2026-11-08: Convenient Resources
- Log: Convenient Resources
- Cast: Haru Okumura, Kazusa Motojima
- Where: Central Street - Main
- OOC Date: November 08, 2026
- IC Date: Wednesday, February 06, 2013
- Summary: Haru senses that Kazusa needs a break, and invites her kouhai out to a new cafe. They discuss the trip, fathers, deals, secret passions, food, and more. But Haru has also laid a fiendish trap for Kazusa. Can Kazusa survive?
(|========================== Central Street - Main ===========================|)
-====================================================== Tokyo/Shibuya Ward ====-
Chances are, if you're a fan of a youth trend in Tokyo, it started here. Less
than a five minute walk from Shibuya Station, Central Street is lined with
businesses that cater to youth culture. Boutiques and media stores are just as
common as cafes and fast food. Arcades display the cabinets and claw games with
the latest merch, while back alley shops serve more merchandise for more niche
interests, such as military otaku looking for realistic-looking model guns at
Untouchable.
Drug stores, convenience stores, book stores, discount stores, video rental
stores? You name it, they got it. Sports gyms, karaoke bars, movie theatres,
diners? Yup. The local Big Bang Burger stands out most of all with its flashy
space-themed pneumonic entrance.
While it has a reputation as a safe neighborhood for both tourists and locals in
order to preserve its image as 'for the youth,' darker elements have started to
creep in from back alley folks that try to offer school kids opportunities for a
quick buck or job opportunities for tourists who find their passport stolen in
short order. Or so the rumor goes.
Still, rumors are just rumors, aren't they? There's no reason to hold back, so
come on in, enjoy yourselves.
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
It's Wednesday after school! During lunch, Haru sent Kazusa a text asking if she wanted to meet later to discuss the trip coming up over the long weekend.
...That's her excuse, anyway. Secretly, it's a devious plan to try and become better friends with the girl who she sees a lot of herself in these days.
The designated meeting place is a cafe on Shibuya's Central Street. This one is new to her, actually, but she's been interested in visiting it. And what better way to do that than by checking it out with a friend?
...Well, a potential friend, but she'd like to remain optimistic on that front.
"I hear they make a wonderful blueberry tart here." Haru observes, taking a seat at an open table. "I wonder what sort of coffee would go best with it? Oh, or maybe one of their teas!"
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa has been stressing out a little over the preparations. (Okay, she's a lot stressed out over a lot of things.) But Haru is an important part of her trip plans, even if she hates to think of Haru that way. She actually appreciates her senpai.
So when Haru sent her that text, Kazusa responded quickly to accept. (She doesn't suspect a thing.)
She's always interested in checking out new cafes, at least. "Blueberry tarts?" she echoes. "Mmmm... maybe we could split one?" A girl has to watch her figure, after all. She joins Haru at the open table.
Coffee or tea... "Mmm." Kazusa sighs a little. "I should probably go for tea. I've been drinking too many canned coffees recently... Maybe they have a recommendation?"
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
Haru was quite pleased when she got a positive response back. One step closer to her plan's fruition...
"Oh, that's a great idea." Haru agrees, as Kazusa suggests splitting one. Kazusa joins her at the table, and Haru takes the opportunity to study her as she considers it. She notices the reluctance with which she decides to go for the tea. Too many canned coffees, hm...? That would do it.
"Maybe on the menu..." Haru considers. She picks up the menu from their table, leafing through the pages. It gives her a good opportunity to see what else they have here, and gives her ideas for later. "It seems like they recommend green tea, or jasmine tea. Green tea would really bring out the blueberry... What do you think?"
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
If Haru looks closely enough she might notice thatKazusa is looking a little worn out. Then again, she's always under a lot of pressure, she just used to be better at putting up a front.
"I'm glad you think so, senpai," says Kazusa with a small smile. (Hopefully Haru doesn't do the thing Kasumi did of agreeing to split something and then ordering a whole second dessert for herself, thus defeating the purpose.)
She picks up the menu, too, nodding along. "I think you're right," she says about the green tea. "Thanks for inviting me out, by the way.. And for agreeing to come on the trip."
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
Haru has certainly noticed. And if she's noticing it at all, that's surely a sign of how worn-down she must be... She knows what it's like to put up a front.
Haru smiles back at Kazusa, and when she agrees, Haru nods.
"Wonderful. Shall I got put in an order for us, then?" She offers - and smiles brighter when Kazusa thanks her - which softens somewhat when she mentions agreeing to come on the trip. "Of course. And thank you for accepting my invitation!"
