Nameless: Yuri (all ends)

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Other posts.

So the start of this was UNBEARABLE, but I liked the rest and there were some things I really enjoyed or at least found interesting. It did some mildly interesting things with the Sexy Rake love interest type, even if it took way too long to get there.

Bad ends included but nothing super bad happens even in them! Asides from Yuri constantly sexually harassing Eri :/

I'm hoping that since Eri is SO NOT HERE FOR YURI'S SHIT that this will start out skeezy and then get better, while Tei will probably be the reverse. But we shall see.

Once again I start a new game. Now Lance and Yeonho are highlighted and have little pieces in the Broken Heart. I can still choose Tei instead of Lance/Yeonho/Yuri, and Red is still not available. And now I can see that Yeonho is yellow, Lance is aqua, Yuri is purple-blue, Tei is green and Red is, presumably, red.

...side note I have just been reliably informed that all male Crobidolls have penises and am just...GOSH. OK THEN ERI.

ANYWAY. MOVING ON.

Skipping more of the prologue this time.

"When I trace things back, everything is because of Soi. The moment she became class president she made Shinbi Vice President and me Health Commissioner. It was a meaningless role...until Mr Yujin arrived.
Soi: According to my sources he worked in a hospital until he got a school job for personal reasons. And he's still single (heart)

Flashforward to Mr Yujin being creepy in the current day. Eri asks him to get boys to help carry things but he says he can sense that only Eri understands and appreciates human anatomy like him.
Yujin: I saw the way you handled that eyeball model, your understanding of joints... I smell myself in you. The smell of of an artisan handling the dolls God has created.

Nice.

A little moment with Lance expressing worry about coming to school when they are still so vulnerable and don't know why they're human.

And then, a Mr Yujin diary unlocks, and we come to the first choice! And for the first time I'm spending time alone with Yuri on purpose after constantly avoiding it, lol.

Eri: Come on Yuri let's get the bus.
Yuri: THE BUS????? Darling we are catching a cab like civilised people. I'll pay!
Eri: You've been human for less than a week, where are you getting all this money??
Yuri: It was a justified reward for gifting a lady with excitement that shines like the milky way ^_^
Me: ...rentboy Yuri confirmed, I guess o.O

At school, Yuri is telling Soi she smells like peach.
Eri: He's hitting on my friend who is also a student???

When Eri offers Soi some extra bread she got from Red, Yuri says it smells like "a cherry boy" (he says this in English) He hands Eri some chocolate instead and goes to throw out the bread. She takes it back and eats it, pissed off at how mean he's being.

At home, Yuri complains that the sofa bed he shares with Tei is uncomfortable and "he's forced to sleep outside of the house three times a week." Eri worries that his narcissism means he'll hurt one of the many women he's with. She brews him Secret Garden(tm) tea she bought for him from Banjul(tm) and he enjoys it.
Yuri: I'll buy you something nice in return. Look forward to it ;)
Eri: It's not necessary, you're family.
Yuri: ...I've never thought of you as family. If you don't want material gifts, how about a date?
Eri: I refuse.
Yuri: I'll be the perfect companion!
Eri: Goodbye Yuri.

Nameless: So you don't want to part soon? Then I won't tear down your memories just yet.

Yuri comes across Eri stressing about Yeonho going missing. He drags he outside and puts her in a cab, paying the driver ridiculous amounts of money to stop her from running off.
Yuri: Don't worry. A princess should just stay home and rest until her prince comes ^_^
Me: I hope I eventually stop wanting to punch his smug face because things aren't looking good so far.

She is stuck at home stressed and angry, and about to go search, when Yeonho returns and explains about the cat. Hired men in black suits found him and dragged him to Yuri.
Yeonho: I was so scared ;_;
Red: I KNEW YURI WAS A SPY

First Yuri path chapter: Maid

That title does not bode well /o\

Girls gather around the limo in the morning. Yeonho, Tei and Lance dislike the crowds but Red is quietly worried that he won't be as popular as the others (and then is)

And then, seeing that they're alone, Yuri gets into the back seat with Eri and crowds her into the edge of the car, reassuring her that the windows are tinted so noone can see.
Yuri: Not resisting? I knew my honey was- ARGH
She kicks him in the stomach :D
Eri: Stop fooling around you perv. I know you're just teasing me because you like seeing me flustered.
Yuri: Teasing? *he leans closer and puts his hand on her cheek* But it's not fun seeing you flustered. Maybe...
Eri: What?
Yuri: Maybe I need to touch you more to under- *she slams her bag into his face, then dusts it off*
Eri: Poor bag.

...ok, so I still don't like Yuri, but I do like seeing him get hit in the face.

Yuri forces her to leave the limo with him instead of sneaking out the side, and everyone glares at her.
Yuri: Why are you shivering? Are you cold? Let me put my arms around-
Tei: MR YURI. Thank you for taking care of her FOR US.

It's so weird seeing Tei and Yuri as teacher and student. If anything Tei looks and acts a little older.

Yuri: What are you talking about. This girl here is my hon-
Tei: Our maid.
Me, out loud: WHAT THE HELL

Tei: As you know, we all lived abroad and our parents are friends. They hired her to teach us to adjust to life here. She also does our laundry and cooks.
Yuri: Tei, you've been imagining naughty things ;)
Me: Oh no, I'm agreeing with Yuri about something.

It's a sign of how much I'm 'enjoying' this route that I keep thinking "I could be on the Tei route right now. Maybe he's the fun kind of creepy."

Soi: You're the HOT5's maid? HAVE YOU SEEN THEIR UNDERWEAR??
Everyone is at school is calling her "housekeeping lady".
Eri: This is all Yuri's fault >:(

And then just as she's about to go to lunch Mr Yujin makes her carry Beatrice's daily supplies: "boxes of body soap, aroma oil, lubricants, rainbow microfibre towels, mud masks, etc"

Eri: I have to carry all this? SHE'S JUST A SKELETON. USE A TOWEL.
Mr Yujin: Did you just insult Beatrice in front of me D:<
Eri: Ahahaha...no? I'm, um...just saying, you don't have to show your love with material things.
Mr Yujin: A man will do anything for his woman. Anyway, I'm off to the spa ^_^
Eri: What
Mr Yujin: The delivery was late and Beatrice got mad. Of course...she's beautiful even when she's mad...
Eri: Can you really just leave? What if someone gets sick?
Mr Yujin: What's that got to do with me? They can take medicine from the infirmary. I just give them whatever's closest, anyway, and they always get better.
Eri: D:

I would legitimately enjoy dating Mr Yujin (and Beatrice) more than Yuri right now.

By the time she's done, the cafeteria is out of food. Eri sees the pretty Korean teacher chatting with Yuri and feels annoyed at her for reasons she can't define. Yuri is talking like a sensible, sincere grownup and she finds it strange.

Eri: You need to be careful when you flirt with girls, they'll get the wrong idea.
Yuri: Do you mean you? *leans across and kisses her ear*
Eri: WE ARE AT SCHOOL
Yuri: When you have such cute reactions how can I control myself ;)

KICK HIM AGAIN ERI

His 'twinter' username (which he cheerfully tells any student that asks) is "Kilamanjaro's black panther" and it's a stream of narcissistic nonsense.

He keeps offering her gifts other women gave him and she keeps refusing.

Yuri: Being so violent with that cute face of yours...something bad might happen. You might damage your important part, and I won't get to teach you the joys of being an adult.

D: D: D:

He's even made him being kicked gross ;_;

Yeonho, Lance and Red come to see what the commotion is and I want to date all/any of them instead ;_;

Yesss Tei be passive aggressively snide at Yuri about his complete lack of empathy.

Eri: Don't they say enjoy the pain you can't avoid?
Me: I AM TRYING

Upside, the topless sprite has not made it's appearance yet! It's perfectly well drawn but Yuri's a bit too carrot shaped for my taste. Also he's...Yuri.

Also there's been no scenes of him teaching. It really doesn't feel like a teacher/student romance, just a rake romance.

...a very unappealing rake romance. It's not my favourite genre at the best of times, but Yuri is comparing very unfavourably to every other recent example I've played (Sakamota from Hakuoki, Derek from Re:Alistair etc) Normally there'd be more signs of him genuinely making the protagonist happy (possibly despite herself) but she's mostly just uncomfortable. I think that's the key thing for me with a romance, I can deal with all sorts of objectively appalling behaviour if they're both into it, but if a guy acts like a creep and the girl is creeped out it's unpleasantly reminiscent of having been creeped on myself and that's not a pleasant headspace to be stuck in.

Haha ok, so. I decided to read someone else's summary because I couldn't motivate myself to keep going. Earlier, when I was pondering what could make the route bearable, I came up with "Yuri is cursed to only express himself via sexual harassment, also he talks about being into other girls so much because he feels like he's supposed to" and it looks like that's sort of what's going on eg he is following his doll programming to flirt with All Girls and not sure how to fit his feelings for Eri into that. Which...eh. It's kind of "AI overcoming their programming", which is nice, but doesn't feel very well set up so far and implies there will still be a lotta skeeze in my future.

On the upside this is a contrast to Yeonho and Lance whose doll programming made them 100% focussed on Eri from the start, even if Lance pretended otherwise.

Also there's a Yuri/Eri/Tei bad end! Hmm >.>

Yuri tells Eri her bangs hide her pretty face. Then a little later...

Mr Yujin: Hold out your hands.
Eri: Why...wait, are you giving me a floral hairpin?
Mr Yujin: Yes. Now leave, I need to spend quality time with Beatrice.
Eri: What? Why?
Mr Yujin: It was given to me by...you know that teacher with the fantastic figure, the one that makes you want to take out his fourth rib bone? He teaches music.

Mr Yujin is not the bisexual icon we want, but he's the one we get.

Eri: ...Mr Yuri?
Mr Yujin: Yes. He was too busy to give it to you himself. I initially said no, but he gave me a scarf for Beatrice.
Eri: But why...
Mr Yujin: I don't know and I don't care! Now leave!

Girl1: Hey, are you the maid?
Eri: Uh...
Girl2: When I heard she was Mr Yuri's maid I was worried, but after seeing how plain she is I feel safe.
Eri: :(
Soi: Don't worry, time takes care of these things. And if it doesn't, I will kindly and sweetly invite them to the bathroom and talk to them with my hands ;)

ilu Soi

Music class! Eri is annoyed at how hot Yuri looks. He flinches a little seeing her, then actually teaches music sensibly. Mostly.
Yuri: Ah, I forgot the music sheets. They're too heavy for a girl...Should I get some useless boys to carry them here?
Boy: Boo! That's sexist! Get your maid to do it!

(He is the most aggressively heterosexual and gender essentialist love interest which REALLY doesn't help)

Yuri: She doesn't do petty errands >:(
Girl: Then how is she...a maid...
Eri: I'LL CARRY IT I'M STRONG.
Yeonho: No! Lance and I will do it!
Lance: >:/

But Eri insists. Tei bumps into her and tries to insist on carrying the sheets for her, but she points out that people will say "the maid is bossing around the HOT5". Lance shows up, sent by Yuri, and Eri lets him carry them instead.

Eri's turn to cook...so it's ramen. Red and Yeonho love it, Tei and Lance disapprove, and Yuri is missing once again.

Haha Red's theory for why girls get so weird around Yuri is that he curses them with black magic. Aw and Yeonho thinks Yuri is tired because he stays out too late and worries about him. The other dolls don't seem to like Yuri very much so I'm glad one of them cares, I don't totally hate him. Especially since he is in some ways only a few weeks old and still learning to human.

