here's yoshiki's items for any of those who were actually curious l a ughs:
(1) Music Box - A small, white box that can be wound up and play a very short, pretty tune. It’s edges are decorated with gold paint, but the paint seems chipped and no longer fresh, whilst the tune is simplistic and resembles an old nursery rhyme.
(2) Flower Crown - A set of multiple pastel-colored flowers are connected to form a crown one can wear on their head. Wearing one has become a recent fad, though no matter who wears it it seems to give an air of peace and tranquility.
(3) Talisman - An inscribed ring that is said to have been crafted by a mage of some sort. There are claims that it can supposedly protect its wearer from any severe bad luck.
(4) First-Aid Kit - A small case containing a roll of bandages, gauze, and tweezers. While it may be severely lacking, it also happens to be extremely portable! You can’t have everything, you know?
(5) Painted Sunglasses - A pair of sunglasses that have their lenses painted completely black. This may render them completely useless for seeing anything, but it does do a pretty decent job of making you look as cool as ever at least.
(6) Wooden Recorder - A completely functional wooden alto recorder measuring 47 cm with a protective case to carry it around with ease. It’s not plastic, but its sound might still give some memories to some strange internet covers or western elementary classes.
(7) Music Folder - A folder full of sheet music for an ensemble. It all seems to be the same music for a piece titled “The Lost Lady Found.” With the wide diversity of instruments included that can play it, if you play a non-string instrument it seems as if you too could learn the song! ...With practice.
(8) Whistle - A small, silver whistle that creates a sharp, loud noise when you blow into it. It’s connected to a piece of string so that someone can wrap it around their neck and wear it around for convenience’s sake.
(9) Noise-Makers - A colorful and festive bundle of noise-makers for you to share among a party of friends to probably piss of your neighbors with. Just blow into them and instant party! ...Ideally.
(10) Tropical Fruits Basket - A colorful basket holding a large assortment of various tropical fruits including, for example, a pineapple, dragon fruit, and jackfruit. They can be eaten on their own, or used in a dish.
if there's anything from my application i've been meaning to show, it's the murder prompt aka too many paragraphs of popcorn 8//
i'm hoping it's easy enough to read?? cause there's dialogue god help me
(tw: slit throats)
Today was the day. Trembling, Yoshiki Shouda attempted to calm his nerves by reaching for the small music box in his jacket’s inside pocket. Turning the key, his breath was choppy as his mood was antsy and tense. It was ultimately the quiet tune that played that pacified himself if only briefly. He required steady hands and a calm mind if he was to go through with his plans. Procrastination would only make the pain last longer, and someone would meet a horrific, gruesome end.
Someone had to play a part in the bloody cycle, and he had decided it would be him.
Once the song ceased, Shouda let out a sigh and returned the music box to his jacket’s pocket. He sat restlessly in the dining hall, his fingers scratching at each other. His foot tapping impatiently, he checked to make sure everything was there and prepared. In his jacket’s inside pocket snugged tightly next to the music box was a very small blade. It could only be used for precise cuts, which suited him just fine. He just hoped he knew what he was doing. In his pant’s pocket was a small bag with a few sleeping tablets. Carrying around a bottle was too risky, as anyone would be able to notice it on his person. No, he could do just fine with a very little plastic bag hidden in plain sight since it would not bulge out at his side. It was almost too perfect.
There was a tremendous set-up, and no matter how nervous he was, the show must go on he had reasoned. After all, he had even taken the effort to attempt to befriend this person in the short period of time between the motive announcement and that hour. Trust was essential if he was going to free them of the waking world peacefully. He had no intention to be merciless in this killing. In fact, it was the exact opposite-- he hoped to give them a painless death.
Still, despite the amount of times he had repeated the ideal procedure within his head, the boy had his doubts. It was one difficult task to lure someone to somewhere, but then it was an even harder task to let him into their private sleeping quarters. The only thing that prevented him from cursing himself further for making such a risky plan was his victim choice. Pleased to see them walk into the dining hall, Shouda practically jumped out of his seat to greet them with a big, toothy grin and an upbeat tone. Pulling out a pair of drumsticks, Shouda played around with them in his hand as he spoke, “Heeeey there, I thought I’d end up snoring just waiting for you, all helpless! What took you so long?”
All the words that poured out of their mouth slipped right past his ears. Any potential for playful banter swept by and was instead replaced by a rush of impatience that took a strong, firm hold of the recorder player. His trademark laughter entered the scene the moment he noticed the other’s lips shut, its pitch higher than it typically was. Ending it abruptly with a fake cough into his free hand, he put on a sheepish smile and asked, “Hey, how about I fetch you something? I’m preeetty hungry, and wouldn’t mind snooping around the kitchen for us. Nyeh heh heh, get it? ‘Snoop’ like ‘Snoopy the dog’ or I guess ‘Snoop Dogg’ since I said ‘fetch’? Eeeeh, that was probably my worst pun yet. Sorry, I’ll try and toss a better one next time-- you’ll just have to catch it, hee hee!”
Holding up a finger in front of the other’s mouth, the musician wagged it a little before turning to the kitchen with a wink. His back facing whom was to be a lovely corpse soon, Shouda frowned. He rushed it. A plan that was all too delicate and relied somewhat on smooth timing was going to crumble, because for once Shouda could not help but screw up on pacing. Brilliant. Muttering incomprehensible curses under his breath, the boy entered the kitchen. Having been in here prior, Shouda was glad he had thought about what he was to serve in advance. Shouda placed his drumsticks on the edge of a counter before he worked to make a bowl of popcorn. Something salty was key, as he hastily filled two glasses with water. Peering around nervously, he took out the small plastic bag from inside his jacket and placed two sleeping pills inside one glass, leaving the bag with a few pills left on the counter. He gave the unchanged glass a straw so he could differentiate the two. Waiting for the pill to dissolve was no issue, but he was concerned about how fast-acting or powerful it was. He could only stall time for so long, and it was definitely no chloroform or hit to knock someone out.
Busting out of the kitchen with the bowl of popcorn, he rushed over towards his target. “I’m not much of a picture, but hey, a good ol’ sample of popcorn’s good too, right?” he laughed. Forcing a big, exaggerated gasp, his eyes grew wide. “Shoot! Man, I knew I was totally forgetting something!” he exclaimed, snapping his fingers as he struggled to keep the bowl in his arm’s hold. “I don’t know how you watch your pictures, but I’d DIE of thirst if I didn’t have both a hand of popcorn and a cup of water at my sides! And a fist of justice too, but that’s another thing entirely, heh heh! Hold up, lemme go take care of that-- be back in a jiffy!”
Setting the bowl down on the table near the other, his hands let go and he dashed back to the kitchen before he’d be forced into an discomforting spot with an awkward conversation. He picked up the glasses, elated to see the pill dissolved (or rather the lack of a pill… hopefully) in the liquid. Carrying it back, Shouda sat down and slid the cup to them. Keeping an iron grip on his own, he took a quick sip before sighing in relief.
“Sorry ‘bout all that mess-- I’m no fan of getting all tangled up, you know? I just wanted to get rid of all that business so we could sit down and junk! So, ease yourself, cause I wanted to get to know you over a li’l snack, crackle, and pop! The snap got left in the dust, whoops,” the boy attempted to explain his previous behavior, even if it was a lie. He needed to place the other at comfort, and so he engaged in a conversation with the other, forcing a grin the whole way through as his body began to grow tense. No matter how long it took to get things rolling, he would stall time and hope for the best. If there was a time he required to be on his feet with interesting responses and smooth transitions to new topics to keep the fire going, it was now.
Unsure of how long he was alone with his fellow classmate in the dining hall, his eyes shimmered with hope as he heard a yawn. He could wait it out a little longer, but his restlessness got the better of him as he blurted out, “Hooo-ey, that was quite the yawn you got there! Am I boring you, or am I enchanting you to the point you might fall head over heels? Hyuk hyuk, I’m impressed either way! I’m no snooze-fest or Prince Charming, you know? At least, not yet, anyway. I’ve been wondering if there was some slipper I could snatch-- then I’ll be it!”
Thankful that the other had ignored his comment, Shouda listened carefully this time to their words as they simply agreed to his statement, though they did note their confusion considering the time of day. “What I’d do to get tired this time of day! But nah, I need a damn pat on the head to knock the living daylights outta me and get a nice ol’ nap. Luck’s no graceful lady for me, oh no-- he’s a grown-ass man who’s out for my head!” the recorder player groaned, rubbing the back of his head to perhaps exaggerate his words. Breaking out another smile, Shouda offered, “Hey, I know you’re all weak and everything, no offense or anything, so… I can like, accompany you to your room if you need some rest. I hope I’m as noteworthy as your company as I am a musician, nya ha ha hah! And that I’m not jumping any fences or anything.”
