Haruto

Available During Chapter 1

Event 1

Haruto: Hiiiiiiii! I just got done running around the building! I think, if we're trapped, the most important thing is to get our nervous energy out, so we don't get too jumpy!

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

Invite Haruto to hang out

See who else is around

Haruto: Ah! Yes, please! Let's go explore the Warehouse! There must be some really cool stuff in there!

We entertain ourselves in the Warehouse with silly little props and whatnot.

Looks like Haruto and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Haruto a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#35 Clip Show— An installment from a subscription box dedicated to hair accessories. Includes a large variety of clips for keeping your hair out of your face, or even just for some added cute factor.

Haruto: Ooh! This is super duper useful! I can't wait to go show this off to everyone! Thank you!

...

Haruto: So, Azumi, you're a circus performer? That's so cool!

Azumi: Why, thank you! Indeed, I have undergone rigorous training my entire life to get my body to the point it is at! To maintain flexibility and balance, you must continue to practice even once you've "perfected" your craft.

Haruto: Y'know, it kinda bothers me how people treat the circus like such a joke. If you mess around too much and cause problems for people, they tell you to go run away to the circus, or, like, "Go back to the circus, Clown!' It's unfair that people like you have to get associated with troublemakers like me! And there's always this sort of condescending tone, like they think it's a failure to be in the circus instead of doing something that stupid people consider more important.

Azumi: Wait, you must slow down, please! I can barely get a word in edgewise!

Haruto: Oops! Sorry, I tend to ramble.

Azumi: What I was going to reply is that you do not seem like a troublemaker to me! You come across as very earnest and helpful, Bisque.

He giggles boyishly, covering his face with his hands.

Haruto: Thank you! I did cause a lot of problems as a kid, though. I was really rowdy and not very good at obeying rules. Add that to my natural clumsiness, and you've got a very chaotic child. When I was little and we colored pictures in school, I'd color all outside the lines and then start scribbling on my classmates' papers cause I ran out of room on mine. I would keep people awake during nap time and I cut a girl's hair and I accidentally broke stuff at home a lot cause I'd never slow down and— and, and!

He starts to hyperventilate, and I coach his breaths until he is able to relax.

Haruto: Point is... I may not be much of a troublemaker anymore, but I definitely was once upon a time. But I'm always growing. I'm still "Bisque," still unfinished! I've got a long way to go, so I'm not gonna stop!

Azumi: If you are comfortable sharing this... you have got a long way to go until what? What is this goal you are seeking?

Haruto: Huh. I mean... self-sufficiency, I guess? Being able to feel like I could live on my own without self-destructing once I'm older?

Azumi: Then you may consider me your ally in this pursuit, Bisque!

Haruto: Really?! Gosh, you're so nice, Azumi! Wait... what time is it?

He runs off to check a clock.

Haruto: CRAP! I told Gou I'd give him a pottery lesson fifteen minutes ago. Agh, I'm hopeless. Gotta go! Byyyye!

He dashes off. My word... I suppose someone like that never stops being on the run.

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

Event 2

Haruto: Ah! Azumi! I feel sunshiney today! Which is funny, since my costume for the party is a storm! I'm gonna be the coolest storm cloud in the prefecture. Wait, can we even guarantee that we're in Tokyo? Gosh, this really is the weirdest situation!

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

Invite Haruto to hang out

See who else is around

Haruto: Ooooh! Can you teach me how to headstand, Azumi?! Teach me how to headstand, Azumi! U-Um, please.

I spend a while trying to train him in proper weight distribution for his specific anatomy so that he doesn't seriously injure himself. Fortunately, no serious injuries occur. Just mild ones.

Looks like Haruto and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Haruto a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#63 Velcro Abacus— An abacus with several rows of colored beads, each one covered in velcro. They're great for keeping tasks in order and for idle scratching.

Haruto: Ooh! This is super duper useful! I can't wait to go show this off to everyone! Thank you!

...

Azumi: What is your family like, Bisque?

Haruto: Oh, I'm an only child! When I asked my parents about the possibility of siblings, they said I'm all they need. Between you and me, though, I think I was just too much of a handful when I was little. Plus, they work a lot. They could've hired a nanny, but in hindsight, it's probably good that it's just me. They always have to worry about me hurting myself or breaking things, so it's probably a relief to just have the one kid.

Azumi: Your parents work a lot? What do they do?

Haruto: Mom's a business analyst. Dad's an IT Professional.

Azumi: Th-That's! Those are some of—!

He giggles a little bit, as though bashful and yet not at all surprised by my reaction.

Haruto: Yep yep! Some of the most well-paying jobs in the country. My family's pretty wealthy!

