Video[03]

[47_l0w]

[When the video feed clicks on, Atsuro appears (quite human, thanks) looking more than a little dejected, sitting on the floor, his back against the side of bed. For a long while, the feed doesn't change - almost as if it had stilled - before Atsuro's eyes open with a jolt

Comments

[notjust_risette]

[It's been a while since Rise has spoken with Atsuro and she feels bad that it had to be over something like this...]

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry, Atsuro-kun.

[47_l0w]

[Atsuro offers her a smile - or as much of one as he can manage right now.]

Nah, don't be. These thing happen, right?

[notjust_risette]

Yeah, it does... but I know they still hurt.

[Rise's had so many friends leave. Some came back, most of them didn't. She knew very well how Atsuro felt now.]

[47_l0w]

Haha... ["It does, huh..." is what he'd like to say, but at the same time, he can't, because for a brief instant he sees Yuzu in the other girl.] But it's not something that can be helped, so it's better not to get too down over it.

[notjust_risette]

[She smiles a reassuringly, and somewhat surprised to see that he seems to be dealing with it well.] You're being really mature about it.

[47_l0w]

Am I? [And for a moment it feels - and maybe looks - like it'll all come crashing down.

His next words are a little quiet, a little too forced.]

Otherwise I feel a little too useless I guess. [A laugh, but it's a laugh with no mirth in it.]

[notjust_risette]

[Rise bites her lip a little at that reaction.]

...Atsuro-kun. Don't think that. I'm sure Kiyoshi-kun doesn't think you're useless at all.

[47_l0w]

Sorry... I shouldn't have put it like that. [Don't make that face... It makes him feel bad.] Looks like him leaving is affecting me a little more than I thought.

[notjust_risette]

Yeah, I kinda get you. It'll be weirder though if it didn't affect you at all.

[She may not get as depressed as she used to when her friends leave but that didn't mean she's become apathetic about it.]

[47_l0w]

Haha true... [Although during that week... Man, he's sometimes surprised he found out what emotions were again, after all that.]

Thanks for checking in one me, Rise-san. [...Or Kujikawa-san? ...That week had made everything confusing.] I really apprecate it.

[notjust_risette]

[She's fine with Rise-san, honestly. It's not a big deal. And here, have a reassuring smile.]

It's no problem, Atsuro-kun. Don't worry about it.

[47_l0w]

[The smile on Atsuro's face is now far more genuine than simply forced or not there at all.]

Alright, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks again, Rise-san. We should talk more later, huh?

[notjust_risette]

Yeah. If you need anything, just give me a call.