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Sachiko smiled at Wakabayashi, heart rising in her chest as the girl took a seat next to her. It was hard to tell what, but something about the vibe she gave off was immensely comforting. Yesterday, when Sachiko had been panicking like the easily upset coward she was, being next to Wakabayashi had given her enough stability to get back on her feet, wipe her toxic tears away, and focus on helping everyone else.
We are missing a lot of people, huh? Sachiko realized. I wonder if they're dead and that's why they aren't here.
Shimizu and Yua were not dead, at least--they walked beside each other as Yua opened the gate to the pool and stepped inside, holding it open so Shimizu could follow after. Yua nodded to Shimizu as the acrobat muttered a small thank you and went to take a seat next to no one else. Yua took a seat next to Susugihara instead, waving politely. "Good morning, everyone."
Yamada waved back, offering a smile. "Hey, Shimizu, Yua. Did the two of you sleep well?"
I don't think anyone slept well last night, Sachiko almost said.
As if to prove Sachiko's theory, Yua hesitated. "Ah...more or less. More on the less side. But that's no worry, really, I've always had a bit of trouble sleeping. That, and my siblings are always waking me up in the middle of the night, so I'm used to it."
There was a slight pause from Shimizu--she crossed one leg over the other, offering a small, polite smile. "As well as can be expected. And you?"
"The same, I guess," Yamada replied, with a hint of a nervous chuckle.