raspberrylemonaid | Post canon college stuff

Post canon college stuff

It was after everything with Sho that Yosuke decided 100% that he was going to go to school after graduating. Of course he decided this during his third year- but thanks to Yu the year before his grades weren't THAT bad. And, well, having a GOAL made forcing himself into cram classes and studying all night much easier to swallow.

And in the end he did it. By the skin of his teeth, but he did it. Sure it was for general courses... but he was still figuring out what his major was going to be. But he wasn't the only freshman doing so, it wasn't a big deal just yet. He could try a few things and see what stuck.

But there was no decent school anywhere near Inaba (his dad suggested Okina- all he'd need for a simple business degree. Yosuke had managed to weasel out of that at least) so it meant he was going to be living in the dorms. With a roommate. Not that he didn't have experience with that kinda thing after Teddie, but...

Well who knows, maybe his roomie would be cool? Someone he could totally become friends with! He was practically jittering with nerves as he was unpacking, waiting to see what this Tachibana guy was going to be like...

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It actually takes Makoto a moment to answer as he glances down at the sidewalk for a second or two.

"I...I'm not sure, actually. I really don't want to stop, but with classes I'm not sure how much time I will have. I made time back in high-school, and on occasion we were given special opportunities to practice if we were on the verge of going to prefectures or finals. But otherwise...it might be difficult."

It's hard, knowing he might really have to give it up for a while. But he may not have much choice.

He laces his arms behind his head, looking at the darkening clouds, brow furrowed. "I've never really been in a sport, but I know how fast you can lose a skill if you don't keep up with it constantly."

Fighting again after even just the short time after Yu went home and when he returned for Golden Week proved that pretty fast. He was still as fast as he had always been, but his muscles had ached... and worse, his Persona have reverted back to it's most basic form.

"But I guess having your priorities in order is more important, right? Those who can't do, teach..." He pauses, then winces.

"Wow sorry that came off wrong. I mean, there's no point chasing after the sport side of it if it won't make you as happy. I dunno, I'm just pulling stuff outta my ass here."

"No, that's...actually pretty close to how it is," Makoto says softly, looking back over at Yosuke. "I never really thought I would be swimming professionally one day. Not like Haru and Rin...I swam because I wanted to be with my friends more than anything. And being able to teach...well, my skill won't be going to waste."

Remembering how he was able to help Kisumi's little brother get over his fear of the water is still one of the biggest things that drives Makoto. He made a difference in his life, and he could do it again with others.

"I would love to swim again, but if anything...it would be for the enjoyment of doing it at all."

"'Makoto', 'Rin', 'Haru'... if I didn't know better I'd think this was a shojo manga" He mumbles to himself slightly. But it's only a slight distraction from his new friend's melancholy.

"That might be for the best. I mean, if this is even HALF as stressful as all the cramming to get in, having a hobby could keep you from burning out."

Makoto doesn't hear Yosuke's quip, but if he had he probably wouldn't have disagreed. After all, they all seem to get that a lot.

"Mm, that's true. There might be a public pool somewhere in the city...maybe I'll try to have a look one weekend," he says as they continue on their way, moving to put his hands in his pockets.

"Heh, you'll have to tell me if you do. I kinda wanna see." He chuckles, then pauses, looking away and fiddling with his headphone wire awkwardly.

That... came off a little awkwardly, didn't it? Hell maybe he wouldn't notice.

Honestly, it's hard to tell if he has. Makoto is kind to a fault, but even then he doesn't find the request strange at all. Plenty of people have watched him swim before, lots of them during actual competitions even. In the end, he just smiles and nods.

"I'll make sure to do that. If you ever play in any more shows, you'll have to tell me when those are so I can hear you play again."

"Man I doubt that's happening again any time soon, but I'll keep it in mind." After the disater that was the LMB show, he kiiinda doubts Rise's handlers were going to let them anywhere near any of her performances again. Not even to watch.

It doesn't take long for them to reach their destination: Yosuke checks the address on his phone one more time, but the lovely smells reaching them even on street level kinda proves they are in the right place.

"Holy shit, I didn't realize how hungry I was until just now..."

"Mmm...smells good," Makoto comments as they approach the building proper. Something about the scent is enough to make him start feeling hungrier as well. When was the last time he'd eaten, even? Probably a while ago, since they'd been busy getting their things set up in their room...

He waits for Yosuke to enter the place before he does. It's a little crowded, but that's to be expected. They've come around dinner time, and it looks like a lot of folks have gotten the same idea to go out to eat. As crowded as it is though, they do eventually get led to a booth near one corner of the restaurant.

"It feels like it's been a while since I've been to a place like this," he says as they sit down. He and his family did go out on occasion of course, but with two rowdy children to take along, it was more common that they just ate a homecooked meal.

"Have you ever done a BBQ place like this? It's pretty neat." Their table had a small grill in the middle, that the waiter set up, laying out an array of sauces as well.

