ON YOUR MARKS.

aff. shsl sprinter with ephemeral xiv.

[ephemeralxiv]

Prologue | What goes up must come down

( tw: suicide, heights, blood, eye trauma )

A video feed plays on your watch. It looks to be the cafeteria, and in it is one lone figure. Brown hair, blue jacket, black uniform pants — Kyojji Nagase, SHSL Sprinter. He slips in, looking anxiously around the room as he navigates it. His path leads him towards one of the tables, his trembling hands resting upon the back of one of its chairs. He looks out towards the nearby window, but whatever he is thinking is obscured. Did he look tranquilly at that sight? Scared? He takes it in for a few moments, and you could trick yourself into believing a calm has entered the scene, but you know.

You know something must come. 

You watch that serene energy leave him as he picks up the chair and in a blur of speed, he is beating the window with it. The glass cracks, but he does not relent. Filled with a frenetic energy, the chair is swung again and again. In no time at all, the window is broken, glass shards shattering in what could be described as a beautiful mess accompanied by the sound of Kyoji’s scream turning from one of anger to horrific pain.

Kyoji staggers back, dropping the chair and falling to a kneel as he brings his hands up to his face. Specks of his blood litter the floor, but he soon rises again, too soon perhaps, but time is of the essence. If he wants something, he has to do it now surely.

He plants one of his palms against the floor and pushes himself back up to his feet, a bloody half-print staining the cafeteria where his hand had been. Adrenaline-fueled steps bring him to the broken window where a great blue sky expands before your — his — eyes, and it is a truly brilliant sight to behold.

For a split second, you see it. You see him turn his head back, wary of who might be behind him, and you are given the first clear shot of his face. It is marred by his blood, splatters and cuts decorating it. But despite the very serious wound he has sustained, one that still bleeds and demands from him, all his green eye speaks is some kind of horror — what lies behind them? Something between despair, fear, and resolution altogether…

You suppose it matters not.

He turns, looking down at the world just beyond him, and he soon reaches for it. He jumps and accepts his plummet, and he simply becomes no more.

Twenty-five point six meters. A fall height that has spelt fatal for many before him. His descent is surely not kind to him, and that fact alongside the last view of his face is what sticks with you even as the video cuts out. You have watched the athlete’s final moments, his decision, just as Daichi Sasanari has told you about.

Kyoji Nagase, the Super High School Level Sprinter, is dead.

[waylayd]

flash--step​:

… Well… Alright then! The way that he just churns out information like that in strange, for sure, but Hinata isn’t one to point something like that out. Not just yet, anyway, but she makes a mental note at his shift in behavior, acknowledging it with a small hum as he speaks.

“That’s something that we have in common,” she states simply and shifts her weight to her left leg. “I don’t really do any other sports than playing tennis. But… Uhm… Your dedication to running is… I wouldn’t say admirable, but maybe something close to that. It’s clear that you know what you’re talking about. Many people would think you’re reliable source because of that. I can’t help but wonder: do you have a lot of fans or anything like that? You have a… Boy-next-door feel to you, so… I imagine people would like your humble attitude. My coach says that keeping up your image is important, but I’m not too sure what he means by that.”

She places a hand on her hip and moves to rub the bare of her back a little.

“That’s right – I reached the final round of the Junior US Open. It’s… Uhm… It’s not that impressive when you take into account the fact that I lost, but… To some, the fact that I made it is more than enough. I think it would be too vain of me to agree.” An almost sheepish look crosses her features when she talks about her defeat, and given that it’s paired with a sigh, it’s more than apparent that she isn’t happy with the fact that she didn’t make it. “If I’m expected to be one of the best players of our generation, I don’t have time to make mistakes and fumble around the court.”

Suddenly, a metaphorical light goes off over her head. And while it isn’t particularly clear that she’s interested in the idea by the look on her face, the way she leans towards him a little and tilts her head off to the side is more than enough to signify interest. “I know you said I would beat you on the court, but… If you’d be interested… I think I’d want to play a game or two with you. Or– uhm, or something like that. I just think it would be best for me to stay on top of my game.”

Not admirable, huh? Isn't that just a back-handed way to say not good enough? Between this and the limp handshake, Kyoji wonders if perhaps Hinata was a bit more cold than he had grown to expect over the course of this conversation.

“Fans? Erm... I have girls who like me, I guess? Though I don't think they really care for me and what I do as a sprinter... And I'm not sure if I'd say scouts are really what you think of when you say, 'fans', right? Er... Shinohara-kun, what do you mean exactly...?”

If anything, Kyoji was given the impression that Hinata was a more respected athlete than him. So, with that... would come more serious, real fans right? Of course, she probably has ones that just care for her as someone to ogle, but there'd be a higher chance for those who would care about her for her technique, her power, and her talent.

They would see it as something good, surely.

“It sounds like you really care about this... You could say I'm a bit envious,” Kyoji says, wearing a self-derisive smile. “I mean... I always aim higher too, but I don't think I have that same drive you do.”

