[Marcus Ryu Kodai]

[attr="class","wabisabi"]

侘び寂び

‘Let me know if you guys get lost or if we need to meet somewhere or something like that.’

Kodai texted as lounged on his bed. He let the phone drop to his chest, then letting out an audible huff, he ran a hand through his hair while staring at the ceiling. ‘Why did I take this class’, Kodai thought bitterly to himself. He wasn’t good at social media. Most importantly, he wasn’t good at marketing or convincing people to do things. And yet, to change that, he foolishly signed up for a class that he had no business taking. He sighed again, this time Sid the Golden Retriever leapt up on the bed, stepped on Kodai’s stomach, and then sat with his butt in Kodai’s face.

The young want to be hero groaned a bit in pain, which was drowned out by the sounds of a squeaky toy begging to be placed out of its misery. “Oooofff,” Kodai groaned, sitting up against the headboard, pushing Sid off of his stomach.

“Your too big to be a lap dog Sid…..should’ve named you Manny instead of Sid.” He started patting Sid’s butt, to which the dog simply wagged his tail, leapt up, and turned around so that the dying squeaky toy was in Kodai’s face now. He groaned again, this time snatching the toy and throwing it out the room. Sid dashed after it, and Kodai took the opportunity to swing his legs over the bed and sit up.

‘I hope everyone is okay with dogs, if I need to put him in his crate just let me know….Sid’s a good boy though, he just demands pets from everyone….we call it the pet-tax….Let me know when you guys are here, I think my frat brothers are away…I dunno who is home…’

He sent another text.

The Noblebright fraternity wasn’t too far away from campus. One could easily walk to it, but, if you were like Kodai, then it could be difficult to find. Hopefully, his groupmates would be able to find the location pretty easily. If not Kodai would totally be okay to find them and bring them there. Dressing a bit comfortably, Kodai decided to wear nothing more than black sweat pants, and a dark grey muscle shirt that was a bit too tight—revealing his muscular physique and herculean-like build.

enma 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

Let's get the bread. WC: 391

MADE BY MIZO

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[enma]

Why did he join this class? Enma did not do enough research when looking into it and is currently doing poorly for his grade. The group project represented a large enough chunk to hopefully make up for his shortcomings, but he was frustrated at the idea of...people. What was assumed to be a way to get social media training in the event that he was forced to handle his own PR ended up being a class about being an influencer.

The other part of the problem was arriving at a fraternity. Showing up in his typical dark attire, the intense-looking Enma would uncomfortably not have his sword. This made his hands fidget, as that was his safety net. Not because he wanted to fight people and felt defenseless, but because the sword was emotionally important. As he neared the fraternity, he opened his phone and began texting Masao.

Hey, Masao. Wish me luck, taking part in a group project in Introduction to Social Engineering. This class was a mistake. After texting her, he would respond to his classmate's texts while rubbing the back of his neck. Yeah, dogs are fine. Will be there shortly. Minutes later, he knocked at the fraternity door. Unsure if their third showed up yet, he would slink into his long-sleeve as much as he could.

Marcus Ryu Kodai 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

[𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲]

A black rabbit with blue eyes arrives at the door as it’s about to open. A handwritten note is tied to its back in neat, easy to read handwriting. It’s the type of style that devoids itself from all personality as it focuses on pristine execution and clarity.

I’ll be fifteen minutes late, there’s traffic.

While the location may have been convenient for UAU students that live on campus, I asked for particular provisions that let me visit my Abuela on the weekends. The downside was when there were villains on the loose and heroes dealing with the rampage. I had my license, which allowed me to defend myself and escape, but the road I needed was blocked off. Fortunately, it seemed to be at the tail end of the conflict.

My rabbit will join you in the meantime.

Once the note had been grabbed and read, the rabbit would happily hop inside, thinking it an equal amongst peers — yes, it would consider itself on similar intellectual standing without having the capacity to fathom those words. While it may seem nonsensical, it was for good reason.

Now… to get started.

---

Marcus Ryu Kodai enma

[Marcus Ryu Kodai]

[attr="class","wabisabi"]

侘び寂び

Just as he was about to send another text message to make sure that everyone was okay and on the way, Enma had responded. Okay, good, just wanted to check to see if everyone was okay with the dogs. Imma still put Sid in the crate, at least, until everyone is here. He sent the text, then did what he mentioned in the text. He knew that Sid could be a bit too eager to meet people, and well, he didn’t want to push anyone’s comfort zone. Moments after sending the text, and putting Sid in the crate, there was a knock. A knock that was consequently followed by Sid’s barking.

