[Since Eichi runs cold, he keeps his sweatshirt on and simply rolls up the sleeves before pressing his hands together excitedly.]
What a cozy place this is... I can smell delicious food of all types. Is this a place where we're still waited on, then?
[He's far too used to excessively fancy restaurants, to the point that he's not even sure how places like this run. Go up and order? Have it brought to your table? MEAL TICKETS? He's very excited to learn.]
It seems perfect, either way. As expected of you, Ryuu-kun... You're someone so down to earth and familiar with how to find treasures where others would simply pass by. My heart is buzzing with excitement so much that if you were to take a reading, I'd be readmitted. ♪
[ with a nod, excitement building in equal measure, ryuu places his jacket aside neatly and folds into a seat at the low table. there's a dormant grill filled with charcoal blocks nestled in the middle, and menus placed nearby. smiling broadly, he picks up one and gestures for eichi to come look. ]
It should be! Man, it's really close to home... I definitely just followed my stomach here. [ a laugh. ] We'll get appetizers and drinks first while they're preparing whatever meat we choose...
[ he can't help it, his eyes are all aglow too. something so simple reaches so deep, when it's familiar. ]
So keep your heart calm, okay? At least until we order.
[ no readmitting!
with that, he flips the menu over to the drinks and snacks side. ]
[Eichi slides into the seat next to Ryuu easily, leaning nice and close to be able to view the menu and share in the excitement. He can't wait to get to the meats. But...]
What are you going to have to drink, Ryuu-kun? Something fit for a celebration? [He's curious. More than that, though, his eyes are on the snacks, and then traveling happily to the grill in the center of the table. He's glad his appetite is working for him today. Sometimes it doesn't.]
[ leaning in too, arms brushing pleasantly, he displays the menu with a thoughtful hum. ]
I'm fine with beer... it suits this atmosphere pretty well. And come to think of it, I haven't really tried anything local yet. [ somehow, he's always ended up with wine and the like. and there was nothing wrong with that, but being in a place like this is quite the reminder. ] Maybe that's too plain, though!
I don't think that's plain at all, though I may not be the best judge. "Beer" seems like something so strong that I can't really handle it... but it looks as though they have a small selection of wines. I think I want to have some. ♪
Since this isn't actually Japan, it should be fine, right?
[He's pushing it, even as he grazes past that and points out one of the appetizers.]
Would you split some gyoza with me, as well? The truth is that I want to try a bit of a few things, but I can't always fit all of it in my stomach...
[ given ryuu's normal disposition as the responsible one (when he's sober), he looks pensive for a moment. it's not the first time they've had drinks, though they were already both on their way by the time they'd met up back then during the amegahara visit... but, well. he can't really enforce rules that don't exist on this planet. ]
You're right, it's not Japan. It seems like you can get away with a little more here. So, this time...
[ you win!! but also, he wants to toast to a success... ]
We can order gyoza! And how about renkon chips? Those are light too, and they go well with drinks.
[ some things just deserve a little wiggle room! but don't get used to it, remember he's a tough and scary older brother, sometimes. (allegedly.) ]
Well then, let's not wait too much longer. Do you want me to order? If we're eating meat, you probably want a red wine...
[ musing aloud, his gaze travels the wine selection. of course nothing is going to look familiar to him, given they're not on earth, but he thinks he can take a stab at it and have it turn out alright. he's mentally tallying everything up while considering the question, hitting the little button on the side of the table to alert the waitstaff. so far, so good! ]
More often than you'd think! I like going out to dinner, and things like that. Sometimes the trips to restaurants winds up being more eventful than the places themselves, if I can't drive... but once inside, it's not so bad.
[ he gives the room they're in a once over as if to indicate that the privacy is usually a lifesaver. ]
[So yes, please go ahead. Red wine sounds perfectly fine, as well, and he'll trust the match up of alcohol to food by Ryuu here. His own eyes move to scan the place at that comment, though, and his smile mellows a little, almost dreamy as he considers it.
