here comes dat boii

VIGNETTE CONTEXT: A collaborative project between Foothill Town and Night Raven College that aims to promote potential places to visit on Sage’s Island involves asking the birthday student to select an outfit that catches his eye from one of the options provided by the town’s tailor, and showcase a place on the island he would recommend.

You were chosen to film him in his new outfit, presenting the place he chooses and explaining why he likes it. The long-standing pâtisserie, Bonbon Recette, will also have a birthday cake prepared for him.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Jade wouldn't mind revealing that you two are dating. But on the other hand, he doesn't like people knowing too much about his life, and your relationship is still very recent, so he'd like to start in secret so you can explore your relationship more calmly. That and it's also fun to say ambiguous things that confuse other people.

“So, we’re to showcase Sage’s Island, is it?” Jade says, walking with you down the Main Street of Night Raven College. “It seems like it'll be a birthday that's a little different from usual. Not only that, but it's also my first birthday with you as my partner. Heheh. I'm looking forward to it. Now then... Whatever shall I have my lovely assistant (Y/N)-san do for me first, I wonder?” He smirks with his sharp teeth.

You don't take a step back, you just smile, in a complicit manner.

“Not even a hint of tension, I see.” He sighs, still with an amused smile. “It seems that this is the price I must pay for an intimate relationship with you. Very well...” He leans in to whisper in your ear. “...we'll see how long you can keep your composure today.” He straightens up. “But until then, please accompany me in choosing an outfit.”

Already in Foothill Town, at the tailor's Sewing Room, you help Jade choose his birthday outfit. He says that since wearing clothes is something very new to him, he still has difficulty choosing outfits to go out in.

“So having you here with me is truly reassuring, (Y/N)-san.” Jade says. “I'd like to hear your opinions on various things.”

It's one of two things: either he really needed help or he was provoking you, because each color combination he chose was worse than the last. A white suit with large red polka dots or a bright purple shirt to pair with a golden suit.

“That one doesn't appeal to you either?” He says with his pitying smile. “My, my, what a predicament. You have quite the specific tastes, don't you, (Y/N)-san? Although... I should have known that by now, since you chose me to be your boyfriend after all. In that case, what do you think would be good? I'd love to hear your dependable opinion.”

“I think the brown jacket would suit you.” You suggest.

“I see. It has a nice and tight silhouette. However... Do you not think it too simple of an outfit? I feel like you would be able to select something with a bit more pizzazz.” You know Jade well enough to know that this was his veiled way of saying, ‘I expected you to have more interesting taste.’ Especially because of the cynical way he was smiling. “Well, after the atrocious pieces you've been choosing, I was afraid that if I gave you something with a bit more pizzazz, you'd eventually ruin the rest of the look.” You reply. “Ouch... Such harsh words, my dear. Here I was, showing my vulnerability regarding my difficulty in understanding the aesthetic sense on land, only for you to humiliate me with it. *sniff*.” “Oh, please, you were doing that on purpose to provoke me.” You smirk. “I could even bet that you enjoy seeing me annoyed at you.” “Enjoy? Heh heh. Are you perhaps implying that I derive some kind of pleasure from that?” He smirks back. “Do you?” He just stands there smiling for a moment. “Isn't this one of those questions you should figure out the answer by yourself? From what I've heard, many relationships involve these kinds of questions that only the other person can answer correctly. But we shouldn't dwell on this matter. We must choose an outfit for today within a reasonable length of time. Otherwise, what might people imagine has transpired between us here if we take too long?” His sharp teeth show through his smile. “What are you talking about? Nothing happened.” “But they don't know that. And often people tend to create their own versions of events they don't knowing the truth about.” “And what if the version they would create was the true one?” You suggest, immediately causing Jade's eyebrows to rise. “Oh~” He smiles, showing his sharp teeth, with considerable interest and curiosity in his eyes. “And how do you think that scenario would play out?” “Well~” You approach him with, holding a checkered coat behind your back. “Maybe something like...” You hand him the new coat. “You trying on a bunch of clothes until you finally find the right one because your partner is too ‘picky’.” He sighs, amusedly disappointed. “You torture me, my dear.”

“How about a checkered coat?” You ask.

