adsum | npc contact.1

Even the eyes are perfectly matched... observant. ( big as FUCK boi. ) Even the mouth looks like you from the side...

( komaeda loves it, actually, not because it's making izumi go mad with anger, but the fact that... okay, maybe that is the reason. when he does finish laughing, his eyes stare over at the idol as he smoothly cuts to the chase on his feelings, and wow... that was done exceptionally well. there's a bite to his words, that onslaught of anger hidden carefully as he speaks while using a few vulgar terms to get his feelings through. ah, this is also hope! he didn't break as bad as komaeda thought, but he didn't let something like that break him completely — he guesses...

if it wasn't for chiaki's response, komaeda would have said his signature line — bullying a girl? not cool, sena-kun. — luckily for them, she's able to handle herself. at this point, he doesn't see why roku~n was so worried about her to begin with. though, there's something about her paining that stands out to him too.. )

Roku~n...

( he points to her painting, looking back at him slightly curious. what has his attention is... is that red in her painting? roku~n... what's that... better have an answer because komaeda remembers coming in with saihara and there wasn't any of that here. does he have to put a hand... on his friend's leg.... to be cute or something.... please. )

But you're still painting with me in mind, right? Of course I should put down my two cents about it. It's up to you whether you want to take them or not.

[ yeah, it's gonna take more than some smitten girl's bizarre art style to break him. this is nothing compared to the songs leo made for him at his own expense. try putting up with hits such as the "I Hope Mold Grows All Over Meanie Sena’s Body And He Dies An Agonizing And Painful Death" song, among other things!! so annoying!

although - now that he mentioned it and got a closer look on the painting... there is something weirder in the works here and it's not just the bulging eyes and the garish color scheme. ]

Also... Why are there touches of red here? Are you trying to tell me something?

[ recalling that the color red isn't available in the art room from the start... gulp. ]

[ Roku~n is so uncomfortable, why are you doing this to him. He sort of shifts nervously because the overall atmosphere of this room is terrifying, actually, and just nods when Komaeda points wordlessly at the painting because yes. She really is serious. ]

Red is the color of passion. This is basic color theory, Sena, come on!

[ Sometimes your painting is incomplete without red and so you do what you can to get it. Passion (: ]

Art is an expression of feeling— the good artist pours their soul into their work and invokes an intimate response from their viewers at a glance. Aiko drew things that she sees: a cute cat, a pretty tree, so what? If you want a pretty picture of yourself, take a picture or look in a mirror.

[ izumi can also fear the atmosphere of this room dip into something more ominous, but never mind about that. ]

You don't have to tell me that twice, I do that shit everyday.

[ it's part of his job description. ]

Let me cut to the chase, then. Where did you get the red paint? This art room has been missing some since we came here.

[ he can be as forceful as he wants, but in the end he might need a little more persuasion in a situation like this - especially when his blood is starting to grow cold. komaeda help - ]

[ Chiaki throws a quick glance at Roku~n before looking back at Izumi. ]

...It's a secret. It's my secret stash, so I'm not telling or sharing.

[ It's fine. Don't worry about it. Sometimes art supplies are precious and you don't want to share in a room full of eavesdropping rivals. ]

( it's the glance for him, noticing the way chiaki looks at roku~n and then back to izumi — they both know something since she didn't look at anyone else in the room. though they're not the only ones considering komaeda can tell by izumi's tone and voice — don't worry, komaeda has an idea. )

Rokku~n...

( look at that, the double k to make it cuter and he's trying his best to get the boy's attention since they go way back. here, komaeda moves his chair to sit in front of the student, and he smiles softly while looking him over — he's not a talented student at all, too typical, too ordinary for komaeda to find some sense of comfort over. roku~n hasn't done anything bad to prompt komaeda's more negative behavior, so he handles this like the first fifteen minutes of sdr2. )

Hmmhmm... I'm curious about it...

( and knowing that two specific colors can be mixed, chiaki does seem like the type who would come out and say that — because girl was BOLD talking to izumi's ass. his voice is low as he speaks, watching the other to see if he makes... any odd movements or expressions. ) The red paint... because it's so hard to obtain, hey, can we look at it together?! ( he's holding out his mechanical hand towards the other for him to take, and with the way komaeda acts... he sounds pretty excited to see!!

show him, show him! )

[ ugh, that guy is being weird again... but at least komaeda has caught on. well, izumi did ask for backup so that they can continue standing their ground.

he crosses his arms and legs, narrowing his eyes at chiaki. ]

Can you really keep something like that a secret, though? Red is the color of passion, like you said. But you know what else it means?

