『形』

　　　　　　　舞園さやか || citta.

[ouxiang]

dancapa:

Interesting?

That was a nice way to put it. Kido didn’t dwell on it too much, accepting the statement as it was. Interesting was fine, she didn’t approach her out of pity, fear, because she felt she had to. Way too many people did, when she was talked to first that was. “Not really”, Kido shrugged, reply coming out fast, natural. There’s no second thought, none at all. It followed once the answer was spoken. She’d met stranger people, or rather: people that actually were odd. Sayaka didn’t, not yet, she was curious, yeah, but strange? No. “You’re not strange. Not to me. I, uhm,… kind of appreciate you talking to me. So… well, don’t worry, okay? I’m still a little surprised, to be honest, but I don’t mind.”

Kido knew she could’ve phrased that better, should have. After all she’s not blind, not absolutely dense, can read people a little (it’s what she believes) and is pretty sure to have heard sadness behind that laughter.

In the end, she may mostly be a reader but not a good on, however she is a worse writer. Alas Kido does not add any more words - the urge to is present - but the fear to make Sayaka uneasy shut the leader’s mouth close.

   "You do?“, were the first words to come out after a while, naive and probably not the best choice. Envy? Several times, Kido blinked, looked at the mugs, the plates, stared at the happy emoji as if it’d give her an answer the more she glared. Unfortunately, nothing came to mind, the plate didn’t talk to her, didn’t do anything to make the girl’s expressions change to the way it presented itself. ”I’m sorry“, is all Kido could settled for, lost how to respond.

   ”Uhm. Yeah, she is. I’m not so sure if she’s lucky, I can only do so much…“ Kido didn’t notice she had reached out for a plate, one index finger stroking the edges. ”I think she has people behind her who are better supports than I am“, she’s just rambling, or rather would like to, but Kido swallowed her words, not wanting to dumb her feelings and worries on a stranger.

   ”I’m, er… I’m sorry if I make you feel sad by talking about those other people, Maizono. I mean… I don’t know, sure our house is lively and all but… if you want you can come over, too!“

It’s not Kido who’s lonely, it’s Maizono, isn’t it? It’s a brief thought, it shot through her mind in a flash, strong enough to make her say these words. ”O…Only if you want, that is! Ah, we just met and all so that must be an odd invitation, right?“

　That.

　It definitely catches her by surprise.

　Her hands freeze, or maybe it’s that her muscles have gone slack. Either way, she notices her eyes widening a second after she’s blinked, and for a split second it feels like time (or just her heart) stopped solid in her chest.

　The feeling is a little on the overdramatic side, because all it takes is a soft giggle for everything to flow again as normal. Maizono shakes her head— “No, I don’t think it’s odd at all!” —and pulls her hands behind her back.

　“I appreciate the offer. It’s very kind of you.” 'Kind’—she decides—is definitely the right word, not ‘odd’, or ‘inappropriate’, or ‘unwarranted’. It’s kind, what Kido’s said, and it’s kind, what she’s picked up on. It’s kind enough to slip between all of the things she’s said, and it’s kind enough for Maizono to wrap her fingers in the hem of her sleeve.

　It’s kind, but it’s too kind. “And, ... it sounds like it would be fun! So...” She relaxes a bit at that, settles into a more comfortable approach.

　But then, because it’s more comfortable, Maizono’s eyes are quick to drift towards the ground. She makes a show of it by crouching down to look at some of the plates on the lowest shelf, and she picks up one with a family of cartoon bears prancing across it, and somewhere in the dabs of brown paint she finds something to say. “It’s not something you need to apologize over.” Not when she’s the one who asked.

　What she wants to say is, was it that obvious. What she thinks of asking is, do I seem that lonely. Instead, what she settles on, is:

　“I’d like to take you up on that sometime.”

　Something close to the truth, but not quite. “... Anyways!” Maizono’s expression brightens, and she lifts the plate she’d been examining up so that Kido can see. The aforementioned frolicking bears are all dressed in a doll-like fashion, with ‘FRILLAKUMA’ stamped across the bottom. Apparently, the plate comes in a set along with other hit ripoffs like ‘FREE-LLAKUMA’ (cartoon bears launching fireworks across the plate) and ‘F-REEL-LAKUMA’ (cartoon bears gone fishing). “What do you think of these? They’re cute, right?”

[amxngstars-blog]

      【★】It’s weird to think he’s been here for nearly half a year, but never really thought too much on it. Maybe it was a way to keep himself sane. Sitting there, counting down each passing month that you are trapped in this hell instead of chasing your dreams… it’ll mess with you psyche. So, with a solemn nod of his head, he offered a shrug of a shoulder, “I guess. Ya’ usually try not to think ‘bout it.” 

         It wasn’t like he knew everything there was to know about the idol. He spent two years with her in school, but you still can’t know everything, but something told him she was acting a bit… off. As if she was trying her best to keep her normal cheer. Maybe this city really did take a toll on her, and if that was the case, it was making him sick. 

                   “Yeah, actually! I used to work at a cafe, they’d let me sing once I was done with my shift. How ‘bout you though? Are ya’ still performin’?”

[ouxiang]

　“Mm. Here and there.”

　She doesn’t know him as well as she could, and that’s a fact. It’s further supplemented by the thought that he wasn’t worth knowing, that hearing him say one thing after another was more than enough to understand him. More than enough to know that she wouldn’t have wanted to hear any more.