“This one... gives off a bright and airy feel.” Jade smiles. “The buttons and flair around the wrists are also exquisite. I think I like it as well. It’s not something I would have chosen for myself, so it does feel nice.” He looks at you, captivated. “I knew there was no need to worry, with you to help me. You truly are a dependable person.” “Oh, please, as if you were going to worry at all.” You say. “I bet I could make you dress up as a clown and you'd still find it interesting.” “It would definitely be a unique social experience.” He smiles with his eyebrows arched upwards. “But I still have my reservations about using such clothing. Especially in public.” “After the color combination you suggested earlier? Nobody would guess.” You laugh. “Such mean words.” He says, with a feigned heartbreak expression. “And directed at the birthday boy after demonstrating such vulnerability regarding my difficulty in understanding the aesthetic sense on land. *sniff*” “Are you accusing me of using other people's vulnerabilities against them? Looks like I learned from the best, then.” “Hahaha. Indeed. And how amusing to see you believing you're the one with the upper hand.” “Believing...? Heh. And how amusing it is to see you liking it~” He smiles with his sharp teeth, slightly flushed, and with that curious and interested look. “Are you perhaps trying to insinuate something?” “To insinuate? Oh, no...” You approach him, his eyes unwavering on you for no second. “I'm simply stating a fact. Now...” You hand him the coat. “Start the clothing fitting. We have a schedule to keep, remember?” “Heh heh... Has you wish, my love~” You step away to look at more clothes, he always keeping a curious gaze on you.

You help him prepare the clothes and let him try them on in the fitting room.

“I’ve finished dressing.” Jade says, emerging from behind the fitting room curtains. He was wearing the light brown checkered coat, dark brown trousers and a dark brown turtleneck sweater. Around his neck were two pearl necklaces and two thin gold chains, on his head a dark brown beret. “Fu fu. You seem to be enjoying what you're seeing quite a lot.” He smiles. “I’m pleased to see it. Now that we're all set, let's head out. It seems like it will be a pleasant day.

“We’ve arrived.” Jade says, walking arm in arm with you through the streets of Foothill Town. “I come around this area quite often. There are several shops that carry tea leaves. Another place I visit often is... perhaps the general goods store. I usually go there to look for containers for terrariums.”

You were listening to him talking excitedly about terrariums when someone spotted you.

“Oh hey, it’s Jade-kun and (Y/N)-chan!” Cater greets you and approaches.

But Jade won't let go of your arm, not yet.

“Jade, your fit is so cute and on point~” Cater praises him. “...Wait a moment, are you two about to start that special birthday filming?”

“Good afternoon, Cater. I appreciate the compliment, but such praise should be directed at (Y/N). They were the ones who carefully selected each piece of clothing for me. A simply formidable assistant.” He says with that charming smile that every Octavinelle student has. “And yes, as you guessed, we're on our way to the location we'll be introducing.”

“You know... Not wanting to be the type to pry into people's affairs and start rumors, but...” Cater smirks. “The way you talk and the way you two are arm in arm, anyone could assume you're together.”

“Truly?” Jade feigns surprise. “Is the simple fact that I honestly compliment someone and am physically close to them on a cool day enough for people to assume a romantic relationship? Well, as you said, we don't want unwanted rumors to start.” He lets go of your arm. “I just wanted to help (Y/N) warm up a little more. It's a common practice among merfolk when the water temperature drops abruptly. But I must adapt to the land's culture so as not to create misunderstandings. Thank you for your concern, Cater.”

“O-oh, is that really a merfolk thing? C-cool, and hum, sorry, I didn't mean to imply anything, really.” Cater apologizes somewhat awkwardly.

“Don't worry, you just let us know. And I'm grateful for that.” Jade reassures him. Knowing Jade, there's a good chance that what he said was a lie.

“Hey, about the filming. Can I tag along? I’m so curious to know what you’ve chosen to show off. Of course, if there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll do it! I’m pretty knowledgeable about how to take great photos and videos”

“That is very reassuring.” Jade smiles. “Please do come with us, then.”

Even if you glance at Jade, he won't look back at you, but something tells you he really wanted to laugh a little at your reaction at that moment.

“Yay~ Thanks for letting me join. By the way, what sort of place are we heading to?”

“This karaoke parlor.” Jade points to a nearby establishment.

“Huuh~ I come here a bunch, too. But I can’t say I expected you to choose a karaoke joint, Jade.”

“Oh, is that so? I am rather fond of it, as it comes very well-equipped. I do hope my usual room is available... I shall go check-in inside, so please wait a moment.”

