decksdark | ⋯⋯⋯ 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓

if you say so.

let’s see…I’m going to bet we’re both night people.

( considering they’re having their usual text session at night. )

sweet or salty?

( Nothing to see here!! Never mind that every once in awhile an eye opens up in the side of his hand, like it's curiously reading the conversation before it closes itself again. )

Oh, that's a good one... I'm going to have to go with sweet. Sometimes I have a really bad sweet tooth.

Sunny or rainy?

really? in that case, don’t bring lunch to school tomorrow.

( it’s direct and to the point, but there is nothing but sweetness and general affection in her words to him. he had been so kind to her and she had been wondering how to show him she appreciated it. that she genuinely liked the thought of being his girlfriend, of being more than just friends.

so while she’s waiting on his next message, she’s immediately writing up a list of items to make him. it nearly takes her half an hour to respond back because of that. )

rainy, because it means we could share an umbrella sometime. if you wanted to.

Edited 2025-02-08 13:37 (UTC)

( Don't bring lunch? Does that mean... Yes, it has to. Kirie's going to make something for him! The idea makes Shinichi's stomach squirm with a rush of nervous, pleasant energy, and he's flushing again, once more grateful that she can't see how silly he must look right now. )

You're going to bring something for me? That's so nice of you, Kirie! I can't wait to see what it is :)

( He's a bit more open when it comes to showing his emotions, but it never bothers him that Kirie's more subdued about such things. Her actions show more than words ever could, and the fact she would bring him lunch... It's so sweet of her, it makes his heart buzz happily, as well as what she says next. God, he's down so bad for the girl. )

In that case, I really hope it rains soon...

( A little dose of flirting...! Because yes, he would very much like to share an umbrella with her. u///u )

Is there anything I can bring tomorrow too, maybe drinks? Do you like bubble tea?

( as the night dragged on, she found herself just a bit concerned he wouldn't be very open to the idea of having his lunch made by her, but the moment he texted her back with such enthusiasm, she nearly rolled out of bed in excitement. it had been ages since she felt any emotion beyond dull indifference. it was...a nice and almost overwhelming sensation for her. )

I hope so too.

( it's just as blunt as before but it's obvious even she's looking forward to being so close to him again, on their terms this time. )

I haven't actually had it very often, but I thought it was good. I'd like some if you're bringing it. ♥

( and really, she would only accept it from him. )

( Really, he can hardly believe this is happening. Ever since his life changed in that one night, he's never thought that he, of all people, would be able to explore something like this — this budding pulse of nervous heartbeats and shy thoughts and giddy excitement. Having this to look forward to. And it isn't only just his little crush on the girl, but the fact of getting to know someone new, someone he's so invested in learning more about, and wants to spend time with. It's... it's really, really nice.

He won't think about all of the secrets he has, all of the dangerous things, all of the ways this could be brought to an abrupt end. Can't he just have something sweet and human and precious, for a little while? )

There's a little shop not far from my house that sells some. I like to pick it up on the way to school sometimes. I'll get some for us tomorrow morning!

you know I'd really like that.

but wouldn't it be fun if we went together, after school?

( like a date-

but she won't say that. she'll let him fill in the blanks because as cool and serious as she could be these days, even she was a bit shy about all of this. )

( It does take him just a moment or two to really grasp the potential meaning here. Shinichi's not used to hanging out with anyone after school — these days, he just rushes right back home afterwards, keeping himself as isolated as possible.

But this... It takes him a few minutes to respond because he's feeling a fresh bout of excited nerves that he hardly knows what to do with. Is this... is it really a date? Or would it be weird if he used that word? He doesn't want to make it weird or push Kirie too much. )

I like that idea even better! Let's do it.

( But for as shy as he could also be, Shinichi was also painfully earnest too, and so... heart pattering, he just outright asks, not wanting to make her uncomfortable by assuming. Sorry Kirie, he's a pretty big dork. )

Is it okay to call this a date? But only if you want to!

