GhastlySquash
Two Thousand Club
Roleplay for LostInYou and Ghastly Squash
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(LostInYou and Ghastly) Yanderes Being Yanderes
- Thread starter GhastlySquash
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GhastlySquash
Two Thousand Club
It was just another day at school. Recently, one of the girls, Yuki, had recently been out sick for the second day in a row. Sure, some students, mainly her friends, were worried, but Suzu had already alleviated her own friend's worries.
"Shino, you're just being crazy. Yuki's probably just got a nasty cold. Nothing to worry about."
"But I heard someone had sent a real nasty picture of her and Lee around school. Like real nasty that the teachers had a talk with her and her parents. I mean, who could do something like that?"
Suzu shook her head. "Honestly, I don't like thinking about it, Shino. I'm sure that Yuki's fine though. She's still pretty popular."
However, it took all of her willpower not to laugh right then and there. She knew very well that Yuki was in desperate need of someone to accept her. Well, Suzu didn't even need to trail far to find them at the love motel. Then a few snaps and a well-written note later and she had the evidence to taunt Yuki for months.
She was probably going through a mental breakdown. Either way, Suzu didn't care. Tools ought to know their place and when Yuki made that stupid comment about her collage for the photography fair, it was important to let her know that her own misguided view of immortality was a fool's errand.
And then, he came.
(@LostInYou )
"Oh hello Carter!" Suzu waived, throwing on an already bright smile to the boy. Even now, she could see other girls dart their eyes his way. Jealousy and lust no doubt. But he was Suzu's.
She wanted to right then and there, ask him if he wanted to do something with her...just one on one. But instead, the first words that came out were.
"So did you see my new high score? Trying to catch up with you is hard, don't you think?" Now, Suzu wanted to hit herself. She was being silly and childish. How could she handle being a blackmailer so well but when it came to asking Carter out on a date, she couldn't even manage the words.
"Shino, you're just being crazy. Yuki's probably just got a nasty cold. Nothing to worry about."
"But I heard someone had sent a real nasty picture of her and Lee around school. Like real nasty that the teachers had a talk with her and her parents. I mean, who could do something like that?"
Suzu shook her head. "Honestly, I don't like thinking about it, Shino. I'm sure that Yuki's fine though. She's still pretty popular."
However, it took all of her willpower not to laugh right then and there. She knew very well that Yuki was in desperate need of someone to accept her. Well, Suzu didn't even need to trail far to find them at the love motel. Then a few snaps and a well-written note later and she had the evidence to taunt Yuki for months.
She was probably going through a mental breakdown. Either way, Suzu didn't care. Tools ought to know their place and when Yuki made that stupid comment about her collage for the photography fair, it was important to let her know that her own misguided view of immortality was a fool's errand.
And then, he came.
(@LostInYou )
"Oh hello Carter!" Suzu waived, throwing on an already bright smile to the boy. Even now, she could see other girls dart their eyes his way. Jealousy and lust no doubt. But he was Suzu's.
She wanted to right then and there, ask him if he wanted to do something with her...just one on one. But instead, the first words that came out were.
"So did you see my new high score? Trying to catch up with you is hard, don't you think?" Now, Suzu wanted to hit herself. She was being silly and childish. How could she handle being a blackmailer so well but when it came to asking Carter out on a date, she couldn't even manage the words.
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singularsins
you can be good.
Carter had been strolling along that day mostly by himself. He'd occupied his time occasionally with a friend or two, but he found himself too lost in his own thoughts to follow along with their wild conversations. Most of them involved gaming theories or ways to cheat on their upcoming calculus test. And he wasn't particularity interested in the latter anyways.
He wasn't sure those friends of his had really noticed his absense. Which was fine for the moment. Nothing bothered him about that. Even if they had noticed, he knew during times like this he didn't make very good company anyways. While doing his soul searching he preferred the solitude.
Of course, his mind would immediately shut down when he heard an all too familiar voice calling out to him. Signaling his full attention, he whipped his head in the direction of the voice, pulling together a friendly grin and wave in response to the greeting.
"Suzu!" He responded after piecing together who had called for him. He slowly moved to walk over to her, unable to politely tell her he didn't feel much like talking today. He always felt a need to make time for her, seeing as they'd spent so little time together at all. "Catching up with me isn't too bad. You'll do it in no time. Then I'll be the one chasing down your high score."
Now that he engaged in some real conversation, he couldn't really remember what he'd been contemplating all day. It was important to him, for sure. But his brain was fried from a foreign language test he'd taken that morning. He was probably lucky he had the mental capabilities to think at all.
"You and I haven't hung out in a while." He said, calmly. He put a hand in his pocket and tilted his head slightly, almost teasingly. "Do you not like me anymore or somethin'?"
It was meant to be a joke. He just hoped she took it as such.
He actually felt rather horrible about the circumstances surrounding their relationship. He spent quality one on one time with all of his friends except her. She always seemed to be shuffled along into a group hangout. And it wasn't that he was against hanging out with her alone. Things just never seemed to fall into place for them.
"If we've grown distant we'll just have to change that, Suzu. You and I should hang out sometime. Soon." To go along with his words he offered her a prize winning smile. "And I won't take no for an answer, okay?"
He wasn't sure those friends of his had really noticed his absense. Which was fine for the moment. Nothing bothered him about that. Even if they had noticed, he knew during times like this he didn't make very good company anyways. While doing his soul searching he preferred the solitude.
Of course, his mind would immediately shut down when he heard an all too familiar voice calling out to him. Signaling his full attention, he whipped his head in the direction of the voice, pulling together a friendly grin and wave in response to the greeting.
"Suzu!" He responded after piecing together who had called for him. He slowly moved to walk over to her, unable to politely tell her he didn't feel much like talking today. He always felt a need to make time for her, seeing as they'd spent so little time together at all. "Catching up with me isn't too bad. You'll do it in no time. Then I'll be the one chasing down your high score."
Now that he engaged in some real conversation, he couldn't really remember what he'd been contemplating all day. It was important to him, for sure. But his brain was fried from a foreign language test he'd taken that morning. He was probably lucky he had the mental capabilities to think at all.
"You and I haven't hung out in a while." He said, calmly. He put a hand in his pocket and tilted his head slightly, almost teasingly. "Do you not like me anymore or somethin'?"
It was meant to be a joke. He just hoped she took it as such.
He actually felt rather horrible about the circumstances surrounding their relationship. He spent quality one on one time with all of his friends except her. She always seemed to be shuffled along into a group hangout. And it wasn't that he was against hanging out with her alone. Things just never seemed to fall into place for them.
"If we've grown distant we'll just have to change that, Suzu. You and I should hang out sometime. Soon." To go along with his words he offered her a prize winning smile. "And I won't take no for an answer, okay?"
GhastlySquash
Two Thousand Club
Suzu felt a chill run down her spine when he asked if she didn't like him anymore. How could he even think that? Could it be that she'd been blind to his advances? Had she been making any advances? No of course not! She hadn't tried anything!LostInYou said:
"Ha-hang out?" Suzu stuttered, before managing to hide the momentary look of surprise with a smug grin. "Getting worried I'm starting to get good on my own, eh?"
"Don't worry about her, Carter." Shino replied softly. "Suzu's been practicing plenty, but she only has the school kids to fight against."
"That's not true!" Suzu retorted with shock and a slight blush. "They just happen to be the only people in the arcade, but like I can totally handle them."
Seeing that prize-winning smile however, almost immediately calmed things down. How could someone so perfect just exist? And to be within her vicinity. It was clearly destiny. "Why-why not after school?"
"Yeah, and me and Saki can watch!" Shino wrapped her arm around her pal. "We'll cheer you on, Suzu!"
"Oh c'mon, I don't need support!"
"Yes you do!" Saki interjected, coming back with three sodas. "You need all the energy you can muster to beat him in Power Pony Princess Punch-Down 27."
Suzu hated it when the red-head was right, but Saki was usually right. As the three friends bickered however, Suzu could see a blonde girl walking toward Carter, her eyes drawn to his figure before suddenly tripping right...on top of him!
"Oaf!" The mysterious girl cried out, vainly grabbing at her books as she toppled into Carter.
singularsins
you can be good.
Carter had gone silent while the three girls squabbled. He had a faint smile on his face, knowing that even when he tried to extend a time for them to hang out one on one some mystical force was always pulling the opportunity away from them. He didn't even really care that they hung out in a group. He was only concerned because he didn't want Suzu to believe he didn't want to spend time with her alone. Seeing as it was obvious he spent quality time with everyone else, wouldn't it be wierd if she was excluded? It was like pointing a finger at her and saying she was the black sheep amongst his friends. And she wasn't. She fit in just like everyone else. She belonged just like everyone else. To be honest, she seemed more understanding and loyal than everyone else.
At least, he swore she'd notice if he were gone.
He was caught up trying to figure out a way to make sure Suzu knew she was appreciated when something smacked right into him.
He didn't remember the fall. But he knew he'd never forget the landing.
Books and papers filtered down onto the ground all around him. He even felt a book graze his shoulder before resting on the ground. But besides that - and all of his school supplies jabbing him through his backpack - he was fine.
He didn't really feel like getting up. That felt like a lot of work. And if anyone knew him, he only applied a lot of work to the things that mattered. Maybe everyone would just assume he was being silly. He could pull off laying on the ground the rest of the day.
....Wait, why was there a noticeable amount of extra pressure being applied to his body? He slowly opened his eyes, hoping it was some mutation of a bird that scientists had created in a labratory. He could wish, right?
Of course, it wasn't.
He noticed a head of blonde hair neatly falling in glorious waves. The body slowly shifted, seeming to have recovered from the initial shock of falling on top of someone. The person - a girl - turned her head to him as she lifted herself up, surprised and embarrassed. As she stood up, she offered a hand to help him up, along with an apologetic smile.
"Are you okay? I'm so sorry for bumping into you. I wasn't paying attention at all. I'm so new here. I just can't read a school schedule and walk at the same time." The girl lightly laughed at herself. As Carter took her hand and pulled himself up, he joined in by chuckling softly.
