A date with Yuya

The streets of Harajuku were bustling, men and women roamed in extravagant attire, and around every corner was a name-brand clothing store or high-end restaurant.

“I feel underdressed for the occasion,” Junepai muttered, gazing around in awe at the groups of men and women in vibrant clothing. He looked down at his plain, long-sleeved button-up and his slacks. His eyes met those of a tall woman in vibrant clothing, a long red leash in her hand, between her legs was a long orange cat in a red sweater, and what appeared to be blue jeans.

“Damn, even the cats are dressed better than me.”

Yuya pulled him to the side to prevent him from running into the woman.

“Don’t worry about that, with the money we got from this contract, we should be able to fix you up.”

“Oh… speaking of contracts…” He allowed his voice to trail, “I think it’s important you know something.”

“What is it?”

“I don’t know how this slipped past my mind before; it was probably the thought of all that money. Anyway, judging by the amount K-Corps willing to pay out for this mission, it’s probably a level red.”

“Level red?” Yuya repeated, confused.

“Uh, yeah. K-Corp has this level system that ranks the threat level of dungeons or the difficulty of a mission. It goes from green to yellow, to orange, to red, and then to purple.”

“So, this mission is the second hardest difficulty?” Yuya questioned.

“Yeah, so, uh. I would understand if you wanted to reconsider partnering up with me on this mission. I’d still give you half my cut since I got you fired and all, but I won’t make you come with me.”

Yuya stopped suddenly, eyes dead-set on nothing.

“I’d have to think about it.” He answered. Then, without another word, he pointed toward their side at a large clothing store, “In here, this place is great, and it's not that expensive.”

“Right.”

The two ventured inside, stepping through each clothing aisle and examining whatever caught their eye.

“Is there any type of style that interests you?” Yuya asked, sorting through a rack of colored shirts.

“I’ve never really thought about it. I usually only wear my button-ups and stuff.” He stood at the opposite side of the rack.

“Alright then, I guess I can try my best to dress you up. You into darker colors or lighter ones?”

“Dark for sure.”

After ringing up their items, they took them to the dressing rooms, large bags full to the brim with different clothing items in their hands.

“Try the stuff in the bag you’re holding in your left hand.”

“Right.”

They briefly part ways, standing in enclosed booths.

Yuya was the first to emerge, and Junepai could hear his curtain swing open. “You having trouble in there?” He asked.

“Hold… up… almost done!” His voice strained.

Finally, he reemerged, stepping before Yuya awkwardly.

“How do I look?” He wore black shades, his strawberry hair tucked beneath a black beanie, a casual, button-less coat hugging his plain white-tee. His legs were covered in long black skirt pants, drooping toward his feet and stopping at his ankles and giving a view of his black socks. His shoes were low-top and sleek sneakers, black as the coat around his ankles. Silver was looped around the holes on the waist of his skirt pants, the pointer fingers on either of his hands home to plain silver rings.

“I think I did a pretty decent job.” Yuya cocked his head, then stepped back. “How do I look?”

Junepai looked him from head to toe. His hair was now done into two buns; some of his hair dropped over his forehead and formed bangs. On his lips was white lipstick, half a heart etched onto his top and bottom lip, forming a full one when they were put together. A white shirt with only one long sleeve wrapped itself around his torso, long black jorts tied to his waist with a black belt, shining gems etched onto almost every inch of it. He wore long white leg-warmers over his black socks, flat-bottom sneakers on his feet.

“That question feels like a trap.” He remarked, eyes narrowed.

“Just answer.”
“You look beautiful, but I can’t lie, hearing your regular voice and seeing you like this is confusing my brain.” He scratched his forehead.

“Would this be better?” He cleared his throat, “Nice to meet you, Junepai.” His tone was much softer and high-pitched.

“Whoa…” Junepai could feel his chest begin to throb, and his cheeks begin to heat up. “If you were actually a girl, I’d totally be into you.” He remarked.

“Well, it’s too bad I’m not.” He placed a hand on his hip and stuck out his tongue, “Anyway, it’s time for the best part!”

“What’s that?”

“Food.”

As the two exited the clothing store, Yuya could feel something hard slam into him, almost knocking him back. He shook his head and focused his attention on what was in front of the door.

“Whoa, sorry about that, pretty lady.” Two men in matching attire stood before them, and the one that Yuya bumped into gave him an up and down.

“Whoa…” He then turned to Junepai, then back to Yuya, “What’s a beautiful lady like yourself doing with a pipsqueak like that?”

“Excuse me?” Junepai stepped forward, only to be halted by Yuya.

“Sorry, I’m not interested in dudes.”

“Whaaaaat? I bet you my boy can change that, come on, just give us a chance.”
“I already said I’m not interested.”

The man took a step forward and stretched his hand outward.

“Come on, don’t be a- Prulah!” His vision flashed black as Yuya swung his fist onto the side of his face, his hips and upper body twisted in a near-perfect follow-through. The man's body was practically swept from the ground as he went flying to the side.

“I didn’t say you could touch me.” He remarked.

“You-” The second man charged forward, only for Yuya to weave beneath him and plant a firm fist into his abdomen, his body lurching forward and his hands clutching his stomach. Yuya followed up with a swift backhand to his chin. He collapsed right beside his friend.

“We should hurry and leave.” He said, embarrassed.

Once outside, Junepai turned to Yuya, stars in his eyes.

“I didn’t know you could fight like that!” He exclaimed.

“Not so loud!” Yuya hissed, scurrying away from the store and keeping his head down.

“Sorry.” He began to whisper, “Where’d you learn to fight?”

“I’d rather not get into it.”

“Oh, come on! Tell me? Please? Please? Please?”

Yuya continued to walk, attempting to ignore Junepai's prodding.

“Fine, I’ll tell you once we get to our final destination. Now please, stop pestering me.”

Junepai practically leapt where he stood, “awesome.”

|

“Are you serious?” Junepai exclaimed, fork in hand.

“Very serious.”

“That’s awesome.”

“She taught me how to fight, how to protect myself from creeps like those. I’m thankful that she did. People always oogle at me when I cross-dress, having the ability to defend myself puts my mind at ease.”

“Do you still talk to her? Maybe she could teach me some moves.”

Yuya fell silent at his words.

“Unfortunately, no. She left both me and the fashion world behind and joined up with K-Corp. I haven’t heard from her in years.”

“Damn, that sucks.” He sighed, “Well, if she trained you, then maybe you could show me some moves?”

“I’m afraid I’m nowhere near as good as she was.” He chuckled nervously.

“Come on! Look, I’ll teach you how to use magic if you teach me some of your old master's moves.”

Yuya let out a gentle sigh, “Fine, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to try.”

“Yes!”

Yuya let out another chuckle, “You know what?”

“What?”

“I think I’ll tag along with you, for this mission or whatever. With you by my side, I doubt anything bad will happen to me.” He stated.

“For real?” Junepai responded.

“For real.”