Mari's expression was impervious, as she kept scanning the room with her gaze. Only the sight of Alex made her lips turn down ever so slightly, as if disappointment had set in. "Hello Alex." She added, politely as she kept the calm and the distance with the other girls. Her eyes turned to the shallow attempt of jeering of a certain girl who had been the first to snatch a daifuku. Foolish words, she paid no heed, as she eyed the class rep.

Corruption did horrible things to people it seemed, as the class president went from the usual behaviour to casually threatening with a gang beating. Mari's fist clenched on reflex, but her stare kept being still neutral and unwavering. Her gaze went from Touka, to Chie, to Maiko, Rai and Alex. She gave a longing stare to the last one.

"It's been always an habit of mine to employ Christmas to remember the ones who did not make it. I put flowers on graves, I place offerings in bowls, and I always stare at every single one of the ones who fell because I wasn't there for them. I spent nearly five years bedridden, and those fallen have increased as a result." She then lowered her head. "I am sorry, I was not there to help you all." She offered an apology. "But do not despair. I will keep fighting for as long as I draw breath. Even in this situation, there is still a ray of hope." 

Her gaze left the ground and she stood composed, elegant and tall once more. "Nothing is stopping any of you of such a thing. However I must issue a warning first. I am your senior. And I will defend myself if need be." She paused, her stare now becoming piercing. "I will not cower. You all have faltered [i]once[/i]. I did [i]not[/i]"