I'm glad Eri still has a strong support structure but it does make you wonder why she's into Yuri when there's all these more appealing people around. I mean she's repressing it, and I guess you can't control crushes.

"Grandpa said a diary is where you store your memories. And memories become what is truly valued." HMMMM.

Yuri happens to come in while she's trying on the hairclip and is happy but not TOO obnoxious, and apologises for the weirdness in class. Oh god have we reached the point where he gets less punchable thank you otome gods.

He says he thought about what she said about gifts coming from the heart and bought her things he chose himself and paid for with his first paycheck: the hairpin and a pair of pretty high heels.

He gently puts the shoes on her feet, kneeling down in front of her and calling her his "one and only master". He seriously and sincerely asks her on a date and I don't feel hard done by saying yes.

(And then he was a little creepy about this being her first pair of adult shoes because Yuri)

There's a lot of Cinderella imagery: the maid whose prince tries shoes on all the girls until he finds her and they fit, and she becomes a princess.

Chapter: First Date With Yuri

Crobidoll: Meet our new doll from the adult line, Yuri! Can you see his sensitive and mature face? He will become the perfect man that meets all your desires.

Yuri is smug about having a date with Eri and the other dolls tell him to stop being delusional/creepy and she has to explain that no, she really did agree. Lance and Tei discuss GPS tracking options. HYPOCRITICAL PERV TEAM-UP.

Tei: Maybe I should just follow them...
Lance: Why not put a name tag around her neck?
Eri: lol, next they'll lock me up in a room
Me: *ponders similarities between Tei and Toma from Amnesia and does not consider this implausible*
Yuri: You should trust me more. I am your teacher ^_^
Lance: Good point. Should I report you to the school or the police?

Yuri and Eri have a nice chat in the car then Yuri takes her to the fancy department store and brings her piles of ridiculously expensive clothes to try. She tries not to think about other girls he may have taken on similar dates. She decides to just enjoy trying on pretty clothes, and wonders if Yuri enjoys this the way she enjoyed dressing him as a doll.

Having also gotten her hair cut, they go to Banjul(tm) (Hot Guy Cafe). Yuri is dubious about going to the place Tei works, but it's Tei's day off. As Eri expected, Yuri enjoys the decorative musical instruments, but she gloomily ponders that he's this charming to all the other girls he dates.
Yuri: What other girls? I only say these mushy things to you.
Eri: But you seem to enjoy and accept affection from all girls, you like all girls equally.
Yuri: That's how I was made. As you've said, I don't understand people's hearts or know how to react to sincerity. But I know how to give love equally. And what's bad about that? People give me love and I return it, I make them feel safe.
He looks a little sad.
Yuri: But that doesn't work with you. I don't make you feel safe. I trouble you...and from the moment you gave me that tea, I've wanted to give you something special I couldn't give to anyone else.
Yuri, blushing: I thought it would make me happy to give you things. I feel so much happier when I see you smile.

It occurs to Eri that usually Yuri passively returns the affections of women who like him, and this is the first time he's tried to get someone to like him. Ok, his behaviour makes more sense to me now: he was programmed to be vaguely flirty at women but only respond with intense flirtation if they liked it. So he wasn't sexually harassing women in general. But he actually CARED about Eri and wanted her to like him, and all he had was the "be sexually aggressive" hammer.

Eri: So he never truly gave his heart, or wanted anyone else's. That's so lonely.

After their date Yuri goes out and is evasive as to where. I know the answer and it's QUITE BORING but maybe the game will make the reveal interesting.

All the dolls comment on her new haircut but I can't decide if the sprite's actually any different. (EDIT: Yes, slightly, and the game is very inconsistent about it going forward)

Yuri paid for all the clothes to be delivered and they're waiting for her in her room. She feels like Cinderella, and has to admit she gets a kick out of it, but what about the true love part of the story?
Eri: He said he feels something special for me, but if he's not sincere I'd get hurt.
Eri: ...wait. Why would that hurt? ...LET'S NOT THINK ABOUT IT AND GO TO SLEEP

A flashback to Eri buying Yuri as a gift to herself at Christmas (which is a romantic holiday in Korea) and getting her name put on his certificate of ownership. His box is heavy and she has trouble carrying it home. But this is the first Christmas since her grandpa died and she wanted to fill the hole of his passing.
Eri: Yuri, when we get home I know the first thing I'll say to you: Merry Christmas.

Yeonho: Master! Your socks!
Eri: Thanks Yeonho, you're the best, I love you!
Yeonho: :O

Poor Yeonho.

Eri is woken by a phone call from Mr Yujin where, without preamble, he just starts listing things he needs her to bring to school, and says if she takes more than 30 minutes she'll become the next anatomical model. And the dolls just wish her well instead of going MAYBE TEACHERS THREATENING TO KILL STUDENTS IS BAD.

Mr Yujin comes in wearing a suit with his hair pulled back and she is disconcerted by how handsome and like Yuri he looks (sadly there is no hot!Yujin sprite).

Eri: Why are you...wait. I don't want to know.
Mr Yujin: I will be out at lunch, I need you to stay here and talk to Beatrice so she doesn't get lonely.
Eri: YES. SPEND MY LUNCH TALKING TO A SKELETON. SURE. Will you be long?
Mr Yujin: No. It's a blind date :/
Eri: But...Beatrice!

Yep, it's his family forcing him. He's dressed up to prove that Beatrice isn't in a relationship with a loser. Eri thinks about how, weird as it is, Mr Yujin does clearly love Beatrice, and doesn't feel empty the way Yuri does.

I...don't understand why Shinbi is stroking Eri's hair but I accept.

