[A/N] Okay, so these are the alternate Tozen FTEs! They all ALSO canonicalluy occur, but each one takes place after the Azumi FTE of the same number. Also, I didn't bother changing the gifts. Sorry.

Tozen Alternate Set

Available During Chapter 2

Event 1:

Tozen: Hey. I know you're not wanting comfort and all that, but I'm around whenever you need someone. No guarantees I won't be cooking, but I can always listen!

What should I do? Should I invite Tozen to hang out?

Invite Tozen to hang out

See who else is around

Tozen: Sure! Wanna help with dinner tonight? It always helps to have an extra set of hands onboard.

I help him cook. The smells are friggin fantastic, not gonna lie, and I honestly have a damn good time doing it.

Looks like Tozen and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Tozen a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#8 Brainy Box— A bento box full of foods designed to increase your learning capacity. The branding is a little cheesy, but the actual cheese is high-quality.

Tozen: Ah, thanks! It looks really tasty! Probably pretty easy to guess the sorts of things that make me happy, huh? Regardless, I appreciate the thought.

...

Ren: Tell me about your job a little more. I'm curious what you do out there in the real world.

Tozen: Alrighty, then! As a nutritionist, it's my job to assess clients' dietary needs and provide them with advice and recipes. Sometimes I even flat-out make meal plans for them, but that's somewhat more rare. Agh, actually, that reminds me. I have to start swapping around what kind of stuff you need. Now that I know about your albinism, I can specialize for you a lot better.

Ren: What do you mean?

Tozen: Well, first off, I'm sure you already know that prolonged exposure to the sun is risky for you, but that means you're probably deficient in Vitamin D. Stuff like fatty fish and eggs are very beneficial for you, then. And aside from that, you've mentioned that you have contacts, and albinism does affect the eyes, from what I've heard. There are all sorts of nutrients involved in eye health, but fortunately, eggs are STILL helpful in that case— because of Lutein and Zeaxanthin— as are leafy greens and all the typical good jazz. Honestly, eggs are a frickin godsend, in my opinion. A legitimate superfood. High in protein, packed with vitamins, filling but not high in calories... gosh, I could go on and on.

Ren: It's a good thing none of us are vegan. Not that I'm shaming that lifestyle or anything.

Tozen: Oh, of course not. I'm very adaptable; I can make meal plans regardless of that. But it IS certainly convenient that nobody here is morally attached to the idea of not eating animal products. Fortunately, the rude, pushy types of vegans are more rare than you'd think, but I have been yelled at by people on social media before. And I just tell them, "Hey, you don't have to hire me, but some of these foods can be extremely helpful to people."

Ren: Who has been the trickiest client you've ever had?

Tozen: A vegan with celiac's disease, a kale allergy, and several nut allergies. I had to get myself far more familiar with seeds and the ins and outs of substitutes that summer, to say the least. But, being honest, the worst was someone who insisted that they'd "sworn off junk food," and then lied to me whenever they'd inevitably go off the rails... swearing off junk is never the right way to go. It's about balance and knowing what your body needs. Sweet snacks aren't the devil himself.

Ren: Of course not, cause you yourself are a sweet snack~

Tozen: Please, if anything, I'm like froyo, and that's the least healthy I'm willing to go. What's your favorite dessert, Ren?

Ren: Strawberry shortcake. Freaking yesssss.

Tozen: Noted.

Ren: Wait, why?

Joanie comes in, then, asking what to give someone who's sick with the flu, and Tozen starts prattling off and chatting with her. I pat him on the shoulder and leave.

Tozen's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with him.

Available During Chapter 3

Event 2:

Tozen: Hey, dude! Are you working hard or playing hard?

What should I do? Should I invite Tozen to hang out?

Invite Tozen to hang out

See who else is around

Tozen: Sure. I'm studying some really basic toxicology. It was my own lack of understanding that led to our confusion during the last trial... and now that Keiji and Sayuri are both gone, we need to fill in any gaps of information.

