2025-10-03: A Sustainable Approach
- Log: A Sustainable Approach
- Cast: Yua Ooshiro, Yukari Takeba, Reiya Aomori, Tamaki Uchida
- Where: Paulownia Mall
- OOC Date: October 3, 2025
- IC Date: Friday, July 20 2012
- Summary: Conversations happen at a cafe! A TEACHER (Yua) is there, as is a mysterious other adult (Tamaki), when Yukari and Reiya are studying...
<Pose Tracker> Yua Ooshiro has posed.
This Friday, Yua was booked in to teach at Gekkoukan -- and now her paperwork is done, she's stopped by Paulownia Mall on her way home. She walks out of Mayoido Antiques, carrying a little shopping bag on her arm alongside her black handbag, and makes her way to Chagall Cafe; and surely what she's fetched from the antiques store is just an antique, and not, in fact, an enchanted item to help her traverse the floors of Tartarus.
She is, after all, a teacher. See? She's wearing a dancer's leotard out in public, complete with black pointe shoes. That's clear teacher behaviour! Teachers don't have Resonance, and they definitely don't have Personas.
They do, however, line up to order something at the cafe.
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
Yukari grins as she walks out of Kenneth Arnold, "That new album is pretty great. I should see what Minako-chan thinks about it. Oh and I wonder..."
She considers the issue, "... you know I'm not actually quite sure what kind of music Arisato-kun listens to? Huh... he always is though."
Does he like JPop? She knows some guys really get into idol and pop culture, but he doesn't strike her as that kind of guy.
She has the bag at her side, having decided a study break was not only recommended, but required.
And now with this new album... she can get pumped while studying? It makes for good background noise. So long as she keeps her headphones on! She doesn't want to distract anyone else.
This however places her unknowingly on an intercept course with...!
"Oh sorry! I almost bumped into-"
Pause.
"-Ooshiro-sensei!?" She seems taken aback, "Wow, you're- I guess I didn't expect to see you wearing that outside of a dance studio."
Why does she say that? Well, it's simple. All the girls always change out of their gym clothes before going home, it just gets sweaty.
She expects dancer's leotards get even sweatier.
<Pose Tracker> Reiya Aomori has posed.
Reiya was not visible in the antiques store when Yua came in. One might expect that this is because he was HIDING like a NINJA but that was only half the truth.
The rest of the truth is a secret for now.
Sometime after Yua emerges though, Reiya steps out from the back and out of the shop too, and before he has the chance to duck into the arcade, he notices the COLLISION COURSE of the two.
As it happens, he's pretty good at the dance class. But now, he approaches from the arcade. He will coincidentally join the group! It's fine.
<Pose Tracker> Tamaki Uchida has posed.
Tamaki has already been seated at a smaller table for a while with a coffee in one hand and her attention deeply buried in an assortment of neatly-arranged papers on the table. Her fatigue shows in her eyes and furrowed brow, but she otherwise appears satisifed with what she's working on. She marks something down with a sense of finality, then gathers her belongings into a small bag as she looks around her environment, having finished her apparent task.
Her expression brightens, and she flashes a grin and gives a quiet wave over in Yua's direction first, then Yukari's after. (She can't tell if Reiya's associated with the group, so she holds off on greeting him if that ever becomes more clear.)
"Late-night study session," she comments to the gathered pair-and-maybe-plus-one.
<Pose Tracker> Yua Ooshiro has posed.
Wanna know her secret, Yukari?
Yua changes out of her leotard... into a second leotard.
Or at least... she must do something like that, because she doesn't seem like a horrible sweaty mess.
Tragically, though, Yua's left eye is covered by that eyepatch -- she's only half-sighted. It means that she has absolutely no perception of Yukari almost running into her, until--!!
"Goodness gracious!" Yua exclaims, leaping about in what is very close to a graceful pirouette off the handle as she hears her name. "Oh," she gasps, hand to her chest, showing off both the fabric stretched over her right hand from ring to bracelet and her long, painted nails. "Takeba-kun, was it? Excuse me, I just had a shock...!"
She smiles, hiding her expression behind her fingertips. "Of course, I have leotards for daily living, too!" Wait, so she DOES change out of a leotard into a second leotard--?! "But I must be ready to practice at a moment's notice."
Is this... the dedication of an adult...?
No way, Gekkoukan teachers are just weird.
Reiya approaches, and given that blind side, he absolutely can approach Yua without her knowing anything. Particularly as --
"Oh! Detective Uchida!" Yua exclaims, recognising her after she speaks up, because of course everyone knows about the Kuzunoha Detective Agency. Right? "You're still studying for college, right..? Pray," she claps her hands together, "what advice might you impart to young anxious minds? Takeba-kun's exams are soon to dawn!"
