Idolicious (Akira)

[Luka Kurokawa]

The dressing room was always nice to be inside for Luka. Something about it made Luka feel like she had just finished a good day's work. The girl had quickly gotten changed into her other pair of clothes that her mother had prepared for her. A bluish-yellow sundress with a black tanktop underneath. She had a pair of jean shorts to finish it all off. It was comfy and easy to move around with. Just like Luka liked it. Normally, Luka would simply get ready to head home at this point, but today she had something different in mind. Today she would try talking to her new partner since practice was over.

Practice today was a lot different than she was used to. Normally, she was the center of everything. This time, she would be sharing the spotlight with this girl. She had no complaints about sharing. Honestly, it was a little more fun that way. This sort of thing was just something she felt needed getting used to. Then again, with everything crazy going on in her day job and all the things at night, it felt as if she had suddenly changed careers out of nowhere. Not to mention, it was a little more tiring than usual. If it weren't for her dieting and extra training, she would probably be out of it every chance she got. None of this really bothered her in the least though. It was what she loved to do, thus she would continue doing it as long as she could. And she'd do it with a smile.

Making her way out of her dressing room, Luka went down the hall, over towards another dressing room. It was simply labeled 'Miki^3' for her partner. She was probably done changing as well. If not, oh well. Luka figured she wouldn't be seeing anything she shouldn't. Plus, she kind of wanted to talk about different things with this girl. Things about those books she bought, maybe a bit about her career so far, and whatever else might come up. And so, she simply opened up the door a little way and called out. Miki? I'm coming iiiiin. And with that, she slowly opened the door all the way and entered.

[Akira Nakajima]

Akira wasn't one to mind practice so much. Vocal training was something he had prepared himself for back when he made the wager with his sister. Hell, he could do vocal training while read, and often did. As far as the motions, keeping a limber body made the majority of those things easy. He wasn't some muscular beefcake, obviously, but his body was properly fit and slightly toned. Then again, practicing the naginata, plus the occasional hand-to-hand training spar, would often help in keeping a body responsive and loose. Rather than being sore or tired, the boy instead laid on his couch, planted on his stomach, while reading through a light novel. This was his treat to himself. Or part of it, at least. With his legs slowly waving behind him, he really caught that essence of “girlish comfort” that one often saw in animation.

His attire was simple. His legs were clad in thigh-high socks of black silk. They snugly clung to his legs. Those shot straight up into yet another skirt. Though longer than his knees, they had shifted into his knee-pits. The skirt was pleated, so ease of movement was clearly a benefit. The color was of a light blue, somewhat close to sky blue. It seemed less like a school uniform's skirt and more like a librarian's skirt. The first layer of his top was a sleeveless white blouse, simple but refined in design, which was tucked into his skirt. The second layer was a denim jacket, cut short to a few inches below the chest. It was definitely presentable, and had its own charm, but it was also a mix crafted with comfort in mind.

”Ah~! Oh no, I'm naked~! I can't get married now!” Despite the fact that the boy had not looked up from his novel, his voice sounded one hundred percent authentic. It was almost scary, all considered. ”It's not nice to barge into a room like this without knocking first, you know, though. Granted, it'd be my own fault for not locking the door, but still.” It was a self-aware, but entirely playful, comment that the boy delivered with a playful smile. With the flip of a page, though, it seemed the boy had found a good cut-off point. It was only then that his gaze left the pages, and the red pools found the intruder, his partner, in his room. With a wink, he stuck his tongue out teasingly. And, with surprising ease, he twirled off of his belly and onto his feet. With a quick check of his hair and skirt, he spread his arms wide and closed his light novel.

”In other news, I'm being visited by my adorable kouhai!” His expression was bright. His tone was clearly pleased. But his eyes were seemingly focused on something else. He then shrugged and looked away, puffing his cheeks out. ”If only you were half a foot shorter, or something.” He sulkily commented, rocking on his heels.

