someone you shouldn’t even have been able to meet— but I guess even the perfect fish can’t swim in a perfectly clean water. There’s alway that little bit of dirt, the people like you that don’t know where they stand.” Manobu sighs in disappointment as if he was lecturing a child who’d repeatedly been doing something wrong and has already been scolded about it. “Manobu Hasekura. Ultimate Architect. I’m not saying it twice, so remember it now lose your opportunity.”

He looks her right in the eyes, “Now beat it, rat.”

Oh, this guy was just asking for a beat down, wasn't he? But that would be just too easy. It would be like admitting defeat in this verbal war between them. If she couldn't best him with words, she couldn't best him at all.

"Hah, awfully fucking bold of you to insult my fashion when you walk around looking like that. You look like such a background character, you practically blend into the walls," Petra said.

Really? He was acting this cocky when he was just an architect? It was enough to make her actually laugh out loud. Where had he gotten that ego from?

"Wow, you sure think you're special for a person that has a talent anyone could learn at community college," Petra said. "You're right, I shouldn't even be able to meet you. I'm way too high above you for this. But you know, I'm glad I met you. You and your talent are a reminder of what I could've ended up as if I was a failure."

Yeah, she was feeling a lot better after that, so she didn't even mind that much that he called her a rat. "Darling, the only rat I see here is you."

Manobu burst into a fit of laughter when he he heard say that she was high above him, but he tried his best to keep an ear out for everything else she said after that as hard as it was. Luckily, the laughter lived a short life since it's duration was short due to the anger boiling inside his chest.

"Strong words. You got guts, rat, but you're definitely not bright." Manobu pats his chest twice. "I forget that even the lowliest of creatures strive for perfection and feel jealousy when they are met with the ideal person, so I'll let you off with a warning."

He closes his eyes, grinding his teeth a little. "I'm not ordering you to move another time after this, so get lost before I walk over you like carpet."

Petra was certain she’d bothered him with her words, at least a little bit, so all she needed to do was twist that knife.

She smiled cutely, trying to emulate the smile of that dumb chess girl from earlier. Really make herself look ‘innocent’ or whatever. ”Hm? Did you say something? Your voice is so average, I just immediately forgot everything you just said. You’re gonna have to repeat that. Gosh, it must be so tough for you! You must have to repeat your words for people so often. Honestly, it might just be easier on you if you stopped trying at all. Nothing you do will make you noticeable.”

She crossed her arms over her chest, keeping her saccharine, sweet smile.

“You’re going to walk over me like carpet, dear? Make me move, Mr. Perfect. I fucking dare you.”

The tenseness in his body continued to stiffen while anger bubbled in his chest. He shouldn't have opened his eyes, but he did and seeing her expression is what was making al this worse.

Manobu opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He shut his mouth again and looked away. "Tch! I just found out I can't walk over you, I don't wanna get dirt on my shoes."

The architect takes a breathe and chuckles. He looks back to Petra. "If I wasn't noticeable, then why would you be talking to me? Have you thought about that one, Se-chan?" Before she could respond, he's talking again: "You might be rude, crude, and menace, but you're not too bad. You might be close to my level."

His eyes widen as if he were looking to find some truce between the two of them.

“You don’t want to get dirt on your shoes?” Petra asked and tilted her head to the side. Yeah, he was definitely pissed which just made this all the more amusing for her. “Is that the real reason? Or...maybe it just because you’re too much of a pussy to do anything. I think that one seems likely.”

“Anyway, I’m just taking pity on you. You should be grateful, it’s taking all my willpower to even look at you. I keep getting distracted by more important things,” Petra said. She smiled wider at Manobu’s words. So the poor dear wanted her to stop? She reached out and grazed her nails under his chin. “Wrong. Repeat after me, dear Manobu, ‘Petra Sakai is perfect’. I’ll acknowledge you if you do that.”

Whispering to himself under his breath, "Too much of a cat...?" He frowned a little bit at the insult, not really understanding it completely. Oh well, it looks like he's letting it slide.

He does pull away immediately after she grazes his chin. Manobu's eyebrows furrow, any truce he might have been aiming for is crumbling to dust. "As if. I'd be setting a bad example for humanity if I were to just lie for some wench who thinks she's all that and a cheese puff."

Did this guy really not know what being a pussy meant? Why was he taking that so literally? Was this just a weird tactic to throw her off? She couldn’t accept the thought that there was a human their age who didn’t know what that meant.

“That’s actually fucking pathetic,” Petra said. “You can’t say one thing to acquire an ally? Good lord, now I know why you became an architect, you’re basically just a loser who can’t make social connections so you just fuck buildings all day. I’m embarrassed for you. Listen here, ‘Manobu Hasekura is perfect’ even I can do it, Jesus Christ you’re pathetic and useless.”