Of course, she's talking about Yukari's exams, because Reiya may as well be playing the Jaws theme for all her unwittingness.
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
That causes Yukari to actually turn into a half-bow of apology at Yua's insistence she's had quite a shock, "I'm really sorry! I'll pay more attention to where I'm going from now on."
Then she blinks, and- "So you change from a Leotard, into a Leotard?" Yukari thinks that's very...
... extra. Though she's not going to say that. "...At a moment's notice, huh?"
Now she's imagining her just breaking out into dance on the edge of the Fountain in Paulownia Mall. She hopes not, that'd be weird.
"Oh hey, Uchida-san! What brings you out all this way out here to study?" She smirks a little, "I'm guessing it's not for Chagall's 'ambiance'."
Pheromone coffee is a big trend lately but she doesn't think that'd be enough to draw her out to Tatsumi Port Island. It's only when she notices Tamaki looking past her for a second, that she turns and-
"GAH!" She recoils in an exaggerated way, as she finally spots that Reiya is there, "Don't do that!"
She presses a finger to her brow, "Girls are going to think you're some kind of stalker if you keep sneaking up on them." He's more of a skulker, she knows that, but that's not enough to let him off the hook.
There's a sigh, before she steps aside to make room, "This is... Aomori-kun, he's a classmate of mine. ... And one that's too quiet for his own good, sometimes."
She smiles apologetically at the other pair. "But yeah, I was taking a break to grab an album on the way home, I figured a little music might help with the final stretch over the weekend."
Pause.
"... Good luck by the way." She tells Tamaki, "I don't even want to imagine what exams at a university must be like."
<Pose Tracker> Reiya Aomori has posed.
Reiya, of course, notices Tamaki. Noticing things is one of his primary skills!
But he is not noticed as much by Yua in turn, it would seem. he listens to her, patiently waiting in her blind side, and listens about her need to practice at any time. he nods along thoughtfully, because this seems entirely reasonable to actual ninja Reiya Aomori.
Gekkoukan teachers are like that!
But--GAH!
"Hello Takeba-san," Reiya greets her. Then he tilts his head. "Did I do something...?"
A pause. Stalker... Hmm. "That would be unideal." Too quiet for his own good. "I don't like to be obtrusive."
"Hello sensei, Takeba-san, Detective."
He doesn't volunteer what he was doing. Don't worry about it.
"University and Detective work at the same time... you must be very diligent."
He will also listen to the advice! His finals are approaching, too.
<Pose Tracker> Tamaki Uchida has posed.
Tamaki lightly laughs behind her cup at seeing Yua's reaction, then nods. "University, yes. I'm studying criminology -- while I don't work directly with or for the police, I do still have to work within the confines of the law and know the ins-and-outs of, say, privacy laws, or what's involved in a citizen's arrest."
At Yukari's question as to what she's doing -all the way out here-, as if Tamaki has a guilty conscience, she averts her gaze and takes a sip of coffee, then her eyes flit around the café once more to check who's present. "Truth be told, for most of the day, I was working a nearby case of the more mundane variety, as well." Again, she flashes her usual smile again, but there's some coldness to it: she isn't elaborating further. She does have to take some 'boring' cases to help pay the bills, too, such as this one where she had to tail someone's husband for his suspected infidelity. It'd definitely be impolite to speak of the details to anyone but her client!
"As for university and exams ... hmmm." Tamaki tilts her head as she ponders the question. "The environment's different in university: you're given more leeway, but there's more of an expectation that you'll make better practical use of your knowledge. I'm less worried about my grades, but my concern is making sure that what I study actually sticks in my brain long-term. I could coast through my classes and treat my free-time like an extended go-home club, buuuuut if I don't pay attention, I could outright lose the legal ability to get my own PI license or have it revoked once I've earned one. Hence, my job on the side is in service of my overall academic -and- professional goals. Does that make sense?"
Tamaki furrows her brow and narrows her eyes as she tries to recollect the ancient, ancient past of literally just a couple of years ago, like the wizened senpai she is(n't). "High school's an uphill march, though, that's for sure -- my advice is to pace yourself properly. Start studying subjects weeks or months early, and take proper care of your body: get regular rest, exercise, and nutrition. Cramming the week of or the night before might help in a pinch, but it's definitely not a sustainable approach. If it's too late for this time, then cram away this time, but try to take that approach to heart starting next semester, yeah?"
Afterwards, she gives a quiet glance to Yua as if to silently ask 'how was that?', then she belatedly gives her same greeting to Reiya. "All that goes for you too, I'm guessing."
