yumemigaoka | Theater Kid's March Comes in Like a Lion

After you.

[Junna gets a bit of a kick out of seeing how short the "escort mission" is. It makes her realize, too... their apartment is likely to be about this small. Maybe smaller; she isn't sure if they'll really need two rooms, given everything they've discussed. But, that's a thing to consider later on. She peers into the bathroom, looking abut -- and spots the different things that Lisa points out. Then, she looks at her...

And she she cracks a smile at the stomach rumble.] Then, I'll do my best to be quick about things. [She takes the towel -- the pink towel -- and looks back up at Lisa. She smiles brighter, then. And then she leans forward and kisses Lisa on the cheek.]

I'll treasure it. I'll be out soon, okay?

[After Lisa is out, she closes the door. She gets everything set up -- toothbrush where it should be, clothes neatly stacked, towel on the rack, and then the hot water going. She gets her hair lathered up, but then there's the methodical, steady rhythm of the shower -- and it's loud in here so she thinks it's a little hard to hear. And she's feeling... good. Not just better, but good. When was the last time she felt good?

Christmas?

Funny how that worked out. She is thinking about the Disturbance, but she's feeling like it's a thing she can get past. She feels like she can figure out what she wants in the future. Her and Lisa have a plan. And all of that leads to her forgetting about, ahem, the secrecy of the mission. And getting a little lost in a shower that runs long. And, through the door, a voice can be heard.

Singing a pop song from a few years back. It was a duet, but she sings both parts. And she gets a little loud for a certain part:]

Point, I don't care. Dollars, how much fake?
Point, one in two,
But if there's love, then do it!

What 'bout my star?

Darlin' come closer, you hear?
NO YOU, NO LIFE. No. I'm serious!
Need your heart and need your love~
OH YES!! Give me a sweet KISS!

[...sorry, Lisa.]

[Of all the things to be woken up by, Karen would never have expected it to be someone singing pop music in her bathroom. She'd recently returned from traveling home, and had been quietly napping, so sneaking past her had barely been a challenge at all. But then came the singing.

The door to her room opens quietly. Her time playing soldier in both online games and in the Dream Sphere allowed her to be entirely too sneaky for her size. Her combat gear of choice was a pair of pink pajamas she almost never wore outside of her room and, more menacingly, what appeared to be an actual gun. Its pink color does little to make it look less realistic. Of course it didn't shoot BULLETS, but the pellets it was capable of would still sting, at least.

If she'd heard only one voice she would have assumed it was just Lisa, maybe on the phone or something. And one of them DID sound a little like her. But why would she be sneaking around in an apartment she was welcome in? She even had her own key! No, these were clearly intruders.

Maybe her fear made her act a little bit rash. Why would an intruder be singing in her bathroom? And that girl really does look a little bit like Lisa from the back. It doesn't stop her from aiming her 'weapon' right at her, though.]

If you thought this apartment was empty, you were wrong.

[She is going to feel SO bad when she figures out what is actually going on.]

[She can feel Junna's brightened mood from here, and she's... relieved. Yeah, it's been a good morning, but she'd worried they'd leave her bedroom and the illusion would shatter. So she's happy that things seem to be stable for the moment. Chuckling to herself with a grin at the kiss, then flushing bright red when the song hits her ears and she recognizes it - recognizes what it meant where it was presented - as her laugh turns brighter and freer. She's about to turn around and grab a seat at the table to wait for Junna when another voice - lower, significantly less cheery - comes from behind her and she only just doesn't shriek, putting her hands up. A metaphorical exclamation point appears over her head as she realizes she's not alone out here but also that she needs to be careful, and she turns slowly.]

I live here, what the hell- wait, Karen-chan? [Her internal alarm goes off.] Oh no, you were here this whole time!? [Then she finally sees what's in her hand-] Oi, I don't have good drops, put P-chan away!

[Heart pounding, Lisa takes stock as Agent I screams in terror at her utter failure. This is her apartment, but she's brought someone else into it without letting her landlord know, had that person stay the night, and now they've... woken her up? Pulled away from her game? She's not sure yet. She'll find out, but that's. Probably not the most important thing. She's pretty sure she can make this work, but she's going to have to talk fast and be as honest as she can. It helps that she hasn't even showered yet, let alone put on makeup. She has zero poker face right now, and she's hoping not having anything to hide will help.]

