First Trial POSTS (2)

06-19-2020

Kazui: By the way… thanks, Shīna-chan.
You keep going around and talking to people to make sure the mood never gets too sour, right?
It’s a big help. We’re all in here together, after all. If a fight broke out the whole group could fall apart.

Mahiru: …eh? Huh~?
Ah, no, I’m just talking to people because I personally want to talk.
All the kids are so cute, so I can’t help but want to fuss over them!
A fight, huh… But if that ever happened, then you’ll definitely be a big help, right~?
Since you’re so big! And buff!

Kazui: Ahh, no. I mean, I’ll do what I can.
Based on appearance, as long as nobody has a weapon, I think I can probably get everyone under control…
No, we should just hope that nothing like that ever happens.

Mahiru: You know, I quite like watching martial arts, actually.
I don’t really get it, but it looks super cool.
Hi-yah! Hi-yah!

06-20-2020

Mikoto: …oh, so you are here after all.
Shidō-san, are you free?
Let’s chat~

Shidō: ! Ah, just give me a moment…
Um… I don’t mind talking, but you didn’t need to come over while I was smoking.
Are you sure it isn’t too smoky for you? You’re not a smoker, right, Kayano-kun?

Mikoto: Ah, you don’t need to put it out! That’d be such a waste!
I smoke too occasionally. Though just vape.
Like, the smoking room is a really good spot for communication, right?
So I thought now might be a good opportunity to talk with you. Not like I have anything else to do.
By the way, I’ve been wondering for a while, but do you always wear those gloves?

Shidō: I don’t…
How to put it… I suppose… since I have my hands covered all the time, when I take them off, it feels as though the feeling in my fingertips is even greater…
I know it’s probably all in my head… but that’s how it feels.

06-21-2020

Amane: What are you doing, Yuno-san?
Is there something you need? You have such a serious expression on your face…

Yuno: Amane-chaaan!
Look at this! Here I go~~
Hah… “bridge”!
…ok… and… “turtle”!!
…and now~ “circle”~~~ …alright, “airplane”~~!

Amane: Impressive… You’re very skilled.
This is cat’s cradle, right?

Yuno: What a dull reaction!!
Whenever I do this for my little brother, he always got so excited he almost passed out…!

06-22-2020 (Haruka's Birthday)

Haruka: …(sigh)…

Mahiru: Haruka-chaaan, come over here a bit!
I’m looking up everyone’s horoscopes right now to check our compatibility~
What’s your star sign~?

Haruka: Ah, erm… s-star sign…?
I-I don’t know. Can’t remember…
B-but, my birthday’s June… 22nd… I think, that was it…

Mahiru: Ok then. June 22nd is Cancer, so…
A kind person who prioritizes their feelings, and… hm? That’s today!?
June 22nd! You should have told us~ Happy birthday~!

Haruka: Huh? Ah, yeah…
Th-thank you… very… much… hehe…

06-23-2020

Fūta: Old man, don’t just laze around so carefree like that.
Haven’t you thought about how to break out from here?
With your physique, you can probably take out the guard and escape, right?

Kazui: Ahh… Ok, let’s put it this way.
You got caught up in a bank robbery, and the culprit has blocked off the police.
From a glance, they look pretty weak, and don’t seem to be holding any weapons. Would you try to arrest them yourself?

Fūta: …if it looked like I’d be able to, then I would.
You said they’re weak and don’t have any weapons, right?
Everyone else in the building’s life is on the line. Those who can fight should fight.

Kazui: Haha, I wouldn’t recommend that.
Even if they look weak, they might actually be a lot stronger. They might have an accomplice hiding somewhere.
And they might not look like they have a weapon, but could easily be hiding a gun.
…you shouldn’t act until you have absolute confidence in your assessment.
So, for now I’m going to sit back and assess the situation.
And on that note, I’m off for a smoke~

06-24-2020

Mū: …!
Ah… Kotoko… san.

Kotoko: Hm… You bumped into me because you were just staring at your feet while you were walking. Be more careful.
…what are you so scared for?
It’s not like I’m gonna bite back just because you bumped into me.

Mū: …s-scary… this is horrible…

Kotoko: …you know, that’s really not the sort of thing you’re supposed to say out loud.

06-25-2020

Kotoko: …Shidō, right?
I’ve been watching your actions for a while, and I’m curious.
You’re always extremely calm, and your expression never changes.
Do you know something about this place?

Shidō: No, I know nothing.
…I’ve never really had an expressive face.
Despite appearances, I am quite shaken by this.
But… if I do look calm, as you say… then I suppose it’s because I don’t particularly dislike it.
This place…

Kotoko: Hmm, is that so.
…what a coincidence.
I don’t particularly dislike it here either.

