Tsutaeru News' Top Journalist

Official blog of the SHSL Journalist, Hikaru Kakimasu. Currently affiliated with Exaivi - Ephemeral

[officialassistant]

thebestshsljournalist​:

Hikaru crosses his arms, tapping his right forearm with his left fingers with a frown as he listens to Naruki, and eventually nods slowly as he finishes.

“…Yeah, I suppose so. It’s…growing up, things weren’t so easy. My dads were never well off, things were hard. They both worked themselves to the bone for my sake, so…from the moment I was old enough I knew I had to pay them back.”

…

“…One of my dads, he’s…he’s in prison right now. For stopping an attempt on my life, he killed the person who wanted to…to kill me. Because I was successful, because I was becoming a better journalist than him.”

“…It’s hard to trust people, I’ve gotten so used to the headspace of a journalist, and things are just…easier if I’m working. The more money I make the more comfortable my dad back home is, and I can ensure once my other dad is out of prison they have a great retirement. And…when I’m working, I don’t think as much I guess. If I’m focusing on the problems of others, if I’m focusing on being productive, if I’m just…getting a story, and forgetting my own story, then it’s easier to get by.”

“…It’s better than feeling useless. It’s better than having to think about how the people who did everything to give me a good life even now suffer day in and day out for me, because of me. I need to be the best…I need to pay them back. I can’t ever do things halfway, they deserve all I can give…”

Hikaru sighs, looking away, a bit sombre and a bit embarrassed by his own rambling.

“…I don’t really tell people about myself, but I guess I can tell you wouldn’t see any reason to spread it, or use it against me. You aren’t like the people I work with…”

“Mmm… looks like we aren’t too different on that front. Family also had a bit of money problems which is why I took up internships and work to help cover their debts and since that was really the only way I could’ve contributed at the time. Taking every little thing about my job so seriously was what wound me out of commission for a while though… So I just focus on making the most use out of the little time I have to get things done without overworking myself into an early grave while making sure my colleagues don’t needa deal with anything like that either.”

Naruki straightens his posture a slight bit while he nods along though.

“But yikes… I personally never had to deal with anything like that, but I’m sorry with what you were dealt with.”

To be honest, he was rather curious on how Hikaru hasn’t had any news broken about him regarding any attacks despite his nature in the type of job he worked, but at least that solved his answer.

“Well If this happens to end smoothly somehow, chances are that I’d have no reason to spread something like that around. Hearing gossip is already exhausting enough, so I dunno why I’d spread the word myself.“

[thebestshsljournalist]

Hikaru manages a small, genuine smile. It’s such a rare look on his face, to see him smile without smugness or taunting.

“...Thanks. You’re...You’re alright, Naruki. I guess...”

Hikaru looks away, coughing slightly. Maybe in a different circumstance, maybe if Hikaru had his shit together a bit more, he’d consider prodding a little here for...something. But as it stands, Hikaru is happy to just slump further into his chair, feeling the stress dispel from his body as he has finally shared his burdens with another person, for once.

“Well, maybe we could both learn a thing or two from each other, hm? For one, maybe I could teach you how to make a proper coffee!”

Hikaru holds up his cup of coffee with a small laugh, it’s clearly spoken in jest.

[ephemeralxiv]

Escape Artist | Hikaru | Chapter 4 | Closed @ Junko

Art room…a room like this doesn’t interest Hikaru at all, but there’s no harm in just searching wherever for…whatever he can find. Sometimes clues emerge in unsuspecting places, if Hikaru is lucky this might just be one of them.

…

He isn’t too hopeful, though.

[shirowinery]

No clues I’m especially aware of, but there is Junko! She’s fingerpainting. She’s kind of making a mess everywhere, to be honest. It’s hard to read on her face, but she feels almost what she thinks is agitation. Why does this have to keep happening? And there’s not much she can do except sit here and paint.

”…Hi.”

….That’s it, apparently.

[thebestshsljournalist]

“...Hey.”

Hikaru isn’t going to complain about a lack of conversation, he never has been and probably never will be the best conversationalist. He stands nearby, loitering really, deciding to just watch Junko for a few moments.

[whatsthestoryinkairaimori]

thebestshsljournalist​:

“I don’t like lying. I’m not going to apologize for something I’m not sorry for.”

That’s pretty straightforward and understandable. Either way, Hikaru waves a hand dismissively.

“Seen anything around that could be used for lock picking? Bobby pin, screw driver?”

Back on task, Hikaru doesn’t have an interest in continuing this conversation whatsoever. If Jin hasn’t, or won’t comply, then he can go search for himself.

So that was how he was going to be. Fine, then.

“I suppose that settles the matter of whether you’d apologize or die first. Hardly shocking you’re too stubborn to concede even a bit. A life without compromise is no life at all, Kakimasu, though with how you’ve been acting I’d be surprised if you had much longer to realize that for yourself.”

Jin would consider the few helpful things he’s done as compromise, even if most of them also just so happened to be in his best interest. Getting the wrong answer during a trial was simply not something he wanted, and if that meant cooperating with the others to get there, so be it.

“There’s screwdrivers in the wood shop, but that’s your risk to take. I’m not going to be an accomplice to potential property damage, considering these things are probably locked for a reason.”

Of course, if Hikaru was actually going to go for it, he’d love to stick around just to see what would happen when someone did break one of the rules.

[thebestshsljournalist]

Hikaru shrugs, standing up.

“The wood shop it is, then…besides, if you pick a lock properly it won’t cause any damage.”

Hikaru seriously has little to say to Jin, he simply moves to depart as long as Jin isn’t going to try to stop him.

[whatsthestoryinkairaimori]

”I don’t think using a screwdriver constitutes ‘proper’ lock picking. Have fun with that, Kakimasu.”

Jin had no desire to stop Hikaru. Why would he? This conversation, if it could be called that, was heavily one-sided and going nowhere fast. Unsurprising enough, he supposed. He’d never met a journalist he’d actually liked, though the number of journalists he’d met was… not high. For an occupation meant to be so objective and aware, they’d only ever been ignorant in his experience.

“I’m not going to miss you once you’re gone, and I doubt anyone else will either. Bye now.”

Spoken so condescendingly and. Vaguely threateningly. Cool.

[thebestshsljournalist]

“I could say the same for you.”

Hikaru walks by Jin after those last words, exiting the room.