I. I can explain, Karen-chan, I promise there's a good excuse for this.

[Junna is still singing in the shower when Karen comes out. With P-chan. That will be important in a moment. She's getting close to finishing though. It's when Lisa says she should put P-chan away that the water turns off.

And in the shower, Junna blinks. Was that Lisa? She sounded a little loud. She grabs her towel and gets it around her. And thus, just as Lisa says she can explain, the door opens just a crack and Junna pokes her head out. Without her glasses. That blob over there with the auburn hair, that must be Lisa. And that blob over there has--

Her eyes go wide.] Is that a gun!? HOME INVASION!

[She grabs the nearest object. It's, uh, the still wrapped toothbrush. She brandishes it in a non-threatening way, but it's the thought that counts.]

I've done advanced course work in stage fighting, I have a toothbrush, and I KNOW HOW TO USE IT! Get away from my girlfriend, you-- [She can't swear though.] --you villain!

[Thankfully, she's not so sleepy that she doesn't recognize Lisa's face when she turns to face her. Perhaps more calming is the fact that she doesn't actually seem angry. If anything, she seems relieved to see the familiar face.]

Woah, woah, hold on. If its you, then its fine. I invited you here after all, but I could have sworn I heard another voice. I got home late last night, and I may have stayed up really late last minute farming an event in GGO, so maybe I just heard wrong. There was a rare drop that was perfect for my P-90, and I couldn't really pass it up, so....

[The whole time she hasn't turned the gun away, so the vaguely gun like shape in Karen's hands is still very visible and still seemingly a danger. Her eyes go wide when the bathroom door suddenly opens, and a head pops out.]

Wh...what the....who are....wait, did you say girlfriend?

[She looks between Lisa, and Junna, back and forth, and a slight red tinge comes to her cheeks. She has an awful lot to be embarrassed about right now, and two girls dating isn't even on the list.]

I'd kind of be interested to see how you could fight with a toothbrush. But don't worry. The gun isn't real, I thought the two of YOU were the home invaders. Why don't you finish up in there and the two of you can explain this to me. Don't worry, I'm not angry. If you're that close to Lisa, I don't mind you being here.

[Her embarrassment seems to have faded quickly, because she turns a mischievous smile towards Lisa.]

If the explanation is good enough, I won't even find out what kind of drops you have on you.

[......this situation has gotten way, way out of hand. She probably would have been able to talk Karen down, but then Junna stuck her head out of the bathroom after an absurdly fast shower without her glasses and. Things. Escalated. Sigh. Lisa does her best to keep her voice level as she mediates, but it definitely doesn't work; her pitch is a bit high and she sounds like she's straining not to scream.]

Gotcha. I promise neither one of you are threats to the other. Ah, Junna, this is Karen-chan, whose apartment this is, aside from the room she's graciously letting me stay in. Karen-chan, this is Junna, my girlfriend, who was really in need of some comfort last night for reasons we'll explain, and who cannot currently see you without her glasses. We'll do real introductions once everyone is dressed and nobody has weapons or pretend weapons in their hands. Yes, Junna, I know you can't see me but I'm looking at you too. Please go ahead and finish up, we'll wait now that I'm not going to get shaken down for rare items. Probably.

[She runs her hands through her hair roughly - oily; she definitely wants her turn in the shower (and food!) but it's going to have to wait a bit now - and sighs again, turning back to Karen fully.]

May as well wait at the table for her. It's where I was headed before you found me first. Please put P-chan away first, though. I'm getting used to it but she definitely isn't. I'm... gonna grab my phone, if you don't mind, I've been aggressively not checking it for the last day or so.

[But as she walks away, she doesn't stop talking, since she's even more aware than usual that Karen can still hear her.]

Welcome back, at any rate. Hopefully your trip was good?