[Luka Kurokawa]

Right as she began opening the door, she heard the cried of her partner. Naked? Couldn't get married? What had just happened? Thinking it was the best thing to do, Luka quickly opened the door to see what was going on. When she entered the room though, her partner was certainly not naked. Nor was she in distress. Was this some sort of prank? Luka had a complicated, and partially annoyed expression as she saw her partner slowly get up from a relaxing position. Judging by what Miki had to say, Luka could confirm that this girl was being mean again. Oh well. She could get right back at her when needed. I guess you're fine then. Hmph. She was annoyed already. Maybe coming here to talk was a bad idea?

She certainly had a few complaints about what followed in the conversation. A-Adorable? Also, I told you not to call me that! It was hard to tell if she was more embarrassed or mad. It was definitely both though. Oh, and what's this? She's too tall for her now? This person just didn't let up. Well, excuse me for not being so tiny! Luka was already on the shorter side as it was. For Miki to suggest that she should be shorter was silly. Maybe you should simply grow a few inches, yourself. Puffing her cheeks, she had since forgotten what she had come here to talk about. Well, until that moment anyway.

Oh. That's right. I wanted to ask about those books you bought the other day. I'm a bit curious about them. As if forgetting the previous tiff with Miki, Luka strolled on over to another line of thought. She wanted to read those interesting looking books. More importantly, she wanted to know where she could get some. It was actually the first time I saw that kind of book. I don't actually know where to even look if I wanted to read one. Specifically, the ones with the swords and magic. She wasn't really cutting any corners here. And hey, maybe this would improve their relationship a bit? She certainly didn't want to loathe the person she would be stuck with as a partner for however long. Other than that, I simply wanted to talk since we're gonna be together for a while. She certainly tried to make it seem as unfriendly as she could sound. Otherwise, she could be expecting some teasing right after. Hell, who was she kidding? She would get teased either way. She thought back to something Miki said when they met at that moment. Yeah. Something about biting.

[Akira Nakajima]

Akira covered his mouth with his novel, hiding a not-too-subtle smile in the process, as Luka went on to comment, get angry, and become embarrassed. It was amusing, really. Fairly cute, too, so it justified his comment of her being adorable. She had potential, at the very least. Whether or not she properly utilized that potential was entirely up to her. And it might not have even been her goal, so that, too, was fine. What was that trope? Oh, right! If he had to coin a term for her, she definitely seemed a bit tsundere. If she wasn't, she had the symptoms of it for later, at least. He listened to her words and only offered a playful smile as he lowered his novel and winked.

”If you're looking for books, or light novels, you'd do well to start in a book store. Clerks will typically help. Alternatively, you can search online. Just search via genre, then whittle down the selection with what you're looking for until you find something just right for you.” He stated those bits matter-of-factly. Whether it was because he was worried about her worldly awareness because of the way she spoke or because he was teasing her wasn't entirely obvious, though. Of course, his smile became more natural towards the end. And with good reason, as he did intend to talk about the things he read.

”Now, let's get back to the point at hand. Those books. Or the ones that were continuations, at least. The best. That is all. They are the best of the best, and should be considered as such due to the integrity of the plot, the diversity of the characters and their nuances, and the general degree of humor that is prevalent from start to finish of each volume.” While he went on his little tirade, he had closed in on the girl, seemingly oozing with enthusiasm. Did it matter if she lost interest? Not really. He felt good talking about the stories he liked. It was kind of like a narcissist liking their own reflection or voice, but his was entirely an example of how absurd he liked the things.

”Now, what would you like to talk about? Is there something I need to run you through? Stories of greatness held within the confines of these pages? Actually, I can probably get one of the spare first volumes I had, if you're genuinely looking to try to read something. Swords, magic, and the like. If you're genuine in that interest, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.” “Genuine in that interest” could be interpreted in a number of ways. Least of all being “if you have any taste at all”. He wasn't petty. Not really. He just really got into the things that he liked. A lot.