We study together in the library for a while, idly chatting here and there and occasionally quizzing each other.

Looks like Tozen and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Tozen a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#8 Dango-go-go— Ikinari Dango enriched with nutrients so that you can always feel on the top of your game, even when you're eating sweets!

Tozen: Ah, thanks! It looks really tasty! Probably pretty easy to guess the sorts of things that make me happy, huh? Regardless, I appreciate the thought.

...

Ren: How long have we been going?

Tozen: Ah, it's been a long time! I need to start making lunch!

Ren: What do you do in your free time?

He laughs a little bit, which takes me by surprise.

Tozen: I don't really have much free time. I cook, I clean, I study, I make meal plans, I exercise. If I have a bit of time to spare, I hang out with friends... like how I do with you and Azumi! I sleep sometimes.

I snort.

Ren: Sometimes?

Tozen: Sometimes. I think, out of all of the physical necessities, I neglect sleep the most often. There's just so much to get done!

Ren: Well, do you at least ENJOY exercise? Cause it sounds like you do a lot of things because they NEED to get done, rather than you wanting to do them.

Tozen: I... hmm... I enjoy it enough that it's not a complete slog to get through every day! It makes me feel good, and that makes it enough for me, even if it can be annoyingly painful at times.

Ren: I don't really get to exercise enough. But it'd be fun to get strong! I could have you measure my muscles... "Hey, babe, are you a boxer? Cause you're a total knock-out!"

Tozen: Ehehe... I don't use the measuring tape very often, though.

Ren: "Are you thirsty? Cause I've got a six-pack right here!"

Tozen: Are you just gonna spew pick-up lines for the rest of the conversation?

Ren: Huh? Uh, no, I was listening. You don't use the measuring tape.

Tozen: Good, I was worried I'd lost your focus. But yeah. Exercise isn't about building muscle for me. It's just about general health and disease prevention and whatnot. I-It's not about appearance at all.

Ren: What was that?

Tozen: What was what?

Ren: That little stutter.

Tozen: I fumbled with my words, that's all.

Ren: So if I was to get a measuring tape and measure you, it'd be okay? Honestly, you might not be LEGAL cause of the size of those guns.

Tozen: N-No, stop that.

Ren: Dude, what's going on? You seem really on-edge all of a sudden.

Tozen: I'm fine, I'm fine!

Ren: Could you please just be honest with me? If there are things that make you uncomfortable, I wanna know so I don't accidentally hurt you!

Tozen: I don't want to talk about it!

Ren: I'm sorry... I'm not trying to upset you.

Tozen: Look, I-- I don't like measuring myself. It freaks me out a little bit. I usually only do it a couple of times a year, and I just did it like a month ago.

A realization floats into my head, and I desperately try not to be nosy, but I think my face gives it away.

Tozen: Yes, I was here when it happened. Azumi talked me into taking a physical with her, but I never told her why I was so anxious. I even... planned a way to get her out of the room while I did that part. Please don't tell her. I'll talk about it all eventually.

Ren: With me? Or her? Or both of us?

He sighs, avoiding my glance.

Tozen: Both of you.

I hug him. He lets me.

Tozen: I really DO have to go make lunch now... and maybe scrub down the stove and countertops... and the sink... and maybe the dining room table.

He rushes off before I can say anything more. I'll give him space.

Tozen's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with him.

Available During Chapter 4:

Event 4:

Tozen: Getting to hear what people say about you... that seems like a dangerous prospect.

What should I do? Should I invite Tozen to hang out?

Invite Tozen to hang out

See who else is around

Tozen: Yeah! We could all use some cheering up. Lemme whip something up for you.

He makes me a whole wheat-based strawberry shortcake with whipped cream made of coconut milk! It's almost hilarious how he can make pretty much anything just a little healthier.

