Big Trouble in Harajuku (Ayuki)

[Miho Hidaka]

In all truth Harajuku wasn't exactly the first place where Miho would have chosen to set up a kimono shop.  The vast number of modern, 'trendier' places were liable to simply drown out an unpretentious traditional clothing shop.  Yet someone had decided to set it up, and through connections they knew his mother.  After the terrifying confrontations with his father, Natsuho Hidaka had reached out to her friend in Tokyo.  And so she had gotten a job at the shop in Harajuku.  They lived a ways away, but that was just how Tokyo was. 

Back in Kyoto Miho had enjoyed trying on new kimono and yukata that his mother's shop got in.  Now that they lived in Tokyo and he had become somewhat famous, he didn't have as much chance to just play dress up.  On the other hand his mother actively encouraged his doing so when he could, and had proposed using pictures of him to promote the shop.  That it might attract his father's attention if the campaign was too big occurred to both mother and son.  Plus they had to work it out with the manager of sheeP before it could be undertaken.  For now Miho was content to have access to the resource and its proximity to limitless fashion options in Harajuku.

On this day he'd invited his friend and fellow idol Ayuki Mashiro to visit the kimono shop.  He really thought the youngest member of the group was cute, no matter how plain people said she was.  She shined with an innocence that Miho really appreciated and wished he could see more of in the world.  Ayuki also was willing to go window shopping for clothes with him, which made things even more fun.  Around the younger idol he felt like he could relax and just take in his surroundings while enjoying good company.  They were both innocent in their own ways, though Miho did still feel a little protective of her.

He was already picking out things for her to try on when he realized that he was running late on time.  Miho wanted to be all dressed up and ready to go for Ayuki, so they could focus on getting her ready.  After setting what he'd picked out for her on a shelf Miho hurried himself back into the dressing area.  Which in this case was no more than a couple of folding dividers with some cloth serving as a curtain.  This was no time to worry about getting his clothes nicely folded up while changing.  At the same time he didn't want to be sloppy.  The ideals battled in his mind and eventually being orderly won out.  So he instead carefully folded up the seifuku he'd been wearing, tucking it into a neat little corner.  Then he heard the bell on the front door clang and his eyes went wide.

"Ayuki-chan!  Just a minute!" he called out cheerfully while hurrying to put on the kimono he'd selected. 

It was important to note that this was a kimono and not a yukata.  A couple of layers were needed to make it look right, and he managed to get the first on without incident.  But then he tried to pull the outer layer on and was in too much of a hurry.  His foot caught on the hem of the purple kimono embroidered with gold and metallic blue butterflies, sending him falling forward.  He let out a surprised 'uwaa!' and fell a short distance to the floor.  There he stayed, dazed from the fall and  on his back, the robes pulled open a bit from the fall.  Enough to, in combination with the chest padding now scattered on the ground nearby, give away something rather important about the sheeP idol.

"Arghh.." he groaned.  Not exactly the best way to start this adventure.

OOC: Tag Ayuki, you're it!

[Ayuki Mashiro]

Ayuki couldn't believe it! For once, she was asked to hang out with someone close to her age, someone who wasn't her brother or her parents! The tiny brunette smiled as she strolled down the streets of Harajuki, street fashion models sporting their strange styles and unique hairdos. The clicks of cameras sounded as tourists and photographers took pictures of the iconic street, sounds of shuffling feet and chatter accompanied it. Ayuki loved the atmosphere of this street, being able to stroll down the alleyway and taking in the sights of different street vendors; each shop had it's own aura completely unique from the rest.

Today's outfit was rather plain compared to everyone else's, Ayuki's being a pink graphic tee and a pair of white shorts, she needed something easy to slip in and out on for today, she was clothes shopping with a friend and fellow band mate, Miho Hidaka. The two have only known each other for a short while - both being members of the new, locally grown idol group, sheeP, and only meeting after the final auditions - but their friendship grew over time. Ayuki was really happy to make a friend in the group. Being the timid and socially awkward girl she is, having a companion she could follow was a big relief to her.

Amber orbs glanced around the busy street in hopes of finding Miho's appointed meeting spot. It was a kimono shop so it couldn't be too hard to find. The fact that someone would set up a traditional clothing store in a trendy location left the brunette puzzled but at least it would be easy to find.

And it was.

Before long, Ayuki had found herself standing before the shop, gently opening its doors. The bell chimed softly as she entered, it's rings lingereing in the air. Beautiful kimono and yukata were set on display, their intricate designs and delicate fabrics being shown off in the store's lighting. Ayuki's eyes glistened as she approached the different dresses, admiring the craftsmanship when she suddenly heard the familiar voice of Miho.

"Ayuki-chan! Just a minute!" The voice called, pitched with joy.

