don't you wish I was there?

“ No.. you’re absolutely right. The first time I arrived here I was worried beyond all belief. It was jarring to find myself in a completely whole new world without any rhyme or reason. So I do understand how you feel. ” The first month in Spirale was incredibly rough. Getting used to his new surroundings, dealing with the fact he could never go home, not to mention the state of the city at the time. Yet as the days moved on Kiryu grew more and more used to his new home. He might’ve been brought here without his consent but he’d at least make the most out of an incredibly odd situation.

End of the day what mattered to him was that he could start anew.

“ Blonde girl..? ” He isn’t sure what to make of the comment, seemed like she was upset over something. Wouldn’t bother prying right now, after all the point of this whole thing was to try and have a good time. Taking a drink from the whiskey he had previously ordered Kiryu watches Katherine’s whole demeanor change rather dramatically. Seemed like she just needed a bit of liquid courage before heading up to the mic. While Kiryu has never before heard the song Katherine had picked he does offer an encouraging smile to cheer her on and begins to listen intently. “ You got this! ”

After going off and offhandedly pouring her concerns to a poor stranger, she fully knew that at some point of the night they either had to forget this or end up getting closer. The latter seemed better, as a closer friendship would implicate staying quiet of what he was seeing. Awkwardly following the song in a low voice, shoulders shrinking in complete and utter embarrassment. She was off-tune at the beginning and she couldn’t help feeling her courage dissipate such as the burning sensation from the alcohol. It was so awkward and silly, she was

“So I made up my mind, this must come to an end...”

The awkward sort of encouragement was accepted and she nodded, her hand lifting up the mic -- foot tapping the floor along the rhythm.

“Look at me now! Will I ever learn!?”

Somehow, she couldn’t avoid making a scene. Pointing at Kiryu with the microphone, she invites him to join into the moment. She can’t embarrass herself alone. Who cared if he knows the song or not? It was fine to drunkly babble in an attempt to song.

Not surprising that you could smell anything with that giant pig nose of yours–

Making up excuses for Vincent was already part of her daily life. While keeping herself away from blowing up his phone, she had become a tad concerned for not hearing a single reply of his well-being – she might seem cold and a tad distant but her concern for him had always been present since the beginning. Opting to discard their arrangement, she opted to head into his apartment and check on him. Who knows, he could’ve had gotten sick. Ah, if he was not so careless…

So there she was, already peering inside and calling for him in a rather soft voice.

“ Hey there! Thanks for coming in! Go on and take a seat. You must be Katherine McBride, yeah? Was told you were applying for the Account Manager position. ”

@fidelitati 

How long had it exactly been since he went to karaoke with anyone? Must have been years at this point. At this point Kiryu was practically feeling nostalgic just walking into this building. It brought back memories of all the times he would sing with friends at his side, of watching Haruka sing her heart out, the laughter and joy that would fill the room until it was time to leave. He missed it all, missed the simplicity of it. In his heart he hoped they all still went out and enjoyed themselves. Maybe even Haruto was beginning to sing at this point. Oh how he wished he could hear it.

“ It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. ” he reassures Katherine. Having met previously at the entrance of this building - the two of them had decided to go in together in order to receive the discount. Didn’t mind it whatsoever, thought it was fairly reasonable, and if anything it allowed him to meet someone new. Kiryu might be incredibly socially awkward at times but a part of him did enjoy befriending people. “ So where did you say you were from again? ”

“How I can’t worry? I was kidnapped and look where we are!” She felt pathetic and it showed by her lack of enthusiasm. Somehow, getting caught up with a stranger in this way was the least of her plans and worming herself out was not an option. “I’m american. Not sure if you expected an upbeat blonde girl so sorry to disappoint on that.” 

Sighing, she reaches for her martini and while looking at the light green liquid for a brief moment. She immediately guns it down the instant her mind mades itself up. This was ridiculous, everything around made no sense and at this point, she had resigned herself. 

“Well, let’s stop wasting our time! I should pick a song already!” Scrolling down the options, she watches the titles go down till finally reaching the gem of tonight. Holding up onto the mic with a tight grip, her face showed a determination that went against her prior displeasure. The tune was a tad upbeat, building a sense of expectation before breaking into the vocals: 

Karaoke night. 

2 x 1 on drinks, including appetisers. 

The biggest attraction in the city at night for the weary and tired. Mostly those that sought for a way to vent out their frustration with their worse off-tuned but pained voices. Or merely wished for a fun night, which was far from her plans. Enjoying those brief instances of vain joy were reserved for better times, better people that were not Katherine McBride.

“I thank you for joining in to get the discount but...” But this was wrong. She was sharing a room with a stranger that accepted to join her. Now she was realising how stupid was to jump in -- the dim lit room with colourful lights, velvet couch and their drinks sitting upon the table. 

How tacky.