“Oh, yeah, Yul-san’s a cool guy. I’ve hung out with him a bit, we get along so well it’s like looking in a Unicorn mirror.” She gave the little Doji a toothy grin. “Hmmm... I’ve met Utaku-san in passing. I get the feeling she might not like me? I dunno, she’s a hard read. Moto Ruhe, though, only met him a couple times. Cool guy, but I’m super jealous. Big and talented?”

Ichika giggled into the back of her hand, nodding a little, "Moto Ruhe-san is interesting," she nodded a couple times. "I was impressed to hear how well the judged liked his contributions to the peace agreement writings we did."

"I've heard that a few times about Utaku Hyeon-ju-san, but," she leaned forward a little, as if to speak conspiratorially. "She's actually really nice."

“I mean, I’ll take your word for it. She seemed a bit distant to me, but you know her better.” Hide glanced at the suit Ichika still had. “Do you think we should pick out a tie to go with or not?”

"Hmm," she tilted her head to either side, "It could work!" she smiled, glancing around to find where they were. "What does Matsu-san think?" she looked back, walking already toward where she found them.

“I mean, I think it might be nice. I like ties.” Hide followed along, happy to be shown around the shop. “How about you? You think I’d look good?”

"Mhmm!" she said, a bright smile. "There is a lot you could look good in, I think, Matsu-san," she said, bringing up her index finger, "But it also matters what you consider your personal style, hmm? Like the kimono! I wear one a lot more than others might, it's a bit more.. casually formal?" she nodded, those were exactly the words she wanted.

Hide looked exhausted just thinking about wearing a kimono on this planet. She was dying enough as is in short sleeve shirts when it gets particularly hot here. “Maybe for when I’m off planet I’ll think about getting one?”

"You should!" she said, with a little smile. "I know they're a little.. weighty," she waved her hand up and down a little as if she was dealing with a kimono sleeve that wasn't currently there. "But they're nice, comfortable too.. in their own way, kinda," she said, a half-awkward laugh that gained in confidence as it grew over three notes.

“I’m only used to wearing them during special occasions. It’s been years.” Hide rubbed at the back of her neck, her eyes scouring the nearby racks. “Thanks for helping me, by the way.”

"Of course, Matsu-san!" she said with a bright smile.

“Soooo... Anything I can do to pay you back?” Hide gave Ichika a grin.

"Oh!" she said, raising her brows a little. "Uhm.. I don't think you need to, Matsu-san," she waved her hand down a little, a soft awkward-chuckle.

Hide rubbed at the back of her neck again, a brow risen in intrigue. “You sure? I feel bad taking advantage of such kindness without giving kindness in turn.”

"I just like to help out when I can, Matsu-san," she said with a bright smile. "I don't need anything in return for just offering some advice, yea? Though, if you ever wanted to do something again I'd be happy to spend the time!"

“Well, if I ever need help picking out something nice, I know who to call.” Hide couldn’t help but feel warm around Ichika. Is this the true power of the Doji?

"You do!" she said, bringing her hands together in a cheerful little gesture. "Oh! Matsu-san," she said, bringing up her purse a moment, a small hand-held thing that was strapped to her wrist. "Did we ever exchange contact information? In case you wanna call me for help picking something out?" she said with a short little smile.

“Oh! Yes! I would love to exchange comm info.” Hide reached into her pocket, taking out a bog standard communicator and prepped the exchange. “And you can comm me if you ever need a Matsu for anything.”

"I'll be sure to do so!" she said, slipping the zipper open on her purse and flipping out a little communicator. With a few over-practiced movements she set it up to sync and then held it out toward Hide's.

After a moment, a choking noise came from Hide’s communicator signaling that the information scan was successful. “Alright, got your comm info. Now I can pester you for more clothes advice in the off chance I need a kimono for some reason!”

"Perfect!" she said happily, deftly sliding her communicator back into her purse like she'd done it thousands of times.