[ephemeralxiv]

The Show Must Go On | Chapter Four | Hikaru | Closed @ Cris

Hikaru enters the auditorium, at this point just lumbering through each area without purpose, just trying to fill the vacant time with movement. 

72 hours…or was it 71? 70? At this point it’s lost to him, what matters is that within that time someone will probably be dead again. As this sick game has unfolded, Hikaru again and again has failed to find any means of escape or helping. It’s exhausting…yet, sitting idly by has never been his style either. Perhaps that’s why he just compulsively paces the auditorium, just trying to trick his mind with faux productivity.

Auditorium…Hikaru can’t help but wonder what this place would be used for, if not for this game. There’s plenty of possibilities, obviously various stage plays, musical performances, or…ooh! Presentations! Educational presentations…Hikaru you nerd, of course that’s what you’d hope to see up on this stage.

[shsl-polo-athlete]

Cris was honestly a bit miffed.There was of course the matter of Miharu not revealing what she saw that drove her to accidental murder. But what was really ruffling Cris’ feathers was the stagnant atmosphere. Maybe it was normal for this blanket of confusion to overcome them following each murder, trial, and execution, but suffocation was suffocation, and Cris wanted fresh air.

Of course there was no actual access to the outside world, no door obviously, and not so much as a card-sized window, so Cris settled for the auditorium. It was smaller than the planetarium but much brighter, and the stage was certainly eye-catching.

He had wandered behind the curtains of the stage when Hikaru arrived, and nearly stepped into the light before he noticed Hikaru pacing there. Instead he retreated into the curtains, seeking out the extensive lighting system. 

It took a few tries – turning random knobs and flicking many switches – and definitely some strange abrupt lighting changes that were reverted as soon as they appeared, but Cris finally dimmed the lights in the auditorium. 

Then, Cris began a drumroll that picked up in speed, slapping his thighs with enough to force to make a noticeable sound. As the rhythm reached a speed he could no longer keep up, Cris stopped, halting all sound. He peeked into the seating area, careful to remain invisible to Hikaru. 

Then he leaped from the shadows to centre stage. The sound of his boots striking the stage echoed throughout the room. He struck a pose. 

“Welcome!” he boomed.

[thebestshsljournalist]

…

“…Huh?”

Hikaru stares up at Cris on the stage, perplexed. Clearly this is some sort of joke, or just the jock messing around, and Hikaru doesn’t have the energy to put up with it. He looks back down, returning to pacing. A bit rude, but okay.

…

Alright he does look back up, curious what exactly Cris is intending to do up on the stage now that he has gone and made a fool of himself.

[shsl-polo-athlete]

A moment after Hikaru’s lacklustre response, Cris dropped his hands to his sides and let his head fall back, letting out a groan that exaggerated his dissatisfaction. 

“Dios mío, you’re so boring,” 

He elongated the final word for unnecessary emphasis. 

Cris straightened his posture, huffed, and sauntered to the front edge of the stage. He easily sat himself on the edge with one fluid motion. 

“Ok kid, what’s got you grindin’ your heels against the aisle?” 

He leaned back on the heel of his palm, his voice as playful as ever, unaffected by his stoic audience. 

“There’s gotta be something,”

[thebestshsljournalist]

……

Is this guy for real? ‘What’s wrong?’, he’s essentially asking.

“…Well for one, I told you not to call me kid, so jot that down. Two, I do wonder what’s wrong, what with all the murder and death of our classmates? It’s one of the world’s greatest fucking mysteries why I’m not exactly inclined to partake in whatever silly shit you’re trying to do here. This isn’t the time nor the place to be cracking jokes.”

Jeez, touchy. Either way, he doesn’t seem genuinely angry at Cris or anything, he just looks tired and stressed. Probably hasn’t slept properly in…forever.

[shsl-polo-athlete]

Cris stretched his arms above his head in the typical ‘just woke up’ manner and slowly lowered onto his side, propping his head up with one hand against the side of his head, the other lazily draped across his torso. He was settling into a comfortable watching position. He may’ve been on the stage, but Hikaru was the show here. 

He let the silence stretch out between them. After a few more moments of Cris blankly watching Hikaru, a lop-sided smile dawned upon his face.

“You know I’m sorta surprised your hair isn’t completely white,”

Cris briefly lifted his head to reposition his hand, 

“Considering all the worrying you do,”

[thebestshsljournalist]

“Wh-Am I not supposed to be worrying?! We started with 14, half of us are dead, and anyone could be next! How do you suppose we don’t worry about that?”

Hikaru sighs, trying to cool off.

“…Sorry. I’m…as I’ve stated as very fair, on edge. I don’t get how you can be so casual and calm in a situation like this…”

[shsl-polo-athlete]

“You’re right,” Cris nodded, giving a half shrug. 

“Half of us are dead – but what are we?” Cris knocked his chest with his fist “Alive.” His eyes widened in a gesture that screamed ‘duh’. “I’m gonna act like it till I’m blown up,” 

Cris rolled onto his back, tucking his hand behind his head as he took note of the ceiling’s shape and colour for the first time. He nodded in acknowledgement of Hikaru’s apology, though Cris hadn’t expected it. The calm had filled Cris for some time now, he hadn’t tried to translate the feeling into words before but it was worth a shot. 

Cris hummed, his voice took on a distant quality, “We’re part of the lucky few. We have a rough idea of when all of this’ll end,”

[thebestshsljournalist]

“Huh...? You just...”

Hikaru sighs, gritting his teeth.

“Just because you’re alive, there’s no reason to worry? Are you thinking about what would even happen if we did get out of here alive? All those families, who’d have to learn their kid or sibling or...friend is dead.”

“Maybe it’s easy for you...you’re just some jock, you can leave here and go back to whatever wonderful life you have...I’m the journalist here, it’s my duty to make sure everyone knows what happened here, to make sure that those families get their closure...why would I expect anything from you? Feh...my mistake in the first place for ever thinking someone like you could understand...anything.”

“...Enjoy being ‘alive’. You’re right about one thing, we’re the lucky ones.”

[officialassistant]

thebestshsljournalist​:

“It feels hopeless, right?! God…you’d hope the police could do one thing right and they can’t even do that and free us. How do you suspect this will end? We’ll all just kill until everyone is either dead or escaped?”

“…We’re at 7 now…at this point 3 people could group up and kill 3 others, then vote that last person for all 3 murders. Then that group of 3 could leave…I don’t suspect anyone here would really create such a plan, or work in a group like that, but it’s not a pleasant train of thought…”

Hikaru takes another sip of his coffee before leaning back in his chair, crossing his arms.

