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>>5286906

“Where are you going with this?” You raise an eyebrow.

“I want you to open your eyes: You’re a debonair, a ladies’ man, a charmer! It’s time to stop being so oblivious to their advances! These girls want you. And you want these girls.” Demon Osgood speaks the truth (?).

“Silly ol’ me? Get out of here.” You shake your head.

“Don’t dismiss me yet! That’s exactly the attitude that is stopping you from taking all their hints. This isn’t even all about you. You have to give these girls what they want, I bet Ruby’d be the happiest of them all if you focused.” Demon Osgood rubs his hands. “And before you get all concerned about their wellbeing. They know the risk, they know what they are doing. Chio is a smart girl, she knows you’ll leave eventually, she knows this is her only chance to get a taste! I said you like fooling around but nobody is really getting fooled, that’s part of the fun. So stop being a dork and evolve! Meet your potential and open your eyes!”

…

Stay a dork or evolve into a Ladies’ man?

>“I’m not a dork!” You’re going to evolve into a Charmer! You’re going to get all the hints and you’ll be able to act upon them! It might feel sleazy and evil, but hey, huh, it’s better than pretending it’s not something you’re doing.
>“I’m not a dork!” You’ve never been, and never will be. You don’t need him or his advice! You’ll stay as you are. You want the best for everyone!
>Write In.

So, yeah, you’re outside the Camper… What do you do?

>Knock on the Door.
>Try to get inside from the Window.
>Sleep in the Fisherman’s Truck.
>Leave for now. Is there something to do at these hours? You’ll find out.
>Write In.

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>>5286907

Information:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/QM91m
Discord: https://discord.gg/AmjbaTR
Archives: http://lws.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=do+your+best+quest
(Rough Grammar ‘till half of the 9th Thread)
Incomplete Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-nIx_dvaNCPQ7zLg2BK_ucCyGNM741kAANxqXj7hdDs/edit?usp=sharing

Votes:

Votes are counted until 25 minutes have passed. This rule doesn't apply to the last reply of the day.
Votes that require a dice roll are counted until 15 minutes have passed, so we can speed up the process. Rolls are counted until 10 minutes have passed, so be prepared!

(NEW) Dice Mechanic:

We always roll 1d100s!
Since most people weren’t happy with the system of averaging top four rolls, we’re using best of 2/3/4 depending on the attribute a prompt requires. If Johnny is a genius and it’s a Knowledge based roll, he gets more rolls (Max. 7)! If he sucks, he gets less dice (Min. 2)!

When asked for rolls, I will specify how many you’re going to get. Rolling begins after it’s asked.

Rolling 100 is a critical! There are no Critical Failures anymore!

The difficulty of the roll is tied with the effectiveness of the action. In other words, the harder the option the better the result!

Don’t forget that at the end of the day, this is a story-driven quest! What the prompts are describing is more important than the difficulty of the rolls, for results in a fight.

Again, rolls are only counted when they are posted within ten minutes of being asked, so watch out!

>>5286907
>>“I’m not a dork!” You’ve never been, and never will be. You don’t need him or his advice! You’ll stay as you are. You want the best for everyone!
>Knock on the Door.
Never listen to the demon ghost!

...Except Philonune

>>5286907
>Punch Demon Osgood in the face. Stay a Dowk.
>Leave for now. Is there something to do at these hours? You’ll find out.

>>5286907
>Reject this vile temptation! You are not one of THOSE guys, like Osbad and Bernie! You strive for BETTER and will not take advantage of those poor gals! Don’t be a dork, become... well, not a lady charmer, but you got the idea!
>Knock on a door.

>>5286907
>“I’m not a dork!” You’re going to evolve into a Charmer! You’re going to get all the hints and you’ll be able to act upon them! It might feel sleazy and evil, but hey, huh, it’s better than pretending it’s not something you’re doing.
>Try to get inside from the Window.
I think this might be our upgrade on handsomeness.

>>5286918
+1

>>5286912
changing my second vote to knocking on the door instead

>>5286911
Okay, I’m changing my vote to this.
But also
>Punch Osbad’s ghost. He deserve it for what it did to Ajna.