<Pose Tracker> Yua Ooshiro has posed.
"It's all right," Yua assures Yukari, with a gentle smile. "It's just very easy to surprise me, that's all."
And she claps her hands together, smiling so brightly she all but sparkles. "Yes! At a moment's notice!"
SHE MIGHT DANCE IN THE MALL.
But speaking of Yua being easily-spooked -- Yukari notices Reiya, and so Yua yelps and leaps and turns and that's all just the one animation. "Ah-- Aomori-kun!" Surely he's not a ninja -- Reiya is a nice young man -- but he sure did startle her.
"Er..." She puts a finger to the side of her head, tilting it in confusion, as she asks: "... isn't the point of stalking to be unobtrusive, though...?"
One might think that Yua ought to be rather more concerned about a woman studying criminology, but what reason has she given for suspicion? No -- she's just a regular teacher! "Oh, so you're hard at work!" She realises, with another of those sparkly smiles. (How does she make her portrait do that.) "You're so diligent... students, be sure to take note of her example!!"
(Yua is a very nice teacher, but by now, it's known in the student body that she comes down like a tonne of bricks on anyone she perceives as being lazy in dance class.)
She listens intently to Tamaki's advice, all the while internally making this face: :O, because Yua was always terrible at exams and classwork and she's sure there must be something she's missing between the rest and the study. Luckily, she knows better than to look so astonished with her actual face, which remains smiling as Tamaki speaks.
"Beautifully said!" Yua exclaims, clapping her hands together. "Yes, it is very important to practice consistently! If you do not practice for a day, you will know... if you do not practice for two days, your fellows will know! And if you do not practice for a week, why -- your audience will know!!" Is she really still talking about studying...? "Pushing yourself will only result in injury, after all!"
(That's another thing the nice teacher turned out to be super strict about. Yua doesn't let anyone get away with 'no pain no gain' in her class.)
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
"Apparently so..." Yukari wonders if Yua is secretly very... delicate? Like one of those Victorian women you see on period dramas that's always fainting.
"Yeah I gathered that." On 'not wanting to be obtrusive.' Though at least she's not outright saying he's a CORPORATE NINJA in Public.
For one, she'd sound like a crazy person. Two, she knows it's to her benefit to keep that a secret too, for the good of the team.
It's not like she hasn't called on him to use his ninja skills for them.
Tamaki answers her, and Yukari seems a little shocked, "During exams?!" Then she rethinks that, "Well, it's not like I'm not doing other things too... just your line of work is... you know, real involved?"
She then explains about the university environment, and Yukari's pose shifts, her hands placed behind her back as if that's simply her 'paying attention' stance. "Yeah, I guess it does? I'm not sure if I could discipline myself like that half as well with all that extra free time..."
But that's a two year from now problem, if at all, she hasn't really committed to a university, or a degree yet.
Then she offers her advice, and Yukari grins sheepishly, "Well, that would be pretty good advice... if exams weren't literally two days from now."
There's a soft tease in that, like 'unfortunately too late for that.' "I try to do that myself, just, you know - things get in the way sometimes."
Rest? The Dark Hour and SEES policing it kinda prevents a normal sleep schedule.. Nutrition? ... Look she's working on it on this latest diet. Exercise? Well at least she gets plenty of that. Thanks Dark Hour.
"But hey, good advice is good advice, no matter when it's given. You sound like a proper senpai."
Yua however praises her in what Yukari would consider over the top, though fortunately she's used to that thanks to several teachers at Gekkoukan. "Uhhhh... we're talking about exams rather than performing on some stage though. It's not like we have an audience." She looks away, "Unless you count the class rankings after, I guess. Eugh..."
<Pose Tracker> Reiya Aomori has posed.
In the hall!!
Yua yelps, and Reiya looks calmly at her. No counter-startlement. "Stalking is a serious problem," he says, just as calmly. "The impact it has on someone's life is very obtrusive."
But work! Work...
Reiya nods to Tamaki. He doesn't press for details. "Very diligent," he agrees, to both work and study.
But the environment...
"I don't think most high school students are prepared to be so self-directed," he comments of university environments. "But you clearly are. I hope I can do as well when it comes time..."
But practice!!
"Yes," Reiya agrees. "Consistency is important. I've already been studying for exams for some time," he says. "But I know that we have some students who are still cramming..."
He looks down, as if in prayer. "I hope that they do better than they expect."
"But criminology is very interesting."
"Thank you for the advice," Reiya says to Tamaki, and then looks to Yukari. "Don't we?" he asks. "Yes, the class rankings."
