I am not a tree

[monohorde]

Ah, wow! An arcade!

[monohorde]

Oh, it was Ritsuka! They were nice, as far she knew. Then again, all students were nice, with the exception of Ama. Shizuka was grumpy, though.

"Kamata-san! I’m just trying the machines, but…" she sighed in frustration.

Why were those machines so hard? Could people even win prizes in those? Haruna was half-frustrated, half curious. 

She shouldn’t be upset over that sort of thing when people were dead, but still… Maybe she was spoiled? She didn’t think she was spoiled but did spoiled people even know they were spoiled? Maybe she was overthinking, but maybe she wasn’t.

"Are you trying out the games too?” her voice was cheerful and full of curiosity. She didn’t think they were the type to like that kind of game, but then again, if the few people she knew were anything to go by, people could be surprising.

They had a point… And why keep an arcade if only a few people were going to play in it?  Even she knew those things weren’t cheap.

"So, we might be trapped here for their amusement?" her smile dissolved as she questioned Ritsuka, "They’d spend all that money on a game just for them? Are they that rich?” she bit her upper lip in frustration and then realized she had stopped playing in the crane machine.

[shsl-observationalist]

"I suppose I came to investigate..." Ritsuka trailed off, glancing around the arcade for a moment. There did seem to be a selection of games here. Maybe they would try going to an arcade someday. If they could. After a short moment of contemplation, they turned their attention back to the matter at hand.

Had Haruna been staring longingly at the bears as well? Tilting their head curiously, Ritsuka approached the machine to try themself while the blonde girl spoke.

After getting a feel for the controls and the angles, Ritsuka carefully and methodically attempted to seek out the best toy to target. They had watched people from afar try and fail at this task, and some who had tried and succeed. Resurfacing the mental notes on those who succeeded and cross-referencing the errors with those who failed had produced results a bit more quickly than they had expected, and Ritsuka watched in envy as the bear dropped from the hook and down in the prize bin below.

Ritsuka retrieved the bear from the bottom of the machine and resurfaced, holding it out for the shorter girl to take.

"Here," Ritsuka offered blankly, staring still at the little bear's plush fur. It was rather...cute. Cute things had never suited them, though they seemed to rather suit the other. So, in a sense, the bear would be going to the rightful, more suitable owner.

"There are many things about this place that I've yet to understand." Ritsuka admitted, letting the bear go as they spoke. There were many things about the world that they had yet to understand, really. They were still sometimes confused by the idea of people coming to them with questions. Questions about their futures, about their loved one's thoughts and intentions--things that can't be seen or understood. 

"Though I think it's safe to say that we are dealing with powerful people. Perhaps monetary, or perhaps in influence..." Their mind to Ama and Koneko at these words. Influence over the human mind was a powerful thing indeed. Perhaps even more powerful than they'd anticipated.

[shslpierrot]

Christmas Trees Can Bathe, Too! //Ritsuka

[shslpierrot]

They… They weren’t disgusted with his scars? They didn’t even flinch or cringe… Nobody had done that before, and just the fact that there was someone who thought the same of him regardless caused tears to leak, a shaking hand rubbing at an eye hastily. However, there was a small smile on his face, and the tears managed to dry quickly afterwards.

"R-right…" However, he felt that he did need to apologize. It was his fault for messing up on the act… Those thoughts seemed to weigh him down as he followed Ritsuka, avoiding his reflection as they walked. "No… You did nothing wrong. I’d still like to join you…" After all, it was him who dragged them into this arrangement.

Wait… Where was all of this negativity coming from? He wasn’t quite sure, himself. However, he wanted it to stop. Finally sighing and looking at himself in the water’s surface like the other had done, it had shown him that his smile had disappeared completely. He doubted Ritsuka was more than willing to be here, since it was a plan he forced onto them. But now he was slowly growing sadder. “I’ll be alright.”

[shsl-observationalist]

"...Alright." Ritsuka echoed the word in response, glancing over to the pierrot. It . They had somehow upset him, this much was clear. The question was: whether it was their disinterest in his injury or disinterest in the outing that had done the job. If not both.

It was a recurring scenario for them, off-putting people with their demeanor: but that didn't make it pleasant. Certainly not in such a high-stakes environment. If Ritsuka couldn't even gain the favor of the cheerful pierrot, how could they expect to survive in such a hostile place?

They would have to adapt. If only enough to get by. Ritsuka had adapted to their current state, and they could adapt again.

They could only hope it wouldn't be too late.

"Hitotose-san," Ritsuka started, turning their attention back to the auburn-haired boy. They paused for a moment, mulling over the words that were going to be spoken.

