Meandering Thoughts [Rika/Gozai]

It was another quiet moment in the Dragon's Maw. Rika was sitting at the Spa's reception desk near the entrance as she leisurely flipped through each page of her book. It was only for a short moment since she was hospitalized after the 'incident'. The woman could scarcely remember what happened and it was all a blur. All she knew was she was taken hostage and the Cadets came to save the day. But, of course, with the prompting of the management, this was all meant to be hush-hush. Which was fine with her, but she did feel awfully indebted to the ones who rescued her...

But now it felt like nothing changed. Maybe it was all a dream...

His feet dragged, shoulders slumped. Fatigue seemed to permeate his pale form, as the full messenger bag weighed down on him. Stupid school projects, stupid heavy textbooks. At least he was almost home, at least he could soon just...

His steps stopped, red eyes turning to gaze to one side. Dragon's Maw. He'dd walked by more than a few times, but never really considered going. Now though? "Fuck it, I don't see why not." Gozai reasoned to himself, before turning where he stood to step inside.

He had to take a moment to reel in his general sense of frustration. Couldn't really risk showing who he really was in this part of town.

There was someone behind the reception desk, a fairly attractive young woman. Reading a book, it would seem. "Excuse me, is the establsihment open for customers at this time?" He would ask as he approached.

It was sudden and it didn't help when she stammered on top of it. Rika didn't expect anyone this late at night, but it didn't mean there was someone who didn't like taking their late night bath. It was a rarity, but not possible. She was just reading something in the book, before this person suddenly showed up and caused her to drop the book on the desk. The Receptionist winced at the sound and tried to smile at his direction.

She hadn't even noticed him coming in? The albino found himself hoping this wasn't indicative of the level of service here. But on the outside, he returned the smile with one of his own. "Oh, I'm sorry, did I startle you?"

One hand rose to his mouth, as he cleared his throat. "Uhh, anyways. I've had something of a rough day behind me, and really just need something to unwind. But it's also my first time visiting this fine establishment, and I'm a little unsure of how things are done here." He spoke again, trying to keep his friendly tone steady.

Try as Rika may, it was obvious that she was flustered by his sudden appearance. She kept smiling, yet awkwardly, as she was nervously tried her best to address the new customer's needs. But so far, he seemed nice enough. It should be a simple job, if she could get her bearings. "W-well, we have two rooms. One for men's and womens'. Though we have a mixed bath section... We have a schedule on when the baths are closed for maintenance and clean-up to the side here. We also have a directory next to it as well if you need help getting around."

She pointed to the plaque full of time schedules. It listed times when each section would be closed and when they would be open. Beside it was a map of the entire immediate area and the floor, just as she relayed.

Wow, this woman read like an open book. He would admit to his curiosity over why she seemed to flustered. Gozai stepped over to the plaque she'd pointed to, leaning in slightly to have a closer look.

"You seem a little flustered, are you feeling alright?" He then asked, shifting his gaze subtly away from the plaque and back to her. Perhaps something of a risky approach, but he wanted to see how she'd respond, and maybe gauge her mental state off that.

She came off as a little squeaky there. But the line of sight made her squeamish. Though, she didn't fall to pieces at the very least. But why is he taking his time here? Did this guy need something else from her?

Wow, she was really on edge. His eyes shifted away, even if the albino was at this point honestly uncertain if she was speaking the truth, not that he really cared. One of his hands rises up, the tip of his finger beginning to trace across the plaque, looking at the times. Finally, he seems to find what he'd looking for. "Allow me ask, just out of curiosity, but is there ever anything like a rainy day special bath or the like? I remember we used to have something like that at one of the local bathhouses back where I'm from." He speaks, though this time not bother her with his gaze, instead for now still keeping his eyes on the plaque.

Okay. She was starting to get more of her bearings. While somewhat apprehensive of this pale-looking individual, Rika was getting used to it, albeit at a steady pace. Though, it was her natural demeanor to regard others shyly. While the customer was still looking at the plaque, she sneaked in a small breath of air to calm herself even further.

"Weekends are 25% off, you say? I'll certainly have to keep that in mind." Gozai speaks, straightening back out. Had she calmed down some? Curious. He stepped away from the plaque, and started moving toward the men's baths. Though he would only get a few steps before stopping. "Before I go, could I perhaps ask for your name? It just seems proper to thank someone by name after they've been as helpful as you've been." He would ask, turning to look at the other over his shoulder, though trying not to go for direct eye contact, so as to not further unnerve the twitchy female. He wore the mask of a smile, on the chance she might actually turn to look his way.

Well that is pretty much it, hopefully. She was glad it went as smoothly as it did. And if Gozai simply continued his path into the bath, the woman would give a wave and return back to her book.

"No, I'm fine thank you. But Thank you, Rika. Perhaps I'll have the pleasure of meeting you again another day." He would say, before turning to resume the way he was going. He would continue a good distance away, checking to see no one was around before letting the grin he'd been holding in rise to the surface.

[Gozai exit]