>>5286907
>“I’m not a dork!” You’ve never been, and never will be. You don’t need him or his advice! You’ll stay as you are. You want the best for everyone!
Don’t stray from the path Johnny it’s the main reason everyone likes you because your a dork with a heart of gold with maybe a little petty revenge every now and then.
>Knock on the Door.

>>5286907
>“I’m not a dork!” You’ve never been, and never will be. You don’t need him or his advice! You’ll stay as you are. You want the best for everyone!
>Knock on the Door.

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“I’m not a dork!” You mentally exclaim as you furrow your eyebrows to the cold machine’s door in front of you. To make your claim more valid, you smack Demon Osgood’s face and remain true to yourself, dispelling the thought.

“I just wanted to heeeeelp…!” Demon Osgood’s last words echo through your brain as he falls into the forgotten thoughts’ pit where ideas get left behind until they crawl back up once again, like the memory of Amelia stealing your cookies that you have maturely put behind you for real this time.

You look around for a moment, unsure if you actually said those lame words or not, it’s like when waking up from a nightmare, wondering if you screamed or not during it. Anyway, the lights being off is the only hint you needed to gently knock on the door to cause the least amount of noise. Someone comes forward to the door, the sound of their ‘steps’ are akin to little soft taps on the floor, like a penguin walking. With the lock out of the way, the door opens… It’s Cocoontilda, she just woke up.

“…” From the depths of her comfy armor, Matilda’s hand comes out to grab your face, her index finger on one cheek, her thumb on the other. She’s sort of admiring you, moving you around to get a better look. Or maybe you have something on your face, your food went everywhere during dinner. “The smile on your face tells me your date went well. Not too well if you are here.” She doesn’t sound tired.

“Is that why you are grabbing my face like this? Couldn’t you just ask?” You find this obnoxious…

“I’m sorry, it was out of reflex. Your charming smile was too perplexing not to be analyzed.” Matilda is acting bizarre. You’re not the only one who acts weird while being sleepy.

“Did you call me charming?” You work that muscle to raise your eyebrow again!

“I called your smile ‘charming’ and it’s strangely so, hence why I’m taking a look. I bet you used it to great effect tonight.” Matilda tries to buddy up with you to change the subject. She lets you go. “Other women will easily swoon with little effort.”

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>>5286991

“So, you like it?” You push the issue for fun.

“I already made my assessment. It's a charming device to other women... or some men, if you’re interested in those.” Matilda is grasping at straws to not answer directly.

“And you personally?” You cannot raise your eyebrow any more than this.

“I believe we should go to sleep. You’re on the ground again.” Matilda expertly refuses to answer. “Cookie is staying with us and she’s sleeping with Wilma on the proper bed. I’m on the half bed. Your bag is waiting.”

“And Oliver?” Where’s Naiad?!

“Guarding Ophelia with Naiad and San…” Matilda sighs. “Wich.” The martial artist shakes her head. “Her abilities are sealed, but keeping her there will ease the worries of the cop fleet, so they did.”

“Right.” The conversation has flown naturally despite you two whispering the whole time. You take parts of your clothes off and get inside the sleeping bag.

“Good night, Quirky Smile.” Matilda deadpans as she’s about to turn the lights off.

How do you respond?

>“Night, Cocoontilda.” Turn brain off. Let the happy thoughts take you to dreamland.
>“Maybe we should share the mattress again.” Use your Quirky Smile on Matilda.
>“Why did you do all that…? It was weird.” What’s up with her? Matilda is acting off.
>“You know, I’m a successful businessman now, I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.” Wiggle your eyebrows and let the night hide the mystery until tomorrow.
>Write In.

>>5286993
>“You know, I’m a successful businessman now, I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.” Wiggle your eyebrows and let the night hide the mystery until tomorrow.
>"Night, Sugar."

>>5286993
>>“Maybe we should share the mattress again.” Use your Quirky Smile on Matilda.

>>5286993
>Maybe we should share the mattress again

>>5286993
>“Maybe we should share the mattress again.” Use your Quirky Smile on Matilda.

>>5286993
>“Maybe we should share the mattress again.” Use your Quirky Smile on Matilda.

