Shiko looks at Kuro, confused
Shiko: B-But why....? Isn't he... she lowers his voice supposed to lay low...? Always...? Kuro sighs again, lightly giggles and ruffles Shiko's hair
Kuro: Get out of your head... you look like an accomplice to his crimes... Shiko puffs her cheeks a little, Kuro takes his hand away That's- just how Nin is... he does what he wants and if he gets in trouble, we clean up his mess. He rolls his eyes But remember; if you don't know the things he's done, you can't really tell he's dangerous.. Shiko slowly nods Now, you have to go get ready. You're up first... I'll go back to Lisa-San and your sister.
Shiko takes a deep breath and nods, she gets up and goes to the changing room to get ready as Kuro goes back to where he previously sat, he smiles at Hikari and she smiles back, he looks at Lisa who seems to be in thought
Is everything alright Lisa-San? Lisa looks at him with the corner of her eye
Lisa: I fear of Shiko to- worry my precious little Angel unjustly... she seems a bit unsure of her words as she speaks for once, she pets Hikari's head gently. Hikari looks at her, confused
Hikari: Why...? Her song was pretty! It felt like light blue swirls all around and like there was a spotlight on her!!~ she giggles, Lisa smiles lightly, Kuro smirks slightly and puts his hand on his chest with a slight bow
Kuro: Pardon me for overstepping my boundaries Lisa-San. But I feel like you might be the one in minor worry. And I don't suppose it's that unjust. I'm sure a women such as yourself would be right to worry of both her daughters... Hikari smiles and nods, Lisa lightly sighs and looks at Kuro up and down
Lisa: For you, Kurosaki-Kun; I'll think about it. A very slight smile appears on her face
Kuro lightly bows a bit to thank her and sits back up straight, Hikaru pokes him a bit from the side and whispers in his ear
Hikari: The orange haired girl after Shiko-Nee looked a little... mean... Kuro raises his eyebrows a bit and whispers back
Kuro: Why do you think so...? Hikari looks around to see if anyones looking like she's doing something really secretive and whispers again
Hikari: She was singing about being a queen but her face looked like the Evil Queen from Shirayukihime... (Snow White). Kuro lightly giggles
Kuro: W-Well... she is actually a mean person sometimes. She's a bad friend and makes fun of people. You have great perception skills Princess!~ Hikari smiles brightly and giggles a little
Lisa looks at them, relieved he's treating her well. Slowly time passes and it's time for the Karaoke Competition to resume. The lights dim, the conference hall fills with students again and the two judges take their places. Zero gives a reminder that the winner will be announced after the non-student special guest sings. After that, it's time and Shiko's name is called. She hesitantly gets on stage, looking down and takes a deep breath after taking her place. She looks at Kuro and Hikari who smile and nod at her. A slight smile appears on her face. She doesn't look into her mothers eyes in case she sees disappointment and then, it's time for her to begin. She looks up and blurs her eyes
Shiko's Song starts playing: "Everything I Wanted" by Billie Eilish - https://youtu.be/5QbFSn4ztvs
Shiko: "I had a dream... I got everything I wanted....... Not what you'd think.... And if I'm being honest, it might have been a nightmare..."
The students watch in silence. Hikari's big, bright eyes glisten, her mouth a little open, staring at her sister. Kuro lightly smiles at her managing to control her voice so well all throughout as the song passes through
"-As long as I'm here... no one can hurt you- don't wanna lie here, but you can learn to. If I could change... the way... that you see yourself..." she looks into Kuro's eyes
"You wouldn't wonder why you hear... -They don't deserve you.-" Kuro looks down and let's out a breather
Kuro: "You really are something aren't you...." Shiko looks into her mothers eyes who's silently watching
Shiko: "I tried to scream.... But my head was under water... They called me weak... like I'm not just somebody's daughter..." she looks away and continues singing, putting one hand on her heartbeat and feeling her stress build up a bit in what her mother could think
As the song continues she seems a bit more in thought and out of the moment but still sounds lovely until the end. After the song is over, most the students applaud, Shiko starts tearing up, thinking of how she came this far. Both in the competition and in life. Hikari gets up from the seat while applauding which caused her to just look shorter. She sits back. Kuro and Lisa lightly applaud. In thoughts of their own.
