Hard Paper

-Chapter 37- •Empathy•

Just as Kuro's said, the next day feels like a rush. Kuro seems distracted yet very full of thought. Always keeps his laptop with him. From picking up Shiko from her room in the morning to after breakfast, he thinks, writes in his phone and now and then, Shiko says something he could think about as well. Just, trying to help. During the breakfast, he doesn't play word ping pong with Haru or Erika. If any "funny comment" is said, he ignores it. And again like he said; after the classes are over, he immediately heads to his room. When Haru is there, tells him not to disturb him. Because his friends are around, he doesn't overwork himself too far and gets enough food. In no time, the day of the empathy conference arrives

Students seat themselves down. Shiko, Haru, Aiko and Erika are fairly close to the front. There is a small curtain separately on the stage. Yami and Ningyo or, Nexus; who's wearing a black mask are seated in the front. Shiko takes deep breaths. Haru whispers to Shiko

Haru: So- can you give us a general idea of... what is about to happen? He asks curiously and tilts his head like a puppy. Shiko lightly sighs and looks a bit down

Shiko: I actually... don't know...? She says a bit hesitantly I thought we were going to explain? Empathy? And try to get people to understand our purpose but... I have no idea what he kept writing and writing about... she averts her eyes he is doing this one alone... I don't know anything except that his mood went down since he worked on it with-.... Haru lets out a *hm?*, Shiko stops herself By(!)... himself... Erika pinches Shiko's cheek from the seat next to her

Erika: Stop with the long face. It's not like he's gonna cause harm, remember the stunt he pulled at the beginning of school? A huge f you to the people who trust the system? Shiko looks at her, lightly smiles and nods. Aiko reaches over from next to Haru and ruffles Shiko's hair

Aiko: It's gonna be alright. Trust us. And- trust Kuro Shiko looks at her and nods again before the back of her seat feels kicked. All 4 of them look back, it's Nagisa, and Lucy next to her. Standing. Nagisa plays innocent and slowly smirks

Nagisa: Oops!~ Sorry, I didn't mean to bump. Her expression turns a bit mad and eyes get cold. She looks at Erika who looks a bit uncomfortable Hello. Erika. Erika lets out a short sigh and averts her eyes I see you're getting really comfortable with the nobodies. She rolls her eyes and here i thought you could have had even the tiniest worth. You're- she sighs a joke. She glances at Lucy who looks tired and bothered. Erika slowly looks at her as well

Lucy: I... can't believe I- she looks at Nagisa very briefly and looks back at Erika used to call you, my friend. Erika feels her insides heat up a bit, she hesitantly opens her mouth to bite back but gets interrupted but Aiko getting up quickly

Aiko: Hey!. Her voice echoes for a second before it gets covered up by murmurs of students sitting down. Nagisa and Lucy look at Aiko, looking unentertained. That is my friend you're talking to. She stares into Nagisa's eyes with no hesitation, Nagisa sigh and rolls her eyes

Nagisa: And? Did you forget how she treated you befo- Aiko interrupts her

Aiko: No. No I did not but her heart's in the right place. Not like you would know anything about having a heart. Haru puts his hand on Aiko's arm, she looks down at him Don't- try to stop me. Haru sighs and gets up. He turns to Nagisa and Lucy with a smile

Haru: Ladieees!~ a light smirk appears on Lucy's face. Aiko clicks her tongue, sits back down and crosses her arms. Nagisa lifts an eyebrow Heeey, the conference is about to staaart~ he lightly ruffles Aiko's hair, Aiko pushes his hand away. Haru looks at Nagisa I'm sorry that this pretty lil gingersnap-cookie right here was expecting so much from you. Like what did she think? That an ex-emo was gonna wear her heart on her sleeve? He lightly giggles. The others including Lucy all look confused while Nagisa gets a bit pink with extremely wide eyes. Then; Aiko and Erika start looking a bit entertained while Shiko is still quite confused