[Luka Kurokawa]

She was laughing. Why was she laughing. Luka felt herself only getting even angrier as this standoff went on. She had half the mind to start biting if this continued on too long. But, she started getting the information that she was looking for. Sort of. Hmm. I've never really been to a book store before. As for internet, no. That would require me to pay for the books. Luka seemed to believe there was certainly a way to get them for free. She just needed to figure out how and where. Well, then again. I don't imagine books would be as expensive as video games. She would probably give in and buy them if they became a pain to acquire. There's always a point where buying them outright is simply a cheaper option than attempting to get them for free. But video games? At today's prices? She'll get them for free or at most a few dollars.

But then the boy went on to detail the books. The best, huh? Even as the girl closed in on Luka, she remained still, blinking occasionally as she wrapped her mind around the contents of the books. They seemed like they'd be fun to read. I see. I guess I could buy a book or two to try it out. I don't usually like to spend my money on much of anything outside of necessities. This was the truth, looking at her spending. Most of it was food, and there wasn't much of it considering her diet and the fact that most meals were prepared for her.

But the other question was something she honestly had a bit of trouble answering. She certainly didn't want to listen to the girl talk about her achievements. That would make her sick. Luckily, she managed to present a nice topic that would serve as something they could most certainly enjoy. Oh. You have something I could borrow? Well, I suppose that would work. As for something to talk about, why did you want to be an idol in the first place? You seem. . . a lot more carefree than the idols I met. If that's not too much to ask. Carefree was a poor word to use, even if she knew it. A better choice of words would be bitchy, catty, and pain in the ass. Even if this girl could be annoying, she was more than manageable. Especially since Miki seemed to compliment her instead of ridicule her. Plus, this was a way to avoid listening about the girl's exploits. She honestly didn't care to hear them.

[Akira Nakajima]

Akira's body went rigid for a moment. The girl uttered something very absurd. Never been to a book store, yet interested in books? Then the internet comment. She didn't want to pay for the books? This was treading dangerously close to his “Nope” zone. He was the sort that didn't even like utilizing a library unless it was a technical manual, or something of that nature. His body gradually relaxed when she mentioned buying a couple, only for his left eyebrow to twitch at the comment about spending money. This girl clearly had intended to try to get something for free. If she had uttered the word “waste” instead of “spend”, there'd have been a rant of righteous fury. He let out a huff.

”Before I answer that last bit, consider that these stories have writers, and that those writers need money to continue writing. If you don't like a story, sure, stop supporting them. But if you genuinely like something, buy it. Support them. I don't even use the library for stuff like this.” He nodded slowly, as though he were a sage and this was the topic of his focus. He let out a quiet sigh. ”I'm not sure what you had been considering about the means of reading those books prior to just now, and I honestly don't want to know, as it very well may shake me to my soul and enrage long-buried demons. I don't mind lending you the first, possibly the second, volumes of some stories, but if it's something you end up liking, please actually buy them for yourself.” He nodded, feeling somewhat better about the situation before twirling on his heel and stepping away. He, seemingly casually, tossed the book to his couch. In truth, though, it was a calculated throw, and one that he knew would not damage his volume.

”You'd be right in that I'm a bit more. . . carefree, though. Some might even say careless. Others become an idol for various reasons. Fame, fortune, attention. Typically, it falls under these categories. Others do it to pursue a dream. Some blindly aim for it because they falsely believe it to be a wonderful state, nearing godhood. Barring the last one's delusional nature, these are all rough ideas of why the average person might want to be an idol.” He turned at the waist, sticking his tongue out, while putting his hand- index and middle finger forming a “V”- in front of his left eye. His right eye was closed. To some it might have been cute. To others, goofy. Finally, outright stupid for some groups.

”But I'm not like others. All I'll say is that I made a promise, a promise I fulfilled, and I'm sticking around for the ride for now. Never know what this arrangement might bring up, after all!” He let out a quiet giggle. ”I keep at it for the sake of what doors it might open. If I lose it, it's nothing really lost to me. I don't need the fame or popularity. Monetarily, I'm perfectly set. If anything, closing this chapter on my life would increase my free time, really. But I stick to it because I want to see where it leads. I suppose, in some ways, it's fun. I mean, that's why you're doing what you're doing, right?” He spun on his heel, properly facing the girl, as his hands met behind his back. He leaned forward, smiling as he tilted his head to the side slightly.

