It doesn't take her too long to return. She had picked out a few snacks, a few candies, a few drinks...! Her bag was heavy now, but it had a zipper so she zipped it shut. No way security would rummage through a lady's bag - that'd be rude.
"Alrighty, back! This'll be fun. Get us some good seats?"
Maruki turned over his heel to see her excitedly making her way over to her. He pulled his lips into a grin as he held up the two tickets between his fingers. "Don't worry I was checking the availability of seats before I even arrived here but its a good coincidence that we got free seats in the middle."
"Good for your eyes...but-" he squints down at her bag. "That looks awfully heavy."
"Heavy? Naaaaw... it's just some books. Definitely nothing else." Hamuko bat her eyelashes innocently as they got through the ticket check - no way a theater employee was actually gonna care.
Once around the corner, Hamuko fished out a packaged melon-pan. "Tada!"
Maruki watches as Hamuko proudly presents the melon-pan, her eyes glinting with mischief. And, well—he really shouldn't find this as endearing as he does. But he does.
The way she went out of her way—as if it was some kind of grand mission—he finds himself pressing his lips together, a quiet laugh slipping out despite himself. "Oohh-! Oh man, its been a while since I have had one of those."
It doesn't really hit him that she bought the snacks for him, yet. Or even to share. "Did you get that from the 777? I have heard they have a really good deal going around right now."
"Aaand seems like you have taken over my little hobby," he continues on- amused as he brings a closed fist to his mouth. "Oh, you got...more?"
Huh.
She brought snacks and drinks for them both.
At the utterance of getting their seats, he picks up on the cue and follows behind her. Much of what they say and do comes and goes and Maruki has questions but he almost feels...awkward? This isn't actually a date, it can't be. There's nothing common between them aside from not being treated by his Actualization. He shifts his footing as they shuffle their way down the aisle before glancing at her again, curiosity flickering in his expression. “I almost forgot—last time, when we first met, I gave you a snack, didn’t I?” His brow furrows slightly as he tries to recall while taking in the dim lighting of the cinema hall and the wide screen.
Remiscent of the one in his lab.
"Did you find yourself...'donut worrying' during your appointment?" Making a terrible pun out of that ridiculously perfect snack.
It was more of a question of how she's been holding up for the past few days. Then they can continue their conversation from there. A joke or two doesn't really hurt either.
She laughed at that as she settled into the seat, getting comfortable as the theater rolled various ads before anything started. Since the movie hadn't started yet, she felt a bit more at ease chatting for now, hungry for the company.
"It did help! Between that and our chat, I felt a lot better. I think I just had to get a bit of the crying out of the way," she admitted with a little bit of a laugh.
Shibusawa’s expression twists a little as he leans back against the seat, sighing as he shuffles deeper into his hoodie and folds his arms across his chest.
"That's a bit worrying, don’t you think? Crying before a stranger who just happened to wake you up randomly?"
His voice is light, teasing, but there’s a flicker of something underneath. He’s thinking about it—what it meant, what it still means. It must’ve taken a lot for her to be that vulnerable in front of him, and yet here she is, sneaking snacks into a theater like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
"In another circumstance, maybe. But I haven't been able to cry in front of anyone in months without them shutting down or just... acting completely wrong."
She paused to open a snack package, sticking the candies in with the bowl of popcorn so they didn't crinkle the packaging during the movie.
"I see," he nods, clasping his chin in his hand for a moment- scratching at light facial hair before sighing along and opens a Manta.
"I suppose for others they might think you are acting completely wrong," he pulls away the can. "...actually nevermind, this conversation might be too depressing in its own right."
"I read some positive reviews of the movie before coming here. ...maaay have ended up reading some spoilers. No warnings either but atleast there wasn't enough context for me to haunt you with them."
Hamuko turned to give Shibusawa a look before giving him a harsh poke in his side. "Don't start a conversation and then abandon it because you're scared!"
She had pretty much no more tolerance for it, at this point.
"..!" He's pleasantly surprised by the harsh poke, nearly making him spill some from his own can. Its been a while since anyone has retaliated like THAT.
He chuckles aloud, hearty as he looks away from her and takes another sip from his can.
"Who says I am scared?"
There's a beat of silence like he’s considering whether he should just ignore her or not.
"Bwah- what?" He whips his head to look back at her with the teasing, cheeks flushing out of embarassment as he shakes his head. "Er I- how am I any of those things when I just think its practical not to talk about depressive things before watching a movie? Its supposed to be a pleasant experience why would I-"
The strong one out of the two of us.
Shibusawa squints at her.
"You are acting like there's some big evil hidden around the corner," his smile sharpens- leaning forward as he angles his chin on the back of his palm. "Looks like the movie's already starting before my eyes."
Sorry, sorry, she's only laughing because you can't get that flustered at being teased and then try to be cool and mysterious. What's huh? Evil around the corner? Hamuko covered her mouth to stifle her laughter before it got too outta control.
