Merilan: Created page with "'''Log: Innocent Cog''' '''Cast:''' Myunghon Yeo, Shinobu Shimizu '''Where:''' The Cardboard Dragon '''OOC Date:''' August 27, 2025 '''IC Date:''' July 02, 2012 '''Summary''': ''Myunghon invites Shinobu for a hangout, to play Innocent Cog at long last with her... and also ask her out to a concert! Will it go swimmingly well?!'' ---- Myunghon Yeo has posed. Myunghon's been having a pretty good momentum going; Kaneshiro's been d..."

2025-08-28T06:04:59Z

Created page with "*'''Log: Innocent Cog''' *'''Cast:''' Myunghon Yeo, Shinobu Shimizu *'''Where:''' The Cardboard Dragon *'''OOC Date:''' August 27, 2025 *'''IC Date:''' July 02, 2012 *'''Summary''': ''Myunghon invites Shinobu for a hangout, to play Innocent Cog at long last with her... and also ask her out to a concert! Will it go swimmingly well?!'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed. <poem> Myunghon's been having a pretty good momentum going; Kaneshiro's been d..."

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*'''Log: Innocent Cog'''
*'''Cast:''' [[Myunghon Yeo]], [[Shinobu Shimizu]]
*'''Where:''' The Cardboard Dragon
*'''OOC Date:''' August 27, 2025
*'''IC Date:''' July 02, 2012
*'''Summary''': ''Myunghon invites Shinobu for a hangout, to play Innocent Cog at long last with her... and also ask her out to a concert! Will it go swimmingly well?!''

----

<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
<poem>
Myunghon's been having a pretty good momentum going; Kaneshiro's been dealt with, and okay, perhaps the racist cop problem is still an ongoing issue, and they ended up breaking down in front of Yua, but that ended up being a positive because they could admit some of the things they've been bottling up for far too long a time... and then fuelled by Ayame and Shinjiro's advice they've finally bought the tickets. The process of actually understanding how to retrieve and obtain them was quite the experience, but that's also all settled now.

And so Myunghon's invited Shinobu today... just to see if she has some spare time to spend time together and actually play that video game for once. They've purchased the drinks Shinobu likes, just on what they've observed -- do they like beer or other alcoholic drinks? The store doesn't usually carry them, but they've went ahead and gotten that and some snacks, also based on observation.

Why are they so unbelievably nervous? They swear they're sweating more bullets than when they were facing down an enormous Cognitive piggybank that was threatening to crush them into a stain on the ground. It feels like teenagers should have had an experience like this somewhere in their youth, but Myunghon never really understood what everyone else was on about. Oh, certainly the Perfect Student understands the intricacies of the complex weave and dance that is teenage dating rituals. The Perfect Student does, really. Myunghon does not.

Everything's been laid out in a mostly nice manner on the table in front of the couch. The videogame is... on, and the controllers are placed on the table as well. They're still in one of their suits like nothing has changed. Should they have chosen something a little nicer? What is nicer?? This is chaotic. There's so many uncontrolled variables here, their head's become tachyonic again.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>It's rare to receive an invitation to just... hang out. Shinobu certainly doesn't ''mind'', it's nice to get that chance every once in a while, especially now that things might be starting to settle down. She could use a chance to just relax for a bit - and she's sure Myunghon could, too.

Shinobu arrives, close to on time - she's not ''quite'' as punctual as her younger sister, but she tries when it matters.

"Hey, boss." Shinobu greets with her usual casual wave, strolling through the doors. "Looks like you've got everything already all set up..."

There's drinks - Shinobu ''does'', in fact, drink beer, among other things - and snacks, and the console is all ready, too... Shinobu massages the back of her neck. They really pulled out all the stops, huh?

Shinobu looks up toward Myunghon themself.

