[ Just as he'd mapped the walk from the Nishikiyama Family office to this unassuming spot, Mine readily takes in first impressions when the door opens, like the faint smell of cigarettes lingering cold in an ashtray. The woman at the bar counter lifts her head, not a face he recognizes, and Mine keeps decently behind Nishikiyama making a beeline for one of the high chairs. Nishikiyama's old acquaintance, Mine guesses, is her and this bar he'd frequented often to match.
She launches her assumption– Mine doesn't see Nishikiyama's dismissal but wills himself to sense it. Without waiting for more of an answer, he finds his hand brushing over his lapel and the crest pin there, awkwardly. Not too many details; he wonders if he should have taken it off when he knows he's being looked at with intent. Mine steps up, placing a hand on the back of the seat to Nishikiyama's left. He feels tongue-tied. ]
Mine Yoshitaka. Pleased to meet you.
[ She flatters him and evidently he doesn't mind, though Mine might as well be handing her a business card while inclining his head. ]
It's nice to meet you too! My name is Reina. Make yourself at home.
[ Reina presents each of them with a nearly rolled hot towel for their hands. They smell faintly floral. Nishikiyama is quick with his, wiping his palms and knuckles only a couple of times before setting it on the counter. He's more interested in lighting a cigarette than paying her too much attention. ]
Whisky.
Would you like anything to drink, Mine-san?
[ Nishikiyama fills Reina's bar with smoke. As everything is set out before him in a familiar way, he can even tap the end of his cigarette into the same ashtray he always does. ]
[ Reina is welcoming, or at least plays her part as hostess very well, Mine thinks. All the same, subtle tension on his face eases when he takes a seat. He wipes his hands more carefully than Nishikiyama. Mine looks at him through the veil of his first puff of smoke. ]
Are you sure?
[ The question if he'll order gets swallowed up. It's obvious, and Nishikiyama has already benefitted from it, that Mine would pick up the tab. After a moment unanswered, he feels his own question hang too heavy, like he has doubts about the offer– it'd make his patriarch look bad. ]
Thank you.
[ From viewing Nishikiyama's profile back to Reina. ]
[ Reina takes care of the order quickly, removing two matching rock glasses from the cabinet behind her and filling them each with ice. The whisky follows after, and Nishikiyama seems to finally unwind. His shoulders drop when his drink is put in front of him and another put in front of Mine. ]
Nishikiyama-kun...
[ Reina senses that the quiet may stay if she doesn't break it. ]
It's like you said, they're going to divorce. I thought it might happen, but I didn't think so soon...
I told you it'd only be a year, tops. There was no way.
It's so sad. They were such a good-looking couple...
[ Mine picks up the glass, feeling the cold condensation on his fingertips, and takes a slow sip. His eyes flicker over to Nishikiyama, catching a glimpse of the man's relaxed demeanor, still rare so far.
A divorce? He and Nishikiyama have just started their secret relationship, and there's no thought of ending it. This conversation started long before he was invited here and leaves Mine hesitant to overstep by getting involved. He swirls his drink. Reina talks to engage her patrons. ]
It's difficult to see something like that happen.
[ After a longer moment... He's far more subtle and mild on the subject than when he and Nishikiyama'd been alone over drinks. ]
[ Gaze flickers between Reina and Nishikiyama. Mine takes another sip of his whisky, allowing the burn to steady him before responding. Flattery doesn't do all to clear an awkward rigidity about his answer. ]
Marriage isn't on my radar.
[ The idea of it is one he's not even sure he wants to entertain. ]
[ Nishikiyama is backing Mine up, but while there's a stubborn spark left in Reina's eyes, she isn't compelled to protest. ]
I like to hold onto hope for you both anyway... but maybe that's me. I can't help but think it would be romantic for you to find your special someone someday.
It's nice to have hopeless romantic people left in the world.
[ Her expression brightens at that, a notable difference. She takes it as a compliment, but Nishikiyama isn't attentive enough to pay it mind. ]
Well! We still have the moment. And you don't need to think about "business" while here in the bar... Mine-san, do you like karaoke? I usually charge 500 yen per song, but I'm happy to give both you and Nishikiyama-kun one song each on the house. You have to hear him sing!
