nostalgia

Momiji would always be there and listen, share his burdens but she also understood more than anyone that sometimes, the things you wished to say were so scary, the people around you might see you in a different light. And because he was so important to her, she never pushed for answers, only signaled him one certainty: she would stay. When Momiji told So-ra bits and pieces of her past, mostly fragments she could remember, he listened and comforted his lover. What else did she need in this moment other than him? For someone as tough and straightforward as Momiji, to calm down and be quiet after revealing your innermost, it gave her a certain sense of peace. And in his pace and as much as he wished to share, she wanted to be the same for So-ra.

“You make it sound like I am a construction worker,” he teased. “Those men and women are the true heroes, not sure how they survive the summers out there. I mean, I would die without the AC in my car or in the hall. We do not have the best, but it certainly is doing the job. I am used to lifting weights day and night; you do not have to worry too much about my body not being used to it.” So-ra replied gently but with a small, playful wink. “Not that any boyfriend ever should say no to a massage offered by their girlfriends as well, even if you end up walking on me and it hurts a bit. If anything, the coach always said the good massages are the ones you can still feel after.”

Who would forget some of those massages he got right before or after a match? After so much preparation and training, his body had always been tense, but so was the life of a professional athlete. Even though many years had passed, he could still remember them, shivering as they finally made it back. “I shall take a shower real quick. I don't want you to suffer under my sweaty scent.” he kissed Momiji's cheek and rushed off. By now, they already had their own clothes left at each other's places.

[TXT] : answer the question.

[TXT] : you left your jacket here.

[TXT] : ignore that last message.

[TXT] : must be my fault somehow.

[TXT] : this was a bad idea but i'm doing it anyway.

[TXT] : guess i misunderstood the vibe.

[TXT] : i'm only texting you because i'm drunk.

[TXT] : i can't stop thinking about your hands.

[TXT] : you're not gonna believe this..

[TXT] : i'm blushing shut up.

[TXT] : okay wait no don't answer that.

[TXT] : i didn't say anything because i didn't want to argue.

[TXT] : be honest with me.

[TXT] : are you free tonight?

[TXT] : i'll explain later, just call me now!

[TXT] : i like it when you looked at me like that.

[TXT] : i should stop texting before this escalates.

[TXT] : i keep rereading that message.

[TXT] : are you trying to distract me on purpose.

[TXT] : i hate that you were right.

[TXT] : you'd be so proud of me right now and also disappointed.

[TXT] : cheers to bad decisions.

[TXT] : i had a dream about you.

[TXT] : i thought you were coming?

[TXT] : wow that's crazy.

[TXT] : it's whatever honestly.

[TXT] : your stuff is still here.

[TXT] : open the door.

[TXT] : what are you doing right now?

[TXT] : don't screenshot this.

[TXT] : don't make me ask twice.

[TXT] : i'm grabbing coffee, want one?

[TXT] : what are we?

[TXT] : no really it's fine.

[TXT] : you don't have to lie.

[TXT] : i don't feel great.

[TXT] : don't rush i've only been waiting.

[TXT] : i forgot the grocery list.

[TXT] : don't do this over text.

[TXT] : did i do something wrong?

[TXT] : i don't trust myself around you.

[TXT] : running late sorry.

[TXT] : you make it hard to be good.

[TXT] : i told myself i wouldn't text you tonight.

[TXT] : are you mad at me.

[TXT] : please answer me.

[TXT] : i told you not to do that.

[TXT] : can i come over?

[TXT] : i'm outside.

[TXT] : you're being unfair.

[TXT] : that's not an excuse.

[TXT] : can you stay on the phone with me?

[TXT] : are you busy?

[TXT] : please tell me you're okay.

[TXT] : i think i fucked up.

[TXT] : i need to vent.

[TXT] : do you want food?

[TXT] : this is messing with my head.

[TXT] : i should not be imagining this right now.

[TXT] : are you mad at me?

[TXT] : please say something.

[TXT] : can you lie for me?

[TXT] : i found your keys!

[TXT] : i just thought you'd let me know.

[TXT] : i know you're awake.

[TXT] : stay the night.

[TXT] : you look good and you know it.

[TXT] : this reminded me of you!

