Do you require assistance?

Of course Jin would be interested in the computer room. The library was nice, really. Great, even! He strongly doubted there would be any access to online resources (like hell if someone would stick them here for whatever devious purpose and randomly give them Internet access, that would be nothing short of foolish) but there was always the possibility of there being something.

Interesting, interesting though. He wasn’t the only one, though he was the only one internalizing his thoughts, it seemed.

“Oh? What is it exactly that you’re at fault for, Ayanokouji? It sounds like there’s a lot on your mind.”

It’s not especially sympathetic. He’s not especially sympathetic. It’s just as much an offer to listen as it is a demand to know. If nothing else… at least he’s not being as smarmy about it as usual. As far as the people here went, he was decidedly neutral on Miharu, which was about as good as it got.

Of all the people she wanted to see right now, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Jin was on the bottom of that list, no contest. Maybe there was another person or two that could compete for the spot, but she didn’t feel like spilling her thought to someone who she knew wouldn’t care.

...It’s nothing.

She crossed her arms. He couldn’t understand -- so there was little point in bothering. 

“Pardon the intrusion~” He sang, parodying someone entering another’s home.

Cris traversed the rest of the distance between them, quietly pulled out the empty chair beside Miharu, and took a seat perpendicular to the table, his body facing Miharu rather than the table. He leaned against the table with his elbow and lightly rested the side of his jaw against his fist. A small, content laugh illustrated that he was now comfortable in his seat, and with the company.  

“So, is coffee your usual chill-out drink? I’ve heard it’s more of a ‘kick awake’ drink,” His eyes briefly widened to emphasise his point, “and not ‘kick back’,” 

Cris lifted an inquisitive eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Even if things were definitely not fine and the urge to reject that truth by acting otherwise was increasingly tempting, there was no hint of artifice in Cris’ behaviour. This fortunate situation was a small piece of clarity lingering before a blurry future. He couldn’t think of a better way to spend a quiet moment than getting to know someone he found interesting.

The ding of the finished coffee machine had cut off her thoughts, and she got up to serve herself a cup, sitting back down again. She would’ve been willing to get him one, but she wasn’t sure if he even wanted one...that and she was lazy. Go figure.

I kick back when I have the energy to do things. I guess I’m used to having to rush off all the time, so I got into the habit.

Not that there wasn’t much else to do, it did seem a little silly to hold onto that habit, but sometimes what you need is to pretend everything is normal for it to become normal, as childish as it sounds.

Well that was embarrassing! They were talking to themselves and didn’t know someone else had been listening… Not that she needed to point it out, they can figure that out themselves given the time between her showing up and them finishing their overdramatic monologue. Even when she steps in they still try to play it off by clearing their throat but… Don’t really expend the energy to say anything else and explain themselves, they just accept their life is this now: being listened by others as they go about on their edgy rants.

“It’s, yeah I guess I agree… Anyways, you’re the street medic right? I guess it does make sense why you’d want to visit this place. But you’re more someone who acts outside of fancy rooms like these, right? I know it’s personal but as someone who also works in a somewhat unorthodox field, I think we have some in common… I actually wanted to ask why you much prefer to work on the streets than in a building filled with more professional equipment?”

Their tone is even, for once, instead of loud and abrasive. Even if she doesn’t share the same sentiment, Reo clearly admires her line of work given they’ve taken no jabs at her or what she does yet. It’s not like he could ever do the things she does after all, even just being a regular physician takes lots of training but from what they know Miharu goes out of her way to constantly help those in need. It’s a different way than they try to help people through their written words, but it’s a common thread between their specialized skillset, or so they think at least.

“Well that depends on a person’s physiology, doesn’t it? I’m no expert but I’ve definitely done proper research whenever I’ve had to write illness symptoms or characters who suffer from specific conditions. Ayanokouji-san, do you think any of the medicaments here could be used for, er… You know… Nefarious purposes? Because if so it might be in our best interest to either hide or get rid of them. I know I didn’t participate much in the previous trial at all but I’d rather not… Relive such a harrowing experience, and though I don’t want to be presumptuous, should I assume the same is true for you?”

Mh, that’s me.

What was with all the questions, anyways? She’ll answer them, but it was impossible to hide the slight irritation in her eyes. She crossed her arms, tapping her left foot as she talked. At least they seemed to be polite about it.

You know, the most critical moment of saving a life is at the scene of the accident, not in some stuffy hospital room. You don’t need all that fancy shit when someone’s bleeding out in front of you right now, all you need is something to press it down and stop the bleeding. Besides, sometimes people can’t just...

She fell silent, looking to the side. 

