[ 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. ]
(deleted comment)
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)
(deleted comment)
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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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. ]