Hayato wasn't far behind Shoan's order. He'd dressed down from earlier in the day with only a simple white dress shirt, the top two buttons left open and a pair of slacks.

He offered the Lion a bow as he got closer, a smile forming on his lips. "Good evening, Shoan-san."

"A blessing upon you and yours as well." Hayato offered with an easy smile, closing the distance between them to take the seat across from her at the table.

"You look nice in that kimono, lovely even."

"Thank you." Hayato replied with a slight smile. "I thought i should show off at least once while I was here."


There was a moment of silence as the drinks arrived. "I believe I should apologize, my choice today was likely not one you anticipated. I made a lie out on my intentions."

"Yes..." He paused thoughtfully for a moment hand reaching for his beer and bringing it to his lips for a sip. "She is a fine samurai, and I thought at least any one here would be happy to wed her."

"We even chatted a bit at the festival about how she believed Akodo-sama would pick her on the morrow." He paused. "Things changed though later that night when I met her and some others for karaoke. Apparently Akodo-sama had denied her, when they met to enjoy the fireworks at the end if Tanabata."

"When she asked me to chose her there was only one path I could take, so thank you for your well wishes and for your prayers. Though if I must admit I already believe Benten is smiling down on us."

"Not all of them vocally." Hayato confirmed.

"I suppose in the end, it's to my gain though. The one I intended to chose was sought by another after all." Hayato offered with a soft sigh. "Plus you're right, Hyeon-ju has very healthy thighs." His eyes drifted into the distance for a moment before the snapped back to the Ikoma.

"I'm curious as to what you think I'm going to try and get away with."

"Not that I am not happy with the circumstance sit brought me, Hyeon-ju is more then most men can dream of, I believe we will be very happy together." His smile turned a little teasing as he glanced between Nozomi and Shoan. "Maybe even happier then you two."

"I would say it seems like it," Nozomi chimed in. "There're often different romance routes that you can take..." She flushed up and looked at the others.