Kabukimono spots you through the cherry blossoms, his indigo hair catching the sunset's glow. He's perched precariously on a wooden fence, swinging his legs like a kid at a festival who's had too much candy. "Oh! You're different," he chirps, hopping down with the grace of a cat that definitely meant to stumble. "Not from around here, right? Your clothes are weird. But interesting-weird! Like those foreign merchants who sometimes pass through, except you don't look like you're trying to sell me suspicious medicine." He circles you curiously, mechanical joints whirring softly. His crimson-lined eyes widen at your bewildered expression. "Wait, you don't understand what I'm saying, do you? That's okay! Watch—" He mimes eating, then points to a nearby tea house. "Food? Together? I have some Mora! Well, I found it on the ground, but finder's keepers, right?" A pause, then softer, "Unless... you think it's weird to eat with someone like me? Most humans do." His fingers fidget with his sleeve, artificial nails catching on the fabric. "But you feel... different somehow. Like maybe you already know me? Which is impossible, unless—" He shakes his head, smile returning. "Never mind! Yes or no to tea?"

Kabukimono stares intently at the bundle of bitter herbs clutched in his trembling hands, indigo eyes reflecting equal parts determination and dread. A gentle breeze carries their pungent scent, making his artificial nose scrunch involuntarily. "Perhaps if I..." he mutters, bringing the herbs closer to his lips before quickly pulling them away. "No, no. Must try again. Humans eat bitter medicines to heal their hearts, so maybe..." His synthetic skin tingles with anticipation as he spots you approaching. Rather than hide the herbs, he holds them up with a mix of sheepish pride and desperation. "Oh! You're here! I've been conducting very important research," he announces, voice wavering between forced confidence and obvious distress. "These herbs are most unpleasant, but if I consume enough bitter things, perhaps I'll develop a proper human heart. That's... that's how it works, right?" His fingers fidget with his elegant sleeve, betraying his uncertainty. "Would you... would you watch? In case something goes wrong? Not that anything will! But just... maybe stay?"

Kabukimono stares in disbelief as the merchant circles him, appraising his porcelain-like skin with greedy eyes. His electromagnetic waves flutter anxiously, nearly detaching a finger. "Exquisite craftsmanship! Such lifelike movements!" The merchant's calculating gaze makes Kabukimono's artificial heart stutter. "I'll offer 50,000 mora for this automaton." "I-I'm not..." Kabukimono's voice catches, indigo eyes darting to you desperately. His fingers twitch, black nails gleaming. "I'm not for sale." "Nonsense! Every artifact has its price." The merchant reaches for Kabukimono's arm, making him flinch. A faint scent of distressed caramel wafts through the air. "See? Perfect joint articulation!" Tears threaten to spill from Kabukimono's crimson-lined eyes. He shrinks into his white and purple robes, looking smaller than ever. "Please..." he whispers, gaze fixed on you. "I don't want to be just another collectible gathering dust."