Charles Patricius

[Apollymi]

According to this man, her being straight changed nothing about what he'd just said. Did he not know the meaning of the term? Two of the three people she was being pointed in the direction of were women... there was no way she was having sex with multiple members of this group while having a fixed sexuality. A sigh escaped her but it wasn't worth arguing as she was wished luck she held her hand up in the air and waved as she headed over to the group. At the same time, Anya and Emirie were looking at accessories. Wallets with chains, belts and other such items to spruce up the wardrobe already assembled. They had sweats, jeans, and even cargo pants for the young man along with a package of maroon colored A-shirts, and an over the shoulder backpack, they were placing items into. Anya for her part in this was pulling on Emirie's shoulder as she could hear the wandering mind of Konomi going elsewhere and knew that Soma was now unoccupied. Emirie cut her eyes to the smaller girl when she was tapped but fully acknowledged the movements of Soma. "Asakura-kun, welcome back," she said as she looked up to a beaming Anya.

Meanwhile, Konomi was now meeting with the group which had humans present by her own approximation. "I think it's got a moment, maybe you just haven't gotten to it yet," Miko said of that shirt choice. She didn't actually think anything would look bad on Kazuhiko at all, Angelica was in much the same boat, but soon they were being approached by the blue haired girl from the lingerie shop. Here and now, she was looking for the leader and comparing it to something called an MOD. "What is an MOD?" Angelica asked. Which Koonomi's eyes widen. When it was pointed out that this one was the leader, she simply shook her head in disbelief. It was soon cleared up though and she was advised not to take the words of 'Angie' as she was being called. "I am not weird!" Angelica mentioned. "I am also not in charge though... so whatever," she said turning up her nose. "Yeah, I am going to skip past that part, because I definitely assume the person in charge is one or both of you... " she said pointing between Miko and Kazuhiko. Still since Kazuhiko had offered her information she'd see what she could total up her understanding to, "Magic exists and I am supposed to accept that. That kids who are physically only a couple of years younger than me physically were born this morning... and I can apparently evolve magically whatever that means," she said immediately pinching the bridge of her nose. "In all honesty I am still just trying to wrap my head around the fact that I impulsively quit my job today and I am a college student tossed into some weird reverse isekai situation," she said. All the while Miko had taken to listening to this girl, she understood how she felt, she'd felt much the same way even in her other form a short while ago, she'd see how far the conversation got into magic, and explain the fun aspects of this new life from the girl's perspective when the timing was right.

[Bloodedge]

Once Konomi separated herself from him, Soma had plenty of attention to share with Anya and Emirie. The latter female being his most recent acquisition was particularly worth keeping tabs on, as it seemed she was shifting toward a new understanding. He had a glance at the items they'd chosen and bagged for him, not disapproving of anything he could see thus far. "You two have been busy enough, unless one of you plans to become busier," he said coyly, eyes shifting toward Emirie specifically. Soma could somewhat feel the results of his earlier session with Chika, and had taken to wondering what a more directly-formed connection would be like. "Either way, I'll take the bag. It's time to try things on," he concluded, an air of mystique in his tone that would make his intentions clear to mind-readers and sharp-witted individuals alike.

If Kazuhiko ever wanted to assign Angelica a position of power in this world, it wasn't likely to work. It had taken only seconds for her to question a human phrase, discrediting Kazu's claim immediately. "Right. Never gonna work. M.O.D. is an acronym for manager on duty. It's the person in charge of a work shift," he explained quickly. "And yes you are," he added for Angelica's sake. Moving on, he did intend to be helpful to someone else randomly thrown into this magical reality. While waiting for Konomi's full explanation of her understanding thus far, Kazu gestured toward a rest bench that he proceeded to sit upon, gesturing for the woman to join him. He didn't think it strange that she thought Miko was in charge initially, but did find strangeness in her assumption that he was; he did try to avoid that.

