drowsiness

Yuuna Mikami || SHSL Somnologist

[shslsomnologist]

Might as well YOLO it (don't YOLO it)

Well, there it was. Another dead body. 

Yuuna's heart pounded in her chest at the sight, the stench, even the dark atmosphere. Her fellow "royals" gathered quickly around the closet, and she almost found herself stumbling into them as she jerked back in fear. Who would do such a thing? Who would dare defile the recently renewed state of peace lingering in the castle? Order had been disrupted. The poor girl....

But what was in the bag? It looked as though none of her classmates would dare check its contents. Well, Dandu looked quite ready to take a peek. Yuuna took the initiative, and, with a gulp, she looked.

Another body. One of a girl she had never seen before.

What was going on?!

Yuuna ran to the back of the room to collect her thoughts. From her reaction, everyone else could assume what in the world she saw.

[shslinstinct]

It's More Fun To Be With Others, After All (open for despair castle 2)

[shslsomnologist]

Yuuna had been sitting in the Art Gallery when she heard footsteps entering the room. As they grew louder, she scrambled to finish her writing in her makeshift dream journal. Wouldn’t want anyone peering into her deepest thoughts and feelings, right?

Her eyes met those of the instinctive boy she had talked to before. “Oh. Hello, Katsurou,” she smiled. Thankfully, it wasn’t anyone obnoxious or rude who entered the room. A sigh of relief sounded from her lips. “What are you up to?”

[shslinstinct]

Katsurou didn’t notice the journal, or if he did, he didn’t react to it- it was more interesting to learn about people by spending time with them than reading about them anyways, even if they filled an entire library with writing about how dreamy he was.

"Oh, were you hoping it would be me who walked in? I heard how happy that sigh was! I was just hoping for some company from anyone, so I’m especially lucky to have found you."

[shslsomnologist]

She casually slipped the journal under her thighs as she sat on the cold floor. Her body instinctively turned toward the boy as she prepared herself to speak. Writing for extended periods of time often tired Yuuna out, so her grasp on reality was particularly loose at the moment. Slightly dazed, she nodded her head.

"Well, I wasn't hoping for anyone in particular to show up...I'm glad it was you though. There certainly could be worse circumstances."

Yuuna, at this point, could trust Katsurou. Out of all the people she had met here at the castle so far, this boy was least likely to fall under the temptations of despair. If anyone else came in the room...like Dandu, perhaps, she could have lost her life. Well, not without a fight, she supposed.

But that was beside the point. Her mind was wandering again.

[shslinstinct]

It's More Fun To Be With Others, After All (open for despair castle 2)

Katsurou had, after a long week trying to manage it, finally managed to come to terms with the living conditions of the castle- Not having organized his closet properly had left him unsure which of his many identical shirts went with which of his individual jackets, and he was too nervous to try to select them on his own, so he had to stick with the outfit he woke up in, washing it every day one piece at a time in the laundry room, and after that he spent most of his day trying to find a way out of the castle and into town, seeking to pursue his usual hobby of loitering in convenience stores and watching people go about their day. In the end, of course, he was unsuccessful, and spending all his time on his own had left him feeling particularly lonely, a sad state of affairs for someone who loved people as much as he did. There was, clearly, only one right course of action- Find someone who didn’t seem too busy and talk to them. That’s why he started walking down hallways and peering into unlocked rooms until he eventually came across someone, and then immediately entered the room to stand next to them.

"Hey! How’s castle life going for you? It’s pretty boring in here, right?"

[shslsomnologist]

Yuuna had been sitting in the Art Gallery when she heard footsteps entering the room. As they grew louder, she scrambled to finish her writing in her makeshift dream journal. Wouldn't want anyone peering into her deepest thoughts and feelings, right?

Her eyes met those of the instinctive boy she had talked to before. "Oh. Hello, Katsurou," she smiled. Thankfully, it wasn't anyone obnoxious or rude who entered the room. A sigh of relief sounded from her lips. "What are you up to?"

[ultimatemisfortune]

I Tried To Make a Foodfight Joke But None Came To Mind [open starter]

[ultimatemisfortune]

Dandu smiled. If there was any doubt to his triumph over the girl, it was all erased in an instant. He grabbed his sandwich and his water and took a seat across from the girl.

"Hey," He said. "Getting tired of me? That’s no fun." He started chewing on his sandwich, waiting to see what she would do next.

[shslsomnologist]

Yuuna looked up from her bland meal and saw that the jerk had taken a seat across from her. That made things much more stressful for the girl. As she finished her bowl, she pushed it away from her and put her hands on her lap, playing with her thumbs in anxiety. "No, I'm not..." she lied. "I'm okay. But I must ask...why are you so mean?"

