[ it's easy enough to recognise Fukawa Toko from her photo on their knock-off Tinder profiles, and maybe Rudbeckia should steer clear once she does put a name to the face—but this party is the best opportunity for her to properly assess everyone in their group of new Restless arrivals. Fukawa, in particular, is someone she needs a better read on after their disastrous conversation. in Ruby's experience, girls can be unpredictable in their hatred: she's suffered the petty high school bullying and the sincerely life-ruining sabotage both. at this point, Fukawa could commit either, and it's something she needs to be able to anticipate.

so, no matter how reluctantly, she slides into the seat across from the girl at the feast, with a bright and friendly expression on her face. ]

I'm sure it's safe, signorina... [ her tone is light, innocent—very deliberately not chiding her in the least. ] The food is for everyone, after all.

[ she says that, but there's no food in front of her. the only thing she's brought is a small glass of whiskey that was pushed into her hands by an overeager vendor. and fuck it, she's dead, right? why shouldn't she drink a little, just as long as she's still aware of her surroundings. ]

I don't think I actually know anyone with a poison tester?