"Heeey, you've reached Yang! Well, actually, you didn't reach far enough, 'cause I'm not here right now! But don't yang up! Just leave a message on this baby, and I'll get back to you soon enough, okay?"
[ There's actually several long moments of silence as Yang ponders, sifting through the lighter things in her thoughts-- but when she recalls what she'd told Yata...
Maybe that's it. Naoki had trusted her with painful memories, and she'd told him that there were things, that she wasn't as cool. Now, she takes a breath, her voice growing softer as she settles back in her chair. ]
... I don't actually know the true reason why I want to be a Huntress. When I was asked, I gave some answer about being a thrill-seeker and being okay with never knowing what life was going to throw at me... but the thing is, that's shallow. Everyone else in my team has a solid reason for it, to prove themselves, to change how things are-- and then there's me.
[Naoki straightens up slightly, lifting himself from his arms when she settles back, when her voice softens like that. She's telling him about herself? He hadn't expected...
But as the slight surprise smooths away, he listens, expression settling into thoughtfulness.]
...D'you want to find a better reason to fight than the one you answered with?
I've... run into a lot of people with hypocritical reasons. And they couldn't see that themselves or, well, they didn't even try. Much less admit that they didn't know, or try to find something better.
I admire that you are, Yang. [With a smile.] You're the coolest person that I've ever met.
[ Okay, she's honestly a little surprised when she feels her face heat up, because yes, she's used to being cool when she's on her motorcycle or in the middle of a fight or sauntering into a club, but right after ingesting some bizarre frozen yogurt challenge and admitting her own indecision?
It catches her off-guard, and it shows in her face, before she blinks rapidly and runs a swift hand through her hair. ]
I don't know, I think Yurlungur's got some pretty high cool levels.
Naoki leans forward a little, bracing himself with his arms on the table, expression so curious. Did he manage to catch her off guard? Make her blush? A little bit?
Though that wasn't his intention, he was just being sincere...]
I don't think he really fits the person criteria, though. He'd probably be offended if I called him one.
I think it would've been worth it. But, since it was a tie. [He spreads his hands apart and then moves to stand, he will throw these cups that once held monstrosities away...]
[Naoki returns... and pauses as he looks down at her. Unable to stop himself, he reaches out for her hair because he really does like it, and he wants to smooth his hand over it.
His voice is quiet, as though he half doesn't want it to be heard:]
...thanks for talking about that secret, by the way.
I'm glad you did. [He moves to sit again opposite her, but his hand still lingers, absently sorting through pieces of her hair.
Because, Yang didn't have to. She could've picked anything to tell him about, but she picked that. She really trusts me, it's not a new realisation or anything, but finally, something feels as though clicks into place.
His resolution, maybe.]
...next week, if you got some time, I want to tell you about the rest of my... not-fun stuff. [He'll give forewarning this time instead of springing it on her...]
... [ Her hair again... well, she doesn't mind, and she peers at him now, head still down but eyes focusing on his face. ]
Next week? Just let me know, I'll make time. [ Is this what he'd mentioned before, the thing that might change her opinion of him? Which she doubts, but admittedly, she's curious. ]
Then... Let's say Tuesday, for now. [Naoki slides his fingers loose from with a little flick, folding his arms on the table. He'd be lying if he said he didn't feel a nervous clenching in his stomach at the thought but, at the same time, when he finally puts it to voice... maybe it's a little relieving.] And if anything suddenly comes up, lemme know.
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[ but now she has to think... ]
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[But good-- He'll fold his arms on the table, propping his chin on them as he watches her curiously. What've you got for him, Yang?]
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Maybe that's it. Naoki had trusted her with painful memories, and she'd told him that there were things, that she wasn't as cool. Now, she takes a breath, her voice growing softer as she settles back in her chair. ]
... I don't actually know the true reason why I want to be a Huntress. When I was asked, I gave some answer about being a thrill-seeker and being okay with never knowing what life was going to throw at me... but the thing is, that's shallow. Everyone else in my team has a solid reason for it, to prove themselves, to change how things are-- and then there's me.
[ Yang laughs, humorlessly. ]
What am I even fighting for?
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But as the slight surprise smooths away, he listens, expression settling into thoughtfulness.]
...D'you want to find a better reason to fight than the one you answered with?
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[ Otherwise, isn't she as shallow as that answer had sounded? ]
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[Maybe it's a little absurd, but Naoki's expression is soft; he's not joking, not here.] There's nothing wrong with not knowing for sure, after all.
Not everyone has one, or... some let other people choose their reason for them, instead of trying to find it on their own.
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If nothing else, I'm used to fighting. I can keep doing that much.
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I admire that you are, Yang. [With a smile.] You're the coolest person that I've ever met.
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[ Okay, she's honestly a little surprised when she feels her face heat up, because yes, she's used to being cool when she's on her motorcycle or in the middle of a fight or sauntering into a club, but right after ingesting some bizarre frozen yogurt challenge and admitting her own indecision?
It catches her off-guard, and it shows in her face, before she blinks rapidly and runs a swift hand through her hair. ]
I don't know, I think Yurlungur's got some pretty high cool levels.
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Naoki leans forward a little, bracing himself with his arms on the table, expression so curious. Did he manage to catch her off guard? Make her blush? A little bit?
Though that wasn't his intention, he was just being sincere...]
I don't think he really fits the person criteria, though. He'd probably be offended if I called him one.
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[ no, she's regaining her cool, STOP STARING SO INQUISITIVELY. ]
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I dunno, his personality's not that cool.
Either way, he won't be kicking you off your perch at the top. [Okay, now he's teasing...]
SLEEP DAMMIT
[ SO WRY, don't be a brat, Naoki-- ]
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[He can't help it...] Looks like you're earning yourself some more titles.
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[ And she's still pretty touched. ]
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[She probably wouldn't have wanted that.]
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I think it would've been worth it. But, since it was a tie. [He spreads his hands apart and then moves to stand, he will throw these cups that once held monstrosities away...]
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Well, this whole day had just been one big thing, hadn't it? ]
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His voice is quiet, as though he half doesn't want it to be heard:]
...thanks for talking about that secret, by the way.
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I trust you. I had to say the not-fun stuff eventually.
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Because, Yang didn't have to. She could've picked anything to tell him about, but she picked that. She really trusts me, it's not a new realisation or anything, but finally, something feels as though clicks into place.
His resolution, maybe.]
...next week, if you got some time, I want to tell you about the rest of my... not-fun stuff. [He'll give forewarning this time instead of springing it on her...]
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Next week? Just let me know, I'll make time. [ Is this what he'd mentioned before, the thing that might change her opinion of him? Which she doubts, but admittedly, she's curious. ]
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Then... Let's say Tuesday, for now. [Naoki slides his fingers loose from with a little flick, folding his arms on the table. He'd be lying if he said he didn't feel a nervous clenching in his stomach at the thought but, at the same time, when he finally puts it to voice... maybe it's a little relieving.] And if anything suddenly comes up, lemme know.
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