OPEN | let's change from the heart, let's shout

[nomorules]

Who: Anyone and everyone! That means you! Yes, you, c'mere.
Where: The stream and the lake.
When: July 12th, evening.
Rating: PG in case any of y'all get wild with that decorating.
Summary: Come and take part in a mini lantern ceremony, Wonderland-style. Mingle away, comrades!
The Story:





The evening of the 12th, visitors who feel like moseying their way to the stream where it empties out of the forest will be able to enjoy a summer celebration in the Japanese style. Outdoor lights illuminate the area, and tables hold all manner of art supplies and blank paper lanterns waiting to be decorated.

Didn't catch the network 411? Someone around will surely explain: it's a nod to toro nagashi, the paper lantern ceremony meant to guide the souls of the departed by decorating lanterns and setting them loose. Maybe you have a departed soul you'd like to remember, or a prayer to make. Maybe you'd just like to write a note message-in-a-bottle style. Maybe you just feel like taking the air and enjoying the sights. The choice is yours!

Either way, once the sun has set and lanterns have been decorated, the candles inside will be lit (remember fire safety, kids!), and the lanterns will be released into the water.

Gather at the lakeside afterward to watch them empty into the lake and enjoy the ambiance with some food and drink. Because we could all use a little more light in our lives, no?

Comments

[idolings]

Well, I wanted to show my appreciation for the mastermind that was behind this lovely event. It's been wonderful.

[She happily sits down next to him and takes notice of his reaction. His reaction was rather funny and she was trying to hold in her chuckles. Was he that confused with the drink?]

You're welcome! I'm the same way, I love anything sweet. The way I see it, You can't go wrong with making something sweeter! [She pauses and slyly grins at his baffled expression.] And don't worry, I didn't put anything strange in it!

[How nice! Sayaka is more than happy to take that cup of coffee. She could use something to warm her up during this evening. With a nod of her head, she takes the cup that was sitting on the bench and brings it to her lips.]

This is quite yummy! Thank you. I'll definitely be more than happy to drink it.

[nomorules]

_{[... Eh? She's not talking about him, is she? When she calls him a mastermind (his time has come, finally someone respects this phenomenal brain of his!), Ryuji clears his throat and leans his weight on the elbow still perched along the bench, attempting to downplay surprise as mere modesty.]}

Oh, well--it wasn't just me--I just had the idea... I-I guess you could say I started it... Glad it worked out and you're likin' it! The lake woulda been real borin' with just one or two lights in it.

_{[Well, he hadn't been worried about tampered drinks before, but now... Ryuji casts a doubtful look at the hot chocolate. Just a little, and just for a moment. He's trusting you, Sayaka. This is the drink equivalent of a trust fall--here's to not poisoning or drugging one another!]}

Thanks again for this. I mean--you didn't hafta go to all the trouble.

_{[His embarrassment might be more than the drink's worth, but it's the thought behind it that has him a bit off balance--he's used to attention of the negative variety, not positive.]}

Woulda gone to waste otherwise! That's not gonna be too much of a buzz for you?

_{[That is to say... Sayaka's already bubbly. What happens to a Sayaka hopped up on a sugar-caffeine blend? Will she go into overdrive and overheat?]}

[idolings]

[She's most definitely talking about you Mr. Mastermind! ღゝ◡╹)ノ♡ Oh no, he was totally stammering. Was he that surprised by her claim? She crosses her legs and leans in somewhat closer, while glancing at him with a sly expression.]

Aren't you the modest one? [Once again, she chuckles.] Yeah, for sure! It's exciting to see that the turn out for this event was great. It's really nice to see all the lanterns floating on the lake.

[Does this look like the face of a liar, Ryuji? Well. Okay. Besides that one time she attempted to trick him with her music tastes.]

You are welcome! It was no trouble at all, making sweet things is one of my hobbies.

[One of the many perks about in Wonderland was that she got to eat as much cake as she wanted. No more manager telling her to watch her diet in fear of losing popularity, she was free to be the cake gourmet she's always dreamed of being.]

Not at all! I'll be all right, I'm used to drinking a lot of caffeine.

[It will be fine. She'll just combust into sparkly bubbles. ♥ Just kidding. There's probably no telling how much she's relied on coffee to help keep her up during late night singing or dancing practice.]

