[hider=Quote] [quote=@Stern Algorithm] At first Shizuka wasn't sure that Kazuma was trying to communicate with her since she was somewhat lost in thought, but when he kept his phone's screen pointed at her for such a long time it dawned on her that he wanted to show her something. Shizuka wondered if he communicated in this way because the music suddenly got really loud and it became hard to think, let alone hear, but she read his message. [color=a187be]"Y-yeah..."[/color] Shizuka said, but then wasn't sure if he could hear her so she raised her voice slightly, [color=a187be]"I-I'm fine...just...I was just worried for Alban is all, he seemed pretty drunk, but at least Maribelle is with him..."[/color] Suddenly a row started on the dance floor, causing Shizuka to turn to look. Alban and Maribelle were slinging insults with another couple. Then Alban and Maribelle stormed off. Shizuka got up again, feeling a slight desperate annoyance at having to get up and run around twice on account of Alban. [color=a187be]"I-I'm so sorry..."[/color] Shizuka began apologizing to Kazuma for leaving him alone at the table for the second time today, but wasn't sure what she was going to say or why she was even trying to follow Alban at this point. She ran after the two drunks, out the door, calling, [color=a187be]"Alban, wh-what happened? What's wrong? W-Wait!!!"[/color] but the music was too loud and Alban was too intoxicated by both the alcohol and the company of his current partner to hear Shizuka. Before she could catch up to them, Shizuka tripped and fell forward onto the hard marble floor. By the time she recovered from the shock of falling and lifted her head, she saw Alban and Maribelle enter a cab and leave. She just lay there for a bit, completely bewildered at having been abandoned. She could rationalize Alban dancing with Maribelle, she could rationalize that there was nothing going on between herself and Alban other than a simple friendship, but she had a hard time rationalizing that he'd actually forget about her and about the fact that he had driven her here. She hadn't really paid attention during the drive here and wasn't sure what part of the city they were in. She could make a guess and she could use her phone's GPS, but she didn't know if walking to the academy was a viable option. She could take a cab, but at this point, in a numb daze, she simply didn't want to think about anything. Picking herself up gingerly, Shizuka absentmindedly straightened her dress and walked back into the building. As if automatically, she wandered back to Kazuma's table and sat down wordlessly. Right now, she was glad her ridiculous helmet covered her entire face. [/quote] [/hider] [@Stern Algorithm] Truthfully, he didn't hear much of her response as the music got significantly louder, thankfully he was good at reading lips. He wasn't entirely convinced that she was alright, but he decided not to push any further than he already had. His gaze followed Shizuka's, settling upon a rather drunk couple who had started to shout at another slightly more sober looking couple. It was Al and Mari having a go at the other couple, for what, was beyond him. Even if he did know what it was about, he wouldn't want to get involved. His image of Mari's respectable character cracked in his mind. Perhaps she was more unrefined than he had initially thought. Although, he knew that alcohol did all sorts of this to people. He got up from his chair as a reflex when Shizuka chased after the drunken couple that had left in quite a hurry, but he stopped mid action as his phone rang. It was Amie. He felt confused, but happy at the same time. What an odd time to be calling him. Why would she call him? He wasn't able to respond to calls anyway. Kazu shrugged slightly and answered it while Shizuka was gone. [color=ed145b]"KAZUZU~"[/color] A cheerful, energetic voice went off into his ear. He jumped slightly in surprise, almost dropping his phone. [color=ed145b]"I had to leave the party earlyyy. I WAS IN A DISGUISE like a white ninja! Either wayyyy. You should come over! I'm with my bestie and we're gonna play some games. If you're with anyone, bring em too! I'd love new friends. EVERYONE CAN SLEEPOVER! I have the house to myself and it's so exciting. Don't worry about packing, I has all the things! Okay~ I see you soon! I go showerrrr now." [/color] And with that, the line went dead. He could tell that she had been drinking quite a bit, her voice was slightly slurred, but it was still the same Amie he'd met at the park. Maybe a little more chipper? He tapped the phone on his chin in thought. [i][color=a2d39c]I'm not with anyone tho-[/color][/i] His thoughts were cut off when Shizuka made her way back to the table. He quickly typed out another message, showing it to her when she sat back down. [color=a2d39c]"A friend of mine invited me over to her house for tonight, she said I should bring someone with me. Would you like to come along? She said we're going to play games and sleepover."[/color] He flicked his mask up momentarily, giving her a kind smile and a nod. As if to encourage her to come along. He knew it was a little odd to invite someone he didn't even know, but he felt like it'd be a nice end to such a strange night. [@lovely complex]