Clearly, he was expecting a response of affirmation.

[Luka Kurokawa]

Luka was visibly thinking over what Miki was saying about buying books. Honestly, it had some truth to it. But at the same time, she felt that there was a bit that she should clear up with her. All in all, she didn't disagree with what Miki was explaining. at the same time though, it made her consider certain things about the people who made the books. With a complicated expression, Luka decided to bring her own words to the table. Auu. I feel like you're reading me too much. It's a bit annoying. Well, she felt the need to say that first. It's true I wasn't considering the thoughts of the authors at first. I'll be the first to admit that. However! I stick by getting certain things off the internet for free. Some companies choose not to put love into their games. I can't bring myself to waste my money on games that waste my time. She took a short breath in between. Hopefully Miki could see her view on this. That said, I will spend my money on the games I love. If these authors put love into their works, then I could surely support them. It seems that Luka was getting passionate about her works as well. So yes, that goes the same for your books if I choose to have them for myself.

Miki began on some more personal talk after that. Well, not too personal, of course. Luka wasn't exactly comfortable hearing about things like that yet. Still, what she had to say was a bit interesting. Careless, huh? The further she went on, the more Luka began to understand Miki. She had a drive for a promise instead of personal goals. Was Luka wrong in her selfish pursuit? She didn't think so, only because she didn't feel like she had anyone to do anything for. At best, there were her parents who certainly praised her for what she did. I see. That's certainly a good reason to do it, I suppose. It's also better than getting caught up with fame. She had a slight smile as she spoke. This was certainly more pleasant to talk about.

As for me. . . I think I do it because it makes me happy. I don't exactly have anyone to make promises to, or to succeed for. Even if my parents praise me for all me efforts, I think I'd be lying if I said I did it for them. She thought about the things she does. It was all certainly fun. I don't regret anything either. I've been on stage all my life, whatever the setting. But I have fun with what I do. Even if it's hard work, I want to do it while I can. Truly, everything she does is planned out for her. She doesn't have a care in the world. So I guess you're right. Fame doesn't matter to me, exactly. Even if I enjoy having people cheer for me, it's what I get to do on stage that really matters to me. For a moment there, Luka finally felt like she could understand this Miki person a little better. One thing was for sure now though, was that she was a bit less untrustworthy. Sure, she seemed a bit sly, but Luka could tell she was being truthful.

[Akira Nakajima]

The boy's smile became warmer as the girl spoke. Slowly, he nodded. Good. He could tolerate piracy in the event that it was utilized as a “demo” of sorts. For games, yes. A “preview” was probably more correct for a full light novel, though. Either way, it seemed like he was misunderstanding. Honestly, that was a good thing in this case. And he was human. Far from perfect, he would assume. That was why he couldn't stop himself from warmly smiling after that revelation. He, honestly, would have hated to have to work alongside a parasite that ruined all of his favorite things. With a delighted, relieved sigh, he stood straight. His mood only improved when the girl went on about the other things. Not a pirate, and also enjoying the. . . well, “job” she had. That was good. If she was deciding that route for herself, than that, too, was fine.

But his biggest concern was that piracy bullshit.

”Perhaps I was reading too far into it. Utilizing piracy as a means of testing a work is acceptable, especially in today's world, where business practices are gradually becoming unfair and outright unjust. I'll accept that. But the fact that you buy the works you support really put my heart at ease.” He laughed, not a giggle, but an outright laugh. It was still feminine- he wasn't that careless- but it was a bit more mirthful and genuine than the other outbursts. ”You had me worried you pirated everything and never paid for any of it. Ah. Good to know, though. I'll see about lending you some entry volumes later.” He nodded and twirled away, clearly in a good mood. Or high. Probably just a good mood, though. It wasn't often he gradually got pissed over a potential pira-site, only to be assured it wasn't what it seemed.

