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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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.]

[This time the hug didn't catch her off guard and she happily returns the hug. Once again, she felt a warmth growing within her heart. She knew that she could feel safe and secure around Minato. Now she felt like a weight was lifted off her shoulders and she truly felt like she'll be able to face foward and live out a happy life in Wonderland with all of her friends.

You have now become close friends with Sayaka! Inserts Hiimdaisy joke about Sayaka dying for you. (You are such a good boy, Minato. Sayaka loves hugs anyway!)

Suddenly she starts giggling.]

Has anyone ever told you that you give good hugs? Because you most certainly do!

[That was the first time anyone really commented on his hugs. That made him smile too. He did like hugs, but he stopped receiving them for a while. A long while. He almost forgot what it was like before he remembered he knew how to give them too, like when he knew or thought it was right to give those out. They were free, after all. His friends at home didn't seem to mind.

(OMG Hiimdaisy, it's been a while since I read those! Aw, if she loves hugs, then she'll get hugs!)]

You're the first. Thanks.

[And since they're complimenting each other now, Minato can't not pass up the chance to do so.]

You have a cute laugh.

[It really did feel nice to receive a hug. Like Minato, it's been a long time since she's received one and she almost didn't even remember how it felt. As an idol, she had to watch everything she did but now she and everyone were free in this place.

(ME TOO and now I have the sudden urge to go re-read them. AWW MINATO, she'll be super happy and give him all the hugs back.)

The compliment causes her face to heat up with a blush and she starts to giggle even more.]

Why thank you!

[She playfully pokes his arm.]

Aren't you quite the charmer? I think my face is red! I'm sure you've charmed over quite a number of people.

[Minato took that poke to the arm since he knew he deserved it. How many times could he say that he had hugged an idol anyway? Maybe ten minutes ago he just did. Still! There were more hugs after this too, he knew there would be.

(They will have all the hugs!)]

Maybe. I'm just me.

[Was that charming though? He didn't do too much, just hung out with a few of the girls and gave them gifts. He always thought of them as his close friends but nothing more.]

[How modest! Now she's practically giggling non stop at him as she continues to playfully poke him a few more times before pulling away. In a way, that made him more charming. She always did appreciate how he was so chill about everything.]

That's what I like about you! I'm happy that Minato is... well, Minato. I know that I wouldn't change a thing about you.

[There wasn't a trace of doubt in her words anymore and she truly meant that. She also made a vow to herself, that she would be more true to her feelings from now on.]

[Minato'll still take all those pokes since he still deserved those. Hardly anyone talked with him this casually or were this playful with him. He appreciated that someone could be comfortable around him and he could be comfortable around her.]

Mn, you'll always be Sayaka to me.

[He didn't know how else he could change. But if someone liked it, maybe that was okay. And no matter how she was or what she had to do at home, she was always his friend and always Sayaka to him.]

I'm happy to hear that.

[It was comforting listening to him talk. Even if Minato did change, she would still like him no matter what. She didn't care, Minato would always be Minato to her. One of her closests friends that she's had the pleasure of meeting.]

I can't thank you enough for talking to me! I'm really happy getting to know about your life and I feel relieved that I got to share mine with you.

[She finally stops poking him and instead, she gives him a gentle pat on the shoulder.]

Let me know if there's ever anything I can do for you! I'll always be here for you no matter what.

[Minato didn't intend on burdening anyone with details of his life or death, but sometimes it was reassuring or a relief to have someone help hold him up. Knowing more about her though helped him too: He knew that he'd have to work even harder to protect her and to make sure she could be safe. Going back home was inevitable, but she should be worry free as much as possible while here.]

Thank you. Call me anytime, okay?

[But since she did offer, he thought he could ask her a favor:]

Hm. ... I want ice cream. Want to join me?

[Since it's ice cream. Ice cream is the best. He could have ice cream three meals a day.]

I sure will, thank you, Minato. You can always call me too, for anything.

[What a great favor! That's one favor she can't imagine anyone turning down. However, she playfully pretends to ponder.]

Hmmm, let me think about that for a second.

[It doesn't take long for her to start giggling and she even winks at him before standing up to make her way towards the door.]

Hehe, just kidding! Of course! I would love to join you for ice cream. Thank you for inviting me. The both of us could really use some ice cream right about now.

[Ice cream is truly the best. If she could, she could definitely eat it for three meals a day too. Along with cake!]

[Awesome, he'd call on her whenever he did then. It was a deal. He smiled and then quickly turned his thoughts on food and in this case, ice cream. Having ice cream with company was the best. He couldn't really ask for anything else.

He followed her then so they could go partake in that ice cream.]

Thanks. Now I know who to call too whenever I want some.

[Ice cream was always a good go-to as a pick-me-up or as a comfort food. She was right and it was the perfect time to get some.]

You're welcome and thank you for inviting me!

[She couldn't stop smiling at the idea of eating ice cream Minato everytime they were craving it. It was hard to believe that just a few minutes ago Sayaka was a sobbing wreck but now she felt so happy it almost felt like that was completely behind her.]

I'm so happy, Minato! I'll be sure to call on you too if I ever want ice cream too. We can even go after our Wednesday music practices!

[Not only was ice cream great, she got to share it with one of her closests friends and that made the experience even better.

When she had peaceful moments like these in Wonderland, it made her remember that everything would be okay. She had hope that somehow, everything will work out.]

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