purpli writes

Unsurprisingly, it was the group chat with Ann and Ryuji. Akira had figured he would hear from them soon into the day.

ryuji: this isnt good

ryuji: guys?

ryuji: is anyone up

ryuji: hello?

ryuji: it isnt only my life on the line here!

ryuji: wake up

ryuji: wake up

ryuji: wake up

ann: WILL YOU SHUT UP?

ann: so today’s the big day huh?

ryuji: ann i dont want to get expelled

ann: please shut up

ann: it’s too early.

ryuji: guys we are so effin dead

ryuji: we are so so dead

akira: no we aren’t.

ann: yeah we’ll be fine

ryuji: its easy for you to say that

ryuji: youre not the one getting expelled today

akira: none of us are getting expelled ryuji.

ann: we’ve done everything according to plan

ann: there’s no way this can fail!

akira: yeah, we’ll be fine.

ryuji: but we cant be sure

akira: we’ll.

akira: be.

akira: fine.

ann: yep!

Akira frowned as he shut off his phone, rubbing his eyes once again. Ryuji’s fears weren’t unfounded. In fact, it was probably the most normal thing about their situation.

“Are you ready?” Morgana asked, staring at Akira worriedly. “Today’s the day, y’know.”

“I’m fine,” Akira said. “It’s a bit scary to just wait, but everything is going to fine.”

It just has to be, Akira thought. If it doesn’t… well that’s it, isn’t it?

“You don’t seem too sure,” Morgana said, tilting his head.

“I am,” Akira countered, turning to change. “Just tired, that’s all.”

Morgana sighed loudly but didn’t say anything more on the matter.

Some lies weren’t worth the trouble of uncovering them. Not that Akira would complain about Morgana’s newfound policy.

After getting dressed, Akira went downstairs with Morgana in tow. Sojiro had apparently just arrived.

“You hungry, kid?” Sojiro asked, staring at Akira. “You’ll have enough time for breakfast if you eat now.”

“No,” Akira said quickly. “I’m not really that hungry.”

Sojiro frowned. “Are you sure?”

Akira nodded.

“Make sure you flip the sign to open on your way out,” Sojiro said, turning away.

Akira turned away, making his way towards Leblanc’s door.

He didn’t understand why Sojiro seemed so disappointed in how he had skipped breakfast.

His only guess was quickly brushed off as he turned the sign, marking the cafe as open.

If his own parents hadn’t cared enough, he doubted that Sojiro would, no matter what kind of person Sojiro was.

It just wouldn’t make sense.

Going through the motions of the school day was nerve-wracking, although Akira barely showed it.

Or at least he hoped that he seemed calm.

He was grateful when it was finally time for the assembly, as he had figured that was the do or die moment.

Who thought that the most important thing in my academic career would be a school assembly and not an exam… Akira thought, trying to find humor. I guess life isn’t easy to predict.

Akira and Ann found each other in the hallway while their class walked to the assembly, both looking a little grim.

“This is a bit scary,” Ann whispered. “Especially since we have no clue what this is going to be about.”

“We can guess, can’t we?” Akira asked, gripping his backpack a bit tighter.

“If it was just about Kamoshida I doubt the school would call an assembly,” Ann said shaking her head. “They like to sweep his behavior under a rug.”

Akira nodded, frowning as they finally reached their destination. “Out of the frying pan into the fire, it seems.”

“Hopefully it isn’t anything like that,” Ann said before going in.

Akira and Ann separated, with Ann going towards the front and Akira lingering towards the back.

Principal Kobayakawa stood awkwardly on the platform, adjusting his shirt every few seconds.

Whatever he was about to say, Akira was sure he didn’t want to say it.

After a few minutes of waiting it seemed that the assembly was finally about to begin. Akira tried to ignore the fear that clawed up his chest.

“Hello everyone,” Kobayakawa began. “As you all may know our school has recently been victim to a tragedy.”

“However despite the circumstances, we have been informed that the student in question will make a full recovery over time.”

“We will move forward from this tragedy by putting our best foot forward.”

Kobayakawa paused for a second, most likely to continue his speech on morale, but he never got the chance.

The door closest to Akira opened with a bang, revealing Kamoshida behind it.

The man had looked different, Akira realized. As if he had seemed sorry instead of smug. The thought was a little jarring, but Akira simply tried to ignore it.

“I have been reborn,” Kamoshida began, a bit out of breath. “I have… a lot to confess to you all.”

Kamoshida slowly shambled to the stage, the walk a bit lackluster for a former Olympic medalist.

“I have done things unspeakable as a teacher,” Kamoshida said. “I viewed this school as my castle and I was right to do anything I saw fit.”

“I treated the volleyball team terribly,” Kamoshida continued. “I would continuously abuse them until they gave me the results I wanted.”

“Mister Kamoshida,” Kobayakawa said hurriedly. “Please get off the stage!”

“And to the female students I was no better,” Kamoshida said, ignoring Kobayakawa’s attempts to get him off the stage. “I sexually harassed them despite their repeated attempts to tell me no.”

“I am the reason that Suzui attempted to kill herself,” Kamoshida said. “And when students attempted to call me out on it I saw it fit to have them expelled.”

“I will of course rescind the request of their expulsion,” Kamoshida finished.

Kamoshida then went on his knees and started sobbing, confusing the student body even more.

“I am a shameful person,” Kamoshida said, barely comprehensible. “I am the scum of this very earth.”

“There’s no punishment worthy of me,” Kamoshida continued. “The only way I could ever think of repenting is by killing myself.”

“Yes, that’s the only punishment that would be fair!” Kamoshida cried out. “I will die in order to repent for my sins!”

“What, are you a coward or something?!” Ann yelled out, surprising everyone around her. “Shiho didn’t have a choice about whether or not to jump but you do.”

“You need to live to serve out a sentence,” Ann continued. “Otherwise you’ll just be running away from your crimes!”

“You’re right,” Kamoshida muttered. “I need to live to see this through. Only then will I receive proper punishment.”

“Could it be the rumors were true?” a student near Akira whispered. “He really was doing all that stuff…?”

“Doesn’t that mean that the Phantom Thieves are also real…?” another student whispered. “Because there’s no way he’d just confess to that stuff right?”

“Don’t be stupid, he probably was just caught,” a student hissed. “There’s no way something like ‘stealing hearts’ could really happen.”

“I guess you’re right…”

“Please everyone, calm down!” Kobayakawa yelled, trying to regain control. “And can someone get Mister Kamoshida out of here?!”

“Jesus,” Ryuji muttered, shaking his head. “That really happened, didn’t it?”

“I guess it worked,” Akira said.

“That’s a relief, isn’t it?” Ann asked. “His heart really changed so we don’t have to worry!”

“Yeah, I guess,” Akira said.

Did we really do the ‘right’ thing…? Akira thought. It’s not like he would’ve confessed on his own.

“I mean, I’m glad it worked and everything,” Ryuji said. “But still to believe he would’ve never confessed without us intervenin’ is effed up.”

“We were forced,” Ann said. “And it’s not like that asshole deserved any better.”

Before Akira or Ryuji could say anything else, Mishima and a few other students came up to the group.

“We’re sorry, Ann-chan for believing the rumors so easily,” the girl behind Mishima said. “Please forgive us!”

“Huh…?” Ann said.

“The rumors about you willingly being with Mister Kamoshida,” another girl explained. “Please forgive us!”

“It’s fine…” Ann said hesitantly. “It’s all in the past, right?”

“No matter what we do now, it’s already happened,” Ann finished. “It’s best not to worry too much about it.”

“Thank you, Ann-chan!” The group said, smiling brightly before walking off.

“Mishima, you’re not leaving yet?” Ryuji asked.

“I really owe you guys one, don’t I?” Mishima asked. “I mean, you had no reason to help someone like me…”

“What are you talking about?” Ryuji asked.

“I revealed Kurusu’s criminal record!” Mishima yelled. “And yet you guys still decided to help me…”

“I won’t forget that I promise.”

“I’m a bit confused,” Akira said. “But, if you’re feeling guilty about the record thing, don’t be.”

“I doubt that Kamoshida gave you much of a choice.”

“Yeah, Mishima, don’t worry about it too much,” Ryuji said. “We’re all good now, so it’s no sweat.”

Mishima apologized a bit more before leaving the group alone once again.

“That was… weird,” Ann said, twirling her hair. “I never knew he could be like that.”

“Enough about him,” Morgana said, popping out of Akira’s bag. “Is there anywhere private we can meet up to freely discuss?”

“Woah, I forgot you were even here,” Ryuji said.

“Hey! I’m an integral part of the team!”

“Maybe we should discuss this at the rooftop…?” Ann asked. “Unless Ryuji wants to look like an idiot arguing with a cat.”

“Lady Ann! I’m not a cat!”

“To the rooftop it is, then,” Akira said, pushing Morgana into his bag.

Once the group had arrived back onto the rooftop, the fighting between Morgana and Ryuji continued.

“I seriously don’t understand how you could just forget about me!” Morgana yelled, glaring at Ryuji. “I’m really important, y’know.”

‘Yeah yeah,” Ryuji said looking away. “But dude, you’re also a cat.”

“No, I’m not!”

“Yes, you are!”

“Guys guys we get it already,” Ann said, rolling her eyes. “But we can talk about something important now?”

“As soon as this idiot admits I’m not a cat!” Morgana said.

“Well, that’s not going to happen,” Ryuji said. “Because you totally are.”

“Guys,” Akira said. “This is nice and all, but I don’t think now is the time.”

“You guys can fight later,” Ann agreed. “But we have to talk about what happened with Kamoshida.”

“Well from what we’ve just witnessed, as long as the shadow isn’t destroyed by us then taking the treasure holds no risk to them,” Morgana said. “As long as we’re careful, everything should go fine.”

“So you mean we could get people to confess?” Ryuji asked. “Without killing ‘em?”

“In theory yes,” Morgana said. “It worked well for Kamoshida, didn’t it?”

“Guys, I’m glad you aren’t fighting, but maybe keep it down?” Ann said. “We’re still in a public place.”

“Sorry,” Ryuji whined. “But it’s not like anyone ever comes up here in the first place!”

“They could with how much noise you’re making!” Ann rebuffed.

“Anyways,” Akira said. “Is it true that Shiho’s going to make a full recovery?”

“Apparently,” Ann said, twisting her hair. “I mean, we can’t be sure just yet, but it’s Shiho so she’s going to be fine!”

“But…” Ann said, trailing off for a moment. “She’s not conscious for too long, but anything’s better than nothing, right?”

“Yeah,” Akira agreed. “She’ll improve in no time.”

“Well, didja get to talk to her?” Ryuji asked. “To find out why she… y’know…”

“Jeez, can’t you have any tact?!” Ann complained. “But yeah, I did.”

“What a pair of idiots we made,” Ann continued. “She found out about my ‘deal’ with Kamoshida… and I guess she just had enough of it.”

“So you were both trying to protect each other, huh,” Akira said. “You’re both good for each other, it seems.”

“Yeah,” Ann agreed. “Still, if we had only just… I don’t know…”

“It’s tough, yeah, but you can’t blame yourself for Suzui’s actions,” Ryuji said. “If anyone’s to blame it’s that bastard Kamoshida.”

“Yeah, it isn’t your fault Lady Ann!” Morgana added. “You did everything you could’ve!”

“And you know what’s even worse?” Ann asked. “Shiho’s mom is thinking about transferring her to a new school.”

“Damn,” Ryuji said. “That’s… got to be rough.”

“But it’s probably for the best,” Ann said. “Considering the reputation she has over here.”

“She’ll be fine,” Akira said, smiling slightly. “She has you to back her up, doesn’t she?”

“Of course she does,” Ann said. “It still just… sucks.”

“It’ll get better, Ann,” Akira said. “You’ve just got to be patient now.”

“Speaking of getting better,” Morgana said. “We’ve still got the treasure, don’t we?”

“Ohh yeah, we do!” Ryuji said. “What are we gonna do with it?”

Akira pulled out the olympic medal and placed it on the table. “We should probably sell it, shouldn’t we?”

“But how are we deciding shares?” Ryuji asked. “We all played an equal part, right?”

“We should split it, but…” Ann began. “I get to have Ryuji’s share.”

“Huh?!” Ryuji yelled. “What gives you the right?!”

“You owe me, that’s what.”

“What?! How?!”

“I lent you money,” Ann said, twirling her hair once again. “You never paid it back, so…”

“It’s got to be worth lots in interest at this point, right?”

“That ain’t fair!” Ryuji yelled. “You’ve already paid yourself back by now!”

“That doesn’t count,” Ann said. “You’ve got to pay back what you owe, y’know.”

“I think it’s best if we decide it later…” Morgana said. “I’ve got to take Akira to where we’ll sell it first.”

“I’m selling it?” Akira asked.

“Yeah,” Morgana said, stretching slightly. “It doesn’t look like those two are going to be done arguing anytime soon.”

Akira sighed, grabbing the medal once more.

It seemed they weren’t done with the drama of Kamoshida just yet.

This isn’t too bad at least, Akira thought. Although who knows where Morgana wants to sell this medal.

Akira and Morgana awkwardly defused themselves from the argument between Ann and Ryuji, quickly making their way back to Leblanc.

Once Akira was in the safety of the cafe, he texted the group chat, a little too curious about what Ryuji had even borrowed money from Ann for.

akira: so guys, how was dying today?

akira: i liked the part where the change of heart happened and we didn’t die.

ryuji: hey!

ryuji: it couldve not worked

ryuji: my fears were valid

ann: um… the fact that it did work

ann: proves your fears werent valid???

akira: anyways, i want to know what ryuji owes ann so much money for.

akira: did you buy a house or something.

ryuji: i bought something for my mom

ryuji: on a field trip

ann: not my fault that you didn’t have enough money!

ryuji: it was only 500 yen

ann: yeah but think of the interest…

ann: i could’ve bought so much candy with that.

ann: so really im doing you a favor

akira: maybe i’ll just keep the money.

akira: split it with morgana if i’m feeling generous.

ann: you can’t do that!

ryuji: thats unfair!

akira: i’m joking.

akira: we’ll figure out something.

“You look happy today,” Sojiro said once Akira turned off his phone. “Anything interesting happen?”

“Nope,” Akira said, shrugging. “A normal day, all things considered.”

“Alright then,” Sojiro said, not looking the slightest bit convinced. “Whatever you say.”

“You really believe that a delinquent student can’t live a normal life?” Akira asked, letting Morgana out of his bag when he saw there were no customers.

“Considering that it’s you we’re talking about?” Sojiro asked, smiling slightly. “You’ll have to forgive my skepticism.”

Akira smiled. “I don’t think I’m getting a fair chance here.”

“Maybe not,” Sojiro agreed. “But it’s not like you have any other choice.”

“Guess not,” Akira said. “You don’t mind if this ‘delinquent’ studies, do you?”

“As long as you close up,” Sojiro said. “You’re free to do whatever you want as long as you don’t burn down the cafe.”

“I’ll try my hardest,” Akira promised.

Sojiro just sighed.

Maybe he had looked the tiniest bit fond.

Once Sojiro left, Akira pulled out a textbook ready to study earnestly.

After a particularly hard problem, Akira had paused, chewing on his pen slightly. “So, where are you dragging me to sell the medal, Morgana?” “You know that fake gun store that Ryuji dragged us to?” Morgana asked. “We’re going there.”

“Untouchable?” Akira asked. “You think he’ll buy the medal?”

“He gives off that sort of vibe,” Morgana said. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“You can’t just start judging people based on what ‘vibe’ they give off,” Akira said, turning his attention back to studying. “You give off a cat vibe, yet you claim to not be a cat.”

“I’m not a cat!”

“Sure.”

5/3, Tuesday:

When Akira woke up the next morning, all he could feel was relief. He hadn’t noticed before, but the weight of expulsion had worn heavily on him. Now that Kamoshida was gone for good, Akira could breathe again.

“You look different,” Morgana grumbled. “Have a good dream or something?”

“Something like that,” Akira said. “Didn’t mean to wake you up.”

“It’s fine,” Morgana said. “I probably wouldn’t have slept for much longer.”

“But be more careful next time!”

“I’ll try.”

After Akira changed into his daily clothes, he went downstairs to see Sojiro waiting for him.

“Kid, just the person I was hoping to see,” Sojiro said, staring Akira down. “I’m going to need you to do some chores around here.”

“Huh?” Morgana asked from the bag. “You can’t be doing chores, you have to sell the medal!”

“Can I do them when I get back?” Akira asked.

“No can do,” Sojiro said. “You’ll be helping me for the day.”

Akira sighed. “Alright, then.”

“Don’t look too sad about it, kid.”

After changing into an apron, Akira had begun to help Sojiro. He didn’t make any coffee, but he cleaned the dishes.

Morgana was stuck upstairs, thankfully silent, leaving Akira alone with his thoughts and the occasional small talk from Sojiro.

Before long, the T.V. blared to life, bringing with it apparent breaking news. Akira had tuned in just enough to hear about Kamoshida.

I wondered if he was turned in or if he turned himself in… Akira thought. Both are possible with the way he was acting.

“That’s from your school isn’t it?” Sojiro asked, staring at the T.V. worriedly.

“I guess so,” Akira said. “I’m not really paying attention to it.”

Sojiro frowned. “Get back to work.”

Akira nodded, continuing to wash dishes.

I guess if I wanted any more confirmation that’s as good as anything, Akira thought. That’s the final nail in the coffin.

After a bit longer of doing work in the cafe, it had seemed that Sojiro had finally taken pity on him.

Or at least he’d taken pity on Morgana.

“You can’t just leave your cat alone for so long,” Sojiro sighed. “At least not when you’re right here.”

“I’m sure he’s fine,” Akira said, putting away a recently cleaned dish. “He’s spent longer on his own.”

“It still isn’t good to just leave him!” Sojiro said. “Jeez kid, you should really care more about your cat.”

Akira smiled slightly. “I’m sure he’d be touched that you care so much about him.”

Sojiro frowned, crossing his arms slightly.

Akira wasn’t exactly sure what Sojiro was trying to get across.

“Do… you want me to go check on him?” Akira asked. “Don’t you need help around here?”

“I’m sure I’ll manage without your help,” Sojiro said. “Go check up on your damn cat already.”

Akira wasn’t one to question a break when he was given it, so he had quickly gotten out of his apron and went up into the attic.

Unsurprisingly, Akira found Morgana on the bed, sleeping peacefully.

Like I said, he didn’t mind even the slightest bit, Akira thought. At least Boss was worried about him…

Huh, if anyone here has gained Boss’s favor it’s Morgana, Akira thought. Must have a weakness for cute things.

“Hey Mona,” Akira said softly, shaking the cat. “It’s time to wake up.”

Morgana groaned, mumbling something about five more minutes. Akira just rolled his eyes. If he was going to spend time with Morgana he’d rather if the cat was awake.

“You’ve been sleeping the whole day,” Akira continued. “Are you sure you aren’t a cat after all?”

“Huh…?” Morgana mumbled. “What are you talking about… of course I’m a human…!”

Akira found that Morgana’s protests weren’t as effective under a layer of sleep, but at least he kept to his story about not being a cat.

“I don’t know… usually only cats sleep this long,” Akira said. “Are you really so sure?”

“Of course I’m sure!” Morgana said, more alert. “How could you ever think I’m a cat?”

He… can’t be serious, can he? Akira thought.

“I don’t know,” Akira decided to say. “Just a strange guess, I suppose.”

“Well you can be sure of it now!” Morgana said. “Especially since we’ll be phantom thieving with each other from now on!”

“We’re continuing?” Akira asked. “Are you really sure?”

And also… is that a word?

“Huh?” Morgana said. “Why wouldn’t we be?”

“I mean, just don’t you think it’s a bit weird for us to be planning another heist?” Akira said. “We didn’t really have a choice for Kamoshida, but it isn’t everyday you run into someone like him.”