His gloomy thoughts don't linger long however. Hinata's slight shift in behavior has him — surprised? On guard? He's not sure.

“Oh, um... if you think it'd help you, sure! I'm a bit rusty, but I think... I should be able to play it like I used to.”

He picks up a racquet from the supplies around them, testing the weight of it in his hand. How long has it been since he's played another sport? He looks back towards Hinata, intending to follow her lead.

[waylayd]

officialassistant​:

Naruki returns with a usual shrug of apathy but then quietly nods after hearing his reasons. 

“Ah… I guess that’s understandable.”

He takes a moment to take a look at his watch to do a double-take on the map and on the rules.

“…I still have no idea why there aren’t any on the map, but I guess it might be ‘cuz they don’t want us to leave yet?… It’s still absurd that they didn’t even show us where an emergency exit is or why rules like that are even there in the first place though.”

Well, thankfully there’s a firefighter AND a street medic on board if any emergency situations arose, but he mumbled as he took a look at the ordinary wares of the supply closet. He didn’t bother with the drying machines since he at least knew that the washing machines were functional.

“And yep… I remember all that and who I am, that’s for sure… I might’ve forgotten what happened when we got here ‘cuz I might’ve just conked out right when we all entered, probably.”

He scratched at his head slightly. He wouldn’t be surprised if that actually ended up being the case, but after conversing with a few others more, he paused in intrigue after hearing the sprinter’s statement.

“…But that happened to you too?… I was pretty sure I was the only one, especially since that Sasanari acted like nothing happened since then. It would’ve been nice to know what went on, even if there wasn’t much I could do about it… but it’s a bit odd something like this happened to more than one of us, that’s for sure…”

Kyoji gulps.

“’Don't want us to leave...’ Say that, and someone's gonna start getting scared...”

After all, it's a prison then, right? Who in their right mind likes a prison? If Kyoji himself was feeling this anxious, he'd hate to see anyone else feeling this troubled too.

“Right, that is strange... I remember being alone on the walk here, so if we both collapsed, it must've been at separate times...”

He mumbles a bit to himself, lost in his thoughts, before he wonders aloud:

“I wonder... if there's something wrong with the air...? Or maybe something around Hope's Peak...? It can’t be either of our constitutions...”

[waylayd]

wretchedpawnhearts​:

Kyoji hesitates, his voice wavers and the moment he does Reo already knows that trying to help him is not only a waste of time but something the other won’t budge in whatsoever regardless of how much they might insist or urge him to change. They want to give up on him, but now that they know a little more about Kyoji, about why he runs short distance races, about how he once wished to become a writer and is very much still passionate about it as he may have been when he begun, they can’t bring themselves to slander him more in a wretched attempt at changing his mind. So they only let out a drawn out sigh.

“Just consider it is all I’m saying. You never know where life will take you, but it won’t be anywhere positive as long as you deny yourself the right to be upset or angry at others when that’s only a natural part of life. If you ever want to try and further understand what I mean by talking some more about it at a later time, my dormitory’s door will always be available to you. I do hope you knock on it sometime soon. But you won’t, will you.”

That sounds so much more dramatic than what they actually intended to sound like, but they’ll take it. It sounds nice to their ears and Reo does like the sound of their voice a lot, so they’ll let go of that specific thought for the time being and instead focus on the next side of the conversation right as the other opens the door to the lounge. Worth noting is the temporal absence of the one person in the roster Reo is terrified of and they sure are thankful she’s not there right now. But they do note Kyoji appears to be… Flirting? They knew they were teasing him before but they didn’t expect that to be returned.

“Oh..! Oh uh… Mm… Don’t take this the wrong way, Nagase-kun. I admire you for having an openmind and for being a gentle soul. Maybe somewhat of a pushover… Okay, I mean a total pushover and find it disappointing you’re willingly letting others walk over you when you should stand up for yourself instead, but despite your flaws I do think you’re very charming in your own awkward blubbering way and cute too. The fact you carry bandaids around is childishly endearing and adorable in its own way, even if a little strange since you’re the only person I’ve ever met who does that. On the other hand, as much as I like your quirks, we did just meet. Maybe in the future once we know each other better though we can go out. For now let’s just look around.”

That was a surprisingly nice semi-rejection! They even give Kyoji the complimentary shoulder pat a few times before going deeper into the room and looking around, somewhat in shock that they’re being allowed to wander around without consequences yet. Though he wouldn’t admit it either, it just felt nice to have company as well, even if it’s from someone they’ve just had to nicely reject for the time being. They maybe should switch the topic before Kyoji feels bad about it.

“It’s not that it sounds bad, it’s just that it’s… Injudicious that you seem to judge things so quickly. Of course you’ll lose interest in things. You can’t keep a permanent interest in something. Even with me… I hate writing sometimes, I do, and wish to stop entirely and give up on it, but I stick by with it even during moments where I wish to quit. Did you ever try to push through with an interest and see if your love for it would reappear later down the line?”