The moment he saw the tired nod of their head, he released his grip on his glass and stood up, holding a hand out to them. Whilst they may be infamous for being weaker than everybody and probably easily tossed about, he wasn’t risking wearing out his arms in an attempt to carry them all the way to their room. No, he needed those arms for later. A weak arm is a practically useless anchor.
Surprised to feel the dainty touch of their hand, his eyes grew wide before his expression softened and he let loose a small snicker. Taking a grip on their hand, he squeezed it tightly before leading them out of the dining hall with a hop and a dash. Things were looking up, and now he was on the course he had memorized. Taking the path numerous times in preparation for that moment, it all felt too natural to travel down towards his destination. His heart rate quickened as he felt worry-free if only for just a few minutes.
“This is your room, right?” he asked, keeping his hold on his classmate’s hand. Stopping before the door and looking up at it, it seemed like a foolish question for he was absolutely sure this was the right location. His suspicions were confirmed with a simple nod as they beamed. Retracting their hand from his grip, they rummaged around in their pockets to withdraw their card, unlocking the room.
This was it. This was the moment he had been waiting for. Trying to hide his antsy mood, he motioned for them to enter and kept his mouth shut, his hand balling up into a fist being his back. Following after them into the room, he figured it was best he closed the door behind him. It also happened to be plain courteous, so that was a bonus.
Watching them climb into bed, he was relieved that he was not scolded for deciding to invite himself in. Instead, as he stood there idly, he could not help but notice how serene the atmosphere was. Hearing them call out to him only served to startle him which caused him to jump in surprise.
“Shouda-kun…? Could you…?” they muttered. Gulping his hand began to shake. Maybe he could do this another day, maybe he was not ready yet, and this was a sign. Of course, he would have to draft a whole new plan, but it was better than botching up this one entirely. Turning, he heard a more forceful exclamation, “Wait..!”
His head slowly turned to look over towards the fellow student as he stood there petrified. “W-Wait…?” he echoed, his voice hoarse and weak.
“Come closer,” they commanded gently. He simply gawked in disbelief, but soon snapped out of it and warily approached the figure on the bed. His eyebrow raised, his hands reached out and grabbed the edge of the blanket, letting the material touch his palms and fingertips. His signature cheeky grin had all but left, and his eyes were wide in fear. Yet, the other’s face was only calming. Was this some sort of lead-in for a dirty trick? Were the tables to be turned against him? Clenching his teeth, he waited and waited for the next move.
“Can you… stay a little… longer, Shouda-kun?” As if a spell was cast on him, his eyes closed and he bit his lip. This was no time to back pedal. He was being given a brilliant opportunity for his plan to unfold, and he could not be made a blubbering mess right before and thus unable to do anything. Unable to say anything at first despite ensuring he was not left empty-handed, he exhaled deeply and cracked a smile.
“Y-Yeah. Sure thing! I’ll stay here as long as you want-- hell, I could become a statue and cement myself here if that’s what you want! Just say it, and poof! Your wish is my command.” There was a moment of silence before a giggle filled the room.
“Thanks, but I won’t make you stay that long. Just until… I fall asleep… okay?” they said. Hesitating, Shouda answered.
“I won’t guarantee I’ll know when you’re off in another land of bliss and wonder and totally not this smelly, rotten place, but sure! Eheheh, you can count on that much.” Releasing the blanket from his hands, he slowly lowered himself to the floor and began to wait once more. If he was not fixated on succumbing to his temptation to murder, he might have drifted off to sleep himself, but no-- he was on a mission. He had to make sure the goal was fulfilled.
Sighing, he stared up at the ceiling and rose to check up on the other’s state every now and then. They could very well be feigning sleep, so he would have to give it a little more time before he did anything drastic. Perhaps it would have been a good idea to test those sleeping pills on himself prior to initiating the plan. Well, he was here now and there was no such thing as time travel to change their fates.
Growing too impatient to wallow in his own thoughts and let himself talk himself out of this course of action, he stood up and tapped a finger against the student’s shoulder multiple times. Satisfied that there was no response, he reached into his jacket and took out the small blade. Carefully, he climbed up onto the bed and positioned himself over their body.
Inhaling and exhaling, he attempted to purge his mind of any thoughts besides what to do next. The awkward pose he was in should be the last of his worries when he was about to assault someone. Attempting to keep his balance, he raised his trembling hand holding the blade and began to do his dirty work.