"I believe there was talk of...a 'make over', of sorts." The words came muddled and hardly audiable while Ritsuka absentmindedly studied a stray lock of hair. Perhaps this could be the beginnings of their evolution. Prying their attention away from the ratty hair, Ritsuka gave Hiroyuki a final curious glance. They took a moment before speaking, as if dragging the question out of some dark and unused corner of their brain,

"Would you mind?"

[shsllibrarian]

Interrupted Solitude

[shsllibrarian]

Thankfully, Ritsuka-sama was polite and understanding enough to avert her gaze from his horrid form, though - as he tugged the white shirt that went underneath his library suit back on, the red bow-tie being tied expertly despite his hands feeling like they were still shaking, still fumbling - the fact the other seemed to have no objections to leaving made him shake his head. "Ah, n-no: Ritsuka-sama. I was the one to walk in on you without meaning to, so you sho-shouldn’t have to be the one to leave - it should be me. To disturb such a beautiful person as you in such a private moment really wasn’t my intention at al-arrghr hfff…"

The librarian trailed off with a sharp half-strangled cry of alarm as he registered what he’d just said. Oh gods oh gods oh no. OH NO. Of all the worst times to babble on and lose any point of self-control, this had to be it. Probably caused by how flustered he had been and still was: as if he probably hadn’t ruined any sense of respect the other had for him already with this rude intrusion, then his loss of self-control probably had ruined it right there.

"A-ack…I really should g-go. Once I find my suit jacket, I’ll g-get…out of your way, I promise." Where was the jacket? Oh gods - without it on, the fact he was kind of pudgy would still be obvious. Not as obvious as it would be if he didn’t have ANYTHING over his chest - but noticeable nonetheless, and he’d imposed enough on Ritsuka’s privacy for the time being.

"…I can’t find my suit jacket. Have you seen it?”

His tone was whispered, exceedingly flustered by this point.

He really hoped the said suit jacket wasn’t near Ritsuka and that was why he couldn’t find it, but given how utterly dismal his luck had been so far, he wouldn’t be surprised if it was.

[shsl-observationalist]

Ritsuka's brow flinched lightly in confusion at Shizuka's words. Particularly the one word. Beauty was an abstract concept with many meanings, of course, though with the knowledge of their outward appearance their innermost workings, as well as their social standing-- Adding all of these things together, the likelihood of such a word ever being directed at them by anyone was considerably low. They were aware of that. Unphased, even.

However, being referred to as otherwise confused them. And confusion had always affected them.

Rather than correcting the librarian on his statement (an unnecessary gesture, really) after regaining any composure that may have been lost at the word, Ritsuka scanned their mind for the answer to his question. It took only a few seconds to reconstruct the details of the room in their mind, mapping out the basic rough details.

"Your jacket was placed roughly ten feet to the right of where I am standing." Ritsuka responded blankly, having yet to open their eyes. While it seemed a bit specific to the untrained eye, it was this level of attention to detail that had gotten them into Hope's Peak, and subsequently, this dreaded game.

"I can bring it over to you, if you prefer." Ritsuka suggested in an even tone, sensing the situation was only getting increasingly uncomfortable for the flustered librarian. They had proven themself to be quite the burden on the fellow, it would seem. Which was a shame, considering Shizuka had proven an admirable ally. They were in no place to be a burden on anyone, especially seeing as disastrous seeds had already been planted all around the carnival. Ritsuka took a few small steps backward as if to leave, though leaving the room altogether without their own clothing would be rather troublesome.

Troubleshooting in this environment was proving difficult, to say the least. It seemed ridiculous to over-analyze such a situation, but in quite literally a kill or be killed society, every situation needed to be handled with the utmost caution and care. Ritsuka had failed to do so with Koneko, who they had allowed themself to trust, and so the margins of error were dangerously low.

Much too low to allow themself to impose burdens on anyone. Particularly with someone they had allowed themself to...trust.

[monohorde]

Ah, wow! An arcade!

Haruna had heard of arcades, of course, but she had never been to one. Then again, she had never gone to many places. She liked to play video games and the ones she liked the best were the ones with the stories she liked the most. As far as she knew, arcade games didn’t tell good stories, though.

But still, playing those games would be far better than doing absolutely nothing, not to mention it was always good to live new experiences, no matter how big or small. Except for… No, Haruna shouldn’t think about Koneko and Ken, that’d make her sad and they wouldn’t want her to be sad. Then again, they wouldn’t want to be forgotten either.

And there was a crane machine! Maybe she could get catch one of those cute teddy bears… Maybe she could give one to someone, she didn’t know who.