”It is good that you enjoy what you do, though. Keep in mind, though, that it's not something you'll be able to do eternally. Beauty and vigor fade. Keep those interests- the games, the books- alive and strong. Even if you're financially stable, you'll need those enriching elements throughout your life.” It was probably not his place to say that. Hell, he was younger. Did not matter, though. Even if he was the one preaching to the choir, it was still something that needed to be said. ”That said, I also rely on these things to enrich myself. It's a good way to keep yourself stable, so to speak. Lets you unwind. Sometimes broadens your horizons. He nodded and made his way back to the couch before flopping with a light bounce.

”Well. That certainly made me feel better. Anything else you wanted to try to pry out of me? You won't get my trade secrets, though, sadly~! Can't let those leak.” And there that playful smile and tongue returned. Right back to business as usual.

[Luka Kurokawa]

Miki seemed to make an unsettling expression as Luka gave her explanation. Was that. . . a legitimately happy smile? Luka couldn't be sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Well, it was whatever. It seemed that she was satisfied with the answer she gave. They wouldn't be arguing about that at the very least. In actuality, things were working out quite nicely between the two of them in Luka's eyes. Were they. . . getting along, even? It came as a bit of a surprise to Luka. Not that she was going to complain, as it had been her intention. No matter how unrealistic she felt it to be.

Well, as long as you know it's fine. She wasn't exactly smiling still as she listened to her talk on piracy. She agreed with it, of course. The only thing that made Luka consider just what she was how she went from 'don't steal' to 'only steal from those who deserve it.' Luka refrained from thinking too deeply into it, else she would fall under the category of assuming too much like Miki. There was probably an explanation for everything. Indeed. I only steal from the companies that wrong me. The thought of when she had bought a game from a company and hated the game came to mind. She then pirated the sequel as her own way of getting back at them. Unfortunately, she didn't like that one either. But one of those books would be nice I suppose. Yes. Miki seemed to be in a good mood. Honestly, it was a little contagious.

Among that response to her ambitions in life, Miki mentioned something that occasionally popped into the girl's mind from time to time. It was the fact that she certainly could not go on with her various careers she had. Even she didn't want to think about it, but she could accept it when the time came. As for past that? Well, things would simply work out for her. So Luka thought, as things always seemed to. Another opportunity would appear when the time came. But she could certainly agree with the premise of keeping her interests around. Mhm. Naturally. I don't plan to drop them any time soon. She planned on continuing learning to fight for a while after all. Her teacher would be fine with that, right?

As far as other things to talk about was the concern, Luka had a few things. Well I suppose I could as- And then, her stomach growled. And Luka stopped talking. Also, she started blushing and went over to a chair and sat. How embarrassing. She didn't even Remember where she was going with that anymore. Au.

[Akira Nakajima]

"Well then. It seems you are absolutely adorable, and it comes to you as naturally as digestion and becoming hungry. How amusing. Truly, you are fit to be my kouhai, despite all your arguments." Akira just walked all over the earlier arguments and created them anew with the sweetest of smiles. It was the sort of smile one could expect from some sort of temptress or a humanized flytrap. That was clearly a deceptive, predatory smile that relied on the gullibility of the victim. And Akira had adopted that look completely. He had found his prey, as well as a very interesting means of cooking it, so to speak. The supplies were there. It was then time to see if he had the skill to prepare it.

"I seem to recall that you don't like spending money unnecessarily. Additionally, you do seem to be hungry, if your stomach's voracious howling is anything to go by. And, to top it off, you're my kouhai. Let's look at it another way. Here I am, with my adorable kouhai that I could possibly spoil. Said kouhai is apparently hungry, and she doesn't like spending money. What is this? A sign from the heavens? Divine intervention? Coincidence brought about by fate's helpful hand? How very interesting. And utterly convenient." During that time, he had, very slowly, stood and stepped closer to the girl. It was time to see if the meal was properly cooked.