She's quiet for a moment.
"I had to convince Father it was a good use of my time, but... I wanted to go." She comments. Getting her father on her side meant she could get her fiancee off her case for the weekend... She's sure she's going to hear about it when she gets back, but it's worth it. "...How have your preparations been coming along? Is there anything I can help with?"
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa gives a small nod, and a "Sure" when Haru comments about putting in the order. As for agreeing... "Well, it would be unbecoming to turn down an invitation," she says, trying to sound more sophisticated than she feels. "... but I really did need the break..." she admits quietly a moment later.
But she sets her menu down, drumming her fingers on the table for a moment as she frown. Her father... She lets out a longer sigh. "... yeah, I... kind of had to do the same thing. Um..." She suddenly finds something really interesting out the window to look at. "... having you along is kind of part of the reason my father agreed at all, I think. Though..."
She shakes her head. "A-anyway, I'm... really glad you were able to come."
"I think most of the major preparations are done. I have the tickets, the shuttle arrangements are made, I've confirmed the booking..." But she considers for a moment, as Haru offers help. "Mmm... well... I think I can think of one thing, maybe..."
But what had she been about to say before?
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
Haru nods back as Kazusa agrees. She smiles slightly when Kazusa tries to play it off in a sophisticated way - and laughs lightly, as she admits that she needed a break.
"To be honest, I had a feeling you could use one." She comments, then stands up. "Be right back~!"
She approaches the counter and returns a moment later, once the order is put in.
Kazusa lets out a long sigh - and says that she had to convince her father, too. Having her along is why her father agreed at all... Haru offers a small, sad smile.
"...That doesn't really surprise me. People are just convenient resources for them." Haru comments - including her own father in that, too. She doesn't really like using her influence... but if it helps enable something like this, then she can allow it. She takes note of the way Kazusa trailed off, but she doesn't address it yet. She smiles, brightening back up. "I am, too! I haven't really gone on a trip with friends before. It'll be fun."
And if Kazusa doesn't realise she's being included in that, she can spell it out for her.
Haru nods along as Kazusa explains the preparations she's gone through so far. It does seem like most things have been taken care of so far - but there is one thing, maybe, she says.
"Of course. What is it?" Haru asks. "...Does it have anything to do with what you were going to say earlier? Or is that something else?"
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
"Heh. Well, then I guess you were right." She gives another nod when Haru says she'll be right back.
Convenient resources... Kazusa crosses her arms as she slumps back in her seat. "... yeah," she agrees quietly. "I really hated having to name drop, but..." Kazusa doesn't mind her influence, she just hates everything that comes with it.
... So it might as well be the same thing, in the end.
Friends! "W-well..." Kazusa did catch that, and she's studying Haru as she chews on that. She huffs a little, with a roll of her eyes, but there's really no bite in it. "... you're including me in that, aren't you, senpai?"
But back on the topic of preparations, "Oh, no, that's... something else. I... had to agree to do something for my father before he would sign off on the trip." She tries to shrug it off but it's clearly weighing on her. "What I was hoping you'd help me out with was... well..."
She leans forward a little bit. "I booked a pretty high-end place, and I don't want to sound mean, but I'm not sure everybody in the group is used to places like that? So if you could help me... make sure everyone knows how to enjoy the ryokan properly..."
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
It seems like Kazusa understands that, too. Haru nods as she laments having to name drop. That's something she understands - it feels like using people.
Kazusa huffs and Haru smiles knowingly at that roll of her eyes.
"Of course!" She replies. "...And, there's no need to be so formal. Just Haru is fine."
She listens as she explain - she had to agree to do something for her father... Haru's expression shifts - and it might become clear she's familiar with those sorts of transactional agreements.
"I'm sorry..." She apologises. "Can I ask what he wanted from you?"
As for what she was hoping from her... Haru leans closer to hear as Kazusa explains. She booked a high-end place, and she's not sure everyone is used to places like this. She nods in understanding... and beams brightly.
"Of course. Don't worry, I'll help maintain order."
Why did she put it like that. Why does she sound so happy about it.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
The Kazusa of before wouldn't have worried about the name dropping, not really. Now, though...
Kazusa studies Haru for a moment as she insists that a) thy're friends and that b) she can use Haru's name. "Well, I suppose since we're both relying on each other to be able to go on this trip, that I can do that... Haru-senpai."
There's a longer look as she takes in that expression. So Haru gets it, it seems... Kazusa sighs and nods. "Yeah, just... please don't tell anyone else? I just want the trip to be a nice experience for them."
