2026-08-27: Making Time for an Acquaintance
- Log: Making Time for an Acquaintance
- Cast: Kazusa Motojima, Haru Okumura
- Where: Shibuya Station - Underground Mall
- OOC Date: August 27, 2026
- IC Date: Monday, December 31, 2012
- Summary: Kazusa and Haru are both in no rush to get to their families for New Year's celebrations, so they're both taking some time to do some shopping in the morning to stay out of their respective homes. When they run into each other, they decide to spend some of that time together.
(|==================== Shibuya Station - Underground Mall ====================|)
-====================================================== Tokyo/Shibuya Ward ====-
If you think Shibuya Central Street has the ultimate in shopping, wait 'til you
see the Underground Mall off of Shibuya Station. A collection of all sorts of
stores, it's accessible down the stairs from both Shibuya Station and Central
Street, making it feel like an "as above, so below" situation.
There's only so much room in these subterranean walkways, so each store is more
like a hole in the wall, but each one makes the most of the space they've got.
Clothing and shoe stores use racks that spill into the walkway, the walls, even
the ceiling to display their wares. A flower shop has a chalkboard describing
prices for its potted plants and specialty bouquets. Jewelry stores show off
their wares beneath locked glass cases. A premium mini-supermarket offers the
most delectable sweets. Japanese sundries, cosmetics, music and DVDs--you can
find all of them and more here.
The hallway walls display massive, colorful ads for the next hit thing, and more
ads string overhead. It's almost jarring compared to the bland concrete
hallways, tiled floors, and corrugated steel shutters for stores not currently
open.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
It's New Year's Eve. New Year's is a major holiday, marking the passing of the old year into the new, and one laden with a lot of heavy family traditions. Unfortunately for Kazusa, that means she is going to be stuck in close proximity to her family for... a good long while. On the one hand, she'll get to see her aunts, uncles, and cousins, whom she rarely gets to see.
... on the other hand, she'll be stuck in close proximity to her father and mother, forced to put on a role to keep from earning his ire. Not that he needed much of a reason to be upset when his parents and siblings were around.
Kazusa is already dreading it.
But that's for later in the afternoon. It's still the morning, and she's stolen some free time to herself under the guise of doing some last minute shopping. If the shopping takes a little longer than necessary, or just happens to include a break to spend some time in a cafe, well... it simply can't be helped. She can't be blamed for busy crowds and long lines, right?
She's currently dressed in a long red dress with a white jacket worn over it--festive holiday colors, though her expression is anything but festive. She's currently roaming the underground, a couple of bags alredy in hand.
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
New Year's Eve. Much like Kazusa's family, Haru's family is a stickler for tradition, even if Mr. Okumura is the type of man to eschew it if it works in his favour. Usually, Haru doesn't mind New Year's, appreciating the fresh start to the year and the opportunity to see extended family. This year is different, however... and like Kazusa, Haru finds herself dreading its arrival.
This December, Haru turned eighteen years old, meaning the next year represents a significant shift in her life, whether she likes that shift or not.
No matter what awaits them in their upcoming New Years' celebrations, Haru's desire to keep her mind away from it leads her to the same place as Kazusa. Namely, by the flower shop at the underground mall in Shibuya. Having picked up the seeds and gardening supplies she wanted, Kazusa might see a familiar figure, dressed in a white, puffy jacket with red, patterned tights.
What are the chances running into each other again like this? Well, it'd be awkward not to say anything.
"Oh! Hello there, Motojima-san." Haru smiles, politely waving over to her... friend? Part of her does hope to see Kazusa as one. "Are you doing some shopping for New Years?"
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa is all-too aware of that potential shift, herself, though hers isn't imminent for another year or so... and while nothing has been arranged for her yet, shes aware that that could change. Especially with the attitude shift her Homnculus presented, which is still doing lasting damage to how her father percives her.
Well, it's 'damage' from her perspective, at least.
It's surprising they don't run into each other more, though, considering they both live in the same ward.
Kazusa spots the familiar girl and frowns, taking just a moment to double check it is who she thinks it is--and the other girl speaks first, so Kazusa is compelled to respond.
"Oh, Okumura-senpai. Happy New YEar's." The greeting is a little automatic, but... her impression of Haru is at least favorable, given their run-in at the movie theater. 'Friends' might be something she struggles to claim, but Haru is free to offer it.
"... yeah." She holds up a couple of small bags. "Just... getting some last minute shopping done before the afternoon. How about you?"
