He glanced at the woman who approached, recognizing her as the hostess of the gathering if he recalled the network post she’d sent out a little while back that had alerted him to the potluck in the first place. Offering a curious smile, he turned to greet her properly. “Oh, hello! Thank you for the invitation.”

Turning his attention back to the food, he considered her comment. “Sometimes the larger the variety, the more difficult the choice it would seem.” And when one felt hungry more than craving something specific? It was hard to say which to start with. “All three sound like delectable options, I must say… The order of choice could certainly be considered as well, given one might enhance the flavor of the other.” Or if one was practical minded, perhaps starting with something more along the lines of something less sweet and saving the sweet for dessert!

Not that he was feeling practical-minded at the moment. The bubble tea called, considering he hadn’t expected to see something like that here. So he picked a glass of that up first, taking a sip with a pleased hum. Yep, that was quite excellent. Then there was the Materia Xiaolongbao that looked intriguing, what with the colours and how they were arranged. “I must say that these, in particular, look good.”

Yusuke rather found the idea that people might not have come to be rather unlikely. After all, it seemed like a relaxed and informal affair. Something meant for the community and sharing, which seemed to be something that many liked the idea of in this place. Even the less social people he’d come across since arriving here were genuinely of a helpful nature, despite their demeanor.

“Quite! I recommend you try it sometime.” He responded with a certain nod. “For example, sometimes something salty balances out the over-powering sweetness of a food. And sometimes savoury foods are enhanced by a sweet addition.” Yusuke just really liked to eat when he had the chance to eat, really. Plus, there was a particular artistry to meals being put together and how they were arranged or decorated.

So the teen considered the Xiaolongbao again thoughtfully. “I have not heard of Materia before, but the colours do rather make them pop amongst the other food on the table.” He commented, reaching for a plate to take a few to sample. He rather wondered if the texture would be as gummy as she suggested. The dough could be a tricky thing, after all. Especially when it was something to contain a filling. But there was also some merit to a food presented in a pleasing array of colours, wasn’t there?

He wasn’t entirely sure which flavour was which, given he hadn’t a chance to read over anything that might have been left on the table, but he popped a red one in his mouth and was delighted by the burst of spicy shrimp flavour. Oh, that was good. “The texture is, perhaps, a little gummier than one might find in a restaurant… But it gives them a homey quality, and that one’s filling was excellent!” He was, if anything, bluntly honest. But at least he had liked them, right?

Yusuke supposed that was true. He did have the idea ‘down to an art.’ “I am an artist, so that does sound correct.” He added with a small, amused chuckle.

It probably helped that prior to the odd art showing included Madarame being invited to dinner with his pupil in tow and one did learn a thing or two about food. Embarrassing his mentor wouldn’t do, after all, so he had focused often on the dishes and how they were presented instead of conversation. At Aerith’s description of how people did their best to help each other out where she was from, Yusuke offered the woman a small smile. “A thoughtful community, then? I admit, I have experienced such generosity from my own friends on occasion.” It was nice of her to go to all this trouble, to bring people together here in this odd world.

Listening with interest, he looked at the food thoughtfully again. So it was made to look like the items that contained magic for use? How interesting to think that there were worlds where it worked like that. It reminded him of some of the items they found roaming around mementos or palaces that contained various elemental attacks or special effects. “So they’re meant to look like the item. I presume that means round and colourful?” They must look quite lovely to look upon, then! “It sounds as though there are quite a lot of different foods that I haven’t heard of before. Though markets are a wealth of new things to try in any world.” So that was a similarity that seemed to span words. It made him wonder what else there might be.

Of course, the teen took her rather literally on the matter of opening a restaurant. He certainly hadn’t meant to crush the woman’s dreams! “Really? One shouldn’t give up when a little more practice might yield the results you desire. As I said, the filling is delicious!” Really, Yusuke got the sinking feeling he’d said something wrong again, by her reaction. It confused him slightly, given he hadn’t realized that the descriptor was a bad one. “People describe you as such often?” And it was… bad? Yes, he was considering that idea more carefully now.

