#voidswap au

Hmm…did Komaru want okonomiyaki sauce or mayonnaise?

Maybe you should get both?

Uhh, if I get both, my sister will probably yell at me.

Plus, I don’t have enough yen for that.

I have some if you’d like.

Wait, really? Are you sure?

It’s no trouble at all. I have plenty.

Well…thank you. That’s really nice of you.

I’m Naegi Makoto, by the way. It’s nice to meet you.

Mitsume Kokoro. It’s nice to meet you as well.

This is Kagarin Yuri, a friend of mine. You’ll have to forgive his attitude, he’s...

*Disgusted sigh*

…Opinionated. 

Uhh...a-alright.

Are you and your sister enjoying the festival?

Mhmm! Me and her really love festivals like this.

But when it happens, she’s also expecting takoyaki, isn’t she?

Uhh, y-yeah. Good guess.

You two could walk around with us if you want.

Thanks, but no thanks.

…Would you excuse me a moment?

Uhh, sure thing.

*Kokoro sits by Yuri*

Do you plan on sitting here all night?

*Whispering* Should I remind you we need to keep an eye on him? His role in things is-

I never agreed to this. You are one who wanted to get close to him.

Are you even sure it’s a good idea? Ultimate Hope or not, he’s still a man!

And from the sound of it, you’re still a child.

Meaning what, exactly?

Some of us are trying to put the fate of the world above our own issues.

If you can’t do that, I suppose I’ll have to take care of this myself.

Well...

He’s not dangerous. In fact, he’s rather docile, with no ulterior motives or indecent thoughts. His sister is indeed waiting for him. So you’re exaggerating, as always.

Just...don’t let your guard down around him.

Of course not. This is simply reconnaissance.

*She returns to Makoto*

My apologies, but he’s decided he’d rather stay here.

It’s not your fault, just his choice.

I’d still like to accompany you though.

Alright. I’ll go let my sister know.

______________________________________________________

Hey, I’m back! This is my sister Komaru.

Oh, hey! What’s your name?

Mitsume Kokoro. I met your brother while he was buying food.

If I had to guess, you would’ve preferred mayonnaise?

Uhh...y-yeah? How’d you...?

My apologies. I’m fairly skilled at reading people.

I could tell you were distressed, Naegi-kun. Thus, I wanted to help.

Wow, that’s...pretty impressive. You got that just from looking at me?

More or less. Some call it mind reading, though I admit I have my limits.

Ooh! Oh! Can you tell what I’m thinking?

Hmm...joy...excitement...something on your mind that brings those feelings...

Are you perhaps thinking of your favorite manga?

Whoa...

But which one?

Hmm...The Bomb Inside Her?

Th...that’s right...

That’s so cool, Mitsume-san! Have you read it?

I don’t read much manga, admittedly. Given your age bracket, it seemed to be a likely candidate.

But I’m glad you enjoy it. You both have very positive auras.

Auras...?

S-Sorry. I’ve just...I spend a lot of time researching psychology and human emotions. It’s just...a very interesting field to me. It must seem odd to be talking about this with two strangers...

Hey, that’s alright! We all have things we’re passionate about.

That’s very true. Would you like to share some?

Ooh yeah, sure!

_____________________________________________________

When did you say she was supposed to show up?

Uhhh…I can’t remember.

You can’t?!

I-I mean, I was talking to her for a while, but that was mostly about manga. Oh, but I remember it was around 4-4:30-ish!

Komaru…could you learn to be a bit more organized?

Don’t tell me who needs to get organized, bro! Have you seen your bookshelf?

Have you? You’re the one who goes through that more than I do! And when am I gonna get my books back?!

I told you, I’m gonna-

*Knock, knock, knock*

!!!

!!!

I think that’s her.

Probably.

*They open the door*

Umm...was I interrupting something?

Nope! Not at all!

Well...regardless, thank you for inviting me.

You have a lovely home.

Thanks! So what do you wanna do?

I’m fine with whatever you all feel like doing.

Hmm...what about Fabio Kart?

Oh, I’ve...never played that before.

That’s alright! We can show you.