Girls are asking Lance and Yeonho to music concerts: Yuri offered extra music credit to anyone who can prove they saw music.

Shinbi: I would have expected you to have asked Tei by now.
Soi: What am I, an amateur? I'll wait until my enemies are complacent and then strike!
She holds up two tickets to...Classical Music for Pregnant Women?? Eri worries for Tei's safety.

I think the translator is trying to get across that Red uses the wrong level of formality for Yuri at school.

Eri is in line for food when Yuri says Mr Yujin was wondering where she was and she realises she forgot about babysitting Beatrice.

Yuri: He was dressed weirdly fancy. He actually looked normal.
Red: That skeleton maniac? Normal?
Eri: Yeah. He could almost compete with Mr Yuri.
Yuri: I THINK NOT. I am god's masterpiece!
Eri: Anyway this plain maid needs to run errands.
Yuri: Plain? My honey is blessed by the gods as I am.

Another "love interest has no umbrella" scene but this time she texts everyone and he's just the only one who doesn't reply. She finds him in the school music room writing a song on the piano, and is entranced by the beauty of the song and how focussed he looks. Even I have a little bit of feels.

Yuri: My honey! You know we shouldn't be here alone, we're a teacher and student ;)

Yeah I still...kind of want to punch him.

He says he's there writing the exam, but was composing to freshen his mind.

Yuri: So you came all this way to bring me an umbrella? :D
Eri: No! I was just, um, passing the school...at night...with two umbrellas.
Yuri: So cute even when you're lying ^_^ But you went to a lot of trouble coming here, come sit.
He brings out a thermos of Secret Garden Tea(tm). They sit next to each other on the piano bench, and he tells her to drink up and get warm.
Yuri: You're so cute...*kisses her cheek*
Eri, mostly into it: YOU NEARLY MADE ME SPILL MY TEA. Um. Anyway, I guess you really like Secret Garden Tea(tm).
Yuri: I like that it came from you. Though I don't like that it came from Momma Tei's shop :/
Eri: But you get so many gifts...
Yuri: Gifts from you are special.
*their eyes meet*
Eri: SO I'LL BE GOING HOME NOW
Yuri: wait, I have a gift for you

It's a ticket and, if I squint, I can read "Nameless Performance at ??? Cherry Street. Vocal: Haz. Guitar: Daydream Lance. Base: L.J. Drums: Yuri" and a bunch of stuff in Korean. I'm assuming it's not actually Lance haha. These guys love doing in-jokes in the backgrounds, there's little cherries and crosses all over the place.

Anyway! Yuri's band will be performing the next weekend, and he asks her to "look pretty" in the clothes he bought. She wonders if all his late nights have just been band practice (see, I said it was boring)

At home she feels down about the idea of looking pretty.
Eri: if I lived in an anime I could just shout "makeup transform!" How does makeup even work?

She follows Yuri's directions to the waiting room before his show, feeling very self conscious.
Girl: Look at the little girl stumble in her heels! Who are you here to see: Handsome Haz? Sexy Yuri? They don't see anyone before the show you know.

So she turns around and just waits in the audience for the show to start. But she loves the music, admiring Yuri's skill and becoming a part of the excited crowd. As the show ends, she feels very glad she came.

Guy: Hi, I see you're here alone ;)
Yuri: It takes some nerve to hit on my girl at my concert ^_^
Guy: Sorry she's just...so beautiful...
Yuri: Yes she is ^_^
Guy: I'LL JUST BE GOING THEN
Yuri: I clearly need to keep a closer eye on you
Eri: He didn't seem like a bad person
Yuri: Darling, all men except me are bad people :)

Girl: Who's this?
Yuri: My honey who I live with ^_^
Girl: She seems a bit young, you sneaky thing ;)

Eri is invited to the after party but feels out of place and uncomfortable next to all these self confident beautiful people. She leaves, hating herself for getting excited to dress up.

And then Yuri catches up to her, out of breath.
Yuri: I didn't know where you were :( I was worried. What happened?
Eri: ...nothing. Go back, the hot ladies you love are waiting.
Yuri: Are you...jealous? :D
Eri: DON'T DELUDE YOURSELF
Yuri: Come here. *he pulls her closer and buries his face into her hair* I was so happy to see you today. I played better knowing you were watching. You're so pretty I can hardly breathe.
Eri: Oh. This is why I dressed up. I wanted to hear him say I was pretty.

(Which he did before, but it didn't feel as sincere)

She goes home and Yeonho and Red just stare at her in shock.
Tei: ...Oh. Did you go somewhere nice today?
LAnce: Those heels look uncomfortable, you should take them off. That outfit doesn't suit you *small voice* you should wear something...more...*small voice*

SEE, LANCE, YOU DO HAVE AESTHETIC PREFERENCES

Eri lays in bed and comes to terms with the fact that she has a thing for Yuri.

We see Yuri's friends talking about Eri.
Guy: You're always with this girl or that, but maybe you do have a heart.
Girl: You were born to be a bad guy, I hope she doesn't end up crying her heart out out.
Girl2: Yuri likes a girl! So what do you like about her?
Yuri, muttering to himself: I...like...her?

Jesus this dude really can only express emotion via flirting if he didn't actually realise that before now.

Flashback:
Mom: Eri, put away that teddy bear and come clothes shopping.
Grandpa: You already filled her closet with clothes. And these are comfortable.
Mom: But she looks like a boy, what will people think? What if she still doesn't care how she looks to others when she gets older?
Grandpa: Her own will is more important than what other people think.
Me: Aww
Grandpa: And don't worry, she's a girl, when she likes someone she'll look pretty even if you don't want her to
Me: :/

Eri: I don't care what other people think, but I want to look pretty to Yuri. I'm not sure an ugly duckling can become a swan, but I want to try.

