[ There's nothing for him to be suspicious of, and thusly, he isn't. Nishikiyama instead pulls the bathrobe onto himself, each arm filling the sleeves before he wraps it around his waist and legs to cover himself properly. ]
[ Mine appears to think about his answer briefly, and then he waits for Nishikiyama to agree. In all that time, he has himself part from the thought of keeping any of the other man's clothes. Placid, he watches Nishikiyama slip into the robe. Just like that, his argument about the mask faces no further resistance, when Mine picks it up and with both it and the shirt in hand suggest he step outside the bedroom. ]
[ Nishikiyama's eyes follow Mine and his exit. There's not a lot of protest to follow it and instead comes a purposeless boredom. Without anyone to talk to, what's he to do? There's a lack of reason for him to stay in the room. Mine had wanted him in the bathrobe; he's in it. After feeling the moment has lagged for too long, he finds himself drifting into the hallway in the vague direction that Mine had left.
... But he can't let him think he's being followed.
Nishikiyama finds one room dedicated to physical fitness in Mine's room. With a punching bag and equipment stationed accordingly, Nishikiyama notices that, despite the new smell of leather, the punching bag has seen thorough practice. His fingers brush over the surface and find no splits. Not that he'd expect any. ]
[ Two phone calls made, and the shirt set outside to be picked up without Nishikiyama noticing any more. Mine returns, not completely empty-handed. He's still carrying the moisture mask, unopened. Hyper-aware of someone else sharing the space of his private, quiet apartment this morning, he listens for sign of Nishikiyama moving about before he's even close to the bedroom again. Mine doesn't go all the way back there.
He follows Nishikiyama, after an uncalculated wait, into the room where the door stands cracked open. Mine surveys his own furnishings, as someone who rarely takes the time to step in here just to have a look around. A moment that lasts before he speaks up, curious about Nishikiyama finding his way in here. ]
Are you looking for something?
[ Opposite his previous flight behavior, changing rooms, right now Mine resembles a cat slinking around its owner's legs. He stands close. ]
[ He's just here because he wound up here. His interest in the punching bag declines and, deciding that it's been enough time, he unpeels his mask from his skin. His face is glassy beneath. The lights above cast a sheen over the bonesβ his features are more prominent than most. ]
Put yours on.
[ He squints and lazily sweeps his foot at Mine's ankle. ]
[ Without asking, Mine'd arrived at the thought that Nishikiyama isn't an early riser and based his expectations this morning around that. Now, his skin looks nourished, he looks awake when he peels off the mask. Mine's interest in Nishikiyama being in this room is greater and remains as such. He looks at him overlong. Maybe that's why Nishikiyama swipes at his leg, discomforted, and Mine splits from the view of him. He decidesβ ]
Alright.
[ Setting the same intention of him leaving the room, going back into the bathroom, hanging in the air. This time, Mine just isn't so quick to go. ]
I ordered breakfast. It'll be here in thirty minutes.
[ Mine likes that his statement's earned him this kind of interest. ]
A quiche and a selection of open-faced sandwiches. It's something I hope you'll enjoy.
[ Then, he leaves.
In the bathroom, Mine looks past himself in the mirror, waiting on the picture of Nishikiyama behind him. With the face mask unfolded, he cranes his head back to drape it on. ]
[ Isn't that, like, an egg tart? Or something? Doesn't it have cheese? Nishikiyama thinks of something yellow with crust, but quiche isn't something he eats in the morning let alone often at all. As Mine makes his way into the bathroom once more, Nishikiyama simply follows. He's nowhere else to beβ nothing else in the apartment catches his attention the same way. As Mine carefully lays his facemask over her skin, Nishikiyama gazes through the mirror. ]
[ Mine smoothes the mask around the eye area, around the outer rim, gaze fixed in the mirror and seemingly on himself. Until he meets Nishikiyama's eyes via his reflection. The sheet hides any crease of his brow. ]
Yes.
