Chapter Text
The studio had a perpetual smell of sweat and wax from the shining wood floor, baked into the very walls by harsh sunlight in big windows, always leaving a nearly suffocating atmosphere. It built up a resistance to the harsh lights of a stage, If you were used to drowning in the air and maintaining a bright smile while sweat dripped down your back and neck, you wouldn't collapse the first time you hit a real stage and the spotlights bore holes into the top of your head. As with anything else, controlled suffering built character; to get results, you had to remain uncompromising.
Mirei expected each girl to ask her at least once if the rooms had to be so hot, and when she explained to them that the stages would be worse, she looked for apprehension in their eyes, When she found it, she knew this girl wouldn't be the one. Not really, at least. No she didn't throw them out immediately, that would be absurd, and plenty of girls made it further, proved they could persevere, but they still didn't have ‘it’.
She couldn't hope that she’d one day find her; she had to believe she already had.
She chose Ryukyu because it was small and close-knit, and the narrative of finding something beautiful in the water and carrying it to the stage allured her. She saw many girls there, teenagers whom she scrutinized like their mothers likely did, finding them all too plain, too fat, too normal for a spotlight to ever love them. They were unwitting candidates in her audition; she viewed them like this, so they gave her their bare-faced selves, the person they went out for a stroll as, not the person looking for the limelight. Mirei felt that the girl she’d find would be someone who wouldn't go on her own but would dream quietly somewhere, and jump at the chance.
She saw her walking by like one might encounter a ghost, so quiet and subtle you might not catch it before your brain blinked it away. Yet somehow she had a feeling, and turning her head, eyes following searching for what caught her eye, sound caught up to her, and the humming emanated from the girl almost like the song of a cricket, sweet, and unconscious. The natural way of things. Mirei turned and slowly followed behind her, towards a bookstore that she infiltrated far enough behind that she wouldn’t even be noticed. Eager to follow the spark of light.
“Haruka-chan! How are you? I have something for you if you'd like,” The shopkeeper greeted the girl and she responded sweetly, her voice very soft and pretty, Mirei quelled the excitement as best as she could, skulking around the shelves until she found a vantage point to see her face, and it was then she realized that feeling had been right.
She was beautiful in a way, with big black eyes and a placid smile adorning her lips as if she were content just being alive, yet the softness in her face with her oddly perfect skin despite her being young, a teenager, was different. Sometimes Mirei saw girls who were soft and young just like her, and yet there was almost nothing behind their eyes. They may well be animals, cute to look at but nothing with any substance, frankly ideal for some people working with idols, but not Mirei. What she saw in this girl's face was a life that had been somewhat boiled by torment. Her contented expression was not the placidity of stupidity, but of tentative relief, just waiting for something to snatch it away and therefore unable to fully enjoy anything. Mirei wasn't looking for misery or a sob story, but she was looking for something, and this girl in her slightly taller-than-average, but still slight frame, and the soft voice that hummed a tune idly, was something. She was almost starstruck in a way, enamored by her.
“This is the girl.”
“That's what he said, Mirei-chan, that man with the eyepatch,” Naoki paused, looking over his cigarette at her, calm as ever, but she could sense a tension under it. They weren't the most compatible sometimes, in some ways, but she could read him like no other, and vice versa, “He listened to you sing for all of a minute and turned to the guy next to him and he said, ‘This is the girl’ like he'd been lookin for you all along.”
“Do you think he was someone important?” Mirei sat up a little from her spot on the futon, the light burning out from one bulb over by the kitchen cast a deep shadow over everything. Bright orange obfuscating most of his face, only the cherry of the cigarette revealing his nose and mouth.
“I dunno. He had a bunch of tattoos, you could see ‘em under the weird jacket. Probably yakuza, that's not too strange, some of those types work with entertainers and musicians. Fund shows and stuff like that. I'll bet that guy has some cash at the very least.” He mused. Both of them were silent for a time, clearly thinking the same thing, just about. Someone like that could be very lucrative.
“We did that show to meet people. Do you think anyone has his number?” She figured she could call him, maybe get seated in a room, and try and win his favor. She was pretty, and men liked that; it couldn't be too hard for a man like that. Though there was something about him that was alluring, she almost wished she’d gotten a chance to speak to him herself. Naoki surprised her by putting out his cigarette and moving to sit next to her on the futon.
“I think that guy will be contactin’ you first. You didn’t see him while you were on stage, it was like he fell in love or something.”
“This is the girl.” Mirei spoke matter-of-factly into the receiver, a questioning sound from her underling left unaddressed, “I'll be bringing her back with me soon once I speak to her guardian.”
“If you say so, Park-san, but why did you go all the way to Ryukyu anyhow? There are plenty of girls in Sotembori, or at least Kansai, who really would love the chance to audition.”
“I was looking for someone. And I found her. She's perfect.” She wasn't going to explain who this girl was and why; it was far better to bring her in with no past to haunt her, it was just a matter of convincing some middle-aged ex-yakuza blockhead into letting the girl have real dreams instead of forcing her to waste away down here in his shack. Preliminary research had given her quite a lot already, and a background on a certain Kazuma Kiryu had supplied her with plenty of ammo, if he was like most yakuza, he was nothing more than a dense brute who couldn't understand a woman if he had a hundred years to try, and could be swayed by feminine angles to problems he didn't understand. The only real exception to that rule, aside in part from Naoki, though it was less that he didn't understand women as much as he just didn't bother with them emotionally or sexually, was that man.
“So you’re Meiri-chan then?” The one-eyed man greeted her when she stepped into the room. A small office of sorts that seemed rather temporary with how scant the furniture was, he gestured with a leather-gloved hand to a metal folding chair identical to the one he was currently seated in. The dim room of a party didn’t lend itself well to scrutinizing him, and now, meeting him in daylight, he was unique, to say the least. He loomed over nearly everyone with his stick-thin frame, sallow face which magnified his already large nose. His one round eye was oddly soft, and meeting it, she was left with a strange feeling. This man and his ludicrous outfit would be considered ugly by many people, but he had an undeniably captivating aura. She could see splotches of ink on his chest, not quite covered by the gaudy gold snakeskin. She kept eye contact with as much determination as she could. This was the kind of man to make or break her future.
“That's right, I don't think I know your name?”
“I'm Mirei Park, it's good to meet you, Haruka-chan.” She made sure before she approached that Haruka was alone. Just outside the front door of one Morning Glory Orphanage, a place that was fine, for what it was, but certainly no place big enough for dreams a girl like this should have. Haruka bowed politely; she had a weariness about her that was likely smart, given who her guardian was, another reason she would be well suited for this.