[nomorules]

_{[Damn. You're very... close... to him right now, Sayaka... Is this flirting? Is she flirting? How can he tell. Ryuji resolutely refuses to meet her eyes for fear of wearing his thoughts on his face, pretending the heat he feels climbing the sides of his neck is from the hot chocolate.]}

Uh--

_{[Watch out. When the person you're leaning toward is a teen boy who hasn't learned the nuances between platonic and romantic and long coveted the attentions of the opposite sex, you run the risk of entering the danger zone where hormones reign supreme.]}

I dunno that anythin' could be as sweet as you.

_{[Someone put this child out of his misery, that was awful. But it's out now. It's out in the universe. Nervous laugh track goes here.]}

Hah, is that how you stay so energized?

[idolings]

[Is she flirting? The world may never know. Okay, she totally wanted to see his surprised expression closer, but she'll keep that a secret. ♥ LUCKILY, she's decided to spare you, Ryuji Not wanting to embarrass him any further, she pulls away and puts a bit of distance between them.

For a brief second, she freezes up at the sudden compliment.

Ryuji, you silly embarrassing thing.

If it's any consolation, he did earn the achievement "make Sayaka Maizono blush" because a light tint of pink begins to flush on her cheeks.]

Oh you! Aren't you a charmer?

[A chuckle escapes from her lips in an attempt to hide her embarrassment. She had to admit, that was one of the cutest compliments she's ever received.]

Bingo! Coffee gives me the power to stay energized 24/17. [a beat.] Okay, I'm just kidding on that one. I'm glad I seem to always be energized, though!

[nomorules]

_{[Oh, she's leaning back--]}

I just tell it how I see it.

<sub>[When she doesn't immediately pair her shift in posture with a scowl or a stink eye--clear and unmistakable signs she's not having any of his shit--he relaxes. Is she blushing because she's flattered or because he embarrassed her? Is he charming or just too candid to keep his trap shut? More things the world may never know.

But she's still on the bench with him, so he'll take that as a good sign she's at least somewhat interested in his company.

Hard to think she could be anything other than an enegizer bunny, though. He's only known her a short while, but in that time he already has difficulty picturing her as less than cheerful and lively. Trying to imagine her with one of Yusuke's sullen looks is a mistake, and he shakes his head and takes a sip to clear it away. Y i k e s, that's not fair to Sayaka.]</sub>

Aw man, this is good stuff. _{[He lets the hot milk and cool whipped cream mingle on his tongue.]} Just what I needed--you read my mind.

_{[How sure are we she isn't the one with the psychic powers between them? She must have had a premonition she needed to save a picky eater and his underdeveloped palate from the evils of coffee, because she showed up in just the nick of time.]}

[idolings]

[His words causes her pink blush to spread across her face. Just like the hot chocolate, he was sweet. The smile on her face grew wider as she averted her eyes for a split second to glance over at the laterns that were floating on the lake. There was a glow in her eyes as the laterns were shining all across the lake.

Peaceful moments like this were blissful. It reminded her that even with all the horrible events that happen in Wonderland, there were still precious times to enjoy.

She glances back over at Ryuji. Ever since she spoke to him over the network, she's wanted to get to know him better. Knowing that he was the one that came up with this idea in the first place only made her even more intrigued by him. She already knew that he was kind just from that one conversation, but this only continued to cement that thought. It was courteous of him to make an event to pray for the departed souls. There was a certain someone that she had wanted to honor.]

I'm happy to hear that you are enjoying it! [She smiles and takes another sip of the coffee as well.] Why of course, silly. I am actually a psychic, after all!

[A wink gets sent in his direction and she's just going to say that with the most nonchalant tone.]

[nomorules]

_{[Oho, does that psychic girl from Shibuya have some competition?]}

Oh yeah, so now you're the one who can read minds?

_{[Smiling at Sayaka, Ryuji leans forward with the cup cradled in his hands to rest his elbows on his legs, shifting into a posture that's a little less of a pose and a little more natural.]}

Okay then. What am I thinkin' right now?

_{[Go on, wow him with your insights.]}

[idolings]

[Congratulations Ryuji Sakamoto. Not only are you the first to challenge her on a joke, you are also the first person who has ever called her out on her 'psychic powers'. She has certainly found a formidable rival...!!!! Give yourself a pat on the back, you deserve it.

His question causes her to look surprised and in an attempt to hide her shock, she takes a quick sip from the coffee she received from him. While she may appear to be calm as she was drinking the coffee, on the inside she totally looks like this.

Once she's done taking a drink, she goes back to smiling at him, while also looking somewhat nervous.]

Let's see, what could Sakamoto-kun be thinking? I wonder.