( it wasn't like she had never gone on a date before— after all she did have a boyfriend at one point before the end, or what seemed like the end. yet there was something about actually speaking to someone more receptive that made her feel a spark of life within her. what felt like dead emotions were now slowly reviving.

especially when he came out and said it like that. )

I kinda figured it would be a date. I'd like to.

date you that is.

( on the other end, kirie was painfully blunt—

a perfect match for earnest dorks. )

( They both really are so earnest, even if in their own distinctive ways — Shinichi's more emotional and nervous one, Kirie's more calm and blunt one. They already mesh well, like two pieces of a puzzle that just fit together. Shinichi can't remember ever making a friend so fast and easily, much less this quick shift into realising his crush on the girl.

There's much to figure out, to explore, but... already, it feels so perfect.

Or it would. If there weren't that dark secret looming, the one that makes his stomach hurt to think about. ....What would Kirie think if she knew how disgusting and strange he really was? Is this... wrong of him? Is he lying to her, pretending to be a normal human being when he's anything but that...?

But he wants this. To go on a date with her tomorrow, to see what comes of it, to enjoy the moment with her as he keeps getting to know her. Is it so wrong that he wants that? It doesn't feel wrong. For the first time in a long time, something actually feels right. )

I'd like that too. I'd really, really like it!
Because I really, really like you, Kirie.

Okay, then — you're officially my date ♥︎
I can't wait to see you tomorrow. :)

okay, date it is. see you tomorrow then!

( although her words are more direct, less flirtatious and lacking the kind of excitement anyone could hope for, truly what was not seen behind the screen was an unbridled wave of emotions hitting her all at once. this newfound relationship with shinichi had awoken parts of her that she swore were dead and long gone from her but they were always there it seemed. she was truly smiling brightly at the light in front of her, surrounded by the darkness of her room.

her mind had just blocked it out as a form of punishment, a form of guilt over being the only one to survive her ordeal. there were words there that lingered in her mind that encouraged her to live and be happy, but could she really? could she take advantage of this precious moment being offered to her? there were doubts in her mind but at least one good thing could come from this; she was finally able to close her eyes and fall asleep without seeing the horrors a town cursed by spirals brought to her.

that was until she remembered one particularly haunting thought— she didn't actually have anything decent to wear for a date. in her desperate struggle to just survive each day and live in the shadow of her trauma, she had neglected several aspects of herself. it truly was a surprise shinichi would fall for her and perhaps that should have been comfort enough for her but all she could think about was this was a date, a real date and she should dress the part. so she decided to go shopping before school and pickup a few things [how she would manage this while also making lunch for her date was left up in the air].

when the next day rolled in, and she somehow managed to make everything work in time to avoid being late to school, she was in a hurried frenzy as she bolted through the hallways. this level of expression from her was truly rare— enough to make heads turn as she dashed by in her uniform and several bags in hand until she finally made it to her locker. once there, she opened it up and shoved the items in, slamming the door shut without realizing a certain someone had been standing nearby. it was only when she felt a stare on her that she finally turned her head to the side and saw him. )

Oh Shinichi....Good Morning. I didn't see you there, sorry.

( for the first time since her start at this school, she was actually wearing makeup—

nothing too extreme, light mascara, a gloss, and a soft blush that brought more color to her usually pale face. )

[ To Shinichi, the words were just perfect. Although he was still getting to know Kirie as a person, it was clear that she was a bit shy, and reserved. So to earn such a response from her at all feels... it feels amazing. The butterflies in his stomach are fluttering more rapidly, and he can hardly believe this is really happening. ]

See you tomorrow! I'll let you get some sleep now.
Have a good night, Kirie!

[ As if sleep will find him soon...! He's staying up for a bit longer as his mind buzzes and buzzes. ...Weirdly, Migi doesn't pipe up with his usual barrage of questions. Usually the parasite shows an immense interest in things like human relationships... (and procreation, which is mortifying.) But he just keeps quiet, and eventually Shinichi shrugs it off and does slip into sleep. Maybe Migi's finally bored about stuff like that?

