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[dereban]

Don't spend too much time with me. It is Christmas Eve, after all. I don't want to die just because I stole your time.

[spacialeyes]

Are you sick, Inaba?

[He squints suspiciously,] I already told you. I put aside the first half of the day for you! You're not stealing my time. I'm giving it to you.

[dereban]

. . . Oh. I get it now. Nobody's told you, have they? Christmas Eve is actually the couple's holiday. Like, you'd go on a date with your significant other day.

1/2

[spacialeyes]

Aha! I see. Well, I already planned to be with Akutagawa this evening, so don't worry about that!

2/2

[spacialeyes]

Though... Now the pressure is on, huh..?

[He sighs. He'll get nervous later! After smacking his cheeks to correct his nerves, Yuuto tries to smile at Inaba again.]

I still don't mind hanging out, but... Do you hate it?

[dereban]

... Hate is a strong word. It's more - awkward.

[spacialeyes]

I guess that it would be, huh..?

[And his smile becomes more awkward to match. They haven't had many chances to actually hang out since they broke up, so Yuuto is still learning how to navigate their new relationship.

He holds the gift a bit tighter and closes his eyes, thinking through his thoughts and feelings for once.]

... For me, I don't want for my friend to be alone today. I think that's all that there is to it for me. Ryoko told me that Christmas was for your friends, and you're the whole reason I have any, so...

[dereban]

I really don't mind being alone, you know. At least it's better than some of the other Christmases I've had.

[ She's not dead, for one. It's a very low bar. ]

[spacialeyes]

[He almost shrinks into submission. Maybe this is a bad idea. Maybe he's being troublesome. He's selfish and he's hurting her by being here. It would be better to let Inaba escape him. She has better options for friends, ones who aren't a confusing pile of heart broken pieces and confused emotions.

But he's holding a gift that she made for him. He's been writing in a journal that she gave him.

Yuuto breaths in to steady himself and fight off as much self-loathing as he can.]

I mind. I want to be with you.

Do you want to go do something or not?

1 / 2

[dereban]

.....

[ Inaba's quiet for a moment. A very long moment, in fact, before-- ]

[dereban]

[ She looks away, clicking her tongue in annoyance and chewing on her nail in clear, obvious anxiety. ]

... sorry. If we do something, I don't want to be seen by other people.

[spacialeyes]

You remember that no one here knows who I am, right? [Well, except for the Fallen Stars. Yuuto is very careful to keep his identity a secret from the civilians. He has no reputation, but-

He ultimately nods in agreement. Then, tapping a finger to his cheek, he begins thinking up places to go;]

We could go to the Winter Kami shrine... It's probably empty at this hour. Or watch a movie together... I could teach you to bake... We could go somewhere quieter outside to watch the snow... [Yuuto recovers to a smile,] I don't care what we do. I only want to be with you.

[dereban]

That's not--

[...]

You can't just say that!?

[spacialeyes]

[...

...


....


.......

yolo.]

Honestly, I'd be happy just standing around and talking. You're so easy to talk to and be... honest around, I guess. But I guess I'm kind of frustrating instead, hm~?

Want to go for a walk, then? I'm good at dodging people.

[dereban]

If we somehow do find someone, I'm going to lie and tell them that we're siblings.

[ Nobody is getting the wrong picture on her watch!! Not today!!! ]

[spacialeyes]

[... Yeah. He deserves that.

Yuuto laughs weakly.]

I... guess. That's... [no, he'd rather die!

But he's not sure how to explain that, so he just nods.]

Let's okay, then. Imoutochan.

[dereban]

[ SEE ICON ]

Just call me Inaba, for fuck's sake-- you're being an asshole on purpose now, aren't you!?

[spacialeyes]

I don't know what you mean~.

[He hums to indicate that yes, he is purposefully being an asshole. Unfortunately for Inaba, this side of him is still near-exclusive to her. He's not sure 'who' she was friends with before, but 'this' is the Yuuto that she's stuck with now.]

Do you need a coat before we go? Do you still have the scarf I made for you?

[dereban]

[ and that just gives him a kick to the shin

sorry Yuuto, say stupid shit, get a kick. ]

I'll be fine. I do have it, but I left it at home.

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto just laughs when kicked, only dodging enough so that he can't get seriously hurt.]

Good! And- Sorry, sorry. It's just that you're the one who called me a siscon, remember?

[Before she can decide to leave, Yuuto offers a hand.] Let's go. I'll show you the places that only the spirits and I know.

[dereban]

Ugh, just shut up already! I know that! Let's just leave!

[ She doesn't take his hand, however. ]

[spacialeyes]

[Ah. He withdraws the offer without missing a beat, but he sure does hate himself for trying.]

Right! This way~. We'll stay out of the city and go to the forest instead. The spirits there are probably lonely anyway. [Yuuto checks his pockets for starling,] And it's so quiet... I love the feeling of snow falling. I can't feel it when I'm in a crowded space.

[dereban]

I can't say I like the snow myself. I'm not good with the cold.

[spacialeyes]

Really? I guess I've never really thought about it... My internal body temperature is pretty cold already.

[But he's not going to start an unprovoked lesson about his biology, because hoh boy. It isn't like Yuuto is eager to share how far from 'human' he is anyway.]

I usually don't get to play in the snow anyway. If I left tracks, then I'd get in big trouble. But that's why I know all of the secret places in the city! [He gestures towards some lightly marked pathways that go into the woods,] This way!

[dereban]

Yeah. Unfortunately, even gigai bodies can't stand the cold.

[ But fine, she can at least follow. ]