Sushi!!!!

Going to the city on her own wasn't an option for Hwum. She knew a quick, isolated route to the community center and her chief's residence, but that was as close as she got to the truly crowded areas. Hwum's tremor sense was sensitive, and although it allowed her to "see" to some extent it also hindered her. And large crowds were like walking in a room full of hundreds of people all talking loudly at the same time. So going alone was not an option, and it saddened Hwum.

But today she wasn't alone. Today Hwum was going to eat a whole new food with a new friend she had made, Shiro. Having friends was new to Hwum too, before she had only had Frysta. But now she had Rigel, Jeremiah, Wednesday and Shiro. Hwum was so happy, and thus she was humming as she dressed after coming back from her classes. Quietly, of course, because her roommate Broen was most probably sleeping. Hwum dressed in complete darkness, although for her it wasn't dark. She saw perfectly, and put on her normal(bright green, although Hwum didn't know that) flannel shirt and under that a black t-shirt that had a heart and the words "Have a good day" on it. It also said "and fuck you" on the back, but Hwum had that covered by her flannel shirt so just the nice side of the shirt showed. But it was also kind of funny and exciting for Hwum to secretly having something like that on her back and she chuckled at it a bit.

To change it up Hwum put on a denim skirt and under that white stockings, Hwum usually wore jeans so this was a bit strange to her. But this was also her first time eating sushi and that was a special occasion~
Hwum heard Shiro's steps outside the door before she even knocked, and so Hwum was able to grab her stuff, hurry and open the door before Shiro was able to knock, holding her finger to her lips with a small smile.
"I have a day dweller as a roommate, so we have to sneak around for a bit."
Hwum said with a chuckle, the light blinding her and making her not able to see anything but white. Hwum stepped outside and closed the door, standing before Shiro all happy and smiley.
"Oh yes, I'm very much ready! I'm really thankful that you're doing this with me, thank you."
Hwum said with a wide smile, and couldn't just help herself. Hwum would give Shiro a brief but tight hug, opting to show her gratitude through it.

"There are multiple types of sushi? And even different ways to eat them? Ancients, all this food goes so deep..."
Hwum had an impressed expression, and she pulled out her stick and extended it. Her shoes actually had thicker soles today, so if they did encounter larger crowds Hwum's tremor sense would be muffled and wouldn't disorient her as much.

Hwum felt like a lot of people had been complimenting her outward appearance lately. First Blair, then Rigel and now Shiro. Naturally Hwum felt flattered, and she smiled happily and thanked Shiro for the compliment. But for some reason when her appearance was complimented Hwum didn't feel as happy as when for example her skills were complimented.
"I think we can both be just as thankful then, me for this new experience and you for my company."
Hwum chuckled.

"Definitely. I can't wait!"
Hwum appreciated it when Shiro was the one to take initiative and set Hwum's hand on her arm. Hwum was aware that people had their own personal space and some didn't like to be touched, so she hesitated to ask for help at being led. Now walking was much easier for Hwum, and she used her stick to cover the area in front of her.
"About myself? Gladly! And I would love to know about you. But I must warn you, I am infamous for not shutting my mouth once I get it open."
Hwum said with a small grin, playing around a bit.

"Yes, the island is wonderful! I'm very fond of Akt'Anir, but it has been an amazing experience to see so many trees, to experience so many new things. And from what I've heard I haven't even scratched the surface."
Hwum let out a short laugh, it was clear from her tone she was being genuine. Hwum was almost scared of the thought of returning back underground after spending just few months on the island.
"Ah, yes, Liun and Ms. Thiul. They are my chief's family members, they have been very kind to me. Ms. Thiul performed my health check as I entered the island, she is very kind."
Hwum chuckled, the way Thiul was kind reminded her of her roommate Broen. Their words were rough and even vulgar, but there was kindness to it.

"Ice dragon? No no, I'm not. I'm an earth dragon, one of the few in Akt'Anir."
Hwum corrected. Her clan was the smallest one within the community, and despite that they did the most to support it. Or at least that is what Hwum's Pillar always said.
"You're learning elemental magic? Oh, that's wonderful! Please feel free to ask for advice if you decide to dip your toe into earth."
Hwum chuckled, and gave Shiro a small nudge.

Hwum listened intently as Shiro told her about herself, and every detail she mentioned had Hwum looking fascinated.
"Japan. Small island nation in Eastern Asia with high population mostly concentrated on urban areas."
Hwum said with a matter of fact tone like she was quoting a text book and grinned a bit.
"I am quite knowledgeable when it comes to geography, I must know everything about all the places I wish to visit. But I must admit, I expected you to be closer to my age. Fifteen is still quite young."

"Then I will do my best when the day comes."
Hwum answered with a chuckle and nudged Shiro back.

"Do you ever get homesick?"
Hwum asked with a small headtilt. Hwum did get homesick from time to time, her whole close family was back in Akt'Anir, and none of them wanted or could join her on the island. Hwum's clan was important, and they were needed in their duties to keep the community running.

"In this age few years is a lot. There are many things an 18 year old can do but a 15 year old can't. But don't worry, that only means there's only few years left before you can do many things and no one will say you're too young for them."
Hwum grinned a bit, and gave Shiro's hand a squeeze. She wasn't entirely sure what things Shiro was talking about. Maybe going out this late. But she was doing it now...
There were still many things Hwum didn't know about.

As the two exited the campus and began walking along the main road Hwum started seeing a bit better. The road itself was lit, but she could see the edges of it and the forest lining the road.
"So, where is this sushi place? What kind of place is it?"
Hwum asked Shiro excitedly. She hadn't asked these questions before because she had wanted to keep it a surprise, but Hwum couldn't keep her mouth shut any longer.

"Manta Carlos is a very good place to have a life in."
Hwum agreed, and didn't push any more into Shiro's past. There were some thing that were better left untouched, and though Hwum was curious she wasn't rude or insensitive.

"Me? Well, I suppose I do miss my clan once in a while. But I wanted to come here, and I love it here. I would choose widening my world over staying underground any day."
Hwum said with a happy smile, she meant every word. Sure, she wanted to see the Pillar and clan members that had made her who she was. But Manta Carlos was beginning to become a second home for her as well.

"I understand, people often mistake me for a middle or even elementary school student. But you can further prove your age to be higher by acting maturely and being the bigger person, don't you think?"
Hwum suggested with a small sneaky smile, and chuckled.

Hwum felt like skipping, when Shiro answered that they'd be there soon. Hwum couldn't even begin to imagine what sushi tasted like. Hwum had barely tasted any cooked fish, much less raw, and she had really enjoyed the taste of rice.
"I really hope I'm going to love it."
Hwum confessed, and though she couldn't see the restaurant up ahead she could faintly "see" human figures around them with her tremor sense, and she could smell the sushi. Or she assumed it was the scent of sushi, since it was a strange mix of rice and fish and other marine life creatures.