(He absolutely isn't. Unbeknownst to Shinichi, the alien wants to observe this all play out... so he's not going to ask his host any questions about it right now, and see what happens tomorrow on this "date".)

When the next morning comes, Shinichi's waking up with another surge of nervous, pleasant adrenaline. He scarfs down breakfast and heads off with a quick good-bye to his parents, eager to get to school and see Kirie.

And as soon as he sees her, all of those feelings are just revving back up again. The slam of her locker has him perking up as he waits attentively to the side like a dog loyal for its owner. Then he's smiling brightly as she notices him— ]

Good morning! That's all right, I think I kinda snuck up on you.

[ He gives one of his usual shy, somewhat self-deprecating laughs, before the sound falls off short as he takes in the girl's appearance. Although subtle, the little hints of make-up are definitely noticeable, and they simply bring out Kirie's natural beauty. The boy's staring, and he has to take a moment to remember how to do things like breathe properly and speak. ]

Wow, you— you look really nice, Kirie. Ah... o-oh, you're making me blush, I think...

[ That earnesty of his just persists to the point Shinichi will call himself out about things... placing his hand to his cheek almost as though to test it out. (Migi is wondering what the hell he's doing here... humans are so weird.) ]

( since her time dealing with the strange events that took her small town over, kirie had drastically changed a lot in her personality. it was only now with someone actually reaching out to her and began to try and form some kind of friendship with her that remnants of the girl she once was began to slowly come forth. she had been in survival mode for so long, pushing herself to be stable and positive to keep everyone hopeful. her boyfriend back then had been right about everything and she trusted him— so when he finally gave up on that pile, the monument to the madness of the curse, she knew her time to give up had come. for some reason or another though she and only she was the sole survivor of that ordeal. it was a guilt that lingered with her and seemed to bite at her now as she looked at shinichi.

he was so kind and sweet, so alive. did she really deserve to know this kind of happiness. to indulge in it? she wasn't sure but she had to play her part now.

even if she felt guilty about it, it felt good. )

Making you blush?

( she asked, her head tilting to the side as she moved closer to him to observe what exactly he might have meant by that. she looked at him more closely, seeing that red tinge on his skin and finally it dawned on her. this boy had a crush on her didn't he? it was sweet but he could do better than to fall for someone so suffocated by death and horror like her. yet she didn't voice these thoughts—

instead she decided to gently reach out to touch his hand, smiling just a bit. )

It looks like I did. I figured I'd dress up a little for our date you know? I uh....it's been a while since I've done anything like this you know?

[ When the girl moves closer to him, Shinichi's flush only deepens, and he gives a soft, nervous exhale. Oh yes — he absolutely has a crush on her, and it's only going to grow worse with each passing moment. But how can he possibly help it? She's so cute, so sweet, so pretty—

(Focus, Shinichi.)

He succeeds in focusing for about 0.2 seconds, but then Kirie's reaching out to touch his hand so gently while smiling like that, and it just about blows his mind. He swallows tightly, other hand moving up to his shirt collar as though to loosen it just a little bit, finding it difficult to properly catch his breath. ]

Me either. Or, I mean— I've never done anything like this before— went on a date— so if I do something stupid, you can tell me.

[ He smiles playfully, even with his cheeks burning red. How in the world is he going to make it all the way through the school day like this? By the time their little after-school date begins, he'll be a puddle of goo. Despite his silly nerves, he can't help adding— ]

You always look pretty, though. You're so cute. I think I might make some guys jealous, getting to go out with you today.

You're fine.

( she looked at him more closely, eyes softening at his words. that kind of nervousness before a date, before realizing deeper feelings was something she'd felt so long ago with her past relationship. even if she was struck and paralyzed in fear by all the trauma and baggage she carried with her, she was still sweet enough to be kind to a gentle heart.

and his heart truly felt so gentle.

what he said next though made her now blush, becoming a bit surprised at his comments. wasn't it just a moment ago she was coming to school like a sullen girl— dark clothes, eyes hollowed out with the infliction of sadness and horror, and her hair as short as a boy's? now he was calling her cute, even back then when she could barely tolerate herself. )

You...you thought I was pretty? Even when we were trapped in the locker room?

