badend | ( active ) your turn to die: sou hiyori

[The dull tedium of office life is a drag in a way Akechi wasn't prepared for. Being with Sae provided some entertainment in between meetings and mandatory reports - even the occasional lunch. Being here is annoying, despite the lurking objective. There's no outward display of wrongdoing, as expected. No cackling madmen behind closed doors talking to mini assassins - or none an 'intern' like him can reach.

He flips the ID card in his hand again, back and forth like that will elicit a clue to free him from this particular hell or fix the messy hair the photographer didn't bother telling him about before snapping a shot.

It's been a week. A week of him playing the perfect boy, mimicking offers and expressions Shido's own assistant used to stay alive in that madman's world. He brought coffee, picked up lunches, scanned reports, took notes, and whatever mundane task was brought to his attention. All with a smile. All with a gracious attitude befitting of a princely student who's just trying to get accolades for his college applications.

He can see his expression slip in the flickering monitor in front of him and hurries to straighten his posture, smooth out his smile - he just needs to find out something. The police are effectively useless and this was their best ditch effort to get a small connection to an investigation he is only slightly privy to. One he could give two fucking shits about. His goal is Shido, who also seems to want someone dead in this building. Two birds, one stone. Find out the palace keywords, the person who owns it and kill them. Get the connection, give it to the police, and receive media accolades to solidify his image. All-

To rip Shido's smile off his face, dig nails into his cheeks until those bulging eyes are looking at him and only him and all he can see is him and he realizes it was him that was ripping, ripping, ripping everything until blood flowed from his lips instead of words and-

Oh.

It's lunchtime.

He locks the screen and slowly stands from his tiny little space in the middle of this open floor plan, eyeing someone walking by-]

Oh, my apologies. Could you help me find my way to lunch room? This building is quite large and I haven't gotten used to it yet. I certainly wouldn't want to waste time wandering around.

[ ASUNARO is a respectable medical research company. It's the finest, in fact, contributing more to the betterment of society in a couple of decades than could ever have been hoped for. Miracles can be performed at their hospitals and in their clinics. But there's rumors about the company, too, in certain circles, that they have connections to illegal research and medications; even that they control the dark side of society - an organization that has creeped into every facet of society, from the police force to politics.

Of course, that's nothing the average preson would know, much less their employees who only feel gratitude to be able to work for such a prestigious company. For those who would hear it, it's no different than any other inane conspiracy theory.

Sou Hiyori is, as far as anyone knows, blessed to be one of their doctors and researchers; their top surgeon, even, and known for his talent despite his young age. His footsteps come to a stop as he hears someone address him, turning to address him with a smile. He tucks the phone he'd been looking down at back in his pocket and nods in response.

Oh, this one is... ]

Yes, of course. I was just heading that way myself if you'd like to join me.

Thank you. I'll gladly take you up on the offer.

[The computer locked, offensive ID shoved into his pocket and phone in hand, it takes only seconds for him to fall in line with the other man.

One that looks familiar. No name comes to mind, but it's a face he came across on his preliminary research of this company. It's someone important and one week in, he finally feels like there's some excitement in his future.]

I'm sure by next week the hallways will feel like second nature to navigate. [Smile. Play the part of clueless kid at their first real job.] But it's fun in a way - it almost feels like being in a labyrinth. [Soft laugh. Play the part. Act. Get this over with.] I hope that doesn't make me sound childish.

If only it was, we could find the minotaur within it! Though, ah, on second thought, I think I'd rather not...

[ Those words are spoken brightly before the enthusiasm tapers off at the end, without elaboration. Perhaps Akechi is the sort to be able to catch the implication, though - in the end the minotaur is a villain to be slayed, after all. It doesn't stop him from shaking his head and perking up soon after, regaining his attempts at humor and lightening the mood, ]

Actually, I might seem old to you, but I would imagine that I'm only about seven or eight years older, so I'm hardly in a position to judge... You'll forgive me for saying it, but it's actually a relief for me to run into somebody younger than I am.