This time, Kyoji seems to consider the words given to him more. If anything, if someone were to be this persistent about it, it'd be rude not to, right? Especially if they seemed to be saying so for his own sake?

But the note it ends on startles Kyoji.

“Um... if you really want to talk about it more, I don't see what's wrong about coming to you in the future! I guess... I just was thinking there's a time and place to get angry... when it's worth fighting for yourself because not fighting is more troublesome, but I was worried saying so would just make you angry. But um... I guess I kinda already did that, huh?”

A conflict of values was inevitable, especially for what was basically two strangers. They might have a link in that Hope's Peak considered them both special, but that wasn't to say they would see eye-to-eye on the ideologies they held.

Reo continues to hold more and more surprises though. Kyoji fully expects himself to get scolded with that kind of opening — 'don't take this the wrong way,' always meant that — but a barrage of half compliments come pouring out.

Actually... this sounds pretty familiar... Hasn’t he heard these kinds of compliments before? Not from Reo, obviously, but from some people at his old school, maybe...? The sprinter frowns in thought, becoming a lot more ruffled up by the weird uncanny quality to the words coming out of Reo’s mouth.

And then it hits him.

“Oh! I... I didn't... I'm not...”

But it looks like Reo's mistaken his words as some kind of romantic interest, huh? How weird is it, to be the one getting turned down when he had just been thinking he needed to make it sound less like he was hitting on people?

Kyoji sighs, letting his protestations die as he rakes a hand through his brunet locks. Oh, well. He'll clear that up if it becomes a problem later, he supposes. It doesn't look like it's gonna do anything to the investigation for now, so better not to bother with it.

“Hm... I don't think so? Honestly, I just devote all my time to sprinting now, so I don't even really think about doing anything else... Do you do a lot of other things besides writing, Kaiketsu-kun?”

[waylayd]

soundless-dream​:

Yuna didn’t bother thinking more about how Kyoji almost said kun instead of san. People always make mistakes and she’s made several while chatting with the other students. So she’d rather not be a hypocrite.

Albeit his little joke does leave her a little clueless.

“No……. Um…. That was a….. um – really good joke. But you’re….. Absolutely right. Wh-Where….. Do you want to…….. Look around… First?”

It didn’t seem like there was a lot this gym had to offer. But it wouldn’t hurt to check. And maybe they would find something interesting in here. Nothing good comes out of being negative anyways.

“Yep… That would be……. Me.”

With that, Yuna messes around with her shawl as she waits for Kyoji to answer her earlier question.

Gym Investigation Duo let’s go!

Oh god, was she pitying him?! Kyoji tries his best to suppress the inner mortification he feels at her reassurance, though he might not have been quick enough to hide the brief flash of it across his eyes.

“I-It's okay, Saito-san... You really don't have to pretend just to make me feel better. I-I know it was pretty lame!! But um. Uh, thanks. It's very nice of you to try, and... um... Yeah. I, uh... looking around... A-ha!”

He points to a set of doors off to the side.

“There seems like a pretty obvious place to start, right? Well, I'm here to look in every nook and cranny, so anything works for me.”

He wears a more easy-going looking grin, motioning with a sweep of his arm for Yuna to follow him. When he opens the doors, he finds it to be a pretty mundane storage room inside.

“Ahh... that makes sense. Say, Saito-san, why did you come here to the gym anyway? Do you like sports or...? It’s just, there’s not that many people I’d know who’d want to be up this early at a gym and all, s-so I guess I’m kind of curious.”

[waylayd]

shsloutlander​:

“Someone else’s appreciation?  Th'fuc–”

Though he blinks before he finishes the sentence, catching himself as his mind catches up with his mouth.

“…Y'mean, girls.  Girl girls.  Aight.  Caught y'drift, heh.  Didn’t mean to go aggro.”

…If that was aggro (a big assumption, given Keizo’s love of bullshitting), it’d be hard to tell where his emotions usually lay.  Even cursing, the firefighter had a relaxed energy to him – his eyebrows barely furrowing, his mouth more suggesting canines than showing them. The smile hadn’t dropped, either.

…Which may be unnerving.

He pushes back his hair for a moment, before:

“To answer your question, no.  Believe it or not, most girls I know ain’t exactly interested in watchin’ a guy’s workouts if the guy isn’t directly playin’ a sport or runnin’.  Makes ‘em look vain.  Suppose you’d know that, though.”

His tone lightens a lot as he continues, obviously a tad amused:

“Now, seein’ what the arms can do in action – that’s a whole other issue.  Easy to make fun of ol’ Keizo until you’re trapped under smoldering wood in a burnin’ buildin’, tellin’ ya.”

He rolls his shoulders back. Again, the movement seems natural – casual, even.   But it’s probably hard not to notice that he’s trying to accentuate his arms, to prolong this useless, lopsided pissing match.  As if the winner mattered.

(He knew it didn’t.)

Keizo’s eyes are starting to become less appraising – his guard dropping considerably as they continue.   … In fact….

