She knew he'd throw them a big Coming-Home Party once they landed.

He's cool like that.

She knew he'd let her be its headline performer.

He's cool like that, too.

And this is the only audience she'll ever have again.

It's not much, she thinks, head aching, but for once, Hiyoko's not alone in listening, as she screams catharsis to the dining hall lights - a song about loneliness and frustration, but disappearing together. They all do. Her heart pounds. Her head swirls dizzy-euphorically...

...She sees him smiling.

Smiles, too.

Heart susurrating.

...He...

...thinks it's safe, here.

To finally be.

Nobody.

Written as a gift for the 100 Word Flash exchange AO3.