[ He needn't think about it any further; with the discussion cut short, Mine sits back with his shoulders more squared. His view flickers to Reina once. He sees her mood lighten. Mine's eyes narrow slightly at her suggestion, but he tries to suppress his discomfort. His face softens into a polite smile instead, unsure of how to proceed. ]
I appreciate the offer but...
[ He glances at Nishikiyama, wondering if he'll take the bait. He expects that he's just as reluctant to sing as he is. Mine turns his attention back to his drink. ]
If Nishikiyama-san is up for it, I'll be happy to listen.
[ -san? Nishikiyama-san? As the honorific hits the air, Nishikiyama's face is bewildered by it, the expression betraying the standoffishness he'd had on it there in front of Reina. ]
Have you not heard him yet? He's so good!
[ Mine singing hadn't been Reina's goal, and it's clear now as she closes in on Nishikiyama. She tries cornering him with Mine's mention of wanting to listen. Whether Mine had meant it or not, she can use his statement as leverage all the more to pressure Nishikiyama with. ]
Nishikiyama-kun! Sing the idol song again!
Their voices are so high though... ugh. I literally just got here. Let me drink in peace. Make Mine go.
[ Nishikiyama seems to have forgotten it's within his power to do so... ]
[ The moment Mine tacks on -san his gaze shifts to Nishikiyama. It's strange in how it makes his tongue touch against his teeth, and the other man's reflexion says to him he shouldn't have. There's no choice, though, he can't address it directly without disrupting the atmosphere that Reina cultivates. ]
I wouldn't want to disappoint–
[ He thinks Reina will insist on Nishikiyama, anyway. Mine, put on the cusp of performer and audience, stumbles around the ordering that...isn't. A furrowed brow lets indecision slip through its cracks.
To Nishikiyama: ]
To tell the truth, I was curious when you mentioned joining a group.
[ Or just humble? Nishikiyama isn't sure of the impression Mine gives just yet, but there'd been a piano in his home. It suggests that he at the very least isn't tone deaf. As the subject makes a U-turn, Nishikiyama seems to consider singing a bit more seriously now that it's Mine asking and not Reina. There's more desire to show off for Mine than there is for Reina. Reina might not notice, but it's not anything difficult to observe. ]
Maybe a different song.
[ But not now. He swivels his chair a bit, now seeming to think. Reina's expression is lit by the prospect, bright and eager. Her eyes move to the TV that isn't on. ]
A duet might be fun.
No, he said he sucks. And I already decided a song to sing.
[ Nishikiyama presses his cigarette into the ashtray before rising from his seat. There's a confidence to it. ]
After I take a leak. Whatever, hang on.
[ With that, he goes and leaves. ]
Mine-san, would you like anything to eat? I have snacks, if you'd like any.
[ A duet? He feels flush, but not embarrassed. Mine considers the nuances in the exchange, the slight relaxation in Nishikiyama's shoulders accompanied by confidence in his stride, but most of all how Nishikiyama's demeanor changes depending on who he's addressing. The lingering smoke adds a hazy veil to his departure.
Mine's defenses are low, despite restraint and reluctance to fully relax in this unfamiliar setting. It's the glass of whisky he holds onto, and savoring the warmth of another sip going down, and Reina's relentlessly hospitable presence. ]
Snacks would be nice, thank you.
[ With Nishikiyama away, he has time to look elsewhere. He notes the slight wear on the bar counter, the carefully arranged bottles behind Reina. Mine's thoughts return briefly to the way Nishikiyama's disposition shifted when he addressed him formally. His gaze sharp and perceptive, even so as his thoughts turn outward, Mine looks at Reina with a polite, attentive expression. He makes a cautious approach. ]
I was surprised when Nishikiyama-san invited me. You seem to know each other well.
[ Mine hesitates, unsure if he should delve deeper into his own thoughts. The subtle tightening around Reina’s eyes as she smiles hints at her curiosity– or it might be that he merely sees mirror of his own scrutiny there. He eases off. His gaze drifts to the bar's surroundings, but not too far from her. ]
This place seems like a sanctuary to him. I'm grateful that he brought me along tonight.