"You're alright. We're all new at some point. Honestly, I feel bad for your papers. They'll be all crumpled now." He said, beginning to pick up books and papers that had been discarded during the fall. When he got most of them he handed them to her. She appeared to have gotten the rest.
"Anyways, I'm Carter. I hope you have a good....first day?" He asked, continuing when she nodded. "If you ever need any help, stranger, feel free to come find me or one of these lovely ladies." He gestured to Suzu, Saki, and Shino. "I promise, we all don't bite. Right, ladies?"
At least, he swore she'd notice if he were gone.
He was caught up trying to figure out a way to make sure Suzu knew she was appreciated when something smacked right into him.
He didn't remember the fall. But he knew he'd never forget the landing.
Books and papers filtered down onto the ground all around him. He even felt a book graze his shoulder before resting on the ground. But besides that - and all of his school supplies jabbing him through his backpack - he was fine.
He didn't really feel like getting up. That felt like a lot of work. And if anyone knew him, he only applied a lot of work to the things that mattered. Maybe everyone would just assume he was being silly. He could pull off laying on the ground the rest of the day.
....Wait, why was there a noticeable amount of extra pressure being applied to his body? He slowly opened his eyes, hoping it was some mutation of a bird that scientists had created in a labratory. He could wish, right?
Of course, it wasn't.
He noticed a head of blonde hair neatly falling in glorious waves. The body slowly shifted, seeming to have recovered from the initial shock of falling on top of someone. The person - a girl - turned her head to him as she lifted herself up, surprised and embarrassed. As she stood up, she offered a hand to help him up, along with an apologetic smile.
"Are you okay? I'm so sorry for bumping into you. I wasn't paying attention at all. I'm so new here. I just can't read a school schedule and walk at the same time." The girl lightly laughed at herself. As Carter took her hand and pulled himself up, he joined in by chuckling softly.
"You're alright. We're all new at some point. Honestly, I feel bad for your papers. They'll be all crumpled now." He said, beginning to pick up books and papers that had been discarded during the fall. When he got most of them he handed them to her. She appeared to have gotten the rest.
"Anyways, I'm Carter. I hope you have a good....first day?" He asked, continuing when she nodded. "If you ever need any help, stranger, feel free to come find me or one of these lovely ladies." He gestured to Suzu, Saki, and Shino. "I promise, we all don't bite. Right, ladies?"
GhastlySquash
Two Thousand Club
"Yep!" Shino chirped.LostInYou said:
"You betcha!" Saki teased.
"Mhmm!" Suzu smiled brightly like an eager little puppy. I don't bite...not if I don't have too. However, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealously as she saw Carter laughing with this blonde burnout.
And she was new! As expected, Shino was the first to shake the girl's hand. "I'm Shino, and this is Saki and Suzu. You already met Carter, so what's your name?"
(You can totally make this one since I like your impression of her so far)
After the introductions were made, Shino's eyes widened. The kind of look she gave when she had a brilliant idea. "I know! Why don't you hang out with us? You're new here, right? Carter and Suzu were going to deck it out at the arcade! Wanna see?"
Suzu wanted to scream at Shino for inviting her. Shino was just so trusting of people! Suzu usually acted the same, but she never told people her other hobbies. Like how she would look up various means of murder or how she kept a few pictures of Carter in her drawer to stare at when things got tough.
And yet, she simply smiled and helped her friends pick up any remaining books or pencils. "Don't worry, you'll get use to the school here."
Even now, though, she could see students glancing their way, looking at the girl in a mixture of awe. The boys were practically doting over her while the girls simply hid the envy behind their hair. And then there was Suzu. She didn't have jealousy. Or envy. No, she simply had a bit of suspicion.
As long as she doesn't hit on my love, she can stay.
But what if it turned out that this new girl had no dirty secrets? How could Suzu fight her? Well...there were always other options. Suzu would do anything for Carter. Anything.
singularsins
you can be good.
Carter smiled in Shino's direction. He liked her proposition to allow the new girl, Hikari, to tag along.
"You really mean it?" Hikari asked, tilting her head in a coy manner. Immediately after asking, however, a bright smile formed along her lips. Her cheeks were still rosy from the embarrassment of the fall, but they seemed to radiate the joy that surrounded the girl. "I'd so love to tag along with you guys!"
"Great." He said. "You're always welcome. We're all friends here."
Suddenly he turned his gaze to Suzu, a devilish yet charming smirk lining his lips.
"Besides, I'll need someone to cheer me on if I'm going to beat Suzu. And I know Shino and Saki aren't on my side." He laughed once more. Despite his friendly demanor and love for his friends, he was a rather competitive spriit. He didn't like losing. He'd never thrown a tantrum or anything. It just left him with a sour feeling on the inside. And his happy go lucky persona didn't enjoy negative feelings.
"I'll be your supporter for sure, Carter." Hikari promised, seeming elated that she'd already found people to belong with.
"You needed help getting somewhere, right?" He asked suddenly, watching as Hikari pulled out a crumpled piece of pink paper. It had her classes on it. He went to her side and looked over her shoulder as she gestured to her next class. He beamed slightly.
"Hey, that's epic! I've got that class too! I could take you there if you'd like! I know this place can be pretty complicated to maneuver."
"Really?" Hikari asked. "I'd appreciate it so much if you'd be my escort."
((I'm just going to assume that they're all talking at some break time during the day? If I'm wrong, I'm sorry. >.<))
"Alright then. Ladies, I'll see you after school? Or, in class? One of you guys have to ride with me to the arcade so I can show you some sick tunes! And we're getting coffee or ice cream guys! It's all on me!" He promised, sending them all a friendly smile.
With that, he began walking. Hikari turned to the girls and waved at them before hurrying after him. Everyone was watching the two move along, their eyes like hawks. Admiration and envy seemed to follow them in their footsteps.
But, it seemed, both were oblivious.
"You really mean it?" Hikari asked, tilting her head in a coy manner. Immediately after asking, however, a bright smile formed along her lips. Her cheeks were still rosy from the embarrassment of the fall, but they seemed to radiate the joy that surrounded the girl. "I'd so love to tag along with you guys!"
"Great." He said. "You're always welcome. We're all friends here."
Suddenly he turned his gaze to Suzu, a devilish yet charming smirk lining his lips.
"Besides, I'll need someone to cheer me on if I'm going to beat Suzu. And I know Shino and Saki aren't on my side." He laughed once more. Despite his friendly demanor and love for his friends, he was a rather competitive spriit. He didn't like losing. He'd never thrown a tantrum or anything. It just left him with a sour feeling on the inside. And his happy go lucky persona didn't enjoy negative feelings.
"I'll be your supporter for sure, Carter." Hikari promised, seeming elated that she'd already found people to belong with.
"You needed help getting somewhere, right?" He asked suddenly, watching as Hikari pulled out a crumpled piece of pink paper. It had her classes on it. He went to her side and looked over her shoulder as she gestured to her next class. He beamed slightly.
"Hey, that's epic! I've got that class too! I could take you there if you'd like! I know this place can be pretty complicated to maneuver."
"Really?" Hikari asked. "I'd appreciate it so much if you'd be my escort."
((I'm just going to assume that they're all talking at some break time during the day? If I'm wrong, I'm sorry. >.<))
"Alright then. Ladies, I'll see you after school? Or, in class? One of you guys have to ride with me to the arcade so I can show you some sick tunes! And we're getting coffee or ice cream guys! It's all on me!" He promised, sending them all a friendly smile.
With that, he began walking. Hikari turned to the girls and waved at them before hurrying after him. Everyone was watching the two move along, their eyes like hawks. Admiration and envy seemed to follow them in their footsteps.
But, it seemed, both were oblivious.
GhastlySquash
Two Thousand Club
She was thankful that Hikari was oblivious or she may have noticed the involuntary twitch in Suzu's eye at the mention of escort. Escort?! How dare she consider Suzu's love an escort! He wasn't doing it for her. He was just being friendly...wasn't he?
Suzu just took a deep breath. After all, Hikari was just some new girl he met on the way here.
"I think she's rather nice." Shino smiled.
"Nice, you see how she was smooching over Carter? I bet you two sodas that he's going to do the same!"
Suzu didn't blame her friends, after all they were both right. It was clear that this Hikari was clearly in it for her Senpai. But nonetheless, she simply played the usual boring voice of reason during times like this. "I thought she was rather nice. We should invite her for lunch."
----------------------
(Skip ahead to lunch)
"So tell us, Hikari, where do you come from? What do you do? Everything!" Saki beamed.
Shino just put a hand on Saki. "Saki, give her time to breathe!" There was a rather scolding look on her face before morphing it into a grin for Hikari. "So Hikari, tell us more! Like have you ever fallen in love? Or known a person who has fallen in love! Oh I just love those!"
"And you're saying I ask too many questions?" Saki cried out. "You just want to know about her social life!"
"Well we're not exactly on the social hierarchy like Carter. We're not even the losers. Nobody cares about us!" Shino crossed her arms.
Meanwhile, Suzu simply gave Hikari a sympathetic smile. "Don't let use dissuade you. We're all really curious!"
"Heh, leave it to Suzu to be the voice of reason yet again." Saki chuckled. "She's like the in-between for me and Shino. Not too loud like me nor too soft like Love Bird over there."
Suzu just took a deep breath. After all, Hikari was just some new girl he met on the way here.
"I think she's rather nice." Shino smiled.
"Nice, you see how she was smooching over Carter? I bet you two sodas that he's going to do the same!"
Suzu didn't blame her friends, after all they were both right. It was clear that this Hikari was clearly in it for her Senpai. But nonetheless, she simply played the usual boring voice of reason during times like this. "I thought she was rather nice. We should invite her for lunch."
----------------------
(Skip ahead to lunch)
"So tell us, Hikari, where do you come from? What do you do? Everything!" Saki beamed.
Shino just put a hand on Saki. "Saki, give her time to breathe!" There was a rather scolding look on her face before morphing it into a grin for Hikari. "So Hikari, tell us more! Like have you ever fallen in love? Or known a person who has fallen in love! Oh I just love those!"
"And you're saying I ask too many questions?" Saki cried out. "You just want to know about her social life!"