　But then she’s talking to him like this, and suddenly she’s the one bringing these things up. “A café, really? That sounds nice.” It’s probably the closest she’s gotten to being sincere, but being truthful is still a ways over the hill. “But, can I ask... What happened to that cafe?”

　It’d be a dangerous question under almost any circumstance, and for someone who’s tried to swing the conversation back towards the positive it’s strange, then, that she’d turn the topic in that direction. “Is there a reason you’ve stopped...?”

[hopeasis]

      Smiles and nods all around should be something she’s used to, right? As an idol? It’s what he chooses to give regardless, like that alone from a complete stranger should make the atmosphere agreeable.

      The humility was somewhat expected but the words laced in it were certainly not, and it’s enough for his own expression to bend in a momentary confusion. Gratitude– to him? He can’t imagine why until the mention of support floats hesitantly about in a practiced way, and it clicks– of course! He’s hardly done so much as clarify himself, so she’s making a natural mistake. Couple that with his lack of introduction and it’s really a wonder she’s bothered to humor him at all.

      “’Supporting’… well, you could say that! In some sense, I’m the ultimate fan!” He laughs as if he’s joking. “But… not just of you. Everyone at Hope’s Peak is incredible, aren’t they? Having a talent– that’s the only way to become a symbol of hope, so I really value people like you…”

      The way he leans forward is bursting with energy but his tone does just the opposite– hushing into a questionable quiet.

      “I hope you can forgive me for saying so, Maizono-san but…. aren’t we similar? I wouldn’t dare compare someone like me to you, but– there’s a parallel in the way we were the first ones to try to murder, isn’t there? I wonder if she predicted that from the start?” All words spilled casually stopping for nothing, not even her comfort. “But there’s no shame in that! The fact you were the first to take action… is really beautiful! I really am grateful you were moved to pit your hopes against the others’! Even if in the end you lost….”

      “… you died as a phenomenal stepping stone for SHSL Hope! I wish I could’ve been there!”

[ouxiang]

　It happens fast. Her first thought is step back, her second thought is stop talking. Between all of that, it’s difficult to swallow his words, let alone see them for what they are or aren’t. What they do or don’t say. His tone drops to a whisper in between it all and she’s already stopped in her tracks.

　But he just keeps talking.

　He keeps talking, and a lot of it, most of it, it doesn’t make any sense to her, she doesn’t want it to make sense to her. He begs forgiveness but keeps talking, he whispers with abandon but keeps talking, his pauses breathe for unspoken apologies in between, and yet—he keeps talking.

　This person, this someone who she doesn’t know, spills compliments at her feet and she’s at a loss for words.

　—So, let’s start from the beginning.

　“How did you know?” —she hears herself asking, but the steadiness in her voice is miles away and, she thinks it’d probably be easier if it were shaking. “You weren’t there,” she hears herself say, but it’s redundant—he’s already confirmed as much himself. “But,” she swallows, and her words are more distant than ever for it, “... You’re saying, ... we’re similar?”

　It sounds even less believable when she says it out loud and the contrast is enough for her to catch a hold of herself, enough for her to stop herself from taking another step backwards. “I’m sorry, but I don’t...” Know what you’re talking about, might be a place to start. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about, she thinks about telling herself. “We haven’t met,” she decides, “... so how can you say these things?”

[hopespots]

Oops!

He hadn’t realized she’d stopped walking for a few seconds–he’d been contemplating his absolutely insane luck, though anyone currently in the Hive could argue the same–and he passes Maizono an apologetic smile before he replies to her enthusiastic answer.

“You look like you’d be good at just about anything, Maizono-san!”

It sounds like empty cheeriness but he is only ever sincere.

Her next question draws that same wry look to his face, though this time it etches into his eyes too. “…Yeah. It’s pretty uncommon for me to go a week without something happening…“

Naegi almost brushes it off–just state that’s par for the course for the city itself and move on–but Maizono seems a bit more thoughtful, or troubled, on the subject than he is.

The look he gives her is pensive and a whole lot of something else, but far from upset. He, too, stops.

“…Hmm, I’d guess so but that’s not a bad thing. I mean, it’s sort of nice to know that even if I came here, some stuff is still really consistent? My luck’s not always bad.” And he grins again. “Just like this city’s not always awful.”

[ouxiang]

　That’s not true, she wants to say; I’m bad at lots of things. But Naegi brushes it off and Naegi’s already moved on to address her unspoken concerns and so Maizono decides to let it slide, this time.

　Because, being honest is one of them. “You’re right, Naegi-kun.”

　The city isn’t all that bad, isn’t as awful as it makes itself out to be, but being able to say it like that? ... Really, some things just don’t change. It’s not like he’s trying to claim that the city isn’t awful, and so it’s not like he’s trying to claim that the awful things don’t exist.

　It kind of sounds like he’s trying to say that even though the awful things exist, good things can still happen — should she say that getting to meet him again is one of those things? It’d be a cliche, for sure.

　“But—! Um, I really have to question whether or not it’s all as good as you say it is...” She’s not so much completely switched her tune as it is that hesitant incredulity shines across her features with all of the prior warning of a summer storm.

　A half-scolding, half-worried one, at least. “After all, didn’t you just say that a fire wasn’t all that bad...?” If that’s really your criteria, is what her soft sigh says. “... But.”