[TXT] : this conversation is not helping my self control.

[TXT] : i love how you only respond when it's convenient.

[TXT] : i love you and i hate that i love you.

[TXT] : you left me on read.

[TXT] : i cleared my schedule.

[TXT] : i can't keep doing this.

[TXT] : are you alone?

[TXT] : stuck in traffic.

[TXT] : you could've just said no.

[TXT] : i don't want to be alone.

[TXT] : who are you with?

[TXT] : something has to change.

[TXT] : if you were here right now i'd be in serious trouble.

[TXT] : i'm done.

[TXT] : don't tease me.

[TXT] : i'm getting worried.

[TXT] : oh okay i guess we're not talking anymore.

[TXT] : where are you??

[TXT] : i'm thinking about you.

[TXT] : i hate nights like this without you.

[TXT] : can you come get me?

[TXT] : look up.

[TXT] : i trust you.

[TXT] : i need help.

[TXT] : this is flirting right?

[TXT] : i changed my mind about earlier.

[TXT] : it's fine do whatever you want.

[TXT] : it's not what it looked like, okay?

[TXT] : my brain won't shut up about last night.

[TXT] : please come get me before i make worse choices.

[TXT] : that was not funny.

[TXT] : i'm proud of you.

[TXT] : i don't know why i'm telling you this.

[TXT] : i'm sorry, i should've said something sooner

[TXT] : please don't be mad..

[TXT] : are you coming over or just teasing me?

[TXT] : i won't bother you again.

[TXT] : i almost sent this three times.

[TXT] : did you get home safe?

[TXT] : you don't owe me anything clearly.

[TXT] : i miss you.

[TXT] : guess who i just ran into..

[TXT] : i can't sleep.

[TXT] : i need clarity.

[TXT] : tell me to behave.

[TXT] : okay fine you win.

[TXT] : hello?

[TXT] : you did good.

[TXT] : do you miss me?

[TXT] : i'm bored, entertain me.

[TXT] : are you safe??

[TXT] : you're unbelievable.

[TXT] : i shouldn't have said what i said earlier.

[TXT] : i hope you're asleep because this is embarrassing.

[TXT] : don't ever say that again.

[TXT] : are you flirting with me?

[TXT] : you owe me gas money.

[TXT] : stop avoiding me.

[TXT] : call me when you see this!

[TXT] : you still mad?

[TXT] : can we talk in person?

[TXT] : can i crash at your place?

[TXT] : you're going to get me in trouble.

[TXT] : i'm spiraling.

[TXT] : you're doing this on purpose.

[TXT] : okay i'm done texting now.

[TXT] : you look cute.

[TXT] : glad you had fun.

[TXT] : i'm exhausted.

[TXT] : i'm trying to be respectful but you're not helping.

[TXT] : why would you think that was okay??

[TXT] : i want to move on.

[TXT] : thanks for the heads up i guess.

[TXT] : you left your panties here for a reason didn't you.

[TXT] : you know exactly what you're doing.

[TXT] : please don't tell anyone.

[TXT] : remember when we said we wouldn't do this again.

[TXT] : i can't find my shoes.

[TXT] : do you always do this or just to me?

[TXT] : tell me you don't miss me so i can shut up.

[TXT] : you crossed a line.

[TXT] : you up?

[TXT] : you didn't have to do that.

[TXT] : don't get smug.

[TXT] : i'm on my way!

[TXT] : i should not be saying this.

[TXT] : remind me to tell you later.

"Maybe you're one of the girls," Momiji snickered, "Don't worry, if anything that doesn't mean you're not welcome. She's just very protective, this lady." While she was pretty certain there must have been an episode neither So-ra nor Butter would ever admit, So-ra remained one of the very few the pet had allowed inside ( and while not attacking, she definitely made use of her judging stare, no matter if date or the delivery person ). "You and I just need to bribe her with more snacks. Then she'll see you as her personal snack servant."

He was appreciative that she never was one to push him but just took those gentle means he used to avoid topics. There were many difficulties in his mind and heart, some that were unlikely to really be resolved. It was not so much about the debt rather than the guilt. One would always carry guilt, and was it not even that a death caused by an accident lay heavier in the heart than a matter of self-defense because, unlike then, nights always would be spent wondering if maybe, if he moved differently, if he pulled another move, the unfortunate wouldn't have happened. But there was nothing that could be done about that.