"Well we're not exactly on the social hierarchy like Carter. We're not even the losers. Nobody cares about us!" Shino crossed her arms.
Meanwhile, Suzu simply gave Hikari a sympathetic smile. "Don't let use dissuade you. We're all really curious!"
"Heh, leave it to Suzu to be the voice of reason yet again." Saki chuckled. "She's like the in-between for me and Shino. Not too loud like me nor too soft like Love Bird over there."
singularsins
you can be good.
Carter sat a couple of tables away from the four girls. His friends were vividly telling him about some new gaming console being released in the next couple of months. He'd attempted to go to the girl's table to discuss more of their after school plans, but his best friend, Kai, had grabbed his arm and pulled him away.
"So, tell us about her." Hiro, his other friend, said suddenly.
"Who?" Carter asked, poking at some chicken on the tray with his fork.
"That new girl. You're being all friendly with her. Abandoning us for a girlfriend, eh?"
Carter chuckled softly at their concerns. He took a sip of some water, shrugging.
"I never said I was entering the dating game. You concerned because you like her, dude?"
"Didn't say that. Just keeping up on you. Everyone seems interested in where the relationship between you two is heading. People are calling you guys the Cutest Couple. They all expect you to be inviting her to the upcoming dance." With that, Hiro chuckled, finding it humorous how rumors were spread. He brought this sort of information up to tease his friend. He knew he hated it when people talked about him and his life behind his back.
"Expectations lead to disappointment." He responded coolly.
"But, Carter Lawliet Evans! You must ask her! C'mon, dude, are you a chicken?" Hiro added in.
Carter turned his gaze, sharply, to Hiro. The sound of his middle name stirred his attention to Hiro in a negative manner. "I'm not a chicken. And you can only call me by my middle name when you beat me at a video game. Which, as you know, will never happen." He said, though Hiro didn't take him seriously.
"Guys, calm down. Lunch is meant to be peaceful." Kai said, adjusting his glasses as he turned the page of a game manual he was reading. "We'll tease Carter about his relationships later."
Meanwhile, Hikari smiled sheepishly.
"I'm from Kyoto. It's such a beautiful place. But I really like it here. It seems so homely. I think I'll be able to fit in nicely." She blinked, looking at them momentarily before looking down at her lap as she played with the hem of her shirt nervously. "I used to like a boy at my old school. He was such a sweet boy. Or, at the very least, he seemed like a sweet boy. Really, he was a bad influence. I didn't see it at first. I was so dense. But he wanted me to change for him....He wanted me to be someone I'm not.....So I called off whatever kind of relationship we had. Now...I can't really say I'm in love....Yet that Carter boy is really cute. And he seems so kindhearted. I hope he's really as he appears to be and not a phony. So far, though, so good. He's been super helpful. He even offered to bring me to the arcade in his car! I'm so excited!"
She looked between the three of them. "Y'know....I think you guys are pretty cool. That may not mean much....but the social hierachy doesn't matter much to me." She gave them all a reassuring smile. "Will you tell me where you guys are from? Have you always lived here? Been in love?"
She was so happy. She found friend. Real friends.She couldn't believe it.
She only hoped it would last.
"So, tell us about her." Hiro, his other friend, said suddenly.
"Who?" Carter asked, poking at some chicken on the tray with his fork.
"That new girl. You're being all friendly with her. Abandoning us for a girlfriend, eh?"
Carter chuckled softly at their concerns. He took a sip of some water, shrugging.
"I never said I was entering the dating game. You concerned because you like her, dude?"
"Didn't say that. Just keeping up on you. Everyone seems interested in where the relationship between you two is heading. People are calling you guys the Cutest Couple. They all expect you to be inviting her to the upcoming dance." With that, Hiro chuckled, finding it humorous how rumors were spread. He brought this sort of information up to tease his friend. He knew he hated it when people talked about him and his life behind his back.
"Expectations lead to disappointment." He responded coolly.
"But, Carter Lawliet Evans! You must ask her! C'mon, dude, are you a chicken?" Hiro added in.
Carter turned his gaze, sharply, to Hiro. The sound of his middle name stirred his attention to Hiro in a negative manner. "I'm not a chicken. And you can only call me by my middle name when you beat me at a video game. Which, as you know, will never happen." He said, though Hiro didn't take him seriously.
"Guys, calm down. Lunch is meant to be peaceful." Kai said, adjusting his glasses as he turned the page of a game manual he was reading. "We'll tease Carter about his relationships later."
Meanwhile, Hikari smiled sheepishly.
"I'm from Kyoto. It's such a beautiful place. But I really like it here. It seems so homely. I think I'll be able to fit in nicely." She blinked, looking at them momentarily before looking down at her lap as she played with the hem of her shirt nervously. "I used to like a boy at my old school. He was such a sweet boy. Or, at the very least, he seemed like a sweet boy. Really, he was a bad influence. I didn't see it at first. I was so dense. But he wanted me to change for him....He wanted me to be someone I'm not.....So I called off whatever kind of relationship we had. Now...I can't really say I'm in love....Yet that Carter boy is really cute. And he seems so kindhearted. I hope he's really as he appears to be and not a phony. So far, though, so good. He's been super helpful. He even offered to bring me to the arcade in his car! I'm so excited!"
She looked between the three of them. "Y'know....I think you guys are pretty cool. That may not mean much....but the social hierachy doesn't matter much to me." She gave them all a reassuring smile. "Will you tell me where you guys are from? Have you always lived here? Been in love?"
She was so happy. She found friend. Real friends.She couldn't believe it.
She only hoped it would last.
GhastlySquash
Two Thousand Club
"Oh I'm so sorry to hear that." Shino frowned. "It's so hard to trust people these days."
Suzu's eye twitched again at the mention of her being in a vehicle with her Senpai. How dare she get the privilege to be in a vehicle with him! That was Suzu's rightful place! Stolen from her! By...by...by this-
No, Suzu's was clenching a fist under the table, but somehow smiled just as well. "I'm glad he didn't hurt you. What kind of influence was he?"
Hikari's mention of the social hierarchy brought a smile to Saki's face. "Well I'd say you'll fit in here just fine. Glad we found you before Yuki did."
"Oh please." Shino put a trembling hand on Saki. "I heard a horrible rumor in my math class that Yuki's in the hospital for cutting her wrists."
"What?" The color drained from Saki's face at the mention of a hospital. Suddenly, the boastful teen turned into a terrified child. "Ho-how?"
"Some terrible human being was blackmailing her for these pictures of her and Riku at a love hotel and..." Shino shook her head. "Oh she'd resorted to stealing her own parent's money to pay it off!"
That's where she got the payments. Suzu pulled out her second phone, checking the last text she sent. She kept this phone for any messages that pertained to...well...people she didn't particularly like. The kind of people that deserved only the worst. Where she hid her secret...almost evil desires.
"Whatcha looking at, Suzu?" Saki noticed her friend distracted on her phone. Suzu immediately snapped it shut, hiding it under a rather solemn nod. "I was just checking to see if Yuki was alright. She hasn't answered any of my texts."
"Really?" Saki raised a brow. "I didn't think you'd care after she pretty much destroyed your collage."
"Oh...I mean...I couldn't stay mad at her forever, you know." Suzu replied sheepishly. "And...maybe she was right. I mean...we're all just photographers. You and Shino sing for the choir, but I spend all my time in photography...maybe Yuki is right to call it a silly hobby."
Suzu even managed to get her eyes to water for extra effect. After all, all she needed to think about was her precious collage. The collage that Yuki destroyed. It had the bare few photos she'd manage to take of her and Carter together. Yuki must have seen that. That's why she had to feel that sense of powerlessness.
"Suzu..." Shino put a reassuring hand over Suzu's shoulder. "Don't cry now."
"It's just...I only have you guys to talk too. Sure everyone else likes me enough to leave me to my own devices-"
Her voice was cut off as Shino did her usual 'cuddle until she laughs' routine where she pretty much just hugged Suzu-or Saki- to death until they finally accepted that they couldn't be sad anymore. "Suzu, we've known each other since we were little kids. And Saki since high school. And now we have a new friend. It's very courageous of you to forgive Yuki and try to reach out to her, but you shouldn't ever believe what she said was right."
Suzu's eye twitched again at the mention of her being in a vehicle with her Senpai. How dare she get the privilege to be in a vehicle with him! That was Suzu's rightful place! Stolen from her! By...by...by this-
No, Suzu's was clenching a fist under the table, but somehow smiled just as well. "I'm glad he didn't hurt you. What kind of influence was he?"
Hikari's mention of the social hierarchy brought a smile to Saki's face. "Well I'd say you'll fit in here just fine. Glad we found you before Yuki did."
"Oh please." Shino put a trembling hand on Saki. "I heard a horrible rumor in my math class that Yuki's in the hospital for cutting her wrists."
"What?" The color drained from Saki's face at the mention of a hospital. Suddenly, the boastful teen turned into a terrified child. "Ho-how?"
"Some terrible human being was blackmailing her for these pictures of her and Riku at a love hotel and..." Shino shook her head. "Oh she'd resorted to stealing her own parent's money to pay it off!"
That's where she got the payments. Suzu pulled out her second phone, checking the last text she sent. She kept this phone for any messages that pertained to...well...people she didn't particularly like. The kind of people that deserved only the worst. Where she hid her secret...almost evil desires.
Yuki
I just need more time pls!!
You must confuse me for someone who actually cares :)
why are u doing this?? I don't have any more money!!
I don't need the money. You do. You spend it all day on clothes and Riku and now you think I'm like you? No, the money is superficial, like yourself.
Then please, just have pity on me. I don't what I did to upset you sir, but I'm sure you can have pity on me.
You still don't get it. I enjoy this. Pay me or I send it to Mommy and Daddy or the news agency. Wouldn't that boost ratings?
"Whatcha looking at, Suzu?" Saki noticed her friend distracted on her phone. Suzu immediately snapped it shut, hiding it under a rather solemn nod. "I was just checking to see if Yuki was alright. She hasn't answered any of my texts."
"Really?" Saki raised a brow. "I didn't think you'd care after she pretty much destroyed your collage."
