Closed starter for @voluerpremiere
Heads locked together, the host and hostess looked thick as thieves, foreheads close enough to clash. It wasn’t Shine’s policy to allow physical contact between staff and patrons, but the furtive intensity in this exchange was neither risky nor romantic. Though she shook her head, burdened by what Tenji was telling her, Kana made no move to push him away or to request an intervention.
Kana gave the best advice she was able, and Tenji tried to pretend that he would take it. In truth, he wasn’t sure why he’d come here, just that he knew the young woman would be working, and if nothing else she would understand what he had to get off his chest without having to spell it out to her.
On the table beside them, a masquerade mask gleamed - black and gold with a handful of feathers curling up the left flank - and over the past two hours, the two of them had taken turns glancing at it warily as though it were a venomous snake. It seemed to have been forgotten for now, however, as Tenji shifted forward in his seat and took Kana’s hand.
“Thank you. And I meant it you know, you’ve been doing so well this month, and I honestly believe you’re in with a chance for the number one spot. And when you are, I’m gunna tell everyone who’ll listen about my beautiful girl who’s the best in the whole town.” He grinned, squeezing her fingers in his own. “I promise, you’re never gunna hear the end of it from me - I love you, and I am so excited to see you fly.”
With that, he got to his feet, picked up his coat and slung a studded leather satchel over one shoulder.
“Call me if you wanna chat, Kana-chan, about anything. I’d wish you good luck, but you’re not gunna need it.” He winked, waving a hand when she moved to escort him to the door. “Don’t worry about me, take a couple minutes in the back room instead, I’ll see myself out.”