[ Ah, so he did want him to stay after all... He was right, of course, that it would be a problem if he stayed any longer. Hiyori was already no doubt going to be in trouble, and each passing second was more time for his coworkers to get frustrated with him. Still, he doesn't doubt that they could hold the meeting without them; there was rarely anything that they couldn't do while missing one, and in those emergency situations he would be made well aware of its urgency. They likely wanted specific reports from him, but that was nothing that couldn't wait.
He takes his job seriously, but perhaps not as seriously as the other three. Hiyori was always more freewheeling, acting as he pleased, with no particular sense of loyalty to anyone. It was what was entertaining to him, what benefited him as a person, and those at ASUNARO would always benefit from his presence. From the day that he was marked as a participant, he was too important to dispose of before the game.
So he can hold Komaeda a little longer like this, watching him enter in a number that looks vaguely familiar but that he can't pin down. It wasn't an important contact, and so he hadn't memorized their number as he might have others. He'll check it later, ever mindful of calling foreing numbers, but for the moment he watches intently and chooses to hope that it's real. ]
... Yes, of course.
[ He holds him a little tighter even after he gives an affirmative response, nuzzling against his shoulder. He reaches out his free hand to try and take the one not holding the letter, rubbing the back of his hand with his thumb. ]
I mean it, you know. I love you, Komaeda-kun. I love you, and no one else. If you ask me to stay, I will; I won't lie. I'll tell them that I'm staying for you, because you need me here. They can hold the meeting without me.
[ He keeps his voice gentle and reassuring, slipping back into that same patient tone that he always uses. He kisses Komaeda's temple before exhaling softly, because it's so difficult for a person like this to be honest about their needs. That's something he loves about him, but it does make it a touch difficult. ]
I do hope you'll come see me sometime.
[ He takes his hand away, sliding it down Komaeda's arm slowly so his touch lingers as long as possible, and loosens his grip with that. ]
Edited 2021-11-17 22:37 (UTC)
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SEE THIS IS WHY THEY NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT NEIGHBORS midori got connections
[ It's as though he's fallen in love with a vampire. The sweet kiss that they share, the moment when he thinks about how soft his lips are, followed by harm bites that draw blood from him. But even that affection is enough to make his head cloud and his thoughts grow unfocused, because it's the only kind of love that Komaeda can give. He sees himself as a vampire, a parasitic creature that can only give himself life by draining those around him. But he can accept that readily - he doesn't mind a little roughness, though he hates the taste of copper, and he can only imagine what a sight he'll look later.
He cringes when his candy jar hits the floor. He would have to discard the contents as well as the jar itself, and that brand had become hard to find lately. It was poor luck, but money can buy any object, and he has that in spades. So it's with that same calm smile that he crouches down next to Komaeda and reaches out to stay Komaeda's hand with his own. ]
It's because I like your shine, Komaeda-kun. It's dim from years of being dampened by others, but it's a beautiful shine all the same. If given the chance, I'm sure it would be as bright and brilliant as any other. That's why I want to help nurture it.
[ It was brilliant for how dim and broken it was, just like his love. He reaches to take the other one now before tilting his head up to indicate for him to stand up. Hiyori doesn't wait more than a few seconds before he starts to push himself off the ground, trying to pull Komaeda up with him.
He softens his tone, trying to make it into something more reassuring, ]
It's alright. They're just things, hm? I'll clean it up later. Now then... You wanted a glass of water, didn't you? Let's take care of that.
[ He hadn't planned on dragging things out much longer, but it is perhaps a touch disappointing all the same. But it wouldn't do to stay in this room, where Komaeda would no doubt find himself fixating solely the scattered remains of the jar. ]
(deleted comment)
somebody needs to call keiji in particular. or alice. alice can kill him.
[ Komaeda, he thinks, would suggest to water a plant that was already drenched while ignoring the one that was withering beside it. He keeps that thought to himself, though, only giving a small shake of his head when he suggests that nothing can be found. He had made his feelings by now, and he can only hope that Komaeda would come to accept that in time. Hinata was on his radar, but for completely different reasons. But he was one of a few, and Hiyori was still deciding which would be the most useful. But those were tools, wrenches and screwdrives, whereas Komaeda was more like a toy - a favorite teddy bear, soft and comforting despite the button eyes being missing and the fur being shoddy from years of abuse. So it is him that he'll continue to watch over.