[ Ten years... Would she know about Kiryu, too? Mine thinks about that and gathers his intentions. ]
You must have seen a lot over the years, especially the company Nishikiyama-san keeps.
You would think so, maybe, but Nishikiyama-kun doesn't bring a lot of others here too often. Yumi-chan and Kiryu-chan...
[ Reina trails her sentence off, wondering if she's already said too much. A glance moves to the restroom, and then back to the counter somewhere. ]
Neither of his closest friends can come to the bar these days.
[ Behind the restroom door Nishikiyama can be heard, muffled, complaining to himself. It's hard to make out, but a soft and uninteresting toilet flush follows. ]
I think it's a good thing he brought you. He must like you to introduce us.
[ Mine's gaze sharpens subtly as Reina mentions Kiryu's name. He repeats it, almost to himself. ]
Kiryu?
[ It slips out before he thinks to stop it, or maybe it's because of thinking too much. With Reina bringing up Kiryu and Nishikiyama, who'd had a particular reaction, still occupied in the restroom, Mine sees an opportunity. He’s curious. His gaze remains on level with Reina, but it drifts slightly aside. ]
Because he’s in prison…
[ The words are a statement rather than another question. He leaves the implication hanging. What about Yumi– the thought lingers in his mind, but it’s not where his focus lies. Mine feels a strange tightness in his throat, a mix of feeling special for being brought here and the tension of probing into sensitive territory. ]
[ Reina is cautious as she speaks, unsure of what Mine does or doesn't know about Kiryu. The fact that he killed the chairman, though, seems to be common knowledge in the yakuza— notoriety that had always struck her as out of character, but without concrete reason to suspect differently. Nobody had denied it. Not Nishikiyama, not Kiryu. Yumi herself no where to be seen. Reina thinks of how lonely Nishikiyama must be now and her expression sombers. ]
Mm. Nishikiyama-kun used to be so cheerful, but he's been different ever since he became a patriarch. Sometimes he doesn't talk at all, and gets so drunk that he sleeps here until morning.
[ As the door knob of the restroom gives a soft rattle, she tries to cue Mine to cut the conversation short with a subtle nod. Her gaze moves onto Nishikiyama as he steps out. ]
Your toilet almost ate my keys.
I wondered what you were so upset about in there, but it felt rude to ask.
[ A small and simple karaoke pad and two microphones are set out for Mine and Nishikiyama to use. While they aren't the latest models, they still seem well-loved by the establishment. Nishikiyama sits beside Mine, a little closer than he had been when he left. Reina is readying other items for fun, like mini-maracas she found sold at a trinket shop. She hands one of them over to Mine, it's size like a baby rattle. ]
Mine, you like rock music?
[ There is a correct answer to this question that is quite obvious by how Nishikiyama prompts it. ]
[ Mine’s eyes linger on the subtle shift in Reina’s expression, the bits and pieces she does share of moments he isn't part of, before the sound of the rattling door pulls his attention back to the moment. Mine takes a breath in favor of replying to Reina again. The shift in conversation Nishikiyama brings with is sudden and the lack of distance between them feels immediately more intimate. The mini-maraca in hand—with shifting around it makes sound, too—Mine's posture subtly straightens. ]
Rock music?
[ His voice is smooth, with just the right amount of intrigue. He knows the right answer, or at least what Nishikiyama wants to hear. ]
[ The correct answer! Nishikiyama begins to push on the rubber keypad console, putting in a number he's apparently memorized and watching the TV as it reflects back to him correctly— ]
[ —but an error appears in place of the expected song title. Reina frowns behind him when he tries adding it again, only for the error to reappear with the same Not Found required. ]
Do you even keep this thing updated anymore, Reina?
[ Reina leans over the counter to look at the console. ]
You're so quick to be negative, Nishikiyama-kun. It might depend on when the song came out.
It was earlier this year. [ He huffs. ]
They changed the way the numbers are put in, you know? Try putting a 0 in front.
