Midari looked at the food selection in the hospital cafeteria with determination. She was going to get Yuriko that black tea if it was going to kill her. Looking at the tea dispensary with hope, she pressed down on the handle to see black liquid pouring with steam spewing out of the nozzle with hast. Yes, seeing the time label on the container indicated that the tea was just made three minutes ago. Growl...Rumble…Growl. Midari was feeling peckish. She desired something hot but simple. One quick glance to the right revealed an omurice station. You can pick from a wide array of toppings and hand them to the nice chef when you decide what you want. Midari had trouble deciding which toppings to sort from. Thinking of Yuriko in mind, she decided to get two omurice dishes. Midari knows Yuriko only asked for tea, but she will need to eat something to assist the slow process of healing. Midari approached the chef. 'Ah hi. Here is my friend's order. Carrots, onions, chopped tomatoes, assorted colored peppers, and brown rice. And for the sauce, she would like a cup of soy on the side.' The chef humbly took the cups of toppings from Midari. "And what would you like?" 'I picked onions, purple peppers, wild rice, shredded ham, crumbled sausage, and spinach to balance it all out. And for the sauce, you can drench it with curry ketchup and while we're at it I'll order a cup of curry ketchup on the side.' Midari watched the process of the chef making the omurice with aww. A part of the aww was of hunger but she was amazed at the grace and speed of the chef. The chef noticed Midari's gaze. "I have been making dishes like this for thirty years. When you perform a similar task long enough, you rarely ever think about the process. My mind can prioritize other thoughts while I make your food." Midari nods her head in agreement. A few seconds of silence passed as the toppings were cooked and the chef started on the eggs. "It is nice to see you getting breakfast for your friend. I'm sure she appreciates it while being stuck in a place like this." A tear fell from Midari's right eye. 'Yeah, I was afraid that she was not going to survive from her attack. I did all I could to stop further damage but the incident left marks that will never fully heal.' "Don't cry dear, you will always consider what variables could have been altered to create a better outcome but don't. You are living in the current reality. Your friend is alive because of you, please unload the weight of uncontrollable burdens." Midari wiped away future tears and lifted her head up. What happened cannot be undone. 'You are right ma'am. I will focus on what can be obtained and enjoy myself and those I love.' "I'm glad to hear it." The chef was just about finished making the two omurice dishes. The chef decided to throw in an extra cup of soy sauce, free of cost. "Don't be afraid to love yourself dear." 'Thank you, I will do my best ma'am.' All the food was placed into plastic containers before being put in a plastic bag and the chef worked the cash register to total the cost. "Okay dear, the two omurice dishes will cost a total of 4,027.11 yen, how would you like to pay?" 'I will choose cash.' Before Midari can pull up her wallet from her beautification bag, an individual decides to intervene. "I got this Midari." Midari turned to notice Sayaka pulling out her Student Council expense Visa card. After Sayaka paid, she directed Midari to follow her in the closest visitor elevator.
The elevator was more compact than the patient elevators. There were no cameras present around the ceiling. Generic elevator jazz was playing as the two entered. The cafeteria was located on the top floor of the hospital to provide patients and visitors a vast view of the surrounding town. Sayaka pressed three on the elevator panel. The elevator doors closed while jazz music played. Down we go then. 'Uh thank you Secretary Igarashi. You didn't have to pay; I have some cash on me…' Sayaka interrupted her. "Nonsense, it is the least I could do for saving a member of the Student Council." Sayaka hit the emergency stop button in the visitor elevator. "I wished you were not ignoring my texts. You cannot just leave that type of message and expect no response! Shit, I'm sorry for lashing out." 'Look Sayaka, I meant to text you back, but I got distracted by the events that transpired and later a delicious Francesinha my mother made me last night. I know you are the secretary, but the other members have to accept a level of responsibility to the stability of the Council. It should not be all left to you.' "Thank you Midari. It's just, you know how quickly rumors spread through Hyakkaou, especially within our Council with…" Midari interrupted Sayaka. 'With Runa and Yumemi running their damn lips, trust me I'm aware.' Both started to laugh. Eventually the elevator fell silent. "You know Kirari wants to speak to you?" Midari shrugged with indifference. 'I figured as much, why else would you be here? I actually want to speak to her about a few things myself.' Midari looks at the bag of omurice meals. 'Before I chat with Kirari, I want to enjoy breakfast with my best friend. Will that be a problem for the President?' Sayaka was beginning to feel somewhat tense as she looked down at her phone for a response from Kirari. Ding. Sayaka received a new message. "Uh, sure. President Kirari will happily rearrange some of her meetings. The President is aware of the close bond between you and Miss Nishinotouin." Midari smirked. 'I could say the same for the two of you.' Midari pointed to the profile picture of Kirari on Sayaka's phone. 'Such a cute pairing.' Sayaka's cheeks became flush red immediately. "I'm sorry Miss Ikishima, I do not feel like engaging in further misleading rumors. I believe you should be returning to Miss Nishinotouin for breakfast." Sayaka reached her arm out but was blocked by Midari from releasing the emergency stop button. Midari pressed Sayaka against the elevator wall with one hand and carried the bag of omurice meals with the other. 'So, is it true?' Midari watched the sweat forming on Sayaka's forehead. "Is what true?" Midari pressed harder into Sayaka's chest. 'Don't fucking play dumb with me! Out of everyone in the Council you maintained the highest gpa. For the longest time you were the epitome of an antisocial academic, all until you became the President's little lap dog. Your ambition never waned; it was just redirected towards a more tangible goal…' Smack. Sayaka's slap caught Midari off guard. Sayaka was never one to take action such as physical violence, especially while Hyakkaou was still open for the day. Midari ears were ringing and began laughing in an attempt to drown out the constant sound. 'Look at you go. I didn't think you had it in you, let alone without the consent of our dear madam President.' "Fuck you, you one-eyed cunt." Sayaka pushed Midari away in an attempt to release the emergency button. Midari staggered a little, dropping the bag of omurice meals. Midari had enough of Sayaka's avoidance of the truth. Click. 'I am going to need you to step away from the elevator panel.' Midari pulled back the hammer of her .44 magnum, acquired from the beautification bag. Sayaka's pupils shrunk to the size of pinheads. "Don't you find the gun to be a bit over the top at times?" 'Shut the fuck up and listen goddammit! I don't know if you fully understand what happened yesterday. I saw my friend, my best friend on the verge of death. It would have been traumatizing enough without having to stitch layers of her skin together to prevent further blood loss. If I had lost her at any point, I would have filled this cylinder with six bullets and played one last round of roulette. To lose someone that fucking special, someone who holds a part of your heart, I would truly lose control of myself ultimately leading to assured self-destruction regardless of probability.' Sayaka fell onto the elevator floor and began sobbing. Click. Midari released the hammer of the .44 and placed the revolver back into her beautification bag. Midari sat on her legs to meet Sayaka at face level. Midari pulled some tissues from her beautification bag to hand to Sayaka. After the tears were wiped and the crying eventually subsided, Midari spoke with a calm tone. 'Now tell me, please. Are you and President Kirari romantically involved?' Sayaka held Midari before answering. "Yes, President Kirari and I are in a romantic relationship." Midari reciprocated the hug. 'Thank you for telling me the truth.' A couple of seconds of silence passed. 'I was serious when I said you and Kirari make a cute couple.' Sayaka smiled. "I think so too."
-ACA