"Oh...I mean...I couldn't stay mad at her forever, you know." Suzu replied sheepishly. "And...maybe she was right. I mean...we're all just photographers. You and Shino sing for the choir, but I spend all my time in photography...maybe Yuki is right to call it a silly hobby."
Suzu even managed to get her eyes to water for extra effect. After all, all she needed to think about was her precious collage. The collage that Yuki destroyed. It had the bare few photos she'd manage to take of her and Carter together. Yuki must have seen that. That's why she had to feel that sense of powerlessness.
"Suzu..." Shino put a reassuring hand over Suzu's shoulder. "Don't cry now."
"It's just...I only have you guys to talk too. Sure everyone else likes me enough to leave me to my own devices-"
Her voice was cut off as Shino did her usual 'cuddle until she laughs' routine where she pretty much just hugged Suzu-or Saki- to death until they finally accepted that they couldn't be sad anymore. "Suzu, we've known each other since we were little kids. And Saki since high school. And now we have a new friend. It's very courageous of you to forgive Yuki and try to reach out to her, but you shouldn't ever believe what she said was right."
singularsins
you can be good.
Carter spent most of the rest of lunch poking at his food in an uninterested manner. Hiro was telling them about an upcoming racing game. Kai was spouting statistics about what he expected from it. All in all, they were being their usual selves.
But it wasn't at all boring to Carter. He listened carefully. He was used to their antics. Hiro would talk about something like sports or video games. Kai would say something intellectual. Carter would listen and never say anything like the ghost of a person he was. At least, until they dragged him into a debate.
It was always spectulation vs. fact at this table. And, strangely, Carter was happy with that.Yet, his mind couldn't let go of what his friends were saying earlier. He didn't like teasing. And he didn't want rumors getting to Hikari about this cute couple business. He didn't want her to think any of that was being started because he liked her or something. People are this school were all crazy. He didn't have the strength to deal with unnecessary issues. Especially after hearing all the rumors about Yuki.
Hikari watched the scene before her patiently. She tried offering some reassurance on the matter.
"I'm not sure who this Yuki character is, but after hearing what she had done to your collage, it's understandable you were upset with her. As human beings we can all hold grudges against someone for ruining something we hold precious. So, it's not strange. And at the same time I admire you for forgiving her despite her rude actions towards you. I think it shows how strong of a person you are. I know I'd still be angry with them." She smiled softly, though she also felt embarrassed with her honesty. She would admit she held grudges fairly often against people that wronged her. She wasn't capable of full on forgiveness yet. She'd often heard the quote forgive and forget.
But, in her mind, it always sounded like resent and remember. How could you avoid getting hurt if you allowed people to simply be forgiven for all their shortcomings? If you kept their past mistakes fresh on your mind you wouldn't set yourself up for disappointment in the long run.
She closed her eyes for a moment, brushing away such thoughts. She wasn't that kind of person. That was who he wanted her to be.
Angry, violent, merciless.
And in the end she knew she didn't want to be that kind of person. Sure, she didn't forgive and forget. But she never held a personal vendeta against someone who'd hurt her. She cut ties with them or walked on eggshells in their presence....but she'd never done something to get back at them. She had to let the past go. She wasn't who he thought she was. And she wasn't who she thought she was either.
Well, really, she didn't who she was. But she was a better person than that! A nicer, more understanding one!
She heard a bell sound. She slowly stood up and smiled at them. "It seems lunch is over, guys. Are you okay, Suzu? I don't want to leave for class without knowing you're okay. You're doing some wonderful things forgiving that girl and extending your hand to her. It doesn't make her right, but it does make you the better person. Always remember that."
But it wasn't at all boring to Carter. He listened carefully. He was used to their antics. Hiro would talk about something like sports or video games. Kai would say something intellectual. Carter would listen and never say anything like the ghost of a person he was. At least, until they dragged him into a debate.
It was always spectulation vs. fact at this table. And, strangely, Carter was happy with that.Yet, his mind couldn't let go of what his friends were saying earlier. He didn't like teasing. And he didn't want rumors getting to Hikari about this cute couple business. He didn't want her to think any of that was being started because he liked her or something. People are this school were all crazy. He didn't have the strength to deal with unnecessary issues. Especially after hearing all the rumors about Yuki.
Hikari watched the scene before her patiently. She tried offering some reassurance on the matter.
"I'm not sure who this Yuki character is, but after hearing what she had done to your collage, it's understandable you were upset with her. As human beings we can all hold grudges against someone for ruining something we hold precious. So, it's not strange. And at the same time I admire you for forgiving her despite her rude actions towards you. I think it shows how strong of a person you are. I know I'd still be angry with them." She smiled softly, though she also felt embarrassed with her honesty. She would admit she held grudges fairly often against people that wronged her. She wasn't capable of full on forgiveness yet. She'd often heard the quote forgive and forget.
But, in her mind, it always sounded like resent and remember. How could you avoid getting hurt if you allowed people to simply be forgiven for all their shortcomings? If you kept their past mistakes fresh on your mind you wouldn't set yourself up for disappointment in the long run.
She closed her eyes for a moment, brushing away such thoughts. She wasn't that kind of person. That was who he wanted her to be.
Angry, violent, merciless.
And in the end she knew she didn't want to be that kind of person. Sure, she didn't forgive and forget. But she never held a personal vendeta against someone who'd hurt her. She cut ties with them or walked on eggshells in their presence....but she'd never done something to get back at them. She had to let the past go. She wasn't who he thought she was. And she wasn't who she thought she was either.
Well, really, she didn't who she was. But she was a better person than that! A nicer, more understanding one!
She heard a bell sound. She slowly stood up and smiled at them. "It seems lunch is over, guys. Are you okay, Suzu? I don't want to leave for class without knowing you're okay. You're doing some wonderful things forgiving that girl and extending your hand to her. It doesn't make her right, but it does make you the better person. Always remember that."
GhastlySquash
Two Thousand Club
Suzu looked back up at Hikari, and for the first time since they'd met, flashed her a genuine smile. "I...yeah. Th-thanks Hikari." She stood up, dabbing her tears on a napkin.
Despite what this girl might mean, Suzu couldn't say she particularly detested her. She was, to be fair, a nice all-around girl. The honesty, even at the cost of her own reputations, was admirable too. This girl was so gullible, so easily trusting. So easy to impart information about herself to them and even admit that she herself wasn't perfect.
Just so long as she doesn't steal my love, I think Shino's right. We could be good friends. But when it came down to it, Suzu stole a glance at Carter's table, seeing him listening in on yet another debate. She would've helped him. She liked debates, almost as much as she enjoyed watching actual court cases. But alas, the bell had chimed and it would be another few hours before she got to see her precious love again.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Where could they be? What if he's in trouble? What if he's in an accident! Suzu was nervously sipping at her drink, glancing at the door every few seconds to see if Carter and Hikari were coming through.
"Relax, Suzu." Saki chuckled, leaning back in her chair. "C'mon, we got her way ahead of them. Let's go play another round of Dance Dance Superstar. Or better yet, help me win Shino that Dango plushie."
As much as Suzu hated Saki for being right, Saki did have a point. Maybe it was just the idea of her being in the same vicinity as her precious love. And Suzu was helpless...stuck at the arcade until then.
Looking around her, she noted that most of the kids here were small groups like hers or lone players trying to beat each other at a certain arcade game. She even noticed Carter's other friends herding around the Power Pony Princess Punch-Down machine, probably trying to beat Carter's high score.
I wonder if Hiro would still be grinning if he was electrocuted? She could already picture the stupid grin on his face, or perhaps the look of shock that would be befitting of his personality. It was so funny that Suzu couldn't help but let loose a giggle.
And soon, she could see various ways to end everyone here at the arcade. It was an interesting note how easy it was to sabotage people. In a world where crime was so low, people often imagined themselves as immortal and invincible. It was hilarious to see how aloof they were to their own mortality.
For instance, the kid standing on the stool could easily break his neck if it tipped over. The guy at the arcade had left a water bottle right behind a machine's exposed wiring. Even the people walking on the streets. One precise, forceful push into the street would end it right then and there.
"Hey Earth to Suzu!" Saki tapped her friend on the shoulder, awaking Suzu from her temporary daydream. "We were just talking about the student council's plan for the Halloween festival."
"Oh?" Suzu chuckled. "I think Hata is going to put me on camera again."
"Again?" Saki crossed her arms. "But this year's theme is going to have a unique haunted house and tag game! They're thinking of taking one of the students and dressing them up like a werewolf!"
"Oh my! That sounds terribly terrifying!" Shino gasped.
"Really?"
"Mhmm, might even give a prize to the student who survives and correctly guesses which kid in our class is the beast!" Saki crossed her arms. "Wouldn't it be something if one of us got chosen?"
"Oh dear." Shino shook her head. "I don't think I could do it."
"And I have plenty of stuff to do, Saki." Suzu stated flatly. "Besides, that idea sounds ridiculous. The school would never approve a tag game like that or a haunted house."
"But c'mon Suzu, we need to dress up! Halloween's going to be on us sooner than you think!"
Despite what this girl might mean, Suzu couldn't say she particularly detested her. She was, to be fair, a nice all-around girl. The honesty, even at the cost of her own reputations, was admirable too. This girl was so gullible, so easily trusting. So easy to impart information about herself to them and even admit that she herself wasn't perfect.
Just so long as she doesn't steal my love, I think Shino's right. We could be good friends. But when it came down to it, Suzu stole a glance at Carter's table, seeing him listening in on yet another debate. She would've helped him. She liked debates, almost as much as she enjoyed watching actual court cases. But alas, the bell had chimed and it would be another few hours before she got to see her precious love again.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Where could they be? What if he's in trouble? What if he's in an accident! Suzu was nervously sipping at her drink, glancing at the door every few seconds to see if Carter and Hikari were coming through.
"Relax, Suzu." Saki chuckled, leaning back in her chair. "C'mon, we got her way ahead of them. Let's go play another round of Dance Dance Superstar. Or better yet, help me win Shino that Dango plushie."
