Equilibrium

To Socialize and Be Open

Unlike Komaeda's class, Naegi's didn't really feel the need to apologise. They hardly did anything aside from grabbing Naegi's attention. Kirigiri was the only one who went further than that.

So when the news about what happened to Komaeda spread and how class 77 got scolded they didn't have much of a reaction. All they really cared about was Naegi and he was fine so they were at ease.

Mostly.

Kirigiri ended up confronting Naegi, it was as awkward as one would expect it to be.

She's not very good at socializing with others, but he could tell her apology was sincere and that she had good intentions, so Naegi forgave her easily. Kirigiri even promised she'd be less critical of Komaeda in the future since he's Naegi's closest friend. That was a huge statement considering her talent!

He was delighted at her efforts and thanked her and then made to leave...only to be hit by Kirigiri's words.

"Hey, you're going to want to get makeup for that bruise. Your bangs won't be enough... it's going to be really obvious soon." Her sharp eyes pierce through Naegi's soul. "Make sure he doesn't do it again."

A shiver ran down Naegi's spine at that. She didn't say the name but it's clear she had figured out who did it.

All he could do was nod and sputter out a quick thank you before leaving, too shocked to do anything more.

Part of him is relieved she didn't probe for details...but part of him is starting to worry.

He has to admit he hadn't thought about that bruise at all since that night, let alone been checking to see if his injury was becoming visible!

Naegi likes to forgive and forget, to give a person a chance to recover from their mistakes...and also it had been very late so everything that happened almost feels like a blur.

But after quickly checking himself with a mirror he thinks it's silly he never noticed how bad it's gotten. He's lucky no one had noticed besides Kirigiri...he forgot his talent has an occasional upside.

Now is when the reflection rolls in…

Naegi cares for Komaeda, he really does. He's his closest friend, but that night was really intense and he had seen a side of Komaeda that he'd never witnessed before. He was so ...broken, so different from his usual self.

Though for him to have felt the need to attack Naegi and do so...that isn't something he should ignore right?

He's stayed awfully quiet about it too… to be fair Naegi did also but he forgot!

Maybe Komaeda did too?

And all that hope talk...what was that?

Now that he thinks about it...there's a lot of things that should probably be addressed properly.

-----

"Hey Naegi-kun, are you even listening to anything I'm saying?"

"H-Huh?!"

"It has something to do with your white haired friend right?"

"How did you-"