penstabby | ⑪

[ And once again, Masaomi was gone.

Mikado couldn't help but think this was all his own fault. He shouldn't have said anything when he asked, and just continued to play it like there was nothing different. Then again, he had no idea that Masaomi would have responded like that, and maybe he shouldn't be so hard on himself. Either way though, he knew that he was the one that could have prevented this and began to shoulder all the blame on himself.

There was no sign of him in his daily routine. His room was empty, his desk was empty, and his walk from place to place now was by himself. Sometimes he'd turn around, expecting a familiar face, but only to see no one. The realization hit him as he recognized this situation as all too familiar, and for the third time in his life, his best friend was vanished.

...And what terrible timing, too. ]

[ voice | filtered 100% away from Masaomi ]

[ Mikado usually isn't one to use the voice function, but this time he figures it's the easiest way to get a lot of people's attention. ]

Um...

I'm sure most of you have heard of someone named "Kida Masaomi." He's... well, he's blond, has piercings, is loud and obnoxious, and he likes to pick up girls, and he's my... ...I'm sorry, I'm getting sidetracked.

His birthday is a week from now, and I think it would be nice to throw a party for him. So for those of you who are his friends, if you wouldn't mind helping me organize something I would really appreciate it. I... want this to be special. For him.

--Oh, and please don't tell him. I'd like it to be a surprise.

...Thank you.

[ And he'll conveniently leave out the detail that he himself isn't planning on going. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That's sad to hear. Do you have any idea what might be bothering him?

I... [ ... ] I'm not entirely sure. I haven't really talked to him since the draft. [ liar, liar, liar ]

Were you both involved in that battle? [a slight sigh.] I was as well. It wasn't quite what I expected, but I can see why it could have been an disheartening experience.

Yeah, it was... difficult.

[ And not talking about it. Diverting the subject! ] B-But you wouldn't happen to be good at decorations or anything like that?

[ hm that's an interesting topic switch, but she won't press the issue. ]

I can't say I'm particularly good at it, but I'm sure I could help.

[ A small relieved sigh here ] Oh, good. I think maybe a few streamers or balloons should be enough. And maybe a banner that says "Happy Birthday" on it...? Hmm, but I'm not exactly sure which color he'd like... [ Aaand he derails off to mostly talking to himself. ]

You don't have to worry about so much about small details like that. [a slight chuckle.] The banner, streamers, and balloons sound fine... I'll take care of choosing colors.

You're really putting your all into this, aren't you?

Oh, just... make sure nothing is blue. ...I don't think he likes that color.

[ a sheepish laugh ] Well... I guess. He is pretty important to me--he doesn't deserve any less.

I'll remember that. No blue.

You two must have been friends for a long time then... Did you know each other before being brought here?

Yeah, we're from the same world. We've known each other since we were little. [ oh gawd, the nostalgia. She might not be able to see it but that smile's turned a little sad now. Oh, the days when nothing was complicated... ]

It must be nice to have someone you can trust and rely on know matter what happens. [a slight pause as a thought occurs to her.] You should never take that for granted.

[ Ouch. As if he didn't know that well enough already. ] ...Yeah. Of course.

[ And he falls quiet as he tries to think of something else to talk about. He'd ask her if she had anyone like that but... he'd just end up comparing. Comparing is bad. ]

[ For better or worse, she's the type to preach on a bit anyway... ]

Friends are quite precious things, after all. And for some... [she pauses, considering her words carefully.] For some, even a single friend can make all the difference.

That's right. [ He doesn't want to say anything, but she's absolutely right. Though it's just making him regret what he did even more. ] ...It's pretty lonely without them.

Lonely... yes, I couldn't have said it better myself. [she pauses, thinking for a moment, before deciding to take a stab in the dark.] You sound a bit troubled though... are you alright?

O-Oh, yeah. I'm fine. [ Giving a short, awkward laugh, trying to brush it off. ] I'm just a little worried about Masaomi, that's all.

...Thanks, Mami-chan.

You really are a good friend to worry about him so much. But he seemed like the type to be able to take care of himself. [well... he also seemed like the type to get himself into trouble, but no need to point that out.]

It was no problem at all, Ryugamine-san.

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