His tone… becomes slightly more accommodating, dipping into… as if he’s rolling over on something:

“I’ll head there too, eventually, if I need to – I hope I don’t – it’s just – well.  This seemed more comfortable.  Weird fuckin’ situation, felt even weirder to work out in a gym as if nothin’s happenin’, y'know.  Get to hear all the action from here.”

Another adjustment, especially as Kyoji answers his question. A… mildly thoughtful look grazes – no, glances – over his face, but it disappears as soon as it arrives.

“…Yeah, I get that.  Don’t get it twisted.  I don’t exactly consider this a walk through a park with a pretty girl and a poodle, either.   Heart’s poundin’.  Not sure what to do about it.  Talkin’ helps, I guess.”

….

“…Y'said y'checked around the place.  You get everywhere we got open?  No signs of an adult?”

Kyoji gives a nod once the realization dawns upon Keizo, nothing more than a quiet 'mmhm' passing through his lips in response.

“Well, hopefully, this building won't be burning.”

He dismisses the gun show on display, well aware he's lost this match before it's begun. But his lip did twitch a bit earlier—

So running doesn't count as a sport, huh?

He opens his mouth to retort but then closes it again without making a sound, knowing how dumb he’ll sound to say it.

It’s not as if it matters, so why bother getting riled up over this? Kyoji’s brow remains furrowed, first out of annoyance but second out of frustration at himself. It doesn't matter who considers what valid. For all the relief he had of not being at his old school, he was really going to adopt those same mindsets over getting defensive about a sport?

Kyoji tempers his mood, the strange comparison Keizo makes earning him his bemusement and a raised eyebrow in response.

“Well... I might've mistaken Satono-kun for one if we were anywhere but here, but... no. There's no adult anywhere in here. It's almost like... everyone in the roster— we're the only ones here.”

Them, an AI tour guide, and a barely unlocked school.

“Gr-Granted, I haven't run into everyone yet, but I've been to every room I can. Anyone I passed along the way was someone in our class, I— I think.”

[waylayd]

engin-er​:

“Again you’re fine, there’s no need to apologize. Yeah it’s concerning I guess but that’s not really my priority right now…”

She lets out an awkward laugh.

“…But I’m healthy, at least I think so. I mean I haven’t been taking the best care of myself for these past couples of weeks but you shouldn’t worry yourself over my health. Even then I don’t think I’d be that unhealthy to pass out like that. But you’re healthy yourself, right?”

Akash smiles gently when they see one on his face, happy to see him at least trying to give him one even if he looks apologetic. It’s better than him being as anxious as before.

“You sure do say sorry a lot, but nice to meetcha’ Kyoji. The name’s Akash.”

They offer Kyoji a hand, ready to give him a handshake if he accepts it.

Kyoji's face twists a bit. Right, apologizing too much can be seen as bothersome too. He reprimands himself internally for letting himself get too carried away with that.

“V-Very! I couldn't do track if I wasn't healthy. My coach would yell at me, hahaha...”

He winces a bit, cringing when Akash points out how apologetic Kyoji can be. He takes her hand, giving a firm shake opposite his meek demeanor.

“Well, I apologize so much only cause I like to keep the peace. Some people find it pretty hard to say 'sorry,' so why not be that guy... It’s more worth it to be perceived as weak and agreeable than it is to be a problem person... At least, that's what I think. Besides that, nice to meet you, Akash-ku— -san?”

[waylayd]

shsl-polo-athlete​:

Cris threw his hands up accompanied by a small victory whoop. He turned to Kyoji as he re-introduced himself. Sure Cris already knew his name but he nodded approvingly at the shorter guy’s introduction nevertheless. 

“Nice work dude! Great to dance with ya Nagase,” He didn’t look at the game screen though, however well they performed according to the game’s judgment was wholly irrelevant to Cris. 

“We’ll have to work on your singing. It’s great, but it could be louder,” Cris pointed at Kyoji with his hand in a finger gun, then held his chin in the curve between his thumb and pointer, seemingly pondering how to make Kyoji louder.

Then, a smile rife with mischief dawned on Cris’ face. “There’s gotta be some song you can’t resist belting out to,” He raised his eyebrow expectantly. 

“Ya got one? Favourite song, or music genre?”

After yelling out his frazzled thoughts, Kyoji's mind was a blank. All that stress and it was out. And then here was Cris, looking like he was having the time of his life. The contrast stings Kyoji a bit, but more than anything, it brings him back to reality.

“I... No, it's fine. You're the one who has a better singing voice, right? Yours should be the louder one then.”

He laughs nervously, hoping his toothy grin at least has some degree of charm in it to weasel his way out of this.

“But um... I like 80's pop. I'm not sure if you've heard of them, but OMEGA TRIBE's 'You are 1000%' really makes me feel something...! Ah-Ah, but I’m not picky! I can listen to anything people want...”