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“Maybe we should share the mattress again.” You put your Quirky Smile to good use!

“…” Matilda stares at you for a couple of seconds, then lowers the zippers of her sleeping bag a little, then fully stops again. Her disheveled tanktop in full view. “…Wait, you said mattress.” The sugary girl mutters to herself and zips it all back. “No.” She answers as she turns the lights off. What just happened? Why did she do that? You’re confused. Nothing makes sense. Probably because Matilda was sleepy… Too bad the only sugary thing you’ll enjoy is going to be your dreams.

With Matilda back on her bed, you trail of to another world, not another bubble, but to beautiful dreams...

…

…

Wait a minute, this isn’t a sweet dream.

“Hey partner, we were summoned here.” It’s Philonune in flame form. Huh, this feels like the Distant Frontier. You touch your face because it feels strange, oh, it’s because you have a paper bag.

“That’s right. I told you I’d visit you again, so here I am.” It’s Esperanza and her Judge Entity whose name you don’t want to recall. It’s Smithele. Okay? Who are you talking to? Demon Osgood is not here anymore. “Welcome to the Distant Frontier; again, I’m the one in charge of this… conversation.” She glares at her entity, he’s immutable. “Phil, was it?”

“Yeah, I’m Phil.” You adjust your glasses. Somehow, they’re on top of the paper bag. “Thank you for remembering my name, Esperanza.”

“See? I told you he’s still friendly despite your attitude.” Smithele has you in decent regard.

“I know what you said.” Esperanza doesn’t appreciate the comments. “You called them Entities, right? And your lil’ entity is Andonune?” Esperanza is not being facetious but she doesn’t look like she’s struggling to remember, she’s acting like she does to break the ice.

“Again, this is my flame form.” Philonune insists he’s quite tall. And he is.

“What’s your true form? Show me.” Esperanza’s curiosity must be satisfied.

“Here!” Philonune makes a full body appearance for a short moment. Is he enjoying being a flame boy these days or what? “How about it?”

“Woah, you’re tall, you two fit each other.” Esperanza doesn’t say it with much enthusiasm. Being tall has repeatedly become the one thing that you’re known for during your entire life.

“You’ve successfully broken the ice. Well done. You can move forward now.” Smithele is content with his partner’s display.

“Yeah, what can I do for you?” You act friendly to open up the request.

“Player, since you’re under my jurisdiction, I’m within my right to require your assistance in any matter I see fit.” Esperanza is confident when ‘Judge talking’. “And you’re within your right to decline. Now for the proposition… I need you to murder someone from this realm.”

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>>5287087


“Murder someone…?” You’re puzzled by what you heard. “Can I hear the details first before making a decision?”

“Only if you accept!” Esperanza won’t reveal anything unless necessary.

“Esperanza.” Smithele harshly retorts.

“I’m the one who’s really in charge here. We’re not discussing it unless he agrees to.” Esperanza responds even harsher. “Well? Are you in, Paper boy?”

What do you do?

>Persuade Esperanza to tell you more. If you’re not friendly enough for her to trust you, ask her for a way to earn it.
>Accept…? Aren’t the people here like clones or stuff? Maybe quickly decline if you’re not comfortable with the target? Accepting is the only way you’re going to know more for sure.
>Decline. The only time you killed someone was accidentally, and he may or may not have been a school shooter.
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the Day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>5287091
>>Persuade Esperanza to tell you more. If you’re not friendly enough for her to trust you, ask her for a way to earn it.

>>5287091
>Persuade Esperanza to tell you more. If you’re not friendly enough for her to trust you, ask her for a way to earn it.
>"Props or not, it's against the rules to involve regular people. Especially murdering them."

>>5287091
>Persuade Esperanza to tell you more. If you’re not friendly enough for her to trust you, ask her for a way to earn it.

>>5287094
That sounds like a good angle to take.

>>5287091
On second thought, it’s really not in Johnny’s character to be willing to murder someone…it is in his character to figure out who’s going to be targeted and maybe try to defend them or stand aside while someone else does them in though.

>>5287091
>Decline. The only time you killed someone was accidentally, and he may or may not have been a school shooter.