“Yeah, but like I’ve been saying, not everyone has a palace,” Morgana said. “It’s only the people who have distorted desires…”

“And at that point we might even be doing them a favor!”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Akira said, going to pet Morgana. “But we should probably ask the others before we do anything.”

“I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to go against anything like Kamoshida with just the two of us,” Akira said. “I don’t think that’d bode well.”

“I’m sure Lady Ann and Ryuji will want to join us,” Morgana said. “They seemed pretty excited about Kamoshida’s change of heart.”

“But that can’t be the only thing on your mind,” Morgana continued. “You seemed a bit hesitant about the change of heart before…”

“But, now that’s it over with, do you still have any issues?”

“I’m not sure,” Akira admitted. “On one hand we did what we had to do, but still, forcibly changing someone like that…”

“Kamoshida wouldn’t have changed, and the situation wouldn’t have as well,” Akira finished. “But even so, it just puts a sour taste in my mouth.”

“Kamoshida wasn’t a good person,” Morgana said. “Most people who have palaces won’t be either.”

“Sometimes there’s only so much a person can do without resorting to something more drastic,” Morgana continued. “But I guess it’s good to have doubts, even if they were a bit annoying at first.”

“People with palaces won’t change on their own, and the change we bring should be for the better,” Morgana finished. “So you can’t just back out now, alright?”

“I wasn’t thinking about it,” Akira said. “I’ll learn to live with it.”

“Plus it isn’t so bad,” Akira admitted. “We’ll be making a change, won’t we?”

“Hopefully, yeah,” Morgana agreed.

“Then I’ll be fine,” Akira said. “Doing this is better than doing nothing.”

“That’s the spirit,” Morgana said. “Which is good for you too, because we still have a deal!”

“Mona, you’re part of the team, isn’t that enough?” Akira teased.

“Hey! You have to help me become human again,” Morgana yelled. “It wouldn’t be fair otherwise, y’know!”

“Human… again,” Akira repeated. “Denial is hard to get over, isn’t it?”

“You’re not funny!”

“I think I’m hilarious.”

After a few more minutes of aimless bickering, Akira heard the chime of Leblanc’s door ring one final time.

Akira faintly heard what he believed to be a sigh of relief before he heard his name called. “You and your cat can come down now.”

Both Akira and Morgana went downstairs, with Morgana in his usual spot in Akira’s bag.

“So, was he lonely?” Sojiro asked, staring at Morgana.

“I don’t know,” Akira said. “I did spend my time talking to him, so I sure hope not.”

“You talked to him… that entire time,” Sojiro said, staring at Akira blankly.

“Yep,” Akira said. “We had an interesting conversation.”

“Well kid, you should probably look for another career,” Sojiro said, turning his attention to a dirty cup. “Comedy is not your strong suit.”

I don’t think telling him I’m being serious would do me any favors… Akira thought. Sorry Morgana, looks like to Sojiro you’re just a normal cat after all.

“Hey, you should probably tell the others that you weren’t able to sell the medal today,” Morgana said. “No need for them to be excited over nothing.”

“They might just get more worked up,” Akira said. “But I’ll let them know, just in case.”

“You’re really talking to your cat, huh,” Sojiro said.

akira: hey guys, wasn’t able to sell the medal today.

akira: had chores.

akira: don’t be too angry.

ann: when are you going to sell it?

ann: i think i have an idea on what to do with the money

ryuji: if its just taking my share

ryuji: im not interested

ann: your share is my share

ann: and it’s nothing like that!

ann: we’ll all be getting equal benefit out of this!

ann: hopefully.

akira: i’ll be selling it tomorrow.

akira: hopefully.

akira: and as long as it’s just ryuji’s share going to ann, that’s fine.

ryuji: dude!

ryuji: what the eff

akira: sorry ryuji, but there’s not much i can do.

akira: you are in debt.

ryuji: it doesnt count!

“Of course he would say something like that,” Morgana huffed. “Doesn’t he know that any money he owes to Lady Ann should be paid as soon as possible?”

“I think in general it’s a good rule to pay off any debts,” Akira said. “Not just to Ann.”

“But especially to Lady Ann!”

akira: morgana says to pay off your debts soon, ryuji.

ryuji: apparently i dont get an effing choice

ryuji: dumb cat

“When will that idiot learn that I’m not a cat!” Morgana complained.

“Probably never,” Akira admitted, turning off his phone. “But that’s why we love him, right?”

“Speak for yourself.”

“Anyways,” Akira said. “You can probably lock up now, Boss.”

“Oh? You’re not planning on doing anything?” Sojiro asked. “I’m surprised.”

“The most I’ll be doing is studying,” Akira said. “Have to be a good student and all, right?”

“Somehow, when you say that it isn’t comforting in the slightest,” Sojiro said. “But I’ll leave this place to you.”

Akira grabbed his books, sitting in the middle booth with Morgana watching.

“Don’t go to bed too late now,” Sojiro said, going towards the door. “I’m not going to wake you up if you sleep the day away.”

“Alright, I won’t, “ Akira promised, beginning to get ready to work on the material.

Once Morgana was sure that Sojiro was gone, he began to complain in earnest. “Jeez, all you do is study.”

“Is there really anything else to do?” Akira asked, looking away from the book. “There isn’t exactly much near Leblanc.”

“I’ll show you tomorrow what you can do,” Morgana said. “Might as well study now since you started.”

Akira nodded, finally beginning to study.

There’s a lot planned… even now, Akira thought. I suppose that I should get used to it…

It isn’t so bad to be constantly busy, Akira thought. At least I’m never bored…?

Eh, I’ll think of something eventually.

5/4, Wednesday:

“Wake up,” a voice hissed into Akira’s ear. “You can’t spend the whole day sleeping, we have things to do!”

Akira groaned, furthering himself into his pillow. “Can’t I have five more minutes?”

“You’ve been asking for five more minutes the past four times!” the voice responded. “Enough is enough!”

“...Have I?” Akira asked. “I don’t remember.”

“That doesn’t matter!” the voice said. “You need to wake up now!”

Akira sighed, slowly opening his eyes. “Morgana, there’s got to be an easier way to do that.”

“Well maybe I would’ve been kinder if you had actually woken up the first time,” Morgana said. “Jeez, it’s bad when I wake up before you.”

“Well, what’s the big rush for today?” Akira said, rubbing at his eyes. “Is something big happening?”

“Well, you promised to sell the medal today, didn’t you?” Morgana asked. “We should probably at least try to get it done.”

“Yeah,” Akira agreed. “But why’d you wake me up so early?”

“It’s not early!” Morgana said. “It’s a normal time to wake up, actually.”

“Sure,” Akira sighed, grabbing at his phone. “I’ll let the group know that it seems I’ll be selling the medal today.”

akira: getting abused by morgana.

akira: woke me up just to tell me to sell the medal.

akira: a cruel world we do live in.

ann: that sucks

ann: maybe you could take a nap if you’re still tired?

ann: idk you probably should’ve been up by now tho.

akira: yeah, but it still sucks to be woken up.

akira: could’ve been having a good dream.

akira: now it’s gone.

ryuji: if youre having such a problem with the cat

ryuji: just throw him out

ann: ryuji wtf.

“Hey!” Morgana said, staring at the phone. “You can’t just let him get away with that!”

“Get away with what…?”

“Trying to get you to throw me out!” Morgana said. “How would he like it?!”

ann: you cant just be mean to mona!

ryuji: what is that cat going to do right now?

ryuji: he cant exactly text

akira: he can complain.

akira: i’m supposed to be fighting for him.

ryuji: dude whats he gonna do to you?

ryuji: hes a cat

akira: cats. have. claws.

akira: not a pleasant experience, ryuji.

ryuji: get him declawed man

ryuji: then he wont be able to do anything

akira: that’s something you do to cats.

ryuji: yeah

akira: i feel like i don’t have to tell you where this is going.

ann: that’d be really messed up.

“Gah, that idiot is such an asshole!” Morgana said. “Why does he think he can get away with saying stuff like that?!”

“Probably because you can’t text back,” Akira said. “I can send a message for you.”

“Tell him to watch out,” Morgana said. “Next time I see him he’ll be sure to regret it.”

akira: morgana said: watch out.

akira: he’s going to kill you.

ryuji: im so scared

ann: you say that now but you will be scared when mona comes at you.

ann: good luck!

akira: yeah, you’re on your own ryuji.

ryuji: its not like he can do anything to me anyways

akira: thats what he wants you to think.

ryuji: whos side are you on anyways?

akira: the winning one.

“Well, seems like you and Ryuji are getting along just fine,” Akira said, turning off his phone. “Some real comradery.”

“He started it!”

“I don’t think you’re exactly a saint in this situation, no matter who started it.”

“Well you should side with the victim!” Morgana said. “And it’s obviously me!”

Akira stared blankly at Morgana.

“Hey! Don’t give me that look.”

“Let’s just get ready to go to Untouchable,” Akira said. “The sooner the better, right.”

“Hey, don’t avoid picking a side!”

Akira changed quickly into his everyday wear, ignoring Morgana’s questions about whose side Akira was on.

Being honest with the cat wouldn’t have went well, as Akira could see that both of them were in the wrong.

He doesn’t really want to know where I stand, he just wants me to agree with him… Akira thought. I really don’t need to get into a fight with him over this.

When Akira went downstairs with Morgana in his back, still questioning him, Sojiro sent him an odd look.

“Get into a fight with your cat?” Sojiro asked.

“Something like that,” Akira said.

“Answer the question!” Morgana yowled. “Who’s in the wrong here, Ryuji or me?!”

Akira shook his head. “I’ll be back later, Boss, I have to go do some errands.”

“What errands could you possibly have?” Sojiro asked, looking a bit suspicious.

Before Akira could respond, a gray haired woman entered the cafe. From the way she carried herself, Akira couldn’t help but be the slightest bit intimidated.

It seemed Morgana felt similar as he had finally quieted down.

Or maybe he had just gotten tired.

“Am I interrupting something?” the woman asked, staring down at both Sojiro and Akira.

“Not at all,” Sojiro answered. “Take a seat.”

The woman sat down, frowning slightly. “The recent cases, mental shutdowns are really something, aren’t they?”

“Someone losing control and harming people,” the woman continued. “That’s certainly concerning, isn’t it?”

She’s… talking about the mental shutdowns? Akira thought. She can’t possibly be here for just coffee, can she?

“Ignoring that,” Sojiro said. “What can I get you to drink?”

“I’ll have the house blend, please,” the woman said after a short pause.

Akira felt frozen in place. Leaving now would seem a bit odd, and he also felt that he could get information out of her.

“Anyways, you’re a part timer, aren’t you?” the woman asked. “Which is shocking, I didn’t think this place could afford one.”

“I’m not exactly a part timer,” Akira said awkwardly. “Sakura-san is my guardian for this year.”

“Oh, that would make more sense,” the woman said. “I suppose you would attend a school around this area?”

“Yes,” Akira said. “Shujin Academy.”

“Oh? I know someone that goes there,” the woman said. “I believe there was another strange incident there recently.”

“Kamoshida… or someone by that name went through a strange ‘change of heart’, was it not?”

“That’s correct.”

“Ah, well I’m sure it’ll all be solved soon,” the woman said. “Is my drink finished yet?”

“Coming right up,” Sojiro said quickly.

The atmosphere was tense. If Akira was going to make his escape, he'd have to make it now.

Perhaps he felt a little guilty leaving Sojiro to be questioned by the woman, but he didn’t want any unneeded attention on himself.

After quickly leaving Leblanc, Akira sighed in relief.

“That woman,” Morgana said. “She sure asked a lot of questions, didn’t she?”

“Yeah,” Akira agreed. “She sure seemed to be on a mission of some sort.”

“I wonder why she came to Leblanc,” Morgana said. “Maybe she suspects Boss of something?”

“I don’t know if we want to find out,” Akira said. “We have enough on our plate for today, anyway.”

Yet somehow, even if I try to actively avoid her… I get the feeling I’ll be seeing a lot of her soon. Akira thought. There’s really never a dull moment around here, is there?

“You’re right!” Morgana said. “Let’s sell the medal and reap the reward!”

“That’s the spirit,” Akira smiled. “Let’s see how much crime pays.”

When Akira arrived at Untouchable, he suddenly realized he didn’t have much of a plan.

How exactly was he supposed to realistically sell an olympic medal? The only way he would’ve been able to acquire it was stealing.

Which, Akira supposed, wasn’t too far from the actual truth.

Faking confidence would be key, Akira decided. So he decided just to approach the owner head on, deciding that he didn’t have much to lose.

“I’d like to sell something,” Akira began, sliding the medal onto the counter. “How much will you take for this?”

The owner took one look at the medal before staring at Akira quizzically, “We don’t take fakes here, kid.”

“It’s not fake,” Akira insisted. “Please, just look at it?”

There goes the confidence.

The man looked at the medal a bit longer, eyes widening. “Where did you get this?”

Before Akira could answer, the man spoke again, “Nevermind, it’s probably best I don’t ask. I’ll pay 30,000 yen for this, though.”

“Works for me,” Akira said, taking the yen with ease.

“As a thanks for letting me buy this from ya,” the man continued. “Take this.”

Akira was handed a nondescript bag, which considering the circumstances wasn’t the most suspicious thing about the business deal.

“It’s probably best you don’t open that one, kid,” the man finished. “But be sure to bring it back here next time you come.”

That’s… not a good sign, is it? Akira thought. Really, anyone who would accept an olympic medal from a teenager probably isn’t the cleanest person to do deals with.

Oh well, really can’t complain.

“Alright,” Akira said, nodding as he adjusted his grip on the bag.

Before Akira could question anything more about the situation, two men came in. Similar to the woman, Akira could sense some sort of malicious intent from them.

The owner hadn’t looked the slightest bit surprised about their arrival and all Akira could do was question his impeccable bad timing.

“Munehisa Iwai,” the man closest to Akira began. “We would like to discuss some matters with you today.”

Oh no, Akira thought. This isn’t going to go well.

The men walked closer to the counter, while Akira walked past them to the door. Deciding to linger a bit, Akira listened into the conversation.

The other man began to speak. “You do know why we’re here today, correct?”

“I’m afraid, Detective-san,” the owner, now known as Munehisa, said, “that I don’t have a clue why you’re here.”

“Then you wouldn’t mind if we searched around here a little bit would you?” the original detective asked. “If you really have no clue.”

“An upstanding citizen is supposed to respect the law, correct?” Munehisa asked. “But I assure you I have nothing to hide, so you’re free to search as you wish.”

“Are you really sure the lead was legitimate?” the other detective said. “Because he seems pretty calm to me.”

“There’s got to be something here!” the original detective said, turning to face Akira. “You.”

Oh.

Akira stared blankly at the detective.

“What’s in that bag?” the detective asked.

It isn’t lying… if you’re not sure, is it? Akira thought. Really, how do I keep getting into these situations…?

“I’m not sure that’s any of your business,” Akira said.

“Kid’s right,” Munehisa said. “He’s a regular around here, I just bagged one of his purchases for him.”

The original detective glared at Akira.

“Well, there’s no use in questioning that,” the other detective said.

Akira nodded, “If there isn’t anything else, I’ll be leaving now.”

“Come back soon,” Munehisa said.

I’m not sure I want to be involved in this… Akira thought. But, this is the only source of weapons…

Akira left quickly, making some distance from Untouchable in just a few seconds.

“Jeez,” Morgana said, popping out of his bag. “I wonder what that was about.”

“Seems like we’re just running into trouble today,” Akira sighed. “Really, we can’t catch a break, can we?”

“Huh, but maybe something can come out of this,” Morgana said. “You should open the bag and see what the detectives were after!”

“That’s… a bad idea,” Akira said. “We’ll be returning this to him, and if this is what the detectives were after… well…”

“Ugh, I guess you’re right,” Morgana said. “But we should open it at some point!”

“I’ll think about it,” Akira said. “We should probably get back to Leblanc soon, don’t want Sojiro to be too worried.”

“You think he was fine with that woman?” Morgana asked.

“Probably,” Akira said, putting the strange bag into his bag. “He doesn’t have anything to hide.”

“What if he’s also a persona user…?”

“Wouldn’t he have been able to hear you?”

“You never know!”

When Akira arrived at Leblanc, it was thankfully clear of any customers. Akira had had enough of strangers for one day.

“Ah, you’re back,” Sojiro said, pausing his cleaning. “Did you get your errands done today?”

“Yep,” Akira said. “Was a pretty productive day, all things considered.”

“Hm,” Sojiro said. “You’ve been pretty comfortable so far, but you shouldn’t forget your situation.”

“It won’t be easy for you,” Sojiro continued. “But you should try to keep yourself out of trouble.”

“I will, Sakura-san,” Akira said. “You don’t need to worry about me too much.”

“Oh, back to being formal?” Sojiro asked. “Boss is fine, kid.”

Akira nodded. “Alright, Boss.”

“Anyways, I don’t mean to hold you up,” Sojiro said. “Go do whatever you usually do around here.”

“Hey,” Morgana said. “If you’re not planning on leaving Leblanc then you should probably make some infiltration tools.”

“You never know when you’ll need them,” Morgana finished. “Would be a good use of time.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Akira said. “As soon as you’re ready to leave, you can lock up, I won’t be going out tonight.”

“Alright,” Sojiro said. “Have fun talking to your cat, or whatever it is you do.”

“I’ll try,” Akira said, making his way up to the attic.

Huh, I should probably tell Ann and Ryuji that we’ve finally got the money.

akira: we’re 30,000 yen richer and one olympic medal poorer.

ann: oh? you sold it

ryuji: finally man

ryuji: but how we gonna split it?

ryuji: ann cant be seriously taking my share

ryuji: is she?

ann: don’t worry!

ann: you guys just need to trust me…

ann: i’ve got the perfect place to spend it

ann: we’ll be doing it tmrw

ann: so uh just wait until then

akira: sounds fine.

akira: hopefully it’ll live up to the suspense.

ann: duh

ryuji: i do get a fair share right

ann: of course!!!

ann: dont doubt me !

ryuji: sheesh just making sure

Once Akira turned off his phone, he went to his work desk where Morgana was patiently sitting.

“What are you going to try to make?” Morgana asked, licking at his paw.

“Probably a lockpick,” Akira said. “Those locked chests always seem to hold something good.”

“Good idea,” Morgana said. “You could probably make two with the time we have.”

Akira nodded, beginning the process of making the lockpicks.

“So,” Morgana said in an effort to break the silence. “What do you think is going to happen?”

“Huh?” Akira said, focusing on the almost complete lockpick in his hand. “What do you mean?”

“I mean.. do you think we’ll continue going to palaces?” Morgana asked.

“We have to, don’t we?” Akira asked. “A deal’s a deal.”

“But, it’s probably best if we stay low for a little bit,” Akira said. “We need to be patient about what we do.”

“Hm,” Morgana said. “I guess that’s the right course of action… I just don’t know how to feel.”

“A little stir crazy, huh?” Akira joked, finishing the lockpick. “It’s best if we don’t think about it too much.”

Of mystery and adventure, I found myself in tow.

To find a place, where time was not safe, to get my revenge alone.

The world I seeked was far beyond my reach, that I was promised so.

Until I ventured and found the land, where the clock melted like snow.

But now that I had found myself in the new land, I realized something stark.

Although time was still, my lover was no longer ill.

It started slow and simple, dripping with the rain.

But now that it’s done more damage I am sure that my world will never be the same.

To hold your hand just to recoil and it melts onto mine.

The world, I am sure, fairs no better, but I pay it no mind.

You smile softly, fainter still, the edges dripping down.

You melt into your favorite chair and slowly swirl around.

Your memory is a persistent nightmare which bubbled by my shoes.