Unfortunately, those were cranes machines were harder to control than she thought and after about half an hour she reached the conclusion it was almost impossigle to get anything at those machines.

She stopped playing to wave at whoever she had entered the arcade. Maybe they could play some games together or something, she had heard playing games with other people was fun.

[shsl-observationalist]

They had been inside of an arcade for a time or two, but had never expressively taken the time to play the games. The concept had never particularly appealed to them. Ritsuka often found themself surveying the people around them instead: it was interesting to gauge the competitive drive in different sorts of people. In a way, it even applied in this situation. 

Though, to be fair, that wasn't their reason for visiting the new addition to the carnival today. While a part of them wanted to simply stay in their room, there was something strange present. A small spark that was urging Ritsuka to survive and escape this place. Something strange and foreign that they couldn't quite place. Perhaps it was simply human nature: being wired to survive.

Regardless, someone did seem to be making the best of a concerning situation; Ritsuka couldn't help but be intrigued by the fact. Was it really alright to be playing games? It seemed as good a coping mechanism as any other, in theory. 

"Nishimura-san," Ritsuka returned the girl's greeting with a small nod of acknowledgement. Upon approaching the cheery girl, they found themself tilting a curious head at the display in the crane game. They did recall enviously staring at such things as a child. Though even then, they knew that from a practical standpoint, one could just as well buy a toy in a general store without the hassle. They had been told: it was a waste of time. They had agreed.

Regardless, they still found themself staring until willing the thought away in favor of studying the interesting girl who played games in times of crisis.

"I'm unsure as to why those who are keeping us here have chosen to be so...accommodating." Ritsuka speculated aloud whilst glancing around the new room for signs of anything strange or unusual. Perhaps this was all a game to the carnival workers after all. Nothing more, nothing less.

[shsllibrarian]

Interrupted Solitude

[shsllibrarian]

Ah, thank goodness - he was almost there at the entrance of the bath house now thanks to his careful motions. All he had to do now was get dressed and get out before the other person saw, and that way not only would the topic of him shirtless currently be avoided, but he’d also spare the other person in there the embarrassment of being spotte - wait, the footsteps were headed right towards him! There was no time to react other than attempting to cover himself with the clothes he hadn’t yet put on, gods, talk about awkward - but then it got worse.

The librarian’s grip on the clothes he carried turned knuckle-white, face blazing afire. Ritsuka. Ritsuka had been the other person in the public restroom and he’d basically gone and interrupted a lady in her private time - she was only wearing a towel too. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no no no no. Utterly ashamed and flustered beyond belief at the situation, the librarian could barely even form coherent words from all of it: "…………….i dn’t mean to…walk inn on you….i….was trying t talk ohut as soon as i noted I wasn’t alone…bwuagargle?" The poor fellow seemed to be having a major system error in his actions, but really, given the situation, nobody could really blame him.

Though, the other was seemingly just as eager to get out of the flustering situation as he was, exclaiming that she would gather her things about be out shortly. Thankfully, Shizuka seemed to regain some sense to his speech by that point, though his face was still red as his bowtie. "N-no…I feel utterly horrid I accidentally imposed on your privacy, Ritsuka-sama. I’ll…go and….get fully dressed and then….leave you to your buisness….I can have a bath when you’re done…I’m so sorry…"

Wait….where was he even going to put his shirt on inside the bath house where the other wouldn’t notice? …Crap. This just turned from bad to worse.

"Erm….I doubt you hardly wish to see how ugly I am without my suit jacket on, so…could you please close your eyes for a moment? My a-apologies for the accidental…imposing, a-again…"

[shsl-observationalist]

Shizuka's reaction was not lost on the other. As suspected, it would certainly seem that this encounter had left a negative effect on the poor librarian. It would seem, in fact, that he was more offended than they themself at the intrusion. If intrusion was even the appropriate word for the situation.

Ritsuka deducted the best course of action would be to leave the librarian's field of view, and vice-versa. They cautiously turned away from Shizuka, though it would seem that there were few places to go to aside from where they had just come from.

"Apologies" Ritsuka repeated again, turning their gaze away from Shizuka as to not make him any more uncomfortable than he already was as he continued to speak.

The request made little sense to Ritsuka. Shizuka didn't seem to have any deformities or off-putting features from a glance, though he seemed very adamant in keeping himself hidden. Perhaps his issue wasn't modesty, but insecurity. Or most likely a mixture of the two. They obliged to the instruction regardless; it was a survival skill they had latched on to from a young age, to do as they were told. It tended to make life go by with less hiccups.

