By that point, he knew he was caught. He was just making a desperate attempt to throw chaos around, but it's not like it would've changed the result. Honestly, maybe actually punching him in the face would've made everyone feel better.
[ a bit of a callous response, and she pauses there before sighing ]
[ . . . he hums quietly at that, as if considering the question. he relaxes just a bit and looks out at the stars.]
.... not totally. It's... weird. Because I know it's just 'cause they care. Before I came here... people would show their concern for me... differently. Sometimes they'd be totally hands off and leave me to myself, and trust me to get to the right answer.
Or it'd be Takeru, and him always nagging at me and hitting where it hurts, trying to get me angry enough to move.
[ . . . ]
But people here are pretty kind. I just... would prefer to be someone that they think is reliable, instead of someone that needs to be looked after.
[ grace looks to the stars as well as she listens, pensive ]
Well, I think you're reliable. [ one among many, and she nudges his shoulder a bit with her own for that. ] But... I don't think it's that they think you need looking after. They're protective because that's how they act with people they care about. Chastising others to take care of themselves happens like, every other hours in this place. I don't know that it's always valid. It comes off a little condescending sometimes?
I mean... yeah. I do that to Shi-san too, so I can't say anything. Especially since I do reckless stuff or suggest pretty bad ideas.
.... but you're right. I know it comes off as caring, and they mean well. So I'm not mad. I just... hope that I don't seem like someone who makes more mistakes than I do things right.
That's... who I used to be. And I don't want to be that guy anymore.
That's the keyword right there! [ she stretches out a little, grabbing a takoyaki for herself if he's not gonna eat them :/ wow :/ follow her example already :/ ] Used to be. You're not that kind of guy here. You're trustworthy, kind, and pretty much everybody likes you. I'd say your biggest flaw is your self-esteem, really.
Tell me when you actually perform, I'd love to watch. [ noms her takoyaki ] But you're worried about how you're doing, right? I figured that might help.
Obviously! Where would you be without me? [ but she says it with a wink, so it's. at least. partially a joke. ] If you ever need a break from tough love, I'm here. It's really not my style.
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Why? Don't tell me you feel bad about picking a fight with a murderer?
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I just added to the chaos at the end, didn't I? Everyone starting to throw punches or hold each other back.
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[ a bit of a callous response, and she pauses there before sighing ]
It's not like you actually did that, though.
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... White nearly did - and I think that's almost kind of worse, don't you?
That he felt like he needed to take care of me.
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but grace just hums a little, tilting her head ]
Is that what's really bothering you? That so many people felt the need to baby you today?
[ not just white, but everyone else with the GETTING HIGH thing too. ]
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.... not totally. It's... weird. Because I know it's just 'cause they care. Before I came here... people would show their concern for me... differently. Sometimes they'd be totally hands off and leave me to myself, and trust me to get to the right answer.
Or it'd be Takeru, and him always nagging at me and hitting where it hurts, trying to get me angry enough to move.
[ . . . ]
But people here are pretty kind. I just... would prefer to be someone that they think is reliable, instead of someone that needs to be looked after.
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Well, I think you're reliable. [ one among many, and she nudges his shoulder a bit with her own for that. ] But... I don't think it's that they think you need looking after. They're protective because that's how they act with people they care about. Chastising others to take care of themselves happens like, every other hours in this place. I don't know that it's always valid. It comes off a little condescending sometimes?
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I mean... yeah. I do that to Shi-san too, so I can't say anything. Especially since I do reckless stuff or suggest pretty bad ideas.
.... but you're right. I know it comes off as caring, and they mean well. So I'm not mad. I just... hope that I don't seem like someone who makes more mistakes than I do things right.
That's... who I used to be. And I don't want to be that guy anymore.
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blink.]
.... I wasn't expecting a performance review....?
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[ does it. ]
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[he's very lost in this conversation. but. he will also move to eat the takoyaki and look thoughtful about what she actually said]
.... people normally aren't this nice to me. I don't really know what to say. Thank you, to start, I think.
[and he's blanking]
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[ she gets that it's his job, it's just. what a nerd.
and then he just blanks out like a bigger nerd and she's laughing ]
You're welcome, but we're friends. I care about you, Mineo, of course I'm going to be nice?
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Even my friends are the tough love kind.... [BEING HIS FRIENDS AND CARING ABOUT HIM MEANS NOTHING!!! he hangs out with too many tsunderes]
... it means a lot, though. Seriously.
I'm really glad you're here, Grace.
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I dunno... Now I'm worried I'll get kinda spoiled from it.
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[ takes another one as example ]
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[him learning to cook]
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You can cook now?
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But I'm trying to expand!
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Deluxe gourmet ramen? Like the little cup noodles? How do you do that?
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But I'll make you the real deal soon! It's still my best dish.
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Sure, go for it. [ she nudges his leg ] Been a while since I've had a home cooked meal anyway.
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Yeah? Then let me go ahead and take care of that honor for you. Food tastes better when it's fresh and made by a friend, right?
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