“Thank you, Park-san. I'm sorry if Uncle Kaz seemed a bit rude, he's just not used to outside people, he doesn't mean it really.”
“Don't apologize, we had an enlightening discussion. Besides, I just wanted to be sure things were cleared with him, if you wanted to come with me.” Mirei assured her, twisting the truth just a bit, of course; such was necessary for a stubborn old man and his child who thought she should apologize for him. Moreover, it wasn't like Haruka moving out with her was a decision needing to be made. Once Kiryu was gone and some of the money was secured back here, she'd be on a plane to Sotembori. Simple as that.
“Oh, well, that's good, but…” Haruka paused, and Mirei tilted her head a little.
“Is something wrong with that?”
“No! I just…well you haven't heard me sing or anything, how do you know I'm any good?” Haruka's big eyes met her own and Mirei paused, and then smiled.
“Why don't you show me then?”
“Eh? Right here?”
“Why not? I've heard from the other children you like to sing, just choose a song you know from karaoke and go.” She set her hand on her hip watching Haruka flush a little, but the girl nodded and took a step back, clearing her throat.
Mirei felt for a moment like she was seeing a mirror in that reflected nothing but time, she could stand here in her body and fill the role of the man from twenty years ago, his eye a viewfinder for the picture she saw here. She came back to earth when the girl stopped, but his ghost lingered in the tips of her fingers.
“Yes…that's good, of course, you'll need refinement, some lessons, but you've got a good starting point.”
“Really?”
“Sure. I know people who could fix you if you were tone deaf, but it's certainly better that we can skip that step. You've got enough talent to make it worthwhile to train you.” She nodded matter-of-factly. Haruka didn't seem entirely sure how to take that, but her expression had a lingering excitement to it. The kind of girl who wanted to improve, yet another point in her favor.
“Your dancing, we can start from scratch, anyone can dance if they know how to stand up right. Can you do your own makeup?”
“Uhm…no, I don't usually wear any…”
“Figures, living with only a man like that. I'll teach you that too. You should tell him you want to go, or, rather, make your decision, I'll see you both tomorrow.”
Mirei felt sweat pooling in the dips of her body, places she didn't imagine one could collect liquid, as she smiled out at a modest but energetic crowd in a cute little club, she bowed and offered a heartfelt thank you before turning to exit the stage. Her legs felt like lead weights, and her skin was on fire, but she was grinning through it all. It wasn't a big venue, far from the dome with thousands cheering, but it was a step up. She was so lost in these thoughts that she nearly ran into her new manager.
“Heya Mirei-chan! You kicked ass out there!” Gloved hands sat on her shoulders as she looked up at him, halfway to apologizing. His grin was still infectious, and what came out of her mouth was far more honest than she expected.
“Did you think I wouldn't?”
“Course not, that's why I took ya here, shit a couple more gigs like this n’ you'll have enough die-hards to fill a good-sized venue.”
“So you'll keep working with me?”
“Shit I'd be crazy not to!”
“You seem pretty crazy already.”
“Hehe, guilty as charged,” he set a hand over his chest, “Yer funny Mirei-chan, I like ya.”
“Hmm, well, I'll decide if I like you or not, soon, I think.” Mirei pushed the joking a little further, and Majima grinned.
“Ohh, hard to get, I see,” His teasing came across playful, and almost genuine, like men never were.
“You should visit me later on, i'm thinkin’ of havin’ a little party with some friends o' mine. I think your man will be there too."
“Hmmm. I'll think about it.” Mirei smirked and he returned it, reaching over and taking her by the chin with a playful shake.
“Best get to thinkin’, girlie.”
Haruka finished the routine just as Mirei brought her thoughts back to the present. Slightly out of breath, her hair sticking to the back of her neck with sweat, the wrinkles of her shirt bunched up damp across her back. Mirei wondered how hot the room would have to be for her to practice in only a bra. How much would she put up with? She was willing, of course, but there was something more to it than that.
Moreover, she couldn’t just be skilled physically, musically; it was about more than that. Mirei had to arm her for anything. She was just a girl after all, and no one was infallible, but with help, guidance, she could be pretty close to it.
“Good. You should take a break.” Mirei nodded when the girl glanced behind her, face slightly flushed, eyes still sweet, she smiled, and Mirei had a sudden desire to wipe the sweat from her brow, wanting to feel something on her, essence of her personhood, of her body. She found a strand of hair on her neck and brushed it aside. The damp clung to her skin as well, and she imagined briefly how velvety she felt, still soft. “Be sure to wash up, you don't want to get any acne.”
“O-oh right, thank you, Park-san,” Haruka bowed, she seemed surprised to be touched. Not so much that it bothered her, and that, plus the buzzing that told her to set her up for success lingered. Haruka turned to pick up her water bottle and Mirei, determined in her vision and not wanting to wait, spoke up. It was not so desperate as it was determined. She just wanted to know a few things, reach a hand forward and feel for it, if she was rebuffed then so be it, but she had premonitions of things. She was sure she knew exactly what to do.
“Haurka-chan, later tonight, you should come to my office. If you don’t have other plans. After dark theres a few things we should talk about, and I have some work to do until then. Be sure to eat something beforehand.” She told her, so normal, there was nothing strange to it. Even still, her poise protected her from the excitement that came of knowing she was getting away with something. Even though it wasn't really like that, It reminded her of days long past where it was, a bit, like that.
“Oh, of course, I'll be there Park-san.” Haruka smiled, ever so trusting despite everything. She really was perfect.
"There ya are, need another beer girlie? Don't worry, nobody here will notice." Majima's voice manifested nearly right next to her ear. Mirei only turned her head enough to see him out of the corner of her eye. Only barely making out his unusually straight grin in the dim light. The music in the other room was loud but in this corner near the bathroom where Mirei lurked they could hear one another speak, and no one was too concerned with looking at her. Majima said it was fine alot, and so far it had been, but she was always weary.
"I guess i could use one if you're so inclined Majima-san."
"Sure thing, you should loosen up! Its a party," Another beer manifested in his hands as though he could pull it from nowhere at all. She took it but remained weary.
"S'matter, worried about gettin' in trouble?"
"…it would be a bad look to even be here
"Dont worry, aint nobody gettin in here that i dont know and approve, and them messin with you would get on my bad side, last thing any fool wants t'do js piss me off," Majima soothed her with promises unfounded, though he had a cadence that made him easier to believe then most men. She met his eye quizzically, though it was difficult to read in the dark room.