(Reminder: Eri is not remotely ugly)

So she does her hair and makeup and wears some nice school shoes Yuri bought. When Lance sees her at school he makes a very expressive gasp.

Soi: There are two things in life I cannot stand. An ugly boy and a BAD FRIEND who moves onto the next base without telling me. You've met someone, SO WHO IS IT.
Yuri: It's not...like...that
Soi: Hmmph. Well, at least people might stop calling you a maid now.
Shinbi: She means you look pretty. You're cute ;)
Eri: Stop pounding foolishly, heart! Now I understand why Shinbi is so popular with girls...
Me: GAME STOP DOING THIS TO ME

They talk about what everyone's doing for the festival and Eri feels both proud and sad to know the dolls are all having lives she isn't part of.

The new shoes hurt Eri's feet and make her life difficult. She heads towards the infirmary to get a drink of water and ponders that she feels a certain camaraderie with Mr Yujin due to his weird taste. (this is endearingly odd but I hope Dandelion doesn't have an equivalent bestiality subplot lol)

A cute popular boy with the name Flowerboy (??) flirts with Eri. She hears jealous mutterings and is confused.

Shinbi is deciding if she wants to become a model as a career.
Soi: Don't forget me when you're famous and I'm a commoner or I'll post your embarrassing stories to the internet >:)

Eri feels like all her efforts will be a waste if she doesn't see Yuri today, so goes to the music room. He stares at her in silence for a moment then asks why she's there.
Eri: UH. For help...with...study?
Yuri: Ok, but I can't go into detail on the exam. I have to be even handed.
Eri, internally: He's not flirting at all, do I look that bad ;_;
Eri: Um. Actually I just wanted to see you were ok, since I didn't see you this morning.
Yuri: Well, you've seen me. Bye.
Eri: Ok, bye ;_;
Yuri: What am I doing...WAIT. ...I'll drive you home.

Oh my god, Yuri, you absolute failboat of a sexbot

He's silent on the drive back and Eri tries not to cry. Their eyes meet and he's about to speak when...it's time for the obligatory call from Douchemom! I don't know why, but her letters always type out EXTRA SLOW, which just adds to the whole experience.

Mom: Our research team will be there, so make sure you look decent. Think of our reputation.

Yuri: Are you ok? I heard the stuff about reputation and all that.
Eri: Hahaha, well, you know. I wore jeans to meet dad's associates once.
Yuri: Did you never want to wear pretty clothes?
Eri, very aware of what she's wearing: Well, grandad always said...I could worry about that when I liked someone.
The car screeches to a halt and Yuri looks upset.
Eri: Yuri? (Oh god he's mad that I like him D:)
Yuri: It's nothing. Let's go home.

Exam time! Eri has been dressing nicely every day, and Yuri's friendly again but hasn't commented on her appearance and doesn't touch her any more. She's down about it and getting tired of dressing this way.

This is interesting! Like they both thought they could play out the heteronormative Cinderella arc but it's not working and they don't know how to interact sincerely as themselves.

Red: Commander, I don't want to go to school. The air's so tense because of this "exams" thing.
Tei: Sure! I'll tell the whole school that the justice warrior was defeated by the enemy known as exams.
Lance: Why not just quit school.
Tei: I'd be too jealous that he got to skip the exams.
Lance: It's a waste of paper. But I do enjoy watching him suffer...
Tei: Right? :D

Tei pretends he hasn't been studying and is quietly pissed when Yeonho points out he has.

Aww, Eri's taking the bus again, Yuri always said he'd stop driving the others but he didn't.

Flowerboy gives her a box of candy with a love letter in it. Soi say she's called the Swan Princess these days, and Shinbi offers to help if rumours get too intense.

At home Red FREAKS OUT while Lance, Yeonho and Tei act like they don't care.
Eri: Don't you get asked out all the time?
Tei: I thought those girls just wanted to play soccer!

Mom: Hi so we got here a week early, I'll send a car. Remember what I said! Bye!
Eri, in the middle of cooking dinner: D:

So she dresses up.

Lance: Aren't those heels uncomfortable?
Eri: Everyone else says they're pretty.
Lance: I asked if they were uncomfortable.
Eri: ...yes. But I have no choice if I want to look good.
Lance: I just hope you're not the one who ends up getting hurt. Call me if you need anything.

Lance <3

Her parents are very happy to see her looking so "grownup".
Researcher: Ah this must be your daughter! He never talks about you so I had no idea you'd be so pretty ^_^

I like how understated the shittiness of her parents is.

Eri feels like they appears to be the kind of close family they really aren't, and wonders if this is because she's pretending to be the pretty, perfect daughter. Her feet and her heart ache.

Mom: I guess because grandpa isn't here any more you care what others think :)
Eri: Welp. Time to go home >:(

She hears her heels clicking and feels an impulse to tear them off and throw them away. She sits on a bench and watches the quiet street to calm herself.

Yuri wanders past. He interrogates her about why she's out alone at night and she does the same to him.
Yuri: I walked back from school
Eri: That takes 40 minutes and your car is there?
Yuri sits next to her on the bench and puts her feet in his lap
Yuri: They're scratched from these shoes...why didn't you wear something more comfortable? *applies bandaid*
They're looking at each other but his face is in shadow and she can't make out his expression.

Eri: I wore them because you bought them for me! So I'll wear them even if they hurt. They're...my special glass slippers.
He stares at her for a while.
Yuri: Even the strongest Cinderella can't wear glass slippers every day.

Eri: Don't you have something to say to me? About how I look?
Yuri, looking at her feet: Are you getting used to it?
Eri, grabbing his face and making him look at her: DO I LOOK PRETTY.
Yuri: Hahaha. Of course!
Eri: You know, a boy asked me out today.
Yuri: Oh...yes, I heard. The girls say he's nice. I told you you were cute :)
Eri: Is that all you have to say?
Yuri gives her a lonely smile.
Yuri: Congratulations. Are you going to say yes? *strokes her hair*

Eri stands up, puts back on her heels, and walks home, doing her best not to falter despite the pain.

