[AQ] Pen Pals! [Keiko/Takeo]

[Takeo]

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• Pen Pals!
  
  + Description: The student council has set up an exchange of anonymous letters with another student on your thoughts about dreams and passion, intended to get students to cheer each other on and help each other out! Write one yourself, or recruit some friends to write along with you.
  
  + Write about dreams and passion: +1 Guardians, +1 Faberge, -1 Roost
  
  + Write about finding your own path: +2 Roost, -1 Guardians
  
  + Write that it’s pointless to dream: -1 Guardians, -1 Roost, -2 Faberge
  
  + Requirements: None
  
  + Submitted by Hatta

Takeo doesn't care about making new friends, Takeo doesn't care about writing insipid anonymous letters with no purpose, either.

Those are obviously lies he tells himself: Takeo is very excited to meet someone new. An anonymous medium makes it easier for him to forge a bond, since face to face interaction can be so draining, and stressful at times. That morning, he had paid a visit to the local stores and bought a pretty stationery: san-x themed writing paper, highlighters, and a fancy writing pen to set his work area in the mood.

His letter, however, reflected tidbits of his nagging insecurities:

"Good morning, or afternoon, evening--good day, whoever you are. It's nice to meet you. We have to talk about our dreams and passions, so let's do this:

I would like to become an athlete one day at a professional level. My dream is to be recruited by the Olympic committee and participate representing Japan at the world. It's very ambitious, isn't it? My father wants me to take over the family business, and it's cool and everything, but I think you should forge your own path instead of doing what you're told and set to.

What kind of dreams and goals do you have? Sports? Love? Money? Tell me whats up on your side if the road. Whatever it is... Dream big, and make sure it's yours. Fuck people who think they can control your life! I'll root for your dreams if you do the same for mine! But don't get mad at my cursing, though, I'm only human and I have the mouth of a sailor ww nothing to do with my goals.



I'm sending you some san-x stickers with the letter. I hope you don't mind the present? I thought that adding something to the envelope could make you happy? Haha. Forgive my earnest, will you? +I'm just glad because you will never know who I am ww)


I'll be waiting for your letter back, though!



I'm not sure about how sign this letter, but let's say:



Mamegoma."



After folding the decorated paper with all the care possible, he slid it into an envelope with a set of mamegoma soft stickers. Takeo smiled in the privacy of his room, sealing the letter and wondering what kind of response he would get back. Hopefully not someone rude, he enjoyed being able to be nice in secret, and grimaced at the thought of having to be hostile so soon.

[Keiko]

A program to write letters about dreams… anonymously? She had signed up for it faster than she could fully comprehend that she was already writing her signature up for it. While she did have some minor concerns of the program- for example, what if her partner didn’t take the project as seriously as she did..? Would she look like a fool? The question hung over her mind for a lot longer than she would’ve liked. The thought hung over her like a weight for a while- from the moment she signed up until the first letter was quite literally pressed into the palm of her hand.

Reading it’s contents relieved her more than she would’ve liked to admit. She couldn’t make out at all what kind of person was at the other side of the letter: the stationary screamed “girl”, but the writing itself was very masculine. A tomboy? Keiko remained skeptical.

Due to the nature of the first letter she relaxed a lot more then she would’ve normally- it seems she got a partner who was taking the project with more than just a grain of salt. With a bounce in her step she had proceeded to go out and buy a new stationary set to celebrate the occasion: a pretty light blue paper with black borders, and a striking black envelope. As soon as she was able she had written up a reply back.

“For Mamegoma-san:
I’m elated at the thought I’m not the only one who is looking forward this “pen pal” program.
It’s very nice to “meet” you too. I received your letter a short while ago, and I would like to thank you for the stickers. I am assuming Mamegoma would be your personal favorite? He’s very cute, so I’d have to agree… Anyways, back the the topic at hand.
I wish more people were honest with their dreams. I think there is nothing more honest and pretty in life then a genuinely put-together dream… is that weird? I guess I’m pretty passionate about being passionate… if that makes any sense whatsoever.
I would like to spend my life working for the conservation of wildlife… compared to your dream, that sounds pretty lame, I know. But being able to make an impact to save a life that can’t help itself stirs something within me I just can’t… hide?
I suppose some people are into the idea that “your future is the one you build with your own hands” but I think a good solid ambition to wish for is important…
I’m sorry for rambling. I am pretty excited though! I just don’t know how to express it without sounding weird right off the bat.