"If yer real worried though, you can always come back here with me."
"Back where exactly?"
"Just a little hideaway, private room. Ain't nobody back there but me, maybe your man if he wonders where yer at." Majima offered, a gloved hand extended outward. One Mirei met with uncertanty, but if it was the overstimulating party or the allure of her manager that she still couldnt place, she took hold of his leather clad fingers and followed him through a hallway reeking of beer and sweat with no idea how he navigated it while visually impared and likely intoxicated.
He led her to a dim room, soft red light bleeding out from a lamp poking its head atop a cluttered desk. Mirei let go of him to glance around, curtains hung haphazardly from the walls and ceiling, stringed beads and the odd smells of incense, liquor, and something reminiscent of a hospital. She felt as though she were standing in a fortune tellers tent or an odd shop that appeared and vanished at will. Majima seemed as though he belonged here and yet he still stood out. Comfortable but on edge. A dual sense of everything, the way he inexplicably felt like a man and like a woman, straddling unknowable lines. Majima looked the way Mirei always felt, as though he couldn't turn it off or hide it even under wide grins and loud clothes.
"Relax girlie, spose i ain't the friendliest lookin' fella, but I don't mean ya no harm. Promise."
"Don't people say exactly that when they do have other motives?" Mirei tilted her head and took a seat at an odd, oval shaped chair. Majima met her taunting by rubbing the back of his neck and shrugging.
"Maybe so, but..eh you mighta got me there. You're awful cautious for a girl yer age y'know."
"How many girls do you bring back here?"
"You kiddin? What girl would come to the back room with a big freak? especailly alone?"
"Oh, so you're asking me what kind of freak i am?"
"Maybe in nicer words, but i can't say i ain't curious, you're real interestin'." Majima leaned forward crossing his arms over the desk, sitting with his legs splayed out on either side of him. He really was mostly limbs, like a newborn foal.
"Whose to say, Maybe I'll let you find out how interesting. Or maybe now, how could I know you didn't have ultirior motives to getting me alone with alcohol." She worded it like an accusation but her tone was halfway playful as though she wanted to keep his guard lowered.
"Can't say it ain't smart to ask,"
"I am smart, I don't need you to tell me that."
"I like the confidence." Majima grinned, "But if i was really such a bad guy, wouldn't I lie to ya anyway?"
"Maybe, but i don't believe you would. I'd know."
"Hmph, Well i dont like all the confidence I spose…" Majima pouted, a good look for him, but continued, "Yer just playin' games with me, aint ya?"
"Why don't you tell me Mr. Manager." She watched him behind her bottle of beer, "Here I thought you liked games."
"You think yer real cute huh? Real lucky you actually are."
"Don't be like that," Mirei smiled, and despite common sense and some of her better judgement, she folded her hands around her beer in her lap, short dress showing tiny holes in her tights, Majima's eye never leaving her face, truly intrigued, an interest that made her stomach tighten excitedly.
"Tell me about yourself Majima-san."
"Uhm, Park-san, you wanted to see me?" Haruka's sweet voice cut through her remincing. Mirei glanced behind her from where she stood looking out the window over the bright streets of Sotembori. The same streets her and that man walked down before they eloped on what felt like a whim. This town lingered in her life as though she wasn't done with it yet. There was still something she had to do. The appearance of the girl felt poignant.
"Haruka-chan, I'm glad you came. Have a seat wherever you like, close the door." She turned to look at the girl with nod. Haruka shifted as if nervous, but nodded and walked closer, taking a seat on the couch Mirei's office. Mirei closed the blinds she was staring out of and turned to face the girl, she was certain she was doing what was right. It was natural she would be curious eventually, but Mirei couldn't come out and be so bold. Women understood eachother better when they were compatible, but if they weren't it could come off badly. She had to tread lightly.
"You've been working really hard lately, I think you're well on your way to a debut if you keep this momentum up." Mirei tilted her head and approached her from behind her desk, standing behind her to watch her crane her neck up slightly, her big bright eyes excited by minute praise. Mirei did not observe the same sugar coated guard that Haruka had when interacting with others when she spoke to and looked at her. It was something one had to know how to deploy to recognize in someone else, and much easier to notice once it was gone. They spoke often, but not ever very personally. Yet Mirei could tell, could just feel that she was right about her.
"Oh, thank you, you really think so?" She tugged at the sleeves of her hoodie nervous but with an obvious excitement behind it, she wanted to impress so badly, she was just no good at hiding that fact.
"I wouldn't say so if i didn't mean it. I knew you could get basics down at least, i believe you can keep going. Which is part of why I invited you here, I wanted to ask you a few things," Mirei continued, looking down at her she was was reminded of those times before. Perhaps it was narcissim that enticed her to think this girl could feel the same many years down the line, but they already were so similar. Maybe it wasn't fully right, Haruka really had no place left to go at the moment, she could always fight it. Mirei felt that she wouldn't, she might not want to.
Mirei glanced behind her once, twice, and crossed over the street pulling her jacket in tight while thousands of droplets of rain pelted her and the ground leaving a grayish haze everywhere. Inspiring everyone else to rush indoors to avoid the impromptu shower.
Free from a hundred roaming eyes, Mirei slipped into a back alley and ducked under pipes and railing and staircase leading to an extraordinarily loud back door. She'd been here once before, following Majima through what felt like a maze back to his little den. The alley reeked of garbage and exhaust, but indoors all she smelled was beer and cigarettes. Something comforting almost.
Her knuckles reddened from the cold tapped against the back door, and a before she knew it a small man in a blue shirt poked his head out to say something, caught who he was looking at and nodded fervently. Many apologies and fussing about her being out in the cold before inviting her back in, down metal stairs that clanked against her shoes and to a door with a 'Do not disturb' placard up. The little man in front of her taking a deep breath before knocking.
"God damnit fuck's sake can't ya fuckin' read Nish-oh," Majima appeared at the door growling at his subordinate before catching Mirei to his right and turning to look at her. "Whatcha doin' down here Mirei-chan?"
"I wanted to see if you were busy, is that an issue?"
"…No sweat just er…gimmie a sec here," Majima waved the little man away and turned back into the room, where a variety of sounds could be heard, something like glass clanking together and and heavy wood drawers opening and shutting hard. He returned quickly, still a bit flustered. His big expressive face impossibly obvious.
"Come on in Mirei-chan," He finally invited her inside, "Er, you want a drink or somethin'?"