"...But even if they weren't ranked, it would be important to do our best. What a man does when no one is watching is as important as what he does when everyone is watching."
<Pose Tracker> Tamaki Uchida has posed.
Tamaki glances over at Reiya again and lets her attention linger, then makes a mental note to herself: ask him for tips on blending in, he seems good at it. Social engineering's historically been more of her strong suit, not so much stealth.
And even if Yua were up to no good -- purely as a hypothetical, mind you! -- she wouldn't have any need to fear Tamaki's intentions. She isn't here to catch the bad guys, per se; if she was, she would have taken a much different career route than that of a private eye.
In response to Yua's comment, Tamaki tilts her head curiously at her and quietly protests, "Injury? I thought we were talking about studying ..." More loudly, or at least at her regular volume, she adds:" -- though on that note, give the muscle groups you strenuously exercise a day to rest."
At Yukari's outburst, Tamaki gives a wry grin. "It's a different environment, like I've said. A bunch of my classmates go out drinking each night, and they complain about getting papers that need to be a whole twooooo pages long." She gasps in faux horror, then with a snicker, she settles back into that same grin. "But it's not exactly like all of them are slacking, either, they're networking and making connections. I've already got my foot in the door with Todoroki, though, and I've made myself known on a regular beat, so I don't have to worry about that as much now. That's what a good number of them are -angling- for with the partying in the first place."
To Reiya, she nods and adds, "-- but I'm sure there are some in my cohort which don't quite get it, either. You sound like you've got the right idea." Definitely ask this kid for advice sometime in a different setting, Tamaki; for all the praise they're heaping on her, she gets the feeling like he might not need the advice in the first place.
'Things get in the way sometimes.' Oh, Tamaki is well-aware of that, rest assured, though she refrains from commentary on any number of particular matters that she's aware of which may apply, and only provides a sympathetic Knowing Smile to Yukari.
Her gaze grows distant, and her smile falters for a moment, but just as quickly, she's back to her usual unflappable countenance. "Look -- if there's anything I can impress on you two for the long-term, if the breadth of experiences I've had has taught me anything, just realize that the game, so to speak, keeps changing and expanding as you get older and older, alright? A lesson that seems outright revelatory one day will be mundane the next." Does she still just mean studying..?
<Pose Tracker> Yua Ooshiro has posed.
Yua does look like one of those porcelain dolls which always shatters at the worst time. (Not in terms of her tawny skin, though. That marks her as distinctly more southern than most of the women in Tokyo.) Like, she has probably fainted at least once in recent memory, right?
So if she has anything to fear from anyone, surely it's just dying of shock, and not any theoretical private eye shenaniganery.
It's a good thing Yukari doesn't call Reiya a CORPORATE NINJA, though, because Yua has a noted anti-ninja bias. Which, like, duh? Check the eyepatch?
She's a pirate.
"That's true," Yua agrees, when Reiya insists stalking is serious. "I hope you've had no problems with that sort of thing, Aomori-kun...? If something's troubling you, you can always come speak with one of us!" As if he were the one getting stalked!
"You'll learn as you progress," Yua assures Yukari, and if it sounds a little like a truism, it's because she's guessing. "Yes, Aomori-kun! You'll do well when you get there! But it's true, the trials of teenage life do make it remarkably difficult to study..."
Surely Yua is thinking of things like dating and friendships and not stopping a murder on the beach. Why would she think about that last one? Ridiculous.
"Ah, yes, networking," Yua sighs, placing the back of her hand to her forehead. "Would that we prepared you for the woes of 'who you know!' But you're quite right," she adds, peeking out from behind that dramatic gesture at Tamaki, "it is one aspect you must hold in moderation!" See, kids? Adult life isn't that bad. You just need to balance several different conflicting needs and...
Nope, it's miserable, run while you can.
"Hmm?" She adds, tilting her head, when Yukari insists there's no audience. "Perhaps," she allows, "for Uchida-san is correct to note you oughtn't be injured whilst studying... but consider still the universe of your soul! You must watch the steps you take, every single day...!"
She gestures to Aomori, with a flourish of her palm. "Yes, you see! You understand!!" And oh, no. Do you see now, Yukari?
Reiya's just the larval form of a weird Gekkoukan teacher!
"That's very true," Yua nods, folding her arms thoughtfully with an 'mhm, mhm', as Tamaki talks about the changing rules of the game. "There are tasks I must complete today which I could scarcely have imagined at your age. Would that I had less of them!"
That's kind of rich, though, considering she only works at Gekkoukan once a week...
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
Yukari didn't actually expect Reiya to take the stalking accusation seriously. After all she didn't actually say he was stalking, just implied people might think that.