[ Reina's suggestion works, and to Nishikiyama's delight, he's able to sing the X Japan song he wanted to, Forever Love. After adjusting the key down by a whopping -4 tones, he's pulled it down into his range where he'll actually stand a chance howling out the chorus. Amazing.
Reina loves this, naturally. As Nishikiyama sings his little song, she happily gazes at him in the back without hiding her admiration. ]
[ Forever Love, huh… Mine leans back in his seat. As Nishikiyama pours himself into the song, his fingers tap lightly against the maraca. Almost absentmindedly, but rhythmically.
There’s something about the way Reina watches Nishikiyama—with open admiration—that stirs a flicker of uncertainty within Mine. He glances at her again. Does Nishikiyama see how she feels? The thought catches Mine off guard. His smile is subtle, but it’s impossible to ignore the unspoken tension. ]
Good choice.
[ After the song ends. His voice is quieter than intended. ]
[ Nishikiyama is proud of himself when he finishes. His shoulders are higher than they were, and he swings side to side a couple of times on the bar stool's swivel. Reina is fawning there across from them, but perhaps to Mine's delight, it's clear that Nishikiyama hadn't been fishing for her compliments at all. She's background noise— like the sound of a passing train, or rain from the sky. Satisfied by Mine's praise, Nishikiyama starts to light another cigarette— he forgets that the man across him is a subordinate of his at all. ]
[ Mine feels the heat of Nishikiyama's gaze on him again, Reina's reaction left by the wayside. He looks down at the glow of the cigarette near his face. Even in this setting, the usual routines feel distant. Mine’s fingers hover over his own glass, his throat tightens slightly. He hesitates for a moment, when he considers performing in front of Nishikiyama and Reina. He looks at the karaoke pad and makes the decision to search up a song. ]
I'll try this one.
[ It's popular, too, and came out the same year, Namonaki Uta by Mr. Children. Down-tuned some steps as well. Conversely, Mine doesn't think about the content of the lyrics here.
He trades the lone maraca for the microphone. As the music starts, his voice is quiet initially but gradually steadier. While he doesn't lean into the music as Nishikiyama did, it's apparent that he's not a bad singer. He even blossoms on the English snippets in the texts. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
She launches her assumption– Mine doesn't see Nishikiyama's dismissal but wills himself to sense it. Without waiting for more of an answer, he finds his hand brushing over his lapel and the crest pin there, awkwardly. Not too many details; he wonders if he should have taken it off when he knows he's being looked at with intent. Mine steps up, placing a hand on the back of the seat to Nishikiyama's left. He feels tongue-tied. ]
Mine Yoshitaka. Pleased to meet you.
[ She flatters him and evidently he doesn't mind, though Mine might as well be handing her a business card while inclining his head. ]
no subject
[ Reina presents each of them with a nearly rolled hot towel for their hands. They smell faintly floral. Nishikiyama is quick with his, wiping his palms and knuckles only a couple of times before setting it on the counter. He's more interested in lighting a cigarette than paying her too much attention. ]
Whisky.
Would you like anything to drink, Mine-san?
[ Nishikiyama fills Reina's bar with smoke. As everything is set out before him in a familiar way, he can even tap the end of his cigarette into the same ashtray he always does. ]
I'll buy your drinks.
[ He doesn't look up while offering. ]
no subject
Are you sure?
[ The question if he'll order gets swallowed up. It's obvious, and Nishikiyama has already benefitted from it, that Mine would pick up the tab. After a moment unanswered, he feels his own question hang too heavy, like he has doubts about the offer– it'd make his patriarch look bad. ]
Thank you.
[ From viewing Nishikiyama's profile back to Reina. ]
Whisky [ Too. ] on the rocks.
no subject
Nishikiyama-kun...
[ Reina senses that the quiet may stay if she doesn't break it. ]
It's like you said, they're going to divorce. I thought it might happen, but I didn't think so soon...
I told you it'd only be a year, tops. There was no way.
It's so sad. They were such a good-looking couple...
no subject
A divorce? He and Nishikiyama have just started their secret relationship, and there's no thought of ending it. This conversation started long before he was invited here and leaves Mine hesitant to overstep by getting involved. He swirls his drink. Reina talks to engage her patrons. ]
It's difficult to see something like that happen.
