“Well thank you,” says Kasumi with a grin.  She has so much spirit.  “Modeling does look like fun.  I like the print work over the runway.  Besides I’m much too short for that.”  Kasumi finds it interesting that Momo states how having the right makeup and outfit makes it easy for her to be cute.  Definitely.  Kasumi still finds it hard to believe when some women don’t wear make up at all.  Defined brows, mascara and some lip gloss can go a long way.  Kasumi took notice of how Momo is surprised she has 4000 followers on instagram.  She is further stunned when Momo confesses to not really using social media like that.  After Momo explains how the sites are complicated for her Kasumi understands completely.  Kasumi is taken back to how she felt when she was struggling at college.  Every single class was hard.  Didn’t matter how easy the subject was.  It was constantly whooping her brain’s ass.

“Instagram is one of the easiest to me,'' she replies. “The filters on there are incrediable.  I find the hardest social media sites to navigate is TikTok and Tumbler.  Lucky for us Tumbler isn’t as popular.”  Kasumi solely focuses on Instagram.  TikTok is too much for her.  She needs to learn more about editing before trying to use that social media platform.  “I can show you how to use Instagram if you like.  I truly believe you would get so much more coverage on your modeling.” Kasumi rubs her chin.  “Part of me thinks you can show bits and pieces of your life but mostly the modeling.  You could end up getting contracts or something.  People nowadays like being able to relate to people they look up to.  That is how come I recommended showing small pieces of your life.”  Kasumi herself had businesses on Instagram approach her for advertising but they were all companies wanting her to promote for free.  I wouldn’t dare.  Kasumi is not the best teacher but working Instagram is something she can do.

“I’m so glad I’m not alone,” replies Kasumi.  Momo admitted she wants a nice boyfriend who is a good person but can also buy her things she wants.  Kasumi can tell Momo is not the type to want expensive things 24-7.  She has a good balance much like herself. “I swear all the good guys are taken.  That leaves us with guys who have low paying jobs or lacking in looks.  The good looking ones are rather arrogant.”  Kasumi places her hands on her hips.  “I’m not saying all men but most of the guys I have run across have been not so great.”  Even when on campus Kasumi couldn’t find a guy.  Most of them were too busy into their studies or into fooling around and not being a committed relationship.  Kasumi already knows she isn’t giving up the cookie unless she is getting married.  She is not innocent by any means.  Kasumi has dabbled in kissing, a hand job here or there but oral and the act of sex itself is a no for her.  She refused to be the girl in high school or on campus known for spreading their legs.  Valeria University is a top tier college.  She wanted to be taken serious like her sister Junko.  Kasumi wasn’t going to risk any gossip being released about herself.   

“Really,” says Kasumi with her eyes watering a possible job offer..  “I mean I will consider it.  I have been thinking about getting a part time job after all.” Kasumi blinks back tears of happiness.  Momo is beyond kind.  She just met her and yet she is offering for her to apply at the kitten cafe.  It’s like this girl was placed in her life for more than one purpose.  Thank you ancestors.  “I know kittens and cats must warm up to their caregivers.  It’s understandable they wouldn’t be use to me if I was to work there.”  Kasumi doesn’t want to assume.  She realizes she can’t stop smiling.  Kasumi didn’t think for a second she would enjoy their conversation this much.  Kasumi listens nodding her head as Momo discusses her portfolio.

“I do know modeling portfolio is a must in your career field,” states Kasumi. “Showcasing your skills to take a variety of photos is important.” She grins wildly at Momo.  “This is why I have faith in you girlie.  You totally got this in the bag!” Kasumi is thrilled when Momo accepts her offer to show her how to use the social media platform.  She feels irate on the inside hearing how Momo’s classmates didn’t want to help her when she asked for help.  I shouldn’t be surprised.  People can be so cruel.  Kasumi nods her yes wanting to help Momo even more after hearing that.  Momo excitedly tells Kasumi how they should proceed.  She’s such a good planner.  She thought of all of this on the spot.  Kasumi needs 24 hours or longer to think of plan when it comes to most things.  Organization doesn’t come easy to her but she is getting better about it.

