Hopeful [A Llorumi Oneshot]

Hopeful: A Meaningful Visit

Harumi's decision to have her be sent to prison was a bittersweet act of maturity from her. However, during the trial, it was fruitless in development as she had chosen to be more reserved about her case, barely confiding much of her problems to anyone. Lloyd was respectful and understanding of her situation but he wasn't giving up on her either. He knew he needed to talk to her, to see how she was doing. He couldn't leave things be.

It had been a while since she was sent to Kryptarium Prison and Lloyd was visibly upset about her voluntary imprisonment. He attempted to visit her multiple times already. However, each time he formally requested a visit from her, she denied seeing him or anyone who wanted to speak to her. Time had passed since they last saw each other and their last conversation after the trial was quite gloomy and disheartening.

He worried for her constantly, hoping that she'd be alright and that she wasn't struggling in her confinement. Eventually he personally asked the Commissioner to allow him to enter her cell room so he could speak with her. He was hesitant at first, but he saw the desperation and determination in Lloyd's eyes.

The Commissioner led him to where she was imprisoned. He gave Lloyd a quick nod before letting him enter the large prison room. The door closed behind Lloyd and he took a deep breath and started walking. The air in the dark void room of Harumi's prison was heavy with silence and a palpable sense of confinement. He stared at the dome prison across the path. She was there, sitting silently with her back to him. Lloyd couldn't help but feel sorry for her, she looked miserable in that state.

When he finally reached the dome, he stood outside the transparent barrier gazing at Harumi who sat alone in her cell. She didn't even seem to even notice his arrival as she kept staring into the dark void of the room. He couldn't help but feel a mixture of sadness and guilt wash over him as he observed her.

Lloyd took a deep breath and approached the barrier, his voice filled with a mix of regret and pity. "Harumi... it's me... Lloyd..."

Harumi sat up straighter but she didn't turn back to him. She sadly looked down and rested her hands in her lap. "You shouldn't have come..." She said with a hint of sadness in her voice. "You shouldn't have wasted your time seeing me..."

Lloyd's heart ached at her reply. She sounded so pained and hurt. "I know you think you're not worthy of my time, Harumi. But I couldn't stay away. I needed to see you, to talk to you."

She sighed and her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her voice barely above a whisper. "There's nothing left to say, Lloyd. I made my choices, and now I have to face the consequences."

Lloyd leaned closer to the barrier, his voice filled with determination. "Harumi, I can't just let you give up like this. There's still a chance for redemption, for you to make amends."

Still facing away from him, tears finally streamed down her cheeks as she struggled to maintain her composure. "I... I don't deserve redemption, Lloyd. I've done too many terrible things. I can never undo the pain I've caused. I deserve this punishment..."

Lloyd's voice softened as he reached out a hand, his fingers grazing the barrier that separated them. "Harumi, I know you feel incredibly guilty of everything and everyone you have hurt. I know you've been through so much pain ever since what happened to you. And although that may not have justified your actions, it made me understand why you became the way you were..."

Harumi stood up and didn't utter a single word, she just tried her best to stop her crying but it was no use her tears kept pouring out. Lloyd's heart ached even more seeing her so devastated.

"Harumi... please look at me..." He pleaded. "We've all made mistakes. But that doesn't mean we should give up on ourselves. We have the power to change, to become better."