[In an attempt to keep up with the act, Sayaka stares at him straight into his eyes. She places her hands against the sides of her forehead and is quiet. It's as if she was trying to channel some sort of psychic ability.

If only it was that easy.]

Are you thinking that maybe, just maybe... I'm joking about my psychic powers?

[nomorules]

<sub>[Oops, did this jerkass stump you, Sayaka? To be fair, it's debatable as to what's really going on underneath that bleached head of hair. Some might say nothing. Or else just a lot of mental yelling in capslock. And protein powder.

(The protein powder isn't entirely off the mark.)]</sub>

Well...

_{[There's a pregnant pause. His gaze slides to the side almost slyly before shifting back, Ryuji regarding her with an open, poorly veiled curiosity. In his position, he's not totally facing her head-on, which makes it a little easier to take a flying leap and say:]}

Actually. I was thinkin'... are you, like, dating anybody?

_{[DID HE SET THAT UP OR JUST AD LIB THAT SHIT, we'll never know.]}

[idolings]

[YOU JUST KEEP STUMPING HER, RYUJI. GOOD JOB DUDE. YOU EARNED ANOTHER ACHIEVEMENT!

Of course Sayaka didn't expect to correctly guess what was going on in Ryuji's dyed blonde head. There were a few guesses in her mind, like the lanterns or the hot chocolate. However, what he just asked her was something that she would have never guessed in a million years.]

H-Huh?!

[It takes a lot to fluster Sayaka but boy, did Ryuji manage to pull a fast one on her. Her face immediately turned into a bright shade of red and it takes her a few seconds to properly respond because she was stammering on her words.]

Well geez, I would nave never guessed that! [She laughs in an attempt to hide her embarrassment. Oh god. She couldn't even begin to imagine how silly her surprised face must have looked to him. Now she was only feeling even more embarrassed by herself...] To answer you question, no. I'm.. n-not dating anyone.

[There was someone that she did have a crush on, but besides going out on a study date, they weren't actually dating. Plus, she didn't have much expectations for anything to actually happen with her crush. Seeing him happy was enough to make her happy.

NOW SHE WAS BEGINNING TO WONDER IF HE SET THAT UP, because if he did, he's a ~*smooth criminal*~.]

[nomorules]

_{[The oh-so-innocent question seems to have put her well on the way to sparkly bubble combustion, and unthinkingly Ryuji awkward-laughs along with her.]}

Oh. Ha. Haha--n-no? C'mon, you must get asked that all the time!

<sub>[And she's single! Given her career track it's not a shock that's her answer--if a young pop star's shacking up with dudes, most of that stuff's supposed to be neither seen nor heard--but the side of him that holds out hope for miracles gives a triumphant little fist pump.

The criminal part is true, but the last thing Ryuji feels is particularly smooth in this arena. Frank and honest with his interests, but in the manner of an uncut, unpolished diamond--earnestness without the refinment. Now that he's come this far, though, it's all or nothing. It's not in his nature to leave things half-finished, so he keeps talking into that abyss of potential social mortification, god rest his soul.]</sub>

Is that... 'cause of the idol thing? Would you if you had a chance...?

[idolings]

I have been asked before but there's a reason why I haven't dated anyone...

[Before she could explain, Ryuji beat her to the punch and she nods her head in response.]

Yup, you are correct! Idols aren't allowed to date. For the fans, you have to maintain a "pure" image. It's like, you have to make yourself seem avaliable to your fans.

[The idol world has it's perks as well as it's downs. It was an industry that was like a survival world and you had to make a ton of sacrifices to stay on top. Back home, if she were to date someone, her ratings would instantly plummet and it was frowned upon. It wasn't unheard of for idols to date in secret, but as soon as they were caught, it would erupt into a huge scandal.

It was rough. She's witnessed so many poor girls get in trouble for simply falling in love with someone and wanting to be with them. In a lot of ways, the idol industry was unfair.

His question causes her to turn even more red and at first she's quiet. It's a question that she's never really thought about until now.]

T-Truth be told, I... haven't really thought about it. I've been so busy that it hasn't really crossed my mind. [Even with her crush, she hasn't given too much thought about actually dating him since she was so used to how things were back home. That and he was the type that was focused on his studies, so she didn't think he would be too interested in dating.]

I guess, maybe? It would be nice to find that special someone!

[nomorules]

<sub>[Her PR team's hair would probably go white to see their innocent, sweet-natured idol sitting on a bench next to one of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. And the most un-groomed, unruly phantom thief of the bunch, too.