Aggression. Anger. Danger. Violence. Now I'm wondering how far you'll go just to put a certain splash of color in your artwork. But would that really make you the best artist around?

Edited (WAIT HOLD ON) 2021-04-24 07:04 (UTC)

[ Me like I could make this two separate threads and respond as both Roku~n and Chiaki but no... he'll just have to be my next official npc I guess, sitting here in front of Komaeda and getting incredibly flustered at the invitation to hold hands, but he does take it, and threads his fingers with Komaeda's without any sign of discomfort over it not being a real flesh and bone hand.

Chiaki is saying something cagey about how artists go through great lengths for their art, and that they're often misunderstood, and that unconventional material is an artist's signature and speaks of their passion and-

but Roku~n interrupts her by standing and tugging Komaeda to his feet. ]

Hey, Chiaki... Izumi. Can we talk about this outside instead? I'll treat you guys to juice or something.

[ If any talking's going to happen, it's not going to be in a club room full of people. Also Komaeda makes him antsy and he desperately needs to get up and walk. ]

( WAIT HE'S CUTE AS HELL....... izumi don't fuck this up this is our romance routes to get information i s2g. who knew npc 66666 would get this much love out of the community to become real.... this is what hope is able to bring! that said, komaeda's actually surprised from how simple roku~n is that he would take his hand so easily without contemplating the consequences. for being ansty, he's rather bold, huh?

he does take advantage of the gesture by getting to his feet and following after as they come to intrude the two lovebirds, and komaeda remains silent just this once. his eyes glance towards izumi to confirm that maybe they should see what's up — "let's try it," besides, what's the worst that could happen. despite the idol's raging temper that's ever building from the art's disgrace, komaeda instead takes a more cooler approach and that's just going along with what happens. )

That's nice of you, has Roku~n always been this kind? ( he teases, but better not reject his offer because that would be rude of two students who aren't part of the art club. ) Then it's decided, a small double date in exchange for Sena-kun from acting reckless. Good idea! ( listen izumi... just take this L so it can be a W. )

[ holy shit rokk~n real. izumi blinks, as if he's been snapped out of his little bout with chiaki, and sighs before sliding off his stool. he almost forgot that komaeda's been entertaining this guy in his own weird way, and boy, is izumi not jealous at all. ]

You be quiet. [ he hisses at his investigative partner. ] I'd rather hear out what they have to say than you.

[ he's not about to admit to komaeda, but he's dimly aware that he went a little too far. probably hasn't realized that his popularity power from his world wouldn't be that effective here, although he would've had an easier time getting answers from the poor girl if he had been more gentle...

well, whatever. lesson learned. he wordlessly shuffles off after the two students and pet, towards wherever they need to talk about this freely. must be a well-guarded secret if they don't wanna discuss it in front of the art club members. ]

[ Can't believe hope makes npcs real. He sighs a little, and with his free hand takes Chiaki by the wrist to drag her out of the room because she won't leave otherwise, the girl spluttering a little as he does this and saying she can walk by herself. aka she pulls her hand free and matches pace with Izumi so they can walk shoulder to shoulder uwu

Neither of them bother to say anything more as they head downstairs to the vending machines, Roku~n staring down at his feet as he walks while Chiaki looks straight forward but trails her pinky on the handrail all the way down. They're past the second floor landing by the time Roku~n slows his pace and speaks up again. ]

You two... Promise me you won't say anything to anybody else, alright? Please?

[ He holds his pinky out to Izumi, at which Chiaki makes a little noise of disapproval, because "Rokkuuuuuuun, don't be silly! Sena's word is binding enough!" Komaeda might as well be air to her, but Roku~n will offer him his pinky next. ]

( not chiaki walking side by side with with izumi, oh lord, despite their differences they almost look like they get along — well, that's what komaeda thinks. it's why he's doesn't mind the way chiaki ignores him because this just seems like everyday life for someone as unfortunate as the ultimate lucky student. it's amazing though, they were supposed to find out about aiko specifically, but it seems their investigation has thrown them into an entirely different ballpark. even though they've already failed as to why they came here to begin with, he guesses whatever this is might be worth it. )

...

( the pinky promise may be pushing it just a bit, and he looks towards izumi checking with him before locking his eyes with roku~n. )

If we go so far back, is it really necessary? Isn't my word binding enough?

