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[dereban]

Inaban

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[spacialeyes]

[And just like that, he lights up again: Tail and hair both lifting like he’s a Ghibli protagonist as his eyes literally glow with happiness. The nerves still cling to the corners of his smile, but he’s visibly happy to hear that answer.]

Th- Thank you! I’ll do my very best to please you, Inaba-san! [He bows.] Take your time! I am happy to wait for as long as you require.

[dereban]

[ It really doesn't take her that long, as she basically goes in and out in the span of about five minutes or so, which is about enough time to get what she wanted to do done and also enough to linger on his words, as she didn't exactly give a proper response. ]

Alright, I'm back... I hope I wasn't keeping you waiting for too long.

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto waits patiently. He did promise, after all. Which means fine tuning his behavior and trying to make himself as close to invisible as he can be. Though, upon spotting Inaba again, his expression and body language light up with joy.]

Inaba-san..! [She didn’t escape out a bathroom window this time! He shakes his head, still smiling,] No, not at all. I was able to send messages to… to some people. Were you able to accomplish what you set out to do?

[dereban]

Yeah, I've completed my tasks. I don't have anything else planned for today, so I'm free for the time being.

[spacialeyes]

Shall we “hang out” then? I could buy you a coffee? Or a dessert?? Perhaps a smoothie?

[His tail wags with excitement. Yuuto does not realize how much of an open book he is right now.]

[dereban]

You don't need to buy me anything. I can pay for myself. But hanging out is fine, sure.

[spacialeyes]

Then let's go! Do you have any favorite cafes? I know of a few that I could take you to! Is that alright?

[dereban]

I don't especially have any. [ She shrugs. ] So if you have any favorites, feel free to lead the way.

[spacialeyes]

Yes, of course! This way~! [He is glad to take the lead here, measuring each step to be in time with hers.] It's sort of weird, these cities... My mind knows that it is winter, but the season hasn't changed here. Do you think it'll snow?

[dereban]

It is, but you get used to it. But it's already December, huh... it might snow.

[ She says those words in a bit of a nostalgic tone, but there's also something sad there, too. ]

[spacialeyes]

That would be so amazing if it does. I've always wanted to try playing in the snow. Have you heard of "snowmen" or "snow bunnies?" [he asks like he's unfamiliar with them himself.]

[dereban]

I'm not the kind of person who does things like that. Although I have heard of both of those things. Never made any myself, though.

[spacialeyes]

[Now he's more curious..!]

Do only certain types of people do that? What kinds? Would it be appropriate for me to try, do you think?

[dereban]

Well, anyone can do it, so if you wanted to, you're allowed. It just isn't for me. I'd rather stay at home, especially when it starts getting closer to Christmas.

[spacialeyes]

What's Christmas? Are we going somewhere?

[dereban]

Ah... Christmas is a holiday in December. It originated as a religious holiday, but some places just celebrate it as like a time where you party and give presents to the people you love. Back home, Christmas Eve is even a romantic holiday in particular...

[spacialeyes]

A romantic holiday..? Back home, we call that 'Valentines' and celebrate in February.

[But he thinks that he understands!]

Do you suppose that they celebrate it in this world? I wonder if Nenonen will want to learn about it...

[dereban]

Well, we have Valentine's as well. But it a pretty different... vibe?

[ As for the answer to his question: ]

I think they do. Maybe not entirely the same way, but I remember hearing about it here and there. Is the person you mentioned your romantic partner...?

[spacialeyes]

[When Inaba asks that, Yuuto answers with his body language: He's immediately blushing and his tail has curled into a heart shape. It feels like the heat in his face is causing his hair to rise, so Yuuto begins patting down his head and hair in a shy near-panic.]

I-I think so... I'm one of their... their partners, mm. [It's hard not to smile when he thinks about it. This is the first time he's talked about their relationship.] But they have a lot of people who love them. I'm sure it would mean more to have a Christmas with a Christmas-senpai than a newbie like me.

[dereban]

What's with that lack of confidence...

[ She sighs a bit pathetically with a frown. ]

It doesn't matter if it's your first or your twentieth Christmas, if they care about you, they'll enjoy spending Christmas with you regardless.

[spacialeyes]

[He’s startled when she scolds him… but not unhappy. It’s weird to have someone tell him things bluntly. He kind of likes it and how it cuts through his anxiety.]

Aaahhh, well… I guess… Mm. You’re right. They care about me a lot, so they’d enjoy spending time together.

[Yuuto lowers his gaze, shy.] S-Sorry. I’m not used to it yet, is all. Um… Do you know how to romance on Crickmas?

[dereban]

Good. I'm glad you understand.

[ She lets out a little huff, before-- ]

...Hm? Why are you asking me? Do I look like a master of romance? And it's Christmas.

[spacialeyes]

Christmas... [He repeats quietly while forming a reply,] Mm, you do? You're the only person that I know of to ask, actually?

[dereban]

I don't know if I should worry that I'm the only person that you know to ask about this sort of thing.

[spacialeyes]

[He doesn't want to admit to being unsocial. Even now, Yuuto is terrified of vanishing and leaving people behind.]

Well... I don't know how common Christmas is in other worlds. You may be the only one who knows of it.