Now that Ryuji's here straddling this very uncomfortable conceptual fence, he has to think about how to proceed. The fact she doesn't take the bait's... probably more telling than he'd like it to be...]</sub>

So... hypothetically. If someone here asked you...

_{[How badly would that go for this hypothetical somebody? Are we talking trash fire levels?]}

[idolings]

["Hyopthetically" Really Ryuji?? With that, she's starting to kind of get an idea as to where this was going. She leans back and slyly narrows her eyes at him. There might have been a hint of a smirk on her lips.

She begins to ponder to herself, looking as if she was in serious thought.]

Hmm, if someone were to ask me, what would I do? I guess, I would have to say...

[But before she can finish that sentence, she brings a finger against her lips in a hush motion.]

It's a secret!

[nomorules]

<sub>[????????????

THIS IS CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT.

Omg, is she going to make him jump through all the hoops and say it... She is, isn't she. Ryuji looks sidelong at her, pained at the corner he's helped her paint him into. Shit, fuck. Well, he's come too far now...!

Clearing his throat, Ryuji slaps a muzzle on that part of his brain going abort abort and takes the plunge. What's the worst that can happen, she says no?]</sub>

What if I did the askin'?

[idolings]

[YOU STARTED THIS RYUJI!!!!!

She would have been lying if she said that she didn't expect things to end up like this. There was a part of her that was also thinking that this was a joke, so she was waiting for him to end it with a "Just kidding!"

But it never happens.

and now she's staring at Ryuji in shock in awe (Why are you surprised, Sayaka???? You're just as guilty.) but the longer she stares at him and let's it sink in, her face turned into the brightest shade of red ever.]

Huh?!

[WHAT A SMOOTH ANSWER]

W-Wait... um... ah...!!!

[Oh no, she's so flustered she can't even speak properly.]

Are you... a-are you being serious? You're asking me out?

[nomorules]

_{[Her bafflement baffles him in turn. Was that... not... clear??? He'd thought it was fairly clear where he was trying to go with that. Maybe he should've been more upfront and asked from the beginning? This is where trying to be smooth gets you.]}

Y-Yes? Yeah, I'm serious.

_{[It feels like he's on a game show grasping for the right answers. One would think the bench was a bed of iron spikes for the amount of shifting around Ryuji does, a valiant but ultimately doomed attempt to come off nonchalant.]}

I mean, not to step on your toes with your career or nothin'. Only if you'd want to...

[idolings]

[Oh, he was serious. (What made you think he wasn't, Sayaka????)

At first she's quiet and she's trying to process everything that was going on. Even though she's never had experience in dating, the one thing she did know was that...

This was way too fast.

People don't normally go out with someone that they just met... right? Or was she the weird one? Sayaka's never had any dating experience, so she was new to all of this. Either way, she knew that she couldn't go out with him like this. Before going out with someone, she at least wanted to get to know them and for the other party to know about herself. She had to make sure there was some sort of connection, and there was also the matter of her crush.

She had to make sure her heart was ready for anything.]

I-I'm really flattered by that! But um, I-I'm so... so sorry.

[Her face was growing redder but she felt bad about this. He was a sweet person and she enjoyed his presence. If she had to be honest, she did feel a little charmed by him from their first meeting. However, this was only their second conversation. They didn't know each other that well and she felt like this was way too sudden.]

This feels really sudden, w-we just met. I don't think it's a good idea.

[nomorules]

<sub>[Contrary to popular belief, Ryuji's not completely blind, deaf, and dumb to social cues--he has an inkling of the answer before she finds her voice to give it. The apology is a big indicator. Disappointment falls, but not terribly heavily; if he's being honest a part of him had been expecting as much, given there are about a thousand better places for dating than Wonderland. Like, say, not Wonderland.

But they're talking about a professional idol--he'd be doing his manhood card a disservice to not at least try! So it goes.

The no-go seems to relax him and set him free from anticipation, at any rate, and though Ryuji sighs, it's more with an acceptance of the inevitable than anything else. Settling back against the bench, he brings one leg up to rest on its opposite.]</sub>

Eh, I had to ask! I'd totally go for a girl like you.

_{[Since facing off with those cutthroat Hawaiian girls, he's come to think of chicks as a bit of a "hope for the best, prepare for the worst" situation. This had been a pretty nice brush-off, compared to some of the ones he's gotten.]}

But I can still have that autograph, right?

