forcing interaction one way or another!

[mathemagician]

[awkward shifting everywhere, why am i wearing this thing where people can see me and why are you letting people into my home. i told you i don't want to talk to anyone.]

Comments

[asteroidbelt]

... There's your answer. Uta...hoshi...san. [my voice did not waver when saying that it did not]

[mathemagician]

Sakuta, you don't...

[fkdjsh no go back, i like that version better.]

[asteroidbelt]

. . .

Whatever you're... more comfortable with. ... I can— I can adjust.

[mathemagician]

[I AM SO CONFLICTED IT'S NOT FAIR i hate human emotions sometimes. a lot of the time. ... all the time.]

. . .

[oh look we're back to this point.]

[asteroidbelt]

. . .

U—

... Utahoshi-san, your... answer?

[mathemagician]

... everything's really become so complicated.

[siiigh]

I don't mind what you want to call me, if you're used to something else.

[this is the most not-subtle I get.]

[asteroidbelt]

[are you actually giving me a choice?] Kengo.

[if i say it enough maybe it'll start to mean something to you.]

[mathemagician]

[yes.

maybe it'll help me remember how important you are to me, despite everything you've done. and that i'd rather not lose you on top of everything else, even though i can't forgive you yet.]

[asteroidbelt]

[... that was the door unlocking. standing up. hand on the doorknob.

hesitating.]

Kengo... For everything you—and Gentarou and the others—have done.... For accepting me.... Believe me when I say—

... Thank you.

[gtg bye]

[mathemagician]

[i don't believe you right now, but that might change later. either way, it sounds good to hear you say it.]

Sakuta...

[and there's barely a pause, since you're in such a hurry to get out.]

Don't disappear.

[i might hate you, but i still really care about you and don't know what i'd do if everyone i knew was gone for good.]

[asteroidbelt]

...

[bye]