[Junna sputters for a moment as everything comes at her at once. First, this is not a home invasion; this is the owner of said home. Second, Karen thought they might be the home invaders. Third, she is pointing a toothbrush at her in a way that she thinks is threatening. (It is not.) Her cheeks flush as she stares in Karen's direction.]

O-oh my gosh, I-I am so sorry, Karen-san! P-Pardon, I don't know your last name! [She starts to bow, but she's just wearing a towel, so she thinks better of that and pulls it tighter around herself. Then she looks in Lisa's direction, and her cheeks were already flushed. She makes an 'eep' noise, and then she tosses the toothbrush onto the counter with a clatter. She sputters again.]

R-Right! I-I'll be done quickly!

[She closes the door, then leans against it. She blows out air, sending some wet strands of purple hair up.

Then Junna hurries over to finish cleaning up and getting dressed.

[While Karen has no idea what is going on, she's able to tell it was something serious. Both Lisa and her (special) friend seemed to be a bundle of nerves, and entirely too worried she is going to be angry with them. The first thing she does is stop holding the pellet gun in any way that could be considered threatening. The barrel is pointed at the floor, if Lisa knows what to look for its obvious the safety is on, and its being held in one hand. The other hand she holds out, trying to calm her guests down. Her tone of voice is intentionally gentle, even softer then normal.]

I already told you I'm not angry. Please, calm down. Its not a big deal at all you brought someone here. I did not invite you to stay with me to stress you out MORE. I do want to know what is going on, but not so I can judge you or justify any sort of anger. Its to see if I can do anything for you, even if its just leave the two of you alone.

[Junna might not be able to see it, but Karen flashes her a smile.]

Kohiruimaki Karen. We can save the proper introductions after we're both dressed. I'm still in my pajamas, after all. And like I said, please don't stress. I have no intention of kicking you out.

[She turns to return to her room, both to store her menacing little hobby gun away, and to change, but turns to answer Lisa first.]

It was nice to see my family again, but I wasn't able to tell them about being a Dreamer. I doubt it would even bother them, I just am not sure how I'd explain LLENN to them. Anyway, back in a moment.

[She returns in a very unflattering outfit, a flannel shirt and a pair of sweat pants, settling in at the table to wait for Junna. She does her best to look calm and friendly, she doesn't want to make either of the other girls more nervous then they already were.]

[Lisa lets out a breath as the barrel of the P-90 comes down; she's not even thinking to check the safety. She's kind of talking over everyone, but... she'd been afraid something would go horribly, horribly wrong. Karen had proven fairly easygoing in the past, but she wasn't going to count on that. So she's relaxing a little now that things seem to be calming down. That was... unexpectedly stressful, even if not for the reasons any of them really thought it would be.]

I'm... getting there, Karen-chan. It was just kind of... well, terrifying when you thought I was breaking in and you brought your model SMG out here to threaten me, but I was a little scared once I thought you were going to get mad at Junna. So even if you aren't, and I do believe you, I just... need a minute. [Lisa shakes her head.] I'm trying not to speak for Junna too much until she's out here, but... you've probably got the most understanding parents out of us, about Dreaming. But I'm glad it was a good trip! Ah, back in a second-

[She disappears into her own room for her phone, bringing it back out and dropping it on the table like she'd much rather have nothing to do with it. She... swipes away just about every notification, but there's a lot of swiping to be done. Half the Dreamer Union having her LINE address means there are a lot of people asking after her. When Karen returns a moment later, Lisa nods.]

Um, I should apologize. Not for everything else, just... you've been really chill since we met and I shouldn't have assumed the worst. I'm just really sensitive about Junna right now. For her sake and mine. I trust you to hear us out, though.

H-Hoshimi Junna. [Her reply is polite enough, but a bit hurried before she vanishes into the bathroom.

She gets ready as quick as she reasonably can. And once she's all dressed, she looks into the mirror. She exhales, adjusts her glasses, and then checks over the things she borrowed. And her toothbrush, sitting next to Lisa's now. Junna takes a second to summon her courage up, then steps out of the bathroom.

She has Lisa's borrowed T-shirt and flannel pants on, with the brown hoodie zipped up. She looks at the kitchen table, smiling at Lisa and Karen both.]

