Forum Thread

“Ooh. Pretty name. Nice to meet you, Nightrekra, my name’s Wei En. Cool talent, I’m the Ultimate Hacker.” She gives Bubbles a push, and the robot rolls through the air to hover beside Nightrekra. “This is Bubbles. My personal memory storage and handyman, helper and bossyboots. Didn’t used to have friends, so I made on of my own! Now Bubbles is my forever companion, least till I update her system.”

Amelia Rivera's POV

It was a curious thing, to hear just how dismal Kei was about their whole situation. Here she was, presenting herself as someone who saw humanity in such an overidealized light, and yet she was pessimistic about the situation. Amelia almost wondered if the best thing someone could do for such a person was to put her out of her misery.

It seemed contradictory to her behavior earlier, to be so sure that the only way out was to kill or be killed. Could her earlier personality have been a facade, or was this merely another brief glimpse of her that Amelia had not yet seen? It was too early to tell.

Speaking of too early to tell... Amelia was not an optimistic person, but she saw no reason in giving in to the notion that they wouldn't be able to make it out without killing or being killed. It would all depend on how thorough the person or people behind this whole thing had been.

She smiled again for a swift second before immediately stifling the expression as Kei said she appreciated her words. She was not used to hearing such a thing.

Amelia immediately internally scolded herself at the thought. If this girl flattered her too much, she might let her guard down, say something she shouldn't, and then where would she be?

"We can't be sure of that. I heard someone mention we could wait for help. We also have not yet looked for potential exits." She paused thoughtfully. "The question is of how thorough the people behind this are. I think we should properly assess the full scale of the situation before assuming death to be the only option."

It's certainly not the only option, but, oh, it could be an option for sure.

Amelia actually found herself wondering. Who here would make the best victim if a killer had to choose? It was a difficult and rather interesting question, as there were a lot of factors.

Well, anyone could be, if the circumstances were right.

...couldn't they?

---

Kei's gaze met Amelia's as she absorbed her thoughts, recognizing the underlying skepticism and pragmatism in Amelia's perspective. The complex interplay of doubt, curiosity, and hope in Amelia's expression mirrored the intricate tapestry of emotions that characterized their shared predicament. Kei's willingness to share her own uncertainties had unveiled a reciprocal honesty in Amelia, sparking a connection that defied the surface-level interactions of their peers.

She found herself trusting the girl further.

Amelia's counterpoint to Kei's earlier assertion resonated, revealing a layer of depth that Kei found compelling. The dichotomy between Kei's typically optimistic worldview and her current admission of skepticism was one Amelia didn't seem afraid to address head-on. Kei appreciated Amelia's straightforward approach, her mind shifting gears to consider the alternative possibilities.

"You're right," Kei conceded, her voice carrying a thoughtful tone. "We can't simply assume the worst without exploring other avenues." Kei's gaze shifted, a contemplative expression settling on her features.

"Yet while the prospect of waiting for help or uncovering potential exits does introduce a glimmer of hope," Kei continued, her voice steady. "We must also bear in mind that the creators of this scenario might have accounted for such strategies. The unknown variables make it a challenging puzzle to decipher. It is my assumption that someone who has taken such great care to orchestrate this game would have barred all exits. They cannot leave any room for error. All it takes is one group of survivors to escape, and this replicable situation is ruined by their testimony. I had never heard of Hope's Peak when I recieved my keycard... it seems that this institution has run similar simulations before. There have been other years with abnormal death rates." Kei's mind was already calculating, considering the layers of potential strategies that the orchestrators of this twisted game might have implemented.

Kei's gaze shifted back to Amelia, a mutual understanding passing between them. "Assessing the situation thoroughly before jumping to conclusions is undoubtedly a wise approach." Kei's words were a testament to her analytical nature, her willingness to delve into the nuances of their predicament.

"Now more than ever, there's value in forging connections, in finding allies who can work together to navigate the complexity ahead. If you... understand what I mean?" The anthropologist often went over peoples' heads, her mind shifting light years ahead of those of her conversdation partners, spurred on by some obscure piece of philosophical or anthropological analysis. She did not want to alienate a potential friend.

