For Another's Sake

**For Another's Sake** is the second episode of Iroha Asobe's bond stories.

## In-Game Summary

I was walking around town with Iroha and her friend Kaori when we crossed paths with a drunk old timer stumbling aimlessly through the streets. Kaori insisted on avoiding him, but of course, Iroha wanted to stay and look after him. Embarrassed by my own lack of action, I decided to give her a hand. She smiled at me, saying "Thanks, Tobio!" and my heart raced.

## Plot

Kaori, Iroha and Tobio are on a tasting trip of new food trends in Shibuya, lead by Kaori. After trying 'Rebelicious' popcorn, Kaori wants to get 'Corruption Cupcakes', but the cupcake shop is blocked by a drunkard acting out. The crowds are avoiding the man, and Kaori hesitates, upset that he is blocking the entrance. Iroha, however, immediately hands her food to Tobio and runs over to the drunkard.

Iroha starts asking if the drunk needs help, and Tobio tries to get her to leave him alone. Iroha is unwilling to leave the man though, as he is crying, and Kaori tells Tobio there's no point in trying change Iroha's mind once it's made up. Iroha tries to help the man up. Tobio realises that Iroha is probably the better person, and hands all the food to Kaori so he can help get the man up.

Iroha beams at Tobio, happy that he chose to help. As they lift the man, Tobio's hand brushes against Iroha's, and his heart starts racing. He tries to figure out his feelings, and wonders if he's falling in love with Iroha.

## Transcript

*(In Shibuya)*

Narration
Before I knew it, we were talking every day and wandering the roads around town.
Of course, it was never just the two of us. Iroha would always bring her friend Kaori.
Kaori
First thing's first! Let's try their frozen popcorn... "Rebelicious"! Come on, dig in!
Tobio
Isn't this just regular old popcorn? I-is it really edible...? I mean that's a heck of a name and all, but...
Iroha
...WOW! The icy chill! The burst of colorful chocolate! IT'S HEAVEN! I can't stop eating it...!
Tobio
And it's photogenic!
Kaori
Mmm! Itsh SHOOO GOOOD! Uh-oh, here comes the rebel part!
Iroha
Th-there's a war going on inside my mouth... What do I do?! I can't keep it all in my mouth, I'm gonna...pop...!
Tobio
Th-there's a war going on inside my mouth... It won't stop popping.
Kaori
Hey, have you heard of "Corruption Cupcakes" before? I passed by them the other day... The line there was two-hours long!
Kaori
...!
Narration
Just then, Kaori's voice trailed off as she lifted her finger to point at something.
Some drunkard had planted himself right in front of the cupcake shop she'd just mentioned.
Kaori
Ugh, of all the things...
Narration
She had a right to be upset. The old timer was crying and yelling, catching the concerned eyes of passersby. People were avoiding the shop just to avoid him.
Iroha
Tobio... Hold this for me, will ya?
Narration
Iroha handed me her food before I could answer, and I took it without even thinking.
Tobio
Huh? Iroha, wait!
Narration
She was headed straight for the old drunkard.
*(Outside the shop)*

Iroha
Sir, are you okay? Do you need help?
Tobio
Iroha, come on, knock it off!
Iroha
Why? He's crying!
Tobio
Yeah, well, He's also drunk! He's probably just one of those sad drinkers.
Iroha
But sad is still sad, right? Crying? Being alone? That doesn't raise any flags?
Kaori
You oughtta know better, Tobio. Once Iroha's made up her mind, there's no going back.
Narration
Taking both of the drunkard's hands, Iroha helped him to his feet. Why go so far out of your way for another's sake?
That's what made Iroha so great. Unlike me, who was just holding frozen popcorn. Maybe this time I was wrong.
Tobio
Sorry Kaori, but you can have the rest of this.
Kaori
H-huh?
Narration
Kaori came to her senses quickly. I handed her what was left of my "Rebelicious."
I wrapped his arm around my shoulder to help him up. God he was heavy! And he reeked of alcohol...
Iroha
Tobio... Thank you!
Narration
Iroha brightened right up. She took his other side and we lifted him together.
Tobio
Let's take him someplace less crowded for now. We'll stay with him until he comes to.
Iroha
Nngh!
*(Sound of heartbeats)*

Narration
I adjusted my arm to shift the old timer's weight and and brushed against Iroha's hand by accident. It was just a touch...but it made my heart race.
Tobio's Thoughts
C-come on, stop beating already! ...W-wait, no! Not literally! I'd die! What is this feeling? Nervousness? Excitement? Joy? Wh-what the heck is going on?!
Am I in love with Iroha? If love is carrying an old timer who reeks of alcohol, then to hell with romance!
Still...I have to admit... Iroha's caring-to-a-fault was pretty cute.