thenearshore | 008

[ Right... so....

He likes beautiful women. Which means that he thinks she's beautiful! That's good! But, oh, it had been nice for one fleeting moment to think that someone actually liked her. She supposes that's too much to ask for. There's a brief flicker of sorrow in her eyes, but then, rather decisively, she presses the neck of the erhu back to Jae-ha's hands. Her smile returns as sure as it was before, although her tone is notably more sober. ] There're far prettier women than me, Jae-ha. Your words an'-- and music should be shared with them.

[ She smooths out her skirt, looking out towards the cherry blossoms and the people gathered underneath.She closes her eyes, sighing contentedly. ] Far be it from me to rob the beautiful women of the world's chance to listen to your wonderful playing.

Sanae dear.

[There's nothing beautiful about that disappointed tone. He sets the instrument aside for now, reaching to take her hand again instead.] For all of the beautiful women in the world, I'm nothing more than a servant, working to help their lives be more wonderful. It's what they deserve, and what you deserve! But you are a kind soul who has reached out to me in return, instead of sending me on my way...

[This flowery speech is ridiculous.] Tell me, you haven't fallen for me seriously, have you? I'm nothing more than a shinki who can help pass the time.

What would you do, if I said that I did... just a little?

[ If she must think about, she supposes she was more infatuated with the idea of affection, that ideal feeling she's so often read about in books or heard about in songs-- in his song, the one he just played, somber and romantic. ] Just... just a little.

[ That is to say, yes. Yes she did feel her heart flutter and felt admired and had that nice blush bloom across her face. In short she's too cinnamon bun that of course flowery pick up lines woo her! In the end, she lets her hand be held, and she's looking at that and not at him. ] Well, I guess it doesn't matter. [ She laughs lightly. ] I'm-- ah, I'm not really used to these kinds of things, and I'm grateful for our friendship.

[That's no good at all. He never meant to play with hearts, being like this. He only wants to flatter, to enjoy beautiful things and to spread good feelings. But this... He still lifts her hand a little more, his other hand coming over to rest gently over the top of hers.]

I'd be flattered, to be honest. And a little tempted... But you see, you're a god, and I'm only a shinki. [That's how his mindset is right now, not thinking about anything else or acknowledging anything else—]

A cute girl like you should find someone living to sweep you off your feet. In the meantime, I'm happy to make your heart race just a little.

[ She's not so sure about the no-god-and-shinki relationship thing. It almost sounds like an excuse, but eh. If he doesn't believe gods and shinki should be together, then she won't comment. ] "Only" a shinki... but a kind shinki. A strong shinki. A talented shinki, and one who speaks sweetly. [ Is it so surprising that she felt her heart race after he took her hand in hers, called her lovely, and was especially kind to her? ...Or maybe it is, she doesn't know. She's obviously new to these kinds of things! But now she does know to be cautious when someone treats her similarly in the future, or at least not readily believe them. Her lesson has been learned.

Her fingers in his tightens for a moment, but then she curves his fingers back to his, withdrawing her hand. ] ...And... I'll decline. [ The making-her-heart-race part. There's only so much she can take, and she's too young to have a broken heart, tyvm! ]

Although, there is something else you can do for me. [ After a pause, she shows a reflective smile, and her now-free hand reaches to tuck a loose strand behind her ear. ] Instead, make someone's heart race that you really care about, Jae-ha. Because with all of your talents, to make them feel special and cherished-- that's best gift you can give to them.

[Slowly, he takes back his own hand and sets it in his lap. Ah... Even if she is drunk, did he really go too far, somewhere? He didn't notice it at all. Just running around and doing whatever he wanted, wrapped up in his own thoughts... He should have been paying more attention. He wanted her to smile each of those times, but she's a kind, gentle lady that needs someone less rough than him.

Glancing down at the hand in his lap, he can't help but think about that hideous leg of his, underneath everything else. Someone he cares about? He laughs lightly. It's true that he couldn't care less about the relationship between shinki and gods specifically... But the truth behind those words are that he doesn't know if he should be placing this burden of him being dead, him remembering nothing, on someone else. He'd need someone to push past all of that, probably.]

You've had quite a lot to drink, haven't you? I'm sorry, Sanae dear. I've been having a lot of selfish thoughts lately, but I never thought I'd hurt you in the process.

It's okay. I'm fine. [ Bold words, but he can be assured that at very least she'll get over it. She never stays unhappy for long. Case in point, for looking at the silver lining: ] If anything I should be thanking you. This is what you call... loneliness? [ Wait, no. ] Heartache? [ More appropriate. She then continues to explain, smiling: ] A shinki is supposed to remind a god what it is to be human, and those two emotions are very human. And so, I'll be more careful in the future.

[ Alcohol is an interesting thing, she concludes. Whenever she's drunk before, it's always been happy or light hearted or fun. This is perhaps the first time she's ever had some sake and the flavor has been bittersweet. She places her hands behind her, leaning back and looking upward. ] Jae-ha, Jae-ha... the man who wants to be free and to fly. I wonder, is your heart guarded because of that?

[ She chides playfully, shaking her head. Maybe he simply won't ever settle down, what with that penchant for freedom. But she hopes that's not the case, she hopes he finds happiness with someone. ]

[So, he was careless and he actually made her feel loneliness and heartache. Somehow, there's a feeling in his chest that feels like this is a huge wrong. Someone somewhere would be disappointed in him, it's that sort of feeling... And for that, he probably ends up stinging Hazel.

On top of that, guarded... Well.]

Maybe so. [His hand raises to rest over his own heart as he looks off in the distance.] I'm actually what most would call a monster, even if I am beautiful.

[Hmm, but he's probably ruined this little gathering. So, taking his erhu, he hops off the stage again just like that, taking a few steps away and pausing to glance back.] If anyone gives you trouble like I have again, please come straight to me. I'll set them right.

[ Ah there he goes again. Just with their other conversation, when she pried too deeply he stops the subject. It seems he runs away, but she now knows that this bothers him. But... again, she won't pry.

Sanae stands as well, and floats down from the stage. Sobering as this conversation may be, she still wobbles slightly where she stands. ] Mm, alright. [ She nods to him, feeling a bit guilty as well for the tone this suddenly has taken. ] You would be my teacher in these sorts of things, no? [ Yet joking aside, she bows politely to him. ]

Still, thank you for your performance. It was lovely, and... I hope you have fun for the rest of this evening.

That's right. I'll teach you anything you'd like, so come see me whenever you wish, Sanae dear.

[He can smile just the same, at least, even when he's avoiding certain topics.] I'm glad you listened in. Take care of yourself, now.

The same for you, Jae-ha. [ She replies, waving. ]

008 | OVERFLOW

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