2026-02-01: Digging into Danger
- Log: 2026-02-01 Digging into Danger
- Cast: Jun Kashihara, Tamaki Uchida, Julian Marlowe
- Where: Kasugayama High School, Hirasaka Ward, Sumaru City
- OOC Date: February 01, 2026
- IC Date: Wednesday, September 19, 2012
- Summary: Tamaki comes to Kasu High to snoop into rumors about the air raid shelter by investigating it directly. Fortunately, Jun and Julian are there to advise her she's better off coming back with back-up, and giving her some insight on what she'll find what she does.
<Pose Tracker> Jun Kashihara has posed.
There are lots of rumors in Sumaru City--some might even call them Rumors for how influential they can be--and Hirasaka Ward, the oldest ward in said city, is no exception. There's the rumors about Ma'am over at Izakaya Shiraishi, there's rumors about the former-jail-now-nightclub called Sumaru Prison, and of course there's inevitably rumors about Kasugayama High School. One is about just how strict the Death Boss is about none of the delinquents there smoking.
One is about the air raid shelter in its basement, left over from World War II. More specifically, it's said that no one who goes in can ever leave again.
Jun Kashihara, Kasu High student, knows this one is not true. He's been in there before and left, and has known plenty of other students who've done the same. However, it is true that there's something odd about it...
Today, he's near the basement--specifically in the underground classroom with the doors that lead to the entrance to the shelter. This is still a point of yes return, so to speak, as is the entrance chamber past those double doors. It's only once you're past that that you supposedly can't leave again. Sometimes students hang out there, including would-be student council president Yasuo Inoue, but it's just Jun today. He's seated at one of the random desks here--this is more or less a storage room, so there's plenty stacked and lining the walls to read.
Yes, just to read. It's a fairly quiet place down here, and given how weird it can be past here, it's not a bad place to simply hang out after school, studying and doing homework and then doing a bit of reading for fun, so he can warn any students coming down here on a dare. Jun is no Persona User--but he's had too much experience with the supernatural at this point to think there's nothing to those old Rumors he's always heard.
A page of The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, flips.
<Pose Tracker> Tamaki Uchida has posed.
The rumor about the air raid shelter underneath Kasugayama High has caught the attention of the Kuzunoha Detective Agency -- not in its own right, but in where an aspect of the story intersects with another rumor that the city is also abuzz with. If Tamaki Uchida understands this lesser-known aspect of the shelter well enough, then it could spell trouble. She's at the school today in order to investigate more closely, but ...
Every time Tamaki feels the pocket mirror in her purse, she gets an uneasy feeling. Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Preparing for a safe escape from the air raid shelter just means that she and others would more strongly remember the story of the Purple Mirror. Even now, she can't shake her mind off of that other story.
As she makes her way through the hallways of the school and reaches the underground classroom before the shelter's antechamber, she stops at the sight of Jun. Tamaki has encountered him before on several occasions, but in the time since, she's read some heartening news about his mother and what she had said. Maybe she could stand to be a bit more brave in her own life, Tamaki thinks of herself.
She removes her hand from her purse and gives the student a wave. "Kashihara-kun! I wasn't expecting to see you down here, but it's good to run into you, all the same." It's a jovial and polite greeting -- sunny, cheery, anything to not let on the multitude of secrets that she feels Jun is better off not knowing.
Tamaki glances between him and the doors leading to the entrance chamber. It may be apparent to him that the shelter was her initial destination. "How are you doing?"
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Julian Marlowe is among the teachers most likely to still be seen on campus long after the final bell. Even if he doesn't have any after school counseling appointments scheduled, he still likes to wander the halls in an effort to come across as Available, should anyone have need of a teacher's support. Which many students interpret as nosy busybody behavior, but it's not as if Julian pays much mind to people's opinions of him. Not openly, at least.
Today, on one of the walks - not patrols, as some would say - he just so happens to spot something unusual. Or rather, someone, who absolutely doesn't look like a student, nor any co-worker that he's aware of. Curious. And a bit brazen, if they should happen to be up to no good. He couldn't in good conscience just pretend he didn't see anything.