Azumi: Excuse me for saying so, but you don't look like the type!

He laughs even harder, practically doubling over and nearly making himself fall.

Haruto: Look, would YOU trust me with stuffy, expensive clothes? Basically every time my parents tried to dress me in formal wear, something went terribly wrong! It's waaaaaaay more practical, comfy, and just like, better for me to wear normal t-shirts and stuff like that. Designer stuff is dumb and overrated. But, cause my clothing style is cheap, I get better equipment and materials, so it all works out!

Azumi: But... even your glasses?

Haruto: They can totally afford new pairs for me! It's just that this is like... my fifth pair in the past two years. My Mom was about to take me shopping for the sixth, but I stopped her. Eventually, you just cut your losses and start taping them together. Plus, if I'm being totally honest, I think it gives me a certain kind of approachability! ALSO. Can I just say that adhesives are a freaking GODSEND for people like me? I've broken all kinds of things accidentally, so super glue is seriously one of my favorite inventions. My parents may be rich, but they mega appreciate that they don't have to always replace what I break. It can't fix EVERYTHING, but it can fix a lot!

Azumi: I am almost nervous to ask... what have you broken that super glue can NOT fix?

Haruto: Hearts~ Kidding! One time, I accidentally knocked my lampshade out of place without noticing, and a few hours later, I discovered that the plastic started seriously melting! Super Glue can't fix that. But it can fix tears in leather jackets or upholstery... or in the garden hose... or even me! In a quick pinch, super glue is a good addition to emergency kits, cause they can quickly seal a cut! As long as you disinfect the area first! Course, I've had a couple accidents, but cause of that, I know a bunch of ways to clean it off, too!

Azumi: My, our conversation has strayed far from our original topic.

He pauses, as if contemplating this.

Haruto: We really did! Oops! That's kind of just par for the course with me!

Azumi: Thank you for the adhesive trivia, Bisque! You're rather well-informed!

Haruto: Hehehe! Thank YOU for taking time out of your day to chat with me! Now, I feel like I'm forgetting something I was supposed to be doing, so I oughta go check. Bye-bye!

He sprints off, trips, and scrambles to pick himself up, embarrassed.

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

Available During Chapter 2

Event 3:

Haruto: Yay! It's my basically second mother! Wait, do you not like when I call you that? I know it seriously took you by surprise when I said it the first time, so PLEASE tell me if it's not okay with you!

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

Invite Haruto to hang out

See who else is around

Haruto: Wanna watch me do some pottery? I'm feeling like I'm in a stoneware mood today!

I get the privilege of seeing Bisque entirely in his element. It's even more pleasant than I expected.

Looks like Haruto and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Haruto a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#54 Glossy Glow Glaze— A recently-tested chemiluminescent pottery glaze. Comes in a variety of colors for all of your glow-in-the-dark dreams.

Haruto: Wooooooaaah! This is really, really, really, really, really, really *inhale* REALLY cool!!! Thank you!

...

Haruto: So slipcasting is great for making unorthodox shapes. Throwing in a pottery wheel is limited when it comes to the form of wares you can make— they all have radial symmetry on the vertical axis. But with slipcasting, you put clay mixed with water in a plaster mold, and it absorbs the water. Then you pour out any leftover mixture from the insides, and crack the mold right open.

Azumi: You... almost seem like an entirely different person when you do this. You aren't speaking at a million miles per second pace anymore, and you seem... at peace.

He gives a knowing chuckle, far from the nervous, boyish giggles I've come to know well. But this is also who he is, and I have come to the conclusion that it is ALSO cozy.

Haruto: I've heard that a lot, actually. When I throw pottery, it makes me feel like I can calm my head. Like all the ideas can finally settle down a bit. I don't HAVE to immediately do every weird thing my brain thinks up... cause I'm making pottery!

Azumi: Haruto... not that I know much about it, but do you... perhaps... have...?

Haruto: ADHD? Yes, I do. If you wouldn't mind keeping it on the down-low, I'd super appreciate it! Yuu and Sayuri know, cause we traded secrets with each other, but... I wanna tell people in my own timing, even if it's pretty obvious.

Azumi: I won't tell a soul. You have my word.

Haruto: Thank you, Zu. Is it okay if I call you that? Just in private, I promise.

Azumi: Call me whatever you like! But in return, would you answer a question?

Haruto: What's up?

Azumi: How did you get into pottery?

Haruto: Oh, that! Well, it was when I was around nine or ten. I was invited to a birthday party, which didn't happen often at the time. It was at one of those really nifty places where you go to glaze pottery and take them home a few days later. My parents were really scared cause they thought I'd break everything, but I wound up just painting TONS of things. And I wouldn't shut up about it for like a week and a half, so they poured a ton of money into getting me equipment, materials, and a private tutor! It was like... for the first time, I really had purpose in my short little life.

