Couldn't help myself

[chariotsofcarbonfiber]

...

[ Looks up at the journal name. ]

You know, it's a good movie, but isn't that name kinda long? I hope someone gets the reference or the effort to think it up might go to waste.



But enough about that! I know you have a few games in mind, and while I don't really like either of them, you could at least send me to the one that Rin's at, all right? It's a big city too, so there's plenty of space for me to run! I'll just... not go anywhere near any monsters, right?

Comments

[hnggggh]

...Monsters?

Emi, I'm beginning to suspect you spend a little too much time with Rin.

[chariotsofcarbonfiber]

Hmph.

If you would talk to the other people in your mun's head, you'd know...

...that sounds weird too, doesn't it?

[hnggggh]

Yeah, actually, that really does. I think I get it, though.

[Hisao smiles a bit in spite of the bizarre topic of discussion.]

How have you been?

[chariotsofcarbonfiber]

[ Emi smiles back, clearly happy to see Hisao. ]

Not bad. The mun likes to run, even if he's way too lazy about it, so we kinda connect there. I'm a little worried about this crap about 'different routes' though.

[hnggggh]

Tell me about it. I always knew I was pretty awesome but I never realized I was such a player! Really, I kind of feel like a heel because of it.

[chariotsofcarbonfiber]

No two-timing once you make a choice. I might not be really good friends with some of them, but I won't stand for you breaking any hearts!

[hnggggh]

Hey! I'd never do something like that!

[Except for that one time when he totally did, but that's not this particular Hisao.]

I wouldn't want to face the mighty wrath of Emi Ibarazaki anyway.

[chariotsofcarbonfiber]

[ THAT Hisao would deserve all the nutshots. ]

At least you've learned that much. I might make a man out of you yet.

[hnggggh]

Heh, yeah.

[Hisao rubs the back of his hair sheepishly.]

Sorry. I really should get back on the schedule, huh? The nurse kind of scares me and I don't exactly want him mad at me.

[chariotsofcarbonfiber]

Or me!

I'm disappointed that you're so out of shape in all those other routes. At least Shizune works you hard, right?

[hnggggh]

I think avoiding her almost takes more energy than just giving up...

Besides, it's not like I never go out. I end up carrying either Lilly or Hanako's groceries every week even when they both come. That's not an easy walk with food for two people!

[chariotsofcarbonfiber]

...one walk a week?

[ She shakes her head slowly. ]

Unless they're wearing you out some other way, that's no excuse.

[hnggggh]

W-What? No, I'm good, honest!

[chariotsofcarbonfiber]

At least make sure you go for a walk every day.

...for everyone's sake.

[hnggggh]

Yeah, I'll do my best.

It's kind of weird to say, but thanks for pushing me, Emi.

[chariotsofcarbonfiber]

See, I knew you'd like it when you really got into it.

Thanks for running with me, Hisao. I'm glad I had a running partner like you.

[hnggggh]

Well I still wouldn't say I like it, but... It's good for me and getting to hang out with you wasn't so bad either.

[chariotsofcarbonfiber]

Good enough! I'm glad my personality's magnetic enough to get you out there every morning.

[hnggggh]

Definitely the high point of my mornings! Then again you're only competing with waking up, swallowing some pills, eating cafeteria breakfast, and avoiding my neighbor, so...

[chariotsofcarbonfiber]

Oh, so I'm only fun compared to a bunch of things that suck then?

[hnggggh]

It was a joke! You're more than just 'a step above lame'.

[chariotsofcarbonfiber]

[ She laughs. ]

Hey, remember that you're talking to someone with a sense of humor. I'm the last person who'd take that seriously you know.

[hnggggh]

Yeah, but sometimes I speak without thinking. It's nice to clarify. Not everyone can take a joke as good as you, Emi.

[chariotsofcarbonfiber]

You don't have to censor yourself with me, as long as I don't have to censor myself with you.

[hnggggh]

Okay, that'll be our little arrangement then.

[Hisao grins somewhat devilishly.]

Like you could say anything that would embarrass or offend me anyway!