The Cutie and Her Man!

[Mysterdio]

Happiness welled up within Yozakura as Takeda thanked her, walking into the restaurant together. Takeda was fun to tease, yes, but Yozakura wasn't just having fun. The unique beauty had come here tonight because when she spoke in that interview, she spoke to someone genuine and sweet. Yozakura didn't compliment Takeda just to fluster him, but to make him happy as they spent time together. Seeing his reactions only made the blunette smile wider.

Sitting down and looking over their menus, Kura was undecided until her date had a suggestion. "Hm? Good idea. We can get whatever then. I'm not picky." Leaning in closer to Takeda with hands cupping her face, Kura smiled as she looked into the interviewer's eyes. "So, you flirt with all the girls in the studio, or just me?" With a wink, Yozakura posed a question that she knew would embarrass Takeda quite a bit, but the unique beauty was prepared for some flattery.

[CaptainL]

The two seated themselves at a table, and Takeda looked over the menu. His eyes scanned over the options...only for the next words out of Kura's mouth to completely throw off his focus when she actually accepted his offer of sharing their meal. At that, he froze in place, his face flushing a brilliant red as the menu fell out of his hands. "W-Wait, really..?" Had that actually worked? The thought of splitting dinner between the two of them felt intimate - like a romantic gesture; a way of cementing their feelings of togetherness. He'd only put it out there because he figured it was what couples did. And yet, Yozakura was on board with the idea! Takeda was reminded once again of how far the two of them had come - and how much further that was than anything he would ever have anticipated having in his life. He actually had a girlfriend now. And as exciting as that was...it was also overwhelming. He wasn't prepared for this at all!

If this was going to work, though, he couldn't lose his cool. She'd surely feel embarrassed just to be around a guy who wasn't expecting her to agree to his plans. "I mean, uh, it's sushi...we can get a few things," he added, trying to salvage the situation. But when he looked back up, and saw her staring at him from across the table, his heart thumped in his chest. He couldn't do anything but stare back into her eyes - they transfixed him; they commanded every bit of his attention. This girl was beautiful, he realized. And for all he knew...he would be spending the rest of his life with her.

Takeda didn't know how long he would sit there, bewitched by Kura's good looks, but when she spoke up again, that made him glance aside as he blushed harder. He shuffled anxiously from side to side. What was he supposed to say now - that he did? It wasn't like he didn't at least fantasize about doing so. He was, after all, easily led astray by a pretty face, and there was no shortage of those in LAW. But if he was going to take this seriously, he needed to commit. Kura couldn't think that he was ready to run away from her at a moment's notice. If they were going to be together, he had to shape up.

"Look, uh...most of the time, they flirt with me," he insisted. It wasn't a lie - more than a few of his interviewees had caught on to how flustered he was, and looked to get a rise out of him. Still, not even that seemed like good enough of an excuse. With a sigh, he sat up straighter and turned his attention back toward Kura.

"But...I'll try to stop, if it makes you feel better. I want this to work..."

[Mysterdio]

Takeda seemed taken aback by Kura's agreement on splitting some food between them. The unique beauty understood why. It was a bit of a bonding thing. It was certainly something befitting not just a date, but a full-blown couple. While Kura wouldn't quite say they were there just yet, she was happy to entice Takeda further to the possibility. While Yozakura was a free spirit, she was far from a dumb bimbo. If Kura went on a date, then after dinner and a possible night spent in the same bed, she was hoping there would be a real relationship at the end of the tunnel. If Takeda wanted Yozakura as his girlfriend, then the unique beauty was more than happy to work towards having the blonde as her boyfriend! "I'll leave it up you to choose. I'm just happy to share."

Yozakura's subtle smirk began to grow less so, as Takeda took longer to answer. The shortstack continued to stare into her date's eyes. Truthfully, she didn’t really care if he did flirt with his other interviewees, Yozakura already knew the real answer anyway. As long as she was ths only one giving him kisses, she was fine with it. Still, it was pretty fun to see Takeda struggling to think of an answer, not to mention, pretty adorable. Yozakura figured that, like many other answers Takeda gave this evening, he was aiming to impress, which was rather flattering for the unique beauty.