After the applause is over, Zero opens his mic
Zero: That was- well. He puts on his fake smile Didn't expect something this pace for a finale but I'll leave you to the consequences of your own actions!~ WHO would have thought "Shiko Kagome" would get so far?!~ Now, Ta-Ta~ it's time for your rival to shine. He waves his fingers to see Shiko off. She rushes away to the side and by Nagisa who was watching from there. Lisa looks at Kuro seriously
Lisa: What was that boy talking about?. Why is he underestimating MY daughter?. She says with emphasis on the "my". Taking offense to herself rather than putting the worth on Shiko. Kuro takes a breather and looks at him
Kuro: That, is Student Council President Zero. His comments were similar all throughout the competition. As you've also heard some of them. Few seconds pass as he doesn't say anything There were rumors based on lies brought up about Shiko before. Lisa's eyes open a bit, thinking of the family's reputation But fear not. We are handling it. Lisa thinks in silence for about 10 seconds before looking straight into Kuro's eyes. She speaks seriously
Lisa: I don't want anything to dirty our surname. Do you understand?. Kuro nods once in certainty
Hikari looks at them both confused and shrugs her shoulders in the end. As Nagisa's name is called, Shiko slowly gets besides them and sits next to Kuro, furthest from Lisa. Hikari and Lisa look on stage at Nagisa. Kuro whispers to Shiko
Kuro: Are you alright...? Shiko looks at him with slightly teary eye and nods. She mouths "thank you..." as they both take a breather and look on stage as Nagisa Smirks
Nagisa's Song starts playing: "Candle Queen" by GHOST(?), covered by Cereza - https://youtu.be/t1vqVhNwT3w
Nagisa: "Ever since she was a child she always knew how to get her way!~ Just act a little bit wild and someone will surely come to play. It's a truth she took to heart but humility and patience didn't come with age. She's born to play this part. A Diva's always centered stage." She mimics movements and embodies the words, walking around stage, striking poses that makes sense and undeniably... singing really well
"Toddler's cries that grow louder and louder! Relishing in untestable power! Glowing red in a black and white scene; The one and only candle queen!~" Shiko looks over at Hikari who's next to Kuro who she seems to be squinting her eyes, feeling a bit uncomfortable. She pokes Kuro and points at her sister with eyes asking for help. He nods and whispers to Hikari
Kuro: Everything alright princess...? Hikari looks at him and puffs her cheeks. She looks down a bit and shakes her head no. Kuro whispers again
Are you bothered that the student singing right now seems to be like that evil Queen....? Hikaru slowly looks up at him and nods. Kuro smiles lightly
Well remember Princess; she isn't your queen. The song will be over soon. You're doing wonderful... Take a deep breath and you'll magically feel a bit better.. he pets her head a bit, Hikari takes a deep breather with closed eyes and lightly smiles. She looks at Kuro and her smile turns bright. She nods. Kuro nods back to say "good!" With a smile and they keep watching, Shiko holds Kuro's arm lightly and nods again to thank him, he smiles
Nagisa: "Addicted to adrenaline and always looking for attention- Thought to be so genuine, when she's suddenly met with apprehension!-" she keeps singing as every student seems to enjoy it, cheer and mumble within each other and slowly the song comes to an end. Everyone applauds, Hikari lightly touches two fingers on each other, Kuro doesn't move and Lisa and Shiko applaud a little out of "respect"
Zero: Now THAT! Was wonderful!!~ Nagisa Yamaguchi; Well done. He smirks, Nagisa winks with a light smirk back Go enjoy your time before the winner is announced! Nagisa blows a kiss at the students watching and leaves the stage
Now, it's time for our- non student to sing- All eyes on the prize people!~ He could possibly be off some use to some students for- inspiration~ he says in a sly tone, Kuro faces Lisa
Kuro: Lisa-San, I suggest you take Hikari-Chan and leave. The next person singing is not a good man. I don't want her to be affected badly. He says, speaking respectfully but sounding extremely serious. Lisa lifts up one of her eyebrows, looks at Hikari and back at Kuro. She notices Shiko is there too and gets up
Lisa: Alright. I have a feeling the winner is not my daughter anyway. She looks into Kuro's eyes. Shiko looks down. Thank you for being concerned about the joy of my life. She looks at Hikari and smiles Let's go darling~ Your father is making zoodles!~ Hikari's eyes sparkle, she nods and gets up, they shuffle out after Hikari hugs Shiko and leave the conference hall
Zero: Coming up! He looks at his paper Nexus..? He calls out, confused, Shiko looks at Kuro, concerned. He nods once, knowing what's about to happen.