Quieting Sid down, by bribing him with some treats, Kodai would skip down the stairs and open the door. Smiling, he noticed that on his doorsteps stood the stoic Enma.

"Hey" He said “Hopefully finding the place wasn’t too hard!”

Kodai glanced down to see the rabbit. He tilted his head in confusion, reached down, and gently took the note from it.

“Oh….” He said a bit confused. “I guess this means that our third isn’t here…hopefully he is okay, maybe I should’ve went to get him and you….”

He shook his head, knelt down, and offered to let the little rabbit jump in his hands. If he did, Kodai would walk into his room. If the rabbit refused, then he would simply let the rabbit in with Enam—either way, he held the door for his guest.

“I hope you don’t mind the mess,” He said. “There’s like a bunch of us that live here, and well, there’s a lot of animals here. You okay?” As he spoke, Kodai would show Enma around, “Do you just want to hang in the living room until our friend arrives?"

enma 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

MADE BY MIZO

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[enma]

Animals were in some ways easier than people, so Enma wasn't bothered when they were joined by a rabbit with a message on it. Going with the flow, he would just take the first seat offered. "Living room is fine, I'll leave it up to you." Stiff, Enma was trying to figure out how to be. After meeting Masao and receiving advice from Yuki Onna, it was clear that the way he operated shadow-like wouldn't work anymore. Still, it was almost as if some greater entity or entities intervened and brought these three together.

Soon, he'd see just how much they'd contrast. Looking at the bunny, there was temptation to pet it. Considering how the odd color of this one, it might've been a special pet. Too many variables to disrupt it. "I'm sure they're fine. The note said traffic and this is Tokyo." Enma reassured Marcus dryly, going to his phone and thinking of texting Masao despite her not responding.

Biting the tip of his thumb in contemplation, he sighed and put his phone away. Scanning the room, he saw how rough the fraternity was in. it was expected with a bunch of 20-somethings, some younger and some older, to not be the cleanest. "Kodai-san, I won't lie and say social media is my area of expertise. Do you have a plan for the project?" Tapping his fingers on his knees, he felt himself complaining internally.

This couch is stiff. It smells in here. There's a lot of noise. Is solo an option? I hope the rabbit wants pets.

He wouldn't come to any of the animals, he'd wait for the animals to come to him. If he got to pet the rabbit and the dog, however, he was certainly telling Masao.

Marcus Ryu Kodai 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

[𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲]

[attr="class","body"]

The rabbit was only an aspect of Rahul’s psyche. It was still a rabbit otherwise, meaning its general skittish behavior and affinity for safety ruled over its instincts. But each rabbit was different in its composition, too. It was a tiny, fabricated life — more short-lived than its natural occurring brethren with the benefit of existing within Rahul’s second Thalamus for the remainder of his life. Heaven to some, Hell to others.

It would comply with their handling, pets, affection, and all else as they awkwardly sat speaking to one another. And as the fifteen minutes passed, the rabbit would jump out of whoever’s arms it happened to be in at the time and run toward the door, dispersing into black smoke as three knocks resonated throughout the room.

I’d let myself in.

“I appreciate your patience,” Even with the warning, it felt appropriate. Not because anyone had control over what had happened — crime is rampant, after all — but because it was socially appropriate. And if I were to work with them, I’d lead with my best foot forward until they proved incompetent. This was not an ordinary social situation, my success was dependent on their cooperation. A slight nod to the both of them, acknowledging I knew who they were. “Enma, Kodai.”

“What’s the plan so far?” I knew of everything they had talked about. My rabbits were scouts whose memories I shared. And while I had brought a few ideas to the table, I’d keep them close to the chest until I knew the type of people I was working with. Not all heroes were created equal.

---

enma Marcus Ryu Kodai

[newclass=.body b]color:#1979e6[/newclass]

[Marcus Ryu Kodai]

[attr="class","wabisabi"]

侘び寂び

Kodai sat the rabbit down on the couch, right next to Enma. “That’s fair, I just tend to be a bit of worry wart, after all, you never know what can happen,” he said, disappearing into the kitchen, Kodai would come back with pitcher of water and some glasses. “I haven’t been to the grocery store yet, so water will have to do…unless of course you want some booze or something like that…we or I have plenty of that.”