Yes! I was so nervous around you... [ He laughs softly at himself; it hasn't been that long ago and he's played the incident on repeat in his mind many times — the snowstorm, sitting snuggled up close with Kirie to keep one another warm.. so aware of the soft-spoken girl beside him. (And the little kiss she'd gifted him...) ]

I've always thought you were so pretty. Your eyes and your smile — your nose. [ He flushes again as he looks over her cute face, but Shinichi's always been an openly earnest boy, at times a contradiction to his shy introversion. Even if it's not easy to openly tell a girl these things, his heart always does the talking for him. ]

I think... you've seemed a bit sad since you moved here, [ he adds, more gently, eyes searching hers. He isn't oblivious to how the new girl's been and behaved since she transferred here, how she'd kept to herself, how people often stared at her as she walked down the halls, wondering what was up with her. And... Shinichi knows what that's like, to an extent. Since Migi happened, his demeanour at school has changed around those who've known him for years, around his friend group (who he's pretty much lost now.) He's been more distant, more melancholic, more strange. Maybe seeing that in somebody else is what truly pulled at his heart to begin with. ]

It made me want to know you even more and I'm really glad I did. Although... I probably would have been too shy to on my own, so it's a good thing we got stuck in that storm together, [ he half-jokes. ]

( to say she's left in shock by this revelation was under selling the overwhelming emotions she felt— this wasn't her first time dating someone, but to be spoken about in such a way left her speechless. the compliments right down to something as insignificant as her nose...well she was certainly starting to fall hard for him. it left her pale and almost color-less face with a growing blush. she felt alive for once, her entire body feeling as if it was awakening for the first time. the last time she felt anything like this was when she fell on top of those dead bodies, finally feeling like she could rest and accept death.

instead she had woken up being rescued and now she was here. alive again.

the grip on his hand tightened, and there was so much she wanted to say in turn, but of course the school bell had to ring. they had to go to class and put aside these feelings and while she seemed more on the invisible side when it came to being present in school, she actually did try to be on time to things. )

Shinichi...I...let's finish this discussion after class okay?

( and whether or not he answered her, she practically dragged him along to class, hand in hand.

it was going to be one long day, with her being desperate to be able to hold his hand and talk to him again. )

[ Seeing that adorable little blush spreading across the girl's face only makes his heart melt even more for her. There really is no hope for him at this point... his growing puppy crush on Kirie Goshima has fully taken on a life of its own, and Shinichi just kind of stares at her with a dopey look on his face, as though he could do so forever. Fortunately, time has other plans and he can't just stay standing there in the middle of the hallway gazing fully smitten at the girl.

He's jolted back into reality by the sound of the bell, blinking out of his haze as he perks up to attention. ]

Oh— class! [ That thing they have to get to, right! ] Yes, we can finish it then! [ He agrees, and he's all too happy to keep holding onto Kirie's hand as they move, grasping it back just as much. To think that he's here, holding onto a young woman's hand so freely, heart skipping so many pleasant beats...

The day passes by far too slowly, and each second that he's not sharing a class or break with Kirie feels like eternity. But finally, finally, the final bell rings and freedom comes, which means their little date can properly begin. Shinichi pays a visit to the boys' restroom before to freshen up just a little, check his hair (smoothing down that one stubborn part of his hair that always sticks up a little in the back), straighten out his clothing... When he's satisfied, he heads to meet Kirie out front of the school, perking up as soon as he sees her, like a dog with its tail wagging immediately. ]

Kirie! I'm here! Are you all ready to head out? I already told my parents I'd be home a bit later today.