[ After a longer moment... He's far more subtle and mild on the subject than when he and Nishikiyama'd been alone over drinks. ]
no subject
They should've just never got together in the first place.
It's not something so simple! You can't control who you fall in love with or when, after all.
Doesn't mean you need to jump to get married.
Most people want to get married someday. Even you!
I can't get married.
But you want to. Right?
No.
Well Mine-san, what about you? You look like you'd be popular!
He can't get married either.
I'm asking him now.
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Marriage isn't on my radar.
[ The idea of it is one he's not even sure he wants to entertain. ]
Some people focus on other things.
no subject
[ Nishikiyama is backing Mine up, but while there's a stubborn spark left in Reina's eyes, she isn't compelled to protest. ]
I like to hold onto hope for you both anyway... but maybe that's me. I can't help but think it would be romantic for you to find your special someone someday.
It's nice to have hopeless romantic people left in the world.
[ Her expression brightens at that, a notable difference. She takes it as a compliment, but Nishikiyama isn't attentive enough to pay it mind. ]
Well! We still have the moment. And you don't need to think about "business" while here in the bar... Mine-san, do you like karaoke? I usually charge 500 yen per song, but I'm happy to give both you and Nishikiyama-kun one song each on the house. You have to hear him sing!
no subject
I appreciate the offer but...
[ He glances at Nishikiyama, wondering if he'll take the bait. He expects that he's just as reluctant to sing as he is. Mine turns his attention back to his drink. ]
If Nishikiyama-san is up for it, I'll be happy to listen.
no subject
Have you not heard him yet? He's so good!
[ Mine singing hadn't been Reina's goal, and it's clear now as she closes in on Nishikiyama. She tries cornering him with Mine's mention of wanting to listen. Whether Mine had meant it or not, she can use his statement as leverage all the more to pressure Nishikiyama with. ]
Nishikiyama-kun! Sing the idol song again!
Their voices are so high though... ugh. I literally just got here. Let me drink in peace. Make Mine go.
[ Nishikiyama seems to have forgotten it's within his power to do so... ]
no subject
I wouldn't want to disappoint–
[ He thinks Reina will insist on Nishikiyama, anyway. Mine, put on the cusp of performer and audience, stumbles around the ordering that...isn't. A furrowed brow lets indecision slip through its cracks.
To Nishikiyama: ]
To tell the truth, I was curious when you mentioned joining a group.
no subject
[ Or just humble? Nishikiyama isn't sure of the impression Mine gives just yet, but there'd been a piano in his home. It suggests that he at the very least isn't tone deaf. As the subject makes a U-turn, Nishikiyama seems to consider singing a bit more seriously now that it's Mine asking and not Reina. There's more desire to show off for Mine than there is for Reina. Reina might not notice, but it's not anything difficult to observe. ]
Maybe a different song.
[ But not now. He swivels his chair a bit, now seeming to think. Reina's expression is lit by the prospect, bright and eager. Her eyes move to the TV that isn't on. ]
A duet might be fun.
No, he said he sucks. And I already decided a song to sing.
[ Nishikiyama presses his cigarette into the ashtray before rising from his seat. There's a confidence to it. ]
After I take a leak. Whatever, hang on.
[ With that, he goes and leaves. ]
Mine-san, would you like anything to eat? I have snacks, if you'd like any.
no subject
Mine's defenses are low, despite restraint and reluctance to fully relax in this unfamiliar setting. It's the glass of whisky he holds onto, and savoring the warmth of another sip going down, and Reina's relentlessly hospitable presence. ]
Snacks would be nice, thank you.
[ With Nishikiyama away, he has time to look elsewhere. He notes the slight wear on the bar counter, the carefully arranged bottles behind Reina. Mine's thoughts return briefly to the way Nishikiyama's disposition shifted when he addressed him formally. His gaze sharp and perceptive, even so as his thoughts turn outward, Mine looks at Reina with a polite, attentive expression. He makes a cautious approach. ]
I was surprised when Nishikiyama-san invited me. You seem to know each other well.
no subject
I was also surprised. It's been a while since Nishikiyama-kun's brought anyone along.
