"News flash! A video became viral on the world-famous website, Me Screen! The video was of a funny girl that forced herself to go on a camera, and within seconds, she fled her house! Her brother came in just to take the computer, because she couldn't even stop the recording. That was an amazing sight, watching someone run out of the sheer fright of being seen! And apparently, she was so scared, she ran to a small, rural town, though it seems that she'll be disguised. Her mother also came in recently, and she wanted us to locate her sad little daughter! At least I would say that, but she's apparently in high school already! Ooh, I can just taste the controversy coming from this girl's mother. There her mother is now! Let's go ask her some quest-"
I shut off the television. I guess that was just another tasteless news story. I wouldn't really know though, since I just stayed home all day, taking a good and long nap. Midterms were tough this time around, so there wasn't any time for social links. But that news story... if she came here, in Inaba, and was featured on the news, then it's only a matter of time. I guess I could check the Midnight Channel just in case that-
"Big bro! Want to go plant some paprika and tomatoes?" Nanako. It's a nice full moon outside, without a cloud in the sky. Of course she'd want to plant some veggies. "Sure. Hold on."
Nanako likes planting in the dark. She said that it'd make the plants enjoy the mornings more, but frankly, I don't think it'd make a difference either way. And since it's dark outside, I guess I should accompany her. Heading down the stairs, I see that Nanako already has the bucket full of seeds, though she seems to be struggling. It's really cute though.
"Big Bro, are there any other vegetables planted outside?" That's a good question... when was the last time I did some gardening? This whole "saving people" business is seriously eating up my time. Then again, I definitely wouldn't do gardening, out of all things. "I don't know, Nanako. Let's go check." We both grabbed our sandals, and, being the big brother, I opened the door. And, that's when my life turned upside down.
A terrifying creature was at our doorstep. The person didn't even knock... that's a little creepy. Maybe if the investigation team ever has another ghost story time, I'll tell them about this encounter. Anyways, it was clear that she was a rather frail high school student, but... she just looked... scarier than Teddie's 'bear' head... I should stay away from him at all times for the next three weeks if I'm getting his bear puns...
Anyways, her hair was tied up with two orange ribbons, but it was still a discombobulated mess. Her eyes looked dead and empty, but I guess that makes sense with the heavy bags under her eyes. Of course, her glasses might have been used to hide it, but... No, it didn't work. The glasses instead made her ridiculous eyes even bigger, and oddly, deader and emptier. Her outfit looked like what'd happen if someone took a girl's school uniform and tossed in in a washing machine, set to supreme overdrive, without any ironing. Even her knee-socks... One side is pulled up and the other one is around her ankle. Can't she pull up the other side? Wait... her shoes aren't even matching. What is with this girl?
"Big bro? What's..." Nanako? She's looking at her... and she isn't afraid? And now this girl's face is as red as... Yukiko. Well, is it! And Nanako isn't afraid of this stranger... Oops. Spoke too soon. Now she's backing up. I'll give it about five seconds before she runs away and-
"Big bro..." Okay. What now? Was I wrong? "Yeah, Nanako?" ...And she runs away. What's that all about? I think she went to Dojima's room. I'll think about it later. For right now... "Hello. Dojima residence. May I help you?" I don't know who you are, but a small step back, just in case. Her lips are moving... or are they trembling? Well... I see that she's trying to speak. But... I can't understand her. I'm sure that with all my reading, I should create a way so that I can understand her. Hmm... "Do you need any help?" She slightly moved her head yes. The worst possible outcome, and that's what I got. "Bad end."
"So, what can I do to help-" Uh... she's looking at me. And her eyes look... more alive now. That's a good change at least, but... Did I say something? "D-di-did y-you s... say b-bad end?" Shesh, you couldn't be trembling more. "Can you repeat yourself?" "D-did you say b-bad end?" Better, I guess. Wait... did I just say my thoughts out loud? Oh geez... this can't be getting worse. I'm so tired right now, that I can't filter my speech... "Um... I'm not sure. Anyways, how can I help you?"
Her elevator eyes... it's looking at me. She's... checking me out. Wow. This is getting more and more awkward by the minute. Nanako, why did you want to plant now at all times? "I-I-I... w-w-wah-wahs..." This girl. She seriously does not know how to speak... Actually, I was going to say Japanese, but I think that statement worked well by itself. It's like... what was that thing that kids play with... "Neo Featherman?" That stupid situation back at the daycare caused me so much trouble because there was a miscommunication from the kids. And this girl-
"Y-you know a-about Neo Featherm-man?" First, I said that out loud again. And second, knew it. You are an otaku. I knew it. But woah... "Your eyes are really shining." All because I mentioned two things? Maybe I should clarify that I'm not an otaku. I mean, yeah, I do a lot of read...ing... I said something else, and now her face is blood red. Why can't I just stop saying these things?