>>5287091
Write-In
“If you don’t feel like telling me who you’re targeting unless I accept then that’s fair, since I might try to get in your way and I understand why you wouldn’t want that.

But can you tell me WHY you want whoever this is dead? It’s a big deal to ask someone to commit murder on your behalf, and seeing as I’m no professional assassin I’d like to know that you don’t just want this person dead because they have an ugly face or something.”

>>5287606
supporting

>>5287606
+1

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“It’s a hard sell without the details.” You sound uncomfortable to drive the point that it isn’t something you’re actually willing to do.

“Player, y’all agreed to allow us to seek your help. And you lot have been killing each other for a while, what’s the big deal?” Esperanza is taking this too lightly and sees you as one of the lot. Everyone is on the same level.

“Personally, I haven’t been involved in any killing.” You’ll ignore the traffic accident.

“Statistically improbable, yet he’s telling the truth, Esperanza.” Despite having his authority undermined, her Entity remains on her side.

“Oh, I didn’t know that.” Esperanza sounds partially apologetic like she didn’t think any of the players wasn’t a bloodthirsty monster. “I’ll take it as you have declined?” Despite everything she insists, it’s a matter she doesn’t want to get her hands dirty with.

“Even if I accept, props or not, it’s against the rules to involve regular people. Especially murdering them.” You shrug. Your hands are tied either way, unless there’s something different about this, and your hunch tells you there is.

“Regular people? Hmm, not that simple.” Esperanza relays a tiny fraction of information.

“What else can you tell me?” You’re getting there.

“You know what to do to know more.” Esperanza gave you a crumb to lure you in.

“If you don’t feel like telling me who you’re targeting unless I accept then that’s fair, since I might try to get in your way and I understand why you wouldn’t want that.” You’ll logically try to find a way to get more information. “But can you tell me why you want ‘whoever this is’ dead? It’s a big deal to ask someone to commit murder on your behalf, and seeing as I’m no professional assassin, I’d like to know that you don’t want this person dead because they have an ugly face or something.”

“I told you every little interaction matters, Esperanza. Now your authority is being questioned.” Smithele feels justified. “Fix it.”

“No, it’s nothing silly like that or you’d be dead by now.” Esperanza takes your questioning at face value. “The person we need gone is endangering the tournament. I’d like to keep the sanctity of the game intact… it’s not like I have anything better to do.”

“Endangering how?” You raise an eyebrow, curious.

“No, I’m not answering more of your questions. That’s as much as we’re willing to share with a random player.” Esperanza won’t entertain you anymore.

“If I was more trustworthy, would you share more information with me?” You ask for a chance.

“Involving ourselves with players is a bad idea.” Esperanza appears uncomfortable. “No matter how much you insist, Smithele.”

“Give me a test or something.” You’re willing to do something minor. “Not murder though.”

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>>5288090

“He’s merely asking for a chance, Esperanza. Perhaps, he might know another way to solve it.” Smithele does not oppose the idea. It’s the last part that makes Esperanza’s mind change.

“Fine, fine…” Esperanza ponders her options. “I got it. You’ll meet him…”

The darkness down below drags you into the ether in one second. You’re inside a transparent building that is floating above an infinite garden of yellow flowers, there’s something surreal about its curved shape. Some objects inside the room seemingly look fine except for bits that are translucent. There’s a smell of tobacco mixed with blackberry deodorant. It’s disorienting.

There’s a man standing in front of a window looking down to the garden, unaware of your presence until you take a step. He turns around, his expressionless and tired face reacts with some glee upon seeing you. You’ve seen him before, but not in the usual sense where you met this person once not too long ago. No, you haven’t seen this person in a couple of years, you weren’t particularly close, but it’s someone you missed a little. So little you forgot he existed until now, of course.

“You’re the man Esperanza sent, correct?” The man who mattered little doesn’t recognize you.

He’s Mr. Won-Jae. He was your Biology Teacher 2 years ago. He went away when the new school year arrived, he was so unremarkable nobody ever noticed he left or cared to know why, it wasn’t sudden enough for anyone to ask questions either – just a teacher being replaced with another one. He wasn’t anyone’s favorite, so he slipped through everyone’s mind.