"Okay! Take your ti-" before she could finish, she heard a faint cry followed by the sound of a body collapsing to the floor. Worriedly, the young idol rushed to the scene, only to be greeted by Miho who's clothes hung loosely on his body, revealing his flat chest. A light blush rose to her cheeks as she averted her eyes nervously, her attention only being laid on chest paddings that were scattered nearby.

The first thought that had crossed Ayuki's mind was that Miho was flat chested. The second was that Miho was actually a boy.

She shifted her cocoa orbs back at her companion, holding out her dainty hand. "Ah... A-a-are you okay, Miho-chan...?" she stammered, her voice laced with concern. 

HIBOU of BACK TO NEVERLAND

[Miho Hidaka]

For a few complicated moments Miho wasn't sure what exactly was going on, other than he'd fallen in the dressing room.  That was painfully obvious and reinforced by an immediately sore back and bottom.  Those would make it harder to get dressed in a kimono before Ayuki arrived, he was sure.  Everything else was just a bit fuzzy and confusing.  There were brightly colored things on vaguely human shaped figures nearby.  Light shined into his eyes and made things even fuzzier for these brief but crucial moments.  More importantly there was a smaller figure standing over him - a mix of pink, white and brown that slowly began coalescing into a recognizable form.

The palette of colors finally became a small girl holding out her hand to him, and suddenly the words made sense.  It was someone asking if he was okay.  Which made perfect sense after he'd tripped and fallen when you thought about it.  So nice that some random patron would happen to come back to see if he was okay.  People were so nice!  Then it hit him that this was, in fact, the person he'd been trying so hard to get dressed before the arrival of.  Ayuki was standing there, hand out and sounding really concerned.  Miho didn't like the see her upset or worried, so he initially reached up to accept her proffered hand so that he could return to his feet.

"Ayuki-chan.. I'm okay, I think.." he responded to her, then realized that there was a rather nice breeze in the shop.  A breeze?  That couldn't be right.

In horror he glanced down and noticed that his kimono was open enough to show that he had a very flat chest, among other things.  Several things happened at once in response to this.  HIs face turned beet red  out of embarrassment.  Miho's eyes went wide as saucers in horror at realizing that he had in fact just been exposed for what he truly was. Not only that but exposed to one of his co-members! Someone in an excellent position to out him and end his career. Ayuki wasn't like that, was she? He didn't want to think of what he should say at a premature retirement speech yet! Not so soon! 

In any case he recoiled from Ayuki, trying to prevent her from being contaminated by his hidden masculinity.  He pulled his kimono closed and fidgeted nervously, tucking his legs close to his body.  Once again he looked like a girl.  A scared, embarrassed girl in traditional costume hiding in the closest thing to a corner the shop's dressing area offered.  Miho dearly hoped he hadn't scarred Ayuki for life out of his own clumsiness.  That would be the least of his worries, he was pretty sure.

"Ayuki... chan," he called out quietly, afraid to say anything. Even his girly voice sounded rotten and masculine to him.

"I-I'm sorry..." he apologized, starting to tear up, "Please.. pleas don't hate me.."

[Ayuki Mashiro]

"I-I would never hate you, Miho-chan." the brunette said looking at the poor, humiliated boy. She approached him and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her usual timid smile on her petite features. Miho's worry was silly in Ayuki's eyes -  hating someone over something so silly. Just because he wasn't a girl didn't mean that he wasn't who she had befriended, the sweet and kind companion Ayuki could only dream of having. Everyday, she thanked the stars that she had made so many friend on this journey, one of her best friends being the blue haired idol trembling before her. "I think you would look really pretty in that kimono, actually." the brunette giggled innocently, touching it's exquisite fabric. "It's not ripped, is it?" She asked with tilt of her head. Miho did take quite a fall and honestly, Ayuki was surprised that she wasn't injured or cried because of the harsh impact. "Maybe you could still wear it? I would love to see it on you!" She smiled warmly before her amber gaze was set on the chest padding below them. "Maybe we can find a padded bra so you won't have to worry about these anymore..." Ayuki said, her attention returning to her friend, "These seem like quite a hassle."

HIBOU of BACK TO NEVERLAND

[Miho Hidaka]

Miho stayed huddled up in the corner at first, somehow thinking that Ayuki would be disgusted and terrified by him.  Why shouldn't she be?  After all he was a boy dressing like a girl and that was strange.  Even though he pretty much was a girl in how he acted and talked, the physical form was hard to ignore.  He was so scared of losing one of his best friends because he'd been revealed to be a boy that he couldn't even look up at her.  Ayuki was such a sweet and friendly person that he'd naturally formed a bond with her.  So he shouldn't have been surprised when she put her hand on his shoulder and said it was okay.  He recoiled at her touch at first, thinking he'd somehow contaminate her innocence. 

