[He might not want it, but she tells him what she thinks. Vietnam is honest, and she's not trying to flatter him, as witnessed by how she's still so formal and blunt about what she perceives of him. She's not at all flustered while giving him such compliments.
At the same time, he takes it so coolly, she wonders if he understood at all.]
Was that too much? I speak only because I truly believe it. How to say...[She taps her chin slowly in thought.] You should trust in yourself more. The others already know what you are capable of, you need not prove anything. Natsuki once said you ooze a certain appeal. I think you're already far ahead. [Yes...it is what you are thinking. She's talking about sex appeal.
And then she gives him a firm slap on the back. What?!] Ah, you are so stubborn. But I cannot fault you. It took me a while to open up to others too, so I think I can relate.
[ Luckily for her, he doesn't quite get far enough ahead to guess at what exactly that type of appeal is. But the additional affirmation is appreciated - even if he doesn't show it - and maybe, just maybe, he might be conceding. Because it is tiring to keep his walls up. There had been one person whom he could relax a little around, but that was gone now.
It would be nice to not be so strung up, he thinks. He'll still have to practice to make sure he would still be able to do it when he got back, but a little might prevent that August episode from happening again.
He starts when she hits him on the back, but manages to curb his reflexive stance. ]
[Any appeal is probably better than the appeal HAYATO had, seriously. Even the sex appeal is closer to Tokiya is than HAYATO is to him. Still, information he doesn't need, despite the fact that he parades around the house with his shirt not completely buttoned up and then takes offense when someone notices. Tokiya?!
Though she isn't the type to pry into other people's business, there's just something about Tokiya that she knows that if she leaves him alone, it might ruin him. She can't leave him alone, and while he probably doesn't make it easy, she find that he takes what she says to heart. She appreciates that.
And the fact he kept calm about her gesture of support. She rubs his back now, where she slapped. That definitely was too much.]
Please do. Know that I will support you all the way. Not because you are an idol, but because you are my friend.
[ It's not his fault his shirts only come in those kinds of sizes. Don't blame him.
Maybe it's a good thing that Vietnam's insistently looking out for him, but there's still a part of his instinct that wants him to keep his distance. It isn't quite that he can't tolerate her - rather, the fact that he had no safety net made it hard to trust on that basis.
... except he doesn't really need one here, so that's that. ]
Friend, you say?
[ For someone to still try to befriend him even after being exposed to most of his unpleasantness... ]
[His taste is sexy okay, he can't even deny it, the proof is wears them like whatever I rock it.
Tokiya might be stubborn, but she has more experience in being stubborn than he does. This is why she's so insistent. They're living in the same house, so she must make the effort! That and again, there's just something about him that makes her feel like she can't leave him alone. If she does, he'll self destruct. Those who keep up a wall can only hold it in for so long.
But she nods again, expecting him to ignore the comment or just dismiss it...wait? He didn't? He actually agreed? It's actually hard to hide her surprise that she's practically beaming.]
I am glad. [What can you even say to that? Other than her face dropping to its usual cool expression because she doesn't want to be too embarrassing. By habit, she still thinks it's hard to make friends!]
[ Self-destruct is one way to put it, really. But then again, a part of him still wants to continue, if only to see how long he can really last. Can it still be called schadenfreude, if it's directed at yourself?
Her surprise is duly noted, and replied to with a tilt of his head. It's easier to accept this than a declaration of friendship from anyone else, especially since she returned to her usual countenance so quickly.
But there is still one thing left unsettled. ]
Could I have the CD?
[ There could have been something inside. Maybe. If this was Haruka's copy... ]
[As long as he doesn't destroy himself, then she is fine with however he chooses to continue. Well, she would prefer that he continue in a way that isn't damaging.
She's not entirely sure what he wants at first, so her head tilts in the opposite direction, mirroring his. But she didn't have to ask what he was thinking about. He asked her already.]
Ah, of course. I asked for these things for you, after all. [She bends down and starts rummaging through the box again, trying to find the CD that had HAYATO across the cover. Once found, she holds it up to him.]
[ Then he'll probably end up on the brink of getting destroyed but somehow hang onto sanity for plot reasons because losing it would be losing perfection.
He takes the CD with no visible reaction, until he opens the casing and a slip of paper falls out.
It's covered with some pink writing, but the way he immediately picks it up and stuffs it back into the casing might say something else. ]
[UGH WHY DOES SHE KEEP SAVING HIM she's going to stuff him under her bed.