Placing the drinks on the coffee table, Kodai would sit on the opposite side of the bunny, so that he was facing Enma. “To be honest, I’m not good at social media stuff myself, although, one of my frat brothers is going to help me start a social media platform centered around like helpful living and positive stuff, but that’s it…” He rubbed his neck, “The assignment is creating some sort of advertisement for a fundraiser, right? Perhaps we need to first settle on the cause? You know, what we are fundraising for?”

He was trying to say something else, but then stopped as the rabbit hopped off the couch and skipped to the door. The rabbit dispersed into black smoke as three knocks resonated throughout the room. Kodai got up to let his guest in, but, Rahul let himself in and approached the two of them at the couch. “Oh, hey!” He greeted his new guest, “Want some water?”

“I didn’t want to exclude anyone from the conversation and then have to play catchup, so we haven’t really talked much about the project,” Kodai sat back down, disappearing into the couch. “But, I was thinking that we need to figure out the cause that we are creating the advertisement for.”

He paused. “What do you guys think? Also does anyone want snacks? I think I got some chips.”

enma 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

MADE BY MIZO

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[enma]

Hospitality made Enma feel weird. When taught to armor up and be tough all of his life, being relaxed in a strange space was an impossibility. He would accept the water politely, but hoped their third would arrive soon to take the spotlight off of him. "No need to worry, I'm not very judgmental." That wasn't necessarily true, as he was taught to be very disciplined and worried what kind of upbringing the frat boys had.

Frat boys. A nightmare to think about the energy that might've been tossed around. Sighing, he would nod along as Kodai explained that he was planning on growing his social media presence and needed to develop in that way. "Personally, I want to know how to navigate but I'm not interested in being strongly present online." Fidgeting with his fingers, he thought about what cause they could adopt.

Then their third arrived, another stranger. Relief and worry cancelled each other out and he would think about how to really contribute to the project. Even if there was quiet disdain for this kind of work, he would not want to be a weak link. "Hello, Clemente-senpai." Nodding, he would barely move an inch. "I was thinking...charities on support groups for those that have lost loved ones to villains?"

It was the first thought, just coming out without restraint. Enma found that topic very personal considering how he lost his mother, but he wouldn't tell them that so easily. It was a good cause nonetheless, as support groups could use resources to then provide suffering families. Hopefully they'd see its use, though he would go along with whatever they wanted as he just assumed they had more tech-savviness and social media skill than he had.

Marcus Ryu Kodai 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

[𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲]

[attr="class","body"]

It’s difficult to place oneself in a new social setting. We are three individuals who may not have interacted with one another if not for the assignment — an obstacle UAU continually overcomes with projects such as these. Cross-year projects are a great way to have people with varying skills come together and learn from one another. There’s also the matter of perspective.

Kodai seems more concerned with being a good host. Considering the state of the fraternity, and the fact this isn’t a home he can tend to alone, the pressure mounts on him. There’s only mildly nervous, but enough to see that there’s a good heart in him. I wonder how long before the world snuffs that out.

“Water’s great.” Never hurts to be hydrated. More importantly, positive affirmation might help him out of his shell. If we’re going to raise a sufficient amount of money for the class (and the amount of money we raise does have an impact on the grade), we need everyone at the top of their game.

Meanwhile, Enma follows their minor mistake with an emotionally intelligent suggestion. One that they could capitalize on within their school. But first, a correction.

“Clemente is my second surname. If we followed convention, I’d be Thapa-senpai, but I prefer Rahul. I’m not a fan of honorifics.” I understood its cultural impact. And I don’t mind adhering to them when it comes to people in positions above me. But as a student, even if I’m a few years above them… it’s difficult to consider myself above them in the way those born into this culture do. It’s not like a boss to an employee, but there’s an unearned wisdom I’d rather not adopt. “If either of you have names you’d be addressed by, then by all means.”

I’d offer them the floor. We had introductions already but they were brief. And people using Clemente as my surname was a common mistake, not that I’m offended at the prospect. I love my mother, too. But I’m compelled by what is factually true.

“The assignment lets us choose our fundraiser. Next we have to choose a demographic and how to market it. Even on my way here, people lost some loved ones…” It’s not a genius idea but there are some tactics I’d like to employ. Hopefully, neither of my peers picked up on them. “We’ll buy flowers and hand them out to people to spread the word. Even if they don’t donate, they can still get a flower. We’ll reach out to the charity so they promote it on their respective social platforms. We can also reach out to people we know to spread the word. We have a week to complete the assignment, so I’m thinking we set it up on the weekend in a high traffic area… like a park.”

