1287/Lunchbreak Meetings

Lunchbreak Meetings
Date of Scene:	15 March 2024
Location:	Cafeteria Plaza
Synopsis:	Coco and Yuuto break it to Cho that Coco has a promise ring. It takes a couple of tries for it to click.
Cast of Characters:	Yuuto Shiraishi, Coco Kiumi, Cho Konishi
Tinyplot:	Princes and Princesses Prom

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Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
One of the better things about going to school with the girl you're dating is that you can share the same lunch. Yuuto has just finished his morning run of classes and is in line for a tray to load up as he looks around over his shoulder for a table to sit at.

Dressed in his school uniform, he's currently trying to decide if he wants curry or the hamburg steak for lunch, apparently clearly torn on the choice. Even if the curry doesn't look as good as the food at the Korma. He's already sent a text to Coco to see if she wants to join him, because he is so not going to take that for granted.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
It's a rainy day outside, so eating at Korma was out of the question for Coco, and she is already on the way to the Cafeteria when she receives Yuuto's message, regarding it with a smile as she thinks she can just tell him in person since she is already behind the corner.

Besides the few seconds it takes to notice him among the cafeteria tables, Coco heads right behind him and hugs him, saying in his ear "Hello, Yuuto, how were classes?" She holds the hug just long enough to hear his reply, then steps away, telling him she will be back to eat with him as soon as she has her lunch.

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
Taking out a coin and flipping it, when Yuuto catches it, and sees the result, he nods. Hamburg steak it is! Picking one of the platters, he sets it on the tray just as Coco comes up behind him and lets him know she's there. He doesn't jump or anything but there is pleaseant surprise as he turns and kisses Coco on the cheek when she squeezes him in a hug.

"Classes were good! I have a paper to write, but it is what it is, you know?" he asks, before gesturing. "You already have a table held? Cool. Lead the way, my Princess." his tone is warm and teasing, even as he's grabbing a small dessert of a fruit cup.

Cho Konishi has posed:
Cho Konishi had her nose in a book, surprising... really, very few. She wasn't the most studious, but she DID get decent grades. Not terrible. And with exams coming up, even she was studying hard!

... And she was trying to avoid thinking about who she wanted to bring to the prom. If she asked one out, would the other be expecting? Did either of them even like her? Was it rude of her to just... assume they were into that? Was her being forward too... guyish?

Questions like that and many others she was utterly RUNNING from! Because she was a mature, responsible adult! Wait, no, that other thing.

Which was why Coco and Wuwu had to get involved.

As she came up to the line, she hmmmed before... "I'll take the hamburg."

She then glanced up and... "Oh! Hey! Coco-chan! Yuuto-kun! You two look chipper today." As if she didn't see Coco like. Every day. "Any big plans?"

Coco Kiumi has posed:
Coco gives Yuuto a kiss back before she goes to quickly grab her own lunch, a salad and yogurt coupled with a bottle of mineral water. Yep, she is eating light today. No, it doesn't have to do with any sudden diet (as if she needs that, with how much exercise she does), she just doesn't have much of an appetite today.

"What's the paper about?" Coco asks when Yuuto brings up the assignment. Given the upcoming end of the school year, she is imagining teachers really trying to test their students and giving out essays that push them to really show everything they had learn. To the hassle of those students that were just coasting by the school year, probably. There had to be some, even if Coco had never met them.

When Cho comes up, Coco sets her tray aside for a moment to hug her, before setting out to recover her lunch. A big question that was on her mind whenever it came to Cho these days is whether Wuwu had already sent the letter out and if Cho had secured her date to the Prom, even if she can't ask without outing herself. She can at least be at ease with the knowledge she hasn't seen Cho in a downcast mood, so she hasn't been rejected.

And then Cho serves her just the occasion she needed. "Hello, Cho!" the blonde greets the pinkette. "No big plans here, just thinking about Prom stuff. Between funding it, singing in it, and going to it with Yuuto, there are a lot of ways it occupies my thoughts. What about you? Do you have any big plans instead?" she asks, while leading the way to an empty table.