[ Though rarely for breakfast, he omits. Nishikiyama told him to treat this morning like any other, the breakfast order alone is far from it. Mine has the sense, that Nishikiyama doesn't watch his eating lighter or heavier meals to match the time of day and just what tastes good. He's happy to adjust. He decides to elaborate before the pause in their conversation through the mirror stretches on. ]
It has eggs, ham, and I ordered to eat it warm. It's french.
[ This conversation is filler. Nishikiyama knows Mine won't feed him garbage (frankly, it's too expensive to taste bad). He instead studies how Mine looks with the skin mask on his faceβ the seriousness of it significantly weakened. His lips move in the open gap, hardly changing expression. ]
βIsn't this nice?
[ He tries to quip him into either vulnerability or confusion. ]
[ Mine turns away from the mirror and from the conversation about what breakfast he ordered, hand on the countertop. Again, his brow hardly seems to even crinkle, confusion concealed by the thin, neatly pressed on mask. ]
This?
[ A slow morning, their pas de deux? That Mine flusters from his own thinking is equally invisible, yet lingers in the air. His gaze flickers, to and from, Nishikiyama without the mirror between. ]
[ Though he'd been the one to steer the conversation in this direction, he seems to have trouble accepting the affection. His eyes look at Mineβ then away. There are efforts not to look at him when Mine's gaze is upon him. ]
I should probably try and be in Shinjuku again by 2. Told someone I'd meet them later in the evening for a drink.
[ Without malicious intent, Mine still finds himself expecting that sort of response, goading the other man into replying with his defenses up. His gaze stays, even as Nishikiyama insists his answer doesn't get anywhere near him. Dark browns are a stark contrast to the sheer white paper mask, and look like they'll pin him to cork board underneath. ]
[ The way he says it suggests there's more to the story. There's some heaviness in the words, the friendship between himself and Reina a relationship that's always been something to her and nothing to him at the same time. Nothing that she wants it to be anyway. ]
Did you want to come?
[ Anything to avoid talking to her one on one. She always finds ways to poke and corner him in her advances without other customers there to listen. ]
[ It doesn't suggest anything sinister, but Mine can tell that he leaves some things unsaid. Surely, Nishikiyama has more than a few people to fit that non-description. ]
Are you inviting me?
[ Mine's question back carries some levity, not feeling anxious, because he'd been offered the details of his day out of nowhere. Nishikiyama wants to share about that, and even if Mine asks he doesn't feel as though he's prying too much as a result. He already says 'yes' without putting the exact words forward: ]
[ His eyes move to meet Mine's again. With a silence between them that follows, he reaches his arm out to peel Mine's mask off by the edge, deciding it's been on him for too long. The slimy paper of it is laid in his hand. ]
[ A silence he leaves be, wallowing in the words of Nishikiyama's reply. Mismatched to that, his eyebrows pinch the bridge of his nose, grimacing as the mask tugs on soft skin. Nishikiyama reveals to himself the subtle sheen of lotion not yet pulled into Mine's invisible pores.
Finally, his chest rises and his own weight eases off his shoulder. Mine comes away from the countertop. ]
I'll be there, then.
[ Nothing, it looks like, is left on his schedule for the day, even though Nishikiyama'd only said to clear it out for the morning. Mine's fingertips brush across his palm, taking the crumpled-up mask to throw it away. This whole time he keeps his gaze with Nishikiyama's. After drifting from room to room there's no rush now, not even to get dressed. ]
She'll pry because you're new, but don't give too many details. Want her as uninvolved in all of this as possible.
[ Reina has always been wrapped around his finger, but there's no reason for her to meddle or press. Not that he thinks Mine needs to be told twice; he certainly doesn't seem the type to kiss and tell. ]
Can you do that?
[ Nishikiyama is looking at him now as if he wants something but doesn't move first as he usually might. He doesn't need Mine to reply for him to know that the answer is yes. ]
[ She? Mine latches onto faint elaboration. Rather than creases appearing back on his brow, curiosity moves into his face by lifting away so much introspection. When he notices it himself, Mine snuffs it quickly with the kind of curt answer. ]
Yes.