Following at a distance, he sees Tamaki heading in that direction, which only makes it curiouser. What could anyone possibly be after down there? Even he doesn't go to that classroom, the last time he had any business there was to deposit some of the old clutter that used to be stored in what is now his office. Of course, if it's about what lies beyond... that would be its own problem.
He hadn't assumed there was anyone in there to distract Tamaki's attention, but seeing the two together in the classroom, he quickly switches mental gears. Even if the first words that come to mind, "I'm sorry to intrude," are perhaps not the most appropriate, he simply can't help but be polite to a fault.
The tall blonde westerner steps inside, quick to greet, "<Mister> Kashihara," in his usual casual address of his students. "Were you expecting company? Or...?" His gaze drifts towards Tamaki without any overt suspicion. But one can imagine he'd like to know what she's doing here. Rather than ask directly, he first handles the more important matter of a polite introduction, with a brief inclination of his head.
"I don't believe I've had the pleasure. Julian Marlowe. I teach English and serve as counselor at this school. Can I be of some assistance, perchance?"
It's probably not entirely unexpected for a foreign language teacher, but despite obviously not being a native, his Japanese is flawless. Even if his word choice can be a bit overly flowery or stuffy. For example, he said 'moshiya' just now, a figure of speech more common in classic literature or period dramas than casual conversation. It's like that, all the time.
<Pose Tracker> Jun Kashihara has posed.
Jun hears the sound of footsteps descending the stairs towards the room, but he doesn't look up from his book until Tamaki is in the room. Julian follows after a moment later, and he's not a surprising sight, given that he's a teacher here, but Tamaki gets a startled blink before he smiles.
"Uchida-san, likewise," he replies, slipping a bookmark into The Metamorphosis and setting it down as he stands up. He glances at the doors to the entrance chamber at nearly the same instant she does, and that alone tells him what she's here for. Smile fading, he continues, "It's not true you can never leave once you go in. But it is true there are... odd things down there. I won't tell you not to go in, but you should at least be cautious."
Not to mention properly informed. Jun concerns himself a bit more with rumors than he used to, considering how many strange encounters he's had ever since the Joker Killer and Strega lured Eikichi down here with intent to kill and traumatized Jun into repressing most of that fight, but he's not yet familiar with the Purple Mirror rumor. Even so, at this point, he won't be surprised to hear something like that is going on.
He looks at Julian next and gives him a small but polite bow. "Marlowe-sensei," he replies in similar greeting. "No, I was only down here for some peace and quiet." He gestures at his book. "But this spot is a bit... convenient, for warning others."
Julian would of course remember that the attack on Kasugayama High took place in the entrance chamber--and that it spilled over into this room, too. Jun doesn't remember that part beyond the blurriest recollections, but... he doesn't want anything like that day to happen again.
He does pause to let Julian and Tamaki introduce themselves to each other. He doesn't know Tamaki that well, so it doesn't feel proper for him to do it for her, and Julian's already taken care of himself.
<Pose Tracker> Tamaki Uchida has posed.
It appears that Tamaki has been caught. If she wants to pay the basement a visit, she now figures that she should wait until the school's cleared out. Even then, it may be best to wait until a certain other rumor is resolved and nullified.
She tries her level best to maintain her composure and act like she has legitimate cause to be here -- which is true! Even then, people can sometimes just fold under scrutiny. She can't let herself skip a beat, but if she's careless about what she actually says, there could be trouble ...
Julian's demeanor has certainly captured her interest -- he reminds her of some protagonists on those old American mystery shows she was a fan of as a kid. Tamaki wears her usual sunny disposition and is all smiles as she replies "Marlowe-san! It's a pleasure to meet you properly. I believe I had caught sight of you at the Ijuuin wedding, correct?"
She gives the teacher a light bow. "Tamaki Uchida of the Kuzunoha Detective Agency. I've met Kashihara-kun here on a couple of occasions, and I'm here to determine the veracity of several rumors at the request of a client, but ..." She turns her head to Jun. "Perhaps I shouldn't, given Kashihara-kun's warning just now."
At least not alone, from the sound of it. And not now, with the threat of a different curse lingering behind the only known means of escape.