He gulps down a disgusting amount of blood, and he's certain he's going to be sick from how much he's ingested. He wipes the blood that had started leaking out onto his face off with his sleeve. It's in poor taste, but this jacket was long since ruined. Besides, it was too late for such regrets, and so he focuses on the present. The present is his patient apologizing for something of little consequence. ]
It's nothing I can't replace, Komaeda-kun.
[ Pâtisserie Méert...? He thinks he's heard the name before, but he hadn't had the opportunity to look too deeply into it. He did love sweets of all kinds, but especially the excessively expensive and equally indulgent ones. It wasn't uncommon at all to find him stopping in at famous locations in the area, and cakes and pastries were practically a staple in his house. So, the suggestion adds some warmth to his countenance - he's grateful, really, and he makes a note to take a trip when he's able to. ]
Thank you, Komaeda-kun. I'll make sure to pass that along... Ah, you don't like sweet things, do you?
[ He had offered him a candy once, as he often did with his patients, but had been declined. After locking the door behind them (having grabbed his pad and pen before leaving this time,) he leads Komaeda to a quaint little break room. It's little more than a a makeshift kitchen, a small but cozy area with a pair of tables and a few chairs. There's a fridge and a pair of microwaves, along with with a toaster and a toaster oven. He sets Komaeda down in a chair before going through a cabinet and taking out a pair of glasses, getting water for both of them.
He sets his glass down on the opposite side of the table, but opts not to sit himself. ]
You should have something small, though. You don't want your blood sugar to drop... Hmm, you prefer salty things, right? Let me see what I have.
[ He didn't keep much just generally. He forgot to eat often enough that there was no real need to, not when he was subsisting on a handful of candies and nothing more some days. ]
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MTTD omg i'm CRYING!! poor alice, gonna crack under the pressure (jk he'd probably be happy to)
[ He manages to keep from wrinkling his nose at the mention of wasabi. He was the opposite of Komaeda in that he loved sweets, but hated spicy things and could only handle salt to a certain point, but this was something he had accepted going into this little affair. His taste buds had been damaged by his disease, but in truth neither of them could be said to have exceptional preferences. He had heard about it from Safalin so often.
He sits down after a moment, sipping at his water as he considers Komaeda's choices. They should have both of those, he thinks. The saltine crackers were a universal staple, and the wasabi was kept for those who had a stronger tolerance for it. He swishes the water in his mouth, trying to rid himself of the metallic taste, before swallowing it down. It does a little to help, but it seems as though it might linger all day, and he has no doubt that it'll be sore and easily agitated for far longer.
He takes another sip as he considers the suggestion, not immediately getting up to procure the aforementioned items. ]
That would be pretty irresponsible, don't you think? I should at least take care of you until you leave.
[ Probably not quite as irresponsible as continuing to blow off his coworkers, but details. ]
Edited 2021-11-18 04:03 (UTC)
(deleted comment)
dear god he really does have junko energy doesn't he? i shudder to think of those two coordinating
[ Hiyori props his elbow up on the table, leaning his chin onto his palm, fingers curled as he watches as Komaeda tries to process the situation that he's in. For a person who had never been loved in any significant capacity, it must be like trying to learn a foreign language. ]
I would, and I imagine that you would refuse me. [ He chuckles, having already played out that exact scenario in his head, ] In that case, I would have to find you a ride home. I have a few people that I would trust to do so, and they're always happy to make a few extra hundred yen to be a chauffeur.
[ Well, that's not quite right. It would be far more expensive than a regular taxi. But there was precious little difference between a few hundred and a few thousand, and he would feel more secure entrusting a person so accident prone to a more reliable individual than a random taxi driver.
His point made, he does slide back out of the chair, stepping over to the cabinet and rifling through it until he finds a box of saltine crackers. He tugs his phone out of his pocket as he starts to step over to the fridge, thumb sliding across the screen. ]
Or perhaps you'd rather I take you back to my apartment? It's much closer, and I do have a spare bedroom. I wouldn't mind being able to monitor you for a little while longer.