“It’s well-equipped...?” You hear Cater questioning as Jade walks away. “Mmm, isn’t this just a regular karaoke place, though?”

Luckily, according to Jade, he has been provided with the room he was hoping for. You set up the camera and start filming.

“Today, I shall be showcasing Foothill Town’s karaoke place.” Jade says to the camera naturally. “It is a very popular location amongst students, with plenty of private rooms to choose from. Amongst those rooms, my go-to choice is... The Party Room that can accommodate up to 50 people!” It was a huge room with a mirror ball on the ceiling. “This room alone contains fully-functional lighting effect capabilities that allows you to simulate being at a live performance. One can bask centerstage in the spotlight and sing as much as they want. Please enjoy to your hearts content a grand solo karaoke concert.”

You finish recording.

“That concludes the facility introduction.” Jade says. “Did the video recording go smoothly?”

You confirm, and he smiles contentedly. Like you, Cater is also surprised that Jade reserved that entire room just for himself. Jade explains that the room isn't used regularly and they’ll allow bookings without charging any extra fees.

Cater asks Jade to sing a song and Jade says he feels a little shy but shall perform one song. However, despite his beautiful voice, what he sang was... strange.

“That was refreshing.” Jade says after his performance. “This song really is wonderful.”

“Th-That was a very unique karaoke session, that’s for sure~” Cater says. “Jade, can I ask you something? What was that whole spoken intro...?”

“Of course. You see, I love tea, but the proper brewing techniques were quite difficult to get a handle on.” Jade explains. “Around the time I came to land, I thought I would attempt to memorize the steps by reciting them while listening to my favorite songs. Thus, I became accustomed to providing that narration each time. I merely hoped to be able to show you how I would normally sing it. However, it seems I may have gotten a little too carried away as I went on... The chorus came out quite bombastically. How embarrassing.”

“Aah, so that was because you just got too into it, huh... Right, okay... Hey, (Y/N)-chan, you were pretty surprised too, right?”

You confirm.

“My heightened emotions may have also been because of the lightning effects present.” Jade says with a smile. “Whenever I sing here, I get carried away. Oh, yes. We still have some time, so why not the two of you try as well?”

“Ooh, sounds great! Yeah, the three of us should sing together! I can teach you two a song that’s real fire right now!” Cater agrees.

If you also agree like Cater:

“It truly makes me happy that you're as enthusiastic as I am about this.” Jade then addresses you directly, but subtly, with his gaze. “I'm quite eager to hear your singing voice.”

If you are shy and hesitate at first:

“Aw, there's no need to be shy.” Jade tells you with that smile that's hard to decipher. “It's just the three of us here. I'm sure you'll do great. And even if singing isn't your strong suit...” His smile becomes sharper and slightly mocking. “It'll certainly be fun anyway, which is the most important thing, right?”

After you had fun at the karaoke, you went to Bonbon Recette, the pâtisserie where Jade's special birthday cake was waiting for him. 

“Heh, what a delicious looking chestnut cake.” Jade says. “The small mountain-like shape is quite charming.”

Cater suggests taking a picture of the birthday boy while he's tasting the cake, and you do so. After tasting it, Jade says that the flavorful chestnuts and mellow sweetness are absolutely superb. While you all enjoyed the cake and some other sweets, Cater showed you some ways that you and Jade could edit the video.

“You are truly very knowledgeable about editing techniques, Cater.” Jade says. “I am very grateful for you sharing your tips with us. Your help was invaluable today. Thank you.”

“Well thank you~” Cater says, flattered. “It's also always good to have an attentive and interested student.”

“But, if I may bring up the subject, I noticed you ate almost nothing. Are the pastries not to your liking?”

“Oh. N-no, the pastries are amazing and so beautiful. I'm just... hum... full, that's all.”

“Already? You must have eaten recently then. That's a shame.” His smile becomes slightly more wicked. “I heard that videos of people eating large amounts of food are trending. And since the sweets here are so beautiful, I thought I'd help you record a video eating as much of them as possible for your social media. As a thank you for your help today.”

“Oh, t-that's very k-kind of you, b-but don't worry about that.” Cater tries to dismiss it, worried. “You don't need to do that for me, really. I only helped because I wanted to. I don't need anything in return.”

“I understand... However, I am aware that you know...” His smile grows sharper. “We in Octavinelle don't like to receive something without being able to reciprocate as a thank you. I would owe you one, which is not something I like to leave unpaid.”

“Oh... t-that... well... I'd have to think about it, you know... I don't know what I could ask for in-”

“Mostro Lounge has a new special dish that started being served yesterday.” Jade quickly suggests. “A spicy dish. I heard they're your favorites. But you haven't had the chance to try it yet, have you? I don't recall seeing you there these days. Perhaps I could offer you a first course free of charge?”

“F-for real?!”

“But of course. After all, I'm one of the cooks. Here. Take this.” Jade pulls out his magic pen and takes a napkin, where he writes something and signs it, then hands it to Cater. “This should serve as proof of my offer. But I fear that this type of napkin is made of a material that won't hold this ink for very long. You should go to Mostro Lounge and speak with Azul, to see if he can offer you the plate or replace it with a more formal and lasting note.”

“And with this... we're even, right?”

“Correct.” Jade confirms with his polite smile.

“Thanks Jade. I'd better go now then. And once again, happy birthday~.”

After Cater leaves, you look at Jade suspiciously.

“What's the mater, dear? I thought you'd be happy once I chased Cater away.” He smirks. “After all, you were so disappointingly surprised when I accepted his request to join us.” He chuckles at your reaction. “Forgive me. I just wanted to take advantage of his expertise with videos and social media. He offered some very useful advice, don't you agree? Worry not. There's something I'd like to do just with you, and we're perfectly on time to do so.” He gets up. “Excuse me for a moment.”

You see Jade walk over to the counter and speak to the waiter. As Jade returns to sit down next to you again, the waiter finishes what he was doing and leaves the counter, as if to attend to another task.

“They are preparing the room for us.” Jade tells you with a smile. “We just need to wait.”

“It's not another karaoke room for 50 people, is it?” You ask.

“Hahahah. Quite the opposite, actually. This one in comparison might be a little more... claustrophobic. Fufu.”

Later, the waiter come to your table to inform you that everything is ready and ask you to follow him to a room next door. The waiter opens the door for you, and Jade gestures for you to go in first. It was small with a quite chic decor, but strangely there was only one thing in that room: a table. The only chairs were miniature ones on top of that table, as well as miniatures of a round table and a sofa. 

“Oh, were you expecting more furniture?” Jade asks with that slightly mocking smile. “I'm sorry, but I'm afraid this is all we're having.”

The waiter arrives with a small Mont Blanc and places it on the table. Nothing else, no cutlery, no napkins, nothing, just the dessert. Jade thanks the waiter as he leaves, closing the door and giving you privacy. Ambient jazz music also began to play from the small speakers in the corners of the room.

“A quite lovely atmosphere, indeed~” Jade gently takes your hand and brings it to his lips, kissing the back of it. “Thank you for sharing your wonderful singing voice with me today.” He comes closer and holds you by the waist in a half-hug. “I actually rather enjoyed the opportunity to sing karaoke with you.” He whispers and kisses your cheek. “I had been longing for it for quite some time.” He kisses your cheek again. “I wonder what it would be like in a different musical style... Alas...”

He breaks the hug and picks up the Mont Blanc.

“This is what I wanted to try with you. It's a recipe with a touch of magic. From what I've heard, it's part of a couple's experience.” He runs his index finger through the cream and brings it close to your lips. “Would you like to have the honors?”

You look at the cream, and then at him, with a clearly suspicious expression.

“Oh? Don't you trust me?” He says with feigned sadness. “Such a devastating predicament. My own partner finds me suspicious.” His mischievous grin returns. “Which not only proves how intelligent you are, but also reminds me why I fell in love with you.”

He is charmed by the smile you give him.

“I promise you it's not some trick that will ruin the experience. As I said, it's part of the process. But I would really like you to try it first. Wouldn't you humor me? Not even on my birthday?... Sweetheart~”

He was using powerful words to soften you up. But also, it was indeed his birthday. So you sigh and give in. You lick his finger, which surprises him and makes his cheeks blush slightly.

“Well... Thank you~” Jade smiles.

You feel a tingling sensation all over your body and, suddenly, you shrink! Jade grabs you while you shrink, until you're the size of a doll. Slightly bigger than the joint of his hands.

“Fufufufu... Hahahaha” His laughter sounded malevolent, and his eyes stared down at you in a dark, shadowy way. “You poor soul. You really are a sucker for words of afection.” He lifts you by the back of your clothes, above his head, and tilts it upwards. “You know, those little nibbles around your neck never satisfied me. I want to know how all of you taste~”

He opens his sharp mouth like a giant shark and you start to struggle. It's when you're about to kick him in the nose that he stops and starts laughing heartily.