U-Um! Good morning. Thank you for your hospitality, Kohiruimaki-san.

[She walks over, then sits next to Lisa.]

[She does her best to offer a polite smile to Lisa, but can't help but worry what sort of news she's going to hear. She decides to not push it, and let the two share at their own pace. She settles down at the table, shaking her head at Lisa's words.]

You don't need to apologize. I admit I don't know you very well, but even I can tell that you're very bothered by something. I won't make promises without hearing what you have to say, but if I can help in any way, don't hesitate to ask.

[There was a hint within the comment about her parents being understanding. She doesn't let her mind wander, though. She's find out soon enough. She offers Junna a similarly pleasant smile.]

Think nothing of it. Lisa-san is my friend, and by the time we are done talking, I would like it if you were as well. I probably shouldn't confuse you, but this is actually not the first time we've met. We can get to that another time, though. Please, tell me as much as the two of you are comfortable speaking about.

[For all she knows, Junna already knows about her little pink alter ego. The model gun WOULD have been a giveaway, if not for the lack of glasses. Who else would own a pink machine gun?]

Oh, and have the two of you eaten? It was so late when I got home last night I didn't want to upset my stomach. If you'd like, I could prepare something while we talk. Though since I didn't shop since coming back the choices might be a little bit limited, I'm afraid.

[Lisa fights the urge to snort, and instead holds herself to the somewhat cryptic:] You have no idea. But I appreciate it. I'll- ah, there she is.

[She smiles at Junna as the other girl greets Karen and takes a seat. She wants to grab her hand because the morning got significantly more stressful very quickly, but... that may not presently be good for appearances, so she checks and keeps her hands on the table, giving Karen a somewhat more honest smile.]

I was in a little bit too much of a depressed funk to eat last night, to be honest? And for the last couple weeks to do the shopping. So while I'd like that, we were planning to grab break- [she sees the clock and corrects herself-] ah, lunch after we got ready anyway. We slept through breakfast and chatted through brunch. I didn't see you or any sign of you in the apartment, so I figured you were still out and we were clear. [Lisa shrugs, glancing sidelong to Junna with a slightly helpless tint to her grin.] Agent I sends her apologies and left her resignation.

[She turns back to Karen, and a little bit of the humor drains away, tension coming back into her posture.]

Short version, you missed a Disturbance while you were out. As you may recall from Amane-kun's, those mess me up and I needed to destress really bad. I still do, a little, I'm just hiding it better than usual. Junna was... in a similar boat when she showed up here last night, for different reasons. [Lisa glances sideways again, this time with a more inquisitive look. She knows why Junna showed up last night, yes, but if she's anything more to add - or just wants to explain her own side - that's for her to decide.]

[Junna glances sideways at Lisa -- and she smiles at her, trying her best to be reassuring. And, well, it's a little fun; it's stressful, but it's a normal sort of stressful instead of what she went through in the Disturbance. The almost-ordinary feeling is... nice. She looks back at Karen, then she nods her head, her expression becoming a little more cheerful.]

Ah, thank you. I hope so, too. But... where did we meet, though? I'm sure I would remember... [She's stumped. But it was a lot lately. Maybe she forgot? Or...

She nods, when Lisa says there was a Disturbance. There is a glance downward; it might not be hard to guess why. She looks at Lisa, meeting her eyes, and then she looks back at Karen.]

...I was the source of the Disturbance. I... got out of there two days ago, now. [She hesitates, her breath caught in her throat for a second.] I came by to see Lisa. I needed to talk to her, and... I was a wreck, myself. But...

[She fidgets with her hand, at her sides. She's wanting to take Lisa's hand, too. It's hard to keep from doing so.] ...I'm glad I came over. It really helped, after everything I'd been through. [There's just a second of hesitation.] I--um--I'm sorry if I inconvenienced you, in any way.

Edited 2025-03-21 00:47 (UTC)

[In a way, what she is told is a small relief. She had feared the absolute worst, her mind had convinced her it had to be something like someone close to one or both of them being severely injured. In a way it was true, but at least no one was missing any limbs.

