hairstroke | ic inbox ✧ recolle

... I see. Should you find out who took her memories, please inform me.

[ Because he wants to know who is responsible for this so he can give them the hell they deserve for doing this to his Mio.

Before he could say anything else, he falls silent at the mention of her forgetting about him. It's a worry he's had for a while and for it to actually come to fruition actually breaks his heart. Even more so when he hears that blasted name that he hates so much.

Satoshi.

Suddenly, he starts to laugh. But it's farthest thing from a joyful one. This laugh sounded broken. ]

Of course. [ Once his laughing dies down, his voice is sounding crushed. ] Of course she would remember him. Yes. I know of Satoshi...

Leon...?

[A flare on concern builds up and it's obvious by the worry in his voice. Sure, Leon is his rival, but he'd never wish something like this on him. That laugh he just made was not only surprising to hear, but difficult to take in.]

Well, she mentioned that he's not in the city... unlikely at least. So, I think you're really the best person to come and help her! That's why I contacted you!

[ He realizes that he might have been scaring Ishida with that laugh so he tries to tone it down and go back to his usual sounding voice, but even if he tries, he still can't quite hide the pain in his voice. ]

Sorry for that, Ishida. Satoshi is a sore topic for me.

[ ... This is probably the first time he's ever apologized to his rival. ]

Yeah, that guy isn't around. [ AND THANK GOD FOR THAT! But he manages to bite his tongue down and not say that. ] Where is she?

...It's okay, you don't have to apologize for that.

[The first time he gets an apology from Leon and yet Ishida feels like it's unneeded. If his rival is upset, he shouldn't be sorry for making a weird laugh!!]

She's in Bosuma. Also, I should mention, there's a way for her to remember, but it involves secrets... and she's unwilling to tell me. Maybe you'll have better luck with that.

... Thanks Ishida.

[ It's rather strange to be comforted by his rival like this. Talking to him weirdly cheers him up. ]

Bosuma? Noted. [ The mention of secrets causes him to fall silent. He... already knew what secrets she most likely had to reveal to people and if he was in her shoes, he sure as hell wouldn't want to tell anyone else. ] Yeah, I'll give it a shot. I'm... not for certain if she'll be willing to tell me in that state, but it's worth a try.

[ Normally he's confident about himself but this is the one case where he's unsure about everything. ]

Hey. Thanks for talking to her.

Since she's someone important to you, everything is worth a try! Nothing less than 100% of your effort should be given!

[Ishida can think of someone that he'd do almost anything for, so he imagines that Leon has a similar feeling for Mio. Especially since they're actually dating.]

...You're welcome. She... seems to be a lonely person.

[ Oh wow, he's impressed by his rival's declaration. ]

Ha, not bad. Those are some cool words coming out of you. Have you had experience in that field?

[ For the first time throughout this conversation, he manages to smile and even lets out a small, genuine laugh. ]

... Yeah. She's had it hard. [ There's a tone of obvious sadness when he says that. Since it's Mio's personal life, he can't go into detail but... ] Ishida, can you do me a favor? Could you be a friend to her and someone that she can trust? As much as I want to be the only person she can rely on, I know she needs others by her side. I... will be eternally grateful if you can be someone else she can rely on. She needs it.

[W-wow, Leon thinks that he sounds cool? It's surprising to hear his rival say that and he'd probably point that out if the topic wasn't so serious.]

Ah, no... I do not have a girlfriend if that's what you're asking! I just know that if you truly care about someone, you'd do everything in your power to help them.

[He never imagined that Mio had a difficult life before meeting her in person though, but people always hide their secrets and pain. It's not like he's too different in that regard.

But Ishida is silent for a few seconds after hearing Leon's request, mostly just shocked hearing his rival ask this of him.]

...I'd be happy to become friends with her! The more support she has, the better! You're a strong person to admit that, Leon!

[ Listening to his answer made sense. It's hard to imagine Ishida going out with someone, but he does feel that if he ended up with someone, they would be happy together. ]

I suppose I'm not too surprised to hear that. If you can talk like that, then you can make someone happy.

[ Sharing a serious conversation like this with his rival is a little embarrassing, but despite that, he has a surprising amount of trust towards him. In reality, it's because they are rivals is why he trusts him so much. ]

... Thanks, Ishida. I truly appreciate it. Honestly, this city doesn't feel safe with all the recent events that's happening. So should there be a time where I can't be there for Mio, you're the person that I trust the most to take care of her.

[ Not that anything bad is going to happen to him or anything! Nope. ]

...T-thanks Leon!

[He feels slightly embarrassed hearing that from him, his rival saying that he can make someone happy... but it somehow means a lot.]

This place is becoming rather dangerous! That means we all have to be cautious and show support to others! It's the only way we'll make it through! So, I promise you that I'll be there for her if you can't!

It's a man's promise!

I knew I could count on you. Thanks a lot, Ishida. I guess this means I owe you.

[ A man's promise, though. That sounds pretty damn cool. Of course he's not going to say it out loud, but this conversation has changed Leon's perspective on his rival and he's honestly, really impressed with him. ]

A man's promise... that has a nice ring to it. Alright, then I, Leon Zhong entrust her to you, Ishida. With this being a promise between men, I know you aren't going to let me down.

You don't owe me anything.

[He really needs to make sure that Mio is fine now! Of course, that's always been his mindset, but now it's doubly important!]

And I know you'll be able to help Mio with her missing memories! Everything I said to her about you is true!

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