( this was probably the most her heart has ever beat, its rapid thumping and pounding sensations filling her ears. the entire day was filled with small little blunders on her end, dropped papers, bumping into things, but it was clear she was starting to be affected by shinichi's words and sentiments towards her. little by little she was starting to become more human and the past pain and traumas she'd gone through looked so far in the distance.

could she truly deserve this kind of happiness?

for now she didn't put much weight on her guilt nor in this possible relationship. as much thrill as she felt over being found cute and being liked, she also had a small weight of uncertainty about the whole thing. nothing was ever guaranteed in the end and she knew this painfully well. it was best to just play things as they came and not build memories and expectations on things yet to come.

as the day came to an end and the bell rang, she made her out of her last class for the day and followed a similar ritual to shinichi. she walked into the bathroom and brushed her hair a bit, it having grown a bit more these days than when she had first arrived. she wasn't sure if she still felt confident enough to reach the full length she had before, but that wasn't something she was focused on. instead she pulled forth a simple cherry gloss and placed it on her lips, bringing some color to them. with a nervous little movement, she finally finished getting ready and bolted out to meet shinichi. )

I'm ready, thank you for waiting.

( 'I already told my parents I'd be home a bit later today.' his words reminded her of the demise of her own family, bringing a soft nostalgic feeling to her. still she brushed it off, grabbing his hand without really thinking much and walking forth. )

I don't...I don't really have a curfew so whatever you want to do is fine with me. ( a lot of implications there but surely shinichi was a good boy with no ill intent. )

[ Seeing Kirie (looking so cute all over again, good lord) keeps feeling like the first time, somehow. Each time Shinichi approaches her, he feels the nervous flip-flops in his stomach, not so much butterflies anymore as something much larger and hardier. It's more like frogs. It makes him pleasantly dizzy, a little light-headed. It's easy, in the moment, to forget about his own worries and concerns regarding this whole thing. Easy to slip into what it feels like to just be a normal teenage boy with a normal teenage crush blossoming and taking over everything else.

...The worse things are still there, he hasn't really forgotten. All of the secrets he carries, his own guilts, his own... strangeness. Migi. How in the world is Migi actually going to react to all of this? The parasite has remained strangely silent all day long, not even piping up to speak to him one single time. Surely he isn't sleeping all that time, is he...? Is he just... watching? Observing? It's always an uncomfortable thought, but even moreso now that Shinichi's planning to spend more direct time with Kirie.

Speaking of which— he blinks with delighted surprise when the girl reaches for his hand again, letting his own fingers curl snugly around hers as she mentions not having a curfew. There is maybe a fresh blush that dusts his cheeks — a lot of hormones are racing through him right now, okay... — but he shrugs it off easily enough and smiles brightly. ]

Maybe we can do something fun after our drinks. There's a park near my house.

[ ...He won't mention that he frequently gets picked on by bullies at that very park. Hopefully those guys won't be around today.

It's at that moment that he realises Kirie's holding his right hand — and there's a kneejerk little jolt in him, but he swallows that down and reminds himself that Migi wouldn't do anything; he wouldn't risk exposing himself. Shinichi retains full control over his right arm in the moment, so... everything's fine. With a little surge of boldness, the boy swings Kirie's arm gently forwards and back a little bit, looking over at her with a playful smile. ]

( her heart's beating fast, a similar rhythm and sensation to the various times she had to fight for her life. yet she wasn't in any danger at this time, nothing to fear, no endless spirals that twist and contort her fellow mankind into objects of torture and torment. instead all that stood by her side was a teenage boy who stirred feelings within her she didn't know she still had left—

with all of his simpleness and sweet, shy disposition, he made her feel human again. it was enough to truly drive her to tears, like a prisoner being released from an unjust situation. instead though she bit down on her lower lip and forced herself to push past any of her strong emotions. if she stopped to cry, she'd miss their date and she was far more excited for it than she had realized.

so much so, that she was guiding them both towards the drink shop with a spring in her step, cool wind picking up her hair in the breeze. each step seemed to draw forth a better version of herself, one that was slowly shedding that sickly weak girl she had appeared to be when she first joined his school. )

I like that idea, you have....really good ideas. Let's do it.

