aoi hoshi 3 Posted September 15, 2018 (edited) Sora bit his lip, visibly deflating even as he brought her close to him. He was trying to be optimistic, but the brunet realized it wasn't helping. This situation wasn't a quick fix. The poster was all around campus, so everyone had likely seen it or at least heard about it. "We'll get through this," Sora amended, "We're gonna find out who did this. They need to be held accountable." "I'm...," Naminé struggled for a moment to find the right words, "I feel useless. I wanted to help Kairi, but I just froze. She's probably crying, and I couldn't even say her name." She held her hands against her heart, expression pained. It's just like when I was under Marluxia's thumb. Helpless. Pathetic. Speechless... Edited September 15, 2018 by aoi hoshi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forever Love 82 Posted September 15, 2018 Kairi's tears fell as she buried her face in Sora's shoulder. It didn't even matter to her who did it; she didn't want people to see it. How was she going to even show her face around campus now? Most of all, what about her friends? "...I didn't want you to see that," she mumbled into his shirt. Sora, of all people... How embarrassing. Roxas lifted a hand to rest on Namine's shoulder. "Hey, don't feel bad. I'm sure Sora doesn't know what to say, either," he tried. What did you even say in this situation? He looked over and saw another poster on the wall. He used his free hand to rip it down and wad it into a ball. Whoever did this was the lowest of the low. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aoi hoshi 3 Posted September 15, 2018 (edited) Sora couldn't deny that he felt uncomfortable with the image, but it wasn't Kairi's fault some pervert made that image. Let alone distributed it all across campus. "It's not your fault," Sora soothed, "We all know that. I know that." He ran a hand through her hair. It was like a fine red silk. "Me, Riku, Roxas, Naminé and Lightning. We're your friends. We won't leave you. I don't know even know how we could you're so important us." Especially to me. I love you, Kairi. Naminé nodded, but the gesture was half-hearted. She really needed to figure this being her own person thing out. To protect the ones I love. Kairi was like her sister, and Naminé wanted to be there for her. "Do you think whoever did this will be caught?" Edited September 15, 2018 by aoi hoshi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forever Love 82 Posted September 15, 2018 Kairi clutched Sora's shirt. "I'm so sorry," she whimpered. She didn't want him to see that or witness the way everyone treated her. It wasn't her fault this happened, no, but...she still felt responsible somehow. "I don't want you think of me differently. Even if it wasn't me..." It was just her face manipulated onto a picture, but it was the insinuation. "You matter to me, Sora. What you think of me matters. And this..." This could change things. Roxas nodded. "I seriously doubt the dean is going to let this fly," he replied. He stepped forward, even closer to Namine now as he lifted a hand to rest on hers near her chest. "Namine, I know you think you could have done more, but...I wouldn't have known what to do either. We'll go back to your room, take down these posters on the way, and meet Kairi there. You can talk to her then, okay?" She didn't have to be sad. Roxas hated the sight of her down expression; it hurt his heart. Namine had enough misery in her life. She didn't need more, especially when she didn't do anything wrong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aoi hoshi 3 Posted September 15, 2018 "You're still you," Sora insisted firmly, "No amount of photoshopping could ever change that. That picture may have had your face, but it wasn't you. I know you. We all do. This doesn't change anything. The only thing I feel is anger towards whoever did this to you." There better be severe consequences for this kind of bullying. I won't attend a school that isn't just. "O-Okay," Naminé replied, uncertain still but more relaxed now that Roxas was with her. They would take this one step at a time. Take down the posters and then she could talk to Kairi. Apologize for being so helpless. I'll draw her something too. Maybe of the islands. It was moments like these that Naminé realized how much she needed Roxas in her life. The boy she had guided in that digital town. It was amazing how a few words from him helped her push forward. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forever Love 82 Posted September 15, 2018 Kairi took her head out of Sora's shoulder and looked up at him while they were close. His face was a bit blurry due to her tears, but he was still as handsome and sweet as ever. She wasn't sure what to say, but she did smile weakly. "...Will you go back to my room with me?" she asked quietly. She didn't want to be alone right now, especially without Sora. He was her rock. Roxas took one of Namine's hands and held it in his, starting to pull her with him down the hall. He would be with her the whole way. Just the thought of her being in Kairi's place infuriated him. He couldn't imagine Namine being ridiculed like this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aoi hoshi 3 Posted September 15, 2018 "Of course," Sora said with a small grin. He wiped another tear from her cheek before bringing out his phone. "I'll text Roxas and ask him to bring us a couple of smoothies. He said he would be going to the caf anyway." He wished there was something more he could do for her, but a smoothie would have to be a decent start at least. Naminé followed without hesitation, catching flyers with her other hand and crumpling them. How many of these existed?! She wanted to snatch them away from the people who held onto them, but there was only so much they could do... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forever Love 82 Posted September 15, 2018 Kairi kept her grip on Sora's shirt, gazing from his phone to him and then hiding her face in his shoulder again. His warmth comforted her in this moment. Sora himself comforted her. Where would she be without him? Roxas dug out his phone when it chimed, releasing Namine's hand from his grasp. "Sora asked me to grab some smoothies before meeting them back at the dorm. Want to go with me?" He would get her one too, of course. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aoi hoshi 3 Posted September 15, 2018 "Sure," Naminé answered. She was sure Kairi could use something sweet after all this chaos. Once they finally reached the dorms, Sora followed Kairi into her room. Some of the girls watched them with gossip hungry eyes, but Sora cast them a look dark enough that they had the sense to turn back around. "Roxas should be here any minute," Sora said. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forever Love 82 Posted September 15, 2018 Kairi sighed and dropped her bag by her bed. She collapsed onto it, legs hanging off the edge as she stared at the ceiling. "Finally," she breathed. "Privacy." Away from prying eyes and judgy words. She was ready to forget today ever happened. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aoi hoshi 3 Posted September 15, 2018 "No kidding," Sora said and plopped into the chair adjacent to her bed. He wondered how long it would take before whoever did this was caught. "Do you have any idea who would have done this?" He didn't want to say Noel, but after the fight... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forever Love 82 Posted September 15, 2018 "...Noel?" Kairi asked, looking at Sora out of the corner of her eye. It was the only person she could think of. "...He thought we did...things. And he said I wouldn't with him." It made sense that he would spread something so vile for revenge. How disgusting. "But...I don't think he would stoop this low." Who else could it be? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aoi hoshi 3 Posted September 15, 2018 Sora didn't want to admit that she was probably right, but she was probably right. Noel may be a jerk, but he wasn't that awful. He also wasn't involved in any kind of photography classes from what Sora had gathered. "Yeah, I don't think it was him either. Where is that picture of you even from?" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forever Love 82 Posted September 15, 2018 Kairi continued to gaze at the ceiling, her hands resting on her stomach. "We had the photography students come in to one of our classes and shoot us as we sketched out our projects for the end of the semester," she explained. "It had to have been from then, unless someone's been following me around." She didn't want to think of that possibility. It was too creepy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aoi hoshi 3 Posted September 15, 2018 Sora grimaced at the idea of someone stalking Kairi. It was entirely possible given how beautiful the red head was. "But why would someone from a photography class do that? Unless they were working with someone...?" Though who was another question entirely. Who would hate Kairi that much? How could anyone hate Kairi that much? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forever Love 82 Posted September 15, 2018 Kairi shook her head and then rolled over to face Sora, bringing her legs up on the bed. She rested the side of her head against her arm as she looked at him. "Beats me," she muttered. "I just hope this is where it ends." She didn't want this to go further than it already had. This was bad enough. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aoi hoshi 3 Posted September 18, 2018 Sora frowned. There was more to this story than what it seemed, and he had a gut feeling that things would only escalate until the perpetrators (because the brunet knew there had to be more than one person involved) were caught. "Yeah...I hope so too, but even if something else happens, I'll be right by your side," Sora vowed, his hand digging into his pocket to clutch at the godlike charm Kairi had made. He wouldn't let them hurt her anymore. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forever Love 82 Posted September 18, 2018 (edited) Kairi smiled weakly. Count on Sora to cheer me up, as always. She scooted over on her bed, closer to the wall, and patted the spot beside her. Right by her side? She would hold him to it, right now. Besides, his presence always brought her comfort. Edited September 18, 2018 by Forever Love Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aoi hoshi 3 Posted September 18, 2018 Without hesitation, Sora plopped down beside her with a soft creak slipping from the mattress. He settled his hands on his stomach and looked up at the ceiling. He wondered how long they had till Roxas came with the smoothies. "Maybe we should go out to a movie tonight?" Let you take your mind off things for a little while... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forever Love 82 Posted September 18, 2018 Kairi stared at Sora's hands on his stomach as she lay on her side next to him. His cologne wafted toward her when he plopped down, and she took in a breath that calmed her to some degree. "We don't have to," she said softly, tucking her arm under one of her pillows. "That costs munny, and that would require leaving my room..." She didn't think she could do that just yet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aoi hoshi 3 Posted September 18, 2018 "Roxas and I have a little extra munny, and I've been wanting to see that new super hero movie anyway. Besides, you need some time off campus," Sora said gently. It wouldn't help to isolate herself day and night. Kairi needed to get out for a little while and clear her head with some fresh air. "It'll be fun, and I'm sure Roxas and Naminé will want to come too." I'd invite Riku, but he and Lightning already made plans I think. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forever Love 82 Posted September 18, 2018 Sounds like a double date, Kairi thought, nearly blushing. But Sora was right, she did need to get away from prying eyes for a little while. "Alright. We'll see what they say," she agreed, looking from the comforter to the boy beside her. A movie didn't sound so bad. Roxas carried four smoothies on his tray as he walked with Namine to her dorm room. They managed to take down a lot of the posters with Kairi's "advertisement" around campus. Riku and Lightning were handling the rest, as far as he knew. The blond looked over at the girl next to him, gently nudging her with his shoulder. She'd be okay. Kairi wouldn't be upset with her. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aoi hoshi 3 Posted September 18, 2018 "I'm pretty sure Roxas will want to," Sora replied with a grin, "especially if Naminé is there." His other's feelings were so obvious. He was almost as bad as Sora himself. One way we're alike I guess. Because Sora still firmly believed that he and Roxas were different. But there were definitely similarities between the two of them. Like how we both don't confess to the girls we like... "Hmm?" Naminé looked up tiredly. She was still nervous to talk to Kairi. Not because the red head would be unkind (Kairi was one of the sweetest people Naminé knew), but...What if she was mad? What if she does think I'm a bad friend? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forever Love 82 Posted September 18, 2018 Kairi smiled slightly. "He likes her, huh?" she asked, though she didn't really need an answer. Roxas wasn't as subtle as he may have thought. Kairi caught him checking Namine out more than once, and he spent a lot of time with her when he prepared for his performance at the festival. Apparently she wasn't the only one who noticed. Roxas gave Namine a comforting smile. "Don't worry. You guys are going to be fine," he said, speaking of her and Kairi. As if Kairi would actually be upset with Namine for what just happened. Roxas couldn't see it going down that way; they were both in a rough spot. Like he told Namine earlier--Roxas wouldn't have known what to do in that situation either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aoi hoshi 3 Posted September 18, 2018 "Oh, yeah," Sora chuckled and rolled his eyes in amusement, "Talks about her all the time. I don't understand why he doesn't tell her his feelings." Not that he was one to talk. His feelings for Kairi had yet to see the light, and Sora wasn't sure when he would say anything. If he could say anything. "You're right," Naminé said shaking her head, "Kairi is my friend. She won't be mad. It was...out of anyone's control." Seeing the door up ahead, Naminé sucked in a breath and walked up with her key in hand. She unlocked the door, keeping a small smile intact as she saw Sora and Kairi inside. "Hey, guys..." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites