"Well yes, but... I can't be the only one not pulling my weight... when everyone else is working so hard..." Shion's grip is unnaturally hot, but its warmth is comforting. It does not burn Eito's hand to crisp, unlike last time. He slowly shake his head. "I... intend to hold my promise."

He can't help it but worry. Everything is out to get them. While Shion is lost in thoughts, it leaves a lingering silence. After what felt like an eternity, he slowly extends his arm, trying to reach for Eito's hand. "I… promised I'd stay by your side... didn't I? I... want to keep you safe."

❛𝐈‘𝐦 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈‘𝐦 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆!❜

"Woah... You're amazing!" Yep, she got him completely hooked. It'd be rude not to accept her invitation after Vanea has given her all to convince flames boy. As to the how and the when-- bah, better handwave it for now. He clutches the ticket closer to his chest, nodding. "I'd... love that."

"Whisked away... ah!" She's gained his full attention, the boy gawking in awe at the idea of a theatre, eyes sparkling dreamily. The way she describes it, it reminds him of books; how it's an escapism meant to carry you to another world... Except in that case, you also experience it in +

Something for him? What a lucky day indeed! He's flaring up with happiness, while his eyes do most of the questioning. "The Great Theatre?" The ghost boy carefully reaches his hand to grab the ticket by its opposite corner, mindful to not come into contact with her silky skin. Upon closer +

He lights up, beaming with joy. Is she really allowing him to do it? Great! Should he really be doing this with a stranger? Eh, who cares. "Right. I will try." There isn't a sliver of hesitation in his gestures. He puts his curled hands up, pucking his lips to form a cat-like mouth. "Nyaaa~!"

"Ah, well... I can't disclose much, but, um... I want to bring good fortune to my friends by proxy." The color red, a lucky color? He tilts his head, intrigued. If that's the case, maybe it's simpler than he first thought. "Is that true? Does it mean I can meow at you to achieve the same result?"

// idk why the mental image of an emo shion makes me giggle

The ghost boy is easily impressionable. If she had let her first response linger a bit longer, Shion would have conceded. Though, her second statement rekindles his resolve. "Why can't I fit the crazy role? Do you think I can't pull it off? I think I already cover half of what you described +

So bold and direct. There's a sense of comfort knowing her words are sincere. It takes him a bit off-guard, but only for a brief instant. He quickly follows up with a meek smile. "Ah... I suppose it does make sense. Yes, you're right. Let's go--!, um, lucky cat statue... hunting?"

He's right, it doesn't matter, what's done is done. No reason to dwell on what ifs, the outcome will stay the same. "I see. So... You've done it out of your own volition, mhm..." He slumps his head a bit, keeping his curious eyes glued on Eito, relieved. "I'm glad... it paid off for you too."

You... really do not mind helping me out if I say yes?

Ah...! Do you have one?

// if i listened to myself, I'd make a dr account of Akane or Gonta (Kokichi would also be an option 🤔) since i see that verse getting active 👀👀 But gnnnnnh if I make too many accs i will just lose motivation to rp altogether ashjddkks

// pspsps dont mind me @daroomy.bsky.social i just felt like doing sketchy doodles of them cuz they're precious and must protecc

He wants to do something nice for Darumi, something to make her feel appreciated! But... he can't do so by himself.

"Ah... but--..." He presses his lips into a thin line, cutting himself off. He disagrees with her answer, but, Darumi knows better than him, who is he to argue? The undying flames boy looks away, pondering in silence, until he speaks again. "... Aren’t friends meant to help carry burdens..?"

Huh. Meowing in front of a lucky cat statue brings... good fortune...?

"... Why?" His gaze strays to the side, resting his head on his knees. He doesn't understand what motivated him. By helping them, Eito sealed his fate. He's given up his future awaiting in the TRC, all to save his life... Shion will repay his sacrifice by tenfold. "Didn't you have a choice?"

Why speak outloud when Shion can rely on the one way he's used to communicate with those who possess hemoanima? "I've heard from Yugamu. You… helped him carry out this plan… right?" He's sitting on the ground, hugging his knees while staring at @humanitysreaper.bsky.social, unwittingly impassive.

He... can't refute her statement, she'd know better than him what it's like hanging around people, what roles they have to fill to fit in. But, deep within, her last words mentioned didn't sit right with Shion. There's an unconscious irony from ghost boy when it comes to hearing someone +

and soon rizzed up by ghost boy.

“Huh…?” He looks a little bit puzzled by his request at first. Why would this be turned into a contest out of anything? Aren’t compliments meant to be given to gratify someone for their good work? Everyone likes receiving compliments though, it feels good. Ah, maybe that’s why… Luckily, +

So that’s why…? Why what? He wants to ask but… He’s got a feeling he stepped out of line, prying when he shouldn't. His dim undying flames cast dancing shadows on the room's walls while he waits out in silence. Darumi has been showing only patience to Shion, it's his turn to return the favor.

Shion is staring through uncut strands of hair obscuring his face, observing Yugamu's euphoria with a blank stare. It takes him a moment before answering without speaking, working his facial muscles to give a strained yet grateful smile. "I'm... yes, I'm fine. I think... just a bit +

He sprung this on her so suddenly, no wonder he caught her by surprise. Still, sorry for his wandering mind, he didn’t mean to go off at a tangent, but he hadn’t realized until he spoke. Her stare faces an inquisitive one. When she finally answers, Shion shakes his head disapprovingly. +

"An horror manga? Ah... it's fine, I want to see what it's like." It caught Shion's attention how Darumi is considerate towards him. The more time they spend together, the more he's certain everyone's opinion about her is wrong and twisted. She's definitely eccentric but beneath it all, her +

They've got some breathing room to stop for a while, finding refuge in an abandoned research lab. By then, Shion had woken up, but he wasn't talkative, at least not in the traditional way. With the help of @twilightatrocity.bsky.social supporting his limp body, he gets sat down on a tattered +

She's lucking out, this guy doesn't need a chair, or to sit for all that matters, but, that doesn't mean he won't try conforming to normality. He takes place next to Darumi, down on his knees with his hands resting on his legs. He's eagerly awaiting to see what those pages conceal within them.

"Um... mhm... ah...!" He picks one book from @daroomy.bsky.social 's manga collection, showing off the cover to her. "Can we read this one together?"

Headtilt. "A... game? What game?" No matter the answer, he's already beaming at the idea of joining them.

You're everyone's beacon of hope! ✨️ ... Ah, are you feeling alright? You face is all red.

They told me not to deny them their one-on-one occasion. I want to respect their wish... [ Perking up. Read? Play? How can he say no? ] Ah... I'd love that... Yippee!

Ah... that's true, but it's alright, I don't mind. I get to hang out with you, this is fine! ✨️

W-w-wait, there's no need to! Why would you suggest that...?

Can I hang out with you @daroomy.bsky.social ... the guys don't want me near their room.

... :( ... Alright. I won't peek.

Ah... No, I... well, I wouldn't know what /this/ is about, but I'm not trying to deny anything to anyone...

*pouting at Yugamu*

Practically, that's not literally.

How so?