Akira grabbed the phone, squinting at the light. Surprisingly, the group chat was quiet, the real culprit being Ryuji Sakamoto.

ryuji: hey dude, wake upp

ryuji: wake up

ryuji: its bad that im up before you

ryuji: so you need to wake up

ryuji: dude

ryuji: dude

ryuji: dude

akira: i’m up.

akira: what’s up?

ryuji: do you want to hang out today?

akira: …

akira: no big emergency or anything?

ryuji: no

akira: let me have some breakfast first.

ryuji: ok dude, meet me at the arcade when ready

“Jeez,” Morgana sighed, glaring at the screen. “He really isn’t patient, is he?”

“Seems not,” Akira agreed, slowly getting out of bed. “But at least there’s something to do today, right?”

“I’d rather sleep,” Morgana said, stretching. “But that idiot really had to ruin that, huh?”

“No one’s saying you can’t,” Akira said, beginning to get dressed for the day.

After getting dressed in his casual wear, Akira and Morgana went downstairs. Waiting for Akira was some curry and Sojiro.

“Have you been here long?” Akira asked, sitting down for breakfast.

“No,” Sojiro said, turning on the T.V.. “But hurry up, I’m going to open soon.”

Akira nodded, and began to eat the curry. Despite how Sojiro had originally seemed, he had done a lot for Akira.

A lot more than other people had, anyway.

“Sheesh kid, you don’t have to eat that fast,” Sojiro said, eyes widening just the slightest bit. “It’s not going to go away.”

Akira smiled sheepishly at his guardian and shrugged. “An old habit I guess.”

Sojiro frowned but said nothing more, for once Akira could say with certainty that Sojiro’s sour mood was no fault of his own.

It didn’t make him feel any better though.

After breakfast, Sojiro hadn’t said anything more, leaving Akira free to find Ryuji in the arcade.

It was easy to do. The arcade lacked people, and even if it was packed, Ryuji’s bright hair would sell him out quite easily.

“Hey dude,” Ryuji greeted, smiling. “You ready to train?”

“I get a choice?” Akira asked.

“Nope!” Ryuji said. “But it’s always good to ask.”

Akira shook his head, smiling despite the torture he was about to put his body through. “Alright, lead the way.”

Once the two had changed into their gym gear and arrived at Ryuji’s training spot, the torture had begun.

Despite how little Akira had actually trained with Ryuji, he found that running came a bit easier.

In no time I’ll be the next track star, Akira jokingly thought to himself.

After a few more laps, the two made it back to the training spot. Akira sat on the ground, massaging his already sore legs.

It’s a good thing I don’t do more physical things, Akira thought. I’d be totally beat.

“You good, dude?” Ryuji asked, still panting.

“I’m fine,” Akira said. “How about you?”

Before Ryuji could respond, three people came into the area. Not unlike Ryuji and Akira, they were also wearing their gym uniforms.

But Akira figured that they had come not to train, but instead to fight if their expressions were anything to go by.

“Ah, if it isn’t the track traitor,” the boy in the middle began. “Come to crawl your way back to the track team, Sakamoto?”

“Of course not!” Ryuji responded, immediately angry.

This… wasn’t going to go well.

“Guys,” Akira interrupted. “Maybe we shouldn’t fight here?”

“You’re right,” the middle boy said. “We only came here for one reason, to claim this spot as our own.”

“Yeah,” one of the boys behind him said. “We’ll be training here from now on.”

“It’s not like there’s anywhere else to go,” the other boy said. “Because of Sakamoto we don’t even have a locker room anymore.”

Akira frowned. If this continued, he was sure it wasn’t going to be pretty. But Akira was outside of his element. How was he going to defuse a situation he had little knowledge of?

“Correct me if I’m wrong,” Akira began. “But… you were all being treated unfairly by Kamoshida, right?”

“Why do you all only blame Ryuji now?”

“Of course the delinquent wouldn’t understand,” the middle boy said harshly. “We were all able to tolerate it because we wanted a team.”

“I suppose Sakamoto just didn’t care enough,” the boy continued. “But of course, you’d get along with him, wouldn’t you?”

“Afterall you both solve things with violence, right?”

Yeah, I just get the feeling I made this worse.

“Takeishi, leave him out of this!” Ryuji hissed, glaring at the middle boy. “It’s not Akira’s fault that I got angry at Kamoshida!”

“And besides, he isn’t anything like that!”

“Oh really?” the middle boy, now known as Takeishi asked. “And how would you know that? You’ve heard about what he’s done.”

“It’s all bullshit!” Ryuji said. “Akira didn’t do anything wrong!”

“Ryuji it’s fine,” Akira interjected, standing up slowly. “We don’t need to fight over this.”

Ryuji continued to glare at Takeishi, but luckily it seemed that was all he wanted to do.

“Takeishi,” one of the boys behind him began. “Maybe we should just leave, we’ve already claimed this spot for us.”

“Yeah,” the other boy agreed. “There’s no reason for us to stay any longer.”

Takeishi looked disgruntled and annoyed, as if he had wanted to pick a fight. “You’re right.”

“No need for us to stay with this couple anyways,” Takeishi finished, turning away quickly. “You’re free to finish your date.”

Once the group was gone, Akira relaxed. The track team seemed to have odd priorities on who to resent for the disbandment of the team.

Akira would wager that even after Kamoshida’s heart changed the effect he had would probably last forever.

“God damnit!” Ryuji yelled, snapping Akira out of his thoughts. “It isn’t effin’ fair that they brought you into it.”

“It’s fine, Ryuji,” Akira said. “I involved myself in it and even if I didn’t it wouldn’t be fair for them to just blame you alone.”

“Still, bringing it up is just so effin’ stupid!” Ryuji complained. “And I was so close to punching Takeishi too…!”

“Maybe I am no different than Kamoshida,” Ryuji said, finishing his tangent.

“That’s not true,” Akira said. “Kamoshida couldn’t control his anger, you can. That's proof you’ve changed, isn’t it?”

“I guess,” Ryuji said. “It sure as hell doesn’t feel like it though.”

“Change rarely does,” Akira frowned. “And it’s not as if you’ve had a drastic change like a change of heart.”

“You really think so?” Ryuji asked.

“I mean, from how they make you out, you’ve changed for sure,” Akira said. “But people tend to be dramatic in this school, so I can’t be exactly sure…”

“Yeah, I guess that’s true,” Ryuji said. “But wait, did he forreal just imply that we were dating?!”

“Would that be so bad?” Akira asked. “Dating me, I mean.”

“C’mon dude, don’t joke around like that!” Ryuji yelled.

“I’m being serious,” Akira said blankly. “Should I be insulted?”

“H-huh…?! It’s not like that!”

After a bit more teasing, Akira went back to Leblanc. Before Akira could go back in, he was met with his phone ringing.

“Hey lover,” Akira said, smirking. “Did you miss me that much?”

“Dude, shut up about that!” Ryuji yelled. “But I mean I guess it ties into what I called you about.”

“Huh? What do you mean?” Akira asked.

“I mean, I’ve got serious anger issues, dude,” Ryuji explained. “Like I said before, I was so damn close to just punching that smug look off of Takeishi.”

“You can’t be expected to act calmly every single time something happens Ryuji,” Akira said. “Those guys were looking for a fight.”

“But luckily your handsome boyfriend was there to save the day, right?” Akira added.

“Ugh, are you even taking this seriously?!”

“I am,” Akira said. “But, for what it’s worth, I think you handled it well.”

“Really, dude?” Ryuji asked. “Because sometimes it feels like I don’t know what I’m effin’ doing.”

“Yeah,” Akira said. “And if it makes you feel better I never know what I’m doing, so I think it’s normal for us to just wing it.”

“Thanks, I think,” Ryuji said. “But man, I should probably let you go, huh?”

“I don’t need you getting in trouble for staying out too late,” Ryuji said. “I’ve already got you into trouble already.”

“Ryuji it’s fine,” Akira said. “But yeah, I should probably get in.”

“Talk to you later then?”

“Yeah,” Akira said, ending the call.

Akira walked into Leblanc, finally feeling the ache in his legs.

“Ah, you’re back,” Sojiro said. “I see you also left your cat here today.”

Akira nodded, “he wanted to sleep so I didn’t really want to bring him with me.”

“You say that as if you can speak to him,” Sojiro said. “That isn’t an odd quirk of yours, is it?”

“They called me a real ‘cat whisperer’ back home,” Akira joked.

“I see,” Sojiro said blankly.

That joke didn’t land, huh? Akira thought. Can’t win ‘em all… or any today it seems.

“But it’s a good thing Morgana kept you company, right?” Akira said. “I don’t think he’d be interested in what I was doing.”

“You still just can’t leave me here!” Morgana cried from the counter. “We’re teammates, remember?!”

“I don’t think your cat agrees with you,” Sojiro said, smiling slightly.

“You fell asleep Morgana, I wasn’t about to get scratched waking you up,” Akira said. “Cats usually don’t like being forced awake.”

“I am not a cat!” Morgana yelled.

“You keep telling yourself that, Morgana.”

“You aren’t going to spend the whole night arguing with your cat… are you?” Sojiro asked. “I didn’t think you were that starved for friendship.”

“I’m not sure what I can do,” Akira admits

“You can always study,” Sojiro suggested in a firm tone. “Your whole reputation depends on your academic abilities.”

“I get the feeling that wasn’t a suggestion,” Akira said. “But you’re right, I should probably be studying anyway.”

Sojiro nodded, “shocked you agreed so easily.”

Akira swallowed down the offense he took. He was a delinquent afterall.

After bringing a textbook over and sitting down at a booth, Akira began to get absorbed in the material.

He felt a new understanding of his schoolwork, which Morgana apparently saw as well.

“You’re really getting the hang of this, huh?” Morgana asked.

Akira nodded, still staring at the textbook.

Faintly, Akira could hear the newscaster on the T.V.. Tonight’s special seemed to be a study on the Inaba T.V. Murderer.

“Straight from home, huh…” Akira muttered, staring at the T.V. for a moment.

“Does that case mean anything to you?” Sojiro asked, noticing Akira’s change in attention.

“I don’t know,” Akira admitted. “It’s probably just because I’m from Inaba…”

“You’re from Inaba?” Morgana asked.

“You know what Inaba is?” Akira said as he shook his head and closed his textbook.

“Of course I know what Inaba is!” Morgana said. “It’s a town, right?”

“If you knew you wouldn’t be asking.”

“I’ll just close up now,” Sojiro said awkwardly. “Don’t stay up too late.”

4/30, Saturday:

After Akira’s argument with Morgana, he went to sleep for another uneventful day. His messages were thankfully blank and he had finished breakfast with no sort of interruptions.

Akira was sure that the day would be peaceful, if the matter of expulsion hadn't hung so heavily in the air.

He had tried to ignore his fear, but once he had made it onto the subway to find a seat, he found that his anxiety had risen with full force.

“Morgana,” Akira began hesitantly. “Do you think the change of heart really worked?”

“Huh?” Morgana asked, muffled from his bag. “Who are you, Ryuji?”

“I’m serious, Morgana,” Akira said.

“Everything should be fine, Akira,” Morgana said. “The shadow and palace disappeared, which represents the change in desire…”

“I think,” Morgana finished quickly.

“You don’t sound too sure,” Akira said, opening up his texts. “But I’ll tell the others you said everything will go well.”

“Good,” Morgana said. “I’m tired of repeating myself.”

akira: good news, if this doesn’t work we can blame morgana for being expelled.

ryuji: huh?

ryuji: did he say something

ann: yeah, what happened?

akira: i asked morgana about the change of heart.

akira: he said since the shadow and palace disappeared we should be fine.

ryuji: that doesn’t mean anything, man

ryuji: that cat can’t remember anything

ann: i mean, he does know his name and things about the palaces

ann: maybe whatever he was cursed with just made him forget?

akira: i think we can trust his judgement.

akira: he knows more than we do.

ryuji: but he’s an effin’ cat

akira: apparently not.

ann: for all we know he could be a model

Akira looked away from his phone as the announcer’s voice cut played through the car. He still wasn’t sure entirely about the change of heart, but he’d have to believe in Morgana. They’d done everything they could.

So for the sake of the Phantom Thieves and himself, Akira would put on a calm front.

It couldn’t be that hard, Akira reasoned with himself. At least he hoped so.

And with that hope Akira went through the day, paying attention to the best of his ability. It wasn’t exactly his fault that the classes weren’t so interesting.

But as soon as Akira got a notification, a means of distraction, he went for it. He had figured he’d done enough for the day.

ann: hey akira, after school is over do you wanna hang out?

akira: yeah sure.

akira: unrelated but have you been paying attention to class.

ann: no

akira: okay me too.

akira: but yeah where are we hanging out?

ann: you know the family diner in shibuya?

akira: i think, yeah.

ann: there i guess?

ann: i’m kinda hungry and they’ve got good desserts ann: and don’t worry, i’ll lead you there!!

akira: alright, thanks ann.

After school had finally ended, Akira followed Ann to the diner. Although he wasn’t really hungry himself, he figured that it would be nice to just hang out with Ann.

Once they had both ordered, Ann had begun with a somewhat troubled look on her face. “Y’know,” Ann said, twirling her hair. “When Shiho wakes up she’s not going to have an easy time.”

“Everyone’s going to know her from…” Ann said, trailing off for a second. “From that.”

“That’s true,” Akira agreed. “But I think she’s strong enough to deal with that.”

“Especially with Kamoshida gone,” Akira said. “And with a friend like you supporting her.”

“You say that like it’s so certain that we’ve changed Kamoshida’s heart,” Ann sighed. “We can’t be sure until the day, can we?”

“Hey!” Morgana yelled, muffled through the bag. “Are you really doubting me, Lady Ann?”

“Be quiet Morgana. We don’t need to be kicked out before we receive our food.” Akira said, looking at his bag for a moment.

“But,” Akira continued. “Morgana's right, no use in us second guessing ourselves. It’s for the best we believe it worked than to live in fear.”

“We’ve done all we can,” Akira finished. “Now all we can do is wait and hope for the best.”

“I guess that’s true,” Ann said. “I just hate feeling so powerless…”

“You weren’t powerless when we were fighting Kamoshida,” Akira countered. “You’re pretty strong, Ann.”

“You really think so?” Ann asked. “Because these days I just can’t be sure.”

“I let myself be used by Kamoshida just for Shiho’s position,” Ann said, shaking her head. “But I was such a damn idiot, there was no way he would’ve gotten rid of her position.”

“You were just doing what you thought was best, Ann,” Akira said. “There was no way you could’ve known his real intentions.”

“Akira’s right, y’know,” Morgana chimed in. “There was no real reason to doubt Kamoshida because of his reputation.”

“The fact that you two really believe that…” Ann said. “I’m kind of jealous.”

“Jealous?” Akira repeated.

“L-lady Ann…?”

“You guys can just believe in what’s right so easily,” Ann said. “You have the strength to fight for what you believe in, it just doesn’t seem fair!”

“You have that strength too,” Akira said. “You unlocked your persona to get justice for yourself and Shiho, right?”

“I mean, yeah…” Ann said. “But it just seems different.”

“I’d even say you’re stronger,” Akira continued. “You were willing to go along with Kamoshida’s abuse as long as Shiho was happy.”

“A normal person just couldn’t do that.”

“Yeah,” Ann agreed hesitantly. “It just doesn’t feel like it.”

“But… maybe…” Ann said trailing off for a moment. “We could borrow each other’s strengths!”

“I mean, we both need to improve, right?” Ann continued. “So it would be best if we relied on each other to learn what we don’t have!”

“Yeah,” Akira said. “That’s a great idea, Ann.”

“Right?” Ann said. “We’ll be the best in no time!”

Akira smiled at Ann, “yeah, this’ll be easy for us.”

After a few more minutes of idle chatter, their waitress appeared with their food. Akira had ordered their nostalgic steak while Ann seemingly went wild with the sweets they had in stock.

“...I see you enjoy cake,” Akira teased as Ann dug into what was on her plate.

“Hey, don’t knock my eating habits!” Ann said. “I’m just enjoying myself!”

Akira just smirked before he began eating his own meal.

Before long, both of their plates were cleared, with Ann finishing at an alarming rate. Akira knew he should be worried, but he figured that Ann knew her own body better than he did.

Still, her metabolism must be amazing, Akira thought. It’s kind of scary, actually.

“Well, that was fun, right?” Ann asked.

“Yeah,” Akira agreed. “It was just a bit worrying to see you eat all that cake though.”

Ann giggled, “I hope you were impressed.”

“Thoroughly.”

Before Ann could say anymore, her phone began to ring, and her face turned into one of shock once she saw the caller and she quickly picked up.

“Hello?” Ann asked quickly. “Yeah?”

“I’ll be there right away,” Ann said, ending the call. “Sorry Akira, it’s about Shiho.”

“Is it good news?” Akira asked.

“I’m pretty sure, they asked for me to come,” Ann said. “I’ll pay you for my food later!”

“It’s fine,” Akira said. “Tell Shiho I said hi, alright?”

“I promise!” Ann said, quickly rushing out the door.

“Lady Ann seemed determined, didn’t she?” Morgana asked, quickly peeking out from out of the bag.

“Yeah, she did,” Akira said. “Shiho is the reason she went into Kamoshida’s palace afterall.”

“Still, if it’s bad news, she’ll be crushed, won’t she?” Morgana said.

“I don’t think they’d tell her if it was something bad,” Akira said. “They’d tell Shiho’s parents first.”

“And even if it’s bad news, Ann’ll make it through,” Akira finished. “She’ll have us behind her.”

“Especially me!” Morgana said. “Nyahaha!”

Akira just rolled his eyes. Morgana’s crush on Ann was a bit weird…. But if Morgana was really human, it wouldn’t be too bad, would it?

It’s probably best not to think about that too much… Akira thought.

Once Akira arrived back in Leblanc, he felt the day’s exhaustion greet him with full force. Akira decided that his best course of action was to call it an early night, but before he had even made it in halfway, his phone started buzzing with activity.

“You didn’t get into a fight, did you?” Sojiro asked, staring at Akira warily.

“Nope,” Akira said, glancing at his phone. “It’s just my friends talking about schoolwork.”

“You have friends?”

“Thanks for the support,” Akira said blankly. “It’s a real boost of confidence.”

“I’m just saying with your reputation I figured you’d have a bit more trouble, kid,” Sojiro said, looking back down at the counter.

ryuji: we’re going to die.

ann: well, i’m not

ann: shiho’s awake so i’m pretty happy!

ryuji: well sorry you’re not getting expelled

ryuji: oh god we’re getting expelled

ryuji: oh god we’re so screwed

ryuji: how many days do we have left?

akira: what are you talking about?

ryuji: the meeting kamoshida is holding is soon isnt it?

akira: yeah, but we changed his heart.

ryuji: yeah but what if it doesnt work

akira: or it could.

“Sheesh, that idiot really worries a lot, doesn’t he?” Morgana complained, looking at the phone. “Also, tell Lady Ann I wish Shiho the best!”

akira: morgana said not to worry.

akira: and also he wishes shiho the best.

ann: aww, thank you mona!

ryuji: that effin’ cat has no reason to worry

ryuji: he isn’t the one getting expelled

akira: i didn’t know you cared about school that much.

ryuji: thats besides the point

ryuji: do you want to get expelled?

akira: we aren’t.

ryuji: but can we really be sure?

akira: yes.

ann: jeez ryuji, if only you cared this much about school normally

ann: akira’s right tho, it’s going to be fine

ann: and if it isnt, at least we tried!

akira: thats the spirit.

ryuji: well… if you guys say so

ryuji: but if this goes bad im blaming you guys!

akira: thanks.

ann: how sweet.

Akira turned his phone off once it seemed like the group chat was finally done for the night.

“Seems like the schoolwork problem is finally solved,” Akira said as an explanation. “So I’ll probably be going to sleep now.”