She does not interrupt even once, listening with a carefully controlled patient look on her face. She takes a moment to process it all before speaking. ]

First off, let me offer an apology of my own. While I could not have known what was going to happen, the fact that I was unable to help in even the slightest does not make me happy. What it means to be a Dreamer has changed for me over the last few months, and I very much wish I had been here to help you, to help the both of you.

You needn't tell me the details of what you went through. I was already wholly unconcerned with Lisa-san bringing someone she cares about here, and knowing the reason for it make it all the better.

[She offers Junna the warmest smile she can muster.]

I already said I was not angry, but let me make it perfectly clear. As long as Lisa-san is staying with me, you'll be a welcome guest. I did not invite her to share my home in order to isolate her from those she cares about.

[She glances over at Lisa.]

If anything, the coincidental meeting we had at college may have helped prevent me from getting so lost in my own negativity that the same thing happened to me. As I mentioned, I am also a Dreamer, but it was not until after what happened to Hibiki that I become an official member of the Union.

[Finally, she turns back to Junna.]

As for OUR meeting, it was during the battle against that massive monster that attacked the Slumbering City. We hardly had time to chat, of course, but I remember you. You would not be able to recognize me, though. I am rather....well, different in the Dream Sphere. So much so I'm basically a different person. Sometimes I worry I might be developing an entire second personality I am so different.

[Karen's historically pretty cagey with the secret of her identity on the other side, so Lisa doesn't supply an answer there; it isn't hers to give, especially not with the young woman herself there to decide. Instead, she's watching Junna. Leaving her with the hard admission feels bad, but... better to give her that choice, and the fact that Junna looks over to her first suggests she was right to do it, as Lisa gives her an encouraging smile. She feels a little bit like a heel having to just sit here and watch, but... it needs saying. She does look back to Karen too, trying to gauge her reaction. But... polite, dark-haired wall there. No dice. So she waits the girl out while Junna finishes.

The response, then, is... both better than she'd hoped and dramatically less worrying. Lisa lets out a long, shaky breath, smiling truthfully.]

I'm... really relieved to hear you say that. I think you're expecting a little too much of yourself, but I'm not one to talk there, so I'll leave it at that. And I really, really appreciate your faith in me. I'd been a little worried about, well, not just overstaying my welcome but causing you trouble, so I'm happy to have been overreacting, I guess. And happy to have been to help to you earlier. Even if... I'm not entirely sure I'm out of the woods for one of those things, either.

[But she recognizes most of that is directed at Junna - indeed, a bit of it is stuff Lisa already knows - so she holds her peace. But she does offer her hand on the table in front of Junna, intending to signpost it so Karen doesn't wonder what she's missing, if they're exchanging notes or somehing. She's being told she doesn't need to sneak around or be concerned, but at the same time... Still feels weird. Like she's still waiting for the other shoe to drop.]

It's... [Junna shakes her head.] It's okay. Really. You were out of town. That kind of thing happens. And I... well, I certainly wasn't in a good state to check everyone's calendar for the ideal meeting time.

[She smiles a little weakly. It's a lame joke and she knows it.]

But... thank you. I--I, um. I really appreciate it, Kohiruimaki-san. I--I'd have done whatever you felt was best, but... I'm glad I can come visit. [She looks sideways at Lisa. Her cheeks color a little, when she does. But she sees the hand on the table, and it's like a lifeline. She takes Lisa's hand, squeezing gently. Then, she looks back at Karen. She smiles.

Then, her smile fades; it's a thoughtful look. You can practically see the gears turning in her head, then.

And Junna's eyes finally widen, as she recalls. She pieces it together from who was there; who she recognizes, who seems terribly unlikely, and who--oh.] ...LLENN? But she's--you're--not the same height in the slightest!

[That tall, dark haired wall was keeping herself under control for one simple reason. She didn't want to make things worse in any way. She isn't a mind reader, though, so doesn't realize how her efforts are having the opposite effect.]

I definitely do expect too much from myself. I don't want to make this conversation about me, but allow me to say this one thing. Everyone in my family is successful in what they do. If I am going to a Dreamer at all, I will be an exceptional one that does good for other people. That is why I regret not being here to help. Next time, please try not to schedule while I am out of town.