However, while Yozakura expected an answer aimed to impress, she had to admit that Takeda's second answer made her heart flutter just a bit. "I, appreciate that, Takeda. But I'm just playing with you!" Kura reassured, trying to calm the blonde. "I know that they flirt with you. I agreed to tbe interview because I saw you interview some others. Like that Maya Jones lady. So don't worry ." Kura insisted, taking Takeda's hand in her own.

[CaptainL]

"Ah...alright." With Kura's reassurance, Takeda's hand coiled a little tighter around the girl's own, giving it a gentle squeeze, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Her answer was all he needed to wash away all of his concerns. Not only was Yozakura willing to turn a blind eye to his more lustful ways, she was showing that good-humored charm that had drawn him to her in the first place - her sassiness and willingness to tease made her stand out from the rest, and gave her that lively spark that he just couldn't get enough of. It was just another thing that reminded him that she really was a unique beauty.

"Thanks for being so understanding, anyway," he continued. "But I admit, it does feel a little weird flirting with people knowing you're here..." His heart beat a little faster in his chest. Was Kura truly capable of moving him so deeply that he was willing to change his whole outlook on the world? Well...he'd always be a sucker for a pretty face and a hot body. But he could at least try just a little bit harder to catch himself.

"I'm really glad to know you liked the calendar so much, though," he added with a nod. "It's really been a passion project for me, you know? Getting insights into so many of LAW's big stars, for the fans to know...I never really expected it to take off the way it did. To have so many people approach me for a spot. Or...for it to land me where I am now, for that matter. But I'm glad it did..." Takeda blushed just a little bit, but with a smile on his face, he leaned in toward Kura, his eyes resting on hers. Was he actually trying to flirt back, now? He was making progress!

Right when Takeda was about to say something else, though, a waitress stepped up to them. "Can I start you off with something to drink?" And right then, he was reminded that he was being this open about his feelings in public, where people could see him. Suddenly, it didn't feel quite so normal and natural - and he was reminded of how anxious he had really been, and how out-of-place he felt.

"A-Ahh-! Right!" Perhaps a little bit too noticeably, Takeda jumped back from the table and straightened his back. He cleared his throat and straightened his suit. "I'll...just have a water," he said, hoping it hadn't made too much of a scene.

[Mysterdio]

Yozakura wore a genuinely happy smile as she both eased Takeda's worry and got him to share more about his interests. When they first met, it was an interview about Yozakura herself. Takeda knew plenty about her, already. Now, Kura wanted to learn more about the cute guy she had sitting across from her. Taking Takeda's hands in her own, Yozakura enjoyed hearing him explain how he never expected his show to take off the way it did. It intrigued the unique beauty, especially as Takeda flirted back slightly.

However, the shortstack found herself huffing a bit as a waitress ruined the moment, causing Takeda to become nervous once again, pulling back. "Just a martini, thanks." Kura replied simply. Looking over at Takeda, Yozakura felt a bit disappointed. It pleased her when he took some initiative, when he didn't seem so nervous. Wanting to get the ball rolling again, the unique beauty once more took his hand. "Don't be scared, OK? This is going great."

[CaptainL]

When their waitress came to the table, it couldn't have been at a worse time. Right when Takeda was having a tender moment with Yozakura, right when it seemed like they might be able to discuss their feelings seriously - perhaps, even, when it seemed like things might even go a step further? - it was then that they had to be interrupted. And Takeda was thrust back into the crushing awareness that he really was out of his element - and in public, where every other patron seemed to be a watching, judging eye. Just like that, his composure came crashing down. Even after he turned his attention to drinks, his face was still flushed red and his heart was racing. This wasn't exactly the foot he wanted to start out on.

He had just blurted out a water because it was the first thing that came to his mind - but when Kura ordered a martini, that drew a gulp from his throat. Suddenly, he was aware of everyone's expectations once again. In Takeda's had, even the people at the booth across the room seemed to be judging him. If Kura was going to get something stronger, was he just going to look like a square? He wanted this to work. He didn't want to embarrass her, or himself, or anyone...

But when he felt Kura squeezing his hand, it made him sit just a little more steady. His heart slowed, and he took a deep breath. Her hand was a reminder of her presence, and all that meant. Yes, she believed in him. He could do this. This was a big step forward for him, and it was about time he embraced it.

