( active ) your turn to die: sou hiyori

[killed]

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[killed]

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. ]

[enteloki]

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.

[killed]

[ 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.

[enteloki]

[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.

[killed]

[ 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. ]

[enteloki]

[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.

[killed]

[ 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. ]

[enteloki]

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.

[killed]

[ 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. ]

[enteloki]

[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.

[killed]

[ 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. ]

[enteloki]

[The croissant finds its way to his tray despite his disinterest. A coffee is an indulgence he gives into at the end of the line.

It doesn't smell half as good as LeBlanc and he makes a mental note to stop by after work. He doesn't have time to investigate that particular minefield of issue, but it doesn't hurt to keep tabs on the unfolding situation. To keep certain people on their feet.]

The comment section in my blog was quite heated about it a few weeks back. No one could seem to reach a consensus on the matter.

[Annoying prattle from a deluge of mindless morons on a blog his manager makes him interact with. The attention had been fun until the vapid, flighty nature of his fans became apparent. One picture sends them into a frenzy. Two days without posting and he gets hate mail. It's truly incredible.

But he lets that slip - a student keeping a blog isn't abnormal. The questions from it may lead to his detective status, not that he particularly cares if this guy finds out. It's meaningless in a city of minor idols who often have their 15 minutes of fame and vanish into the cruel reality of being unknown.]

While I understand the merit of trying something new, I found it unpleasant to have soggy bread with pastry flaked coffee. [A beat, and-] Sometimes it's best to keep two worlds separate, don't you think? Not everything in life can be merged together, even if you wish it so.

[killed]

Ahaha... You're a serious-minded person, I see. I didn't care for it myself, but I would never have thought to otherwise.

[ Does that really matter...? It does. It made it a novel experience, and he did find that he didn't mind the pastry so much as the texture it left his coffee with. He could pour a bit out on the side and be happy enough if it weren't so messy.

What he gathers from the latter statement proves to be of more interest than the former; just that one statement is enough to solidify him as a cynic. People aren't as complex as they seem, and the small ways they approach issues speak more of them than the long lectures and dramatics.

Everyone has a mask that they wear to hide who they are, one with fissures running through it. It's cracked and chipped by all those little things that they don't think to hide away.

The coffee isn't the best, but he stops at the station long enough to mix in enough cream and mixer to mask the taste. He never did like bitter things. ]

But I think you're looking at it the wrong way, though. A croissant might ruin your coffee, but a biscotti will absorb the flavor. You might not want to swallow sulfuric acid, but vinegar can be used for a number of things.

[ Semantics, he knows it's all arguing semantics, but he does prefer this way of thinking. It makes for a more productive conversation. ]

[enteloki]

[The words feel like a caustic acid on their own, rippling along his skin from the sheer unknown of this conversation. Whether this ends up being fruitful or not, it doesn't matter. At the bare minimum, it's amusing. It breaks up the monotony of office life.

He settles at a small nearby table away from where most of the group is situated, fingers pick at the croissant in hands to make smaller, palatable bites.]

As expected of a doctor. Your way of looking at alternative scenarios is enlightening.

[Foolish.]

Following the suggestions of others always has its risks though. Living with the consequences of it may not be worth the effort to try. People may even hate you for it, even if the result is a net positive.

[His eye stay steady on the man and he takes a bite of one of the many piece scattered on his small plate.]

Oh, my apologies. I got a little carried away with the discussion. It's a bit much to place all that thought into a simple meal.

[killed]

There's no need to apologize now. You'll find that technology and medicine are both a breeding ground for philosophical debate.

[ As he sits across from the other he fails to touch his pastry, instead cupping his coffee with both hands. There's a moment in which he seems to let the issue rest, taking one hand off the cup to let it rest on his lap and using the other to take a sip. But then he sets it down and begins to speak animatedly again, continuing on, ]

In this case, though, I must correct you: People will always love you, and people will always hate you. It's through something as simple and inconsequential as a pastry dipped in coffee that we can see that on full display... But if you must look elsewhere, you might look to politics. Men who wish to do good are hated by those who they would help most, and men who wish to do the most harm are beloved by those who would suffer most by their hand.

[ This isn't a debate on who's right or what's right or anything in that vein, because certainly that would require delving into definitions and other arbitrarily metrics, but a simple fact that can be traced throughout history. The idea of a "beloved person" is nothing more than a fantasy that people have in their heads, too often made to despise their own circumstances.