“Mh, you want to be spoiled, noted,” he replied with a lazy smile and pressed a small kiss onto her cheek. “Then, I better hurry up here to have that said good time with my girlfriend and the honoured lady dog of her best friend.” With that, the motivation was given and, in a little more time, they indeed finally wrapped up, and he locked the door of the study, taking her hand as they were swinging it slowly like a couple in the movies. “What would you like to cook? Something where you can watch me properly or more of a cheat, giving us more time together because it's a fast one?”

“I was thinking, if you worry too much about the whole thing with my job, it is fair we go our separate ways. I will not change, but then it also would be rude of me to ask you to keep dealing with me in your life if it is too hard for you. Fair. I guess it’s like my childhood friend who became a cop and his wife divorced him because she could not sleep constantly thinking if he would drop down ugly dead one night.”

His mind could be here and there at the same time, so he could say something like. In theory, this was supposed to be a make-up-for-being-a-piece-of-shit, but he low-key worried maybe the matter could repeat. Mom said conflicts shouldn't be pushed up, one should listen to the wise one.

“If not then, how about you let me talk you into coming to a party with me? It could be fun; we could see something else. No weird shit going on, promised on that part.” If he was honest with himself, Reno could be like that. Sometimes being extreme on both ends was easier than the emotional tiptoeing; that shit really wasn’t for him!

By now, he had followed inside, kicking off his shoes and heading for the kitchen. “I would prefer to keep you in, tho, like in my life.” Reno felt the urge to add as much after he had already first moved on, throwing several stuff at Mekha at once.

"I don't know if I want to become that person who leaves a scathing google review," he chortled while arranging the plates. "I'm not too fussed. A meal is a meal... and we have each other's company." They served generous portions of each dish to one another, then popped the cork on the first bottle of wine to fill the glasses.

Munehisa readily agreed on the walk. "I think I sat too long on the drive. My pelvis is aching... is that a sign of old age?" It didn't help that his job could be quite sedentary. As for the other job - things had been remarkably quiet, deliveries dwindling to twice a week at most, with no scuffles nor dramas. For which he was immensely grateful, of course.

“Don’t you know that you have reached the perfect age at which, online, people would call you terms I find questionable, but then, also could not blame them for it?” The tease was quick in his voice as he said that, looking at the man sitting in front of him. His gut feeling told Jonghun there was no reason to. Somehow his significant other would understand.

The food was decent, so he enjoyed it slowly while listening to Iwai’s voice, which somehow always felt rather calming. It was silly how easy a man without a family could feel at ease with such simple matters, wasn’t it? “Now you sound like you have seen a few too many of those romantic dramas that are very popular with the younger gen,” he teased but there was no embarrassment about the image of it.

“Not sure about the frogs, but a walk in the rain under an umbrella sounds like a good excuse to draw you in for more kisses; one is ready to be selfish. After all, if maybe we drop said umbrella, a nice hot shower together would be like the cherry on the cake. Isn’t that how it’s said?” The heavy topic would come in later; he had already made up his mind it had to be done this weekend- no more excuses.

Hana enjoyed being herself with people who matched her - it did not necessarily mean they had to have a similar or even the same personality type, they simply needed to realize she was not all too serious. She accepted the card with both hands, manicured nails another slight detail revealing she wasn't who she pretended to be and bowed politely. Being sassy never equaled being rude and show no manners to the private detective ( unless you were a prick and deserved it ). There seemed to be however a slight blush creeping upon her cheeks as the thought of indie music late at night made even Hana think of romance in a more profound, heartpounding kind of way. "I'll definitely listen. Will I hear your voice, too?" Guiding her to sleep when not even hypnosis could at times?

He would always put himself first should it turn out she was a snitch after all, but it was very easy to charm and be flirty; hence, his interest was quite sincere. For a man like him, it was not rare to have all kinds of thoughts at once. Maybe it felt a little too movie-like that a handsome lady came in like that and just agreed to actually see him again.

