entranceway | 5th Social Link ▫ Video + Action

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5th Social Link ▫ Video + Action

[Winter was now over and spring had just started. Minato kind of missed the snow, but at least the weather was cool and comfortable instead of being too cold. For a change of pace as he wandered outside, now that the space event was over, he decided to head to the Checkerboard Hills. He hadn't been there often. It was time to check it out again.

That is, if checking it out meant doing a once-over on the checkered patterns from dark to light, then ending up laying in one of the darker square patches, his comm device off to the side as he looked up at the sky.

It's spring here and spring at home. School would be starting again, if he were there and time progressed.

Were these questions even fair? Did he have too much time on his hands, playing around with or thinking about 'what if' in a place that may make him forget his existence here at all?]

..... Would you rather be dead at home or alive here?

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You don't have to apologize.

[Minato shook his head since she didn't have to be sorry. There was no reason for her to apologize at all for something that he wanted to do. He didn't tell her because he wanted any sympathy or any compliments. She should just know because it was the truth.]

It's a being that preys on a human being's unwillingness to live and other negative emotions.

[That was the easiest way to think of it. Basically. It was more complicated than that, but that seemed the best way to explain it.]

T-That's... [Hearing all of this was so shocking. While Sayaka's experiences back home were dreadful, this was something that was on a whole new level. Honestly, she felt like she couldn't even begin to comprehend this.

Let alone she couldn't even begin to imagine how Minato must feel about this situation.] This is so unreal. I never would have guessed such a being like that exists in real life.

Um, if you don't mind me asking... how did you find out such a thing exists?

[She hopes she wasn't being too annoying with her questions. She was so startled by all of this and she didn't even know where to begin.]

[Minato understood that she would have questions. He did too when he first heard about how it came to be and what it meant not just to him and his friends but to everyone. It was overwhelming then, it sort of was now, but he thought it was just what it was.

He did though lock the conversation because this was going to be a bit complicated to explain and he didn't need to clog up the network with it.]

Years ago, some scientists were experimenting on Shadows, beings made up of negative emotions, wanting to use their power. Those scientists discovered the prophecy of the end of humanity during the experiments.

We destroyed the Shadows that were supposed to stop the prophecy, but it didn't work. Since the end was inevitable, then sealing the mother of all Shadows away was the best solution.

[Again, basically. He thought it was the only solution at the time. It worked though.]

[She definitely appreciated making the video private and had thought about asking him but she was too shocked to think about it. There were some things that she wanted to tell him about herself too. Sayaka trusted him and if he was going to tell her this information, she wanted him to know everything about her too. Even about her death back home.

Throughout his explanation, she's intently listening to him, albeit shocked. Every so often, she would let out a small gasp. Shadows? Scientists? This felt like something straight out of a movie but she believed him.]

That's crazy that scientists were able to discover the end to the world because of those experiments. The power of science is scary.

But, that's amazing you were able to figure out how to stop it. [She's quiet before she speaks, looking sad.] Even at the cost of your own life... Minato-kun, you are a hero.

[But in a way, her experiences at home made this somewhat bearable to hear. Her situation back home was pretty insane but this felt like something on a completely different level.]

[Minato didn't think that science was capable of that too until he had learned about his fate and the fate of the world. It was scary, in some way, that it could do that.]

Mn, I couldn't have done it without my friends.

[He had to give them credit because they did support him until the end. They lent him their strength and he learned so much from them. It was like here, now that he was away from them: He was strong and learned a lot from all of his new friends here.

He smiled though as thanks.]

I'm sorry I didn't tell you any sooner.

I bet you have some wonderful friends. [Although that did make her feel more sad. Because she was certain those friends would be heartbroken to be missing an amazing person like Minato in their lives.] Along with yourself, Arisato-kun. You're a great friend and I'm sure that your friends miss you dearly.

[She quickly shakes her head and gives him a reassuring smile.]

No apologies, needed! I'm sure this kind of thing is hard to talk about and I'm happy that you trust me enough to tell me this...

[Sayaka trust him too, and that's why she had to tell him about herself and her past.]

Um, since you told me this. Can I... tell you about something that's been on my mind? It's about my life back home.

Thanks. You're really too kind.

[Sayaka always had something nice to say to him no matter the situation. He wasn't fishing for compliments at all, nothing of the sort, but she always had something good to say. Her friends had to be so lucky to have her as a friend too. He imagined all of her fans. They were lucky to have an idol like her.]

Mn, you can tell me anything. I trust you. I'm happy to keep a secret for you too.

You as well, Arisato-kun. I know I can place my full trust in you.