Azumi: Your parents... they seem wonderful.

Haruto: They definitely spoil me. They're not perfect, but they've always done their best for me, so I swore to myself that I'd do the best I can for them right back! I keep a smile on my face and try my best to always look on the bright side, cause they deserve to know that their kid is happy. And I know we don't need it, but I help rake in some extra income with my art. I've even been blessed enough to have a gallery showing in a museum! Oh, shoot, is that bragging? I don't want to brag.

I laugh, and he laughs with me.

Azumi: You deserve to have confidence in yourself! Brag all you'd like! You are not some sort of narcissist simply for being proud of your achievements!

The giggle is back as he blushes.

Haruto: Really? It's okay?

Azumi: I will celebrate you with you! It will be a Bisque party!

Haruto: Really?! Zu, you're the coolest!

Azumi: No! YOU are the coolest today!

I compliment the ever-living hell out of him as he tells me stories about some of his proudest accomplishments. Eventually, Bisque puts his pieces into the kiln and leaves to go clean himself off (after firm insistence on my part). Wow. I really am the Mom Friend.

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

Event 4:

Haruto: Zu! Hiya! I think you're still in, right? I lost on the third day, but is there any way I can help?

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

Invite Haruto to hang out

See who else is around

Haruto: Awesome! So I CAN help? What can I do for you?

Haruto spends a while trying to help me stay relaxed. He's a bit clumsy at it, but the heart behind his actions is enough.

Looks like Haruto and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Haruto a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#68 Skip Supreme— A jump rope whose sides stick to the walls and can automate any speed from one to ten. It even has a high score tracking system.

Haruto: Wooooooaaah! This is really, really, really, really, really, really *inhale* REALLY cool!!! Thank you!

...

Azumi: Ouch.

Haruto: Ah! Did I hurt you again? Sorry, I've never really done massages or anything before!

Azumi: All is well. No need to worry. Though perhaps this isn't the best way you can be of assistance. Could you fetch some things for a bath? There must be something in the warehouse, right?

Haruto: So like... candles, bath salts, and bath bombs?

Azumi: That would be perfect! Thank you ever so much.

Haruto: On it! I got it, I got it, I got it!

He rushes off. I take the time to stretch myself out and do some contortions. Maybe I will choreograph a new routine soon. After a while, I hear a loud crash, and I rush off toward its origin, huffing in worry under my breath.

Haruto: FUCK!

I find him covered in soap, salts, and the occasional shard of glass.

Azumi: H-Haruto!

He looks up at me. His eyes go wide and he immediately starts to yell and cry.

Haruto: I'M SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN IT! Ow!

Azumi: Bisque, we must get these glass shards out of you! Come with me!

I reach for him, and he scrambles away, panting and wincing at the pain.

Haruto: Don't touch me! I don't— I can't— I mess everything up! I already know that, so just make me write standards! Just—

I kneel down so that we are eye-level, not at all understanding the depth of the situation but trying to remain centered regardless.

Azumi: I do not blame you. I will not punish you for anything, Bisquey. It's just me. Just Zu.

Haruto: Just... Just Zu. Not Miss Inoue.

He settles his breathing.

Haruto: I'm okay now. I'm really sorry you had to see that. And I'm super, super sorry I dropped the bath stuff. You promise you're not angry?

Azumi: I promise. We need to get all of this glass out of you, and then we can clean it all up. It'll be good as new. Just let me go fetch some tweezers and bandages. Maybe even get Keiji to tell me how I'm supposed to do this.

Haruto: No! Don't get him, he'll just say awful shit to me, and I'm already doing that to myself!

Azumi: O-Of course not. Um, who else would know what to do here?

I ask around until I find someone who knows what they're doing (Sayuri), and mend him right up.

Haruto: I just wanted to help you relax, and all I wound up doing was making you stress even more! I'm such an idiot! I literally couldn't even last three days with my bracelet, cause I fuck up and hurt myself all the time! Even when I learn how to behave myself, even when I take meds, that barely makes it any better! She was right. I only ever cause problems.

Azumi: No. Enough of that. Cease your self-deprecation this instant, Bisque Gima.

Haruto: Ha... I kinda like that. That's how teachers oughta be. Instead, I got stuck with the worst one in the world, and I was only eight. I'm so, so happy my parents got her fired and sued her pants off. She's never gonna hurt any more children. All it cost was my self-esteem.

He laughs, and it's a surprisingly hollow, empty sound.

Azumi: ...May I hug you, please?