[She lets her carefully controlled mask soften just a little, a faint smile touching her lips. She is allowed bad jokes, too.]

But, Lisa-san, you are definitely not overstaying your welcome. This apartment felt so large and empty living by myself. I see my sister and niece every now and then, but other then that I used to come home to a place where I had only my television, computer, and phone to keep me company. I don't feel any regrets at all for sharing this space with you. We did not speak very often. But simply knowing I was not entirely alone was comforting.

[The handholding is, of course, noticed, but she politely does not stare. She does, however, give Junna a nod.]

I know its probably hard to believe, but that is correct. I had...well, let us say various reasons for keeping it a secret before, but I already said I don't want to make this conversation about me. You don't need my worries heaped on top of your own. I will tell you about her another time.

[Her little smile becomes a full on grin.]

Just know that GGO's infamous 'Pink Devil' is on your side and will give you the help you need, in and out of the Dream Sphere.

[Karen is allowed bad jokes, which is good because that was terrible. Lisa suppresses the urge to audibly boo, instead settling for a sudden cough. That comes with a bit of an awkward silence on her end; she's touched that her mere presence was good for Karen, but that means her and Junna's discussion a short time ago now has an unfortunate side effect. Then again... they didn't make that decision for anyone but themselves, so there's a limit to how bad she feels. Karen can probably sense Lisa's still stressed, although she's calming down with Junna's hand in hers.]

I'm glad I could be here for you then, even just a little. And hey - talk to me anytime, yeah? I know I have badbrain days sometimes and hide out, but it's good to hear another person's voice for me, too. [A beat.] Which is why Junna's here in the first place. But I needed a lot more than her voice, because I was coming off a badbrain month. So... she's going to be here sometimes. [Not a request, just a statement of fact, as if she'd said the sky is blue. Given Karen had already said that was okay, though, she's not expecting to meet resistance.] I'd just been afraid I'd have to advocate for myself more, which is part of why I was so tense when I realized you were here. I... it's going to sound underwhelming now, but I didn't want to rock the boat, you know? I was- well, afraid.

[It does sound underwhelming to her ears. No less true for that, but underwhelming. Definitely moreso than Karen offering LLENN's assistance - her assistance - to Junna at a time when she's more likely to need it than ever. Lisa still doesn't want to run her mouth about the tall girl's secrets, but she'll probably share the couple of relevant stories that will make more sense now that Junna can connect the dots.]

[Junna laughs a little -- and then she nods. She understands wanting to help. She does glance sideways at Lisa again, as Karen speaks. She feels a little bad about their plan for the future, but... but, that's still one that she wants. Her resolve has only increased since earlier this morning.

She looks back at Karen, then she nods, with a thoughtful look. But then she smiles a little bit more.] I understand keeping secrets, and... a-ah, I'm grateful for the Pink Devil's support.

[She looks sideways at Lisa as she explains, then. Junna is quiet while she listens to her explain some. And she squeezes her hand, after all of that; there's a warm feeling of gratitude that Lisa said Junna would be here, sometimes. She wasn't sure what Lisa would think.

But... it's something she wanted, she realizes.]

[Karen had always assumed it was a temporary arrangement when she'd invited Lisa into her home. When the time comes that the arrangement ends, she'll simply readjust to her old life. It wasn't as if she was actually alone. She was getting to know more and more of her fellow dreamers. She had more friends here then she ever did back home.]

I understand. We really don't know one another that well. Most of our conversations have taken place in the Dream Sphere and I already mentioned how being there affects me. [She smiles.] I guess when I go shopping I will bring home a bit extra. Have to have enough to share with our guest, after all.

[She stands up, glancing between the Lisa and Junna.]

Which I believe I will do now. Sorry if I scared you with P-chan. when I thought someone I didn't know was here, it was the first thing I reached for. Stay as long as you need, Hoshimi-san. I need to make a couple other stops, so I will probably be gone for a few hours at least.