All he had needed to do was slit their throat and call it a day. Yet it was not the cleanest job. Never did anything ever run according to plan. In his attempt to kill them, he was making a dreadful mess. Blood was getting everywhere, and all he had to thank was his cursed hand that could not manage to stay steady. For crying out loud this victim was going to die of blood loss if they weren’t dead already! He could only hope he had given them a swift death, but even then a death in his sleep sounded pleasant right now.
He got up and quickly got out of the bed, dropping the blade on the floor beside it. Dashing out, he refused to stay any longer to look at the other’s face with guilt. He needed to calm his mind, but somewhere else where there was no reminders of what he had just done. His body shaking whenever he’d stop and his vision becoming blurry as tears began to swell up, he knew not to make a scene. He needed security and safety, and he needed it now.
Oh, he was a dead man walking while someone else laid slain on their deathbed. He didn’t need to evade justice, yet his short legs carried him in a mad dash away from the scene as if he wanted it. Had he? Only time could tell. However, if he wished for that deep down, well he could bet he had left a few things behind, more importantly his drumsticks. Did he want to go fetch that though?
"…You know, for what your work is all about, your not so… hm, mysterious as I thought you’d be, keheheh.”
Apologies since this is probably pretty short??Yoshiki didn’t get an opinion of Misaki until after he was dead, and even then he kind of didn’t care too much? Like he recognized that she was doing a lot of stuff in trials and making hard claims, but he never really paid too much attention.
However, there was one very specific action she had done mid-way through the game that caused Yoshiki to start disliking her (hoorah for me being vague to avoid deadblog spoilers!). He didn’t know why she did it, but he had some idea as to why and he was pretty much ready to just throw a temper tantrum if it had come to fruition.
He was glad it got changed/revoked, but he still?? Kind of holds a very small grudge because of that one action. He’ll still talk and recognize that she’s intelligent and even respects how blunt she is since he kind of wishes he was able to do that himself, but he’ll be on edge nevertheless.
"Hana-chan… Er… I’m sorry for trying to dodge you for a while, but I… I’m… I’m head over heels for y—"…for a second chance to talk with you, heehee…"
Their only interaction when they were alive really impacted the musician?? like holy cow this dame really is interested in music and doesn’t think less of me for choosing the recorder?? what a miracle gal.
He was really interested in her curiosity, and he kind of got easily captivated by her attitude as a result? All the stuff they did that day ended up making the guy really smitten with her whoops„, He really believed that a whirlwind romance could work? Naivety at its finest.
The thing that really changed it all was when she died. He was utterly hurt by the news and kind of didn’t want to believe it?? So he ended up trying to avoid her and any mention of her. However, he did go to see her dead body to confirm things, and the fact that she was a robot kind of settled into his mind.
That really only hurt him more?? Because all he could think of was how his role model had tried to drill in his head that the only edge he would have was that he could be so full of emotion, and that robots don’t have any?? So the day that a robot could display feelings was kind of the day that he should give up and surrender? (this sounds rlly weird out of context but just roll with it…)
It kind of complicated matters, because he didn’t want to suddenly disregard the fact that Hana clearly could convey emotions? Especially since it was kind of the reason he fell for her? But he really lived his life by his role model’s teachings because music was his entire life. It was the reason why he was able to talk without much care and have such an upbeat attitude. He didn’t know what to do at that point tbh…
So he kept on avoiding Hana so he wouldn’t have to. His romantic feelings for her probably died a little at this point, but he still had some dokis?? unrequited dokis but still dokis.
In the end, he kind of came to terms with it after being revived and came to a conclusion that it didn’t matter. All he wants to do now is just make up for all that time he dodged her and just have a relaxed, nice conversation. Be friends and all that jazz.
★ mmmm i'm really curious about how yoshiki thinks of noriaki actually?? bruh
"……"
(tw: implied family abuse sort of?? idk i tried not to be too blatant in me saying it but eeeh)
Yoshiki’s opinion of Noriaki is pretty complicated? Like at first he kind of liked the guy, and had it not been for the fact that he was his killer his opinion of him would have been pretty high!
Not to say that Yoshiki does not respect the guy, but there’s a few things stopping him from being able to praise him. First, the method of murder.
Yoshiki hates pain, especially drawn-out torture. Yoshiki kind of saw his last few days alive as precisely that. It was slowly killing him, and he would have preferred to have just been stabbed and call it a day. He didn’t even realize he was dying nor the fact that he was dead until a while after he entered the dead blog? He kind of thought his whole death was his own fault, and so was pretty willing to be sympathetic to Noriaki.
That was, until he realized Noriaki had been the one to end his life.
