Quoted By:
> Sit still. Explain it’s still too dangerous to harm Angelina; even emotionally. [DC40:89 GREAT SUCCESS!]
> [Character Read (Angelina): Passed! RES+2]
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> Day Three Since Rebirth...
> [Graduation Day 1: Late Afternoon]
> [Resistance: 56+2=58]
> [School Corruption: 42%; Threat: +26%]
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The blinding lights of artificial windows covering the ceiling so far above; the smell of detergent permeating the air, choking out the remaining taint of dust; but above all, a hand proffered in earnest from across the table, and with it, a pair of sly, ocean-blue eyes slanted in content – it all makes your stomach turn.
The whole massive library seems dead-frozen around you in response to Jaq’s cruel suggestion, her cold, but undeniable logic. But it only makes sense, really. Angelina is who she is – and that’s exactly the problem. Her apparent contentment with the facility, fear of danger, devotion to her task. None of these traits bode well in turning her to your cause. If you want freedom of action, like the proudly standing blonde said, the overseer must be out of the picture.
...And you are to be the one who delivers this dagger straight into her unsuspecting, fragile back.
Truthfully, you’ve made peace with your cause: to escape this abnormal prison along with Seo-young. How does fooling around with Angelina further this cause? The confrontation with her, or rather the teachers who stand by her, is all but guaranteed to happen eventually... And in the end, isn’t it preferable to break her heart, rather than leave her for whatever other fate Jaq might have in store for her?
Yet, below the desk - far from prying, scheming eyes - you squeeze your left pinkie. The one you interlocked with ‘Ange’ not too long ago. A sign of the pledge she came up with. A trace of innocent warmth still lingers. She’s a mere strategic friend, but a friend, nonetheless.
...and friends stab in the front, not the back. This isn’t who you want to be. This isn't yet the time for you to brandish this dagger.
Assured of the way forward, you meet blonde’s expectant gaze. On cue, her simper contorts in consternation – realizing the fish clearly escaped her net. “Jaq.” You start apologetically, remaining steadfast in your chair. Her hand stirs as she’s left hanging. “It’s too dange-”
Concern fades, supplanted with a glower. “It’s too dangerous to have her stay. We went over it already, and it’s a terrible time to argue, Aki. Your dearest teacher’s pet will be back at any moment.”
“Listen, Jaq. I simply don’t believe it's wise.” You match her tone and put your hands on the weathered birchwood table, taking her aback. You can’t allow this to pass, Jaq’s previous goodwill be damned. There are principles on the line. Hopefully they won't kill you again. “I bet the teachers won’t care much to distinguish between physical or emotional harm, really. Especially if in the end she runs away from us crying. If we bully her out, they will make our lives hell. You’ve heard Ms. Brüngger!