To Jun, she nods and says, "A warning which is much appreciated, by the way. I knew about the possibility of escape, but not the, ah ..." Demons, she supposes. " -- 'Odd things.' Good looking out!"
Having said that, Tamaki further adds -- more quietly, gratefully, wistfully -- "... Your mom's completely right, by the way. Tell her 'thanks' for me."
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Julian didn't exactly have too much to go on beforehand, but from what little he picked up from the tone of conversation, he's inclined to believe that Jun did know this woman previously. Which is at least a point in favor of not being overly suspicious. He's not about to put pressure on by asking about the details immediately, either way.
Jun's initial response gets a nod, and a short reply of, "I see. Good place for it, then." For both the things that Jun said. Straying from the topic of the visitor himself, the usual calm smile forms on his face when he inclines his head towards Jun's book. "Kafka, if I'm not mistaken? I would be interested in your interpretation of the work, if you should happen to feel like sharing after you've finished."
Still, it's honestly surprising that Jun would want to be anywhere near this place, that he doesn't exactly have the fondest of memories of, putting it mildly. Admirable though, how quick he was to return to thinking of others before himself. Jun Kashihara continues to impress, in the many ways he could be considered a positive role model for the students here. And yet, often seen tucked away all by himself like this. Well. It's not as if he has any room to speak out about that.
The formal introduction follows, and Julian immediately raises a finger when Tamaki draws attention to a previous meeting, in passing. "Ah! I do recall seeing you at the wedding, yes. In the general vicinity of <Mister> Kashihara, no less." He bows at a waist, one hand to his chest, like a butler might. He does kind of have that vibe going. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
All things considered, it's no longer a surprise to get confirmation that Jun and Tamaki had met before, though considering Tamaki's occupation, he can't help but be curious about the exact circumstances. Not his place to pry, though.
Rumor investigation seems fair enough to him, as that appears to satisfy his unspoken question for an explanation. "There does seem to be a... distressing amount of veracity to rumors in Sumaru City. I would agree it's unwise to venture further, certainly by oneself. Better safe than sorry." He glances to Jun as he says this, knowing full well that they're both aware of more than they've spoken aloud, Jun knowing by far the most. He's not about to prescribe any conversation on that topic. If Jun wants to say more, that's for him to decide. Julian is just about the only teacher that wouldn't demand staying silent on the matter.
"I do admit to having a bit of an interest in the matter," is all he'll directly admit to Tamaki. "For the sake of the students' safety, you understand."
<Pose Tracker> Jun Kashihara has posed.
Jun nods in confirmation when Tamaki introduces herself and mentions how she knows him and where Julian might have seen her at. He smiles at her praise, and is about to explain further when--
Your mom's completely right, by the way.
"Oh!" he utters, startled anew. His smile warms as he tilts his head a bit, the curtain of his bangs draping elegantly along his cheek. "Thank you, Uchida-san. I'll be sure to pass along the message."
It's been a bit embarrassing to him--but in a good way. After the conversation he had with his parents after Yua's wedding making it click for his mother that, even if he falls in love and gets in a serious relationship with someone, he can't get married in Japan, she's become a much more staunch ally. He can't help but be happy, considering all the fuss she's making is for him.
(Well, it's all because of him. Not all of it is for him. The part that's for him is enough, though.)
"Yes, that's right," he says to Julian, holding up the novel. It's translated in Japanese--Jun's German is good enough for poetry, but not yet for full novels. The invitation gets him another smile. "I'll be sure to reach out to you once I'm done."
It is an unpleasant place for Jun, to say the very least. It wasn't that long ago that he avoided the area entirely. After running into Strega and learning that 'Tatsuya Sutoh' was actually the Joker Killer, though... an empty room hardly seems as intimidating, no matter how dire the things he experienced in there were.
His smile fades into a look of concern as Julian offers his own warning--both for what he says, and for what he leaves out. There isn't any point in mentioning the attack, considering that was a one-time thing, but for the rumor itself...