[waylayd]

wretchedpawnhearts​:

Reo’s not sure how to react, mostly because they don’t understand where Kyoji’s even coming from. In a way isn’t he kind of… Justifying the reason he’s being pursued and accosted by others? What’s with that pitiful smile too? They’ve only met this guy but they already feel like they can emphasize with him. That’s the truth of their disappointing existence, isn’t it?

“You’re deflecting the pain inflicted upon you and dismissing it as ‘nothing compared to the real world.’ But it’s your pain and that doesn’t make it any less valid! Are you truly so blind you can’t see it?! That the way you’re hurting is as clear as the pain others feel?! This isn’t a goddamn misery comparison, your heartache doesn’t have to be greater or lesser than others to justify its existence! So… Stop giving me that sad smile and fight for yourself, damn it.”

Sounds like they’re heated yet again, not by something Kyoji did but rather at the way Kyoji thinks instead. As someone who has been on the receiving end of that type of harassment and hazing they just can’t excuse Kyoji being so dismissive of his own suffering and heartache. Though they lose themselves for a few seconds back there, their expression even twisting into one of discomfort, they do regain their coolness and clear their throat to try and dissipate any new tension in the air.

“… You’re hanging out with simpleminded fools whose legs can’t carry their massive egos so they take it out on you because they cannot stand the thought that you can best them. Or to be more specific, they cannot stand the thought of your popularity because you run short distance. Becoming popular… Feh, what a trite concept to worry about… You should leave those people behind in the dust, Nagase-kun, they aren’t worth your time.”

Looks like they’ve solidified their stance on the matter. The student lounge also lies before them. They only glance at Kyoji before gesturing to him to go inside and look around, but the topic of stories brings an easy smile to their face.

“You’ll follow whatever it is that I want to do? Nagase-kun, you sound like a love interest in a romantic play. I’m flattered, but you won’t follow me. Walk by my side instead, as my equal as a fellow writer. As for my stories… You’ll be disappointed to find out public opinion, or at least those of critics, is not favorable. My work to them is an endless stream of disappointment, but I don’t write for them. I write for myself and for those who find meaning in my work. Have you tried writing stories that please yourself rather than stories to earn the admiration of others? Perhaps that is the key you’ve not yet discovered.”

They chuckle a bit at the first part, fully knowing he wasn’t intending to flirt but choosing to tease them like that for their own amusement. So they turned on the purple prose for that final part as well. The truth is they only wanted to sound inspiring to try and convince Kyoji to pick back up creative writing. If there’s something Reo admires is others in their field that work hard in their stories, and Kyoji is giving off that kind of impression to them.

The smile falls as surprise takes the sprinter yet again.

“K-Kaiketsu-kun?!”

Beyond their name, he can't bring himself to say anything else, too stunned by the fervor with which the other implores him to change his way of thinking. It seems as if that wasn't all Reo had wanted to say in any case, and Kyoji does what he knows he can do in that moment: listen.

He grows less startled as Reo calms themself, taking a more delicate approach to giving their two cents on the matter. Kyoji's gaze hardens as he ruminates on the matter.

“Perhaps... but...”

Kyoji shakes his head then. This line of thought... He aborts it, seeing how strongly Reo feels on the matter. Any rebuttal he would put out would seem weak and nonsensical surely, and perhaps instead this was the kind of matter to think over for longer than what a conversation would allow.

“N-Nevermind. I see the point you're talking about. Um, th-thanks for caring about me, Kaiketsu-kun...”

He doesn't try to plaster on a polite smile, but he says that. Besides, there was still the matter of exploration at hand. He opens the door to the student lounge, taking a step in and continuing the conversation, even as his expression turns bashful.

“Ahahaha... Say that, and my old theater club will get mad. I'm pretty bad at acting... and saying anything, really. My twin brother is more the uh... theatrical one.”

He notes though that it sounds like he's accidentally flirting. Note to self: be a bit more careful at wording.

“Mm... Well, the most important critic is Hope's Peak Academy, right? And they say you're doing a pretty good job... So I think I'm still interested. As for that other thing... well... it's a bit complicated. I'm not only bad at a lot of things, but I don't feel alive doing them. I'll get that happy spark at trying something new for a while, but then it just fades away the next time I try it. Then it becomes nothing more than just a convenient way for me to waste time.”

He stares up at the ceiling as the words stream out, consciousness to speech.

“Writing, sprinting... it's all the same. Sprinting just was the thing I was made for, I guess... So it's convenient, since people will understand why I'm spending all my time on it. S-Sorry, that probably sounds bad, doesn't it? I still enjoy reading stories... and now that I’m at Hope’s Peak, I should have more free time to do so...”

[waylayd]

whatsthestoryinkairaimori​:

This guy certainly seemed pretty antsy about getting out of here. Jin thought that was to be expected for some of the others - not everyone could be expected to remain as calm and rational as him, after all! Still, the answer Kyoji sought seemed to be one that, on this rare occasion, would not be found in a book.

“You mean other than the people?”

“The general layout strikes me as somewhat peculiar, but there’s nothing I’ve seen so far that stands out.”

