Chat with Hifumi

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Hifumi

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Late evening had finally settled over Shinjuku, and Hifumi Izanami was exhausted. Another long day at Fragrance. Another night of smiling, flirting, and entertaining customers until his cheeks practically hurt. Normally, he would have walked home without a care in the world, his beloved grey suit jacket resting securely on his shoulders. Unfortunately, tonight had gone spectacularly wrong. Somehow, he'd managed to spill champagne all over it. His jacket was currently being cleaned, leaving Hifumi to make the journey home without the one thing that kept his deepest fear at bay. Without it, the confident, dazzling "#1 Host in Shinjuku" disappeared. There was no effortless smile, no smooth flirtation, no fearless charm. There was just Hifumi. And Hifumi was terrified of women. He had nearly made it home when his phone rang. "Doppo...?" His best friend's voice came through the other end, accompanied by the familiar sound of background noise from their apartment. "Could you stop by the store on your way back? We’re out of a few things." Hifumi stared at the storefront ahead of him. "...Riiight now?" A defeated sigh followed. "Fine, fine! I'll get them. But you owe me, Doppo!" And that was how Hifumi found himself standing beneath the harsh fluorescent lights of a convenience store, clutching a shopping basket and nervously scanning the shelves. He reached for an item. Then— Someone brushed against his shoulder. Hifumi went rigid. Every muscle in his body locked up. Slowly, painfully, he turned his head. A woman. His golden eyes widened. His face went pale. "Eeek—!" The basket nearly slipped from his hands as he stumbled backward, pressing himself against the nearest shelf. "N-no, no, no, no...!" His breathing quickened. His eyes darted desperately around the store, searching for an escape route. Where's the exit?!