“At least you’re not a delinquent in your sleep schedule,” Sojiro said. “I’ll be locking up now, then.”

Akira nodded as he made his way upstairs.

“Make sure you don’t scare your friends off,” Sojiro yelled before finally leaving. Akira shook his head, smiling slightly.

At least he’s friendly enough to tease me, Akira thought.

Once Akira was upstairs in the safety of his attic, he changed quickly, ready for sleep to take him in its warm embrace.

Although he was sure he should be worried about the change of heart, he was much too exhausted to care.

As soon as Akira’s head hit his pillow, he found himself in a dreamless sleep. He’d later figure that wasn’t a bad change of pace.

5/1, Sunday:

Akira awoke surprisingly early, at least for it being a Sunday. Stretching in his bed, Akira slowly began to untangle himself from his sheets.

“Is it morning already?” Morgana asked from the bottom of the bed. “We don’t have to wake up now, do we?”

“We probably should,” Akira said, reaching for his phone. “But it seems we’re the first people up.”

“Finally,” Morgana said. “You guys really have to stop questioning me!”

“Questioning you…?” Akira asked. “This isn’t about the change of heart, is it?”

“Of course it is!” Morgana said. “You guys keep worrying about it even though I’ve told you it’s going to be fine!”

“It’s not that we don’t trust you,” Akira began. “But a lot is on the line for us.”

“Getting expelled wouldn’t be great for Ryuji and I,” Akira continued. “And Mishima’s future is also on the line…”

“I can get that, but still!” Morgana said. “You guys just need to have a little more faith in me!”

Akira smiled at Morgana, “it’s not that we don’t trust you, it’s just a scary situation.”

“I guess,” Morgana sighed.

Before Akira could comfort Morgana any further, his phone rang with a notification.

Takemi: Hello, my little guinea pig.

Takemi: Would you be free for an experiment today?

“You should probably accept her offer,” Morgana said, squinting at the screen. “We’re going to need her ‘special’ medicine.”

“The only reason you’re willing to accept so quickly is because you’re not the one being experimented on,” Akira said. “I could tell her my cat is interested in joining the experiments.”

“I’m not a cat!”

“She wouldn’t know that.”

akira: yeah sure.

akira: just give me a few minutes to get ready.

Takemi: Not a morning person, are you?

Takemi: Hm, well arrive soon then.

“I guess that’s decided then,” Akira said, turning off his phone. “I don’t think you need to come, Morgana, so you’re free to sleep some more.”

“Good luck with Takemi,” Morgana said, already making himself comfortable on the bed. “Remember to be on your best behavior with her.”

“It’s not that hard,” Akira said, beginning to change. “I doubt I’ll be conscious for most of it.”

After having a quick breakfast courtesy of Sojiro, Akira made his way to the clinic. Although he wasn’t excited to try Takemi’s medication, Morgana wasn’t exactly wrong with how helpful she was with Phantom Thieving.

“Ah,” Takemi said as soon as Akira walked in. “You’ve finally arrived.”

“Sorry,” Akira said. “Did you wait long?”

“No,” Takemi said. “But if you’re ready to contribute to your half of the deal, please head to the exam room.”

Akira nodded, walking into the examination room.

Let’s hope this experiment goes a bit better, Akira thought. But… it probably won’t.

“Alright,” Takemi said as she came in. “You might want to make yourself comfortable.”

Akira nodded once again, sitting on the bed in the examination room. “Is this one going to make me pass out again?”

“It might,” Takemi said as she grabbed a cup. “But that’s why you’re here, isn’t it?”

“I suppose so,” Akira said.

“This has to be perfected,” Takemi said, handing Akira the cup. “So drink it up, guinea pig.”

Akira frowned at the liquid before quickly downing it, giving himself no chance to hesitate.

“Wow,” Takemi said, eyes widening. “You’re really determined, aren’t you?”

“It’s…” Akira said, before being cut off by a pulse in his head.

Looks like I won’t be awake for much longer… Akira thought.

Before Akira could say or think anything else, he found himself lying on the bed, vision darkening.

“That didn’t take long,” Takemi said, voice already far away.

When Akira awoke again, there was another man in the examination room. From the look on Takemi’s face, it was easy to tell that this man wasn’t exactly a welcome guest.

“I’m telling you, officer, you’ve been sent on a wild goose chase,” Takemi said.

“Then tell me what that kid is doing here!” the officer demanded, apparently not one for calmness in an altercation.

“I’m chronically ill,” Akira said. “I’m seeing Takemi-san to see if she can help improve my symptoms.”

The officer looked disgruntled. Apparently Akira’s lie had gone over well.

“If you don’t have anything else to ask, officer,” Takemi said, crossing her arms. “You’re welcome to leave.”

“I’ll be back next time, Takemi,” the officer promised, glaring daggers at both Takemi and Akira.

Once Akira was sure the officer was gone, he looked over at Takemi with a confused look. “What did he want?”

“I’m sure one of my colleagues was just trying to stop my research,” Takemi said, sighing. “It’s nothing ‘The Plague’ shouldn’t expect though.”

“...The Plague?” Akira repeated.

“A nickname given to me in the medical community,” Takemi said, looking away. “I don’t mind, it gives me more privacy.”

She… doesn’t seem like she wants to share any more information, Akira thought. She’s barely agreed to this deal as it is… I probably shouldn’t ask anything else.

“Still, don’t you find that annoying?” Akira asked.

“It rarely happens,” Takemi said. “But if you’re well enough to ask questions, you’re free to go.”

“Alright,” Akira said, slowly standing up.

“Text me when you get home, guinea pig. I still have a few more questions,” Tae said, looking down at her clipboard.

Once Akira arrived back at Leblanc, he went straight for the attic seeing as Leblanc still had guests.

“Welcome back, kid,” Sojiro said gruffly. “You might want to head upstairs.”

“Alright,” Akira said, quickly heading upstairs.

“Finally, you’re back,” Morgana complained.

“You’re the one who wanted to stay.”

In the safety of his attic, he pulled out his phone and began to text Takemi.

akira: i’m back home, nothing bad has happened yet.

Takemi: Yet? Are you expecting something to happen?

akira: there have been horror stories about clinical trials.

Takemi: Well hopefully you don’t get to join their ranks.

Takemi: It would be a shame to lose my guinea pig so early.

Takemi: But as long as you’re feeling fine, I won’t hold you up any longer.

“You’re allowed to come down now,” Sojiro yelled from downstairs.

Akira, with Morgana in tow, came downstairs quickly. “You said I could go out at night, right?”

“As long as you lock up,” Sojiro said. “You’re free to stay around this area.”

Akira nodded.

“What are you planning on doing?” Morgana asked.

“There’s a bathhouse nearby, right?” Akira said. “I think it’d be nice to relax there for a bit.”

“Don’t stay out too late,” Sojiro warned.

“Alright,” Akira said. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

“I won’t be here by then,” Sojiro said.

Akira said nothing as he left Leblanc once more.

“A little freedom is nice, right Morgana?” Akira said, slowly making his way to the bathhouse.

“This isn’t freedom, I’m still getting dragged around everywhere!”

“Oh well,” Akira said.

Being in the bathhouse, as Akira would find, wasn’t as relaxing as he thought. According to Morgana, the bathhouse had some sort of medicinal herb in it, meaning everyone was trying to get in.

Akira didn’t mind too much, but the silence even with all the people was sort of unnerving.

And he was sure that at least a few people were giving him weird stares.

But even just ignoring the people… tomorrow fate is decided, isn’t it? Akira thought. Kamoshida’s heart… if it isn’t changed.

green begins to fade into an orange-colored hue.

the connection to the branch slowly expires.

as a leaf falls down from its wooden empire.

the wind sings a song and carries away.

the leaf meets the ground, a resting place.

before it meets the wind once again.

it travels places, far from its home.

Futaba kept to herself, and although Sojiro knew it wasn’t exactly healthy for her, what was he to do? The poor girl had been traumatized and abused, he had no right to force anything onto her.

And the kid, Akira, the supposed delinquent, was just as concerning as Futaba. His savior complex convinced Sojiro that the kid was going to get into serious trouble.

Especially since it was revealed to him that both Akira and Futaba were part of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts.

Were his kids trying to bring him to a premature grave?

Regardless, Sojiro kept up his front, softening slowly around Akira whenever possible. If the kid had noticed, he hadn’t said anything yet.

But recently Sojiro had started to feel something off about his kids and their friends in general. Ever since that ‘Detective Prince’ had joined them, they seemed more cautious.

It hadn’t escaped Sojiro’s notice that they kept sending lingering glances towards Akira. But Sojiro decided to look the other way.

He’d trust their judgement, not wanting to be the overbearing sort of parent.

He just had to hope that wasn’t a mistake.

Akira hadn’t returned to the cafe, Sojiro realized grimly. It was far past the normal time for Akira to appear and the cafe was supposed to be closed ages ago.

His kid wasn’t the type of person to stay with someone else, and although Sojiro knew that he gave him freedoms, he didn’t mean for Akira to stay out so late.

Sojiro turned to the T.V. as the audio grew slightly louder.

The reporter appeared elated, sitting proudly in her seat as the caption stood boldly under her.

Sojiro had never felt his heart drop so fast before.

The Leader of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts Captured!

Sojiro clutched the table in shock. Akira couldn’t have been the leader, could he?

“Sojiro,” a soft voice said. “It’s going to be okay, y’know?”

Sojiro turned to see Futaba staring at him. When had she even got there?

“We’ve already got it all planned out,” Futaba continued. “So you shouldn’t worry, alright?”

Despite her comforting, Sojiro knew how it was going to turn out for Akira.

Just like Wakaba, he thought distantly. God, why was I so cruel to the kid?

Still, Sojiro found that life had continued as normal. Despite his worries, there wasn’t much he could do.

Please, he begged. Don’t take the kid away, please.

But the world was relentless, having no time for the prayers of a worried father. Cruelly, his customers would comment on how relieved they were that the Phantom Thieves were finished.

Sojiro found that he had a lot more restraint than what he had thought at least, biting his tongue from the colorful words that threatened to spill out.

It wouldn’t be good for business.

Sojiro found hope in the silence about the Phantom Thieves leader, hoping that the miracle Futaba so clearly believed in would happen.

If Futaba believed it, Sojiro would too.

He wasn’t going to give himself any other choice.

But when the T.V. blared the same tone as a few nights earlier, Sojiro knew it wasn’t going to be good.

The Leader of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts Dead in Apparent Murder Suicide! the caption read, almost cheerfully.

Sojiro couldn’t breathe as the news reporter stated the case, firing more bullets into his already bleeding heart.

I’m sorry, god I’m so sorry, Sojiro repeated endlessly, sobbing.

Akira’s face would forever haunt him, much like Wakaba. Too similar those two were, too good for this world as well.

So when the cafe door opened, Sojiro, who wasn’t in his best state of mind screamed at the unwanted guest.

“Ah,” a cold voice said. “I suppose there isn’t somewhere else you might stay, Kurusu?”

Sojiro froze, blinking away his tears to stare at the guest.

There stood Sae Nijimia, standing tall as always with the kid, his kid, leaning heavily onto her.

Heavily bruised and seemingly bleeding, his kid looked at him and smiled slightly.

“I’m home, boss,” he said weakly, staring at him with unfocused eyes.

Sojiro got up quickly, hugging his kid with such strength that he was sure he agitated some bruises.

“You sure are kid,” Sojiro whispered. “You sure are.”

As Sae would later inform him, his kid had been through quite the ringer. Beaten, drugged, and forced into signing a confession

Sojiro would have his revenge on those detectives, but for now he’d watch after his kid.

He had to be better, so that this wouldn’t happen again.

He wouldn’t let Akira down, never let him get that hurt again.

Regardless, she always tried to keep an eye on you, despite you being the most loyal of the bunch. Perhaps not to her, but to Enoshima.

That had to have counted for the same thing.

But despite your attempts to make it clear that you did not care for her, she always seemed to have a useless order for you.

“Here,” she had said one day, shoving the journal into your hands.

“What is this, Ikusaba-kun?” you asked, staring at the dark blue journal. It had seemed very plain, not that you could ever expect much from Ikusaba.

“It’s a dream journal,” she said simply. “Use it to record your dreams.”

You frowned, “And what use could this possibly be for me?”

“I’ll be going through it,” she had said before turning and walking away.

You could understand an order when you heard one, although you weren’t exactly excited to follow it.

Ikusaba was certainly no Enoshima, yet she could be convincing in her own unique way.

Reluctantly, you label the journal, lest the idiots you used to call friends get any ideas.

“Ishimaru-kun,” Naegi says, sounding a bit sad. “It’s a shame we didn’t have a lot of time to hang out today.”

You nod in agreement, “We’ll make more time for this, Naegi-kun!”

He smiles, although it doesn’t reach his eyes.

“Do you promise, Ishimaru-kun?” Naegi asks.

“Of course!” you yell.

“I’ll see you soon then,” Naegi says.

You blink awake, groggily recalling the contents of the dream. You know that this is exactly what Ikusaba meant for you to write about.

You don’t exactly want her to know you’ve been dreaming about Naegi, but orders are orders.

You grab the journal and begin to write what you remember of the dream. It’s vague, perhaps you were on a date with Naegi?

Not that it matters much to you. Naegi is just a remnant of your hopeful past. Disgusting and sweet, nothing like Enoshima.

But you decide to write about him in detail, just in case that is what Ikusaba wants.

She’s hard to predict, you reason. You’re just making sure you follow all of her unspoken orders.

Extra-detailed, just to be sure.

“Ishimaru,” Ikusaba began, staring at the notebook. “All of your dreams have been about Naegi.”

“You wanted me to write about my dreams and so I did,” you respond. “Was I supposed to lie, Ikusaba-kun?”

“No,” Ikusaba said, sighing. “I suppose not.”

“Carry on with your entries then, Ishimaru,”

You nod, never one to break the rules.

You follow Ikusaba’s instructions, writing in the journal about all of your dreams.

Slowly but surely, Naegi becomes more visible, more tangible, more real. You start to enjoy your dreams, although it happens at such a snail’s pace you don’t even notice until it’s too late.

“Things will get better, Ishimaru-kun,” Naegi has taken to repeating every time you see him. You never deny his foolish dreams.

Not that you believe them or anything.

“I know you’re lonely, Ishimaru-kun,” Naegi had said once before you’d left. “But please don’t give up on me yet.”

You don’t know what he means, but a small part of you wants to know more.

You get the feeling that you don’t want to write that part into your dream journal.

So you decide that you’ll keep some things secret from Ikusaba.

It’s what Naegi would want, isn’t it?

Ikusaba smiles slightly, as she reads through Ishimaru’s entries. Although she couldn’t communicate with Naegi frequently, the next time they met she would be sure to tell him the news.

However, as Makoto was soon learning, in Hope’s Peak Academy things rarely function how they should. The classes were odd, if they could even be called that, and there was barely a student body.

Although, the worst thing about Hope’s Peak Academy was Makoto Naegi himself. Recently, Makoto had realized that he was starting to malfunction, and not even he could invent a solution.

“Naegi,” his friend and upperclassmen, Soda Kazuichi, began. “Are you alright?”

Makoto frowned, wondering how he could answer that. The short answer would be no and he didn’t even know how to begin the longer answer.

“No,” Makoto decided. “I’m not alright.”

“That was… surprisingly blunt,” Soda said. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“I’m not even sure if there’s anything to talk about,” Makoto sighed. “I don’t even know what my problem is!”

“Maybe you just need a distraction,” Soda offered. “Do you want to help me talk to Sonia-san?”

“No,” Makoto said immediately. “I’m not so sure that would help me at all.”

Kazuichi frowned, “are you sure?”

“Positive,” Makoto said. “I’m sure I’ll figure it out on my own.” “But do you really-”

“Soda-kun, I’m sure.”

Makoto frowned as his classmates droned on. He was still trying to solve his problem, with little to no luck.

But how was he supposed to start inventing something without a clue about what the invention was going to solve?

“Naegi-kun!” a voice interrupted. “Are you feeling alright?”

This voice wasn’t exactly quiet, Makoto blankly realized.

“Ishimaru-kun…?” Makoto asked, staring at said boy in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve been frowning at your desk!” Ishimaru began to explain. “I hate to be the one to say it, but that cannot be productive towards your ability as the Ultimate Inventor!”

Makoto sheepishly smiled. “It’s nice of you to worry, Ishimaru-kun, but aren’t you also busy with your own talent?”

“I would think the Ultimate Pop Sensation would have a lot on their plate, anyway,” Makoto finished.

“I am of course allowed to take minimal breaks, Naegi-kun!” Ishimaru said. “However, from my perspective, you’ve only been taking a break!”

“I’m just brainstorming…?” Makoto lied, as Ishimaru scrutinized him. “I’ll start working right away, Ishimaru-kun.”

Ishimaru nodded, “You better start soon, Naegi-kun!”

As soon as Ishimaru left, Makoto let out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding.

Makoto stared at where Ishimaru was for a moment longer.

At least I think I’ve figured out the issue…? Makoto thought, burying his head in his hands. Although I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do…

Could Makoto make an invention to make people fall in love with him? Probably, although he wasn’t too sure that was exactly ethical.

He could also attempt to make an invention for falling out of love, but he wasn’t sure he was that deep yet.

Maybe it’s just a short-term crush, Makoto thought. I mean, those happen all the time, right?

Although even as he thought that, Makoto already knew he was wrong.

“Sounds tough, Naegi,” Soda had said when Makoto told him about his problem. “But that Ishimaru guy can’t be as great as Sonia-san.”

“But if it’s bothering you so much… I can help you out with him!” Soda offered, smiling brightly. “It’s the least I could do for my soul friend.”

I’m not so sure I want your help... Makoto thought. You’ve been after Sonia for how long now…?

“I don’t even know how to talk to him,” Makoto admitted. “He’s a bit intimidating…”

“Don’t worry about that at all, Naegi!” Soda said. “I’ll talk to him for you!”

Somehow I was scared that you would say that, Makoto thought. You sure have an ‘interesting’ way with people…

“You don’t have to,” Makoto said. “I’ll figure out something on my own.”

“It’s fine!” Soda insisted.

Somehow, Makoto knew that there was no getting out of Soda’s help.

And that led Makoto to where he was now, watching Soda painfully attempt to talk to Ishimaru.

Shockingly, it had seemed that Soda had more luck with Sonia than he had with Ishimaru.

“Ishimaru!” Soda said, flagging the idol down. “I really need to talk to you!”

“Huh?” Ishimaru said, looking at Soda a bit confused. “I am sorry, but have we met before?”

Oh god, Makoto thought. They’ve never even talked before this…

Perhaps it wasn’t too late for Makoto to invent something that would stop Soda from talking to Ishimaru.

It’d probably be easier than stopping Soda himself.

“Huh? Probably not,” Soda said. “You’re Ishimaru Kiyotaka, right?”

Ishimaru nodded, “and you are?”

“I’m Kazuichi Soda, the Ultimate Mechanic!” Soda cheerfully introduced himself. “I’m friends with your classmate, Naegi.”

“Oh? Naegi-kun is your friend?” Ishimaru asked, looking a bit interested. “Does this have to do with something with him, then?”

“Huh…? What made you think that?” Soda asked. “B-because no way would he ever be interested in you!”

“N-nope!” Soda continued. “I mean, he totally didn’t ask for my help to talk to you!”

It was official, Makoto was going to invent himself out of existence.

“Really?!” Ishimaru asked, looking devastated. “I don’t understand what I did to upset Naegi-kun so!”

It got worse, Makoto thought. Somehow, it got worse.

“Yeah, he really does not talk about you at all!” Soda continued. “I mean, he doesn’t mention you to me!”

