Day 18

[theyregooddogs]

Are you willing to go out with me the next night?

Comments

[truthstranger]

Ah...

[he's clearly surprised to be asked, and he takes a moment to think]

...I'm not opposed to it. I want to explore. But I also need to make sure Akechi-kun is okay.

[theyregooddogs]

Yeah, that's what has me too. I'm not sure about leaving him alone or with anyone.

[truthstranger]

Yeah. I don't think leaving him alone is a good idea.

[theyregooddogs]

I'll talk to him.

[truthstranger]

What are you going to suggest...?

[theyregooddogs]

Nothing. I want to see how he's doing first.

[truthstranger]

Mm. I need to check in on him too.

[theyregooddogs]

I'll find you again. I wanted to see if you were even open to the thought, really.

[truthstranger]

...A lot of things have happened. I wouldn't say I'm fond of you, after everything, but I don't think you'll kill me.

And... I haven't been doing a good job of either going out with different people or finding out things about this school. I'd like to gather more information on both counts.

[theyregooddogs]

No, I wouldn't.

Not sure there's much to learn about me, but I've definitely uncovered a lot with exploring. Not much of it useful, though.

[truthstranger]

Mm. But we're getting close to the end, so... there may be something more. I hope so, anyway.

[theyregooddogs]

[sighs]

I can't hold out that much hope. Did something like that happen for you before?

[truthstranger]

...Yes. At the very end... someone started attacking our captors and trying to destroy the school. He opened up the way to the last places we hadn't been, and there were clues to what was going on. And to the mastermind.

[theyregooddogs]

[another sigh, deeper]

Alright. Thanks for the heads up.

[truthstranger]

Of course... there's nothing to say things will happen like that this time.

[theyregooddogs]

No, there isn't, but I appreciate the warning.

[truthstranger]

...Traditionally... the final trial reveals all the secrets about the game. The reasons for it, and how it was done. But rather than being triumphant, that reveal only drives everyone further into despair.

[he's not really sure this is a helpful warning]

[theyregooddogs]

Shuichi? I could guess. Maybe, you shouldn't tell anyone else that though.

[worn and tired, not mad]

[truthstranger]

...Also traditionally, hope overcomes it at the end, anyway. Because people want a happy ending. Though, what qualifies as 'happy' may be a bit... mm.

You're right, though. There's no point in anticipating it.

[theyregooddogs]

Shuichi.

[slight edge now]

[truthstranger]

...Sorry.

[theyregooddogs]

Thank you. I'll try to find someone else for the last night, just in case, so stay focused on Akechi.

[truthstranger]

Mm, okay. ...Thank you.

[theyregooddogs]

[expression quirks, confused at being thanked]

Yeah. Welcome.

[truthstranger]

Let me know... if I can help with anything else.