“…If this situation was any less dire I wish I could have gotten to know you better. Even now, I just can’t wrap my head around you. In some twisted way it’s like your very existence is betraying everything I believed in. You succeed, you accomplish things, you’re smart…but you only do as much as you need to, not more. You’re not always aiming for your highest mark like I am, yet you seem to keep doing better than me. It’s so…frustrating! But…I respect it.”

“…Don’t let it go to your head though.”

“Well it’s really hard to rely on authority or the law in general most of the time when it only does anything to help us if it benefits themselves as well. I don’t think they’d have enough time to risk helping us out anyways given the rate at which everyone else is getting offed at… but for once, I’d want to be proven wrong if they actually did something about it.”

Naruki sighed as he said so frustratingly.

“…And I really don’t think anyone else here’s either smart, strong, or cooperative enough to pull a stunt like that, so I’d suggest not getting your head into unlikely possibilities like that. We barely get enough time to do anything while everything’s happening anyway, so realistically it’s just a slow spiral until the bomb goes off or something breaks the cycle… if that means anything.”

Morbid, but that’s given the fact that it doesn’t look like he knew much else to say. Naruki took a big sip of his coffee afterwards before putting it down after finishing what was left.

“…And thanks, I guess?… but I guess I’m just like this ‘cuz I personally call it just pacing myself.”

…Although if I wanted to be more specific, it’s so I could focus on actually using the time I have to enjoy whatever’s left that I have instead of focusing every ounce of energy in my life to do something only to drop dead by the end of it.“

”…I guess that’s what’s been keeping me somewhat sane throughout this shithole and it’s what I learned after almost literally dropping dead way before I myself to where I am now.“

He yawns casually before turning his gaze to make eye-contact with Hikaru.

“What about you? I mean It’s obvious that you’re doing better when it comes to actually solving whatever’s thrown at all of us. On the other hand, it looks like you seem to want to push yourself to the bone in order to be the best more than anything else, regardless of whether or not you actually have any control in the matter.”

[thebestshsljournalist]

Hikaru crosses his arms, tapping his right forearm with his left fingers with a frown as he listens to Naruki, and eventually nods slowly as he finishes.

“...Yeah, I suppose so. It’s...growing up, things weren’t so easy. My dads were never well off, things were hard. They both worked themselves to the bone for my sake, so...from the moment I was old enough I knew I had to pay them back.”

...

“...One of my dads, he’s...he’s in prison right now. For stopping an attempt on my life, he killed the person who wanted to...to kill me. Because I was successful, because I was becoming a better journalist than him.”

“...It’s hard to trust people, I’ve gotten so used to the headspace of a journalist, and things are just...easier if I’m working. The more money I make the more comfortable my dad back home is, and I can ensure once my other dad is out of prison they have a great retirement. And...when I’m working, I don’t think as much I guess. If I’m focusing on the problems of others, if I’m focusing on being productive, if I’m just...getting a story, and forgetting my own story, then it’s easier to get by.”

“...It’s better than feeling useless. It’s better than having to think about how the people who did everything to give me a good life even now suffer day in and day out for me, because of me. I need to be the best...I need to pay them back. I can’t ever do things halfway, they deserve all I can give...”

Hikaru sighs, looking away, a bit sombre and a bit embarrassed by his own rambling.

“...I don’t really tell people about myself, but I guess I can tell you wouldn’t see any reason to spread it, or use it against me. You aren’t like the people I work with...”

[whatsthestoryinkairaimori]

thebestshsljournalist​:

“I don’t like lying. I’m not going to apologize for something I’m not sorry for.”

That’s pretty straightforward and understandable. Either way, Hikaru waves a hand dismissively.

“Seen anything around that could be used for lock picking? Bobby pin, screw driver?”

Back on task, Hikaru doesn’t have an interest in continuing this conversation whatsoever. If Jin hasn’t, or won’t comply, then he can go search for himself.

So that was how he was going to be. Fine, then.

“I suppose that settles the matter of whether you’d apologize or die first. Hardly shocking you’re too stubborn to concede even a bit. A life without compromise is no life at all, Kakimasu, though with how you’ve been acting I’d be surprised if you had much longer to realize that for yourself.”

Jin would consider the few helpful things he’s done as compromise, even if most of them also just so happened to be in his best interest. Getting the wrong answer during a trial was simply not something he wanted, and if that meant cooperating with the others to get there, so be it.

“There’s screwdrivers in the wood shop, but that’s your risk to take. I’m not going to be an accomplice to potential property damage, considering these things are probably locked for a reason.”

Of course, if Hikaru was actually going to go for it, he’d love to stick around just to see what would happen when someone did break one of the rules.

[thebestshsljournalist]

Hikaru shrugs, standing up.

“The wood shop it is, then...besides, if you pick a lock properly it won’t cause any damage.”

Hikaru seriously has little to say to Jin, he simply moves to depart as long as Jin isn’t going to try to stop him.

[ephemeralxiv]

The Show Must Go On | Chapter Four | Hikaru | Closed @ Cris

Hikaru enters the auditorium, at this point just lumbering through each area without purpose, just trying to fill the vacant time with movement. 

72 hours…or was it 71? 70? At this point it’s lost to him, what matters is that within that time someone will probably be dead again. As this sick game has unfolded, Hikaru again and again has failed to find any means of escape or helping. It’s exhausting…yet, sitting idly by has never been his style either. Perhaps that’s why he just compulsively paces the auditorium, just trying to trick his mind with faux productivity.

Auditorium…Hikaru can’t help but wonder what this place would be used for, if not for this game. There’s plenty of possibilities, obviously various stage plays, musical performances, or…ooh! Presentations! Educational presentations…Hikaru you nerd, of course that’s what you’d hope to see up on this stage.

[shsl-polo-athlete]

Cris was honestly a bit miffed.There was of course the matter of Miharu not revealing what she saw that drove her to accidental murder. But what was really ruffling Cris’ feathers was the stagnant atmosphere. Maybe it was normal for this blanket of confusion to overcome them following each murder, trial, and execution, but suffocation was suffocation, and Cris wanted fresh air.

Of course there was no actual access to the outside world, no door obviously, and not so much as a card-sized window, so Cris settled for the auditorium. It was smaller than the planetarium but much brighter, and the stage was certainly eye-catching.