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
Even though she hasn't found herself in that situation just yet, Haru is cognizant that Kazusa's family might try something similar to her own... and the least she can do is make sure she's doing alright. Although, they'd probably run into each other more if Haru wasn't as generally reclusive as she is.
"Ah, my apologies. I forgot to say it... happy New Year's, Motojima-san!" Haru giggles, awkwardly. Perhaps it's understandable, they've already had to say it so many times to so many people today, it's easy for it to become automatic or for it to slip one's mind.
'At least favourable' is definitely not nothing though, especially with someone like Kazusa.
"I'm about the same. I stopped by the flower shop to get some flowers for the ceremony, as well as seeds and supplies for my own garden." Haru explains, holding up her own bag. "That's... about it, hehe. Our family does most of our shopping on the Internet lately." If nothing else, Mr. Okumura loves adopting new technology.
"If you don't have anywhere to be, would it be forward to ask if you wanted to sit by the cafe and chat? It might be nice to catch up before the new year." Haru suggests, her eyes glancing over to the small coffee shop in the corner of the mall.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
It's not like Kazusa isn't her own brand of recluse. She has a studio that she retreats to pretty frequently, after all. But this isn't a good morning for making the trip to Akiba, if her father gets impatient with her taking so long...
Haru forgot, but says it. "Oh, it's... fine, senpai. You remembered in the end, right?" Kazusa can't quite project cheer, but she's trying to be less prickly than in the past. Especially for someone from a family with ties to hers.
And for someone who shares a like for horror movies like she does.
Flowers, but also seeds. "Oh, right, you're into gardening..." Kazusa says quietly, as if accessing a memory that's unfamiliar. Now, it was Haru and Kazusa's Homunculus who had that conversation. That must mean Kazusa remembers it, too?
"The internet is pretty handy..." Kazusa agrees. She also loves technology, but perhaps that's natural, given what her family does.
Kazusa follows that glance, and weighs the offer. She has somewhere to be, but absolutely doesn't want to be there. She looks at Haru for a moment and considers. If her father complains, she can always frame it as 'maintaining strong relations with the Okumura family,' right? She clears her throat and speaks up. "Thank you, senpai. I'd like that."
To her surprise, she finds she actually would. Even if it's also an excuse to stay out a little bit longer.
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
"Hehe. I suppose you're right." Haru giggles, when Kazusa points out she remembered in the end. She also appreciates that Kazusa's been less and less prickly lately... she wonders if it means something good's happened to her lately.
"Yes, that's right." Haru nods, motioning her bag so Kazusa can see inside it. For a moment, she'd also thought she already told Kazusa that... but then again, it was the homunculus she'd spoken to that day, wasn't it? "I help to take care of the garden on the school rooftop. If you'd ever like any vegetables for your lunch, I'd be more than happy to harvest some for you."
As for the Internet... "Isn't it? I never could have imagined having something shipped from across the world to your doorstep with the click of a button. It's quite convenient!" She agrees. "But honestly? I have no idea at all how to work my way around a computer." She laughs. It's not as if she can't do anything... but something more advanced than clicking through webpages is a bit beyond her expertise. "Perhaps you could teach me sometime."
"Of course! And thank you for indulging me.~" Haru nods, when Kazusa accepts her offer. "Shall we order, then?" Haru asks, starting towards the coffee shop.
There's a lot they could talk about, but Haru has a sense that neither of them quite wants to talk about how they'll be spending the rest of their days. So instead, she considers something else they have in common. "Have you seen any movies recently, Motojima-san?" She asks. "Unfortunately, I've been so overwhelmed with finals and entrance exams, I haven't been since I last ran into you."
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Well, Kazusa would hardly call the experience with being locked in a Cocoon 'good', but... the experience did give her some clarity. So in that sense, that was a useful outcome for her.
It was definitely the Homunculus. There was really no escaping the amount of wrongness Kazusa gave off to Awakened Persona users. "... right. Thank you for the offer, senpai." her lunches are usually tightly controlled, and when she wants chats, vegetables aren't really her first choice. She does peek inside, though. "... My mother's family owns a flower shop, so we usually give them our business when we need flowers."
Kazusa does know computres, and a bit more than most people might be led to believe. "It has a lot of other uses, too. You can probably find some gardening information online, if you need it..." There's a quiet blink. "Uh... sure, I can show you a few things."
"You're welcome," she says, and follows along to the coffee shop.
Movies are definitely a safer topic. "... Not really," she admits. "I've been busy, too, and..." She lets the thought trail off. There were movies she wanted to see, but she hasn't felt like going to the theater by herself. "But I did rent some videos that were pretty interesting. Like this old English-language version of Dracula."