[It felt so good to say that. Sayaka was so happy that she could be in a place where she felt like she could trust people and make friends. This was how a class needed to be like and not the mess that was back home.]

This um, might be a bit hard to hear and I apologize in advance...

[She nervously gulps.]

Back home in my world, My class and I got trapped in our school by this black and white bear named Monokuma. He told us that we had to stay in the school for the rest of our lives. Unless.... [Her voice starts to shake a little.] we killed each other. W-We could only escape if we murdered someone and got away with it.

[Minato was ready to hear what she had to tell him. He was glad that they could talk openly like this. He didn't talk very often, not like this, and not with just anyone either.

But he did listen, and he remembered someone else talking about a black and white bear and some kind of killing game.]

I'm sorry.

[He knew that anyone who was a Super High School Level something ended up in that game. He just didn't think about it or maybe he hadn't wanted to.]

What happened to you though?

It's okay, you don't have to apologize, Arisato-kun.

[Just telling him this made her feel like a heavy weight was being pulled off of her shoulders. She really appreciated that he was taking the time to listen to her and this grimdark conversation.]

I...

[Saying this was a whole lot harder than she thought. Her face once again goes pale and she's slightly shaking.]

I just recently found out that I died. I was the very first victim of the killing game. I had no idea because I came to this place before my death but if I go back home... I'll die.

[It really was her then, that mysterious girl that had died but hadn't known. Something in Minato's chest hurt, and again, maybe he hadn't wanted to to think about it, as if denying it would make the truth come undone.

He was still sorry though. He wished there was something he could do for her. She didn't deserve that fate at all.]

... Let's talk more in person. Can I come see you?

[With something like this, he couldn't just leave it on the network when he thought it'd be better to just have the conversation one on one. Plus he did want to see her. She shouldn't have to be alone.]

A-Ah...

[At first she's somewhat speechless and taken aback by his offer. It doesn't take her long for her to nod at him in agreement. The more she thought about it, the more comfortable she was talking about this face to face. Plus like what he did, she wanted to tell him the whole truth about herself. Even the horrible thing she was preparing to do before she came to Wonderland. He was her friend and he had to know the truth.]

... I would like that, a lot. I'm on the sixth floor in room number 40. I-I'll um, see you soon.

[Before she shuts off the video feed, she whispers but it's still loud enough for him to hear.]

Thank you so much Arisato-kun.

[With that, she'll turn off the video camera and will be waiting in her room with the door unlocked.]

Thanks.

[It didn't take Minato long to get there since it wasn't very far. He did knock on the door before entering, finding that her door was unlocked. He did have his comm device but it was definitely off as he stepped inside.

This might've been a bit forward. But he didn't think she should have to worry about anything here. So when he saw her, he did give her an apologetic look before he gave her a hug.]

A-Arisato-kun...

[The hug did take her by surprise, but it felt warm. It made her feel safe and protected from the terrible thoughts of back home. In an instant, she wraps her arms around him, returning the hug.

She could feel her eyes welling up with tears. She already did all of her sobbing when she had her talk with Ishimaru, but she couldn't help but feel so overcome with emotion that tears were beginning to fall.]

Thank you again, I'm really happy that you came to see me. Sorry that I'm such a wreck, I'm still trying to learn how to deal with this...

You can call me Minato.

[They didn't have to be so formal anymore. He wanted her to know that he was going to be here for her as best as he could. She had gone through more than anyone should have. She and her friends shouldn't have gone through any of that. It was horrible.

If she had to cry, that was okay. She could feel however she wanted to feel about it. Letting it out was going to be better. He wished he could wipe away her tears but his shirt would have to do for now since he didn't want to let go until he was ready.]

Take your time. It's okay to be scared. If you're scared, you can think about this hug.

Minato...

[She was so used to being formal that it took her by surprised that she was allowed to call him by his first name. None the less, made her beyond happy. She felt as though they have grown really close and this was the first time she's ever called a boy by his first name.]

Then in return, you can call me Sayaka.

I'm relieved. I can't thank you enough. [There's a slight pause, she almost called him by his last name.] Minato. Whenever I get scared or feel down, I'll think about this hug and I'll instantly feel better.

[She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself so that way she would be able to tell him the full truth about herself.]

T-There is something I must confess to you. Let me just warn you... your opinion about me might change and to be honest, I wouldn't blame you at all if you thought less of me.

[Minato would definitely call her Sayaka. It did take him a while before he did call anyone by their first name, especially girls. But in this case, he felt close to her. She was easily one of his closest friends here.

