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[loveedition]

Yeah. Ibuprofen too, if you need it.

...

This won't mean much coming from me, but try not to push yourself back to working hard. It's easier to burn out if you don't fully recharge.

[dereban]

... I have to.

There's too many things that need to be done. I need to be able to finish all these projects.

[loveedition]

...and you're going to continue to do things this way?

I get that, now more than ever, it's not like we have unlimited time. But also, now more than ever... you have to pace yourself.

[dereban]

I already said that I have to, otherwise--

[ It's for a flicker of a second but the color of her eyes shift before they're back to normal and she starts coughing and hacking. ]

[loveedition]

Ah, hey--

[ The worry's clear on her face, before the color flickers away and her cold gets in the way.

...she doesn't know what her plan was, so she leans back and sighs, eyes focused at the floor. ]

Sorry.

[ She had literally just resolved to be better about this, and yet again. Falling back into her old habit.

Unasked for concern. Ryoko just awkwardly, looks down at her phone. ]

Mm. Maybe I should ask him for more light soup.

[ She considers sending a text. After all, if he knows Inaba's awake, he'll show up. Then, Ryoko can go. ]

[dereban]

It's fine.

[ She leans back against the bed, staring at the ceiling. ]

I shouldn't be getting too emotional right now, anyway.

[loveedition]

I know. Trust me.

[ All it takes is one stray thought... ]

Do you need anything, like a new pillow? I could get a towel for you.

[dereban]

... I did ruin one pillow already.

[loveedition]

...I can let housekeeping know you need another one. If you need a fresh blanket, that too?

[dereban]

I'd appreciate both of them, actually. Maybe ask for ice, too.

[loveedition]

[ Nodding, Ryoko heads around to pick up the phone and get a hold of the front desk. Extra pillows, extra blanket, and a filled bucket of ice.

Idly, her eyes scan through the room. Ryoko knows she shouldn't, but she can't keep her curiosity from getting the better of her. How certain things were unused, how clear it was that... well, he didn't sleep on the floor.

Once everything's ordered, she nods. ]

Okay, it should be here any moment. I'll be by the door, but I'll be back. Alright?

[dereban]

. . . okay.

[ Inaba's own answer is extremely quiet. ]

[loveedition]

[ ...

Ryoko stares at the floor. Then, back to the rest of the room.

...and finally. ]

Do you want me to go?

[dereban]

... I don't know.

[ She isn't being entirely honest, but that's fine. ]

[loveedition]

I figured.

Yuuto wanted me to text him the moment you woke up, so I'll just do that.

--I really shouldn't be here in the first place.

[dereban]

[ Ah.

She can feel her heart sinking again and the color in her eyes shift again, uneasily. Even though she's trying to pull herself together, the dark thoughts are creeping there.

...of course.

She's meant to be alone, huh.

She doesn't say anything. ]

[loveedition]

[ ...yeah, she figured. She decides to start on texting him, not sending just yet. ]

...he's a really good guy. I don't think you'll find anyone better. I mean, I don't have to tell you that. I can already tell, I'm getting in the way again.

I'll still help you set things up, but... I should give you two some space. If I keep poking my nose in, then--

[ ....... ]

[dereban]

I know. But...

[ She tries to pull herself together. It's hard when she's sick, because being sick makes her more depressed, not less, but she's trying. It isn't working well, but she manages: ]

I also can't make the same mistakes I did last time.

[loveedition]

--and which mistakes were those?

[dereban]

Having only one person to rely on in the world.

[ She knows that she doesn't deserve more than one.

The way her eyes shine with the distortion colors are a telltale sign of her thoughts on the matter. ]

[loveedition]

...

I...

[ Ryoko's heart sinks. It's so easy for her to think these things, but it's gotten to be so apparent that her actions never reach the lofty ambitions of her words. ]

...I... can't help. Every single time, I...

[ She basically stares at the door. ]

I mess things up. Even right now, I... I'm upset, because this seemed like something for both of you, and despite that, I still came here when he asked. Making a meal, that much I could do, I thought.

--you can't rely on me, Inaba-san. I'm sorry.

[ She's awake. She's updating one of her journals now. Sorry, but if you could come back, I'd appreciate it. I have something to do at home.

...and send. ]

[spacialeyes]

[By this time, Yuuto has probably started getting Elliot, Leo, and Mu moved into their new home. He sends back his reply quickly;]

Okay! May I have 5 more minutes?

Mu-chan is trying to eat a clove of garlic.

[dereban]

I'm sorry.

[ That's all she can say as she feels her heart clench.

She tries to keep herself together, but it's growing more and more difficult. Not to mention that she doesn't have access to Starnet yet- she hasn't had the chance to visit the shrine, after all.

So she can't even dare to say the words at all.

Help me.

It's all stuck in her throat. She doesn't deserve it. ]

[loveedition]

[ are you kidding right now--

She wipes away some moisture near an eye, staring incredulously at her phone. Come on, Yuuto... now she feels even more awkward. Ugh...

"Not really. Sorry." ]

...you don't have to apologize to me.

I know you're just protecting yourself. You don't want me to see the 'weak' Inaba Himeko. I get it. You don't want anyone to be hurt, or have to deal with you like this. I know that.

You really... really have no idea, how much I know that. How much I don't deserve Yuuto's kindness, or Satou-san's compassion, or anyone's love.

So... don't apologize. Please.

[spacialeyes]

Okay! Sorry!

I'm headed right over!

[You can give him one more round before he arrives!]