Yumi sat at the kitchen table before an array of paperwork, all documents related to the purchase of a new building for her expanding business. While Casino Starlight had all but fallen into her lap, acquiring a new venture from scratch was proving a challenge. She had to remind herself the reward was worth it. [break][break]

When the front door opened and Hitoshi entered, Yumi looked up with a smile, grateful for a distraction. The smile froze, however, at the words that left his mouth. [break][break]

There it was again: that strange feeling of losing a part of herself. [break][break]

Yumi stood from her chair with natural grace, prompting her Delcatty, who was snoozing nearby, to raise his head. [break][break]

"Congratulations, Hitoshi. So you're officially a S.P.E.C.T.R.A. agent," she mused aloud. Since when had he been interested in that? "We should celebrate. Let's order dinner." [break][break]

She picked up her phone, quickly tapping the screen to pull up the menu for their favorite local Johtonian restaurant.

TAGS – Hitoshi Inoue[break]
NOTES – mission

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At Nikkari's subtle invitation, Yumi's hands stilled over the paperwork. Her indigo eyes glittered with mischief at him, and an amused smile curled her lips. "I'll teach you, but I won't hold back, even for a novice." [break][break]

She took another casual sip of sangria and set the glass down far from the fragile sheets of paper. Absently, she wiped the perspiration from her fingers with a napkin. [break][break]

"I know," Yumi sighed, setting aside the one Nikkari had just commented on. "It has such a good location, too. But its reputation will make marketing's job harder, and we don't want that." [break][break]

Eventually, they whittled their choices down to two buildings: the one they'd visited earlier that day, and another with a view of Slateport Park and outdoor seating on a patio. She liked both of them, but had reservations about each one. [break][break]

"Like you said, today's is older and needs some renovations to bring it up to modern standards. This other one is newer, but the location is not ideal for the kind of business I want to run." [break][break]

Parks and museums tended to attract families with children—not exactly the sort of customer who stopped by a mahjong parlor while out on the town.

TAGS – nikkari hect[break]
NOTES – social | outfit

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Yumi had grown to consider Nikkari's presence grounding. She thought nothing of the brush of his hand on her back as a car zoomed past her, a little too close for comfort. "Slateport has the worst drivers," she muttered, absently tossing long locks of hair over her shoulder as she crossed the street. [break][break]

At the café's bar, she promptly ordered a fruity sangria. The first sip was divine, cold and sweet and refreshing all at once. [break][break]

"Much better," she said with a smile before withdrawing her tablet from her tote purse. She laid it on the bar between them, followed by a manila folder with all the paperwork they'd collected from their six candidates. [break][break]

Opening the file, she pushed the top sheet of paper away. "This one's out. It's smaller than it looked in the photos. It won't have space for both game tables and eating tables. And no one's going to come to a mahjong parlor if they can't do both."

TAGS – nikkari hect[break]
NOTES – social | outfit

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As Nabi talked, a waiter stopped by their table to deliver the appetizers Yumi had ordered. With crispy outer skin the perfect shade of golden-brown, they looked well-cooked. The black-haired woman picked one up for a closer look. [break][break]

Yumi raised an eyebrow. "Really, the Rangers? How come?" she asked, keeping her tone even and neutral. [break][break]

Of course, Nabi had no idea about Yumi's affiliation with Team Rocket, despite Casino Starlight's location in Sootopolis. For all the younger woman knew, Yumi had simply chosen that location for its economic advantage. The fact that a portion of its revenue filled the crime syndicate's coffers was a well-guarded secret. [break][break]

While she listened to Nabi's answer, Yumi crunched down on the vegetable roll. Exquisite flavors burst in her mouth, and the vegetables were not overcooked at all. Delighted, she gestured for her friend to indulge in the appetizer too.

