Ship-testing catchall

[oneblackcat]

To Try:

Omi:
Akaya
Kura
Nagi (not for the same set-up, but as long as futureverse catchall is there, maybe a test thread for what they'd be like?)

Kura:
Ken
Rasu
Hak
Soo-won
Jaeha

Mizuki:
Hak
Ran
Rasu
Yun (I know you don't want a bitchfest, but I still wanna try this one... lol)

Yukimi:
Ran
Rasu
Jaeha
Nami
Kimina

Yagyuu:
Fuji
Hak
Yukimura

Goku:
Ouka
Yona

Comments

2.

[rookieoftheyear]

Ran may never understand the enjoyment of clothes shopping. It was a practical necessity to be resolved with practical choices. To that end, it was fine by him to spend some extra time in a clothing store because it was less time Mizuki would have to spend later. On the other hand, even being in such a high-end store made Ran feel rather uncomfortable and out of place.

It wasn't that he dressed a slob-- quite the contrary. He simply didn't dress as a wealthy person. Because he wasn't. He was from a working class family of five. He had two nicer outfits for dates and interviews and that was it. The items in this store will be out of his price range, and so he doesn't bother to browse.

Circumstances being what they are, he also considers himself one of the last people who should be consulted on fashion. Why does his opinion even matter? He looks at the vest, knows immediately it's something he'd never wear, and that this fact is wholly irrelevant.

"I think if you like it and will wear it, you should buy it."

It's just that simple, isn't it?

[realisateur]

Mizuki sighs. Well, it's his own fault for bringing Ran with him for his opinion. This isn't exactly the man's forte. Mizuki doesn't judge him for it (not ... really), but he wishes sometimes that the man could have a helpful thing to say about something that Mizuki cares a lot about.

"Thank you, Ran-kun. I never would have thought of that," he says. He puts it back on the rack.

[rookieoftheyear]

It's clear that response was a disappointing one. Ran isn't sure what he's supposed to do about it, though. He isn't a fashion expert, and it seems better to encourage a person to express themselves as they like rather than shape their choices with judgments about the possibilities they ask on. After all, if they're going to buy it anyway, why ask in the first place?

Which makes it strange to see Mizuki put the item back on the rack rather than try it on. Hadn't he pulled it because he was interested?

"What's wrong."

[realisateur]

Okay, maybe that was snarky or unfair. Ran means well, probably. He's just ... not as socially polished as he could be. Honestly, that's part of what Mizuki likes about him: his blunt honesty. At least he knows that whatever comes out of his mouth is what he means, and nothing more.

"Oh...sometimes, I wish you could care a little more about this sort of thing, that's all."

He tilts his head at Ran and examines his pretty face. He really is awfully pretty. Even if that shade of red could use some tweaking...

"Do you find it very frivolous?"

[rookieoftheyear]

For a brief moment, Ran looks genuinely confused by Mizuki's question.

"I don't think it's frivolous to care about what you wear. It's important for people to invest in the things that make them happy." After a pause, Ran reaches over and pulls the vest back off, holding it for Mizuki to take.

"Try it on."

[realisateur]

"....sure."

Mizuki sometimes thinks he's misunderstood Ran. It's odd, because he prides himself in knowing people and what makes them tick. Admittedly, he has a blindspot for certain people.

He puts it on and examines his reflection in the mirror.

"And what makes you happy, Ran-kun?"

[rookieoftheyear]

It suits him. The color looks good on him, the fit seems right, and Ran knows the store is among Mizuki's typical haunts for finding apparel, so it's to his style and budget. Ran will say none of it though, at least not unless and until Mizuki has made a decision to buy it anyway.

The question takes him a bit off-guard. Truthfully, he isn't quite sure. Taking care of the people he loves? Seeing them happy? Neither of those seem to get the answer exactly right, though both are true. So he answers in the most honest way he can:

"I haven't thought about it."

This seems like a nice time to redirect the attention. It's a bit uncomfortable to realize he doesn't even know what makes him happy in life.

"What do you think?" He asks, nodding towards the vest.

[realisateur]

"Hm." A disappointing but not entirely surprising answer. He should have known that Ran wasn't the romantic sort who would ever answer that question in a way that would make Mizuki's heart flutter. Perhaps that's a good thing, since Mizuki wouldn't know how to react in such a situation. Blush, probably. And that's such an unflattering color on his cheeks.

He suppresses a sigh and examines his reflection.

"It's a good fit. It will go well with the slacks I purchased here last month."

[rookieoftheyear]

"That sounds like a good investment. Do you want to buy it?"

Perhaps it's silly to be so cautious about influencing other people. It can be a thin line between facilitating a conversation and generating social pressure, and failure to do the former is as much a pitfall of saying too little as the latter can be of saying too much. All the same, between the two, the latter seems more dangerous, and isn't it better to err on the side of caution?

[realisateur]

Only Ran would make a fashion decision sound like some sort of financial transaction. Not that Mizuki is careless with how he spends his money, but still. He thinks there ought to be some feelings involved when making a decision like this one. Is it so hard for him to say the words I like how it looks on you?

"Yes, I suppose you're right."

He tucks it over his arm and starts for the checkout.

"I don't suppose you're in market for anything? I'm sure I could recommend something fabulous," he says over his shoulder.

[rookieoftheyear]

It's at once surprising and just a bit awkward when Mizuki asks if he's in the market for anything. At this store? No, it's all too expensive, and too high-end for everyday wear besides, though Ran must grant Mizuki that he would be able to find something flattering. He's much more attuned to the impact of different designs and colors than Ran is. Possibly a necessary skill as well, considering his career choice.

"I know you could... But I don't think anything here would fit my needs."

[realisateur]

"Hm," is all he says, with a brief lingering look at Ran. He thinks the man would look quite good in some of the styles here. It's just too bad he puts himself in things that don't always flatter him. Like that hideous orange turtleneck sweater that Mizuki has been hoping to get rid of forever.

He gets ringed up quickly and he turns back to Ran with bag in hand.

"So? Where shall we go now? Are you hungry?"