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[secrowtary]

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[mapsio]

I've been getting as much rest as I can. I still get up pretty early to see what I can assist with.

[She smiles at him, reassuring.]

Though I won't lie, I'm still a little exhausted.

[secrowtary]

[ Haru...you're too good for this world?! ]

You need to take a day off, Haru-san. I could take your place for a while, so you could have a proper rest.

[mapsio]

I couldn't ask you to do that, Hibiki-kun.

[She doesn't ever want to burden people with her troubles or her duties. She doesn't feel it is right. ]

[secrowtary]

I'm used to—

[ No, that's no good. Convincing her might be way more difficult than he imagined it to be. ]

In that case...maybe we could do it together? As far as I've seen doing things on your own here isn't thought to be the best idea.

[mapsio]

...ah? You want to help me?

[She thinks about it for a moment, nodding.]

I won't stop you from helping me.

[secrowtary]

What kind of assistance do you provide?

[ Shouldn't that question come first...well, he's not scared of working hard so it shouldn't be too much of a problem. ]

[mapsio]

Any that the Palai might need, and I've been checking in with the newbies. I want them to feel comfortable.

[It's just busy work, really.]

[secrowtary]

That's...

[ He stops mid-stride, his eyes opening wide. Unbelievable. That's far too much for a single person!! ]

Haru-san.

[ His tone is serious... ]

[mapsio]

[Look she willingly does all of this...]

What is it, Hibiki-kun? You sound concerned.

[secrowtary]

[ That's too much for one person is what he intended to say and follow it with a scolding, but... ]

I'm going to take care of the Palai from now on in your stead. Every day.

[mapsio]

Hibiki-kun, why are you going to do that? There isn't any reason? I am perfectly capable of helping!

[Raising her brow.]

[secrowtary]

I am fully aware of that, believe me. I have seen what you are capable of, Haru-san. [ After a sigh, his voice softens. ] That's why I must make sure you'll continue to help everyone. And you can't do that when you push yourself too hard. At some point, you'll remain with no energy left.

[mapsio]

[She is a little caught off guard here.]

You're very determined, aren't you?

[secrowtary]

Well...I'm not the only one, am I?

[ He can't hold back his chuckle this time. ]

[mapsio]

I don't believe you are, Hibiki-kun.

[She's laughing now too.]

[secrowtary]

To be honest, I used to think that doing things on your own is more efficient. Looking at the Palai helping each other and working together made me reconsider that.

[ Hibiki taps his chin a few times. ]

[mapsio]

I'm glad to hear you have reconsidered. Truthfully the only reason I do so much on my own is because I want to prove that I can be useful to others.

[She shifts a little uncomfortably.]

[secrowtary]

[ Maybe it's impolite or even rude, but Hibiki starts giggling. ]

Forgive me, it's just...it's refreshing to meet someone who wants to work so earnestly. You don't have to prove anything to me, to be honest.

[mapsio]

[That's okay, because Haru stats giggling too.]

It's reassuring to hear that.

[secrowtary]

[ He's pretty sure that he's not the only one, but if that's what Haru believes, he's not going to say anything.

It's weird. Usually, he had to remind people to do their work, not to rest...it's truly a nice change.

He has your back, Haru!!

Their giggling is interrupted by Hibiki's stomach growling, oops. Embarrassing. ]

Ah...

[mapsio]

Oh, goodness. We got distracted form our original goal. Let's go find something to eat.

[What Hibiki doesn't know right at the moment is that Haru has his back too. She won't hesitate to take a hit for him.

But also she isn't going to hesitate in giving him a good amount of her trust.]