Yet you care now at least...

What do you do?

>“What is this? A dream? Some kind of weird flame ability?” Wonder what’s going on. Why is he here?
>“Yes, I’m Phil Noon. Nice to meet you.” Pretend everything is fine.
>“What’s the test?” Ignore the weirdness of it all.
>Recall why you care.
>Write In.

>>5288092
>>Recall why you care.

>>5288092
>“Yes, I’m Phil Noon. Nice to meet you.” Pretend everything is fine.
A little polite never killed anyone

>>5288092
>Recall why you care
Also give him a little "Hello, uhm just a moment please" or something. No need to be rude.

>>5288092
>Recall why you care.

>>5288092
>“What is this? A dream? Some kind of weird flame ability?” Wonder what’s going on. Why is he here?

>>5288092
>“What’s the test?” Ignore the weirdness of it all.

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“Hello, uhm, just a moment please.” You won’t gain anything by being impolite.

Mr. Won-Jae does a slight nod of acknowledgement and turns his head to look through the window. He knows this distorted reality is too bizarre to take it all in one go. What he doesn’t know is that isn’t the reason you’re asking for a second to gather your thoughts.

You start recalling why you care about Mr. Won-Jae. It was during your bleakest days 2 years ago, where every moment stayed the same even if the clock still ticked. He was the only one who noticed you were down in the gutter, struggling to move on. You remember him pulling you outside during one of the classes, put his hand on your shoulder, and gave you his condolences. He was the only one who knew your mom died two days ago. You didn’t tell anyone, not your teachers, your classmates, not anyone who didn’t directly know her. Why he knew at the time escapes you.

Mr. Won-Jae didn’t understand why you were at school the day after her funeral, he told you to go home and mourn your mother. He’ll deal with everything in school for you if you choose to go. You mumbled a response, you can’t remember what you said, you don’t even remember looking particularly sad for him to notice, but you didn’t want to go home. He said he understands and gave you some money for the arcade… Well, not exactly for it, but to spend it to have fun. You didn’t know where else to go, you just wanted to be left alone…

…

The next day you came back to classes like nothing happened. Mr. Won-Jae was concerned, as inexpressive as he is, it was easy to tell when something bothered him. Your blank face wasn’t good enough, he noticed the pain again at the main gate. You two had a chat together on the spot, again, you don’t remember about what, but it was comforting. He wasn’t subtle enough with his words… No, it was the time for him to be direct and he knew it: He asked you if you needed more time, offered to cover for you, and handed you some money once again. You don’t know why, but you said you wanted to stay, to distract yourself with school. It wasn’t true, but you said it anyway. He still gave you the money, despite your protests. And to the arcade you went…

…

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>>5288171

The day after, the same thing happened, your poker face needed some work still, but Mr. Won-Jae wasn’t as concerned as yesterday. But the talk was nice, as unremarkable as it probably was, you aren’t the most interesting person. The offer still stood, you denied it once again, but he put the cash in your pocket without you noticing until it was too late. But something changed, after classes, Jamie saw you the other day at the Arcade and asked you if you wanted to come along to play with his friends. You wanted to say no, but you didn’t. Who knows why. They took you along for the money. Mr. Won-Jae’s money. You wasted it. You knew the teachers in your school didn't have that much money to spare and you wasted it with these guys, the worst part is that you didn’t even have fun.

…

The next day, you met Mr. Won-Jae in the same spot like clockwork. Your poker face was a tiny bit better; he didn’t seem that concerned. But the routine went along the same strings, and the chance to mourn still was on the table like you weren’t getting any better. But what was different today was the guilt. The guilt you felt when he offered the money. This time you didn’t get any, you didn’t let him put some in your pocket. It wasn’t going to be wasted. You went to the Arcade still, but at your own cost.

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>>5288173

…

The day after, you waved Mr. Won-Jae at the same spot, you didn’t even give him a chance to waste his money on you. He didn’t approach you because your poker face was too good at that point. That was the last time you saw him, your school break started next week…

…

…

“Take your time.” Mr. Won-Jae says as he turns on the radio, an oddly familiar song plays…

What do you do?