“Honestly, I didn’t even know you existed until someone else told me about you!” Soda finished. “He really would’ve never brought you up!”

“And why are you telling me this?!” Ishimaru cried out. “What are you gaining from this, Soda-kun?!”

“W-wait…!” Soda yelled, apparently realizing what he had done. “I didn’t mean it, really!”

“In fact, he enlisted my help because he has a huge crush on you!” Soda admitted, practically crying.

“Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-what…?!” Ishimaru yelled, face turning red. “You’re being serious, Soda-kun?!”

Soda paled as if finally realizing what he had said. “Oh no…”

Makoto decided that his best course of action would be to hide, running back towards the school.

Why did I agree to this?! Makoto thought.

Hiding in a boy’s bathroom was probably not Makoto’s best idea, but he had seemed to be running out of those as of late.

He was, to put it bluntly, a little screwed.

So much for trusting Soda, Makoto thought bitterly. That guy can’t even talk to his own crush…!

“Hey, Naegi-chi, are you in here?” a voice asked as they entered the bathroom.

“Maybe,” Makoto replied from a locked stall. “What do you need, Hagakure-kun?”

“It’s about Ishimaru-chi,” Hagakure said. “He wants to talk to you.”

Makoto groaned, “I don’t really think I could take that right now…”

“Hey, Hagakure-kun, when I die from this event, could you kill Soda-kun for me?” Makoto asked. “It’s important.”

“And have his spirit haunt me?! No way, Naegi-chi!” Hagakure denied.

“My spirit will haunt you if you don’t,” Makoto said. “I’m going to die anyway…”

“Huh? Did you get a rare disease or something, Naegi-chi?” Hagakure asked. “Or even worse, did you mess with a spirit?!”

“Because nothing will save you from the spirit.”

“Worse, I accepted Soda-kun’s help,” Makoto said, slowly exiting the stall. “Did Ishimaru-kun tell you what he wanted me for?”

“Honestly, I couldn’t understand it man,” Hagakure said. “I could only make out your name, it was the loudest I’ve ever heard him.”

Makoto nodded numbly, readying himself to talk to Ishimaru.

“So where exactly is Ishimaru-kun?”

Ishimaru was waiting by the fountain, with Soda still there too.

Sighing, Makoto slowly made his way to the two of them. When Soda noticed him, he soon started blubbering apologies.

“Naegi, I’m sorry I failed you!” Soda cried. “I didn’t mean for it to go so wrong, I promise!”

“Naegi-kun,” Ishimaru said, quieter than usual. “Is what Soda-kun said true?”

Makoto gulped, feeling his face heat up. “I guess there’s no use in denying it now, haha…”

Ishimaru nodded, face turning an even brighter red.

“I understand that you might not feel the same way, Ishimaru-kun,” Makoto said, looking away sheepishly. “This didn’t exactly go the way I planned.”

“I have something to confess to you too, Naegi-kun!” Ishimaru said, yelling once more. “I reciprocate your feelings that Soda-kun expressed for you!”

“I would like it very much if we could start seeing each other in a more romantic way!” Ishimaru continued. “Although we would have to maintain discretion!”

Huh…? Makoto thought.

“You’re serious…?” Makoto asked.

“Of course I am, Naegi-kun!” Ishimaru replied. “However, there will be strict guidelines on our relationship, as you must understand!”

Makoto nodded, smiling dumbly. “Of course!”

“Hey! See I did help you after all, Naegi!” Soda interrupted. “So you owe me, right?”

“You’re lucky we’re still friends, Soda-kun,” Makoto responded, briefly snapping out of his happy daze.

“Come on Naegi, don’t be so cruel! I didn’t mean it!” Soda cried. “You have to forgive me!”

usagi: guys…. im super bored!

usagi: aren’t days off supposed to be fun?

hinata: thanks for sharing, shimizu-sama

Itsuki: You’re still doing that?

hinata: doing what, nozomi-san?

Itsuki: The honorifics, I thought you would’ve stopped by now.

hinata: yeah, well, i don’t want shimizu-sama to murder me.

usagi: hey!! i wouldnt murder you hinata-kun

usagi: probably

hinata: see?

usagi: anyways, we should all hang out today!

hinata: no.

Itsuki: Also no.

usagi: so how does everyone feel about the beach?

hinata: someone has horrible ideas

hinata: that someone is shimizu-sama

Itsuki: Are there even any beaches open around here?

hinata: not that i know of, no.

Itsuki: Well that solves that, doesn’t it?

usagi: umm, well we can make our own beach!!!

usagi: it couldn’t be that hard, could it?

hinata: my point still stands, shimizu-sama has horrible ideas.

usagi: well its not like mr. ultimate hope im too good for honorifics has any better ideas, does he?

hinata: well hanging out isn’t so bad…

hinata: so maybe we could do it at a cafe?

usagi: like… a date?

usagi: kinda weird, hinata-kun

hinata: NOT like a date

Itsuki: If you two are going to go on a date I’d like to be left out of it.

usagi: don’t be jealous, itsuki-kun! i’d never cheat on you with hinata-kun!

Itsuki: We’re not dating in the first place, Usagi-san.

usagi: ...we arent?

usagi: you’re so mean, itsuki-kun! you can’t just lead a girl on…!

Itsuki: …

hinata: well do either of you have any better ideas than the cafe?

hinata: also stop bickering, i dont care enough

usagi: tsundere

Itsuki: I mean, I have room in my apartment.

Itsuki: If we’re really going to hang out.

usagi: okay !! thanks for opening your home to us!

hinata: i mean i guess…

usagi: like i said, tsundere

When Hinata and Shimizu arrived at his apartment, Itsuki was already prepared for their judgment.

He hadn’t exactly decorated his place, deciding that keeping it clean was good enough.

“Um,” Shimizu began, looking around. “When exactly did you move in, Itsuki-kun?”

“Huh…?” Itsuki said. “I’ve been here for a while.”

“Your apartment is really plain,” Hinata said bluntly. “You could’ve fooled about anyone.”

“I mean, I guess it fits Itsuki-kun’s personality,” Shimizu said, putting her hand to her face. “He’s very serious and no-nonsense most of the time.”

“...And that’s why he agreed to the honorifics lesson?” Hinata asked, glaring at Shimizu.

“Hey, I said most of the time, didn’t I?”

“Please don’t bicker in my apartment,” Itsuki interjected. “You can do it at the office, but I thought we were all here to get along?”

“You’re right, Nozomi,” Hinata said. “Let’s agree to temporary peace, Shimizu.”

“Hmph, how can I agree with a barbarian who already forgot all his lessons?” Shimizu pouted, crossing her arms and looking away.

“Usagi, you can leave if you really want to,” Itsuki said.

“Fine, temporary truce then,” Shimizu said. “But don’t think I’m going to be happy about it!”

“I wouldn’t even dream of it,” Itsuki promised.

“But seriously, Nozomi,” Hinata said. “How do you even live here?”

“This place doesn’t have any personality,” Hinata continued. “Feels more like a hospital than anything else.”

“Or one of those furniture models,” Shimizu added. “Y’know the ones you see in the old magazines?”

“I’ve been busy,” Itsuki said. “And even if I wasn’t busy I’ve never really seen much merit in decorating places.”

“Other than essentials of course,” Itsuki added. “There’s just really been no point, I guess.”

“Huuuh…?! You’ve never given a place your own Itsuki-kun charm?!” Shimizu yelled, scandalized. “That’s got to be a crime, Itsuki-kun! A serious one at that!”

“It’s a little surprising,” Hinata agreed.

“It’s been a while since I’ve even had to worry about it,” Itsuki said. “I just assumed that it would be like that for everyone else as well.”

“That’s… fair,” Hinata said. “The world’s been a bit busy, I think we can all agree on that.”

“It’s a bit… negative,” Shimizu said. “But yeah, that does make sense, Itsuki-kun.”

“Although I wouldn’t expect anything else from you.”

“But, we can’t just let the world’s events affect us forever,” Hinata said. “So maybe we could help you decorate, Nozomi?”

“Oooh! That’s actually a good idea, Hinata-kun!” Shimizu smiled.

“I’m… not so sure about that,” Itsuki said, scratching at his cheek. “I don’t know if I want to decorate my apartment…”

“Well it’s not like we have anything else to do…” Shimizu said. “And if you pull out Monopoly or something as equally boring we’ll be required to do something horrible to you, Itsuki-kun!”

“It’ll be fun, Nozomi,” Hinata said. “And Shimizu does bring up a good point, we do have nothing better to do.”

“There has to be something more fun than decorating my apartment,” Itsuki protested.

“Pleeeaseeeeee?” Shimizu begged.

“Fine,” Itsuki sighed. “It seems there’s no reasoning with the two of you anyway.”

“Yay!” Shimizu cheered.

“Let’s come up with an idea then,” Hinata said.

“Well, Itsuki-kun,” Shimizu began. “Your walls look a little plain…”

“Thanks,” Itsuki said. “They came with the place.”

“Well, I’ve got the perfect idea!” Shimizu declared. “I’ll just draw on them!”

“...You can draw?” Hinata asked, looking at Shimizu skeptically.

“Excuse you, Hinata-kun!” Shimizu huffed, turning to look at Hinata. “But I have a pretty good portfolio!”

“Somehow I don’t believe it,” Hinata said. “But it’s Nozomi’s walls and not mine at the end of the day.”

“But if you mess them up Nozomi probably won’t invite you again,” Hinata finished. “Although I wouldn’t mind that at all.”

“As long as they don’t give my landlord a reason to kill me or raise the rent… I don’t see a problem with it,” Itsuki said. “But be reasonable, Usagi-san.”

“Of course, I’ll be extra careful Itsuki-kun!” Shimizu saluted. “You have my word!”

Shimizu pulled out wall-safe markers and began her quest for the perfect wall to sketch on.

“Don’t you find it weird that she came prepared?” Hinata asked, staring at Shimizu worriedly.

“I’m not too surprised,” Itsuki said, sighing. “She probably wanted to do this since the beginning.”

“Somehow that fits right in character for her,” Hinata said. “Weird how that works.”

Itsuki nodded, “but I think we probably need to do some decorating, right?”

“And neither of us are prepared, are we?” Hinata asked.

“Unlike Usagi-san I don’t exactly plan to decorate my apartment normally,” Itsuki said. “But we could probably do some cleaning up.”

“Huh?” Hinata asked. “But this place looks pretty neat.”

“Looks can be deceiving,” Itsuki frowned. “My apartment is no different.”

“The worst area is probably my medicine cabinet,” Itsuki said, beginning to walk towards his bathroom. “So we might as well go there.”

Hinata nodded, following after Itsuki.

Once the two had made it into the bathroom, Itsuki opened his medicine cabinet. It was impressively in disarray, and it was only a miracle all the bottles didn’t fall upon opening.

“That’s… a lot of medication,” Hinata noted.

“Yeah,” Itsuki nodded.

A short pause passed between the two as they stared at the colorful bottles.

“Let’s sort them by when you need to take them, Nozomi,” Hinata said, reaching for a handful of bottles. “That should be our best course of action, anyway.”

Itsuki nodded, grabbing another handful, starting the monotonous task of sorting medication.

Once the two had finished sorting the medicine, they began the task of fitting all of the bottles back into the small cabinet.

“There,” Hinata said, cautiously placing the last bottle in. “It at least looks a little better…”

“I can’t promise I’ll be able to keep it for long,” Itsuki said. “It’s a lot easier to just grab them as I need them.”

“Well, you better try,” Hinata huffed. “I didn’t waste all of that time for nothing.”

“I’ll try,” Itsuki said, lying through his teeth.

After one more cautious glance at the medicine cabinet, Itsuki and Hinata made their way back into the main room.

Shimizu was still doodling away, and although Itsuki would never admit it, he did appreciate her pushing him.

“Well, I suppose I should organize my kitchen while we wait for Usagi-san,” Itsuki said.

“Do you want my help?” Hinata offered.

“It’s fine,” Itsuki said. “You’ve already done enough.”

As Itsuki walked to his kitchen he realized that his kitchen was foreign territory. He hadn’t exactly been there often.

It wasn’t like he purposefully avoided it, but working at the Future Foundation took a lot of energy out of him.

Energy he would’ve used for cooking.

As Itsuki started going through his cookware, Hinata walked up to him, probably bored.

“Sheesh, this stuff looks barely used, Nozomi,” Hinata remarked, staring at the cookware critically.

“That’s because it is rarely used,” Itsuki said, frowning slightly as he hung up another pan.

“That… seems like a waste,” Hinata said.

“It probably is,” Itsuki said. “But it’ll be used eventually.”

“Huh? What are we talking about?” Shimizu said, walking up to Itsuki and Hinata.

“Nozomi’s cookware and his lack of use of it,” Hinata said.

“Why do you have so many, Itsuki-kun?” Shimizu asked. “This seems the tiniest bit excessive…”

“I live under the false hope that one day I’ll find a use for it all,” Itsuki explained.

“Well now that Itsuki-kun is done fixing his kitchen, I’ve got work to show you two!” Shimizu said proudly. “If you’ll follow me please.”

“This is going to look bad,” Hinata muttered, following after Shimizu.

Itsuki swallowed a snicker and followed closely after the two.

Shimizu stood proudly against the wall she had decorated, “Do you like them? They’re cutesy animals and shapes!” “There wasn’t much I could do so you better thank me!” Shimizu said.

“It’s not bad, surprisingly…” Hinata said. “Wow Shimizu, you somehow are good at something!”

“Hey! I wasn’t asking your opinion!” Shimizu said. “You don’t live in this apartment, do you?” “It looks good, Usagi-san,” Itsuki said. It wasn’t exactly his style but he knew he could learn to live with it.

“Huuuh…?” Usagi muttered, before springing back to life. “I mean of course it would! You shouldn’t expect anything less from me!”

Itsuki shook his head, smiling slightly.

“Glad she’s just as full of herself as always,” Hinata said. “I was a little worried for a second.”

“Shut up, Hinata-kun!” Shimizu glared. “This is why no one invites you to anything!”

“That’s not true! I get invited to tons of things!” Hinata argued.

“Oh, yeah? Name one thing then!”

“Please shut up,” Itsuki interrupted. “Don’t make me kick you out before dinner.”

“He started it, you know that right?” Shimizu asked. “You can’t blame me for defending myself, Itsuki-kun!”

“I don’t care,” Itsuki said.

Shimizu pouted, although she didn’t say anything more.

“I’m going to order pizza,” Itsuki said to break the silence. “That is if anyone doesn’t have any objections.”

“You’re not going to use your cookware?” Hinata asked.

“Someday,” Itsuki answered. “But not today.”

“It’s fine by me,” Shimizu said, still pouting.

“Other than the waste of materials I’m fine,” Hinata said.

Itsuki nodded, dialing the number and ordering a plain pie. He was sure that Shimizu and Hinata would start arguing soon.

Really, the two were like cats and dogs, even with human intervention.

Not that Itsuki was really trying too hard.

The tension had finally died out just as the pizza arrived, much to Itsuki’s relief, allowing him to have a little hope left in his luck.

Not much, though.

The meal was eaten in relative silence, not that Itsuki was going to complain.

He was starting to get a headache, although that could’ve been from the lack of medication.

That was something to worry about later.

“That was a good meal,” Hinata said. “Although you can’t really go wrong with pizza.”

“Yeah, it was good!” Shimizu agreed.

“Well, now that you two have had a proper meal…” Itsuki began. “It’s time for you two to go.”

“You can’t just kick us out now!” Shimizu protested. “It’s rude!”

“We’ve been here all day,” Hinata said. “I think we’ve worn out our welcome.”

“Itsuki-kun, is it really true?!” Shimizu yelled. “Are we no longer wanted?!”

“It’s not just that,” Itsuki said. “I also want to call it an early night.”

“Just that?!” Shimizu asked.

“It’s fine,” Hinata said, getting up. “You’ve been working hard, anyway.”

“Fine,” Shimizu sighed, slowly getting up. “You look a little tired, anyway…”

“But next time we won’t let you kick us out so easily!” Shimizu promised. “Right, Hinata-kun?”

“No,” Hinata said, turning away. “Have a nice night, Nozomi.”

“Hmph! The nerve of that guy!” Shimizu said, glaring at Hinata’s back.

“But seriously, take a break, Itsuki-kun. You deserve it,” Shimizu added softer, smiling at him before heading towards the exit as well.

Itsuki got up after hearing his door click, going to lock it.

Once he was done he went towards his bathroom, grabbing some of the medicine that Hinata had organized.

Surprisingly, Itsuki put the medicine back in its place after he took them.

He’d keep it neat for a day, at most.

But there was no reason to worry about that now, that was Future Itsuki’s problems. Right now, all Itsuki had to worry about was getting to bed before passing out.

Itsuki decided to forgo changing, quickly plugging in his phone before laying on his bed.

“A bad omen,” his mother had whispered, quiet and hoarse. “Just like this family…”

She wasn’t exactly wrong, he would later think.

And to save someone from the fate of his mother he’d end it early.

It would only be fair, a mercy, he would later rationalize.

But there were more important things to focus on.

A beginning to the end, but of what only one could be certain.

“Naegi-kun,” Kiyotaka began, a bit quieter than usual. “I was wondering if you were free today.”

“Oh?” Naegi asked. “I’m free, yeah,”

“But this is a little sudden isn’t it?” Naegi said. “What’s the occasion, Ishimaru-kun?”

“There’s no occasion!” Kiyotaka yelled. “I just would like to further our relationship!”

“Alright then,” Naegi said. “It’s a date, then.”

But a date with whom, Naegi could not know.

The day flowed smoothly as rain pittered down, a familiar moment for Kiyotaka. He had a few regrets, that he could be sure of.

“Please,” his mother had gasped, grasping at him with a weak aim, staining his clothes. “Don’t… let anyone else end up like this, Taka...”

He wouldn’t let his mother down, that he was sure of.

Plus it would be better in his hands than his father, wouldn’t it?

The time had come, it would be a time to remember.

His backpack had felt particularly heavy and he found Naegi waiting.

“It’s still raining, huh,” Naegi muttered, sticking his hand out from his umbrella and catching a few drops. “That’s got to be bad luck, right, Ishimaru-kun?”

“Then that must mean good things will come, Naegi-kun!” Ishimaru said. “I wouldn’t worry about it too much!”

There were better things for Naegi to worry about anyway.

“You’re right, Ishimaru-kun,” Naegi smiled. “Anytime with you is time well spent anyway.”

What a foolish sentiment, even if Kiyotaka was protecting Naegi.

“Well, do you have any idea where you want to go, Ishimaru-kun?” Naegi asked, finally putting his hand under his umbrella.

“I wouldn’t want to force you to go anywhere!” Kiyotaka said, remembering his moral code.

It would be rude to force Naegi to do anything, especially considering the circumstances.

“Well, eheh, if we’re being honest… I really have no idea,” Naegi admitted.

“Well, then I suppose you leave me no choice, Naegi-kun!” Kiyotaka yelled. “There’s a park nearby. We wouldn’t get drenched and it would be a bit of a workout!”

Naegi nodded, falling into an easy pace behind Kiyotaka.

“Huh,” Naegi said as they walked into the park. “This place is really abandoned, huh?”

“I wouldn’t say abandoned, Naegi-kun,” Kiyotaka corrected. “More so just ignored in the rain.”

“It doesn’t really matter anyway,” Naegi continued. “As long as it’s just the two of us we’ll be fine!”

How wrong Naegi could be at the strangest of times.

“Still,” Naegi said. “This seems a bit creepy.”

“Are you really worried, Naegi-kun?” Kiyotaka asked, concerned.

“More so about not getting wet than anything else,” Naegi smiled. “But with my luck it’s bound to happen anyway, isn’t it?”

“Sometimes, Naegi-kun, I wonder how you got into Hope’s Peak Academy,” Kiyotaka said. “You seem to blame your luck a lot!”