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
"Hello, Konishi-san!" Yuuto offers warmly as Cho picks the same meal as him. As he's walking with Coco, he explains, "It's a paper on The Tale of Genji, and it's effect on modern lierature." A shrug of his shoulders. "I suppose that it has it's place, but ugh. So old. Can't have something more modern?" he asks.

"Track season is starting, so I've been wrapped up in that," Yuuto continues as he sets his tray at the table and waits for the girls to be seated before he joins them, even as Coco is sharing all of the ways that she's involved in the prom, and he laughs. "I'm just going as a date and supportive boyfriend." he allows, already starting on cutting the steak up to enjoy, a glance and a smile at Coco and then a glance down at her hands.

"You got big plans for it, Konishi-san?" he asks curiously as he takes his first bite, then tucks into the meal more comfortably. And as much as many students are giving their all, when it comes to school-work, Yuuto does give effort. Just not the all-outness of a certain bluenette or pony girl.

Cho Konishi has posed:
Cho Konishi took a small tray of broccoli and some nuts and...

Minorly spazzed. "P-plans? For the prom? O-oh, I uhhh, n-not yet, I uhhh, you know? I mean, a-as part of the student council, I uhhhh, I'm expected to do the whole... chaperone thing a lot and, errr, all of the background stuff, you know? Things like that. Very busy. Very boring busywork. Nothing really interesting to talk about on that front, ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" she said.

She probably couldn't be hiding things any more obviously if she tried.

"A-and I don't know, a lot of the old stuff is pretty interesting. Sometimes I'll compare the different variations of the Journey to the West to see how it has impacted my own abilities when I... errrrr... study," she said, blinking. Wait, had she told Yuuto she was Cure Wukong? Yeeeees? Noooooo? She... she had told a lot of people. But not everyone. GAH! This was actually hard to remember sometimes when you were too open!

"While the original is, sure, a bit old, the fact it has been translated and countless variations have been made since is a clear sign that there is certainly timeless about it. Who's your favorite character in it, so far? I always found the legacy left by Kaoru to be fascinating."

Coco Kiumi has posed:
The Tale of Genji... Coco had to read it for school too, and suffice to say, she has a lot of opinions on its contents, opinions that mostly condemn the twisted love affairs in his pages. She can't imagine what joy there would be in writing so many intrigues and infedelities. It can't even be said to wrap up positively, with a friendship turning sour because of love (or at least the novel's shoddy representation of it). That is totally not a touchy subject for her.

"That manuscript is no fun at all", the mermaid starts expressing her opinion. "I get that it's supposed to be a faithful representation of the court at the time, but it's just so frustrating. Had I been the author, I would have chosen a happier theme." But short of finding a time machine, she will have to keep that opinion to her circle of friends.

"You will do great", Coco reaches over to squeeze Yuuto's hand in solidarity when he talk about the track. She is already organising stuff between the scenes to be allowed to come cheerlead for Yuuto at that occasion. She gave her word. "I will enjoy spending the prom with you, Yuuto, and I will sing at my best with you there", she comments in turn over him being supportive.

"I have already chosen my songs for the event, in terms of plans, and I already have my date right here" - this comment is accompanied by another kiss on Yuuto's cheek - "so Cho, I have my hands free if you want help with the plans you haven't started yet. This is an important event, and with how much you are working for it, you especially deserve to have fun at it."

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
The last time Yuuto met Cho, she was upside down and her skirt was stuck. Unless that's her secret identity, he has no idea. But he does know that Cho is Coco's biggest cheerleader. We'll come back to that shortly. For the moment, between bites of food, he shakes his head. "Haven't even cracked it open yet, but now I know I can ask someone for the Cliff Notes version." A sly wink at Coco, surely Yuuto wouldn't lean on her to help with the report, right?

"You two are so busy with the prom stuff, make sure you find things to do on your own as well, alright?" he offers to the pair, a hint of concern as the two discuss the matter. Coco's offering her support to his track meets and the prom date, and he grins even wider.