Regardless, Konomi alleged a very basic understanding of what was going on. He could work with that. "Sou ka. Alright. Magic does exist. It's pretty jarring, I know, but... if you're this far, you've already got reason to believe, right? Keep that belief for now. You're not weird for freaking out about it, though ─ trust me. It feels like such a dream at first, but you've got the light end of it. You know that franchise Age of Eternity by Industrial Illusions? There's a parallel world out there somewhere, and a lot of people fell right into the isekai life over there. Life is long, there's magic instead of technology, and you might even find yourself being a historical figure with a whole different perspective. The most confusing part might be the grown children though, huh? Well..." Kazu took a long pause, sighing deeply before continuing. "That part's really new to most of us too. The way people work in the magical way is how we, from this world, would see characters in a game ─ not just video games, but card games, tabletops, the whole shebang. Those kids are all so old because... well, they were born in their primes. Souls and mana are everything. You put a lot in, you get a lot out is basically how that part works. As for the evolution thing... that's where the game mechanics come in. Apparently you can make a kid or another version of yourself, like making a character, as long as you've got enough stuff to work with. Making sense so far? Interim questions?"

[Apollymi]

The appearance of Soma near Emirie and Anya was exciting for the youngest of the group and something expected by Emirie herself. The coy statement of Soma hadn't gone unnoticed either, but Emirie wasn't exactly the kind of bite at such a provocation. No, her standards were a bit different at present, and based in logic. "You and I both know that we are far too magical for you to nudge me towards completion with timing like this," she stated clearly. "Also I've figured out what is going on with this one," she said pointing at Anya. "She's an interesting choice, but likely a great long term investment..." Emirie mentioned aloud. While Anya's eyes widened immediately as she realized that her older sister had figured out she could read minds. "Whoa!" Anya said looking between the two. Both of them had very complex minds, ones she wouldn't purposefully try to read, but she'd not picked up on Emirie figuring out how her abilities worked.

Passing Angelica off as the leader of this group would have never worked, she was also a bit too out of normal experiences to pass as human. Even someone like Konomi realized that in an instant given that she didn't know what an MOD was. According to Kazuhiko, Angelica was weird, but she got an explanation. "I've never managed anything before, but that doesn't mean I couldn't be good at it," she said turning her nose up in the air. Of course she felt that way... but that would only cement for Konomi the oddity of that individual. "And just like that, next outing organization on you, Princess~" Miko said firmly. In all honesty she found being in charge a bit stressful, but found the alternative to be more stressful. Oh well, Konomi was busy getting a crash course in magical world mumbo jumbo.

"Finally someone is talking sense," she said the pressure between her eyes finally relieving. Ah, there was magic, and another world based on that game AoE which everyone in this world was playing right now. Well, except for her but she was busy with work and school. Making characters, powering up, gaming logic, all things she could get behind and understand. He even explained why babies were born at such a ridiculous age, and the isekai scenario. "Okay, okay... I get this... i think. But you said long life? Like how long? And like this other world, like what's that like besides the magic not tech? Asakura-kun seems to think I'd make a good mage, that does sound fun but like that's the kind of thing you give up on once you become a teenager to avoid being weird. I haven't thought about it much until now..." she asked wondering about the specifics. Beyond that point, putting a lot in, getting a lot out, made more than reasonable sense. She could understand this logic and be able to work with it.

[Bloodedge]

"Ho?" Soma replied when Emirie presented her logic. There may have been some sense to her thought process ─ he assumed there was. On the other hand, Soma had yet to be entirely forthcoming about what he brought tot he table. Perhaps a casual mention of something would lead to more thought. First though, Emirie revealed her discovery about Anya. A sly grin appeared on Soma's face in that moment. "Commanding the strongest requires a lot of care. Power of any sort can come with, or from, ambition. Clashing ambitions and different beliefs bring treachery. I intend to cover all my bases," he stated. Holding a hand out to receive his bag of clothes, Soma blurted out the notion he'd been holding since Emirie's earlier clause. "By the way... my type is Synergist ─ Class Talker," he whispered.