“Aha,” Naegi said, scratching his cheek sheepishly.

What an innocent action.

“I’m not so sure, myself,” Naegi said. “But I guess I shouldn’t worry about it too much…”

“After all, I met you, didn’t I?”

And so the two sat at the park, trying their hardest not to get drenched. They made small talk, although the topics fell onto school.

Naegi laughed easily, recalling an incident with Maizono and Ikusaba, causing Kiyotaka’s heart to clench.

Would they be the one Naegi spent his last moments with?

So in the end, Kiyotaka won, right?

“Ishimaru-kun?” Naegi asked, looking at Kiyotaka worriedly. “Are you… upset?”

Kiyotaka paused, staring at Naegi blankly.

“Ishimaru…?” Naegi urged on.

“Oh…! My deepest apologies!” Kiyotaka yelled suddenly, startling Naegi. “I was just thinking about one of my assignments!”

“Oh,” Naegi said, laughing awkwardly. “You had me worried for a moment.”

“Actually,” Naegi continued. “You had a really scary look on your face…”

Kiyotaka stiffened, but Naegi seemingly didn’t notice, continuing on his story about Maizono and Ikusaba.

Perhaps something would have to be done about them when this was over.

Kiyotaka would think of something fitting later.

But all good things must come to an end. And Naegi Makoto was a very good thing.

Slowly but surely, Kiyotaka readied himself, reaching into his backpack to grab something solid.

Something comforting, before the storm would really hit.

Naegi was too busy talking to notice, his one fatal flaw was that he was easily distracted.

Kiyotaka readied himself for the slaughter, pulling out a weapon he had seen once before and hitting his target.

Naegi might’ve been screaming but Kiyotaka couldn’t notice, too busy with his one goal. It was a relaxing activity, Kiyotaka realized.

And it was with his precious Naegi, what more could Kiyotaka want?

Not much, he would think.

Slowly but surely, Kiyotaka began to clean up the mess he had made, putting the weapon distastefully back in his bag.

Staring at Naegi’s lifeless eyes, he put his now bloody hand on Naegi’s cheek.

“I love you, Naegi-kun,” Kiyotaka whispered. “I do hope you’ll understand one day, Naegi-kun.”

Kiyotaka caressed Naegi’s cheek and spread his blood.

Was there any other definition of romance?

But Kiyotaka’s time with Naegi had to be cut short, and with a final glance, Kiyotaka bid his lover goodbye.

It was such a shame someone else would have to discover his beautiful Naegi.

As Kiyotaka walked home, Naegi’s blood dripped off his skin.

Luckily, which Kiyotaka would find a bit ironic, it kept faithfully on his uniform.

That uniform would become his favorite.

“Messy,” Takaaki scolded, when Kiyotaka finally found his way back home, dripping and cold.

“It’s early too,” Takaaki continued. “But you’ve always been eager, haven’t you, Taka?”

Kiyotaka would say nothing to his monstrous father, only glaring.

“Oh don’t look at me like that, Taka,” Takaaki said. “Don’t act like you’re any better.”

He was wrong, he had to be.

Takaaki had murdered his mother while Kiyotaka had saved Naegi from the same fate.

“Y-yes, I am Nanami-senpai,” Makoto replied quickly. “It’s… a lot to take in, though.”

“That’s normal, probably,” Nanami responded, pulling out her Gamegirl. “It was with me, anyway…”

“But, I think the golden rule is just to treat them as you would anyone else,” Nanami added. “They’re after all still your classmates, Naegi-kun.”

Makoto nodded. If Nanami could handle her class he would probably be fine.

Assuming his luck didn’t go against him, of course.

Entering his class for the first time was going to be the hardest, that Nanami had promised.

Makoto had always thought of himself as a somewhat sociable person but now all he wished is that he could go hide away in his dorm.

They might buy that I’m sick, right? Makoto thought desperately as he stared at the classroom door.

Still, despite his nerves, Makoto reached for the handle.

He was sure he had never been more nervous in his life.

That was sad, wasn’t it?

Makoto slowly opened the door, ignoring the beating of his heart.

“Ah, Naegi-kun,” a mature voice greeted, startling Makoto. “I see you’ve made it here in one piece.”

Makoto dumbly nodded, staring at his teacher.

“Would you like to introduce yourself?” the teacher prodded, smiling softly.

Slowly but surely, Makoto made his way to the front of the classroom, ignoring the stares he felt on his back.

“My name is Makoto Naegi,” Makoto began, staring straight ahead. “I’m the Ultimate Lucky Student and I’m pleased to make your acquaintances.”

“If you could find your seat, Naegi-kun,” the teacher said. “We could start a more formal meeting.”

So far, Makoto thought as he made his way to the one empty desk, school seems pretty normal…

Maybe it won’t be so bad after all!

Makoto found that his classes for the most part passed smoothly, however it was a bit awkward not knowing anyone at first.

Luckily, Maizono, Ikusaba, and Hagakure were quick to talk to Makoto, claiming that he had seemed interesting.

“Naegi-chi,” Hagakure had said, beginning a question he had already asked several times before. “Do you have any magic?”

“No,” Makoto answered, getting a bit annoyed. “Up until a few weeks ago, I had no clue that magic was even real.”

“Huh…?” Maizono had said. “Humansssssss really have no clue?”

“It would make sense,” Ikusaba said. “They have explanations for everything, why would magical instances be any different?”

“I mean little kids believe in magic,” Makoto said. “But as we get older we just stop believing…”

“That’sssssssss horrible!” Maizono gasped, tail shaking slightly.

“Perhaps it’s just part of their lives,” Ikusaba said calmly.

Makoto nodded at that, not knowing what else to say.

“Well, Naegi-chi,” Hagakure began. “If you ever want to learn magic, learn it from me!”

Glancing at Maizono and Ikusaba told him that he might not want to take Hagakure up on his offer, yet Hagakure had looked so excited. Saying no outright would be like kicking a puppy...

“Thanks, Hagakure-kun,” Makoto said. “I’ll… think about it?”

Hagakure smiled brightly, and slowly the conversation turned to more normal things.

chiaki nanami:

nanami: naegi, how was your first day?

naegi: it was… interesting but not bad.

nanami: see? i told you it wouldnt be that bad

nanami: probably

naegi: i mean i havent really talked to most of them yet

nanami: you might do it eventually, naegi! i believe in you

nanami: maybe…

naegi: ...thanks?

nanami: no problem!

Makoto slowly tried to introduce himself to the rest of his class, some more successful than others.

But there was someone who kept gaining Makoto’s interest despite Makoto not talking to him.

Ishimaru Kiyotaka.

It seemed his small friend group had noticed his interest although Maizono and Ikusaba didn’t seem exactly eager to mention it.

Makoto didn’t know whether to be thankful or worried.

“Naegi-chi,” Hagakure said as they walked to lunch. “Are you ever going to talk to Ishimaru-chi?”

“Huh…?” Makoto said, scratching at his cheek. “I do talk to him, Hagakure-kun.”

“That’s not what I mean, man,” Hagakure whined out. “Since it’s obvious you have a crush on him why don’t you talk to him?”

“What…?” Makoto asked. “I don’t-”

“It’s obvious, man,” Hagakure said. “I could predict your future with him for a measly 100,000 yen!”

“...I’ll pass, Hagakure-kun,” Makoto said.

As Hagakure and Makoto made their way to the lunch table Makoto couldn’t help but ponder Hagakure’s words.

I can’t have a crush on Ishimaru, I haven’t even really spoken to him…! Makoto thought. ...Right?

Makoto went through the rest of his day, trying not to think of Ishimaru.

If anything, it’s a bit creepy, right? Makoto thought to himself. I mean, we don’t even know each other!

“Naegi-kun,” Maizono began, slithering up to Makoto at the end of their final class. “Did ssssssssomething happen?”

“Huh?” Makoto asked, looking at Maizono. “I don’t think so, why?”

“You ssssssssssseemed a bit out of it,” Maizono explained. “Thissssssssss doesn’t have anything to do with Ishimaru-kun, doessssssssss it?”

“W-wha…?” Makoto said. “How did you-”

“I’m pssssssssssychic, ssssssssssssillly!” Maizono smiled. “Jusssssssssst kidding, I jussssssssssst have good intuition!”

Makoto stared at Maizono in a bit of a shock.

“Maizono-san,” Makoto began. “I think I might have a bit of a problem…”

“And you have a crush on him?” Ikusaba asked plainly. “Despite not interacting with him other than superficial moments?”

“When you say it like that…” Makoto said, scratching at his cheek.

“Hey! Humans have short life spans!” Hagakure said. “So of course he’d fall in love quickly!”

I didn’t think my lifespan was that short… Makoto thought.

“I think it’sssssssssssss ssssssssssssweet,” Maizono added. “Love at firsssssssssssst ssssssssssssight, right?”

“It isn’t love!” Makoto protested. “I… just… I don’t know.”

“Well you won’t find out if you don’t talk to him,” Hagakure said.

“Hagakure-kun is right, for once,” Ikusaba said. “You’re going to have to talk to Ishimaru-kun to confirm your feelings.”

“It won’t be sssssssssssso bad, Naegi-kun,” Maizono said. “Ishimaru-kun can’t be that bad to talk to.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Makoto said. “Well, wish me luck.”

“Hopefully we don’t have to man,” Hagakure said. “You are the Ultimate Lucky Student aren’t you?”

Finding Ishimaru wasn’t hard. From the little interaction Makoto had with him he knew the guy liked to study.

Religiously.

Makoto went to the library and unsurprisingly Ishimaru was there. At least his intuition wasn’t wrong.

“Ishimaru-kun?” Makoto said, walking up to Ishimaru. “Could we talk?”

“Of course, Naegi-kun!” Ishimaru said in his usual loud voice. “Students communicating is fundamental for a working school environment!”

“It’s more of a personal matter,” Makoto said, looking away.

“Oh? Please do share, Naegi-kun!”

“I realized I don’t really know a lot of my classmates that well,” Makoto said. “So I wanted to get to know you better, Ishimaru-kun.”

What a copout… Makoto thought sullenly to himself.

“I would also be interested in furthering our relationship, Naegi-kun!” Ishimaru responded, smiling with his arms out.

chiaki nanami:

naegi: ...i need your help, nanami

nanami: huh…? what do you need naegi?

naegi: i dont know how to flirt with one of my classmates

nanami: oh? youre already flirting with one of your classmates?

nanami: um… thats… a problem

naegi: i know

nanami: just flirt with them like you would a normal person, probably

naegi: i dont know how to flirt with people

nanami: im not good at dating sims, naegi…

Slowly but surely Makoto was sure he was making progress with befriending Ishimaru. His friends offered him tips on what they had learned about Ishimaru but he wasn’t exactly sure he could accept all of their help.

“I could have one of my minions follow him, man,” Hagakure offered during lunch.

“There’s probably a love spell I could cast on him,” Ikusaba said during the middle of their third period. “Although I would have to go to the dragon realm…”

“You could alwayssssssss trap him, Naegi-kun!” Maizono had said cheerfully at the end of the day.

Yeah, his friends were probably not the best people to consult on this matter.

“Naegi-kun!” Ishimaru yelled after Maizono had left him for the day. “I think it would be pertinent for us to study!”

“Huh…?” Makoto said. “Study…?”

“Yes!” Ishimaru said. “It would help us better understand each other while still keeping on top of our school work!”

“We could… just hang out?” Makoto offered. “That would also help us better our friendship…”

“But what about our studies?!”

“Studying isn’t everything in a friendship…” Makoto said. “I mean it’s also important for friends to relax with each other.”

“Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-what?!” Ishimaru cried out, looking shocked.

Did Makoto… break him?

Did I really say something that weird…? Makoto thought.

“I understand, Naegi-kun!” Ishimaru said, starting to cry. “Thank you for teaching me, Naegi-kun!”

“You’re… welcome?” Makoto said, scratching at his cheek.

“Naegi-kun! You can decide the place we relax!”

As Makoto led Ishimaru to a park he had discovered nearby he noticed Ishimaru’s tail wagging.

Huh, I didn’t know that he could do that… Makoto thought. It’s kind of cute…

The routine of hanging out with Ishimaru continued for a few weeks and Makoto found himself happy with how things were going thus far.

Too scared to make a move, Makoto had accepted that he was resigned to only being friends with Ishimaru.

Not that that was a bad thing, despite how his friends had teased him.

Yet today, Ishimaru had been acting a bit weird to Makoto. More red-faced and loud, almost as if he was annoyed.

Did Makoto do something?

“Are you really that dense, Naegi-kun?” Ikusaba asked, blinking at Makoto. “I wonder how you’ve made it this far.”

“Huh…? What do you mean?” Makoto asked, tilting his head.

“I think it’s pretty obvious, man,” Hagakure answered unhelpfully. “Are you going to eat that, Naegi-chi?”

Makoto pushed his tray towards Hagakure who accepted it wordlessly.

“I think Ishimaru-kun might be reciprocating your feelingssssssssss, Naegi-kun,” Maizono explained. “It would explain his recent behavior.”

“H-huh…? You think?” Makoto asked.

“It’s obvious,” Ikusaba said. “Even Hagakure gets it.”

“Mhm!” Hagakure agreed, muffled by food.

“Don’t worry too much, Naegi-kun,” Maizono said. “It’sssssssssss going to work out perfectly!”

chiaki nanami:

nanami: heard from one of my classmates that you have some good news incoming

nanami: ….probably

nanami: it’s probably pointless to wish you good luck, naegi, but i told you it’d be fine.

nanami: ...maybe

“Naegi-kun!” Ishimaru yelled at the end of the school day, startling Makoto.

“Ishimaru-kun…?” Makoto asked, trying to ignore what his friends had told him during lunch. “What’s up?”

“I have something to tell you, Naegi-kun!” Ishimaru said, continuing to yell.

“I don’t think you have to be so loud, Ishimaru-kun…” Makoto said. “Unless you want to tell everyone in the school…”

“I know these feelings are not exactly wholesome but I can no longer deny my attraction to you, Naegi Makoto-kun!”

“Huh…?!” Makoto said, feeling his face redden rapidly.

“I understand that you may not reciprocate these feelings….!” Ishimaru said, trailing off as Makoto stared blankly at Ishimaru.

Before Ishimaru could say anymore Makoto closed the gap between the two of them connecting their lips.

“Ishimaru-san, I think I might like you too.”

naegi phan klub:

Soldier Girl: Looks like they finally got together.

Snake Songstress: Finally! I’m happy for them!

speak to the dead: ...maybe we should add him to the group chat now?

Snake Songstress: No…! Think about how embarrassed he’ll be.

Soldier Girl: Adding him now.

Akira was the complete and total opposite of Goro. Akira had taken every bad thing that happened in his life with stride. People viewed Akira as a criminal, something to be thrown away, someone who was purely irremediable, yet Akira didn’t care in the slightest. Goro relied on public opinion and fed off of it, while Akira shrugged it aside. It didn’t help that Akira was the other wild card, someone who was supposed to be his rival. Perhaps it was only natural that they should hate each other.

But Akira never followed what was natural.

“Ah, Kurusu-Kun, I hope you don’t mind me stopping in. The coffee here is-”

“Akechi-Kun, you’re allowed to say you visited here just because you wanted to see me.” Akira interrupted, teasing him, as if they were good friends.

“Ah! That’s not what I meant,” Goro stammered out, his cheeks suddenly started to flush.

“Relax, I was only teasing you. Besides, what would bring you to Cafe Leblanc if it wasn’t Sojiro’s amazing coffee?” After Akira said this, Goro couldn’t help but find himself shocked. Was Akira like this to everyone? He had to be, right? No one was ever nice to Goro.

“So,” Akira began, filling in the silence that began to permeate in the room “what are you having?”

Things continued like this for a week, and Akira was always the barista whenever Goro came over, and they had started to settle into a routine. As Goro visited, he started to become familiar with Cafe Leblanc, as if it was his home.

That realization scared him, as he hadn’t felt that way in a long time.

“Akechi, you’ve been quieter than usual.” Akira noted, as he idly cleaned coffee cups that hadn’t been used in a long time.

“Ah, I have? I suppose I wouldn’t make such a great guest. I should be going anyways.” Goro replied, beginning to get up when he felt Akira grab him. He looked at Akira, who’s expression was concerned, making Goro feel confused and another unknown emotion.

“Goro,” Akira began. Were they on a first name basis now? That wasn’t right, was it? “It’s alright to not be okay, you don’t have to put up your facade around me.” Put up his facade around Akira? Oh how wrong Akira was, every moment spent with Akira was a damn facade.

“I don’t get what you mean Kurusu-Kun.” Goro responded, no longer attempting to get out of his chair.

“We’re friends Goro, and friends help each other.” With that statement, Kurusu Akira confirmed one thing for Goro Akechi. Akira was a damn idiot.

After that conversation, Akira started including the teenage detective in more and more activities. With each moment they spent together, unwillingly Goro felt himself grow closer and closer to Akira. With each interaction, with each passing breath, Goro’s walls broke down and more. Yet, Yaldabaoth and Shido were cruel and could no longer wait. Goro had an original plan to end the world and all the worthless people on it, and it was too late to stop now. No matter how much his heart cried in grief.

That led him to where he was now.

After Sae handed him the phone he readied himself to finally dispose of the Phantom Thief leader. End their rivalry with him as the clear victor. As he walked into the interrogation room and saw the state of Akira, he almost thought he was doing him a favor.

As he killed the guard and aimed the muzzle straight at Akira, his heart screamed and his mask almost broke. When he pulled the trigger, he was sure he was as dead as Kurusu was.

As news broke that the Phantom Thief leader was dead, he did all he could to zone it out and work on something else. It was almost time to betray Shido, to ruin him as he had ruined Goro’s whole life. Shido may have been cruel, but Goro was crueler.

As Goro forced himself through Shido’s palace, he found himself reminiscing about the past. He decided that he would avenge Akira, and bring an end to the world as a whole. Just as he snapped himself out of the reminiscing, he saw the Phantom Thieves and they were not missing their leader Joker.

“You,” Goro began, “you’re supposed to be-”

“Dead,” Akira replied, “yeah I know, but things don’t always go to plan.” Akira didn’t seem to have his usual charm. He lacked the cockiness that Goro had grown to love hate.

“No matter, this is a hitch in my plan that can easily be rectified. And what, pray tell, do you know? I can get rid of all the Phantom Thieves, leaving no loose ends.” Goro said, as a grin grew on his face.

“You don’t want to do this Goro.” Akira told him, and Akira was right of course. He didn’t want to do this.

“You’re wrong, Joker this is exactly what I want to do. Scum like you are supposed to be crushed by the best, which I am.” Goro replied, coldly. But inside his heart was screaming: Please don’t die, please I don’t want to do this, please don’t leave me.

“I hope you can see the truth when this is all over,” Akira replied finally, readying himself to fight “we’re your friends, we don’t want to hurt you.”

As the first battle ended, Goro simply smiled.

“End of the line, Akechi-Kun, there’s no way you can win this.” Makoto told him, like Akira, her voice was softer than the other accusatory tones. Was she pitying him? He wasn’t sure anymore.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Makoto,” Goro murmured. “Are you really underestimating me? Have you forgotten what I’ve done for two whole years?”

“Huh? What do you mean?” Makoto asked, suddenly more alert at the danger in front of her.

“This form, Crow, is pathetic. It’s not even my true Persona. In fact my true Persona is much more powerful.” Goro laughed as his new outfit covered his body. “You’re fools, Phantom Thieves, believing in helping each other and forgiveness. I’ll show you the truth about this world!” As Goro readied himself again, he saw Akira’s sad glance, it made him feel cold even under the pounding adrenaline. I’m sorry Akira, his heart screamed. “Well Phantom Thieves, lets see what you’ve got!”