_____________________________________________________

Uhh, make sure tilt controls aren’t on.

They’re not this time, I promise.

You ready, Mitsume-san?

I believe so? I’m sorry, I’ve never had a game console before. I don’t know exactly how this works.

Wait, really? Did your parents never buy one for you?

...

I’d...rather not go into that. Please.

Oh...I-I’m sorry.

It’s fine. You didn’t know. 

Mitsume-san...

I said it’s alright. I just don’t want to talk about it.

No, I mean, if you ever wanna hang out with us, you’re welcome to.

I’m really sorry that happened to you, but it’s all in the past now, right?

…Y-Yes. It is.

Things have been hard, but I have people I’m close with now.

Good! And it’ll be different from now on, I promise. We’re also here for you whenever you need us, okay?

I’m glad you’re okay now, and if you ever need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to ask. You’ve got my support.

…

…R-Right. Thank you.

________________________________________________________

I need to go down to the store, I think we’re out of cup noodles.

May I come with you?

You sure? I mean, you don’t have to.

It’s fine. I’ve been needing some food for later, and I’m trying to save money.

Oh, umm…alright, sure.

*On the way to the store*

…You’re an interesting person, Naegi-san.

Y-You think so? I mean, I think I’m pretty average.

Well, you and I have only known each other for about two weeks, but you’re making statements about how you want to be there for me.

I-Is that a bad thing?

No, it’s just...odd to me.

Why, exactly?

Because you’re my friend.

Yes, but why exactly?

B-Because you are...?

…

I-I’m sorry. My curiosity got the better of me. Just...Just ignore me. Forget about it.

Mitsume-san...are you okay?

…

Hey. I don’t think you need to understand everything about why someone likes you or considers you a friend.

I-I don’t know that much about emotions or psychology, but I think that...as long as you’re having a good time with someone and you like hanging out with them and you and them just get along really well, that’s all that should matter.

And if someone’s hurting, then you should be there for them. Whenever they need you.

That’s what I believe.

…

You’re...so earnest.

I can’t say I’ve met a lot of people who say things like that and mean it.

Well, like I said before, it’ll be different from now on. I promise.

…

(Wh-what’s...going on...? Is this the suspension bridge effect?)

Are you okay?

I...believe so. Yes.

Naegi-san, umm...if it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to spend more time with you like this. Maybe not just at your home.

Sure! I’d love too.

Is there anyplace you’d like to go?

W-Well...m-maybe we could go someplace...q-quiet, preferably?

Hmmm...

The park is really nice in the evenings.

A-Alright.

…We came out here for something, right?

R-Right! Ummm...noodles, wasn’t it?

________________________________________________________

You think so...?

It’s...the most logical explanation.

Well, maybe it’s worth giving it a shot? Naegi’s a really great guy, and this way, we can make sure nothing bad happens to-

…

What’s wrong?

…Yoruko, I’ve been lying to him. Since day one, I haven’t been honest with him. But I can see it with him. He’s been so open and honest about everything and I just...

It’s not like you’ve been intentionally dishonest though. We need to be careful.

That’s just it though! Yoruko...l-look at me...

I...I’ve never felt like this before. I didn’t even know I could feel this way...I don’t know what to do. I...oh god, what do I do...?!

Well...do you wanna be with him?

…

…I think I would.

But what does it matter? He’s...there’s no way he’d feel the same, even if I hadn’t been tricking him from day one...

…Not when he knows...what I’m really like...

And what are you really like?

I...

*Yoruko takes her hand*

You’re one of my best friends, someone who’s had our back since the beginning. Someone who tries to do the right thing, even when it’s hard.

Remember what happened with Nagisa-kun? You helped him through what must’ve been the worst time of his life, and he’s come out of it stronger than ever. 

You’ve already been through enough, Kokoro...don’t torture yourself. You’re not broken or unlovable. Not even close. 

Yoruko...

Thank you.

You’re welcome.

So...I should give a relationship with Naegi-san a chance?

If it’s what you want.

…

________________________________________________________

It’s a nice day today.

It is.

…

…

*Kokoro quietly inches over and places her hand over Makoto’s*

Mitsume-san...?