Kei's Moment of Embarrassment and Self-Doubt:
A faint hue of embarrassment tinged Kei's cheeks as she realized the verbosity of her response. Her initial openness had led her into a discourse more combative than she intended, and for a fleeting moment, she found herself reverting to her more awkward self. Self-doubt whispered at the edges of her thoughts, a nagging reminder that she might have revealed too much, spoken too candidly.

Her eyes momentarily averted Amelia's gaze, her voice quieter as she added, "I, um, tend to overthink things sometimes. Sorry if I got carried away. It's just... this whole situation has me doubting even the simplest things."

Her words carried a touch of vulnerability, a peek into the inner conflict that occasionally tugged at Kei's typically composed demeanor. It was as if the mask of optimism had momentarily slipped, revealing the anxieties that sometimes lurked beneath the surface.

---

Amelia Rivera's POV

Of course she was right. And yet it was still somehow reassuring for Kei to say so. They had to make sure the situation was actually as bad as it seemed before jumping to doomed conclusions. Although, frankly, Amelia was expecting somebody to turn and kill one of their fellow classmates. I mean, realistically, it made sense!

The people here were Ultimates, masters of their class, all apparently brought here with the sole purpose of... Huh. That was interesting. Why was this purge happening? Could it be that someone was seeking to sabotage the future of society, by getting all the talented people to turn upon one another? Could it be that someone was seeking some sort of revenge? Was it all just some kind of experiment? It could be one of, or more of these reasons, or something Amelia could not yet fathom.

But something lit up in Amelia's eyes, if only slightly, upon hearing Kei mention that the person who was behind this may have been thorough in their approach.

"I was thinking that, actually. We have no idea who is behind this. And for all we know, they could slip up."

Amelia Rivera found herself... Concerned, however, at how open Kei seemed with someone who was almost a stranger. Barely an acquaintance. She was actually having many of these same thoughts on the situation, and, yet, the fact Kei was so open with these thoughts was a vulnerability.

She sighed. "It's alright, I get it. However, I thought I should warn you... Try not to share too many of your thoughts out loud. At least not with everyone. Someone might try to exploit you for it."

She then wondered if she had gone too far in saying this, and told Kei, "However, you seem to have observed quite a good deal about our situation. I think that like you said, it's important to form alliances. It might be ideal for us to branch out to... at least two or three more people. Being alone is the most foolish thing someone can do in these circumstances."

Grouping together, not ticking anyone off, revealing no particular vulnerabilities, and keeping a cool and level head. These were the most important parts of this situation, and Amelia quietly reached into her bag to carefully write these things down upon her notepad, before slipping it back into her bag.

She had had an off feeling about this place from the start, though she hadn't thought she'd walk into a Killing Game.

For a moment, she almost felt a little guilty. Kei at the very least heavily seemed to be what she appeared as. And here Amelia was, wondering whether she should try to just survive, or, take the life of someone else here.

She found it particularly fascinating that as open as Kei seemed, she had not yet disclosed her talent. Amelia wasn't so sure about asking her what it was, as, if she revealed her own, Kei might be disturbed and any potential trust might be broken. But, if she was found out to be lying about her talent, that might be even worse.

Amelia decided just not to act in that regard for now, until she was sure of what to do.

"I suggest that we introduce ourselves to other students. We can form alliances with them. Then, we should explore this building to understand the full extent of our predicament."

And maybe... To figure out who may prove to make a good target.

The timid one, who had run off from the others, to try to defend themself, was foolishly isolating themself. Getting fearful from the start would affect their rationale, although it might also ready them too much to any threat. Calming them down and killing them might be the best option.

Because anyone who didn't act carefully in this situation would probably get themselves killed. And the killer among them might find someone's death a small price to pay for freedom.

And Amelia was interested to see who would break first.

---

Amelia's warning, however, struck a chord of realization within Kei. Her vulnerability had been inadvertently exposed, her willingness to openly share her thoughts now cast in a new light. Doubt and unease crept into the corners of her mind, a reflection of her tendency to trust too easily, to believe in the good intentions of those she encountered.

Yuna, Antoinette, and others from her past echoed in her memories – people she had once trusted implicitly, only to find her faith shattered by their actions. Times she had been hurt, taken advantage of, and worse...

Amelia's counsel, though well-intentioned, unearthed a layer of self-doubt that Kei grappled with. Her desire to connect, to build alliances, was noble, but the reality of their situation made it difficult to discern friend from foe. Kei's inner monologue was a mixture of introspection and mild self-reproach, a reminder of her propensity to trust even in the face of potential danger.