Cris had taken to wandering the halls of their school-like prison. Sitting still and letting his mind wander was not something he enjoyed. While stretching his legs may have remedied the ‘sitting still’ part, it was his mind that he sought to escape. 

Death by metal donkeys. In any other context he would’ve laughed. If the situation had been written by some screenwriter, funded, and shot meticulously. It was none of those things, of course. 

Or were they? 

Well, it seemed almost too real to Cris. And nothing had felt that real to him in quite some time. 

The aroma of coffee filled his senses at that moment, pulling him away from further spiralling. Following his nose, Cris smoothly opened the door to the staff room and poked his head in, a curious look on his face. His face lit up at the sight of Miharu.

“What’s up Doc?”  

He took a few steps into the room, entirely casual in tone and posture. From the look of things, Miharu had some things on her mind. Things were a bit tense –though that might have been an understatement– and Cris deliberately shied away from adding to that. 

His initial surprise at discovering the other girl here settled into amusement at seeing her in an unexpectedly dangerous position. Especially considering that Miharu would have a better idea of how to patch herself up if the chair leg snapped in comparison to.. All of their classmates. 

Cris glanced at the coffee maker quietly whirring off to the side. 

“Mind a drinking partner?”

Miharu looked up as Cris entered, flashing him a small smile. Out of everyone that could have decided to come here, she was relieved to see it was someone she liked.

Then again, is that judgement too early to make? Good enough? Eh, that doesn’t matter. Thoughts of doom were far too in the future right now to worry about those things.

Nothin’ much. Just trying to relax. Less of a chance that people will gather in here, so might as well take advantage of it.

Despite her worries, despite everything, it was important to seem fine, even if it’s somewhat of a lie.

You Should've Been Mercy | Ch2 | Reo | ATTN: Miharu

“This place doesn’t look like every B-list horror movie’s medical setup at all… If this is Daichi’s way of telling us we’re in some crappy movie being directed by M. Night Shyamalan I think I really much rather be dead already.”

Are probably the words Miharu would listen to when she enters the room only to see Reo complaining about the setup which in itself is… Specific. But it’s not like there’s anything else for them to do other than wait for their death or eventual rescue, so they might as well make their own fun even if it is morbid. Fortunately they do notice her entering the room and then… Promptly proceeds to not care even a little bit, as they quickly look into their wristwatch to verify some facts, either ignoring or leaving her hanging if she speaks up and says anything.

After a few clicks here and there they do raise their head to get a better look at her. Yes, if they’re not mistaken this is the street medic person! The irony of her visiting this nurse’s office is not lost upon them and, if anything, they find it amusing at the very least. Their face, however, displays nothing but a bitter dissatisfaction and disdain. Maybe they just never learnt how to properly smile or show some shred of tactness considering the circumstances they’re in. Either that or they simply don’t give a fuck about this at all.

“Agh, I’m sorry if you heard that. I’m not trying to undermine our situation but for fuck’s sake they could’ve at least tried to make this place creepy… Anyways you’re a street medic right, can you help me? I was trying to identify if all these pills and medicines are actually safe but I’m not a medical expert. Some help would be appreciated, Ayanokouji…-san.”

Takes them a while but at least they did add the honorific.

Miharu had been relieved to see just the door of the nurse’s office, the ever pressing fear of losing someone because she lacked the resources to save them weighing on her mind since she arrived. At least now, she had something to work with, as small as it was. 

It seemed that someone was already there, but what she was hearing sounded like a bunch of edgy chunni crap, irritation clear on her face the second she came inside the room.

Ahem...excuse me? Another human being entering the room?

She didn’t particularly care about their words, or about being seen, but she didn’t want to swing out of this room right away if they might have needed something. It’s only...polite. ish. Sort of.

She’s trying.

As long as it’s functional, I don’t see a problem with it. Better familiar than creepy as shit. Anyways, yeah, I can do a quick search.

She made her way to the medicine cabinet, quickly skimming through for anything and everything it contains. Huh...

The day had been long to say the least, and by long I mean longggg. It felt like a full year had passed before afternoon came around. Food somehow became an afterthought in their head. Maybe it was because of how long the day felt that they somehow forgot about it. But now that they were reminded, it was time to eat.

The smell of whatever was making was… good to say the least. Better than what they were gonna make at least, probably something quick and simple. They wondered if the person making food right now would be willing to offer cooking tips or recipes. Although then again, quick and simple usually was because there was no time. But then again now there was time.

Akash stepped in noticed the person cooking, making note that it was another new face. They didn’t want to be too much of a bother to her, not sure if their presence here would be unwanted or not. It wasn’t like they wanted to leech off her for free food or anything, they weren’t that low.

