#円 ❛ I intend on moving forward in the way I see most fit. ; ( v: Yakuza 3 )

[okanefutan]

@stingslikeabee inquired:

It wasn't Melissa's first rodeo as Mine's stand-in plus one for some corporate event where he was supposed to bring a guest of the female variety - although it made for a rather interesting picture if only because her hostess persona worked wonders to have her smiling and being friendly to mostly everyone within the room, whereas Mine was... More selective in terms of who merited his time or attention.

The fact that both of them could speak English also meant that, sometimes, she purposefully shifted to that language to make certain comments that she'd rather not have anyone else listening to - such as now, with the brunette leaning into his side, taking advantage of their linked arms and craning her head to speak close enough to the yakuza's ear.

"By the champagne fountain, three o'clock," she murmured, indicating a guy who seemed to be all alone for the time being. He was tall, dressed in a very nicely tailored suit, with just the right amount of facial hair that set him apart from the average men in the room, not to mention a certain look in his eyes that seemed to announce an interesting past (or at least some personality), "Is he more to your liking? There are hundreds of guys here, there has to be someone you find attractive, Mine-kun."

A brow rose the moment she’d leaned in to whisper to him in English, eyes following the location she had marked to the man in question. Tall, dark hair, and a short enough beard to have the stranger feeling reminiscent of someone else he was familiar with  .  .  .  How uncanny. Far be it from him to deny the stranger was attractive ⸺ handsome, even, difficult as it was for Mine to discern whether that was of his own merit or due to that resemblance he just couldn’t seem to shake off.

Was that his type? What nonsense. Handsome or not, he just wasn’t interested, truthfully. Although he was more than capable of admitting to one’s physical charm, he had no desire to act upon baseline attraction. He was a busy man ⸺ far too busy to entertain a romantic pursuit ( at least, that was what he would tell himself, contrary to his yearning for an honest connection that just seemed so far out of reach ).

Mine couldn’t understand what Melissa had to gain when it came to pointing people out to him just like this; first women, and then shifting to the various men she’d found interesting enough herself. The sentiment was nice. That much he could acknowledge, but his true thoughts on the matter felt far too convoluted for him to express in the moment, never mind verbalize as a whole. 

     ❝ ⸺ Doubtful, ❞ he was quick to dismiss the notion of finding anyone he felt enough of a draw to for him to want to so much as entertain conversation with. With their arms still entwined, he inclined his head to whisper similarly to how she had. ❝ As open as I am to networking, I’m hardly looking at anyone here in the manner you’re suggesting. ❞ 

Mine considered for a moment, before adding, ❝ You’re free to go socialize with him if you’d like. Don’t let me stop you. ❞

#stingslikeabee #円 ❛ safekeeper of the tojo ; ( ic. ) #円 ❛ cash flow ; ( asks. ) #円 ❛ I intend on moving forward in the way I see most fit. ; ( v: Yakuza 3 )

[okanefutan]

@stingslikeabee inquired: 🔥? // [x]

As if she really needs him fluffing her ego. As a hostess she was undoubtedly highly sought after ( even if it’d been by her very niche clientele, those men would sing her praises to the high heavens ). Although her looks may not have coincided with all of Japan’s traditional norms where it pertained to beauty, while Mine may have appeared very much the traditional businessman, he, in reality, was far from it. He could acknowledge her beauty, see how and why a very particular demographic would have sought her out by name, and perhaps if things were different, would have very much succumbed to her wiles himself. 

But surely she didn’t need him of all people telling her that.

     ❝ ⸺ She’s fine. ❞ A simple, almost dismissive answer. Not by any means a negative, because truthfully, he had nothing negative to say in regards to her appearance. ❝ Another pretty woman in a field where they’re ubiquitous. One would expect no less. ❞

#stingslikeabee #円 ❛ safekeeper of the tojo ; ( ic. ) #円 ❛ cash flow ; ( asks. ) #円 ❛ I intend on moving forward in the way I see most fit. ; ( v: Yakuza 3 ) #the rare occasion i give melissa a little bit of a hard time #i think he just likes making things difficult for her. just a little.

[okanefutan]

tag dump ;

#円 ❛ man of few words ; ( ooc. ) #円 ❛ safekeeper of the tojo ; ( ic. ) #円 ❛ return on investment ; ( prompts. ) #円 ❛ kirin-ji ; ( about. ) #円 ❛ a life driven by money ; ( musings. ) #円 ❛ pinstripe and gold ; ( aesthetics. ) #円 ❛ fuck them kids ; ( crack. ) #円 ❛ prodigy entrepreneur ; ( char: Mine ) #円 ❛ so I'm prepared to put everything on the line if it's for you. ; ( char: Daigo ) #円 ❛ I wish we could have met sooner. I really do. ; ( char: Kiryu ) #円 ❛ I intend on moving forward in the way I see most fit. ; ( v: Yakuza 3 ) #円 ❛ maybe in my next life... I'll have what it takes to earn your respect. ; ( v: Survival )

[okanefutan]

@seeasunset inquired: 🔥? // [x]

Hosts may not be his type, but he wouldn’t deny they were pretty. After all, it was their job to be attractive; a host that couldn’t attract their fair share of clientele ultimately was a detriment to whatever establishment they worked. Mine, while not being one to attend any clubs of the sort for pleasure, let alone own one, knew that much. 