Of course Ningyo is not using his own name. He gets on stage with a black sleeveless shirt, black pants with zippers on both outer sides unzipped to the very top, his black hair messy and eyes looking more red due to the lighting. He has light dark red makeup under his eyes. He takes the mic and smirks. The students all fall silent.
Ningyo's or- "Nexus"s Song starts playing: "Little Poor Me" by Layto - https://youtu.be/0CnZh8wnAwo
N: "I tried hard you know I care. I care. I care. Just a Little Poor Me-e~ Just a little poor (me)- Mirror Mirror on the wall, I'll make sure you crack and fall. I made strides, don't call me sweet. Chaos organizes me."
He smirks, makes an innocent face, walks around, points at the students now and then and all together just demands attention. The students all silently just watch. Some holding their breaths like how Yami radiates pressure. Shiko's eyes are also locked on him. She puts one hand on her chest, trying to feel her breathing. Kuro looks at her and puts his hand on her arm to snap her out of it. She looks at him, her eyes look a bit panicked. Kuro whispers
Kuro: You know be can't do anything to you. You've been around him more than necessary. You're going to be okay.... Shiko takes a breather and nods. She looks back on stage. As does Kuro while not taking his hand away from her arm as they keep listening/watching
N: "I'm gone! HEY! Not going home!~ Going down the lonely road~~ ...... It's too bad I'll never be back! â I can't tell you what I feel inside~ This feeling burns inside my mind!~"
Shiko gulps, Ningyo is doing those crazy eyes again. He seems to be enjoying this yes but it's a song one doesn't like seeing people relate to so literally. She looks at Kuro's hand, feels a bit more comfortable and looks back on stage yet again
"I tried hard you know I cared. Thousand yards, embrace that stare. Manic days I know you know!~ You'd get high while I'd be low."
He looks into the students eyes going from one side to another while walking. He smirks with his eyes open wide crazy
"I can sense you're trembling inside~" he looks at Shiko and winks, Shiko holds her breath, Kuro's expression turns a little angry
Kuro: "That little. Ugh... not only is he risking everything we work for but is also scaring- Shiko..." He lets out an annoyed sigh
N: "Certain things you just can never buy~ I'm gone! HEY! Not going home!~ Going down the lonely road~~~" Kuro looks at Shiko and whispers
Kuro: Let's go to the back... the winner will be announced after him after all. Shiko looks at him and quickly nods, both of them look down a bit and notice Kuro is still holding Shiko's arm. He lets go immediately and they slowly move out of there to go to the back
Nagisa is waiting by where they get out, watching Ningyo with a smirk. Kuro and Shiko have to approach towards her. She glances at them and back at the stage
Nagisa: He is... fascinating!~ I'm soooo intrigued!~ Nexus-San.... Hmmm~ Kuro rolls his eyes
Kuro: I'd stay away from him if I were you. Nagisa looks at him with a surprised fake smile
Nagisa: And why would I do that?~ He looks dangerous. I want him to be one of my crazy fans~ she looks over at him And he's kinda cute!~ she lightly giggles as if planning something bad. Shiko looks at Kuro with a grimacing face, Kuro sighs like (I know...) and at that point, Ningyo's song comes to an end, few people hesitantly applaud, Kuro and Shiko look in that direction too. Ningyo taps the mic before Zero even speaks and everyone falls silent. His voice echoes through the speakers. Not too deep, not high, he innocently smiles
N: Hello Everyone!~ You don't know me obviously!~ he giggles But I know of many of you. he starts walking around a bit You have limits but you dirty your hands and conscience constantly over the most childish thing!~ Well... I have some advice. His expression disappears and a few seconds pass in silence
Don't do anything you can't take back. He puts the mic on the stand and walks towards the back. A few students start mumbling. Zero quickly opens the mic
Zero: Anyway!! Now that that's over- he starts explaining things about the Karaoke competition again before the winner is announced. Nin enters besides Nagisa, Kuro and Shiko. Kuro looks mad. Shiko averts her eyes
Nagisa: Hey there cuteness!~ Aren't you entertaining!~ Nin looks at her with an empty expression, up and down. Even Nagisa gets a little unsettled and regrets being so casual for a bit. He smiles innocently and bows to be more on her level of height
