"This place is neat!" Yushiro looked around the interior of the restaurant. There were families with children and a river flowing by the platforms. Behind the restaurant was a forest where the river was flowing from.
One of the waiters approached them with a welcoming smile and led them to their table which was outdoors and closer to the flowing stream of water. The sounds of the river was relaxing and Shinobu could feel all her worries being washed away just by hearing it.
Yushiro saw another family beside them and that's when he got a better look at the food being served.
There was Nishin Soba, Shojin Ryori and glasses of matcha green tea. Yushiro was looking forward to the Kaiseki cuisine that the family was having. That's what our class had during our trip here a few years ago.
Douma gazed at the river and forest surrounding the floating restaurant. It reminded him of the peaceful atmosphere that the celestial grounds had to offer. Those like Shinobu who adored nature and this type of setting would have a great time at the celestial grounds.
But he couldn't just take her there. Humans wouldn't be able to comprehend its existence and they will face consequences that came with exploring the further depths of the universe. Not to mention Douma would be questioned about his decision: What was his reason for bringing a human to the celestial grounds? Was it urgent because if it was, that could be an exception but there are no plans to share anything about the celestial grounds with humans. It was a sacred place just before the next destination which was the holiest of them all.
The waiter took their order and left. All three of them sat back, taking in the comforting scenery outside. The restaurant itself provided an experience of leisure and the sound of the violin at the other end made it much better.
Shinobu got up from her seat and walked towards the stream beside the platform they were dining on. She dipped her hand into the water and felt the cold refreshing wave of energy surge through her skin, it elevated the circulation in her body and she wanted to stay in this spot a little longer just to embrace this soothing moment.
"You know, Shinobu is having a great time here. She must be grateful for having someone like you in her life." Yushiro told Douma.
The blonde looked at him and blinked. He understood what Yushiro was trying to say but he wasn't sure if Shinobu really appreciated his presence, especially after everything that happened. She could just be putting up a smiling facade whenever she was with him. Deep down, she was keeping a lot to herself that she didn't want to share.
"I hope so." Douma replied he was now watching Shinobu sitting by the river listening to the sound of the violin.
"No I'm serious, you can really see her enthusiasm throughout this trip. Shinobu is sometimes, well how do I put it? She doesn't express herself much in certain situations, I get there's always something in her mind especially when it comes to her responsibilities at her clubs for example." Yushiro carried on explaining. "Nevertheless, she still has that cheerful attitude that can turn into a form of encouragement for those around her I just don't want her to let the overthinking tendencies take over."
Shinobu overthinking, yeah he's right about that. Douma remembered the time when Shinobu came face-to-face with her own power that started the huge argument between them. Despite his efforts to calm her down she let her anger get the better of her. At least now she has begun to accept the fact that she was truly a rare gem and there was nothing to worry about as long as she kept her powers hidden. She had no problem with that so far even before she found out about it.
The blonde continued watching Shinobu by the river. "You know what Yushiro, now that you mentioned about the values that sticks with her even at school, I think it's about time she gets that encouragement back." Douma added. "It's not that she doesn't want to express herself, she needs the same kind of energy given back to her too."
"I understand it's not that I'm an ungrateful brat, you see I'm just not that good at this kind of stuff. There are times when I don't even know where to start when someone's feeling down but I still try to cheer them up with video games or movies that we like." Yushiro replied.
"Anyways I believe that your capable of lifting up her spirits you know. Shinobu is already a bright girl you can make a bigger impact by giving her the cue that her ways of encouraging others aren't forgotten. There are many people out there who treasure her words and actions dearly."
Hearing what Yushiro was saying reminded Douma about the times when people would tell him that his presence had made an impact on their lives, they became prosperous in certain aspects and appreciated life more. Maybe it was true after all, so there was no reason for Douma to doubt his own actions ever since those unfortunate incidents. Now that he was more accepting of forming bonds with humans, these things became clearer.
Since his arrival on Earth he always focused on the good side of humans and never let the bad side get in the way of his perception. Meeting Shinobu and gaining the trust and respect of Atashi's family has given him back that wider perception he once had.
"Speaking of giving her the cue, I think you've already done just about that. Your appreciation for her efforts during this case and the impact of her own hard work on society really made her feel about herself. I don't think she's ever had second thoughts during class or at her clubs whenever someone needed a simple act of kindness or a word of advice from her."
Yushiro hoped this was convincing enough for Douma, he could tell the blonde and Shinobu really enjoyed each other's company. This was a way for Shinobu to not feel left out if there were friends or anyone who didn't appreciate her efforts. Yushiro felt better knowing there was someone who truly cared about her.
"Alright than I hope Shinobu doesn't return to her angsty self even though sometimes she can be like that. Which I find endearing because it's really adorable when she starts putting up that clueless expression. Shinobu clearly needs someone to rid away the troubles that are bothering her and I'm here to do just that." Douma said confidently to which Yushiro narrowed his eyes at him. This cocky attitude was unbearable. Shinobu's occasional apprehensiveness was understandable and Yushiro supported her reasons all the way.
Douma could tell Yushiro was at a loss for words at his proud response. It was always entertaining to see humans react this way to the littlest things, it's not like he said anything offensive. As long as they were still on the same team, there was absolutely nothing to worry about. The sense of respect was still very much present.
"Hey Douma, how did you get to know Shinobu? You guys seem close." Yushiro asked curiously.
"At the right time and place. It's as if we were destined to meet and I'm sure Shinobu feels the same way too." Douma answered.
Yushiro leaned on the table and smirked. "You like her don't ya? Have you asked her out yet?"
Douma became nervous after hearing Yushiro's question. "Well I uh-"
"So you're just friends? Cool all this while I thought you guys were a couple although I'm not surprised if that were the case." Yushiro crossed his arms and sunk into the chair.
How am I supposed to answer something like that?! The same bubbly feeling he felt every time he saw Shinobu's gorgeous smile came back. He reminded himself not to make these feelings evoked by Shinobu or just the thought of her presence appear obvious to others, or even Shinobu herself will start feeling awkward because of him!
Their drinks were served followed by their food. After admiring the river Shinobu returned to her seat unaware about the discussion Douma and Yushiro had.
"Ribit ribit."
Yushiro turned to the side and picked something up from the floor.
"Hey look a frog!" There was a green frog on Yushiro's palm, croaking and observing the three of them enjoying their meal of Unagi, Karaage and the various Kaiseki cuisines on the table.
"Be careful Yushiro don't let it jump on the food." Shinobu reminded him.
Douma wondered if Shinobu was afraid of the frog, she seemed calm but also concerned about it being here. This was starting to get interesting and maybe just maybe he could get her attention.
"Hey Shinobu maybe you should try-"
Yushiro interrupted him with a similar question. "Wanna hold it Shinobu?" He teased.
"Yeah sure no problem." Shinobu took the frog from Yushiro's palm and held it carefully. Douma raised a brow, she was really brave, most girls would've freaked out at the thought of holding a frog. No wonder she remained calm even though the frog was right in front of her.
"Wow Shinobu you're not scared of it." Douma said, fascinated by her bravery.
"Shinobu isn't scared of bugs and small animals. I've seen her holding the most bizarre creatures out there." Yushiro pointed out.
Shinobu returned the frog to Yushiro's palm. Both she and Douma watched it settle down on the boy's shoulder as he continued eating.
Douma raised a brow at Shinobu who was sitting there comfortably. "You truly are a rare gem." He said quietly.
Right after hearing that, Shinobu scoffed and looked away from him which made him laugh. Douma was sure Shinobu understood what he had just said there was no denying it.