I may be doing too much, but we’ll see how serious they are about their studies. Personally, my grades aren’t important as long as I pass. I’m trying as hard as I am because competence is foundational to my future success.

---

enma Marcus Ryu Kodai

[newclass=.body b]color:#1979e6[/newclass]

[Marcus Ryu Kodai]

[attr="class","wabisabi"]

侘び寂び

For some reason, Kodai could not trust Enma’s statement that he wasn’t very judgemental. It honestly felt like the exact opposite was true. Still, Kodai hoped that he wasn’t making Enma uncomfortable or anything, and, despite needing to focus on the project, he tried to figure out ways to ease Enma’s tenseness. “If you change your mind, just let me know, I’ll find something…even if I have to run out to the grocery store.” With that he decided to leave Enma alone, or well, to push some focus off of him.

Kodai poured Rahul a glass of water, and offered it to him. He carefully listened to Rahul explain his surname and the correct honorifics to go with it and sighed softly in relief when Rahul stated that honorifics weren’t required with him. “You all can just call me Kodai, my cousins like to call me skunk,” he gestured to the streak of white in his hair, “but please don’t call me that, unlike a skunk, I’m pretty sure I don’t smell.”

Why did I tell them that? Kodai thought. Well that was dumb.

He started to worry if he was being too friendly, or too obnoxious, or if he was trying too hard. Maybe, he was being too “non-professional” or something. After all, Rahul and Enma were colleagues, not friends….

“We can certainly do that! What about a charity that target’s children? Children who lost their parents to villain attacks?” He suggested, holding his chin in thought. Kodai shot Rahul a curious look at his statement about people losing loved ones even on his way here. He couldn’t help but wonder what Rahul meant about that. For a moment, he was tempted to ask Rahul if he was okay, but didn't want to get into his personal life. “I don’t think flowers would be enough, maybe something a bit more? People are more likely to donate money if we give them more.”

He paused to think. Then grinning ear to ear he cleared his throat, “We can use our quirk, right? If not, is there like a permission slip or something that we can get?”

enma 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

MADE BY MIZO

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[enma]

The niceties were something that reminded Enma of his father. His father was a fantastic host, always offering heaven and earth for his guests. Who someone truly was when hospitality wasn't the mission was what mattered to him, but this person seemed genuinely kind. The offers, however, did make him anxious through the reminder alone. Still, Enma was not a rude guest and did have proper manners to respectfully decline. "No worries, Kodai, I appreciate it."

Nodding, he could tell that the only at-ease person here was the third year in their presence. They likely had seen and experienced a lot and by year three, a student really should be used to strangers and colleagues. Enma entirely avoided that in his first year, the second year being where he needed to break out. Still, his presence in the class was so he didn't end up like some controversial heroes he's overheard others discussing.

"I...can do calligraphy. We can make specialized messages and use the flowers as part of something." His talent with calligraphy assisted when engaging in the artistic ability of his quirk should come in handy with the quality of the product they made for the sake of charity. Though, if there was anything he could take from his father, it would be his business sense. "My quirk won't help in this, but we should discuss logistics. I can leverage my father as a contact."

While normally he wouldn't like aide from his father, he knew that the money and visibility in Tokyo would be a huge help. Branding and product quality was everything to his father. It was also a cause that would help them get the right backing, with any other assistance being welcome. They needed to make the product themselves, but maybe his father could help manufacture what they needed as well.

"We will likely want to keep it simple, efficient but still invoking an emotional response. I assume that's how marketing works usually, right?" He didn't consider himself a strong marketer, but some talent was inherited from his father. The ideas brewing between them were evolving and it seemed like everything connected nicely, which put some confidence and comfort into Enma. They might actually make something really good.

Marcus Ryu Kodai 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

[𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲]

[attr="class","body"]

“Remember, Kodai, we’re trying to raise money,” He’s not wrong but let’s temper everyone’s expectations. “We shouldn’t spend so much that people question what we're giving them. Too much and they’ll question why we didn’t spend this on the fundraiser itself.” Which leads me to Enma’s suggestions. “Let’s keep in line with cards. We can have mass produced messages and then give you a booth to write special messages for anyone who pays over whatever threshold we settle on.”

