video; un: whiterose [forward dated to June 29th]

[finethanks]

[Eichi decides to make his first post in riverview a video message. He looks pale and a little nervous about something, but he speaks confidently. Some people might recognize him— his face has been appearing more and more in posters and advertisements in the city for performances.]

At first I thought I was hallucinating or something along those lines, because "magic" is something that doesn't exist in my universe except as science made to look like tricks. However... it seems I've gained some sort of ability.

It may be strange to ask, but has this happened to anyone else? I'm nothing like a "hero" out of a story book or anything like that, but I certainly healed a wound. [He glances down, flipping over his own arm and frowning in his focus.] Just now, I also cut the back of my arm to test it, since it was making me doubt myself, and I was able to heal that, as well.

[He's really not the type of person who should be harming himself in any way. But despite his paleness, he's conscious! Just... definitely exhausted in appearance.]

To be honest, I feel a little faint, now, but it may be due to my elevated heart rate after all of this. I'll look forward to any answers or advice I can receive.

Comments

[finethanks]

I don't really see how this story book-like ability I've gained will make me like it any more. I can't even heal this illness of mine, you know? [ If anything, it's more salt in the wound. Mm, but Tsumugi... He does have a lot that went wrong with him. ]

Do you have any accidental injuries yourself, Tsumugi? If I could be of help in that way, I could show you without harming myself again.

[exfine]

Aside from a few hand pricks that I get from stitching, nothing too serious... [ just gonna stare at his own fingers ] But I'll let you know if I do need some healing.

Fufu, you're like one of those white mage characters in high-fantasy books. Your power really suits you a lot.

[finethanks]

Something small like that seems all the better to show you, doesn't it? Besides that, I was hoping to speak to you, Tsumugi. Are you free?

[He's obviously free enough if they're speaking like this, but he'll be polite. Especially after all he's done, again.]

Please don't compare me to something unrealistic like that, though. I don't think it suits me at all. Rather, it's like a slap in the face.

[exfine]

You can't really call it unrealistic if something like that exists here, right? But ah, I apologize.

[ He can be real cheeky sometimes. ]

But aside from doing a bit of sewing for the handicrafts club, I'm pretty much free today. What do you want to talk about?

[finethanks]

A few different things. It's rude to invite myself over, but since my room is still waiting for its second cleaning today, it's unfit for visitors. Would you mind if I came over? I could bring some tea myself, this time.

[Eichi actually making the tea???]

[exfine]

[ damn rich people and their cleaning services ]

The president of the tea club making tea for the both of us? What an honor. Please, feel free to drop by. I've been lounging here all day, so I could use a bit of company.

[finethanks]

Then if you'll allow me just a little while, I'll stop by.

[Ending the conversation on that note, Eichi spends some time trying to steady himself before he gets up to make the tea. With a cute little lunch pack of ready-to-serve tea, teacups, sugar, creme and all, he heads down to Tsumugi's floor and knocks.

He's just as pale as before, unfortunately, but at least he hasn't worsened.]

[exfine]

[ Ah, he's here. Let him just put away his materials before greeting Eichi at the door. ]

Eichi-kun, welcome. ♪ [ please, come in! ] What can I do for you today?

[finethanks]

It's just like you to offer me something after all that I've troubled you with. It was really inconvenient, you know, getting stuck back in time like that. As young as I was, I was unused to handling my own body as I do now.

[He calls this handling his body. But that aside, he steps inside, moving straight for the little table to set the tea down and serve it. See, he really made it! He looks over his shoulder at Tsumugi.]

I'm sorry, Tsumugi. I remember everything now, though you've probably already heard that things returned to normal a few days ago.

[exfine]

[ Ah, so everything's back to normal now. That's good. Tsumugi watches his prepare tea, listening to his explanation and apology, to which he waves his hand at. ]

It's fine! I'm just glad you're back to your usual self now. You were really cheeky as a second-year, you know? I almost forgot about that. It's cute.

[ Because Tsumugi's trying not to dwell on the past too much. Too bad it keeps coming back to haunt him, the more he reconnects with Eichi. Taking a cup of tea for himself, he sets it down on his lap first, letting it cool for a moment as he mulls over their conversation from back then. ]

But... About us performing again... Were you serious about that?

[finethanks]

[Eichi takes a seat himself once his own tea is poured, adding cream and sugar and stirring it idly. He still looks a little pale, and his hand is shaking a small bit, but it's nothing too over the top for his health.]

To be sent back in time to when I hadn't learned anything that I know now was a little embarrassing. I was rather cocky, wasn't I? Refusing to listen to anyone else, I moved forward without any breaks.

[Or something like that. He wouldn't call it cute, but he won't comment on that, either.]

...I was very serious at the time, and already began plans. But I suppose what you're really asking is "do you still want to?" [He looks over to Tsumugi.] Since it is just the two of us here, and I've already made some progress that I can't go back on, I'd like to perform at least once. If our theme is made to reflect on our past mistakes and new directions, is that enough for you to feel comfortable, Tsumugi?

[exfine]

[ So Eichi has already made plans even before Tsumugi can even give him his answer... Some things just never change, apparently. Still, he takes a sip of his tea to calm his nerves down, hands also shaking slightly. It's not that he doesn't trust Eichi, but... ]

That would be more than okay. [ He sounds a bit detached, but give him a moment. ] It should be fine, given that it's only the two of us, and no one would be the wiser that we're atoning for our past sins. And it's not as if we are getting back together as Fine, right?