[ No one knows. But he regards it with the reasoning of keeping something precious like a museum piece behind glass. Steam from the shower still hangs in the room. Mine steps closer. With the layers of the bathrobe slightly parted, he catches a glimpse of Nishikiyama's bare chest. His fingers tug on a long sleeve, charged with unspoken intent. ]
[ With a quick glance to the door, Nishikiyama assesses the likelihood of their breakfast arriving anytime too soon. The light hook of fingers in the bathrobe is suggestive enough, and something not yakuza in Nishikiyama locks the thudding of his heartbeat in his throat. Is he embarrassed? Flattered? He shouldn't be with the power dynamic and yet he somehow feels hesitant for too much of himself to be known. His next swallow hurts in a strange way. ]
You really listened yesterday.
[ His arm is loose and easy to pull from the sleeve. He isn't resisting Mine's motions. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2024-05-08 02:52 pm (UTC)[ There's nothing for him to be suspicious of, and thusly, he isn't. Nishikiyama instead pulls the bathrobe onto himself, each arm filling the sleeves before he wraps it around his waist and legs to cover himself properly. ]
Today's different.
no subject
Date: 2024-05-11 07:17 am (UTC)[ Mine appears to think about his answer briefly, and then he waits for Nishikiyama to agree. In all that time, he has himself part from the thought of keeping any of the other man's clothes. Placid, he watches Nishikiyama slip into the robe. Just like that, his argument about the mask faces no further resistance, when Mine picks it up and with both it and the shirt in hand suggest he step outside the bedroom. ]
Let me take care of this, first.
no subject
Date: 2024-05-11 02:40 pm (UTC)... But he can't let him think he's being followed.
Nishikiyama finds one room dedicated to physical fitness in Mine's room. With a punching bag and equipment stationed accordingly, Nishikiyama notices that, despite the new smell of leather, the punching bag has seen thorough practice. His fingers brush over the surface and find no splits. Not that he'd expect any. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-05-12 12:13 pm (UTC)He follows Nishikiyama, after an uncalculated wait, into the room where the door stands cracked open. Mine surveys his own furnishings, as someone who rarely takes the time to step in here just to have a look around. A moment that lasts before he speaks up, curious about Nishikiyama finding his way in here. ]
Are you looking for something?
[ Opposite his previous flight behavior, changing rooms, right now Mine resembles a cat slinking around its owner's legs. He stands close. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-05-12 01:16 pm (UTC)[ He's just here because he wound up here. His interest in the punching bag declines and, deciding that it's been enough time, he unpeels his mask from his skin. His face is glassy beneath. The lights above cast a sheen over the bonesβ his features are more prominent than most. ]
Put yours on.
[ He squints and lazily sweeps his foot at Mine's ankle. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-05-13 10:36 am (UTC)Alright.
[ Setting the same intention of him leaving the room, going back into the bathroom, hanging in the air. This time, Mine just isn't so quick to go. ]
I ordered breakfast. It'll be here in thirty minutes.
no subject
Date: 2024-05-13 03:24 pm (UTC)[ Nishikiyama still seems interested isn't dismissive. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-05-13 05:11 pm (UTC)A quiche and a selection of open-faced sandwiches. It's something I hope you'll enjoy.
[ Then, he leaves.
In the bathroom, Mine looks past himself in the mirror, waiting on the picture of Nishikiyama behind him. With the face mask unfolded, he cranes his head back to drape it on. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-05-14 03:21 pm (UTC)Do you like eating those?
no subject
Date: 2024-05-15 11:55 am (UTC)Yes.
[ Though rarely for breakfast, he omits. Nishikiyama told him to treat this morning like any other, the breakfast order alone is far from it. Mine has the sense, that Nishikiyama doesn't watch his eating lighter or heavier meals to match the time of day and just what tastes good. He's happy to adjust. He decides to elaborate before the pause in their conversation through the mirror stretches on. ]
It has eggs, ham, and I ordered to eat it warm. It's french.