( yes, he's going to steal chiaki's little excuse for izumi to use for himself, thank you queen. )

[ bitch

he's a little leery about the pinky promise, eyeing rokku~n's hand for a moment, and he sighs. ]

That red paint must be some sort of precious resource here, huh. [ deadpan. but he relents and links his own pinky with the other boy. god im so glad i didn't make figaro do this because he couldn't make promises without serious consequences-- ]

Fine, you'll have my word on it. Wouldn't want to let Kudo down too much.

[ he's not THAT cruel. maybe. but honestly izumi just wants to get this over with already. ]

Edited 2021-04-25 09:40 (UTC)

[ "Nnnnnno?" That's Roku~n to Komaeda. They may be childhood friends, but that doesn't stop Komaeda from being generally untrustworthy and a bit off-kilter, on a good day. That said, he takes Izumi's hand and links his pinky just long enough to give Izumi's a light squeeze before letting go and turning to Komaeda. Hmm. He lifts their linked hands and gives them a shake; a handshake is a good enough promise, and he's not altogether picky about how something is promised as long as some acknowledgement is there.

If Komaeda won't promise, there's always Chiaki who pats Roku~n on the back and says, in that sort of way where you think somebody is probably joking, maybe, but you're not entirely sure: ]

Don't worry! If he spills the beans, I'll just shank him, problem solved!

[ Bright, cheerful, preening just a little because did everybody hear that?! Sena said he's promising for her sake! uwu

............on second thought, Roku~n doesn't want to be trapped in a stairwell with any of these people, so he keeps walking, decidedly looking at his feet instead of any of them until he's at the bottom of the stairs and his gaze flickers over Izumi's face. "So, um... What is your opinion on, uh... You know those guys who hang out in 3-B sometimes with the black cloaks?" ]

Yeah, I'd like to see you try.

[ rolls his eyes, but it's a lot more lighthearted than most. as for the promise, it depends on how dire the situation can be, and if it is he'll have no choice but to share what he knows to the class.

guess they'll have to see for themselves. as for rokku~n's question, izumi closes his eyes in deep thought. ]

The black coats? I'm not really sure what you mean... I do know that 3B has a horrid-ass spider infestation, though. [ is that what he meant? ]

( guess what, komaeda doesn't exactly know how to do a proper handshake — so his brow only raises as roku~n raises their already held hands and shake them. alright, he guesses if that's what he wants to do. so in a way, komaeda thinks he's free from any promises as he looks towards chiaki, and slow blinks at her comment — )

Kudo-san, do you want to kill me that bad? I don't mind, you know?

( that'll probably go unanswered (hopefully due to the change in location) until something more important comes up: students dressed suspiciously. their hangout only has one association to komaeda and it's the same with izumi being the spiders, and the only reason he knows that is because at one point he tried to clean them out with naegi. he doesn't recall anyone in cloaks when he visited the homeroom though, so maybe they frequent that place at different times and not the entire day. though, if it's a special stash, komaeda stares towards chiaki now slowly connecting the dots as in... she affiliates with them for it?

of course, he's going to let izumi ask the questions and if anything comes up odd, komaeda will stick his nose in. )

[ Matching icons... cute.

Roku~n wrinkles his nose a little at the mention of the spiders, trying not to think too hard about them and- no, a shudder runs down his spine despite himself, ugh. Chiaki just looks thoughtful, like what if she grabbed a handful of spiders and shoved them down Komaeda's throat, would he shut up then? ]

I'm talking about the... [ airquotes with his free hand ] "satanists," or whatever they call themselves.

[ Again he glances at Izumi, as if to gauge his reaction, but maybe he doesn't have to worry so much. I mean, Izumi hangs out with Komaeda, which can't be any worse for his reputation than being seen walking around with the cult. ]

We have something of an agreement with them, but it'll be dangerous if too many people got involved. Especially the other members of the club— the sacrifice isn't worth it.

[ RECORD SCRATCH

FREEZE FRAME ]

Excuse me, satanists?

[ they don't mean guys like sakasaki, right? the ones who'd draw pentagrams all over the school among other things, right?? he's feeling a hollow pit forming at the bottom of his stomach, because this probably isn't some chuuni bullshit.

still, izumi just gives rokku~n an incredulous look, but doesn't make any notion for the other boy to stop right there. ]

...What was the agreement? The sacrifice? I didn't really know much about the guys you're talking about since I don't always go to the third-year classrooms, but--

[ aaaaaaaahhhh ]

( and you wonder how komaeda and izumi got into this situation... well, it all dates back to... )

Ah? How interesting, really! What do you think their hope is like to be such an important piece in this school?

