[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 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.

[technologic]

It's nothing, we're friends after all... I just want to try to help.

[alephbet]

I'm lucky to know you.

[technologic]

[She tenses slightly and shakes her head.] I-I'm not sure if knowing me could be considered 'lucky'.

[alephbet]

Is too.

[:|]

[technologic]

[She shifts to pout up at him.] ... I-if it is, then it's the same back to you.

[alephbet]

...I can live with that.

[technologic]

... So, ah, we're both lucky to know each other, then?

[alephbet]

It looks like it.