[ Really, Hiyori just doesn't care for the idea of leaving him alone in such a fragile condition. ]
Edited 2021-11-18 08:10 (UTC)
(deleted comment)
dear lord now we really can't let that happen, that would be a disaster
[ Hiyori pauses with the phone still illuminated in his phone. He had seemed to be considering whatever message he had written up, but his attention turns to Komaeda when prompted. It's a surprising offer coming from a person who's so careful to keep others at arm's length, and it worries him that such an agreement was being made only due to his repeated arm twisting. That wouldn't do. He considers for a moment.
The comparison to a child unwilling to give up a favorite toy wasn't inaccurate, but he was also a meticulous man who thought of and planned for every single minute detail. It was what allowed him to thrive in every field and in his personal life. He could, then, apply that same amount of care to ASUNARO. But the slight frown that follows, along with the way that he glances back to his phone, seems to indicate that it was as much his nature to care for others as it was to avoid things he didn't want to do, and the faint concentration might suggest that he's looking for some other excuse.
Finding that there is none, and not wanting to waste this opportunity, takes another moment to finish the message on his phone (the way his thumb lingers around where the backspace key would be indicating that he had to delete half of it,) and nods in agreement. Komaeda was quite bright... He suspects that for as much as Harai would reprimand him for needing it, she would state that having someone like him around might do him some good by forcing him to be responsible (even though he was always responsible, he just knew better than anyone where he was and wasn't needed.)
Hiyori was prim and proper and perfect, but it seems that he has his quirks, and one of those quirks is putting off things that he doesn't like. ]
Is that so? Hmm... Are you that worried about me? [ He chuckles, that warm smile returning... Why does he feel like a child being coaxed into something by a parent? ] ... Yes, I think that would be fair. Ahaha, I really shouldn't keep them waiting if I don't truly need to, now should I?
[ Truthfully, half of his agreement is that he can't think of any reason to refuse, and at this point it would come off as simply avoiding something unpleasant if he refused, rather than that just being a nice bonus. How unfortunate. ]
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being crushed by the weight of retail hell but i'm team househusband sorry
[ Hiyori lets out a small sigh. He was a once in a generation talent, built up by his own efforts alone, and that alone was enough for him to easily grow bored with things. He would pick and choose his interests, slack off when it was neither of interest or value, and dedicate himself fully to all other matters. But Komaeda, he thinks, is a bit young to understand the concept of working two jobs out of passion rather than necessity. It allowed one to pick and choose their efforts as much as anything else. It allowed him to start distinguishing between what was and wasn't important.
Besides, this kind of little power play wasn't uncommon between him and Harai. That was why she would love to have an outsider scolding him so much. Perhaps if he had the capacity to dedicate himself to something better than overblown figureheads he would be more inclined to understand. Alas, that too is something Midori loves, and so he is able to take the criticism in stride. ]
... You're right, Komaeda-kun. I should take these things more seriously. Ahaha... I'm sorry, I should be setting a good example for you, hm?
[ The answer comes out smoothly and naturally, with just the right hint of embarrassment to match the sheepish smile that he offers for being so thoroughly reprimanded by someone younger. There's not a hint of a lie to it, despite the fact that he'd heard the same criticism dozens of times, and would continue to act as he always had.
He tucks the phone away in the pocket of his pants and leans forward to place the pad on the table, scribbling down his information before tearing the page out and setting in in front of Komaeda. He takes the keys out of his other pocket before setting them atop it. It seems to be a different set than the one used to get into his office - this one has a different keychain on it. ]
Do you need anything before I heard out? If not, I'll be going.
[ There is a touch of concern to the look, though. He won't try and delay any longer, but he also doesn't wish to leave any needs unattended - that would always be a part of who he was. ]
[ There were those who had recognized it, but even they only pretended not to see it. They all pretended not to see because he was so kind, because he was so loving, because he did everything. They pretended not to see because it was Sou Hiyori, talented and wonderful and beloved by all. They pretended not to see because they couldn't stand to lose him, to alter their view of him so heavily. His talent and charm, their stubborn desire to be correct, it all melded together to make it easy to dismiss. They all did it. It was just if you got caught. The patient is old enough to make his own choices. He was dying anyway. It would end soon.