( she was still a bit serious in her tone, more direct and blunt than he was, yet there was a smile on her lips. fingers squeezing his in turn, her hand becoming as warm as her face was starting to look. each swing of their arms felt like a flutter to her heart, leaving the walk from their school to the shop feeling like a quick little trip.

soon enough they were at the shop, her mind finally being able to relax and not worry that there was something terrifying and horrid awaiting her for daring to feel any semblance of happiness again. she was shinichi, having survived being stuck in a cold locker room, afraid for her life, on a real date.

and soon they were in their seats, drink in hand. it was time for her to ask him things, right? )

Is this your first time on a date like this?

[ Shinichi doesn't at all mind the more serious disposition that Kirie has — she's calm, a presence that makes him feel calmer. He likes the subtle gestures she gives, the small smiles, the little doses of warmth in her eyes. It's more of a warm glow than a bright shine, and he likes it a lot. For the first time in... so long, he doesn't feel so alone. He has a friend, and also someone who makes his heart beat faster, makes him feel human again. Sometimes it's easy to forget what that's like, with so much of his life wrapped up in Migi and the alien parasites now. It's... consumed everything. But underneath all of that horror, he's still just a teenage boy. Kirie helps remind him of that.

Freshly flushed, he lets Kirie guide him along like she does, more than happy to eagerly keep up with a bounce in his own step. Her hand's so warm and human in his own grasp; he wishes he never had to let go.

Once inside, he orders his usual brown sugar tapioca tea (not being the most adventuresome of guys...) and settles in at a table with Kirie, folding his arms conversationally on its top while he leans in to listen to her, his attention remaining focused wholly on the girl. The world around them might as well not exist, just a background hum of noise and movement. ]

It is — I think. I've been out with someone a couple of times to get a treat, but it wasn't really a date. [ His mouth tugs to the side for a moment as he thinks about it, and for a moment he's a little mournful, frowning slightly. Satomi... another one of his friends he's fallen so out of touch with, ever since Migi happened. The little crush he'd had on the girl fizzled out over time, with them hardly even speaking anymore. ]

There was someone a few months ago I was um... starting to get to know? But we... fell out of touch with one another... What about you, Kirie? Have you been on a date before? Or had a boyfriend?

( in a way she should have anticipated this question coming up, it was only natural for people to be curious about the past others had; the baggage they carried. she had mourned and cared deeply for her first and last boyfriend shuichi. she’d also had done a great number of mistakes when it came to heading his warnings, writing him off as too paranoid, even when things became dire.

she was mature now— she’d lived a thousand lives in those moments and had become so ancient in that time. yet hearing shinichi talk about this other girl he might have fancied before her sparked an emotion she never felt before— jealousy. even back then when one of her so called friends had her fixations on her boyfriend at the time she couldn’t care too much really. so why were her hands under the table becoming tight?

yet as quickly as he told his story and it was her turn to speak, she couldn’t help but feel like a hypocrite. she’d be telling this poor boy the truth but withholding the painful end to her relationship.

she swallowed a bit, forcing a soft smile as she rose her hand up to fiddle with the straw of her drink. )

Back in my small hometown I…I dated this boy who went to a different high school than I did. We were together for some time but we never really did anything too uh well you know—

( intimate, she thought but she wasn’t quite sure why she felt the need to mention it. regardless, she went on to wrap up her admission quickly. there was no way she’d tell him about the darkness that haunted her, their painful send off.

at least not here. )

Anyways he was very introverted and it was hard to read his mind sometimes. I could never tell what he really thought about me. I guess it’s fine that things ended, it wasn’t something very serious anyways.

( there’s a hot sting in the back of her mind as she relegated him to being nothing more than a passing teenage experience knowing full well he did care about her enough to plead her to keep living for their sake but—

she didn’t want to hurt shinichi with her past. especially when it was dead and there was no bringing it back to life. so she took a sip of her drink, something fruity with low sugar, before smiling at shinichi. )

But I’ve never really been on a date with someone who made me feel so…..so special. You’re very sweet to me.

