Himari's advice (part 2)

Himari's eyebrows rose. "Wow, didn't expect that. You are lucky we are not in a psychotherapy setting. There I would never talk about myself like this."

"Oh, are you a psychotherapist too?"

"Not anymore, no. Anyway. I guess I wouldn't be against talking. There are not many people with whom I can be honest about my work-related issues. And my girlfriend, she is friends with my friends... so, you know how it is. I feel like we are becoming distant, I can't look at her. The work, I feel like I need to leave soon, I can't continue anymore. Some clients are very insistent. I can't look her in the eyes"

"I understand, but maybe you should tell her all of this? No need to get into details, I feel like she won't press it?"

"I guess. I am also afraid sometimes, you know? Despite my confidence, I still am a fool, just like you, when it comes to relationships. It is very hard to open up, so I understand your Kōga guy’s stupid behaviors in many ways."

Maki ignored her attempt to switch the topic, he asked: "Then tell me, how did you two end up together?"

"It wasn't hard, because we work together at the University. So that means spending time together, and drinking after work. It wasn't so hard, I didn't have to ask her out myself. Then it's just happened. Before that, I've never seriously dated anyone, and here we are living together just several months after we started dating."

"I see, but you did open up about your feelings back then, right? So maybe try remembering how it went last time, it probably wasn't bad?"

"Oh wow, you should've been a psychotherapist, your suggestion feels just like one." She smiled solemly.

Maki ignored her comment, unsure how to respond to that, "Khm, why don't you quit if you seem not to be a fan of it?"

She relaxed a bit, looking up at the mirror ceiling, "I can't because my profession is psychology, or psychotherapy-related, and honestly, here I am doing a lot of listening too, but I have fewer obligations and rules. Also, I am so fed up with psychology in general, that I can't return. I need to save money, and here I am earning a lot, without working all day. So you know, you lose some, you get some, I guess."

"I understand. So you think it is worth staying, despite the invasion of your personal space by your clients?"

She sighed, looking back at Maki. "There is no answer to that. Do you want to spend your time talking about me?"

"Do you have any hobbies?" He asked suddenly.

"Why?"

"Just curious. I never had real friends before."

"Are we friends?" She contemplated a bit. "You seem to fall into thinking you have a relationship with someone way too fast. But maybe we are friends, considering we know some issues about each other, that other people do not."

They sat in silence for several moments, Maki looked around uncomfortably.

"I do, in fact," Himati looked at him, "I do tattoos. I draw a lot in my spare time. But now I don't have much spare time."

"Sounds nice." Maki seemed to relax. "Can I see your works?"

"Sure, give me your phone," Himari stretched out her arm. Maki put his phone in her palm, and she tapped something, then gave it back. There was her insta page. The tattoos looked very neat. Her style was realistic, and bright: mostly plushies, like rabbits and bears; flowers and fruits with piercings.

Maki looked up, "I love these, you are very cool! Have you been doing it for a long time?"

"Not too long, several years. I have some clients, but I am not good at advertising myself. I hope to be a tattoo artist full time, one day."

"Oh I think it's totally possible. Your sketches are impressive, and you seem professional too." Make talked seriously.

"That's nice to hear." She looked down, smiling.

"Well. I think you can try taking more time doing this," he gestured to his phone.

She looked a t him, without answering.

"Okay, think about it. I think I will go now, thank you, Himari!" He stood up.

She looked up, her eyes wide, "Come again sometime, I want to know how you handle the situation."

"That's a way to earn money, huh." Maki killed a wish to chuckle, and turned to the door, "I will."

As he was leaving, he heard Himari's quiet voice, "I will make a discount for a cocktail next time!"

H smiled to himself, and hurried away. He had to go through the hall again, blessed all the hosts were busy, not looking at him.

It was time to see him.