shaft | school: nier

[ what the fuck? are those thoughts? ]

... I do.

[ I'm sorry. ]

Why haven't you said anything?

... It isn't my story to tell.

And yet we forcibly expose murderers every week.

We do.

Just this one—I can’t.

[ Claude just looks at him for a moment before shrugging. ]

Okay. I won't force you.

... I really am sorry, Claude.

[ I can't risk losing them. ]

You don't need to apologize to me. [ Though I did judge Sakyou pretty harshly. ] It's not like I can do anything about it.

[ Lying makes me feel awful. People who do this all the time really have a talent. Nier isn't too happy about judging Sakyou. He is just a bean? ]

Mm. So do you know anything?

[ HIS ORIGINAL TOPIC? ]

I don't. I was thinking that maybe there's someone with a power that's leaving sleepers outside, or cursing people with school spirit, but I can't be certain.

... I'm not even sure what's out there, but I was told there are powers in play.

[ He closes his eyes, obviously tired. ]

Do you mind playing along with Sakyou? On the whole not knowing it's me part.

Who told you? And sure. I'll play along.

[ I'm not a jerk. ]

I can’t say too much.

[ … uhm. ]

I think… I can hear your thoughts.

[ Just leave. ]

Yeah, it seems like we have a fun new bonding effect this week. [ He sighs, trying to remember something. ] We had a break last week, I think.

I guess. I didn’t quite enjoy acting like a rabbit.

[ But it could be worse. Anyway, I see. ]

… If you want me to leave, you can say it.

I don't- It's just a kneejerk reaction to being told that my thoughts are being broadcasted.

[ Covers his face with the book. ]

Maybe we'll figure out more about these powers and the killers this way.