"Introducing ourselves to others and forming alliances does sound like a strategic approach," Kei responded, her voice carrying a touch of newfound caution.

She appreciated Amelia's practicality, her ability to navigate the complexities of their predicament. As Kei's thoughts flitted between their conversation and her own introspections, she realized the irony of her actions. In her quest to connect with others, she might have inadvertently placed herself at a disadvantage.

A self-deprecating chuckle escaped Kei's lips, a fleeting acknowledgment of her tendency to dive headfirst into conversations. "I tend to be a bit too excessive, don't I?" she admitted, her voice tinged with an embarrassed laugh. "Guess I got carried away again."

Yet Kei trusted Amelia completely. It seemed strange after one conversation, and it was probably misplaced, but her extremely trusting nature was having its say. She smiled, desperately wanting Amelia to like her.

So the cycle began.

Again.

---

Amelia Rivera's POV

Amelia noticed the difference in Kei's tone. It seemed that Amelia had helped her to enter a new mindset. The right mindset for a Killing Game. She couldn't help but wonder why she was doing this, she could of course just leave her to flounder. But of course, trust was important to maintaining this alliance.

Besides, it did fulfill the objective of "don't tick anyone off". She just hoped she wouldn't wind up saying or doing anything she'd regret because of this. She wasn't sure how she felt about Kei, exactly. She seemed pretty trustworthy to her, but... what if it was all an act? She'd have to still be careful.

The whole "nice girl" thing could certainly be an act.

"I tend to be a bit too excessive, don't I? Guess I got carried away again."

When she saw the look upon Kei Oshima's face, Amelia felt a melancholic pang within her, like a sad, musical chord that had just been unexpectedly struck. This girl seemed so unsure of herself, and so kind, so genuine. But she kept telling herself, it could be an act, it could be an act. She had to be prepared for a turn for the worse at any moment.

That was... how people were. You could only truly walk the world alone, without taking any risks. It was the best way for things to be, the path of least mistakes, least regrets.

She stared intently at Kei, her breathing very scarce and almost silent as she did so. Her eyes seeming to pass right through her.

"You do. Somewhat. But it's not inherently a bad thing."

Amelia was feeling slightly uncomfortable now. She was wasting time at this point, continuing to converse with this girl would only make her a target. And possibly Kei as well. If that mattered.

An uneasy silence hung for a few minutes before Amelia finally spoke.

"I think we should... converse with our other classmates now."

She didn't want to get too close to this girl. She was giving her mixed feelings, and probably none of them would turn out to be a good thing.

---

Amelia's response held a complexity that didn't go unnoticed by Kei, a sense of caution intermingled with a willingness to engage in their alliance. The recognition that her words had spurred a change in Kei's mindset stirred a mix of emotions within her – a sense of accomplishment, a twinge of uncertainty, and a curiosity about Amelia's true intentions. As Amelia navigated the intricate dance of trust and suspicion, Kei found herself pondering the enigma before her.

Amelia's words, however measured, carried a weight that left Kei momentarily vulnerable. Her gaze met Amelia's, a mixture of understanding and vulnerability reflected within. The melancholic pang that seemed to reverberate through Amelia's words resonated with Kei, a reminder of the complexity of their predicament and the ever-present uncertainty that threaded through their interactions.

If only she knew.

It was a bittersweet realization, the understanding that her excessive openness might leave her exposed in a game where vulnerability was a liability. Yet, Kei couldn't change, even if she wanted to.

Amelia's suggestion to shift their focus to conversing with their classmates was a logical one, a calculated move in their shared pursuit of forming alliances. Kei's mind recognized the strategic significance of Amelia's words, acknowledging the importance of expanding their network. Yet, amidst the tactical considerations, a faint pang of hurt nestled within Kei's heart.

"Indeed, you're right," Kei responded, her tone a blend of understanding and acknowledgment. "Conversing with our fellow classmates is a wise step to take. We need to establish connections to navigate this situation effectively." Her words held the practicality of the moment, but the subdued emotions that flickered within her were a testament to the attachment she had already formed.

What was she if not flawed?