"W-w-w-w-wh-wha-wha-aht-aht-t-t?" That set her off. Not only is she an otaku, she's a social... out...cast... Just like Mitsuo... No. I'm not going to put them together! GET THE IMAGE OUT OF MY HEAD! Focus, stupid! It's not even a full hour yet of being awake, so of course I'm saying stupid things. "Besides, I'd rather go out with you my-" GAH! That's it. My hand is staying on my mouth. No more stupid words are leaving my mouth. I've never been this sleep deprived before... So I should never go through five all-nighters during a midterm week. Otherwise, I accidentally ask out the first girl I see. Rise is going eradicate my existence!
Well... this isn't a surprise. She's taking a slow step backwards. I can't blame her... I guess the only way out is to be the bigger person. "Look... I'm sorry. I'm just really tired, and I guess I'm saying things out loud..." Okay. There. No more awkwardness... why is she still blushing? "Wh-what sh-should I do?" Do? "Do with what?" "How I look..." Her face just went from red to blue... is she going to pass out? No! People are going to think that we did that! "J-just calm down. Just... close your eyes." She did it. She closed her eyes. Why does she look like she's going to fall over? "Just don't fall over, okay?" No response. Remember... social links... Right! I forgot about those! That's why I'm putting up with this even though my life was in danger like fourteen times this year so far. Alright... time to... make over? What in the world...
...And done. I did what I could with nothing on hand. Her hair's still a mess, but I just fixed the tied up parts, so it could pass as somewhat cute. She doesn't need the glasses, seeing that there's no lens. I even pulled her shirt and skirt so it looked like it was ironed a week ago instead of looking like the washing machine was set to 'tornado.' And that's pretty good for someone without an iron. I fixed her knee socks, and... well... her shoes... what in the world could have I done? I gave her my slippers. It doesn't work with the school uniform, but it's unisex, and it's definitely better than mismatching shoes. I'm surprised that she actually looks cuter than scary. But my real surprise was that she never responded. She's... not dead, right? Dojima's going to-
"Zzz..." Asleep. Good. I suppose her bags had some reason. Time to wake her up. "Excuse me miss..." Nothing. "Um... Miss?" Nope. How about some water? Nanako left the bucket her, and it has some water. I guess I'll just pour a tiny bit on her head. "Whaah? Wh-where am... I...?" Did she feel nervous in her dreams, and sleepwalked or something?... Footsteps? But she's standing in place... Oh no. Don't tell me Dojima is just now coming home from work...
Why am I always right? "U-uh... hey Dojima..." He's just staring at me, not at her. He's... not saying a word. Uhh... Maybe he's drunk?... No. His face shows that he's just tired. But what... he's smiling-
"So, this is that girlfriend of yours? Nice to meet you." GIRLFRIEND? No! No! Just... NO! … She collapsed. No. No! No! "Dojima, this isn't what it-" "I'm sure this is your girlfriend. I'm sure that it is, otherwise she wouldn't be here on our front porch, right?" Is this social link really worth it? Gahh! I give up...
"Yes. She's my girlfriend." Rise... I'm not a cheater... I hope you can believe me... "Well... looks like she's tired. Why don't you bring her to your room for now? I better not hear anything from you room aside from small chatter, or else both of you are coming with me to the station." Is this a threat? This is how he is as a father? And now I get to sleep with a stranger. I'm so confused... Yup. My life is turned upside down.
"Okay... just give me a moment..." He went inside. I didn't know what to do. Dojima invites a stranger in, to my room, and lets her sleep there. I guess I just have to bite the bullet, now that he's expecting her to stay. Alright... time to pick her- Great. And to finish up today's nonsense, I didn't harvest the crops. My Soul Tomatoes... Anyways... now, to pick her up. One... Two... Three! Woah. She's really light. I guess she is pretty fragile. I carried her to my room and placed her on my bed. I guess I do have a couple of blankets or... something. I'll place that on the floor. Geez... despite the day long nap, I don't think I'll be waking up tomorrow feeling great. This is just the beginning...