Shidō: I think… that our reasons are probably different.
…from where I’m looking, you’re not particularly normal either, Yuzuriha-kun.

06-27-2020

Amane: Zzz… zzz…
…nnh…

Kazui: Oh, Amane, it’s your birthday today, right?
Shīna-chan told me.
Happy birthday. Have the others already celebrated?

Amane: …thank you very much.
That’s right. A few have spoken to me.
I don’t personally consider my birthday that important, but I’ll gratefully accept the well wishes.

Kazui: Even so, though, it’s not like I have a present to give you or anything. Sorry.
…if push comes to shove, maybe I can ask the guard for a cake. Depending on their mood, they might agree to it.

Amane: No, that’s fine.
I’m not especially fond of that sort of thing.
I’ll just accept your kind words as a gift.

06-28-2020

Fūta: You said you don’t play any games, right?
Do you not watch league or premier either?

Haruka: E-eh, I, I don’t understand, what that is…
That… uh, “leeg”?

Fūta: Huh!? It’s international soccer. It’s normal for guys your age to know stuff like that.
What a pain… I really have nothing to talk to you about, huh. Even though we’re around the same age.
Also don’t speak to me so formally. It’s gross.

Haruka: Ah, e-excu-, I don’t, I uh… got it… Fūta… kun…

06-29-2020

Yuno: …mmm, the food here is actually pretty nice.
I wonder if the guard made it…
Oh yeah, Mahiru-san, do you cook?

Mahiru: Hm? I do~
Cooking, washing, cleaning, I love doing all those sorts of things~
Fufufu, I passed all my self-imposed training to become the perfect wife with flying colors!

Yuno: Wow, incredible…
I don’t know whether to call that old-fashioned or what.
…isn’t it a pain?

Mahiru: Eh~? I don’t think it’s a pain at all~
It’s fun~

06-30-2020

Mū: …yeah, that’s right, since I went to an all-girls school.
I’m not really used to being around adult men… other than Papa.

Kazui: I see… I get why a big guy like me could be scary for you, then.
Hm? Ah… Kusunoki-chan.
Sorry for asking out of the blue, but how old is your father?

Mū: Eh…? Um…
I think he’s 41…

Kazui: …it wouldn’t be strange for me to have a kid around your age then, huh. I’m getting old.
Well, nothing to be gained by thinking about it…

07-01-2020

Mikoto: Hey, hey, Koto-chan.
I’ve been thinking this ever since I first heard your name, but don’t you think the names “Mikoto” and “Kotoko” kinda sound like siblings?

Kotoko: No.

Mikoto: Don’t say that!
Let’s get along well from here on as the Koto-Koto combo!

Kotoko: I’m not doing that.

07-03-2020

Shidō: Sakurai-kun…?
Show me your hand.

Haruka: Eh!?
No, I… There’s, n-n-nothing wrong.

Shidō: Show me.
…the palm of your hand is bleeding.
I’ll have to disinfect it.
Does this always happen…?

Haruka: A-ah… It’s, j-just a habit…
W-when I’m nervous, I grip my hands, too hard, so my nails…

07-05-2020 (Mū's Birthday)

Mū: Papa… Mama… I wonder if they’re worrying about me…

Mū: It’s kind of strange.
Even though we’re stuck in a situation like this, everyone’s still celebrating my birthday…

Fūta: (sigh)… They’re all way too carefree.
What’s celebrating people’s birthdays even supposed to achieve.
Everyone has one, it’s so stupid.

Mū: …Fūta-kun, are you… not going to celebrate my birthday?

Fūta: Hu-huh!?
Is that really something you’re gonna say out loud…??
Ahh, fine… yeah, yeah, congrats.

07-06-2020

Amane: You want to know about my family…?
My father is a truly wonderful person.
He’s honest, values fairness and justice above all else, and will work himself to the bone for other people’s sake…. Why do you want to know?

Mahiru: Oh, I was just wondering what sort of parents you must have for them to have raised such a good child like you.
Fufu, I’ll keep it in mind for the future when I raise my own family.

Amane: I see.
If it will be of use to you, I’ll tell you more.
It’s still a long way off for me, but for someone your age the prospect of finding a partner and having a family must be feeling a lot more real.
Now that I think about it, I recall my mother was around your age when she gave birth to me…

Mahiru: Oof…!
Even though you meant no ill with that statement, big sister Mahiru is suddenly really feeling the pressure~~!

07-08-2020

Yuno: Hey, Mikoto-san.
Don’t you get tired being so conscious of others all the time?
I mean, you’re free to do what you want though.