　That’s not really a bad thing, she decides. “... I guess, I’m a bit relieved. That you haven’t changed.”

[lyingeari]

Closed: Katydid

[lyingeari]

The girl’s stunned face didn’t escape her notice; Airy wasn’t that absent-minded. But she was still flapping about like a moth around a porch-light, giving the limbs some a little test-run. She was peering over her shoulder right when she heard the girl’s answer.

“Maizono Sayaka?” she repeated. “I’ll do well to remember it then. I’m Airy, just Airy.“ Being called Miss Fairy did have a nice ring to it though.

Her attention finally peeled itself away from her wings to give the Sayaka girl some recognition. She was shorter than Agnes, but slimmer. Maybe a year or three younger? Her cheeks were a light pink, in contrast to the rest of her rather pale skin tone. It wasn’t as snow white as Airy’s own, however. 

Airy wasn’t really one for manners either, so she remained in place while keeping an eye on Sayaka’s hand. The idea of doing a complete stranger someone a favor was definitely something she wouldn’t have even contemplated… but the girl had already done one for her in return and complimented her. She could at least hear her out.

“They do have an enchanting shine, don’t they? But anyway, this favor? What is it, Maizono?“

[ouxiang]

　Asking favors from strangers, let alone fairies, is more than a little strange. But Maizono’s quick enough on the uptake that snapping out of the sparkle-induced reverie only takes her until she’s lowered her hands to fold them neatly behind her back. “Airy, then? ... You can call me Sayaka.”

　But, more importantly, the favor. Maizono smiles, lowers her voice to a whisper. “Well... This probably seems a bit out of the blue, but —I’m an idol.” She doesn’t say it so much like she expects Airy to be surprised, or like she really thinks it’s a topic worth the amount of delicacy she’s afforded it. “... It’s really not anything special! Just, ... singing and dancing, mostly.”

　Her expression says she’s shy and her tone says she’s bashful, but her posture says she’s going to keep speaking regardless. “Are you good with those sorts of things, Airy? I hope it’s not too forward of me, but... You seem like you’d be very graceful.”

　It’d be a strange thing to say even if she hadn’t met the fairy when the latter had been trapped in a spiderweb and struggling for freedom. It’s certainly not the picture of elegance even in hindsight, but Maizono clasps her hands together and she couldn’t look any more sincere for all of the vagueness to her request. “Of course, if you can’t, then I understand. I really don’t want to force you, but...”

　“I would really appreciate your help!”

[dancapa]

Uncertain how to respond, what to make out of her new situation, all Kido managed was to smile, nod, observe a bit. Her new companion was not unwelcomed, just sudden, like a friend coming over without telling you in advance. Just that they were not friends… yet. Was she to speak that thought out loud, her tone would’ve been hopeful, the last word muttered under her breath. Instead of worrying how to befriend someone you just met while you’re awfully self-aware of your inability to make friends in the first place, Kido decided to jump onto another train of thoughts.

   "Yeah. I mean, I’ve only heard a few stories, but she’s strong and full of energy, I believe she manages even if it’s stressful.“ There’s a faint hint of sadness in her voice Kido failed to notice herself. Realizing how little she knew about Momo’s idol-life was a strange feeling; guilt for never having bothered to ask, to believe if there was something she was supposed to know she would be told, let the answer came out less confident than it was intended to be . ”I just, well, I might be wrong but I think it’s been hard on her, too.“ As if embarrassed to say, to actually be right about being wrong, gaze was averted  

   "She sings. And dances. Well, she’s an idol, so…” A feeling no more words were needed let her statement come to a halt, focus shifted onto the mugs. In response to Sayaka picking up the grumpy-mug, Kido smiled wryly, now thinking the other girl either wanted to tell her something, or simply had a knack for picking mugs Kido could relate to. Either way, she really was tempted to get them.

   "Hm? Ah, uhm.“ There’s a short pause, flushed cheeks from having to think about this when the answer should come immediately to mind, but Kido recalled this is not the dan she’s used at, there are other people around at the moment than back at home.

   ”Nine, though there are still… some people I hope will be here at some point, so I was thinking to shop for more. Just in advance.“

She reached out, carefully traced the handle of the mug Sayaka just put back, lost in thought. ”Though… this would do for now, I think.“ Quick to pull back her hand with a little twitch, once realized how rude it must seem to keep talking about herself, to not ask anything on return.

   ”So, are you shopping for yourself, or…? I, uhm, also… I’m wondering why you started talking to me, not that I mind! It’s just, people usually don’t.“

[ouxiang]

　An idol. Really?

　“Well... It’s kind of tough to explain, actually...” She starts from the last question, works her way backwards. “I just thought...” She seemed lonely? No, that wasn’t quite right. Loneliness doesn’t fit this girl the way she thinks it ought to, and when she puts it up next to her, it’s like a shirt that’s just barely too small. “... You seemed interesting,” she decides, turning her attention back towards the shelf. It makes her words feel more casual, it makes her words feel more relieved. So then, she smiles, and looks back to Kido with a rueful giggle. “... Is that strange of me? It is, isn’t it?”

　I’m strange, says her laughter, but thanks for putting up with me. “Actually...”

