touchscreens | audio, then action.

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audio, then action.

[It will take some time for a voice to be heard as the transmission begins to record. Whoever was currently at the other side of the monitor, it was clear by the silence alone that they were currently having a difficult time finding the proper words to use for the message he wishes to offer to those currently listening to him. If anyone was at this point, that is.

However, after offering a deep breath and clearing his throat, a voice will finally be heard saying the following, trying his best to sound as hollow and professional as he can, but the sadness and loneliness can still be heard underneath it all.]

To those who have had the honor to meet and speak with her, Ririchiyo Shirakiin-sama, it brings me with a heavy heart to announce that she has returned home. [Another pause, another deep breath.] ...she is no longer within Saeng Seong's borders.

[After a few moments of silence, he will finally offer the following message in the most apologetic of ways.]

I apologize. I am deeply sorry to those who had spoken to her or befriended her. But rest assure, she is safe back in her world, under the protection of her beloved family. [Another pause.] It's all I can offer as reassurance...

[He will finally end it with the following:]

Thank you very much for your time. [Maybe he should add for formality's sake.] Have a wonderful day...

[Once the transmission was over, there will be a man covered from head to toe in head sheets as he currently leaves the area. If anyone is lucky, they might be able to find the man over at the lobby of Building One or strolling the hallway of the third floor as he currently stands by room three-sixteen feeling as crestfallen as a man dressed in bed sheets can possible feel.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It was clear to Shinju that Soushi's words, once finally spoken, were meant more as a comfort to himself than anyone else. He really did care for that master of his, didn't he? It was clear he was affected by the loss.

So he answered, concerned about the emotional state his friend might be in.]

Hey, Soushi. You sound pretty down about it, but I can't blame you. Why don't we hang out for a while? Where are you?

[It will take some time for Soushi to respond to Shinju as he is trying to keep his composure under control. Under tight wraps, as usual. But for Shinju, he will allow some of his emotions to seep through -- he feels upset, but calm over the matter. Somewhat.]

I am still outside at the moment. I was pondering over the idea of heading towards her room... [The "again" will be left unsaid as he has been visiting her room for quite some time now.] However, if you wish to visit my room, then I will immediately return...

[There will be some silence as he continues to ponder over the current situation by trying to accept it all, but....]

...do you need anything before I do so? The store is close by if you need anything. [...it is easier to use his servitude act to distract himself from doing so. He doesn't want to accept his current situation. He simply doesn't want to feel the way he does. It feels too familiar and unbearable to currently accept. To accept the fact that she was gone and he was unable to resolve anything between them, it hurt more than he could have ever imagined. More than having been dismissed as her SS and more when she was taken away from him the first time around. At least, he had hope.]

Why don't we go to the store together? I'll come find you. We can go back to your room afterwards.

[It was clearly time to try and get some comfort food for Soushi. Maybe once they got back inside, the man would be more willing to talk about his feelings over the matter.

He was grateful for the phone he'd purchased, as it easily allowed him to keep in contact with Soushi as he left to find him. Hopefully it wouldn't take him very long.]

...if you wish to do so, then certainly.

[He didn't have any qualms with the idea or suggestion instead he appreciated the offer.]

I'll await for you by the phone. It is by the corner of the first building. The same spot where we first met.

[Hopefully, Shinju still remembered the area. While Shinju was heading towards his area, Soushi will remove the bedsheets over his body and begin to fold it neatly before placing it over his arm. There was no need to startle or further worry his friend further than necessary.]

Haha... alright. [He guessed he was helping Soushi during a different kind of crisis this time.] I'll be there shortly.

[True to his word, it only took him a few minutes after he hung up to find Soushi at the booth where he'd first found the man half-collapsed. He was a little curious at the sheets hanging on his arm as he approached, but he was more worried about other things at the moment. He gave the man a small smile and raised a hand in greeting.]

Hey. Ready to head to the store?

[Soushi will turn his attention towards Shinju after having heard his greeting. It was a miracle he had heard him. Then again, he knew he was coming, so it would have been rude to block out his surroundings again.

A polite smile will follow as he bows his head slightly.]

Good day, Shinju-san. Thank you very much for coming down today. [A nod.] Yes, I am ready to go whenever you are.

[He will begin to take a few steps forward once it was decided on to begin moving while he continues to hold onto the blanket as closely as he could to his body.]

You don't have to thank me. [Though Soushi was trying to act like his normal self, Shinju didn't forget the tone that had slipped into his voice during his post. He started to walk alongside the man, watching him for a few moments. Operation: Help Soushi Feel Better had begun.]

You like sweets, right? [He remembered their visit to the cafe the previous month.] What would you say is your favorite?

[Soushi's expressions will show his usual formal smiles, but it was clear they were a little more forced than usual. It was difficult to remain as he is. His guilt were currently gnawing at him from the back of his mind as he began to realize the amount of regrets he had for allowing himself to keep his distance from her. What was he thinking for allowing her to be alone? She might have suffered...

With the thought of his master currently in pain, his expression will seem more lonesome until he realizes that Shinju had asked for his favorite....was it a meal? He will have to think it over.]

...I eat them whenever I am up to it, yes. But I do not particularly have a favorite. [Then his expression will soften as he admits.] Ririchiyo-sama does not have much of a sweet tooth, but she does enjoy a Lemon and Raspberry Dacquoise. French cuisine was her most preferred cuisine. I would always buy a French dessert whenever she needed to cheer up... [There will be a sigh as he realizes it has been months since he has done so for her...]

Do you think you're up to it now?