TRIGGER. He wishes they could have been acquainted in their own worlds. Even as enemies, he can't help but think it could have been nice. They could have been rivals... He'll have to make the most of it here.]
I'm not used to the sort of feeling of this popularity at all. fine grew popular, but the span of high school idols in training is a little more limited. Beyond that, my family always had me surrounded by body guards...
It's nice to be free of them here, but then I was quickly caught up in a crowd without any backup.
[ once he's ordered and the waiter takes their leave, he can't help but chuckle, relaxing into the easy atmosphere. idly giving his sleeves a roll upwards, he leans on the table, loosely folding his arms atop it. ]
Soon, bodyguards might not be such a bad idea...! But that's right, this would be a new feeling for you, wouldn't it? You have the personality of a pro, so I forget that all your activities took place at your school.
[ if he's being real, he wasn't prepared for that first explosion of popularity either. gaku and tenn had to vet his disguise whenever he was out and about with them.
Thank you for saying so. [Pro personality... Hehe.]
It's a feeling that can't be beat! On stage, there's that feeling when the crowd gives you their applause and you see the rainbow of cyalumes... That's a perfect score in Yumenosaki Academy. You see those colors twinkling like stars, dancing back and forth invitingly, tempting you to jump straight into them...
That overwhelming feeling of touching hearts.
And now, it feels as though I've successfully jumped into that marvelous galaxy. I'm constantly embraced by warmth, surrounded by twinkling eyes and smiles and hopeful stretches of hands.
I'd like to reach out and touch them all.
[He props an elbow on the table and leans his face against his palm, sighing contently.]
Like this, I feel as though my life is being extended years at a time. ♪ It's rejuvenating.
[ ryuu's thought it often. it's not them who are the stars, but their audience. people reach for the skies for their entire lives, but for him - for eichi too, he's certain - those coveted, precious lights venture into their reach by responding to their songs. it's difficult to put into words, how much that just the thought of that light illuminates his heart and throws open all the windows in the dim confines of his own anxieties.
ryuu is still a moment, though no less companionable for it. ]
I'm sure you've already touched them as you are. You just have to keep doing that, no matter what. Then that feeling will continue to grow.
[ and there's such exhilaration in that, when that success continues to bloom, bigger and brighter, without limit. ]
It's simply how I picture it. Ah, but you're right with that, as well... It grows each day, even, and I continue to be grateful.
I'd like it if I could become a shining star, as well. For those fans in the audience, for anyone else who'd like to reach for this dream of being an idol, and for those who doubted the impact of it...
[He leans back a little to leave room for their drinks as they're dropped off, and the appetizers shortly after. Eichi laughs softly in the middle of it, though, a hand delicately covering his lips.]
Of course, I'm not on this path alone. I'd like to be able to carry my precious fine to these heights, as well. I wonder if it's wrong to think "I wish Yuzuru was here, as well", but no matter who may stay, or leave, there's a place for each of them here. I've been making sure of that personally.
[ while eichi speaks, ryuu listens, calmly arranging everything on the table with a practiced touch while he does so. something about it sticks in his throat - whoever may stay or leave - making him pause only slightly, then reach for his drink once situated. he twists his fingertips against the glass, stirring the deep amber-hued bubbles within to life. ]
It's not wrong to think. Or rather... it's natural to miss the people close to you, especially now.
[ ryuu has done it too, though the circumstances between that situation and this are like night and day. he stood by himself on stage, carrying the wishes of the people he loves most so they wouldn't be left behind. it's not enough to just think it, as ryuu often does. he glances aside, leveling a smile at eichi with affection all pushed into the corners. ]
But you're a kind person. Those are the feelings that reach others the most. Whether they're here to see it right now or not, I think that's true! So...
You can turn anything into something like a warmhearted toast, can't you?
[Eichi lifts his wine glass carefully, admiring the color of it before he brings it to touch to Ryuu's, a quiet clink that tugs his smile slightly wider.]