He did gently let go of her from the hug and held onto her hand.]

You can tell me anything. You're still you. That won't change.

[Hearing those words gave her encouragement. She felt extremely close to him and that she could tell him anything.

This was why she felt comfortable about telling him this, she had to tell him the ugly truth about herself.]

Well, the black and white bear that captured us realized that we weren't willing to kill each other that easily. So, he gave us motives in order to tempt us. The first thing he did was give us personalized dvds. M-My DVD had a video of my idol groupmates passed out and collasped on the ground. I was told that we disbanded and I'm still not even sure if they are even alive. B-But I was told that in order to find out what happened, I needed to kill someone.

So... before I came to this place..

[Her voice starts to shake when she speaks.]

I-I was plotting to kill someone but then I learned that during my attempt... I was the one who got killed. I-I... had also betrayed one of my friends and I planned on pining the murder on him in order to get out.

I'm so sorry you had to hear this, Minato. I truly am the worst...

[Minato listened to everything she had to say. He didn't interrupt her or give any reaction, just letting her explain it all. He wanted her to be open to telling him anything that was on her mind without having to worry.

She had gone through more than he realized. He should have known, he thought. Somehow. Something had been troubling her for so long and it was this.

He gave her hand a squeeze.]

You only did what you had to do to survive. I'm sorry that it ended that way.

[He could only hope that things would be better when she went home. But it was only hope. But he could have that, right? For her sake too.]

[It touched her heart that he listened and was understanding about what she had to say. It surprised her and she wouldn't have blamed him at all if he didn't want to be near her after that confession. However, deep down she knew in her heart that Minato would have accepted her. He was one of kind and understanding persons she's ever met.

First Ishimaru and now Minato, she was so grateful that she met the both of them and had them to rely on. It made her feel like everything was going to be okay and that she will get through this.]

I can't thank you enough for listening to everything I have to say.

[She squeezes his hand back.]

I made a promise to Ishi- ... him. [It was probably obvious at this point to Minato, but she wasn't sure if she wanted to drop Ishimaru's name quite yet.] I promised the person that told me that I would do my best and make amends for my actions.

[Minato knew from her being here that she would never harm anyone just for the sake of harming them. She had to be motivated by something, and that was just what most normal people would do in a life or death situation. Anyone would want to live.]

You get your chance here. We'll do what we can to make sure we're both happy, okay?

[He wanted to say that she should be happy, but he knew if he weren't happy then she wouldn't be either. What would be good for both of them was that they both were.]

You have other friends here too who can help.

[At first, Sayaka had her doubts about this place, but after learning everything that happened, she was starting to believe that this was a blessing. Hearing those words confirmed it for her, this place gave her a second chance, a chance to life out her life.]

I don't know how many times I told you thank you, but I'm going to keep showing you my gratitude. I agree with that. Let's do whatever we can to ensure happiness for the both of us. Besides...

[For the first time during this conversation, there's an honest smile on her face.]

Being around you makes me happy. You're a great friend, Minato.

[The days of despair and betrayal felt like they were in the past, now.]

That is very true! I met so many nice and kind people here and it feels like I've made everlasting friendships. I wouldn't have been able to if I didn't come here.

[Minato was also beyond grateful to have met Sayaka too. He had only recently learned what it was like to have real friends, and he now had the chance again to have that same feeling now that he was here in Wonderland. Not a lot of people had given him that gift, and Sayaka had given it to him so freely.]

Same here. I'll do what I can for you.

[Being around her made him happy, that was for sure. He would do his best to protect her and the happiness she had too.]

Thank you for sharing with me and for helping me with my question.

[He was glad that she had responded at all and was willing to listen to him too.]

[He was absolutely right and she placed her full trust in him.

She made friends and while this place wasn't exactly safe, it was still a whole lot better than home. Good friends like Minato and Ishimaru gave her comfort and encouragement. For now, everything will be okay.]

The same goes for me! Thank you for sharing your history with me. I've always felt close to you but I feel like today, we've formed an unbreakable bond.

[Social Link Rank up????]

Me too. No matter what happens, we'll get through it together.

[Since he couldn't really help it and maybe it would be a way to also make that unbreakable bond more binding--and really, he was a boy, he should have asked first, especially with a girl--he thought it might be okay to give her another hug.

Social Link Rank Up! (Not just from the hug, he promises.) He hoped that she knew how much he trusted her and that she could trust him too. They knew that already though, he believed, but he repeated the thought again to himself, as if for himself, as reassurance that even if things were transitory here, he could at least be comforted by what they had here now.]

5th Social Link ▫ Video + Action

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