She was about to help catch the paper, but it looks like he got it first. However his reaction was so rushed that it confused her. Wouldn't you usually try to read it? She tilts her head in confusion.]
[WOW!!! She'll lift the bed first before she slides him under it. Then put it back on top of him. She'll also give him a blanket and a pillow.
Also she might be gullible, but she's not stupid. IT'S PINK, MAN.]
I've been meaning to ask you something, but it might be a little personal. [Which is why she's beginning to fiddle with the ends of her ponytail. Because it could be too personal.]
I've noticed that certain things make you act...erratically? I'm not entirely sure how to describe it. And I do not mean it in a bad way. Just that you're...hiding from something? [She's noticed the notebook, noticed this, and noticed how he cuts some conversation off when they head into various territories. But it seems to make him uncomfortable. It could link with why she feels like she can't leave him alone.] Ah, it's hard to put it into words...
[ That is one of the worst questions you could have asked someone as private and used to secrecy as he is.
If this was anyone else, he might have just given them a sharp evasive answer and just leave. But this is Vietnam who asked, someone whom he could respect - and the way she asked it carried no ill will.
Still, he can't answer directly. ]
It's inconsequential.
[ This is what he always tells himself, anyway. As long as he doesn't think or talk about it, it would be fine. Here, it served more as a distraction than anything else. ]
[You mean the best question. She understands privacy. She also understands when it becomes a Problem.
Somehow, she's been getting away with all his abrasiveness though, and he's just avoiding the question. Tokiya if you keep doing this to her, she'll keep thinking you're not an asshole.]
I won't push, but I just feel like what it is you think is inconsequential might be more important than you believe. Perhaps just sorting through that might also help you too. Even for your career purposes.
[ It's like what he told to Chiyo. No use fretting over something you can't change.
And yet, the concept of letting go of a secret is naturally appealing. It is appealing because the human soul is ultimately weak, and he needs to be stronger than that. No one needs to see him being affected by such a small thing. ]
It isn't something that can be changed, so there's no purpose in thinking about it.
[ Does he trust her enough to tell her? That's still not a decision he's prepared to make. ]
[She doesn't care so much if he doesn't change, she doesn't want him to hurt himself!!
Of course, to keep him safe, this might mean he has to work out his issues instead of hiding them. It might mean revealing secrets. If he could overcome that, he'll be stronger. That's what she believes, anyway.]
I think if you come to terms with it, it might help you? It's like accepting yourself even if you can't change it.
[ He's perfectly fine with staying as it is. It's not her problem anyway. ]
I already have.
[ Sure, accepting that a whole other timeline exists where Haruka gets loaded down with obligations to less capable people and he has to put up with even more bullshit took some time, but he's done it. It only means he needs to take matters into his own hands in case his partner comes over and there is resultant confusion. Clearly a flawless plan.
He can hold out until she does. Of course he can. ]
[Her eye twitches at that, because she does understand how it's like to be with friends from strange timelines, even though they share the same world.]
Are you talking about yourself? It might seem strange to you since the Landlord did make everything confusing, but they still think of you as one and the same.
[He's pessimistic so soon. She's practical, but she knows that being too paranoid can lead to downfalls. It's why no matter how much she overthinks things, she still gives it a go.]
It hasn't happened yet. You do not have to fear it. Be conscious of it, yes, but don't let it hold you back.
[She tilts her head.] Aren't you worrying too far ahead? [She can't believe she's saying this.] Wouldn't it be nice for her to come in the first place? You can make plans after, organise your schedule again for work.
[ There, he said it. The ice is coming back, because he's trying not to show weakness and end this conversation nicely at tr same time. ]
She went to do something else with them. If they end up pulling her in again, then she won't have time to work with me.
[ It's something so very important to him. Not that he doesn't value the others' talents at all, but work is work. He's the only one that hasn't graduated at all. ]
I really don't understand. [It's not like it's not the truth.] I do not wish to make assumptions, and I really do not want to push you, but I feel like if you share it to someone, it might get it off your chest?
[He's worried, and he's trying to hide it, but as soon as the walls go up she knows it's worse than he's letting on. It's nothing simple: it's not just the relationships between his friends and this composer. It's not just his work either. It's all of that entwined. How would she be able to help him?]
I don't know them as well as you do. But if there's something important that you must do, I think they will understand. You just need to tell them. [This though, she speaks only of work.] They are professionals too, no? Schedules can be organised.
