2025-06-29: Preconceptions

• Log: Preconceptions
• Cast: Julian Marlowe, Ichika Kawase
• Where: Kasugayama High School, Hirasaka Ward, Sumaru City
• OOC Date: June 29, 2025
• IC Date: June 02, 2012 (Afternoon)
• Summary: Ichika Kawase has been directed to the Guidance Office because of her grades, but the Guidance Office holds one Julian Marlowe, who has some surprises in store.

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<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.

The Guidance Office... did not in fact exist until the beginning of this school year. If students felt the need to talk to somebody about personal matters, looking to the school for it was generally not encouraged, or even considered, by faculty and students alike. At Cuss High, you'll learn to stand on your own two feet. Or else.

Julian Marlowe seeks to change that. And the first step was to claim a dedicated environment, specifically meant to discuss private matters in absolute privacy. And so, way at the far end of a ground floor hallway next to an emergency exit, a previously unused room that used to be crammed full of odds and ends that were no longer wanted or needed, went from permanently locked, to permanently open.

Aside from the plaque on the door labeling it as the Guidance Office, nothing has really changed on the outside. The inside is vastly different. All the trash was thrown out or moved elsewhere, it's been properly vacuumed and dusted, there's even new carpeting, a pleasant green grass carpet just kind of rolled out to cover up the old.

With the light blue color that's been used to paint over the existing wallpaper, one may get the impression that Julian wanted to create an outdoorsy environment. His desk situated in the far back, what dominates the room as soon as one enters is a round wooden table in the middle, with two chairs on opposite ends.

Covered fully by an ivory lace cloth, two porcelain teacups rest upon their saucers on either end of the table, which in turn rest upon delicate doilies. A three-tiered stand rises at the center, its plates crowded with lemon-drizzled scones. Beside it, a old-fashioned teapot matching the set of cups, steaming gently beside a bowl of sugar cubes and a tiny pair of tongs.

Whatever Ichika may have been expecting from her 'suggested' visit here... it probably wasn't a tea party.

Julian himself, previously seated at his desk, rises at her entry with a gentle smile, motioning her to the table.

"<Miss> Kawase, how delightful to see you here. Please, have a seat. Would you care for some Darjeeling royal milk tea?"

<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.

Ichika Kawase, a third year student, transferred from Akiyama High School's roster--and before that, from Seven Sisters High School. She lives in the dorms, which are notably hard to get into--and sometimes goes back to stay with her family in Iwatodai on weekends. And as the 'Thorn Boss', she definitely has learned to stand on her own two feet.

There's more in her records, but that's not important right now. What's important is that Ichika has received a 'suggestion' that she report to the guidance office about her grades. She was about as thrilled with this as one would expect, but given the options...

Well, she walks through the halls towards the door, and sighs. She looks at the plaque on the door--and then opens it. "All right, I'm--"

She pauses, looking around the very nice room and the green carpet and the round table and the light blue paint and the... teapot.

There's a visible moment where her eyes just kind of track all over it again and her brain has to reboot.

This happens when Julian rises. "...?" she starts.

"...Is it?" she wonders. Delightful, that is. "I'm here because they made me..."

A pause. She doesn't smile back--she looks uneasy, very much like a feral animal unused to kind treatment.

"Um," she starts, "Sure." Ichika walks over towards the chair, and moves to take a seat.

"...But aren't you worried students like us will break your nice stuff?"

<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.

Julian makes a point of being informed about those he speaks to, in his capacity as teacher and counselor both. Students might be dismayed if they knew just how much The New Guy is already aware of, a mere two months into his tenure. But he's not here to weaponize what he knows. At most there's some points of order he has in mind that may need to be addressed, one day.

Ultimately though, the essence of counseling lies in getting to know people. That can never happen based on records and hearsay alone. He's a strong believer in the power of conversation - and if you're going to have a conversation, best to make it a pleasant one, isn't it?

Not that he isn't aware that he's doing something... non-standard here, for any school, but especially this one. He stands by it, but the reaction is not a surprise. Brain reboot time is granted.

"Of course," he replies evenly, "I'm aware that coming here today was not by your own choice. That's no reason not to make the best of things, is it? I consider any who step into this office a guest, and I like to think I'm a good host."

