Host's advice

Makio wandered until it became truly dark outside. He didn't notice how much cooler the air had become as he walked through the unfamiliar streets. He was growing restless, eager to meet the fox. Then, he passed a backdoor that looked familiar. He stopped to analyze his memories of the previous evening. On impulse, he circled the building to check the club's name.

As he approached the club from the front, he realized it wasn’t one of those cheap ones. It was a male host club, and as a man, he doubted he'd be welcome. He stopped, contemplating something, looking up at the sign that said "HoSsT" in English.

"Hey, that's you, the free psychotherapy session guy?" A familiar feminine voice rang out.

He lowered his gaze and saw the person from yesterday.

"It's you, huh."

"Wanted to see me that much? Or will you say it's a coincidence that you're standing in front of the club?" The guy lit a cigarette, leaning against the wall.

"I’m sorry, I was walking aimlessly and came here. I didn't mean to come here to see you..."

Himari squinted, taking a puff as she debated whether to believe him. Today, she wore a dark suit again, her black short hair slicked back, exuding androgynous vibes. Makio felt awkward standing there, so he said confidently,

"I'm telling the truth. I’ll leave now so I won't scare you. Two people scared of me in one day is too much anyway..."

"Wait," she paused, "My shift is yet to start, want to come in before it hits? Yesterday, I was the one who complained, I’m ready to listen to you. Take it as an equal exchange, so I don’t feel like I owe you something." Finishing her cigarette, she gestured, inviting him inside. He had never been in a host club, and his curiosity was piqued. She sized him up, "Just ignore my manager. Based on your looks, he might try to hire you..." He couldn’t help but blush.

As they entered, he saw a packed hall with women and men sitting all around, talking. Every guy looked like they were from an otome game—representing all the tropes, from mysterious, cool goths to a cutesy blonde in pastels, hugging a bunny plushie. Makio's eyes widened. He tried not to stare too much, following Himari obediently. They walked through the hall and turned right, where the private rooms were. He didn’t want to think too deeply about what they were created for.

As they entered, the music was no longer as loud. Himari sat down, gesturing for him to follow. He sat down, still unsure why he had followed her in.

"My name is Eko Himari. I’m thankful for your time yesterday, as you really helped me out of emotional turmoil. So, as a good Samaritan, I’m ready to repay you by listening to your troubles, fellow man."

He looked her up and down, squinting. "You’re a woman, Eko-san?"

"Woman, man, who cares? Gender is just a concept anyway. Yes, I’m a woman if you need to know. And yes, I do work as a man in a host club, and yes, they know I’m a woman, biologically." She spoke with slow, calm confidence.

"Em, I wasn’t going to ask that many questions..." Makio felt awkward, not knowing how to behave. "I asked automatically, I don’t care, really."

"Hm, okay then. Do you care to introduce yourself?"

"I’m Okamura Makio."

"Okay, nice to meet you, Okamura. You can call me Himari if you want. Anyway, tell me what you wanted to tell me."

"I didn’t really..." he seemed hesitant.

"Hey, hey, we agreed! I don’t want to owe you! You have to let your shit out for us to deal with now!" She was becoming impatient. "I’ve got another fifteen minutes, and then my shift starts. And unless you're willing to pay me for my time, I’m not sitting here to comfort you for free."

"Okay, I got it!" Still unsure of himself, he decided to tell her about the fox, leaving out the magical parts. "I met this guy, well, he looked very cool. Randomly on the street, we bumped into each other. He flirted with me a lot, and I got really embarrassed. And then for work yesterday, I needed to find a guy and—imagine that—it was him. But I had to work with him all day as a model, and our conversations were weird, full of mixed signals, and half the day he just ignored me. And then I said something that scared him, so he ran off before I could talk to him properly. In the end, I got his socials, and I asked his sister—yeah, I randomly learned she was his sister—if I could message him, and then messaged him to meet me today, but he never came, and only let me know way too late that he was busy. I asked him politely to let me know when we can meet next time, because, you know, I wanted to be done with all the questions for work..." He paused, unsure of why he had just let all that information out. Himari listened attentively, then tossed her cigarette pack onto the table.

"So, you found a guy you immediately liked, but who takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, so you’d like him even more, and now you're basically obsessed?"

"Wait!" He was read from head to toe, "How did you get that interpretation from what I just said? I didn’t say that I liked him! I needed to question him for work, remember?"

"Really? Was it so essential that you had to do all those extra steps, especially today, when he left you unread all day, clearly on purpose?" She shifted in her seat.

Makio looked perplexed and lost. "You think?" he gave up.

"Yep, my friend, the cause is lost. I suggest you get your info from him ASAP and never talk to him again. He’s clearly a red flag."

"Maybe you’re right..."

"Okay," she stood up. "I think we’re done here. I gave you the best advice, in exchange for yours, and there’s no debt between us. I’m thankful and free. Let’s go?"

Makio looked like he had seen someone die in front of him. He didn’t move. She continued,

"Okay, okay. I know it’s a bit shocking, as clinging to emotionally unavailable guys is the best thing in the world for people like you, but you have to care for yourself, right? Think about it before you get deeper into this shit with him. I’m telling you, better to let it go. Stand up, Okamura."

"Okay, you’re right." He looked up, eyes full of determination but calm. "I’ll let it go, and care about myself. You’re right. All that BL I’ve read should have taught me to care better about what types of people I choose to have around me. You’re right. I’ll get the information, and never talk to him again!"

"Lost cause," Himari sighed, opening the door. "I’m leaving. Come again if you need to talk, but next time I’ll take money for it." She paused. "And yes, if you’re ever in search of a good guy, half of these boys are either gay or bi, so I can find someone emotionally available for you if you don’t mind their job." Gesturing at the hall behind her, her words were as cold as stone. Makio smiled politely, leaving the room, and then the club, doing his best to avoid the manager’s gaze.