As they prepared to depart from their current conversation, Kei couldn't help but feel a twinge of rejection, a roaring echo of vulnerability that lingered beneath the surface. She turned away, a physical reset to accompany the mental reminder, trying to shake herself out of her emotional state.

She took direction well, she always had. Amelia wanted her to go be social, so social she would be.

Kei set off in search of the next person to connect with.

---

Jirou's brows lifted in mild surprise at Magnus' aggressive proclamation, his lips curving into a sardonic smile. "Well now, aren't you just a regular alchemist of destruction?" he retorted, his tone dripping with a mixture of amusement and sarcasm.

The mention of fiery potions and bone-melting concoctions painted an intriguing, if somewhat concerning, picture of Magnus' inventory.

As Magnus warned him to back off, Jirou couldn't help but chuckle softly. "No worries, big guy," he quipped, unfazed by the bluster. "I'm not really in the market for fire or goop baths today." His tone held a light jest, a playful dance around Magnus' bravado.

Jirou's gaze shifted briefly to the corner of the room where the "annoying blue-haired nerd" was stationed, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "But tell you what," he continued, leaning in a bit closer. "You could either hurt me with your fiery potions, or we could team up and unleash that creativity on someone else. Say, that annoying blue-haired nerd in the corner. Think about it, we'd make a hell of a duo." His words were laced with a challenge, a proposition that danced on the precipice of mischief.

---

"...Actually, that sounds fun."

Magnus' scowl eased up, as he started to laugh.

"God, I hate people like him. but then again, I hate everyone..."

Magnus started digging through his bag, muttering to himself.

---

Artemis was calmly reading a novel in the corner of the room, completely uninterested by the happenings of everyone around.

He hummed quietly as he read.

His eyes wandered for a moment, to his bookmark.

A little wooden bookmark decorated by pink stickers.

His eyes travelled back to the book.

---

Ezekiel grabbed something from his bag- a large book. A bible. He sat in a corner and began reading silently, trying to ignore the loud voices in the room.

"Murder? I can't murder! What about my shop?" Ichika was panicking, trying to find a way out, but Kuraim stopped her.

"There's no point in finding an escape route. I already glanced over the room, there's not even a crack in the wall." He smiled lazily, sitting on the risers. "Besides, look at all these interesting people. How about talking to them?"

"I'd love to, but only after I've left this damned building!" She yelled in frustration.

---

Kei approached Ezekiel and Ichika with a sense of purpose, her steps measured and her expression pleasant. She had a role to play, connections to forge, all in accordance with Amelia's intricate plans. As she greeted them, her thoughts remained centered on the objectives set by her new friend. She couldn't bear to disappoint Amelia.

"Hi there," she said, her voice carrying a friendly tone. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation about the building. I'm Kei." Her gaze flickered to the sizable book in Ezekiel's hands before returning to meet their eyes. She noted their unease, their reactions to the strange and chaotic gathering.

Amelia had instructed her to be sociable, to establish relationships that could be advantageous later on. Kei had always been pragmatic, never one to let personal feelings cloud her judgment. She was here to navigate these interactions strategically. Amid the intricacies of her calculated words, Kei found herself drifting into introspection, her thoughts inevitably drawn to Amelia. The depth of her connection to Amelia wasn't just strategic; it was profound, a reflection of her malleable nature finding solace in the warmth of Amelia's friendship. Meeting Amelia had been like stumbling upon a guiding light in the midst of uncertainty, a beacon that had awakened an intense loyalty and attraction.

But back to the moment at hand.

"Are you enjoying the... gathering so far?" she inquired, her smile warm yet controlled. It was a carefully measured question, intended to open a channel of conversation while gauging their sentiments. She weighed her words, considering how each response could be used to further their objectives.

---

Jirou leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he continued bantering with Magnus. The chaos of the situation had an odd way of forging connections, even among the most unlikely of allies. While his primary motivation was certainly entertainment, he couldn't help but feel a growing intrigue toward the guy sitting next to him.

His smirk widened as he picked up on Magnus' begrudging amusement. "Oh, come on, mate. You can hate everyone, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the chaos they bring," he chimed in, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Besides, there's potential entertainment in seeing someone like you take on Mr. High-and-Mighty. Just think of it as a public service."

As he spoke, his eyes casually roved over Magnus, his brain registering that the bloke was rather good-looking. However, the thought was fleeting, tucked away in a corner of his mind as he focused on the conversation. Jirou was no stranger to forming connections based on convenience, and there was something intriguing about the disgruntled aura Magnus exuded.