"That's not necessary, but…I wouldn't mind." She followed him, his makeshift office a mess, a sickly sterile smell and the sting of booze wafting around. He offered her a glass and she downed it without looking or asking what it was. Majima's liquors always went down smooth, in sharp contrast to the rest of him.
"Shoot you best relax girlie," Majima eyed her, making up for his loss in the eye that he still had, she assumed the other to be missing. It was one of the few things she knew about him for near certain, despite her increasing desire to know, to understand more. Endlessly fascinated by glimpses, his friendliness without such easy to define desires. Blunt and loud and over the top. She couldn't shake him, nor hold what was so interesting in her hands, transient and fluid, opaque water just within reach.
"No, I don't want to, I want something else." It wasn't flirting exactly, more so a bold statement, a fact.
"Somethin' else? This about work? I can try for different kindsa' gigs if ya want, y'know it ain't too hard to fix somethin' a bit more prestigious up if I sniff around and pull a few favors," Majima tilted his head, obtuse, as he poured himself, and her, another drink.
"No. It's not about work." She shook her head, maybe it was too strong, she couldn't afford self doubt but it crept up behind her and begged for coin she couldn't spare anyways. She instead circled around what she wanted to grab, "Though maybe im curious."
"Hmm?" Majima offered her a befuddled expression. Watching her walk to one side, sit on his desk and hold the glass to her lips training her gaze to remain at his visage at all times. Larger than life, but here in this room, the external shell of a man uncertain of how to mimic humanity. It was something inexplicable she felt in his presentation. Of the ways in which he was hiding a husk and the ways in which he was genuine, though she could not ascertain the difference herself. Not yet anyways.
"Why did you pick me?"
"Oh, is that whatch'yer worryin' about?" His lanky form relaxed, a tilted head, "I just got an eye for talent, heh."
"Hmm." She drank again, the mask returned, he was not to be forthcoming. There was just something there, a hand reaching out, a child eager to meet her hand in his own and find kindred experiance in a world that was built around the beautiful, the powerful, and the ability to survive until you were one or both of those things, or to die trying. It was undefinable and undetectable to anyone else. She was close with Naoki because of his ambition and desire for love unattainable before, but he didn't understand the absence of love in the same way. Mirei felt, in some way, that Majima just might.
"I feel like we don't get time to get to know each other very much. Im curious," She tilted her head with a sweet smile, and clearly he felt they were back to play-flirting. Safe and unserious, something he could do without guilt. She would just have to make him more comfortable. It was really that simple finding a compromise between her hesitance to take a risk so drastic and how assured she was that she was right. "And I want another drink."
"Heh, that can be arranged."
It didn't matter what they talked about, all half-brags and slightly obfuscated truths. Mirei didn't remember telling him about her two handed use of pens or the night she ran away to find her dreams, and likewise he didn't recall what he spoke of like accomplishments but sounded an awful lot like adjacent tortures. He always had a working understanding of her background, that she had nowhere else to go and nothing to lose, but no pillars to support her besides Naoki. He learned a lot more here, and she did the same, but in a way that to her felt like she was uncovering knowledge she'd always had. Majima never spoke in specifics here, now, or any time, but outlines formed. She could run wild with ideas there.
Many ideas exchanged, and so had many drinks. She lounged on his desk prone and he in his chair, the coat had come off, the heels left on the floor, the skirt bunched and wrinkled in places. His one eye wandered places, the ceiling, the floor, the class in his hand, the form of her body in front of him like an offering. Not fully aware, but willing to see what would become of it. He noticed the precariousness.
"Maybe you need to lay down, I could take ya home or…" Majima stumbled forward in his words, unwilling to commit to the idea, aware that if he desired goodwill he should.
"Take me to your room." Mirei blurted out, and while there was a pause, it wasn't a long one, and there was very little fight to it.
"'Spose I could. Wouldn't hurt, i guess nobody'd see ya up there huh." Majima reasoned, and then stood, she expected him to sway but he did not, and it reminded her that men could usually drink quite a lot. His gloved hand extended outward she took it and stumbled into his grasp with a sinking fear he thought of her as childish. no, it was important not to even think so. It wasn't true if she didn't let it be true. She held onto his hand, and he placed his own over her shoulder to guide her out of his room,
The scant handful of men around made no attempt to interrupt their boss taking her upstairs to his living area, it likely didn't phase them.
Said apartment was smaller than she expected, and brief spots of luxury starkly contrasted the dirty walls and water stains. a beautiful handmade table and large TV stood against empty beer cans and evidence of cheap takeout, in two extremes it smelled of fancy perfume and she spotted burns in the flooring from cigarettes being dropped, stepped on.
"I know it aint too nice for a lady but-hey!" He went to say something else but she pulled him along by the hand she forgot she was holding, and flung herself on the futon still sitting out. There was no skill to seduction here, she honestly didn't even know if she could pull it off, but it was what men wanted, surely it would convince him to allow her inside the world he hid. Maybe she just wanted to try sex again in a drunken state to numb doubt, her first few experiences were violent hands, or ones too timid and uncertain to unlock whatever it was about sex that made everyone crave it so.
"You're actin' like ya want somethin' from me, walkin' up here in my room and draggin' me everywhere," Majima still seemed playful, it was hard to tell, but her gut said so.
“Are you going to do something about it, Goro-chan?" She offered with a laugh and he scoffed, but even in the dim room he was flushed, avoiding the way her legs were already spread for him on the floor, still holding her hand as he stood over her, leaving him frozen in place.
"What's all this about anyways?" He tried again, nearly pleading as if she were making him do anything.
"Don't be stupid, I like you, you brought me here cus you like me, right?"
"What about Ka-ch er…Katsuya, I know yer supposed to be together and y'know I like the guy-" Majima stammered a bit more with an odd guilty look but she didn't care, not listening to his excuses.
"He doesn't know anything you don't tell him."
"…I don't think you want this Mirei-chan," He settled on as his final over-dramatic line, one spoken seriously, with too much baggage that Mirei didn't have access to so had no motivation to care about.
"Don't tell me what I do or don't want," She tutted at him, flash of fire gripping his hand harder and pulling him as close as she could muster, though that wasn't far when inebriated. "Im not a child, I can work and pay rent and take care of myself and I can fuck who I like, if you're too scared then say so, I don't appreciate being led on, but don't be a coward."