Because, really, he can't hold it anymore. "I know, you promised you would," he says, a glance towards Coco's left hand and the small ring sitting there. Subtle, very subtle hint dropped.

"Oh, what plans would she need help with?" comes Yuuto's question as he polishes off the steak to work on the salad and a roll that is used to sop up the steak juice to eat. "I'm more than happy to help as well, if I can!"

Cho Konishi has posed:
Cho Konishi couldn't help but grin when Coco's opinion came about. "Yeah, it's not exactly the nicest story. Everyone in it could be a villain in their own way. Well, most of them. But like... that's just how it was back then. Besides, the woman writing it well... everyone likes to imagine their life being more dramatic than it is. Or maybe she was trying to give some hints as to how things actually were. Or who knew? Maybe the emperor liked it and when you're one of the emperor's girls, well. The emperor gets what he wants from you."

She gave a small, happy sigh when she watched the two. "You two really are sweet together. You know, for the longest time I didn't think mermaid princesses even were allowed to date. Like... I mean, I saw the little mermaid. That was... probably somewhat based on reality, right?" ... Probably not.

Her cheeks then went redder and she lifted a hand up, rubbing the back of her head. "I... I mean... errrr... I'm still... you know... I uuhhhhh... I just... there's this.... person... I'm... considering asking... but then there's... also..."

".......... Another person I'm considering asking... and... you know? And... we aren't the closest sooooo... It might be... silly for me to ask either... I-I guess? I mean... I just... it's kind of... work related... how we know each other. Not like. School work. Other... work. Other, other work... you know?" she said, blushing red.

"A-and I do plenty on my own. So does Coco-chan! For example, we had an otter parade just yesterday! I mean, we didn't... do anything. But it was very cute when it happened."

Coco Kiumi has posed:
"I can give you a hand, sure, but try not to rely on my opinions too much. You don't want the teachers start comparing notes, and have them notice the similarities between your ideas and mine." And they haven't exactly been silent on their relationship, she would imagine they keep memos on what to crossreference if they get suspicious.

And Cho starts discussing the matters of the tale more in-depth. And all of it is right, nor like Coco would be surprised that Cho knows her stuff. "That's the truth of it, but I am honestly just glad the days of having to read it are behind me. No offense to Murasaki, but her manuscript just isn't for me."

And the mermaid beams happily when Cho mentions how happy the two of them look together. "Thank you, I really am happy with Yuuto!", Coco says, her right hand happily caressing her treasured engagement ring.

"But Aqua Regina wouldn't want us involved in a romance with humans. It's too dangerous for us, it only leads to heartbreak, we are from two different worlds... She is honestly just worried about us mermaids, but Yuuto and I are doing our best to earn our happy ending, so I am sure she will approve of it when I talk to her."

Then Cho mentions there are two girls she might be interested in, and then Coco's thoughts immediately go to what Wuwu might be doing, the surprise very clear on her face. Ok, he is a bit careless about things, but surely, he wouldn't...

Well, here is hoping her letter doesn't do too good of a job in case her fears become real. She can't just expect any random person to be accepting of having been called to a date at the same time as another. If Wuwu ruins Cho's prom, she will use him for target practice for real this time.

"H-hey, Cho", Coco asks, very clearly nervous. "Can I ask who are the people you intend to invite? And have you told anybody about them? I could lend you a hand with navigating this situation." Or at least, she can try. Maybe. Hopefully.

"I am good to have the parade again if you ever want to, they have been compensated very well for it, so they wouldn't mind doing it again", she says.

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
"Yeah, I need to..." Yuuto rubs the back of his head, he's still wondering how to approach the idea of how to convince Aqua Regina to let him and Coco be a couple. He suspects it may not be easy at all. Especially knowning how she feels about humans. "...it's something to work on." he murmurs, giving his own promise ring a little twist to ground himself.

But as the situation turns to who Cho is taking to Prom, Yuuto is more than happy for the change in subject, the teenager offering a grin. "This is far more important than any report or problems with dating we may have!" he offers cheerfully. "And you know that Coco is amazing at bringing people together." Look, biggest cheerleader and best success story for Coco's matchmaking is herself.