He had wandered behind the curtains of the stage when Hikaru arrived, and nearly stepped into the light before he noticed Hikaru pacing there. Instead he retreated into the curtains, seeking out the extensive lighting system. 

It took a few tries – turning random knobs and flicking many switches – and definitely some strange abrupt lighting changes that were reverted as soon as they appeared, but Cris finally dimmed the lights in the auditorium. 

Then, Cris began a drumroll that picked up in speed, slapping his thighs with enough to force to make a noticeable sound. As the rhythm reached a speed he could no longer keep up, Cris stopped, halting all sound. He peeked into the seating area, careful to remain invisible to Hikaru. 

Then he leaped from the shadows to centre stage. The sound of his boots striking the stage echoed throughout the room. He struck a pose. 

“Welcome!” he boomed.

[thebestshsljournalist]

…

“…Huh?”

Hikaru stares up at Cris on the stage, perplexed. Clearly this is some sort of joke, or just the jock messing around, and Hikaru doesn’t have the energy to put up with it. He looks back down, returning to pacing. A bit rude, but okay.

…

Alright he does look back up, curious what exactly Cris is intending to do up on the stage now that he has gone and made a fool of himself.

[shsl-polo-athlete]

A moment after Hikaru’s lacklustre response, Cris dropped his hands to his sides and let his head fall back, letting out a groan that exaggerated his dissatisfaction. 

“Dios mío, you’re so boring,” 

He elongated the final word for unnecessary emphasis. 

Cris straightened his posture, huffed, and sauntered to the front edge of the stage. He easily sat himself on the edge with one fluid motion. 

“Ok kid, what’s got you grindin’ your heels against the aisle?” 

He leaned back on the heel of his palm, his voice as playful as ever, unaffected by his stoic audience. 

“There’s gotta be something,”

[thebestshsljournalist]

……

Is this guy for real? ‘What’s wrong?’, he’s essentially asking.

“…Well for one, I told you not to call me kid, so jot that down. Two, I do wonder what’s wrong, what with all the murder and death of our classmates? It’s one of the world’s greatest fucking mysteries why I’m not exactly inclined to partake in whatever silly shit you’re trying to do here. This isn’t the time nor the place to be cracking jokes.”

Jeez, touchy. Either way, he doesn’t seem genuinely angry at Cris or anything, he just looks tired and stressed. Probably hasn’t slept properly in…forever.

[shsl-polo-athlete]

Cris stretched his arms above his head in the typical ‘just woke up’ manner and slowly lowered onto his side, propping his head up with one hand against the side of his head, the other lazily draped across his torso. He was settling into a comfortable watching position. He may’ve been on the stage, but Hikaru was the show here. 

He let the silence stretch out between them. After a few more moments of Cris blankly watching Hikaru, a lop-sided smile dawned upon his face.

“You know I’m sorta surprised your hair isn’t completely white,”

Cris briefly lifted his head to reposition his hand, 

“Considering all the worrying you do,”

[thebestshsljournalist]

“Wh-Am I not supposed to be worrying?! We started with 14, half of us are dead, and anyone could be next! How do you suppose we don’t worry about that?”

Hikaru sighs, trying to cool off.

“...Sorry. I’m...as I’ve stated as very fair, on edge. I don’t get how you can be so casual and calm in a situation like this...”

[officialassistant]

thebestshsljournalist​:

A coffee is just what Hikaru needs right now. Sleeping has been tough, he just keeps circling the rooms as if doing so will suddenly provide some new information or help, when he tries to lay down and rest sleep simply doesn’t come.

“Yeah…coffee is good. Thanks.”

He takes a sip, looking away from Naruki, falling silent for a few moments as he speaks, before eventually replying.

“…Not easy. I guess I’m not as good a journalist as I thought…hoped…I was. The greats wouldn’t be breaking down like this, would they?”

Hikaru seems, for once, not particularly vicious or self-righteous. In this moment, he’s just…tired.

“I had to spend some time thinking about it and…I came to the conclusion that, yeah, it…could so easily have been me instead that killed or was killed any of those times. If Daichi threatened my family, or…my career…I could be just like them, do exactly as they did. Akash, Yuna, Miharu…”

Hikaru sighs softly, taking another sip of his coffee.

“On top of that, I’ve been caught up in trying to…figure out what the hell that puzzle in the computer room was about. Its been keeping me up all night, can’t sleep trying to decipher…what it could mean…though, it seems like you’re always doing better than me with this stuff so…you got anything?”

It’s a statement and question not really pitched out of spite, but seemingly more so just out of…some form of defeatism? To Hikaru, needing the help of someone else is a personal defeat. He’s at his lowest low right now though…no point in being stubborn.

“Mm… everyone has their own weaknesses and anyone can show weakness if they’re backed far enough into a corner or if they’re under enough pressure. Even with stupid titles showing that you’re apparently the best at what you could do in your field, no one’s perfect. Took me quite a while to get used to that fact and I’m still learning, but dunno how much longer I’d still be able to learn.”

Naruki continues to nod along. Even being caffeinated and shaken up right now, he’s still maintaining his usual monotonous and lethargic attitude as usual even with his small lecture.

“And honestly anyone could’ve been the one to bite the bullet, but it’s just the fact that others had already stepped up to the plate before any of us still here had to deal with that conondrum.”

Naruki states before taking a look at his mug. Wack to think that he was talking about stepping up to said plate to Keizo a while back despite the fact that Naruki had never gone through with it.

“I still haven’t gotten a clue either. There hasn’t been much to find out around this place in terms of clues, nor do I know anything about terrorist organizations or what the hell it’s all supposed to mean. It’s really just been rough seeing that we’re stuck without much other options.”

[thebestshsljournalist]

“It feels hopeless, right?! God...you’d hope the police could do one thing right and they can’t even do that and free us. How do you suspect this will end? We’ll all just kill until everyone is either dead or escaped?”

“...We’re at 7 now...at this point 3 people could group up and kill 3 others, then vote that last person for all 3 murders. Then that group of 3 could leave...I don’t suspect anyone here would really create such a plan, or work in a group like that, but it’s not a pleasant train of thought...”

Hikaru takes another sip of his coffee before leaning back in his chair, crossing his arms.