Then he slowly looked up, teary-eyed as Ayuki asked about the kimono and said he'd look pretty in it.  That was it.  No screams of terror, no shock, just a friend worried about him because he'd fallen down.  Miho sniffled as he studied the kimono pulled up to shield his body.  Nothing seemed to have been damaged by the fall, which was a very good thing.  A kimono like this was pretty expensive and hard to reproduce.  Slowly he glanced back up into his friend's amber eyes, sniffling more and blinking back tears.  She knew the truth about him but didn't care.  In fact she thought he was pretty and was willing to help him out.

"I.. I think the kimono's okay.  I guess I should just try to be more careful when I'm putting one on," he remarked, trying to smile but finding it hard to do so.  He gently put a hand on Ayuki's and asked, "So.. y-you're not mad?  That I didn't tell you?"

Then he slowly stood up and pulled the first layer back into place, tying it off properly.  It was okay.  All he had to do was get the kimono on right and this would still be an okay day.  It was a little hard to do it yourself, but he'd figured out a few tricks from his mother and her friends.  They'd all enjoyed helping a younger Miho play dress-up in the shop.  Slowly he pulled the kimono into place and glanced over his shoulder at Ayuki.  His smile was back, even if it was reduced by embarrassment and lingering tears.

"You really want to go shopping for a bra with me?  That.. that'd be really helpful... thanks, Ayuki-chan," he spoke, "It's kind of embarrassing to go to the lingerie section or even a shop alone.  That's why I haven't really bought much girly stuff for under my clothes.  Usually my mom goes with me, but she's in Kyoto right now... could you hand me the obi?  It's sitting on the shelf over there.. the gold one."

[Ayuki Mashiro]

"So.. y-you're not mad? That I didn't tell you?"

The young boy stuttered, placing a hand over Ayuki's comforting touch. The brunette gave a shy smile, her eyes full of tenderness."Of course not." she said with a gentle voice, "You are still my best friend Miho, nothing can change that."

She let out a soft giggle as she confirmed her offer, "You bet! There's one for young people close by. They have a lot of cute stuff." Ayuki's smile was warm and generous but she couldn't help but pity the boy a bit, never having the opportunity to wear cute undergarments... Now that she had thought about it, Ayuki found it a bit weird that cute bras and panties were important to her. But if she were to wear those things that weren't cute underneath, how was she supposed to feel cute in her outer clothes? It didn't make a whole lot of sense, maybe it was just a girl thing? Thinking about it too much made her head itch.

Ayuki's small hands slid down, running the enchanting fabric through her fingers. Admiring the intricate designs once more. "These really are pretty, aren't they?" she sighed happily. "I hope we can perform in these one day, that would be really nice."

HIBOU of BACK TO NEVERLAND

^{notes: (Miho Hidaka) sorry this took a while ;;}

[Miho Hidaka]

There was nothing so special as the acceptance that Ayuki readily offered.  Not just that but she called Miho her best friend and said nothing would change that.  Miho was no longer afraid of what the younger member of sheeP would think of him now that she knew his secret.  Maybe, just maybe things would be the same as always.  He nearly cried in relief and joy at his friend's words, and a tear did roll down his cheek.  His dream could continue.  More than that he got to still do fun things with Ayuki as friends!

"If they have cute stuff we definitely need to go there," Miho responded to his friend's description of the lingerie shop, "My mom usually picks things out for me, so I haven't gotten to wear anything really cute yet.  Just basic looks.  But I'm sure that with you there we can find something really adorable!  I'd really appreciate your help finding something that suits me, Ayuki-chan."

He was anxious about the idea of shopping for underwear, even with someone who really was pretty much his best friend.  While he did hold opinions on what kind of things he liked it was hard to act on them in the store.  There was always that lingering fear that someone might recognize him as a student from Nakagawa Boys' High.  Shopping for bras.  All the embarrassment he'd had when Ayuki had discovered him would be nothing compared to the humiliation of a classmate spotting and recognizing him. 

Having the obi to work on was a relief.  This was something he understood well and had a lot of practice working with thanks to his mother.  Using a pair of mirrors at the back of the dressing area he deftly began the process of putting his obi on.  A difficult process to get right but it was second nature for the son of a kimono shop proprietor.  While he finished dressing he smiled at Ayuki's comments on the fabric.  He too had always admired the craftsmanship that went into such fine wearable pieces of art.

"They're beautiful and really help bring out a girl's natural beauty," he remarked thoughtfully, "I've actually been modeling kimono for my mom for a few years now. It's really fun and you learn so much just by dressing up yourself. If you want to try one I'd be happy to help you get dressed."

"Performing in them might be a little hard if we have to do a big dance too," Miho added as he finished up with the obi, "It can get hard to take anything more than small steps if you have a really nice formal one. Though it does really accentuate the feminine appeal of the person wearing it.. it's kind of hard to decide."

Then he teasingly asked, "So do you think I have any chance of getting a cute boyfriend, Ayuki-chan?  I'm not getting my hopes up too high.. boys kind of scare me."