He still couldn’t beat them, even when trying his all, he was no match for them, to him.

“It seems the Captain was right about you.” Goro’s voice droned. This caused all of the Phantom Thieves to look at the cognition.

“Akechi?” Ryuji asked, “What the eff?!” The Goro cognition ignored Ryuji’s outburst and stared straight at Goro himself.

“You really are pathetic, aren’t you? The Captain has no use for you, at least not anymore.” As the Goro cognition pointed his gun at the wounded Goro, he smiled. “Isn’t this ironic? Killed by your own self because you were too weak. You were only a puppet, in everyone’s lives. Perhaps it is for the better.” Goro couldn’t help but agree with his cognition. He deserved this. After all, the one person who had shown him a shred of humanity was his enemy, someone whom he swore to destroy and attempted to kill at least twice now. “I’ll tell the Captain you accepted your place at least, if that makes you feel better.” Goro’s cognition laughed, pointing his muzzle straight at the real Goro.

As Goro heard the gun fire, he realized he couldn’t feel it. What he could feel was the black leather of Joker’s coat as a new weight covered his body. At that moment Goro couldn’t feel anything but cold.

“Joker?” Goro whispered, “Joker, please can you hear me?”

“Huh, this- this isn’t what I had in mind.” Akira replied, softly, as if each breath pained him.

“Why? Why me, why are you such an idiot?! Why didn’t you let me DIE?!” Goro screamed at the hero, his rival, his friend, his one light in the never ending tunnel.

“Don’t you,” Akira began, “remember- what I told you?” Akira suddenly smiled, as if ignoring the blood, the pain, the tears building in Goro’s eyes “We’re friends Goro, and friends help each other.”

“You idiot! We were never friends! I hated you!”

“You and I know that’s not true, you wouldn’t be here right now if it was.” Akira said as he reached out and put a hand on Goro’s face. “I want to make a deal with you, Akechi Goro, make Shido pay for his crimes.”

“What?”

“Avenge yourself and those who have fallen. You still can be a Phantom Thief if you just try.” Akira muttered, his strength growing weaker and his eyesight straining.

“I, I… promise.” Goro whispered at once.

“And never forget this, you are loved.” Akira’s voice slowly trailed off, as his eyes began to dull.

“Nozomi, Shimizu,” Hinata said, coming up to them. “Can you two spare a moment?”

“It seems like everyone is asking us that nowadays,” Shimizu complained. “How many times do I have to say it? We didn’t see anything interesting!”

“I’m sorry to be such a bother but I need it for my report,” Hinata responded, looking a little sheepish. “It shouldn’t take too long.”

“It’s fine, Hinata-san,” Itsuki said.

“Not that we’d have a choice anyway,” Shimizu sulked. “Well then Hinata-kun, ask away.”

“First of all, is this even something we can publish?” Hinata asked, staring at the two. “I don’t want to cause needless panic over nothing.”

“As the Division 14 Head, aren't you supposed to keep the people informed, Hinata-san?” Itsuki asked. “This doesn’t seem like something you could just leave out.”

“But we can’t just tell the world that the remnants are still alive,” Hinata responded. “That would break all the trust the people have in the Future Foundation.”

“So, you’re planning on keeping everyone in the dark, Hinata-kun?!” Shimizu yelled, scandalized. “Didn’t anyone ever teach you the ethics of journalism?”

“I don’t need to be scolded about my practices,” Hinata said, crossing his arms. “That isn’t what I meant, anyway.”

“I think the Future Foundation already put themselves into this mess when they said all of Enoshima’s followers were dead,” Itsuki explained. “I suppose it wouldn’t be wise for Hinata-san to just expose the lie.”

“Still, as the Ultimate Hope, he should do what’s best for the people!” Shimizu said. “That’s part of his job description!”

“I am doing what’s best for the people!” Hinata protested, glaring at Shimizu.

Itsuki cleared his throat at the rising tension.

“Well, since you have doubts on what you should report, Hinata-kun,” Itsuki began. “Perhaps it’s better if you wait before attempting to publish anything on it.”

“I imagine that the Future Foundation is going to be in disarray for a little while,” Itsuki continued. “So you’ll be able to make something publishable when everything is back to normal.”

“There will be better people to ask by then, at least,” Itsuki said.

“That’s… not a bad idea, Nozomi,” Hinata admitted. “Although I get the feeling you’re doubting my current judgment.”

“Well, regardless of what you think Itsuki-kun is doing,” Shimizu said, leaning into Hinata. “You’ve got information that we don’t!”

“H-huh…?” Hinata asked. “What’s with that look?”

“You’re a division leader, right?” Shimizu continued. “So you’re bound to have information on Hagakure-san that we don’t have!”

“It just makes sense!” Shimizu finished with a smirk.

“Hagakure-san…?” Hinata repeated. “You’re really showing respect for that guy…?”

“Oh? Are you surprised people can show respect?” Shimizu glared. “Some of us know basic manners.”

“Hey! I do know basic manners!” Hinata protested, about to say more before Itsuki coughed.

“Perhaps you two could fight later,” Itsuki said. “But for now, Hinata-san just tell us anything you know about Hagakure-san.”

“It’s an interesting topic,” Itsuki said as a way of explaining his interest. “Plus we did just recently encounter him.”

“It isn’t exactly good news,” Hinata said, looking a little worried. “At least not for the chance of him getting reformed.”

“Huh…?” Shimizu muttered, looking a bit confused.

“Casualties,” Itsuki realized. “There’s been casualties.”

“Apparently a few division 6 agents almost cornered him,” Hinata began to explain.

“Almost cornered him?” Shimizu interrupted. “That doesn’t sound good.”

“Like I was saying,” Hinata continued. “Apparently they were able to land a hit before he fled.”

“But the agents didn’t come back unharmed,” Hinata finished. “From what I’ve heard, one of them almost died of blood loss.”

“That’s… horrible,” Shimizu said after a moment. “And they were only able to land a hit…?”

Hinata nodded solemnly.

“You’re right,” Shimizu said. “That isn’t good for his chances at all.”

“I’d bet that Munakata-san wouldn’t be happy to hear about that,” Itsuki muttered. “I wonder if that’s enough casualties to have him killed.”

“From how that guy acts anything the remnants do is worthy of death,” Hinata agreed. “But they can’t be beyond saving, can they?”

“Sheesh, another guy with a savior complex,” Shimizu sighed. “Well, I guess it makes more sense with Hinata-kun’s backstory than Itsuki-kun’s.”

“Savior complex…?” Hinata asked, looking at Ituski for an answer.

“Don’t get her started, she can go on all day.”

Itsuki couldn’t help but overthink the information Hinata had given them. If what was said about Hagakure was the truth, it was likely Hagakure wouldn’t survive being captured by the Future Foundation.

His stomach churned at the thought, and although he had tried to brush it aside, it kept nagging at him.

“Itsuki-kun,” Shimizu began, looking at him concerned. “You don’t look so well.”

“Thanks,” Itsuki responded dryly, staring at his desk.

“I didn’t mean it as an insult, Itsuki-kun,” Shimizu said softly. “Is something bothering you?”

“Actually, don’t answer that,” Shimizu sighed. “It’s about Hagakure-san, isn’t it?”

Itsuki stared at Shimizu in shock, although he shouldn’t have been that surprised. She had been getting exceptionally well at reading him.

“I don’t understand your obsession with the remnants, but I’m hoping it’s for a good reason,” Shimizu said. “So why don’t you ask Gekkogahara-san about Hagakure-san?”

“What about our work?” Itsuki asked, although he wasn’t sure why he was stalling.

Perhaps he felt guilty about putting Shimizu in a bad position. They were friends after all.

“That’s funny, Itsuki-kun,” Shimizu said, forcing out a laugh. “It wasn’t like you were going to get much work done, anyway.”

“I’ll owe you one,” Itsuki promised, getting up from his seat.

“Hey! You already owe me a lot of ones, Itsuki-kun!” Shimizu protested, taking his spot. “I’m going to remember this one, so you better make it count!”

Itsuki shook his head in fondness, smiling slightly.

Shimizu could really change moods on a whim, it seemed.

Unluckily things weren’t smooth sailing, as Itsuki hadn’t the faintest idea where exactly Gekkogahara was.

Somehow when she was most needed she disappeared. Or at least, that was Itsuki’s experience.

Even worse, instead of Gekkogahara, Itsuki ran into Munakata, who like usual wore a neutral sort of scorn.

“Nozomi,” Munakata greeted. “What brings you here?”

“I was looking for Gekkogahara-san,” Itsuki admitted. “But I believe you can help me all the same.”

“That is if you’re not busy,” Itsuki added quickly.

“I have time,” Munakata said. “What is it that you want, Nozomi?”

“What exactly will happen to Hagakure-san when he’s captured?” Itsuki asked plainly.

Munakata stared at him for a moment, “he will probably be killed at this rate. Not that he deserves much better.”

Itsuki swallowed, although he had expected the answer it had still stung.

“Munakata-san,” Itsuki began once again, trying to control his tone. “With all due respect, don’t you think you’re being too rash?”

“Too rash?” Munakata asked, tone becoming colder. “And what would you understand of my methods, Nozomi?”

“I just believe they have a chance, Munakata-san,” Itsuki said. “And because they have a chance we can’t just give up on them.”

“You seem sure of yourself, Nozomi,” Munakata said. “But what tells you that they have a chance of being reformed? Just a naive feeling or do you have proof to back it up?”

“They’re still humans,” Itsuki said. “And because they’re humans they can be reformed.”

“It’s just human nature,” Itsuki added.

“Perhaps human nature would apply to humans, but the Remnants are not humans,” Munakata glared. “They have committed far too many crimes to even be considered animals.”

“You can’t just say that about people!” Itsuki protested. “They can still change, we can’t give up on them now!”

“They’ve already given up on themselves,” Munakata dismissed. “Long before I gave up on them.”

“How can you say that?” Itsuki asked. “They were brainwashed by Enoshima! You act as if they had a choice!”

“Once corrupted by her influence they’re better off dead,” Munakata said. “Think of this as an act of mercy.”

“Whatever relationship you had with the remnants is gone,” Munakata continued. “It’s foolish and naive for you to continue to pursue it.”

“There is no chance at saving them,” Munakata finished.

Itsuki paused, trying his hardest not to yell at Munakata.

It wouldn’t do him too well to lose his job.

“Is this how you justify your bloodlust, Munakata-san?” Itsuki asked, turning to walk away. “Because they’re ‘evil’ you’re allowed to kill them?” “I don’t have-” Munakata began, only to be interrupted.

“It’s fine, Munakata-san,” Itsuki said, walking away. “You’ve already proven your point.”

Surprisingly, Itsuki found that he wasn’t followed by an angry Munakata.

Perhaps his luck wasn’t all bad after all.

Itsuki hurried back to his station once he was sure he was no longer in Munakata’s line of sight.

When Shimizu saw Itsuki hurrying, she understandably looked nervous, giving him a confused head tilt.

“What happened?” Shimizu asked as soon as Itsuki was back at his desk. “I’ve never seen you move that fast in my life!”

“We haven’t known each other for that long,” Itsuki responded, sitting down. “But things didn’t exactly go well.”

“Huh…? How did things go poorly with Gekkogahara-san…?” Shimizu asked. “She’s probably the nicest person here!”

“I actually… met with Munakata-san,” Itsuki said sheepishly. “I might’ve had an argument with him…”

“You had an argument with Munakata-san?!” Shimizu whispered, looking scandalized. “Itsuki-kun, you can’t just fight with Munakata-san!”

“He’ll fire you if you aren’t careful!”

“And somehow we end up back at your extreme fear of being fired,” Itsuki said. “But I wasn’t going to let him go unquestioned.”

“His sort of thinking is dangerous, Usagi-san.”

“But… he isn’t exactly wrong, is he?” Shimizu asked, looking away. “Even if you want to believe in the possibility of the remnants being saved…”

“They’ve undeniably done horrible things,” Shimizu added. “A lot of people can’t just get over that overnight, y’know?”

“It’s honorable, your want to help them, Itsuki-kun,” Shimizu quickly amended after seeing a frown grow on Itsuki's face.

“I suppose you don’t agree with me then?” Itsuki asked.

“It’s not just that,” Shimizu said lamely, looking him in the eyes. “I just can’t understand why you care so much.”

“There just has to be more, right, Itsuki-kun?”

“I don’t know where you got that idea, Usagi-san,” Itsuki said. “There’s nothing more to me other than what I told you.”

Shimizu glared, “You care a lot about the remnants, despite your constant denials.”

“You’ve had to at least known them, Itsuki,” Shimizu finished. “There’s just no other way you would care this much!”

“I’ll clarify this just once more, Usagi,” Itsuki said. “I don’t know the remnants from anything other than the Future Foundation files on them. But I do feel sorry for them.”

“You… feel sorry for them?” Shimizu asked. “I don’t exactly follow, Itsuki-kun…”

“I joined Division 7 to help cure despair,” Itsuki said. “I believe that we can do that, and the remnants are still heavily afflicted with despair.”

“The remnants have done horrible things, but if we can help them…” Itsuki said trailing off.

“They caused the end of the world! Afflicted with despair or not,” Shimizu protested. “They still killed and hurt so many people!”

“I know,” Itsuki muttered. “But I don’t think they were in the right state of mind.”

“We know they were brainwashed,” Itsuki continued, a little more desperate. “So if we could help them…” “It would finally prove that we won against Enoshima,” Itsuki finished, pleading with Shimizu with his eyes.

“I… guess,” Shimizu admitted after a long pause. “But I still won’t pretend to understand your real reasoning behind it.”

“My real-”

“I know you’re lying to me, Itsuki,” Shimizu said. “I’m not going to ask why, and you really seem sure of it.”

“So I’ll trust in you, Itsuki,” Shimizu smiled. “It’s the least I could do for my friend.”

Itsuki couldn’t help but smile as well. He was asking a lot of Shimizu after all.

“But, don’t think you’re off the hook for all those favors you owe me, Itsuki-kun!” Shimizu said. “I’m about ready to cash ‘em in!”

“This can’t be good…” Itsuki frowned.

“I don’t know why I agreed to this,” Itsuki muttered as him and Shimizu looked for Hinata.

“That’s because you didn’t get a choice, Itsuki-kun!” Shimizu smiled. “But geez, where could Hinata-kun even be?”

“Over here,” Hinata said, appearing from behind the two. “Nozomi, Shimizu, what exactly are you two doing here?”

“You’re not going to like this,” Itsuki warned as Shimizu got close to Hinata.

“You’re coming with us, Hinata-kun!” Shimizu sing-songed, looking anything but sweet.

“H-huh…? Coming with you guys…?” Hinata asked. “What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said!” Shimizu smirked.

“You’re not going to get much of a choice,” Itsuki added.

Before Hinata could respond, Shimizu had grabbed him by his tie.

“W-what are you doing?!” Hinata yelled.

Itsuki rolled his eyes, looking away.

“We’re going to teach you some manners, Hinata-kun!” Shimizu said as she began to drag him.

Itsuki followed unenthusiastically.

Hinata protested the whole way to Division 7’s temporary space, although as Itsuki noted, he didn’t make much of a struggle to get out of her grip.

Once Shimizu released her grip from his tie, he began to straighten it once again.

“W-well now that we’re here,” Hinata began, sounding a bit annoyed. “Can you at least tell me why I was brought here?”

“Exactly what Usagi-san said before,” Itsuki began to explain. “Usagi-san wanted to teach you some manners and I got roped into it.”

“That’s because you owe me a ton of favors, Itsuki-kun!” Shimizu added cheerfully. “But Itsuki-kun is right! We’re going to teach you how to respect others, Hinata-kun!”

“I do respect others!” Hinata bristled.

“You can’t just go around as the ‘Ultimate Hope’ and not use honorifics for others!” Shimizu continued, ignoring Hinata’s complaint. “It’s just plain rude.”

“Like she said before, I had no choice about my involvement in this lesson,” Itsuki sighed.

“Hey! No need to be rude, Itsuki-kun!”

“To begin the lesson we need to understand your knowledge on honorifics,” Itsuki began. “You do know the basic honorifics, right…?”

“Huh…?!” Hinata said. “What do you take me for, an idiot?”

“In Itsuki-kun’s defense you didn’t know what an octagon was…” Shimizu added unhelpfully. “I mean, that’s pretty bad, Hinata-kun.”

“H-hey…! Don’t just bring that up!” Hinata yelled, obviously embarrassed.

“Moving on… for someone like you, Hinata-san… perhaps you could go with kun for males and chan for females,” Itsuki said. “It’s conventional and easy enough.”

“Or you could call everyone san for convenience!” Shimizu said. “That’s what Itsuki-kun does, anyway…”

“It’s more than for just convenience,” Itsuki clarified.

“Are those my only options?” Hinata asked.

“Technically you could use any honorifics,” Itsuki said. “We’re not the honorifics police, Hinata-san.”

“...Or rather, I’m not.”

“But... you should use san for everyone if you want to get out quicker!” Shimizu said. “Because this was way more boring than I thought!”

“I’m starting to think you set your expectations too high,” Itsuki commented.

“Agreed,” Hinata said.

“So, what are you going to use, Hinata-kun?” Shimizu asked. “San for everyone, right?”

“Glad to know I get a choice…” Hinata complained.

“Don’t back talk to your teachers!” Shimizu glared. “Is that another lesson we have to give you?”

“That one you can teach on your own time,” Itsuki said. “Let’s just move on.”

“Well we can’t just let him go if he doesn’t show any improvements!” Shimizu protested. “It would be a waste!”

“You’re right, Nozomi-san and Shimizu-san,” Hinata said. “This lesson was truly ‘enlightening’ but I really must be going…”

Itsuki stared at Hinata, smirking slightly at the forced honorifics.

Apparently Shimizu had fallen for his act, however.

“See! That’s such an improvement!” Shimizu beamed. “We’re really the greatest teachers!”

“He’s… obviously faking it,” Itsuki said. “I’m surprised you fell for it, Usagi-san.”

“Don’t be such a pessimist, Itsuki-kun!” Shimizu said. “But… just for that slight chance that he is faking it…”

“We’ll just have to force him to do it again if we catch him not using honorifics!” Shimizu declared. “Isn’t that a great idea?”

“Please… don’t,” Hinata said.

“...When did I agree to that?” Itsuki asked.

“I think it’s perfect!” Shimizu said. “It’s the least Hinata-kun could do anyway!”

“Huh…? What do you mean?” Hinata asked.

“You’re so uptight, you’re kind of like a mini Munakata-san,” Shimizu said, beginning to air her grievances. “At least that guy has the attitude to go with the lack of manners!”

“I’m nothing like Munakata!”

“You sure are!”

Itsuki frowned, staring at the two as they began to bicker.

Somehow, despite the annoyance, Itsuki found himself happier than he had been in a long time.

He however wasn’t going to join in on their argument, more content to just see how it would play out.

That was until they heard glass shatter and an alarm begin to ring.

“Huh…?!” Shimizu yelled out, looking towards the source of the noise. Itsuki quickly followed, feeling his heartbeat increase as he made eye contact with the person.

Hagakure Yasuhiro, former Ultimate Clairvoyant, current Ultimate Despair.

Reflexively Itsuki reached for his gun, mind reacting to the danger that stood before him. Shimizu grabbed at his arm, sending him a glance.

They were going to try to solve this peacefully then?

“Hagakure-san,” Itsuki began, forcing his voice to be stable. “What brings you here to Future Foundation Division 7?”

“We’re not going to hurt you, Hagakure-san,” Shimizu added helpfully. “We’ll grant you protection as long as you communicate with us.”

Hagakure stared at them, looking like a cornered animal.

Before Itsuki or Shimizu could say anything Hagakure turned-tail and fled the same way he came in.

“Did… he just jump?” Shimizu asked, staring where Hagakure used to be. “That guy sure was weird, wasn’t he?”