“...If this situation was any less dire I wish I could have gotten to know you better. Even now, I just can’t wrap my head around you. In some twisted way it’s like your very existence is betraying everything I believed in. You succeed, you accomplish things, you’re smart...but you only do as much as you need to, not more. You’re not always aiming for your highest mark like I am, yet you seem to keep doing better than me. It’s so...frustrating! But...I respect it.”

“...Don’t let it go to your head though.”

[officialassistant]

thebestshsljournalist​:

At first Hikaru looks like he’s ready to snap at Naruki, or simply ignore him out of shame, but…eventually his face mellows and he wipes his eyes.

“A drink would…be nice. Thank you…”

Hikaru sighs, no point in pretending he’s invulnerable now, at least of all people it was Naruki, someone he can halfway trust. At least Naruki isn’t the type to go and tell everyone else that Hikaru Kakimasu was crying. Hikaru rests his head in his hands, sighing softly.

“I’m guessing you come here for coffee or something?”

Naruki nods in response. 

“Mhm… yup. Just needed something to clear my head, and it seems like I wasn’t the only one.”

After hearing Hikaru’s request, Naruki promptly went on over to grab two mugs and brew a pitcher of coffee in the coffee maker. He was pretty quick with it given how it was just coffee, but he then shifted over to head to the table to set on the opposite end from Hikaru before sliding the other mug over.

“…I’m pretty sure there’s other drinks in the fridge if you wanted something else, but I just got you whatever I got since I didn’t know what you liked.”

He said in his usual tired tone of voice before sipping his drink.

“…Guessing it hasn’t been easy holding up with all of this though… It’s been one hell of a week that’s for sure…”

He sighed and mumbled. Naruki had never been fond of small talk, but it was what he mostly knew when it came to conversations he wasn’t the most sure on how to handle.

[thebestshsljournalist]

A coffee is just what Hikaru needs right now. Sleeping has been tough, he just keeps circling the rooms as if doing so will suddenly provide some new information or help, when he tries to lay down and rest sleep simply doesn’t come.

“Yeah...coffee is good. Thanks.”

He takes a sip, looking away from Naruki, falling silent for a few moments as he speaks, before eventually replying.

“...Not easy. I guess I’m not as good a journalist as I thought...hoped...I was. The greats wouldn’t be breaking down like this, would they?”

Hikaru seems, for once, not particularly vicious or self-righteous. In this moment, he’s just...tired.

“I had to spend some time thinking about it and...I came to the conclusion that, yeah, it...could so easily have been me instead that killed or was killed any of those times. If Daichi threatened my family, or...my career...I could be just like them, do exactly as they did. Akash, Yuna, Miharu...”

Hikaru sighs softly, taking another sip of his coffee.

“On top of that, I’ve been caught up in trying to...figure out what the hell that puzzle in the computer room was about. Its been keeping me up all night, can’t sleep trying to decipher...what it could mean...though, it seems like you’re always doing better than me with this stuff so...you got anything?”

It’s a statement and question not really pitched out of spite, but seemingly more so just out of...some form of defeatism? To Hikaru, needing the help of someone else is a personal defeat. He’s at his lowest low right now though...no point in being stubborn.

[ephemeralxiv]

Wit's End | Hikaru | Chapter 4 | Closed @ Naruki

Hikaru enters the staff room, looking around a bit before closing the door behind himself and moving to search through whatever he can find. 

…

Nothing. Absolutely fucking…nothing.

What did he expect? That finding a useful room would be as easy as going into the one with “Staff Only” on it?

“FUCK!”

Hikaru kicks over a chair, panting in frustration.

Nothing…

Every corner he looks in, everything he tries, it’s all for nothing. 

He’s probably going to die here, they all are. He can keep just telling himself that he’ll live, but that doesn’t make it true. He can keep begging for an escape route, but that doesn’t mean one will arise.

Losing himself in the moment, Hikaru just slumps in one of the chairs and…sobs. He’s so tired of keeping the emotions in, he’s tired of doing this…he’s tired of watching people die and pretending he’s fine. He’s tired of talking to people and then waking up the next day to them being nothing but a corpse, or a murderer.

He wants to go home. He wants to see his dads again. For once, is the story worth it? Is it worth it if no one even lives to tell the tale?

One day, he won’t wake up to a corpse or a murderer. One day…

One day he might not wake up at all.

[officialassistant]

After checking the time on his watch, Naruki was already exhausted emotionally and physically from the past week. It’s been a tough time for him to get his thoughts gathered up and together while he’s been watching each murder, investigation, trial, and subsequent execution go on. This time around, he wanted to clear his mind since the third execution had just rolled around, so a cup of coffee in the staff room was his first destination. 

His last visit for a nice cup of joe turned out differently than how he expected, but given how it was in the middle of the day, he didn’t expect any ghostly encounters this time around. Before he entered though, he had heard a loud slam and a shout coming from the room, so it didn’t hurt to investigate what was going in there before anything happened. Once he had entered though, Naruki then spotted the usually over-determined journalist Hikaru, crying like a wreck. That wasn’t something he expected when he came in for just a drink.

“Oh… Are you doing alright?”

With the killing game going on even Naruki knew that was a bit of an empty question to ask. He didn’t need to deal with something this emotional until now, so it might have been obvious that he really didn’t know what to say.

“…Should I just head out and leave you be or do you need a drink or?…”

Well Naruki himself came on over for a drink, so he guessed that was a decent start to ask that.

[thebestshsljournalist]

At first Hikaru looks like he’s ready to snap at Naruki, or simply ignore him out of shame, but...eventually his face mellows and he wipes his eyes.

“A drink would...be nice. Thank you...”

Hikaru sighs, no point in pretending he’s invulnerable now, at least of all people it was Naruki, someone he can halfway trust. At least Naruki isn’t the type to go and tell everyone else that Hikaru Kakimasu was crying. Hikaru rests his head in his hands, sighing softly.

“I’m guessing you come here for coffee or something?”

[whatsthestoryinkairaimori]

thebestshsljournalist​:

…

Hikaru is not amused, nor particularly bothered.

“Jin Saishu, being helpful as ever I take it? No, I was just taking a seat for a small respite between my searching for a way out, or a clue. Sorry to disappoint, I don’t feel the need to sate fantasy like you might.”

It’s difficult to roast someone who is becoming emotionally vacant.

“Is it a waste of time to ask if you’d found any useful information? Because if so, I’ll simply vacate the area if that’s what you desire. I don’t have the energy for whatever petty quarrel you want to start.”

“Naturally. Though trust me, any belief you have that I’d need to sate a power ‘fantasy’ is misguided at best.”