[shsltutor-deactivated20141105]

Squeaks? Who could possibly be named Squeaks? Oh, right. Monobear. It took Yuuna a moment to recollect her thoughts and to focus on the greeting at hand. Well, literally at hand, considering she was holding his.

"I’ll be honest…I don’t remember much of the trial either. I wasn’t really paying attention. I’m not too good at that kind of stuff," she chuckled nervously. "I’m just glad justice was served."

Was it really justice? It seemed more to Manabu like a scapegoat was feed to some pagan wolf god… Manabu scratched his head, dropping Yuunas hand, was that how scapegoats worked? He never got that far on etymology.

"Eh, I suppose it’s better then if someone who didn’t do it got declared the perp. That would have sucked."

[shslsomnologist]

"Indeed it would have!" she agreed, completely concerned of the what-if situation. She nodded her head without hesitation, bringing both hands to clench the bottom of her scarf.

"If the wrong person was punished, surely there would be something wrong with us, and especially Monobear. Why would he want to hurt the wrong person, after all? That is completely unfair!" Yuuuna couldn't imagine the pain she would have gone through if she was wrongfully executed, and thinking of this sort of scenario sent a chill down her spine.

[ultimatemisfortune]

I Tried To Make a Foodfight Joke But None Came To Mind [open starter]

[ultimatemisfortune]

"I know th-that!" she stuttered. "I try my absolute best to keep my dream life and my actual life completely separate! Well…." She paused nervously. Her thoughts weren’t coming across accurately or intelligently. "My life in the dreamland is my life, so, so - Never mind!” Yuuna stopped mid-thought, knowing she had shared too much already.

"…sorry for my outburst." Immediately, the girl lowered her voice. This battle was a lost cause. She couldn’t have won this one.

"Apology accepted, Fantasy Land." Dandu chuckled, ignoring any comment about dreamlands or real life, only focusing on one point. ‘looks like I win.’ He thought, looking the girl over. She practically had “defeated” written on her face. Practically. Physically? Dandu could, if he wanted to grab a marker, but he didn’t feel like going that far. He’d won, so there was no need to continue. Unsure of what to say next, he just stared silently.

[shslsomnologist]

If only he was a figment of her imagination. She would be able to get rid of him quickly and without an effort. But unfortunately for the girl, her hesitant and frail self had no chance of taking down this guy. Yuuna silently scolded herself as she piled her rice high into her bowl. Was she allowed to bring this outside the kitchen? She wasn't sure. She didn't want to look like a glutton or anything like that, after all. She pulled out a chair for herself at the other end of the room. Why on Earth was she so weak? Between bits of rice, she held back soft cries, occasionally observing her adversary once in a while.

[ultimatemisfortune]

I Tried To Make a Foodfight Joke But None Came To Mind [open starter]

[ultimatemisfortune]

shslsomnologist:

'alright, looks like it's goin well enough so far.' Dandu thought, taking a congratulatory bite of sandwich before speaking.

"Well, life ain’t fantasy, Mikami. Sometime soon, you should realize that. After all, next time you’re in dreamland could be when someone decides you’d be an easy target." Dandu explained, returning her look as he closed the cap on the water bottle and started tossing it to himself lightly.

[shslsomnologist]

"I know th-that!" she stuttered. "I try my absolute best to keep my dream life and my actual life completely separate! Well...." She paused nervously. Her thoughts weren't coming across accurately or intelligently. "My life in the dreamland is my life, so, so - Never mind!" Yuuna stopped mid-thought, knowing she had shared too much already.

"...sorry for my outburst." Immediately, the girl lowered her voice. This battle was a lost cause. She couldn't have won this one.

[shsltutor-deactivated20141105]

"I have been kidnapped against my will and forced into a competition of murder. The answer to your question is no. Also no we haven’t met… ever. Who are you?"

[shslsomnologist]

…what a blunt way of saying things. Feeling slightly intimidated, she held out her hand. “I’m Yuuna Mikami. It’s nice to meet you…you? You are…?”

[shsltutor-deactivated20141105]

Manabu took it, shaking the hand stiffly. “Manabu Hageshiku, Tutor, I assume you actually were awake for this whole trial? I don’t even remenber getting into this room, i assume i was dragged here by Squeaks or something.”

[shslsomnologist]

Squeaks? Who could possibly be named Squeaks? Oh, right. Monobear. It took Yuuna a moment to recollect her thoughts and to focus on the greeting at hand. Well, literally at hand, considering she was holding his.