It really is unfortunate. The child before him has so much attention at such a tender age. He's too old to acclimate to it properly, but too old to have the cushion of perspective and experience. He can only see that he is loved one moment and hated the next, without understanding all those little things that add up. ]

This might seem like preaching, but it's actually quite personal for me... As you said, I am well known and respected for a person my age... But I am also well-bred. I was born into wealth and connections, and so I've never gone a day without being resented for merely existing... And surely you can agree that resenting an infant is silly?

[ The opposite of an unwanted child. It doesn't even have to be an infant. It can be a bulge in a woman's stomach, a hateful thing, a reminder of something disgusting and unpleasant. It's something so harmless, so full of infinite potential, viewed through the lens of what's gained and lost by its existence.

He doesn't mind sharing these facts. There's no vulnerability in it when he must ever be aware of his own luck in being born to such a strict and lucrative family, one that would raise him to be such a fine adult. He raises one hand to wave his statements away, taking another sip of his coffee before exhaling softly, ]

At any rate, you will notice it more as more people are aware of your presence, and especially now that those thoughts are displayed to you at all times. The more people who know of you, the more who will love you, and the more who will hate you. If you wish to avoid that, I suggest that you avoid being too ambitious... There's no shame in living a life that's just comfortable enough for you to be happy.

[ It's a statement, a lecture, but it's a little more than that too - a warning to someone who's already too far gone, but who can still dig a deeper hole. He hasn't reviewed all the file, but instinct tells him that's who this person is. Too perfect, too composed, too flawed and too cracked... But the kind of person that he loves most, too, for he loves to trace over every fissure with his finger, to fill them with gold, or otherwise to watch them break apart. ]

This is perhaps a bit earlier than I would normally say it, but as you've already touched upon the subject... It is the warning that I give to all that come here. You must understand that just associating with such a prestigious company will earn you the ire of some of your peers.

[ Maybe he's more comfortable saying this to someone younger than him, because while there's a hint of concern to his gaze, a slight twist to his smile, he seems content in his own position, and he speaks so freely of his own circumstances. No vulnerability, just well known facts, if one were to look for them. ]

[enteloki]

[Something bitter wells in his throat - a gross, guttural noise that he strangles to death with thought alone to twist into a forced laugh, pretending it was only coffee stuck in his throat. He waves it off, embarrassed.

The politics comment was too on the nose for his comfort. Funny, almost. It's a thought he might laugh at in the quiet comfort of his apartment, while he's elbow deep in a sink to wash off ethereal rot from Mementos.

Then it gets better. Hiyori gives him a warning - about hate, love, and working at this abhorrent illusion of care and health. The man next to him is starting to mimic the walls of this place, parroting protection and regard for a young, innocent intern. Someone at the start of their life, someone looking for peace, someone-

That he's supposed to be right now.

His expression never wanes from the practiced hold he has on it, cultivated for years and crafted to hide in. It shifts into something softer, more receptive and befitting to accept that pathetic attempt to scare him off.]

Your consideration is appreciated. However, I would hate to leave the wrong impression. I have no desire to leave and you'll find I'm quite resilient. A comfortable life doesn't suit me.

[Another piece of croissant is picked apart, little by little.]

Jealousy and hate are fickle - even if the focus on is on someone for the moment, it won't last. Someone else will earn it after. And another after that.

[The flaky crust continues to peel apart between his fingers into small, miniscule bits.]

Until it becomes nothing at all.

[Which is a complete and utter lie. The jealousy and hate of humanity corrupts and conquers. It warps and squeezes everything around it until it becomes pulp or is destroyed in a cacophony of pleas and screams.

Goro Akechi knows this, but a perfect little intern has to show some optimism. Restraint. Hope.]

It's a simple fact. I'm sure those that resented you as a child now come to you for aid, whether medical or otherwise. Their hatred only lasts until they need a favor.

[He's starting to wish he hadn't torn up this croissant, now that his appetite is returning.]

And I'm sure you're kind enough to provide, despite the hardship you were put under. The ability to offer that sort of mercy is worth the trouble, don't you think?

[killed]

[ It's nothing that simple. Humans are simple creatures at their core, easily read and predictable to the point where only those who's brains are malfunctioning and firing off neurons at random can hope to surprise him on most days, but they're just complex enough that one can't put them into simple binaries. But it's his own fault for steering the conversation toward that path, and he's not entirely wrong. Not entirely honest, but not entirely wrong either. ]

Yes, some of them do. I offer them the same care and respect I would anyone else, of course, and I've managed to maintain a cordial relationship with many of them... Oh, but I've gone and made it sound worse than it is.