Ok, now I have feelings. What a wonderful mess.

Eri feels like an idiot. All that effort just for him and he didn't care. She's no different than all the other girls around him.

We see Yuri standing out on the street.
Yuri: ...damn.
Tei: Do you know what's up with the owner?
Yuri: Get to the point.
Tei: If you make the owner cry one more time I'll keep her away from you.
Yuri: I'm the only one who gets to see you like this...but I deserve it. I'm pathetic.

*ships them a little bit* (They share a bed! There's a canonical threesome!)

Also I just love how weird this game is. This teenage girl who thinks of the dolls as adult men with agency (but also her dolls) and doesn't realise how completely fucked up about her they all are. (Well, Red hasn't shown as many signs of it yet, but WE SHALL SEE)

Nameless: This is fun. *sigh* Is that sad? Now stop crying and come to me. Come to my arms.

Yep. This is a weird game.

Chapter: Goodbye, My First Love

The next morning Eri worries that everyone will notice her tear-swollen eyes. Yeonho says nothing but cooks her a special breakfast with rabbit shaped fried eggs.
Red: Eat up, Yellow made it just for you! Blow away that jerk Yu-*urk*
Lance: Breakfast should be quiet.
Yeonho: We're all taking the bus with you today, Master ^_^

It seems Tei told them Yuri and Eri had a fight, and the best thing they can do is try to cheer her up.

Soi has been venting her stress about the upcoming festival at group sessions to get angry at the Mayans for failing to predict the end of the world (this game is set in 2013)

Flowerboy asks Eri to hang out with him at the festival. She eventually says yes, thinking it might distract her from Yuri. Soi is a little jealous, and wishes she was two people so she could date Flowerboy and Tei.

Shinbi: You seem sad.
Soi: She's been worrying about you all day. You can trust her to keep your secrets.
Eri: But not you?
Soi: I put love before friendship. But when I tell your secret I'll let you know I did it.
Eri: Thanks for caring, but I can't tell you guys.
Shinbi: Ok. Then have some cake.

Shinbi <3

Soi: Yeah, get fatter than me!
Shinbi: You'll be cute when you're fat :)
Soi: What about me?
Shinbi: Hmmm....

Later, Eri bumps into Tei, who takes her aside and asks if she's given up on Yuri. She's surprised, then thinks about it and realises the answer is no.
Eri: I know he doesn't care for me, I'm not stupid. But you can't just decide to stop having feelings hahaha. I'll be fine, time solves everything right?
Tei: Don't try so hard. If it ever gets too much, come talk to me.

Tei confronts Yuri again.
Tei: So I heard you changed classes to avoid her. I have connections amongst the teachers too, you know.
Yuri: I want everyone to realise what you're really like. Especially her.
Tei: Tell her if you like. She won't believe you ^_^
Yuri: ...
Tei: She came to where I work today. I have no idea why she fell for you, but I don't want to see her cry any more. How do you feel about her?
Yuri: Why should I tell you?
Tei: I need to know how to make her happy. You avoid her, but you care about her, don't you?
Yuri: Shut up.
Tei: You're having trouble going against your release concept aren't you? Well, be more honest with yourself. If you can't do it, I will. I'd rather lock her up in my arms than see you hurt her.
Yuri: Are you threatening me?
Tei: You know I never joke around with you :)

Mr Principal reminisces about Eri's Grandpa complaining about the noise but coming to the festival every year. Even though Eri wasn't a student there yet. *continues to ship Mr Principal/Grandpa*

Principal: Doesn't she make you smile? You should have come out to say hello.
Yuri: I had my reasons. So, I have to ask: apparently you figured out my papers were forged but smoothed things over. Why?
Principal: It's been a year and a half since I saw her smile. And it seemed to be because of your five. So I decided to leave her to you.
Yuri: ...
Principal: I've been an educator my whole life, and I'm never wrong about people. If I leave her to be sad I won't be able to face my friend ahaha.
Me: *points to Mr Yujin and raises eyebrows significantly*
Principal: Her smile seems weak lately. But hopefully you can fix that.

Sure, Mr Principal, ship the teacher with forged papers with your friend's underage granddaughter. That's being a good friend.

...dammit I just realised I screwed up my saves and will have to pass my exams again to see all the bad ends ;_;

Eri goes to get her fortune told by Yeonho. As she strokes his hair she thinks about how she enjoys him calling her Master when noone's around. Ok then, Eri.

She asks for her love fortune: "A clearer mind. Things that have been hidden will now appear. But do not forget: the winds of truth are not always gentle."

She sees people running to see Yuri's band and is sad. She goes to the roof to meet Flowerboy with a heavy heart. She doesn't want to hurt him by treating him lightly, the way Yuri hurt her.

Flowerboy's disappointed but takes it well. And then Tei shows up.
Tei: I like you. Be my girlfriend.
Eri: But you know how I feel...
Tei: It's fine. I'll help you forget all the hurt and be happy. Trust me.
Eri finds herself thinking of Yuri and her mind becomes clear.
Eri: Why do you like me? Because I'm your owner? Because I became prettier?
Tei: Can I say both?
Eri: I can't be this mean to you. I still like Yuri.
Tei: But I thought...he doesn't like you back.
Tei you are SUCH A LIAR.
Eri: I know. But...I need to ask him why.
Tei: Yay! You being honest about your feelings is ABSOLUTELY why I asked you out. Hurry, he's waiting ^_^

Eri barely makes it in time. Her eyes meet Yuri's as he steps forward and takes the mike.
Yuri: I've loved my time here. Thank you all for giving me so many precious memories. But from today the teacher side of me with disappear, I will become simply Yuri again to try my best at life.
Girls: Why ;_;
Yuri: ...I fell in love. I thought I could make everyone happy, but could barely make the one person I care about happy. And now I've found my role.
His voice trembles a little.
Yuri: And I'll say to the one listening...if you accept me, come to the secret garden only we know.