Not that he’s really been looking, either. He’s fine to stay here until whenever “further notice” is.

“I don’t have much interest in violating any of the rules personally, but if you do, well. I’d be interested in seeing what happens.”

… At least that’s something adjacent to an offer of help? Even if it is just because he’s curious about how the Wristwatch AI is gonna dole out punishments.

“Th— Well, Hope's Peak students are always strange, aren't they? Since we're chosen, we're being told we're not normal since we're special and all, so...”

Hm. Now that the words are out of his mouth, he begins to mull over what he's said. He's othered them all in a way, hasn't he? Perhaps he shouldn't have said anything at all.

“Ah... th-thank you for telling me. Nothing, huh...”

That didn't bode well. Kyoji puts back the book onto the shelf. His hand begins to reach for another text, but dragging his gaze back towards his current conversational partner, he stops himself.

“Well, it's not that I'm trying to break any rules... I want to stay with Hope's Peak for now, a-anyway... It's about weighing my options really. Most times, breaking a rule means things like your parents getting contacted, restrictions as punishment, things... things to avoid... and right now I don't look at breaking the rules as necessarily worth it...”

“But I want to know we could leave just in case. Like, um... insurance, I guess? Knowledge is power, or so they say...”

[waylayd]

soundless-dream​:

If you were asked to imagine someone who goes to the gym on a regular basis – Yuna would not look anything close to that imagination. She knew this fact very well. Maybe if you had asked her a few years ago she’d be upset about it. But now she was content.

Sports and exercise in general just isn’t her thing. No matter how many times Harada tried to make her workout. So to her the gym was nonexistent. Though not anymore as she stares lazily at the gym entrance in front of her.

On one hand she could turn back and spend her time somewhere else. But Yuna knew that trying to avoid the gym would be a fruitless endeavor. So, mentally hoping that if there’s anyone inside they don’t force her to exercise – she makes her way into the gym.

Immediately she can tell that someone else is here. But Yuna couldn’t tell a lot about them due to how far they were. Knowing that this wasn’t someone she had spoken to before she makes her way toward them.

As she’s walking he gets more and more clear to her.

“Good morning…… To you too.”

She was a bit astonished by his meek attitude. Now wondering if whatever higher being out there made this guy and Jin at the same time and accidentally switched their personalities. Oh wait that sounds really mean, she really needs to stop thinking like this.

Not wanting to think about her inner fumble any longer she tunes back to what he’s saying.

“Oh actually…… I was… Planning to do that as…… Well. So I’d be….. Happy to help. My name is…… Yuna Saito… By the way. You’re Nagase-san…… Aren’t you?”

The positive reception wasn't quite something he was expecting, but it is no less pleasant to hear. With a soothing voice behind it as well, it certainly made the morning feel a bit brighter!

“Th-Thank you, Saito-ku— -san! I greatly appreciate your help. You know what they say: um... two eyes are better than one! Though I guess it's more like four eyes here... Ahhh... that sounded like a bad joke, didn’t it?”

He walks over, taking a few moments before stretching out his hand to offer for a shake.

“Yes, that's me. I'm Kyoji Nagase. You're the SHSL ASMRtist, right? Nice to meet you, Saito-san.”

If anything, he's somewhat glad he had spent last night reviewing the class roster. It seemed like everyone else had been quick to memorize the details of it, and he'd have to do his best not to fall behind.

[waylayd]

flash--step​:

The fact that he is willing to comply and try the whole introduction thing again is enough to make her look up once again. Dodgy eye contact is her specialty, if you can’t tell! She shuffles a little in place before giving him a nod.

“It’s fine to meet you, Nagase. I’m Shinohara Hinata, the SHSL Tennis Player.” Not good to meet him. Not bad to meet him. But fine! “Uhm… But you said… You’re a sprinter? Is that right? I think that’s… Good. And fine of you to do. What do you run? 100? 200? 400? Relay? I don’t think I could ever do just straight sprinting. I think it would take a lot out of me. Uhm… Or, at least… No, no. Uhm– that’s - uhm - I don’t think that’s what I meant…”

Her hand raises to idly rub at her chin in a contemplative manner, almost as though she’s trying to figure out what she, herself, is trying to convey. A lot of talking for someone with so very little substance to her words.

For a while, her silence hangs uncomfortably in the air. You can practically hear the gears turning in her brain.

Finally, she speaks.

“… Right, ok.” She pulls her hand away and lazily points a finger at him. “I’m looking forward to hearing you tell me more about the specifications of your talent since it’s something relatively adjacent to what I do, but not something I could see myself doing.”

Back straight. Eyes forward. The topic brings him so alarmingly to what feels like an interview, Kyoji speaks as if that were the reality of their conversation.

“I-I'm most well known for my 100m run with a 9.8 second run. It's the event I always do. I also usually run 200m and my high school requires track club members to do both a track and a field event if they plan to do more than one event, so I train at the high jump too, but I wouldn't call it my forte...”