"Just so you're aware, the problem isn't that you can't leave once you're inside. If you walked in and immediately turned around to leave, you could do precisely that; the doors aren't locked or anything like that. I've been inside myself, so I can confirm that," he says. (This is distinct from the attack; this was a matter of Jun deciding to prove the rumor wrong to himself.) "The problem is that it's very easy to get lost there. Even going a short distance inside, you might lose your bearings and end up wandering a ridiculous amount of time before finding your way out again. I don't know why precisely that is."
Jun hesitates. "I've also... heard tale of creatures down there--though I haven't seen any myself," he says delicately. This hadn't been what he'd meant when he'd mentioned 'odd things' earlier, but it's confirmation of Tamaki's assumptions all the same. "There aren't any concrete walls once you're in the air raid shelter proper, so I can imagine that animals have dug in over time, but..."
He trails off. He's been inside, but only a very short distance--enough to experience the weird directionlessness within. Going in and leaving took far longer than it had any right to, even only going as far as the first interior chamber. That's to say nothing of the various doors within that branch into other parts of the shelter.
"If you do go inside, I'd recommend bringing a friend or two, a blank map, a flashlight with extra batteries, and possibly a ball of yarn to mark your path like Theseus," he says, folding his arms, smiling slightly at his own joke. Tamaki may or may not have most of those things with her, but she does have a friend or two present... Julian's already said he has an interest too, and Jun just said he's been inside before--if not very far.
<Pose Tracker> Tamaki Uchida has posed.
Tamaki's situation is somewhat different than Jun's -- the law only requires her to deny half of herself. If she plays her cards right, it could even be a non-factor in her own life. Tamaki nods at Jun and smiles as she answers, "Thank you, too."
Well, actually, she did play her cards 'right' with her now-collapsed engagement. Fate simply had a stronger hand.
Either way, she seems plenty charmed by Julian's mannerisms. Tamaki lightly laughs behind a hand and offers back, "And likewise, Marlowe-san. I take it you're one of his teachers?" Not having read Kafka's novel herself, only knowing of its synopsis, she tilts her head and listens to their exchange with interest, even if she doesn't have much to comment on this topic.
Jun's explanation causes Tamaki to grow quiet. His description certainly resembles some previous incidents in her own life. Impossible confounding labyrinths and what sound like Demons, to boot. Surely this can't be worse than that, right? ... Right?
Best not to chance it, either way. Not today.
She breaks her silence with a matter-of-fact reply of, "Wouldn't be the first time I've been somewhere like that, honestly -- places that seem to defy all reason. How long are we talking? Hours? Days? Weeks? Months?" She is completely straight-faced. She doesn't seem to be joking. This is a bit, right? This has got to be a bit.
"And a mirror in case you run into Medusa," she adds onto Jun's joke, this time with a snicker -- this time, she's more obviously joking. "I was only missing the 'friend or two', but ..." Tamaki shrugs, and a carefree smirk makes its way to her mouth. "If you two would like to go on an adventure here at some later date, that could be arranged. I've got others I could ask along, too."
BBS: New BB message (5/30) posted to 'Cutscenes and Logs' by Yua Ijuuin: Chizuru Sights Yua's Misfortune
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Julian doesn't say anything in regards to the matter of Jun's mother that Tamaki brings up. He doesn't usually pry too much, maybe he just doesn't know what exactly that's about. Or maybe he doesn't feel like he's qualified to comment. Just one more of the many mysteries of what goes on in Julian's head at any given time, given how much he tends to keep to himself.
"Indeed," he responds with a nod to Tamaki's statement. "Though in <Mister> Kashihara's case, I sometimes wonder who the better teacher is." It may sound like a statement made in jest, but it's not entirely a joke. He's aware of Jun's tutoring efforts, and how much they've helped certain other students get a better grasp on the material. That's something he can only be thankful for. And there's no reason for him to get into the matter of counseling sessions, of course. That part's private.
What is plain to see is that on the subject of what's down in the shelter, Julian listens in with keen interest. Due to operating in secret, he doesn't often get this opportunity, where it comes to investigating the supernatural. Nothing quite like a direct eye-witness account from a credible source for purposes of information gathering. Discerning the truth online can be more than a little bit of a chore.