He knows damn well he’s not being any help right now. He doesn’t feel any need to be, given that there aren’t lives (immediately) at stake. Sure, if you wanted to be technical, all their lives were constantly at stake, but that was awfully nitpicky. Hikaru was right about one thing, though - that was disappointing. No, that wasn’t quite the right word… perhaps, underwhelming? Yes, underwhelming.

“That depends on what you’d consider useful, or a clue for that matter. If all you care about is whether or not I’ve found a way to get into whatever’s in this office, the answer is no.”

At least that was kinda straightforward? Maybe?

“Though let me clarify one thing for you, Kakimasu. Whatever quarrel you think is being started here isn’t on me. I don’t care to start fights, but should someone choose to start one with me? I am not opposed to continuing it.”

Okay. Alright.

“If only you’d kept it to words, we could have put it all behind us as soon as that trial ended. We could have been fantastic colleagues in our efforts here. It’s a pity that you chose to escalate to blows instead, but I’m not incapable of looking past that. All I ever wanted from you was an apology for getting physical first, you know.”

[thebestshsljournalist]

“I don’t like lying. I’m not going to apologize for something I’m not sorry for.”

That’s pretty straightforward and understandable. Either way, Hikaru waves a hand dismissively.

“Seen anything around that could be used for lock picking? Bobby pin, screw driver?”

Back on task, Hikaru doesn’t have an interest in continuing this conversation whatsoever. If Jin hasn’t, or won’t comply, then he can go search for himself.

[ephemeralxiv]

The Show Must Go On | Chapter Four | Hikaru | Closed @ Cris

Hikaru enters the auditorium, at this point just lumbering through each area without purpose, just trying to fill the vacant time with movement. 

72 hours…or was it 71? 70? At this point it’s lost to him, what matters is that within that time someone will probably be dead again. As this sick game has unfolded, Hikaru again and again has failed to find any means of escape or helping. It’s exhausting…yet, sitting idly by has never been his style either. Perhaps that’s why he just compulsively paces the auditorium, just trying to trick his mind with faux productivity.

Auditorium…Hikaru can’t help but wonder what this place would be used for, if not for this game. There’s plenty of possibilities, obviously various stage plays, musical performances, or…ooh! Presentations! Educational presentations…Hikaru you nerd, of course that’s what you’d hope to see up on this stage.

[shsl-polo-athlete]

Cris was honestly a bit miffed.There was of course the matter of Miharu not revealing what she saw that drove her to accidental murder. But what was really ruffling Cris’ feathers was the stagnant atmosphere. Maybe it was normal for this blanket of confusion to overcome them following each murder, trial, and execution, but suffocation was suffocation, and Cris wanted fresh air.

Of course there was no actual access to the outside world, no door obviously, and not so much as a card-sized window, so Cris settled for the auditorium. It was smaller than the planetarium but much brighter, and the stage was certainly eye-catching.

He had wandered behind the curtains of the stage when Hikaru arrived, and nearly stepped into the light before he noticed Hikaru pacing there. Instead he retreated into the curtains, seeking out the extensive lighting system. 

It took a few tries – turning random knobs and flicking many switches – and definitely some strange abrupt lighting changes that were reverted as soon as they appeared, but Cris finally dimmed the lights in the auditorium. 

Then, Cris began a drumroll that picked up in speed, slapping his thighs with enough to force to make a noticeable sound. As the rhythm reached a speed he could no longer keep up, Cris stopped, halting all sound. He peeked into the seating area, careful to remain invisible to Hikaru. 

Then he leaped from the shadows to centre stage. The sound of his boots striking the stage echoed throughout the room. He struck a pose. 

“Welcome!” he boomed.

[thebestshsljournalist]

…

“…Huh?”

Hikaru stares up at Cris on the stage, perplexed. Clearly this is some sort of joke, or just the jock messing around, and Hikaru doesn’t have the energy to put up with it. He looks back down, returning to pacing. A bit rude, but okay.

…

Alright he does look back up, curious what exactly Cris is intending to do up on the stage now that he has gone and made a fool of himself.

[shsl-polo-athlete]

A moment after Hikaru’s lacklustre response, Cris dropped his hands to his sides and let his head fall back, letting out a groan that exaggerated his dissatisfaction. 

“Dios mío, you’re so boring,” 

He elongated the final word for unnecessary emphasis. 

Cris straightened his posture, huffed, and sauntered to the front edge of the stage. He easily sat himself on the edge with one fluid motion. 

“Ok kid, what’s got you grindin’ your heels against the aisle?” 

He leaned back on the heel of his palm, his voice as playful as ever, unaffected by his stoic audience. 

“There’s gotta be something,”

[thebestshsljournalist]

......

Is this guy for real? ‘What’s wrong?’, he’s essentially asking.

“...Well for one, I told you not to call me kid, so jot that down. Two, I do wonder what’s wrong, what with all the murder and death of our classmates? It’s one of the world’s greatest fucking mysteries why I’m not exactly inclined to partake in whatever silly shit you’re trying to do here. This isn’t the time nor the place to be cracking jokes.”

Jeez, touchy. Either way, he doesn’t seem genuinely angry at Cris or anything, he just looks tired and stressed. Probably hasn’t slept properly in...forever.

[ephemeralxiv]

The Show Must Go On | Chapter Four | Hikaru | Closed @ Cris

Hikaru enters the auditorium, at this point just lumbering through each area without purpose, just trying to fill the vacant time with movement. 

72 hours…or was it 71? 70? At this point it’s lost to him, what matters is that within that time someone will probably be dead again. As this sick game has unfolded, Hikaru again and again has failed to find any means of escape or helping. It’s exhausting…yet, sitting idly by has never been his style either. Perhaps that’s why he just compulsively paces the auditorium, just trying to trick his mind with faux productivity.

Auditorium…Hikaru can’t help but wonder what this place would be used for, if not for this game. There’s plenty of possibilities, obviously various stage plays, musical performances, or…ooh! Presentations! Educational presentations…Hikaru you nerd, of course that’s what you’d hope to see up on this stage.

[shsl-polo-athlete]

Cris was honestly a bit miffed.There was of course the matter of Miharu not revealing what she saw that drove her to accidental murder. But what was really ruffling Cris’ feathers was the stagnant atmosphere. Maybe it was normal for this blanket of confusion to overcome them following each murder, trial, and execution, but suffocation was suffocation, and Cris wanted fresh air.