The uneasiness is noted, but not called attention to. Julian focuses on pouring the tea for the moment, leaving the decision of adding sugar or taking a scone to Ichika. "Oh, I'm not concerned about my 'stuff'. It's just stuff. Stuff can be replaced, if need be. More importantly..."

One might think he'd follow that up with something relevant to the reasons why Ichika is here. But no, it's far too early for that. There's something far more important to note, first.

"I hope you'll enjoy my selection, this tea is one of my favorites. You'll find it to be silky, mellow, earthy and floral in equal measure, with a gentle sweetness that lingers. The milky addition of royal brewing style really helps to smoothe out that rich taste."

Sounds like if you want to talk tea, you'll know who to call. But - while important - that's not what this is really about. Once he too is situated, he folds his hands together on the table, and his tone turns slightly more formal still, though no less pleasant than before.

"To preface this, let me assure you - you're not here to be lectured, or told what to do." The corners of his lips elevate slightly. "Nobody likes that, am I right?"

"Besides, it would be rather presumptuous of me to try and give advice to someone I barely know. For today, I'd just like to become better acquainted with who you are. You're free to share as much or as little as you'd like, and if at any point we chance upon a subject you'd rather not discuss, simply say so and we'll move right along, no questions asked."

He lifts his tea cup, briefly closing his eyes as he takes in its aroma, before turning his attention back to his guest.

"Now then, why don't you start by telling me a little bit about yourself? No need to overthink it. Whatever comes to mind is fine."

<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.

Ichika hasn't met a lot of authority figures who want to make her experience 'pleasant' in a while. So this particular approach catches her off-guard even after the initial surprise. So...

"I guess," Ichika answers. "Well... all right." A guest, and he's a good host. She looks to the tea, and looks to Julian again. "You should be," she points out first. But he mentions the tea, and at first, she doesn't take any of the sugar; she just looks down at the teacup again, at the scones, and at his monocle.

"I see..." She nods. "So if it's already sweet, I shouldn't need the sugar," she reasons. Her hand hovers near the teacup.

"That's what they usually say," she says of lectures. "...But that's true. Nobody likes that."

"Is it that easy?" she wonders. "I could just say I don't want to talk about anything," Ichika says. "I could just sit here and be quiet. And then you'd have to find another approach."

She hesitates. Her bleached-blonde hair mostly stays out of her face, out of the tea as she lifts up the cup and sniffs. It does smell nice.

"...I like cooking," she says. "So tea's okay."

Her makeup is unruffled, anyway. Dark lips, dark shadow. She has the appearance of someone who isn't very friendly. And her uniform is altered, of course--her midriff is bare, her skirt dangerously long.

And those dark lips purse together for a moment before she says, "...I live in the dorms. I like green."

"Is that the kind of thing you mean? I don't really know what talking about hobbies or whatever is going to do about my grades..."

<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.

That may be the difference - Julian doesn't consider himself an authority figure. He's here to assist, to help guide, not tell anyone what to do. ...He has other ways to dissuade misbehavior in class. In a school where reputation is everything, no one wants to look like a fool in front of their peers. There are ways to exploit that.

But that has nothing to do with what he considers the most important part of his job. This is about whoever steps through the door to his office. The ultimate goal is to help students help themselves. He just needs to listen, get students to think and talk about their situation, and only offer the advice that they actually need to hear. More than that would probably do more harm than good.

And sometimes, even though this isn't about him, he's the one who is given advice. Accordingly, he replies, "I appreciate the advice", and leaves it at that. ...He would still rather his stuff not be broken, of course.

"Sound instincts," he notes in regards to the tea. "No added sugar would be my recommendation." But he wouldn't judge. Well. He might silently judge a little. Too much sugar disrespects the blend.

He chuckles. "If you wish to simply drink your tea in silence for the duration, that would be an option." A very awkward option. He suspects that Ichika isn't the sort who would choose it. And seems willing to find out, he's not saying a word until Ichika decides to speak, simply sipping his tea. Though she has his full attention once she does. And nods, to her question to follow.

"It's a start. Though reducing a person to a list of facts would be doing them a disservice." He sets down his cup on its saucer. "I know your grades the reason you were sent here, but like I said - I'm not here to lecture you. I meant what I said before. For today, I'd just like to know more about who Ichika Kawase is - who you think she is. Someone who likes cooking, lives in the dorms and likes the color green, you say. Are those really the attributes you think most define you?"