"Do not put words in my mouth," he pulls his hands away and he's almost glad for the dim lighting. It blends away the redness on his cheeks. "Who likes being harassed?"
"The only reason I haven't left this seat is because I have paid for it."
"Heheh. I'm sorry I'm such a bully," she giggled, sounding completely and utterly not sorry. But she dropped it, picking at the popcorn as the lights dimmed further to start rolling the trailers.
Shibusawa lets out a long, suffering sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as if physically bracing himself against her relentless teasing. "You are a bully," he mutters, shaking his head, though the corners of his lips twitch upward despite his best efforts to remain indignant.
He tilts his chin up, attempting—attempting—to regain some dignity, even as his ears betray him with the faintest hint of red. "But, fine. If this is how it’s going to be, I’ll be taking my compensation."
With an air of exaggerated confidence, he reaches over and plucks a single piece of popcorn from her bowl, popping it into his mouth. "Payment for emotional damages."
She stuck her tongue out, giggling a bit as she shoved a mouthful of popcorn in her face.
Shibusawa was a fun guy to pick on! And his smile was so much more sincere... and so much more earned.
The movie starts rolling, and it's interesting enough to start! It's a movie about fantastical car races, it's definitely a good time. The tension is in the competition, it seems...!
There's... something missing, though. Characters that almost feel like they should have more tension than they do simply... fall flat. Competitive fiery talk stops short of ever getting too serious. There's no risk of crashes even with the cars jockeying for position in the lead.
As the movie starts, Maruki’s attention is fully captured- now staring away at the screen as the occasional crunch of popcorn popped in his teeth and the collective shush of the crowd watching the movie drawing their previous conversation to the sound of a distinct hum.
The characters had their dynamic sorted. The fantastical car racing was a fun touch- it was nice to see that sort of untouched human imagination and foresight still being shown out in public. There was no particular criticism unless the movie did terribly bad. If those movies even portrayed too much of a tragedy, they were rated below the usual line.
Maybe that was wrong but he doesn’t dictate what star the people vote for at the end of the day- all of it is natural. This is what the people want.
By the time the lights roll out, Maruki has reached the bottom of his bucket and salvaged most of Hamuko’s snacks.
A group of friends siddle past the two of them as they laugh along. "Ha of course her death was just a fake charade! They wouldn't kill a character so unfairly like that!"
"It was a bit distressing though so I am glad for the joke in between and two..." The other answered as Maruki hunched forward, a lazy grin on his face.
"Hm...that was a fun movie. And all snacks along with popcorn are accounted for. In my stomach."
It had never been good the way some people would get heated about movies in the theater before, exactly... but that did still speak to some passion, some drive and fortitude of their characters and how they wanted to see themselves in the storytelling. The passerby commentary felt... hollow. Wanting to escape, to not think too hard, which sat as unsettlingly with her now as the movie's awkward bad writing before.
Shibusawa speaking up snapped her out of a distant wandering gaze, and she smiled up at him.
"It had good action, at least! Even though it kept undercutting any of the tension of the stakes," Hamuko hummed before turning her attention fully to Shibusawa and grinning in some amusement. "You packed away those snacks! You must've been hungry!"
Maruki watched her carefully, eyes attentive on every detail and in all honesty- he didn't even need to watch the movie really. He knew very well what the twists and the turns were- following the guideline that Maruki had constructed for full fledged media like this. A small price to pay...maybe he should allow those happy-ended tragedies atleast. The ones that were tear-jerking but fulfilling? Hm.
What a thought would that be but that would evade the definition of his world. There was no need to shed tears after all.
His expression sobers at her hum and after a beat or two of silence, his eyelids sink- rendering a certain sadness in his sleep. "Didn't like it that much, huh?"
"That's a bit silly, don't you think? There's no tension of the stakes that our world presents."
"It rings hollow, though, don't you think? It's... unrelatable," Hamuko smiled, curious how he kept defending the world. "Doesn't it drive you crazy? The idea that you might be the only person who's hurting or scared. It's less scary when you can see you're not alone."
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"Alrighty, back! This'll be fun. Get us some good seats?"
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"Good for your eyes...but-" he squints down at her bag. "That looks awfully heavy."
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Once around the corner, Hamuko fished out a packaged melon-pan. "Tada!"
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The way she went out of her way—as if it was some kind of grand mission—he finds himself pressing his lips together, a quiet laugh slipping out despite himself. "Oohh-! Oh man, its been a while since I have had one of those."
It doesn't really hit him that she bought the snacks for him, yet. Or even to share. "Did you get that from the 777? I have heard they have a really good deal going around right now."
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She started pulling a couple drinks out - Manta, Dr. Salt, Second Maid...
"Okay, let's go get our seats. I've got us covered for snacks and drinks! Heheh."
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Huh.
She brought snacks and drinks for them both.