"Hey, hey. Rukako. If you call me 'that', I'll treat you out to something particularly nice. Not a single yen from your pocket. All me. I'll cover it all. No matter how much you actually eat. And all you have to do is say 'Please treat me out, Miki-senpai~', and you'll get your treat. Doesn't that sound like an amazing deal? It's a steal! Just-say-it." At some point during that, he had half-circled around the girl. That seductive smile never faded, but his eyes were entirely different- they reflected a clear confidence that he had found a way to win over his partner in that defiance of calling him by his rightful title. He had been an idol for longer! It wasn't that he was compensating for his lack of height. Nor was he a meanie, or a predator. It was all his understudy's willful defiance! And he believed he found an excellent means of squishing that.

[Luka Kurokawa]

Yup. She knew exactly what was coming next. Even then, she couldn't help but turn away as Miki moved anywhere near her face. It was already bad enough that this had happened, let alone that this girl already knew how to get to her. I am not! She continued to avoid her every which way. Why couldn't they just go back to the pleasant conversation they were having just a bit ago? Why did she have to be hungry? If you keep this up I'm going to get mad. Being mad wasn't what she was threatening though. It was the results of her being mad.

And now it seemed that Luka had given Miki a bad idea. It didn't help the way she was dancing around the subject like that. Like hell I would do that for you! She finally looked at her, still face full of red. She was annoyed now if she wasn't already. Luka wasn't about to stoop down and submit, even if she was hungry and would certainly prefer being treated. Even when she came close to her face, Luka only seemed to get even more pissed. Honestly, she had half the mind to bite her. She narrowed her eyes in annoyance at the girl standing much too close for comfort. I'll pass. Making some room in-between the two of them, she tried lobbying for her own idea. Albeit, she did so in a progressively shrinking voice. How about we just go eat something. Together. If you want. By the end, it was more or less a still-audible whisper with her turned away from Miki. Honestly. Asking any more than that would be pushing it significantly.

Just because she was an idol longer didn't mean she needed to be so adamant about this. Not only was she older, taller, likely stronger, and had more exposure in show business, she certainly acted much more like an older sister than her. Even so, she would have liked it if the two of them got along. She just couldn't see this girl as her senpai in any shape or form. Luka was honestly half expecting her to simply say no at the same time. It would have been terrible if Miki was just teasing her. Not to mention how embarrassed she'd be after offering to go with her without that.

[Akira Nakajima]

"Tch. Cheap. Oh well. An angry Ruka is a cute Ruka, too. So I guess I'll just have to fold my hand there. I'll get you yet He-man Kurokawa Rukako.” He shook his fist in an overly comical manner. It was his way of blowing it over. He had amused himself. He did not, however, manage to properly cook the meal before him. What a shame. But! There would always be another chance on another day. He would hear those words. And he would know victory. That was a fact! But it was a fact for another day. He could, though grudgingly, accept that. He had already begun walking back to the couch before he flopped down in an exaggerated manner, getting his novel to bounce off the cushion and into his grasp. For a moment, it almost seemed as though the game were just that, a game. However, the book was then slid under his arm, firmly into his pit. No, the novel would just be accompanying them.

”Book.” He noted before immediately standing back up. ”Bag.” Though subtle, there was a clear “sing-song” tone to the word, though it sounded almost as though it began with the word “book”. The book was deposited into a nearby shoulder bag. It was similar to a purse, but clearly designed for large objects. Truthfully, neither Akira nor Miki would ever be seen with an honest to God purse. Too annoying. Said bag found itself dangling from a durable leather strap over his shoulder. The bag and strap were of simple black leather. Black was the new black. And the old black. Black was black, and not every other color of the rainbow and photoshop pool. ”Glass~es.” He twirled with a surprising degree of control on his bag before he snatched a pair of rimless glasses from. . . somewhere. ”And shoes~!” The boy, whether it was an act or not, was hopping backwards while awkwardly pushing his feet- one at a time, of course- into some boots that reached halfway to his knees.

”So then. Up you go and out we're going.” He plainly commented with a twirl on his heels before smiling at the girl, keeping his hands behind his back. Originally, he had what could be considered a librarian “style”. Now, with the accessories on the upper half of his body, he really could have passed for a librarian. Maybe. ”Of course, the deal is off. You'll have to pay your way, I'm afraid.” He punctuated his judgment with a wink. Clearly he hadn't lost momentum in the least.