Despite the chaotic circumstances, Jirou was strangely drawn to the idea of being friends with Magnus. He could sense an untapped camaraderie beneath the layers of snark and disdain. The potential for a unique alliance, fueled by their shared amusement at the situation, was too tempting to ignore.

---

Amelia Rivera's POV

Amelia almost hesitated to walk away. Had she imagined it, or... Had she sensed Kei may have been a little hurt by what she had said? Or something she had done?

Oh, why would it even matter? Right?

She focused her thoughts on acquiring more new alliances in this place. Scanning the room, she noticed two people (Wei En and Nightrekra, for the reader's sake) were conversing. She wondered if she should possibly approach the person who didn't seem to care that there was a Killing Game going on, but... He didn't seem like a good option.

(* and as for Amaya, sorry Serend, you're not on right now and Amelia is kinda focusing on something else at the moment so that'll have to happen a bit later)

But could she really approach them? Interrupting a conversation was one way to piss someone off. Sure, maybe not enough for them to commit murder, but... Unlike her, some people trusted first impressions a lot more. And some might even kill someone for the smallest of reasons. There were some risks you just wouldn't take.

Still... Well, she had to start somewhere. Very quietly, she made her way over to where the two people were talking, staying a small distance away. Then again, this could be taken as eavesdropping. She paused a moment, unsure of how to begin.

"Greetings. This is an interesting--" She cut herself off unnaturally. She was staring at the robot. How long had that been there?

"-- interesting situation we have going on here," she finished. She gazed at the robot, further, in silence, for a few minutes. "Huh... Did one of you make this?"

What was it? She had to focus on the objective but... This thing, it was a robot, wasn't it? It was so remarkably fascinating.

It was almost like making life out of nothingness... wasn't it?

---

As Amelia approached, the robot’s eyes turned to ovals, letting off a melodious tinkling noise and floating over to Amelia. Wei En turned around quickly and suddenly, pink and blue ponytails swinging behind her like a whip, even making the same crack. Thankfully, they hadn’t hit anyone.

“Ooh ooh ooh. Newcomer! Hello, uh…Amelia? Yeah? That’s your name, right? Well, this here is a robot. Their name is Bubbles, and they are my robot companion, helper, manager, ehhhhh whatever ya wanna call them. They do a lot of things for me. I made it. I had several more models before them, but I eventually decided on this one. Supercool, eh?”

She tackles Bubbles, showing Amelia the thumbprint and retina scanner. “See. Latest model MVS-5296.83. Equipped with high tech sensors, x-ray vision, heat maps and a bunch of other things. Runs on the latest AI module I programmed. Intellectual capabilities through the roof, IQ of 230. The model’s named after Marilyn Vos Savant. Wouldn’t call her a sentient being, but she can definitely hold a decent conservation with you. Or at least better than Mr Grumpy Swear-Mouth over there. Cool, right? Yeah??”



Bubbles let out a series of beeps, reminding Wei En she hadn’t answered the other statement. “Killing Game? Eh. Potato, tomato, game’s just a game. You die if you die. It’s very upsetting, but I don’t see how we can get out of this situation anyways. Might as well just play along. Best case scenario we all get out alive.” Her cheery disposition was quite unfitting for this situation, and if you didn’t known better, you might just think she was insane.

Magnus laughed like a madman.

"Hoo, boy! I have a few dozen potions that could really ruin his day..."

Magnus' grin was slightly sadistic. Just slightly.

"Maybe the book, first? Ice potions are pretty well suited for that- or I could just melt it through with some acid..."

The grumpy man's entire demeanor changed, as he dug through his bag.

---

Jirou's eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and curiosity as he observed Magnus' maniacal laughter and sadistic grin. There was something strangely infectious about Magnus' enthusiasm for concoctions of chaos, a shared fascination for the unconventional. He chuckled softly, his excitement dancing at the edges of his words. "Oh, I see we've got a true artist of chaos here. Ice potions and acid? Now that's creative," he remarked, a glint of admiration underlying his tone.