I'm only teasing, of course, since I appreciate that sort of thing. Cheers~. ♪ Let's drink to everything; my first step on this real path, the bridge for all moonblessed idols, the friends we've made and the friends we won't lose, no matter how far apart from them we become.
[He draws it back to his own lips for a delicate, slow sip, even if his eyes don't move from Ryuu.]
I'm serious! [ his tone flows with amusement, and he likewise tips his glass into the clink while he listens, soaking up every word. ] Cheers.
[ with that toast made and the thrum of it already warm in his veins, he's no where near as refined as he knocks back a good glug of his drink - it's beer, you're meant to do that! and maybe this gives away that he's not going to be satisfied with just one glass, but he's not in any rush, either.
puffing a breath once he releases the glass, the effect is immediate. he's missed having celebratory drinks, no doubt. ]
That tastes great! Beer from a whole different planet... [ a laugh. ] Amazing. How's yours?
[Amazing... That's what's amazing! He meets Ryuu's cute little lean with a slight sway to bring himself briefly closer, lifting the glass just between them to admire it.]
You did, of course. It's a nice flavor... Ah, I've heard that wine was varied in this way and it made me think of tea, but it's quite different after all, isn't it? I have no idea what pairs with what, so I'm glad Ryuu-kun was here to offer some insight.
Fufu, it makes me feel warm immediately, this sort of thing... ♪
[An answer can never be short, with Eichi. He sets his glass down and reaches for one of the renkon chips next, holding it up for Ryuu. Eat it. Do it.]
[ when the glass comes closer, ryuu dips down to lightly smell it. he gives a smile upwards. ]
It's not like I'm an expert at it! There are a couple of rules to keep in mind, that's all. Since you're helping me a lot with teas, I don't mind returning the favor.
[ also setting his own glass down, sides coated with froth, ryuu blinks at the sudden intrusion of a renkon chip before he can argue that you can, indeed, taste beer when you chug it. ]
Like a first without being a first. [ a small grin, before he reaches up to steady eichi's wrist. ] Hold still!
[ he is absolutely going to take a bite of it right from between eichi's fingers. ]
[This is the power of Ryuunosuke Tsunashi. A charm that permeates your heart, makes you relax, laugh, and then the sharp chill that runs up your spine when a strong hand grabs your wrist and perfect lips graze so close to your fingertips that your brain almost short circuits... Eichi feels it in his heart, honestly. That rush of blood, the way his laugh comes brighter and his face feels hotter, but he chases it off with movement, subtly angling himself towards Ryuu, encouraging this physical closeness without actually forcing himself any closer.
At least right now.]
Well? How is it? Can you taste it, after that large taste of beer, Ryuu-kun? [His fingers shift slightly, but there's no way he's gonna pull back. If anything, he's lingering close like this, holding his hand in the air too long even after the bite is finished...
In other words, the flirting will only get worse from here.]
[ ryuu would stupidly like to think he can handle the worst eichi has to offer him (as he knows it), so - he's not going to be the first to break away from the closeness they're sharing now that the spark of it is in the air. something about it is comforting to him. his grip eases away after a moment. ]
Come on, you're not meant to gently sip beer! [ you can tease him about a lot of things, but beer is clearly where he draws the line. he hums, pursing the salt-taste from his lips. ] I can taste it. It has a really light flavor for being fried, so it goes well with strong drinks. You find these in a lot of izakaya.
It's not often that I'm able to have anything fried, lightly or not, so I want to try it.
[He's heard of snacks like this, but trying it and experiencing it is a whole different story. He finally drops his hand away, still angled in and using the question as an excuse to lean a little forward himself, pointing at his lips. Feed him...]
[ but ryuu really likes things like this... so who is the worst between the two of them, truly. ]
So that's how it is. Well, just try one or two, then!