[ As Reina speaks, she prepares a small glass tray of mixed nuts and senbei crackers. She smiles when sliding it over to Mine. ]
The two of us have known each other for nearly ten years now. He's grown up quite a bit since I first met him, but some things never change either.
no subject
This place seems like a sanctuary to him. I'm grateful that he brought me along tonight.
[ Ten years... Would she know about Kiryu, too? Mine thinks about that and gathers his intentions. ]
You must have seen a lot over the years, especially the company Nishikiyama-san keeps.
no subject
[ Reina trails her sentence off, wondering if she's already said too much. A glance moves to the restroom, and then back to the counter somewhere. ]
Neither of his closest friends can come to the bar these days.
[ Behind the restroom door Nishikiyama can be heard, muffled, complaining to himself. It's hard to make out, but a soft and uninteresting toilet flush follows. ]
I think it's a good thing he brought you. He must like you to introduce us.
[ Reina hopes she's special! ]
no subject
Kiryu?
[ It slips out before he thinks to stop it, or maybe it's because of thinking too much. With Reina bringing up Kiryu and Nishikiyama, who'd had a particular reaction, still occupied in the restroom, Mine sees an opportunity. He’s curious. His gaze remains on level with Reina, but it drifts slightly aside. ]
Because he’s in prison…
[ The words are a statement rather than another question. He leaves the implication hanging. What about Yumi– the thought lingers in his mind, but it’s not where his focus lies. Mine feels a strange tightness in his throat, a mix of feeling special for being brought here and the tension of probing into sensitive territory. ]
no subject
Mm. Nishikiyama-kun used to be so cheerful, but he's been different ever since he became a patriarch. Sometimes he doesn't talk at all, and gets so drunk that he sleeps here until morning.
[ As the door knob of the restroom gives a soft rattle, she tries to cue Mine to cut the conversation short with a subtle nod. Her gaze moves onto Nishikiyama as he steps out. ]
Your toilet almost ate my keys.
I wondered what you were so upset about in there, but it felt rude to ask.
[ A small and simple karaoke pad and two microphones are set out for Mine and Nishikiyama to use. While they aren't the latest models, they still seem well-loved by the establishment. Nishikiyama sits beside Mine, a little closer than he had been when he left. Reina is readying other items for fun, like mini-maracas she found sold at a trinket shop. She hands one of them over to Mine, it's size like a baby rattle. ]
Mine, you like rock music?
[ There is a correct answer to this question that is quite obvious by how Nishikiyama prompts it. ]
no subject
Rock music?
[ His voice is smooth, with just the right amount of intrigue. He knows the right answer, or at least what Nishikiyama wants to hear. ]
I do like it.
1/3
2/3
Do you even keep this thing updated anymore, Reina?
[ Reina leans over the counter to look at the console. ]
You're so quick to be negative, Nishikiyama-kun. It might depend on when the song came out.
It was earlier this year. [ He huffs. ]
They changed the way the numbers are put in, you know? Try putting a 0 in front.
3/3
Reina loves this, naturally. As Nishikiyama sings his little song, she happily gazes at him in the back without hiding her admiration. ]
no subject
There’s something about the way Reina watches Nishikiyama—with open admiration—that stirs a flicker of uncertainty within Mine. He glances at her again. Does Nishikiyama see how she feels? The thought catches Mine off guard. His smile is subtle, but it’s impossible to ignore the unspoken tension. ]
Good choice.
[ After the song ends. His voice is quieter than intended. ]
no subject
Your turn now.
[ He says. ]
no subject
I'll try this one.
[ It's popular, too, and came out the same year, Namonaki Uta by Mr. Children. Down-tuned some steps as well. Conversely, Mine doesn't think about the content of the lyrics here.
He trades the lone maraca for the microphone. As the music starts, his voice is quiet initially but gradually steadier. While he doesn't lean into the music as Nishikiyama did, it's apparent that he's not a bad singer. He even blossoms on the English snippets in the texts. ]