While Jun smiles at his own joke, Julian actually laughs at it, though it doesn't go beyond a modest chuckle. "My my. If I did not know better, I'd suspect you were trying to win points with me." Reading famous literature, referencing mythology... it would stand to reason a teacher would approve. But Julian especially loves his classics. He's not one to brag, but he did read 'Die Verwandlung' in the original German. Feels like a lifetime ago, he catches himself thinking. Stop that Julian, you're only 27.
Tamaki's response is certainly an interesting one, causing Julian to raise an eyebrow. "Oho, how reliable. You seem most confident in your abilities, Uchida-san. I am not so prone to... adventuring, in that regard. However, if you plan to do so, I may be able to assist in some small way. Not all teachers would approve of this, I'm certain, so... if you inform me of when you plan to go on this adventure, I could help ensure that none will be the wiser."
Of course, if a certain masked gentleman were to show up waiting down there at that time, that would be a complete coincidence.
<Pose Tracker> Jun Kashihara has posed.
Love finds a way. However, it's nice to not have to fight against the greater social current. Hopefully Jun and Tamaki will both benefit from Junko's campaigning one day.
Jun nods confirmation with Julian being one of his teachers as well. "One of the best ones here," he says matter-of-fact--because it's true, not simply buttering him up. (In fairness: the bar is not high here at Cuss High.) When Julian returns the compliment, though, he smiles, cheeks turning a touch rosy. "Oh, you flatter me, sensei." Perhaps they'll end up both earning points with the other!
Tamaki may or may not be doing a bit, but her going as far as months still gets him to blink widely at her. "Surely not that long," he says, though he sounds a touch uncertain. He's simply seen and experienced too much, even as an otherwise normal person, to be able to dismiss it out of hand. Even if it wasn't his experience, who's to say someone else didn't lose months of time in there? No matter how impossible that sounds. "For me, it was only about an hour or so, even though I didn't go further than a single room in. That room branches off in several different directions, though. I believe there's at least... eight doors leading deeper in? Possibly more. It's a fascinating piece of history--there's markers and schedules from the era still hanging on the walls--but you can tell it was a place made out of desperation."
He can at least smile at the joke about a mirror for Medusa. He... he's fairly sure she's joking, given how she's snickering this time. He nods thoughtfully. "I see. You came well-prepared, Uchida-san." He huffs a bit of a sigh, expression turning regretful as he folds his arms again. "I appreciate the offer, but I really shouldn't. I don't want to need to be rescued from danger."
Again, he doesn't specify. Julian and Tamaki both might hear it there anyway.
"If you ask any student here along, I recommend you talk to the Death Boss, Eikichi Mishina," he continues. If Tamaki already knows him, he's unaware. "He's considered the strongest person here at Kasugayama High, and with good reason. You can tell him I sent you." He glances at Julian, and nods slightly at his own offer of more background assistance. He has no reason to think Julian is directly involved in anything supernatural, but plenty of reason to think he's tangentially aware of it, much like Jun is.
Danger is going to happen no matter what. The least either of them can do is support those who have the strength to handle it do so safely. ...or more safely than it would otherwise be.
<Pose Tracker> Tamaki Uchida has posed.
Hopefully.
Tamaki beams at Julian after Jun praises his effectiveness as a teacher. "That's certainly good to hear!" Sadness tinges her face and voice as she adds, "Really, it is. I've seen the path that some students can take if they don't receive proper support. Perhaps if there were more like yourself, then ..."
The law has not been her only adversary in her own past romantic pursuits. Tamaki's expression briefly clouds over with bitterness, then she shakes her head to dispel it. "I'd best not get into it. I'm happy that you're here for these students, all the same." She grows more curious and concerned as she inquires of Julian, "Do you know a Seki-kun? Or how about a Suzuki-kun? Are they doing well, all things considered?"
The aged shelter beyond may have already been a labyrinthine area, but how much have rumors further twisted its tunnels and packed them with yet more dangers? How much of its 'desperation'-addled state was from its original construction as opposed to some supernatural influence? Jun's mention that there are eight doors at the entrance resurfaces another memory of hers, but he had only been lost for an hour -- that tempers how much she would otherwise appear unsettled. Instead, she simply gives Jun a thumbs-up. "Of course I'm well-prepared! I've been around the block a few times."