Of course there was no actual access to the outside world, no door obviously, and not so much as a card-sized window, so Cris settled for the auditorium. It was smaller than the planetarium but much brighter, and the stage was certainly eye-catching.

He had wandered behind the curtains of the stage when Hikaru arrived, and nearly stepped into the light before he noticed Hikaru pacing there. Instead he retreated into the curtains, seeking out the extensive lighting system. 

It took a few tries – turning random knobs and flicking many switches – and definitely some strange abrupt lighting changes that were reverted as soon as they appeared, but Cris finally dimmed the lights in the auditorium. 

Then, Cris began a drumroll that picked up in speed, slapping his thighs with enough to force to make a noticeable sound. As the rhythm reached a speed he could no longer keep up, Cris stopped, halting all sound. He peeked into the seating area, careful to remain invisible to Hikaru. 

Then he leaped from the shadows to centre stage. The sound of his boots striking the stage echoed throughout the room. He struck a pose. 

“Welcome!” he boomed.

[thebestshsljournalist]

...

“...Huh?”

Hikaru stares up at Cris on the stage, perplexed. Clearly this is some sort of joke, or just the jock messing around, and Hikaru doesn’t have the energy to put up with it. He looks back down, returning to pacing. A bit rude, but okay.

...

Alright he does look back up, curious what exactly Cris is intending to do up on the stage now that he has gone and made a fool of himself.

[ephemeralxiv]

Every Nook And Cranny | Hikaru | Chapter 4 | Closed @ Jin

Hikaru enters the office, immediately enamoured with it. Unlike most other new rooms that have appeared, this one looks genuinely useful, like there is something of worth to be found. 

“Alright…give me something, would you? Could use a damn break…”

Hikaru moves to the desk, trying each and everything he could before groaning in frustration at the fact he clearly isn’t getting into any drawers any time soon. Unless he can pick the locks…unfortunately, he doesn’t have the necessary equipment for that, either. File cabinets are a no-go too…Hikaru just sits on the chair behind the desk and sighs in frustration, deciding to take a small break before he considers going and searching for a key.

[whatsthestoryinkairaimori]

This room appeared to belong to a very important person. Consequently, Jin had no clue what Hikaru was doing situated behind the desk. He absolutely did not hold the journalist in high esteem, and, well.

Jin himself wouldn’t say he held grudges, but perhaps he did get more enjoyment out of antagonizing Hikaru in particular than he really should have.

“What’s this, Kakimasu? Trying to fulfill some kind of power fantasy by sitting at a desk you’d never be worthy of while nobody’s around to stop you?”

… Yeah, off to a great start as per usual. Honestly, he knew that it was more likely than not Hikaru was just resting. But, well. Can’t really make a jab about that.

[thebestshsljournalist]

...

Hikaru is not amused, nor particularly bothered.

“Jin Saishu, being helpful as ever I take it? No, I was just taking a seat for a small respite between my searching for a way out, or a clue. Sorry to disappoint, I don’t feel the need to sate fantasy like you might.”

It’s difficult to roast someone who is becoming emotionally vacant.

“Is it a waste of time to ask if you’d found any useful information? Because if so, I’ll simply vacate the area if that’s what you desire. I don’t have the energy for whatever petty quarrel you want to start.”

[ephemeralxiv]

In Retrospect | Hikaru | CH3 | Closed @ Junko

Quite like how after the first murder he returned to the library, Hikaru found himself returning to the pool room. His eyes drifted over the scene before him…that of calm, tranquil waters…that of peace. No signs of what had happened, no signs of the departed.

Hikaru suddenly feels a wave of emotions, pummeling at his conscience, the likes of which he is just simply…not used to. After hearing Yuna’s explanation it’s clear as day that Hikaru is not responsible for her death, even if he outed her in the chat. Though there’s something else…something burning in him.

He can’t die here…

He knows that’s the case for himself, but how many others here have things they need to live for? How about the people who already died, how will…how will their deaths affect the world, hurt others? All he can do is report on them, try to make sure they aren’t forgotten.

It isn’t his responsibility to keep everyone safe, and he knows that. All he can do…is make sure each killer comes to justice. Make sure that as little people as possible die…and make sure it isn’t him who next finds himself floating dead in a pool. This moment of retrospection, silence and self-reflection, would be…very easy to interrupt right now.

[shirowinery]

Similar to Hikaru, Junko finds herself wandering. But she’s thinking more about Yuna than anything. They had been friends, she thinks— friends aren’t easy, but they had spoken and enjoyed each other’s company, so that counted. And now Yuna is simply … gone. As if nothing had ever happened. It… makes sense, unfortunately. Her unlucky number is coming around to bite her again. But why does it have to get to other people this time?

She’s standing at the pool, staring out into space. She thinks things are starting to get fuzzy again, and she doesn’t like that at all. She hardly even notices that Hikaru is near her for a long while.

”……”

She walks up to him, and slowly presses her hand against his face. Her hands are pretty damn cold. She doesn’t really know why she’s doing this. It was just an impulse she ran on.

[thebestshsljournalist]

Hikaru is caught far off-guard by that, backing away from the new arrival of Junko. He just…stares at her for a few moments, then grows flustered.

“W-What’s that about, huh?! Do you normally just go up to people and start feeling their faces?”

Hikaru turns away, sighing softly.

“Did you need something?”

[shirowinery]

“…Sometimes, I guess. I don’t know. Not very often. But I thought to. And then I did. And now we’re here.”

She says this ridiculously matter-of-factly, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. She looks over to try and see what Hikaru is looking at.

”I guess nothing. I don’t think that. I ever need much something. I’m usually working. And you looked like. You were thinking lots of thoughts. And I’m usually working. But. When I don’t, I think lots of thoughts. And it makes my head hurt, and. I don’t like it much. That’s why I usually work.”

She tips her head. “What are your lots of thoughts?”

[thebestshsljournalist]

Hikaru grunts in mild frustration.

“I don’t need your…”

…

He sighs, shaking his head slightly.

“…Forget it. I’m just…thinking about all the people who died, I guess. Hard not to. We’re all a bunch of teens, started with 14 of us and now there’s already only 9…these motives are stressful as fuck and I just…God, I just hope my dad is okay back home…”

…

Hikaru looks away from Junko, not enjoying feeling vulnerable.