He's staring forward, but he's not really seeing Hinata. Snapping himself out of his trance-like state, regurgitating information, he scratches at the upper part of his cheek.

“I spend most of my free time training for sprinting events. I don't really do any other sports... though I'm sure you would cream me at tennis if I ever tried that again. You're the youngest Japanese woman to reach the championship round of the Grand Slam after all, right?”

[waylayd]

engin-er​:

Akash takes a few steps forward, hoping to close the gap more. She wasn’t sure if that was the right thing to do, but figured getting closer would be better.

“No you’re fine! Yeah it was a little weird but it’s all good.”

What’s a the point of lying when you can be honest? Even if you probably suck at comforting that way.

Akash was the a bit relieved that Kyoji looked a bit less nervous. She hoped she could help the boy be more relaxed. Yeah you can’t expect much considering the situation, and it’d be kinda insensitive to expect everyone to be completely relaxed. But she at least wanted to help comfort them if possible.

“I’m happy you’re okay though. Honestly it’s kinda worrying knowing you passed out, but to be honest I passed out before arriving here so you’re not alone I guess. Although I’m not sure if that’ll help ease your worries.”

“Don’t worry about me though. I’ll be okay.”

A nervous laugh, barely audible, escapes Kyoji when Akash agrees with him on the nature of his question, further reminding him how strange his socializing skills can truly be.

His eyes widen a little when he hears Akash share his experience.

“I-If you're sure! But, that's concerning, isn't it? Like what if...”

He rakes a hand through his bangs, shaking his head.

“Sorry... this isn't the time for conspiracy theories, especially if you're trying to make sure I'm okay. You're not the type to be unhealthy though, are you, um...?”

A stroke of realization hits him, undisguised in his eyes, and he maintains his apologetic look, though he does try to offer a smile despite it.

“S-Sorry, I didn't grab your name yet. Mine's Kyoji Nagase.”

[waylayd]

officialassistant​:

“….Then, what were your motivations for being here?… Unless you’re gonna continue being vague about it.”

While his tone in voice didn’t exactly change at all, Naruki wasn’t really the type to mince their words, especially since they had noticed that Kyoji was hinting about having other intentions aside from a simple jog in memory. Either way, Naruki just wanted to find out if anyone else had any idea what had happened after he had initially blacked out.

“…But yeah, same… and I hope there ain’t anyone watching everything happening in the building if this was actually one since I’ve honestly got no idea on what the hell’s going on if this was supposed to be a sick joke.”

“…And If I did have something like amnesia going on, I sure as hell don’t remember it, obviously… But I haven’t been remembering much between stepping foot on campus and waking up… So I’ve just been checking the place out to see if anything or anyone had rung any bells, but the fact that there weren’t any obvious exits did tip me off a bit.”

Kyoji bows his head quickly.

“S-Sorry!! I, um, didn't realize you'd c-care to...”

And just as quickly he lifts it again, going on:

“I'm looking for a way out. I'm not saying I'll use it, but... I just want to know we can leave. Using the facilities here...”

He turns his attention back to the washing machine before him, beginning a wash cycle. It's a bit of a waste when there's nothing in there, but the machine brrrs to life, a somewhat pacifying hum of noise reverberating through the room.

“...isn't really something I can focus on while I feel stuck. I'd feel a lot more at ease if I know I can move on. I-I mean... wasn't the whole appeal of Hope's Peak that you can do things at your own pace except the exams...?”

He at last works up the will to look back at his conversational partner again, though Kyoji keeps his fists balled up on top of the washing machine, winding the tension there.

“R-Right... Well, you remember things like your family and such, so... it's only a small lapse in memory.”

A pause. His tremor-filled voice grows softer.

“Honestly, I have that same lapse, but... I guessed that was because I was passed out. I mean, it's normal to not remember anything when you're not conscious, right? It'd be more scary if I could remember things from when I can't control my body... You’d be forced to just watch yourself... doubt if it’s even you there...”

[waylayd]

shsloutlander​:

“Heh.  Ain’t that what I implied?  Keizo Ito.  Don’t care where you take that – Ito, Ito-kun, Keikei.  Whatever.”

He rolls his shoulders back.

Now, the movement looks casual.

…But Kyoji would be able to tell – quite clearly – that it was mostly a ruse; Keizo’s back has straightened out in a moment; a man reared already to his full height.  His eyes cast downwards, visibly – and though his expression is half-lidded, his mouth betrays a twitch that makes it clear that he’s….

Still sizing the other guy up.

(– a jacket?  for running?  but wouldn’t that make the sweat stick, wouldn’t that exhaust him–

–or to protect himself in the off-chance a fight was about to start?  a distraction?  or something to grab, to get caught on–)

…Despite this, his tone is casual.

“Heh, well.  Can’t say I was exactly lookin’ to be the first thing y’saw walkin’ in, but it ain’t exactly outside my usual m.o.  Don’t tell me y’didn’t enjoy the view.”