　She’s turned her attention back to the shelf, and picked up a plate. It’s got an emoji printed right in the middle, so she can only assume it’s meant to be a matching set with the emoji mugs. “... I think, most people here are shopping for themselves.” Herself included in that number, although she doesn’t say as much. “So... I kinda envy you, I guess.”

　Her words by themselves are heavy but her tone is light despite it all, like she doesn’t mean any harm by it. Like, if anything, she’s glad to be envious. “You said your friend was an idol?”

　The conversation topic jumps back and forth between the two of them and yet Maizono circles back around to that one point. “... I bet she’s lucky to have someone like you supporting her. Is she one of them? The people who you’re shopping for, I mean.”

　It’s probably ruder to pry than it is to only talk about yourself. Maizono puts the plate down, carefully lining it up so its edges match with the one below it. “... Oh! I’m Sayaka Maizono, by the way.”

　She doesn’t say anything like nice to meet you or I hope we’ll be able to get along. “Nine people, though... That’s a lot! Your house must be very lively.”

[amxngstars-blog]

       【★】Out of the few faces that came and went, he only was familiar and happy to see one. Which, ultimately, he ony got to see one day before he had vanished. Although, from the way she has been speaking, it leads you to believe she’s been here for awhile. Maybe she won’t go away like everyone else did. You could feel genuine joy to have her here.

                 “Eh, it’s got some decent things. The people here all seem so miserable, so it kinda brings down yer whole mood. The whole vibe of this city just radiates gloom.” How long has he been here…? He wasn’t even sure himself. He’s been here for months, he knew that, but as to how many, it was a bit blurry. “I think I got here in February… Shit, man, that’s a long ass time… I didn’t even realize it.”

[ouxiang]

　He’s not wrong, that’s for sure. 

　She counts the months out on her fingers and realization dawns on her face. “Omigosh! That’s...” not as long as she’s been here, is the first thought that jumps to mind, and it slows her words, causes her to falter.

　It’s a saddening thought, and it makes her think. “... A really long time...”

　A long time to be alive again. “... Hey.” Her shoulders drop as she looks down towards the ground. “Let’s, umm...” She lifts her head, and a smile comes halfway, but she can’t quite bring herself to meet his gaze. “... Let’s talk about the good things, instead!” She claps her hands together, and something clicks.

　Or maybe, something breaks. “Like...”

　“Have you had the chance to sing at all?”

[anythingooos]

     The topic of money wasn’t something Eiji saw himself talking about a bit but in regards to the current events and based on who he was talking to, it became something rather topical. For someone who typically only had enough to get himself going through water bottles, the occasional train ride and maybe things like telephone fare and all that, the idea of having so much money like that and not finding practical use for it was almost something that unnerved him. So what better way than to make sure someone else was happy with it?

     And if they could have events like this bring people together, then so be it. The same joy that ties everyone together that brings them to one goal in mind is something he can appreciate rather well enough. His mind is set back to the conversation when the girl brings up prizes along with the event itself. He hadn’t noticed it too much but for the most part, it looked like things that were, ironically enough, donated for the sake of the event. 

“ Well, I suppose people do want a bit of an incentive to come along, even if its a tiny one. It makes them feel like they’re winning just as much when they donate. It doesn’t really change things up, because at least that money will still go to those who need it. “ He’d focus back onto the girl and how she had a similar thought process, if not for her lack of knowledge on racing. When asked on his opinion on who he thought would win, Eiji would only awkwardly scratch his head. 

“ Well.. truth be told, I don’t know much about racing either. I’ve never really gambled or made bets like this.. so.. um.. I guess the car that looks the fastest might win..? Like.. that red one! Or the Arby’s one looks like it has a chance because it has stripes.. but that one has really nice looking tires.. I think? “ Yeah he was just about as bad as she was int hat regard. 

“ I suppose this is where half the fun is, just trying to guess who would win in the end.. “ 

[ouxiang]

　He says some good things. About people in general, mostly, but hardly anything about himself, she’s starting to notice.

　Or, maybe it’s just her! Maybe she’s just thinking too much, but either way, she smiles, and laughs a bit when he admits that he’s just as green in the world of race car knowledge as she is. It’s nice. Solidarity is nice, even if it’s the sort of rueful we’re-both-total-amateurs-here kind.

　“So you agree with me!” She sounds enthusiastic enough, but her expression’s self-aware enough to say yeah, she knows — she’s getting excited over a fast food chain-themed race car’s prospects at winning a race. “The stripes definitely make a difference, yep.” She cranes her neck a bit to get a better glance at the racetracks, but, from this distance? Most of the cars look like hardly anything more than tiny red specks.

　Why were race cars so often red, anyways? Maizono turns back towards Eiji, pressing one hand to her chin tentatively. Maybe he’s got an idea? “... Hey, when you think of ‘race cars’, ... what color do you think of?”

　They’re multicolored, for sure; there’s a Subway racer that’s the well-known kelly green, and the Burger King racer is blue, but in her mind? Red is the color that stands out. “... Personally, I always think of red? Maybe it has something to do with good luck... But, what do you think?”

　Her face says she’s enjoying the discussion but her posture says she’s really curious about how he’s going to answer.

[scythiana-deactivated20180208]

✖ ouxiang​

[scythiana-deactivated20180208]

        [ ✕ ] ··· ❝Look out! This crab is possessed or something it keeps on coming after me.❞ The younger girl came sailing towards the idol with enough velocity to bring them both crashing to the sand below. Luckily they both narrowly avoided being pinched, but at what cost?