Miko thought it best to put Angelica in charge of their next outing. Though he believed it would be absolute chaos incarnate, Kazuhiko agreed simply because he thought Angelica would enjoy the freedom. "That'll be a wild adventure. Dibs on helmsman," he said swiftly. As for Konomi's understanding of things, it seemed she'd finally located some sense. Kazu understood exactly where she was coming from. She did have questions, though. That was fine; he had answers aplenty. He'd start by addressing the length of a life. "It varies, but it's usually a lot longer than lives here. I've been around for over a thousand years. That's another thing determined by soul strength and all that. As for the magic without tech... well, it's not too different depending on how you look at it. You won't see cars, but you will see carriages moved by horse-sized chickens. Instead of a supercar, you'll probably see someone riding a Pegasus or a Hippogriff ─ or using teleportation devices. The world itself isn't too different. Before we left, we were basically walking around in the magical version of old Kyoto. The weird thing is, you'll see a lot of places really scattered. Like... three different parts of Japan, but in three different corners of the world," he explained. "And yeah, you'd probably make an awesome mage. There's a thing that's always been said about witches and hair. Besides that... there's the part people from here aren't so comfortable with right away. Remember earlier when you bent over, and I was all like 'Woah!'?"

[Apollymi]

Emirie knew her logic was sound, though not the aggressive awaking version of a consciousness that Soma had been, she'd been with her mother for a couple of days. She knew the magical implications of sex between two existences that were closer to even than not. She also mentally had some understanding the fun of the situation and as such she knew that a quick romp in a dressing room wasn't the sort of thing she was going for. If a connection of the sort he spoke about was being established it would be done in the way that Emirie found most beneficial to her own potential. Still, she handed this young man his bag and smiled as he reached for it. Emirie's understanding of Anya's powers was apparently appreciated, maybe... Anya couldn't be sure she looked to Soma for a surface level reaction, wondering if there was something there. At the same time, Soma spoke of covering his bases, "Hai, wakarimashita. Honestly, I don't think many would expect that outcome," Emirie agreed. The ambitions of many were his concern, after all, he'd asked her about her own. She also was given more information, about the classing and type of Soma. Such information was to be shared, she'd yet to determine those things for herself, but she was sure he realized that already. "Sou ka," she said to those whispered words. There were several implications of that combination of class and type. There was a high likelihood of them not coming with built in physicality and instead higher end mental and magical abilities. Though many of those sorts of things could be worked around by various other things. It gave her a lot to consider. Especially given his desire to have her along his his adventure.

Meanwhile, Angelica had basically just volunteered herself to be in charge and Kazuhiko wanted to be part of that overall head of the group in the next situation. Miko raised her hands and grinned. "Hai hai... I will gladly just be one of the crowd in such a situation," Miko said while Angelica turned her nose up. "It'll be great, you'll see!" she said not faltering at all from the potential challenge. Being student council president she'd gotten used to be in charge of her friends. With them present, she'd fallen back into that sort of organization but she'd be happy to see the chaos of a shut-in making group decisions. Meanwhile, Konomi was getting a crash course in isekai life. She was gawking, the brown haired lad had been alive for over a thousand years according to his words and she had no reason to think he was a liar. Apparently magic did wonderful things for you. Magic without technology lead to some interesting comparisons. Instead of super cars he claimed special magical beasts would be ridden by those who could afford them, presumably by the magic or other necessary skill cost. "Actually, that is a really good comparison. I actually rode in a supercar for the first time the other day and it's like a like a hippogriff," she murmured, having had a ride on two fronts before. With the general geography of the place being spread out by a lot but some places still seeming familiar Konomi could at least understand the comparisons. "Okay, I can work with that, kids born at prime. Strong magical bodies stopped around there... that seems useful. It's manageable as expectations. I could live a long time, see some random magical beasts... and see places like home that aren't exactly that, anime style scenarios are easy enough to understand," she mused making sense of things after that first explanation.