And this one was no exception to the rule. Pretty enough for a man, no doubt drawing in enough customers with that individualized allure he expelled ( and from he’d heard, despite his standoffish nature, he was very much competent at his job ). Even if that attraction didn’t extend to Mine’s own preferences  .  .  .  He could very much acknowledge it.

     ❝ ⸺ It may not be for me, but I do see the appeal. ❞

#seeasunset #円 ❛ safekeeper of the tojo ; ( ic. ) #円 ❛ cash flow ; ( asks. ) #円 ❛ I intend on moving forward in the way I see most fit. ; ( v: Yakuza 3 )

[okanefutan]

@idyllicserendipity inquired: 🔥? // [x]

Katase? For all the positive things Mine could say about her in regards to the role she fills ⸺ organization, worth ethic, professionalism and diligence, not once had it crossed his mind to take her appearance into account. It’s a strange request, by all means, and one that could even be considered unprofessional of him to answer about his subordinate; but rules are rules, and at the very least he can spare an honest opinion, separate from both his own preferences and their work lives.

     ❝ ⸺ Disregarding her exceptional work, she is a beautiful woman by all means. I doubt anyone in their right mind would deny that. ❞

#idyllicserendipity #円 ❛ safekeeper of the tojo ; ( ic. ) #円 ❛ cash flow ; ( asks. ) #円 ❛ I intend on moving forward in the way I see most fit. ; ( v: Yakuza 3 )

[okanefutan]

@stovthearted inquired: 🔥? // [x]

Of all the people he could be subjected to rating. Oh how he yearns to just say “no” and leave it at that. To go on his merry way and live without the knowledge that he’d said anything positive about the older man ⸺ it’s like pulling teeth, something which he would have, quite frankly, preferred to being subjected to this fate. His view of the dragon is clear as day: he does not like Kiryu by any means of the word. To him, he’s a liability to the Tojo. The chairman’s Achilles heel. He’d witnessed first hand the lengths Daigo has gone to protect the man, who, through all intents and purposes, abandoned his responsibilities and all that came with it. He’d run away. 

Needless to say, he isn’t happy. Not when, for all the negatives he could point out in the man, being ugly was unfortunately not among them. Although his expression never changes, it’s through grit teeth he hisses out a response with all the vitriol he can muster,

     ❝ ⸺  .  .  .  I suppose he’s conventionally attractive, if I really must say it. ❞ Unfortunately. 

#stovthearted #円 ❛ safekeeper of the tojo ; ( ic. ) #円 ❛ cash flow ; ( asks. ) #円 ❛ I intend on moving forward in the way I see most fit. ; ( v: Yakuza 3 ) #this is specifically going in his 3 verse because #he'd be a lot less nasty about it in survival au

[okanefutan]

@idyllicserendipity​​ inquired: Katase has already placed an assortment of drinks to the side, for when Mine was done with his workout. Gatorade was all well and good, but she would also offer him the options of freshly made fruit juice, tea, and even a simple but all the same refreshing pitcher of ice-cold water. Nothing like some more natural drinks to rehydrate one's self, sir.

Evidently, he had chosen his right-hand woman well. Few would have taken the time to not only ensure he was upkeeping his health so diligently ( for as healthy a lifestyle as he strived to maintain, Mine was prone to neglect when it came to how hard he pushed himself without break ), but to go above and beyond as she had. He was aware of her presence all the while, and although he hadn’t acknowledged her presence past when he’d first allowed her entry into the room, knew what she was up to all the while.

Still, he didn’t allow that to hinder his workout. It was only after he’d deemed his knuckles sufficiently sore and his muscles ached enough from the strenuous workout that he finally steadied the punching bag he’d been using. Only then had he turned to Katase, and by extension, her handiwork  .  .  .  And it would appear she really outdone herself this time.

His own electrolyte drink was set aside to instead focus on that pitcher of water. Something ice-cold seemed heavenly in light of his heated skin, and, pouring himself a glass, his eyes finally flit to his secretary to nod his head.

     ❝ ⸺ Thank you. ❞ 

He certainly paid her well enough to match how attentive she was when it came to his well-being ⸺ even if, at the end of the day, it came down to the money he was practically made of, she did her job well. Mine walked as he took a drink of his water, grabbing the towel he’d placed nearby to wipe away some of the sweat from the surface of his skin. 

    ❝ ⸺ Is there anything else I need to attend to today? ❞

#idyllicserendipity #円 ❛ safekeeper of the tojo ; ( ic. ) #円 ❛ I intend on moving forward in the way I see most fit. ; ( v: Yakuza 3 ) #円 ❛ cash flow ; ( asks. )

[okanefutan]

@sixthxchairman​​ inquired: “My advice: just keep moving straight ahead. Every now and then you find yourself in a different place.” // [x]

It was rare Mine would genuinely take the suggestions of others into consideration, let alone to heart, but to him, the young Chairman’s words were like gospel. He paused, mulling over the sudden words of encouragement that’d left the other man ⸺ this was what set him apart from the rest of the cruel humanity he’d come to be acquainted with. 