[Luka Kurokawa]

What was it with this person and calling her cute? It certainly wasn't making her any happier if this girl was simply teasing her. Regardless, it seemed that they really would be going out for something to eat. Luka could let it slide. Just this once, anyway. And, sadly enough she managed to catch that reference Miki made. And so, Luka got up and ready while she waited for Miki to get ready to go. She watched as she grabbed everything needed, including that one book she had. As for her, she would just need to make a quick stop into her dressing room and grab her bag on the way out. Honestly, watching her only made her seem like even less of a threat than before. Everything seemed like one big joke to her. How could she take this one seriously? I'll be grabbing my bag on the way out. Other than that, we should be good. From there, she turned and made her way out of the changing room.

Miki had to say something annoying along the way, of course. Don't take me as some sort of cheapskate! I'm perfectly capable of spending my own money. Well, while she could probably spend it just fine, she had never actually went and bought food for herself before. Nor did she know where to go in the least. She would simply let this one lead the way and decide their destination. I'll leave you to pick the place to eat. Likewise, you can lead the way. She wasn't about to spend her time getting lost looking for a place to eat. Especially when she was hungry. It would be best to leave it to the person who probably went out on their own when possible.

Just don't pick anywhere weird! I'm actually hungry. As she said that, she went to go grab her bag from out of her room. This would be the first time she'd be doing anything like this. In a way, it was a little exciting. Even if it was probably better to go with someone else instead. She wouldn't say that, of course. She was honestly happy either way. For once, she was dealing with someone vaguely manageable; and friendly, maybe. Grabbing her bag, she came back out of her room. Alright. Shall we be off?

[Akira Nakajima]

Akira honestly had to wonder about a few things when Luka went on to comment about the places to eat, him leading, and her supposedly being capable of spending her own money. Well, realistically, anybody was capable of spending their money. And others' money, too, as was often the case with those with debt. However, part of him wondered about Luka's capabilities- socially, that is. She'd have to be somewhat capable, of course, considering her resume, but he was somewhat worried about her. In that way someone worried about a dog that ran into walls while staring at others.

"Yeeees." He chirped in a pleasantly chipper tone with the blue-haired maiden's quips. Each question or prompt just had him recite that line in the same tone, almost like a parrot with a profound interest in being annoying. Truthfully, he wanted to see if she'd stick to the wall or break down. If she stuck, that was good. On the other hand, some people, inherently, couldn't mesh with "Miki". Or, at the very least, a Miki that was looking for entertainment. At the very least, he had no ill intentions. It would have been painfully obvious if he had. It was clear that Luka had never had experience with an "energetic" type. By extension, it meant that the spontaneous and willful "Miki" would provide friction by default, even if he was not actively trying to get her riled up. She had potential as an idol, at the very least. He'd do what he could to make sure she didn't outright hate him. No point in making the ride rough by making her genuinely angry.

"Can't say I appreciate your order to not pick a weird place. Makes me wonder what you think about me. It's almost like you think I'm weird or something." He quietly, but very clearly, huffed and looked away before stepping onward. "You should have a little faith in me. I might not pick something for an outright meal, but it's not good to eat meals at odd times, anyway." A finger had stuck itself out, though in no particular direction. He may as well have been poking it into the ceiling. He might have, actually, had it been drastically lower.

"I know a sweet place for a light snack." He declared finally before, in fact, leading the way. Of course, when he said a "sweet place", he literally meant a cafe that served almost entirely sweets. Of course, the reason he picked the place was not because of any consideration of the girl. Certainly, there normal snacks, even light meals at the destination. But, for Akira? There was a singular purpose in going there, specifically. One very, very important thing. That thing?

The banana split with peanut butter ice cream, chocolate-peanut butter syrup, and all the applicable things. Luka was going to learn a simple law when dealing with Akira- or, in her case, Miki. Peanut butter was law.