looseleaves | ✽ ic contact.

Ehh??
I'm not that sneaky!
I'm not sure if I can do that... it'd probably just be easier to ask him, wouldn't it?

Oh that’s true.
Sorry sorry.
I’m used to talking to people that breathe stealing.

[ THANKS AKIRA. ]

You could ask him to borrow it for inspiration.
It wouldn’t even be a lie.

People that breathe stealing?!
I'm a little worried now... what kind of person are you, again?

Oh. I’m a PI here. Detective back home.
Sorry. I know that sounded worse than it actually is.
I’m just trying to do right by the first close friend I’ve had in awhile.

Oh...
A detective? Ah, with how hard things must get...
I'm sorry.
I'll do my best to help!

It’s okay; I’m not exactly the best at communicating.
Anyway.
When you get it, you can meet up with me at the Heropa rink any day after hours.
I’ll point out which song it is.

Um, alright.
When I get it, I'll let you know. ♪
And please call me Shino.

Sure thing.
Thanks, Shino-kun. This means a lot to me.

Viktor-san was a bit busy yesterday, but I was able to ask him today~
Do you still want to meet at the rink?

Hey Shino-kun~!
Yes absolutely.
Just come after hours.
If the old man gives you trouble, just tell him I asked you to come down.

Alright!
I'll be there then.

[ And as expected, he does--Hajime's quiet and cordial enough that he tries not to get on anyone's bad side when he does come over. While he may be used to meeting adults out in public, it's still a little nerve-wracking, and he's not so naive that he doesn't think to at least bring something he can use to defend himself (pepper spray, oooh, so terrifying.) ]

[ Adachi couldn’t fault him that; he’d probably applaud his right to defend himself if he knew. At least while trying not to react to the mental image of his Persona’s reaction to pepper spray anyway. ]

[ The old man didn’t give Hajime any trouble when he entered — in fact he seemed to be asleep at his desk. Adachi was already on the ice over in the rink proper, putting himself through a few circles to warm up. It didn’t look like he had been there for very long yet, and he wasn’t so deeply focused that he didn’t notice there was a guest. His head snapped up, and he offered him a big smile and a wave. ]

Hey~! Shino-kun~!

[ ... seemed safe.

He glances around before Adachi actually calls out to him on the ice, and he approaches the rink with a curious look. While he's been practicing skating himself, he hasn't gotten very far... after all, he doesn't really have a teacher, and he'd been too busy to seek one out. It looks so effortless though.

The big wave actually makes him laugh a little, one of his hands coming up to his face to cover his smile. He stashes the spray he was holding back into his pocket. ]

Good evening~

Um, how should I address you? I never asked, I'm sorry.

Ah; just Adachi is fine.

[ He glided his way over to the barrier by Hajime, a sports bag on the bench beyond next to a dog-like Poochyena that was curled up into a ball on his jacket, fast asleep. Adachi nodded over to the bag. ]

G’head and pull out my headphones. I’ll find the song.

Eh? I-I couldn't just... that's really rude!

[ 'Just' Adachi, really... Hajime does what he's told without a moment of thought--though he does glance towards the cute dog (?) with a little smile, fishing out the music player from his pocket and Adachi's headphones from the man's bag before he goes back over. ]

You sound like Viktor-san... if you're a detective, shouldn't I call you that?

What? Nah, that would be weird. I’m used to people calling me by my last name. Viktor’s the only exception because he’s Viktor.

[ He plugged his headphones in as soon as Hajime handed both over, resting his elbows on the barrier. He hummed absently to himself, tapping his fingers against the tiny device as he flicked through, trying to find the song. It was a moment before he let out a triumphant noise, handing the player back with the song in question left on pause. ]

That’s it.

Ahh, Viktor-san is... very special!

[ He honestly means that.

When it's handed back to him, he makes a soft noise of approval before he listens. It takes a few bars for him to find the note signature, but he finds it and keeps it as he taps his chest with the palm of his hand, closing his eyes. His brow furrows as he listens, lost in thought. ]

You’re telling me.

[ Adachi watched quietly, an excited grin on his face, almost looking like a puppy dog that was wagging its tail too fast for its body. He waited patiently for Hajime to respond, brimming with excitement. ]

It's... really wistful and a little bittersweet, isn't it?

[ He makes a sound of thought, and his hand stops: he quietly hums some of the melody back and brings his hand up in a loose fist against his mouth. Despite the shyness of his pose, he's very businesslike when he speaks. ]

I can do it. Ah--write the rest. Lyrics might be a bit tough...? It sounds personal, though... you're sure Viktor-san would be okay with this?

Lyrics aren’t necessary.

[ He held up a hand, realizing quickly how rude that sounded. ]

Not that I don’t think you could, but I think the melody tells a pretty good story without words.

[ His expression softened then, a small smile coming to his face. ]

It is personal, kind of. Viktor was the one that introduced me to this song when I was... really feeling out of it. He’s done a lot for me, and I want to show him how much in a way he would understand.

[ Hajime actually breathes a sigh of relief when he says lyrics aren't necessary--Hajime's well-versed in poetry and prose but... ]

Mm, I agree with you. I think it speaks on its own... I wouldn't want to talk over it.

[ But... he nods then, a determined glint in his eye. ]\

Then I definitely know what I can do~

[ Adachi looked like he was practically going to squeak in happiness. ]

I owe you one!

[ He's... not used to this. Adachi's happiness gets a few surprised blinks from him, but a warm smile still crosses his features. ]

Mm, Viktor-san is really important to you, isn't he? It's nice to know he has someone that holds him in such high regard~

[ There was that sad smile again. ]

Yeah... he means a lot to me.

[ He brightened up a bit, standing up a little straighter. ]

You want to stick around a little longer? You can watch me practice my routine.

Ah--may I? I've been practicing myself, but I'm slow at learning~ I'd like to see how it's actually done!

[ Away drops the business face, now he's all bright eyes and smiles. ]

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