week 0; friday ( eichi )

[axilium]

[the war has begun.

...

belph's face is empty as he wanders the halls. when he spots eichi, who is clearly perfectly fine, he pauses—he's not quite sure yet whether or not to make his presence known. after a few moments, however, he finally speaks up.]

Hey.

Comments

[finethanks]

Belph-kun?

[The stress has been getting to Eichi. He coughs a few more times before he forces it under control, his hand pressed against the wall for support even as he turns to look at the voice.]

This place is quite large, you know? Even if I'm used to that in my house, I feel lost here and often have to wander around, and now I'm quite exhausted. [Another cough.] Are you... alright?

[axilium]

... I think I should be asking you that.

[for one, one of them is steady on his feet and not coughing, and it isn't eichi.]

[finethanks]

I'm fine. After all, I was someone who stayed behind like a coward before sneaking out to see what had been discovered.

[He's mad at himself, it's fine.] Never mind that. [He coughs.] Eventually, as long as I stay still, it has to get better. If it doesn't...

[Well, then he'll die too!!]

[axilium]

[wow, this sure is happy.]

To be fair, I don't think most people are keen on seeing crime scenes.

[not sure how to address the dying part??]

[finethanks]

[It's fine he's always like this]

...Despite that, there are those who do, for the sake of others.

[axilium]

What, feeling like you have to live up to their standard?

[finethanks]

I'm only saying that some people were helpful, while I was not. It's not about standards, but my own desire to help.

[axilium]

Even when we've been told that we're at "war"? That's pretty altruistic of you.

[finethanks]

Is that what it sounds like? Fufu, that's not the case at all. I'm quite selfish.

I want to be recognized and admired, after all.

[axilium]

Recognized and admired even in the middle of a life and death situation?

[finethanks]

Yes. It's less urgent, of course, but it's not so surprising, is it? I'm an idol, after all.

[axilium]

Can't you just put on a performance or something, in that case? Isn't that what idols do?

[finethanks]

I could, in fact, but I can read the atmosphere. Now is hardly the time. There's a time when it may work to ease minds, but not currently.

[axilium]

And what about you? You look—or looked, earlier—like you could use a pick-me-up, yourself.

[finethanks]

[He's put that mask of a smile back on, it's true... but every so often, he still coughs. He can't hide that.]

What about me? If anything, performing alone would remind me of the absence of the other members of my unit. Our strengths compliment each other's weaknesses, so without them here, I really do feel as though I'm nothing. Especially with my health like this.

[axilium]

... Well, I can't say I understand.

[shrug!]

Still, don't let this place get to you. If you're feeling lonely, we've apparently got a lot of bleeding hearts who'd jump at the chance to help you.

[finethanks]

[Well, this makes him think about and eventually do a performance, so...!]

Fufu... You volunteer others before yourself, then? That's a little mean, Belph-kun.

[axilium]

C'mon, I said "bleeding hearts". You think I'm one of them?

[finethanks]

Rather, it's the fact that I was left to bleeding hearts instead of any acquaintances, you know?

[axilium]

What, would you rather run into my arms?

[finethanks]

And if I said yes? Fufu, you shouldn't invite scenarios like that unless you'd like to humor me with them. I'll grow sad, otherwise.

[axilium]

You sort of look like you'd collapse if you tried running into anyone's arms, to be honest.

[finethanks]

[He could, but he's still going to pout about it.]

Belph-kun... That's really mean, you know? You're a meanie.

[axilium]

How does that saying go...? "It takes one to know one"?