#emmieposts

There's something so painful in that line to me.

Because, Derek is essentially saying "How can you die for someone you don't even know? How can you die for a stranger?"

And while it may seem like Derek is being a bit of a hypocrite---considering he only met Avery a few hours ago, he really isn't.

Because Avery isn't a stranger to him.

He knows Avery. Infinite knowledge let him showed him who Avery was. He knew Avery's name. He probably knew Avery's favorite color and his favorite food. He could literally identify a fake (seemingly identical) Avery.

Derek knew everything about Avery.

Avery wasn't a stranger to Derek.

I pulled the trigger and made a Fumi ita bag!! 😊

Two of the pin badges are fan made (by a friend), the bottom two on the left. I blurred one because it's a cg and I don't wanna spoil anyone.

I sewed on the cherry blossom fabric since he loves spring for its cherry blossoms and I accompanied it with the cherry blossom themed keychain I got off etsy 🥰 🌸

Spoilers below for Fumi's route

I remember wondering to myself why Derek was even here. The King wanted Avery, so what was the point of luring Derek in?

Then I realized, Derek was the bait to lure Avery in.

Avery isn't Derek. He's not motivated by curiousity for the unknown. He's not motivated by the challenge of solving complex puzzles.

He was motivated by Derek.

Avery spends the entire time feeling inept and terrified. And he almost gives up multiple times.

But Avery still keeps pushing forward.

At every turn, Derek is what pushes Aveey forward.

When Avery's about to leave the world, he sees the "Disconnect" button, and it reminds him that Derek is there---that Derek needs help.

Avery assumes the crafting table trail is from Derek, so he follows it.

The only reason he pushes through in spite of his insecurity and fear is because someone needs him. Derek needs him.

Avery would have never found the courage to journey into the King's worlds without Derek as his motivation. And therefore, the King would have never been able to get to Avery without Derek.

Derek was always intended as the bait.

And I'm forever stuck thinking about how true Avery's line of "YOU'RE ONLY PART OF THIS BECAUSE IT WANTED ME" is.