“There is no need to rush to be sexy,” replies Kasumi.  “I think playing up your futures as you are is best.  Wholesome modeling goes much further.  As you age then you can shift to the grown and um sexy.”  Kasumi looks around not wanting to use such language openly. “Now we are going for cute but comfy.  Totally my area.  How do you feel about rompers or jumpsuits?” 

Yuuto glares at Shouta intensely.  He is awaiting a response.  Yuuto thought Shouta was going to say he accepted his apology for assuming he was going to the convention to work followed by calling him Yuuto.  Instead what he got was a mumbled lack luster response.  Yuuto feels his heart drop with sorrow creeping in.  It is clear Shouta still doesn’t want to call him by his first name.  Yuuto drinks more wine before looking down at his plate.  Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. Yuuto is aware he can’t force their friendship to go back to the way it was.  It will never be the same as they are no longer teens.  They are full grown adults with different experiences that have shaped them into the people they have become.  Even with Shouta not being completely open to Yuuto he likes Sho still.  He will always see him as someone who is to be close him.  Someone he will look out for.  Yuuto finishes his meal in silence.  He is satisfied but can’t help himself fixing another glass of wine.  Yuuto doesn’t realize how he is trying sooth the budding emotions inside of him.  He stands up from the table after drinking his glass half way down.

“Excuse me, I will be right back,” he informs Shouta.  “Please help yourself to anything you want while I’m gone.  I won’t be long.” Yuuto wants to give Shouta an encouraging smile but he knows in this moment it would be forced.  All he can think of is how Shouta is not comfortable with him enough to use his first name. 

Yuuto heads to his room with Sarada trotting behind him.  He is surprised she didn’t stay behind trying to get the attention of Shouta.  She has taken a liking to him.  That makes Yuuto feel good as Sarada doesn’t trust easily like himself.  It shows she finds him worthy of being in their space.  Yuuto walks to his nightstand grabbing his laptop.  He sits down on his bed opening up the laptop.  Yuuto swiftly goes to the convention website to book the hotel for that weekend.  The hotel is pricey but he expected as much since they are staying at the hotel the convention is taking place.  I swear the more simple things are the more they try to butt **** you on the price.  The rooms were going fast.  Yuuto managed to get one.  Had he not had his card info saved on his computer he doesn’t think he would be so lucky. 

Yuuto sighs closing his laptop.  He wants that sad feeling to go away.  It shouldn’t be such a big deal but to him it is.  Yuuto can hear all the thoughts fighting back and forth in his mind.  Self loathing thoughts versus positive thoughts.  Shouta doesn’t want you to be his friend while the positive thought is Shouta is going to spend a whole weekend with you.  Yuuto hasn’t felt this in years.  Why does Shouta always have to bring these old ass emotions out of me.  He stands up feeling his buzz which is much welcomed considering how sad he was moments ago.  Sarada meows causing Yuuto to look her way.  She is on up on his bed walking over to him.  Animals can be in tune with their owners.  Sarada must sense he is off.  She rubs against him causing Yuuto to rub her head making her purr.  “I’m fine.  I’m going back to the main room, come on.”  Yuuto drops his hand with Sarada hopping off the bed following him to the front of the apartment. 

“Sorry, to leave you alone for a while”, states Yuuto.  “I have booked the hotel for our weekend at the convention.  Nice hotel of course.  We have options to order room service for breakfast and dinner if we like.  Although I think going out to explore the area would be more fun.”  Yuuto doesn’t mention lunch knowing they will more than likely grab something while they are out.  “Are you done eating Sho?”  Yuuto is inquiring so he can put up the dirty dishes into the dishwasher.

Kasumi blushes in return.  This girl is so nice.  Where was such a tender soul when she was in high school.  Kasumi can’t believe how nice she is.  The fact this girl can look so put together with very little makeup is impressive.  Kasumi must have some kind of makeup on at all times.  Don’t let it be a long night because concealer is a must the following morning.   