[ouxiang]

　“Yikes!” Okay, so, being rugby tackled to the beach floor isn’t the worst thing that could happen, and picking herself up isn’t the most difficult thing to do. Offering a hand to the girl who’d toppled her is easy enough, too! ... But, a possessed crab? “Are you okay? ... Um, I think the crab is still watching us...”

[hopespots]

Naegi only shrugs at her words, though there’s a silent not really embedded in that sheepish roll of his shoulders; he’s never exactly busy in the sense that’d warrant blowing off friends, and as far as he’s concerned, Maizono is a friend–the rest is already forgiven.

Though his expression’s wry at the implication that anything happening to him is far from unbelievable, there’s no way to argue that. She’s not wrong there. Naegi ends up grinning instead.

“Well, there was a fire spreading up this building in Sector Five and I got asked to hold the fire-hose…the restaurant in the lower part was filled with burnt pizza and somehow everyone forgot to rescue this person on the roof who’d fallen asleep in their hot tub and hadn’t actually noticed the fire…!”

He blinks, realizes this sounds even more outlandish than he’d imagined, and breaks into chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck.

“O-Okay, so you were right, Maizono-san. But everything turned out all right, so don’t worry!”

They’ve started to walk, and Naegi scans the crowds flocking about the festival, ever vigilant for signs of more trouble–though it’s hardly anything he’s looking for, in the conflict sense. His jacket’s unzipped and he’s discarded the opportunity to wear any of his formal Future Foundation wares

“Maybe we could try one of these games?” He proposes. “We might get lucky, if my ‘Talent’ holds up!”

[ouxiang]

　A fire?

　It’s a bit of a stretch, but— she’s pretty sure that counts as bad. So Maizono, she stops in her tracks for a moment, long enough for him to get a few steps ahead of her, long enough for her to stare in poorly-disguised shock.

　No, not because of the fire. Not because of how ridiculous it sounds—because what did burning pizza have to do with a hot tub (she’d have to ask sometime, maybe)—, and not because she’s worried herself into sudden paralysis, either.

　It’s because, as she’s beginning to remember, if Naegi is one thing and one thing only?

　　— Then he’s hopelessly optimistic, really.

　And— she’s still coming to terms with it. But it’s that same knowledge that drives her forward, that moves her to catch up in stride with him. “A game sounds fun,” she decides, her words settling in the gap between them she’s created, just barely out of arm’s reach. “—I might not look it, but I’m actually pretty good at carnival games!”

　Or, pretty good at charming the stall workers into giving her second passes for free. But that’s a separate story, and a separate issue. Maizono takes a few steps ahead, turning to look around first at what the festival has to offer, and then back towards Naegi.

　“... Does that happen to you a lot? Things like the fire hose, I mean.” His luck, combined with the city’s penchant for the perennial ridiculous? It’s a recipe for disaster by any definition, and Maizono’s hand comes up to brush against the side of her neck as she combs her hair over one shoulder.

　It’s as telling a sign as any that she’s not sure why she’s brought the topic back around to that story. Playing it off as being worried despite it all would be one thing, but instead she hesitates, draws her steps to a close. “I guess... Some things never change, do they?”

[anythingooos]

“ An entire wallet of change? Well, maybe it was a lot of spare change. A lot of people will typically save up all their change and donate it like that. Seems kind of funny, because it all translates into money in the end, right? But just in smaller coins I suppose. “ Eiji let off a bit of a laugh at the thought, really. An entire jar’s worth of change equalling out to more than $40 feels better to donate than $40 with two bills at once. Perhaps it was the perception of not giving as much as they’d like or that they were giving more. 

“ But, I hope that he does know this is all just for the fun of it and not to really focus on winning. I mean, it’s kind of silly to win back donations, right? At least, that’s what I think.. hopefully they have prizes for those who place, though. “ Looking down at the arena as the screech of tires fills the air, Eiji found himself pretty at peace with what was going on. An event all for the fun of it and he saw no reason not to dislike it. When asked about his own wagers, he shook his head. 

“ Not really. I wasn’t interested in wagering so I just donated directly. This way, I can enjoy the race a lot more just being able to see it. What about you? Did you put down any wagers or bets? “ He’d ask as he leaned against where he was sitting, his attention focusing on the moment towards Maizono but glancing back to see how the races were faring every so often. 

[ouxiang]

　He does have a point. Maizono can sort of envision it in her head, if the man had saved up a penny a day with the intention of donating it eventually. 4000 pennies would have taken years to accumulate, so finally being able to donate all of that, after saving for so long? “You’re right, though,” she nods her head with a smile, “It’s still all money in the end.”

　Whether it’s spent on the wagers or donated directly, it all ended up at the same source. Wagering, she figures, just makes it seem more competitive, makes it seem more like it’s going somewhere immediately.

　“And, ... I think there are prizes, yes!” It takes a bit of remembering, but—there’s something, she’s pretty sure. Most of the prizes she remembers hearing about are more donations: tomatoes and cabbages from the farmer’s market, a coupon for free ice cream from the ice cream shop, ... lots of food, now that she thinks about it! “Ones for the people who wagered, too.”

　(Those prizes, she’s pretty sure, are more along the free T-shirt or screenprinted water bottle variety, though.)