“Oh, don’t mind me. I’m just here to get food, that’s all.”

They mentally hoped they weren’t giving off the wrong idea.

Miharu gave Akash a blank stare, trying to gauge their attitude before greeting them with a small smile. Luckily, they didn’t seem to insist on wanting something despite just happening to stumble in.

No, it’s alright! You can have some of what I made -- it’s way too much for me, anyways.

She laughed, going to put aside all the dishes she used to make the food in the first place. If they didn’t want some, then she wouldn’t want to get in their way.

The sudden change in demeanor is a bit shocking to Yuna. But she’s just glad the other girl is feeling better than before. She gives Miharu a reassuring smile in response to her comment.

“Of course, I………… Feel the……… Same way. I understand……….. I’m not a super……….. Emotionally person. But……… I’ve… Been feeling……….. Really overwhelmed.”

Miharu’s attempt at a chuckle doesn’t go underappreciated. As Yuna lets out her own. It didn’t much to quell her fears. But it’s nice to pretend everything is fine every now and then. Better than to just wallow in despair. She was honestly pretty impressed with herself right now.

Just goes to show that all it takes to change yourself is going through a traumatic experience.

“I’m doing…………… Fine. Better than………… I expected…….. I’d be.”

Not to be morbid but she’s definitely surprised no one has tried anything with her, yet. Obviously she knows her classmates won’t give in to this killing game. But that doesn’t mean she can’t be cautious.

“Ayanokouji-san…….. It’s nice meeting……….. You.”

Slowly, Yuna lifts her hand up to shake Miharu’s.

“My name……….. Is………. Yuna Saito. I’m……. The Shsl ASMRtist……… And I hope……… We can…………. Be good friends. Maybe…….. We could………. Start by checking……….. Out this……. Room?”

It might be great meeting someone new. But now Yuna was back to actually checking out what else the Planetarium had.

Miharu could try her best to pretend that everything is fine, but deep down, she knew that it was far from the truth. Still, pretending can get your fairly far, so she does her best to seem composed regardless.

Don’t worry about it too much -- only natural to feel overwhelmed, duh. I’d be surprised if you weren’t feeling anything after all this.

It’s common to feel a sense of detachment in urgent situations where the urgency of it isn’t immediately apparent. After all, thoughts of the bomb fade away when it comes to living in a decent situation.

Still, she doesn’t know the other girl’s thoughts, so she can’t ponder on that for too long.

Creepy indeed, Miharu!

Hinata had yet to make her way to the shop, but the moment she steps foot inside, her eyes automatically latch onto the keychains of her and all the other students. Little mind is paid to the other girl as she makes her way other, the sound of sneakers hitting the ground being the only sound to come from her, until she manages to reach past and actually take a hold of one that looks like her.

Pinching it’s cheeks, she darts her gaze over to the one the doctor is holding.

“… They got your hair right,” she says with a low hum to her voice. “… Unless that’s not you at all and you have a twin, and it’s of them instead? I don’t - uhm - I don’t have a twin, myself, but I’ve heard there are both good and bad things to having one.” Master of smalltalk.

Hm?

Miharu’s attention was taken away from her double, instead drawn towards the other girl who had just entered. She was rather plain looking, so there were only so many assumptions she could make about her until she began to talk.

And oh boy, did she talk. Right away, she went on a tangent that she wasn’t sure she could completely follow -- nor did it make much sense.

...I don’t have a twin. I’ve been an only child my whole life.

Once that little detail is out of the way, she decides to change the topic to something she deems much more important.

Okay so many Yuna should actually check out the other rooms instead of just coming to the planetarium. But her defense it’s a really cool room. Besides she didn’t get to actually check out what it had to offer last time. So visiting it again is only the natural thing to do.

Unlike the other rooms the planetarium is the first one Yuna has been able to memorize its location immediately. Which really goes to show how much she likes it.

But unlike before where she was meet with a very chill man. This time she was meet with the sound of shaky breaths.

Immediately her lowkey anticipation changed to that of concern.

She knew how much fear the situation was putting on all of them. So Yuna knew that must be the reason. Thankfully the ceiling lights were still turned on. So she could make out that someone was situated by the console in the middle. Knowing that she couldn’t just leave her classmate out to dry. Yuna heads to her peer.

Finally able to make out most of her. Yuna gives her a wave.

“I was about…….. To ask the same…. To you. I, um…….. Heard you breathing…. heavily. I know how…….. Hard the current situation is. But we can……. Get through….. It.”

