come out of hiding, i'm right here beside you

[barehands]

[A while after the execution has ended, everyone will find a simple note slipped under their door.]

If you don't want to be alone after everything that's happening, some of us will be in the dining room. Even if you decide not to come, please remember that you aren't alone here.

[The note isn't signed, but the handwriting is feminine and neat.

For anyone who decides to come, there's a good array of food laid out on the table. There are some small and simple cakes, cookies, and pastries, a healthy amount of okonomiyaki, okayu, and other Japanese dishes (with a focus on rice and eggs), along with curry. In addition, there are pancakes, and a large pot of soup. It looks like a few people collaborated to make enough food for everyone here.

Just like the meal they shared together earlier in the week, the candles from the storage room lend a more peaceful light than the fluorescent lights above.]

Comments

[cadmiums]

Great! Ahh, I'm so lucky to have two beautiful girls teach me how to cook. [ For being a murder hospital this place has not treated him bad.[

[imaginex]

U-um--

[YEP TIME TO CHANGE THAT SUBJECT]

I-is there anything you'd want to learn in particular, Ryoji-san?

[cadmiums]

[ Got her to blush, that's a prize in itself.]

Hmm let's see... Do you know how to make sukiyaki?

[imaginex]

I have, yes.

It's a fairly big meal, though... you might want to think of a few people to eat it with you, once we make it.

[cadmiums]

We should make it for the next party we have. [ Cause there will be another one, there's no question in his mind.]

Ah, I'd love to bring some to Mita-chan too but that's impossible...

[imaginex]

Is she your girlfriend?

[cadmiums]

[ There might just be a slight blush to his cheeks.]

No, it's not like that. I've taken her out on a date though, and we have another one soon.

[imaginex]

[Oh no, that's sweet. Her lips stretch into a smile as she folds her arms behind her back.]

Aaah, so you're trying to impress her. In that case, we'll have to make sure your sukiyaki is perfect.

[cadmiums]

Yeah, I am. [ A good handful of trees also died for this cause.]

I could show her, but I'm not sure that would mean much considering it's food.

[imaginex]

No, I think she'd be very impressed!

Trust me, all girls secretly love food, and it's even better when the guy can cook for them sometimes.

[cadmiums]

Even if she can't eat it?

[imaginex]

[Wait wait back up a sec--]

She can't eat it...?

Is she on a diet?

[cadmiums]

I don't think so. She can't eat it because the Risen don't think it's a good idea to accept gifts from us. [...yup.]

[imaginex]

...

Are you... talking about Transmitter-san?

[cadmiums]

Yeah, but I call her Mita-chan because I think that sounds better.

[imaginex]

...

You went on a date with Transmitter-san.

[cadmiums]

I did, and we're going on a second one this weekend. [ He is happy about this, and it shows in his voice.]

But because it's over the phone I can't really give her anything.

[imaginex]

[... Right okay.

First? Sakura is going to stuff a huge, honking piece of pancake in her mouth while she thinks. Sugar, please give her strength to do what she needs to today.

But once she finishes:]

She must really appreciate your company to agree to a second date.

Though I can see why sukiyaki wouldn't be a fitting gift.

[cadmiums]

I think so, and I like hers too. [ As if this is completely normal, and there's nothing strange about this situation in the slightest.]

I'll have to ask her what she likes to eat.

[imaginex]

Do that, then we can make it for her together.

Though I'm curious, Ryoji-san... What is it about her that you like so much?

[cadmiums]

[ A nod.] I just...like talking with her a lot. [ From the sound of it, he's not really sure either. Maybe this is just how he is.]

[imaginex]

[Yes, it seems to be that way. She gives a thoughtful nod, taking another bite of her food]

Just ... please be careful. She's still the Transmitter.

[She will still allow people to die, and so... that's the only warning she's going to give]

[cadmiums]

[ Ah, is she worried about him? That's the first time he's heard something like that.]

Thank you, Sakura-chan. But I don't think she would hurt me unless I did something to warrant it.

[imaginex]

[Not quite what she meant, but... well. That's okay. Sakura is used to being the one with the darker thoughts and the darkest soul]

Alright. I'll trust your judgment.