“There, there~” He slowly and carefully sets you down on the table. “My apologies, but I really enjoy giving you... an adrenaline rush.” He smiles innocently.

“You're apologizing to me a lot today.” You say. “Now try the cake and join me. Face me on equal size.”

“You know that even so, I'll still be taller than you, right?” He laughs smugly. “This magic works in respect to proportions.”

If you show that you're annoyed, he'll laugh even more. He runs his finger through the Mont Blanc cream, sits at the table, and licks his finger. In an instant, he's the same size as you.

“Well, I assume you already know why the only chairs available are miniature-sized.” He says, as he walks towards you. “It's just a shame that part of the service isn't a miniature tea set as well. Although it may be an old-fashioned romantic setting, it's always a pleasure to serve you tea.”

“To see my reaction to whatever you add to the recipe?” You ask with a new, suspicious look.

“Fufufu. You know me so well, my dear.” He says with his innocent smile. “But since we don't have tea, only chairs and a big sofa, what would you suggest we do?”

“There's something else we have here.” You say.

“There is?” He gives you a curious look. “And what would that be?”

You point behind him, he turns around and sees the Mont Blanc, now about the same size as you. When he looks back at you, you slightly shake the camera in your hands.

“Oh, you want to take a picture of the Mont Blanc?” His tone sounds a little disappointed, despite his smile.

“I want to take a picture of it with you.”

“With me? At this size? Heheh, with no doubt, a photo I didn't expect to have taken of me today. But before I pose for that picture, tell me...” He leans in, bringing his face close to yours, your noses almost touching as he whispers. “Would you like me to provide a photo from today... for your eyes only~?”

He is pleased with your reaction. He smirks, and straightens up.

“In that case, would you like to make a deal?” The words flow from his mouth with that wicked charm that any Octavinelle student possesses when uttering the same question. “I will pose for you however you wish. And in return...” His smile becomes more desirous. “You will let me do whatever I please with you in this room.”

“This doesn't seem like a balanced agreement.”

“I never said there would be a limit to the number of photos.” He adds. “Any photo you want, at any time you want, anywhere in this room. All just for you. That would be perfect material for blackmail.” His smile is mischievous when he says this, but it quickly becomes sweeter when he says what follows. “But of course, I trust you not to use any of that against me. Similarly, you should only accept the conditions knowing that I wouldn't do anything to hurt you.”

You remain silent for a few seconds.

“Perhaps it's too early to talk about that kind of trust in someone who made your tongue numb with the tea they brewed for you once. But I drank a cup of it right after as well. I still remember how you laughed at my awkward diction. I can always add a clause stating that you can terminate the agreement at any time, but you will have to delete all photos in return. If that would make you more at ease...”

“Deal.” You end up agreeing. “With that clause.”

Jade smiles with pleasure.

“I'm glad you feel confident enough to accept my proposal. Now...” He places his index finger and thumb to hold your chin and tilt your head. “How would you like me to model for you~?”

You instruct him to sit on the plate with the Mont Blanc and try posing like a real model in fashion magazines to see what he would do. He eventually lost his smile and looked at you with that impassive expression and penetrating gaze. Just as you instructed and as he understood the task.

After you take the photos, he gets up.

“Are there any other photos you'd like to take at the moment?” He asks, in that servant's tone.

You say no for now and ask what he would like to do. It would be his turn to enjoy the benefits of the agreement. The most seductively mischievous smile spreads across his lips, revealing his sharp teeth, while his half-closed eyes gaze at you and he draws closer.

“Me? Fufufu. What I have been hoping to do ever since I heard about this special service~”

One of his hands grabs you by the waist, while the other holds your hand. He spins you around, as if dancing, until he lays you down on the sofa. He lets his beret drop before he positions himself on top of you.

“To devour you privately~”

He attacks your neck with passionate kisses, but he does it brushing the sharp tips of his teeth against your skin, lightly enough to give you chills and get your adrenaline pumping. He moves down to your shoulder, where he finally bites you, hard enough to leave a mark, but never enough to draw blood. He moves back up your neck, leaving the occasional hickeys. He takes his time on your jaw, because he wants to further increase your desire for him to kiss your lips. And when he finally does, you feel all that passion, desire, and hunger that he hides behind his well-behaved facade.