"I have no issues with leaving, Megumi-san." Ritsuka offered through closed eyes. It did seem less troublesome to the both of them in this scenario. They listened as the hapless librarian fumbled around for his clothing.

[shslpierrot]

Christmas Trees Can Bathe, Too! //Ritsuka

[shslpierrot]

"It’s alright!" He chimed. He, too, was holding his towel close to him, too modest to even think of removing it. He and Ritsu were going to have a wonderful time, regardless! However, he felt it was rude that he wasn’t facing his friend while they spoke. Hoping to change that, he immediately turned around, forgetting that…

Read More

[shsl-observationalist]

There were countless possibilities as to how someone of Hiroyuki's stature was to be scarred with terrible burns, though they felt confident in narrowing down the situation to a few possible scenarios. None of them being particularly pleasant.

"Hitotose-san." Ritsuka responded to the boy in an even tone, flinching away any initial surprise that may have crept up their unsuspecting face. Scanning their brain for an appropriate response, they took a slow breath before speaking.

"There is nothing to apologize for." They responded quietly, walking ahead of the small boy toward the bath. They gave a slow glance back to study his face, hoping to assure that looking at Hiroyuki's scars did little to phase them. As terrible as it was, it was just another gruesome thing they had witnessed at this carnival. How many of those would there be? They weren't exactly looking forward to finding out, though it seemed to have less of an effect on them than some of the others.

"If you are uncomfortable, I'll take no offense if you prefer to leave." Ritsuka responded blankly, glancing down at their own reflection in the water in front of them.

[shslpierrot]

Christmas Trees Can Bathe, Too! //Ritsuka

[shslpierrot]

"Sure!" He chimed, taking hold of the doors and opening them slowly, a rather welcoming-but-eerie creak greeting them. However, this did little to affect the pierrot, immediately walking in and waiting for Ritsuka on the other side. "Your turn!" He beamed, waiting patiently for the other despite his excitement.

Once they were both in, the doors closed. They were then free to undress, minding each others privacy, so that they could enjoy the water. Hiro, used to changing quickly due to his performance lifestyle, managed to undress, wipe of his makeup, and loosen the ponytail in his hair long before the other, then grabbing a towel and walking ahead, waiting for the other to walk out as well.

[shsl-observationalist]

Much less swift in preparing than Hiroyuki, Ritsuka removed their clothing haphazardly and at a sloth-like pace. Seeing as Hiroyuki gave them privacy as they changed, they really had no reason to be speedy. However, they did eventually remove their glasses, cover with a towel, and walk out behind the eager boy.

"Apologies for the prudence, Hitotose-san." Hopefully it would have no dire effect on the boy's enjoyment of the event or on...bonding. Was that a proper word? It did seem to be the sort of activity that would induce closer companionship; a sort of building of trust. However, they also didn't want to make the other uncomfortable. A thing that could be very well possible, due to a mild skeletal deformity onset by a condition known as Marfan’s Syndrome.

Not that it was ever something that particularly bothered them: though they could see how it could be bothersome to others. 

"Shall we get started?"

[shslpierrot]

Christmas Trees Can Bathe, Too! //Ritsuka

Like they had agreed on before the bath house had been opened, they agreed that as soon as those doors were unlocked, they would bathe together in the new public bath house. Of course, as soon as Ritsuka heard the announcement, he expected Hiroyuki to find him shortly afterwards… and, right on the money, he did.

After a short discussion, the two found themselves walking to the new area. Well… more along the lines of Hiroyuki dragging him, like he did before, but regardless, they eventually made it.

"Are you as excited as I am??" He seemed to be repeating himself from when they were there last. "I’m sure we’ll have a lot of fun together, Ritsu!"

[shsl-observationalist]

"I'm sure it will be...fun." Ritsuka responded quietly, studying the entrance to the bathhouse with care. They hadn't been entirely sold on the idea yet themself, but perhaps it was something the two of them could use. A welcome distraction from the tragedy that had befallen them all.

There were matters to be discussed, after all.

"Would you like to go first, Hitotose-san?" Ritsuka glanced at the small boy, who seemed quite eager about the whole endeavor. One could typically find such eagerness contagious, and Ritsuka themself found them to be more open to the thought than before. Perhaps it really could be fun.

[shsllibrarian]

Interrupted Solitude

Hm, access to the bathhouse area? Not that either of those two people’s lives were worth such material things at all, but the librarian knew he hadn’t had a decent wash probably since he woke up - ugh, it was abhorrent and disgusting, hardly acceptable of a neat and tidy ‘shsl Librarian’ to be such a mess - so he decided that it was be a good idea to go have a bath there. However, he hadn’t gone there right away - likely, a lot of people had clamoured around it when it was open, checking it was safe and investigating, and, well.