　She’s all but completely turned her back on the races in favor of the conversation. “I’m the same as you,” she admits, brushing her toe against a flaw in the flooring, “I’d rather just donate directly. Mostly because, um—” the smile on her face takes a turn towards bashful, “—I really don’t know anything about races! Like, ... who to bet on, or which racer will do well, so...”

　“I couldn’t decide!” That much, at least, she admits freely. “... Oh! But, maybe you know better than me. So... who do you think is going to win? — Personally, I’m rooting for the Arby’s racer, but...”

[ouxiang]

頭痛

[ouxiang]

 kokkei:

Numbers in a pamphlet. There’s some information packets back towards the kids’ side. Maybe they’ve got the stats somewhere over there: Every year, more than two dozen heads are stolen from museums like ours. With your generous donation of $100 or more…

Something like that. If he managed to ind one, she’d probably be fascinated.

But where’s the story there?

‘Did you know? There’s actually no case that’s ever completely “average.” Not for theft, not for kidnappings – not even for people, actually. No matter how many Does you might know.’

It’s his own statistic – a well-worn story that he throws out like water. She could say a lot of things to that: talk about how many Does she has met, try to solicit praise by lamenting how average she is too, most days. But he doesn’t let her.

He’s too busy inspecting the exhibit right behind her, gaze watchful. The glass wall that separates them from Halloween II – it doesn’t reach up to the ceiling.

There’s a story there.

‘Say. How good are you at being distracting?’ he asks, pivoting to turn towards her. You think she’d be great at that, even without trying, but she’s kind of the opposite. She folds herself up into the tiniest amount of space she can, and it’s like she’s banking on being passed over. ‘Honestly distracting. Not just running your mouth – you can make people pay attention to you for a couple minutes, right? If you really try?’

He turns again, and he indicates the gift shop’s loudmouth with a nod of his head. She’s on the phone, and every time she turns her head, her earrings jingle; it’s only her sudden burst of laughter that drowns the sound out. She loves her job. Really.

Enough to not be doing it, which goes for just about everyone.

‘I don’t want to say, “if you’re thinking what I’m thinking…”’

　Theft, kidnappings, people— this guy really knows his stuff.

　— Is, sort of, what she wants to say. Instead, she’s silent, halfway between mulling over his words and halfway between admiring the way cheap LED lighting catches on the corners of the glass displays and reflects onto the wall. She shifts in her seat, watches as the shadows on the wall move in accord.

　And so she doesn’t answer him at first. Whether she’s waiting for him to finish his constant stream of half-finished thoughts or for him to launch into a new tangent, she’s silent for the sound of a sigh.

　“Well... I wouldn’t say I can’t...” But, it would follow, then, that she isn’t saying she can, either. She follows that thought to meet his gaze (or whatever part of it he had to spare in between the steady stream of chatter coming from the gift shop), but it and the tilt of her head are delayed in the wake of her answer.

　Act first, ask later, was it? “But... Is that really necessary?” She wraps her arms around her knees, looking all the more vulnerable, looking all the more withdrawn if it weren’t for the steady quality to her voice. “If I’m following you, then...”

　Her eyes shift from watching his face to watching the wall, and then back around the room before settling on the ceiling where the glass doesn’t reach, but never towards the lady in the gift shop. “... Really, I don’t think she even knows we’re here?”

　She angles her head to look down the hallway the custodian had disappeared into only moments prior. “I’m not sure what exactly it is you have in mind,” (not quite a lie, but definitely not the truth!) “— but, I’d reconsider, maybe?”

　It’s too late for that, probably.

　“... You could always tell me more about those statistics of yours, instead?”

[hopespots]

“O-Of course I’d come, Maizono-san!”

He was invited, after all, and he counts today as a day filled with good omens. (Though for a boy like him, good omens are everywhere, if you look hard enough.)

Though not the biggest fan of crowds, he’s used to them, and he’s used to festivals and parades because he’s attended them for various reasons with his normal family and his normal life circumstances. It’s funny how he has to reach a little farther back than he’d like now, to actually remember things perfectly, before the Despair and before this city.

It’s been a very long year and a half here. It’s been a longer battle against Despair.

If anything though, Naegi is optimistic, and he’s able to brush aside these concerns so he can focus on his friend’s smile; he’s got one for her just as bright, though it’s possibly a bit more sincere.

But he doesn’t judge, or comment, and he replies lightly.

“I’m guessing they’ll have the crowds move to the sides? But it’s sort of hard to tell with this city…let’s not stand in the middle of the road, just in case.”

It’s a joke. He’s joking. (Mostly.) He’s never been the smoothest guy.

Naegi tugs absently at his shirt collar, and there’s the tail end of a dark scar there. “Oh, thanks for inviting me,  by the way…Sorry for being a bit late. You wouldn’t believe what happened on the way here.”

[ouxiang]

　She laughs at his joke. Of course she laughs! But, she doesn’t question it, and although the hints of an of course, I wouldn’t do anything silly like that! hovers on the edge of her smile, she’s silent in favor of listening.

　It’s been a while. Maizono shakes her head, looks down at her hands. “No, I should be the one thanking you for coming.” It doesn’t quite make it all the way to fully-phrased gratitude, but her tone’s got more than enough certainty to make up for it. “After all, I’m sure you must be really busy! So— thank you, Naegi-kun.”