Looks like Tozen and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Tozen a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#109 Electric Scrub Brush Kit-- An electric scrub brush with multiple attachable heads to truly get the best clean. Neat freaks everywhere agree that it "gets the tough stains out," and is incredibly fun to use.

Tozen: Hey, thanks so much! This is just my type of gift! Honestly, I can hardly imagine you getting it more spot-on.

...

Ren: GOD, this is really good. You're literally one of the best cooks I know-- not that I know too many people.

Tozen: Thank you! I'm just gonna pretend you DO know lots of people so I can say that's high praise.

I can't help but laugh for a while.

Ren: It is! I would share some with you. But I'm too greedy and I want all of it. The only things sweeter are pies-- particularly cutie pies like you.

Tozen: Heh, nice one. But even if you were willing to spare any, I probably wouldn't accept. I've already had my two desserts for the week.

Ren: Agh, how boring! I wanted you to try and steal a bite.

Tozen: Hey, um... I'm sorry for totally swerving the mood out of nowhere, but remember when I made that promise? To talk about it?

Ren: Yep! I've been patiently waiting.

Tozen: I told Azumi, so it's your turn. So, uh, here we go.

He sighs and fiddles with his hands nervously.

Tozen: Well, my parents both grew up poor, and they were lucky enough to be able to worm their way into a better position because of their determination. They always were hard workers.

Ren: So that's where you get it from.

Tozen: Heh... Regardless, it was sort of like it never really hit them that they weren't in poverty anymore. Most areas of their lives stayed the same after having kids... including food. Do you know about that sort of thing?

Eat Less

Eat Slowly

Eat More

Ren: It'd make sense to eat slowly, right? Doesn't that make you feel full faster? And it'd make food last longer.

Tozen: While that's true, it's not what I mean.

Eat Less

Eat Slowly

Eat More

Ren: Eating less? Rationing it out and being efficient sounds logical.

Tozen: I see your point, but that's not it. It's actually kind of weird.

Eat Less

Eat Slowly

Eat More

Ren: More? Oh, but why would it be more?

Tozen: Actually, you're right. Even though they consciously understand that they're safe, people who grew up poor tend to eat even when they aren't hungry, because, subconsciously, they're worried about how long it will be until their next meal. So, um... they kind of adhered to that, "Don't leave the table till you've cleaned your plate" rule. And if my siblings got full before they'd finish, I'd finish for them.

I think on this for a while, and then things start to make sense. I try to give him a compassionate look.

Ren: So that's why you're afraid of measuring yourself? Were you a heavy kid?

He hugs himself.

Tozen: An inch around the waist usually means around ten pounds. I know I can be obsessive... to the point where I'd have probably gotten an eating disorder if I didn't know how much that can utterly destroy your physical and mental health. I... well, I panic a lot. I don't want to wind up back where I was. People are... mean.

Ren: What?! But you-- what point is there to being rude?! You're still a really good-hearted person and I would've loved if we could've been friends earlier!

Tozen: Baby me would've been lucky to have you. As it was, though, my confidence was sunk, and I couldn't do much without losing my breath. My little sister is incredibly good, so she saved up her allowance to get me books on nutrition. Her encouragement put me on the path of nutrition, because I wanted to like myself, and I wanted for my siblings to never have to go through what I did.

Ren: Wow! And you discovered your passion in the process! I think it's cool how life works out like that. Honestly, you don't have to worry at all. How long has it been?

Tozen: More recent than you'd think. It's been like three years.

Ren: Even so, you'll be just fine, Tozen. You made lifestyle changes, and that's more important than the weight. If you ever wind up dissatisfied by what you see in the mirror, Azumi and I'll be right there to help! She'd probably be more helpful, being an athlete and all... but I'd do my best, too!

Tozen: I-- um-- thanks, Ren. I mean it.

His little smile makes my heart flutter a bit. Chimon comes in, then, and, seeing my mostly finished shortcake, starts begging Tozen to make yuzu cake, which he agrees to. So I make my exit to go and write my nine hundred millionth love song.