"How're you doing?" She asks.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
<poem>
Myunghon -does- wonder if it's untoward, because they think of how most times she's present, it's because they have a job for them, no matter how small. ... sometimes the job does end up being timeblocked for the better part of a day because of small items like 'I'm not able to carry these boxes up to the top shelf' and other miscellania like that, but they haven't felt awkward about it because of the payment. But... but they should be able to exist beyond gigs and transactions, right? Superluminary brain is at it again.

"Ah, Shinobu-ssi, good afternoon. I am... well, thank you," Myunghon greets, feeling another spike in heart rate and pressure. Take the time to ensure the facade isn't falling apart. They've obsessed about little things like scents lately -- even if they can't really strongly identify them anymore. Yanagi liked their lily-of-the-valley scent that they used to like in their Shibuya days... so they've gone with a bit of that.

"How have you been? I just saw the news... it seems that Kaneshiro did confess, after all. I saw Reiko-san on the press conference -- she has her hands quite busy," Myunghon murmurs. Wait, they're already steering it towards work and other concerns by reflex!

"I was not quite sure what you prefer, so I purchased a variety of treats, just from what I recall the last few months..." Is that also strange? Friends remember what their friends tend to reach for from the fridge or vending machine.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>If it's untoward, Shinobu seems to mind. She's the type to play fast and loose with the rules, anyway - her position being a more temporary day-to-day one probably helps deal with any issues that might come up.

"Glad to hear it." Shinobu replies, offering them a nod and a smile. She lingers on them for a moment longer - it ''does'' seem like there's something else there... but she's not the type to push, if someone isn't willing to bring it up.

"Tired - but otherwise, everything's been just fine. Relieved that we've gotten through it, honestly." Shinobu replies with a shrug. "Yeah, I saw... I bet that's gonna get a lot of eyes on her."

In a good way, she hopes. Maybe it'll help her bosses finally ease things along, where she always finds herself facing obstacles!

...Yeah, Shinobu doesn't think there's a great chance of that, either.

Shinobu moves to take a seat near the television, looking over what Myunghon's prepared today.

"Yeah, this looks great - thanks. I'm impressed you remembered all this..." Shinobu comments. She trends toward savory snacks, but she likes the occasional sweet, too. ...There's some things in there that ''she'' forgot she liked.
Shinobu Shimizu
Shinobu stands at around 5'3" (around 160 cm). Her hair is black and typically worn short, bangs brushed out of her eyes. She has green eyes.

Her usual casual outfit consists of a black jacket with a dark green band around the middle and similarly-colored accenting, typically worn open with a t-shirt underneath. The exact design and color tend to very based on her mood, usually with a wild design or a band logo. Accompanying this is usually a pair of worn but sturdy jeans and work boots. She's often seen with a duffle bag over one shoulder carrying her things... including equipment for combat.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
<poem>
In the end, Myunghon overworries, and then worries ontop of that overworry. They haven't exactly drawn up a formal contract, due to the temporary, liminal nature of Shinobu's work. There's *a* contract just to make sure that it's all aboveboard if authorities come knocking and checking their paperwork, as well as because it's convenient for Shinobu to have employment paperwork for a myriad of reasons, but it makes her sound a bit more permanent than the reality really is.

They fetch a few glasses with ice in them, then sets the beer in front, before realising they have no idea what beer etiquette is. "I am still... somewhat beside myself that we did accomplish it all," Myunghon admits. "It feels significant -- a significant milestone for team... team Cardboard Dragon?" Team Cardboard Dragon.

Did-- did she notice something? Myunghon feels a bit flustered for a moment, but then sits down after they finish with the drinks. "Oh... I-- merely tried recalling what I remember you liked. Alcohol isn't on the restocking list, since we can't sell it to children, but I do remember a few times we were out you preferred it."

Myunghon has a furrowed brow. "Reiko-san certainly is busy. I feel bad she had to help me the other day..." And now you're on racist cop again. Stop it! This day isn't about him, at all! Not in the slightest! Topic-switch.