Those around him warped their own minds and twisted their logic, all to protect their image of a beloved doctor who loved sweets and cute things and who always smiled and worked miracles, because it was so much easier to dismiss the needs of a dying child that they cared nothing about. Again and again he'd seen it.
That's why Hiyori knows better than to trust others.
But that sheepish smile returns as Komaeda tugs him along, and he pretends not to take note of his surroundings, keeping his eyes fixed on Komaeda. He leans against the counter rubs the back of his neck, wincing as he touches the area that Komaeda had bit down on. It's red and already bruising, dried blood still on his skin. He should have cleaned it up by now. He makes no effort now, though. ]
Now, now... I'm just going to look after you tonight, hm? You shouldn't be alone right now, Komaeda-kun.
[ He stops short of saying you shouldn't be leaving at all, but the tone suggests it - if it were his choice, he would be kept for a longer observation, but there was little any of them could do to force the matter. And while he certainly wasn't above taking people home for a night, he would rather not carelessly rush things with this one. It had already taken so long just to get to this point. ]
Hmm... Well, if you're offering to give me a kiss goodbye... ♡
[ How romantic. ]
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idk he's constantly thinkin' bout killing all of komaeda's not-friends i'd say that's mean
[ Love is something that should be freely given. They're words of wisdom, it's a mantra. If it was taken, it was as worthless as trash on the side of the road. It was only when it was gifted that he could value it. It was much like trust, but this was something he could freely give himself. It's love that allows him to pretend that he isn't aware of the knives so close to them, that he wasn't cognizant of every slight movement. Love, but never trust.
He reaches up to touch Komaeda when he presses up against him, but he's already stepped back before he can. Hiyori stands there, hand touching the air where a person had been just a second ago. His face falls, but he allows it to dip back to his side with a nod. He's surprised that no action has been taken. This patient was difficult and had done more damage to him than any other. He was violent and passionate and committed to his behavior, and his fits were all too common. But for all the blood he'd shed today, it felt minor compared to the efforts he might have expected.
But he's happy for it. ]
Yes, of course. I promised not to waste any more time, didn't I?
[ His gaze lingers, concern creeping into his expression. He glances to the door. ]
Ah... I'm afraid I'm quite clumsy and forgetful, so if you leave my keys at the front, no one will think anything of it.
[ So there was no need for Komaeda to go to his apartment. He could go home if he so chose. He could go anywhere at all. But that concern lingers. ]
... Do be safe on your way back, Komaeda-kun. That's all I ask.
Edited 2021-11-19 22:18 (UTC)
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NO SEE THIS IS GREAT then he can get new friends who don't hate him and aren't terrible
[ Then he would be there. That thought alone is to make his heart skip a beat, but it also makes him a touch anxious. It isn't like Komaeda to acquiesce so readily. He was stubborn to a fault, constantly insisting on this and that, and ensuring that no one would ever get within an arm's length of him... But then, perhaps that was because Hiyori would never trust the intentions of another person. He reminds himself to stay vigilant even while warmth rushes over him at the thought off having a person waiting for him at home.
He'd stopped dating more than necessary at some point. It was easy to blame on his career now. The world was boring, and there was no one who had properly grabbed his attention since his days at Hope's Peak. He hadn't found true love since then, only short flings that left him feeling unsatisfied at the end each time. It was better and safer, of course, but he did miss that companionship at times.
Maybe he would get a drink before going home. Harai would likely join him, after she'd finished trying to strangle him for holding matters up for so long. He'd buy her one or three and she'd forgive him after. She would forgive him, and it would ease his nerves.
He hesitates at the last minute, frown deepening as Komaeda goes on. ]
Ahahaha... I used to have one, but I'm afraid they tend to get tired of me quickly. If you know of someone who can handle the job, I'll consider it.
