One would think a bartender as charismatic as Niko would find it easy to speak in public. And generally, he does! But…
These are millions of people.
So when the attention falls on him, oddly for many, he slants his body backwards while his head shrinks down into his shoulders. It doesn’t last too long. After an eye twitch, he straightens himself up while clearing his throat.
“There’s not much for me to say.”
There’s not much he wants to say.
“I’m sure the rest has explained and will explain this issue better than I will. All that’s left for me to express is that we’d appreciate your help. Make sure to dream about us coming home safely, maintaining the dreamscape’s stability and for the Vanishing to never occur again.”
As he states that his eyes narrow, still in disbelief that this is their grand finale. Ridiculous. But if it really will work, then he has to convince his audience!
“It’s…no surprise the mind is a powerful tool. Now more than ever we can understand that it’s quite literally powerful. So surely charging it with this positive energy we’re asking from you will also benefit your lives.”
The perfect slogan, along with a handsome face. This will surely sell. He’s about to leave. But after a halt, he chuckles and faces what he assumes are the cameras again.
“They’ll thank me for this. So as a final note, subscribe to dr0sera. With a zero. Have a good night.”
Surely, surely they will thank him for it.
As straight-to-the-point and relevant as usual. The man who has been known as Khaski has always been a private person, after all. Husky, like the dog breed closest to the lone wolf. It’s not as if he can’t personally talk to his mom and employees once he’s back, which will be very soon.
Niko can feel it, that this will finally be over. Very soon.
So as he is walking away from the spotlight with hands behind his back, a mix of joy and relief overflows within him. Turning his serious steps into a trot and stupid giddy laughter. At last! The torture is over. One that above all, he rather not forget. Because like it or not, he went through it with people that made his lonely life a little more full.
Khaskis, as close to wolves as they are, are still dogs.
And one of those people is his first target: Avery. Who is unsuspectingly hugged, and this time it’s Niko who starts it.
“Fucking finally.”
Let’s hope the millions of people don’t hear him say that. He pulls away after a few moments, hands on his friend’s shoulders next. A squeeze.
“Don’t you dare lose touch with me, alright? Not after all that trouble you made me go through.”
He says this in the most endearing way, I promise. While also handing her his bowtie as a prize for completing his friendship route. Whatever comes next, he turns to the rest of the group once that’s done.
“I’m sure it will be easy to find a bar called Bar-K in Saint Petersburg owned by a Nikolai Ledyanoyov. So, when we’re back, give it a good rating.“
A wink
“And a call. I’d like to be kept updated on how everyone is doing.”
He especially glances at Hoshi, who he had grown rather fond of through the artist’s growth from little shit with an attitude to little shit with an attitude making better decisions.
Leslie, who was always a nice company. He can look past this funky killing his friend now that everyone else is alive. Fair game.
Ichi, regardless of his involvement. What a fascinating thing, no, person he was. Of course he’d want to know what happens next.
Even Elise gets a quick happy glance.
If the rest wish to contact him too then sure, he’ll get them a drink or a few words as he’s always done.
Now that he’s moved away from Avery he walks over to Minami and gently grabs her hand, feigning to kiss it while bowing.
“Don’t think I’ve forgotten about our vacation plans. I’m looking forward to meeting Daishin.“
A laugh, then he cups her hand with his free one, giving her a little smile.
His freedom enthusiasm dies down at last, when he turns to face the man behind it all. There’s a lot he wants to say. There’s always been a lot.
You hurt me, But so did I. You hurt me and that means I cared. I care. So, for once, I want to be the one to give you another chance. Let me see you again. Please.
However, the words are stuck in his throat. Only loud in his mind. It’s a little painful, it shows so in his wistful glassy look aimed at Eunsang. There’s a long pause, until he simply and slowly grabs the gloved hand with his own. Maybe for the last time.