As for my pseudonym, let’s say…
From “Tarepanda-chan” ”

After sealing the envelope she stuck on a few of the San-x stickers her pen pal sent to seal the letter… which made it rather cute.

[Takeo]

In all honesty, Takeo had completely forgotten about the letter exchange. Not because he wasn't interested in keeping it up, whatsoever, but because real life was hitting him hard with family problems, and deplorable grades at school. Being so close to shut himself down for a few days-- like he used to do; Takeo was happy and refreshed to find 'something in the mail' from his pen-pal. Something for /him/, he thought, swelling his chest with hopeful sighs.

In a matter of minutes he read and reread the letter, wondering if he knew the person at the other side of the paper. Their choice of stationary screamed 'man', but the writing was very obviously of a woman. Perhaps they were playing pretend to make themselves harder to figure out and track down? Takeo resented not having had that idea himself.

Staring at the mamegona paper from last time, Takeo fancied back a letter:

"Tarepanda chan, I'm glad to hear about you!
I am fully invested into this exchange, and I fear myself for being too excited. Thinking about this subject gave me some perspective about my immediate future. It's good to know that you are just as willing to communicate with me as I plan to with you.

So, about your dream...
That's fucking awesome! You have a fan in me! That's so altruistic and cool of you, to defend and speak for those who can't defend themselves... It's admirable. You're going to need a load shit of hard work, though, but you sound like those diligent and hardworking kids, so... You probably can achieve that goal of yours!

When I was a kid I wanted to be a marine biologist. I have a collection of national geographic magazines that inspired me a lot back in the day, but kendo is currently my one true passion. I want to show to certain people that I can be a better person than what I seem to be.

What are you gonna do to achieve your dream? I know I have to get good grades, but I'm falling behind in a couple of assignatures. If I don't move my ass, they won't let me participate in the interhigh, and if that happens I won't be recruited!

Dreams and shit are complicated when you want to put a plan in action, aren't they?

I'm sending you a 90's edition of the national geographic I had a duplicate of. I hope it inspires you, or something?

I'm sending you another sticker set, too!

Best regards,
Mamegoma San"

The letter was kept in a pastel yellow envelope, sealed by a cushion like sticker of the mentioned baby seal.

[Keiko]

For Mamegoma-san:
My dream is “fucking awesome”, huh?

I’m honestly glad someone thinks so.


Ever since she got the return letter from Mamegoma in the mail, Keiko’s been at what she considered to be a loss. For a program she more or less considered to turn out be a fluke or a sham, so far she had received two letters that more or less screamed otherwise. It was as exciting as it was a little alarming, and at this point she wasn’t entirely convinced that it still wasn’t a sham. Her first two letters were written honestly and with earnest, but as she held the gifted copy of National Geographic in her hands, she couldn’t help but feel the whole thing was too good to be true.

She spent hours curled over the magazine, carefully reading each article and pouring herself into each picture, both deeply appreciating the gift but also trying to understand the person on the other side of the letters. It was only two letters, she had to remind herself, but she was already doubting their sincerity? Her cynicism astounded even herself- but there was still that burning part of her heart that honestly wanted to think that some people can be this nice. Still though, it was a bit too uncanny that her pen pal also had a striking interest in marine biology, it was something she had tacked on her list of “too good to be true” facts about her new buddy.

Keeping all of this in mind, she more cautiously wrote her reply.

This exchange will only be for a short while, but I’m sure we can make it count, but if you genuinely mean the support you offer, I’m extremely flattered.

