yogen | (closed) do you want to change your life? change your mind

[ Really, he just hadn't had the time. But that was more of an excuse than anything.

Between his apprehension as it pertained to anything Nagito Komaeda-adjacent, how he'd been spoken to before, and his recent interactions with Rantaro Amami, he had been bouncing back and forth between wanting to just speak his peace and then leave. Take care of all of this with the help of those close to him, and leave it at that. However, he could tell that whatever was going on around Yogen Academy at this point, it was going well. He couldn't afford to be complacent and not bother to speak to the school's new principal.

Leading him to the office, where he cautiously knocks on the door. The counselor's doors are always open, but what about Ranger's? ]

Principal. You in?

[ It was the little boost of confidence, honestly. The feeling of being able to let go of a weighted thought that refused to leave for a long, long time, that's only been helping him out as of late. There's still moments where he feels shy, where he questions himself, but ultimately... he's happy with how this turned out.

Happy enough really, to get working earlier that day, making a stop to borrow a few things from the kitchen and wait. Semi excited and semi nervous for lunch time to roll around. Then for him to roll right around to Classroom 3-B and seek out his loving, understanding girlfriend. ]

Pardon the intrusion. Inaba, can I borrow you for a moment?

[ A very romantic, formal question that may instantly be seen through considering he's clearly holding a plastic bag, and y'know. It's lunch time.

...old habits die a bit hard. ]

Edited 2022-08-03 21:19 (UTC)

[ That is way too formal...!

Inaba looks at him curiously before getting out of her seat and following him. Sure, people might start rumors up again, but fuck that, she's not dealing with it. ]

Sure, what did you need me for, Mister Serious Guy?

[ She is already teasing him. ]

[ "Mister Serious Guy"...

He has his reasons for being so formal? Not. Good reasons, but they're reasons, still! ]

I figured you'd like to have lunch. I uh... prepared something earlier for you.

[ He holds up the bag-- looks like there are two bundles in there? ]

If you're not busy, that is.

You did?

[ She sounds relatively surprised. But the fact that he said 'prepared'...

Huh?

Did he actually cook this? ]

Ah, well... [ Inaba rocks on her heels a little bit as her gaze doesn't meet his gaze. ] I'm not particularly busy, no.

I haven't tried it in a while, but I figured... it might be fun to try it again.

[ Or, as is probably the case: he hasn't had to cook for anyone but himself for a while. He might as well... ]

I know it's a bit of a pain, but is the council room okay? I've kinda taken to spending a lot of time in there.

It's... safe. [ Surprisingly so! ]

I mean, I wouldn't mind eating in the council room, but... you don't mind? I mean, people might interrupt any time.

Fair point-- although, it probably wouldn't hurt if I put up a "Do Not Disturb" sign. I think the others would understand. It's not like anything illicit would be happening in there.

Any suggestions on your end?

...I feel like that would only lead to more misunderstandings rather than less.

[ She says that flatly. ]

Hmm. Maybe the clocktower? I think most people tend to avoid it, and most people are probably going to be eating in the cafeteria because it's "shiny and new". I don't think that's worn off yet.

The clock tower...

[ Hm. He can't remember if he's ever been to Yogen's before. Maybe during a different lifetime, or however that worked. ]

Sure, I'll go for it. [ A pause. ] Be nice to have a little bit of alone time with you again.

[ Inaba's smile softens when he tells her that it's nice to have actual proper alone time with her. It's in a way that nobody else sees her in this school. ]

Yeah, it would be nice.

[ It's such a small thing, but it makes him feel so much better about being there. Another side of Inaba that, selfishly, he gets to keep for himself.

...he'll probably keep that thought to himself for the moment. As they head towards the clock tower, he just can't help but remark. ]

It almost feels normal, doesn't it?

Almost. It's kind of weird, admittedly, that maybe this place could have some semblance of normalcy in the first place, after everything that's happened.

[ But she doesn't hate it. Not in the slightest bit. ]

I couldn't agree more. Really, it's...