[ Perfect posture, a confident stride, fitted clothes and all those other little signs of someone born into wealth... The only oddity about him is his eyes; white pupils, but not quite like those with leukocoria - it's a pure white, with no visual disorder coming from it, making it that much more unsettling to some who meet him. Still, his expression is at odds at that, warm and unassuming, the little laugh he offers just a little bit sheepish for his own childish notions, ]

Oh, but I should introduce myself, shouldn't I? I am Sou Hiyori! It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

[ He moves from subject to subject swiftly, without a care, a regular extrovert. Hiyori is an actor, fake, playing a role, but he can do so because he has no real identity.... But if there was thing genuine about him, it is that he enjoys these interactions, whoever it is, but perhaps most of all when he finds somebody close to him in some way, and he loves those who are odd and rejected most of all, and he knows just enough to sense that, so what he says is a kind of truth. ]

Edited (i'm so sorry i wanted to add clarity ) 2024-02-14 06:50 (UTC)

And here I thought you would say your name is Theseus. Regardless, it's nice to meet you Hiyori-san. I'm Goro Akechi - an intern on this floor.

[The mental gymnastics needed to rapidly place a name to a photocopy on his living room table is difficult to maintain while holding a conversation - it's only when he takes a full look at his companion that those piercing bright pupils allow his mind to land on the correct sheet of mental paper. He thought the police station's toner was running out. Turns out he owes the aging machine an apology.

This is the best possible scenario for him. A talkative high level employee willing to speak to him - he can exploit the hell out of this if he's careful. Patient. Butter him up and be curious over the right topics. An ego is an easy thing to manipulate.]

Your name has a reputation around here - quite a positive one. I feel fortunate to have met someone so accomplished on my first week.

He offers a practiced smile to match Sou's expression, something itching in the back of his mind like this corporate smile is less of a welcome and more of a warning. Akechi pushes that aside for now, taking care to shut the office door behind him as they pass through, just like a good little intern would. A jiggle of the handle confirms it's locked until an employee scans in later.]

The dedication you have to your work is admirable.

[ There's the faintest hint of embarrassment on his face in response to the excessive praise, and he shakes his head to clear it away. He's not object to flattery, he doesn't eat it up as some of his coworkers do. There's an art to working with people who find themselves being usurped by a younger, less experience coworker, and part of that is avoiding any appearance of arrogance. ]

Those in the medical field should fully dedicate themselves to their work. If we don't, our patients are the ones who suffer the consequences.

[ It is what he expects, in fact. He has little tolerance for second rate doctors. He looks to the door. Satisfied with the click of the lock and the rattle of the doorknob, starts down the hallway. ]

Though you'll find that's not an issue here, and I can only be grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside other talented individuals. I have no doubt that I'll find you to be one of them.

[An expected response from someone in this field - though Akechi always doubts the validity of altruistic and caring fronts. They're playing their parts here, some more genuine than others.]

I'm honored you think that. Letting down someone of your caliber isn't an option, so I'll have to stay at the top of my game to earn that praise.

[Now that they're moving in tandem, Akechi can see the mental timer plummet with this interaction. They met up by accident and by chance, he can work his way into his path again. It would be suspicious at best to be that chummy with the man though. They are at work. This is a professional setting and their interactions will be rightfully limited. A high level employee won't stay with an intern past the lunch room's doorframe, or so he assumes. He needs more people in his arsenal and more information to decipher on his living room floor.]

If I can be bold for a moment, do you happen to know any employees who would be willing to mentor me? I find myself fascinated with the medical industry and want to immerse myself as much as possible during my tenure here. Frankly-

[A sigh passes his lips, like he's ashamed to admit something. Like he's wrestling with the embarrassment. Like his hand pressing to his chin is a nervous habit and not muscle memory for deception and feigned vulnerability.]

My knowledge is limited. I never did pay close attention to the lessons we had on it in school and it's something I regret now.

[ Hiyori cants his head, thoughtful now, ]

Is that so? You strike me as the diligent sort.