He leans into me and sinks into my embrace, scratching at my costume.

Haruto: I just wanna be competent. Is that expecting too much from myself?

Azumi: You are plenty competent, I assure you! Without your contributions to the class trial, we certainly would have perished!

Haruto: But you almost died anyway, all because I couldn't defend myself and needed to be rescued!

Azumi: It is okay to rely on others. That first day of bracelets, I was assisted by Keiji of all people. Tozen and Joanie, as well. You do plenty of good, and we rely on you, too. So what if you're clumsy?

We sit in silence for a while as I hold him.

Haruto: Thank you, Zu. Let's clean it up now.

We scrub off the floor and then go down together to find more bath items. After that, we part ways for the day.

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

Available During Chapter 3

Event 5:

Haruto: H-Hi, Azumi! Are you busy? I'd totally understand if you were busy!

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

Invite Haruto to hang out

See who else is around

Haruto: Wait, really?! Yes, please! Can you show me how to meditate? I might be no good at sitting still, but I'll try my best!

The two of us meditate, though it's more difficult to focus than normal, because he's extremely giggly and his laughter is contagious.

Looks like Haruto and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Haruto a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#49 Sleepy Sphere— This large orb opens up into a kit to vanquish insomnia. It includes an electric blanket, memory foam pillow, noise machine, and night light. Good night's sleep guaranteed!

Haruto: Ooh! This is super duper useful! I can't wait to go show this off to everyone! Thank you!

...

Haruto: I-I know I already asked you this earlier, but... you're not mad that I'm neutral about this whole situation, right? You're one of my favorite people in the whole wide world, so I'd HATE to lose you.

Azumi: I could never be cross with you, Bisquey. I will admit that it hurt, ever so slightly, but as I mentioned beforehand... I am proud of you. It must have taken a lot of courage to make the choice you did. Tozen, Yuu, and I are all on the same side; it would have made sense if you did something your conscience told you was wrong simply to appease us. What you did takes remarkable courage.

Haruto: Hey, this is kind of off-topic, but, um... I don't really like when you call me Bisquey. We both know that I think of you as a mom-friend, but I AM only like half a year younger than you. I recognize that the amount of maturity I display... fluctuates, but I want to try to act less like a child. Well, um, I want to keep my childlike wonder and joy, but I want to need less coddling and be more independent! I need to stand on my own two feet! Like I said, self-sufficiency is the goal!

Azumi: If you dislike the nickname, then of course I will cease using it at once... but remember that asking for help is perfectly acceptable, and it does not diminish your worth.

Haruto: I remember! You taught me that, and I really appreciate it! It's just...

He takes a deep breath.

Haruto: I know my parents worry about me a lot. Sometimes I accidentally hear them crying when they think I'm not around. They always, always assure me that they don't think I'm broken, but they deserve to be able to retire and have the house to themselves without freaking out about the possibility that I could burn my place down or knock out the power every few hours. Even if I suddenly figure out what I'm doing, there are still the blows that Miss Inoue dealt to my self-esteem. That's why I'm constantly trying to grow. So I can get into a position where nobody has to worry... not even me. Hey, Zu? What do you think I need to be more confident?

Emotional Honesty

Perspective

Conviction

Azumi: Perhaps... emotional honesty?

Haruto: Really? I mean, I think I'm pretty good at that already, but I guess I could always use more. Any other ideas?

Azumi: Umm... well?

Emotional Honesty

Perspective

Conviction

Azumi: Is it possible you need more conviction?

Haruto: Hmm... maybe. Sometimes I feel like I have too much, and sometimes I feel like I don't have enough. It's hard to distinguish conviction from my impulsiveness. Anything else?

Azumi: Ah... perhaps... ?

Emotional Honesty

Perspective

Conviction

Azumi: Could it be that what you lack is perspective?

Haruto: Oh... Oh! Yeah, that might be it! Sometimes, dumb little mistakes make me feel way worse than they oughta!

Azumi: Precisely. When troubles come, perhaps you would benefit from taking a step back to remind yourself that they are not the end of the world. Plus, if you're less anxious, you're likely to make fewer mistakes to begin with. I can tell you with certainty that, when it counts, you make wise choices, so if you can wrangle your reactions to the small problems, you will understand that you are much smarter and more competent than you believe. Besides... you always have people to remind you.

He gives a radiant smile, full of earnestness and jubilation.

Haruto: I love you, Zu!

Azumi: I love you, too, Bisque.

He throws himself around me in a hug, taking me by surprise. But of course I hug back. In all honesty, I have considered Bisque my friend from the very beginning. Even so, now perhaps I can call him a friend in the truest sense of the word.