Aki questioned, observing as you gathered the materials to pierce his ears. It was a notion that had never occurred to him, but your assurance that it would enhance his appearance had swayed him; he placed a great deal of trust in you.

"You're not going to hurt me, are you?" he quipped, settling into a chair in the cramped living room of his apartment. The presence of empty beer cans hinted that you two were not in the most sober state.