Shades Of Pearl (GenMui) - Book 2

11

"I don't take hugs!"

Embarrassed, Genya lowered his arms, looking everywhere else but at Inosuke. So much for attempting a friendly encounter with whom he anticipated had changed over time. Inosuke certainly didn't have to yell that out for everyone else to hear regardless.

"Still as immature as ever...," Genya mumbled with the subtle roll of his eyes.

"Hah!? Me!?" Inosuke exclaimed, placing a hand on his chest in offense.

Genya subtly cringed, mentally hoping that no one was paying attention to the awkward spectacle unfolding. The two hadn't even set foot in the building quite yet, and Inosuke was already causing a commotion as he usually did. Unfortunately, Inosuke's voice had always been naturally louder than most. He almost couldn't help it.

What's worse is that they'd decided to hang out at the quiet sanctuary of the library. Genya struggled to pinpoint what exactly he was going through whenever he agreed on that location. Knowing Inosuke, a place as tranquil as the library was the last place they ought to go. However, Inosuke was given errands to snag his uncles favorite novel in print. Genya could only go along with it.

"We should talk inside,"

Genya and Inosuke stepped into the library, the door closing softly behind them. The contrast between the quiet of the library and Inosuke's boisterous personality was almost noteworthy. Inosuke, with his characteristic lack of subtlety, immediately began scanning the shelves, his movements causing a few heads to turn.

"This place is too damn quiet," Inosuke muttered loudly, earning a couple of disapproving glances. "How do you stand it, Genya?"

Genya chuckled softly. "I find it peaceful. It's a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo."

Inosuke scoffed. "Peaceful, huh? Sounds like a snooze fest to me." He grabbed a book from a nearby shelf, flipped through it rapidly, and then tossed it back, not bothering to place it neatly.

"So, what book are you looking for, exactly?" Genya asked, trying to steer the conversation.

"Something about ancient warriors or some crap," Inosuke replied, loud enough for the entire section to hear. "My uncle's into that kind of stuff, wants me to find it for him."

Genya nodded, a small smile on his face. "Your uncle still giving you those random tasks, I see."

"Yeah, old man thinks it'll make me cultured or something," Inosuke laughed, the sound echoing through the aisles. "Joke's on him; I'm just here for the fun of it."

They continued walking, Inosuke's eyes darting from shelf to shelf while Genya's remained calm and observant. It was a calming atmosphere, one that garnered only tranquility from its visitors. Somehow, that was considered a rough train for Inosuke to hop on. As the two walked in uniform, he would begin a series of small talk.

"So, how's work been treating you?" Inosuke asked, half-interested, as he pulled out another book, glanced at it, and then let it drop to the floor.

"Work's been good," Genya replied, reflexively catching the fallen book before it touched the carpet and respectfully placing it back onto its designated shelf. "Market research is interesting. I get to meet a lot of people and learn about different industries. It keeps me engaged."

"Sounds kinda dull to me," Inosuke said bluntly. "But hey, if it works for you."

Genya smiled. "It's not for everyone, that's for sure."

They moved to another section, Inosuke continuing with his loud commentary. "You still living in Tokyo, right? How's that treating you?"

"Yeah, still in Tokyo," Genya said. "It's a big city, keeps me on my toes."