[ He forces the laugh, but it doesn't quite stick. He avoided such things, doing every last bit of busywork for himself for the sake of ensuring that it was all done to his standards. That way, Hiyori could pick and choose what was important, and he could ensure it was all triaged and completed in the correct order. He could, like now, decide which meetings warranted attending rather than being strong-armed into it.
... Still, he's not quite trying to delay it at this point. He doesn't terribly like the sound of that. ]
... If not me, why don't I ask somebody to go with you? I don't want anything to happen to you, Komaeda-kun.
(deleted comment)
to be fair he'd at least tell him to be friends w/ ppl who don't hate him
[ The Ultimate Assistant...? Ah, what a stupid, worthless, pathetic talent. It makes him sick to his stomach to think that such a thing might even exist. Those so-called Ultimates were lower than dirt half the time, pathetic excuses for titles and "talents" that they used to pad their ranks and fill spots to justify their government paychecks. Disgusting, disgusting...
But he keeps his smile on through that, as well as the concerns Komaeda raises. It's the kind of threat that should leave any kind of self-respecting doctor shaking, and yet Hiyori only listens with the patient smile that a teacher shows a student who's decided that they've figured out the way that the world works. Patient, non-judgmental, but also not particularly concerned about how such realistic possibilities might fall on them. This was far from the worst suggestion that he'd ever made. ]
Oh my... I didn't realize that Komaeda-kun felt that way about me. Ah, I'm heartbroken...
[ No, he's not quite worried about the masses. But he's not quite worried about others as well. Their hands were all tied, and Hiyori was now just a normal doctor who was beloved by all who knew him. He reaches out and ruffles his hair. ]
There, there now! I think I will have to pass on getting an assistant, it sounds quite stressful, but I won't make you worry! So do be safe, Komaeda-kun. If anything were to happen because I left you... Ah, I'd be so upset.
[ He'd be so upset that he might have to find the source of it, and ensure that they never caused anyone trouble again. He might just have to make sure they were put to better use. Ah, wouldn't that be such wonderful luck for them, to finally serve a purpose...
But for now he sets those thoughts aside, hoping such things won't be necessary. He leans over and kisses Komaeda's forehead. ]
I'll see you later.
[ He says this, and then he's gone... Perhaps because he was so adept at avoiding uncomfortable things, Hiyori sure does know how to leave quickly when he wants to. ]
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THEY JUST LITERALLY CONTROL EVERYTHING????? it's crazy idgi
He takes his job seriously, but perhaps not as seriously as the other three. Hiyori was always more freewheeling, acting as he pleased, with no particular sense of loyalty to anyone. It was what was entertaining to him, what benefited him as a person, and those at ASUNARO would always benefit from his presence. From the day that he was marked as a participant, he was too important to dispose of before the game.
So he can hold Komaeda a little longer like this, watching him enter in a number that looks vaguely familiar but that he can't pin down. It wasn't an important contact, and so he hadn't memorized their number as he might have others. He'll check it later, ever mindful of calling foreing numbers, but for the moment he watches intently and chooses to hope that it's real. ]
... Yes, of course.
[ He holds him a little tighter even after he gives an affirmative response, nuzzling against his shoulder. He reaches out his free hand to try and take the one not holding the letter, rubbing the back of his hand with his thumb. ]
I mean it, you know. I love you, Komaeda-kun. I love you, and no one else. If you ask me to stay, I will; I won't lie. I'll tell them that I'm staying for you, because you need me here. They can hold the meeting without me.
[ He keeps his voice gentle and reassuring, slipping back into that same patient tone that he always uses. He kisses Komaeda's temple before exhaling softly, because it's so difficult for a person like this to be honest about their needs. That's something he loves about him, but it does make it a touch difficult. ]
I do hope you'll come see me sometime.
[ He takes his hand away, sliding it down Komaeda's arm slowly so his touch lingers as long as possible, and loosens his grip with that. ]
SEE THIS IS WHY THEY NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT NEIGHBORS midori got connections
He cringes when his candy jar hits the floor. He would have to discard the contents as well as the jar itself, and that brand had become hard to find lately. It was poor luck, but money can buy any object, and he has that in spades. So it's with that same calm smile that he crouches down next to Komaeda and reaches out to stay Komaeda's hand with his own. ]
It's because I like your shine, Komaeda-kun. It's dim from years of being dampened by others, but it's a beautiful shine all the same. If given the chance, I'm sure it would be as bright and brilliant as any other. That's why I want to help nurture it.