Yuna hopes that’ll be able to reassure her a little.

At the mention of her panicked breathing, she did some quick breathing exercises to get herself to relax, then stood up, straightening her back and trying to seem calm and in control.

Yeah, just...everything, y’know? But I shouldn’t let it weigh on my mind like that. There’s only so much we can do.

She attempted to muster a light chuckle, but she wasn’t really in the mood for it. At the very least, it was a good attempt. For now, she’d try and focus on the other girl, pretending everything was fine and dandy.

Haha. Right.

The girl’s response is….

Well, honestly.  Sort of expected.

(It was actually a rare woman in his life who could Keizo could describe as soft – or even begrudgingly nice, from time to time.  To see another in a long line of women treat him with open hostility – well.)

(…Same shit, different day.  At least he knew where he stood.)

Still, her answer earns her a curious quirk of the brow – and a gentle:

“…Y'consider prison ‘good,’ doll?”

There’s a slow, relaxed blink. (Really, if he was being completely honest–) (Ah, don’t get ahead of yourself, Keizo.  You don’t know what the future holds.)

Still, he reaches behind his neck – rubbing it for a solid few seconds as he says:

“…Really not tryin’ to be a heel here.  Told ya already, I’m trained for things like this, and I’ve never seen anything get done well without everyone keepin’ calm.  Especially in a bad situation.  Can’t just go around kickin’ the doors down – gotta find the right door to kick, y'know?”

He follows her gaze towards the rest of the doors with his own look – but then looks back at her, eyebrows raised a little:

“Heh, alright.  Keizo Ito.  Y'take that where it’s comfortable – Ito, Ito-kun, Keizo, Dingbat – I won’t yell at you.  Pleasure to meet you, Ayanokouji….”

His smile turns more genuine – if only for a second:

“…Already givin’ me the vibe that if I attached a -chan to that, I’d regret it – and my ma didn’t raise a guy who knowingly pokes his nose where it’ll get scratched.  So let’s call it at Ayanokouji-san, heh.”

Given her lack of response to his previous offer, Keizo doesn’t make a move to follow her – in fact, if she’s looking, she may notice that he’s taking precautions to…. Seem like he’s taking a step back.

…Though, he does still come out with a:

“…Don’t let me get in your way if you’re lookin’ to find an escape route alone, heh.  But y'know, I bring a highly specific set of skills….”

…The last sentence is clearly in the tone of a joke, and his eyes sparkle– Before he continues with:

“…Comes with the talent.  Firefighter.  Kickin’ down doors, brute strength, y'name it, I got it.  Offer’s open.”

There was a lot about his attitude that simply grated on her nerves far more than she would have liked them to. She would like to be somewhat polite and correct him, but it sounded like he was more than aware of it, and didn’t care one bit.

Not like she had the politeness to correct him in the first place.

First of all, I never said I considered this place good. That’s the assumption I made based off of your words.

She huffed, miffed by his lack of care towards her words. Some men, she swears she’s gonna...

I’m plenty calm, calm enough to do what I need to do. Just because I’m angry towards you doesn’t mean I’m freaking out and need someone to tell me to calm down. 

Ah, now she was going on a tirade. She would dial it back a bit, but she’s not in any mood to right now.

At least you know how to maintain respect, Ito-kun. I don’t take cutesy names from strangers, so don’t bother. Besides, I can take care of myself just fine...

Grumble, grumble. Since he layed out his title, it’s only fair she tells him hers. Though, she can’t help but wonder how he would react to it...

Time to find out.

shsl-polo-athlete​:

Cris nodded throughout Miharu’s explanation, furrowing his brow as if that allowed him to absorb the information more effectively. He repeated the word, then murmured something to himself in Spanish. Miharu’s annoyance was apparently lost on him. It appeared he was going to go back to reading, but lifted his head again when Miharu addressed him. 

He replaced the book on his knee, holding the page open with his elbow. 

“I thought you looked smart,” He answered, as if that was the only logical reason.

“Plus, I would’ve had to get up to look for a dictionary if you didn’t know,” Cris smiled, “and it’s pretty comfortable here,” 

He gently tapped his open book, suddenly remembering Miharu’s initial question, “You can push me outta the way if you need something,” and with that, Cris returned to his book.

A part of her wanted to be more frustrated that she was used as a dictionary, but at the same time, it was nice to be at least a little respected at first glance when it came to her medical knowledge. Her annoyance was replaced with an amused smile, and it was that little distraction that convinced her to stick around for a small chat

It’s fine. My name is Miharu Ayanokouji. You?

