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[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!]

[dereban]

[ It's funny, just how right Ryoko is.

And she almost wants to laugh, but instead she just feels hollow. And it eats at her. ]

But I have to. Because... I can't do anything either.

[ GIRL YOU ARE LITERALLY SICK-- ]

[loveedition]

...

[ She puts her phone in her pocket, sighing. ]

...just... let me know when you're feeling better and you're starting work on Canis Major as a whole.

That's... probably the best I can do for you.

[spacialeyes]

[And just like that-

Yuuto can be heard landing in the living room.]

Auuuauauau- Ah! Ah ah ahh! [He can be heard struggling to regain his balance, which is quite unusual for him. When he stumbles into Inaba's room, the reason for this becomes clear; Yuuto is holding two large containers while two plastic bags hang off of his arms.]

I'm tremendously sorry, Ryoko! Elliot-kun and Leo-kun were homeless and I don't think they're eating and they might be sick and Mu-chan is a menace and I couldn't leave them and I got their house and made their dinner and then I realized you and Inaba are both super stupid, so I made extra a-and! Ryoko, are you sick too? Are you overworking too? Are you both super super dumb- Can I check your forehead?! [and maybe take a moment to breathe?]

[dereban]

...

[ Well, once again, Yuuto's stupid entrance gets Inaba out of her depression, even if it's only temporary. ]

Yuuto...

[ She coughs a little bit in between her words, sinking further into the bed just a bit. ]

[loveedition]

[ "Slow down!"

"You started doing all that already?"

"Who are you calling super stupid?"

All responses that, if it were a typical day, Ryoko probably would have responded with. Instead, she just politely smiles. ]

I'm fine, don't worry. I'm gonna get going now, okay?

[spacialeyes]

I-Inaba! [Yuuto looks between Inaba and Ryoko in a panic,] Hang on! I’ll be right there-

Ryoko! [And he offers one of the containers. He’s brought her some of the chicken soup that he made for his new household.] Here. Instead of making dinner tonight, please relax and look after yourself? You’ve earned it!

[loveedition]

[ "You've earned it!"

...

A massively, bitter thought crosses her mind.

Yeah, right. ]

Mm, thanks. I'll catch you both later.

[ She accepts the chicken soup, bows her head and heads out. Waiting to be far, far removed from the room before she can let out a deep sigh. ]

[spacialeyes]

[Her response is so detached. She doesn’t yell at him or deny the soup or ask him to rush her back to this important task of hers. Yuuto knows something is wrong, but…

He returns to Inaba and sits in the side of the bed, reaching out to check her fever by touching her forehead.]

Can you eat, Inaba? I’ll heat up some soup for you?

[dereban]

[ She still feels very warm and Inaba finds herself groaning in slight annoyance, although it isn't directed at him. ]

I can eat. Room service should be coming in a bit with some stuff. Take the ice and put it in a bag so I can use it as a cooling pad.