[ It was brilliant for how dim and broken it was, just like his love. He reaches to take the other one now before tilting his head up to indicate for him to stand up. Hiyori doesn't wait more than a few seconds before he starts to push himself off the ground, trying to pull Komaeda up with him.
He softens his tone, trying to make it into something more reassuring, ]
It's alright. They're just things, hm? I'll clean it up later. Now then... You wanted a glass of water, didn't you? Let's take care of that.
[ He hadn't planned on dragging things out much longer, but it is perhaps a touch disappointing all the same. But it wouldn't do to stay in this room, where Komaeda would no doubt find himself fixating solely the scattered remains of the jar. ]
somebody needs to call keiji in particular. or alice. alice can kill him.
He gulps down a disgusting amount of blood, and he's certain he's going to be sick from how much he's ingested. He wipes the blood that had started leaking out onto his face off with his sleeve. It's in poor taste, but this jacket was long since ruined. Besides, it was too late for such regrets, and so he focuses on the present. The present is his patient apologizing for something of little consequence. ]
It's nothing I can't replace, Komaeda-kun.
[ Pâtisserie Méert...? He thinks he's heard the name before, but he hadn't had the opportunity to look too deeply into it. He did love sweets of all kinds, but especially the excessively expensive and equally indulgent ones. It wasn't uncommon at all to find him stopping in at famous locations in the area, and cakes and pastries were practically a staple in his house. So, the suggestion adds some warmth to his countenance - he's grateful, really, and he makes a note to take a trip when he's able to. ]
Thank you, Komaeda-kun. I'll make sure to pass that along... Ah, you don't like sweet things, do you?
[ He had offered him a candy once, as he often did with his patients, but had been declined. After locking the door behind them (having grabbed his pad and pen before leaving this time,) he leads Komaeda to a quaint little break room. It's little more than a a makeshift kitchen, a small but cozy area with a pair of tables and a few chairs. There's a fridge and a pair of microwaves, along with with a toaster and a toaster oven. He sets Komaeda down in a chair before going through a cabinet and taking out a pair of glasses, getting water for both of them.
He sets his glass down on the opposite side of the table, but opts not to sit himself. ]
You should have something small, though. You don't want your blood sugar to drop... Hmm, you prefer salty things, right? Let me see what I have.
[ He didn't keep much just generally. He forgot to eat often enough that there was no real need to, not when he was subsisting on a handful of candies and nothing more some days. ]
MTTD omg i'm CRYING!! poor alice, gonna crack under the pressure (jk he'd probably be happy to)
He sits down after a moment, sipping at his water as he considers Komaeda's choices. They should have both of those, he thinks. The saltine crackers were a universal staple, and the wasabi was kept for those who had a stronger tolerance for it. He swishes the water in his mouth, trying to rid himself of the metallic taste, before swallowing it down. It does a little to help, but it seems as though it might linger all day, and he has no doubt that it'll be sore and easily agitated for far longer.
He takes another sip as he considers the suggestion, not immediately getting up to procure the aforementioned items. ]
That would be pretty irresponsible, don't you think? I should at least take care of you until you leave.
[ Probably not quite as irresponsible as continuing to blow off his coworkers, but details. ]
dear god he really does have junko energy doesn't he? i shudder to think of those two coordinating
Yes. Because I love you, Komaeda-kun.
[ Hiyori props his elbow up on the table, leaning his chin onto his palm, fingers curled as he watches as Komaeda tries to process the situation that he's in. For a person who had never been loved in any significant capacity, it must be like trying to learn a foreign language. ]
I would, and I imagine that you would refuse me. [ He chuckles, having already played out that exact scenario in his head, ] In that case, I would have to find you a ride home. I have a few people that I would trust to do so, and they're always happy to make a few extra hundred yen to be a chauffeur.
[ Well, that's not quite right. It would be far more expensive than a regular taxi. But there was precious little difference between a few hundred and a few thousand, and he would feel more secure entrusting a person so accident prone to a more reliable individual than a random taxi driver.