As much as Suzu hated Saki for being right, Saki did have a point. Maybe it was just the idea of her being in the same vicinity as her precious love. And Suzu was helpless...stuck at the arcade until then.
Looking around her, she noted that most of the kids here were small groups like hers or lone players trying to beat each other at a certain arcade game. She even noticed Carter's other friends herding around the Power Pony Princess Punch-Down machine, probably trying to beat Carter's high score.
I wonder if Hiro would still be grinning if he was electrocuted? She could already picture the stupid grin on his face, or perhaps the look of shock that would be befitting of his personality. It was so funny that Suzu couldn't help but let loose a giggle.
And soon, she could see various ways to end everyone here at the arcade. It was an interesting note how easy it was to sabotage people. In a world where crime was so low, people often imagined themselves as immortal and invincible. It was hilarious to see how aloof they were to their own mortality.
For instance, the kid standing on the stool could easily break his neck if it tipped over. The guy at the arcade had left a water bottle right behind a machine's exposed wiring. Even the people walking on the streets. One precise, forceful push into the street would end it right then and there.
"Hey Earth to Suzu!" Saki tapped her friend on the shoulder, awaking Suzu from her temporary daydream. "We were just talking about the student council's plan for the Halloween festival."
"Oh?" Suzu chuckled. "I think Hata is going to put me on camera again."
"Again?" Saki crossed her arms. "But this year's theme is going to have a unique haunted house and tag game! They're thinking of taking one of the students and dressing them up like a werewolf!"
"Oh my! That sounds terribly terrifying!" Shino gasped.
"Really?"
"Mhmm, might even give a prize to the student who survives and correctly guesses which kid in our class is the beast!" Saki crossed her arms. "Wouldn't it be something if one of us got chosen?"
"Oh dear." Shino shook her head. "I don't think I could do it."
"And I have plenty of stuff to do, Saki." Suzu stated flatly. "Besides, that idea sounds ridiculous. The school would never approve a tag game like that or a haunted house."
"But c'mon Suzu, we need to dress up! Halloween's going to be on us sooner than you think!"
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singularsins
you can be good.
Carter and Hikari rode along with a comfortable atmosphere surrounding them. Music filtered throughout the vehicle softly. Carter preoccupied himself tapping his fingers against the steering wheel to the tune currently playing. He seemed to watch the road with a level of intent almost foreign to him. It was silent between the two, but it didn't feel uncomfortable to him. It almost felt serene.
Yet, all peace filled things usually come to an end. Perhaps that's why Hikari spoke up. Maybe she didn't find solstice in the quiet.
"You're a really good driver, y'know? I'm so bad....I always get so nervous. Leaving the house all alone is scary in a car. You could easily get into a crash because of someone else's carelessness." She murmured, looking at the road. She could only imagine the things that could go wrong.
"You're right." He agreed, though he shrugged moments after. "But that's the magic of it....You're putting all your trust in not only your ability to operate a vehicle, but in other's too. Maybe what's scary about it is the fact you're having to trust people who have never given you a reason to." He theorizied, glancing towards her before smiling and returning his attention to the task at hand.
Hikari stared at him for several moments, allowing another silence to fall over them, awe filled at his words.
"That....was really smart of you to say...."She said after another few moments, recovering from the initial shock. "I never thought of it that way, I mean...."
"If you think that's smart you should meet my friend Kai. He's a genius. I bet he'll be one of those guys that creates a successful company or somethin' else smart sounding like that. Nonetheless, he'll be a billionaire." He smiled as he pulled into the parking lot of the arcade. He didn't sound bitter about the prospect of his friend's future. He knew he may never achieve such big dreams, but perhaps that wasn't his purpose. Maybe he meant for something else. Sure, he wasn't as smart as Kai or as althetic as Hiro but he could fit in somewhere, right?
He shook his head, opening the door and slipping out of the vehicle after pulling the keys out of the ignition.. He was going to go around and open Hikari's door, but she'd already opened it herself and gotten out. She smiled at him from the other side of the car before they both walked to the doors of the arcade. Carter knowingly stared up at the building, have memorized it like the back of his hand. Hikari, however, stared up at the structure in awe. She'd never been much of a gamer. To her small world it felt like a foreign planet hoovering in the distance. Imposing and amazing, but unreachable.
They walked in together. Carter continually glanced around in search of the three girls, locating them amongst the crowd rather quickly. He grabbed Hikari's attention and led her to them. He decided he'd mess with them a bit by trying to sneak up on them.
He turned to Hikari and put his index finger to his lips,"Sh. We're going to sneak up on 'em, okay?"
Hikari slowly nodded, but she was a bit uncertain. Wouldn't they freak out?
Carter moved over to the group, sneaking up behind them while the corners of his lips twisted upward into a mischievous grin. Due to the dim lighting, he figured he'd go rather unnoticed by the three girls as they chatted amongst themselves.
He reached them, coming up behind Suzu slowly and lightly touching her shoulder while going,"Boo!" before bursting into a soft fit of laughter.
Hikari simply stood behind him with her hands behind her back in an awkward way.
Yet, all peace filled things usually come to an end. Perhaps that's why Hikari spoke up. Maybe she didn't find solstice in the quiet.
"You're a really good driver, y'know? I'm so bad....I always get so nervous. Leaving the house all alone is scary in a car. You could easily get into a crash because of someone else's carelessness." She murmured, looking at the road. She could only imagine the things that could go wrong.
"You're right." He agreed, though he shrugged moments after. "But that's the magic of it....You're putting all your trust in not only your ability to operate a vehicle, but in other's too. Maybe what's scary about it is the fact you're having to trust people who have never given you a reason to." He theorizied, glancing towards her before smiling and returning his attention to the task at hand.
Hikari stared at him for several moments, allowing another silence to fall over them, awe filled at his words.
"That....was really smart of you to say...."She said after another few moments, recovering from the initial shock. "I never thought of it that way, I mean...."
"If you think that's smart you should meet my friend Kai. He's a genius. I bet he'll be one of those guys that creates a successful company or somethin' else smart sounding like that. Nonetheless, he'll be a billionaire." He smiled as he pulled into the parking lot of the arcade. He didn't sound bitter about the prospect of his friend's future. He knew he may never achieve such big dreams, but perhaps that wasn't his purpose. Maybe he meant for something else. Sure, he wasn't as smart as Kai or as althetic as Hiro but he could fit in somewhere, right?
He shook his head, opening the door and slipping out of the vehicle after pulling the keys out of the ignition.. He was going to go around and open Hikari's door, but she'd already opened it herself and gotten out. She smiled at him from the other side of the car before they both walked to the doors of the arcade. Carter knowingly stared up at the building, have memorized it like the back of his hand. Hikari, however, stared up at the structure in awe. She'd never been much of a gamer. To her small world it felt like a foreign planet hoovering in the distance. Imposing and amazing, but unreachable.
They walked in together. Carter continually glanced around in search of the three girls, locating them amongst the crowd rather quickly. He grabbed Hikari's attention and led her to them. He decided he'd mess with them a bit by trying to sneak up on them.
He turned to Hikari and put his index finger to his lips,"Sh. We're going to sneak up on 'em, okay?"
Hikari slowly nodded, but she was a bit uncertain. Wouldn't they freak out?
Carter moved over to the group, sneaking up behind them while the corners of his lips twisted upward into a mischievous grin. Due to the dim lighting, he figured he'd go rather unnoticed by the three girls as they chatted amongst themselves.
He reached them, coming up behind Suzu slowly and lightly touching her shoulder while going,"Boo!" before bursting into a soft fit of laughter.
Hikari simply stood behind him with her hands behind her back in an awkward way.
GhastlySquash
Two Thousand Club
Shino practically screamed while Suzu merely gave a flinch, reaching into her pocket for the can of maize she kept in her bag. However, it didn't take her too long to recognize the voice. Sure enough, Carter was right behind her, a mischievious smile on his face.
"CARTER!" Saki snapped, shaking her head. "Didn't your Mom ever say it was rude to sneak up on a lady?"
Suzu gave a breath of relief knowing that she hadn't actually sprayed him right then and there. It would have been considerably embarrassing if he found out she kept a can of spray in her bag. After all, why would anyone need it in the city? It was certainly safe enough. But Suzu never took risks. Not unless she had too.
And then she saw Hikari standing behind him. She felt a sick pinch in her stomach, and noticed that she was growing red at the whole affair.
"Gosh Carter, you nearly gave me a fright." Turning to Hikari, she gave a friendly wave. "Sorry about that. We were talking about Halloween and Saki was trying to scare us."
"I was not!" Saki crossed her arms. "I was simply explaining that we should try to dress up this time instead of our usual outfits. I don't know about you, but dressing up like sushi is no longer on a roll."
Shino seemed taken aback at the retort. "Now Saki, I love the sushi costumes. And Suzu is so cute in her tempura outfit!"
"But think about if we could dress up as something really scary!" She grabbed Suzu by the shoulder. "Suzu, you would be great! You could even try to somehow fit your camera in it too! Get real pictures of the festival spirit without having to default to Hata's routine."
Suzu shrugged, putting her hands back into her jacket. "Why don't you try the whole werewolf routine. Or even better, you can dress up like a cat Saki."
"Wow..." Saki fell to her knees. "To think my own two friends would think a cat is an upgrade."
"But cats are so cute!" Shino smiled brightly.
Suzu giggled. "See? Even Shino likes it! We could be the three little kittens."
Turning to Carter, Suzu held up a few tokens. "I hope you brought some extra money because loser is buying drinks for the rest of us."
The trio headed for the bright pink game console that held the title Power Pony Punchdown. Suzu immediately threw the tokens into the slot and waited eager at the control panel, flashing a smug grin towards Carter. "Get ready to taste defeat!"
Her last words however, had come with a quick glance at Hikari. In a subtle way, if she tried to touch her Senpai, Suzu would indeed show her just how much she'd been...practicing.
"CARTER!" Saki snapped, shaking her head. "Didn't your Mom ever say it was rude to sneak up on a lady?"
Suzu gave a breath of relief knowing that she hadn't actually sprayed him right then and there. It would have been considerably embarrassing if he found out she kept a can of spray in her bag. After all, why would anyone need it in the city? It was certainly safe enough. But Suzu never took risks. Not unless she had too.
