I'm a model, you know what I mean...

[toobigtohandle]

Kenta Ooshima 03/01 near Recollé University

This is the second time I have gotten clothing from Retrospec. The first time, it looked relatively similar to my Kendo practice outfit, although with a few extra elements, but this time... [Yes, he did intentionally cut off his own face from the picture.] This is clearly period clothing, and I don't mean a modern replica. It's the original thing. Has anyone gotten anything like it?

Comments

[toobigtohandle]

Well, that's how he is. I thought you'd know him enough to understand that by now.

[liberal_arts]

I just wish he'd show me a little more respect!





Yes, I know, I should be having this conversation with HIM, and he's still a dear friend, I'm just... venting. I guess. Sorry. I shouldn't put this on you.

[toobigtohandle]

He likes you. That's why he asks.

Don't worry. I'm used to people venting about Jirou to me.

[liberal_arts]

I guess. I know he's fond of me. At least it seems that way.

[toobigtohandle]

He is. He wouldn't let you use him as a model if he didn't.

[liberal_arts]

That is true. I just don't think he realizes the impact his particular ways of showing that fondness can have on more...

sensitive people.

i.e. me.

[toobigtohandle]

He often doesn't, but he is more attentive than most people think.

Once he understands that something is a sensitive topic, he'll usually make sure not to insist on it.

That being said, you might be one of the few painters I've ever met who wouldn't paint someone naked because he finds it embarrassing.

[liberal_arts]

I've painted plenty of nude models before. This isn't because it's embarrassing.

[toobigtohandle]

Well, if that's not the problem, then what is the problem exactly?

If you paint nudes, why is it uncomfortable when it's Jirou?

[liberal_arts]

-...-

We should continue this conversation in private.

[Private]

[toobigtohandle]

... Why? I don't get it.

Re: [Private]

[liberal_arts]

-Just say it and get it done with.-

Because I'm attracted to him.

[Private]

[toobigtohandle]

Oh. I guess that can make it awkward, yes.

[That's it, that's the reaction.]

Re: [Private]

[liberal_arts]

-Kasen honestly has to stare at the message for a few solid minutes to process just how remarkably chill Kenta actually could be. Then again, after that consideration, he realized a lifetime of being close to Jirou probably necessitated that...-

Well I'm glad you understand, at least.

[Private]

[toobigtohandle]

[What did you expect, Kasen? Kenta trusts Jirou so much he doesn't even get the concept of jealousy.]

Why would I not? Jirou is attractive. A lot of people are attracted to him.

Re: [Private]

[liberal_arts]

Well, yes, I suppose that's true.

I'll take it a step further and be even more honest; I really do envy you two. You have something deep and special, and apparently incredibly trustworthy. Any chance at that, I've managed to ruin through my own... whatever it is. -So close, Kasen.-

[Private]

[toobigtohandle]

Well, hopefully, if you know you did it, you won't do it again in your next relationship?

I trust Jirou with my life and with everything in it. That includes trusting him with himself.

Re: [Private]

[liberal_arts]

That's a truer and purer love than I've yet to witness. It almost makes me want to write a poem about it.

[Private]

[toobigtohandle]

... You really like poetry, don't you? That time when you sent me a text by mistake, it was a poem.

Re: [Private]

[liberal_arts]

Believe it or not, it actually wasn't my favorite medium before. But I've felt a stronger connection to it in recent months.

[Private]

[toobigtohandle]

Another 'gift' from Retrospec, I suppose?

Re: [Private]

[liberal_arts]

Not really. It's not a particular memory I've been recalling, but more an understanding of my other self's personality, in contrast of my own.

We're actually not that different at all.

[Private]

[toobigtohandle]

You might be one of the few people to find yourself not so different from your other self.

Re: [Private]

[liberal_arts]

I suppose time will tell how true that winds up being. For myself, or for others.