His point made, he does slide back out of the chair, stepping over to the cabinet and rifling through it until he finds a box of saltine crackers. He tugs his phone out of his pocket as he starts to step over to the fridge, thumb sliding across the screen. ]
Or perhaps you'd rather I take you back to my apartment? It's much closer, and I do have a spare bedroom. I wouldn't mind being able to monitor you for a little while longer.
[ Really, Hiyori just doesn't care for the idea of leaving him alone in such a fragile condition. ]
dear lord now we really can't let that happen, that would be a disaster
The comparison to a child unwilling to give up a favorite toy wasn't inaccurate, but he was also a meticulous man who thought of and planned for every single minute detail. It was what allowed him to thrive in every field and in his personal life. He could, then, apply that same amount of care to ASUNARO. But the slight frown that follows, along with the way that he glances back to his phone, seems to indicate that it was as much his nature to care for others as it was to avoid things he didn't want to do, and the faint concentration might suggest that he's looking for some other excuse.
Finding that there is none, and not wanting to waste this opportunity, takes another moment to finish the message on his phone (the way his thumb lingers around where the backspace key would be indicating that he had to delete half of it,) and nods in agreement. Komaeda was quite bright... He suspects that for as much as Harai would reprimand him for needing it, she would state that having someone like him around might do him some good by forcing him to be responsible (even though he was always responsible, he just knew better than anyone where he was and wasn't needed.)
Hiyori was prim and proper and perfect, but it seems that he has his quirks, and one of those quirks is putting off things that he doesn't like. ]
Is that so? Hmm... Are you that worried about me? [ He chuckles, that warm smile returning... Why does he feel like a child being coaxed into something by a parent? ] ... Yes, I think that would be fair. Ahaha, I really shouldn't keep them waiting if I don't truly need to, now should I?
[ Truthfully, half of his agreement is that he can't think of any reason to refuse, and at this point it would come off as simply avoiding something unpleasant if he refused, rather than that just being a nice bonus. How unfortunate. ]
being crushed by the weight of retail hell but i'm team househusband sorry
Besides, this kind of little power play wasn't uncommon between him and Harai. That was why she would love to have an outsider scolding him so much. Perhaps if he had the capacity to dedicate himself to something better than overblown figureheads he would be more inclined to understand. Alas, that too is something Midori loves, and so he is able to take the criticism in stride. ]
... You're right, Komaeda-kun. I should take these things more seriously. Ahaha... I'm sorry, I should be setting a good example for you, hm?
[ The answer comes out smoothly and naturally, with just the right hint of embarrassment to match the sheepish smile that he offers for being so thoroughly reprimanded by someone younger. There's not a hint of a lie to it, despite the fact that he'd heard the same criticism dozens of times, and would continue to act as he always had.
He tucks the phone away in the pocket of his pants and leans forward to place the pad on the table, scribbling down his information before tearing the page out and setting in in front of Komaeda. He takes the keys out of his other pocket before setting them atop it. It seems to be a different set than the one used to get into his office - this one has a different keychain on it. ]
Do you need anything before I heard out? If not, I'll be going.
[ There is a touch of concern to the look, though. He won't try and delay any longer, but he also doesn't wish to leave any needs unattended - that would always be a part of who he was. ]
he's already mean and hot though????? look at him
Those around him warped their own minds and twisted their logic, all to protect their image of a beloved doctor who loved sweets and cute things and who always smiled and worked miracles, because it was so much easier to dismiss the needs of a dying child that they cared nothing about. Again and again he'd seen it.
That's why Hiyori knows better than to trust others.
But that sheepish smile returns as Komaeda tugs him along, and he pretends not to take note of his surroundings, keeping his eyes fixed on Komaeda. He leans against the counter rubs the back of his neck, wincing as he touches the area that Komaeda had bit down on. It's red and already bruising, dried blood still on his skin. He should have cleaned it up by now. He makes no effort now, though. ]
Now, now... I'm just going to look after you tonight, hm? You shouldn't be alone right now, Komaeda-kun.