Myunghon lifts the video game controller and... places it flat on their knee like they're looking at an arcane object. "There are... ... ... a lot of buttons," they observe, more like they're treating this like bomb defusal than entertainment. They experimentally press a random button, and because the console is on PRESS ANY BUTTON of Innocent Cog, something happens!

Myunghon looks mortified at this, like they just made magic happen.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>It's okay. Shinobu's not one to judge - she already figured Myunghon wasn't much of a drinker.

"Yeah, seriously. We, what - went inside his head and kicked him around until he decided to repent? Hardly seems real. But, here we are." Shinobu replies with a shrug - and then a grin. "Team Cardboard Dragon, huh... Yeah, I'd say it is."

Myunghon seems flustered... Shinobu looks at them for a moment.

"Well, you did a pretty good job of it. Thanks." She replies, offering them a nod. "...And, yeah, I don't drink much on my own, but it's nice when I'm around people."

She looks their way again. They feel bad... Shinobu shakes her head.

"You shouldn't. It's not ''your'' fault. ...Besides, that's Reiko-chan for you. I'm sure she was happy to be able to lend you a hand." She assures.

Topic switch! Shinobu watches as Myunghon examines the controller - and presses a button.

The logo gives way to a menu screen accompanied by a rockin' main menu tune. If they weren't expecting that, Shinobu doesn't blame them for being surprised...

"...Here, let's boot into training mode for a bit so you can get a feel for everything." Shinobu says. She takes over, moving into training mode. On the screen, many icons bearing the faces of an eclectic assortment characters uncurl, revealing a name and a portrait when scrolled over.

...They are, all of them, incredibly fashionable and music-themed to some degree. It's not hard to imagine why Shinobu likes it so much... assuming one can connect the dots.

"My advice - pick whoever you like the looks of the most. If you can't decide, the main characters near the top middle are probably the easiest to pick up." Shinobu advises. For her part, she selects a large grappler-type character. She doesn't have a whole lot of experience with her... but she figures the large hitbox will make it easier for them to actually get hits on her.

Throughout all of this, there's ''more'' rock music.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
<poem>
"We were able to work with the Phantoms. But we still do not know who they are, what their motivations are, or how to contact them. I do want to try seeing if we can have an ally or at least... someone we'll agree to steer clear of," Myunghon isn't certain how the relationship will shake out.

She's catching on. They can't reign it in and get it under control. "Ah... I wasn't certain myself. I myself have never..." Myunghon has a quiet frown for a moment. Alcohol was in the periphery of their life from a young age -- you don't do corporate wining or dining without some -- but it's become associated with loneliness and their parents at this point.

"Is it... tasty?" Myunghon sounds so innocent, at this point. They seem more like they're a teen asking if their dad's beer is tasty, just for a moment.

But on the topic of Reiko, Myunghon has a genteel little nod as Shinobu tells them they shouldn't feel bad. "They ended up having to drive me to Tokyo just to keep the cover story consistent..."

Myunghon is instantly blasted by Baisuke Gishiwatari's rockin' tunes. Heaven or Hell? Let's Rock! The game is an audiovisual explosion to the face. "W-wow," Myunghon has to reach and notch the volume down two pips.

"Training mode? I see, you're to teach me how to play the game..." Myunghon looks perplexed. Then, a profile of about forty odd characters appear, because Shinobu's not gonna get caught playing simply Innocent Cog when she can be playing Innocent Cog XX Accent Minus: [sys-farenheit] II Contrapazza where the *real* competition currently is labbing.

"Wow. These people are... stylish," Myunghon does look charmed. No wonder Shinobu likes it. They're starting to imagine Shinobu dressed like that, in a Cognitive space. "Someone I like the look of...?"

Hazuki's words come back to them, randomly. There's a Gender Nun here somewhere. Where's the Gender Nun? Still, the amount of options is deeply overwhelming. "Oh, your character is massive. Her muscles are-- yay big," Myunghon gestures from here to there. "Do the size of the muscles matter??"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>"Yeah. They're a big mystery. We still don't know how that all ''worked'', but that wasn't their first go - so they clearly know things we don't. Getting to know them wouldn't hurt... but getting the word out might be the hard part." Shinobu replies with a shrug. Can they trust them? They seemed like a good enough bunch, and she appreciates that they insist on no killing... But, it's hard to say.

