exsilium | [video] backdated to 3rd December!

[ The feed opens up to one girl recognisable to be Kougyoku Ren looking into the camera, clearly held up by somebody else. ]

So when it starts recording, I should speak to it?

[ From behind the camera, a voice chuckles, sounding amused. ] Kou-chan, it’s already started.

[ The girl gasps and blushes, covering her mouth in surprise. ] I’m sorry, I didn’t... Oh, how do I begin? Um, h-hello... everyone. I mean, greetings! I mean...

[ A whisper from behind the camera: ] Introductions, Kou-chan, introductions~

Yes, you’re right. It’s not like I haven’t introduced myself before. [ She turns her head a few degrees away from the camera. ] I am Kougyoku Ren. I am… eighteen years old. I am from the Kou Empire, and I, I like fashion, fighting and… um... Anyway, I. I am looking for friends.

[ Again, from behind the camera: ] So, if you’d like to be her friend, please reply to this video!

[ Kougyoku immediately smiles and faces the camera after that line. It’s as if her personality did a complete 180. ] Did I do good, Tatara?

[ And, once more, the voice behind the camera chuckles as the feed shuts down: ] Very well done!

[ note; Tags will be coming separately from Kougyoku and Totsuka separately! ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

All kinds?

[a little warily:] What sort of friend are you to her?

[ He can't help but chuckle, amused at how there are people taking "friends" in a completely different direction. ]

All kinds. From friends who have only met once or twice to friends who spend time with and understand each other to friends you can rely on no matter where you are.

[ A beat. ]

I belong to the first group.

Oi. Someone you've met once or twice isn't a friend.

[Rude.] You're not trying to pull anything, are you?

[ Is Kougyoku in view? Yes? No? She looks down when she hears Utena say that. So Tatara was lying!? ]

[ he's noticed Kougyoku's reaction-- he's not bothered by that accusation, but someone certainly is. ]

They can be. From just one meeting alone, it's possible to wish "...ah, I want to be friends with this person. I want to get closer to this person. I want to see what this person sees and stand by their side."

[ as he speaks, he walks towards Kougyoku, still smiling. his next words, however, are still directed at Utena: ]

Even if I was planning something, you'll stop me for Kou-chan's sake, won't you?

[ now he speaks to Kougyoku, squatting down to look up at her. ]

That's friendship, too.

[She is unfortunately reminded, deeply and unpleasantly, of other people who talked to her like this before. People who were not kind.

But for the sake of the girl whose feelings she's probably stomped all over accidentally, she concedes, blowing out air through her teeth in frustration and giving Tatara a flinty look.]

I guess I would. [She says after a moment, reluctantly.] But just wishing for a friendship doesn't make it a real one either. [Her gaze shifts. She'd learned that the hard way.] You have to work at it.

I'll work hard!

[ The girl who has been listening to their conversation finally speaks up. Her voice wavers as if she is on the verge of tears. ]

I've already come this far. [ To a world where everyone is equal, to a world where she might be able to find a place where she belongs—she might have a better chance at forming bonds this time. ] I may be a fool for believing in Tatara, but because I believe in him, we are friends. We may not know each other that well yet, but that is how it all begins, isn't it?

U... Utena, too... I would like to, know you more, if you would let me have this honor.

[ Her voice grows softer towards the end. Maybe she was too forward. ]

[ He just smiles and if he actually notices -- not minding Utena's tone or her defensiveness. ]

I'll work hard too.

[video] backdated to 3rd December!

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