Gabby was shocked that her friend had pulled her so hard away from Red the moment he said that he was her boyfriend.
Was it really that bad?
GABBY: MJ, look...I know you missed me and all, and I miss you too, but why did you do that???
MURASAKI: So you're totally serious? That guy? Your boyfriend? Your boyfriend is that guy?
GABBY: Yeah, and so?
MURASAKI: Damn it. You remember the time we were 17 and I gave you that book?
GABBY: Yeah. And?
MURASAKI: Have you read the first letters of each conversation in Chapter 143?
GABBY: No. Why would I do that?
MURASAKI: It says, 'I am inlove with you, Gabby Ann Nickolas, let's date when I get back, please wait for me," and you seriously didn't figure that out all these years?
GABBY: Well of course no! Why would I, anyways? I'm not a nerd, a detective or a psychopath to pay attention to those kind of details.
MURASAKI: Oh, come on but I really liked you.
GABBY: Wait...wait, wait...you're telling me you wanted me to be your girl friend before???
(Realization hit her like a truck)
GABBY: You, Jun Murasaki, in love with me, before?!
MURASAKI: Yeah, and I...
GABBY: You freaking nerd! Why didn't you tell me in straightforward conversation?
MURASAKI: I gave you a promise ring, and even gave you a picture of myself, and you didn't got the hint? I thought you love me.
GABBY: I thought it was just because we're good friends, you idiot! We've been friends most of our lives and you expect me to suddenly have those feelings sink in?!
MURASAKI: But do you love me?
Gabby's range and upset face suddenly relaxes, her eyes softening after her oldest friend asked the question.
GABBY: I do but-
MURASAKI: Then break up with him and be mine already.
GABBY: WHAT?!
Harry, Humility, Red and Carrie all looked at the two in shock. What were they talking about that Gabby yelled so loud?
...
GABBY: Look, MJ, you came out of nowhere, and suddenly you told me you like me since we're like kids...and now, now, you're telling me to just throw Red away for you?
Murasaki's face suddenly turns into a mean look. Gabby never saw him before like that. And his eyes...something tells her that it wasn't the gentle hazel eyes of MJ before. But despite that, she sees something familiar and dangerous, just by looking at them. Something that reminds her of Red's eyes...
MURASAKI: I know you know.
GABBY: Know what?
MURASAKI: They're not human.
Gabby's heart beat paced faster. How did he figure that out in a short time? They were on mortal mode, a temporary form but still effective and strong enough to hide their true identities.
GABBY: Pffft, what are you talking about?
She tries to hide it even though she's already nervous.
MURASAKI: I know. And I know you know too. After all, you have the eyes. You told me about your eyes before. And I told you about my secret too.
GABBY: So...you really believed me about my secret? You think I'm not crazy?
MURASAKI: Of course not! Well, how about you? You don't think I'm crazy when I told you 'that', right?
GABBY: Well, yeah. But look, I have to be honest with you because I don't want you hurt.
MURASAKI: Go on...
GABBY: I love him. And I...only see you as a brother. I love you as a brother.
MURASAKI: What?! You've known me for years and...
GABBY: And I thought all this time we're friends. You never gave me a chance to have my feelings for you develop and mature.
MURASAKI: What made you prefer him over me?!
GABBY: He protected me.
Murasaki's eyes started to water after remembering a memory when they were kids. He didn't mean to leave her. He was just as scared. And he already apologized.
MURASAKI: If that's about before, then I'm sorry. So sorry. I promise I'll protect you this time.
No...
He doesn't know what he's talking about.
GABBY: If you can't defend me over an angry ghost, then you can't defend me over the demons and entities Red fought for me.
He felt hurt. She told him that Red's better, just like that. Murasaki cursed his self for having been a total idiot back then. He thought what he and Gabby have was...irreplaceable.
MURASAKI: Give me another chance.
GABBY: I think we're better this way, MJ. Friends. I'm sorry. I don't want you hurt.
MURASAKI: And I don't want you hurt, either!
GABBY: He won't hurt me. Nor would let anyone hurt me, in fact, he's the one getting hurt because of me.
MURASAKI: That's not what I meant!
He held her shoulders and pulled her close.
MURASAKI: He don't die... And don't even age like we do. Entities like them don't even need to sleep, eat or anything. They're infertile too. Now, do you understand? They're far from what we are. You don't have a life with that guy.