“But you’re right. Simple and efficient. A flower and a message… maybe pictures with dinosaurs that people can take with them that also get sent to the kids we’re helping. I’ll throw in my bunnies if need be. It creates something more tangible than numbers on a screen.” I’m looking at Kodai, seeing if he’s up for it. “We’ll need access to a space and permits to use our quirks — can your father handle that, Enma?

I know I’ve taken the lead here. But it’s a group project and I want to make sure everyone is involved. If I can bring the best out of them, we can create something I’d never achieve on my own.

"Have we missed anything?"

---

enma Marcus Ryu Kodai

[newclass=.body b]color:#1979e6[/newclass]

[Marcus Ryu Kodai]

[attr="class","wabisabi"]

侘び寂び

“I was going to suggest that we do Dinosaur rides? That way we wouldn’t have to do all the extra letters and hardwork, we could charge people for the rides, and then all the money that we collect will be our donation.” Kodai suggested. “We could sell tickets for the dinosaur rides, I bet you ten bucks that kids would go crazy over the opportunity.”

Honestly, Kodai did not really know what he could do to help in this assignment. He did not have a dad with connections, nor did he really understand social media posting. Dinosaur pictures, feathers, and dinosaur rides were all that he could offer. Of course, besides printing out and distributing the flyers and whatnot. That was easy, anyone could do that. With that being said, he quietly wondered who was Enma’s father and what kind of connections did he have. But honestly, that was him just being a bit nosey.

“I can certainly do pictures! Feathers even, but that would be a bit painful on my end.” He paused again. “Are we going to do all the advertising online? Or are we going to have a multifaceted approached to advertising?”

enma 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

MADE BY MIZO

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[enma]

Enma was a bit lost on where the dinosaurs came from, assuming it had to do with Kodai's quirk. Did he make dinosaurs? Still, the only thing that bothered him was the connection to the cause. As someone who has experienced loss in the way that many have from villains, dinosaurs were a nice attraction that could attract more than those that could relate but it didn't feel like the right fit for him. Thinking as someone who would feel seen by such a charity, he pondered it.

"Kodai, is that what your quirk allows?" He didn't want to offend Kodai by shooting down the idea. Rahul seemed to be the more confident and outgoing one of the two, so he'd follow his insight on the matter. It would be simple to setup a stand and use his calligraphy skills to make cards, but the joy factor of dinosaur rides could also benefit them. "I don't mind the hard work, considering this is a cause I..."

He wasn't sure how to say it, freezing up momentarily. His expression didn't betray him, but he didn't want to out himself as a victim. "I would be happy to put in any kind of work for a fundraiser like this." Nodding with a flat face, he twiddled his thumbs and looked down. As for the advertising, he really could only muster a shrug. That was not his field at all. "I'm not the person for that, but help from my father would at least ease the pain on mustering the resources a little."

Bridging his fingers and leaning forward, he looked to Rahul for his input.

Marcus Ryu Kodai 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲

[𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲]

[attr="class","body"]

I underestimated him. While Kodai lacked a certain finesse in regards to his heroic studies — the constant second guessing and his approval-seeking nature were hurdles he’d eventually need to overcome —he possessed an intuitive, social intelligence. At the very least, he knew what would attract kids. Whether or not he put two and two together, it was a brilliant idea. Pair the living, excited smiles of children with a foundation supporting those in need.

My job was done. I was a cognitive lubricant to help them bring their best ideas forward. And they were better than mine; there couldn’t have been a better outcome.

“Cut the flowers. The messages, too.” We had too much bloat, we needed to streamline the process. “A dinosaur photoshoot is better. My bunnies will play support to those afraid of you; some people are afraid of lizards.” Bunnies, too, but that wasn’t the point. “Since Kodai’s busy you’ll have to help me run the event, Enma. We’ll be too busy for messages, but I think your calligraphy is a great way to draw people’s attention with the posters we’ll make. Both a physical and digital copy.”

I’m getting ahead of myself. While I might be fine with cutting my ideas, he might feel his are undercut and lose the wind in his sails, even if I had offered a different way to utilize his skill. Especially in his vulnerable state. He held a brave face but he let something slip… I get it.

“If it’s not too much, you could create a banner for the entrance, too.” The front of the posters matching the font of the banner made the event more accessible. “All we need from your father is a simple lot and quirk permits. Don’t gotta get fancy.”

Hand on mouth, I think we’re done. All that’s left is to set everything up and hope for the best.

“Is everyone on board?”

---

enma Marcus Ryu Kodai

[newclass=.body b]color:#1979e6[/newclass]