And then she saw Hikari standing behind him. She felt a sick pinch in her stomach, and noticed that she was growing red at the whole affair.
"Gosh Carter, you nearly gave me a fright." Turning to Hikari, she gave a friendly wave. "Sorry about that. We were talking about Halloween and Saki was trying to scare us."
"I was not!" Saki crossed her arms. "I was simply explaining that we should try to dress up this time instead of our usual outfits. I don't know about you, but dressing up like sushi is no longer on a roll."
Shino seemed taken aback at the retort. "Now Saki, I love the sushi costumes. And Suzu is so cute in her tempura outfit!"
"But think about if we could dress up as something really scary!" She grabbed Suzu by the shoulder. "Suzu, you would be great! You could even try to somehow fit your camera in it too! Get real pictures of the festival spirit without having to default to Hata's routine."
Suzu shrugged, putting her hands back into her jacket. "Why don't you try the whole werewolf routine. Or even better, you can dress up like a cat Saki."
"Wow..." Saki fell to her knees. "To think my own two friends would think a cat is an upgrade."
"But cats are so cute!" Shino smiled brightly.
Suzu giggled. "See? Even Shino likes it! We could be the three little kittens."
Turning to Carter, Suzu held up a few tokens. "I hope you brought some extra money because loser is buying drinks for the rest of us."
The trio headed for the bright pink game console that held the title Power Pony Punchdown. Suzu immediately threw the tokens into the slot and waited eager at the control panel, flashing a smug grin towards Carter. "Get ready to taste defeat!"
Her last words however, had come with a quick glance at Hikari. In a subtle way, if she tried to touch her Senpai, Suzu would indeed show her just how much she'd been...practicing.
singularsins
you can be good.
Carter had smiled apologetically when he'd been scolded by Saki, feeling maybe he was a bit out of line by pulling that little stunt on them. He always seemed to forget that Saki and Shino weren't exactly his friends. Sure, they got along alright and he enjoyed their presence....but they weren't Hiro and Kai. In fact, he'd find it creepy if they were.
Yet, he probably wouldn't have garnered the same reaction from his friends. Hiro wouldn't laughed at him for the sneak attack before swearing that he'd get him back for trying to scare him. Kai would've simply brushed him off, keeping his nose buried in some interesting article on his phone. The two created a strange trio alongside Carter, but he almost always felt calm with them. There was never a worry about really offending them. He didn't feel he had to take careful footsteps to ensure their relationship wasn't ruined by an ignorant action on his part. Even if they didn't always notice his absence, they seemed to materalize at the times he needed them most. They weren't always the best at being best friends, but they tried. And that counts for something in the grand scheme of things.
Then again, Carter sort of blamed himself for feeling this way. If he knew the two girls better he might not harbor these feelings. His only true friend out of the trio was Suzu. He'd never set aside much time to hang out with Saki or Shino in the past. He was sure it was another careless decision on his part.
Carter followed the girls to the console, with Hikari trailing a little bit ahead of him. He gathered some tokens from the depths of his pant's pocket before inserting them into the console right next to Suzu's. He glanced towards her, feeling an air of confidence suddenly emersing him.
"You're rather certain in your victory this evening, now aren't you? Been avoiding me to train up so you can crush me at my own game?" He chimed in, standing ready at the control panel for the game to start. "Let's see how well you've gotten since our last playthrough then, shall we?"
He wasn't nearly as energetic as Suzu. He stood rather calmly at the panel, staring at the screen carefully. His gaze seemed almost strategic and competitive in nature.
He glanced towards her, taking in her stance. She seemed ready. She seemed like she was compeltely capable of defeating him this go around. Not that she hadn't been that way before. But it really looked like she'd put a lot of effort into working towards beating him. And he thought, perhaps, she would this time. He knew she was a tough opponent in his eyes. And all he had to do was slip up once. Make a wrong move. Press a wrong button. And then the match would be hers. She'd win.
He didn't want to think about that right now. He was jinxing himself before anything had begun.
"Look who decided to come to the arcade again." He heard a familiar voice call from behind him. Hiro. He didn't glance over his shoulder to confirm his suspicions. But he didn't need to. The voice came closer. "Kai isn't being much fun right now. He's killing it at Rockin' Ross' Range. Figured I'd come and see you lose."
That translated to Kai was doing well at a shooting game and Hiro wanted to come cheer him on. But Hiro wouldn't admit it. Especially with an audience.
Hikari stared at Suzu and Carter as they made preparations to start the game. She slowly nudged Saki, glancing to her curiously. "Do they do this often?" She asked, tilting her head. "I don't know much about gaming. Are they both really good?"
Carter went along with his favorite fighter, selecting it with a smile. The screen then shifted as he awaited the match to start, glancing between the screen and the control panel. Even though he'd memorized the controls he was somehow worried he'd forget them when the battle began.
He tried to clear his mind. He was doing it again. He just had to focus. He knew this game. And he knew he could win it too. He'd tasted victory before. He didn't want to let it go so easily by worrying himself.
Yet, he probably wouldn't have garnered the same reaction from his friends. Hiro wouldn't laughed at him for the sneak attack before swearing that he'd get him back for trying to scare him. Kai would've simply brushed him off, keeping his nose buried in some interesting article on his phone. The two created a strange trio alongside Carter, but he almost always felt calm with them. There was never a worry about really offending them. He didn't feel he had to take careful footsteps to ensure their relationship wasn't ruined by an ignorant action on his part. Even if they didn't always notice his absence, they seemed to materalize at the times he needed them most. They weren't always the best at being best friends, but they tried. And that counts for something in the grand scheme of things.
Then again, Carter sort of blamed himself for feeling this way. If he knew the two girls better he might not harbor these feelings. His only true friend out of the trio was Suzu. He'd never set aside much time to hang out with Saki or Shino in the past. He was sure it was another careless decision on his part.
Carter followed the girls to the console, with Hikari trailing a little bit ahead of him. He gathered some tokens from the depths of his pant's pocket before inserting them into the console right next to Suzu's. He glanced towards her, feeling an air of confidence suddenly emersing him.
"You're rather certain in your victory this evening, now aren't you? Been avoiding me to train up so you can crush me at my own game?" He chimed in, standing ready at the control panel for the game to start. "Let's see how well you've gotten since our last playthrough then, shall we?"
He wasn't nearly as energetic as Suzu. He stood rather calmly at the panel, staring at the screen carefully. His gaze seemed almost strategic and competitive in nature.
He glanced towards her, taking in her stance. She seemed ready. She seemed like she was compeltely capable of defeating him this go around. Not that she hadn't been that way before. But it really looked like she'd put a lot of effort into working towards beating him. And he thought, perhaps, she would this time. He knew she was a tough opponent in his eyes. And all he had to do was slip up once. Make a wrong move. Press a wrong button. And then the match would be hers. She'd win.
He didn't want to think about that right now. He was jinxing himself before anything had begun.
"Look who decided to come to the arcade again." He heard a familiar voice call from behind him. Hiro. He didn't glance over his shoulder to confirm his suspicions. But he didn't need to. The voice came closer. "Kai isn't being much fun right now. He's killing it at Rockin' Ross' Range. Figured I'd come and see you lose."
That translated to Kai was doing well at a shooting game and Hiro wanted to come cheer him on. But Hiro wouldn't admit it. Especially with an audience.
Hikari stared at Suzu and Carter as they made preparations to start the game. She slowly nudged Saki, glancing to her curiously. "Do they do this often?" She asked, tilting her head. "I don't know much about gaming. Are they both really good?"
Carter went along with his favorite fighter, selecting it with a smile. The screen then shifted as he awaited the match to start, glancing between the screen and the control panel. Even though he'd memorized the controls he was somehow worried he'd forget them when the battle began.
He tried to clear his mind. He was doing it again. He just had to focus. He knew this game. And he knew he could win it too. He'd tasted victory before. He didn't want to let it go so easily by worrying himself.
GhastlySquash
Two Thousand Club
Suzu eagerly selected her character, glancing back at her love. She loved it when he was so ready to win. Of course, if she wanted to, perhaps playing it softly first before saving her specials for the last few seconds would easily surprise him. After all, playing a certain role was what she was good at.
She would play defensively, trying to wear her opponent down before playing aggressively. She was going to win. This was her time to prove herself.
Suzu ignored Hiro. That boy shouldn't hurt her Senpai so. Besides, if he knew what Suzu knew, he'd watch his tongue around her. Of course, nobody really knew what went on in her head.
Saki flashed a mischievous smile when Hiraki asked about their little competition. "Usually, Suzu just plays for fun, but she's been building new strategies. Poor Carter won't even see it coming. Sure, Carter has experience, but Suzu is fresh and more willing to try new moves. She prefers creatures that don't hit as hard until they use their ultimate and then the rest of the game is defenses. It's a deadly combo in the right hands."
Suzu took a deep breath and then pressed start.
She would play defensively, trying to wear her opponent down before playing aggressively. She was going to win. This was her time to prove herself.
Suzu ignored Hiro. That boy shouldn't hurt her Senpai so. Besides, if he knew what Suzu knew, he'd watch his tongue around her. Of course, nobody really knew what went on in her head.
Saki flashed a mischievous smile when Hiraki asked about their little competition. "Usually, Suzu just plays for fun, but she's been building new strategies. Poor Carter won't even see it coming. Sure, Carter has experience, but Suzu is fresh and more willing to try new moves. She prefers creatures that don't hit as hard until they use their ultimate and then the rest of the game is defenses. It's a deadly combo in the right hands."
Suzu took a deep breath and then pressed start.
singularsins
you can be good.
"Oh." Hikari said, seeming anxious about the whole ordeal. She stared at the two players. She'd just heard what Suzu's strategy was, but what was Carter's? What kind of experience did he possess? And would it do anything in this match? By the way Saki talked, it wouldn't.
Carter felt his chest contort slightly when the screen shifted once more. The game was starting. In a matter of seconds subtitles would flicker across the middle of the screen, signaling the first round had begun. He'd have to beat Suzu twice in order to win. He desperately hoped he could quickly get this over with. Something about competing with her right now, after all the practice she'd likely put in, felt dangerous. If she'd done enough to come up with something to defeat him, he'd have a tough time overcoming such an obstacle.