N: Hey there young lady. I'm 23 and don't play along with stupid little children!~ So before you embarrass yourself more I suggest you don't go after every manipulative looking man you come across!~ Cuz I don't get played~ his expression disappears again I'm the one who plays. Nagisa lightly gulps and doesn't say anything else, feeling yet again; humiliated. Nin looks at Kuro, smiles a bit again
Now don't be so angry Kuro-Chan~ I got bored. Nagisa's eyes open wide a bit and she looks at them, Kuro's eye twitches. He looks extremely serious
Kuro: Nexus. I've told you to not call me that. And "suggest" you leave. You have to go to work don't you?. Nin sighs and rolls his eyes, he shakes his hand like "whatever" and walks away. Shiko lets out a breather
Nagisa: You actually KNEW him. She lets out a breath of disbelief, annoyed Everything ties down to you. Doesn't it?. Kuro takes a step towards her
Kuro: I warned you didn't I?. That was on you. Nagisa averts her eyes, bothered more because she knows he's right. Shiko holds Kuro's arm. About then, Zero's voice is heard a big louder
Zero: Finalists Shiko Kagome and Nagisa Yamaguchi! On stage!! Nagisa hair flips into Shiko's face and gets out, people cheer and she blows a kiss. Shiko hesitantly rushes out after Nagisa and takes her place a bit further away besides her. Zero gets up and onto the stage, in the middle of them. He puts on that fake fake smile
This Karaoke Competition wasn't the worst decision after all and I hope most of you enjoyed it. Another wonderful thing provided from the school!~ now- for the winner! He looks at Shiko Shiko Kagome, your first song was surprisingly great, your second was just alright and your third- his voice turns a little bored really? It wasn't at all impactful enough to be a finale song. Shiko looks down a bit. She averts her eyes. Of course she doesn't like hearing these but she doesn't seem to regret her decisions. Zero looks at Nagisa and smirks big Ahh!~ Nagisa Yamaguchi! Our Queen bee!!~ Every single song had impact and you commanded your fans to bask in your glory! A few seconds pass in silence With no surprise, Nagisa Yamaguchi, YOU are the winner of our school's FIRST ever Karaoke Competition!!! Many students get up, they applaud, scream, whistle, Nagisa closes her mouth with her hand and gets fake teary. Shiko lightly claps while avoiding her eyes too. After a while, students settle down
That's it today students. School continues as always tomorrow!~ now Ta-Ta~ he shakes his hand, Nagisa also waves and continues to blow kisses at the students. All the lights open and people start getting up and leaving
Shiko rushes towards Kuro. They rush a little further away and back towards the corridor so Nagisa doesn't catch up to them for snarky remarks. Kuro sits Shiko down at the table Aiko was previously laying against
Kuro: Are you alright...? He looks at her up and down. She takes a breather, lightly smiles and nods
Shiko: I'm... great...!~ she giggles and stretches her arms a little, relaxed Today... was fun.. Kuro let's out a sigh of relief I didn't care about winning anyway... her eyes get teary a little I'm... proud of myself... I actually went up there in front of all those people and did a pretty good job... even lasted till the end...!~ tears start falling down, Kuro gets close and hugs her. Shiko hesitantly wraps her arms around him, tryna catch her breath and stop the tears. Happy tears
Kuro: You did great... I do believe you got your point across... You're making a difference. Shiko hesitantly nods, lightly shaking
Shiko: S-Sorry... I d-don't know why I'm... overreacting like this... Kuro hushes Shiko and pets her head from the back as they hug
Kuro: It's alright... you don't need to apologize. Both your mother and the students know you a bit better now... I'm proud of you... I know it must have been tough... and to see Nin's mess after that... Shiko takes deep breaths and slowly calms herself down. She lets Kuro go and he takes a step back. He looks at Shiko with her face lightly pink. From the crying and maybe a bit from the hug. She smiles
Shiko: Thank you... Kuro... she wipes her tears away I'm alright... she gets away from the table and slaps her face from both sides lightly. She looks into Kuro's eyes I want to go find Erika... she says with a determined smile, Kuro looks into her eyes with light worry
Kuro: Will you be alright on your own...? I can come with you. She arranged people to hurt you before. Shiko quickly shakes her head no with a light smile
Shiko: I want to do it on my own... I want her to feel safe and comfortable enough to be honest... to understand I genuinely want to help... Kuro let's out a light sigh and nods. He takes out his phone and calls somebody. Shiko looks at him confused
Kuro: Hey, you know where Erika is? And if not, can you find out for me?