　But, when it comes down to it? She doesn’t mind waiting.

　Or, really, much of anything. Maizono watches as a couple, walking together but with their eyes glued to their respective cellphones, weaves their way through the crowd with the sort of drunken precision that only comes after years of experience with blind maneuvering. In a crowd this chaotic, though, it’s no wonder they’ve got their arms linked. Somewhere beyond them, a little girl waves around a plastic disposable camera, taking pictures of anything and everything she laid eyes on.

　There really were a lot of people here today.

　The frequent and periodic clicks punctuate her thoughts as she looks back towards Naegi. “But, what were you saying? About what happened on the way here? ... If it’s something that happened to you, I’m sure it can’t be that unbelievable!” Ridiculous, maybe. Unbelievable, though? She’s got at least a few vague memories of times his luck has twisted one way and defied common sense in every other. “Um, ... I just hope... It wasn’t something bad, was it?”

　She really would feel awful if that were the case.

[dancapa]

Taking care of the dan’s household was a tidious yet fun task Kido had put upon herself. What sprouted out of her sense of dury flourished into something she liked to do - mostly on her own. While Kido appreciated her friends’ company while shopping, she still prefered to be on her own, so she would not only save some time (everyone loved to fool around, after all) but she could also give in to all of her preferences without feeling ashamed.

Not that there was any shame to be felt in the first place, some would say, however Kido had yet to be perfectly comfortable with giving in to cute things around others. The fear to be judged was still anchored in her bones, bubbling up whenever she spotted anything that clashed with the cool image she tried so hard to construct.

However! Simply looking at stuff was not the only reason Kido came here, she had actually written out a list of things they needed because certain somebodies were prone to breaking plates. 

Kido figured she wouldn’t stand out - everyone was shuffling around like crazy after all, alas the girl fliched upon hearing a voice directed at her. Basket shaking in her hand, almost falling to the ground, she bit back the noises that urged to leave her mouth. 

   "Uhm!“ Kido blinked several times, cleared her throat and tightened the grip on her empty basket. The cup was cute, the girl seemed friendly, yet she could not help but wonder ‘why me out of all these people?’. Not asking her own question, Kido answered Maizono’s. ”I… ah, uhm, I think it is pretty cute. I have a friend working in the music business I think she’d like this.“ 

Kido smiled, then pointed at another cup. ”These are adorable as well.“ Another set, ten this time, plain white cups with cute emojis printed on them. ”I… I mean, kind of.“

[ouxiang]

　If she can tell that she’s startled the poor girl with her sudden attempt at striking up conversation, it certainly doesn’t show on Maizono’s face. Instead, she latches onto the new topic brought up: the set of ten mugs. “You’re right, they are!” Enthusiasm is easy but her words trip over themselves nonetheless, a clumsy slip she tries to make up for by randomly picking up one of the mugs in the set. Her mug of choice has a shy-looking emoji on it, which... she’s pretty sure is probably her subconscious trying to tell her something.

　The light tap of her nails against the ceramic makes her think, makes her wonder. There’s lots she could comment on, from the way the other girl second-guesses herself and tries to separate herself from the image of ‘adorable’, to the way her shoulders stiffened at interacting with strangers.

　She’s sure there’s a way to put a positive spin on any of those things. But instead, Maizono settles on the offhand comment. “But, your friend is a musician? Gosh... I want to say they sound lucky, but... That must be a lot of stress for them, too.”

　Maybe it’s a strange comment to make about someone’s friend. Her expression shifts towards something of a pout as she puts the shy mug back on the shelf and turns the handle so it lines up with its nine co-mugs. “What sort of music do they make?” Singing, she wants to guess, on instinct— but when she looks at the girl standing next to her, it’s instruments that jump to mind. Piano, maybe?

　She picks up the mug with a grumpy emoji on it and, after examining it, the contrast is enough for her frown to burst back into a smile.

　Yep, these were definitely cute. She replaces it on the shelf, and turns to look back towards the girl. “Oh, but...”

　“How many people are you shopping for?”

[anythingooos]

     A race for charity, huh? Definitely one of the more outgoing and odd kind of events one could really put together for something, but so as long as there was a good cause to be had, however people were doing it didn’t matter much to him in the slightest.        That having been said, the eventual smell of chili dogs and cheese build up along with other unpleasantries, quickly forced Eiji out of the more high octane crowds in favor of getting some quiet for himself, and some better smelling food that wouldn’t make him feel sick to his stomach. No offense to them, but certain scents built up just aren’t fun. 

       With all this in mind, he didn’t really mind watching the races from afar, finding himself to get at least some kind of quiet, albeit it still being interrupted by screeching tires and screaming fans.. it was quieter, and that was something he could get behind. At least, there’d be a moderate interruption to his quiet times by the approach of a young girl. 

        It seemed all she was interested in was some chit chat and quiet herself, a smile curling up on Eiji’s lips as he let out a bit of a laugh, nodding his head a bit. 

“ Kind of. I don’t mind missing out on the races, but as long as its all for a good cause, I don’t mind. Besides, it seems like enough people are having fun as it is, so that’s good also! ” Nodding his head with vigor and happiness would he look towards the girl. 