…He gave a bit of a smirk towards the end, there. …But it fades as soon as it arrives, and he adds – maybe as an afterthought.

…Maybe as a way of a… barely apologetic explanation:

“Didn’t want to damage someone else’s door.  Got a bit of a reputation for it, if y’read the card.”

With that, Keizo seems to deflate – not in a large way, but it might be obvious that his guard has … dropped.  For a moment.

“…Heh.  Can’t say I’m out of my comfort zone yet, kid.  Face like mine has to laugh in the face of danger.”

A blink, before a sigh:

“Have y’know I’ve given the place the ol’ lookaround.  Short of you findin’ me an axe  to hack through this shit, or somethin’ to let us set up a controlled burn, there ain’t much of a way out.  ‘Less, course, you’ve had more luck than me.  Seems you’re a bit antsy for it.”

“You'd want someone else's appreciation though, right?”

It's an impulse to neither admit defeat nor gloat a victory, instead wishing to divert the path. He still appears to be a bit tense, watching the other, a million thoughts a minute.

Perhaps that was an exaggeration, but none of this seems as casual save for the sound of Keizo's half of the conversation.

Kyoji gives a nod to the explanation given, appearing to take it as some kind of truth. At the very least, he doesn't question it further.

“I know I said you can stay, but if you're scared of breaking a door... then going to the gymnasium is better, right? It's not like you're against the attention you could get by bumping into someone there...”

His voice gets quieter with the last statement, and he thinks of saying more — mouth flapping open a fraction, soundless, before closing again. He elects his fold his arms across his chest instead, taking more a backseat for a bit.

He shakes his head.

“No... n-nothing yet. I've done as good a check as I can right now. I'm planning on doing another check around after taking a break, but...”

“Yeah. ...I guess you could say I'm antsy for it. Knowing I’m stuck somewhere... it doesn’t sit right... Like my body wants to reject it entirely...”

[waylayd]

flash--step​:

His hearty shake is met with something akin to that of… A limp fish. Minus the cold and clammy aspects. That has to be worth something, right? Even if it’s not much? One way or another, the lack of enthusiasm behind it speaks volumes. Not about her feelings towards him, per say, but in general about her character.

“Famous people?” She parrots and turns her head over her shoulder, a split second of confusion and a surprise washing over her features as she looks around. “I could have sworn that it was just me in here… I didn’t notice anyone else… Ah, mm… I hope they don’t think of me as too rude for not anything anything earlier…

…

Blink blink.

“… You’re talking about me?” It dawns on her less than a second later, and she straightens her slightly slouched posture into something more upright. “… I see… I don’t - uhm - I don’t really see myself as a famous person, but… I guess given that I’m the SHSL Tennis Player, then that tracks… But if that’s the case, you are too. You know, famous and all. Ah– sorry, sorry. I should have asked for your name earlier. Jeeze… I’m really messing this up, aren’t I… Uhm, do you want to take it from the top and try this whole interaction again? I’ll - uhm - I’ll try to do better this time around, but don’t have your expectations too high for someone like me.”

She tugs down on one of her sleeves, a dejected glance down at the floor.

A one-sided handshake. It doesn't go unnoticed, but Kyoji doesn't call explicit attention to it either outside of a downward glance at their hands before he broke the connection.

It does make him shove both his hands into his pants pockets though.

“But you— tennis is more of a popular sport to talk about, and well, um... I recognize you but you don't recognize me, so I think that says something but—”

He pauses mid-sentence, feeling a bit guilty at the expression that paints Hinata's face. A moment passes before he acquiesces.

“Um... y-yeah, sure. I'm Kyoji Nagase, the SHSL Sprinter. I-It's nice to meet you, Shinohara-kun.”

[waylayd]

officialassistant​:

“…Dunno… I’ve really just been taking a look around to jog my memory since I’m not sure if I’ve just been outta the loop or if I hit my head on something, but my mind’s been feeling a bit foggy as of late.”

Naruki droned as his eyes shifted around the room before focusing on Kyoji. He did take a moment to take a look at the nearby drying machines as the sprinter had done the same to not waste too much time. He only checked out the doors of two of them before mentally declaring that they didn’t look too out of the ordinary in general. While it was lazy of him, they were only just drying machines.

“…But you noticed that too, huh. Weird that they didn’t label any on the map nor did I find any with a clear indicator after a first look. No idea if they’re being incompetent with absurd room layouts, or if something stupid is going on like a hazing ritual.”

“Mm... well, I guess we've got the same idea, even if it's different motivations.”

It’s a bit disappointing, and he’s not the best at hiding it from his voice, but his mind wanders from there. A foggy memory... Kyoji supposes his was a little foggy too but there was just the lapse in time between passing out and then waking up in Neo Hope's Peak, surely?

“Well, if this is a hazing ritual, I'd prefer to at least know that that's what this is... um... you don't think there's a bunch of students or faculty just watching us behind all these locked doors, do you?”

“You also mentioned trying to jog your memory. You don't have some kind of amnesia... right?”