Quoted By:
> Go back to Jaq and Alex. Jaq knows what you think of her - press her to explain as much as possible.
> Tell Angelina you are her friend.
---
> [D1: Late Afternoon]
> [RES:56]
> [SC:42%, Threat:+26%]
---
Are friends meant to make you happy? A question for another time, perhaps. And for more light-hearted time, too. One when you might still have the privilege to choose. Right here, in this library, and right now, this afternoon - it's do or die. Getting closer to the teachers with Angelina seems less promising than discussing the strategy.
Sighing, you meet Angelina's serious gaze. "Friends are precious, true. Even such as they are." You say begrudgingly, but then shift gears. "Some can be rough, sure, but you're certainly a sweet one, that I'm certain. Friend, I mean."
"So you want to stay?" She reasons, but then whispers. "Would you really consider me your friend, Aki? ...Even when I neglected you for so long, and was this pushy?"
"Yes, and... sure. We will see how this goes." You answer with a nod.
"R-really? So you will go-!"
"Oh, I didn't say it." You coo, albeit dismissively, to Angelina's chagrin. "But I do support your initiative~"
Relenting, she huffs. Then glances at your 'friends', and again back at you. Thankfully, looking less on edge, with a mischievous smile creeping in. "If that's the case... Let's commemorate this occasion!" She starts in a sing-song, and takes your hand and interlocking both of your pinkies together. "From now on, call me 'Ange', but anything will do... Just not a sister, not yet! For that you have to come to the party! Is that fine, A~ki~!"
"Alright, we will see. But don't get your hopes up... Ange." You giggle. Her positivity - and foolish nativity - creeps and entangles you more and more. Like a small warmth of ignorance at the bottom of your plotting stomach...
...Although, deep down a part of you is also thankful she 'neglected' you all this time. Who knows how you would end up otherwise? Would you meet your dear friend Seo-young? What would she think of you if the worst happened? ...and would you even consider it 'the worst' by then?
Shaking your head to banish those intrusive thoughts, you see the last remnants of seriousness fade from Angelina's face. Slim hand slips from yours and she spins around with a twirl, letting her jet black tresses fly. As she skips to the doors, she clears her throat. "Group, thank you for your cooperation. Im truly proud my worries were unfounded!" Your overseer-turned-friend announces as formally as she can. "I will be back after I sing your praises to the teachers. Please, be careful in the meantime, especially close to the ledges."
You are about to go back when she clears her throat again, this time quietly, but still distinctly enough. Already behind the doors, she peeks furtively and whispers. "Thank you for giving meaning to my efforts, A~ki... I hope this speech will appease others, and my promise to help you still stands, even if I'm not the bravest."
