AUDIENCE FOR: kumon hyodo

[saturations]

Comments

[saturations]

This old thing? Just what I have in the cupboard.

[it looks like something a grandma might own.]

So, while you're here, might as well tell me where you're from.

[9mon]

I'm from Japan. I think you talked to my friend? His name's Kazunari. We're from the same place!

[saturations]

Oh, yeah? [they seem politely curious.] Never heard of it. What's it like?

[9mon]

It's a big country so I haven't seen all of it, but we live on Veludo Way. Our theater troupe has a dorm there! I've only started acting for a little while, but Kazu's been doing it for about a year.

I got into acting 'cause my big bro was working there. I made irreplacable friends in the troupe, and I'm so grateful I could join.

[saturations]

Your big bro, huh?

[the vibe of a smile.]

What's he like?

[9mon]

He's the coolest, nicest, more reliable person I know. No matter what I can always depend on him. He's super good at taking care of people too.

[saturations]

[that's very sweet.]

You tell him that, or is he the kind of brother you pretend not to get along with?

[9mon]

I tell him that! He's great so he should know it.

[saturations]

Then you have what is in my experience a rare sibling relationship. Cherish that.

[9mon]

I do, and I'm really grateful.

Do you have siblings?

[saturations]

[hmm. they... think about this question for a very long time.]

If I do, I don't remember. I think ... I'm more of a solitary type.

[9mon]

Don't let it bother you, okay? I think you're really nice and friendly.

[saturations]

Aww, shucks. That's nice of you to say.

It doesn't bother me. I'm good at being alone, but I like company, too. I think of myself as friendly. There's no reason someone can't be both.

[9mon]

That makes sense. I think I prefer being with other people, but maybe that's 'cause I'm used to it?

[saturations]

[they nod.]

Maybe that's true. I think being good at being alone takes some practice. You have to be very comfortable with yourself. Then again, being around others takes practice, too.

The four of us are used to being alone, so we can be a bit set in our ways. But none of us bite, not even Steel.

[9mon]

Comfortable with yourself... [ That's a high bar to clear for any teenager. ]

Even if you're used to being alone, do you hang out with each other sometimes?

I'm glad nobody bites.

[saturations]

We do. Some more than others, but we do. Good company.

[9mon]

That's good. I dunno how long you guys have been here, but being alone for years and years and not getting along sounds terrible.

[saturations]

Or maybe it's hard not to get along with people when you've been with them alone for a long time?

[9mon]

Mmmph.... Maybe?

[There's like 20 something guys in Mankai so they're never really alone but Juza and Banri don't get along.]

[saturations]

Maybe we just got lucky, then.

[9mon]

Being lucky's good, right?

[saturations]

[they shrug.]

I don't know. No one gets lucky or unlucky all the time. It comes back around.

[9mon]

Hmm... I can't tell if ending up in the prism is unlucky or not.

[saturations]

That's something you'll have to decide for yourself, I think.

[a rumble of laughter.]

Maybe it's a little of both. There's things you leave behind any time you make a change, but there's new things to gain, too.