“Now you have me wishing I did look into modeling” Kasumi states. “I truly never thought about.  I do keep up with my Instagram account.  I have 4,000 followers.”  Kasumi is really proud of that.  She has a schedule whe she makes her posts.  Wednesday, Friday and Sunday are the days she posts.  Kasumi realized that is when she posted on those days is when she would get the most interaction.  Despite having a decent following Kasumi didn’t want to be an influencer.  How could she?  She is a college dropout and lives with her parents.  Most influencers live on their own and can show the best of everything in their world.  Kasumi feels like she has nothing to show off.  She may give the influencer lifestyle a try if she moves out on her own.  Until then she plans to lay low.  Kasumi can’t help but beam as possible new friend says she would blow the camera away.  She quickly excited by the fact this purple hair beauty admitted to ensuring she looks presentable.

“You totally get me!” exclaims Kasumi.  She is excited to know this little lady does put thought into how she leaves the house.  “I personally have a look for every occasion.  Today is clearly running errands, shopping.  You never know who you will see.  I could be running into my future husband.”  Kasumi giggles because she is embarrassed to say that but not at the same time.  She really wants a boyfriend.  She has never had one before.  Kasumi admires Momo even more hearing how she works at a kitten cafe while working on building up her modeling career.  This girl could clearly settle on being pretty but she isn’t.  She has goals of being successful in her chosen career.

“Kitties are so cute!”  exclaims Kasumi.  “That sounds like a nice job.”  Working at the shrine has a lot of walking.  Besides Kasumi giving thanks to the ancestors and maintaining the shrine she would like to try doing something else.  Momo working at a kitten cafe and is a part time model.  Her life sounds so put together compared to Kasumi.  Kasumi runs her right hand through her hair nervously.  “I do believe certain people are destined to be a model.”  She smiles shyly.  “You have such great work ethic.” Kasumi feels a little jealous.  She doesn’t understand how people like Junko or Shouta can so easily go after what they want in life.  This girl is no different.  Kasumi feels so left behind.  At the same time she has no idea what she wants to do.  “I know you are going to begin landing work very soon.  All it takes is for that one photo to go viral and they will begin beating down your door with offers!”  Kasumi truly believes this.  If this girl is pretty in person with little effort what will she look like after photo shop.  It really isn’t needed but Kasumi knows the professionals always touches up photos to get the final outcome they are seeking.

Momo inquires if she is doing anything after this.  Kasumi had no plans.  She was going to head back home to wash her new clothing items.  Once the clothes were clean and fresh she was going to put some of the new items together with her current wardrobe to create new outfits.  Kasumi also needed to figure out where she wanted to take her pictures and selfies.  She always has pictures in her phone ready for an upload at any time.

“Thank you” says Kasumi blushing at the compliment.  She can admit she really does like her name.  Some people don’t like their birth name but Kasumi is not one of them.  She feels her name fits her very well.  She is glad to know someone else feels the same.  Momo, her name is Momo.  Even this girl name is adorable.  Kasumi reaches her hand out shaking Momo’s for a proper introduction.  She is so classy.  “I didn’t have anything planned” Kasumi confirms.  “I can hang out.  What did you want to do?  I have some more shopping to do and I will probably need a light snack in an hour or two.”  Kasumi can’t believe there is someone who wants to hang out with her.  This isn’t someone she went to school with or even a friend of her little sister Junko.  It’s someone Kasumi met on her own.  Kasumi has done a lot of self reflecting and improving the past few months.  She smiles to herself as she can see how far she has come.  Kasumi knows she a few more things to figure out but things are looking up.  “Did you want to finish shopping in here first?  What kind of piece are you searching for?  Maybe I can help?”  Kasumi had to remind herself it is not all about her.  This is what friends do.  They look out for each other.  They care about the others interests. Shouta would be so proud if he could see me now.