Yet, as much as Jirou was intrigued by the prospect of a wild collaboration, a faint undercurrent of apprehension rippled through his thoughts. The idea of partnering up with someone who seemed to thrive on chaos was both thrilling and unnerving. He couldn't deny the allure of their potential alliance, but he also couldn't shake the thought that things might spiral out of control faster than he anticipated.

Jirou's playful smirk widened as he leaned in a bit closer, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. "Alright, big guy, you've got my attention," he conceded with a laugh. "Just remember, we're here for fun and entertainment, not... permanent damage. Let's keep the chaos contained, shall we?" His words held a lighthearted yet cautionary tone, a reminder that even in their pursuit of amusement, there were limits they shouldn't cross.

The prospect of teaming up with Magnus, while exciting, carried an air of unpredictability that Jirou couldn't ignore. It was a gamble, a leap into a partnership fueled by their shared affinity for chaos. And as the threads of their conversation wove a tapestry of possibility, Jirou found himself both excited and wary of the impending adventure.

---

Magnus stared at Jirou.

He pointed at himself, then back at him.

Magnus blinked a few times.

"...Was that a jab at my height? I'm average height. 5'7 is Average. It is."

He huffed quietly, before digging back through his bag.

"Yes, I am a servant of chaos. It's the only fun thing to do, after all."

---

Disclaimer: I wrote the first paragraph, then realized how it sounded, and backtracked in character with the second and third. It fits in perfectly with a guy denying half of his bi self. If you are easily offended, do not read the following.

Jirou:

---

Magnus stared at the teen for a moment, before starting to laugh.

"...Well, aren't you a bold one."

He let out a deep breath, continuing his search through his backpack.

"sorry, man. Not to crush your dreams or anything, but aroace over here."

Magnus snickered quietly.

---

---

---

Hotaru Tsutsumi

---

Salesing for dummies! Rule number one: price it high! That way they'll view your product as more valuable. Something to be acquired. Then, begin the bartering process!

"Currently, dollars and yen are undergoing a tank in value. I would be most obliged if you would be interested in trading in Euros." Hotaru flashed a charming smile. "Say... two million apiece, if you were?"

Rule number two: bring up a random, possibly-lying fact that makes you seem experienced. This will set them on edge and make the flow of the conversation easier to manipulate. It also helps if you steer the head to new waters- hence, trading in euros.

"The price can be negotiated, but I need to keep them at market value. The carving of a knife like this takes time. A experienced craftsman would work on these carvings for days in order to get it just right. Noblemen in Europe used to have knives like these commissioned for them, in order to stab their enemies nice and proper."

She beamed in her usual crooked way, knowing the effect such a creepy absolutely adorable smile could have! Rule number three! Tell them your piece of garbage is amazing and then go entirely off track in the hopes they won't think to question any of the bulls*hit you were spouting before!

---

---

Amaya Ono

---

Amaya nearly heaved a sigh of relief. Thank god. So he did have some allies here.

But he (probably) had more self preservation than thar, so he kept his mouth shut and merely smiled at the kid in front of him. "Looks like you're getting more roomies than you bargained for. That alright with you?"

---

---

Eris Everlast

---

Eris began to slowly back away from the group of students. She intended to find a nice quiet area to be alone for a little while. Perhaps she'd consult her tarot cards as well.

---

Emika Tenshi

---

Emika snarled angrily as her eyes confirmed what her hand suggested; her gunsen was missing. She was also missing her phone and a few of her personal chess pieces. She whipped her head back to the other students. "This is ridiculous!" She yelled out.

---

Nightrekra Shacordis

---

Nightrekra smiled wide as Wei En excitedly showed off her robo-friend. She flinched a little at the reminder of the situation, but pushed past it. She had to be strong.

---

Ichika and Ezekiel looked at Kei, slightly confused, but Ezekiel was the first to respond. He bowed slightly and kept a stoic expression on his face. "Hello." It's like his whole demeanor changed- he was actually very civil when he wanted to be. "My name is Ezekiel."

"I'm Ichika." She had come up from behind Ezekiel after a little, holding her hand out to Kei.

"It sounds like you two are having fun~" Kuraim had been listening in to the conversation Magnus and Jirou were having, and decided to tag into it. He wrapped an arm around Jirou's waist, using his other hand to grab his chin. "I wouldn't use the word bold, perhaps innocent or naive. Just look at his facial structure, it tells me that he has yet to be introduced to the monstrosities of the world."

---