Obviously, he wanted to have a bath in private, without someone else seeing or being there.

As such, he’d shut the door of the public baths behind him and stuck a book outside the door. It should be obvious someone was in now, right? Ugh, but the steam from the water was fogging up his glasses a bit, the only bad point. He never had liked contacts, what with…him being finicky about putting things other than glasses near his eyes and all.

Wiping the steam off, he sighed and undid the bow-tie around his neck, before taking off the cobalt blue jacket he wore and folding it to the side neatly. His white under-shirt was taken off and being folded, when he heard…noises. Footsteps - close by, too. Had someone else walked in before he even snuck in and placed the book outside the door?!

Oh no. He was insecure enough about his slight chubbiness without others seeing it without the suit on, and he bit back a curse. Maybe if he got his shirt, jacket and bow-tie back on quietly and snuck away, nothing awkward would happen…right? Gods, he hoped not…he felt like he was alarmed enough about the current predicament.

[shsl-observationalist]

A bath house didn't seem to be a fair trade for a murder (two, technically) then again, very few things about this entire situation seemed to be fair.

Though they couldn't find themselves in a position to complain. Ritsuka had promised Hiroyuki that they would bathe with him as soon as the bathhouse opened, after all. However, they had yet to find themselves coming across the happy boy. Perhaps that was for the best, given the circumstances. That promise was made during less dire times.

The sound of the door opening interrupted their thoughts. Perhaps that was Hiroyuki now? Wrapping a bath towel around their body with some care, Ritsuka went to investigate the noise. Their typical response would be to get dressed and leave as to hopefully not be noticed, but they hadn't forgotten their promise. After walking a short distance, it wasn't hard to decipher the person that had entered the room, even with limited sight, was not Hiroyuki Hitotose.

“…Pardon.” This seemed to be a rather gauche predicament.

"Public bathhouses are certainly...incommodious." Ritsuka commented dimly. Incommodious indeed: certainly not worth the death of two of their comrades. Though, it was considerably superior to receiving nothing at all. If only slightly. Moving to more adequately cover the majority of their body with the supplied bath towel, Ritsuka walked to their things.

“Allow me to gather my things, and I will be gone shortly.” It was bothersome, though they couldn’t have expected much else. It was a public bath house, after all. Statistically, odds were high that there would be another there at any given time. The fact of the matter was that Ritsuka was not particularly keen on sharing a bathing space with someone. It was less an issue of modesty, but rather one born of…obligation. The fact that Shizuka did not seem particularly pleased by their presence there certainly did nothing to help matters. He did seem one to carry the issue of modesty.

[shsl-observationalist]

Catastrophic Conclusions//OPEN

[shsllibrarian]

"Take responsibility? Ritsuka-sama. If anyone should be taking responsibility…it is I, and not you. I spoke to Ama in the hallways a few days before the horrid event took place - he was acting very odd, yet I merely thought he was being atypical of his usual unstable nature. I should have seen those warning signs sooner. Maybe then Koneko would not have been incited to murder…" Shizuka sighed heavily, clearly feeling guilty about the whole affair, but then continued by stating: "Besides. It is hardly logical for you to have to shoulder such an immense burden alone. Please allow me to assist in the matter."

Despite his attempt to logically assist Ritsuka-sama - it was clear he needed to try harder still, with her musing that it was her own foolishness that led to this. "No, not at all. It was merely the fact…we did not think to stick together and watch our members more carefully. But if we keep a closer eye on everyone now, then…Koneko will not have died in vain. We can stop anyone else suffering as she must have, logically."

Though his words were firm in resolution and determination, the fact Ritsuka-sama had flinched as if expecting to be physically hurt before the hug had not escaped his eagle eyes, either. "….Trusting others again is not a topic of understanding for me, either, Ritsuka-sama. I can’t claim to understand it, but…such a horrid event as this would affect anyone, make them blame themselves…despite it being hardly the most logical thing to do, nor a thing that would make everyone worry less."

"Of course, as someone who respects you, Ritsuka-sama, I worry and want to help. That is my logic."

Though, odd….why did he feel like he wasn’t being totally honest with himself or Ritsuka-sama, there? Probably nothing.

[shsl-observationalist]

Ritsuka paused for a moment, as if allowing the new information to settle in. While they still couldn’t entirely agree with Shizuka, they could certainly accept such terms. That was something that did make sense to them: behaving in this way would clearly help no one. Mistakes were made, and there was nothing that could be done about that, tragic as it may be. And on that note, there was no use in feeling sorry.

They were still alive, after all. Which was better than some.