[ If the ability to show mercy is a luxury he can provide now, then so too is the ability to be free of resentment. If a person offers no threat and there's nothing to be gained from them, he sees not reason to pay much mind.

He considers for a moment before perking up, taking his hand off of the coffee cup to instead take his phone out of his pocket. He looks down to it, swiping up before clicking away at it. ]

Now that I think about it, actually... I'm more than cordial. I've come to be close to some of them, and they've offered me a fair bit of assistance... There was one who just recently helped me with a problem that I was having...

[ Whatever it is, he sure does seem enthusiastic about it. ]

[enteloki]

[There's enough sincerity in his tone that Akechi writes him off as a moron with that statement. Another soft hearted fool ripe to be taken advantage of and the inklings of something else in his demeanor fade into a distant paranoia. Matters of intuition are where he thrives and his suspicions are rarely fruitless - but right now?

He's talking to a guy who could have vital information, who forgives, cares and becomes friends with those that wrong him.

It's pathetic.

Akechi takes small sips of his coffee, ignoring the crumbling ruins of his croissant in favor of this new piece of information.]

I hate to pry. You certainly don't need to answer me, but it must have been quite the problem if you couldn't handle it on your own. You seem capable of taking on anything. It makes me curious what the issue was.

[killed]

It was quite simple, enough so that I felt embarrassed for not having thought of it myself... You see, I work with children sometimes. They're often ones with special needs, and so they need to be handled delicately... Despite my studies, I still sometimes struggle with gaining their trust.

[ That isn't the truth, once one learns how the human mind works it becomes easily to manipulate, but it's not good to be too perfect. Perfection as unseemly and uncomfortable as ineptitude. Besides, even if they match his own, he likes to hear the solutions they offer. There's always something to be found in them.

In this case, it was hearing the experience and perspective of a father, as well as a charming little gift. There's a few more clicks before he places the phone on the table, sliding it toward Akechi. There's a paused video on it, the play button visible on the screen. ]

He gave me wonderful advice, and shortly after was so kind as to give me this... It was quite lucky, actually, as he just happened to spot it in a store window.

[ That was a lie, of course. He had deliberately sought it out and was too embarrassed to say so, but that makes it all the more charming, and the animated way that his younger peer explained the responses to it no doubt made it worth it to him. A little goes a long way, and he's pleased to likewise be able to share it with a younger companion who he knows will likely not appreciate it nearly as much. ]

[enteloki]

It's difficult to deal with children, let alone the added the stress of this kind of environment. I can understand why you would need help with that.

[It's a legitimate issue and one Akechi wouldn't be able to navigate well either. His ever helpful manager gives him tips on dealing with different age groups to earn the favor of their caretakers and promote his image. The notes and comments are a lifeline in the face of them.

The question is what this is.

He takes a quick note of the layout on the man's phone as his coffee rests on the table. The taskbar has some familiar apps and notification symbols - nothing outlandish. Nothing useful.

Curious, he presses the play button without further pause, ready to see what's gotten his companion this excited. An educational video? Some kind of lecture? He's at a loss for what the content could be otherwise.]

[killed]

[ Unfortunately it's nothing that interesting.

"Nom nom nom, feed me more candy!"

Those are the first cheerful words that come from the speak, a distinctly feminine voice that one would be fitting for a children's cartoons. It's a low quality cartoon, perhaps from the seventies or eighties based on the aesthetics, that displays a toy called Candy Cat. It's a cute blue cat whose back opens up, its tongue sticking out, and a young girl and her brother explain how they share candy with it - share candy with it by feeding her, press the button to make her talk, pat her head for her to dispense candy.

The commercial ends with an upbeat jingle once more stating the name and offering the reminder that it can be found in stores, offering nothing of any real interest at all. No more than the rest of his phone would offer, being equally mundane.

Hiyori tears off a segment of his croissant at least, nibbling on the small piece. He watches the other expectantly. ]

... Charming, isn't it? Her adoptive name is "Gumball." I had planned on Kit Kat, but I was quickly overruled...

[ You know... Like "kitty cat." He thought it was cute. But he shrugs his shoulders in a what can you do gesture, having been defeated by a small child. ]

Some of them like to feed it, believing that they're sharing with her, or petting it and pretending it's a real cat... I have yet to hear a complaint about being able to take a candy or two from it when they're leaving.

[enteloki]

[The precision at which his body reacts to cover up the not so princely expression working its way to his face during the video is a buffer. A shield from anything unseemly, anything risky, breaking his investigation. It's different than Sae, who he has a comfortable relationship with. Different than Akira, who doesn't bat an eye at the small cracks that sometimes form in his facade. Failure to uphold his composed image would be catastrophic in this environment. Too many eyes, too many people and too much to be lost. These years of cultivating his life to fill the mold of a picture perfect person reach their apex in that moment.