[Shinju didn't miss the forced nature of his expression and the hesitance in his answer, and he moved to put a hand on Soushi's shoulder.]

You don't have to smile all the time, you know.

...I suppose so...

[He really did not have any reason to reject an offer of food especially from someone he knew and trusted; even if he has not eaten anything in quite some time. It might be a good idea to eat a meal today.

But then at Shinju's advice over him not having to smile, Soushi's expression will remain formal, but he will allow his expression to slightly weakened. Only slightly. There will be a slight shake of his head.]

...I do not believe I will be able to change my facial expression at the moment. If I do so, then...I fear I'll only wear a nondescript expression on my face. [But a fatigued expression will appear as he admits.] This is the only expression I can offer that seems appropriate...

Just do whatever you feel like you want. You don't have to worry about keeping up a happy face for my sake.

[He tried to give him a small encouraging smile of his own. They were almost to the store, so...] How about some pie or something? I bet they have some pre-made we can just put in the oven.

[Having heard Shinju's words over the matter of not being forced to act like everything was all right, Soushi will ponder over the thought as he holds back an astonished expression because it was the first time anyone has asked him in a straight-forward manner to behave like himself. No, he was not entirely the first as his master have requested him to act like himself around her before as well. But that was a long time ago...

He will allow his expression to slight weaken by the memory until he heard Shinju's idea of baking a pie, it was more than enough to make a weak smile appear.]

...only if you're going to be in charge of the baking and cleaning afterwards. [Then a bit sheepishly he will add:] I need your help to keep myself from burning down my room... [There. He is trying to be funny. Keyword being "trying" as he was semi-serious over his request because he really does need someone to help make certain he doesn't forget about the pie.]

[Soushi's attempt at joking surprised Shinju for a short moment, but it brought a smile to his face. Maybe Soushi was willing to open up to him a bit after all.]

I'll take care of it. Today I'm the one serving you, so just let me know if there's anything I can do.

[With that, he entered the store and began to head towards the frozen section to see what they had to offer.]

Serving me?

[The other young man's words will definitely catch his attention as he did not expect it hear those words from him. Soushi knew he was the type that wished to help others, but he could not help feel uneasy by it. To be served by someone else, he could not help realize the faults of it. How long has it been since he last had someone serving him? He could not help be reminded of the first person he had...wronged.

His expression will show some signs of guilt as he simply nods his head. Nothing more will be said as he enters the store, following after Shinju while holding onto the bedsheets on his arms a little more tightly now.]

[He didn't miss the look on Soushi's face, though he didn't catch it immediately, his attention initially taken by finding a treat for them to share. He wondered if he'd worded that the wrong way. He'd only meant it as something of a lighthearted remark regarding Soushi's normal behavior towards him, but...

... well, it seemed like they had to talk about. But pie first, so he guided Soushi to the selection of frozen desserts.]

Any preferences? You have to like some fruits more than others.

[His attention will turn to the selection as he begins to eye them. He would normally ask Shinju for his favorite, but he thought it would be best not to as he was the one serving him now. He will look through the selections, deep in thought about which flavor to choose from. After a while, he will finally decide on two flavors -- one of grape and the other of apple.]

...these are Ririchiyo-sama's favorite flavors...

[He will take both of the boxes out, held them both, and continue to stare at both while wondering which to choose from, but knew only one should be taken. Showing Shinju the boxes in his hands.]

Which flavor do you most enjoy?

[It would seem as though he was at a loss in which flavor to take and it was definitely a serious question.]

[He was almost amused by how seriously he was taking it (and that he still was focused on Ririchiyo as far as what he wanted to eat), but considering Soushi's current emotional state, he decided to merely settle with a concerned smile.]

The apple sounds good to me.

Then apple, it is.

[Another smile will appear as he offers the box to Shinju.]

It's a relief to hear that you approve of one of the flavors... [Apparently that was one of his biggest concern.]

[Shinju took the box and began to head towards the cashier, hoping to get back to Soushi's apartment quickly. He held back the urge to sigh.]

I'm just glad you managed to find something you want. [He hoped that was the case and that he wasn't just picking Ririchiyo's favorite despite hating it.]

[Returning the other box back where he had taken it back, Soushi will head back to Shinju's side with a new can of coffee in his hands. He will place the item in front of the cashier. A small smile will appear.]

...a good cup of coffee is very important to have with dessert, correct?

[It would seem there was an item he genuinely liked. He will pay for his can of coffee without a second thought.]

Is there anything else we need to make our treat with?

[He looked up to Soushi as he placed the coffee on the counter, surprised at first, but then a smile came to his face. So Soushi had found something he wanted after all?]

Sure. Let's get some milk, too. [He wasn't much of a coffee drinker, himself; that way, he could have milk, and Soushi could put some in his coffee if he wanted. ~~Shinju's paying for everything, Soushi, so don't even try it.~~]

Milk? [A nod.] Certainly. I'll be right back.

[He will leave Shinju's side quickly to retrieve the milk just as he was instructed. It will not be long until he returns with the carton of milk in his hand and place the item alongside the pie and coffee can.]

I believe it should be all. [Then he turns to Shinju with a smile.] Unless there is any other item you wish to buy? [His hand will begin to search for his wallet. ~~B-But Shinju, can't he just...pay for his coffee, at least?~~]

Thanks. I think we're set.

[His card was already out when Soushi began to search for his wallet; he was too quick on the draw for the man.]

I already told you, I'm doing things for you today.

[It didn't take long for the cashier to check them out and Shinju to take the bag in his hand. ~~Nope.~~]

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