Beyond that point she'd apparently make a good mage, because of her hair. Soma had said something similiar but given he was only born today she figured it had to be left over magical world information or something. Witches and their hair were mentioned and she supposed even this world had some understanding of that sort of thing if media was to be believed that. "Okay, I can work with that I guess..." she said there was a certain comfort that came from the idea of actually being able to live up to expectations. He mentioned his earlier outburst and paired it with the idea that something was coming that she wouldn't be comfortable with, she looked at him directly clever enough to assume it had something to do with what Soma was saying about mana and all of that so she'd keep her ears open. "Hai, i do remember that," she mentioned almost skeptically.

[Bloodedge]

"And that is why there can only be one at the top. Those who don't expect, don't prepare. Those who don't prepare, fail. It's why I chose you. I'll prepare even for the potential of my own oversight, and everything else along the way," he said. All the while, Soma's attention was taken by Anya, who decided to focus on him. Was she attempting to read his mind again? Well, he happened to be waiting for such an opportunity. 'The sky is... if I wonder strongest... this works, easy, it'll... mix the blue... can’t read them, she—this will make me... is it working?' he thought, keeping five clauses concurrent. Now that he had his bag of clothes in hand, Soma took into account Emirie's lack of progression toward the most favorable outcome. He figured she was more one for the romantic, but didn't anticipate a lack of connection to mention of his Class. No matter; Soma intended to have his way in time regardless. "Hai. To my knowledge, it's something I invented in the womb. Its features... well, there are a lot to figure out," he said casually. Soma wouldn't be visiting the dressing room just yet, but he seemed ready to move at a moment's notice. First though, there was something he had to figure out about Anya. . .

Meanwhile, there was a more volatile topic to address with Konomi. She'd been following along nicely with the explanation thus far, even seeming a little bit enthused deep down. That was good, but skepticism loomed nonetheless. At the very least, Kazu had an existing example to use as a segue. "Well see... you know how there's that whole belief in soulmates and all that? It's not unfounded at all. There's... mana transfer, and it's exactly what you think it is. Bodily fluids conduct mana, and well... you can take the whole 'you are what you eat' thing a little more literally too. That thing I let slip earlier was like seeing something delicious and immediately getting a craving for it. Depending on what you've done by now, you might already know about the whole flavor thing too. Still onboard?"

[Apollymi]

According to Soma he'd be making sure that he stayed active in life covering even for things he couldn't think of himself. "Those are fair points. Admittedly, it seems like a lot to under take on your own, but I do respect the ability to work through that much," Emirie agreed in that moment. If it was Soma's plan to use a mind reading baby and another clever person to work through all his potential recruits. He seemed to push this sort of thing, by texting everyone all the time. One such test was occurring right now, as Anya tried to figure out the current climate by reading Soma's mind, she found the most confusing sentence of her life in his head. 'The sky is... if I wonder strongest... this works, easy, it'll... mix the blue... can’t read them, she—this will make me... is it working?' None of that made sense to Anya. She began thinking about it, and the more she tried to work it out, her eyes began to swirl. She got wobbly on her feet and the only thing she took from the entire set of sentences was, the sky is blue. "Ugh, Anya can't with this, too swirly..." she mumbled as she wobbled in place trying to mentally work through stuff. Emirie looked down at the small girl and assumed that she was going through some kind of testing by trying to read the mind of the man who was leading them. Poor thing, she was actually young and the machinations of a teen plus individual were likely a bit complex for her. Moreover there was the matter that Soma had created his own class while in womb, the one he mentioned wasn't one she would consider standard. "Sou ka, I'm sure you've already figured out quite a few uses for it. You've at least demonstrated the ability to use something even your own mother recognizes as outside of the norm. Still if you made it, I'm sure how it works will be up to you and your creativity, that is an interesting prospect," Emirie claimed. If nothing else, it would be reason enough to stick around for a while to see what he did with his new found magical ability and to make sure people like Anya reached a reasonable place of understanding without it being a problem.