At the utterance of getting their seats, he picks up on the cue and follows behind her. Much of what they say and do comes and goes and Maruki has questions but he almost feels...awkward? This isn't actually a date, it can't be. There's nothing common between them aside from not being treated by his Actualization. He shifts his footing as they shuffle their way down the aisle before glancing at her again, curiosity flickering in his expression. “I almost forgot—last time, when we first met, I gave you a snack, didn’t I?” His brow furrows slightly as he tries to recall while taking in the dim lighting of the cinema hall and the wide screen.
Remiscent of the one in his lab.
"Did you find yourself...'donut worrying' during your appointment?" Making a terrible pun out of that ridiculously perfect snack.
It was more of a question of how she's been holding up for the past few days. Then they can continue their conversation from there. A joke or two doesn't really hurt either.
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"It did help! Between that and our chat, I felt a lot better. I think I just had to get a bit of the crying out of the way," she admitted with a little bit of a laugh.
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"That's a bit worrying, don’t you think? Crying before a stranger who just happened to wake you up randomly?"
His voice is light, teasing, but there’s a flicker of something underneath. He’s thinking about it—what it meant, what it still means. It must’ve taken a lot for her to be that vulnerable in front of him, and yet here she is, sneaking snacks into a theater like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
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She paused to open a snack package, sticking the candies in with the bowl of popcorn so they didn't crinkle the packaging during the movie.
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"I suppose for others they might think you are acting completely wrong," he pulls away the can. "...actually nevermind, this conversation might be too depressing in its own right."
"I read some positive reviews of the movie before coming here. ...maaay have ended up reading some spoilers. No warnings either but atleast there wasn't enough context for me to haunt you with them."
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She had pretty much no more tolerance for it, at this point.
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He chuckles aloud, hearty as he looks away from her and takes another sip from his can.
"Who says I am scared?"
There's a beat of silence like he’s considering whether he should just ignore her or not.
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"Don't worry. I can be the strong one out of the two of us."
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The strong one out of the two of us.
Shibusawa squints at her.
"You are acting like there's some big evil hidden around the corner," his smile sharpens- leaning forward as he angles his chin on the back of his palm. "Looks like the movie's already starting before my eyes."
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He cranes his neck to give her a careful glare before sighing and burying his face into his own hands.
"You really are relentless."
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Getting Shibusawa to laugh and smile felt more real. More sincere, more... genuine. It was a balm after so long experiencing friction.
Even if she was here under false pretenses, she was glad to meet him. Hopefully after she let him down easy he would still want to be friends.
"You like it."
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"The only reason I haven't left this seat is because I have paid for it."
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He tilts his chin up, attempting—attempting—to regain some dignity, even as his ears betray him with the faintest hint of red. "But, fine. If this is how it’s going to be, I’ll be taking my compensation."
With an air of exaggerated confidence, he reaches over and plucks a single piece of popcorn from her bowl, popping it into his mouth. "Payment for emotional damages."
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Shibusawa was a fun guy to pick on! And his smile was so much more sincere... and so much more earned.
The movie starts rolling, and it's interesting enough to start! It's a movie about fantastical car races, it's definitely a good time. The tension is in the competition, it seems...!
There's... something missing, though. Characters that almost feel like they should have more tension than they do simply... fall flat. Competitive fiery talk stops short of ever getting too serious. There's no risk of crashes even with the cars jockeying for position in the lead.
It feels... shallow.
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The characters had their dynamic sorted. The fantastical car racing was a fun touch- it was nice to see that sort of untouched human imagination and foresight still being shown out in public. There was no particular criticism unless the movie did terribly bad. If those movies even portrayed too much of a tragedy, they were rated below the usual line.
Maybe that was wrong but he doesn’t dictate what star the people vote for at the end of the day- all of it is natural. This is what the people want.
By the time the lights roll out, Maruki has reached the bottom of his bucket and salvaged most of Hamuko’s snacks.
A group of friends siddle past the two of them as they laugh along. "Ha of course her death was just a fake charade! They wouldn't kill a character so unfairly like that!"
"It was a bit distressing though so I am glad for the joke in between and two..." The other answered as Maruki hunched forward, a lazy grin on his face.
"Hm...that was a fun movie. And all snacks along with popcorn are accounted for. In my stomach."
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Shibusawa speaking up snapped her out of a distant wandering gaze, and she smiled up at him.
"It had good action, at least! Even though it kept undercutting any of the tension of the stakes," Hamuko hummed before turning her attention fully to Shibusawa and grinning in some amusement. "You packed away those snacks! You must've been hungry!"
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What a thought would that be but that would evade the definition of his world. There was no need to shed tears after all.
His expression sobers at her hum and after a beat or two of silence, his eyelids sink- rendering a certain sadness in his sleep. "Didn't like it that much, huh?"
"That's a bit silly, don't you think? There's no tension of the stakes that our world presents."
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