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
It really is night and day, the difference between talking to Kazusa now and the Homunculus back then. For all that Kazusa can be prickly sometimes, that's just part of who she is... it just felt so wrong hearing the things that Homunculus said through Kazusa's voice. Clarity can be important, too.
"You're very welcome. I can't do much... but it's nice to be able to do something small for friends." She smiles, even openly using the 'F' word. She doesn't even expect Kazusa to take the offer, if she doesn't want to, but it might as well remain open.
As for the flower shop, Haru's eyes light up with familiarity. "Oh, that's right! You..." She trails off, because she remembers the flower shop was something she heard from the Homunculus. "At least, it sounds familiar. It's sweet of you to do that. Where are they located?" The shop at the underground mall is convenient, and Ren works there part-time, but she's not against shopping elsewhere either.
"I see... that's right, there's all kinds of websites, aren't there?" Haru nods, as Kazusa explains she might be able to find some gardening tips. "I'm always eager to learn more... and it could be nice to chat with some fellow enthusiasts as well." She doesn't know very many locally, at least... though she was recently referred to a girl named 'Aigis'.
Haru places her order, deciding to try a peppermint flavoured mocha, suited for the season, and takes a seat at the food court tables while they chat. "...Aww, that's a shame." Haru nods. "I understand, though. Exams and holidays are a busy time for everyone. Did you do anything special for Christmas at least?~" An innocent enough question, even if it's regarded as a romantic holiday in Japan.
Even if there isn't time to go see the movies in theatres, renting DVDs doesn't sound like a bad idea... "Oooh... that does sound interesting." Haru clasps her hands together. "Foreign films can be quite fascinating to watch. What did you think of it?~" She asks, giving Kazusa some room to air out her thoughts on the film. Haru's not sure if an old English version of Dracula would be scary, so much as campy, but that's its own enjoyment. "Oh! Maybe some time we can go to the rental store and have a movie night." She suggests. It might feel 'safer' then going into public to watch one.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa's not exactly thrilled about the things her Homunculus said, either.
Not being able to do much... Kazusa feels that more than she wants to admit. But her musings on that are derailed by the 'f' word. She stares at Haru for a moment, eyebrow arched. rist 'Haru-chan' out of nowhere, now this. She huffs a little as she glances away. "... we barely know each other, senpai..." The statement lacks the bite it might usually have. She's just uncertain, knowing her track records with friends.
'Sweet' isn't the word Kazusa would use, but then again, she doesn't have the best relationship with her mother, either. "... they actually finally got a websit, so I'll give you the address."
"There's all kinds of chat rooms and message boards," Kazusa continues. "I don't know of a gardening one, but I'm sure it's out there." Which might beg the question of what Kazusa chats about online. Dont worry about it.
Kazusa ends up ordering something with white chocolate in it, and follows along to sit with Haru. "Yeah, that's true... and I imagine you must be especially busy with exams coming up." But when Haru asks if she did anything for Christmas...
She has a terrible flashback to an encounter with the Colonel. Her stare goes distant, and she quickly shalkes herself out of it. "N-not really," she says, feigning disinterest.
"It's a lot different from Japanese films, but it was also made a while ago, too? They had to do a lot more with practical effects, so... it kind of made everything feel more visceral. And it was kind of unsettling." She pauses, hesitating as Haru proposes the idea.
It's not that she's against it, but... there's a practical issue. "Do... you know where we could watch it? I'm not sure my father..."
There is her studio, but the only screens there are for her computer, and cramming into her desk side-by-side is... maybe a bit more cozy than she wants to offer to a potentially just-made friend.
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
Haru giggles when Kazusa points out the barely know each other. Truthfully, for Haru, she probably knows Kazusa better than most other students attending Shujin Academy, aside from her fellow Phantom Thieves. Then again... "Hehe. I suppose that's fair enough, Motojima-san. I don't mind doing this for acquaintances, either, though.~" She chimes.
She'll accept the link from Kazusa, but she gets the feeling she's not really thrilled about her mother's family's business.
"I'll have to take a look, once I finally get the hang of searching.~" Haru nods. Gardening forums... there's really something for any topic on the Internet, isn't there? Maybe she is curious about what Kazusa might be posting about online, but she doesn't end up asking.
"Oh, absolutely. Mako-chan- I mean, Nijima-san, has been all over us about studying. I know she will ace all her entrance exams and get into Tokyo University, but I..." She looks into her coffee for a moment. "Should probably be setting a better example for my kohai." She smiles.