Smile. Wrinkle his eyes. Press a closed fist to his mouth like the creature is adorable and not an annoying waste of time. Pretend the passionate way Hiyori is speaking about it means something to him. Important important important. It's all important.

This stupid shit is important.]

My, that's quite a surprise! I can't say I expected this and such an old toy at that. You hear studies about children being preoccupied with technology more than traditional toys, but to know these old fashioned ones still hold a place in society is charming. Their use truly goes beyond their intended lifespan.

[The sounds are fucking annoying and he presses his finger on the pause button the second the previews for the next irritating toy start to play. Oh, maybe he accidentally swipes out of the whole app too! Goodness, what a shame. His face flushes slightly, ever the professional actor, and he slides the phone back towards him.]

My apologies - muscle memory is an odd thing. I'm in the habit of exiting out after one video these days.

[Pretend to care, pretend to give a shit and grip the coffee like a final lifeline to his sanity.]

Though I hope you've changed out the candy since it was created or there might be more health problems on their horizon. I'm sure Gumball would appreciate a change in flavor too.

[killed]

[ He has a cute cat wallpaper as his home screen background too. ]

I have. They can share with their kitty cat - one for them, and one for Gumball... You think it's foolish - oh, don't pretend that you don't. You're mature not to.

[ But he laughs as he says it, his voice warm and tinged with just a hint of amusement, and he takes the phone back. It's a type that he knows well. People think that being an adult is as simple as acting proper and indulging in academia, but those are the the ones who are the quickest to fall apart for having misunderstood the fundamentals of what makes up a person.

Hiyori knows how this goes. The phone rests on his palm, held in place by his fingertips as he tilts it back and forth a few times before setting it back on the table screen side down, his hand resting upon it. ]

It didn't surprise me at all... Honestly, I am embarrassed not to have thought of it myself... Do you see? The fact that you think of it as a surprise is because you see it as frivolous.

[enteloki]

[His facade is unshakable. Perfected. A carbon copy of a perfect person. An image he's expected to uphold and even Shido can't see through it in full force.

This guy is able to pick apart frayed threads at a glance or from a change in his tone. Akechi can't figure it out and that bothers him. It's infallible. It's easy to fall for. Most do without question because why wouldn't a teenager want to promote themselves as the best possible version of themself.

Hiyori does not seem to want to fall for it. He's looking for fissures. It's an unexpected challenge from a doctor at a corporation, but maybe that observational skill is the key that cultivated his natural talents to begin with.

All he does is continue to smile, unwavering.]

You're correct. I've never been much for toys, even as a child. It was...uncommon to get them, in my living situation.

[Half-truth. Lie. Test. See how far Hiyori pushes.]

So it's hard for me to put myself in the mindset to be excited for it, I'll admit. You'll have to forgive that.

[His picked apart croissant is a dry between his fingers, but he manages to chew some down anyway. It's pretty awful now.]

However the fact it makes your job easier is something to celebrate and if the children find comfort in it, then that's all that matters. I'm sure it's difficult enough for them to be here. It must be a welcome distraction.

[killed]

[ Hiyori nods in acknowledgement of the former statement, but opts not to push it any further. It's in poor taste to pry into someone's circumstances without being invited. There's something more important that he can touch upon, more useful to current company than the possibility of recounting the few years present in his memories, ]

It is... You could think of it another way: If you hand a child a toy or a screen, you give them a distraction from any loneliness and sadness they might feel. If you play pretend with them and talk with them, then you can offer them a cure. For children who are sickly and isolated it matters even more.

[ There's no shortage of stories like that, and adult's lives can always be traced back to their childhood. It's something humans have pondered and noted and given cautionary tales on for centuries; artists and writers and philosophers with no knowledge of the human brain could understand it.

He cants his head, his hand moving from his phone to his lap. ]

You should learn to watch people more. If you watch a hundred hours worth of videos and lectures on woodworking, you still won't be able to craft even the simplest of objects until you begin carving... People are much in the same. Your studies are worthless if you can only see things from your own vantage point.

[ He takes another sip of his coffee. ]

Above all else, the key to success is a genuine interest in the people around you. I hope you'll remember that.

[ It's that simple fact which people tend to miss, too caught up in protecting themselves by looking down upon others and slotting things into boxes, thinking only of who they are and how they're seen. Hiyori has always liked people though, so he never struggled in the same way. ]