[ He listens attentively as the girl talks, open and curious to learn more about her life. There's still so much about Kirie that he doesn't know, and he's perking up as she mentions her hometown, focused on the words.

Truthfully it's not too surprising to him to learn that she'd had a boyfriend before; for one thing Kirie's so darling that he has a hard time imagining she wouldn't draw the attention of teenage boys. For another, most people their age have at least had some kind of romance, or at least... it can seem that way. Even before Migi happened, Shinichi was always a very shy, bookish young man — things like dating were difficult to even imagine, and admittedly he's felt a bit behind in comparison to his peers.

Which is in part why he feels a little flutter of his own anxiety at the thought of Kirie having dated someone in the past. Even when she alludes to the fact they hadn't gone... far romantically, he can't help a certain sinking feeling. What if he seems too... inexperienced? He'd never even been kissed before the sweet, chaste thing that Kirie gave him back during the snowstorm. Surely he seems a little pathetic, childish.

(Unbeknownst to him, Migi is listening to all of this with intensity, for human relationships are of utmost fascination to the alien entity. Especially the physical aspect to them.... Every once in a while, one of Shinichi's fingers gives a little twitch, but it's nothing that he even notices.) ]

Oh—

[ Shinichi blinks wider at the girl's words, blushing all over again. It immediately counters the coils of anxiety in his stomach, and he looks quickly down as though trying to hide the shy smile that tugs at the corners of his mouth. ]

I'm glad to hear that, Kirie. I know I'm not..... the coolest guy around. Truthfully it's still hard to believe someone like you would even look my way. [ He laughs, reaching up to adjust his glasses as he shyly makes eye contact with the girl again. ] But you are special. You make me feel so happy, and— and I'm really glad you're my friend, too. These past weeks... being with you at school and having you to talk with at night when things are a bit lonely... it's made me so happy. So I want to do anything I can to make you feel happy, too.

[ He smiles, soft but warmly. It truly was not that long ago that he felt completely and utterly alone. And now... Kirie's like a light in so much darkness. He looks forward to seeing her every single day, thinks about what she's doing, how she's feeling, wants to check in with her and talk for hours if he could. ]

Meeting you has been one of the best things to happen to me. I mean that.

( she wasn't quite sure how he'd take her words, hoping they didn't hurt him even if she had been careful with her phrasing. truthfully she did love shuichi for all his faults— he'd worked so hard to protect her and beg her to leave that town. if it weren't for her....

but she decided to set that aside. she'd mourned him, gotten over her love for him and had accepted she needed to live for both their sakes. what did surprise her though was shinichi's response, the way he immediately turned things back around to compliment her. she was left with a deep blush on her face, eyes wide as she simply took in everything he said about her. she was silent for a moment as he said those words, 'I mean that', before she thought back on what he said about his friend from earlier.

was she part of the reason he was like this? it almost made her sad to hear they weren't in touch anymore, a past jealousy coming and going as easily as it arrived. she didn't want to become like that with him, even if they could no longer be friends or lovers. so she held out her hand, pinky finger struck out firm and bold before his face. )

If you really feel that way then make me a promise! Promise that no matter what, even if you stop feeling that way about me....you'll always be my friend. Please.

( it was the first time she showed him such a bout of emotion, her face determined and voice filled with more energy than she'd ever shown before. she just couldn't handle the idea of losing him too, even if their relationship was just blooming into something new. before he could hook his own finger between hers though, she leaned in, a bright smile on her face as she spoke. )

By the way, you're the coolest person at our school in my eyes....and the cutest.

( a final declaration before they made their promise. )

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gently dipping into psl things with this dummy again after 30 years, no obligation to reply!! ♡

plsss I'd wait for your tags forever, all good

my best babies 🥹

truly 😭

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