Ren is largely keeping to himself, not having much to add to the conversations but taking the information in nonetheless. The notes that were handed out are already folded and in his pocket, though he doesn't expect he'll be contacting anyone individually that he didn't already know. It's still good information to have on hand just in case.
The whole... nonsense of the city being bleached white has him on edge, even if the mood of the meeting is a relatively laid back version of productive. As a result, the serious look on his face is no less intense than usual as he glances from person to person to find something worth paying attention to.]
[Ishida has taken it upon himself to try and talk to as many people as possible during the meeting. Not only because he's part of the support group, but he wants to help organize and be as useful as possible, especially since he has no real abilities to speak of. Maybe once he regains his Super High School Level talent, he can be more active, but right now, this is what he's going to put his effort into.
It's hard not to notice Ren, however, even though he's just quietly sitting by himself. He didn't see the name "Ben Solo" on any of the notes, so either he goes by a different name or John didn't have the time to add his name and abilities to the handouts. Well... that's okay, right? If Ben wants to contribute and help out with this group, that's a noble cause!
H-he can't let any of his personal anxiety get in the way. What sort of support would he be?!
So, Ishida strengthens himself up and walks over to Ren, plastering his usual energetic smile as he shouts in a voice that's louder than normal. It's pretty obvious that he's forcing himself to confront him like this.]
Hello there! I thank you for attending this meeting! I'm Kiyotaka Ishida.
[He'd recognized the younger man fairly quickly after reading the notes and seeing his face, but he had no real intention of approaching him. The kid certainly had problems, which Ren isn't a stranger to, but this isn't exactly the most appropriate venue to dig into that nonsense. Besides, he himself is here to figure out what they can do for the city, rather than dealing with personal issues.
... but then Ishida goes and approaches him. How curious. There's a bit of uncertainty in his stare, taking a few seconds before he replies. If he wasn't clearly trying to cover something up, Ren might have imagined he just didn't know who he was due to the name mix-up, which he intended to correct anyway.]
Ren Lowe.
[Ren meets his eyes for several uncomfortable moments, tilting his head slightly. It might almost seem like he's looking straight into him, which is probably only exacerbated by what he says next.]
[It takes a lot of effort on Ishida's end to continue meeting Ren's eyes. There's a flicker of uncertainty and doubt that passes through his expression and the student can't stop himself from tensing a little, unable to keep up his optimistic behavior. N-no, he has to try harder, even when he's backed into a corner! In fact, that's when it matters most! Even if he's afraid or unsure, a true leader would step up and remain calm!
It's what he would do--]
I-I'm not sure what you're talking about! [He knows exactly what Ren is talking about, but he doesn't want to have that discussion here. Especially not in a public forum like this.]
Besides, we're here because of John's volunteer group! I don't believe I saw your name in the notes, so let's talk about you! Why do you call yourself Ren Lowe?!
[Straight to being nosy and pushy, more than usual even. It's how he's going to deal with his anxiety talking to Ren.]
[So that's how it's going to be, is it? He'd expected as much, even though he'd hoped this would be simple. There's a brief twitch of his eyelid as he focuses his attention fully on the young man, his tone almost sharp despite the quiet volume of his voice.]
An odd question for someone you just met. Why do you call yourself Kiyotaka Ishida?
[Not sure what he's talking about, indeed. This didn't have to be complicated; Ishida could have easily acknowledged that they spoke without necessarily bringing up any unpleasant topics, but now that the kid has firmly gone for the denial route, Ren is determined to pry the admission out of him.]
[There's something almost dangerous in Ren's gaze as his birth name is mentioned, a hand curling into a fist by his side. It's bad enough that he has to have it plastered on his Retrospec account, but to have it said aloud in front of a group of people is something else.]
And where exactly did you learn that name.
[It's not really so much a question as it is a reminder. The kid is doing a poor job of pretending. Is he really that dense?]
[He almost takes a step back when he sees the look that crosses Ren's eyes, instantly realizing that he pushed onto a sore topic. That wasn't his intention, he only wanted to steer away from talking about the conversation they had before, but guess he should've realized that Ren changed his name for a reason.
Nonetheless, he keeps his stance and pushes forward. It's better to be honest still.]
When we were talking through the Retrospec app! I saw your name on there.
[The near-glare on Ren's face stays where it is, even if some of the edge is taken off. He can't say he's impressed by whatever this kid is trying to do, and there's a definite irritation in his tone.]
Of course not! Every day is unique in its own way, so I wouldn't ever pretend that our conversation never happened!
[Sure, he's willing to admit that he talked to Ren, but he doesn't want to actually discuss anything about it. The thought of addressing any of that right now makes his stomach clench.]
But anyway, if you prefer to be called 'Ren,' I shall address you as such!
[He takes this as his cue to pull out a notepad and pen, ready to write as much as he can about Ren. This is especially true since John didn't have any notes on him! Ishida can't be good support if he doesn't know everyone in the organization!]
Your powers and abilities! If you rather work in small or large groups...
[Not wanting to repeat himself, he pulls out his phone and searches for something for a minute. It might almost seem like he's ignoring Ishida, at least until he holds the phone out for the young man to read the message where he detailed all of that information to John.
At least it's an actual reason to talk to him, rather than just annoying niceties.]
Oh! Well, that's one way to answer... let me write that down!
[And he begins to write while looking at the phone that Ren is still holding.]
Telekinesis... laser sword... you're really powerful, aren't you? Not to mention your ability to tell if someone is on the app or not! I'm glad that you've decided to use your powers for good, hahaha!
[He's being overly enthusiastic about this, but he does seem genuine as well. He really does appreciate the fact that Ren has volunteered to help.]
[He shouldn't make excuses for himself and just accept the criticism head on! It's not like he wants to offend people, even if the person he's talking to is also rude at times...
But that doesn't matter! What kind of leader/support would he be if even one person doesn't take him seriously?]
Until I get my Super High School Level talent, I plan on supporting the more active members and help organize this group!
Yes! I'm a first year university student! [Go RU!! He's certainly proud of that, but guess he should explain the 'talent' thing a bit more.]
My past self was a high school student and he attended an academy that had gifted students from all over Japan! [Maybe even the world??] When they're accepted into this school, they get a title of 'Super High School Level' to show that they're the best in that field!
A couple of my friends here already have their talent, so I want to get mine and help out even more!
[ Kaede knows that Ishida also knows Leon and Mio, and she doesn't want him to hear what happened from the network or somewhere else. He doesn't deserve that.
So when she finally gets back to campus, she immediately texts him. She's barely slept and feels like she needs to rest, but there's no way she can do that now. ]
Hey, are you free? There's something I need to talk to you about.
[Whenever he receives a text from Kaede, Ishida smiles, even when it's completely unexpected! As such, he doesn't think that anything is afoot, even though her message is serious.]
Of course, Kaede! Did you want to talk in person? I can meet you somewhere! ヽ(。・ω・。)ノ
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