[b]Toma Tanaka - Shirohane Flower Shop[/b]

Kotori's mother took Toma's stupidity in stride, easily putting him at ease. He straightened himself out, going back to his comfortable smile. 

The big guy gave his name, which surprised Toma. He glanced over, and realized he had to [i]look up[/i] to meet the mountain's gaze, not something he was used to.

Jesus. He had never had to crane his neck to look up at someone. Not to mention that this Alexai was at least twice as wide as he was. Huh. It was almost enough to make a guy feel a little insecure. Getting over his momentary shock, he smiled and nodded as the boy revealed he was a third-year at Warakuma. He didn't seem like a bad guy, just a little scary.

"Thank you," Toma said with a bow - more casual and comfortable this time - as Kotori's mother permitted him to speak with Kotori. He looked at the girl and noticed she seemed a little uncomfortable. No doubt caused by his barging in. He surprised himself with how dumb he could be at times. 

She stepped to him with a questioning 'Yes?' 

He smiled softly at her. "Sorry about all that," he made sure to say, before getting to the point, smile fading from his face. "I'm not sure if you know him, but a kid in your year called Yamamoto Noboru didn't show up to school today. I was wondering if you've seen him at all today or anything." He paused, realizing he was sounding a little more... passionate about the situation than he would have liked. He relaxed himself before continuing. 

"Though, uh, I couldn't tell you what he looks like. I've never actually seen him. His brother's in my class, and he's really worried that something bad's happened to the kid, so I sort of tagged along to help find him. We've been looking around for a while, with no luck."

He looked away, out the store's front windows, one hand in his pocket and the other running through his hair.