He leaves. The band plays on without him as Eri runs. And then she stands, hesitating, at the music room door. She saw the sincerity in his eyes just now, but she also saw him refuse her before. Which should she believe? Which truth is waiting for her?

The walkthrough has a thing blocking this choice but I am...just going to assume I want to open the door.

He looks up at her with anxious eyes.

Yuri: Wait. Don't come closer.
And then just as she's worried that he's rejecting her again, he starts walking towards her.

Yuri: Thank you for becoming beautiful for me. I should have known...from the start I always wanted to flirt with you, though noone liked me that way. I didn't understand why I was so drawn to you. You never hated me. You worried about me. You were so attractive, and made me feel something new. You have no idea how happy I felt when you gave me that tea.
And then I got scared, because I don't know how to have an honest, sincere relationship. I tried to put my sincerity in a gift. I was created to give love to everyone equally. But as you got more beautiful, my heart screamed and told me to make you mine. I don't know how to truly love. I got scared and ran away. But I won't run away any more. I'm sorry I made you wait. Eri, will you be my girlfriend?

Instead of answering, she closes her eyes, and they kiss.

Yuri: I can't believe I nearly lost you to that nitpicker Tei. I guess I owe him though, he said if I hurt you again he'd take you away. From now on I only look at you. So you only look at me. Teacher's order!
Eri: Are you really quitting?
Yuri: Yep! If I'm a teacher I can't officially do adult things to my student ;)
Eri: Adult...things?
Yuri: Let me show you ;D

Tei: HELLO MR YURI. WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU DOING WITH A STUDENT AT THIS ESTEEMED PLACE OF LEARNING.
Yuri: I resigned!
Tei: You're a teacher until 30 days after you hand in your letter of resignation. And you can't touch her until then ^_^
Yuri: What D:
Tei: Come on, Eri, you've had a long day. I'll cook you dinner ^_^

I love that it's sheer chance that it was Yuri who had to pretend to be a teacher and Tei who had to pretend to be a student, and that it could just as easily have gone the other way. It makes their dynamic delightfully odd.

Chapter: Cinderella's Happy Ending

Eri, slapping her alarm: Urgh, what time is it?
Yuri: It's still dawn, go back to sleep.
Eri: YOU???

HELLO TOPLESS YURI SPRITE I FORGOT ABOUT YOU

Yuri: Stop shouting. A princess shouldn't wake alone, she should wake with the prince's-OW *is hit in the head with a slipper*
Lance: Again? Aren't you both tired?

It's been a month since the festival and Yuri has been clinging to Eri, nagging her to wear less sexy clothes more than Lance ever did. And sometimes he climbs into her bed "so she doesn't dream of anyone else".

Yuri: No, I'm not sick of her. I wish I could see her more! What do you think, darling, should I join your class?
Lance: You're our owner. Can't you throw that away?

Eri goes to Banjul(tm) with Soi and Shinbi. Soi, a little jealous, says she's glad Eri hasn't totally abandoned her friends for her new boyfriend.

But GUESS WHO'S THE NEW WAITER.

Yuri: You look good in your uniform. But what's best is your sleeping face I saw in bed this morning ^_^
Soi: Mr Yuri...bed...uniform... O.O
Yuri, smoothly: Darling, what do you want to drink?
Yuri, roughly: Oi, you two, if you want water you have to get it yourself.
Tei, roughly: Yuri, why are you taking so long, and why aren't you in your uniform? >:(
Tei, smoothly: Hello, are you here with your friends? ^_^
Yuri: My darling ordered Secret Garden(tm), it's special for us. Let's go to our secret garden together tonight, hmm? ;)
Tei, Soi and Shinbi: o.O

Shinbi is the first to recover, and hands Eri tickets to the EVIL MERRY-GO-ROUND.

That night Eri notices her diary is smudged. And then Yuri comes in and turns out the light.
Yuri: Now is a moment just for the two of us ;)
Like Lance he just puts her on the bed and doesn't ask, but she's affectionately thinking about what a perv he is as they have fade to black sex.

Nameless: Did Cinderella really live to have a happily ever after?

Chapter: Christmas with Yuri

*tenses*

Eri asks Yuri to go with her on the merry-go-round. She's wearing her fancy outfit again.

Nameless: Not long now. The story is reaching it's climax.
Eri: Did you say something, Yuri?
Yuri: No?

Afterwards they rest on a bench.
Yuri: Aren't those shoes uncomfortable?
Eri: I'm used to it. And it's our first official date, I wanted to look pretty.
Yuri: You're already pretty. And guys keep staring at you.
Eri: Wouldn't they be looking at you?
Yuri: You need to know yourself better. Shall I declare it now, since we're in public?

And then he goes down on one knee and proposes, and she says yes.

Closing Credits! A deep voice starts badly singing a creepy song about turning a girl into a puppet...Yuri and Yujin's song??

Yuri returns from buying bandaids, muttering about how he won't be happy until he's legally made Eri his. But...she's gone.

Nameless: Time over. Happily ever after. That's how the Cinderella story has ended. Did you have fun?

(The first two sentences were said in clear English, which was extra creepy)

THE END

So the first half of that was INTERMINABLE but I did enjoy it by the end. It wasn't critiquing gender roles as hard as I thought it might be for a while, but it worked as a romance. EDIT: I checked the chapter list and it wasn't remotely a half, more like 1/10 lol. IT FELT LIKE A HALF.

Also I...think he maybe WAS a high class sex worker?? I certainly can't see how else he made all that money. I mean his band would eventually but not within days.