( where izumi is having a hard time processing this, komaeda's more curious about what everything entails. every person in this school does something for hope, and he wants to see how it all plays out. he doesn't find the satanists as horrible people, no, everyone has the same goal and komaeda believes that without hesitation. )

... If it's to sacrifice someone to help others like this, then shouldn't we be grateful for their contribution. ( haha, he's a little flushed as his fingers tighten around roku~n's, yeah... he's excited. )

That's their hope, Sena-kun! Are they draining the sacrifices for their blood? Hey, what if because she — ( he's not going to say her name because everyone knows who he's talking about. ) died, that was also a sacrifice to the school... Do those even count... ( he's mumbling to himself. )

[ "God, you are soooo creepy!" Chiaki pipes up with what's on everybody's mind, although Roku~n has enough presence of mind to shush her ineffectively. ]

I'm not going into the full details— I don't want you two to get any more involved than this.

[ Komaeda... please... he's going to extract his hand now so he can open the door and get his PDA ready for vending machine purchases, which he's sure Chiaki won't let him forget with how this is what makes her peel away from Izumi's side finally so she can trot over to the machine and see what's in stock today. ]

On paper, all you need to know is that in collaboration with somebody in the science club to keep the, uh... paint... from oxidizing, they provide us with supplies and we help them out with little things sometimes. The ability to draw perfect circles is apparently a lucrative skill.

[ Among other things. It's fine. Little things, really. ]

Ugh, next time I should get a muzzle to shut you up for good.

[ that's directed at komaeda, btw. hope this, hope that - it's more far-fetched than leo's ramblings whenever he's being manic. it's disgusting. good thing izumi's all too used to this bullshit that he can safely tune out the other boy's spiels, though he wants to elaborate more on that other matter.

anyway, back to rokku~n: ]

It's fine, we've already gotten this far. If anything, you should be concerned about yourselves for getting into this in the first place. [ were they coerced into working together? ugh, before he gets any more sick he has to make sure -- ] Someone from the science club... does that mean Arisu have something to do with it?

As long as I can still talk...

( he leaves the subject alone though, and he focuses more on what izumi says instead. he's paying attention to the facts that come together through the other's fishing. it's bait, and he wonders if chiaki and roku~n will be able to say who's part of this and who's part of that. komaeda's too focused on the idea of cultists in their midst, which makes him pull his hand from his friend's as he contemplates the fact that it seems that the sacrifice is part of the mix. the students will go that far just to have a smear of red along their paintbrush, and it makes komaeda laugh to himself. )

Is it true, Roku~n, are you using that as a substitute?

( he already knows about chiaki, but she said it was her secret stash.. so is it only her going for it or.. is his childhood friend a menace to society himself? ) If you want, I'll give you what I have in exchange for proper information.

Arisu...? You mean Hiro? I've only collected the end product so I don't know who they're collaborating with. You're better off leaving the kid alone, too.

[ He holds his PDA up to the vending machine, screen lighting up as his merit points tick down— Chiaki gets a Calpis, he gets a can of grass jelly, and he looks up at Komaeda and Izumi to see what they want. ]

It's not a lot and it's not often, so I don't need that from you, Nagito. Besides, I don't paint.

[ just... waves his hand like nah, he's not thirsty. especially when they're tackling a rather grizzly topic here. thanks, though. ]

At least give us a name on who's responsible for this. Was Okane involved? Was she the sacrifice? [ and he turns to chiaki. ] And Kudo, don't let your schoolmate do all the talking. You've got some explaining to do, using that for red paint. I get why it's a "trade secret" of yours, but it doesn't excuse the fact that it's more than a little messed up.

[ IT'S JUST NOT NORMAL ]

( ? did he just call the man, the myth, the legend himself... NAGITO. why is no one talking about this? i gasped. )

Roku~n...

( there's something misplaced in this man's heart for saying his name like that... it's personal, and komaeda's starting to wonder a few things. he looks towards izumi, and then over to chiaki as his fellow idol looks over to her — you know, that double intimidation tactic. though, he squats down in front of the vending machine to tap at the glass, you know... normally a mercedes benz would have crashed into this by now... he's not used to paying. )

Sena-kun, what if you give Kudo-san your blood instead? It'll solve a lot of problems, and then she won't deal with them anymore.

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