"Probably not?" She agrees with Reiya on high school students ready to be so self-directed, "But you gotta learn sometime. If it's not right before you come of age, then when?"
She makes a face at Tamaki stating they go out drinking, "Ugh, I wouldn't be able to stand that." In her eyes, you have to take responsibility for the choices you make, complaining about the consequences is just... childish. "Hmm..." She murmurs, on networking and making connections.
She guesses if she wanted to do anything going forward, it'd be to model? But, do models network in the university through drinking parties? Do they even go to the university? She'll have to look into that.
Either way, she probably wants to go, just... she's not quite sure for what, yet.
The sympathetic look causes Yukari to card her fingers through the side of her hair self-consciously. It's weird knowing people who just know in public that aren't SEES. It's still a new experience for her at all.
But her next piece of advice? "... That's a lesson I can definitely take to heart." Indeed, isn't it why she spends so much time in Sumaru City? Because, she wants to learn about the wider supernatural than what the Kirijo Group knows or is willing to tell her.
Not because she likes it, but because she's a very goal focused young lady.
'The Trials of Teenage life' causes Yukari to just, sideeye Yua a little. Like she feels like she's implying certain things about her personal life and what she should be doing, but she's just really extra, isn't she?
The combination of Reiya and Yua causes her to groan though, "Yeah... I guess he'd definitely know..." She makes a gesture his way, because he's a man who does many things while people aren't watching. "... though maybe be careful using that phrasing... a little."
The things a man does when nobody is watching.
"Especially around the dorms. People might... get the wrong idea." She thinks Junpei definitely would at least.
<Pose Tracker> Reiya Aomori has posed.
Reiya would probably even help if asked! Not all of his secrets are proprietary clan secrets; some are just good practices. ...But in turn, he could probably learn better social engineering... As for Yukari, "That is true." You have to learn sometime.
He is thoughtful at Tamaki's explanation of partying, though. Is that why Kouya always encouraged him with girls? he doesn't voice this thought, but instead says, "I see. I would have discounted overindulgence in parties as foolish... But it does serve its own purpose." He learned something today! Yukari seems to have to think about it, too.
A nod, when Tamaki says she sounds like she has the right idea. "Discipline is the foundation of all endeavors," he says, in the tone of someone stating an aphorism.
The game keeps changing and expanding.. "I will try to remember that."
Yua is an artist. That is important! But she also has... concerns? Reiya looks to Yua. "Thank you," he says. "I will remember that also."
The trials of teenage life... yes, Reiya knows them well, too.
The universe of the soul. Reiya nods seriously to Yua. "Yes, sensei."
But... phrasing? Reiya tilts his head. "I don't understand," he says simply. "But if you say so, I'll keep it in mind."
Then it clicks.
"Oh," he says. His nose wrinkles.
<Pose Tracker> Tamaki Uchida has posed.
At Yua's insistence that 'you'll learn as you get older,' Tamaki glances at her, mirroring Yukari and repeating the same mildly alarmed and wide-eyed side-eye expression she had made earlier when she questioned the risk of injury while merely studying. "That isn't necessarily true; it's that you're expected to learn as you age, but it's not a function of age ..." She started her sentence with only the intent to clarify the distinction, but partway through, a first impression of Yua starts to solidify in Tamaki's mind.
Well. First impressions can be wrong, she hopes.
It isn't that Tamaki knows of anything regarding Yukari's plight -- which facts she is aware of, and which ones she is not are, perhaps, still up in the air -- but what Yukari said had simply reminded her of the two major supernatural ordeals that she had been through during her own high school days. She thinks that Yukari probably meant something more mundane!
To Reiya, she clarifies: "It -can- serve such a purpose. It does not always. There's a middle ground to strike."
She makes no comment and provides no reaction to the 'what men do in private' exchange.
<Pose Tracker> Yua Ooshiro has posed.
"Mhm, mhm! One step at a time!" You know they're not talking about dance steps when they say that, right, Yua?
RIGHT, YUA?
"Hmm? That's true," Yua allows, when Tamaki insists it's expectation, not function. "When we say 'you will learn as you get older', it is slightly metaphorical, no? Else we would need to say, 'you must learn as you get older, else you will struggle compared to your peers, and the censure of lagging behind is frequently what will spur you'. But isn't that a little grim...? They're just sixteen!" Or, well, around sixteen. They're in the middle of highschool!
"When all the world's a stage, men and women only players, even lavish parties serve the piece! Hmm, though, Shakespeare never said that last part..." Pay attention, kids, this might be on the test!
Still... Yukari's self-conscious, and Yua does notice that.
