D5EM, A Messy Appointment (Expecting)

[Seppun Urusai]

Having risen, washed, dressed, and prayed, Urusai makes his way to the Academy's dining room, staking out a seat and awaiting a particular companion...

[Asahina Sakura]

Almost stumbling into the dining area with a rather large sketchbook clutched against her chest, Sakura looks around before spotting the Imperial and smiling softly she makes her way to him. She offers a respectful bow.
"Seppun-sama, konichiwa; I trust you slept well?" She wears a simple powder blue kimono with a midnight shade obi, her white hair tied in a basic knot at the nape of her neck, makeup subtle and barely worth noticing in comparison to most Crane... like the Asahina, herself.

[Seppun Urusai]

She's the only one for whom Urusai has eyes at the moment, and the voice in his mind says that it says something that she appears to him so unguarded.

He rises, bows. "I'm glad of the morning," he says, rising and looking at her. "Would you take Inari's blessing with me?"

[Asahina Sakura]

"Um, that's why we're here, yes?" she blushes deeply at his attention to her and nods. "I'm ...happy to see you again?"

[Seppun Urusai]

"As am I, you," he replies and takes his seat.

"So, a sketchbook?"

[Asahina Sakura]

"Uh, yeah!" she drops into her seat as well and hugs the sketchbook tighter, suddenly nervous, "You asked to see it? Didn't you?" Her gaze ticks to her ephemeral and ever-present chaperone as if seeking confirmation?

[Seppun Urusai]

"I did, if you're willing," Urusai replies. "But I don't want to pressure you or anything."

One of the junior students deposits breakfasts for the pair and hurries off to do so for the next people.

[Asahina Sakura]

She set down her sketchbook on the table carefully after a bit of a pause, closer to the Seppun than herself.
"There's nothing um. Extraordinary? Inside? Just... i try to capture what I see."

Sakura nodded in thanks at the delivery of breakfast... and took a long, long look at the meat. Picking a piece up with her chopsticks and examining it, one curious eyebrow ticking skyward. "Hm."

[Seppun Urusai]

"I doubt it would be served here were it not fitting," Urusai says, noting her gaze. "Though I think this may be something meant as a gesture to the westernmost of us here."

Still, he is a teenager, and there are never enough calories. And the voice in his mind says that worse things have been eaten.

[Asahina Sakura]

"You're not wrong, Seppun-sama," she gives the smallest smile but with a hint of playfulness, before the morsel is tasted and an approving noise is made. She swallows.
"I- um, are you looking forward to what today will bring?"

[Seppun Urusai]

"I can hardly look backward at it," Urusai quips, grinning.

And he eats of what is provided. "Mm. Good.

"Although I am uncertain what it will ask of us. Things are...other than I was briefed, as it happens. In any event, are you?"

[Asahina Sakura]

She smirked at the joke, then had a mouthful of rice.
"I am, actually? This is one of the tests I've been waiting for, I'm very hopeful? Of course, I don't know specifically what will be assessed, that changes every year, but... The Test of the Void? Bring it on... Wait, what were you briefed?"

[Seppun Urusai]

"Only minimally," Urusai replies between bites. "One might even say briefly. But that'd be a bit short a comment to make."

He grins and eats more. Clearly, it's a good morning for him.

[Asahina Sakura]

His grin was returned. "Is there a particular evaluation that Seppun-sama is excited for? Or even anxious for?"

[Seppun Urusai]

Urusai sighs.

"I am...uncertain at this point," he says. "I've found my expectations were not in line with events, so I'm trying to be away from the expectation and more in the moment."

He looks at her, and it's not a grin that stretches his lips. "It's been more...pleasant, better since I started doing so."

[Asahina Sakura]

"I'll give you a tiny bit of insight if I can which you seem to have figured out on your own, as I knew you would? It's better not to think too deeply? Take the title of the day's event, and roll with what's put in front of you? It may never meet your expectation, but it's no less, worth, um... you might be surprised what you learn about yourself?" Sakura's eyes met his.

[Seppun Urusai]

"I think the time is proving instructive, indeed," Urusai replies. "Certainly, I'm finding somewhat I didn't expect--but I'm far from unhappy about it."

He winks at her.

[Asahina Sakura]

Her cheeks flushed and a nervous giggle escaped.
"Are you um, what are your plans for tomorrow? In the afternoon? My Crane cousins are hosting an... a celebration of sorts in ...celebrating ...Hisshoten? I'll be judging a kite flying competition in the afternoon? If Seppun-sama might be interested in attending?"

[Seppun Urusai]

"I'd be happy to accompany you," Urusai replies. "I might even fly a kite."

He puts food in his mouth to be sure, once again, that he doesn't put his foot in it. Probably wouldn't taste as good.

[Asahina Sakura]

"Oh, good! That's um, good? I'm sure Seppun-sama will show exquisite skill?" she said to her breakfast.