???: "AWWW!!!~ YOU'RE SPEAKING SO CASUALLY AND ASKING NICE INSTEAD OF ORDERING!!~ I'm so proud!!!"
Shiko can hear who's speaking through the phone since he was speaking loudly. She immediately understands it's Haru and giggles lightly. Kuro rubs the sides of his head with one hand from front
Kuro: Just do it dumbass. 5 minutes. He sighs with a light smile
Haru: "Youuu got it boss!~ Ta-Ta~" he hangs up, Kuro looks at Shiko with a small smile, she giggles
Shiko: Was it really okay to ask? And how will he even know in such a short while? Hehe.. Kuro's phone gets a notification, he smirks a bit and Shiko's eyes open a little wider with surprise. He points the phone at her to show the message
Haru: "Music Hall. Alone."
Shiko lets out a short sigh like laugh and nods. Kuro puts his phone in his pocket and shows the corridor with his hand
Kuro: Tell me if you need me. I'm one message away. I wish you luck Shiko nods with a determined smile and high fives the hand Kuro is holding out before rushing away to go to the Music Hall. Kuro gets a little pink
"She... really is something... heh.."
He gets another message. Tsubasa calling him to the student council room. His expression disappears and he gets on his way there.
Meanwhile, Shiko looks through the door of the music hall. Erika is there. Alone. Singing something. She starts watching her in silence. Erika sounds... powerful. Her voice sounds full of emotion and her face seems to be a little red in a way that looks like she cried a little. Her eyes look like they have a flame in them. The music is playing from her phone that she put on the piano on the side. Her voice echoes in the music hall.
The Song Erika is Singing: "Kawaki wo Ameku" by Minami - https://youtu.be/rse6a3MSKto (do listen or you'd be confused)
Erika: "Mijuku... Mujou... Saredo...... Utsukushiku are.......!!!"
("Inexperienced... heartless.... But even so... be beautiful......!")
"No Destiny fusawashiku nai konnan ja kitto monotarinai kurai kattatokeba umaku iku... Mono, kane, ai, koto mou jikou kenji akita..."
("No Destiny, unworthy... I'm sure someone like me would be a bit lacking for you, if I say something along those lines, things will go well... Things, Money, Love, Words... I'm tired of self-asserting myself already...")
Shiko moves gets a bit further inside the hall and sits somewhere without Erika noticing. She's caught up in the song after all
"Deja vu... Nani ga sonna fuman nan da- sanzan wagamama katattoite kore ijou hoka ni nani ga iru?"
("Deja vu... what are you so dissatisfied about? You've said all sorts of selfish things, What else could you possibly want?")
Shiko listens silently, eyes wide as she still feels in awe of Erika's passion while singing
Shiko: "If she sang this in the finale... I'm sure she would have won... it's breathtaking..." she holds her own hand in the air in front of herself. Watching while holding her breath a bit
Song continues further. All throughout the song, even hearing Erika's breathing throughout the song feels so powerful. So full of emotion, despair, regret, more. Without Shiko noticing the passing of time, Erika sings the entire song and it's over. Erika gets teary again. Shiko lightly starts applauding. Erika looks in her direction with surprise and light anger. Shiko gets up hesitantly. Erika turns around looking more pissed
Erika: What the FUCK are you doing here?. How did you find me and WHY?!. She sounds mad, Shiko gets out of the row she was sitting and starts walking towards the stage. She takes a deep breath and starts talking
Shiko: I... wanted to talk to you... During the competition you really sounded amazing... So passionate... a few seconds pass in silence No matter how you've treated me...... I can't deny that you were so great to watch... I'd never seen you so genuine before... Not putting on that smile of yours that feels- not you... she speaks hesitantly and gets on the stage. Shiko tries to reach towards Erika but she pushes her hand away and yells
Erika: What face I put on is none of your damn business! I know I was good, I don't have to hear it from someone as insignificant as you. Her voice gets a little more quiet I don't need your pity. You must have been happy I was out of the race.. Shiko hums "no"
Shiko: I... wasn't thinking about the competition... she lowers her voice though that alone might bother you... she gets next to Erika and tries to look into her eyes
I wish I could hear you sing what you just did here at the finale.... I was surprised to hear you dropped out... a few seconds pass in silence Did Nagisa say something...? Erika wipes her eyes, turns to Shiko annoyed and yells again
Erika: THAT is again NONE of your business you little bi- Shiko cuts her off, speaking louder
Shiko: THIS isn't you.... Erika falls silent Sure it's more you than the smile you put on... But I know how tiring that could be... Why don't you just be yourself....? Sure you might snap at people now and then but I know a girl who sang the way you did has more to unpack... she thinks for a bit, not knowing what to say, Erika speaks a little calmer
Erika: You don't know me. You have no idea who I am... Shiko hesitantly puts her hand on Erika's arm after thinking a few seconds more
Shiko: Then let me help you... Erika doesn't say anything. Shiko's eyes light up as she gets an idea. She lets Erika go and walks to her phone Let me use your phone for one song please... Erika looks towards her and doesn't say anything. She averts her eyes. Shiko considers it an okay and nods to thank her. She opens a song and starts singing it; in thought of her mother.