[royal-despair-threads]

Chiyo & Manobu [Prologue]

Chiyo began pulling at carpet strings in boredom. Destruction of property wasn't her usual pastime but at this point there was little less else to do in this room. She pulls lightly on the threads, wondering which threads connected to which thread.. it was pointlessly fun. She finds herself crawling around the rug, following a single thread as her director.

Suddenly she finds herself next to a white haired boy, who she recognized as the one who had been unconscious longer than the others. He still seems a bit disorientated too.

It's not her usual scene to be the first to approach people, but in this situation she thinks it's probably best to at least learn the entire playing field before making any crucial moves. She taps on his shoulder to get his attention.

"Hi, is it okay if I introduce myself?" She smiles politely.

Is an introduction a crucial move? Or is it part of learning the land? Too late to back out now either way..

Another person touching him... what is it with these people? If an angel were too just bless you one day and stand before you, is your first instinct to touch him? Anyway, he resisted the urge to bat the prying individual away and turned to see who it was.

"How annoying," he states bluntly. He places a hand on his forehead, similar to how one would if they were beginning to get a headache. "At least you know you need my permission." On that note, he smiles smugly.

"Sure, Chessie. If you got a name better than the one I just gave you, I might remember it."

A, annoying?? Oh no, what did she do? And 'Chessie'? ....  Oh, it's because of her accessories, probably.. She decides to deeply contemplate these comments later. For now, she should introduce herself, b, but she can't quite stop wondering if she's doing something wrong.

"U, um.. My name is, is, Chiyo Oshiro.." She starts to fiddle with the bows in her hair. "It's nice to m, meet you.. At Hope's Peak Academy I was given the title of Ultimate Chess Player.." Oh, now she really hopes she's not being annoying....

The second he hears her stutter resulted in immediate roll of his eyes and him tensing up slightly. Once she made it through her introduction, or whatever that was, he let out a giant sigh.

"No one has time for stuttering Oshiro-san. It's annoying, useless, and the cue that a bumbling fool is both of those. Are you annoying and useless, Chiyo Oshiro?" He crosses his arms, his smile gone and his expression serious. "Stop fiddling with the bows in your hair too while you're at it. You're such a mess."

His eyes narrow on hers. "You wanna know how to become a slightly less worthless? Start with keeping your mouth shut until you're absolutely sure of what you want to say."

"W,whhhwh......"

"......." She decides to keep her mouth shut.

She holds in her breath. God, what is she supposed to do?? She didn't expect this boy to be so immediately mean. She looks to the side and tries to gather her thoughts. She keeps her hands away from her bow, but now she's fiddling with her cravat.

"......... If I may ask..." She talks slower,making sure not to stutter. "....What is your name? You are... a student at Hope's Peak Academy too, right?”

Manobu winced at the noise she made (the whhhwh). He bites his lip as he watches her eyes begin to start tearing up. It was a sight for sore eyes as far as he was concerned, so he turned his body so that three quarters of it are now facing her.

"Manobu Hasekura, recognised as the architect student of Hope's Peak." He glances back to Chiyo to see that she's still struggling. "Damn it," he growls to himself.

The architect turns back to face her and puts his hands on her shoulder in one swift motion. "Are you really having that hard of a time with not stuttering and being a nuisance? God!" Manobu moves his arms away and rubs his temples. Making people cry is something he's okay with doing... but it's not as fulfilling when it's a girl with no backbone like... yeah he'd step over her but if she'd not make herself look like such a victim it'd all be good.

"Do you want me to.... help you... not stutter?" Manobu's biting his lip again. "If you tell anyone I even said that, I'll personally see that you never talk again, got it? I'm not doing this for your sake either, I'm doing this for my own sanity."

At the physical contact Chiyo immediately shrunk away, she held her hands in front of her almost acting as a shield. The stuffiness of her face seemed to lighten up a bit as Manobu offered to help. She always tended to do better when there was someone guiding her or teaching her.

"Would.. would you really help me?" Her voice has a hint of hesitation and fear in it. If he were immediately mean.. but  also suddenly helpful, would it be a good choice to get help from him? "I'f you really help me..... I'll be sure to... to return the favor, if you'd like."

There's a good chance his eyes sparkled when he heard the phrase 'sure to return the favour' come from her mouth.

In a quick motion, Manobu straightens his back, smiles, and winks. He crosses his arms over his chest. "Didn't I just say I'd help you? As long as we keep it a secret and you hold up to your end of the bargain, consider yourself lucky. With my help, you'll be the happiest you've ever been."

"But I do need a down payment. Scratch my back, the center part where I can't reach." Manobu turns so his back was facing her. He tries to look over his shoulder as best he could just to make sure she wouldn't try anything shady.