Not exactly what anyone else would say if you asked them who Ichika Kawase is... which is interesting. She may not know it, but she's already told Julian a lot by choosing not to immediately put the focus on the reputation around school she must have worked hard to build.

<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.

Ichika's surely been in his class before by now. But that's not the same as being in a room with him expected to drink tea. ...Well, the tea part is easier. She considers it a little longer, taking in the aroma, ,as she gives her adivce. "All right," she says. Notably though, she is careful with the teacup; she thinks it'snice.

"Then that's fine," she says, and does not go for added sugar. She waits a little longer, though, for it to be cool enough for her to drink comfortably. ...Besides, the warmth of the cup gives her something to hold onto and focus on, a sensory distraction from being the focus of attention like this.

The tall girl does not in fact choose silence.

"..."

She sips her tea rather than answering immediately. What attributes define her? Ichika doesn't want to think about that immediately. Thus, the tea. "It's good," she comments. "I taste what you mean. A little floral... I like floral."

She pauses. "...That's a hard question."

"I'm trouble," she settles on. "I make things hard for my parents, and I tease my sister. I'm here, aren't I? ...You don't get here because you've made people happy."

"Not even you, I bet."

A look down. "...Fine," she says, more visibly uncomfortable. "You're going to tell me I'm not, that it's not like that. Because everyone does. But it is."

"...But I look out for my crew," she says. "Because someone has to." She pauses. "And I like boys. You've probably heard about that if you've asked around about me at all."

"So that's it. Ichika Kawase is a troublemaker who goes around with boys. If you're really not here to lecture me, then see if you can handle that."

<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.

It's difficult to break the ice, Julian is well aware. He can prepare as best he's able, and it could still not go particularly well. And that's fine. Even should he get nowhere but some small talk, it will still tell him something important. What's said is important, but so are the things that are left unsaid. Either way, it will mean little if the conversation is dictated, rather than from the heart.

Comments on tea tastes? Also fine, more than fine. Not just because it's a personal interest, but he finds that says something about one's personality, as well. Not that he'll bring that into the conversation, he keeps his response to that perfectly casual.

"Ah, now there's a good thing to know. I commonly choose this blend for its 'little bit of everything' element, so there's something to like for everyone. I'll keep your preference for floral tastes in mind. Perhaps next time you might like to try Lavender, or Jasmine." ...Rose tea might be a little too on the nose for the Thorn Boss. And yes, he casually insinuated there would be a next time. Don't worry about it.

He's... honestly a little surprised, by the turn in conversation. Not that it happened, but that it happened already. If this is the first thing she chooses to talk about in regards to herself - really talk about, rather than just list facts - that suggests these things weigh very strongly on Ichika's mind.

Julian listens with all due calm, not touching his tea throughout. Only once Ichika falls silent does he speak his mind.

"It's the unfortunate reality..." he begins, probably as expected. But the way he ends that statement may be more of a surprise.

"...that others would seek to impose their reality upon us."

Not just in Ichika's case. It's this whole rumor culture in Sumaru, validating hearsay as if truth. It's more than a little distasteful. And something that people here are too used to simply accepting. He won't stand for people suffering because of it. Emotion slips into his voice - a measure of anger. But not anger towards Ichika. Anger on her behalf.

"If all I wanted to hear is what others say, I wouldn't have posed the question to you. I wouldn't have any need to, many are all too eager to tell any who'll listen that trouble is all you are."

Catching himself getting heated, he pauses, to take a quick drink from his tea, downing it in one gulp. That's better. Calm and composed.

"...Perhaps you do make trouble for your parents, and your sister. That doesn't make you trouble. It just makes you a teenager. No matter what the circumstances at play, it certainly doesn't mean you deserve poor treatment."

He points a finger in Ichika's direction. "You did highlight your positive points, albeit briefly. Few outside of your crew see the good that you do, but you know you're doing good. And I say that alone is something to be proud of. It's more, much more, than most are willing to do for the sake of others."

He leans back, with a faint smile. "It is my hope that you'll come to see the beauty in that. After all... just as roses have thorns, so too a thorn is indisputably part of a rose."

<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.

"Oh, yeah?" Ichika asks of the tea. "I guess that makes sense. ...I'd try those, sure." Next time. Well, she probably has to do this again eventually, anyway. At least the tea isn't bad. She does like roses, of course--but it would be on the nose. And as for the turn in conversation...

