Run so deep in her thoughts, Misaki had to repeat what he had spoken to ensure sheād heard right ā always so stubborn, she had been one to go against the grain rather than fall in line, and here he was, highlighting how desperation gnawed away at that resistance so natural. Changing herself had never been a part of the equation before, so why had the prospect crossed her thoughts now? As if blame lied with her for the isolation of past months, while grief and longing swirled with suffocating potency.
Sheād learned well that allowing the door to close and lock itself would do harm only unto herselfĀ ā the world would continue onward without mercy for a singular occupant, it could not afford to. Had he remained confined within his own emotions, Diluc wouldnāt be the person he was today, able to make rational decisions and extending sage advice. Despite the length of her time away from home, it wasnāt just in body had she remained a teenager, her heart and spirit still battled too with the clouding of complication that adolescence ushered. Wrought with a mixture of emotions clashing, the small curve ruptured without losing its earnest shape.Ā āThanks. I really needed to hear that. Itās hard to talk sense into yourself when it feels like youāre just shouting into the void, the sound of your own voice matching the one that feeds your doubtsā.
Fingers ran across her lashes, sweeping away the tears that swelled, coming faster and warmer with his final sentiment. Misaki had never been much of anythingĀ ā just an ordinary girl with an incredible memory, but that was it. In Hitsue, she was a remarkable student who was rough around the edges. In Hive and Spirale after, she was little more than a civilian just like those native to the cities; perfectly plain and easy to ignore. She was never one for the spotlight; in fact, she took lengths to avoid it, if necessary, but she couldnāt help the sheer disheartenment to feel nothing of value to offer, watching from the shadows, from far behind the strong.
āYouāve got a point. Iāve been cooped up a lot and visiting a handful of places for some air, but not more than that. Maybe a little trip to the City of GlassĀ ā itās been a while. Is camping your style? Youāre probably busy and mean it as a retreat for some soul-searching, but if youāve got some time spare, it might do well to have a wise friend tag alongā.
his reply comes in form of a nod first.Ā āI understand. it takes time to lessen the voices within your own mind, if at all. one cannot expect to always be the perfect picture of happiness.ā this he knows to be true from many encounters with othersāand from his own past. nobody can possess a life entirely free of grief when things could go wrong at any moment.
āyouād like me to go with you? it has been a while since Iāve stayed outside overnight.ā Diluc thinks on it carefully though not long, he doesnāt need much time to consider an answer. if itās company sheās after, he could oblige on this occasion and perhaps a trip may refresh his mind as well.Ā āalright then, Iād be happy to join. if you donāt have the necessary equipment, I can purchase what weāll need. consider it my treat.ā pulling a small piece of paper and a pen from his coat pocket, he makes quick note of the requirements then tucks them away for later.
now all thatās left is to set a date and time. not too soon, but not so long that Misaki misses the chance in case she returns home. it would be a shame to let an opportunity to spend more time with a friend slip by.Ā ādo you have an idea when you want to leave? Iāll need to plan in advance and make sure everything is in order.ā