_{[An attempt at lightness, to ease whatever compulsion she might feel to apologize to him. His hide's thick--and it's not like there'd been high stakes involved.]}

[idolings]

[The way he took it in stride made him even more endearing in her eyes. He was so incredibly nice about it and she didn't feel a sense of awkwardness in the slighest.

She has dealt with her fair share of people who don't take too kindly to her turning them down. Most people were only interested in her for her idol status and for what it's worth, she didn't sense that in Ryuji at all. Just from their previous conversation, she already thought of him as a nice guy. Her opinion of him was only continuing to rise.]

You're such a charmer! Keep that up and you'll get someone's attention in no time.

[With his cute face and nice personality, she would have thought he would have girls all over him. She was actually a little surprised that he apparently didn't have a girlfriend already.]

Of course! When I get back to my room, I'll be sure to sign a special autograph for you.

[This could have been awkward, but he didn't let it go there. Ryuji definitely earned a few brownie points and a huge amount of respect from her. This was the first time the air didn't feel heavy after turning someone down. His response was one of the nicest ones she's received, especially compared to some of the crazy fans she's had the misfortune of dealing with.

She relaxes a little while fiddling with the cup that was inbetween her lap. Her eyes glances back at him and she looks at him with a soft smile.]

I do have this to say, I think you are very sweet and I would love to hang out and have more conversations with you. Because... I do want to get to know you better.

[nomorules]

_{[Considering he was just turned down a second ago and the nth times before that, he's not terribly convinced by the claim, but on the plus side, he thinks he's doing a good job by not outwardly sulking. Better to bloom late in the maturity department than never bloom at all--someone wise probably said that once.]}

Suh-weet, I'll take what I can get.

_{[At least there are participation prizes in the friendzone. Which is where he lives. Born and raised and will probably die in, hahaaa...]}

Uh, yeah, sure thing. Don't look like I'm headin' anywhere in a hurry. Can't promise the knowing part it'll be all that interestin', though.

_{[If he sounds a mite less enthusiastic about having a willing audience than he normally would, it's only because putting his romantic fantasies to bed and shifting into a lower conversational gear takes some adjusting when you're the fast and furious type like him. But he wouldn't mind spending more time with Sayaka, either.]}

[idolings]

[She's certainly impressed with his maturity! He's definitely more mature than some people she's had to deal with. She continues to smile at him at the mention of the autograph and makes a mental note to make sure that it's extra special whenever she gets to the nearest paper and pen that she can find.]

I'll be looking forward to it. Hmmm... really? [She tilts her head at him.] I actually think you are quite interesting!

[There was no way she would say this outloud, since she didn't want to embarrass him; especially after turning him down. But if she had to be perfectly honest, he caught her attention from the very beginning when he offhandedly mentioned his mom.

That was a secret she was going to have to keep from him. For now, anyway.

Even if he was a mite less enthusiastic, she was still happy that he agreed to her suggestion. While she wasn't ready to date anyone, she was excited at the idea of getting to know him better. She wouldn't mind spending more time with him.]

[nomorules]

<sub>[Although he's sure she doesn't mean it that way, it's starting to feel like hollow praise. He scrubs his hair with his fingers, a habitual gesture that probably explains in part why his hair--his glorious dandelion yellow hair--never seems smoothed down.

It's still the hair, isn't it?]</sub>

Why's that?

_{[He poses the question more to the view of the lake than her, glancing her way a moment after. Surely if she knew he'd been one of the Phantom Thieves, she would've said so by now--the argument can be made that'll be the most interesting chapter in his biography some day.]}

[idolings]

You were nice to me during our previous conversation! And it felt really.... genuine.

[The reasoning as to why she thought he was interesting was probably simple. She actually wouldn't have blamed him if she seemed shallow, but it was true. Most of the people that she spoke to were nice to her because of her idol status but she didn't get that feeling from him. Not only that, he also said some pretty cool things that really lifted up her spirit too.]

There's another reason, but I'll tell you later!

[It would be best if she didn't tell him right now. Considering that she just turned him down, the last thing she wanted to do was embarrass him further by being like "OH HEY, THE WAY YOU CASUALLY BROUGHT UP YOUR MOM WAS REALLY CUTE!!! TEEHEE (＾∀゜～☆)" She wasn't going to do that to his pride.

SO NO WORRIES RYUJI, it's not the hair; even if it does look nice. There were a lot of wacky hairstyles in her world. So to her, his seemed pretty normal in comparison.]