Happy Birthday, Dork | Backdated to August 31

[crouching_sin]

Sender: Naoya
To: Everyone
Subject: Birthday boy

My cousin, who recently arrived, has a birthday today. Wishing him a happy birthday is encouraged.

He's 18 now after all. In many places that makes you an adult, Kazuya.

Yes, I know you can see me writing this.

Comments

[puellamagi]

No, I think I understand. My best friend is a lot like that. She's always teasing me... Even if it's embarrassing, I know that she means well. I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything in the world.

[crouching_sin]

It's good to have people in your life. It keeps you more grounded than you would be otherwise.

[puellamagi]

... Yes. The people important to us make us stronger.

[crouching_sin]

Sometimes. Sometimes it just makes things hurt more.

[puellamagi]

... I don't understand. Why would it make things hurt...?

[crouching_sin]

It's harder to lose someone close to you rather than a stranger, isn't it?

[puellamagi]

Losing them? That's...

Even thinking about that... it hurts. I never want something like that to happen!

[crouching_sin]

You will, sooner or later. Even if you were, say... immortal? They're not.

[puellamagi]

I don't think I'd ever want to be immortal if it meant that I had to say good bye to the people I cared about.

But -- why... Why are you saying things like that?

[crouching_sin]

The truth can be harsh.

[puellamagi]

That isn't a truth that I want to consider. I'll do whatever I can to keep them safe.

Though, I know that... we all have to say good bye somehow. It's important to me to prevent that from happening before it has to, no matter what!

[crouching_sin]

Well, well. Spoken like someone who wants to be a hero.

How interesting.

[puellamagi]

Me? A hero? No -- that's not it!

I just... really love and care about the people who are important to me.

[crouching_sin]

What do you think a hero is, then?

[puellamagi]

Someone brave -- someone who always tries to do the right thing to protect others.

Someone that... others can look up to.

[crouching_sin]

And don't you think you're exhibiting those qualities?

[puellamagi]

Me? I... I don't really know. I've never really been very good at anything-- so I don't think that I could be someone to look up to.

But, I think that if I can help someone, then... that's all I really want to do.