>“Sorry about that, I’m Phil Noon. Nice to meet you.” Be cool and aloof.
>“What’s going on here? What is this place?” Act like you’re bewildered by this place.
>“Mr. Won-Jae, what are you doing here?” Ask for an explanation.
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the Day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>5288175
>>5288173
>>5288171
>Story about a teacher telling Johnny to take his time to grieve for his mother
>Concludes with the teacher telling him to take his time
Also strange to know that Johnny knew the bois at the Arcade for 2 years before they got blown up...

>>5288175
>Vent with him

>>5288175
>hug the teacher. He deserves it.
>“Mr. Won-Jae, what are you doing here?” Ask for an explanation.

>>5288175
>Write In.
Listen to the song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzdc-0Q45wM

>>5288090
>“Statistically improbable, yet he’s telling the truth, Esperanza.” Despite having his authority undermined, her Entity remains on her side.
Is lie detecting an established judge power while we're in the Distant Frontier? Or can Smithele detect lies, so he knows we haven't given our real name yet.

>>5288175
>“Mr. Won-Jae, what are you doing here?” Ask for an explanation.

>>5288092
>>5288171
Mr. Won Jae’s clothes are totally different between these panels.

This has to mean something.

>>5288175
>Write-In
Listen to the song, nothing here is happening without a reason.

>>5288175
>Listen to the song

>>5288437
I think the second one is just a flashback.

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>>5288175

A quick drawing of the background.

>>5288175
>Listen to the song
If he says to take your time we might as well take some more in

>>5288756
Nice, good reference

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You nod back and let the familiar melody engulf your ears. It’s a piano piece. The strings behind elevate the melody, and the soft but deep drums are the perfect companion to give it depth. It's calming, hopeful, yet sad and melancholic, maybe? You don’t know shit about music, if you dared to describe the song it’d be something like that. As for the familiarity, it’s on the tip of your tongue, but you can’t narrow it down – perhaps because it’s a different rendition of a song you like. It surely changes the tone completely from what you can remember. Very comforting. Yet, you feel like it’s chasing you like it wants to tell you something…

Man, you’re not making any sense.

…

Philonune disagrees, he tells you he relates, and to be confident in your thoughts.

Mr. Won-Jae keeps staring down at the seemingly infinite yellow garden. The petals below fly to the side, guided by the wind, but you don’t feel a breeze passing by – like a mirage or a screen that has nothing to do with where you are. Here it is warm, the perfect kind, like an early spring day under the sun. You wanna nap. Perhaps it’s due to the fact you’re supposed to be sleeping now, so you shrug the feeling off no matter how nice it is.

…You feel like you’re ready to talk to Mr. Won-Jae.

…

What do you do?

>“I’m ready. I’m Phil Noon, nice to meet you.” Extend your hand.
>“Mr. Won-Jae, it’s been a while.” Be cordial.
>“Beautiful song, what is it called?” You need to know.
>“Is this real? Are you really here Mr. Won-Jae? Please tell me I’m not imagining things.” What kind of trip is this? You need an explanation.
>“I don’t know what to say.”
>Write In.

>>5289101
>>“I’m ready. I’m Phil Noon, nice to meet you.” Extend your hand.
>“Beautiful song, what is it called?” You need to know.
Let's not mention it yet

Also, not sure about anyone else but I can't help but imagine this song playing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQx91RR3Y8o

>>5289101

>“Mr. Won-Jae, it’s been a while.” Be cordial.
>“Beautiful song, what is it called?” You need to know.

>>5289101
>“Mr. Won-Jae, it’s been a while.” Be cordial.
>“Beautiful song, what is it called?” You need to know.

>>5289101
>“Is this real? Are you really here Mr. Won-Jae? Please tell me I’m not imagining things.” What kind of trip is this? You need an explanation.
>“Beautiful song, what is it called?” You need to know.

>>5289101
>“Mr. Won-Jae, it’s been a while.” Be cordial.

>>5289101
>“Mr. Won-Jae, it’s been a while.” Be cordial.
>“Beautiful song, what is it called?” You need to know.