"I'll be honest...I don't remember much of the trial either. I wasn't really paying attention. I'm not too good at that kind of stuff," she chuckled nervously. "I'm just glad justice was served."

[tweeboxpuppetshow]

Gone With the Wind | Trial Reaction

[tweeboxpuppetshow]

The redhead relaxed against the wall again, watching the girl out of the corner of their eye. Was she alright? She must be tougher than she looked for not breaking down. With a sigh Harue offered what they hoped was a comforting pat on the shoulder, listening quietly to her speak.

"Justice…." Their hand slid off her shoulder and fell back to their side, their gaze traveling with it as they paused. Surprisingly enough their smile grew just a bit, and a laugh broke through. "I’ll be honest, thinking about it as justice does take a little weight off my conscience. It’s not much different from the death penalty, eh? So, thanks for that tidbit then. And I have to say I agree, there’s no good reason for killing."

[shslsomnologist]

With a sigh of relief, Yuuna nodded towards her new friend. She had successfully gotten her thoughts across! That was certainly an accomplishment that deserved to be celebrated! She sat herself down on the floor happily (why stand when you can sit?), carefully checking her skirt to avoid her panties from showing. 

"I'm glad I could help," she remarked. "I just hope something like this doesn't happen again...How could one fall under the power of despair so easily? That's what I'm wondering."

[shsltutor-deactivated20141105]

"I have been kidnapped against my will and forced into a competition of murder. The answer to your question is no. Also no we haven't met... ever. Who are you?"

[shslsomnologist]

...what a blunt way of saying things. Feeling slightly intimidated, she held out her hand. "I'm Yuuna Mikami. It's nice to meet you...you? You are...?"

[ultimatemisfortune]

I Tried To Make a Foodfight Joke But None Came To Mind [open starter]

[ultimatemisfortune]

'that's it. Dandu thought. ‘It’s my personal mission to make this girl lose it.’

"Yeah, pretty outspoken." Dandu answered, flashing a smile. "You seem more like the dreamy type. always off in your own stupid little fantasy world, eh?" He said, smirking and taking another huge bite of sandwich.

[shslsomnologist]

Stupid...?

She turned away from the boy to hide her tears, mixing her rice with a fork as a distraction from this awful interaction. Her lip quivered as she hid her face in her scarf. Riiiight, Yuuna. Hiding from the problem is making her look strong. She silently scolded herself as she put the food into a bowl.

"It isn't stupid..." she trembled while fighting back tears. "It's magical...a fantasy made for fun." Yuuna couldn't help but look the jerk in the eye as she finished speaking. What happened to him to make him such a bitter person? Was he like this to all people? Only strangers? Countless questions of hope filled the negative atmosphere of her mind. Why she wanted hope for Dandu, she didn't know. Why she couldn't stick up for herself efficiently, she could definitely explain...

[ultimatemisfortune]

I Tried To Make a Foodfight Joke But None Came To Mind [open starter]

[ultimatemisfortune]

Dandu furrowed his brow in thought, taking a sip of his water.

'the girl seems to have a thing with dreams, I guess. not enough for a nickname yet, though. further study is required.' he thought, screwing the lid back onto his water and putting it down next to his sandwich.

"Who cares if dreaming gets damaged or whatever? food is good." He stated in a matter of fact sort of tone, staring down at the hand but not reaching out to it. "Oh yeah, name’s Dandu."

[shslsomnologist]

With a slight pout to her lip, Yuuna poked at her scarf in frustration. Clearly, this guy didn't care for others whatsoever. He lacked compassion, and clearly, Yuuna was losing patience. She raised an eyebrow and went back to tending to her rice. "You're quite the outspoken person, aren't you?" Despite the rudeness she was receiving, the somnologist refused to lose her cool.

[tweeboxpuppetshow]

Gone With the Wind | Trial Reaction

[tweeboxpuppetshow]

Alright wasn’t even close to the first word Harue would’ve used to describe how they felt, but hey, they weren’t breaking down in tears and being overwhlmed with horror, were they? Nah, the dull melancholy was alright. Besides, the girl just seemed to radiate….not fragility, but some gentleness, and the thought of disrupting that wasn’t the best.

"I’m fine." They nodded with a small smile, snuffing out the lit end of their cigarette. "Sure, I really could’ve gone without seeing someone churned into honey, but I’ll live. How about you? I hope it didn’t hit you too hard, Mikami-chan was it?"

[shslsomnologist]

She leaned herself against the wall and hung head head low. Thankfully, a good person like Okudaira was unharmed by the gruesome presentation. That bear surely got a kick from ruining people's lives...how could despair bring someone such a disgusting sense of jubilation? She was baffled.

