[text]

[risetocaesar]

[Really, local media? Really?]

Why would anyone write something like that? Who cares about that kind of thing, anyway? Shouldn't the media be focusing on something more important? Something that actually matters?

... and are there really people out there looking at my-- watching me run?

Cut it out.

Comments

[risetocaesar]

I forgot. You're the type of guy that likes any attention a girl wants to give him, aren't you?

[risetocaesar]

You think so? I'm not sure how much I would actually use foreign languages in the future, but it might be nice to be a little more well-rounded. I'd need your help catching up, though. You're miles ahead of me.

[nyxterious]

I guess that's a good way of putting it! It was a lot of fun, to talk to all the girls at Gekkoukan.

[risetocaesar]

You can have them. I got tired of them following me everywhere. Couldn't get any peace and quiet.

[empressive]

Think of it as a challenge. A new trial to overcome with a little bit of assistance. It may not seem like that useful of a talent, but foreign languages do have their advantages.

I hope you do consider it. I wouldn't mind helping.

[risetocaesar]

Well, when you put it that way, you know I can't turn down a good challenge, Mitsuru.

[ voice — locked ]

[themortalhalf]

[Yeah, he can imagine that, though it isn't something he'd care to.]

That's a stupid thing to be nervous about.

[Though it's not, in the end. He gets it. It's hard. And maybe there always will be something of a divide there—a disconnect that tears a jagged line through things if you look hard enough. But Aki's still Aki—he's sure that will win out when the pros and cons of things are tallied. And he doubts Minako will hold the fact he can't remember her against him. They had all forgotten her in the end. And so will he, eventually, if he's not as dead as he's been told.]

[nyxterious]

That means they liked you! Akihiko-senpai, you heart breaker, you!

[ voice — locked ]

[risetocaesar]

You think it's stupid?

[His voice takes on an injured tone -- this is clearly something that's been bothering him for some time. For shame, Shinji.]

[risetocaesar]

I never signed up to break anyone's heart!

[nyxterious]

It's what happens when you're popular with the ladies! The cruel catch.

[ voice — locked ]

[themortalhalf]

[He recognizes that tone of voice easy enough. He holds back a sigh.]

More like there's no sense worrying about it. She's not like that.

[risetocaesar]

I never signed up to be popular, either.

[ voice — locked ]

[risetocaesar]

... all right, then. I'll take your word for it on that.

[greatseal]

Probably... Girls like that won't back off if you just say you're taken.

[ voice — locked ]

[themortalhalf]

Don't just take my word for it.

[Go and find out for yourself.

But he pauses then, briefly.]

...Does the timeline thing bother you that much?

[ voice — locked ]

[risetocaesar]

A little? Obviously, I'm not complaining... without the different timelines, I would never had had the chance to see Miki again. Or you. And I'd never have met Minako.

It's just hard to get my head around it, sometimes.

[risetocaesar]

So, let's say I do go forward with this plan.

How would I even start? I'd have to get someone to agree to play the part, probably.

[empressive]

Excellent. I'll expect your best efforts then.

Do let me know when you have free time and we can arrange something.

[risetocaesar]

You know I can never stand to do anything but my best. I might not be the same kind of perfectionist you are, but I like to be thorough all the same.

Sure. Most of my afternoons are free. What about you?

[empressive]

I take offense to that. There's nothing wrong with wanting the best.

[But even if it is meant to be a joke it worries her a little. She doesn't always need the best or need to be perfect, does she?]

The weekends are the optimal time for me. How about we start this Saturday at 2pm?

[risetocaesar]

There's nothing wrong with it at all. We're just perfectionists about different things, that's all.

Sounds perfect. I'll be there. Where should we meet?

[nyxterious]

You signed up for the boxing team, didn't you? Sports are a sure fire way to get girls to notice you!

[risetocaesar]

I became a boxer to get stronger, nothing more.

[empressive]

My apartment should be quiet enough at that time. If not, we can find another area. Possibly a library.