"You cook your meat at the table yourself, so that way it's just perfect!" He looks around before tilting his head off towards a far bar. "The sushi is made fresh over there, it looks like."

Makoto follows Yosuke's gaze to the bar, nodding a little. "I'll head that way in a bit then. And nothing too expensive, I promise." If Yosuke is really intent on paying for both of them, then he'll make sure to dine modestly...even though he still feels like he should help foot at least some of the bill.

"What are you going to order, Hanamura-kun?" he asks, taking a moment himself to glance over the menu. Maybe he'll get something that can be grilled too, just so he can say he's tried it.

"Probably beef, honestly. The reviews say the pork is really good but... I'm not sure I trust myself to cook it enough." He rubs the back of his head a little awkwardly.

"I mean, I can cook to feed myself, but that's about it."

"Mm, I know what you mean. I'm not really much of a cook at all, myself...I mean, Haru has tried to teach me too cook properly before, but it didn't turn out as we'd hoped." Haru, of course, is actually a pretty good cook since he has to cook all of his own meals. ...but all of his meals are strictly mackerel anyway, so it isn't like he's got much room for error there. But as for Makoto...

Well. He's glad there's a cafeteria on campus, just in case.

"At BEST I can cook ramen with egg in it. In a coffee pot even." he smirks, making it clear he was joking. Maybe.

"Not that we'll be eating much else after tonight, right? Maaan the college life is hard." his tone is teasing and over dramatic. Playful.

...Yosuke, what kind of life do you lead, exactly?

Makoto laughs a little at that, resting his forearms over the edge of the table for a moment. "No more home cooked meals for us for a while. I do look forward to trying your coffee pot ramen, though."

"Trust me, you don't. But yeah, running off caffeine and tears for the next few years. I'll drink to that!" He lifts his glass and drinks deep. If it WAS liquor it'd be impressive. Thankfully it's not.

Luckily for Yosuke, Makoto isn't exactly the drinking type himself, so he won't have to worry about showing whether he's much of a lightweight or not. Not unless he offers to go get drinks first, in which case...well, that would be a bridge to cross if they ever came to it (and had the money to actually pay for it).

Makoto gives the establishment one more cursory glance before turning his attention back to Yosuke, and by extension the menus on their table. "So, are we ready to order, Hanamura-kun?"

"Yeah, sounds good."

He orders his easily enough: all meat for the most part, a few easily grilled veggies too though if just to not be a complete pig.

Makoto's own order is basically the same, though perhaps with a bit less meat than what Yosuke went with. That's mostly because he still wanted to get some sushi. No Uni or Unagi though, as promised. He settles for some salmon instead. Mackerel is tempting too, just for nostalgia's sake, but he doesn't want to overdo it either.

While they wait for their orders to arrive, Makoto offers the young man across the table a slight smile. "Thank you for offering to do this, by the way. It's been a busy day, so it's nice to get out for a little while." And he'd been hoping that his roommate would be friendly. He hadn't been too worried that he and Yosuke wouldn't get along, but...well, you never know. There are a lot of Rins out there in the world, and even though Makoto knows how to deal with them, it's still easier when they're both willing to be cordial with one another.

"Yeah, I hear you. I dunno, I was just... hoping we'd be able to get along?" He blushes a little, looking away and covering it with a irrelevant grin. "This whole thing, school and all that, it's really important to me, and having a roommate that can't stand me would be pretty distracting, huh?"

He laughs, but there's a hint of honesty there: that he honestly expected that he might get someone that would hate him on sight.

He has to wonder for a moment about that. Was Yosuke very worried that they wouldn't? Sure, they still don't know each other all that well yet, but he's still a pretty nice guy. Makoto has enjoyed talking to him so far, and he honestly could have wound up with far worse roommates. He supposes only time will tell what sorts of habits Yosuke has, but...he's sure it will be fine.

"It would. I do feel the same way, though. This is the first time I've been away from my family and friends from home for so long, so...it's going to be something to get used to."

"Same. I mean, it's gotta be even worse for you since you're FROM a smaller town. I grew up here for the most part. But living in the city and being an ADULT on your own there are pretty big leaps."

"They are. But there really is no other way around it other than...jumping right in, I suppose. You just have to make sure you don't go for the deep end right away." It's like swimming, that way. The best thing for it is to just put yourself out there and try to take things with stride as best you can.

Though...he is glad that he has a roommate that is at least somewhat familiar with the city.

He nods along, pondering. "Well then, we should totally experience more of the city once things get settled in!"

He makes an exaggerated gesture, as if he would be bowing if they weren't at a table. "I, Hanamura Yosuke, can be your guide to the wide world of Tokyo~"

That display has Makoto grinning just past his hand as he lifts it to prop his chin up, his other resting lightly on the table. "I'd appreciate that. I'll trust you to keep me from getting lost."

Post canon college stuff

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

lawl I thought I tagged this good job jess

no worries!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)