Mikoto: Eh… Aha, what are you talking about?
I’m not being conscious or anything.
It’s normal to make sure to get along with everyone, right?
I mean, when you put it like that, aren’t you the same, Yun-chan?
You’re always smiling and getting on with everyone too.

Yuno: I don’t smile unless I actually want to.
But with you, when you’re talking with other people it’s more like you only smile deliberately.
So I kept thinking, don’t your cheeks get tired?
Ah, is this just what happens when you become a working adult?
…you see people like that sometimes.

Mikoto: Haha, you don’t mince your words do you.
….that was never my intention, but now that you mention it, yeah, I guess I do.
This might’ve been since I started my job too… But like, if I was rude to everyone I met, all my efforts would come to nothing, right?

07-09-2020

Kotoko: Kazui, you do martial arts right.
…what type? Judo?

Kazui: Ah, my main is… judo, and kendo.
I also know a little bit of karate.
You must have some martial arts experience too, right, Yuzuriha-chan? I can tell by looking.
Hmm… probably a combat type… I’m guessing not karate… is it taekwondo?

Kotoko: …I’m not telling you.
Stop ogling me like that. It’s gross.

Kazui: I-isn’t that a bit unfair?

07-11-2020

Shidō: …Kajiyama-kun, um… do you happen to like natto?

Fūta: Huh? I don’t particularly care for it one way or the other…
Hah, what, are you not able to eat it?
So even an adult like you who seems so composed all the time still has a pathetic side.

Shidō: …I’m not really like that.
…that’s just what it is to be an adult.
When I think back… I don’t think much about me has changed since I was around your age. Getting older… it doesn’t mean something drastic is going to change about you.

Fūta: …what a depressing outlook…
Well, whatever.
Here, I’ll give you my boiled spinach in return.
Be grateful.

07-13-2020

Mahiru: Right… so you too, Mū-chan…
…hmm, I guess it’s because of the environment here. Sometimes it can affect your mental state.

Mū: …you’re the same, then?
…that it’s gone…

Mahiru: …it’ll be fine, it’ll be fine.
This sort of thing happens all the time~
Right, Mū-chan, do you want to eat something sweet?
Jackalope-chan left a bunch of stuff out for us.

Mū: Yeah, I’ll eat them…
But… I’d rather have mille crêpe…

07-15-2020

Amane: Eh, my studies?
I enjoy them.
To me, studying is something I do for fun.
Do you not think the same, Mikoto-san?

Mikoto: Not at all!
It’s just a means to an end… I just did the bare minimum needed to get into a good company.
I actually went to an arts uni that had a pretty low subject requirement to enrol, and from there I studied curation and… uhh, you don’t really know what that is huh.
Hmm. Since your way of speaking is so mature, I keep forgetting I need to explain myself properly…

Amane: It’s fine.
If there are any words I don’t understand I can look them up later.
An arts university, though… Does that mean you’re good at drawing, then?
It may be a bit rude to say, but that’s rather unexpected.

Mikoto: No, not really…?
I mean, I could do the bare minimum needed to pass the entrance exam though.
Even though it’s called an arts uni, there’s still subjects where you don’t need to draw at all. I’m the sort of person who tries to be efficient, so I worked backwards from the job I wanted to get into and chose to study subjects like direction and management~ …ah, I’ve done it again…

07-17-2020 (Yuno's First Trial)

Kazui: Ah.
Kashiki-chan, welcome back.
How was it, the thing where it extracts your sins?
…you seem to be in quite a good mood, huh.

Yuno: Can you tell?
…I don’t really remember what the “extracting mental images” thing was like, but talking together with the guard was fun.
I’ll sleep well tonight, I think.

Kazui: …??
Was it really like that?
Since they called it an interrogation, I expected it to be a lot harsher.
Well, you certainly do seem fine.
Haha, I guess I don’t have to worry then.

Yuno: Ah!!
Oh dear, this isn’t good… even though I promised…
Hey, Kazui-san, can you keep it a secret from everyone else that I was in a good mood?

08-01-2020

Mū: Somehow he feels even fluffier today than usual… so soft…
Ah, Haruka, do you want to touch too?
Jackalope, I mean…

Haruka: Ah, I-I’m fine…
I’m n-not good, with animals…

Amane: Hm.
To think you’d have a problem with something so cute.
You’re a really strange person, Haruka-san.

Haruka: ……I guess so.

08-02-2020

Mahiru: Yeah, I’m asking for what you like in the opposite sex!
I mean, with a lifestyle like this we have a lot of free time, right?
So earlier when I was talking with all the other girls we got onto the topic!
It’s not often you get a chance like this to live with a mix of men and women together, so I thought it might be nice to use the chance to talk about stuff like this in preparation for when we leave.