[ There is a very simple answer to all of this, one that he is aware of, but also terribly painful to acknowledge.
So he doesn't say it. ]
We'll see.
[ Even if Vietnam doesn't seem like the sort to judge him, it still feels like an admission of failure to say it directly. ]
If their version of her comes, then I won't have an issue with whatever they want to do. [ It's the wrong person, anyway. ] But if she comes from my time, then I won't stand interruptions.
[IT WOULD MAKE HIM FEEL BETTER but she can't stress that enough. She wants to, but how can she if she doesn't know the details.]
I will help you, if need be. Though I feel like this is something that you should do.
[Talk to them himself. Never mind that she would be able to organise a schedule for them, but she has a feeling that if Tokiya doesn't do it himself, he won't get over it.]
Tokiya, I know you're setting boundaries here with how she will remember, which is admirable that you left an option to concede. [She rubs the back of her head.] But is this for your debut?
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At the same time, he takes it so coolly, she wonders if he understood at all.]
Was that too much? I speak only because I truly believe it. How to say...[She taps her chin slowly in thought.] You should trust in yourself more. The others already know what you are capable of, you need not prove anything. Natsuki once said you ooze a certain appeal. I think you're already far ahead. [Yes...it is what you are thinking. She's talking about sex appeal.
And then she gives him a firm slap on the back. What?!] Ah, you are so stubborn. But I cannot fault you. It took me a while to open up to others too, so I think I can relate.
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It would be nice to not be so strung up, he thinks. He'll still have to practice to make sure he would still be able to do it when he got back, but a little might prevent that August episode from happening again.
He starts when she hits him on the back, but manages to curb his reflexive stance. ]
I'll think about it.
[ Take it as a yes. ]
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Though she isn't the type to pry into other people's business, there's just something about Tokiya that she knows that if she leaves him alone, it might ruin him. She can't leave him alone, and while he probably doesn't make it easy, she find that he takes what she says to heart. She appreciates that.
And the fact he kept calm about her gesture of support. She rubs his back now, where she slapped. That definitely was too much.]
Please do. Know that I will support you all the way. Not because you are an idol, but because you are my friend.
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Maybe it's a good thing that Vietnam's insistently looking out for him, but there's still a part of his instinct that wants him to keep his distance. It isn't quite that he can't tolerate her - rather, the fact that he had no safety net made it hard to trust on that basis.
... except he doesn't really need one here, so that's that. ]
Friend, you say?
[ For someone to still try to befriend him even after being exposed to most of his unpleasantness... ]
I'll take that.
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Tokiya might be stubborn, but she has more experience in being stubborn than he does. This is why she's so insistent. They're living in the same house, so she must make the effort! That and again, there's just something about him that makes her feel like she can't leave him alone. If she does, he'll self destruct. Those who keep up a wall can only hold it in for so long.
But she nods again, expecting him to ignore the comment or just dismiss it...wait? He didn't? He actually agreed? It's actually hard to hide her surprise that she's practically beaming.]
I am glad. [What can you even say to that? Other than her face dropping to its usual cool expression because she doesn't want to be too embarrassing. By habit, she still thinks it's hard to make friends!]
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Her surprise is duly noted, and replied to with a tilt of his head. It's easier to accept this than a declaration of friendship from anyone else, especially since she returned to her usual countenance so quickly.
But there is still one thing left unsettled. ]
Could I have the CD?
[ There could have been something inside. Maybe. If this was Haruka's copy... ]
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She's not entirely sure what he wants at first, so her head tilts in the opposite direction, mirroring his. But she didn't have to ask what he was thinking about. He asked her already.]
Ah, of course. I asked for these things for you, after all. [She bends down and starts rummaging through the box again, trying to find the CD that had HAYATO across the cover. Once found, she holds it up to him.]
Here.
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for plot reasonsbecause losing it would be losing perfection.He takes the CD with no visible reaction, until he opens the casing and a slip of paper falls out.
It's covered with some pink writing, but the way he immediately picks it up and stuffs it back into the casing might say something else. ]
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She was about to help catch the paper, but it looks like he got it first. However his reaction was so rushed that it confused her. Wouldn't you usually try to read it? She tilts her head in confusion.]
Tokiya?
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Yes?
[ Clearly, there's nothing interesting about the paper at all, that's why he put it back in. Surely it couldn't be written by someone he knows.
no he's a really bad liar when it comes to this ]
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Also she might be gullible, but she's not stupid. IT'S PINK, MAN.]
