week two, monday

[digestif]

[ with all the new space offered up to them, it's easy for Mizuki to find Senri somewhere they don't think the two of them will be interrupted - out in the near-infinite neighborhood streets, Mizuki quietly and inconspicuously follows him for a while before finally calling out. They're not stalking, just... biding their time! There's a difference. ]

Hey there, little rabbit. Got a minute?

Comments

[digestif]

Do you think there's someone else above them setting the rules? Or are they just playing along with their own game?

[ their sympathy is limited for the gods, frankly... they're aware that it might be seen as cruel. Maybe it simply is cruel. But if they start worrying about taking care of the gods, too, they'll lose track of keeping the actual human lives here intact. Mizuki gives him a sympathetic smile. ]

... You care a lot, Nito-kun, worrying this much about the people who put you here.

[usogi]

[Ugh. Senri laughs a little bit at that - ]

It's okay, Mizuki-san. I know it's not smart. Plenty of people have told me that. But.... I agreed to be here, because there's something that I want more than anything else. I have to accept that.

[it was a sincere choice he made.]

It's been hard... but now that I'm here, I want to help as many people as I can, and maybe even more than that - make sure that as few people are hurt as possible, if it's something I can do.

[he'll shake his head - ] But about your question, I've been told that they're playing along with their own game. They made the list themselves, and they have to keep it.

[digestif]

[ that's what they figured. Still, it's nice to have confirmation. ]

I didn't say it wasn't smart. It's admirable, being the person who cares about everyone.

[ a small smile. ]

You just can't stay like that. Eventually, you'll have to pick a side.

[usogi]

... mm, I know that, but hearing it from someone else really doesn't make it any easier.

[he wishes it did!!]

I guess I just keep hoping that there'll be a way to play this game so we can all get to win...

[digestif]

It would be nice if that was the case... But it wouldn't be much of a competition if it were. The game won't end until there's a singular winner, to the best of our knowledge.

[ they understand Senri's sentiments; they just also happen to be a realist. ]

[usogi]

Mm, that's true but... I was told that if we all just switch to one team, then that'd be enough. But everyone thinks that idea won't work either....

[and he siiiighs.]

Well, I guess I'll keep having to look for loopholes. If Mizuki-san can think of anything, I'd appreciate the help... I'm really not that good at this kind of thing.

[digestif]

[ they laugh slightly under their breath. ]

Hmm... How about joining up with my side, then?

[usogi]

[senri tilts his head]

I think that depends on which side that is.....

[digestif]

[ at that, Mizuki laughs, then gently prods Senri's forehead with their index finger. ]

You're cute. It's a shame such a cute boy is stuck in your position, Nito-kun. [ they take a step back, tucking their hands back into their pockets after giving him a small wave. ] I'm sure if you give it some thought, you'll find the answers... Well, that's all I wanted to hear from you. Take care, little rabbit.

[ and just like that, they turn to begin leaving. ]

[usogi]

[oh.

he flushes under the attention because senri is useless at the end of the day, his hand coming up to where mizuki poked him and he's still too flustered for a second to respond? just give him some attention and this is what happens...]

A-Ah...

See you later, Mizuki-san! Thank you for talking to me...

[even if he's embarrassed now]