TAGS – nabi park[break]
NOTES – social | outfit

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"Yes, and the space works well. We could configure it a few different ways and ensure good flow," Yumi said, nodding. The arrangement of a restaurant's interior was just as important as its architectural and technical offerings. [break][break]

She'd noticed the windows, too, though. "Some parts of it will need upgrading but the kitchen seems to be fine. And of course, we'll need to consider paint, flooring, decorations…" [break][break]

The movement of Nikkari's hands as he rolled up his sleeves caught her eye. An innocuous action, but her gaze lingered for a moment on the exposed skin of his forearms. Glancing away again, she wished she'd chosen a more casual outfit. But business demanded professionalism. [break][break]

"We have the budget," Yumi reassured him as she started down the sidewalk, heading for shade, "for all of that and marketing too." [break][break]

Then, with a stolen glance in his direction, she asked, "Should we find a place with air conditioning and cold drinks to go over our options?"

TAGS – nikkari hect[break]
NOTES – social | outfit

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Yumi made her way slowly through a commercial space up for lease, its innards gutted, dust gathering on its bare floor. Her imagination filled in what was missing: tables and chairs, a bar, waitstaff, customers. A lifetime of restaurants and bars, as well as her grandmother's advice, molded the way her mind wandered. [break][break]

"This place isn't bad," she said to her companion and the landlord, keeping her tone mild so as not to reveal her true thoughts. "Though I'd like some time to think about it. Thank you for the tour." [break][break]

The landlord bobbed his head agreeably, before leading the way out. They shook hands and said their farewells, his phone number already recorded in Yumi's phone. [break][break]

Once they were alone, Yumi turned to Nikkari. "I like it a lot," she confessed quietly. "Of all the ones we've seen, this one's my favorite." [break][break]

Six buildings in three weekends. She hadn't expected him to join her on each visit, but she enjoyed his company well enough, and his real estate expertise was invaluable.

TAGS – nikkari hect[break]
NOTES – social | outfit

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Yumi's face creased into an amused smile. "Of course I have other friends, and I take them out to dinner, too. That doesn't mean I can't invite you," she said. [break][break]

Sipping her water, she gazed out the window, admiring the beautiful view of the expansive ocean. She spied a few boats upon the waves, including a cruise ship upon the horizon. Others were smaller, speedier vessels for entertainment or business. [break][break]

Turning her attention back to her friend, Yumi continued, "I'd like to catch up with you, and also get to know you better. What have you been up to lately? Are you satisfied with the work you've been doing for me?"

TAGS – nabi park[break]
NOTES – social | outfit

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"Water for me too, please," Yumi said smoothly to the waiter. To Nabi, she said, "Smart thinking. We don't want any flavors from our drinks meddling with the flavors of the food." [break][break]

Two glasses of ice cold water were delivered promptly to their table. A few minutes later, the chef appeared to meet them. After exchanging introductions and handshakes, Yumi gestured across the table to her companion. [break][break]

"And this is my good friend, Nabi. She works for me and will be here to give her perspective on the food." [break][break]

The chef took Nabi's hand in his own, uttering a gracious, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Nabi." [break][break]

He then produced menus, one for each woman. Yumi perused hers with keen intent, before settling on crisp vegetable rolls for a shared appetizer and roasted Ducklett for her entrée.

TAGS – nabi park[break]
NOTES – social | outfit

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The door of the Corviknight taxi carriage opened, allowing Yumi to step out onto the sidewalk. Craning her neck slightly, she admired the elegant façade of the five-star restaurant in front of her. While she looked forward to her imminent meal, she was there for business, not pleasure, and she liked what she saw so far. [break][break]

Yumi turned to her companion. "Remember what I told you," she said, reaching out and looping their arms together in the way girls do. "Order whatever you like; it's my treat. After all, we need to put the chef to the test." [break][break]

Together, they stepped through the front door. The host led them to a table of two alongside a large window, offering them a beautiful view of the ocean. Yumi took her seat, expecting Nabi to take the opposite one.

TAGS – nabi park[break]
NOTES – social | outfit

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