[ shaking loose one of the thinner chips from the plate, he cups his other hand beneath it to catch any of the salt, then leans in to bring it up to eichi's mouth. he didn't even have to ask him to say aah~, he did it on his own! ]
[Eating can be so fun. He's glad that he's got his appetite. It means his health is good enough, at the moment, and that he can enjoy moments like this with others... He doesn't grab Ryuu's wrist, but he does lift his own hand like he's almost going to, fingers curling at the air as he takes the chip (and eats it).]
It is light...! Ah, the salt is nice, isn't it... It's delicious.
[He takes another sip of wine after, then reaches over for his chopsticks so he can grab a gyoza. Hopefully they've arranged themselves so not to bump arms.]
[ what a cute reaction... ryuu chuckles too, glad to see eichi like this. he'd mentioned it earlier, but seeing this liveliness about him, this warmth and vigor for even the simple things - it's good medicine for them both, he thinks. dusting his fingers off a bit, he reaches for his beer again while eichi goes for the gyoza, giving the rim of the glass a thoughtful touch to his bottom lip before drinking.
(this time, it's a normal drink, and not a glug.) ]
I don't dislike anything in particular! I like Okinawan food and alcohol, but that's to be expected, isn't it...
Okinawan food... I'd like to try it some time. Would you share a dish with me, some time?
[Like this, they can talk and drink and eat... Eichi starts by taking it slow, alternating food and wine, being responsible. This won't matter later, but the effort is there.]
I enjoy trying most things, but spicy foods are usually something that I can't handle... To be honest, I'm amazed by anyone who can handle them.
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What a cozy place this is... I can smell delicious food of all types. Is this a place where we're still waited on, then?
[He's far too used to excessively fancy restaurants, to the point that he's not even sure how places like this run. Go up and order? Have it brought to your table? MEAL TICKETS? He's very excited to learn.]
It seems perfect, either way. As expected of you, Ryuu-kun... You're someone so down to earth and familiar with how to find treasures where others would simply pass by. My heart is buzzing with excitement so much that if you were to take a reading, I'd be readmitted. ♪
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It should be! Man, it's really close to home... I definitely just followed my stomach here. [ a laugh. ] We'll get appetizers and drinks first while they're preparing whatever meat we choose...
[ he can't help it, his eyes are all aglow too. something so simple reaches so deep, when it's familiar. ]
So keep your heart calm, okay? At least until we order.
[ no readmitting!
with that, he flips the menu over to the drinks and snacks side. ]
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[Eichi slides into the seat next to Ryuu easily, leaning nice and close to be able to view the menu and share in the excitement. He can't wait to get to the meats. But...]
What are you going to have to drink, Ryuu-kun? Something fit for a celebration? [He's curious. More than that, though, his eyes are on the snacks, and then traveling happily to the grill in the center of the table. He's glad his appetite is working for him today. Sometimes it doesn't.]
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I'm fine with beer... it suits this atmosphere pretty well. And come to think of it, I haven't really tried anything local yet. [ somehow, he's always ended up with wine and the like. and there was nothing wrong with that, but being in a place like this is quite the reminder. ] Maybe that's too plain, though!
[ for now, he skims the appetizers. ]
What about you?
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Since this isn't actually Japan, it should be fine, right?
[He's pushing it, even as he grazes past that and points out one of the appetizers.]
Would you split some gyoza with me, as well? The truth is that I want to try a bit of a few things, but I can't always fit all of it in my stomach...
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You're right, it's not Japan. It seems like you can get away with a little more here. So, this time...
[ you win!! but also, he wants to toast to a success... ]
We can order gyoza! And how about renkon chips? Those are light too, and they go well with drinks.
[ foodie ryuu is here for this. ]
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[An easy win! He's glad getting drunk and then meeting up with Ryuu did wonders. This will end fine, it's a celebration!]
Renkon chips, that's a nice idea. Yes, let's try that as well. My mouth is watering already, with these pictures and smells combined.
Ah, are you able to come to places like this often, Ryuu-kun? It must be difficult, as a top idol.
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Well then, let's not wait too much longer. Do you want me to order? If we're eating meat, you probably want a red wine...
