@eriidia: “i couldn’t just come back and pretend i didn’t see that.” / from Jolyne!
ㅤ ㅤ Reimi figured she couldn’t anyway. Jolyne was still practically a stranger but some of the phrases exchanged between them gave some hints about her nature. Perhaps the ghost was somewhat influenced by her father’s figure, who helped her capture her murderer so many years ago. Jotaro was not the most outgoing person in the world, practically all their conversations were about the mission to protect Morioh, but just the fact that he risked his own life to help her and her town was admirable. There was something about that determination in his daughter, the same willingness to help by ignoring the dangers and the chances of things going wrong.
ㅤ ㅤ Reimi watched her face closely, looking for signs of the true feelings that the other girl had in her heart. ❝ I’m glad you came back. ❞ A attempt to smile, just an impression that came and went in a matter of seconds. Although she wanted to show that she was truly happy, the subject itself prevented any more effusive demonstration. ❝ And because you don’t want to pretend it’s okay. It means a lot to me. ❞ Jolyne was under no obligation to get involved in that story. She had her own problems to deal with, more important things to do than to hear the complaints of a girl murdered so long ago. The scars were an effective way out, however.
ㅤ ㅤ The goal was not to arouse pity, never was. By showing off her own mutilated back, all Reimi hoped was to explain how cruel her murderer could be. It was a shame to expose people to such a horrible spectacle, but that vision spoke worth than a thousand words. ❝ Things are better now, you know. Morioh is safe, I’m free, but it’s still difficult sometimes. ❞ Many people have died because of her inability to help — not her fault directly, but the thought was inevitable. ❝ I want to enjoy life again, if I can use that word. ❞ This time she managed to smile, not as bright as ever, but warm enough. ❝ I would like to be your friend as well. Okay, I’m not that cool, but who knows? ❞ An honest offer, the least she could do after that kind gesture.