Shinobu watches Myunghon as they admit to having never... having had alcohol before, maybe? That seems to be the case. Is it ''tasty'', though... Shinobu considers how to answer.

"...Kind of? I like it, anyway... but it's mostly been about the company, for me." She replies with a shrug. "A social thing."

Myunghon has survived the first obstacle. That's impressive enough, even if they have to turn down the sound a little.

"Only fair, I think." Shinobu replies. ...It's true, though - she knows her stuff, so it's only the best for her.

"Right? The character design's top-notch. And, yeah - pick whoever speaks to you." Shinobu replies. An important question is raised. Do the size of the muscles matter?

"Yes. They're cool." Shinobu replies with a serious - but, a moment later realises she should ''probably'' elaborate. "But, uh... it's mostly so you can kind of get a feel for what someone's about just by looking? Like... she's big, right, and she has big muscles, so you can tell she's probably going to hit hard, but be kind of slow for it."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
<poem>
Myunghon is a little more settled now that they're talking about... work... but then now they're talking about work again, and they're feeling bad that this context is the only context that they can seem to get settled down under. "No killing," Myunghon seems to pick out the same thing Shinobu is thinking. "That is something I think both our parties can agree upon. But it is also clear some Persona-Users have some kind of identity shroud... perhaps related to their costumes. As such, we probably are out of luck trying to search for them in the physical world."

It's the company of beer, not the taste. "I... hmm..." Myunghon thinks. "That... is sensical. Father and mother both always used it to ply their trade."

They dare reach for the can to pour a bit and take a sip -- and ash-taste or not, wow, that makes their face scrunch. "Ack! Oh! Goodness!" They cough twice, then say, "I think I understand where the 'social' part comes from."

Shinobu explains that a big character like the grappler should hit hard, right? ... and be slow??? Myunghon looks at her somewhat perplexedly. "Oh... truly? I thought someone with big muscles could also run fast... with those big muscles..." Just because they're rail-thin and at door's death hasn't made them an acrobat... or be able to run a mile... life is unfair.

But then in their selection they pause at one character in particular. Something is resonating in them. This character has a big red scythe, but there's something about their aesthetic... a large top hat, femme hair, but not exclusively femme, like they're transgressing the lines.

"Is this one difficult?"

Wow, Hazuki wasn't kidding. This game is <Queer>!
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>"Yeah, I think so, too." Shinobu replies with a nod. ...She had let her fury carry her a bit, with her parting words to Kaneshiro. ...Given the choice, she'd probably say them again - but she ''is'' ultimately glad it didn't come to that. "I ''did'' wonder what was up with those costumes. I wasn't sure if those were something they made, or what."

She's seen a few people with costums like that...

"You're right, though. Dunno how you'd get in touch with them, unless they're on Dark Side..." Shinobu considers. "I hear they've got a fan site," She doesn't have enough awareness to give it the proper spelling, alas. "But I dunno if they actually watch it."

Shinobu nods.

"That's one way to do it. Me, I just like to use it to unwind with friends and family." Shinobu replies with a shrug. They take a sip - and Shinobu offers a small, good-natured laugh at their reaction. "You alright? Yeah, the first sip's always got a real kick to it..."

Myunghon seems surprised, though, that a character like the grappler would be slow.

"You'd think, right? But that's just how it works out. It's all about balance. If one character could hit hard ''and'' be fast, there wouldn't be any point in playing anyone else, and that'd be boring when you've got a big cast like this. So, they just emphasize what's important." She explains.

Myunghon lands on a scythe-user and Shinobu considers the choice thoughtfully.