After a short moment of careful contemplation, Ritsuka wrapped their arms around Shizuka in return. There was something comforting in the gesture, though they couldn't quite place it. It was merely out of obligation. Or perhaps...appreciation?

Upon looking back, they would describe the feeling as warm.

“…Speaking of which, Megumi-san,” Ritsuka spoke, pulling away to end their short-lived hug. Yes, perhaps a shift in conversation would do them both well now. After that pathetic little display of emotion, it would be ideal to go back to deciding on a course of action. They couldn't really afford to do anything else at this point, it would seem.

“There was actually a matter I wished to discuss with you.” They focused their full attention back to the librarian, bringing their hands to their lap and folding them attentively.

“Particularly…in regards to Amane-san, and consequently, Hitotose-san…” 

[monohorde]

Haruna's batteries are low - open

[monohorde]

"Oh," Haruna didn’t know that. There were many things she didn’t know and that sometimes bothered her, "It feels warm, too," she noted. But a cheery, bright day didn’t quite mesh with how she and the others were feeling, but then again, that wasn’t like something people could control.

Haruna nodded and smiled a bit. She wanted to smile, but she made her smile brighter than she intended. It was a bit weird faking a smile… “Haruna Nishimura, the almighty blacksmith!" 

Haruna wanted the forget the trial… She didn’t think she did much, but still… “You didn’t need to thank me, but…"  

[shsl-observationalist]

"Ritsuka Kamata, Super High School Level...Psychic." Ritsuka introduced themself in return, frowning a bit in discomfort at their own title. It wasn't something they particularly enjoyed being thought of as, and likely never would. It all felt a bit silly. However, it wasn't something they could particularly concern themself with now. With everything that had happened.

"A blacksmith, that's certainly an interesting skill." Ritsuka mused aloud, glancing at the girl. Haruna didn't quite seem the blacksmith type, but people were often much more than they seemed on the surface.

[amaneama]

What a pickle...(OPEN)

[amaneama]

Ama raised an eyebrow and got up on his knees to speak to Ritsuka, it was nice to know that at least one of them was curious as to what his motives were. “What is it you do not understand Ritsuka? With a mind like yours you could see through Koneko’s and I’s lies, so surely you can see my reasons, yes?" Ama had a bit of a frown when he realized that Ritsuka didn’t understand it.

He let out a sigh, “it is not that difficult to understand, but I will elaborate, yes?" Ama took a deep breath and began to weave his tale, “I did not wish to be a ventriloquist, but a motivational speaker! Yet when Oda first appeared while I was in middle school, my life became centered on him and dealing with his blows to my self esteem…but with him leaving me alone I am free to try and make you all the best you can be!"

His eyes began to spiral, “Even if that means others must die to do so!"

[shsl-observationalist]

[shsl-observationalist]

Catastrophic Conclusions//OPEN

[shsllibrarian]

After that mess of a trial had happened and he’d finished glaring at Ama and awkwardly trying to keep someone else logically thinking, the librarian had wasted very little time in following Ritsuka-sama. Given that in the trial, thanks to Koneko throwing suspicion on her the first thing: he’d seen the amount of stress that his trusted ally had to go through. Ritsuka? Harming someone who she’d willingly told him that she’d ‘traded weapons with’ just to keep her happy and safe? That was utter rubbish, he knew!

Though some of the evidence did mildly point to a third person, logic pointed to the fact it could have been planted there on purpose, and Koneko didn’t exactly have the best track record with her mistrustfulness towards others. Yet, when he’d spoken up and gave important logical evidence during the trial, everyone had been too busy throwing accusations, too angry to listen to him, and disregarded him: though after the trial, Shizuka knew he had seen a fair few people giving him apologetic glances at him being RIGHT.

To think how Ritsuka-sama must have felt at being blamed like that, and not only that, for someone she trusted to try and frame her - who, in the end, had not deserved what she got, not even she deserved that - Shizuka felt pity and concern for her. As such, he had wanted to find which part of the carnival she was in and talk with her.

If he managed to help her, he wanted to express…concerns about Ama being roomed with Hiroyuki, too. However, helping her came first, before that. It seemed, as he knocked on the door and then came in - that he’d been right to check up on her - Ritsu seemed to not be paying attention to anything, when normally Ritsu was respected by him for attention to detail.

Worrying, indeed. And then Ritsuka actually…apologized for being in such a state? No - no!! Frowning, Shizuka stepped forward. 

"No, you’re not the one who should be apologizing after all you went through.

Rather, I think I should be the one to apologize, for my logic doing little to halt the accusations against you in the trial…for not spotting Ama’s suspiciousness sooner and possibly being able to save Koneko…for your loss, in general. I’m so sorry."