“I haven’t any completed painting I’ve started here as yet… And sadly, my cell phone has become nothing more than paper weight since arriving.” He responded in a slightly mournful tone. It was a touch dramatic, but also sincere considering he had important pictures aside from references to his work from before on the device. Now he could only rely on memories of some things. “That said, I do. I have my sketchpad, which has many completed drawings and drafts of things I have painted or intend to.” He added belatedly, setting his plate aside (because of course art was more important) to slip it out of the bag he had over his shoulder to hand over to her.

It was rather full of sketches of various subjects and styles (and a few with lines struck through them signifying they hadn’t made the cut in his opinion), from candid looking depictions of people he’d observed, to landscapes, flowers, food, more abstract looking things… Even odd creatures that definitely didn’t look like anything from this world. And… quite a few lobsters and other aquatic life that had recently become a source of interest for the teen. Then there were candid depictions of people who appeared more than once, his friends who often became the subjects of a sketch as he observed them. On that subject, he nodded in agreement with her comment. “It is… Makes you realize what you’ve been missing, I think, once you find those you truly fit with.” He commented with a slightly wistful smile.

Yusuke couldn’t help but stare at the bangle and it’s rather unique style, eyes falling on the brilliant green orbs. “That’s a very convenient and lovely way for one to store magic, I must say.” He tilted his head one way, and then the other. “What do the other colours represent?” He had to ask, of course, if only to work out how suitable each shade may be to its different abilities. If green was purely magic, then the colours weren’t representing an elemental magic. “And the shape of the dumplings would represent material quite well. What a clever idea.” He added with a smile, though her burst of laughter gets a small start from the teen. What was funny? Had he made some kind of joke, or… missed something? The latter, obviously, seemed more likely to him. “Oh, I see…? As long as I haven’t inadvertently crushed your hope for such an endeavor.” He ended a touch awkwardly, before focusing on the subject of her appearance.

His focus shifting to her properly now and tilting his head with a slightly narrowed gaze. He knew some words meant… different things based on where in the world one was, a tidbit of knowledge from English class. “I see… Are you sure they don’t mean it in a more positive context? You’re quite beautiful by your features, and the energy you exude is rather kind and welcoming.” Alright, perhaps that was an awkward statement for someone to just make about someone… But he was known to be on more than one occasion. Even in this very conversation once or twice already. “But if it’s a descriptor you don’t like being referred to as, I can see how it would be unpleasant. I shall refrain from using it again. I can understand how frustrating it can be.” He didn’t like being called weird, after all. Eccentric? Fine. Weird? No. So perhaps it was similar to that, he supposed.

Even as Yusuke was still not as familiar with Haru as he would like, he had already found himself enjoying the chance of getting to know her. She was, in his opinion, a delightful person. Indeed, it would have been hard for him to believe at this point that they would be anything less than friends in their own world.

So he returned the smile with a light expression of his own, pleased to hear her compliment of his choice. “Truly, those who created it were masters of their trade. The design is both balanced and yet lively, pleasing to the eye and I don’t doubt the taste buds.” He gestured to the cake with a small flourish, but continuing a moment later. “And while it seems a tragedy to destroy such a beauty, it is made for just that. A work of art that’s time is fleeting based upon its fresh ingredients, meant to be consumed in the more literal sense.”

And, really, it would be a shame for such a pretty cake to go to waste. Why not enjoy it? Certainly, there would be someone at some point who decided they wanted a piece themselves and ignored the way it looked.

It had always been rather difficult for him to not get a bit over the top or carried away with his words, and so it was always… particularly nice when people didn’t point it out and call him weird or something like that. He could admit he was eccentric, perhaps, but anything else bothered him to an obvious degree. Instead, he was happy to carry on the conversation with his new- old… old new… His friend that seemed content to listen to his descriptions of the dessert he’d brought.

It was nice, even if he didn’t know it, that he could at least provide some comfort for her by just being himself, given the whole kerfuffle that occurred when they met.

