''R-Really? You're lucky!'' She chuckled, averting her gaze as she could only continue to grow more and more flustered. For now she didn't mind going along with this woman, not like she was being malicious or anything. In fact, she had done nothing but compliment her and talk up her looks, which was definitely going to be the highlighted confidence booster of the week she was desperately needing. ''Not too flashy, but you're looking at a two-piece?'' She smiled politely, probably still tomato red. Oh no, were people staring? She didn't dare look, but she had a feeling that they were getting a lot of attention right now. It could be her own paranoia setting in, in fact, it probably was. Still, that didn't stop her from pivoting and nodding along to what Rose was saying. ''Sounds good! Let's get this one and get going, right?'' She chuckled nervously.

''Thank you for helping me pick it out, I really do like it!'' There was a clear irrational fear in Yvel's eyes. Not a fear of the harmless Rose, but of the attention they were garnering. Yvel was a performer, but it was different getting attention while singing on a stage, compared to when you were looking at swimsuits in the clothing store and your face was turning redder than the clothes on display.

rhea

''U-Um..'' She blushed, completely unable to articulate words at this sudden overstimulation. Yvel was used to just being a face in the crowd and now this woman was suddenly flirting with her in a clothing store? ''Thank you.'' That was the right thing to say, right? She wasn't used to getting hit-on unless she was at a mixer. ''I-I see! That's unfortunate..'' She wasn't sure what was happening, but she fell for the lie hook, line and sinker.

''No- it's okay!'' She chuckled nervously, she wasn't used to someone being this forward with her, especially not a stranger. It was probably written all over her face and body language. ''Nice to meet you too Rose, I'm Yvel.'' It was a weird name, not a common one, but it was the one her parents had picked out for her. ''So um, how can I help you? You said you were waiting for your girlfriend or something?'' Maybe this was just Rose's way of communicating, she wasn't actually coming onto her, right? She said she had a girlfriend, and she probably meant the kind that she was dating. Yvel was just totally looking at this the wrong way, she just wasn't used to being complimented on her beauty so blatantly, that was it! She did appreciate it, but it left her completely disarmed, flustered and most of all confused. Hopefully she could help her on her way, or something.

rhea

So this was what normal people wore for clothes...

Having been raised in the lap of luxury, it wasn't that Yvel was unfamiliar with the kinds of clothes that were being sold at regular clothing stores, but the amount that people bought had always shocked her. How could someone buy just one or two items of clothing and call it a shopping trip? She intended to emulate this experience, as part of her whole, having to live the life of a struggling young worker who is living paycheck to paycheck. Except not really since she had her wealth to fall back on, but that was neither here nor there. The point was, she wanted to break the delusion she was brought up in. She wanted to learn to relate to others, so that one day she might become a famous singer!!

So there she was... Shopping like a normal person. It was almost easy, too easy if it wasn't for her having to make decisions. How could she possibly pick between these two tops and not just get both, and then maybe the entire rack of clothes they were on too just for good measure? It was a struggle, but a struggle she had to endure. Wearing a pair of slim blue jeans, red sandals and a sleeveless yellow top to show off her firework flower tattoo on one arm, her look was topped off with a cap with the name of some underground venue she had performed at.

When Rhea spoke up she looked over, wondering if maybe she had spoken to one of her friends. It wasn't until she noticed that the woman was alone that she realized it was actually directed at her. ''Right!'' She smiled enthusiastically, trying to save face and pretend like she hadn't just been caught daydreaming. ''M-Me??'' Her face grew red. ''Isn't this a bit revealing?'' She laughed nervously, ''I'm sure it would look much better on you!'' ...That was not how she intended for that to come out. ''Um, you know since you're!- Are you going to the beach? You're dressed like someone who might be.''

rhea

''Wouldn't doubt it! There's something refreshing to being alone sometimes, don't you think?'' She was the type of girl who threw extravagant parties, rented out places, got the best food, the best drinks, the best everything for her guests and she didn't even glance at the total cost. Didn't feel it the day after when she was mega hungover either. That was the life she used to lead, always surrounded by people. If it wasn't family, or friends it was butlers and other staff at the estate. She had to admit, even though she hated poor living, getting her own cramped apartment in Tokyo was its own kind of refreshing. A place where she could shut herself away from the world and work on writing music... Wait, she was thinking about music again!

