[x] Enjoy Madoka's company while your friends talk amongst themselves, only speaking when spoken to
The walk home is, in the company of friends -
your friends - just as comforting as the walk to school. The March sun is setting early, casting its golden glow over the city skyline. It... You never noticed before how beautiful Mitakihara could look from down on the ground.
Sayaka and Hitomi talk among themselves - thankfully
not about Kamijou Kyousuke this time - as you and Madoka walk together. You aren't touching, but you can still feel the warmth of her body as she walks beside you. A part of you wants to speak with her, to break this silence just for the chance to hear her voice again, but you refrain. You aren't even sure what you
could say to her this time around. You've used up most of your basic conversation options, and you can't tell her about your loops...
The four of you cross the bridge, and Hitomi turns right at the big intersection. Miki Sayaka, however, does not turn left. You can already guess why.
"Sayaka, I thought you lived that way," you say, pointing down the left path towards her house that you always see her emerge from on the way to school. "Was I mistaken?"
"Nope! I'm going to the hospital today to see my Kyousuke!" she proudly proclaims, taking a wide, dramatic stance as she plants her hands on her hips. "I haven't seen him in awhile, so I thought today would be the perfect day to make sure he's getting better!"
You don't need to ask, but for the sake of appearances you do so anyway. "Kyousuke... You've mentioned him before. Who is he, and why is he in the hospital?"
"Oh, Kyousuke is simply the best!" That can hardly be considered an adequate answer. You want to glare at Sayaka, and you're sure in another timeline you probably did.
Fortunately, Madoka comes to your aid. Rather, from her perspective it would be aid. But you already know the answer. "Kyousuke-kun is Sayaka-chan's friend. He plays the violin, but he was in an accident awhile back and hasn't been able to play since. She's been visiting him in the hospital regularly ever since."
"The doctors keep saying that there's been no change to his condition, but today's the day, I'm sure of it! Today's the day they'll say he can play again!"
No, Miki Sayaka, today is
not the day. And it will
never be the day, not until the day comes when you sell your soul to a painful damnation for the power to heal him. Please, give up on Kamijou Kyousuke. Nothing good ever comes from your involvement with him. "I... I see," is all you can say. You know his fate, and you know he will never recover, and yet... This Sayaka is still foolish, but she hasn't done anything yet to harm you or Madoka... Maybe you can muster the energy to be supportive of her, the way she's been supportive of you thus far. "It's terribly lonely to be stuck in a hospital by yourself. I'm sure he appreciates that you take the time to visit him. I... Wish him well, from one hospital veteran to another, would you?"
Sayaka flashes you a toothy smile and gives you a thumbs-up. "Sure thing, Homura! With your help, Kyousuke will be back on his feet playing again in no time, I'm sure of it!"
You haven't done anything yet, but... It feels
good, knowing that your words will bring comfort to another, even if that person isn't Madoka.
The three of you continue to walk, until at last you come to the big intersection before the train tracks. Madoka turns to depart,
but you can tell that she doesn't want to. "Homura-chan..." You've seen that look before. She's nervous, and you don't know why. "I was thinking... Since we're going out tomorrow, would you... Would you maybe want to stay the night at my house?" You don't have an answer. You want to have time to practice your Projections, but...
But Madoka... "Or, if that's not good for you, maybe... Maybe I could stay with you? Ah- I mean, only if that's okay with you!"
Sayaka gives you a nudge with her shoulder, and you can practically
hear her saying "There's your opening, transfer student. She wants you just as much as you want her" but there is only silence. No obnoxious commentary from Miki Sayaka. Just you, two of your three friends, and the gentle breeze that accompanies the setting sun.
Do you
[ ] Stay the night with Madoka. A night spent in the company of a complete family will do you wonders
[ ] Invite Madoka to stay the night with you. Your apartment is closer to the city, so it'll be more convenient
[ ] Turn her down. You need the time to practice your Projection magecraft- It's the only way to keep Madoka safe
[ ] Other (write-in)
?