Her quiet comment is met with a curious expression. Was she interested in baking and decorating? “I can’t say that I know if they are, but it does seem like most of the businesses in this place are in need of hiring. Apprenticeships seem fairly common as well, if what I’ve heard from others is anything to go by. I’ve met an apprentice tailor and an apprentice blacksmith since I arrived.” So why not Haru, as well? “If it’s something you’re interested in, I would be happy to show you the place I purchased it from?”

Now she was getting it! Yusuke looked quite pleased as she came to the conclusion that it might be more rude to not enjoy a piece of the cake. “Exactly! It would be a far higher compliment to those involved in its creation to enjoy it for both its beauty and flavour.” He responded with an excited tone, folding his arms and watching curiously as she tried a taste.

Her reaction was enough to confirm that it was good, even without her words. “Isn’t it? They had given me a free sample of it when choosing what might be suitable to bring. The matcha pairs quite well with the marzipan and strawberries, does it not?” Both a beautiful, and well-balanced dessert.

Yusuke, of course, didn’t know her well enough yet to realize what was going through her head or why she might be thinking that way. So the teen blundered on without a clue…. Not that he wasn’t known to state his mind anyway when he felt strongly about something. “Nonsense! It would only put me out if you had suggested I take you there without question of if I’d be interested, wouldn’t it?” Really, it was quite the opposite of his mind.

And besides… “Wanting to learn such an art to bring beautiful desserts into the world is hardly a silly idea!” He gestured again at the cake lightly as an example. “I could hardly ever consider such an idea as such. To do so, and discourage one’s path to such a beautiful and unique form of art would be to potentially deprive the world of something great!” And deprive it of something delicious… Let’s not forget that… Yusuke couldn’t help but wonder what kind of delicious combinations and beautiful desserts that she might make. Why, he might even draw inspiration from it!

And fill his ever empty stomach.

But the teen seemed to calm from his slightly dramatic encouragement as quickly as he started, brushing aside a few strands of hair that had slipped into his eyes and tucking it away before he reached for a plate to begin gathering snacks to try while she described her enjoyment of matcha. “Nor had I before they allowed me to try it. I had hoped to find something unique since I don’t believe I would have had the skills or the kitchen to make something for this gathering, and it was a pleasant surprise.”

Finally settling on some rice balls he’d spotted, he took a couple bites eagerly, eyes drifting to those mingling around them to pick out a few familiar figures and many who were not. Her comment got a nod though, the teen politely finishing his bite before he responded with another pleased glance to the cake. There was something that made one feel particularly proud to have selected, something that clearly made his friend happy. “They truly have. I can’t help but wonder what other flavours they might develop and how they might present them decoratively.”

He knew he was right, and his tone suggested as much as he waved off the apology. “There’s no need to worry about apologizing, I assure you.” She knew better now that he was happy to help and show her the place. Which was the main thing, wasn’t it? To be able to help a friend out as they tried to find their place in this strange world was important, given he knew how awkward it felt to find one’s footing here.

And as she explained her reasoning for being interested, it was hard for Yusuke to not get caught up in imagining the idea. It was a picturesque scene, really, Haru running a café of her own design. A comfortable and quiet atmosphere like Leblanc, perhaps, but with a very ‘Haru’ aesthetic to the place with its obvious differences (even if he didn’t know her well yet, he was well on his way to getting the vague idea of her style). If anything, he found the idea quite brilliant, and he wanted to hear more.

As she apologized again, he shook his head vigorously at the very idea that such a desire was silly. “I would hardly call such a dream silly, Haru. It sounds quite wonderful, and you’ve clearly thought about of lot of aspects of such a place. To give it it’s own personality and feel compared to other cafés! Quiet havens to enjoy a drink and view or purchase uniquely artistic handcrafts would be quite popular, I’d think. It would be quite relaxing and potentially inspiring! Why… Even in this place, aside from the odd bakery or stand, most gathering spots are taverns or a restaurant off of a hunting lodge from what I’ve seen.”

