2SPICE

Catching the way he looked at him, he offered a polite smile, doing his best to look pleasant and inviting. He was doing much the same, eyes constantly skimming along the edges of his guest’s face to admire the beautiful shade. It really is like autumn blew into the room. 

Noticing that his cheeks colored, Shinobu wondered if it was too hot in the room, excusing himself to get up and open a sliding window just a crack. A fresh breeze hit his face, and he hummed happily, a bit surprised with how comfortable he was in the merchant’s presence. Usually he was a shaking mess when around other clients. But something about the kind face told him not to worry. 

Giggling as he sat back down, he dip his head at the praise, eyes crinkling briefly as he smiled. Compliments such as those usually made his heart race in unease; but the kind words this time had his pulse racing a bit faster in blithe delight. 

“You jest~ Surely you’ve been in the company of those far more charming than I.” Tilting his head a bit, he covered his mouth as the last remnants of soft laughter spilled past his lips, and he settled a bit closer. “But I’m glad I’m to your liking-” 

Watching as he took a sip, he hoped that the tea was alright, eyes flickering to the array of snacks, seasonal treats with mild flavors to compliment the tea as well as the weather. Fingertips pressing together, he fixed his eyes on his guest’s shoulder, not bold enough to look at his face yet. 

“But do allow me to introduce myself. My name is Shinobu~ And please, act as freely as you wish. I’m here to make your stay comfortable. Ah, though-” 

Hand coming up, he shifted his eyes higher as well, fingers lightly touching his guest’s cheek. “I worry you may have a fever merchant-dono- Please don’t overwork yourself.” 

He wasn’t all too sure as to why had the oiran decided to open a window, but he was grateful nonetheless by the refreshing breeze that seemed to calm his nerves. It felt less like a secluded room and more like part of the world when the smell of the earth and the flowers could find their way to him.

“You’d think that, right? But it haven’t been that long since I started this profession. Me and my brother just climbed to Edo a few weeks ago, just in time for the Rikka” he stopped on his tracks for a second, realizing a bit too late that he was revealing all too much all too soon. It was easy to feel comfortable in the presence of this oiran, her smiles and giggles not healthy for his rushing heart “Ah, but do keep that as a secret, if you may. I might have said I’m a big shot merchant when landing this deal”

Raising both arms before him in a prayer pose and closing, he attempted to add more intensity to his request. Maybe like that the oiran would feel inclined to accept his little request.

What he didn’t realized was the soft hand reaching up for his cheek. The slightly colder hand making him jolt slightly and open his eyes wide. She was quite too close, the features of her beautiful porcelain face all too noticeable in short range.

“A-a-ah! I-it’s not a fever! Do not worry yourself with me!” he jumped back slightly, clearly embarrassed.

But wait, only now did he caught on the name of the oiran. Shinobu was certainly not a girl name, so could this be... a boy? As pretty as this? It didn’t seemed all that out of place, but he couldn’t help doubting it. He could ask but that felt embarrassing in it’s own right -and it wouldn’t really do anything against his rushed heartbeats so why bother.

Peeking out from a window, he was able to catch a bright flash of orange, color paralleling the vibrance of autumn leaves that ripened on maple trees before covering the ground in a carpet of fiery shades. He used to love playing with the dancing leaves, but that was something he could only visit in his memories now. 

While reminiscing, he lost sight of that brief flash of happiness, smiling wistfully as he got to his feet, carefully making sure his robes were in order before checking himself in the mirror. ‘Look pristine’ was something that was currently being drilled in his head, the importance of a facade to mask what he really felt always emphasized. He’d been told his looks were enough to pass, and though he wasn’t sure if he was happy about that or not, at the very least, the face looking back at him was almost unrecognizable. Good- That way I can pretend it isn’t me. 

Making his way to the ground floor, not a single creak announced his presence, and there was a small flicker in his chest as he thought how ninja like it was. His quiet steps and small frame were coming in useful for once, as he was able to easily navigate from room to room unnoticed, sometimes even able to drift past the seemingly omnipotent owner. 

But today was one of of those days. No soon had he reached the bottom of the stairs did he find himself in her line of sight. Following the crook of a finger motioning him closer, he nervously flittered forward, unable to look at her eyes. Nodding as his gaze trained on the floor, he listened carefully as he was instructed to entertain the merchant while she tallied up the necessary payment owed to him. 

Bowing as she left, he waited until he couldn’t hear her footsteps before glancing up and hurrying off to meet their guest, rounding a corner without running and looking up to see the same flash of orange he’d been observing just moments ago. 

He couldn’t help a small smile as he greeted him with a bow, using a quiet voice that made it hard to tell if he was a man or woman. Nimbly gesturing to a room set aside to entertain guests, he offered to lead the way, brushing his hair back for a moment to glance at the merchant’s hair wistfully before speaking. 

“Welcome~ I hope my company can help you feel refreshed after your travels.” 

Bowing lowly again after leading him to a cushion, he excused himself to pick up the tea and snacks, mind still on just how vibrant their guest was. It must be so nice to be able to move so freely. Mussing to himself, he received the refreshments and carefully made his way back, moving gracefully to make sure nothing from the tray spilled. 

As he slid the tray onto the table, he fluidly got to his knees, sitting comfortably at one end of the table before setting out the snacks. Settling a teacup by the merchant’s hand, he was mindful of his sleeves before picking up the pot, pouring out steaming tea. 

“If there’s anything that I could do to make your stay more enjoyable, please let me know merchant-dono~” 

Mesmerized by the sight, it took him a breath too long to look away, a mental reprimand to himself as he had promised not to stare too long at anyone or anything. Not wanting to seem out of place was part of the reason, with the other being knowing by experience just how bothersome it could be to be stared at, his hair an eyes an unusual shade in the monochromatic streets of Edo.

Still, he felt pulled back to that beautiful face -the second time he looked up their eyes meeting and a smile greeting him. With her slender hand showing the way to another room, where the snacks would -hopefully- be served, Yuta followed after with slightly awkward steps carrying the heavy bag with him.

Now in the new room, he let the bag down and in a corner, hoping not to disturb the expensive-looking tatami, before finally settling down in the table. It was rather comfortable, he thought of commenting, but the quick sight of those light golden eyes looking at him was enough to make his words disappear in the back of his throat.

Was it normal for his heart to be beating like this? Well, yeah, oiran’s were supposed to be pretty, it was kind of the whole point. Which didn’t made any less embarrassing how red he was getting. Surely, he should try to say something instead of just blankly staring at the oiran work. At how prettily did she raised her hands and turned around, and how elegant her gestures were at all moments...

“Ah! Y-yes, of course!” he finally found himself saying when she addressed him again. Her tone was a bit deeper than he might have guessed, but it wasn’t any less pretty. “Just being accompanied by someone as pretty as you is more than enough really!″

He hadn’t been able to catch the words before they left his mouth, a blush of embarrassment crossing his features. it was fine! It was just a compliment and it was true!

“Ahaha... Am I being awkward? I’m not too sure of how to act in this situation...” Still feeling nervous, he decided to reach up for the cup tea and take a sip. It certainly was a fancier brand than the washed-down version he and his brother usually drank...