[video]

[forgetbeam]

Is everybody ready for the new semester?! It's always difficult to readjust to school life after a long break like that, which is why I recommend keeping up with one's studies each day to keep prepared! But if you haven't done that, don't worry. You still have one day left to review the coursework and refresh your memory!

[Boy, that sounds... exciting...]

It looks like the mistletoe infestation has worn off just in time for us not to worry about missing class due to being stuck, too! I understand that it was particularly unpleasant this year. I'm sure many of us were reminded of... of things that we would much rather forget. The past should definitely be learned from, but not so heavily dwelt upon. Right then! It's a fresh new year, so let's all leave that behind us and remember to focus on the future! Let's hear some resolutions for self-improvement! You've all already made them, haven't you?

Here, I'll start. This year, I resolve to-- [Wait, simply maintaining perfect grades through to graduation isn't necessarily an improvement, uhhh]-- find at least three new activities to enjoy with friends!

...And to maintain high grades until graduation. [Just so we're clear.] But that should go without saying for all of us students!

Comments

[forgetbeam]

[Aww yes. Activity #1 to do with friends: COOK TOGETHER.

Activity #2: Purge stomach of failed experiments.]

[awakeningwill]

[He wasn't sure how to put this in a way that Kiyotaka would understand. At least, not in a way that didn't make him seem like just another unfeeling robot, bound to his programming. All those pursuits were just too... they were so human, somehow.]

I'm not going to just pretend I like something.

[fakespeech]

Eehhh... I don't really have any goals right now. I guess making friends and having fun, but I don't want to keep for just this year!

[forgetbeam]

If you found something you did like, obviously you wouldn't need to pretend!

[DUH, ZERO.]

[forgetbeam]

Why not try focusing on something you want to improve about yourself? Study harder, learn a new skill, build up endurance, or something like that! Then you can work at it all year and see how far you can take it!

[fakespeech]

I dunno what I should focus on though~! I'm so cute and bubbly already~! But I guess learning a new skill might be a good idea, thanks!

[It totally depends on if said new skill interests him enough, though.]

[inspirethefire]

[How very far he'd fallen. One of the many things he appreciated about being with Kiyotaka was that he felt so comfortable expressing most everything to him, that they were on the same page so often. This was... something he wished hadn't gotten aired out. Not like this, at least.

What matters is the present. The more he thinks about the future and all its uncertainties, the fewer options there actually seem. Only acting in the now can prevent that.]

Yes... definitely. Can... can you meet me by the fountain? I feel like... it would be better not to be inside, right now.

[It's still freezing outside, but the less time they spend in these walls, the freer they can feel.]

[birdlady]

I truly admire your enthusiasm! I feel as if I want to get started right away!

OH GOD THIS GOT LOST IN THE CRACKS BUT I REMEMBER NOW

[forgetbeam]

Of course! I'll be out in five minutes.

[Enough time to grab a scarf and jacket before making his way down there. It's only when he steps outside when he realizes he should have pushed for a later meeting, one that could give him time to calm down and sort his feelings out. Or at least push the situation far enough out of his mind that his first thought is how easy it would be to just keep on walking and see where that gets him.

He'd never do that, of course. But the thought is still there.

Either way, if he's there before Hajime, it's quiet and thoughtful waiting. But if Hajime beat him to it, he's still pretty quiet, but at least there's a nod of acknowledgment going on.]