I've been meaning to ask you something, but it might be a little personal. [Which is why she's beginning to fiddle with the ends of her ponytail. Because it could be too personal.]
I've noticed that certain things make you act...erratically? I'm not entirely sure how to describe it. And I do not mean it in a bad way. Just that you're...hiding from something? [She's noticed the notebook, noticed this, and noticed how he cuts some conversation off when they head into various territories. But it seems to make him uncomfortable. It could link with why she feels like she can't leave him alone.] Ah, it's hard to put it into words...
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If this was anyone else, he might have just given them a sharp evasive answer and just leave. But this is Vietnam who asked, someone whom he could respect - and the way she asked it carried no ill will.
Still, he can't answer directly. ]
It's inconsequential.
[ This is what he always tells himself, anyway. As long as he doesn't think or talk about it, it would be fine. Here, it served more as a distraction than anything else. ]
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Somehow, she's been getting away with all his abrasiveness though, and he's just avoiding the question. Tokiya if you keep doing this to her, she'll keep thinking you're not an asshole.]
I won't push, but I just feel like what it is you think is inconsequential might be more important than you believe. Perhaps just sorting through that might also help you too. Even for your career purposes.
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And yet, the concept of letting go of a secret is naturally appealing. It is appealing because the human soul is ultimately weak, and he needs to be stronger than that. No one needs to see him being affected by such a small thing. ]
It isn't something that can be changed, so there's no purpose in thinking about it.
[ Does he trust her enough to tell her? That's still not a decision he's prepared to make. ]
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Of course, to keep him safe, this might mean he has to work out his issues instead of hiding them. It might mean revealing secrets. If he could overcome that, he'll be stronger. That's what she believes, anyway.]
I think if you come to terms with it, it might help you? It's like accepting yourself even if you can't change it.
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I already have.
[ Sure, accepting that a whole other timeline exists where Haruka gets loaded down with obligations to less capable people and he has to put up with even more bullshit took some time, but he's done it. It only means he needs to take matters into his own hands in case his partner comes over and there is resultant confusion. Clearly a flawless plan.
He can hold out until she does. Of course he can. ]
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I see... [But why does he still look so tense? And not in the way that means he's just cool.]
Is it uncomfortable here?
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[ Well, she knows, right? That his friends from home here didn't really know him at all? ]
They're probably looking for someone else, anyway. I'm just a replacement until he gets here.
[ Very disgusting. ]
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Are you talking about yourself? It might seem strange to you since the Landlord did make everything confusing, but they still think of you as one and the same.
[This again, she gets from Natsuki.]
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I wouldn't be so sure about that.
[ Of course, the more important thing is: ]
If she comes, they'll get into the way of work.
[ Especially if she's the wrong one too. ]
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It hasn't happened yet. You do not have to fear it. Be conscious of it, yes, but don't let it hold you back.
[She tilts her head.] Aren't you worrying too far ahead? [She can't believe she's saying this.] Wouldn't it be nice for her to come in the first place? You can make plans after, organise your schedule again for work.
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[ There, he said it. The ice is coming back, because he's trying not to show weakness and end this conversation nicely at tr same time. ]
She went to do something else with them. If they end up pulling her in again, then she won't have time to work with me.
[ It's something so very important to him. Not that he doesn't value the others' talents at all, but work is work. He's the only one that hasn't graduated at all. ]
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[He's worried, and he's trying to hide it, but as soon as the walls go up she knows it's worse than he's letting on. It's nothing simple: it's not just the relationships between his friends and this composer. It's not just his work either. It's all of that entwined. How would she be able to help him?]
I don't know them as well as you do. But if there's something important that you must do, I think they will understand. You just need to tell them. [This though, she speaks only of work.] They are professionals too, no? Schedules can be organised.
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So he doesn't say it. ]
We'll see.
[ Even if Vietnam doesn't seem like the sort to judge him, it still feels like an admission of failure to say it directly. ]
If their version of her comes, then I won't have an issue with whatever they want to do. [ It's the wrong person, anyway. ] But if she comes from my time, then I won't stand interruptions.
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I will help you, if need be. Though I feel like this is something that you should do.
[Talk to them himself. Never mind that she would be able to organise a schedule for them, but she has a feeling that if Tokiya doesn't do it himself, he won't get over it.]
Tokiya, I know you're setting boundaries here with how she will remember, which is admirable that you left an option to concede. [She rubs the back of her head.] But is this for your debut?
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