#worse.

Chance’s old lore UGH. I know it’s scrapped- but I wanted to make art based off of it. We love you you monochrome Nepo Baby!!!!

Here’s where you can read the old/scrapped lore:

Was it casual when you got poisoned to where I have to save you because the old lady you ate cookies or bakeries from was responsible so I had to push hard to get the antidote?

Was it casual when the Roserach Reaper hypnotized you and our coworker saved both of us to where no one brings it up again but it still lingers in the back of my mind?

Was it casual when you mentioned your ex wife a few times to where you wouldn't mention her to anyone else?

Was it casual when you threw a goodbye party for me and you cried when you told me to never forget?

Was it casual when you were the very first to see me again when I came back to Grimsborough?

Was it casual when that one therapist assumed we were a couple that was going in for couple's counciling when someone was murdered?

Was it casual that I made sure to prove your very innocence everytime there was a case?

Was it casual to where I was scared about the fact you were gonna kill yourself over your girlfriend who passed away by one of the Ad Astra members?

Was it casual when an explosion almost killed you and I feared for you but then I was happy to see you still alive?

Was it casual when you met me again in Paris, which is the city of love (in somw eyes)?

Was it casual when you helped me in a case to find my coworker even though you retired?

It was bright—too bright. Warm like sunlight, sincere and kind without even a trace of malice. It didn’t suit a world like his, full of shadows and lies. Toubyou smiled at everyone, constantly. You met his eyes even for a second and he’d beam like it was the most natural thing in the world. He pretended to be annoyed by it sometimes, but really, he liked it. Too much.

Especially when that smile was directed at him.

And yet, every time it happened, something painful twisted in his chest. His heart beat too fast, his thoughts ran too far—into places he didn’t want to go. He didn’t deserve that smile. Not when he was hiding so much. Not when everything between them was built on things left unsaid. They were just classmates. Just teammates. Just roommates. And he clung to that “just” like a lifeline.

Still, he stayed. Selfishly. Because the warmth Toubyou gave off lit up something cold and buried inside him.

Now, as they walked home from practice, Toubyou rambled on about the next basketball competition and he watched him quietly. The furrow of his brows, the excited glint in his eyes, the way his mouth moved—he really was too full of life.

Then Toubyou turned, eyes locking with his.

“Let’s do our best, Kurahashi!” he beamed.

His heart stumbled.

He felt it again—that rush of emotions, that ache deep in his chest. He hated it. Hated himself for wanting to stay in this warmth, for pretending it could last. Hated how much he wanted to freeze this moment, to keep it for himself but he couldn't. Because one day, it would all fall apart.

But for now—just for now—he’d stay beside him.

And smiled back.