[Text]

[alephbet]

This is my first new year's day, now that I think about it. People make resolutions around this time of year, right? What are yours?

Comments

[alephbet]

I know it's hard for you, so... the fact that you've decided to trust me anyway is an honor.

[technologic]

[It takes April a little while to think of a reply.]

You're someone who deserves that trust, I think. Even when I acted like a bitch to you, you still tried to help me and was kind to me.

So you don't need to feel like it's an honor or anything like that.

[alephbet]

Maybe not an honor then, but it's still something valuable.

[technologic]

Huh. I've never had someone say that before, that me trusting them is 'valuable'.

[alephbet]

Well, now you have.

[technologic]

... Thank you, I

[The message is oddly cut off there, and there's a delay before another follows.]

Sorry, I'm not used to anything like this, so I'm not sure how to react.

[alephbet]

That's all right. I'm no big expert on this either.

[technologic]

Glad to know I'm not the only one.

Though I imagine this might've been a bit more awkward face-to-face, considering my stuttering probably would have gone overboard.

[alephbet]

I might have developed some myself.

[technologic]

Then at least I wouldn't feel too embarrassed about the stuttering, in that case.

Though I never thought you would be someone who would stutter.

[alephbet]

I used to freeze up when it came to talking to people... Beth used to tease me a little about that.

[technologic]

I know that feeling well.

Beth?

[alephbet]

Beth was... well. She was made to be my partner.

[technologic]

I see... What happened to her? [Since she's noticed he's using 'was'.]

[alephbet]

She sacrificed herself to protect me.

[technologic]

... I'm sorry.

[alephbet]

...

I miss her.

[technologic]

[It's times like this where April wished she wasn't such a fail at emotions.]

... I'm not really sure what to say, except that it'll ease in time. Though it'll probably never go away.

And if I can help or anything in anyway, just let me know.

[alephbet]

Thank you, April.

I think I'll go now.

[technologic]

I'm sorry.

[There's a pause, before she sends another message.] Wait, where are you? There's something I... could try to do. If that's okay with you.

[alephbet]

The second dormitory floor.

[??]

[technologic]

Right, I'll be there in a couple of minutes.

[And she'll soon arrive on said floor, looking rather anxious.]

... Um, Aleph?

[alephbet]

Hi, April.

[He's hanging out by one of the terminals.]

What were you going to try?

[technologic]

Uh, w-well...

[She frets for a few moments, looking almost as if she's about to chicken out. And then she forces back her nerves and walks over to him so that she can wrap her arms around him in a hug.]

... I-I've heard that this can help people feel better when they're sad or something, s-so...

[alephbet]

[He freezes up for a moment. Then, slowly, starts to hug her back.]

Th...thank you.