"Hey no it ain't like that…I uhm…shit i like ya too Mirei-chan! Honest I wasn't tryin' to hurt yer feelin's but…well im real beat up lookin' for a pretty girl, and I sure wouldn't wanna hurt ya," He looked like he had more in him, better arguments, ones that might convince her to at least be slower with this, but they were gone now. Instead he actually looked at her fully, and for the first time she detected something so somber in his eye it was nearly frightening, a glaze over his vision where she sensed he was thinking of something else, something far away from here and now. A brief fade-away into a world, a pain closed off. When he spoke, it was soft. Too intimate and personal. She was unwavering.
"Are ya sure?"
"Come closer and see if I am."
He did, lowering himself to the futon and taking her by the jaw, though she leaned in and their mouths pressed together hard and fast. Kissing at first felt like she had lost something truly and for good, she watched it walk away and now she was alone again, grown and strange. It was not her first but it was the first that felt real. A tangible experience that was hers because she fought for it. Victory.
When Majima pulled her in, it was like a riptide carrying her away from any good sense of safety, yet he felt impossibly soft. His body all lean muscle and bones but comforting as a hunting dog in one's arms. His tongue slipped past her lips and before she even realized it, he was laying over her with his hand splayed out on her back and another rubbing her hip. The logical thoughts returned to her albeit briefly. It was bad enough to have a boyfriend, even one as sexually repressive as Naoki seemed to be, surely it was worse to have an affair with a manager, especially one nearly ten years her senior, and yet, at no point did she feel threatened by him. Only wanted. In tandem with her own desires.
She learned very quickly, a fact she hadn't considered possible before, that he was good at this, and it could feel a whole hell of a lot better than she imagined.
Clothes removed, warm leather gloves along her back that unhooked her bra while his heavy mouth met her neck and earlobe, teeth sliding smooth against gold studs punctured in her ears only six or so months ago. Shivering pleasure down her spine and a warmth bleeding from where his hands touched to the rest of her body and suddenly she wondered if somehow she was having sex incorrectly the other times. If that was something that could be done wrong.
“I won't hurt ya Mirei-chan, unless ya want me to.” He promised so sweetly, she wondered if she did want him to. He fought to get his gloves off, and she noticed how his thin scarred fingers appeared mangled, like he'd shredded them in a pile of glass. He was missing his pinkie finger on one hand, heightening the air of danger he had about him.
Majima was careful down her neck as she quickly realized she couldn't have him biting down on the tender flesh of her throat, but she still felt the threat of teeth and heard her own breath shake a little with pleasure. Magical in some way, everything still so hazy in the fog of alcohol. His mouth found her breasts and his fingers groped her inner thighs, if she had any coherent thoughts now, she would forget them the moment soft tongue graced her nipple.
In all the time she'd been alive that felt short and impossibly long, her mind was allowed a place to be at peace. Sex was an act that happened to her a few times, but this time when it did, she felt at the center of it. The most important part of the action. Long, thin fingers applied pressure between her legs, damp cotton growing wetter, teeth pressuring her areola, letting her whimper in his arms without much effort at all.
"You done this before?"
"Uhm…more or less." Her thoughts were fleeting, and he hummed lightly in response.
She moaned in his mouth when he exposed her and slotted her clit between his two fingers, she could just barely see him through the haze of the room, the soft shadows, lights struggling to reach them through bent, dingy blinds. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and sucked on his lips as his fingers slipped inside and curled, tender flesh hung and dragged so gently, skin on skin on skin.
It was like she was bleeding on his hand, hot, wet, eager, his mouth heavy with liquor, his thumb massaging millions of nerve endings. Electric pleasure. This moment she learned sex was not limited to use of a mans penis, opening her mind to the possibility that you could have sex completely clothed, sex was whatever made one feel like this. Whatever made her feel alive.
Punctuated by the moment she felt the edge of madness, desperation for more and more and more until the writhing that broke through it. A release. Heat through her skin, a moment of bliss.
He seemed content just to touch her, after her body stopped convulsing slightly and she found herself staring up at him again almost wide eyed at such an experience. She acted on impulse. Drawing his hips closer with her legs and delighting a little when he whimpered like a dog.
“Mirei-chan…”
“I want you.” That was all it took and he had his mouth over hers again, sucking her tongue hard and grinding his hips into her. When Naoki had done this, he was so tentative, as if afraid of her body or unsure of how to work it, when Majima touched her, even now, as he unraveled into an animal, he acted almost like a professional in the field. Met with her uncoordinated hands she almost seemed innocent, though not enough to be afraid to touch him. To find as many scars as she could littered on his body as if to memorize their placement for scrutiny later.
She managed to pull his cock out with some help, and the moment he was free he was all over her, no space between them to even breathe, she gasped being penetrated. Less like being pushed open, more like receiving something she wanted. His thrusts were wet and easy, and his voice strained with need. Mumbling how beautiful he found her, how good she felt, how bad this all was. She found she liked this too, something satisfying in the tactile sensation. Fulfilling.
He fucked her like an animal in heat. She, without fully realizing it, fucked him back just the same. Nails in his colorful shoulders, hands just so gentle a moment before held her waist and hips firmly in place. sweat down his neck that she latched onto, salty nectar, proof he was alive and it was real. He nearly growled when he came, and she laughed slightly delirious.
They held one another far too close to consider the consequences. Maybe Majima could've pried her off of him and left semen cooling on her stomach like Naoki, but she didn't think he had that self-control, or the desire to. Majima pressed his nose to her neck and sighed softly, Mirei held him close. She heard the rain start up again on the windshield, pattering sounds like a million little footsteps all racing to one area. Hoping the train wouldn't leave them behind. Mirei for the first time in her life felt truly safe. At least for this moment.
He lit two cigarettes, the quiet half hour left them both with no words. Mirei with contentment, Majima with a contemplative gloom. She heard him humming something ever so softly to himself, but couldn't decern the words, sounding like a choppy attempt at english, half remembered phonics. He didn't sound bad.
She had no idea what this meant for them, but somehow she wasn't worried for now. When she stood up and gathered her clothes, he shook his head and glanced up at her, wrapping that mystery back in his wide grin.
"'Spose we'll just keep this between us then?"
"Keep what between us?" Mirei smiled back, honey sweet, warming with affection for the way he grinned back at her, "Won't you walk me home?"
"Well I ain't no gentleman, but i cant say no to that can i?"
"I have a question for you, Haruka-chan," Mirei proposed after a moment of considering how to word it, "Have you ever had a boyfriend?"
"Eh!? A boyfriend…?" Haruka blinked and gave her an almost startled expression. Not promising somehow. Still she pressed on.
"Well from that reaction I'm going to guess no then? You're certainly old enough." Mirei
hummed, not exactly disapproving but enough to show her that it wasn't quite what she wanted to hear. Haruka flushed a little. "Defiantly attractive enough for it too."