[Its a bit of a white lie, there was a place not too far away to get groceries, she COULD be back quickly. But after interrupting the two, she wanted to give them some time to themselves without having to worry about her. It seems she is perfectly fine going out in flannel and sweat pants, as she heads right to the door and starts putting on her shoes.]

Oh, we can talk about it later, Lisa-san but there WAS something I wanted your help with. Its not important, and it cane wait until you're in a better mental state, though. I'll ask you about it later.

[Now, where would she go to pass those extra hours? Maybe a visit to the Dreamer Union, or just some casual cafe loitering were in order.]

Ahaha... I'm sorry about that. I'm not hiding away on purpose! I meant what I said - grab me any time. And... don't feel obligated to grab extra, you know? We'd appreciate it, for sure, and I'm really happy you're even thinking about it, but I already impose on you a lot. [Lisa sucks in a breath.] I admit, P-chan freaked me out, but I really brought that on myself. I understand being defensive if you thought someone was in here! I'm happy for it, even, I'm not going to be any help on this side.

[Lisa wouldn't be caught dead in public in flannel pants, so she's surprised when Karen gets up and makes to leave. Not enough she doesn't get a chance to reply, but enough she almost misses what Karen asks.]

We're going to be heading out for lunch anyway once I get ready, and then... I don't think we're coming back right away. So don't feel like you need to take super long. But definitely talk to me later, I'll give you a hand!

[Not. Right away later, as Junna's hand in hers reminds her; Lisa squeezes it back, needing something to ground her a little more. Right now is for decompressing and pretending she's okay until she is okay. But she'll get there. Karen being willing to wait with that pointed note is a help, even if it's a signpost that she needs to take care of herself before she's in a position to take care of others, right now.]

Ah... th-thank you! If there's anything I can do, though, please let me know. I'm... happy to help chip in. I--er--I'd like to chip in, really, with some of the chores or something. I'll feel guilty if I don't. [Since, as Lisa said, she expects that she'll be here often. She smiles, though, and then she blinks when Karen stands. She, also, would probably not wear that outside. But, she can respect the fashion statement, even if it isn't her own.]

It was a pleasure to meet you properly, Kohiruimaki-san. Enjoy your time out!

[She gives Lisa a squeeze of the hand in return. She could use the grounding herself. She looks sideways at her girlfriend -- and there's another warm smile -- but she stays quiet. Let the roommates talk while Karen's leaving!]

[Lisa seems far to perceptive for her little white lie to have fooled.]

I guess you saw right through that, huh? After interrupting you, I'd hoped to give you some time to spend together. I suppose if you're going out to lunch, then you can have that without me staying out for hours. But really, you don't have to worry about a thing. I never brag about it, but my family is well off and is providing me with everything I need to get my education here. The money I spend on a bit of extra food doesn't even come out of my own pocket, really. It just means having a little bit less left over at the end of the month, and I already have excess the way it is.

[Rather then bragging, she seems to feel slightly awkward to admit it. Its obvious the other two girls are struggling thinking about their future, and here she was just getting free money because her parents were rich.}

So no complaints. I'm going to do it. If you think of anything you might want to have in the apartment, don't hesitate to ask. That goes for both of you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be off.

[She seems to be in a bit of a rush to leave and is quickly out the door. Maybe she doesn't want to see the reaction to how easy her life is on the other girl's faces.]

[Lisa definitely wants to talk, because there are a couple of things she takes a little umbrage at! But also, uh. No time for that, as Karen very quickly finishes getting her shoes on and rushes out the door. Lisa barely gets time for a quick-] Take care, Karen-chan! [-before it not-so-gently closes and Lisa just... stares at it for a moment. Blinks. Turns back to Junna slowly.]

That... happened. Um. Sorry, I guess? She's not normally like that but I think we kinda pushed her. I feel a little bad about it, honestly?

Ah--

[Junna opens her mouth to protest. But Karen is on her way out. She only manages a sort of awkward wave as the door closes. Junna blinks at the door; then she turns her head, and blinks at Lisa.]

I-It's okay. It, um...

[She laughs. Then she starts giggling, hand over her mouth, and she's full on having a giggle fit after a second.] Th-this is something out of a movie! Honestly!

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