You came back up those beautiful wooden stairs. School let out early, as it did every friday, and it was only 2:15PM when you reached the top step. This was only an estimate, as you did not have a phone or a watch. You looked down at the matt; it wasn't a welcome matt, there was no welcoming message. Just a flat thing of straw this time.

Knocking on the door only aided a very slow response. You almost figured that there was noone home at all. While waiting, the beauty of the surrounding area caught your eye, and a touch on your shoulder drew you out of your trance.

" Hi, Mrs. Tsujii. " You bowed very shortly, cupping your hands together behind your back.

" Why, Hello, little [Name]. Are you here to see Sayuri? "

" No... I'm here for, Uh, Souichi. "

She looked a little surprised, but opened the door more for you.

" Oh! O-Oh, well, I'll get Sayuri to lead you over then.. "

You removed your shoes and stepped into the home, feeling how unnaturally cold it is. She had returned with a pair of slippers to wear, and Sayuri was trailing behind loosely as if she'd just awoken from a nap.

Putting on the house shoes, you couldn't help but look up at Say. She didn't just look sleepy, she looked weary. You couldn't do much but wonder what her deal was.

It was true that he had asked you to come Saturday, but you weren't wasting your weekend on him, and also the longer you waited the less likely you were to do it. Whatever he wanted with you probably didn't change based on the day either way. Sayuri had nothing to say as she began to walk past her mother, and you gave her one last bow before following her deeper into the house.

If one stepped carefully enough, all present ceased to hear their footsteps. However, you didn't know if this was also true for whatever dwelled beneath the floors. Carefully, you swayed behind Say's silent steps. You remembered to bring your compass, and had some other loose stuff in your pockets from other activities; Receipt, pen, some change. Things of that nature.

It didn't take long at all to descend down the stairs, and now that it was light outside you could clearly see an overhead window, blocked by some sort of paper.

" That's a nice window. " You said simply. She looked back at you as if you insulted her, and you had no idea what to do or say to change it.

" I have a bad feeling about this. " She said.

" Well I'm not particularly bothered. " It came out more pompous than you meant to sound. You were on a roll today, and you scratched the back of your neck nervously. " I don't see it going on for much longer. "

" Why so? "

" I'm just going to tell him to leave me alone. "

" He'll listen? "

You shrugged. " Maybe. " The little walk was cut short by arriving right up to his door. " It's still light out; You're too worried. I'll call you when I'm done. "

Sayuri relaxed the hands bunching her jacket up and gave you a retreating nod. " Right. "

You went to knock, but the door opened before you could, just like the first time. The inside of the room was not illuminated by any light, no windows, and the centre light was dimmed. The short light from the stairway flooded in, barely illuminating a room filled with items, but no people.

You closed the door behind you politely and rested your hands against your thighs.

" Souichi? "

" You're here eeeearly. "

" Yeah, Look, Souichi. " You looked around slowly, trying to find him in the dark. " I came to talk to you. "

" Mmm, What are you waiting for? "

"...We're really young.. Aaand I don't think dating is all that cool with me. No offense. "

" Oh, that's alright, [Name]. "

" Really? " You said, perking up. Huh.

" Yes, Yes, Shy kids like you always think like that.

I wont be telling everyone your secret. "

" My secret? "

" Our secret. " He reiterated. " Consider our developments confidentiiiiiaallll. " It was more intimate that way.

" Man, I don't know anything about that. " You swung your arms loosely.

" I don't like you creeping around me during school. Leave me alone. That's all I want. "

He frowned. Oh, there he was. Was he always standing right there..?

" You've let go on the opportunity of a lifetime. " He said, very low.

"... Right. I know, I just can't deal with the anxiety of it all. "

Nodding, you palmed the compass in your pocket nervously.

" Well then. " He grinned. Your body began to feel devoid of mass, it was about 30 degrees colder than before. Souichi's face was different, shrunken even. You were too nervous to look him in the eye.

CHOICE 1: RUN

CHOICE 2: STAND YOUR GROUND.