"But if it helps, Coco..." Yuuto decides to add as gentle cap to the whole idea of humans and mermaids dating. "But I promise you, Coco, if you ever think I'm going to bring you heartbreak, let me know so I can do my best to stop it from ever happening." His hand covers Coco's to give it a gentle squeeze.

Cho Konishi has posed:
Cho Konishi gave a small nod and.... "I mean, like. You said you'd try and make me a mermaid, right? Can't you do the same for him? Or is it cause he's a boy? Or is it because of my stamp letting me already turn into a... mermaid..." Then blinks and sighs. "I'm magic, by the way, Yuuto-kun. I mean, you probably already knew? But now you extra know. So... ummm. We're even footing now, I think on that. I assume you are? Since... mermaid."

Alas, she had yet to notice the ring. If she had, she would have shrieked by now. Very shrilly.

"It'd be pretty awkward otherwise, when the veil hits him and like... he asks why you two always hang out at beaches and stuff. Err, I mean, if you two intend to... to..."

And then Coco and Yuuto both asked about her little... affections and she gulped. "T-that's... n-not really that important yet, i-is all. I mean, it will be, eventually? But... but not yet. Because, errr, I'm still... figuring that part out, and all, is all, eh heh," she said sheepishly. "I-I wouldn't worry about who they are yet. I'm playing it kind of... close to my chest for the moment, I haven't told anybody."

... Well. Except Wuwu had figured it out. Because the monkey was a pain in her butt.

"... Awwwwwwww. You found a real keeper. You two are making the best couple EVER! Does he uhhh... know about the other mermaids and stuff?"

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
Checking his backpack, Yuuto pales. "Oh no." he murmurs. "I left my book in class!" Standing up, he presses a kiss to Coco's cheek. "I'll be right back." And he slings his pack so that he can rush off to tend to his missing book.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
She? Being able to bring people together? That's not as certain and something she shall see. She is very much on probation now. A lot of things are riding on it, even if she has been granted a chance on easy mode. But all she can do is wait. And hope she can bring other people together too.

"Aqua Regina doesn't think you will cause me heartbreak intentionally, Yuuto", Coco says, moving those golden eyes of hers to her fiance, wanting to reassure him. "But the seafoam veto, the Fade, the fact my home and responsibility is in the sea. Those are all things that don't depend on you and me, and that's what worries her."

She is not just anyone, is the problem. "A merfolk would be free to spend their days on land as they please, with only the seafoam veto and the Fade as their problem. But me, the ruler of the South Pacific? I have a responsibility to defend my people, and Gaito's deal with Obsidian and the danger that lurks in Tokyo is an exception in that sense. Since they are a lot weaker without me, I will have to go back to residing there for the vast majority of the time."

Then she turns to Cho and the questions she asked. "Yes, I intend to find a way to let you both be one. No, it's not him being a boy, there are mermans. He doesn't have to become a mermaid. Defeating the Fade is the primary motivation, because we have already promised ourselves to each other, and we intend to build a family together", Coco says, showing Cho the engagement ring on her hand.

Coco is partially reassured that Wuwu doesn't exactly knows who her prom candidates are. He obviously knows that there is someone, but that's it, right? Ok, she is still worrying a bit.

"Yes, I have told Yuuto everything, he has even met Hanon", Coco says. He will probably meet the others eventually. "See you soon", Coco makes a kiss fly to Yuuto with her hand as he runs to get his book back.

Cho Konishi has posed:
All of those responsibilities... Well... It sounded rough. But... exciting.

"Well, one way or another I'll always have your back against Gaito and their sort. Veil be darned. I'll break it if I have to, I'm Cure Wukong, after all. Rules only apply to me if I let them," Cho said firmly. That. That was NOT how it worked.