With that, despite his antsiness around physical contact, he felt like he would do a poor job cheering her up without that, so…he attempted to hug her. Very, very stiffly and awkwardly, but the good intent was there.

[shsl-observationalist]

It was all a bit foreign to them, really. Why would Shizuka apologize when the mistake was on their part? When he had even, in fact, already warned them of something like this happening? He had trusted their judgment and they had broken that trust. It didn’t make sense, no matter how they looked at it.

“I assured that I would…take responsibility for Burakku-san’s actions.” Ritsuka explained stiffly, lightly gripping the edge of their bed as they spoke. It made sense that things would turn out this way, given those circumstances. It made sense for Koneko to frame them, for her to call them a robot, and even for her to be driven to kill--so the thing that didn’t make sense was for Shizuka to show them kindness, and even go so far as to apologize to them.

“It was my own foolishness that brought me into this situation, and so…no apologies should be made on my behalf.” Ritsuka concluded, looking the boy directly in the eye with an empty gaze, only to falter after noticing Shizuka move closer.

Though Ritsuka managed to keep a signature stoic face, they visibly shook as Shizuka approached them, instinctively bringing up their hands to protect themself from the inevitable. They just as soon calmed themselves, however, upon realizing that his intent was not to harm them, but to simply comfort them.

It didn’t make a modicum of sense to them.

“…Megumi-san…” Ritsuka’s brows flinched and furrowed in calculation, while their arms hung limply by their side. Was this a simple gesture of friendship? Or perhaps it was an obligation of sorts. However, any sort of prior obligation could logically be thrown out of the door, given the magnitude of their blunder. It still didn’t make sense.

Everything was so difficult here.

“I don’t…understand...” Ritsuka mumbled, ignoring the increasingly familiar sensation of tears on their face. This just wouldn’t do at all. After all, the reason Shizuka trusted and respected them in the first place was for their intellect and ability to detach themself, or so it would seem.

[shsl-observationalist]

Catastrophic Conclusions//OPEN

[yuzukishimizu-deactivated201407]

Yuzuki wondered if it’d be intrusive knocking on someone’s door to check on them. Multiple times. Everyone seemed affected, which was to be expected. Except He Who Shouldn’t Be Named. He mentioned something about bullies, though. That was sad… And she knew how bullies could be cruel, but… She wasn’t sure if that justified what he had done.  Being so angry at Ama disturbed her, even if he probably deserved it.

Ritsuka opened the door and she wondered what exactly she could tell them to make them feel better. Then again, did they really need it? They were far stronger than her, “I’m…. Hum… Sorry about your roomate," was her failed, very stupid attempt.

Except for a strand of black hair in one of the beds, it was as if no one had ever been there at all. As if Koneko had never existed, "Those carnies… Shouldn’t erase someone’s existance like that…" she mumbled to herself.

"Ah, it’s alright," she nodded and then realized her words implied he was right about apologizing, "I mean, it’s understandable, because…."

[shsl-observationalist]

"It was uncharacteristic of me." Ritsuka interrupted the girl with a soft but blunt tone. "A moment of weakness, if you may. ...I can assure it won't pose a problem in the future."

"You may...come in, if you like." Ritsuka stepped aside to invite the concerned girl inside the room. She still seemed rather shaken from the events of the trial, as most of the students were. Who were they to deny accompaniment in these times?

"I don't believe we have had the chance to speak to eachother extensively." Ritsuka noted, feeling this to be a well enough opportunity to acquaint themselves. Those, as they had learned, acquaintanceships seemed to do little in terms of hindering the framing or murdering another.

[monohorde]

Haruna's batteries are low - open

Haruna was no longer crying and had almost completely calmed herself down. She was still sad, but then again, that was to be expected. She and the others would probably be sad for a long time. 

Haruna wanted to hide herself in her room, but that made her think of the first time she was kidnapped. She was too young to remember, but at least she wasn’t being forced to kill anyone. Then again, she was their sole captive and was about six. Someone had died, though. A policeman. One of her kidnappers had been wounded, but they didn’t die.

Being hugged probably had played a part in calming her down. She had been hugged up before, but not by almost complete strangers. She had no idea on how she was supposed to react to that. Shizuka liked books, didn’t he? Maybe she could ask him to pick one of hers. 

She was sitting on a bench, sketchbook in hands. Drawing something would make her feel a bit less miserable. But then again, wouldn’t be completely happy insulting for Koneko and Ken? Or maybe not, maybe they wanted others to be happy.