Kazui: Ah… Haha, I understand.
I can see that’d be the sort of thing girls your age would be interested in, huh. How peaceful.
What I like in the opposite sex… I don’t know if what I say will really be a good reference for you…
Ah, you know, since I’m at this age.
I like a girl who can just smile free of worries. Seeing that’d make my old, tired heart feel young again.

Yuno: Uh-huh, I see, I see.
…that’s a total lie, right?

Kazui: Haha… Give me a break here.
You sure don’t make things easy for people, Kashiki-chan.

08-03-2020

Mikoto: By the way, Koto-chan.
Who’s stronger between you and Kazu-san?
You both know martial arts, right?

Kotoko: …if it was a fair one-on-one fight, probably Kazui.

Fūta: Isn’t that obvious? What a stupid question.
There’s no way a girl could win in a fight against a man. This is real life, not a manga.
There’s too big a difference in body size. And that’s what determines the weight of your attacks.

Kotoko: …Futa’s not entirely wrong there.
In a lot of martial arts, they specifically split up divisions based on body weight for that reason.
I’m bantam, and he’d probably be either cruiser or heavy.
Well, I’d still break an arm or two though.

08-04-2020

Mikoto: By the way, why did you two start smoking?
For me it was just a means for communication with people at work.

Kazui: Hm? I don’t really remember…
It’s maybe changed nowadays, but in the past it was just natural for everyone to smoke.
What about you, Shidō-kun? Do you remember?

Shidō: …I wonder.
I suppose… I just wanted to do something that was bad for me.

Mikoto: Ahh, I kinda get that.
It’s like eating instant ramen in the middle of the night.

08-05-2020 (Kazui's Birthday)

Haruka: …Kazui-san… um…
Are you, happy… on your birthday…?

Kazui: Hm? If I’m being honest, at this age I don’t really think much about birthdays any more.
But… it can be nice to have as a means to start something.
Like, for a friend you haven’t seen in a long while, it’s a good excuse to suddenly start up a conversation, you know?
Being able to hear from a bunch of people like that makes it fun.

Haruka: I-is that, so… That’s… nice… I’m, kind of… jealous.
But, I’d also, want to hear from people… e-even if, there isn’t a reason…

Kazui: Haha, but it can’t always be like that.
You know, for us adults… we always want a reason or an excuse for everything.
…hm? Wait, is today my birthday?
So is that why you went out of your way to talk to me yourself for once, Haruka?

08-18-2020 (Haruka and Yuno's Interrogation)

Yuno: Hey, Haruka, did you fill those out too?
I remember doing profile notes like this in like primary school and middle school too.
Wasn’t it nostalgic?

Haruka: …e-eh?
I don’t… k-know about that… B-but, if someone wants to hear, I thought I… should answer… as much as I can…

09-02-2020

Yuno: Hm-hm hmm hm hm hmm♪
Hm-hm hmm hm hm hmm♪
Hm-hm hmm hm hm-hm-hm-hmmm♪
Hm-hm hmm hm hmm hmmm♪

Yuno: Shidō-san, today’s my birthday.
Aren’t you gonna give me something?

Shidō: …that’s right.
Here, this is for you.

Yuno: Eh, what is it?
A horse?

Shidō: No… It’s a giraffe.
I was feeling a bit fidgety not having anything to do, so just folded it now.
…Kashiki-kun, happy birthday.

09-18-2020 (Fūta's First Trial)

Fūta: Haa… haa…
Ok…

Kotoko: What’s up, Fūta?
…your breathing seems a bit uneven?

Fūta: Huh!?
I’m getting ready to fight.
That guard is looking down on all of us…!

Kotoko: …hmm.
Is that so… I’m looking forward to it.
To seeing what your “justice” really is.

10-07-2020 (Mikoto's Birthday)

Mikoto: ■■… gh… Gah… ■■… aaa… nh…
■… ■■■■■…!!

Kotoko: ……hm.
Have you finally calmed down? Mikoto Kayano.

Kotoko: ……
So you want me to wish you a happy birthday?
I don’t really mind, but is that really something for you to be saying to me?

Mikoto: You’re the last person I need to have the whole group.
If there was just one person left it’d be bugging me all night and I’d never get to sleep, right?
At times like this you have to abandon your pride and just say something, right~?

Kotoko: Ok, here you go. Happy birthday.
…if this is what will help you sleep soundly.

Mikoto: Oh, thanks!
Now I don’t need to worry~