And so, "If things ever get too complex too soon," Yua encourages Yukari, "be sure to reach out to someone, okay? Adults understand more than it looks like!"
(She does notice the side-eye, but she just kind of shrugs, with a little smile, as if to appease her. Of course she'd never imply anything about you, Yukari!)
Yukari criticises Reiya's phrasing, though, and Yua realises where her mind has gone after a moment to remember what people say about boys. (It was never terribly relevant to her.) "T-Takeba-kun, please," Yua waves her hands, "I am sure he was simply speaking of the 'trial in darkness' kin to so many stageplays!"
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
"Eh... I dunno." She says to Yua's evaluation of it all. "For some people censure isn't... really all that motivating." Even though, in a sense, she knows it was for her.
Every insult against her Father was a call to arms for her.
"Definitely not a function of age..." Yukari echoes Tamaki, as she thinks of how many irresponsible and weird adults that are around her orbit. Age doesn't necessarily bring wisdom.
It's for the best that Tamaki not comment on that one.
Reiya wrinkles his nose, Yua however seems a little scandalized. "I'm not saying that's how he meant it. I'm just saying how some guys would definitely take it."
Yukari says with an open palm towards Ooshiro like she's making a conciliatory explanation. "We live in a world where we're taught not to say what we really think after all. So how people might perceive what you say is important, right?" Her eyes are closed as she says, "And some people are just gonna see phrasing like that in the crudest way possible."
You learn to put on a mask as you live. And you learn how to wear it. Yukari learned all throughout middle school you watch what you say, or some boy gets a free shot in on some sexual joke.
"Anyhoowwww..." As she'd rather get off this topic, despite her bringing it up in the first place. She blatantly changes the subject by asking Tamaki, "... did the case you came down to work on get resolved? Orrrr is it one of those things you can't talk about?"
<Pose Tracker> Reiya Aomori has posed.
Expectation but not function. Reiya nods along at that. "It is good to learn with age, but important to note that one doesn't always," he seems to agree with both sides of the matter. But he continues, "But I would say that extrinsic motivation is usually weaker than intrinsic motivation. If you primarily act to avoid or gain certain reactions from others, then you may find that when they are absent you are less committed..."
All the world's a stage. Reiya brightens. "Yes." Pause. "Well, no, he didn't." A look to Tamaki. "I see..." A middle ground. "Moderation is itself a virtue," he muses.
But while he did mean more like the 'trial in darkness', Yukari has an explanation. Perceptions...
"I find it difficult to anticipate how people will interpret my words," he admits. "I would prefer if they did not interpret them in that way. I will be careful."
Crudeness!!
"I would assume a case is confidential," Reiya says. "However..."
He is also curious.
<Pose Tracker> Tamaki Uchida has posed.
While Tamaki didn't react to the initial exchange between Reiya and Yukari, she -does- react to Yua's mention of a 'trial in darkness.' Reflexively, she reaches her hand to her neck and touches the coins on her choker, as if reassuring herself that it's still there. The motion causes a slight jingling sound. "Takeba-kun's right: I can think of plenty of other motivators, as well."
Tamaki's smile turns mischievous, and she holds up a finger. "Regardless of whatever popped into my mind, I held my silence for a reason. That, and the truth is likely more boring than some high school prankster might think. I find such boys tend to give up once the initial excitement wears off and people stop reacting so strongly to them."
"That said, I don't know if a Shakespearean lens always applies. I think Aomori-kun merely meant the difference between doing something simply because it's the right thing for someone to do -- " She was going to continue further with '-- rather than someone doing it for the sake of extrinsic rewards." Yep, there Reiya is, right on the money, one step ahead of her exact thoughts.
As for the question of Tamaki's case, she nods. "I have enough to compile my report and hand it in to my client. The truth there is ... perhaps more boring than they think, but I imagine that will be a source of relief to them."
"And that's all I can say about that!"
<Pose Tracker> Yua Ooshiro has posed.
"Even so," Yua's smile grows a touch sad, for a moment, as she looks to Yukari, "it is difficult to move against the lockstep of society."
Surely that's nothing, though.
(Wait, is Yua one of those irresponsible weird adults?!)
"This is true," Yua adds, to Reiya. "What you must do under the pressure of another is another thing entirely to your personal drive. Those who do not believe in their cause are easily routed." She's giving the advice to Reiya, but she makes sure to give Yukari a significant glance as she says it.
It's good advice. She should take it.
But, "... oh, I see," she nods, to Yukari. She's sympathetic to being misinterpreted, just like Reiya -- but she's also willing to let Yukari move on, given that even she can tell she'd like to.