She wasn’t even in the mood to draw a weapon.. Maybe she should try another hand at drawing portraits. Maybe draw Koneko or Ken, but she didn’t remember their faces well. She probably didn’t want to. Some animals or maybe… Hum, Luna Lovegood? Or some other fictional character…

She was drawing when she noticed someone aproaching her. Maybe they could talk or… Something. Maybe talking about random subjects would be a good distracting.

"Hello," she was still smiling, but her voice was less energetic than the usual, "I…" she didn’t even know what she could possibly say, “We’re not alright, but we’ll be, right?" she probably shouldn’t sound so doubtful.

[shsl-observationalist]

"...This is a nice bench." Ritsuka stated simply, taking a seat on the other side of the girl. They couldn't say for sure at the time whether they really would be okay or not--who were they to say? They had already miscalculated once.

"It provides the best shade from approximately 3 to 5 pm." Ritsuka explained, glancing up at the tree reaching up above them. Their fair skin had never fared well in the sun, so the shade was appreciated, as was the bench. And perhaps even the company.

Ritsuka typically enjoyed spending their time to themself in their room. However, in light of recent events, being alone in that room felt...strange. 

"Nishimura-san, is it?" Ritsuka queried, turning their head to study the girl. That's right, she was one of the people they were hoping to speak to. "I never got the chance to properly thank you for your help...in the trial." They explained, shifting their focus to the dirt ground momentarily.

[amaneama]

What a pickle...(OPEN)

It seems Ama’s peers were less than pleased with his behavior during the trial, as the implication that he was what fueled Koneko into the unbridled paranoia and fear that led her to murder a fellow classmate was quite frightening; and frighteningly true. He hasn’t meant for her to kill, but rather he had believed that by forcing her to the brink she would either break like any normal teen would or hopefully overcome it like the student she truly had the potential to be. Yet it mattered not, as his classmates Shizuka and Matthew saw fit to tie him up and place him in such an obscure location.

The Tunnel of Love, how quaint

His legs were bound at his ankles, and his arms bound behind his back at his wrists. It minimized any movement he could perform, and a small length of rope remained to chain him to a door handle for a room that was locked.

Despite all this Ama has a somewhat hopeful look on his face, but he was certainly a little unsure of his situation. The bags under his eyes were certainly apparent and his hair was in quite the bit of disarray, even his bow tie was at an angle.

Ama laid down on his side and rested in order to keep his strength and wits about him, it wasn’t good for him to panic over his situation; after all in due time his peers would come to understand his reasons and perhaps even agree that the death of another is merely a small step to reach a great level of being.

But right before Ama could fall asleep completely, he heard the sound of foot steps draw near. He turned his head to take a look and opened his eyes a bit. “Yes?"

[shsl-observationalist]

"...Amane-san." Ritsuka approached the tied ventriloquist with careful and calculated steps. Stopping within reach of the disheveled teenager and knelt down so that they could make eye contact with him.

"I wish to discuss matters with you." Ritsuka stated, staring the young man down with a slightly unsure expression. They themself hadn't entirely agreed to the plan of tying up the strange boy, but it did seem the most practical solution for until a better one presented itself. He didn't seem...dangerous in and of himself, but rather, he was something of a child with matches. 

In a forest doused with gasoline and explosives.

So, more than anything else they felt toward the boy, they were confused. And it was not a welcome feeling. Perhaps moreso than any of the other feelings they had felt in the past few days--which was quite a bit more than they were used to feeling, mind you.

"I don't understand."

[shsl-observationalist]

Catastrophic Conclusions//OPEN

Sitting stiff as a board on their own bed, yet staring blankly at the bed in front of them, Ritsuka was trapped in their thoughts. The execution had only just happened, and yet her bed had been neatly made: empty and welcoming, as if Koneko had never existed, had her things not been placed there. Though, someone observant would still notice a long strand of thick black hair stuck to the pillow, or the fact that her bear had been facing a different way than Koneko typically faced it.

And observant they were. Even the knock on the door did little to hinder ruthless waves of thought and memory.

"You may come in." Ritsuka responded blankly, not yet turning any attention to the door. Or to anything, for that matter. Their eyes focused on nothing, just the blank and frankly drab wall in front of them.

"The mess...has already been cleaned." Ritsuka explained once they heard the door open, gaze still locked on the wall. For once, they couldn't focus on anything. Any attempted to count the flowers on Koneko's sheets were interrupted by the buzz of the courtroom. The accusations.

They could have sworn they heard Koneko speaking to them in her final moments of life.

But that was far done now. In hopes of finally tearing their far too active mind from the past, they finally turned to look at the person who had been thoughtful enough come to see them.

"Apologies."