''Koooooyama, that's right!'' She smiled proudly, holding up a peace sign. Her family name was well-known in some circles and no thanks to the daughter herself who exuded nepotism. ''Have you heard of me? Or my parents, they're business people.'' What exactly did they do? Well, business-y stuff! Whatever it was it earned them a lot of money so Yvel never really cared to ask or find out. ''You think?'' She put her hands together and fluttered her eyelashes. ''Not as pretty as yours! I've never met a Tuzi Yue before! And Bun's such a cute nickname.'' She was ecstatic that Bun was happy to keep her company too. Was she going to potentially get a lot of money out of Yvel later? Most likely, but that didn't matter now! She was making a friend and nothing could ruin that. Not even her complete lack of self-control when it came to spending money.

''Ooh!'' She was easily impressed as Bun showed off her bunny ears. ''Do you have super hearing too? I bet it must feel nice. ~'' As they walked her legs started to feel sore. ''They should cut down some of these trees and make way for a lift.'' She whined, letting out a small sigh. If she hadn't been willing to engage with tradition, she would be sitting in a private helicopter right now, enjoying whatever luxury goodies her heart desired. Then again, if that was the case she also wouldn't have met Yue here.

''Y-Yeah!!'' She smiled nervously, realizing she had talked on and on, forgetting to mention the fact that her other band member was currently a missing person and she had been doing solo acts for the last two months. ''Huh, wait- you do? No way!'' Her face lit up when Bun mentioned the music shop. Just roll with it! Saying she was in a band made her sound more legitimate anyway! ''You're business savvy? That must be so useful! I'd love to visit that shop.'' She sighed blissfully. ''It's tough being underground, it's a fight to even get people to listen to what you make.''

''E-Entrepreneur and pro hero?'' Suddenly Bun was shining with a dazzling glow, the glow of someone who worked hard to achieve their dreams! It was almost blinding to the naturally lazy Yvel who was just scrounging around between jobs and occasionally worked on music, but wasted so many hours of her day away too. ''Do you have a hero name? I'll cheer you on!'' Her eyes were practically sparkles. Would making a hero friend not elevate her own status too?

When the hare appeared and it shared a moment with Bun, Yvel had to cover her mouth as she fangirled quietly, trying not to scare the little critter away. When it eventually bolted she looked back to her friend and quickly reached an arm out. ''Bun, look out!'' Hopefully she could help catch her in time!

Arriving at the next checkpoint the snow had gotten thicker, perfect for snowboarding! ''Do you like winter sports?'' She smiled up at Bun as she took her snowboard off her backpack.

Yue "Bun" Tuzi

Most people probably wouldn't go hiking up a mountain to get away from the busy streets of Tokyo. She certainly wasn't the type. She was happy-go-lucky and didn't lack the spirit, but her legs were typically beat after a week of waiting tables. Still, here she was making her way up a mountain for the holiday. It was not only a break from work, but a chance to get to do some of the things she loved, but had neglected during her rush to become famous.

In fact, this was the first time since forever she went out without her guitar on her back. She was a workaholic at heart, but had sworn off song writing for the duration of this mini trip. Instead, she was wearing a backpack, packed to the brim with all sorts of things in case of emergencies, with a snowboard attached to it. Having hiked for a while, she finally arrived at a resting area where she could set her things down and take a break. ''Mountains are so biiig!'' She sighed, using her cap to fan herself as she looked around for her water bottle. ''I don't know how some people live in the mountains every day, I feel like my legs are becoming mush already.'' She put her cap back on and took a big sip of water. Ever the extrovert, she turned to the person next to her. ''Are you going up the mountain to get a blessing too?'' It was kind of a nothing question considering this was the big holiday where everyone made the hike to pay homage, but she just needed to get a conversation started!

Yue "Bun" Tuzi

''Eh?'' Run it back? What was this, practice for a theater concert? His request to run it back immediately made her anxious seeing as no one other competitor had been put in this situation. Did she bomb so hard that she wouldn't even get to finish? Who even asked that question? Not anyone she knew. With a bit of a pout on her face she squinted her eyes against the spotlight and tried to see who-

Oh my god he was coming up on stage.

''Huh?! Me? Who- S-Sure!!'' Security wasn't removing him so she probably wasn't in any danger. Except her panicking undoubtedly left an impression on the audience. Grabbing her microphone she turned to address them. ''T-That's just how it is with a Koyama performance! You never know what to expect!'' She laughed nervously, trying to cover up for her own confusion. She looked back at Sho one more time, waiting for their eyes to meet as she put her hands on the guitar and got ready to start the song back up. Don't ruin it, drummer guy.

No, even if he did she couldn't blame it on him. She was going to play and give it her all until the very end, until the spotlights died down and she could chill out at the back of the club again. ''Once more, here is Seishun Complex!''

Shō Matsui

[attr="class","likedo"]