How the hell am I supposed to know that? I was knocked out.
[And he barely remembers anything from the moments preceding. He's considered enough that he wasn't the only one. Every time he thinks about it, that ache for home heats to an unbearable burn. He feels it now.]
We have to get back. They might be in danger, Haruaki.
[ He knows. He knows, he's known since the moment he arrived that he has to get back, that his students need him– that danger hangs over their heads. He thought it was only Toubyou and Kashima, but even if that all worked out like he's been told it did, only days later even worse trouble would befall all of them...
Haruaki's quiet, not because he isn't taking in what Sano said. Only because he's thinking, stretching strings across the cork board of his mind, looping them around new pins. ]
[ He shouldn't tell Sano. Friends or not, he's still his student, and so is Kurahashi. They're peers, friends– roommates, in this strange world. Haruaki won't do anything to jeopardize a happy school life for either of them.
His heart twists painfully, gaze shifting over to the crystal for a moment. I wish I could talk to Rintarou is more or less always on his mind, but never stronger than in this moment.
Back to Sano, Haruaki shakes his head, squares his shoulders. ]
I don't know. It's just a feeling that I have.
[ He won't say that he's figured out Kurahashi isn't a kudan. How would Sano have felt, if Haruaki told someone else that he knew he wasn't a yakubyougami?
He may not be able to wait for Kurahashi to come to him with it first. Haruaki may have to force the issue with him directly. But the very least he can do is not betray his secret to anyone else. ]
I'm worried, but... whatever danger we're all in back home, I promise I'll get us through it.
[It's odd that Haruaki brings Kurahashi up at all. Sano hates to say that he's doubted his roommate as of late, but he has - not to any serious degree, but it was just so weird learning that he values Ebisu so much and that Ebisu values him too. It's been heavy on Sano's mind, making him watch Kurahashi more closely, feeling strange every time he sees him with his brother.
[But... that has nothing to do with this.
[Unless... ?]
Do you think... there's any chance he was with Ebisu?
[ On its face, it makes no sense. Ebisu isn't particularly close with any of the students. He's critical of Kurahashi's work in the same way he's critical of all of the lowest ranking students, though maybe a little more so. They have no reason to feel so bonded to one another–
Unless their connection predates Ebisu's appearance at Hyakki. And if Kurahashi isn't a kudan, then...
Haruaki's temples throb. He rubs at them ineffectually, huffs a very un-Haruaki-like sigh. ]
[ A few more futile rubs, then he drops his hands and looks over at Sano with a bit of a clearer expression. His head still hurts, but– they don't have to talk about it more right now. ]
If you notice anything else, and you feel alright telling me about it... please do, okay?
[ It's not a statement lightly made by anyone, but especially not Sano. Somehow, Haruaki has become the person he trusts most, and he'll do everything in his power to not let Sano down. The trust of his students, his friends– it means the world to him. It lightens a heavy load over his shoulders, makes his expression smooth out into a warm, grateful smile. ]
Thank you, Sano-kun.
[ He tilts his head away from the light of the crystal, gestures for Sano to follow him. They've been here long enough. ]
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[And he barely remembers anything from the moments preceding. He's considered enough that he wasn't the only one. Every time he thinks about it, that ache for home heats to an unbearable burn. He feels it now.]
We have to get back. They might be in danger, Haruaki.
oh this might be taking a huge turn actually
Haruaki's quiet, not because he isn't taking in what Sano said. Only because he's thinking, stretching strings across the cork board of his mind, looping them around new pins. ]
Sano-kun...
[ ... ]
Was Kurahashi-kun with us in the kitsune town?
uh oh!!!
He wasn't.
[Come to think of it, Sano can't quite remember what Kurahashi last remembered from home when he asked.]
Why do you ask?
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His heart twists painfully, gaze shifting over to the crystal for a moment. I wish I could talk to Rintarou is more or less always on his mind, but never stronger than in this moment.
Back to Sano, Haruaki shakes his head, squares his shoulders. ]
I don't know. It's just a feeling that I have.
[ He won't say that he's figured out Kurahashi isn't a kudan. How would Sano have felt, if Haruaki told someone else that he knew he wasn't a yakubyougami?
He may not be able to wait for Kurahashi to come to him with it first. Haruaki may have to force the issue with him directly. But the very least he can do is not betray his secret to anyone else. ]
I'm worried, but... whatever danger we're all in back home, I promise I'll get us through it.
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[But... that has nothing to do with this.
[Unless... ?]
Do you think... there's any chance he was with Ebisu?
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Ebisu-sensei?
[ ... ]
He wasn't there either? Do kitsune have something against gods...?
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I don't know, but... no. He wasn't there either.
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What a weird combination... did anyone else disappear?
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[Sano grips Haruaki's sleeve and tugs him closer, whispering as if they might be overheard.]
There's something weird going on between those two...
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[ Okay, now all his schematics and theories are fully pushed aside. Sano threw him for a loop! Haruaki wobbles in closer, eyes wide. ]
What do you mean?
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[Which isn't inherently a bad thing, but it's weird, right?!]
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[ Ten? ]
Ebisu-sensei had a ten for someone who isn't you!?
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[Can you believe Ebisu accused Sano of being jealous?]
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Unless their connection predates Ebisu's appearance at Hyakki. And if Kurahashi isn't a kudan, then...
Haruaki's temples throb. He rubs at them ineffectually, huffs a very un-Haruaki-like sigh. ]
No, you're right, something is definitely up...
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We don't have to talk more about it right now, but... I just thought you should know.
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[ A few more futile rubs, then he drops his hands and looks over at Sano with a bit of a clearer expression. His head still hurts, but– they don't have to talk about it more right now. ]
If you notice anything else, and you feel alright telling me about it... please do, okay?
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There's no one else here I trust more than you.
ohhhhhh we can wrap i don't feel so good mr pans
Thank you, Sano-kun.
[ He tilts his head away from the light of the crystal, gestures for Sano to follow him. They've been here long enough. ]
I promise I'll take care of that trust.