"Uh, actually..." Takeda cut in, "I think I'll have a martini too." The waitress wrote down their order and turned aside to head back to the kitchen. Once again, he and Kura were alone. And as the smile began to return to Takeda's face, he squeezed her hand just a little tighter. Suddenly, it didn't feel so strange.

"Sorry about that. Just...new to all this, you know?"

[Mysterdio]

With her small hand placed in Takeda's, reassuring him, Yozakura smiled. Clearly feeling a sense of boldness, Takeda changed his order, causing Yozakura to giggle lightly. It was obvious that the interviewer was doing his best to impress. It was adorable to the shortstack, and very flattering to know that such a sweet guy clearly wanted her so much. While she might not be so awkward, Kura wanted him, too. "I'm a real lightweight, obviously. But I'm wondering if you can hold it, now. Hehe." The unique beauty teased.

[CaptainL]

"Well, I mean, yeah, you are a lightweight - that's what class you're in in LAW! Haha-! Uh...heh..." Partway through it leaving his mouth, Takeda realized how lame his joke was, and he only blushed harder as a dumb grin lit up across his face. He was just hoping to break the ice some and make small talk, but he couldn't help but realize that in all likelihood he just came away looking even more like a hopeless dork who was far out of his league. In any other situation, he'd panic at the thought that he'd sent the entire relationship crashing down, and if he'd embarrassed his date with his presence alone...but for some reason or another, Takeda felt like he had nothing to fear. If Yozakura had put up with him this long, then surely she'd understand now. And when he looked back up at her, it was a warm smile on his face.

Before long, their waitress returned with their drinks, handing a glass to each of them. "Thanks," Takeda said, taking his. He cleared his throat as the waitress walked away, swirling the contents of the glass idly as he faced Kura. "Uh, well, I don't drink all that often...but I wouldn't be opposed to giving it a try." Then, he lifted the glass to his mouth and took a sip...and immediately pulled a face.

"...Is it supposed to taste this strong?"

[Mysterdio]

As Takeda let out a corny joke, Yozakura allowed a small giggle to escape her lips. It was more at Takeda's blush and awkwardness than the actual joke, but if it helped Takeda feel more at ease around her, then Kura didn't think it mattered. If she was being honest, his jokes were actually a little funny...

With Takeda making a small face once he took a drink, the unique beauty couldn't help but chuckle. "I guess we're both lightweights, then." Kura teased with a wink, sipping her martini once more. Still, if Takeda was so opposed to drinking, the blunette shouldn't make him. "If you don't like it, you can just pass it to me." Kura offered, leaning across the table and planting a kiss on her date's cheek.

[CaptainL]

More and more, it was growing painfully obvious that Takeda was out of his league. He had never gotten this far with a woman before; if anything, he was still amazed that Kura was willing to give him the time of day. He had no idea what to say to her; even trying to make casual conversation made him feel like he constantly had to watch himself and make sure he wouldn't say something embarrassing. He hadn't even thought that alcohol was going be involved - if he had, he probably would've gone into this with a better idea of what he was supposed to order. Because that would almost certainly be better than him taking one sip of a martini and immediately recoiling from the sour taste, in front of his date.

When Kura giggled at the sight, Takeda's face deepened a few shades of red, and he nervously glanced aside. If there was going to be a moment everything would fall apart, this would be it. What sort of woman would dare to be with a man so uncool he couldn't even drink without pulling a face? "S-Sorry," he muttered meekly out of reflex. But then, Yozakura leaned across the table and kissed him - and when he looked back at her, the blush on his face would only get brighter. At first, he looked on wide-eyed in shock. But as he thought it over some more, his smile grew wider, and the tension in his muscles began to grow slack. He was okay. She wasn't mad, or ashamed. And that could only raise his confidence higher. If Kura could handle this, she could handle anything!

Clearing his throat, Takeda sat up a little straighter in his seat. He lifted his glass, but rolled it back and forth in his fingers, looking it over as he lingered on Yozakura's offer. "You're sure? I know you said you were a lightweight, so I wouldn't want you to overdo it...but, uh, if you need me to walk you home, I will-!" He blinked a moment after he'd said that. Had that really come out of him?