[ He stops short of saying you shouldn't be leaving at all, but the tone suggests it - if it were his choice, he would be kept for a longer observation, but there was little any of them could do to force the matter. And while he certainly wasn't above taking people home for a night, he would rather not carelessly rush things with this one. It had already taken so long just to get to this point. ]
Hmm... Well, if you're offering to give me a kiss goodbye... ♡
[ How romantic. ]
idk he's constantly thinkin' bout killing all of komaeda's not-friends i'd say that's mean
He reaches up to touch Komaeda when he presses up against him, but he's already stepped back before he can. Hiyori stands there, hand touching the air where a person had been just a second ago. His face falls, but he allows it to dip back to his side with a nod. He's surprised that no action has been taken. This patient was difficult and had done more damage to him than any other. He was violent and passionate and committed to his behavior, and his fits were all too common. But for all the blood he'd shed today, it felt minor compared to the efforts he might have expected.
But he's happy for it. ]
Yes, of course. I promised not to waste any more time, didn't I?
[ His gaze lingers, concern creeping into his expression. He glances to the door. ]
Ah... I'm afraid I'm quite clumsy and forgetful, so if you leave my keys at the front, no one will think anything of it.
[ So there was no need for Komaeda to go to his apartment. He could go home if he so chose. He could go anywhere at all. But that concern lingers. ]
... Do be safe on your way back, Komaeda-kun. That's all I ask.
NO SEE THIS IS GREAT then he can get new friends who don't hate him and aren't terrible
He'd stopped dating more than necessary at some point. It was easy to blame on his career now. The world was boring, and there was no one who had properly grabbed his attention since his days at Hope's Peak. He hadn't found true love since then, only short flings that left him feeling unsatisfied at the end each time. It was better and safer, of course, but he did miss that companionship at times.
Maybe he would get a drink before going home. Harai would likely join him, after she'd finished trying to strangle him for holding matters up for so long. He'd buy her one or three and she'd forgive him after. She would forgive him, and it would ease his nerves.
He hesitates at the last minute, frown deepening as Komaeda goes on. ]
Ahahaha... I used to have one, but I'm afraid they tend to get tired of me quickly. If you know of someone who can handle the job, I'll consider it.
[ He forces the laugh, but it doesn't quite stick. He avoided such things, doing every last bit of busywork for himself for the sake of ensuring that it was all done to his standards. That way, Hiyori could pick and choose what was important, and he could ensure it was all triaged and completed in the correct order. He could, like now, decide which meetings warranted attending rather than being strong-armed into it.
... Still, he's not quite trying to delay it at this point. He doesn't terribly like the sound of that. ]
... If not me, why don't I ask somebody to go with you? I don't want anything to happen to you, Komaeda-kun.
to be fair he'd at least tell him to be friends w/ ppl who don't hate him
But he keeps his smile on through that, as well as the concerns Komaeda raises. It's the kind of threat that should leave any kind of self-respecting doctor shaking, and yet Hiyori only listens with the patient smile that a teacher shows a student who's decided that they've figured out the way that the world works. Patient, non-judgmental, but also not particularly concerned about how such realistic possibilities might fall on them. This was far from the worst suggestion that he'd ever made. ]
Oh my... I didn't realize that Komaeda-kun felt that way about me. Ah, I'm heartbroken...
[ No, he's not quite worried about the masses. But he's not quite worried about others as well. Their hands were all tied, and Hiyori was now just a normal doctor who was beloved by all who knew him. He reaches out and ruffles his hair. ]
There, there now! I think I will have to pass on getting an assistant, it sounds quite stressful, but I won't make you worry! So do be safe, Komaeda-kun. If anything were to happen because I left you... Ah, I'd be so upset.
[ He'd be so upset that he might have to find the source of it, and ensure that they never caused anyone trouble again. He might just have to make sure they were put to better use. Ah, wouldn't that be such wonderful luck for them, to finally serve a purpose...
But for now he sets those thoughts aside, hoping such things won't be necessary. He leans over and kisses Komaeda's forehead. ]
I'll see you later.
[ He says this, and then he's gone... Perhaps because he was so adept at avoiding uncomfortable things, Hiyori sure does know how to leave quickly when he wants to. ]