>>5289101
>“Mr. Won-Jae, it’s been a while.” Be cordial.

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“Mr. Won-Jae, it’s been a while.” You didn’t sound as confident as you’d like, but it was cordial. Like when you overthink what to say to the cashier before paying or something.

“It hasn’t been that long, but it’s great to see you again, Mr. Ando.” Mr. Won-Jae extends his hand to you for a handshake. You comply. You forgot how firm his grip was. “A pleasant surprise.”

“Beautiful song, what is it called?” You point at the radio once the handshake is over.

“It’s titled ‘Dream Your Sunshine’. It was sort of the hymn for an entire generation.” Mr. Won-Jae puts his hand on the radio and stares at it. “Nobody knows who wrote it, but it spread out through the country, it has many different renditions but none of them are ‘official’. It’s a point of contention among people from different regions to claim its origin. This version is the one I listened to first, and tracking it down was difficult since it was far from popular, but it’s the one closest to my heart.”

“Yeah, I felt like I heard it before, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.” You feel like someone else told you the exact same thing at one point. Not word for word, but the feeling was the same. “Why’s there no official version?”

“It got a reputation as an anti-establishment song, its unknown origins became the source of wild speculations, and romantic stories were born from the mystery. It became folklore. The Regime banned it.” Mr. Won-Jae always has something innocuous but interesting to say. You sometimes thought of him as ‘Mr. Trivia’. He has a bit of an owl face, but there’s no way to come up with a nicer nickname with that… “In my opinion, the song doesn’t lend itself to revolutionary sentiment, even with the highly contentious lyrics in mind. It’s a beautiful, hopeful, and calm track. And the populace at large agreed, they forgot this supposed meaning pretty quickly after the Regime was replaced – but the song itself maintains its place in the public’s consciousness.”

“Woah. I wonder why I never heard of this stuff before.” You have high enough Knowledge to retain this kind of information. You just didn’t know.

“Still as curious as ever.” Mr. Won-Jae is happy that hasn’t changed about you. There’s a warm feeling in your heart: he didn’t forget you. “Is there anything you’d like to discuss? Maybe you can tell me what this song inspires in you.”

How do you respond?

>“How have you been, Mr. Won-Jae?” Ask him. It’s the only way you’ll know if this is real or not.
>“So, Esperanza sent me here…” Move forward. Even if you have your doubts this is actually happening.
>“What’s really going on here, Mr. Won-Jae?” You need information.
>Write In.

Did the song do something for you?

>It’s complicated. So it’s better not to say anything.
>It’s pretty cool. You like it.
>Write In.

>>5289217
>>“How have you been, Mr. Won-Jae?” Ask him. It’s the only way you’ll know if this is real or not.
>It’s pretty cool. You like it.

>>5289217
>Talk about mom with him.
>It made me remember a funny moment.

>>5289219
+1

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“It’s pretty cool. I like it.” You feel like rambling about how good the song is after that explanation would be kind of pedantic.

“I’m glad you do, Mr. Ando.” Mr. Won-Jae says it without any hint of irony. He believes what you said is high praise.

“How have you been, Mr. Won-Jae?” You wonder. Aside from this hinting you to know if this is real or not, you care about his well being.

“I’m in a predicament, but not an important one. Thank you for asking.” Mr. Won-Jae doesn’t want to worry you with the details. “How are you?”

“Why?” You ask without hesitation, not caring about his question yet.

“As I said, Mr. Ando. It’s not important. I’ll find a way out myself, that’s what we adults have to do.” This is one of those times Mr. Won-Jae is not happy about your curiosity.

“I’d like to know, please.” It’s implied that you want to help.

“If you insist.” He coughs into his hand, he’s clearly uncomfortable but knows he doesn’t have another alternative. He might need the help. “Mr. Ando, I… believe I’m in a coma. I had a stroke.”

“What…?” You don’t think you heard what you just heard.

“As far as I know anyway.” Thanks to your reaction, Mr. Won-Jae doesn’t know if telling you was the right choice. “My last memory that didn’t involve this reverie reality is when I blacked out because of the pain in my chest. Regretfully, I don’t know *how* I’m here talking to you. But I am, and I have come to terms that the reason why is not something I can scientifically explain.” Mr. Won-Jae looks back at you. “Sorry, Mr. Ando, I needed to tell someone else. I’m not expecting you to do anything. I apologize again if this casts a burden onto you.”