Both of them have declined her offer, and this grants Tamaki no small measure of relief. She really would prefer not to involve these (apparently) non-Awakened people in these affairs. Her bluff has not been called, her gambit has succeeded. "Hahaaa, that's fine, that's fine."
You seem most confident in your abilities. Julian's observation causes Tamaki to remember an aphorism: The eight winds cannot move me -- in reference the tendency for one to make grandiose boasting statements to cover their truly fragile pride. She's not the one-woman army she used to be, she knows this.
Tamaki nods at Julian. "Thanks, I'll give you a heads-up. It'll reduce any potential complications, at least."
Mention of Eikichi gets Tamaki to grin and nod vigorously while she presses her hands together. "Ah, yeah, Mishina-kun and I have met! There's already another issue where he expects me to call on him." She glances towards the double doors leading to the shelter.
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Julian can only laugh in that soft, polite way of his, at the exchange of compliments between him and Jun. He lives for these moments of simple appreciation. This is the kind of dynamic he wishes he could have with all of his students. It's... not an ideal shared by many of his co-workers.
He sobers at Tamaki's reality check in that regard. "...Thank you for your kind words. Both of you. It may be an uphill battle, but I did come here with every intention to make a difference."
That being the case, it's probably not a big surprise to see him nod, at the other familiar names. "Tsubasa Seki, I presume. And the other... Hyousuke Suzuki, if I had to guess? I have done my best to support them, where I could. It's... not always easy, to win a student's trust." That much those two had in common, and they're far from the only ones. "However... I believe they're making progress, in sorting out their respective concerns." It doesn't feel right to Julian to take too much credit, for matters that ultimately need to be overcome by the person themselves. He can only advise, as much as he wishes he could do more.
And then there's another student, who is more about actively supporting others than asking for support. "<Mister> Mishina..." Julian repeats Jun's suggestion, thoughtfully. The very target of the earlier incident at Kasugayama, if his information is accurate. Plenty of reason to assume that he wouldn't be too keen to go back down there.
But nobody who knows the Death Boss at all would think that would hold him back. Indeed, a strong person, not just in the physical sense. And besides... Julian is perfectly aware of Eikichi's power. All in all, there's not as much reason to worry about his well-being as he would be about Jun's. He has as much relief as Tamaki does, in that regard. He's more than ready to act as a protector, but it's more than a little preferable when those involved are also capable of protecting themselves.
...Not that Julian's going to be there or anything. That would be silly, why would you think that. All Julian is going to do is give Tamaki an affirming nod to assist in whatever any normal - if sympathetic to an unusual degree - person would be capable of assisting in. Definitely no more than that.
<Pose Tracker> Jun Kashihara has posed.
Seki and Suzuki... Suzuki is an extremely common name, but when paired with Seki, Jun has a hunch Tamaki means Hyousuke and Tsubasa. Julian assumes much the same. Jun gives her a curious look, but... Whatever his classmates might have spoken to her about, he shouldn't stick his nose in it. If it's anything like him, it's not something they could discuss anyway. Combined with how she also apparently knows Eikichi already, it is a bit of a coincidence, though.
...Or is it?
But Tamaki is well-prepared and unruffled, and he chuckles. "Of course, I should have realized. If Tatsuya trusts you as much as he does..." Which is to say, enough to come to the Kuzunoha Detective Agency to get patched up after getting injured. "Then I wish you and Eikichi-kun luck with whatever it is you're dealing with together."
Jun won't pry, even when he sees Tamaki glance again at the air raid shelter doors. He has learned not to. As little as he likes being ignorant... he's better off not knowing, surely.
"You're welcome, sensei. I share your ideals, so I understand how you must feel," Jun says sympathetically to Julian. "Not everyone accepts my offer of tutoring, either--but I've been happy to see the grades improve for those who have." Ichika and Hyousuke, specifically, along with a few scattered others.
