[ Being able to cry his eyes out before is probably the one thing keeping them dry now, as Manami lifts his gaze to Haru. Wide-eyed, he watches him do the unthinkable and actually start coming back closer to him, with each step making Manami's legs feel more and more like springs held taut. Haru says he understands, and... of course he does. Every one of them that's left has felt tired, frustrated, hopeless. Not one wants to stay in here longer than they have to.
Haru probably understands him the best out of them all. But ultimately: he's not him. They might be similar and feel as though they understand each others' feelings, but they can't ever know that for certain. He can't know whether Haru's seeking revenge just as it's impossible for Haru to know one hundred percent that Manami won't jump him again once he's on dry ground, won't grab him and bash his head into the floor.
And yet, Haru's still approaching him. He's almost to the edge, close enough that two thumb nail prints are visible at the front of his neck, and Manami takes one shaky step backward. He doesn't completely understand why, since he's fairly sure that the other boy won't try anything violent. It's more like Haru, with his actions and not anything inherent, brings with him a strength that's staggering. Rather than having taken the opportunity to make sure Manami would never hurt him or anyone else again, he's now making himself vulnerable again, opening himself up as he reaches out to another person. And isn't that one of the scariest thing in the world?
Haru's trusting him. That's what they have to do, if not destroy everyone but themselves. All of them have to start trusting: each other, that they've made the right decision, that they'll find a way out that doesn't include killing. It's scary because of the uncertainty, and Haru's asking him to try this out with him. That's why Manami finds it hard not to back away.
Slowly, like he's not entirely sure how, he reaches forward and slips his hand into Haru's. He feels its weight and how it's slightly larger, the warmth of it against his own. Despite all odds they're both here, alive after everything. It's not all better now, even though they've managed to prevent two more losses from being added to their total, but there's hope.
Real hope. ]
Mm.
[ His hand grips Haru's and Manami smiles. It's neither wide, nor sharp. It's even a little shy. But it reaches his eyes this time, which are just a bit more wet than a moment before. ]
Good End /o/
Haru probably understands him the best out of them all. But ultimately: he's not him. They might be similar and feel as though they understand each others' feelings, but they can't ever know that for certain. He can't know whether Haru's seeking revenge just as it's impossible for Haru to know one hundred percent that Manami won't jump him again once he's on dry ground, won't grab him and bash his head into the floor.
And yet, Haru's still approaching him. He's almost to the edge, close enough that two thumb nail prints are visible at the front of his neck, and Manami takes one shaky step backward. He doesn't completely understand why, since he's fairly sure that the other boy won't try anything violent. It's more like Haru, with his actions and not anything inherent, brings with him a strength that's staggering. Rather than having taken the opportunity to make sure Manami would never hurt him or anyone else again, he's now making himself vulnerable again, opening himself up as he reaches out to another person. And isn't that one of the scariest thing in the world?
Haru's trusting him. That's what they have to do, if not destroy everyone but themselves. All of them have to start trusting: each other, that they've made the right decision, that they'll find a way out that doesn't include killing. It's scary because of the uncertainty, and Haru's asking him to try this out with him. That's why Manami finds it hard not to back away.
Slowly, like he's not entirely sure how, he reaches forward and slips his hand into Haru's. He feels its weight and how it's slightly larger, the warmth of it against his own. Despite all odds they're both here, alive after everything. It's not all better now, even though they've managed to prevent two more losses from being added to their total, but there's hope.
Real hope. ]
Mm.
[ His hand grips Haru's and Manami smiles. It's neither wide, nor sharp. It's even a little shy. But it reaches his eyes this time, which are just a bit more wet than a moment before. ]
I'm... kinda sleepy now.