"Hm... a little bit. They've got a lot of good tools, but figuring out when to use them can be a bit overwhelming at first if you're just starting out..." Shinobu considers. "Still, if you like them, then I say give them a try. That's what training mode is for."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
<poem>
Myunghon is pointedly trying to not think of the other struggle they had. Because when they think about how much of a blood frenzy Shinobu entered, reasonable as it is against the Joker Killer, their chest starts to hurt a lot for some reason, their lungs full like they're drowning. "Hmm... do you want a costume too? What would it be like?"

They're trying to play it off as curiousity, but they do wonder...

"In a sense... I suppose I do have a 'costume'...? But it mostly is the Cognitive Coat, not a full-body one... but I imagine there might be a similarity between how a simple, ordinary coat comes alive in supernatural spaces," Myunghon reflects.

A fan site?? "Hm-- So-young mentioned something of a 'Phan-Site'... perhaps I should at least see what the other Rumourmongers know about it."

Myunghon is not touching the rest of that beer, even though they've only poured less than a sippie. "That was surprising, is all..." Myunghon admits. "I wonder how you come to enjoy such a taste."

It's about balance. If someone could be both strong and fast, there wouldn't be any point in playing anyone else. Like when DLC happens and the meta's out the window for a few months!! We're always plus on block our way to a win with this one.

"Okay." They've dallied long enough -- the characters are selected, and Myunghon is stunned by the visuals as they actually get into the game and the characters actually come alive as beautiful 2D-3D models. There's even a poem about how mankind knew they couldn't change society, so instead of reflecting on themselves, they blamed the beasts.

"... wow. Deep," Myunghon is impressed.

The wheel of fortune is turning. Rebel One... Action!!

Myunghon starts mashing one button, and their character starts swinging. "Wait-- they've found a reason to fight each other already?? All right, so buttons... make them swing their weapon...?"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>If she had a costume, what would it be like...?

"...Good question." Shinobu 'hm's to herself. "I guess... something sturdy, that doesn't get in my way too much? It has to have a cool silhouette, too... Maybe a nice long scarf."

She doesn't think about fashion for herself all that much... That probably explains why she never deviates all that much from her usual outfit.

"Oh yeah? I wonder what the difference is." Shinobu considers. Why would theirs be different...? Maybe it's just a matter of the person in question.

"A Phan-Site," Shinobu says, and somehow ''this'' time her spelling corrects itself. "...Gotta give 'em points on naming, anyway."

Myunghon finds the taste surprising.

"Exposure? Or making enough good memories to counteract it..." Shinobu considers. "...Sometimes, though, it's just a matter of finding the right one for you. There are a lot of different brands out there."

Now though - they're in the game! The entry really is visually impressive...

"Right?" Shinobu replies with a small laugh. She watches them carefully, though, as she starts to mash a button.

"Yup. In a game like this, sometimes you don't need any bigger reason than 'your eyes met'... There's a story mode, though." Shinobu replies - and than nods. "Yeah. These four buttons here..."

She shifts her controller so they can see it.

"Do different attacks. Use the stick at the same time, and occasionally you can make cool things come out." Shinobu explains. ...It's more complicated than that, but she doesn't need to get ''too'' complicated with the explanations at first. She doesn't want to overwhelm them.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
<poem>
Scarf... they could see it. Something 'cool'... the scarf has to be a little tattered too, to add to that ragged look. "Perhaps a longer coat than you have...? Some of those characters there had some tattering on the coat and scarf... it makes them look world-weary and experienced."

Now they're truly hyping the image up in their head. They're not blushing, right? They're not even certain they can still blush. They can blame the beer.

"I'm not sure... Phan-Site just makes me think of a site for elephant fans instead...?" Myunghon admits. "Or is that just me?" Maybe if it was Phant-Site. Maybe Myunghon just likes zoo animals, what with the koala and such??

But suddenly, it's the game! Shinobu feels like a different person as they lecture them on the basics. Four buttons, four attacks... "A-at the same time?" Their brain is processing on overload at the moment, and they try to apply everything they've learnt.

There is a very, very evident problem that arises.

