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[dereban]

Inaban

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[dereban]

I'm fine.

[ Her answer is curt. ]

You don't have to worry about me so much, you're not my parent.

[spacialeyes]

But I’m your friend, right? Friends worry about each other… That’s what I’ve learned, anyway…

[Though he’s glad that she didn’t ask. He hasn’t had a chance to get his bruises healed and doesn’t want to mention it.]

Uh. Well… Here I am. I promised to find you right after, so… Greetings, Inaba-san.

[dereban]

Well, you shouldn't. At least, not for me.

[ That's how she feels, anyway. ]

You did, but you never said a time or place. You got lucky.

[spacialeyes]

Oh… I don’t really know how to stop caring though..? Is there a book on that? Like I said, I’m quite new to friendships…

[He is taking her seriously for now.]

I apologize. I was so excited that to see you again that I forgot to ask for your preferred method of contact. Which… Perhaps I may inquire about now?

[dereban]

I don't know if there's a book on it or not, but- you really should just stop. You might regret it.

[ ... ]

You can message me privately over the network. The username that I use is just my name with an 'n' at the end. "Inaban".

[spacialeyes]

I don’t think that I could ever regret meeting you though? I like you so much.

[Before that can overstay it’s welcome-]

Wait, really?! That’s so cute!!! Mine is just “Yuuto.” I’m not cute enough for a cute username.

[dereban]

You can't just say--

[ And then he changes the subject and she huffs, arms folded. ]

I just use that username so people will know it's me, especially if they show up in this world. "Inaba" isn't exactly an uncommon name, after all.

[spacialeyes]

I see! Maybe I should add the last “u” to mine then..? [He muses to himself briefly… but if anyone from his home came now, they’d be disappointed to recognize him. He’s changed so much.

… And he’s not going to deal with that!]

Well… I’m quite glad to have found you. What brings you to the guild? May I be of assistance?

[dereban]

Ultimately it's up to you.

I just wanted to check a few things real quick, but you don't need to help me.

[spacialeyes]

[ignoring the idea of making his own choice for now-]

Maybe I don’t need to, but I want to. What are you checking on?

[dereban]

That's only for me to know for the time being.

[spacialeyes]

Then I could wait outside? If that’s okay? [Yuuto’s nerves begin to show as his belt tail sways by his feet. He may have declared himself a friend, but he’s not sure how to proceed with a friendship. And deep down, Yuuto still fears that he’s not worth being friends with.

His shy smile is becoming more strained.]

I’d um… I’d like to spend more time together… at some point, anyway.

[dereban]

That's perfectly fine.

[ If Inaba notices it, she certainly doesn't say anything about it. ]

Don't worry, this will be quick.

[spacialeyes]

[And just like that, he lights up again: Tail and hair both lifting like he’s a Ghibli protagonist as his eyes literally glow with happiness. The nerves still cling to the corners of his smile, but he’s visibly happy to hear that answer.]

Th- Thank you! I’ll do my very best to please you, Inaba-san! [He bows.] Take your time! I am happy to wait for as long as you require.

[dereban]

[ It really doesn't take her that long, as she basically goes in and out in the span of about five minutes or so, which is about enough time to get what she wanted to do done and also enough to linger on his words, as she didn't exactly give a proper response. ]

Alright, I'm back... I hope I wasn't keeping you waiting for too long.

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto waits patiently. He did promise, after all. Which means fine tuning his behavior and trying to make himself as close to invisible as he can be. Though, upon spotting Inaba again, his expression and body language light up with joy.]

Inaba-san..! [She didn’t escape out a bathroom window this time! He shakes his head, still smiling,] No, not at all. I was able to send messages to… to some people. Were you able to accomplish what you set out to do?

[dereban]

Yeah, I've completed my tasks. I don't have anything else planned for today, so I'm free for the time being.

[spacialeyes]

Shall we “hang out” then? I could buy you a coffee? Or a dessert?? Perhaps a smoothie?

[His tail wags with excitement. Yuuto does not realize how much of an open book he is right now.]

[dereban]

You don't need to buy me anything. I can pay for myself. But hanging out is fine, sure.

[spacialeyes]

Then let's go! Do you have any favorite cafes? I know of a few that I could take you to! Is that alright?

[dereban]

I don't especially have any. [ She shrugs. ] So if you have any favorites, feel free to lead the way.

[spacialeyes]

Yes, of course! This way~! [He is glad to take the lead here, measuring each step to be in time with hers.] It's sort of weird, these cities... My mind knows that it is winter, but the season hasn't changed here. Do you think it'll snow?

[dereban]

It is, but you get used to it. But it's already December, huh... it might snow.

[ She says those words in a bit of a nostalgic tone, but there's also something sad there, too. ]

[spacialeyes]

That would be so amazing if it does. I've always wanted to try playing in the snow. Have you heard of "snowmen" or "snow bunnies?" [he asks like he's unfamiliar with them himself.]

[dereban]

I'm not the kind of person who does things like that. Although I have heard of both of those things. Never made any myself, though.