“I guess I am thinking lots of thoughts, maybe because I’m not working hard enough. What does it matter to you though? Shouldn’t you be off making friends and planning to murder them? Or is that your plan here, get close to me and kill me? Seems like everyone here just keeps getting buddy-buddy and then dying, so…”

[shirowinery]

“It’s very scary. Lots of bad things. Happen lately. But this is a special. Kind of bad. Very, very bad. And I think that. This is a smart thing they gave us. To ask about memories. Um. I don’t think I. Want to visit anything. But people might. And it seems. Like a trick.”

She shrugs, staring down at the water.

”I don’t want to hurt anyone. I’m not. That kind of person. But I understand. Um. It feels like. We’re being tempted. And it’s hard to know if. Any of us can not sin. When Satan is already. Within us. We can be confident. But not sure.”

[thebestshsljournalist]

Hikaru nods slowly, with a sombre expression.

“...I guess I thought I could just distance myself and then not care if people got hurt, but...it isn’t that easy, I guess. Trying to not care when people around you die is not...possible, and...with my job as a journalist sure I’m used to my life being at risk, but...not many lives around me too.”

Hikaru looks away, sighing.

“None of these motives have affected me, least of all this one. Part of me wants to try it, to see if it’s safe and see what it’s capable of but...I think unless I find someone I can trust to do it with me I’ll be staying away from it. As you said, could be a trick...besides, for me the future matters more than the past.”

[officialassistant]

thebestshsljournalist​:

Hikaru spends a few moments looking over it, frowning.

“Rotation is key…I suppose it would make sense that you’re meant to rotate each letter to get another? Like…the M actually being an E or the U being an N?”

Hikaru spends a little longer analyzing before sighing.

“…Can’t figure out a legitimate word from it though. So I’m not sure yet…”

..On the desk, Naruki had written a list of 26 words with what appeared to be random letters. Msdubbm, lrctaal, kqbszzk, and so on with shifting each letter up along the alphabet. 

“Mhmm… If I’m not wrong this time around, it should be a cipher if that’s what it’s supposed to mean.”

Encrypting and decrypting codes in puzzles wasn’t a completely new thing Naruki knew about. After he had written most of them down, he typed each of them out into the computer, and crossed off each answer until he found something that worked. It took him a little bit to get past the errors screen until he ended up finally landed it with ‘agrippa’.

“….Looks like that was the case. Let’s see what we got here.”

He simply took a quick look at the screen to read what else he got and simply glances at Hikaru.

“…I have no idea that the hell this is all about, but it looks important. You might wanna take a look at this and you might also want to copy this all down just incase.”

[thebestshsljournalist]

Hikaru looks it over with a mix of surprise and confusion, before nodding and pulling out his notebook to take some notes.

“What a weird...hm. Should we just...”

Once Hikaru finishes, he simply leans over and types...yes.

...

He reads the words that next show up in utter confusion.

“You have been infected and brainwashed...what is this going on about? The only way to cleanse ourselves is to die...?”

Hikaru shakes his head slowly before looking to Naruki.

“Are you making any sense of this? Because I’m sure not...”

Hikaru begins to note down what’s said on this page too.

[ephemeralxiv]

In Retrospect | Hikaru | CH3 | Closed @ Junko

Quite like how after the first murder he returned to the library, Hikaru found himself returning to the pool room. His eyes drifted over the scene before him…that of calm, tranquil waters…that of peace. No signs of what had happened, no signs of the departed.

Hikaru suddenly feels a wave of emotions, pummeling at his conscience, the likes of which he is just simply…not used to. After hearing Yuna’s explanation it’s clear as day that Hikaru is not responsible for her death, even if he outed her in the chat. Though there’s something else…something burning in him.

He can’t die here…

He knows that’s the case for himself, but how many others here have things they need to live for? How about the people who already died, how will…how will their deaths affect the world, hurt others? All he can do is report on them, try to make sure they aren’t forgotten.

It isn’t his responsibility to keep everyone safe, and he knows that. All he can do…is make sure each killer comes to justice. Make sure that as little people as possible die…and make sure it isn’t him who next finds himself floating dead in a pool. This moment of retrospection, silence and self-reflection, would be…very easy to interrupt right now.

[shirowinery]

Similar to Hikaru, Junko finds herself wandering. But she’s thinking more about Yuna than anything. They had been friends, she thinks— friends aren’t easy, but they had spoken and enjoyed each other’s company, so that counted. And now Yuna is simply … gone. As if nothing had ever happened. It… makes sense, unfortunately. Her unlucky number is coming around to bite her again. But why does it have to get to other people this time?

She’s standing at the pool, staring out into space. She thinks things are starting to get fuzzy again, and she doesn’t like that at all. She hardly even notices that Hikaru is near her for a long while.

”……”

She walks up to him, and slowly presses her hand against his face. Her hands are pretty damn cold. She doesn’t really know why she’s doing this. It was just an impulse she ran on.

[thebestshsljournalist]

Hikaru is caught far off-guard by that, backing away from the new arrival of Junko. He just…stares at her for a few moments, then grows flustered.

“W-What’s that about, huh?! Do you normally just go up to people and start feeling their faces?”

Hikaru turns away, sighing softly.

“Did you need something?”

[shirowinery]

“…Sometimes, I guess. I don’t know. Not very often. But I thought to. And then I did. And now we’re here.”

She says this ridiculously matter-of-factly, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. She looks over to try and see what Hikaru is looking at.

”I guess nothing. I don’t think that. I ever need much something. I’m usually working. And you looked like. You were thinking lots of thoughts. And I’m usually working. But. When I don’t, I think lots of thoughts. And it makes my head hurt, and. I don’t like it much. That’s why I usually work.”

She tips her head. “What are your lots of thoughts?”

[thebestshsljournalist]

Hikaru grunts in mild frustration.

“I don’t need your...”

...

He sighs, shaking his head slightly.

“...Forget it. I’m just...thinking about all the people who died, I guess. Hard not to. We’re all a bunch of teens, started with 14 of us and now there’s already only 9...these motives are stressful as fuck and I just...God, I just hope my dad is okay back home...”

...

Hikaru looks away from Junko, not enjoying feeling vulnerable.

“I guess I am thinking lots of thoughts, maybe because I’m not working hard enough. What does it matter to you though? Shouldn’t you be off making friends and planning to murder them? Or is that your plan here, get close to me and kill me? Seems like everyone here just keeps getting buddy-buddy and then dying, so...”