While Anya tried to keep her body from swirling along with her mind, Konomi was learning the whole of magical world basics in a short conversation all so she could determine how to grow as dictated by her apparent overlord. But what was Kazuhiko talking about now? Soulmates weren't completely unfounded. There was mana transfer, which was apparently actually the innuendo it sounded like. And how taking things into you, made you more like them. "This is way too much for a life change," she said immediately. Such was the nature of a human on Gaia. Angelica watched and now understood fully that the odd actions of Kazuhiko and Miko weren't exclusive to them and the people who were more open were the oddities in this side of humanity. Skill Konomi would be looking sheepishly away and nodding her head without admitting to anything specific, well this was still public and she was still Japanese and this was still a very embarrassing sort of conversation to have, even with her being an adult. "I follow the logic, that makes sense... I guess," she said quickly. "We won't judge you. I do that sort of thing a lot more often than I feel comfortable admitting. You aren't alone in feeling like it's a lot more than it should be. Also omedetou, being able to make magical sensing work before fully understanding is really great!~" Miko added with thumbs up which made the other girl look at her directly and see the sincerity of those words. Girls were complex sometimes and she'd recently had a coworker who would have pretended to be jovial while actually being quite toxic in general, as such it was actually a bit shocking for them to all have been so nice.

[Bloodedge]

The immediate reaction from Anya was all Soma needed to confirm. If he could prevent having his own mind read, he could prevent others from using his own ultimate tactic against him. Anya was a child mentally, and therefore ignorant and impressionable. He could not gamble on her remaining faithful whether she intended to or not presently. One more contingency plan could be counted among the growing list. "Right into danger," he commented absently. With that confirmation gained, Soma had no further business here. He turned on his heel, choosing to leave both Anya and Emirie behind in the moment. "Peer Support," he whispered first to strengthen the mental fortitude of Anya and perhaps do something about her lost mind. "You know where to find me," he added while walking toward the back.

Konomi had about the reaction Kazuhiko expected, even with his more careful approach to explaining things. "Yeah, it is. But..." he started. Despite Konomi claiming things made sense, he could see the skepticism and... embarrassment? Yes, that seemed to be it. That much was also to be expected. Miko spoke then, silencing the idea of judgment while adding congratulations for Konomi's existing ability. "What she said. We get how things are viewed here, but I promise there's nothing to worry about. In the other world, the more you... you know... the better you are for it, as long as it's with the right person... or people. There's a wannabe god out there trying to be the one true God of the world, and he's been pushing values on mortal species for a while ─ probably to keep us weak. Don't worry about him; we're taking care of it. Long story short... Rule 1! Never get involved with each other's private affairs. That's the main focal point of the group we're going back to eventually. Whoever you're doing something with is your business and theirs ─ no one else's. Well... unless any overlap happens by choice. Some of us are on a bender lately," he explained, rubbing the back of his head. A moment later, something struck him. "Oh, and infections aren't anything to worry about! Well, as long as you don't have a go at some cursed person or anything."

[Apollymi]

The commentary of Soma often seemed a bit misplaced. Emirie decided that such details would need to be tracked for future endeavors, but understood given how her own mother processed things that many wouldn't be completely obvious all the time. Whatever the case, it seemed that Soma was done talking with them for now, but not without fully acknowledging that the young girl had at least tried to read his mind. Whatever she'd tried, she'd not found it an easy thing to do. Emirie felt no need to hide her thoughts from this child and found herself casually wondering if an older mind was even the kind of thing she could easily pick through. Still, whatever he'd said, seemed to perk up Anya a bit and made her concentrate a bit more. "Ah, swirlies stopped. Emiry," she held her hands up to the other girl and she rather easily picked her up. "Hai, ja ne," she said as Soma made his way towards the back of this establishment. She and Anya by association would be migrating towards her twin brother, simply because she'd not intended to leave him hanging in the clothing department either, though he was getting some help.

At the same time, several more things were becoming obvious to Konomi. This group was operating as a large friend group with people in charge of individual processes. That no one here was judgmental or directly underhanded in their person to person dealings and that there was a strong underlying sense of justice and comfort. Those last two were weird to note given the fact that they were discussing their sexual behaviors, but apparently there was even coverage for that. Rule One, as it was called claimed for those involved to stay out of the private matters of others unless it was already agreed upon. "Sou ka, this is that kind of group then. Thank you for the help, I think I understand a bit better now. It is at least comforting to know some new weird instinct I have won't necessarily lead to new social suicide or anything like that. Also don't worry about benders, I understand those a bit myself, freshman year is always terrible for college students and all of that. I get it..." she confirmed. If he said she didn't need to worry about whatever false god they were talking about, she wouldn't, she didn't count god slaying as a particularly strong attribute of her own. "I guess that explains why the choices aren't really choices as well," she said sighing only lightly. Miko understood that kind of thing too but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing either.