Yoshiki was, at first, infuriated and out for his blood, until he had a conversation with Shigeru. That was the point where his mind kind of replaced Noriaki? Instead of the Super High School Level Webcomic Artist, Yoshiki saw his own father.
Because of this, Yoshiki kind of grew weak and cowardly? Like he didn’t know how to interact with Noriaki without instinctively thinking, “fUCK OFF DAD!!”
A lot of his anger was kept inside of him, and he was too afraid to speak to Noriaki about it in fear that he would get harmed by him. He wanted a haven, but Noriaki was the one thing keeping him on edge.
It’s not like he did not realize that the artist and his own father were separate people. That also prevented him from acting out against him, because he was more willing to forgive an individual who harmed him once for a specific cause than his own dad. Had Noriaki had killed him quickly and painlessly, he would not have harbored any ill will, but instead he was tied between wanting to forgive him and wanting to kill him.
When Yoshiki got revived, he honestly just wanted to have a talk with the other over the radio. This way, he wouldn’t have to be afraid of getting hurt because the two were unable to interact physically. He could expel all of his feelings (whether or not Noriaki would actually bother to listen to them is another factor entirely) and just?? figure it out from that.
All in all, Yoshiki wouldn’t mind talking to Noriaki, but he probably would be a lot more hesitant to speak at all if the two were in the same room and could actually see each other.
"Persnickitty… Or do you like ‘Seung’ better? Oh, well, that doesn’t matter, because you could be called Astronomical Douchebag, and that wouldn’t change the fact that I don’t regret ever, ever meeting you. Not even a little bit! I… would have waited ages to meet you again, but… I guess I don’t have to, right? Heck, once things are all said and done with, I’ll tag along wherever you’re headed! …If that’s okay and all, heheh.”
When the two first met, Yoshiki honestly could not have predicted how much he would be affected by the other. He kind of just expected them to mutually respect each other for their affinity of puns and then call it day, never ever to go past the stage of ‘Oh hey, I met this one guy who ____’.
Then after Yoshiki’s life kind of was going downhill, it was kind of shocking to see Seung barge through the door and have concern (even if it wasn’t the most compassionate way to show it). Yoshiki really appreciated the fact that someone was actively trying to keep him well and alive, and he had no idea how exactly to react to it other than trying to confirm that the other really was genuine in his reactions. It was one of the first instances someone had ever done such a thing for him as opposed to just leaving him to wallow in his misery. It definitely left an imprint in his mind of the Starcraft player.
Of course, after Yoshiki died, he kind of accepted the fact that he probably shouldn’t dwell on previous friendships, but then the ability to communicate with the dead occurred and it was a game changer. Suddenly, Yoshiki revolved his life around being able to have another conversation with this guy who he had known for only a week or so.
One of the conversations they had ended up fueling their friendship a lot? And he ended up being really concerned for the other. It was kind of like a ‘Oh God someone’s actually coming to me in their hour of need what do I do???’ Seung just ended up rising in importance from that point onward.
Yoshiki kind of became pretty attached and protective of the gamer, even if they weren’t able to interact without the radio room. Seung really brought out Yoshiki’s impulsiveness and raw emotions without the whole laughing bit to cover it up.
Him being revived was probably the best case scenario since Yoshiki would have been so upset if Seung had died? He might have just ignored him after death simply because he would not want to believe that fact that he would be dead.
The recorder player was extremely excited about being reunited, because ‘holy shit?? i can?? grab his attention and talk at any time i want??’
That’s an awkward way to end, but uh, final verdict is that Yoshiki would definitely follow Seung to the ends of the earth tbh. It’s a strong bond he’s never really experienced before that ended up in happiness?? Woah!
"Ahh… Well, sorry to inform you that I never followed your advice. I guess I’ve grown a little soft, heheh…"
If anything, Shigeru definitely frightens Yoshiki on an astronomical level. Yoshiki never really talked to or saw Malachi, so Shigeru really ended up being his first impression of the guy, and oh boy was that one first impression.
Their conversation really brought to light how much Yoshiki hates pain. As a result, it kind of made him uncomfortable? But the way Shigeru spoke ended up forcing Yoshiki to pay attention and really consider what he was saying. If anything, it was one of the first instances where Yoshiki was really thinking about how his laughing problem and the root of it was really messed up?
In any case, Yoshiki probably would not prefer to have another conversation other than to say that he couldn’t do what was suggested, but he doesn’t dislike him really? Kid just wants to scoot far, far away.
