Harajuku Day Trip [kage] [open]

Kaede looked over as soon as Kage hopped off. A few others followed suit, shoppers and businessmen and school girls all on their way to roam the city or head to work. The boy smiled, though it was concealed by a black face mask patterned with the lower half of a skull's white, bony jaw. Still, he could be heard pretty clearly underneath it as it only quieted his voice slightly; The rest of his outfit was just as monochromatic and adorned with multiple pins and accessories to his clothes and body."Sorry, there's not really an ideal time to ride usually." Especially if you were headed to busy districts and cities like this. 

Reaching to his pocket, he retrieved a cell phone to check the time. It was still early, so they'd made good time. "Did you already have breakfast?" He asked. There were lots of vendors along the streets by the shops and several restaurants. They could get something to eat as they walked. 

Leading the way, Kaede began weaving slowly through the crowds of people. Opulent ads were plastered on almost every surface and it didn't change as he led the way out of the station and onto open streets. In reality it made sense. This was a popular area and every s hop on it wanted to get the attention of not only customers but the photographers and bloggers that hung around every day. 

Once they were walking into the territory of 'Harajuku' it became painfully aware [to Kage] why it was considered such a fashion hotspot. When it was called 'Japanese Street Style' it wasn't an exaggeration. Tons of people and crowds and groups walked along the sidewalk, all of them in strange and extravagant outfits. Not just the style Kaede wore but so much more. Decked out Lolita and Fairy Kei, independent fashion designers in oversized bows and homemade rings made out of children's toys, and a lot more. This was the type of place people got recognized. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu made a notable example. If anything Kage might have even felt she looked tame!

Crepes were a bit messy, so after obtaining their super sweet breakfast, Kaede carefully removed the mask from one ear and let it hang off the other near his neck. His was stuffed with with cream, strawberries, blueberries, and some pineapple. He'd also gotten some sort of green tea flavored powder on it. With one hand he held the crepe, taking bites as they continued walking.

Plucking a strawberry from the top, he popped it into his mouth. After swallowing, he looked at Kage; She seemed impressed with the area. "It's definitely impressive." He agreed, glad she liked it. "Seeing everyone expressing themselves is nice. It's like their own personal art." The practice of self-expression was really important to him. It's why Kaede liked this place so much. There was so much to do and everyone was having a good time and there was so much freedom. Plus there were a lot of shops and several art museums and galleries; And small bands would often appear to perform on random days in the plazas or on the streets.

After walking a bit, he found a nearby fountain for them to sit at and finish their food before they went into any stores. No one would appreciate cream and chocolate sauce and whatever else on the clothes. Besides, they could still watch people and observe the other crowds on the street. In fact, Kaede had already pulled his cell phone out again and was taking snaps of his shoes. He'd probably ask some people nearby for pictures, too. It was a common practice in Harajuku to ask for pictures of other people you were impressed with (and others asking for your pictures, too). 

"I heard something happened at the dance team?" It had happened a couple of days ago during the tryouts, right? There was some commotion going on and he'd heard it mentioned in class between other students.

Kaede finished the last few bites of his crepe and used one of the napkins they'd been given to clean his face before reaffixing the mask properly. Just before he did, he gave Kage a reassuring smile. He was glad she felt at ease here. When a few people asked them for pictures, he made sure to get a bunch of his own snaps. One or two in particular already had him thinking about some art pieces.

He was just about to get them standing and headed towards their first stores when she'd replied. Her voice sounded sad and broken. Immediately he regretted asking.

Before, Kaede had been unaware of what fully happened. All the talk about it around school was just that their were arguments in the team and with the supervisor! Not that Kage was so involved with it or that she'd even been trying for Vice-Captain. 

"A-Ah... Let's talk about something else then!" He waffled, unsure how to soothe his friend's crying. "I..." He thought about what she'd said, trying to find comforting words for her. Thoughtfully he fidgeted with his rings, eyebrows knitting together. "I don't think everyone hates you. They're probably upset... and hurt? Maybe you need to let things cool down before you judge what's going on." The boy sat back down on the edge of the fountain, eyeing Kage carefully. Were his words helping?

"Sometimes... when people have their pride hurt, they lash out. Okamoto-San is mad at Washio-Sensei. Not you. If you leave the club now then nothing gets fixed." He said, tilting his head slightly at the girl. "You could all talk to someone above Washio. Like Kobayashi or the Chairman. But if you stop now then it just looks like running away for something you didn't do."

Despite her reputation as a shut-in, Michiko went out sometimes, and today was one of those 'sometimes' days. She was alone, of course, but there were so many people swarming the streets of Harajuku that she was more alone-but-not-lonely. It felt so nice, taking in all the unique ways people interpreted fashion and coordinated themselves. The massive crepe she bought helped, too! She picked one with bananas, ice cream, cheesecake, whipped cream, and caramel sauce all wedged inside.

So far, she had managed to nestle deep in the crowd and browse quietly, enjoying her crepe with preservative nibbles. Through many, many trips' worth of experience, she knew that was the best way to avoid having her picture taken. The last time someone asked, she got so nervous and froze up in front of the camera. It was really bad. People who could take pictures easily were lucky. She didn't know how they did it. It was so much more relaxing for her to remain as unnoticed as possible. As she walked, she latched onto a sight that couldn't exactly be unnoticed.

W-was that…

Yes. Michiko recognized drill pigtails like those anywhere.

"Kage-chan?" she ventured, shuffling away from the crowd, drawing closer. Michiko peered over at the other person with Kage. She couldn't see the lower half of their face, but she was sure she knew them. That was Tanaka-san… wasn't it??

Kage nodded. Kaede always had an encouraging word to cheer her up. She always felt so comfortable around him. She waited for him to decide where to go. He knew the place better than she did and even if a store wasn't her style, she didn't mind checking it out.

A voice...calling her name? She wasn't expecting to see anyone from school here, let alone someone who was so familiar with her. She spun around, almost expecting to see the annoyed face of Ageha, but when the person came into view, Kage scolded herself for not immediately recognizing the voice. It had been entirely too sweet for Ageha.

"Michi-chan!" she greeted.

Kaede's eyes opened wider as Michi bowed to him. It wasn't a big concern! He gave a reassuring smile, forgetting his lower face was concealed. But at least the feelings were there. "It's alright." It was probably a significant difference from the school uniform, even if he didn't wear it to the 'T'. Even in Art Club he was dressed very down in messy, paint covered jeans and t-shirts.

"Yes. Kage-San still hasn't been to many places in Japan, yet. So I thought I could show her Harajuku." He explained while putting his phone back into his pocket. "Would you like to join us, Fujiwara-San? I don't get to see you much outside of Art Club." His voice was warm and welcoming.