Indeed, it's this rapport that prompts him not to believe the rumors that go around about him--people can be fans of a man without him mind controlling them into it, and that's especially so for teenage girls of a mature and handsome man who actually cares about them, even if it's only as a teacher.
For now, though, assuming Tamaki heads back for now and Julian leaves as well, Jun will return to his reading.
<Pose Tracker> Tamaki Uchida has posed.
Tamaki flashes Julian a laid-back grin. "Of course, of course. It's easier to carry on knowing that people appreciate what you do, isn't it?"
Tsubasa and Hyousuke. Tamaki eagerly nods to confirm. "Precisely those two, yep." She sobers a bit when he says it's not easy to win a student's trust. "You're right about that, that's for sure. I've had more luck with Seki-kun, I think..." But! She perks up again he claims they're making progress. "Good to hear, at least. I'm trying to do what I can too, you know?"
They're not equivalent, at least by Tamaki's reckoning. Tsubasa's closer to Jun, aware of the supernatural but not of it like herself, Eikichi, and Hyousuke. As far as she's aware, Julian's even further removed, and she perceives him as just a concerned teacher who's willing to help out with something that seems important.
Jun's mention of Tatsuya finally pierces Tamaki's otherwise un-ruffleable facade, and she visibly flinches. She turns her head away from Jun and nervously scratches the side of her neck. She hasn't seen him since they last spoke together -- her impression, accurate or not, is that she might have messed up bad. "Really? That may be oversta -- uhhHH, I mean, I think he trusted Todoroki-san more." She exhales a heavy sigh and returns her gaze back to Jun. "I'm still worried about him, all the same."
At least she can put all those discount first aid kits to good use. Probably should have left it at that.
Jun wishes her and Eikichi luck. Tamaki finds this heartening and nods at him in return. "Thanks. We'll certainly need it."
Tamaki starts to scoot backwards towards the exit and smiles. "Alright! Good running into you both, but I think I should actually get back to the office." She pauses as she remembers something and produces a business card. " -- oh, before I do, please take my card, Marlowe-san. Let me know how I can get in touch with you about ..." She wordlessly gestures at the hallway, down towards the doors. "This."
After some exchange of contact details (or refusal), she turns about-face and makes her way back out of the campus building.
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
"Truer works were never spoken," Julian confirms to Tamaki's statement, and he means that more than the equally casual response might imply. Seeing the difference he's making is everything to him.
Though yes, it is a bit odd, even considering the detective angle, that Tamaki would know so many Kasugayama students by name. Even if Seki is an infamous one, and Suzuki would be an easy name to guess. Julian isn't one to draw conclusions without having any grasp over all the facts involved, but it's something to file away, at the very least. Plenty of time to stick his nose into things later, should it prove warranted.
Julian does let out a 'Hoh', when Jun mentions Tatsuya trusting Tamaki. Even if she nuances the matter, he trusts Jun's judgement, and Jun clearly trusts Tatsuya's... that trust chain running to Tamaki indirectly helps to win some of his trust. And perhaps... more trust could come back to him, in turn, if she has the trust of people like Tsubasa Seki? Hmm. The Kuzunoha Detective Agency, was it? He may have to look into that a little more.
"Glad to hear it, Kashihara-san," Julian responds to Jun's own feelings on tutoring, perhaps letting the mask slip a little bit. Of course he's perfectly capable of using a normal honorific, instead of the somewhat goofy English address he defaults to. There might be something to read in when he uses which. He'll never tell.
As for the proffered card, he accepts it with an inclination of his head. "I do not typically carry business cards myself, but I will be in touch soon, then. For now, do take care, Uchida-san."
It's not a lie, it's the Other Guy who carries the cards. He's not typically the Other Guy.
"Then, I will take my leave as well. Enjoy the book, <Mister> Kashihara!" Aaand we're back to that address again.
Honestly, he's just thankful that Jun didn't bring those rumors up aloud. Not that he has anything sinister to hide there, it's just an incredibly embarrassing matter. Besides, even if it's nothing sinister... it's not as if there wouldn't be anything there that a detective could potentially uncover. That would be its own problem, wouldn't it?