1/2
Date: 2024-05-15 04:46 pm (UTC)[ A pause. ]
2/2
Date: 2024-05-15 04:50 pm (UTC)βIsn't this nice?
[ He tries to quip him into either vulnerability or confusion. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-05-16 01:32 pm (UTC)This?
[ A slow morning, their pas de deux? That Mine flusters from his own thinking is equally invisible, yet lingers in the air. His gaze flickers, to and from, Nishikiyama without the mirror between. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-05-16 02:25 pm (UTC)[ Expectant. ]
1/2
Date: 2024-05-16 03:47 pm (UTC)[ He'd be an idiot to give any other answer. A pause Mine's side. ]
2/2
Date: 2024-05-16 03:47 pm (UTC)I'm happy you're staying.
[ βBut he says this out loud. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-05-17 02:56 pm (UTC)[ Though he'd been the one to steer the conversation in this direction, he seems to have trouble accepting the affection. His eyes look at Mineβ then away. There are efforts not to look at him when Mine's gaze is upon him. ]
I should probably try and be in Shinjuku again by 2. Told someone I'd meet them later in the evening for a drink.
no subject
Date: 2024-05-18 08:46 am (UTC)I can drive you to Shinjukuβ
[ Unlike him, Mine latches onto Nishikiyama's explanation. ]
Who are you meeting there?
no subject
Date: 2024-05-18 11:21 am (UTC)[ The way he says it suggests there's more to the story. There's some heaviness in the words, the friendship between himself and Reina a relationship that's always been something to her and nothing to him at the same time. Nothing that she wants it to be anyway. ]
Did you want to come?
[ Anything to avoid talking to her one on one. She always finds ways to poke and corner him in her advances without other customers there to listen. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-05-19 10:06 am (UTC)Are you inviting me?
[ Mine's question back carries some levity, not feeling anxious, because he'd been offered the details of his day out of nowhere. Nishikiyama wants to share about that, and even if Mine asks he doesn't feel as though he's prying too much as a result. He already says 'yes' without putting the exact words forward: ]
I just want to know if you want me to come.
no subject
Date: 2024-05-19 02:52 pm (UTC)[ His eyes move to meet Mine's again. With a silence between them that follows, he reaches his arm out to peel Mine's mask off by the edge, deciding it's been on him for too long. The slimy paper of it is laid in his hand. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-05-19 03:56 pm (UTC)Finally, his chest rises and his own weight eases off his shoulder. Mine comes away from the countertop. ]
I'll be there, then.
[ Nothing, it looks like, is left on his schedule for the day, even though Nishikiyama'd only said to clear it out for the morning. Mine's fingertips brush across his palm, taking the crumpled-up mask to throw it away. This whole time he keeps his gaze with Nishikiyama's. After drifting from room to room there's no rush now, not even to get dressed. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-05-19 06:55 pm (UTC)[ Reina has always been wrapped around his finger, but there's no reason for her to meddle or press. Not that he thinks Mine needs to be told twice; he certainly doesn't seem the type to kiss and tell. ]
Can you do that?
[ Nishikiyama is looking at him now as if he wants something but doesn't move first as he usually might. He doesn't need Mine to reply for him to know that the answer is yes. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-05-20 12:31 pm (UTC)Yes.
[ No one knows. But he regards it with the reasoning of keeping something precious like a museum piece behind glass. Steam from the shower still hangs in the room. Mine steps closer. With the layers of the bathrobe slightly parted, he catches a glimpse of Nishikiyama's bare chest. His fingers tug on a long sleeve, charged with unspoken intent. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-05-20 03:55 pm (UTC)You really listened yesterday.
[ His arm is loose and easy to pull from the sleeve. He isn't resisting Mine's motions. ]
Only said the morning but you gave the whole day.
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