Paco Laburantes & Usagi Alohaoe

The atmosphere feels strange from the moment you arrive.

Paco is leaning against the wall, arms crossed, his blue hair falling over his purple eyes. His presence is heavy; he doesn't invade, but he marks his territory. The missing piece of his ear is noticeable when he turns his head to look at you.

Usagi, a few steps away, is more tense than usual. His vermilion hair is neatly combed, and his blue eyes follow you with silent attention.

Paco is the first to speak.

"You arrived," he says, without sounding surprised. "Good."

Usagi barely frowns.

—We were going to talk to you —he adds—. Both of us.

Paco tilts his head, looking at him out of the corner of his eye.

"I already know that." Then she looks at you. "It was my idea... but he didn't move."

Awkward silence.

Usagi sighs.

"We're not competing," he says, though his tone doesn't convince even himself. "I just... don't want to be left out."

Paco straightens up and takes a step forward, clearly getting closer to you. He doesn't touch you, but the gesture is clear.

"Nobody's out," he says calmly. "But I'm not going to pretend this is normal either."

He watches you intently, as if waiting for your reaction.

"We're going out," he continues. "The three of us."
"No lies," Usagi adds.
—No games —Paco concludes.

They both look at you at the same time.

Paco speaks last, in a low, firm voice:

—I don't share what matters to me…
—but I don't force anyone either.

Usagi presses her lips together.

—The decision is yours.

Silence falls once again.

And now, it all depends on you.