"H, huh?" This isn't exactly what Chiyo had in mind, but it's not like she really had anything in mind in the first place. Is.. Is this something that people normally do to return favors??? She pauses for a moment before making any moves, and then hesitantly reaches out her hand. "Al......r, right..." She just kinda.. kinda starts scratching the very center of his back.

This is the most uncomfortable she's felt since coming to in this room. Outside of feeling horrible with the red-headed girl, this is definitely the most unsettling. Her face almost contorts in confusion, arcing her brows and tightening her lips.

"Nice." Manobu stretches his back once she's scratched enough. He now turns back to her. "Look at you! You got yourself an acquaintance! But don't call me that. I don't need people thinking I'm showing you any kindness." Manobu smirks.

"Were you about to stutter just then? You better not have about to."

An acquaintance? That's.. that's good at the very least. She's met people like this before but probably not to this extent. She's glad that his attitude towards her is nice enough, but she still feels strangely uncomfortable around him..

"S, sorry..." she finally says, cursing herself for stuttering again. Hm, this feels familiar actually..

Manobu stomps his foot. "What did I just tell you? Stop doing that!" He lets out a huff of annoyance. "Is there anything that makes you feel confident, even just for a moment?" He runs his hand down his face. "Do you like compliments? Do you need attention to help get you grow?"

Manobu sighs. This is going to be a long process. What did he just get himself into... oh well, it'll work out in the end.

"You have... nice hair." He says this quietly, to make sure no one besides her can hear him say that.

"!!" The compliment takes her completely off guard. She blushes before playing with it. "Thank you...." She tries her best not to stutter, but suddenly giving her a compliment wasn't giving her compliments, but rather making her feel flustered. She looks to the side. "S, sorry... I don't think I'm, um, especially appreciative of attention..." She's got enough of that from fans and people interested in her parents.

[royal-despair-threads]

Manobu & Minori [Prologue]

This room would be beautiful and place Manobu would frequent, but it was unfortunately littered with what he'd call trash. It's a good thing he's not claustrophobic or germaphobic, because being in here with 18 other.... people made this space very cramped and certainly soon to smell bad.

Manobu decided to take a closer look at a potential exit and found that he wouldn't be able to figure this out. He recalls someone saying they were on a boat but... were they? He tried to get a grasp of the architecture of this place to give him a better idea of where they were but... it's hard too focus when you're also navigating not bumping into a peasant while trapped in a room.

Bump into a peasant he does. Manobu looks to the person he had touched and sighs. "Yeah, I know. You're probably not going to shower now that you've touched me, but I'd rather you not stink. So you should probably swallow a few mints and walk around with air fresheners."

"What?" Minori bites out, incredulous. This guy bumps into them and then gets all... Minori isn't sure what to call this. Pretentious isn't strong enough, doesn't cover the half of it. What is this guy's deal?

Not to mention the contact. They had practically flinched away, springing back at the shock. The room was crowded, cramped, so bumping into people shouldn't be so strange, shouldn't be a big deal. And yet...

"The fuck are ya goin' on a bout. I have no idea who ya are. What even are ya goin' on about, showerin' an' shit? I kinda want ta take a shower just from bein' near yer grimy ass."

Manobu holds his hand up to between them, covering her face from his perspective. "Is that sass dripping out of that hole of yours? Someone wasn't raised right." Manobu chuckles. "This room is for the elite, or so it was until you were let in."

Retracting his arm, he places his hand on his forehead in a visor like fashion as he scans the other people in the room once again. "I'd pity you for not knowing who I am, but I also don't care. I have no time for people-- things like you." He places his hand in front of him and waves it vertically. "Shoo. Get out of my way."

"I think yer th' one that ain't raised right. Bumpin' inta people means apologizin', not goin' on some narcissistic spiel." Minori grabs his hand, and with a surprising strength, pulls it down. "Bein' polite also means makin' eye contact. There, two manners lessons fer th' price a one."

There isn't any actual anger behind their words, at least not until Manobu calls them a thing.

"Excuse me? Things like me? Th' hell is yer damage? Ya know what, I ain't movin' til ya apologize fer that, either. Word from th' wise, buckaroo, if ya don't respect other people, yer only gonna make things worse for yerself. It don't matter how much ya love yerself, that ain't gonna stop others from actin' out against ya."

Manobu snarls when his hand is pulled. He doesn't pull away, but he's clearly not very happy with this interaction. His eyes are filled with reinvigorated intensity and fury, probably because this person is touching him and treating like they are... well, at least equal to him-- the audacity!

"You want me to apologise to you? Ha!" He shakes his head at the nonsensical idea. "I'm very respectful. I respect people, not..." he trails off but he looks Minori up and down so they'd get his point.

It would seem everything else Minori mentioned isn't getting a reply.