He shrugs. "Sometimes it's easier to fight than relax, I guess. What d'you have planned?"

"Trying a date with a boy I met at school, actually. It's... my first time trying anything like that, so." She ducks her head and smiles.

He smiles. "Congrats, kid. Hope you have fun."

"Thanks, Boss."

Her phone vibrates. She picks it up and look at the messages. 

Yeah, I totally get it

Feel free to come over, I'll still be here (gig's in the afternoon)

I could even do makeup for you if you wanted me to

thanks so much Ann

you're a lifesaver

Definitely. I'll help too. Your complexion is closer to mine than Ann's.

Aww thanks Shiho

Ok, be over in an hour and a half or so, maybe a little later. I'll keep you posted.

She puts down the phone and smiles at Boss. "Thanks. I'm going to head over to Ann's place after breakfast for her to do makeup for me. She's done modeling jobs so she's got skills."

"Girl stuff," he acknowledges with a nod. 

See you soon <3

Akira nods. "Yeah, girl stuff."

She goes back to her curry.

Sojiro falls into a comfortable silence, tending the shop. Soon enough a couple customers arrive and he gets to work on their orders.

Akira takes her time finishing up — it's good to relax a bit — but soon enough it's time for her to depart for the train to Shibuya, and from thence to Ann's house. She makes sure to pack her short one-piece dress, and stops by the Body Chop in Shibuya to pick up some replacement heads for the razor she got at the thrift store. 

Soon enough, though, she's knocking on Ann's door.

Ann opens the door a moment later. 

"Hey!" She smiles and steps back from the door. "Come in, come in."

"Hey, Ann." Akira steps inside and takes off her shoes. "Nice to see you again."

Shiho smiles warmly at her. "Good to see you! Got my makeup out for you and Ann. What are you planning to wear?"

"I honestly have no idea, I don't know what all does what. I was thinking something more natural though?"

Shiho nods. "Natural's great, that's what I usually do when I wear makeup, but I meant your outfit."

"Oh! Um —"

Akira takes her pack off and pulls out her ruffled dress from it. "This," she says with a small smile.

"Oh that's so pretty! You'll look great! He'll love it."

"Aww. It's wonderful you're putting my gift to use like that." Ann smiles.

"It's shorter than I usually wear, though, so..." 

Akira ducks her head. "Joker's been teasing me about it."

"That's kind of cute in a weird way."

"Well, sometimes a little fond teasing helps you be brave. I know Bradamante nudges me sometimes."

"Yeah, it's all been very thoughtful. Though that doesn't make me not blush about it."