[ musing aloud, his gaze travels the wine selection. of course nothing is going to look familiar to him, given they're not on earth, but he thinks he can take a stab at it and have it turn out alright. he's mentally tallying everything up while considering the question, hitting the little button on the side of the table to alert the waitstaff. so far, so good! ]
More often than you'd think! I like going out to dinner, and things like that. Sometimes the trips to restaurants winds up being more eventful than the places themselves, if I can't drive... but once inside, it's not so bad.
[ he gives the room they're in a once over as if to indicate that the privacy is usually a lifesaver. ]
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[So yes, please go ahead. Red wine sounds perfectly fine, as well, and he'll trust the match up of alcohol to food by Ryuu here. His own eyes move to scan the place at that comment, though, and his smile mellows a little, almost dreamy as he considers it.
TRIGGER. He wishes they could have been acquainted in their own worlds. Even as enemies, he can't help but think it could have been nice. They could have been rivals... He'll have to make the most of it here.]
I'm not used to the sort of feeling of this popularity at all. fine grew popular, but the span of high school idols in training is a little more limited. Beyond that, my family always had me surrounded by body guards...
It's nice to be free of them here, but then I was quickly caught up in a crowd without any backup.
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Soon, bodyguards might not be such a bad idea...! But that's right, this would be a new feeling for you, wouldn't it? You have the personality of a pro, so I forget that all your activities took place at your school.
[ if he's being real, he wasn't prepared for that first explosion of popularity either. gaku and tenn had to vet his disguise whenever he was out and about with them.
turning his gaze aside again, he smiles. ]
It's an intense feeling, isn't it?
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It's a feeling that can't be beat! On stage, there's that feeling when the crowd gives you their applause and you see the rainbow of cyalumes... That's a perfect score in Yumenosaki Academy. You see those colors twinkling like stars, dancing back and forth invitingly, tempting you to jump straight into them...
That overwhelming feeling of touching hearts.
And now, it feels as though I've successfully jumped into that marvelous galaxy. I'm constantly embraced by warmth, surrounded by twinkling eyes and smiles and hopeful stretches of hands.
I'd like to reach out and touch them all.
[He props an elbow on the table and leans his face against his palm, sighing contently.]
Like this, I feel as though my life is being extended years at a time. ♪ It's rejuvenating.
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[ ryuu's thought it often. it's not them who are the stars, but their audience. people reach for the skies for their entire lives, but for him - for eichi too, he's certain - those coveted, precious lights venture into their reach by responding to their songs. it's difficult to put into words, how much that just the thought of that light illuminates his heart and throws open all the windows in the dim confines of his own anxieties.
ryuu is still a moment, though no less companionable for it. ]
I'm sure you've already touched them as you are. You just have to keep doing that, no matter what. Then that feeling will continue to grow.
[ and there's such exhilaration in that, when that success continues to bloom, bigger and brighter, without limit. ]
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I'd like it if I could become a shining star, as well. For those fans in the audience, for anyone else who'd like to reach for this dream of being an idol, and for those who doubted the impact of it...
[He leans back a little to leave room for their drinks as they're dropped off, and the appetizers shortly after. Eichi laughs softly in the middle of it, though, a hand delicately covering his lips.]
Of course, I'm not on this path alone. I'd like to be able to carry my precious fine to these heights, as well. I wonder if it's wrong to think "I wish Yuzuru was here, as well", but no matter who may stay, or leave, there's a place for each of them here. I've been making sure of that personally.
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It's not wrong to think. Or rather... it's natural to miss the people close to you, especially now.
[ ryuu has done it too, though the circumstances between that situation and this are like night and day. he stood by himself on stage, carrying the wishes of the people he loves most so they wouldn't be left behind. it's not enough to just think it, as ryuu often does. he glances aside, leveling a smile at eichi with affection all pushed into the corners. ]
But you're a kind person. Those are the feelings that reach others the most. Whether they're here to see it right now or not, I think that's true! So...