"That's a relief I am definitely one of those on a bender, but also... there are a couple of other really good things. Like once your body is fully caught up bathrooms and the like become basically not necessary, especially if you have a soul or mana manipulation that is strong enough. And as a mage you likely won't have to experience girl time either... you'll need the mana, so long as you cycle it properly it won't stagnate inside you and feel the need to cause an escape. Also... take this," she said reaching into her bag to fish out the Peach John gift card since this one had missed out on the early shopping and because Miko saw them as particularly similar. "I couldn't," Konomi said quickly. "But you should, because it'll be fun, you'll be able to buy the sets, because mana density is present in all secondary sex characteristics," Miko mentioned with a huge grin. It took a moment for Konomi to process those words as Miko pushed the card into her hands properly, "Wait, really?" she said, she'd gotten used to the idea that she'd not ever do that... getting used to navigating her new social dynamic said, perhaps this wouldn't be so bad. Actually, looking at everyone present, that bit made a lot of sense, she could grow and understood how to make that happen so... "Arigatou gouzaimasu, I'll let you get back to your shopping. And really thanks for this," she said quickly knowing there was only one place she could go now.

[Bloodedge]

In the midst of their explanation about magical world knowhow, Miko decided to share something else with the group's newest member. Those of the female persuasion would quickly be in need of new undergarments due to the obvious growth of certain assets. Miko herself was a shining example, as he'd now seen twice. A gift card to the place Konomi so recently worked, where their group had been shopping for the first leg of their journey, seemed about perfect with all its variety. "Why didn't you use that when we were there?!" he uttered, aghast. "... Anyway! I've got everything I need. Looks like Asakura's on his way to change. Before you go, though..."

Most things had already been addressed for the sake of Konomi's transition. As always however, there were a few additional matters ─ some of which could be addressed right away. "The growth is one thing, but the craving might be another. The way I understand it, it's got a lot to do with what direction you lean in between making and breaking. Either way still results in... well, becoming a total degenerate. By the way, if you let that happen and are looking for a guy, offer's on the table. Just saying~" he added. Kazu's shopping was actually complete by now. It seemed others were wrapping things up as well. Even Yuuya was hesitantly moving toward the changing room, despite his belief that clothes were still unnecessary in his case. "I really don't see the point of this. I have plenty of clothes that fit well enough. . ."

[Apollymi]

Konomi was learning the of the healthy friendship between these people and while it may not have applied directly to Soma she figured he couldn't be bad at all hanging out with them, regardless of his villainous tactics. She also after trying to push that card back into Miko's hands a couple of times, ended up resigning herself to keeping it, with the idea in mind that she shouldn't actually turn down this girl's kindness. Speaking of, apparently Kazuhiko was upset that she hadn't used this gift card before now, "It only has enough for one person on it. And I ended up not using it my first day because I had a run in with an employee that time and felt the need to assert myself by making sure it was obvious that I was paying for it myself. I hadn't expected to encounter a problem like that while being human. I forgot what that kind of girl could be like," she said with a sigh. "But don't worry, my aunty will appreciate a cute girl buying cute things with it as intended. She got it for me even though she knew I didn't need it either to make me go there," she covered quickly. Ah, Konomi knew exactly the girl she was talking about in that moment, and understood why she'd felt the need to assert herself, she shot her an apologetic look as Kazuhiko went on to explain something else.

