@ofclearwaters people are generally not naturally good at things . that's why we learn and improve .
[ Mizuki watched the water circling around him like it was the most intriguing thing he's ever seen ]
you seem pretty good at what you do . in training too . . so I've heard anyway .
@ofclearwaters [ a shiver runs down Mizuki's spine followed by a strange sense of calmness that spread throughout his body ]
oh , that's — this is actually not too bad . .
any topic is interesting , so long as the other person is — happy , talking about it . I think so personally .
[ Mizuki's voice softened , the memories of his friends from Kanezaka crossing his mind for the millionth time that week . how Kiriko and the others would often talk
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he stiffened for half a second under Wuyang's touch . but eventually — unexpectedly — he relaxed beneath that gentle hand . and for a brief moment , he felt the corner of his mouth twitch into a small grin ]
apologies —
[ Mizuki opened his mouth to speak , then closed it again with a quiet exhale . it was clear to him he was kind of making a fool of himself in the worst way possible . it wasn't fair either — not when deep down he wasm starting to enjoy talking to this guy ]
right .
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[ he shifted his weight onto one leg ]
you shouldn't worry too much , dude . don't want you thinking you're walking on eggshells around me all the time .
[ Mizuki's gaze had softened then — a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth beneath the mask that kind of reached his eyes . there was nothing inherently wrong with any of this ]
no , of course not . just trying to find any common ground between us , I suppose .
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hadn't even tried to fight. Wuyang couldn't make sense of what exactly, but something about the reaction felt... off. like he had upset him in some way.
"did I... say something wrong?"
maybe it was the best thing to just ask. no assumptions, just the genuine wish to understand.