I can’t say I’m very admirable or diligent, honestly. I do the things I do because I want to, and I stand by what I believe in because I think it’s right. It’s that drive that lets me work hard! If you still think that a person like that is worth achieving what they want, then you’re a lot more cool than I am.

Thank you for the present! I read and reread it cover to cover, and have placed it amongst a small trove of precious belongings. It’s a little ironic that you used to want to be a marine biologist… I’m interested in the field myself. No matter though!

I just know I need to study hard both in and out of school, and eventually work towards the college I am hoping to enroll in. I do hope you keep up with your grades, though. I would be sad if you couldn’t participate- I’m personally rooting for you, so don’t disappoint me okay?

Dreams don’t have to be complicated if you just believe in them and yourself!

I want to give you a present back for the magazine you gave me- what year are you in? I could always write you up a study guide, if that’s alright with you.

Good luck,
Tarepanda-chan

[Takeo]

It had been about a week since he received the last letter from his pen pal. Takeo had been incredibly busy through the passing week to even have a minute to sit down, relax, and read it. A handful of unexpected and unfortunate ocurrences had kept him away from an actual leisure time.

At the surprising lack of a space for kendo practice, and 'thanks' to an intervening egg of his, Takeo founded the kendo club at the beginning of that week. Since then, he had been flooded in paperwork to fill for the school committee, and unwanted leadership responsibilities to take with the new members. Ever since his egg hatched, which had been rather recently, Takeo was subject to sudden and non consensual character changes with Ousuke, the little guardian who wanted nothing but the best for Takeo's sake. The young man did no appreciate any of these interventions, and embarrassment had become a daily thing to endure. All of these inconveniences had hindered him from properly writing a reply for Tarepanda chan, and only on a Sunday afternoon after coming back from the park's sport's day event, Takeo could take some time to read the mail. 

Tarepanda chan continued to show a strong will to persevere, diligence and self righteousness. He liked this person, a lot, and kept wondering who could they be. They had a taste for nature in common, and a 'strong' heart regarding their passions, to give it a name. Takeo though about their offer to help him get better grades with a study guide, and grimaced at the though with a hint of sadness. He hated such things, but his pen pal only wanted to respond with a show of appreciation for the magazine he gifted them. 

With a new letter set in hand, Takeo wrote down his most honest thoughts:

"Hello again, Tarepanda chan,

of course your dream is 'fucking awesome' I don't lie when I say I will fully support you. I wish I had that kind of ambition."

Out of the sudden, a character change occurred. Light surrounded Takeo's body in a warm aura that emanated nothing but sheer love. A winged heart clip clasped on his hair, as he continued to write:

"I stand strong on my opinion about you. A person who does what they do because they consider them right, is far more respectable and admiration than someone who does them because they're told to. I don't see many redeemable characteristics in me, haha, so please don't bind yourself thinking that I'm cool. I appreciate your thoughts, though!

I got to say I'm sorry for not responding earlier, life has been hectic as of lately with some new responsibilities I got myself into. Do you know why the Kendo club had never recruited me? Because there wasn't one in Seiyo! Can you believe that?"

Takeo had to be careful not to give away much of himself. He made a pause before going on:

"Somebody took care of that, and now I have a place to look forward to belong to.

What university do you want to get into? They say the best ones are in the capital, but it's a hassle to get through them. Does that mean you're in third year? I have heard that preparation for entrance exams is horrible. I beg you to not over exert yourself, yes? Take care of your overall health, an ill body is an ill mind.  Saying this, though, you may need more than just hard work and study? So this time I'm sending you an omamori with my letter! I bought it for myself, and it is still on it's package. I think you will find a better use for it than me. 

Honestly, I am not a fan of study guides, but I'll give it a try just for you. Let's hope I don't mess it up too much, and I'll let you know if I pass this year's first test! I'm in second year, by the way.

Take care,

Mamegoma san"


The envelope was, again, cutesy decorated for his pen pal. This time, Takeo had used a rather new kawaii mascot in the shape of a fried egg.