[ The sort of person who's constantly striving to get the recognition of those around him. This boy is polite, well-groomed, well-dressed, humble to the point of being gratuitous. He's a model figure, if perhaps held back by his youth, the sort of person who can't afford to fall behind. Driven, admirable, insecure, miserable.

There's a soft, thoughtful sound before he follows up with a few names and credentials, along with a few little odd details of where to find them and how to approach. No one of any importance, but the ones who are just inattentive enough to dote on and want to nurture a person who offers flattery and who has just enough imperfections to be cute. ]

Unless... [ He pauses to bring his hand up, curled fingers brushing against his chin before his hand drops back down. ] Could it be that you're waiting for me to offer to mentor you myself?

[ He brightens, his voice gaining a teasing lilt quality now. He maintains the warm, cheerful, and inviting countenance, but there is perhaps the faintest hint of amusement creeping into it now. ]

[Fortune doesn't smile upon Akechi often - he has to pull it down to his murky, muddled level through gritted teeth and bloody fingers twisting, twisting, twisting into it until it submits. He can never count on luck. Can never count on something good happening without bad following in turn. He is always prepared for it and always ready to bite back.

Akechi throws the spoken names into a mental trashbin. Only those that coincide with a sheet of paper in his apartment get space in his memory. Nobodies aren't worth his time and that's what was being recited.

And then he hands him an opportunity on a silver platter, offer tinted with fool's gold to tempt him.

He plans to grab that in his hands and twist, twist, twist like anything else. Plans are falling in line too perfectly and while his smile softens into something bordering apologetic, like a kid caught with his hand in a cookie jar-

Something in his gaze hardens. All things have a cost. This interaction too fruitful, too friendly, too perfect.]

Was I so obvious? Forgive the blatant attempt, I simply couldn't help myself. Sometimes I get a bit too eager for what I want.

[Feign embarrassment, hands up as if to wave away the shame of being caught. Remind himself those same hands will pluck a dagger out of Shido's throat while he gasps for air through bursts of bloodied spit.]

I certainly don't expect a favorable response given your busy schedule, but I will mention that I'm a quick study. Despite my youth, I do have skillsets that can help a busy executive while staying out of sight. I won't slow you down.

[ It's not luck at all, and yet it is just that. Hiyori is ever subject to the will of the organization, but he's also a fickle creature, picking things up on a whim and dropping them if he starts to lose interest. In this case it's the latter more than the former, as there are others who could handle it just as well. He's interested for the moment, both in the problem at hand and the person.

He likes smart kids. ]

Please, Akechi-kun, there's no need to justify your presence here... I must seem much older for you to speak in such a way, but I'm only twenty-four...

[ He's not much older at all. It's rare, but not unheard of for a child to possess such genius, and he comes from a reputable family who could groom him for his current position. The only thing he lacks is experience.

The best lies are the ones that have a bit of truth to them, and so this act too is better for the tinge of embarrassment that colors his features and the way his shoulders lift. It is a bit awkward to be talked to as though he isn't young himself... It made his early school years difficult; interacting with others his own age and even the majority of adults was at times akin to a human trying to converse with a pigeon. That's to say nothing of the extra lessons training and social events and all those things necessary to groom him for success that others his age didn't have to deal with.

That was long ago though. By time he was Akechi's age those frustrations had already evaporated, and as an adult he's found that the workplace suits him much better. ]

Let me think on it. As you said, I do have a full schedule, but perhaps... Let me see.

[ There's just that faintest hint of uncertainty, almost guilt, that any good people pleaser should have when confronted with an earnest request, and most of all when they've already cornered themselves by bringing the idea up. It suddenly becomes important to find some way to make it work. ]

Your status in the workplace is worthy of showcasing some respect regardless of age. I don't wish to offend though - I'll certainly keep that in mind. I don't often speak with people close to my age, so you'll have to forgive me.

[There's a hook, bait, and it's difficult to decipher who's the hungrier fish in this scenario. Both circling the conversation with a back and forth - a bit of luck and he could end this investigation fast. If he doesn't bite though - well, it's not the end of the world. Dead ends aren't uncommon in this profession.