[ At least give Tsumugi a chance to move on, even without Switch here. Natsume would be so disappointed in him if he ever finds out somehow. ]

[finethanks]

No. I wouldn't ask you to do something like that now. Our contract has ended, after all. You walked from that last stage a long time ago.

[He's just saying that casually, without realizing that it's pretty mean to bring this up.] I was thinking of how to clarify... What do you think of the group name "Higanbana?" I thought that Tsumugi, of all people, would be able to grasp my meaning.

[exfine]

[ THAT'S REALLY UNCALLED FOR BUT YOU KNOW WHAT. He got him there. So he'll try not to look too uncomfortable about that offhanded comment.

At the mention of the flower though, Tsumugi considerably brightens up. Flower language is his thing, after all! ]

Red spider lilies... the flowers of death. It's a bit dark for the both of us, but it could also mean rebirth -- it's perfect.

[ Didn't he say almost the same thing when they were naming the Oddballs... Anyway. ]

Would you mind if I make the outfits? I may not be on the same level as Shu-kun or even your tailor, but I'll do my best.

[finethanks]

I knew that I could count on you to recognize the meaning. Fufu, it's got beautiful imagery, doesn't it? And whether or not this is a one time thing or something you'd like to try again, I hope that "Higanbana" can be something for us to reflect on our past without dwelling on it. This is an entirely different step forward, isn't it?

[He finally raises his tea to his lips for a slow sip, letting that sink in as he considers the rest.] I'd love to see your work on the outfits. Rather than relying on designers, this is something that should have a personal touch. It wouldn't be the same any other way.

There is one more favor I'd like to ask before we work for our performance, however.

[exfine]

[ A nod. ] We did go through a lot of things together back then, and I'd like to put it all behind us with one last live. A closure, if you will. And this time, I'm not going to leave you behind on that stage again.

[ He really means that. Tsumugi can never forgive himself for letting Eichi figuratively bleed on the crowd after they had defeated the Oddballs, but at least he can finally redeem himself -- themselves -- with this, right? He's feeling really good about this.

He takes another sip of his tea, and his brows raise curiously at Eichi's other request. You mean there's more? ]

Of course. What is it?

[finethanks]

I was wondering if you'd like to go ice skating with me.

[He says it so suddenly, but with a warm smile that follows Tsumugi curiously.] I haven't been in Japan for over six months, but I have learned quite a lot since then. As friends, we should do something that has nothing to do with us as idols, right?

[exfine]

[ That... actually surprised Tsumugi as his eyes widened, a soft gasp escaping his lips. ]

Ice skating... What an odd request. I never knew you could skate, Eichi-kun.

[ The boy is full of surprises, as always. Eichi never ceases to amaze Tsumugi, even now. His smile is just as easygoing and kind as he thinks it over - no, he's already decided the moment Eichi asked him. ]

I'd love to. I don't know how to skate though, so I might just fall all over the ice until it cracks and swallows me up!

[ DON'T RUIN THIS ]

[finethanks]

A friend of mine who just disappeared from this place was an ice skater. His fiance, as well, once tried to teach me... but there were quite a few incidents that interrupted.

I'm certain that if we try together, it could be a fun experience. Let's keep one another from falling over, Tsumugi. ♪

[He thinks that genuinely sounds like a good time!! And now, he's going to drink his tea so Tsumugi can't look at his face too much.]

[exfine]

Ah, I won't let you fall over, Eichi-kun! Even if you have to use my body as a cushion, I don't mind.

[ don't make this worse, tsumugi

but he's still red in the face, as he raises his tea up to his mouth to keep himself from saying even worse things. he really is bad at this. ]

When do you want to go, then? After our performance?

[finethanks]

[Ah, he really wishes Tsumugi wouldn't say things like that, but he's not sure what he could say that would stop it. Pressing the issue just drags it out, doesn't it? So he ignores it, tracing his finger around the edge of his teacup, instead.]

I was going to see what you preferred. We could wait until after the performance, as something to look forward to, or we could ease our minds with something prior to it. I suppose it depends on what Tsumugi thinks is better, in this case. Since we are not "Fine," but "Higanbana," I'd like to hear your input, as well.

[exfine]

[ Right. Not Fine anymore, so it should be easy talking to Eichi about unit matters once more, no strings attached. So he relaxes. ]

Maybe we should have it after, as a reward. I really can't wait, and... I'm glad to be performing with you on the same stage again, Eichi-kun.

[ This time his smile is a lot more genuine as he extends his hand towards him. ]

Handshake~ ♪

[finethanks]

Handshake~ ♪

[Eichi takes his hand and shakes it happily himself, his own shoulders relaxing as well. This is something of a relief, even if he hadn't realized that it had been weighing down on himself as much as it had been. It's not that he regrets anything, necessarily, but he does know that it was all horrible.]

I'm looking forward to it as well, Tsumugi. Let's share what it means to be an "idol" in this place for all to see, peacefully. We can arrange to find an indoor rink to skate afterwards.

[exfine]

[ Peacefully, yes. No more bloodshed. ]

We're putting everything we've learned from Yumenosaki into this, right? Let's not let everyone down, even if they can't see us.

[ But maybe it's for the best that none of them can this collaboration. It will definitely spell trouble for everybody. ]

I'll look around as well! I'm sure there's one around here somewhere, and I hope that it's not too cold. I don't fare well in cold temperatures, you see.

[finethanks]

It is the summer time, so even if it is chillier inside, we can simply step outside to relieve ourselves. It will be a nice break from the harsher temperatures, in my case, even if I don't do well in cold myself.

[It's a balance, see? A balance. They do have to keep it really cold in this weather, though...]