And it made him wonder what Haru’s experience was with crafts. It was, after all, another form of art. “I should like to hear more about it?? What sort of homemade crafts were you thinking?”

His eyes darted curiously to the chocolates that Tommy had deposited on the table, deciding they probably should be nudged just slightly to an angle for a more pleasing display. But he was distracted by the comment, looking at the portion of the table laden with delicious looking treats. “Oh? Why thank you, I must admit I find the selection a bit daunting. Your recommendation is appreciated.” He responded before starting to fill his own plate with an impressive amount of food.

It was hard to not pause at the weird sound coming from Tommy’s bag, promptly being addressed in return concerning carrots. “Do you… have something in your bag?” Not that carrying an animal around in a bag would be weird to him. He was used to seeing Mona sticking out of Ren’s school bag when they were out and around the city. “I can’t help but note the rather vocal squeaks escaping it.”

“These were made by him?” He asked, picking up one of the schnitzel sandwiches with curiosity. “I had been meaning to stop by the lodge, though I haven’t had the occasion to go that far as yet.” There had been quite a lot to figure out since arriving, and the teen had a terrible habit of getting caught up in an idea and forgetting about a lot of other things… Often times important things like sleeping or eating. But he had an appreciation for Ignis, given the man had been quite helpful on the day they met at the market.

Well, with Tommy’s praise and obvious experience with Ignis’s food already, the teen was even happier to take his recommendation and follow it. After all, it sounded like he had good reason to say as much if he worked with the man.

Now the sight of the sloth actually manages to get Yusuke to stop thinking about the food for the moment. “Speedy…” He commented thoughtfully, what an amusing name for a creature not known for speed. It was hard to not chuckle lightly at that as he leaned in for a closer look (sorry about the personal space, Tommy, he means well) at the little creature. “Hello, there, Speedy.”

He glanced at Tommy again with a curious hum. “Here I had thought it might be a cat or something of that nature. I’ve never seen a sloth so close before. I did not know they could be kept as pets?” Aside from the odd zoo, perhaps… But he didn’t go to zoos often. He had a particular preference for aquariums and viewing aquatic life.

Yusuke still hasn’t quite gotten a feel for how many or how few people might have been involved in the making of food at the potluck, but he was delighted by the selections he made. An enthusiastic sound escaping as he took his first bite, though it might have tasted as good as it did because he hadn’t really eaten a full meal since… Maybe this morning? Last night?

Who could say? He did manage to enjoy a few lovely samples from the bakery earlier that day when he was purchasing the cake. And now he had a wealth of food to choose from. He’d fill up.

The offer gets a curious pause as he watched the sloth begin climbing up the strap of the bag. Would he like to feed it, though? Humming, he put the plate down and nodded enthusiastically. “I should like that very much, sir!” To see the little creature eat, and to get a closer look at it, would be a delight.

Such a curious thing to behold, really. It seemed to be going at its own pace, but with a particular steadfast motivation towards snacks. Truly a good reminder that sometimes it was best to be calm and relax rather than rush about without pause or breaks. “What an excellent and particularly adorable reminder.” He doesn’t say that lightly, either. But it was cuter than other fluffy creatures he’d been around (sorry, Morgana). “I presume you must be prone to keeping busy, for someone to decide you need the reminder?”

A... speedster…? Yusuke blinked, tilting his head with a slightly perplexed expression. “I’m not sure if I’m familiar with that term? Is that a way to reference being a runner or someone who races using some vehicle, perhaps?” He knew a runner, but certainly nothing like Tommy at the end of the day.

But he takes the carrot carefully and follows Tommy’s instructions carefully, holding the carrot just in front of Speedy’s face where the little creature could hopefully see it and get an idea that food was being offered.

The request gets a small pause, though, and the teen glanced at the frown with some uncertainty. “My apologies. What should I call you then, if you have a preference?” He responded, remembering rather late that they hadn’t really introduced themselves. “And I should mention, I’m Yusuke Kitagawa.”