[ He thinks about his words carefully. A miracle? To some, maybe. Since he had his momentary flashback, a few statements had been ringing in his ears. ]

...It's a testament to what we've been trying to accomplish here... and really, what we in the student council can accomplish. Actually showing the long-tenured students something along the lines of humanity can go a long way to those who've forgotten what it's like.

Really?

[ Even in a calmer voice, there's still those hints of skepticism that can't be hidden in her voice as she finds herself looking up in the ceiling. ]

To be honest, and maybe it's kind of sad to admit this, but--I don't feel like I've made any strides to actually do anything, you know? That was all... everyone else.

Hm. This may sound like a cop-out, but... I recall being told that this school is a reflection of those within it. With more of us taking over faculty roles and more positions of power so to speak, it gives us a chance to change the culture.

For you though... [ A brief pause. ] I can't pretend to know what you'd been up to since we arrived here, but think of it like someone who started to exercise regularly. It's hard to gauge incremental progress yourself, but it's apparent to those around you that you've made progress. Be it through investigating with others or just wanting your school life to be less chaotic, you were just as integral to fixing this school as the rest of us.

...Although, I guess I might be a bit biased. I always thought you were helping in the background.

You absolutely are biased, Miyuki. But that's fine. Well, it's true that I've made personal progress, but that doesn't do anything for the whole fundamental picture.

But that's enough about that nonsense. I didn't come for some debate on whether I made an impact on anything or not and I honestly don't give a shit right now. I just want to have a nice relaxing lunch.

Right, right. Sorry.

[ It probably-- no, it was more like 95% trying to placate her, so it's definitely better to let that go. Onward to the clock tower.

When they arrive, she'll find, in her bento: a small helping of veggies, rice, tamagoyaki and, naturally, sausages cut into octopus shapes. He's got the exact same thing in his. ]

I didn't really know how much to make for you, so I erred on the side of caution. Everything should be good though.

It's fine.

[ She opens up her bento once they're there and just finds herself staring at it for a long few moments in true disbelief. It does make her pause and she almost... finds herself tearing up, just a little bit. ]

Geez... I didn't expect any of this, though. Um, thank you.

[ Just going to grab her chopsticks so she can actually appreciate the food. ]

[ As is usually the case-- when she's staring down at it, there's a precious moment of him nervously trying to tell what she's thinking. Did it seem like too much? Was it not packed well?

Then, she thanks him, and he nods. ]

Yeah.

--If you wind up liking it, I can make one for you again some time. It doesn't take much time at all, really.

[ To say that he's found himself in an odd position would be an understatement. He'd applied without ever expecting to be given a role after all that's occurred, but he's a quick study and playing the role isn't all that difficult all things considered. It's more paperwork, but unlike some people he's not bothered by that, and the rest is largely a more effective version of wht he had already been doing.

His door remains open though. He's in the middle of sifting through some of the aforementioned paperwork when he hears the approach of a person, his head lifting. It's the cheerful grin card today - some things don't change, or at least not so quickly. ]

... Just Ranger is fine.

[ It's weird being called by a title by people who are in effect his equal. It's enough for the nameless students to address him so formally. He sets the pen down. ]

What's up?

If I do end up liking it, I might end up wanting to marry you.

[ Inaba?? ]

[ --Seriously?! He chokes momentarily, and nearly drops his own chopsticks?! ]

I-- hey...! Don't just say things like that?!

[ Inaba please?! He has confidence in his cooking, but in that manner--?! ]

What, you don't like it?

[ She grins with full confidence before taking a bite of the food, humming with enthusiasm. ]

Ah, this really is good~!

Edited 2022-08-08 07:51 (UTC)

That just came out of nowhere...! My heart wasn't ready for it--

[ Which explains why it's pounding out of control right now. He knows she's kidding, which makes it even worse that it still flusters him. Compounded with her compliment... ]

Th-thank you. [ A brief pause, and, a comeback. ] I do know how to make miso soup, so... I'll be prepared to make that for you every day.

(closed) do you want to change your life? change your mind

@ rio ranger

@ himeko inaba

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