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[color=9a8c9a]"Not in the mood…"[/color]

[color=888888]— Black Gate[/color][/center]

Michi was among those coming to the cafeteria, not late nor early. She did not have a lunch box with her, at least, not one that was visible. She did have a really cute black handbag with a studded clasp that looked like a goat. Otherwise, she looked exactly like she had earlier. Michi was easy to pick out because she didn’t wear a school uniform. Likely because she wasn’t a student. 

She walked past the cafeteria counter, but did not stop for a meal. Other than flood the air around her with a desire to destroy, one far stronger than any time Haruna had met her previously, she did little else. In fact, she did not seem to spot Haruna as she passed by. Her boots made a distinct click with every step, and it could be heard even in the cafeteria.

She continued to not look at anyone. Rather than avoidance, it felt more like apathy. It wasn’t until she got to Kiyo’s table that she stopped moving. Michi stood there like a statue, not making any sudden movements. Then, as if her mind caught up to her, she turned her head to what would have been Suki’s seat. She plopped down in it and set her bag on the table, setting up a wall between herself and Kiyo. 

[color=9a8c9a]"How irritating."[/color] Michi looked out at the cafeteria crowd. [color=9a8c9a]"It takes so long for anything to happen. And then once it happens, it’s over so fast."[/color] She could have been talking to anyone. At least, she wasn’t looking at Kiyo if she had meant to address her. Though there was no doubt that this next line was for Kiyo.

[color=9a8c9a]"Do you suppose we’ll ever be able to trust anyone?"[/color]

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[color=tomato]"Where is the cute girl that wants to be my friend?"[/color]

[color=888888]— Suki Oyama[/color][/center]

While scanning the room, Suki was able to pick up Haruna. Was this it? Had her previous assumption been wrong? She eyed the book bag with great interest, but nothing came of it. She did have to wonder how much Haruna knew even if she wasn’t directly involved. Did she know Suki was thinking about her right now? Her heart beat faster.

[color=tomato]"Ah? Ahahahahaha!"[/color] Suki waved her hand. [color=tomato]"Trouble? No no, this is, um, the opposite of trouble. Someone wants to meet meeeeee!"[/color] She was bouncing on her heels. [color=tomato]"I guess I’m just, a little, um, nervous? No, excited!"[/color] She bit her lower lip and peered around the room, then looked back at Haruna. [color=tomato]"I’m so glad I washed my hair today!"[/color] She continued to giggle through her sharpened teeth. 

On Suki’s next scan of the cafeteria, she noticed Tsubomi talking to a random girl. It had to be the bad Tsubomi, because she seemed too agitated to be the good Tsubomi. And no, Suki would not be calling good Tsubomi Zassou. If anyone was a weed, it was that bitch. 

…

Why did Bad Tsubomi have control over the body?

As if to answer that question, Suki was drawn to Acid Drop’s sudden appearance. She shook her head and looked again. 

[color=tomato]"H-huh?!"[/color] 

Meanwhile, while Roche’s eyes scanned the room, she eventually locked eyes with someone standing just a few inches in front of her.

[color=ff1493]"Boo!"[/color]

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[color=deeppink]"Hello, I’ll have a Wicfries and a big Wic and a sprite with my happy meal, and it better come with a damn toy!"[/color]

[color=888888]— Willow[/color][/center]

[color=ff1493]"Hmm, you don’t seem that scared."[/color] Willow settled down at the other side of the table. [color=ff1493]"Man, today has been horrible! I’ve been able to sleep through all my classes and nobody noticed I was missing! Then I gave no less than five wedgies and suffered no repercussions for any of them! It’s so horrible being this unnoticed by everyone!"[/color] She waved her hand in front of Roche’s face. [color=ff1493]"You notice me though, don’t you, senpai?"[/color] After settling into her seat, she looked in Haruna and Suki’s direction. [color=ff1493]"I noticed you were looking at your old flame. At least you’d better be! You want me to see if I can split them up? If you want a wing man, I think I can peel Haruna away long enough for you to talk to Suki. She looks like she’d say yes to just about anything today."[/color]

[hr]

After hearing the girl’s rebuttal, Finn sighed, put on a wistful smile, and shook his head. [color=daa520]"I’ve spoken with your father. I’ve seen how the servants talk about you. I’ve seen how your mother talks to them."[/color] He looked out the window. [color=daa520]"But I think… They are just frustrated."[/color] He rested a hand on his hip. [color=daa520]"But look. They still pay for your medication, have tutors spend time with you, I don’t think they want you to languish. They clearly care about you, even if they aren’t gentle about it."[/color] He pinched the bridge of his nose. [color=daa520]"I’ve had some incredible people in my life. People who were better than me in every way. Everyone put their hopes and dreams on their shoulders. I honestly felt a little envious of them, but I couldn’t bring myself to dislike them. And then…"[/color] Finn trailed off. After rubbing the back of his head, he sighed. [color=daa520]"I’m sorry, I don’t really know what you’re going through. What I’m trying to say is that you have a future. Even if it’s not becoming some heir, which I think is still in the cards, you could easily become a programmer or a scientist if you keep applying yourself."[/color] With a nod, he took a step closer to the door. [color=daa520]"You did really good today."[/color]