[ he picks up his drink and holds it out. ]
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[Eichi lifts his wine glass carefully, admiring the color of it before he brings it to touch to Ryuu's, a quiet clink that tugs his smile slightly wider.]
I'm only teasing, of course, since I appreciate that sort of thing. Cheers~. ♪ Let's drink to everything; my first step on this real path, the bridge for all moonblessed idols, the friends we've made and the friends we won't lose, no matter how far apart from them we become.
[He draws it back to his own lips for a delicate, slow sip, even if his eyes don't move from Ryuu.]
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[ with that toast made and the thrum of it already warm in his veins, he's no where near as refined as he knocks back a good glug of his drink - it's beer, you're meant to do that! and maybe this gives away that he's not going to be satisfied with just one glass, but he's not in any rush, either.
puffing a breath once he releases the glass, the effect is immediate. he's missed having celebratory drinks, no doubt. ]
That tastes great! Beer from a whole different planet... [ a laugh. ] Amazing. How's yours?
[ he gives an interested lean over. ]
Did I pick alright?
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[Amazing... That's what's amazing! He meets Ryuu's cute little lean with a slight sway to bring himself briefly closer, lifting the glass just between them to admire it.]
You did, of course. It's a nice flavor... Ah, I've heard that wine was varied in this way and it made me think of tea, but it's quite different after all, isn't it? I have no idea what pairs with what, so I'm glad Ryuu-kun was here to offer some insight.
Fufu, it makes me feel warm immediately, this sort of thing... ♪
[An answer can never be short, with Eichi. He sets his glass down and reaches for one of the renkon chips next, holding it up for Ryuu. Eat it. Do it.]
Now, renkon chips from a whole different planet.
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It's not like I'm an expert at it! There are a couple of rules to keep in mind, that's all. Since you're helping me a lot with teas, I don't mind returning the favor.
[ also setting his own glass down, sides coated with froth, ryuu blinks at the sudden intrusion of a renkon chip before he can argue that you can, indeed, taste beer when you chug it. ]
Like a first without being a first. [ a small grin, before he reaches up to steady eichi's wrist. ] Hold still!
[ he is absolutely going to take a bite of it right from between eichi's fingers. ]
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At least right now.]
Well? How is it? Can you taste it, after that large taste of beer, Ryuu-kun? [His fingers shift slightly, but there's no way he's gonna pull back. If anything, he's lingering close like this, holding his hand in the air too long even after the bite is finished...
In other words, the flirting will only get worse from here.]
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Come on, you're not meant to gently sip beer! [ you can tease him about a lot of things, but beer is clearly where he draws the line. he hums, pursing the salt-taste from his lips. ] I can taste it. It has a really light flavor for being fried, so it goes well with strong drinks. You find these in a lot of izakaya.
[ his turn! he reaches for a chip also. ]
Do you want one too?
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[He's heard of snacks like this, but trying it and experiencing it is a whole different story. He finally drops his hand away, still angled in and using the question as an excuse to lean a little forward himself, pointing at his lips. Feed him...]
I want one! Aah~.
[He's the worst]
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So that's how it is. Well, just try one or two, then!
[ shaking loose one of the thinner chips from the plate, he cups his other hand beneath it to catch any of the salt, then leans in to bring it up to eichi's mouth. he didn't even have to ask him to say aah~, he did it on his own! ]
Here you go.
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It is light...! Ah, the salt is nice, isn't it... It's delicious.
[He takes another sip of wine after, then reaches over for his chopsticks so he can grab a gyoza. Hopefully they've arranged themselves so not to bump arms.]
Is there any food you dislike or don't care for?
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(this time, it's a normal drink, and not a glug.) ]
I don't dislike anything in particular! I like Okinawan food and alcohol, but that's to be expected, isn't it...
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[Like this, they can talk and drink and eat... Eichi starts by taking it slow, alternating food and wine, being responsible. This won't matter later, but the effort is there.]
I enjoy trying most things, but spicy foods are usually something that I can't handle... To be honest, I'm amazed by anyone who can handle them.
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