"O-oh…well i guess I've just, uhm never known anyone who's interested."
"Is that so? Pretty girl like you? Interesting." Mirei hummed, eyeing the girls nervousness with a hum, "Do you smoke?"
"Uhm, no."
"How about drink?"
"Well i have before i mean, I've just tried a little bit," She stammered a little as if she were being scolded for something, though given their ages perhaps Haruka only saw her as an authority and not another woman. Maybe she didn't even think of herself as a woman yet.
"Relax, you're not in trouble, we're just talking." Mirei turned and walked behind her desk procuring a bottle of wine from a cabinet that was usually locked during the day lest anyone get too curious. She sat next to Haruka and offered her the glass she poured first. While it was sort of cute that she seemed so innocent and responsible, It just wasn't reasonable to expect her not to be curious at some point and Mirei wasn't going to let this opportunity go. if she had to train her out of some of that innocence, so be it.
"Park-san?"
"You're old enough now to more or less function as an adult, but the rest of the world doesn't see you that way yet. More importantly, every little thing can be a scandal when you're trying to live up to a gold standard. You're just a person when you go home though, and people have needs." Mirei began to explain, Haruka holding the wine glass in hand as if unsure if she should drink it. "That's why I ask you these things, and now, that's why i want to tell you, that if you're ever curious about something that would cause a stir, or more realistically you might just want to smoke, you should come to me directly. I wouldn't ask you to abstain completely. If you're here in the office with me though, everything will be safe and you don't have to worry, do you understand?"
"Well I think so, but…" She hesitated, "I didn't think about doing anything like that."
"Not everyone drinks or smokes, that much is true, I did way back when, but i knew people that didn't. Maybe you will be interested sometime. As for the other things, it's inevitable, at least for people who aren't ugly and strange, so you should expect to deal with it sometime soon." Mirei tilted her head taking a sip of wine and eying the girl's face as if trying to guess how she would react.
"Other things?"
"Physical needs, Haruka-chan, men may only want one thing, but I should hope you know women participate as well."
"Oh…you mean…" Haruka suddenly turned red and seemed more interested in trying the wine, briefly distracted by an expression of surprise as if she expected the harshness of hard liquor, it would figure a man would only carry something like that in his house, and Haruka never had a mother.
"I assume you have a basic education like everyone else, right?" For a moment she pondered what a sex talk with a man like that old yakuza would be like, perhaps Haruka would have more gaps in her knowledge then she originally anticipated.
“It's not like I don't know anything, I just…” Haruka hesitated, her face and ears even redder, she was almost precious for a girl like her who'd seen familial blood and death, been kidnapped and threatened and every other thing, yet talking about a boyfriend or even just sex itself left her stammering and shy. Young and without the good sense to know the gravity of each situation.
"Are you worried about something?"
"…I just never really had that sort of…I didn't think about it much, I don't think any boys would be interested in dealing with..my family, and i can't think of any that I'd, uhm, like I guess."
"Perhaps your interests done align with men then." Mirei suggested offhandedly, Haruka's eyes widened and she swallowed her sip of wine hard.
"O-oh I don't-I mean i don't think im…" She closed her mouth as if under some sort of gag order, too scared to even say the words, which to Mirei seemed like it wasn't a rejection out of disgust or misunderstanding, Fear more so implied an unwillingness to look firmly at wherever things like that were stowed away. What woman wouldn't choose to direct her attention towards other women anyways? Men could be fun, or cute, little toys here and there who gave a different sexual experience, but women understood eachother. Despite the conversation leaning a little more uncomfortable for her, Haruka snuck glances at Mirei as though she wanted to impress her. She was more mature than other girls and far more adult than foolish boys her same age, but still yearned for approval so openly, clearly without intending for that to be easily read.
"It wouldn't matter either way, it was only a suggestion. Women are often better investments of time and energy, why wouldn't you be curious? Though, as things are, that would cause a bigger scandal then a boyfriend. So my suggestion is the same, if you're curious, and if you trust me, I can take care of things like that."
"I trust you Park-san, im really just not sure about all of this stuff. I…I don't know how to figure it out either." Haruka admitted quietly, sipping her drink. There was surely something a bit perverse here, but not evil. Not in the same way as those on the outside, whatever Mirei got out of it was outweighed by her desire to help the girl, besides, why shouldn't they both enjoy it.
“Well, maybe this will help you realize some things. They're called the facts of life for a reason; everyone needs them at some point.” Park moved in closer to her very little space on the couch between them, Haruka's wide eyes still almost confused yet not rejecting anything outright. Other girls might accuse her of being ‘weird’ and that they didn't like whatever was going on, but not her. She was special.
Mirei pressed their mouths together, and immediately surmised that was the first time Haruka had ever done so. Her lips pliant and willing, but shocked, unfamiliar with how to move and even just how to take it. Her hands frozen right in front of her chest, Mirei could practically feel her big eyes still on her, but instead of leaning away, she stayed frozen. Perhaps, she even leaned in a little.
“Now do you understand?” She murmured, caressing the girls face with the back of her fingers, Haruka looked at her like she was seeing something in a dream.
“I…I think so.”
“Did you like it?” Lines of questioning reserved for whispers, for the intensity that let the mask slip ever so slightly. That told this girl someone wanted an answer to that question that was honest but still biased. Haruka's big eyes never left Mirei's face when she pushed her chin up and down in affirmation, as if too frightened to say the words. That was alright, this time. She was still young, and how could she know to take things she wanted?
“See? I can help you, isn't that what you want? Unless…"
"No I mean-I do want help uhm, understanding," Haruka set down her glass, fingers still fiddling with the ends of her hoodie sleeves. She had no idea how to ask, how to proceed, that made enough sense. Mirei knew they were similer in some ways, but Haruka was clearly lacking in the self assurance Mirei cultivated for herself. Knowing she had to be the one to fight for it, or it would never come to be. Again, there was much to teach her.
"Don't be nervous."
"It's just…uhm, will it hurt?"
"Don't be silly. What would hurt? Relax. I'm helping you." Mirei insisted again, and at that point Haruka just nodded, a soft embarrassed smile gracing her pretty lips. Mirei figured she could just show her things at first, and see then what she could handle. despite the few uncertainties, she was pleased seeing her cooperation. Her fear that melded to acceptance quickly. Mirei leaned closer and kissed her again, cupping her soft cheek with one hand. Chapstick flavoring their shared lips. A taste indescribable.