His strategy lacked pretty much any defenses. He was a fast, heavy hitter. He went for characters that had speed. They struck down enemies with precision while being light on their feet. And all of their punches and kicks packed power. They were strong, speedy. But too many hits and they were out. After all, the bigger they are the harder they fall.
So, he had to be faster. He had to lay in as many hits as he could. Of course, the matches were timed. The timer would click down from 60. Once it reached 0 the one with the most HP left would be the victory. So he'd either have to rely on the clock or use his speedy attackers to win.
The subtitles flickered across the screen. Just as they vanished, he began to rapidly press buttons. Precise, delicate movements followed in what seemed to be a pattern of his own design. He'd continually move to hit her character in the hopes of landing a hit without her gaining any time to retaliate. Of course, it may not work out as he had planned.
He continued proceeding into an onslaught of trying to attack her. A punch, a kick, a combo move one right after the other. Her strategy might have something to combat him though. Especially if she had a strong defense planned out.
Carter felt his chest contort slightly when the screen shifted once more. The game was starting. In a matter of seconds subtitles would flicker across the middle of the screen, signaling the first round had begun. He'd have to beat Suzu twice in order to win. He desperately hoped he could quickly get this over with. Something about competing with her right now, after all the practice she'd likely put in, felt dangerous. If she'd done enough to come up with something to defeat him, he'd have a tough time overcoming such an obstacle.
His strategy lacked pretty much any defenses. He was a fast, heavy hitter. He went for characters that had speed. They struck down enemies with precision while being light on their feet. And all of their punches and kicks packed power. They were strong, speedy. But too many hits and they were out. After all, the bigger they are the harder they fall.
So, he had to be faster. He had to lay in as many hits as he could. Of course, the matches were timed. The timer would click down from 60. Once it reached 0 the one with the most HP left would be the victory. So he'd either have to rely on the clock or use his speedy attackers to win.
The subtitles flickered across the screen. Just as they vanished, he began to rapidly press buttons. Precise, delicate movements followed in what seemed to be a pattern of his own design. He'd continually move to hit her character in the hopes of landing a hit without her gaining any time to retaliate. Of course, it may not work out as he had planned.
He continued proceeding into an onslaught of trying to attack her. A punch, a kick, a combo move one right after the other. Her strategy might have something to combat him though. Especially if she had a strong defense planned out.
GhastlySquash
Two Thousand Club
Suzu just kept a blank stare, her eyes suddenly losing any sense of a glimmer. It was...creepy almost. As if a light in her head had turned off, This game was an obstacle now. Something that was trying to get in her way to winning Senpai.
Calmly, she dodged his attacks, making a counter for each move. She was waiting for the countdown. At the moment, Carter was still at full health, but she waited until the timer hit the 20 second range before unveiling her attacks.
With quick jabs and trips, she began to leave a relentless assault. She searched for his weak points and abused them. She was being methodical, calculating where each hit had to go. She didn't care about anyone else, not even the cheers in the background. There was one objective. And she wasn't going to lose.
She took a few moments to take in slow breaths, her hands moving automatically. There was a glimmer of a fake, almost sinister smile that showed upon her face as she lead her assault. He might be quick, but speed made each successful punch that much more effective.
The prey always thought they were faster, but the truth was that it was the hit you didn't see that destroyed you.
Calmly, she dodged his attacks, making a counter for each move. She was waiting for the countdown. At the moment, Carter was still at full health, but she waited until the timer hit the 20 second range before unveiling her attacks.
With quick jabs and trips, she began to leave a relentless assault. She searched for his weak points and abused them. She was being methodical, calculating where each hit had to go. She didn't care about anyone else, not even the cheers in the background. There was one objective. And she wasn't going to lose.
She took a few moments to take in slow breaths, her hands moving automatically. There was a glimmer of a fake, almost sinister smile that showed upon her face as she lead her assault. He might be quick, but speed made each successful punch that much more effective.
The prey always thought they were faster, but the truth was that it was the hit you didn't see that destroyed you.
singularsins
you can be good.
The clock suddenly ticked to 0. He blinked, not realizing the match was already over. Neither of them were actually out of hit points, but his character was outrageously close to being knocked out. While her character was still lingering in a healthy range. He'd done little to no damage, actually. Her defense was excellent. Impecable. He'd say he was proud of her strategy if he didn't feel sick to his stomach at the idea of losing. And right now this match was his to lose.
He'd tell you he didn't mind losing to your face every day of the week. But when it really came down to it, he hated it. He despised the idea of falling short of his own expectations. He refused to allow himself to look like a novice.
He had to change his strategy. Another thing he hated doing.
His character was fast. It was a powerful attacker too. The character itself was strong. It could beat hers. But not with the way he was playing the game. He had to find a different way to counter her attacks. He had to exploit her weaknesses. During the last round she waited till the time was depleted fairly well before she started her attacks. So, he had to work around that. He'd have to build a defense of dodging, right? He would have to still try to attack through her defenses and than avoid taking damage when she unleashed her hidden power. He'd have to give it a try. It was the only chance he really had.
The second round began after the game informed him that her character had won. This time he was careful with his attacks. He wasn't as forceful. His attacks seemed calculated. Not predictable. He was waiting for the moment she decided to strike. Because at that moment he'd shrivel up and try to block, dodge, and counter all her attacks. He'd never been a big defensive player, but he'd give it a try if it brought victory.
He'd tell you he didn't mind losing to your face every day of the week. But when it really came down to it, he hated it. He despised the idea of falling short of his own expectations. He refused to allow himself to look like a novice.
He had to change his strategy. Another thing he hated doing.
His character was fast. It was a powerful attacker too. The character itself was strong. It could beat hers. But not with the way he was playing the game. He had to find a different way to counter her attacks. He had to exploit her weaknesses. During the last round she waited till the time was depleted fairly well before she started her attacks. So, he had to work around that. He'd have to build a defense of dodging, right? He would have to still try to attack through her defenses and than avoid taking damage when she unleashed her hidden power. He'd have to give it a try. It was the only chance he really had.
The second round began after the game informed him that her character had won. This time he was careful with his attacks. He wasn't as forceful. His attacks seemed calculated. Not predictable. He was waiting for the moment she decided to strike. Because at that moment he'd shrivel up and try to block, dodge, and counter all her attacks. He'd never been a big defensive player, but he'd give it a try if it brought victory.
GhastlySquash
Two Thousand Club
Suzu continued with the same strategy, but noticed his change of pace. She hadn't expected the defense and suddenly her attacks were no longer doing the damage they were use to doing. As the clock chimed down, Suzu saw that her character had nearly fallen to below zero.
This round belonged to Carter. In a way, she was happy for her Senpai, but she was also angry at the game. She hadn't expected her prey to change tactics so quickly. She'd barely been able to change her own strategy. But there was one difference that she did note. He was still going strong in the first attack, trying to win the first game but not doing too well in the end game.
It was clear his defenses weren't strong. She heard a groan from somewhere in the back, but didn't pay much mind to who it was. She was still in the zone. It was the kind of blank feeling where emotions were separated into hate and desire. Where smiles were reserved when the objective was completed and when she had complete control.
And now, she could see her reflection in the temporary black screen that signaled the next round. She was beaming. This was a hunt. Her prey was trying to give her a challenge. And she was not going to back down.
This time, she held up the same defenses as usual, but instead of saving her attacks for the end, she began dispensing them whenever he tried to move into a defensive position. The transition was enough for her to land punches.
He was good, but she was determined.
This round belonged to Carter. In a way, she was happy for her Senpai, but she was also angry at the game. She hadn't expected her prey to change tactics so quickly. She'd barely been able to change her own strategy. But there was one difference that she did note. He was still going strong in the first attack, trying to win the first game but not doing too well in the end game.
It was clear his defenses weren't strong. She heard a groan from somewhere in the back, but didn't pay much mind to who it was. She was still in the zone. It was the kind of blank feeling where emotions were separated into hate and desire. Where smiles were reserved when the objective was completed and when she had complete control.
And now, she could see her reflection in the temporary black screen that signaled the next round. She was beaming. This was a hunt. Her prey was trying to give her a challenge. And she was not going to back down.
This time, she held up the same defenses as usual, but instead of saving her attacks for the end, she began dispensing them whenever he tried to move into a defensive position. The transition was enough for her to land punches.
He was good, but she was determined.
singularsins
you can be good.
Carter realized as the third round began that perhaps he'd misjudged Suzu. She was flexible, seeing as she'd suddenly shifted to a new strategy following her defeat in the second round. She landed hits when he tried to shift into a defensive line of action. She was moving in what he'd call random patterns. It didn't hold any order in his mind.
Seeing her new strategy, he decided he'd just have to try to work through it. He worked to counter a couple of her punches, though she was able to hit him several times because he didn't transition fast enough. He, too, worked to hit her when he found a viable weak spot. He managed a few hits. That alone, for the moment, gave him some satisfaction.
The timer was ticking down. He could feel each second passing by like he could feel the blood coursing through his very veins. It was a matter of seconds, he knew, and then the match would be over. His health was depleted to some degree. But, so was hers. It was these last couple of moments that would prove most vital.
He could hear Hiro talking in the background. He couldn't focus on what he was saying, but he sounded worried. He gritted his teeth, slightly aggrivated. He hated losing. Would Hiro let him ever hear the end of it if he lost?
He continued to press buttons on the control panel, trying to work around her strategy. She was good though. She still managed to hit him various times. Thankfully, he was able to land some more hits too.
At leat if he lost, he gave it his all, right?
The timer ran out. Carter quickly looked up to see who had been the victor.
The second he looked up he wasn't sure what to feel. All he knew was that he could hear loud cheering.
Hikari was immediately at his side, placing a delicate hand on his shouder reassuringly. Hiro, too, was by his side. He gave him a firm pat on the back.
"Always next time, right?" Hiro asked, smiling.
Yeah, right. Always next time.