As for the actual agreement. "... my father thinks I'm not being disciplined enough with my rhythmic gymnastics. So in order to 'earn my keep', he wants me to appear in some of the promotional material for our new smartphone line."
She looks uncomfortable saying it, not even really looking at Haru directly. "But it'll be fine, right? We all go on the trip, I appear in a commercial or two, and that's it."
Ririka blinks at the beaming smile, but moreso the choice of words.
'Maintain order.' Did Kazusa just make a weird friend? She hopes not, she really needs Haru to be someone who gets her. "Uh... sure. If you wanna put it like that. Really I just need someone who can help me explain the etiquette, you know?"
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
Haru beams, pleased, as Kazusa calls her 'Haru-senpai'. Success!
"Exactly, Kazusa-san." Haru replies.
Kazusa tells her not to tell anyone else - and Haru understands. She can imagine many of them would have a hard time enjoying it if they knew it was coming at a personal cost to her. ...Some of them might even want to do something about it, which might cause trouble for her. Haru nods.
"Yes, I understand." She assures - then listens as she explains. How her father thinks she's not being disciplined enough, and how she has to earn her keep.
...How familiar. The specifics are different, but... She's still being asked to give of herself in order to support her father's position.
Kazusa says it'll be fine, and Haru considers her.
"Mm. I'm sorry you have to do that... I hope it stops at just that." Haru offers. She truly hopes that's all it'll be.
Haru doesn't flinch at all at Kazusa's action.
"Of course, I can do that." She assures. "I'm sure it won't take much explaining."
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa would never say it, but she really could use more friends. "I don't suppose warning you that my reputation at school is a complete mess would dissuade you."
But she doesn't complain about being addressed by first name, either.
Kazusa doesn't know that some of the people on the trip would want to take action... but she'd definitely try to dissuade it.
"Thanks." She's silent for a long moment before she responds, and she offers a small shrug, mostly to convince herself it's no big deal. "... yeah. Me too."
After a moment, she adds, "The, uh, new Cosmos phones are pretty nice, at least? I got one early to try it out." Maybe that's a silver lining that makes this worth it?
(It isn't, but Kazusa needs something to hold on to.)
But Haru can help, and Kazusa nods, looking a little relieved. "Thanks. I really appreciate it." She does look a little relieved. She offers a tentative smile. "Is there anything you're looking forward to on the trip? Besides the onsen, of course..."
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
"No, it wouldn't." Haru agrees with a small laugh. She's always kept to herself at school - as a result, until this year she didn't have very many friends... and the ones she does have now aren't the sort to be easily turned against her. In other words, she has nothing to lose.
Kazusa thanks her and Haru nods. She notices the shrug, and the lie to herself behind it - especially when she tries to convince herself that it's worth it.
"Oh, really? That's incredible." Haru replies. "I've always been a bit helpless with technology, myself, so I have a hard time keeping up with the new releases..."
She can play along, at least, with Kazusa's attempt to soothe herself.
"You're welcome!" Haru replies, and smiles back. Is there anything she's looking forward to on the trip... Her expression turns pensive. "Hm... besides the onsen? I'm really interested to see what the food is like there. I'm sure the scenery is gorgeous, too."
She thinks to herself a moment longer before deciding,
"...But I think what I'm looking forward to most is spending time with everyone."
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa in some ways has a lot to lose, still... but in others, she's starting to find things she values more than what her reputation gave her. And she's starting to make a friend or two that she can trust a lot more than any of her previous, shallower friendships.
Kazusa shrugs, though there's just a tiny hint of a smile. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
"Well, I have to keep up, since our family stakes our reputation on what we make, of course." She'll appreciate Haru playing along, even if she doesn't say it outright. She trails off, and looks at Haru, considering for a moment.
... Maybe she can test the waters, just a little bit. "But I actually got interested in the technology we make because of my grandparents."
Food! Kazusa sits up a little. "Then you'll be happy to know that we'll be having traditional kaiseki service both nights. We'll get to try out a number of different dishes." Her smile this time is a little more genuine, making this something she's clearly looking forward to. "I expect plums to feature heavily, since they're in bloom right now." That's a meal consisting of numerous small courses, all designed to show off the local flavors.
"The scenery is really nice... I took a quick trip up there a week and a half ago but didn't get to see that much. I'm hoping I'll get a lot more time to look around, with the full day."