These things are on Ichika's mind just now. It may be obvious in how she talks about it; the 'trouble' she is is internalized, and she's practically daring him to judge her for her attitudes towards boys. ....So, when he says an unfortunate reality exists, she is indeed sure she won't like where it's going.

The surprise isn't just that he goes somewhere different--it's that he seems emotional about it. "...?" she starts, picking up on that little bit of anger, that heat in his voice.

"...Guess that's true," she allows after a moment. That if he wanted to know what others said, he could've asked. She sips at her tea further, more contemplative than before. Her eyes lid a little, and she listens.

"I don't know if 'deserve' really matters," the teenager opines quietly.

"I guess," she allows on the matter of her crew. "It's not like I set out to be a Boss. I wanted to be left alone. But sinc ethey wouldn't leave me alone... I guess I didn't want to ignore what was going on, either."

Something to be proud of...

She doesn't smile back, but she does seem a little less uneasy than she was before. "...I didn't pick the name," she explains. "I put a lot of work into my appearance. So they decided because I'm so prickly, I'm a rose with thorns."

"...But I don't mind it. I don't know about beauty in the things I do, but..."

"I guess I won't tell you you're wrong about that part."

<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.

If there's any judgement to be forthcoming from Julian, it won't be Ichika it's directed at. If nothing else, he hopes to make it clear that he's on the side of the students - rather than collectively, on an invididual basis, supporting each and every one of them. It may be an impossible task for a single person, but it's a task he's resolved himself to nonetheless.

...And it's one of the few things that can easily make him lose a measure of composure. To hear that, for whatever reason, it was simply 'decided' that things have to be the way they are, against one's wishes.

"It matters," he insists, on the matter of 'deserving'. "The belief that you deserve better - to actively reject any preconceptions of yourself and others that may cause you believe otherwise, is an important step towards actual improvement. It's not my or anyone else's beliefs that will make the difference in the end, it's your own."

He nods in understanding. "I daresay that those who never chose to be in a position to help others yet do choose to aid any who come to them are the most qualified to do so." Is that how it is for him, as well?

By the end, he can genuinely and effortlessly smile, seeing the way Ichika speaks of her gang. "I can tell the care you put into it. Your appearance, as well as ensuring those in your care have a place to belong." A teacher, openly condoning gang culture. Will wonders never cease.

However, he also knows the value of not trying to do too much at once. Now that he feels there's a positive note to leave on, he rises from his seat, suggesting, "Why don't we keep it at that for today? You must have festival preparations to attend to, and I'm a believer in short sessions - especially when they were mandated. Beats getting stuck with cleaning duty, wouldn't you say?"

He's also aware of the predominant perception in regards to himself - that being told to talk to him is the school's new form of punishment. But he's hopeful that, with time, students may come to see it in a positive light. One student at a time.

"We'll talk more should you be sent here again... or, in case you ever feel like it would be beneficial to you, when you choose to come here of your own accord."

<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.

So far, at least, Ichika doesn't feel particularly judged today. Whether or not that's a one-off or a fluke will depend on the next time she sees him--and it sounds like there'll be a next time. She might or might not believe a goal like that is possible, but...

The tea's been nice, too.

"Mm," Ichika answers on 'deserve'. It won't be immediate, getting her to believe something like that. But she's willing to not reject it more than she already has for now, and that's a bit of a win. "I'll think about it," she hedges.

But he... gets it? "...Mm. Maybe." It sounds like it's one of thsoe things you say to make someone feel better.

But his smile seems genuine to Ichika, and if it's clear in the cant of her head that she's surprised by that, perhaps she won't be blamed. "Well... good," she says. "Yeah. They need that. And if they dont get it from me, someone'll just take advantage of them. It's how it was before."

But when he stands up, Ichika quickly finishes her tea--and sets it down gently. "I do," she says. "My sister's coming by the dorm..."

Cleaning duty. "Heh. I guess it's better than that."

They'll talk more, if...

"Well," she says, "I didn't hate it." From a teenager, that's almost praise. "So I'll think about it. ...They'll probably send me back anyway. It's not like thinking nice things is going to help my grades."

"...See you around, Marlowe-sensei." Ichika rises, and, less awkwardly-looking than she feels, moves to go.