She sat down on the ground next to him, in no hurry to scavenge the shelves if it means learning more about the people she’s trapped with.

doctoradjacent​:

ephemeralxiv​:

I Woke Up and They Were There | HOSHI | Prologue | OPEN

Hoshi blinked a few times and smiled. Ah, another person. Someone who seemed simultaneously concerned and annoyed. How… fascinating, wasn’t it? Did she think she needed medical assistance? She laughed, just a bit, before she responded.

Hi, I’m Hoshi. I was waiting for someone to come into the lounge. I was so lonely all by myself.

Her voice was nearly robotic in its monotone, but overall cheerful. Shallowly pleasant, much like her expression.

You’re holding up three fingers.

The robotic tone of the other girl made Miharu think that she really was some kind of contraption disguising herself as an ordinary human, although those were thoughts that were better shoved into the back of her mind, lest she let clear fantasy mess with reality.

You're waiting around here for someone to stumble in? If you wanna talk to people, it’s better to get to know the place and look for others at the same time.

Nevertheless, she sat down next to Hoshi, more than willing to give her the company she desired.

doctoradjacent​:

ephemeralxiv​:

Bossa no sé | Cris | Prologue | ATTN: Miharu

Cris pouted slightly as he read, it wasn’t so much that he was displeased with the contents of the page, but rather that he subconsciously needed something to do while he tried to sit still and stare at ink on paper. He was still pouting when Miharu narrowly avoided tripping on him.

His head turned to the source of the sound, and his eyes followed shortly after, still reading a sentence. Cris peered at Miharu, studying her face. Hmm. Yes. 

“Depends,” 

He held his book up for Miharu to see with one hand and pointed with his other at a word written under a picture of a horse. It read, ‘carcinogenic’. 

“What does this mean?”

TW: Cancer

Knowing the definition of that word came easily to her. Seconds after he asked, she responded, quickly and with a twinge of annoyance in her voice.

It means ‘has the potential to cause cancer’. Such as cigarette smoke being a carcinogenic for lung cancer. With this picture and this word, I think that either the book is discussing a horse being exposed to a carcinogenic, or calling a part of the horse itself one.

With a huff, she looked away from the picture and back at Cris. 

Why are you asking me, anyways? Is this a test?

Looks like he’s caught a live one.

(That – alright, well; that was sort of unfair.)

(…In the back of his mind, he can’t help but consider that Nakano would have bitten his head off over that one).

Still, there’s something about her attitude that he instantly takes to – the huffing, the puffing, the obvious desire to get the fuck out – taking no goddamned prisoners.

…

A five foot barely anythin’ girl being fully, and totally willing to bite at a scarred up, muscled-bound giant.

…

Right, right.  Calling it amusing wasn’t right.  Something something, patronizing, something something, you’re a dick, Keizo, something something–

(Geez.  Nakano really knew how to make herself heard).

…

Calling it amusing wasn’t right.

But he can’t help the little glimmer in his eyes as he says, with a bite of a mock-apology:

“Quick on the up an’ up, aren’t ya, doll?  Hostage might be a bit much.  Maybe prisoner?”

Wait, what-

“Thing is, with a hostage situation, it’s more like they’re holdin’ the gun to your head.  Forcin’ ya into somethin’ unpleasant.  Puttin’ ya in a wheel bin and leaving you in there overnight to make ya think you’re gonna die.  Prisoners at least got their three squares and a cot, y’know?  Feels much more apt.”

Are you fucking serious.

…

He gives a bit of a pause, though.

As if he just realized that he said something that was either alarming or unnecessarily combative – and he blinks, catching up to her.

“…I’m antsy too.  Heart’s beatin’ just as fast as yours, swear on my ma.  Just trained to be steady, even when the roof’s caving in.”

….

And his expression softens again.

“…If you’re looking for a way out, allow me to help.  Can do the heavy lifting, course… would have to ask a favor in return.”

“…That bein’ your name, doll.”

The mocking undertones to his smile, to his words, it brings a twinge of irritation to her face. The last thing she wants to do is reward him with an adverse reaction, especially when he might start getting ideas in his head.

Who knows, maybe he’s one of those guys who assumes that a girl being angry at him means that she likes him. Ew.

We just got here. How can you be sure nothing bad’s going to happen? Even if it’s as ‘good’ as you make it out to be, we’re still being held here against our will.

She narrowed her eyes slightly, glancing at the other doors.

So, stop talking about this so carelessly. It makes you out to be obnoxious to literally everyone else.

She then sighed, seeming a bit less frustrated.

And by the way, the name’s Miharu Ayanokouji. Tell me yours, now.