Available During Chapter 5

Event 4:

Tozen: Azumi, I-- Oh! It's you!

What should I do? Should I invite Tozen to hang out?

Invite Tozen to hang out

See who else is around

Tozen: Want tea? I'm about to make some.

We drink tea in the pub and I serenade him (though, as per his instructions, no love songs)

Looks like Tozen and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Tozen a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#36 Boater Hat— A snazzy straw boater hat with a brown band. Won't help you find the legendary treasure, but it will help you feel fashion-forward.

Tozen: Hey, thanks so much! This is just my type of gift! Honestly, I can hardly imagine you getting it more spot-on.

...

Ren: Wow, honestly, I just can't believe you're actually taking a break from cleaning for once! Are you germaphobic like Yuu?

Tozen: No, no. In fact, he's the one who kind of forced me to stop yesterday... again. I feel bad that I keep being stubborn and making him do that.

Ren: Yeah, you're intense sometimes!

Tozen: I get extra workaholic-y when I'm stressed, I guess. My mom does the same thing. She always told me, "When you're feeling overwhelmed, whip out a dusting rag. Decluttering a room declutters your head." Actually, before I got into nutrition, I would housesit pretty often. People would go on daytrips and have me clean up. It was nice. Putting elbow-grease into getting the slightest bit of grunge off a countertop, or the gentle motion of mopping a floor. And the thing is, I can't even really say I like cleaning. It's just... well, it takes the pressure off of other people, and that's therapeutic to me. Plus, honestly, you can't lie and say that watching laundry dry isn't at least the slightest bit beautiful.

Ren: Not as beautiful as you, of course~

He clears his throat and coughs a bit before tossing his napkin at me.

Ren: Ack! Stop! What I mean is that you've got a beautiful heart and all that wishy-washy cliche stuff! The fact that you pretty much only clean because it makes other people feel less stressed is really pure and kind! But, um, are you yourself okay? Taking on too much is never good.

Tozen: Hey, um, I have a question for you.

Ren: For sure. What's up?

Tozen: Could I ever do anything that would make you hate me?

Ren: Well, I'd sure as hell be pissed if you killed someone. We've all been through too much; if you killed one of our friends, it'd be like a huge betrayal.

Tozen: Well, that was definitely not gonna be on the agenda ever. Anything else?

Ren: Ummm... you're not secretly a homophobe, right? Or a sexist, racist, transphobe, ableist, any shit like that?

Tozen: Of course not!

Ren: You'd never bully anyone? In real life OR on the internet?

Tozen: No.

Ren: ...You're not the Mastermind?

Tozen: FUCK NO! Jeez, are your standards pretty much just being a not terrible person?!

Ren: Pretty much! I mean, there are smaller things that I'd get angry at you for. But not hate you. I haven't had too many friends before. Or at least not in real life. You're one of the coolest people I know! So, like, if we ever wind up fighting, I wouldn't hold a grudge for years and years or shit like that. I might take time or need an explanation, but forgiveness and sympathy are important. Why are you worrying about this?

Tozen: Well, I-- I guess... my workaholic tendencies are kind of sort of so overwhelming because I feel like taking care of that stuff... will make people think I'm good... and maybe make them willing to stick around.

Ren: Dude, dude, dude, you don't even remotely have to worry about that. For one, we're all stuck here, we couldn't leave even if we wanted. Secondly... we don't want to. Like, at all. I mean, we'd love to LEAVE, as in, like, leave this building. But we don't wanna leave YOU. Even if you started relaxing, we'd still like you. We've told you to take it easy on multiple occasions, and you getting stubborn worries us!

Tozen: I'm... trying to stop. But it's probably one of the most healthy stress-relief mechanisms I've got.

Ren: Not when you refuse to sleep!

Tozen: Just tell me you'll stay my friend forever, and maybe, if I hear it a thousand times, I'll finally start to believe it!

Ren: I'll always be by your side, and I want what's best for you! For fuck's sake, I li--!