As for Christmas... the conversation trails and fades off for a moment. "Mhm? Me neither. My family doesn't really celebrate Christmas." Haru answers, half-lying. "But um... Motojima-san? Are you okay?" Haru look at Kazusa with concern, maybe she shouldn't have asked a question like that.
"There's just something about older films, isn't there?" She agrees. The filming techniques, the available technology they had back then... "It's not horror, but I recall seeing an old French version of the Three Musketeers a long time ago... and I felt similarly."
Unfortunately, Kazusa presents a practical issue to her proposal. "Hmm, I don't... I don't know, actually. Unless we invited someone else to host for us." She frowns. If Kazusa's father won't allow it, neither will hers. "Sorry. It was a bit of an awkward invitation to make, after all.~"
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
That's true. It's not every student who understands the exact nature of what Kazusa wnet trhough, even if Kazusa doesn't know that Haru knows the full extent. But when you combine that with theirsimilar family backgrounds... "... I'll accept acquaintances."
It's mostly that Kazusa doesn't like her mother. (And also she has a grudge against flowers, through her mother's Ikebana, but they're not close enough for Kazusa to share that.)
"Well, if you want my number, I can give you some pointers, sometime..." It's just for business, and not because she'd really like a second friend right about now. Definitely not that.
'Mako-chan.' Kazusa glances away. She has complicated feelings about Makoto that she's definitely not getting into. "Oh, so you're friends with our student council president..." They haven't gotten along, and they're still not getting along, but for different reasons now. "Mm. Maybe." Kazusa's trying to do better by Kasumi and her brother, at least.
"The three Musketeers... I guess that could be interesting. "Was it in French...? Do you speak it" She frowns a little as she considers that. "There's a movie theater in shinjuku Ward that shows old foreign language films... Le Cinema du Monde. I think the woman who runs it takes requests, too?"
Kazusa forwns as Haru doesn't have any better idea, either. She folds her arms for a moment, deep in concentration. "... I have a friend who likes movies. Maybe... I could ask her?"
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
"Acquintances!" Haru agrees, and honestly, she sounds pretty happy about that. It's better than complete strangers, and Kazusa is still someone she finds she can trust more than most classmates.
"Oh, of course!" Haru nods, about exchanging numbers. "Let me just-" She pulls up her handbag into her lap, pulling out a pale pink cellphone. Honestly, she doesn't use this thing much except for her fiance trying to get ahold of her - and for secret Phantom Thieves business. While she gets out her cellphone, they continue chatting.
Haru gets a feeling that Kazusa doesn't have the best impression of Makoto, which is... fair, considering her reputation as the Student Council President. They didn't used to talk much, but their shared... hobby has seen them considerably closer. "Yes, yes. Don't tell her I said this... but it turns out she actually has a pretty soft side if you get to know her." Haru whispers. That might not really interest Kazusa, though.
"It was subtitled, at least... but I've picked up some. English and French lessons were a must." Is that a requirement of being of the Empress, or is that just being rich? "Actually speaking French... well, that would be difficult, wouldn't it?" She laughs.
A theatre in Shinjuku... Haru doesn't spend much time there for obvious reasons, it would take convincing her security detail for sure. "I didn't know about that, but it could be fun, at least if we can actually get over there.." She considers. A friend who likes movies... that might be easier.
"I'm not against the idea.~" Haru nods, as Kazusa suggests asking a friend. "What's your friend's name? Does she go to Shujin, too?" She wonders. "Either way... let me give you my number before I forget. That way, we can set something up anytime, right?" She flips open the cellphone, showing her number for Kazusa to input.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa would be surprised, ot say the least, to know she was considered trustworthy by someone. But she's glad 'acquaintainces' is acceptable for now.
Kazusa, meanwhile, has a sleek black smartphone--it's a Motojima protoype, even, though she won't say that out loud.
To be fair, it's not like Makoto has the best impresion of her, either. Haru shares a secret, and Kazusa just nods. "I'll... have to take your word for it."
"You took French lessons?" she asks, surprised. Her thoughts turn to Kanae and Isabeau for a moment. "... I've been thinking about trying to learn some French," she admits. "I talked with the owner once, about how she preserves her films."
As for her friend. "Kanae Fuyuki. She's a second-year at Shujin, though we're in different classes. I'll text her later and ask her."
But they have to exchange numbers still. "Right." She inputs Haru's number, and then once she has it sends Haru a text so Haru has hers.
And with that settled, they can keep chatting, at least for a little while.