“I…”

“Tell me, Mr. Ando.” He coughs to interrupt you. “How have *you* been?” He’s satisfied with sharing that about himself, his only concern now is you.

How do you respond?

>“I’m doing great. You helped me a lot back then, thank you.” You’re thankful he didn’t give up on you.
>“No, Mr. Won-Jae. We can’t jump topics like that. Tell me everything. What’s going on here? What’s your deal with Esperanza?” You won’t let that other topic go. No matter how uncomfortable it makes your teacher.
>“Not great after you told me that. I’m sorry to say, but I’ll find a way to help you.” You won’t give up on people. Not anymore. Not again. Not on him.
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the Day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>5289291
>“I’m doing great. You helped me a lot back then, thank you.” You’re thankful he didn’t give up on you.

>>5289291
>Write-in
“I’ve been doing great lately, although I’ve also become really reckless and I need to tone that down. Or at least be smarter about it.

I really appreciate what you did back then. You helped me even when I didn’t ask for or want it, you didn’t give up on me and it made all the difference.

So, respectfully, I won’t give up on you either. It’s not as though I think I can solve every problem in the world, but if someone I know is in trouble…well I wouldn’t be Doing My Best if I didn’t at least try to help. ”

>>5289291
>“I’m doing great. You helped me a lot back then, thank you.” You’re thankful he didn’t give up on you.
>"It hasn't always been like that. It has been a rough two years and I still slip up from time to time, but I've experienced some of the greatest moments of my life recently."

>>5289533
Supporting. 882vp

>>5289951
Thank you, k4ywx

>>5289291
So Won-Jae’s in the same situation Athelone put us in after we fucked up with TT_Neko, I think

>>5289533
Sure, +1

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“I’ve been doing great lately, although I’ve also become really reckless and I need to tone that down. Or at least be smarter about it.” You speak your mind. “I really appreciate what you did back then. You helped me when I didn’t ask for or want it, you didn’t give up on me and it made all the difference.”

“…” Your former teacher opens his mouth for a brief moment, he pauses before any sound comes out like he didn’t think he’d be moved by your words. This probably means a lot to him, and he’s too completely disarmed to reply correctly.

“So, respectfully, I won’t give up on you either.” You straighten your back to show your seriousness. “It’s not as though I think I can solve every problem in the world, but if someone I know is in trouble… well I wouldn’t be Doing My Best if I didn’t at least try to help.”

“Mr. Ando…” Mr. Won-Jae takes his glasses off, rubs his hand over his eyes, then pretends to clean his glasses before putting them back on. A tiny smirk was embedded on his face from the moment you said your catchphrase. “Thank you.” He knows arguing against the idea will only detract from the moment, and won’t change a thing either. He’s happy. He coughs to regain his composure; he doesn’t want to come off as too emotional. “Shall we move on to something else?”

“Let’s.” You don’t know what’s next though.

Mr. Won-Jae puts his hand on the radio once again and slightly lowers its volume. “I should’ve done this sooner even if you’re one of the few people who truly appreciate this song as much as I do so far.”

“You played it for someone else?” You find this detail curious.

“Esperanza’s thing… The Cloak, he doesn’t like it. I don’t think it did anything for Esperanza either.” Mr. Won-Jae recalls every event. He has a good memory. “There were more visitors as well, but I didn’t gauge everyone’s reaction. A couple said they liked it, one even argued with me about it being *their* song. I didn’t pay much mind.”

“More people were here?” This seems surprising.

“Yes. But that isn’t important now.” Mr. Won-Jae is too expressionless to say he’s being serious now, but you feel like he is changing his demeanor. “…Unless you want me to delve into it. I’ll answer any questions you have for me, Mr. Ando. Go ahead.”

Sadly, the true explanation will have to wait for next thread! Thanks for playing this short thread and see you next time!

>>5290515
Thanks for running!

>>5290515
Thanks for running!

>>5290515
Thank you for running.