Haruka placed her hands on Mirei's shoulders tentatively, as if uncertain to think she was allowed. Almost like clinging to her but knowing she was too old to in some ways. She allowed her kiss, and succumbed to the pressing of Mirei's tongue to her lips. It was like teaching someone how to walk who'd only seen others do it before very briefly. After she parted their lips she met the girls big eyes and found an expression so glittering she had to wonder just how sheltered this girl was, flushed deep and breath shaking slightly.
“Have you done this yourself before?” She murmured, fingers tracing her jawline. Haruka visibly trembled at sensual touch. Just a girl, and still a whole woman all at once.
“N-no…”
“I see, then I'll show you.” Mirei promised softly, not sure if she was surprised that the girl was so pure that self pleasure was foreign to her, or just enamored with the fact. She relished in getting to break such a streak for such a pretty girl, slipping an arm around her shoulders so they were pressed together. She gently positioned her legs open and let her hand wander her body. Tugging her zipper down to open up the hoodie she always wore, Mirei felt her thin frame through her waist, perfect build for a dancer, petite with the capacity for strength, even in this short time she could see her growing stronger when she observed her, calves hard and stomach flat. She cupped a clothed breast and felt the girl gasp as if surprised. Fingers sliding over a guess on where her nipple rested, the gamble paying off when the girl's legs pressed themselves together again.
She decided Haruka wouldn't reciprocate this time, on one hand it could easily be too much for her, on another, Mirei liked the feeling of having someone at her mercy in a sense. The girl could touch her, but she was the only thing that could show her how to give or take pleasure. To even manifest it. Planting an association in her mind, pleasure came from Mirei, she would give it freely if asked. That was the goal of course; though now there may be more to it than just simple turning of the knobs to the desired outcome.
She took the chance to remove her own top, leaving an undershirt and bra left covering her, and letting the heat between them dissipate somewhat. Haruka's eyes followed the trail from her collarbone to her chest, Mirei wondered if she was right about another suggestion already, it wouldn't surprise her. She could read people well.
Mirei pressed her lips to the girls throat and slowly added pressure, indenting her thigh and traveling between her legs. Nothing more thrilling than a girl wet at just her words and touches. She supposed it made sense, Haruka was just like her all those years ago in some ways, ignorant to pleasure and in need of a lead, a role model. She pulled her fingers away for now, a taste of what was to come, not enough to define the flavor of it.
She wasn't protesting in the slightest, and Mirei found that encouraging, she was perhaps a little too pliant, but for now, she could interpret that as surprise, maybe shyness. It was natural, young women were always a little shy, a little awkward or socially rough around the edges, Haruka was even a tad strange almost fairy-like and pretty. A sweet little angel who did have to grow up sometime. Better it be here.
"Park-san…" Haruka gasped softly when Mirei slid her hands under her t-shirt, her skin soft like satin, she kept her legs spread, her hands holding onto her shoulders as though she was desperate to hold onto something real already. The room was so quiet save the sound of Mirei's fan in the corner and the muffed groans of cars every so often from the road. All she could hear was their shared breaths.
"You can touch me Haruka, don't be shy. I'm not here to make you do anything," She cooed, holding her by the small of her back, another hand buried in her thick locks, pulling the it loose gently so her hair fell down around her shoulders. Haruka embraced her with her hands tight to her back, Mirei allowed this and graced the tender skin of her throat with her mouth in recoil.
Together, they slowly undressed Haruka to Mirei's liking. First removing her shoes and setting them aside, Mirei did the same, but this was the last of the similarities. The hoodie went next over the back of the couch. All the while mouths locked, Mirei inviting herself into the girls mouth, tracing her teeth and relishing in the soft whimper, unconscious and adorable.
Mirei had two hands on the edges of her shirt, Haruka balked for just a moment, head tilted towards the door, afraid to be exposed. What girl wouldn't be in this industry? Mirei just turned her head back to face her; Gaze so assured in her mind that Haruka was practically hypnotized, forgetting her hesitation when Mirei rolled her shirt up from her stomach to above her chest. Soft, supple breasts held by a plain black bra that seemed just slightly too small. An underestimation for a girl with no guidance, there was a perverse interest, and a more…maternal one as well.
The girl was at a loss for what to think, but Mirei urged her legs around her hips, and placed her soft kisses from her stomach back up, over ribs, to her collar. There was a possessive need to sink her teeth into such unblemished skin. The one tragedy that hadn't befallen the girl in her short and tenuous life. Let her be blemished with this as well from someone gentle enough with it. Mirei would never force her, that was what men did when they wanted and refused rebuttal.
"Do you like that?" Mirei still quiet, playfully questioning, with all the seriousness this did entail.
"Yes," Haruka spoke breathless and briefly afraid of her assertions of enjoyment. That was another advantage of women, it was a lot easier to want something with them, what was the worst she could do to you for wanting? When you were both already women entangled in another's arms? Men wanted an easy bitch to hold and break, perhaps aside from that man, they had no interest in the woman herself. That was likely what steered Mirei to seek out other women for her casual flings. Herself and Naoki had an understanding, and That man was a mysterious almost feminine soul himself. It was just better that way. Mirei realized in all this, Haruka was exactly the kind of girl that would resign herself to the whims of shallow male sexuality if she wasn't shone otherwise because she liked to please. This was more helpful than either of them had realized before, if she ever fell in love, a standard already had been set for her expectations. Even if she allowed it for the sake of love, most men were too stupid to recognize they were being cheated on in the first place, was it really cheating if he just wouldn't provide worthwhile sex? As if they expected the woman to stay motionless by the door of the home when not cleaning or cooking meals.
Mirei of course, had never been that type of woman, and she knew men that existed as an exception to that rule having fucked, dated, and married one, but there was no guarantee Haruka would herself locate the one man in a million worth her time.
Perhaps Mirei knew she was the only woman relatively in this girls wheelhouse, maybe not in appearance anymore, but in intelligence? In resourcefulness or perseverance? she won out over catty teenage girls or stupid little boys with heads full of dreams of office slavery, a meal on the table and children he didn't have to actually care about. She offered Haruka dreams of fleeting immortality, forever young, beautiful and talented. In a way, Haruka offered her something similar without meaning to. Haruka opened her arms and Mirei was just eighteen again with the world around her just begging to hear her talent. Their talents.
Mirei unlatched the girls' bra and Haruka still recoiled a little when she was exposed. The air was cool, her soft, brown nipples hardened in the air-conditioned sterility of the office. Mirei smiled at her and placed one in her mouth. Letting her tongue softly warm her, Haruka covered her mouth and whimpered, head turning away with embarrassment. Meeker still when she lightly pinched her other nipple in-between two fingers, threatening with her long nails.