Spending time with everyone. "Mmm. Yeah. I... hope everyone has a good time." She's not exactly friends with everyone on the guest list--she'll admit it's kind of ecclectic, but she can't explain the why without explaining all the supernatural circumstances, so she'll just have to power through it.
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
"Warning acknowledged!" Haru replies, with zero intent to change her mind.
Kazusa explains that she has to keep up, and Haru nods in understanding. It's a little different for her - she certain isn't expected to keep up with fast food developments... Really, she isn't expected to do much at all, but it must be different for a company big on technology. She can imagine the scandals that would occur if they caught Kazusa preferring another company's products...
Kazusa explains, though, that she got interested in their technology because of her grandparents. She remembers a scene of a past that she isn't supposed to have seen. So, she still kept at it...
"It's nice when they can give you something like that, isn't it? Not something physical, but a dream..." Haru replies. She considers for a moment. "My grandfather... He ran a cafe. I'm hoping to do the same, someday."
Her mention of being interested in the food seems to encourage Kazusa, and Haru listens with interest as she explains what the food service will be like.
"Oh, that sounds wonderful." Haru replies, intrigued. "I'm always interested in experiencing new dishes..."
The more she can broaden her horizons there, the better.
Kazusa explains that the scenery is nice - she took a quick trip up a while back.
"I see... Is that what inspired you to go back? A chance to see what you missed before?" She asks, curious. She offers her a small smile.
"I'm sure they will." She assures. "But don't focus so hard on making sure they have one that you forget to, as well."
Haru, of course, is blissfully unaware of the supernatural circumstances! ...At least, that's how it seems, and for now it's better that it stays that way. If she gets greeted by a colorful cast of characters, then she will simply pretend to be pleasantly surprised.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Don't even suggest that as a possibility, Haru. It's nough to send chills down Kazusa's spine just from the implication. But yes, it would be quite the scandal.
A dram... "Yeah..." Kazusa is a little lost in thought for a moment, but she looks up when Haru mentions her grandfather. "A cafe... What kind? Like, what would you serve? What kind of ambiance would you want?" She considers again, herself, and then quietly adds, "My grandmother did the art for some of the earliest video games Motojima Corp made. I'm... hoping to follow in her footsteps."
She looks downcast in the next moment. "But, uh, don't let that get around, okay? If the other kids at school found out, or it got back to my father..."
"I'm sure there'll be something new for you to try."
She nods. "Yeah... I thought... well. With the holiday coming up, it was too good a chance to pass up, right? And if I can do something nice for other people at the same time..."
She needs to have a good time, too. "... Right. I'll try. I'm sure everything will... go off great." She's still concerned, but, she takes a deep brath. She'll try.
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
"I'd like it to be a place where people can enjoy meals and drinks made with fresh, home-grown ingredients." Haru explains. "Beyond that, I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I want it to be. I need to learn more, get a better understanding of what people would want out of it."
For Kazusa's part, she wants to follow in her grandmother's footsteps and do art...
"I think that's a wonderful idea." Haru agrees, and shakes her head. "Don't worry. I won't."
She can certainly understand wanting to be careful about who certain things get back to.
"Great!" Haru replies, beaming, as Kazusa says she's sure there'll be something new. Kazusa confirms that was the idea, too. Get a chance to see what she missed, and do something nice for other people at the same time... "That's a wonderful thought."
Kazusa tries to assure herself that everything will go off great.
"I'm sure." Haru agrees.
Their order finally arrives, then - two cups of green tea alongside a blueberry tart to split. Kazusa may be relieved to see that Haru did, indeed, not defeat the purpose.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
A place where people can enjoy meals and drinks... With fresh, home-grown ingredients, of course. "Mmm... that sounds kind of nice. And it's not a bad angle..." She considers for a moment. "... you should go plum picking on Sunday. Maybe it'll give you something to experiment with. I'm going to try and bring some back as gifts, too."
Kazusa manages a small smile. "Thanks." And then it fades to be more serious. "And... thanks."
"Well, I hope it's a thought that works out."
Kazusa is very relieved by that. "Thank you for the tart and tea," she says.
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
"Doesn't it?" Haru agrees, as Kazusa says it sounds nice. She thinks it's a good angle, too - it's probably her best one.
Kazusa suggests plum picking.
"That does sound fun! I wonder if I'd be able to grow some at home? I should look into that." Haru replies thoughtfully. And, gifts! "That's a great idea."
She nods as Kazusa thanks her - and then again as she express her hope that the thought works out.
"Of course. Please enjoy!" Haru replies. There's something nice about sharing something like this, too.