Not only was Daigo willing to share this advice with him of all people ⸺ he who had hardly done anything in the span of his lifetime to truly deserve the Chairman’s favour, but where he’d doubt the sincerity of those same words coming out of the mouths of literally anyone else, he knew Daigo was genuine. He knew, from the other man, it came from a place of goodwill; a means to try and brighten the dour entrepreneur’s mood.

Had he appeared to be in need of that reassurance? Mine hadn’t thought so; even if he had just divulged his own dissatisfaction with the events leading up to his place within the Tojo Clan. His aggressive approach to acquiring property for the Nishikiyama family, the means he would go to in order to obtain funds for the Tojo Clan, the previous conflict with the second acting patriarch of the aforementioned family ⸺ he had disregarded Daigo’s advice before, although that shakable respect he felt now hadn’t been in place back then.

His actions received their desired results when it came to profits for the Tojo, but when those same actions had not only put Daigo at risk, but had prompted him to go out of his way to put himself on the line for him of all people  .  .  .  He had his regrets. Mine wished he could have integrated himself into his position with more honest means; something he would would have approved of from the start.

     ❝ ⸺ Daigo-san  .  .  .  ❞

The Chairman’s generosity would never not feel misplaced. He was too good. That rare ray of hope amidst the sea of selfishness and self-interest. Although shame washed over him, knowing it was a matter he couldn’t bring himself to move past, and knowing that’d cause him to, once again, disregard the Chairman’s advice.

That shame contrasted the warmth that blossomed in his chest, putting him at odds with himself.

Mine wanted to tell the other not to bother with him. That he, ultimately, was a lost cause. Things wouldn’t change. He wouldn’t change. No matter his regrets, moving forward would only bring him back to the same place time and time again. 

    ❝ ⸺ I  .  .  .  Of course. You’re right. Thank you. ❞

But somehow, he couldn’t bring himself to speak his mind. Maybe things could be different. Maybe that was just the effect Dojima Daigo had on people. 

#sixthxchairman #円 ❛ safekeeper of the tojo ; ( ic. ) #円 ❛ cash flow ; ( asks. ) #円 ❛ I intend on moving forward in the way I see most fit. ; ( v: Yakuza 3 ) #i alluded to some RGGO events but I can absolutely change that if you'd rather something different!

[okanefutan]

@stingslikeabee​​ inquired:  “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” // [x]

Honey Bee Inn. A newly erected establishment in the heart of Kazama Family territory. It wasn’t uncommon of the entrepreneur to be dragged along by Kanda to establishments such as these, where the women were abundant and quite often, flocked to him more than his companions who’d been the ones seeking their attention in the first place, much to his chagrin. The older man had wanted to “scope the place out,” and for as little as Mine saw reason to argue, had been begrudgingly brought along on the outing.

Mine stood out like a sore thumb in the lively atmosphere, stone-faced and frigid to the bone ⸺ and despite a drunken Kanda’s ( perhaps opting for their most expensive champagne hadn’t been Mine’s brightest move ) frequent insistence he lighten up and enjoy the beauties, or the boundless efforts of the hostesses who, to their credit, did the best they could to get him to settle and enjoy himself, the soured look never left his visage. 

Something about catering to that creep’s whims left him in a bitter mood, but as things stood, Kanda had yet to outlive his usefulness. 

Perhaps he should have made some effort to appear adequately entertained had he wanted to avoid further attention on himself, for it wasn’t long until the the establishment’s owner herself made an appearance at their table. Kanda, as well as his subordinates, were ( thankfully, he would imagine for this poor woman ) too busy with the other hostesses to hoot and holler at the notion of another hostess catering to the small group.

To his credit, for as standoffish as he may have been the entire time he’d been present, not once had he gone out of his way to be rude to any of the women. For as disinterested in the excursion as he was, he could hardly blame the hostesses for fulfilling their duties. It was a business, as much as the lonely men who’d frequented the establishment liked to delude themselves into believing otherwise, anything more than that was just that: a delusion. As far as Mine was concerned, it was about the paycheck at the end of the day, and nobody could be faulted for it when that was just how the world worked. None of these workers cared for their clients past surface level, and it was foolish to expect any more than that.

So for the owner to pry into his own affairs, while expected, felt like a hinderance. He’d never been one for talking about himself more than necessary; what did she want to hear about? His never-ending work? Business expansion? What personal life did he have to divulge?

     ❝ ⸺ I would advise you curb that curiosity, ❞ Mine had spoken suddenly, despite his efforts to remain polite. Maybe he had drank a bit more than he’d first thought.  ❝ Some may equate it to nosiness. ❞

#stingslikeabee #円 ❛ safekeeper of the tojo ; ( ic. ) #円 ❛ cash flow ; ( asks. ) #円 ❛ I intend on moving forward in the way I see most fit. ; ( v: Yakuza 3 )