But there's a part of him that's becoming deeply intrigued by his manner - expressions perfectly matching the picture perfect words coming out of his mouth. Almost predicting what Akechi wants to hear. Teasing it. Almost like-]

No matter your ultimate decision, any time you could spare for me would be appreciated. Perhaps it's selfish, but I find speaking with you to be far easier than anyone else in this building, though limited our interaction is.

[Twist, twist, twist the words. Not too pushy. Not too shy. No laugh this time - he's done too many. Looks insincere and planned. Rip the smile up, up, up on his face. Minimal embarrassment. A tiny vulnerability.]

You know where my desk is, so feel free to think on it for some time. I doubt they'll be moving me.

Edited 2024-02-20 02:25 (UTC)

[ He nods once in acceptance of the apology. Those are all words that he heard so often that they might be commonplace, enough that it hardly matters whether or not they're genuine. He's an intimidating figure at a glance, as one who's always been so admired and praised, but despite that those who speak with him find him to be polite and well-mannered, understanding and thoughtful; not too much, not too little, but the sort of person who they can be at ease around.

There's no real trick to it save showing interest. A person only needs to listen and pay attention, and he does so now, studying the other. His eyelids lower halfway, the smile grows softer, and he exhales softly, seeming to relent.. A little too much, he thinks again, but that's fine too. ]

I see... I'm glad to hear it. It might take time, but I'm sure you'll find others here easy to work with as well... They might seem intimidating, but they're kind people who will support you.

[ Hiyori pats his shoulder once before letting his hand fall back down. The break room is in sight now, and there's a brief pause to let the words sink in before he adds, ]

... Now, why don't we have lunch together? I don't have anything pressing to attend to at the moment, and I'd love to learn more about you.

[ Tugging on the line just a little bit. ]

[Of course. Kind, considerate, helpful employees who want nothing more than to have a young, studious intern under their belt. The very same people who will slither in grotesque abominations around Mementos, muttering and mummering about the injustice in their pathetic little lives. He can already hear the complaints - about being shown up, being replaced, being-

It's hard to suppress the chuckle on the edge of his lips. No, he won't be dealing with the mindless nobodies who prattle at him all day. He wants Hiyori, at least for now. Something useful is bound to slip in the following hours, days, weeks.

Then the line tugs and it pulls him up, up, up. A shark that bites the hook willingly, ready and hoping to be dragged above water.

The cafeteria is as lively as ever. Easy enough for a new employee to slip into, though his important companion likely doesn't go as unnoticed.]

How fortunate. This will be a good opportunity for us both, but perhaps you'll indulge me by answering a question of mine first.

[Easy. Simple. Start small and harmless. Meaningless chatter to dull and probe.

A tray slides into his hand and he eyes the different sides and dishes in front of them. He's not even hungry, but he smiles and gestures to assorted items with an excited edge to his voice. ]

What would you recommend from here? I'm sure you've been through this line enough to have a favorite.

[ Hiyori considers. He only finds the time to come here so often. When he does, he will more often than not be satisfied to enjoy a cup of coffee and pleasant conversation. It makes it hard and harder for him to avoid any attention, but that suits him well enough. ]

I'm partial to the apple pecan salad myself. I like the wraps as well, though I have yet to find anything I dislike.

[ It's sweet, but not overly so, but just enough to satisfy his palate. He'll pass on that today though; coffee does sound nice now and it would hardly pair well. He rubs his chin as he considers his options. A croissant, perhaps, or coffee cake... He wants something with just a little bit of extra sweetness today. ]

The pastries, too... Have have ever dipped a croissant in coffee? It seems that there was some discourse about it a few years back, social media being as it is, so I decided to try it for myself recently...

[ It was something or another about a woman claiming to eat a croissant the "Parisian way" that found its way into some obscure corner of the news, even... Nothing all that interesting, but just amusing enough to include in a bit of idle chitchat. ]

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@tailcare

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