"Still... a boring case is a solved case, yes? For if it were unsolved, there might still be some mystery which could bring it excitement!" Yua wags a finger, cheerfully. "And so... congratulations!!"
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
"Well... sure." Is her reply to Yua after a time, wondering on her tone there. "It's difficult but..." She trails off, "... but, who wants to live a life where everything's decided for them?"
Which might make the next topic a little awkward for Reiya.
"I swear Aomori-kun, sometimes you act like you were so sheltered growing up." Yukari says, which maybe isn't far off the mark? How do ninjas train their youth anyway?
Yua's statement though causes her to wonder, what's that glance mean?
Tamaki reveals the reason for her silence though and Yukari looks at her like she sprouts another head as she thinks of some boys, like Junpei, "... I'm not sure the silent treatment would get some of them to behave."
...
"In fact, pretty sure it'd motivate them to try harder to get a rise out of us."
Tamaki answers her on the case, and well- "I imagine that's true more often than not. That the truth is a lot more humdrum than they'd think. People kinda imagine detective work to be like it is on TV, but I bet it's a lot of wasted time just to get to the point where it wasn't a waste of time."
She means stake outs, really, just to photograph people or the like.
"Anyhow, congrats. I hope it means a nice payday or something when you get back."
<Pose Tracker> Reiya Aomori has posed.
Jingle. Reiya finds that curious. But only curious; it has no particular meaning to him. He considrs 'such boys' though, and nods. But Tamaki does explain what he meant, and indeed--"Yes," he confirms. "That is what I meant. Those rewards may be valuable... but motivation differs."
Those who do not believe in their cause... Hmm. He wonders what 'battles' she has seen, that she knows something like that. Adults are mysterious...
"Hmm. How interesting. I imagine that even when they're boring, insights into others' lives must be at least a little interesting."
To move against the lockstep of society... Hmmm.
Yukari does indeed make it awkward; he looks down, and this is his only acknowledgement of that awkwardness, because he knows better than to simply share his thoughts unbidden. ...Who does want to live such a life?
But sheltered? "...Somewhat," he admits.
But the silent treatment?
"Hmmm. Maybe," Reiya admits. "But sometimes discipline falls to one's peers..."
He says that, but he's going to do something stupid one day at Junpei's urging, too.
"yes," Reiya agrees. "Congratulations." A pause, and then, "But I should be on my way. Thank you for the advice and the conversation."
"...I will think on what I have learned."
<Pose Tracker> Tamaki Uchida has posed.
Tamaki dismissively waves and politely laughs at being congratulated by Yua, not matching the teacher's same degree of enthusiasm, but at least providing a token response so as to not offend. "Thank you, thank you, ahahaha."
As for Yukari's description of Junpei, she tilts her head and boggles slightly. "Really, now." She has half a mind to consult her notes on some particularly irksome Demons with similar natures (Slimes? Legion? Belphegor?) but she holds her tongue on offering any advice in the here and now. "It might have been different for me when I was your age. I was initially mocked for not seeming feminine due my muscular strength, but I didn't have to contend with what you seem to have to..." Her business suit does cover up any sign of that today, huh?
"Eh. Some people find comfort in fitting into a societal mold. I've wrestled with the thought of getting married and settling down, myself. I thought that's what I wanted for years."
Then, in response to Yukari's remark about a payday, she adds, "It's decent. We bill by the hour, but getting a job done more quickly means more goodwill and a better reputation. Then since I'm subcontracted under Todoroki, a good part of the fee goes to him, and a good part of that goes to rent for the office, and ... ahahaha. It's enough."
She makes no mention of a certain coin-loving cat statue or what the proceeds of that go to -- or how much of her own take-home pay goes to it, not to mention tuition, rent, meals, etc.
Getting married would at least mean someone else has to worry about all that, not her...
A moment after she trails off, she snaps out of her plaintive demeanor. She pats her bag, then places her arm on the table in front of her for support and leans in closer toward the group in general for the followup sales pitch. "You're welcome, Aomori-kun! And since my workload is almost one case lighter, stop by or give us a call if you have need of our services, alright? That goes for all three of you!"
<Pose Tracker> Yua Ooshiro has posed.
"That really depends on who's deciding," Yua answers Yukari, with that same mysterious smile. "If you were able to choose the guidance afforded you, or whether it was thrust upon you. Ah, how to explain it... I went before the patriarch of my partner's family, not long ago, for we are seeking to be wed, and when the wife is someone like me there are arrangements must be made. That it is not my decision does not dissuade me, for I trust the man who would make it to find some way to preserve our happiness."