She had a lot to think about, though. All of which evaporated when she saw the RING! She gave a small flurry of sounds, gasping, pointing, flailing her hands, squeaking again, then... "He gave you a promise ring?! Y-you two are going to get married?! Oh, ohhhh! We... we need to prepare. I need to--" Then blinked. Paused. Took a slow, deep breath. "I... need to ruminate on this," she finally said, before taking a small bite of her broccoli. But her eyes had that mischievous glow to them. That look...

"And trust me, Coco-chan. When I finally figure out who to ask, you'll be the first to know! After me, of course," she said in a joking tone.

On the up/down side... Cho was indecisive when it came to things like that. She'd likely never figure it out on her own. Fortunately... she had Wuwu and Coco to help her through it... Well. Wuwu to ruin it... and Coco to help pick up the pieces.

Cho gave Yuuto a little wave when he ran off. "He's a speedy guy, huh? Cute, though. You two are going to be the cutest couple at the dance! Best princess and prince ever."

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
Coming back to the table as he has found his book, Yuuto gives a wave to Cho as she's leaving. Did he hear the squeal and all? Hard to tell, but he's at least polite enough not to call it out as he offers. "See you later, Konishi-san!" And with that, he's taking his seat back next to Coco.

"Sorry about that, could have totally sworn I had the book, and just... right there on my desk." A sigh and shake of his head at his awkwardness as he squeezes Coco in a quick hug as he settles back in. "So, where were we?" he asks, trying to figure out where to pick up the conversation from.

And wraps himself back around to the previous discussion. "Oh, I know." Coco has made it clear several times now that she has so many responsibilities, and it's all things that he had taken into consideration, before adding. "To be fair, she asked me to be her Prince Consort first, I'm just wasn't very fast to catch up." he points out with a small smirk.

"And, I agreed I'd be right by your side to defend your home, be it what may - and if there's a way that I can do so as a merfolk, I would take the risk." he admits quietly. His hand slips into Coco's free one for a squeeze.

Though at the mention of Hanon, he sudden feels a rush of heat and he coughs a little, burying his mouth with a fist to find some water to drink down in order to choke down his thoughts on that.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
"I will look forward to it", Coco waves to Cho as she goes away. She hopes for her best friend that it all goes as great as possible. She deserves it, and Coco hopes that having someone at her side could help reduce her stress.

And then Yuuto comes back, and Coco briefly gets up for a hug and a kiss. "It's all right, it happens", she tells him. And it was very quick, anyhow.

"We were talking about the three complications of the seafoam veto, the Fade and the sea being my home", Coco summarises in response to his question.

But then he addresses it on his own, and Coco gives him a smile so radiant that's probably a surprise it doesn't actually shines. "Thank you, Yuuto, I appreciate you staying by my side no matter what."
However that is when he starts coughing all over, and Coco starts asking him what's wrong, quickly bringing a napkin to his mouth, so he doesn't drenches himself with water. "What's wrong, Yuuto?"

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
Recovering from his coughing, Yuuto's blushing when Coco offers her napkin and he grins at her. "Just remembering how nice it was when our tails tangled." Even if it was Hanon's tail. It was much different and far more intimate than when she tangled around her legs playfully.

Clearing his throat a little, he nods as he listens to her describe what they were talking about. "Yeah. I'm going to make it impossible to forget about you, my Princess." he promises Coco softly, reaching up to caress her cheek lightly. "After all, it's part of being in love with you." he responds, his eyes shinging brightly in emerald admiration of the mermaid princess.

Lowering his hand, he moves to work on finishing his meal, amusement in his features as he turns his attention to the fruit cup. "So afternoon classes, and then we're going out this evening? Or do you want to study together?" he asks Coco, moving back to the more mundane conversation that is their lives together.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
"Why not both?" Coco smiles, a bit greedily. She is sure he won't mind it, either. Something they both have to look forward to, even with the memories they have already formed. Including some that apparently are very vivid in Yuuto's mind. Someday, they will be able to do that for themselves.

"I literally can't forget about you, either", Coco remarks. Because she knows Yuuto could hear it every once in a while, since he is a bit underestimating her own love and how much he brings to their relationship with her status as princess.