“ But I can understand why these loud events might turn some people off. It’s really flashy in a sense too. “ 

[ouxiang]

　‘Flashy’ is definitely right. Maizono laughs softly in a speak-of-the-devil sort of way as a person wearing a gigantic ice cream cone costume (or maybe it’s cotton candy?) staggers past, probably on their way to distribute overpriced snacks to the people in the stands, leaving sparkles and swirls of bright pastel colors in their wake. 

　“That’s true, isn’t it! It’s nice to know that it’s all going towards a good cause.” She nods her head cheerfully in agreement with herself, angling her neck to look back out towards the arena. The announcer’s drone is a distant buzz, and she can hardly make out distinct words in between the numbers of the racers.

　Which, really, isn’t such a bad thing. It makes it easier to focus on the conversation, easier to pay attention to her surroundings. “You know, earlier I saw someone empty their entire wallet into one of the betting pools... I mean, it was mostly spare change, but still!” Her hands clasp together as she leans forward. “I guess I sort of envied that person? It must have really felt good to donate that much money.”

　Her anecdote ends with something of a wry smile, and she waves a hand as if attempting to clear the air. “What about you? Did you place any wagers?”

[hopeasis]

ouxiang

[hopeasis]

      Those files on the 78th class who’d been dead and irrelevant after they’d played their part on behalf of the surviving few would have been surprisingly useful in this city. Having cared mostly for themes and parallels between the first mutual killing and the second, there hadn’t been much room in memory for much else back on the island– (why care about dead people you don’t know?) but here where all can be brought back one way or another, it was something of a shame.

      Some details however, fortunately remained as glued to mind as his adoration of that class. Details like talents, methods of murder, and motivations were pocketed much like his unyielding respect for their sacrifices, and he very much planned to express his gratitude.

      “Maizono-san… right?” In this case, it was more difficult not to know her name, what with the popularity of her idol group in Japan once upon a time. Even with memories of Hope’s Peak long gone, that name was more than able to come to mind. “Despite how horrible this city is, I’m really glad… ”

      “Now I can thank you!”

[ouxiang]

　Few people in this city recognize her by her face alone.

　That’s a fact, highlighted in red and circling around her wherever she went. It hadn’t taken that much getting used to, and it hadn’t taken that much rationalization (being dead—that kind of helped, didn’t it? really put things in perspective) to get over it.

　So, then— being called out to on the street, it catches her off-guard, just long enough for her to forget her manners.

　“—Huh?”

　So she looks around, but it’s silly— who else on this street could be named Maizono? And she lifts a hand to point at herself, incredulousness painted across her features, but it’s unnecessary— because who else could he be talking to? “You... You mean me, right?”

　Are you sure you have the right person. Now that she’s regained her bearings, it’s easy enough to put the pieces together. This is someone who knew her before the city, but the question in his tone says that this is someone who she’s never met. — So, a fan? Her smile softens into something more natural for all of its previous strain, and her surprise eases into a laugh. “No, no— I should be the one thanking you! Umm...”

　There’s the thought ringing in the back of her head: nobody is coming to save us, but she shrugs it off. “Thank you, ... for supporting me... all this time...?”

[oudou-ga-nai-deactivated2015080]

With one step, she takes herself five miles away. It’s not that big a difference – not when she was already retreating, words getting more and more distant with every turn at the pass. 

Beneath the horizon, above the dust, in the fire and ash buried somewhere in the sky over their heads…

She stopped caring a long time ago.

‘Quarter to five,’ he remarks, holding his wrist out to check his watch. He wonders if she knew; he wonders if she even wanted an answer. 'Right before things get busy.’

He lets the but not today slide past without a mention. There’s a distant rattle of noise somewhere in the distance: it’s something like a car engine, like someone flooring it and hitting the gas, and sort of like a death rattle, too. Like a body just before rigor mortis sets in.

… he lifts his head.

He’s been out too long. His thoughts are getting a bit too real.

’– you coming?’

He takes that first step out into the intersection, looks back over his shoulder at her. In his absence of attention, nothing comes out to hit him, no lights start blaring a warning. It feels like he’s crossed the barrier into something intangible, and nothing’s happened.

It’s all a little too real.

‘Don’t think anyone cares.’

About her. About them.

About how illegal this all is.

[ouxiang]

　Quarter to five.

　Schools should be letting out, children should be running across the streets, schoolbuses — (she remembers the bus, from earlier) — should be stopped at intersections and waiting for kids to cross.

　That’s what she thinks as she looks out across the street.

　And, she blinks, once, twice—but not for all of the dust in her eyes. This time, words settle before she can say them, a plethora of ums and pardon mes and any other sort of response she could conjure up.

　It’s a strange thing to be struck speechless by. She shuffles her feet, but she stays in place.

　“That’s illegal, you know.”

　Of course he knows.

　The look on her face says it’s dangerous. The fact that she doesn’t look left or right for cars, instinctively or not, on the other hand, says that she agrees with him: nobody cares. Not here, not either of them.

　And then, in between the silence and the horizon, she smiles. “— I think I’ll stay a bit longer.” She tilts her head to one side and it’s the closest she gets to offering a wave, or wishing him a safe trip—anything along those lines.

　She glances towards the stoplight, wonders if maybe it’s only been waiting for someone to cross. “But you probably shouldn’t stand there for too long.” It’s only common sense, but for a lack of awareness, a lack of necessity, a lack of any cars with working engines for miles.

　“I mean... You never know what could happen.”