Gabby slapped him.
Which stunned the concerned Murasaki. She've never been angry at him before. And why now? She should have missed him so much, tell him a lot of stories just like they promised back then. But now, their reunion that's supposed to better their relationship had made their connection worse. How did it come this way? All because of stating facts? Murasaki was just worried she'll regret her decisions.
Gabby may have realized what pain and humiliation he inflicted on her friend. She quickly whispered an apology, which Murasaki accepts with a small smile.
GABBY: So...sorry. I got carried away.
MURASAKI: It's okay.
...
Red saw how she slapped him. And felt worried that the guy may have offended her. He quickly stand up, ready to punch him in the face, when Humility intervenes.
HUMILITY: You can go there, but if you punch him, I'll punch you back.
Red looks at his friend in great disbelief.
RED: You're siding with that guy? Who made Gabby slap him for God knows what reason?
HUMILITY: If you punch him, it won't make things any better. Now just let go and calmly approach them. Get Gabby, then done.
RED: Yeah, whatever.
...
Red quickly approaches the two, whilst trying to have his rage hidden deep, or else things wouldn't be so good.
GABBY: Oh, Red. Uh, want to check the third floor?
RED: Yeah.
He holds her hand tightly, then stared at Murasaki as a warning.
Murasaki didn't look scared at all, which made the reaper more pissed.
MURASAKI: Gabby...I...
GABBY: Well, you can still hang out with us.
MURASAKI: Yeah...hey I'm sorry aga-
GABBY: Just forget about it.
MURASAKI: Okay.
...
The whole trip felt a little awkward and tensed between the two friends. Gabby felt like he wasn't the guy she's most comfortable with anymore. While Murasaki felt regretful of even telling her. Now he's not even sure if they're good friends anymore.
How did Red won her heart so easily?
...
Gabby looks at the anime figurines around her. She felt overwhelmed. Naruto, Bleach, Kamisama Kiss, One Punch Man, MHA, Deathnote, Attack on Titan, Hunter x Hunter, they were all there. She squeeled like a little girl and began buying items. One per anime anime fandom that she considers as her favorites.
She began talking about each character to Red, and Red only smiles, not being able to contribute to their conversation. And looking like an awkward mess, not to mention, still as a rock next to her.
Murasaki pities Gabby, as she looks like an idiot explaining in full detail who the characters are. Meanwhile if they were to converse, perhaps their conversation would have made more sense and fun.
He looks at a certain figurine. Red blood cell from Cells at Work that lowkey looks like Gabby.
He smiles then decided to pick it up.
MURASAKI: I'll buy this for myself, then.
...
Carrie was so amazed by the beautiful anime costumes present on one stall.
CARRIE: Humility! I bet I look good in this one!
Humility only smiles and puts an arm around her.
HUMILITY: Okay. You can take that home and I'll pay for it with their currency.
CARRIE: You're the best!
Carrie grabbed a black ninja outfit and gives Humility a peck as a thank you. Humility felt like he's floating in space after her sudden move.
Murasaki sees the sweet gesture between the two, then decided to tease Gabby about it. Red was at the counter so he had a chance to converse with her.
MURASAKI: Humility got a kiss, see?
GABBY: Oh yeah. They look sweet. Carrie is bold, and Humility is shy. Pretty adorable, right?
MURASAKI: Yep. I bet Red would love to have one too.
GABBY: Are you for reals? First, you wanted me to break up with him, and now you're acting quite supportive?
MURASAKI: I just wanted to know if you two are really a thing.
GABBY: So you don't believe me?
MURASAKI: You can say that again.
GABBY: Hmph.
MURASAKI: Come on, kiss him if you really are a thing. If not, then you're not a thing.
GABBY: Excuse me?
MURASAKI: You heard me. If you can't do it, then he never lets you. Equals, he doesn't love you.
GABBY: Okay, fine! Fine!
...
Red paid for Gabby's purchases successfully, the bag seems a little heavy now but he don't mind. He smiles after realizing how happy she was as he approaches. He feels like teasing that Murasaki guy again.
But suddenly Gabby leans in.
RED: What are you doing?
She gives him a peck on the cheek which immediately took him by surprise.
RED: Whoah, whoah, what made you do that?
Gabby felt mortified, it was obvious they haven't done it before, and Murasaki is laughing to himself at the background.
MURASAKI: You call that a kiss?
For real, Gab?