Seeing her new strategy, he decided he'd just have to try to work through it. He worked to counter a couple of her punches, though she was able to hit him several times because he didn't transition fast enough. He, too, worked to hit her when he found a viable weak spot. He managed a few hits. That alone, for the moment, gave him some satisfaction.
The timer was ticking down. He could feel each second passing by like he could feel the blood coursing through his very veins. It was a matter of seconds, he knew, and then the match would be over. His health was depleted to some degree. But, so was hers. It was these last couple of moments that would prove most vital.
He could hear Hiro talking in the background. He couldn't focus on what he was saying, but he sounded worried. He gritted his teeth, slightly aggrivated. He hated losing. Would Hiro let him ever hear the end of it if he lost?
He continued to press buttons on the control panel, trying to work around her strategy. She was good though. She still managed to hit him various times. Thankfully, he was able to land some more hits too.
At leat if he lost, he gave it his all, right?
The timer ran out. Carter quickly looked up to see who had been the victor.
The second he looked up he wasn't sure what to feel. All he knew was that he could hear loud cheering.
Hikari was immediately at his side, placing a delicate hand on his shouder reassuringly. Hiro, too, was by his side. He gave him a firm pat on the back.
"Always next time, right?" Hiro asked, smiling.
Yeah, right. Always next time.
GhastlySquash
Two Thousand Club
(Hmmm, up to you who wins, I'll just keep it vague for now)
The light flashed back in Suzu's eyes as Saki tried to lift her up. "Dang Suzu! I never thought I'd see you give Carter a run for his money! That match was crazy!"
"That was amazing!" Shino clapped. "I thought both of you did extremely well. It was really exciting."
Suzu just gave a modest smile. "Oh, I was just thankful for the opportunity to fight a legend." She turned to Carter, and for the third time this day, her eye twitched. She was glad that she was under the restrains of Saki's bear hug and Shino's pat on the back or she'd have probably cut Hikari's arm off.
That shoulder was reserved for Suzu. How dare she touch him. Same with Hiro. Shoulder blades were very delicate. What if he'd been hurt? If they ever laid a hand on his little head, Suzu would annihilate them.
After accepting a few more remarks from the onlookers, Suzu made her way to Carter, putting on a bright smile as she did so. "That was some match, huh?"
She smiled, moving...just a bit closer. "You haven't lost your skills at all. I mean, it was really something. I needed luck just to survive one round."
"Say, let's take the two pros out for some grub, huh?" Saki suggested, a sly look on her face. "I saw a nice cafe across the street. Who's game?"
The light flashed back in Suzu's eyes as Saki tried to lift her up. "Dang Suzu! I never thought I'd see you give Carter a run for his money! That match was crazy!"
"That was amazing!" Shino clapped. "I thought both of you did extremely well. It was really exciting."
Suzu just gave a modest smile. "Oh, I was just thankful for the opportunity to fight a legend." She turned to Carter, and for the third time this day, her eye twitched. She was glad that she was under the restrains of Saki's bear hug and Shino's pat on the back or she'd have probably cut Hikari's arm off.
That shoulder was reserved for Suzu. How dare she touch him. Same with Hiro. Shoulder blades were very delicate. What if he'd been hurt? If they ever laid a hand on his little head, Suzu would annihilate them.
After accepting a few more remarks from the onlookers, Suzu made her way to Carter, putting on a bright smile as she did so. "That was some match, huh?"
She smiled, moving...just a bit closer. "You haven't lost your skills at all. I mean, it was really something. I needed luck just to survive one round."
"Say, let's take the two pros out for some grub, huh?" Saki suggested, a sly look on her face. "I saw a nice cafe across the street. Who's game?"
singularsins
you can be good.
((Oh. xD I was vaguely trying to make it sound like Carter had lost. Haha. I didn't want to take the win from her.))
"Haven't lost 'em yet. But I'll need to improve on them if I'm going to compete with you. You did a great job. I'm proud of you. Really." Carter said softly, his expression the embodiment of joy that his friend had won. He even reached over, carefully, a gave her a pat on the shoulder. Yet, on the inside, he felt more disgusted with himself than anything. He wouldn't be caught dead in this arcade again until he did some major gaming practice at home.
But, for now, he would keep up a happy facade. No need to spoil Suzu's win with negativity.
"I'm happy to go out. If the winner welcomes me and my buddies, that is." He commented, gesturing to Hiro and Kai, who had somehow materialized in the last little while.
Hikari slowly let her hand fall from Carter's shoulder. Yet, she remained rather close to his side. She was smiling, glad to see that he appeared cheerful despite his loss.
"Although, I suppose it's madatory I tag along. Loser pays after all." He chuckled, finding it was easy to feign such positve feelings.
"Yes!" Hiro suddenly chimed in, before he was lightly smacked in the head with a book by Kai. "Ow!"
He rubbed at his head, but quieted down. Kai, too, didn't comment on the matter of the match, although he'd made it over to see who had been the winner. He figured it was best to not discuss the loss with Carter right now. He knew how he was about these matters.
"Shall we go then?" Carter asked, though he didn't necessarily wait for anyone's response. He began to walk towards the door, feeling rather peckish.
"Haven't lost 'em yet. But I'll need to improve on them if I'm going to compete with you. You did a great job. I'm proud of you. Really." Carter said softly, his expression the embodiment of joy that his friend had won. He even reached over, carefully, a gave her a pat on the shoulder. Yet, on the inside, he felt more disgusted with himself than anything. He wouldn't be caught dead in this arcade again until he did some major gaming practice at home.
But, for now, he would keep up a happy facade. No need to spoil Suzu's win with negativity.
"I'm happy to go out. If the winner welcomes me and my buddies, that is." He commented, gesturing to Hiro and Kai, who had somehow materialized in the last little while.
Hikari slowly let her hand fall from Carter's shoulder. Yet, she remained rather close to his side. She was smiling, glad to see that he appeared cheerful despite his loss.
"Although, I suppose it's madatory I tag along. Loser pays after all." He chuckled, finding it was easy to feign such positve feelings.
"Yes!" Hiro suddenly chimed in, before he was lightly smacked in the head with a book by Kai. "Ow!"
He rubbed at his head, but quieted down. Kai, too, didn't comment on the matter of the match, although he'd made it over to see who had been the winner. He figured it was best to not discuss the loss with Carter right now. He knew how he was about these matters.
"Shall we go then?" Carter asked, though he didn't necessarily wait for anyone's response. He began to walk towards the door, feeling rather peckish.
GhastlySquash
Two Thousand Club
Just the feel of his hand on her shoulder gave Suzu a sense of euphoria. Oh how she wanted to pet his hair, and kiss him on the cheek. But there were too many people. And Hiraki was there too. Instead, she simply gave a polite bow. "To the contrary, you're still the pro in my eyes. How about we throw the losers and winners aside and just have dinner as friends, yes?"
"Oh c'mon Suzu!" Saki facepalmed. "We could've gotten free food-"
Shino was the one that put her hand over Saki's face. "Suzu's right. We shouldn't rub it in. I think it was a close match after all."
As Carter walked ahead, Suzu quickly followed from behind. "Hey wait for us!" She tried to walk next to him on their way to the restaurant, but Shino had asked her to help control Saki.
Finally, the group reached the restaurant, and were promptly seated.
"Oh c'mon Suzu!" Saki facepalmed. "We could've gotten free food-"
Shino was the one that put her hand over Saki's face. "Suzu's right. We shouldn't rub it in. I think it was a close match after all."
As Carter walked ahead, Suzu quickly followed from behind. "Hey wait for us!" She tried to walk next to him on their way to the restaurant, but Shino had asked her to help control Saki.
Finally, the group reached the restaurant, and were promptly seated.
singularsins
you can be good.
The group was seated at a booth in one of the corners of the restaurant. Carter had slid towards the middle with Hiro and Kai managing to slide in on either side of him. Hikari had sat next to Hiro because they'd exchanged small talk on the way over to the restaurant.
The waitress had came by with a prize winning smile. "Greetings. I'll be your waitress, Ami." She said, setting the menus on one side so they could be passed along to the others. "I'll be back momentarily to take your drink orders, okay?" Her smile remained intact as she spoke before she hurried off.
Hiro, Carter, and Kai immediately opened their menus and began trying to figure out the best food for all three of them to order. They'd never been to this particular cafe before and everytime they went to a need eating establishment they all got the same exact thing. It was a tradition for them.
"I think this looks good." Hiro pointed at something but Kai shook his head.
"C'mon, live a little man." Carter retorted before slowly setting his menu down and looking to the girls with a curious gaze. "Ladies, would you mind helping us hopeless boys? What looks good?"
"You make it sound like we're inadequate in choosing our own food." Kai mumbled.
"Sometimes I think we are." Carter said, leaning back. Calmly, he added,"At least I know what I'm getting to drink."
Hiro and Kai exchanged glances before saying in unison,"Coffee."
Carter laughed softly before looking to the girls once more, awaiting their advice.
"I'm not sure...." Hikari chimed in. "But this pasta dish looks good. Maybe that?"
The waitress had came by with a prize winning smile. "Greetings. I'll be your waitress, Ami." She said, setting the menus on one side so they could be passed along to the others. "I'll be back momentarily to take your drink orders, okay?" Her smile remained intact as she spoke before she hurried off.
Hiro, Carter, and Kai immediately opened their menus and began trying to figure out the best food for all three of them to order. They'd never been to this particular cafe before and everytime they went to a need eating establishment they all got the same exact thing. It was a tradition for them.
"I think this looks good." Hiro pointed at something but Kai shook his head.
"C'mon, live a little man." Carter retorted before slowly setting his menu down and looking to the girls with a curious gaze. "Ladies, would you mind helping us hopeless boys? What looks good?"
"You make it sound like we're inadequate in choosing our own food." Kai mumbled.
"Sometimes I think we are." Carter said, leaning back. Calmly, he added,"At least I know what I'm getting to drink."
Hiro and Kai exchanged glances before saying in unison,"Coffee."
Carter laughed softly before looking to the girls once more, awaiting their advice.
"I'm not sure...." Hikari chimed in. "But this pasta dish looks good. Maybe that?"
