[ The bemused smile slides off Maruki's face, oil suddenly slipping away from water. ]
Winter...?
[ The drips collect and spill over. The back of his neck goes frigid, as if winter's settling into his own bones, suddenly. It shivers down his spine, makes him stand up straight.
Maruki's brows draw down, sharp. ]
No. I just saw you before I left in November. We were at Shujin together during your second year.
[ It all escapes quickly, panic rising up the back of his throat like bile with every word.
He's staring, intensely. He knows he is. But he can't stop himself, can't temper the desperation flaring to life in a fearful corner of his heart that grief closed off long ago. Maruki searches his face for any clue this might be a joke, even the most subtle quirk of one corner of his mouth–
But he only finds those eyes. Bright and honest as ever, but devoid of recognition. Searching in return, in a way Maruki knows too well. ]
I...
[ Who... Who are you? ]
Kurusu, it's me.
[ Um... I'm really sorry, but I don't know who you are. ]
no subject
Winter...?
[ The drips collect and spill over. The back of his neck goes frigid, as if winter's settling into his own bones, suddenly. It shivers down his spine, makes him stand up straight.
Maruki's brows draw down, sharp. ]
No. I just saw you before I left in November. We were at Shujin together during your second year.
[ It all escapes quickly, panic rising up the back of his throat like bile with every word.
He's staring, intensely. He knows he is. But he can't stop himself, can't temper the desperation flaring to life in a fearful corner of his heart that grief closed off long ago. Maruki searches his face for any clue this might be a joke, even the most subtle quirk of one corner of his mouth–
But he only finds those eyes. Bright and honest as ever, but devoid of recognition. Searching in return, in a way Maruki knows too well. ]
I...
[ Who... Who are you? ]
Kurusu, it's me.
[ Um... I'm really sorry, but I don't know who you are. ]
Doctor Maruki. Don't you remember me?