"First, walk forward..."

The character walks, then stops.

"Then attack..."

The character swings, but it's not their running attack.

Oh... they're not even used to the idea of 'you might have to use your left and right thumb at the same time'...
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>"Hmm... Yeah, I think you might be onto something there." Shinobu considers thoughtfully. "A little wear can add a lot. That'd be a pretty good combo..."

The picture of someone who's been through a lot, but still pushing forward... Yeah, that's a strong image in her mind.

A website for elephant fans...

"...I could see it. Hell, that kind of thing's probably out there already." Shinobu replies consideringly. She can imagine some ''very'' confused patrons ending up on the wrong site.

Shinobu explains, and Myunghon tries to process. She listens patiently, watching as they try to work their way through it. They walk forward... then stop and attack.

...Ah. Shinobu sees the problem.

"Good. Now try using both hands at once." She encourages. ...It's good to try to frame it positively, at least. "You want to try and stay mobile. Keep your opponent at the range that's comfortable for you."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
<poem>
"I did not mention it before, but there is this boutique in Shimokitazawa named the Peacock Silk. They are all Persona-Users there, and they have leather, jewelry and tailors all... and they accept payment from those Cognitive spoils we earned at Kaneshiro's Palace," Myunghon explains. "I'm having a new coat tailored for me, since that bomber ruined the last one. Perhaps you can have something built for you too... their items have cognitive power."

Now Myunghon's just imagining an Elephant with Joker's coat and mask. .... it's kinda cute. They'd buy merch of Elephantom Thief Joker.

Both hands at once?? They're not even holding the controller correctly -- it's still flat on their knee, and they're placing their hands over it like they're pressing a keyboard -- which means they're mostly bumping the top of the joystick. "Oh-- I see..." They look towards Shinobu and starts curling their hands around the controller instead. They hide a brief wince. But the game continues...!!

...

Moments later...

...

There comes a point, when teaching someone fighting games for the first time, where you kind of have to give up because they're at saturation point and then you spend the rest of the time doing everyone's supers to watch how cool it all is. "I-- I was turned into a billiard ball!! And then you sunk me into the corner pocket!!" Myunghon sounds aghast.

There is a gentle chuckle. "Oh, I am having fun, even though I am unsure I really understand it... I think I somewhat understand how people are so competitive about this."

Thump. They can't forget... "Ah-- Shinobu-ssi? I had something else I wanted to ask you about," as their beautiful scythe-wielding character gets handled like an 8-ball. That's kind of romantic, right? They reach to their pocket and hold out-- two tickets!

"I had... I had these concert tickets purchased," Myunghon already notices they're sounding weird and stilted about it. They hold them up against their lips, as if to hide themself by reflex. ... it is kind of a habit of theirs to hide themself behind whatever they're holding when they get embarrassed. And they ARE embarrassed. They feel rocket-hot like they could escape at any moment.

"Would you be interested in... going to see this band together with me?"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>"'Peacock Silk'..." Shinobu repeats the name thoughtfully. A boutique run by Persona-Users, taking payment in cognitive spoils... "Sounds a little upscale for me, but... I'll keep that in mind."

It might be nice to have something a ''little'' more than her normal clothes to fight in. She keeps body armor hidden underneath, but it doesn't always help.

At Shinobu's advice, Myunghon adjust how they're holding the controller. It's a ''little'' closer to the proper way... and then, moments later...

Shinobu chuckles.

"There's some pretty wild stuff in here. It's great." Shinobu replies, at Myunghon's aghast observation. She smiles, though. "...Glad to hear it. I was kind of worried... Yeah, it's real fun when you get into it."

It's rough, when you're trying to learn something new from someone who's an expert. She does her best, but...

Sometimes you play billiards while they're fighting for their life, with them as the ball.

"Oh yeah?" Shinobu asks, setting the controller down, and watching as they pull out... concert tickets! Shinobu looks briefly surprised.

"Wow, uh - I didn't know you were into them." She remarks, impressed, then smiles. "You sure? If you're okay with that, then... Yeah, that'd be fun - thanks."

...She pauses for a moment then adds,

"...You sure you're going to be good, though? Those concerts get pretty intense." She asks. ...She remembers how well they handled the arcade.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
<poem>
Myunghon's hands are pretty stiff by the end of it -- some part of them is probably grumbling and whining at all those purposeful missed calls for rehab, since holding a controller in the typical grip is making something ache after a while. They're trying to keep it on the down-low, though Shinobu might still notice them struggling with the controls... maybe those arcade cabinets would be a bit better? They're flat... but that joystick looks even heavier than the ones on these controllers.

"Oh, no, I did not imagine I would just be upset with it or anything. I'm just curious... a lot of people like games, so I wanted to see what you were into," Myunghon's brain somewhat hits a brick wall at their phrasing at the end there.

Recoup, recoup!!

"Oh-- um--" Myunghon runs into another wall when Shinobu says she's surprised they're into them. "I might have... asked Ayame-san." But Shinobu accepts regardless, and they hand her one of the tickets. It's in a few days!!

Surely nothing terrible is going to happen in a few days... that'll make them miss it... right?

"Ah. Uhm." Once more, they're tripped like they just got sweeped on round start. "I was recommended... earplugs..." they look embarrassed. Was this a bad idea? They know the concert is probably going to be really intense and not their thing. "I just wished to... know a bit more about the things you were into..."

Wow, they really, really weren't ready for how much a single sentence could make their heart feel like it could explode! How do people -- say this stuff, out loud??
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>Shinobu ''does'' notice them struggling, in a way that can't fully be accounted for through inexperience... She considers that for a moment. It's something to think about in the future - even if it just means taking more frequent breaks, if they end up doing this again.

"Well, I get that... Still, I'm glad you were thinking about it." Shinobu replies. ...She doesn't notice their phrasing - and she quickly skips over it as they continued. They asked her sister, huh... That gets a chuckle out of her. She accepts the ticket gratefully.

"You did, huh... Well, it's no big secret." She replies, studying the ticket briefly. A few days... She looks back up again. They were recommended earplugs? They look embarrassed, but -

"That's pretty smart." Shinobu comments. Was it Ayame, or someone else...? "I'm probably going to bring some too - they've got some made for concerts that don't dull the music as much. ...Lotta noise, so you gotta protect your hearing."

The noise is the ''point'', of course - but that doesn't mean being reckless about it.

They just wished to know more about the things she's into... It's not the sort of thing she gets told often, so she's briefly stunned even as they struggle. She massages the back of her neck sheepishly.

"Well, uh... Then I'll be glad to show you. Should be fun." She says. "Looking forward to it."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
<poem>
Myunghon *does* tend to just use their laptop without a mouse or keyboard... it does make them remember that mice just make their hand hurt. Is it a similar thing with game controllers? They'll have to experiment a little bit more. Stupid physio doctors... they're not going to prove them right! ... maybe...

"I was trying to think of which to pick off the band shirts you like wearing, but I figured asking would be more timely. I have shirts years old that have prints I have no interest in anymore, or never did, after all..."

But Shinobu says that's smart! It is?? They still can't parse the logic of 'the concert is actually so loud that people need earplugs and those who come unprepared are DOOMED!', still. Wouldn't it make more logical sense to just turn the volume down? Well, perhaps, Myunghon, but then you're missing the point of a concert entirely.

"I see... so there is special equipment too," Myunghon looks intrigued. But-- their comment gets Shinobu stunned, and they notice that she does tend to rub the back of their neck when they do so. They find it cute. As for them? They're embarrassed and steaming enough that they might be red like lobster. "Y-yes! I as well. Thank you, S-Shinobu..." they can't even remember their nickname right now!!!!
</poem>

[[Category:Logs]]
[[Category:Season 1]]
[[Category:Season 1, Episode 1]]

2025-08-27: Innocent Cog - Revision history