“Nah, I am not much of a singer,” he joked casually but that was the truth. It seemed she was just as smitten with him; thus, if she would sell him out, well, that would be fair! Not that he had any more feelings of her actually knowing what he was doing here.

“I am one that will definitely support it. One should not forget to enjoy themselves here and then.” he winked casually as he held the door open for her. They likely would look like big losers to the younger ones out there. Hanae was pretending that he was, in fact, not that old just yet.

"That definitely sounds better than man-friend." Hana had her own kind of dry humor and if he still wanted to talk to her after that, she certainly would consider going on a date with the guy. However, the investigator wondered about answering, not because he didn't match her type ( quite contrary ) but she had a case, after all. As easy going as she was, Hana did her job for a reason. She couldn't help but laugh softly, relaxing a little due to their conversation. Perhaps it was time to pack things up and call it a day so business and pleasure wouldn't mix too much.

“I can gladly deliver you an alibi,” this was the lamest flirt ever, but he felt like, maybe it matched her humor a little bit. He fished out a somewhat bent business card and offered it to her. “How about this one? Phones are expensive, it’s easier just using my personal number for everything. I also host a small radio channel for indie musicians who get eaten up by those shitty large labels. If you ever want to listen late at night, I’ll be your guy.”

No shame! At least, he was living up to the appearance people around him often judged. Something about him being too old, but what was age anyway? Hanae clicked his tongue and casually glanced outside the large window of the store. “I take it, you might be better moving then, because there is definitely nobody left watching us right now.”

His gaze turned from the hand painted Mackintosh patterns on the kitchen tiles to Jonghun. His partner seemed a little more reticent than usual. During the car ride, he thought he had seen his hands clench and unclench on the wheel, and spotted an occasional tic in his jaw. Subtle for sure, but Iwai could not help but pay extra attention to his body language, especially since that run-in with the strange gentleman during Christmas.

"That is strange. Maybe they wanted to give the guests a sense of adventure when they're looking for the kitchenware," he answered with a smile. "Let's eat - I'm pretty hungry." They laid out the galbi on a oval plate, scooped an equal serving of doenjang soup, and rice, in the bowls.

Naturally, there was no intention to have this type of conversation over dinner. It needed something lighter and easier, not the moment ruined by the subject. Thus, he had planned it out for the night, with another glass of wine and sitting outside on the small terrace belonging to the property. It would be a more fitting place and also offer room in the case that his partner felt betrayed by the amount of secrets kept and lies involved with it.

“The food has outstanding ratings, or well, the restaurant. Let us hope the focus of the reviews about the atmosphere there can live up to the actual meals. Otherwise, we may add a more realistic feedback for them.” Jonghun joked to add a more casual sense to the talk, knowing he might come off as more stern than usual.

“How about we go for a walk after dinner? Explore the area a little. The forecast for tomorrow says rain, it would be a pity if we do not get to see a little more before that.” He added with a smile before bringing his hands together to speak a quiet thanks for the meal, as for a little while, he allowed silence to settle as they ate.

Momiji let her gaze wander while he spoke yet he had her attention. Of course, she understood and wouldn't question the reasoning. It did not change the fact however that she did wish to help somehow. So-ra was working hard, the young woman simply wanted to find a way to support him. Still quick to fetch the bottles, Momiji soon had filled the bin and inquired where to put them next as their conversation drifted to things more casual.

"The dog is scary enough to indeed scare everyone away. I mean ghosts, not so much everyone else, although sometimes I feel as if she wants to tell me that it is a girl's place and I should never forget it!" he joked, but he could remember the last time he stayed over just to wake up with a dog's face hovering over him rather than the beautiful face of his girlfriend. Then maybe it was a warning that he should be careful. The dog could know...

"Well, the rent seems fair. I cannot complain myself, though. My little cave is also affordable." As a matter of fact, he never told Momiji that he owned an apartment, one that he rented out. It was no secret that he was a retired professional boxer, but he never told her about the debts he had from failed sponsorships, some of which were quite substantial. One of them even wanted compensation, claiming that the death, even though it was ruled a tragic sports accident, had ruined part of their reputation within the boxing scene. "How about you tell me what you would like to do after we are done here?" he asked with a smile. "I can cook for you, or we can eat some ramen outside."