Bad End: New Career

There's no single trigger for this, just a bunch of little things that distance Yuri and Eri.

Yuri asks how she feels about being teased and she says she's fine.

Yuri: That's weird, you said you're fine but I don't feel better? And you're not mad...you never get mad at me, no matter what I do. Maybe that's why I like you...You say it's fine but I'm not fine seeing you get treated badly.

Aw, that's really sweet, and now I have to immediately pick a rejecting option. SORRY YURI.

Eri goes on a rant about being sick of his light-hearted dismissal of other people's feelings and manipulative flirtation. She asks him to leave her alone. To her surprise, he apologises and says he will.

As she's falling asleep, she thinks she was probably too harsh, especially since the hairpin was him apologising in his own clumsy way.

But the next day he's packed his bags to leave for a "new job".
Eri: It's not hos...hos...
Yuri: Shh. Pleasing women is my joy and the reason I was born.
Red: Do you really need to leave the house?
Tei: Let him follow his dream ^_^
Lance: Good luck. Have a good life.
Me: Aww, Lance.
Yuri: Come visit me at work! Take highway 34 and go straight towards downtown...
Lance: They say no news is good news.
Yeon and Red: We'll visit you!
Tei: Uh.
Yuri: Cherry boy might learn a few things ^_^
Eri: Yuri, are you sure...
Yuri: Have a good life.
Eri: I...
Tei: Come home sometimes, I'll cook for you.
Yuri, softly: Take care, Eri.

MY HEART.

Tei: I guess now we all have to take the bus to school ;_;

THE END

Bad End: Triangle

Urrrgh screwed up my save in multiple ways, got a C+ in the exams, but I am going for a bad end...

Interestingly, the only change I'm supposed to make is saying "A boy asked me out today" instead of Eri demanding Yuri tell her she's pretty, after that I have to still make the same "good" choices. I wonder what happens if I don't, the next bad end?

WAIT DAMMIT ONLY GETTING A C DID BREAK IT?? OK FINE. NEXT BAD END IT IS.

Bad End: Doubt

I said yes when Tei asked Eri out, feeling hard done by that I wasn't having a threesome.

Eri: Tei has always held out his hand when I needed it. Wouldn't it be ok to take it this time?
Me: Yes. BUT ALSO YURI'S. IN A THREE...ah never mind.

Tei hugs her.
Tei: Forget about Yuri. He doesn't like you. And you said you moved on.
Eri: Mmmm....

Something about Tei's voice creeps her out, and he's hugging her so tight she can hardly breathe. Creepy music box music plays.

Tei: Thank god, I finally earned your heart.

Bad End: Triangle DAMMIT

I told Cam I failed to get a threesome because I got a C in an exam and he said "Ah yes, just like when we were at uni...". Meanwhile Pia is cheering me on, because I am better at polyamory in real life than fiction lol

A+ first try!

I SEE SOMETHING IN MY DREAMS

It's the merry go round. There's a boy with red eyes and purple hair.

Nameless: Come ride with me...oh, but not this round. Next time. I'll be waiting :)

And then Eri wakes...in the room Yuri and Tei share. Creepy music box music plays.

Tei: You look surprised. I wanted to see you so much I moved you in the night. Drink this tea.
Yuri: The tea I made suits her better :)
Tei: Alright, since we agreed to share her I'll give in this time.
Yuri: I'm just trying to give my lady the best. Since you dressed her to your tastes, shouldn't I decide what goes in her mouth? Even if your taste is odd.
Tei: She'd look good in anything. We should have done this ages ago. I don't deserve all of her anyway.
Yuri: We can have the lady decide every morning. Now then Lady...


THE END

...that was absolutely worth doing my exams three times to get :D

Bad End: Second Choice

She chickens out at opening the door to see Yuri at the festival. What if he meant someone else?

Tei: I guess it was too much for you. Come with me, I have some place to take you.

Tense music starts up. He takes her back to his room, holding her so tightly she can't turn back.

Tei: You were so perfect, and I loved you so much. But I wasn't perfect enough, so I had to hurt you. But you'll be so much happier with me. Bwahahaha

Nameless: Too bad. But it's fine, you can collect the pieces again. When you're completely ruined, I'll ask the wizard to spin the merry-go-round again.

THE END

Bonus/Special:

Yuri's voice actor just sounds like Yuri in sensible mode.

Yuri diary page 1: Mademoiselle, if you are reading this, we are connected by fate...[more sexy nothings] Call me on Yuriheart number 70...WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME READ THIS

Page 2: Everyone says I'm a bad teacher but I'll have you know I prepare everything days in advance. Meanwhile Tei's always spacing out, Red just sleeps, Lance studies by himself and Yeonho sneaks cookies. As for my honey...oh...she has been very bad...I may have to punish her with a private lesson...

Page 3: I'm so glad I'm part of the adult line. The little lambs keep trying to touch my chest muscles. I work out, and take care of my skin...anyway, adult lines are sexy and capable and have a good sense of fashion. How about it? Do you want me? To purchase your own ball-joint doll, contact Crobidoll!

Oh my god THIS GAME

Tei diary page 1: ZZZ tea recipe: First put in 1g of tea. The 2g of my love. Then 3g of my desires...oh you want to know how I really make it? Do you think you can handle the truth?

Lance's diary 2: Those clothes don't suit you. And those heels are uncomfortable and too high, Yeonho and I are only the R line so we're not very tall. Don't get distracted by the things Yuri gave you, and look back once in a while. I am always behind you.

Yujin diary: Beatrice, let me count your bones...what's that, there was a dark lord who counted eyeballs the same way? The red haired transfer student reminded you of his voice? Those five transfer students with perfect bone structures do give off a strange aura. They are definitely not human.

WELL THEN.

Next: Tei Route (good end)