[ Nishikiyama finds his way to the table, taking his seat at it not long after he's prompted. Faintly, he remembers Yukoβ a rare stretch of time when she'd been healthy, and the two of them had shared an apartment not far from Kamurocho. That'd been the last time in a domestic setting someone had set out plates properly; the last time he'd had a meal needing plates while at a table in any residence in fact. He looks at the fork beside his plate with a thick and almost awkward air between them before he remembers where he is. Stay quiet any longer and Mine might think he did anything wrong. ]
You set the table.
[ Observation. After saying it aloud, he realizes Mine may understand that Nishikiyama doesn't do the same in his own home. ]
[ Mine observes Nishikiyamaβs reaction with subtle curiosity. Momentary awkwardness hangs between them like an unspoken confession. It'd been a while for him, too. Both of their worlds are usually far removed from such quiet moments. ]
Yes, I did.
[ He replies as he takes his seat opposite Nishikiyama. Mine's eyes flicker over the table settings. They both try for nonchalance, it seems. Mine reaches for the quiche, cutting a slice and placing it on Nishikiyama's plate with care before serving himself. His actions are deliberate and almost ritualistic; he tries to create a space where their usual roles donβt intrude. He finally looks up, meeting Nishikiyamaβs eyes, and his expression softens. ]
I thought it'd be nice to enjoy a meal properly.
[ He adds, as if offering an explanation for his actions. ]
[ Nishikiyama sits up straighter in his seat, pulling the fluffy ends of the borrowed bathrobe he wears further up the slope of his shoulders. Now's the time to show Mine he appreciates his gesture. There's a newness to his movements now, shaving the tip of quiche with his fork's edge and taking it up with its prongs. As Nishikiyama eats, he looks like a cat freshly placed in a new home. Careful, a little awkward. He chews and watches Mine in the silence of thought. ]
[ Mine notes the faint air of discomfort that lingers. He leans back in his chair slightly, his posture shifts. Sitting at this table isn't new to him and he tries to bridge the gap that seems to have widened from his to Nishikiyama's side. ]
It's one of my favorites.
[ As Nishikiyama chews on his first bite. Mine lets the conversation move towards the mundane, hoping to see him relax. He takes up knife and fork and cuts the tip of his slice. Having served the quiche while still warm, a smear of condensation remains on the porcelain plate. Mine takes his bite, and his eyes avert naturally, moving away from Nishikiyama for the first time this morning. ]
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no subject
You set the table.
[ Observation. After saying it aloud, he realizes Mine may understand that Nishikiyama doesn't do the same in his own home. ]
That's not really surprising.
no subject
Yes, I did.
[ He replies as he takes his seat opposite Nishikiyama. Mine's eyes flicker over the table settings. They both try for nonchalance, it seems. Mine reaches for the quiche, cutting a slice and placing it on Nishikiyama's plate with care before serving himself. His actions are deliberate and almost ritualistic; he tries to create a space where their usual roles donβt intrude. He finally looks up, meeting Nishikiyamaβs eyes, and his expression softens. ]
I thought it'd be nice to enjoy a meal properly.
[ He adds, as if offering an explanation for his actions. ]
no subject
It's good. [ He says after swallowing. ]
no subject
It's one of my favorites.
[ As Nishikiyama chews on his first bite. Mine lets the conversation move towards the mundane, hoping to see him relax. He takes up knife and fork and cuts the tip of his slice. Having served the quiche while still warm, a smear of condensation remains on the porcelain plate. Mine takes his bite, and his eyes avert naturally, moving away from Nishikiyama for the first time this morning. ]