Which is an explanation which might make more sense to Reiya than Yukari, but never mind that.
She adds, to Tamaki, "... of course, this is not the only end a woman may pursue, if you find yourself now wondering what else is out there. You can always return to it!" She did catch that it's what she thought she wanted, after all.
(Ninjas probably train their youth by doing something awful to make them awful because ninjas are AWFUL, Yukari.)
"Bullies are not often stymied by silence, no," Yua shakes her head, perhaps not entirely taking Yukari's point, though she might get close enough. "Officially, if any boy hounds you that way, the school will assist you, but..." She lowers her voice, as she admits, "... it is more effective to confront them." Why is she agreeing with Reiya again?!
(Well, Yua scarcely needs to describe to students the way in which teachers have been known to join in on bullying.)
"You are not only earning yen," she points out, to Tamaki's explanation as to where it goes, "but experience. It's as you said -- your work supports your studies! In doing one, you apply to the real world the theories of the other!"
She waves, to the others, in turn. "Should I have a mystery unsolvable, I know just who to ask!" She assures Tamaki, brightly. "For now, I had best ferry this broach back to my King...!"
Did she forget that she was getting a little cake from the cafe?
Yeah, she definitely forgot she was getting a little cake from the cafe.
(And if anyone nearby is of the type to keep an eye on Yua's exit, they may note that she is picked up by a Mercer Benz with a chauffeur. ... man, she must be marrying into some family, huh?)
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
"Uh... huh." It's not that Yukari wouldn't want a little more direction she would... it's just... everyone would tell her the life she's living right now is wrong. "I dunno, that kind of thing sounds too old fashioned for my tastes."
She guesses though, if her Dad were still here, she'd want him to sign off on someone she wanted to marry? But... he's not.
And there's no way she'd get her mother's blessing.
Yukari gives Reiya a look that looks like it's torn between several different emotions as he admits 'somewhat.' Only responding eventually when he says discipline falls to one's peers, "I'll believe that when I see it." Before smirking at Yua, "Oh don't worry, I can take care of myself. Just- ask around, how many boys try to ask me out twice, and you'll see."
It's less being bullied or harassed to just 'boys twisting everything into some stupid joke.' Which, she figures is just the way guys are, even if it's annoying.
Tamaki notes that she was considered 'not meeting feminine standards' due to being athletic, "That's the worst." She says sympathetically. "I never get why girls act like girls who are simply athletic are 'traitors'. While guys act like they're not girly enough. But then on sports day, every girl is grabbing their team, even if they whisper the nastiest things about them behind their back... and every guy is... you know..."
She crosses her arms, before evaluating Tamaki, "Well I hope no one gives you trouble for it now. You clean up really nicely in that suit of yours."
But she also mentioned getting married, settling down, and Yukari gives her a look of almost, solidarity? Perhaps...
"Yeah, everyone tells you you're supposed to want it but... I don't know myself. It doesn't sound right for me."
She's put some coin in that cat statue, but not nearly enough. Sometimes she hears the 'Cheapskate~ Nyan~ o~' from it. Fortunately she has no idea the secret.
"I'm glad it's decent though, especially while you're still in college..." But Reiya mentions they have to go, and Yukari hitches up her bag, "I should get going too? I didn't really intend to spend that much time on break from studying."
A beat.
"But it was really nice seeing all of you. Good luck Uchida-san!"
She will swing by the shrine for one last prayer for her exams... and for her Dad but after that, it's crunch time.
Fortunately she did actually start studying a while back soooo she's probably gonna be alright.
<Pose Tracker> Tamaki Uchida has posed.
To Yua's attempt at comfort, she raises an eyebrow and replies, "At my age? If I explore other things, in order to come back to it, I should best do it quick." Or so she thinks, at least -- regardless of any truth or lack thereof in the notion, she at least hears the societal pressure of the ever-ticking Christmas cake clock growing louder and more urgent.
The little cake that Yua leaves behind seems to taunt her in this regard. Surely that wasn't intentional, though, simply unfortunate happenstance.
Tamaki shrugs at Yukari's comment regarding being bullied and gives a heavy sigh. "I don't know if I'd call what I went through 'the worst.' I knew of someone else at a previous high school who had it much, much worse than I did before I went through that. Even the teachers got in on it. ... Glad my family moved after that."
Pausing at Yukari's compliment on her appearance, she laughs and adds, beaming with a shocking amount of honesty, "Thanks! Though speaking from experience, some guys are actually into muscles."
"See you later~!" she calls out as the stands up to pick up her bag ... and as soon as she's out of sight and earshot, she bolts to the station in the hopes she makes it in time to a train back to Aoba.