They trace a quiet route, weaving through the different bridges as Souren points out which flowers he thinks would draw the most intrigue. Kosei smiles and nods when appropriate. The designated photographer snaps plenty of photos that will later be sent to the media, who will likely gobble up the content to publish. All in a day's work.
Even though the records of the day will show the young men getting along jolly fine, it doesn't capture the stilted hesitation between shots. Souren makes an effort to talk to Kosei, an effort that Kosei seems to return, or perhaps he is just naturally talented at speaking like this. Yet still, their conversations are short and strained, quickly expending a topic and featuring many pauses as they work their way to another.
Souren would much rather be at home with An, reading a book or playing a game of chess.
When they do return home, Souren would be glad to retreat into his room. But that doesn't seem to be an option. He made an escape yesterday; he can't really afford to do the same today. Not yet.
But he is prepared this time. At least, he hopes so. He's researched a list of icebreaker questions, read them over and tried to remember them so he could pull a few for moments like this.
"Would you want to be famous?" he asks.
Kosei blinks at the sudden question.
Souren winces at himself at already messing up the first conversational question. "Or, I guess we kind of are well known already, in a way." Being bred to become the future public figures. "Let me rephrase. Do you like it, then?"
Kosei hums, thoughtful. "I've never really experienced a life where I wasn't. So, yes, I don't mind it, I suppose. It makes life more interesting." The left corner of his mouth tugs up in a small smile. "I just let the public see what they want to see. It's not too bad, really." He shrugs. "What about you?"
"I think I'd rather not," Souren says softly. "Or maybe it's not as much being well known in itself, but the circumstances because of this particular position." A child who rarely saw his parents, rarely even went outside.
Kosei's expression darkens, but he remains silent for a moment before he nods. "I can understand that."