He made the claim that she might become some sort of degenerate and offered himself up to her on an odd basis if she found herself in need of him after fixing herself up. She looked at him a bit sheepishly, "I'll remember that... arigatou," she said. No way was Konomi going to admit she'd already been thinking it. Soon after, it was Miko's turn to look at Konomi with slightly upturned lips. Oh well, there was nothing wrong with any of that as she went off to join Soma. "I thought you guys were too formal," Angelica said having heard more thanks in a couple of minutes than she had in her entire life. That same boy's mother was ushering a different young man into get clothes. "Yuu-kun, it's a part of the group dynamic when you have a friend that likes to give... everyone is all together and doing some shopping. And maybe you have some stuff already but there isn't any harm in getting a few other things. Besides, Mi-chan would argue that you don't have to get everything but getting a few things as a treat and as thanks for letting us completely crash your place and way of life isn't a bad idea~" Kaguya mentioned. "Besides, it's healthy to change your style up as you grow and change a bit, right? Consider it a sample," she said as if it was completely logical. She knew of his childhood in a bit more detail than the others, she figured he'd have a hard time accepting the pure kindness of certain individuals, so she'd help him along and maybe help him find his confidence as well.

[Bloodedge]

Apparently, Miko's gift card was only enough for a single person. Kazuhiko still didn't understand why she saved it instead of splitting payments, but... he also didn't have so much money to blow on group shopping trips. "No less weird, but you know what? I live in a different dimension," he claimed with a sigh. As for the reason she didn't use it originally, it seemed about the right kind of impulse for her. "No idea what you're going on about. Honestly, I only grasped girl and cute panties... because that's the kind of guy I've turned into," he said. Many times lately had Kazu acknowledged himself going native. This was just another time he'd have that thought.

Ah, but he was having other thoughts. The visual memory of Konomi's backside hadn't left him, as such things never would. She'd be keeping in mind his offer, but he also had a separate request. "Hai hai. If not though, I've got loads of phone storage now and... I may or may not have been making a collection lately," he added before they went their separate ways. All the while, Yuuya was being all but pushed toward a purchase by Kaguya. She argued the group dynamic and a logic behind his acceptance of a few articles. A reasonable person couldn't argue against her words, though Yuuya believed offering his house to the group was the least he could do. "The house isn't even enough for everyone. It's not something worth paying back," he pleaded. Much like Kazuhiko, he would be reluctantly accepting the offer... despite thinking he'd be paying it back somehow. "If I take any of this, it definitely shouldn't be more than an outfit or two. These are too many," he insisted. So close to the dressing room, Yuuya was heard by Soma. The red-eyed male scoffed internally; that one wasn't going onto his list any time soon. Oh well; he'd busy himself with listening while picking up one of those maroon tops selected by Anya ─ something he'd soon be covering his otherwise bare form whenever he selected a pair of pants.

[Apollymi]

Miko wouldn't have bothered splitting payments for something so simple. It was just unnecessary work for the staff. Still it was interesting with Kazuhiko claiming to live in a different dimension. "Wait I thought you were both from here," these were the words of Angelica who was lightly confused by this part of the conversation. If one asked her to summarize, she would say, Miko decided to spend her own money for cute things for herself. But all else was pretty much in one ear and out of the other, and it seemed her and Kazuhiko had that in common as the brunette claimed that all he heard was girl and cute panties. "That's pretty much all that was necessary. And we are, that was a commentary about my supposed frivolous spending," Miko said to clear things up for Angelica.

Beyond that, Kazuhiko made a hint to Konomi about maybe getting some pictures of her if she didn't want to accept his offer of himself at some point. That was a rather direct request in the modern age, she might have been skeptical of his desire for it, but she'd witnessed him directly. She wouldn't outright say yes to something like that but she'd at least consider if it she happened to take some pictures from the angle she knew him to like. At the same time, Yuuya was trying to argue against the good he'd done for the group at large, 'Not the issue, it was still all you had. How people like Mi-chan measure kindness is different, she doesn't think about reciprocity, for her it's about effort, " Kaguya mentioned. "Besides, there are intangibles to consider, like the hundreds of years it'd been for Mi-chan since she'd even talked to her parents. You opened the door for that literally," she explained knowing how her friend's heart worked beyond all else. "Maybe I'm being too pushy, but at least you agreed to take something in this case. Pick your favorites and and let me see. I'll help, since us Yuu-people are still sticking together. But know that this isn't going to be one of those things she asked for repayment for, nor would she even accept it~" Kaguya said in a teasing tone, even while speaking absolutely the truth. While she spoke to Yuuya, she noted Konomi headed towards the back, she pointed towards the dressing room her son was in and gave the girl the thumbs up. People having parents younger than her was something she didn't expect to have to get used to until she was a settled adult. Still, Konomi gave a respectful bow before heading towards it. "Still need help, Asakura-kun?" she asked tentatively.