The Song Shiko opens: "Am I Supposed to Apologize?" by Marina Mena - https://youtu.be/y2qkiqG4Niw
Shiko: "I wrote a song, a journal; gave it to the world... Told the story of when I was- just a girl... I sought understanding clarity in truth... by baring all the wounds inflicted on my youth... you criticized my choice to stand up to my past... To give the pain a voice so that it too can pass... but I felt brave and filled with pride as I let go... of bitterness that wouldn't leave or let me grow...." Erika looks at Shiko, in thought. Shiko turns to the empty hall and makes her hands into fists. Kuro looks in through the door, Shiko doesn't notice him. Nor does Erika as her eyes are on Shiko.
"But I... will spend a lifetime... trying to understand.... Why... someone sharing MY bloodline... would not- lend me their hand........ Am I supposed to apologize?- Aaa-Aaa-Aaaa- I'm supposed to apologize?? Aaaa-aaa-aaaa...." She continues the song, trying not to get teary. Looking determined. Slowly the song passes through and ends. Kuro leaves the door and goes back to the student council room. Shiko looks down
My... mother always made me feel bad about- well... everything... I only recently started being myself.... She takes a step towards Erika and looks into her eyes
With Kuro we are trying to make this school comfortable for us... with him, Haru and Aiko I feel like I can be myself... Erika averts her eyes, she looks bothered and in thought
Erika: Why are you telling me this...?
Shiko: Because I don't think you can be free with Nagisa...-San.... Erika looks at her, a little surprised
Erika: She.... Didn't want me to move on to the Finale... she told me to drop out so... I did... I was gonna sing the song you just heard... She wanted to win... she looks at Shiko up and down and averts her eyes I assume she got what she wanted.... Shiko holds Erika's arm and makes her look at her
Shiko: I don't care about her winning... she didn't deserve it.... A few seconds pass in silence You do... she isn't your friend... you know she's just using you.... Erika pulls her arm away again and tears up. She yells.
Erika: I KNOW!. She lowers her voice Lucy knows too... But we are safer in this school when we are one of the big three... it's better this way! Nobody can hurt us... We- Shiko interrupts her
Shiko: Don't deserve to be this way...! You aren't one of "the big three". You're just Nagisa's pawn at her disposal... Erika's eye twitches. Unsure if she should cry or scream. Confused about her emotions.
if... you'd have us, we'd wanna get to know you... you could be yourself... you can sing whatever, whenever and maybe not feel alone besides people.... Erika looks down, tears start to flow out
Erika: I want to be a singer...... I.... have anger issues... I struggle with a lot of things and... I don't even know who I am... Shiko hesitantly hugs Erika, Erika's eyes open wide with surprise. She lets herself go and they both fall to their knees. She hesitantly wraps her arms around Shiko who seems to have finally broken into her vulnerable side. After a while, Erika calms down and Shiko lets her go
I hurt you... caused pain to the people around you too.... Why would you forgive me.....? She says hesitantly, averting her eyes. Shiko hesitantly pets Erika's hair, her eyes open wide again
Shiko: There... are worse things in this world... she smiles lightly So...? You wanna be our friend...? Erika looks at Shiko as she stops better her head and opens her hand. Erika nods and averts her eyes
Erika: If you say you can handle my temper... Maybe I'll start with just you... she holds Shiko's hand and they get up
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