"You're okay. You're doing very well," Mirei's praise was still somewhat cold, that was just how she operated as a person, as a lover. Still, Haruka so far had leaned into her sparse and lightly icy complements, this time at least, she was only expected to enjoy herself. An assignment she was rapidly succeeding at.
"I…I like that," Haruka murmured quiet as though nervous of being overheard by someone whose ears should not partake of the sound. Her soft hands resting on the back of Mirei's neck, if she wasn't naturally submissive, she was playing the role as a wounded kitten, soft whimpers entirely helpless to being looked down at, Mirei captivated by the creature in her arms. She shouldn't drag it out too long though, lest she drive the poor girl to ruined orgasm. That was no good for a first time.
Between more kissing, Haruka was getting the hang of it now, Mirei placed her hands on the girls thighs and despite the desire to rip them for access, she was gentle in sliding her tights off, delicate cotton stripped from such virginal skin with ease. Perhaps she was a bit of a pervert for these thoughts, but what harm could she really do? You had to hate it for it to be assault, moreover, women didn't do that. Fingers sliding up smooth, lips interlocked when she pushed the edge of her skirt up, the denim folding over on itself in a hastily erotic bunch. Two fingers pressed against her, Mirei relished again in the pride of having someone desperate for her touch. This time Haruka's flushed lips and red ears and fingertips expressed the anguish of desire. Perhaps she needn't tease the poor thing too much.
She moved her fingers, caressing the outline of her clit with them and watching Haruka's thighs squeeze inward in shock, Mirei recalled as she touched her and held her mouth to the nape of her neck, the sensation of someone else's skill for the first time. The selfless desire to touch another and watch them writhe in pleasure. One she learned a long time ago was inherently more selfish than it was often portrayed. More perverse to desire that power over another. It didn't perturb her. in fact she quite loved the position it put her in. Many women inherently submitted to her attitude and approach to sex. Mirei was invincible there.
Pulling aside wet fabric, the the care not to scratch her even if she twitched or squirmed away, Mirei finally touched her directly, fingers circling her clit so gently, Haruka gasped and released a beautiful moan before she could stop herself, clearly not expecting the sensation. How magical then to show her.
"You're quite cute like this Haruka, I couldn't help but tease a little." Mirei purred, though to a trained ear her voice was likely strained as well. She wrapped her free arm around the girl in a shared embrace, Haruka's fingers splayed out over her face and grasping the back of Mirei's shirt hard. She kissed her throat, and then down to her breasts again, hand alternating between sliding down bewtween her lips, and softly but assuredly toying with her clit.
"You th-think so?" The girls sweet voice met her ears, and Mirei just smiled, the opposite nipple as earlier her new plaything with her mouth. Another time she could leave a bruise or two on the girls breasts, for now she tried not to imagine everything else she wanted to teach her. She wondered if that man thought the same while hovering over her. It was more than she expected to want out of this, but she wasn't worried about that. Only concerned with Haruka's hips twitching.
"P-park-san-!" Minutes passed and Haruka's breathy pants had ramped up and her writhing was more erratic. She really was such a pretty thing like this.
"Shhh, just let it happen, you're fine." Mirei assured her again, firm, not willing to let her stop just yet. Luckily, it was exactly what she though it was. Part of her wished it wouldnt end at all.
Haruka stifled her voice as best she could, her hand clasped over her mouth, eyes rolling under her half-closed lids, Mirei never taking her eyes off of her hot flushed face, she felt her body tremble at her hands, her cunt hot, soaking Mirei's fingers, goosebumps rising from her heated flesh in the chill of the air. Mirei wanted then and there to urge her between her own legs at such a sight, even just allow the girl to watch her get off to the memory so fresh it could still be tasted on the air or smelled on her hands.
No, she would wait for the girl to come to her. Create and steer the need where it needed to go. She had no worries left, if this were so wrong, now would be the time she would start to feel it. Instead, she only felt pride.
"Very good, Haruka," She smiled slightly, letting an 'i told you so' linger in her tone. Haruka was very beautiful in the dim light, sullied with clothes pushed aside, a painting of the loss of innocence. Gentle this time, maybe not love, but certainly more kind then many others would receive. Was that not a precious gift to give a young woman? Mirei thought so, even still, this brought something up in the back of her mind that she had trouble forming a thought about. It likely didn't matter much. She suppressed the urge to leave quickly.
Haruka clearly didn't know what to say, but she didn't seem unhappy, slowly rising while Mirei lit and smoked a ciggarette, both just for herself and to see if she would ask or indicate an interest. Though to girl turned to look at her a few times while she gathered her clothes. slowly redressing, she didn't ask. Maybe another time. There was plenty of it.
"Uhm…this, this was nice, Park-san." Haruka spoke eventually, her hands resting on her knees, shyly averting eye contact. Mirei smiled and reached over, smoothing out her tousled hair.
"So you enjoyed it? Good. Like I said before, this is for your benefit. If you're so inclined, next time there can be more." She allowed just a tiny smirk as she prodded the girl to read into the implications of how it must go if more was what she wanted, "Clearly, you can handle yourself."
"Thank you, Park-san."
"Of course, it's getting late," She observed, glancing up and then back to Haruka before crushing her cigarette out in the heavy glass ashtray where just minutes earlier black tights lay abandoned, she stood and Haruka did too after haphazardly tying her boots up again. She was tall for a girl but still appeared small to Mirei in some way. Her face like that of a sweet puppy only slightly confused, but certain you would never hurt it, even if someone else might.
"I should head home huh. I don't want to oversleep tomorrow," Haruka nodded and bowed politely, a strange thing to do after having sex with her, but that ability to retain normalcy was yet another asset to Haruka. Perfect as always.
"Haruka-chan?"
"Mhm?"
"Be safe getting home now."
"I will, see you tomorrow Park-san," She smiled back, her expression shy and pressed open with wonder as she learned so much so quickly. Mirei didn't doubt that she'd go home and explore these discoveries more herself. She hoped, maybe perversely, that the girl would crave the touch of someone else enough to come back to her, there was still so much she could be taught. Despite it all, she hardly felt cynical or cold about this tryst. Indeed it was exciting, getting away with something taboo yet again to the harm of nobody. this time however, she'd be smarter about it, less high strung. She could manage the situation much better now, and Haruka would be safe from those old mistakes and the heartbreak of unfulfilled dreams.
This time, things would be different, Mirei would see to it that it