"Although I feel terrible for Ellie...I'm thankful that justice was served. Surely, losing one's possessions is not a respectable motive for murder...as if there already was a respectable motive out there!" Yuuna stumbled on her words. She had said something out of line...Okudaira wouldn't be too phased by her statement, right? She laughed anxiously as she twirled her hair in her fingers.

[ultimatemisfortune]

I Tried To Make a Foodfight Joke But None Came To Mind [open starter]

[ultimatemisfortune]

Dandu smiled. looks like he pushed a button or two. maybe even made the girl feel bad over it. Nice.

"Well that ain’t any fun." He responded, walking to the fridge to get a drink. He pulled a water bottle out and twisted it open. "May as well eat nothing, if that’s all you’re gonna have." Dandu commented between sips of water, leaning back against the fridge.

[shslsomnologist]

"Ah, I have no problem with it, really. Eating a heavy meal before sleeping does nothing but damage the dreaming process," she stated. Oh, her water was boiling. Lovely! Yuuna turned off the heat, added the rice, and put the lid back on the pot as she filled a glass with water. "What is your name, by the way? I believe we haven't met yet!" With a shaky hand, she reached to him. "My name is Yuuna Mikami. It is a pleasure to meet you."

[shslacapellasatan]

Honey...Why The Fuck Would You Ruin Honey For Me? [OPEN REACTION STARTER]

[shslacapellasatan]

Kimmy turned to look at the girl and- whoa…she definitely did not recognize this cutie from the trial. Coughing into her hand, Kimmy gave the girl one of her award winning smiles…and by award winning she could probably win something for acting from it.  

"Oh? Well, I’m glad to see a sweetie like you feel safe then~ After all…wouldn’t want your pretty little face to get hurt, right sweet heart? C’mon now, I don’t think I ever met you before! Ohohohohoho! What’s your name? Mine’s Kimmy, Kimmy Engel. Acapella Singer…maybe you’ve heard of me~?"

She posed, winking and giving a peace sign. It wasn’t much, but it was the pose she was most known for…as boring as she found it.

[shslsomnologist]

As obnoxious as the girl portrayed herself to be, Yuuna didn't sense any sort of satanic or evil qualities whatsoever from Kimmy. She shook her head with a blank smile on her face, instantly intrigued. "I have not, actually. I'm not very knowledgeable in the genre. Music isn't really my thing..." she stated, her voice trailing off. "My specialty is somnology!"

[ultimatemisfortune]

I Tried To Make a Foodfight Joke But None Came To Mind [open starter]

[ultimatemisfortune]

"Hopin to catch flies in that mouth? If so, use honey. If not, close your mouth and stop staring." Dandu said, turning back to his sandwich and beginning to take huge bites, chewing with his mouth open. After swallowing a few bites, he looked to see what she was making.

"Rice?" He asked. "Pretty bland. Lemme guess, can’t stomach much after that trial?"

[shslsomnologist]

After a few blinks, Yuuna finally regained her composure. She was lost in thought again and ended up embarrassing herself in front of a stranger....of course this first impression wasn't going too well. In slight disgust at the boy's horrible manners, she brushed her skirt off with the tips of her fingers.

"You're partially correct" she passively denied. "Yes, I'd like a lighter meal after that catastrophe....but I also have a particularly bland sense of taste. I like things like this."

[tweeboxpuppetshow]

Gone With the Wind | Trial Reaction

[tweeboxpuppetshow]

"Yeah, I guess smoking’s not too good for that, eh? Well, it’s not great for much of anything, really."

The box was shoved into the bag hanging at their side, and they gave it a pat before letting their arm fall to rest beside it. Another puff of smoke, and Harue turned to glance at the girl. They hadn’t met, had they? Maybe during the trial they’d caught a glimpse of her, but beyond that she was a stranger.

Putting on the best smile they could muster, they bowed, holding out a hand to shake.

"I hope you can sleep easy tonight despite that scene, heh. I’m Harue Okudaira, by the way."

[shslsomnologist]

With a small smile, Yuuna delicately shook their hand and fixed her scarf with the other. Thankfully, this Harue Okudaira seemed to be a kind one. She had met a wide variety of characters in her time at the castle, so it was comforting to meet someone whose first impression wasn't intimidating or awkward or uncomfortable or anything like that. "My name is Yuuna Mikami. It's a pleasure to meet you as well," she greeted. "I just wanted to ask...are you all right? I'd imagine some would be shaken after the execution..."