[probably good they don't notice each other right away or else there's a likely chance sizhui might not've realized the differences. he's so used to seeing jingyi in his lan robes or, now that they've somewhat adapted to horrortown life, something modernish, it doesn't dawn on him right away that they'd shown up to this party in costumes.
not until he upturns his attention and sees his friend stumbling toward him, still decked out in his amazing tree outfit with bloodied hands reaching toward him. (the getup had been so perfect before all the madness began, now it just adds to the terror.)
he backpedals another step, raises his own arms and holds them out in front of himself.] Jingyi, no, I-I don't want to hurt you...
[even though sizhui knows he wouldn't, not unless he wasn't in full control of his own actions. nevertheless, he shifts further away, trembling and sobbing softly while wrapping both arms tight around himself, like it will keep him from hurting anyone else.] Please, I didn't— I couldn't have—! [no, he couldn't, and that's why it's absurd to consider.]
he's pANICKING
not until he upturns his attention and sees his friend stumbling toward him, still decked out in his amazing tree outfit with bloodied hands reaching toward him. (the getup had been so perfect before all the madness began, now it just adds to the terror.)
he backpedals another step, raises his own arms and holds them out in front of himself.] Jingyi, no, I-I don't want to hurt you...
[even though sizhui knows he wouldn't, not unless he wasn't in full control of his own actions. nevertheless, he shifts further away, trembling and sobbing softly while wrapping both arms tight around himself, like it will keep him from hurting anyone else.] Please, I didn't— I couldn't have—! [no, he couldn't, and that's why it's absurd to consider.]