Rio bond episode 4

Momotalk

R: It's a bit late, but I'd like to repay the favours you've given me.
S: There's no need to.
R: I expected that. But according to social conventions and based on probability and statistics, I calculated that I should do so anyway.
S: Probability and statistics...
R: Anyway, I'll invite you to my hideout.
R: If you don't mind, please come.

On the way there, I thought back to the conversation I had with Rio.

R: I'll remind you, I have hideouts in multiple places.
R: This time, I'd like to invite you to one of them.
R: I suppose you could say it's a secret place just for us both.(Blushes)
R: There's no security issues, so rest easy.
R: If the location is identified... it would mean you told someone.
R: Though I'd demand heavy compensation, I trust you.
S: I'll prove that you can trust me!
R: In that case, see you later.
R: I’m looking forward to it

I called the number Rio gave me

R: Eh? Sensei?
R: Is it already time!? I kept the curtains closed so I didn’t notice…
R: What should I do…
S: Rio, did something happen!?
R: N-nothing!

Out of concern, I ran to her hideout.

S: Rio!
R: S-sensei!? You’re here already!?
R: No- it’s definitely time we agreed upon, but-
S: Sorry/So you were still cleaning up.
R: Uu…
S: Is this a bento container?
R: …Yes.
R: Next to them are bottles of tea and juice.
R: w-wait, those aren’t trash, they’re lab equipment and tools!
R: What an embarrassment…
R: I thought I was at least capable of cleaning up myself…
S: How did you do it before?
R: Toki.
S: Ah. Well, we can still salvage this.
R: Could you learn to tidy up? Were you bad at it at first too? Wait, where are you going?
S: To get a rubbish bag.
R: U-understood.
R: It really is all tidy now…
R: Wait, this is only half of it!?
R: I-I think we have different images of the word “clean”…
R: Could I help, perhaps?
R: Even if you tell me I can just relax…
R: I can’t just leave it all to you…

L2D starts. Music is beautiful.

R: This isn’t why I called you here, but…
R: Leave the cleaning to me, please take a seat.
R: You should be more aware of your role as a teacher. It’s illogical to waste time on something like this. Do you not have more important matters to deal with?
S: Protecting the lives of my students is an important matter too Y’know./My important matter is taking care of you.
R: -! What are you doing…? [Caregiving]…?
R: It is difficult to understand… but I suppose that’s just how you are.
R: Very well, I’ll gladly accept your [caregiving] until the end.
R: So this is [cleaning].
R: If you’re truly obsessed with cleanliness, you might think it’s still imperfect…?
R: There are admittedly still some garbage bags to attend to…
R: Toki did indeed throw them away properly.
R: It seems that you also keep your room tidy…
R: According to my analysis….
R: Is this the usual standard (of cleaning)?
S: Eh?/I put in more effort than normal though…
R: Have I said something again?
R: What do you mean, “don’t worry?”
R: W-why are you patting my head?
R: I don’t mind it though…
S: Let’s get something to eat.
R: It’s dinner time, but I’m still not hungry.
R: Oh, of course, you’re bound to be hungry after cleaning up for me.
R: I apologise for my inconsideration.
R: But going out now is…
R: This is an old town/We’re far from Millennium, we’ll be fine.
R: If sensei says so, I’ll trust him.
R: and… thank you, yet again.
R: Well then- aah-!?

Rio trips over a garbage bag

S: Rio!?
R: …I-I’m fine, thanks to you catching me.
S: Can you stand?
R: Yes, of course.
R: um, Sensei… could we stay like this for a while?
R: Thank you Sensei.
R: It means the world to me.

After having dinner with Rio, who was more awkward than usual, I returned to Schale
Momotalk

R: Sensei, thank you for today.
R: There’s no deep meaning behind what I’m about to say, but please delete the message once you’ve read it.
R: I wonder how long it’s been since I’ve been able to spend time in such a tidy room.
R: Ever since we met, I feel something changing in me. It’s an emotion I’ve never felt before, and helped me realise that I don’t need perfect ideas.
R: Talking to you gives me a fresh perspective.
R: I understand it may be a bit of a hassle, but if you could make some time…
R: I hope we can spend more time together.
S: Good night Rio.
R: Yes. Good night, Sensei.

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Pub: 22 Feb 2025 06:12 UTC

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