Audience - Koharu

[holyspirits]

Comments

[cupidsammo]

I'm... okay. Just trying not to think about it all the time, I guess.

[holyspirits]

Yeah. Which... can be hard when it's something people are bound to talk about even after the fact. Maybe it feels a little shitty, but sometimes the best you can do is find a way to distract yourself.

[cupidsammo]

It's not everyone else that's a problem, at least—mostly just me, so I've been doing a lot of checking out what's new.

[holyspirits]

And what've you found so far that's new? Been to the new island yet?

[cupidsammo]

Mmhm, I have! It's very scenic with a lot of nature, if you're into that.

[holyspirits]

I think I am, yeah. I used to spend a lot of time outside. I mean I still go out at night when you guys aren't likely to show up here, but... you know. It's different.

[cupidsammo]

You can't close up for an hour or two and go visit during the day?

[holyspirits]

I could, sure. But the days are pretty crowded with all of you out there.

[cupidsammo]

Haha, well, if you insist! I'm sure the others wouldn't mind, though.

[holyspirits]

Not sure it's them I'm totally concerned about, Koharu. [ sometimes you are a bartender but also you don't want to go out into what could potentially be a big crowd while you're wandering around and taking a break. ]

[cupidsammo]

Oh…

Well, you would know what’s best. This is my first time in a bar, so maybe it’s a lot more work than I realize…

[holyspirits]

[ they decide not to correct her because it's probably just easier and better. ]

I like keeping busy enough. [ but they wave a hand. ] Although I do believe I promised to teach you how to throw a punch when you came by.

[cupidsammo]

[ :'> ]

—Oh, yes! Whenever is good for you, of course.

[holyspirits]

Well, as you can see I'm very busy. [ kind of dry in tone, but they do put the darts down. ] I've got the time. I'd rather know you guys know how to defend yourselves if something comes up anyway.

[cupidsammo]

Yeah... Yves told me the same thing earlier. So I'm ready when you are.

[holyspirits]

[ sliding out from behind the counter, they gesture for her to follow. ]

C'mon, we'll go out back. Have you ever had any kind of self-defense lessons before?

[cupidsammo]

[ and follow she does ]

Mmm... Only a little. I've gotten into a few tussles with my seniors before too, but I don't usually stand a chance against them.

[holyspirits]

They're that strong? [ tell them about your seniors. we are going behind the bar where there is some more open space... they are moving some things out of the way though to make sure she has room to move. ]

[cupidsammo]

They are, but they have way more experience than I do, too. Years of it, even.

[holyspirits]

Well, I can't guarantee I'll get you but their level right away but I'll do my best. [ they stop to face her. ] Okay. Show me how you would make a fist.

[cupidsammo]

[ She stares for a second before she lifts her hand, balling it into a fist. ]

[holyspirits]

[ they move to adjust her hand a little. ]

Good start. The most important thing is you want to make sure you're not tucking your thumb into your palm because you're just as likely to break it as you are to make contact with your target. Keep it on the outside right along your index finger. When you're striking, you want to drive most of your force into the two bigger knuckles on your hand. Make sense?

[cupidsammo]

[ ... !

With a nod, she adjusts her thumb, then tilts her hand until her knuckles and pointing forward. ]

So I'd hit them right with these—like this?

[holyspirits]

Right, like that. Remember the placement of your feet, too. You're gonna wanna pivot your entire body from the side to the front to follow through with the punch. And keep your elbow up close to your body before extending. Never let that drop.

[ they take a few steps back, adjusting their stance before demonstrating with a swift, fast punch to the air. ]

It's all power-driven. [ and they approach again, holding out their hands. ]

Give it a shot. [ punch their palms. ]

[cupidsammo]

[ Experimentally, Koharu goes through the motions in slow-mo, settling on what feels right according to what she's been told. Then: ]

Okay, got it. Then...

[ She gets into stance, eyes between her fist and their hands, and throws her first swing. Her form is passable as she goes through it with more of her might, landing a hit that goes about as hard as regularass-teenager-landing-a-punch would. ]