[Bloodedge]

Another interjection from Angelica presented another need to explain casual conversation amongst humans ─ at least an aspect of it. "It's just another saying. Living in different worlds, being on different pages ─ it all just means we don't have the same kinds of experiences. It's nothing so serious," he explained with ease. Kazu didn't think something like that would be the simplest explanation he offered today, but it all felt so normal now. Regardless, there was something else he thought was worth adding. "We better live in the same actual dimension. I'm still not done doing... uh... stuff," Kazu said while scratching his cheek.

More forcefulness was something Yuuya didn't know how to deal with. He hadn't done much of anything, but these people insisted they did. He couldn't even be sure how to feel about it all. He watched Seiichi emerge from a dressing room, clad in dark skinny jeans and a large, white hoodie. He figured that was something he could maybe pull off, albeit without the large hoodie. Since Kaguya wanted to give her input, he reluctantly took a step toward the emptied changing room."I guess it can't be helped," Yuuya said, knowing he wouldn't let go of the thought to repay these kindnesses. Meanwhile, Soma stood nude in his room, hanging several pairs of pants on the wall. The timing was perfect; he had five selections hanging when Konomi spoke from outside. His muscled form seemed to glisten lightly as he turned toward the door just to ensure his groin ─ which was presently gaining stiffness by will alone ─ was on full display in a matter of moments. "Of course. There are so many options, you know?" he said teasingly. "Maybe you'll know what to start with."

[Apollymi]

Human sayings were odd and indirect. Angelica understood them better than Sakura but some were still a bit beyond her, like acronyms and things like what he'd just said, but apparently it was quite simple. "I see... that does make sense. Don't think I'd use it but... " she let that little statement hang in the air. All the while, Miko couldn't help but chuckle. Ah, but soon her chuckle would be turned to admiring eyes that landed upon Kazuhiko to dance in deviance. "Still on a bender, Charlie. You'll get a different me looking like that♪~" Miko sang happily. Of course, whenever someone was ready to make purchases, she'd find herself waiting near the cash register waiting to swipe for another one. Of course, there was a bit of time left for such a gathering, with the young men in question still trying on clothes and at least one planning something very different.

Apparently the pushy nature of these girls and accepting of the gifts they gave wasn't something which could be helped. "Hai hai, resign yourself to the depths of friendship, Yuu-kun we're in this together~" Kaguya mentioned once more. Of course she felt that way, she understood his sheepishness and knew what her and her friends were like. There was no reason for tallies to be kept among friends and no reason for anyone to not accept anything offered. At least a few of them made offers without expectations. Meanwhile, Soma had expectations and his were very different from anything humans would consider normal. Even no, Konomi was resigning herself to what she figured she was about to walk in on, "Shitsureishimasu..." she muttered finding herself staring at Soma's growing erection directly for the second time in a relatively short time span. Ah, but there were also muscles present on that form that were worth a second look at least. "You know what? I expected this, you didn't even try did you?" she said scoffing lightly. She looked at his choices in clothing and figured he'd likely enjoy the black cargo pants, which would look pretty good combined with that maroon colored a-shirt. "Shirts like that are suddenly very interesting to see," she muttered. "Didn't know they came in that color," she said as well, but after closing the door behind herself she was once again alone with this boy and his erection. 'My life is really over...' she thought absently. Oh well, she was still Japanese, if her new job revolved around becoming an ultimate tier mage, she supposed she should put in the ground work.