reigen arataka has no idea

October 8

Humiliation was the only proper word that Reigen could find to describe his experience. Although, I'm unsure to say that anyone else, whether it be victim or witness, would also use the same term. 

Yesterday had started as everything that Reigen had hoped it would be. Everything went to plan, right on the dot. He met with everyone he promised lunch to. The price afterwards was perfectly in his budget, but he still managed to get through it without a single complaint from anyone else at the table. Afterwards, the group went to the arcade, and the walk there was full of chatter and laughter, which left Reigen feeling elevated. Then, he watched everyone else play games. Everyone paid for their own tokens, but Reigen assured them that he was willing to put in a few extra of his own dollars to help anyone that needed it.

And even watching everyone else was fun. Reigen possibly played a few games, like a zombie shooter and a dancing game, but he's made sure that no one brings it up. Maybe his terrible game skills can be erased from everyone's memory.

And yes, that was all fun. It worked out perfectly. Reigen knew that it was just what he needed to start feeling good again. And he's sure that all his friends, the kids and Serizawa, also needed a little enjoyment such as that. But after he made sure to walk everyone home in a group until he was the last remaining, it went a bit downhill.

The absence of people made him realize how horribly drained he was. Reigen's an extrovert, and does very well with people, but he was trying so desperately to impress those around his today, it took a toll on him. But it wasn't much a bother. In fact, it reminded Reigen of how good it felt to actually spend a day doing something that he enjoys. The soreness would remain on his tired body like a captured memory of the day.

But it doesn't matter how good of a day a person can have. The bad parts that come in will always be the thing someone remembers about it. Why is that? I don't think either of us could tell you. And so yet, after the enjoyment of the day, Reigen Arataka is met with a new ending.

Backed into a small alley, only a few blocks away from where he was ready to go rest his head in preparation for the next day. A weapon pointed directly at his face, no words spoken. The person behind just stared. Or did they do more? Reigen can't really remember.

His weak body, along with his exhausted mind, couldn't manage it. His legs felt week, his arms felt disconnected. But somehow he found himself placing his wallet in the hands of this stranger. He never said anything, not even something like 'Please don't shoot'. No questions, no escaping. The realization has dawned. When Reigen is alone, there's nothing to keep him safe.

No psychics. No spirits to lighten the mood by making fun of him. Just Reigen standing in a dark street. Alone, sometimes. But on worse occasions, he is most definitely not alone. 

The moment passes. The brightest part of this day is now only the dim streetlamp that hangs nearby.

Now, October 8, Reigen can be found silently laying in his bed, still wearing the same clothes he had worn out the day before. His phone is silenced, to avoid anyone calling about his absence. But in the back of his mind, he's genuinely sure that no one is reaching out to check, anyway.