Th-this is okay, right...?

Yeah...

…Makoto-kun?

Wh-what’s up? Is something wrong?

...I...

Wait...is the bus stopping?

What happened?

*Ahead of them is a crowd of cars, all parked on the street as the people clamor around, looking up at the pillar of smoke rising in the sky*

(This....no, this can’t be happening. I...Yoruko, Yuri, Shinji...th-they can...they can handle-)

*Out of the corner of her eye, Kokoro notices someone who isn’t stopping or slowing down as they run down the street*

...

No...no, no, no, no...

Wh-what is it...?

…

Makoto-kun, we need to get out of here. Now.

________________________________________________________

I can’t believe this is happening...

But...we’re safe in here. We just need to lay low.

...

Kokoro-san...?

...Makoto-kun...I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.

I need to be honest...I lied to you.

Lied to me...?

The fact that we met...it wasn’t a coincidence.

…I’ve been spying on you.

Wh-what...?

Please...try to understand. I had no part in this, whatever’s happening out there. But...I was asked to keep an eye on you, so nothing would happen to you. That’s the whole reason I became friends with you.

What? I...I don’t get this.

Do you hate me...?

No. I have no idea what you’re saying...but I don’t hate you, I promise.

Just...please tell me what you mean.

...

It should’ve been really easy. Just...lying to you, treating this as a mission. 

I can’t tell you everything, just that your life is important to someone out there. They have a vested interest in keeping you safe, and they asked me to do so.

I...o-okay. And it should’ve been easy?

Yes. And it wasn’t.

Makoto...I’ve never met anyone as kind as you. Never. 

This must sound so trite, but it’s the truth: you’re the kindest, most honest and open person I’ve ever met. That positive aura you give off, all the emotions you feel and share so earnestly...it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

Those emotions? I can see them, every last bit of them. And all while I was busy lying to you.

Kokoro-san...

I...I’m sorry. You deserved better than that. I promise I won’t bother you anymore...

*Kokoro makes for the door*

Wait. Please, just...just wait.

…

Kokoro-san...I’ll admit, I still don’t really get it, but I’m not gonna ask you to leave, especially not now.

But...Makoto, I was lying to you-

Even if you were, it sounds like all this is hurting you.

Can you please tell me why? This...wasn’t just because you had to get close to me, was it?

Well...no. That was the plan at first, but...you and your family have been so kind...

I never had a life like that. I was...just a test subject. My parents experimented on me, never let me see the sun, shoved a brain chip in my head...and just being able to be a part of all this, something that actually feels like a normal human relationship...

That’s...oh my god, I’m so sorry...

…Don’t you understand, Makoto-kun? I’m just...there’s nothing good about me. I’m a mess. A cold, selfish, manipulative...I’m n-not worth anybody’s ti-

*Makoto hugs her*

!!!

I’m sorry, but I can’t agree with you there. You are worth my time.

Aaaa....

From the sound of it, you did this because you care. You made sure we both made it back here as soon as we were in trouble, you’ve been helping me and Komaru, that doesn’t sound cold or selfish at all.

Sure, it hurts knowing you haven’t been honest with me, but I can’t blame you. You’ve already been through a lot.

You’re...not angry.

No. Because if you’re this guilty and upset about it, I can’t see you as a bad person. Period.

And I mean...I have a lot of questions about whoever sent you, but those can wait. You said they want to make sure me and my family are safe?

Yes. I was the one they asked to do it.

And there you go.

…So...that’s it? Aside from a few questions, you’re okay with all of this?

You’re my friend, Kokoro-san. Whatever your reason for being here, I meant what I said before: I’m here for you.

...

Well...if I’m going to be completely honest with you, Makoto-kun, I...also need to tell you...

…I think I’m in love with you too, and I have no idea how to handle it.

Oh...

Wait...did I really just say that? Uh-umm...

*Makoto hugs her again* 

M-Makoto...

Life’s not easy right now, huh?

But don’t worry so much about this, okay?

Cuz I...think I feel the same way.

I...th-thank you. Thank you so much!

Can we...stay like this, please? Just for a little while?