Tozen: Shit, I forgot! I told Gou I'd teach him to make Ushiojiru! Bye!

He sprints off, not looking back. Honestly, I'm a little relieved. I wasn't really ready to say what I was about to.

Tozen's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with him.

[A/N] Cherry, I lied. This one is the scene I had such a hard time writing sucessfully XD I'll explain later.

Event 5:

Tozen: Hey. So. We promised to talk about it this morning.

What should I do? Should I invite Tozen to hang out?

Invite Tozen to hang out

See who else is around

Tozen: Good...

We head to my room to start talking as I angrily scribble in a notebook.

Looks like Tozen and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Tozen a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

...

Ren: Seriously, what the fuck? You knew?! You KNEW that we both had feelings for you, and you lied and ran away from us?! What could've been so scary that your first instinct was to lie for an entire freaking month?! Didn't you ever stop to consider how painful that would be for us?!

Tozen: I... I'm sorry. I knew it would hurt you guys and I did it anyway. I put my own fear over you guys, and it was selfish, and I was wrong. I should've known I couldn't have escaped it forever, but I literally couldn't make any rational decisions.

Ren: What were you even so afraid of?! I don't understand!

Tozen: Do you remember the conversation we had that day?

Ren: Of course I do, I literally got this close to confessing, too! What would you have done, if we'd both confessed on the same day?!

Tozen: I don't know, that's why I ran away!

Ren: That was a lie, too?! What the hell?!

Tozen: Okay, okay, wait, we need to breathe.

I close my eyes and take deep breaths. They start off shuddery and gradually become smoother.

Ren: Sorry. I'm listening now.

Tozen: You remember how I was distraught about the idea of people leaving me?

Ren: Mhm.

Tozen: ...Do you believe in unconditional love? Not even in a romantic sense, just in general.

Ren: I do. I absolutely do.

Tozen: I can't. Unconditional love, love with literally no strings attached, isn't real. But Azumi taught me that just because love isn't unconditional, it doesn't automatically become invalid. I... was hurt by someone. The first and only person I ever dated was while I was heavy, and long story short, I thought she really loved me, but it turns out chubby was her type, and she dumped me when I lost weight. She was... she's such a bitch. She... I've never felt safe in any of my friendships since then, and I sure as hell didn't trust romance. Sachiko ruined me. And I know she's just a terrible person, but I got it into my head that if I was better, people would stay. I was so scared, Ren. I love you and Azumi, and I just don't want to lose someone else.

Ren: Do you seriously think we're that shallow? That we'd drop you on a dime for a stupid reason?

Tozen: When did you start to like me?

Ren: I kind of started thinking about it when you talked to me after Nari died... and then I was sure when you helped me after my panic attack.

Tozen: You liked me because I did things for you. People like people for what they can do for them.

I open my mouth to protest, but find myself woefully lacking words.

Tozen: And I thought that meant that nobody would ever like me for who I am. But Azumi said that you guys take the good AND the bad... and that I don't have to keep trying to earn love anymore. I'm still working on that part.

Ren: I really wish you would've just talked to us. I promised you. I told you I couldn't hate you. I don't hate you. I'm still really upset, because even though you were dealing with your own crap, you still lied and played with our hearts. But I don't hate you.

Tozen: Well, regardless. Everything is out in the open now. I'm so sorry. If you ever did want to leave me, I wouldn't blame you.

Ren: For fuck's sake, I'm not leaving you. I need to mope and pity myself and maybe write sad and/or angry music to wallow in. Give me space. But you and I are fine. You said you needed to hear it a thousand times? We'll be friends forever, Tozen, okay? I'll always be there for you.

Tozen: I— I'll be there for you, too. When you're ready.

As miserable as I feel right now, leaving him isn't anywhere on my radar. One of us was bound to make a big mistake at some point, but that isn't enough to ruin all the good we've done for each other. Tozen will be my true friend forever.