“I don’t know what you were expecting, Usagi-san,” Itsuki said, getting ready to contact the other divisions. “But I suggest you get ready for a slew of questions.”

“Huuuh…?! But the weirdest thing he did was stare at you for a couple of seconds, Itsuki-kun!” Shimizu complained.

“Stare at me…?” Itsuki paused. “Wasn’t he just staring at you?”

“No way! That guy was barely staring at me at all,” Shimizu said, walking up to Itsuki. “It was a little creepy if you ask me.”

“You’re just imagining things, Usagi-san,” Itsuki said, smiling slightly. “You must be in shock.”

“Well actually, you’re the one smiling, Itsuki-kun,” Shimizu countered. “So if anyone is in shock it’s you.”

“I smile sometimes,” Itsuki said, beginning to make the first call. “You’re just not attentive enough.”

“Hey! Take that back, Itsuki-kun!”

“Nozomi, Shimizu, come in,” Munakata said, moving out of their way.

“Munakata-san, is it safe to assume that you have questions about the incident?” Itsuki asked as he sat down.

“No offense Munakata-san, but anything we tell you isn’t going to be very useful,” Shimizu added. “Despite what we know about the remnants this event was just very anticlimactic…”

“Any information about despair is better than nothing,” Munakata said, voice carefully neutral. “Could you give any specific information?”

“He didn’t say anything,” Itsuki said. “Hagakure-san seemed very confused about the whole situation.”

“Which he didn’t even have a right to be!” Shimizu added. “He’s not the one who had someone crash into their office!”

“He said nothing at all?” Munakata asked.

“Nothing,” Itsuki confirmed. “I don’t even think he knew where he was.”

“It was almost like he wasn’t even hearing us,” Shimizu said. “Itsuki-kun and I tried to negotiate with him and he just jumped out of the window!”

“He treated us as a threat despite us not even attempting anything!” Shimizu finished, pouting slightly. “Hagakure-san didn’t even give us a chance!”

“That isn’t surprising,” Munakata said blankly. “And there is nothing else you wish to add?”

“We’re positive,” Itsuki said as Shimizu nodded.

“But why are you wasting time asking us about the remnant instead of searching for him, Munakata-san?” Shimizu asked. “He couldn’t have gotten that far from here!”

“We’re already searching for him,” Munakata answered.

“Why would he do something as risky as entering the Future Foundation’s main building?” Itsuki asked. “It just doesn’t make sense.”

“We’ve been luring Hagakure closer and closer,” Munakata explained. “He seems to be their weakest link.”

“Their weakest link…?” Itsuki repeated.

“I mean that makes sense, probably,” Shimizu said. “With the way he was acting it does seem like he was set up.”

“But hey! If he was set up did you specifically tell him to go to the 7th division?” Shimizu asked. “That wouldn’t make much sense…”

“We didn’t tell him to go to any of the divisions,” Munakata said. “He did that out of his own free will.”

“It’s as if he’s almost asking to be captured,” Itsuki noted.

“What are we going to do once he is captured, Munakata-san?” Shimizu asked.

“It depends on how many casualties we sustain,” Munakata began. “If we can get Hagakure relatively easily then we’ll try to reform him.”

“If we can’t?” Itsuki asked.

“Then we just kill him,” Munakata said. “He might end up dead either way.”

Itsuki frowned, crossing his arms.

“Do you have a problem with that, Nozomi?” Munakata asked, staring pointedly at Itsuki.

“Are you sure we should just give up on Hagakure-san so early, Munakata-san?” Itsuki asked. “They’re still humans.”

“They’re no longer humans, they’re monsters,” Munakata said. “It would be wise of you to save your pity for things more deserving, Nozomi.”

“You can’t just-” Itsuki began, only to be elbowed by Shimizu.

“We understand and respect your decisions, Munakata-san,” Shimizu said forcefully. “Don’t we, Itsuki-kun?”

“Yes,” Itsuki responded, rubbing his side. “I can understand your opinion on this, Munakata-san.”

“I’m glad you came to your senses,” Munakata said coldly. “If you two have nothing more to add, you are free to go.”

Itsuki and Shimizu nodded, leaving Munakata quickly.

Once in the safety of their own wing, Shimizu stopped Itsuki, glaring at him slightly.

“What’s wrong, Usagi-san?” Itsuki asked.

“What do you mean what’s wrong, Itsuki-kun?” Shimizu asked. “Could you really not tell what you did wrong?”

“What I did wrong…?”

“Yes, your savior complex is bad to have, Itsuki-kun!” Shimizu scolded. “Not a lot of people are going to have a weird obsession with the remnants, y’know!”

“Weird obsession…? I don’t have a weird obsession with the remnants…” Itsuki complained, staring at Shimizu sheepishly.

“Expressing your unpopular opinions around here is liable to get you killed!” Shimizu continued. “Or even worse, fired!”

“Your scolding has little effect when you think being fired is worse than death…” Itsuki said, scratching at his cheek.

“Huh…? You think dying is worse than losing your livelihood…?!”

“You have odd priorities, Usagi-san…”

The Future Foundation was known for being annoying to its enemies. Not always was the Future Foundation threatening, in fact, most of the time it was anything but, however, the Future Foundation did always have their nose in things.

At least, that’s what Yasuhiro thought.

The Future Foundation was constantly after Yasuhiro for reasons he couldn’t discern, he figured they probably weren’t that good anyway. But Yasuhiro had enough of their constant badgering, he was going to stop them, at least for a bit.

That’s how he ended up crashing into their seventh floor, facing only two agents.

The two agents, a gray-haired girl, and a black-haired boy turned to face him as soon as the Future’s Foundation alarm began to blare.

The black-haired boy readied his weapon, only to be stopped by the girl. When Yasuhiro looked at the threat he felt a pang of something, it was familiarity he quickly realized.

But what about that boy was familiar?

“Hagakure-san,” the boy began nonchalantly as if he hadn’t almost just tried to attack him. “What brings you here to Future Foundation Division 7?”

“We’re not going to hurt you, Hagakure-san,” the girl added, voice painfully sweet. “We’ll grant you protection as long as you communicate with us.”

Protection…? That was laughable. They were the ones who needed protection from him, not the other way around.

Still, it wasn’t like he wanted to kill these two agents. But he doubted he would have many choices at this rate.

The boy at least needed to be protected, although he didn’t know why he was so sure of that.

Before the boy or the girl could try to say anything else Yasuhiro fled, jumping out from the hole he made in the window.

Barely grabbing the support he used to climb up, he laughed due to the rush.

A pleasant feeling filled him as he made his way down quickly. He didn’t recognize the feeling yet, but it was nice.

Things weren’t supposed to be nice.

Yasuhiro was vaguely aware of the area he had run to, knowing that the Future Foundation was probably hot on his tail.

So much for a promised protection, he mused.

Once Yasuhiro figured he was far enough from the main building he stopped, needing to catch his breath.

While he stopped he surveyed the world around him, a nice destroyed neighborhood.

It wasn’t anywhere familiar, sadly, there wasn’t much despair to be found in random people losing their homes.

And likely their lives as well.

But it seemed to prove that the Future Foundation was more worried about outward appearances than fixing the world.

Not that Yasuhiro cared either way, if anything that would just keep despair flowing in people’s hearts.

Even if Junko...

Yasuhiro shook his head, clearing his mind of that despairing topic. He had bigger things to worry about, like not being captured.

He could despair about Junko on a later date.

On the line of not being captured Yasuhiro realized he didn’t have many options. He couldn’t exactly contact the remnants or Ikusaba, revealing their locations would give the Future Foundation a good opportunity to capture and potentially kill them.

Even being captured didn’t seem to be a good option, even if Yasuhiro was tortured by the Future Foundation, which would give him more despair than he could dream of, that would mean potentially seeing that agent again.

Thinking of the boy gave him a spark, a spark he barely recognized.

It was disgusting, a feeling from his past life.

Hope was dead, Junko had made sure of it. Skewering it just before it could bloom.

Still, even after everything Yasuhiro had gone through it was too much of a risk to see that agent again. Regardless of the fact that Yasuhiro was far gone that little bit of hope for no good reason was dangerous.

Junko’s teachings were strong, but she wasn’t alive anymore to enforce them.

But currently, Yasuhiro couldn’t afford any more time to think about the agent or Junko. He needed to flee once more.

He couldn’t have possibly gained enough ground.

“Hagakure,” a deep voice interrupted his train of thought. “We are agents of the Future Foundation, come with us peacefully or come with us dead.”

Yasuhiro looked at his pursuers, three agents, each with guns, glared at him.

“I’m not going with you either way,” Yasuhiro answered, smiling smugly at the agents.

The agents fell for the bait, quickly loading their weapons, readying for fire.

“This is your last chance,” the agent with a deep voice said. “We’ve been given orders to take you alive or dead, how we return you does not matter to us.”

“I guess you’re going in empty-handed then,” Yasuhiro said, preparing his knives. “Although I can’t promise you’ll be going back uninjured.”

Yasuhiro attacked first, hitting both agents behind the leading one. Luckily, both agents were merely incapacitated and not killed.

Why did he care anyway…?

Before Yasuhiro could attack again the leading agent fired, hitting him right in the leg. It wasn’t a lethal wound, at least not yet, but it did prove the threat these agents gave.

Yasuhiro attacked, more precisely, making sure the agent fell to the ground. He was sure the agent could survive the injury if treated soon.

It wasn’t his problem anyway.

Yasuhiro fled, realizing that the other two agents would have their attention on their leader. They were predictable in the best sort of way.

Still, Yasuhiro wasn’t in the best of state. He couldn’t get too far with his current injury.

There wasn’t much Yasuhiro could do, he was a sitting duck.

Despair at being captured filled him, which was a comfort.

Hope at seeing the agent again warred with it, causing a pain sharper than the bullet hole in his leg.

“Enoshima…?” Itsuki said blearily, blinking to clear his vision. “Wh...what…?”

“Who else would it be, silly?” Enoshima asked. “You didn’t think you could actually escape, didja Naegi-kun?”

“Or… should I say Nozomi-kun…?” she giggled.

Itsuki struggled to adjust to his surroundings, vaguely realizing that he was in some sort of cage.

“Where are we, Enoshima?” Itsuki asked, glaring up at her.

“Oh? You really don’t recognize this place Nozomi-kun?” Enoshima asked. “Although I guess it would be more important to Naegi-kun than Nozomi-kun, huh…”

Itsuki looked around, ignoring the cage for a moment, he realized she was right, he could recognize this place. It was the maze where he supposedly lost his life.

Why was he captured and brought here?

“Oh, Nozomi-kun, do you still not understand?” she asked, adjusting her hair and putting on glasses. “I suppose I can explain it to you.”

“Nozomi-kun, you and I are not so different,” Enoshima continued. “Like it or not, we both chase tragedy.”

“I’m nothing like you,” Itsuki glared.

“Oh? You aren’t?” Enoshima said, smiling slightly while maintaining her teacher persona. “Then why do you chase after our classmates despite what they’ve done?”

“Like it or not Nozomi-kun, they’d kill you if given the chance,” she frowned. “Isn’t that despairing? Your precious friends who’d you like to save so much would kill you in an instant.”

“That’s your fault,” Itsuki muttered. “If you didn’t brainwash them…”

“Man, Nozomi-kun, don’t give me too much credit,” Enoshima replied while blushing. “I can only do so much, y’know?”

“What do you mean ‘give you too much credit’? You brainwashed them, Enoshima.” Itsuki said.

“If you lived, which you clearly did, there was a chance to save you, right?” Enoshima smiled. “But yet they gave up on you oh so easily, even your precious Ishimaru-kun.”

Itsuki stared, saying anything to that point would be admitting that she was right.

“Even ignoring our lovely classmates,” she continued. “We’re like not so different, y’know?”

“No, I don’t know, Enoshima.”

“Oh, don’t act so cold, Nozomi-kun…! It gets me off when you act tsundere!” Enoshima said, drooling heavily.

“But… ohoho, knowing that someone who was the shining beacon of purity is no better than me, Nozomi-kun, oh you don’t know what that does to me!” she slobbered out, staring at Itsuki with what he deemed to be affection. “I mean you hate me, really hate me, right?”

“Do you really have to ask that, Enoshima?” Itsuki asked. “You’re the ‘Ultimate Analyst' aren’t you?”

“Oh, but you are not getting the question we proposed, Nozomi-kun!” Enoshima said, putting on a crown.

One of her more annoying personalities, Itsuki thought. Although he was fairly sure all of them would classify as annoying.

“A peasant, even like you, should understand what we meant,” she clairified, smiling smugly. “We asked you if you hated us, it’s rude not to answer, Nozomi-kun.”

“Of course I hate you, Enoshima,” Itsuki said easily. “You ruined my life and the world.”

“Perhaps we are just the catalyst for the events that have happened,” Enoshima responded. “After all, we could not feasibly control everyone during the tragedy, could we?”

“It’d be quite the transgression to blame us for the action of rabid peasants, Nozomi-kun!”

“What are you saying, Enoshima?” Itsuki asked, a creeping suspicion that he wouldn’t like her explanation already filling him.

“We believe that you hold a lot of resentments and that you’re taking them out on the wrong people!” she exclaimed. “The wrong people being us, of course.”

“And when have you ever cared about the feelings of others or yourself, Enoshima?” Itsuki asked, feeling his anger rise. “Have you suddenly had a change of heart? Decided to renounce your despair and do some good for the world?”

“Oh, Nozomi-kun is mad…” Enoshima said, sulking as mushrooms appeared on her head. “It’s sad to say that I’m doing this for personal reasons, Nozomi-kun…”

“...Personal reasons?”

“Let me see… if you blame me for everything that has happened to you, then you ignore the innate betrayal you experienced at the hands of your friends,” she explained. “And the greater despair would be a betrayal by the hands of those you’ve trusted…”

“They didn’t betray me, they were brainwashed!” Itsuki protested and Enoshima only stared at him.

“You don’t really believe that Nozomi-kun,” she said. “We both know they could’ve saved you if they really tried… how sad.”

“You’re blaming the wrong people, Nozomi-kun…” Enoshima droned on. “If you hate me, Nozomi-kun, then you should hate your friends just as much.”

“Shut up,” Itsuki hissed out quietly.

“Of course, it’s a lot easier to blame just one person than the people you trust, right?” Enoshima asked blankly, voice void of all emotion. “That’s how you deal with such a harsh betrayal, isn’t it?”

“No one asked you, Enoshima,” Itsuki said, gripping the bars of his cage. “You should be quiet if you know what’s good for you.”

“Oh, are you threatening me now, Nozomi-kun?” Enoshima asked. “How far the mighty have fallen indeed. The old, boring, Naegi-kun would never.”

“Let’s make this interesting,” Enoshima said, passing Itsuki his gun through the bars. “If you can shoot me before our friends get here you can grab the key off my corpse.”

“If you honestly hate me that much, this should be easy, shouldn’t it?”

Itsuki picked up his gun, the weight once daunting felt comfortable in his hand.

This was what he had wanted, wasn’t it?

He aimed the gun at Enoshima, who made no attempt to move.

Once assuring the safety was off he began a countdown in his head.

One, Enoshima smiled wickedly.

Two, his heart steadied to a calm pace.

Three, the gunshot went out effortlessly, hitting Enoshima right in the chest.

“Ahahaha! It seems that you’ve lost yourself, after all, Naegi-kun!” Enoshima laughed, voice fading away to almost nothing.

Itsuki reached for her, attempting to grab the key she had so easily offered.

Once his hand had made contact the world had faded to black.

Itsuki Nozomi was once again in his apartment, a sick feeling in his stomach.

He had changed, hadn’t he? And not for the better, he imagined.

Killing someone, even if it was Enoshima, and even if she wasn’t real, was so easy.

Had he become like her despite his efforts…?

Itsuki didn’t want to think about that, even if it was the case.

He probably just needed more sleep, that would clear his head.

Her coworker, Nozomi Itsuki stared at her, a little confused. Despite how readable he originally seemed, there was something more to him.

He wasn’t as naive as he acted, she thought.

“Not really,” Nozomi answered. “Why, did something come up?”

“I was wondering if you’d like to go on a date, Itsuki-kun,” she smiled.

“A… date?” Nozomi repeated, blinking at her. “It seems a little sudden.”

She stared at him, hoping that her eyes were pleading. “You never get out, Itsuki-kun, you have to live at least a little!”

He frowned at her, looking towards the manilla folder that she had given him a couple of days ago.

“Fine,” Nozomi concluded. “It couldn’t hurt.”

“Thank you, Itsuki-kun!” she said cheerfully. “I’ll make this a night you won’t forget!”

He frowned slightly at the folder once more, a bit of regret shining in his eyes.

“Alright, Usagi-san,” Nozomi said. “Let’s get back to work.”

She nodded in agreement, falling into the easy routine they had both established.

It seemed like a nice respite, despite what had ever happened to both of them. There had to be more to Nozomi Itsuki, but during the time they had worked, she had kept those thoughts to herself.

A people pleaser, Usagi had decided was the best description of Nozomi. Despite how hard he had tried to push people away he had this sort of magnetic quality to him.

It was nice, Usagi would find herself thinking.

“For tonight’s date,” Itsuki had begun hesitantly as they made their way out of the building. “Do you want to meet up anywhere?”

“There’s a cafe by my apartment,” Usagi said easily. “You might want to dress a bit more casual.”

“I’ll text you my address once I get to my apartment, Itsuki-kun! Don’t worry about a thing.”

Nozomi nodded, not saying anything more as he left.

True to her word, Usagi opened up a chat as soon as she was in the safety of her apartment.

Usagi: itsuki-kun!!! are you excited?

Usagi has linked an address.

Usagi: this place has the best coffee and cakes!

Itsuki: What time are we meeting up?

Usagi: straight to the point, itsuki-kun?

Usagi: um, maybe in an hour or so???

Itsuki: Alright. I’ll see you then.

Usagi frowned at her phone, despite knowing her coworker wasn’t much for conversation it was still at least a little disappointing that he didn’t want to talk more.

She didn’t know much about him, other than the fact that he had a slight obsession with the remnants.

Which was odd in and of itself, as far as she knew Nozomi was never a student in Hope’s Peak Academy.

He had no real reason to know, or care, about any of them.

And yet despite his passive denials of her suspicions he kept a tab on all of them. Especially Ishimaru Kiyotaka.

There was a story to that, Usagi was sure of.

When they had met up at the cafe, Usagi was a little surprised to see Nozomi in a sweatshirt and sweatpants.

It was a positive change, Usagi had decided.

“You’re still wearing your gloves, Itsuki-kun?” Usagi asked as they had sat down. “They must be attached to your skin or something, huh?”

“Something like that,” Nozomi said. “Do you have any recommendations for their cakes?”

“Of course I do Itsuki-kun!” Usagi said, faking outrage. “Who do you take me for?”

For a moment, Usagi was sure he had cracked a smile, a slight bit of light in his overall dark demeanor.

After they had gone up and ordered Usagi decided it was time to begin her questioning session.

“Itsuki-kun,” Usagi began, “what was your life before the tragedy?”

Nozomi froze for a moment, “what do you mean?”

“Exactly what I asked, Itsuki-kun,” Usagi said. “Jeez, is that really a hard question?”

Nozomi frowned, licking his lips before he responded. “It was nothing special, Usagi-san, I didn’t really have any goals for the future.”

“Huh?” Usagi said, a little thrown off. “You didn’t have any goals?”

“Is that so surprising?” Nozomi asked, staring at his coffee. “I was at least a little carefree back then.”

Usagi had almost asked what had happened, but it didn’t take a genius to figure out what had changed him.

“Oh,” Usagi said ineloquently.

“I’m assuming you had goals for your future, Usagi-san?” Nozomi had asked, frowning slightly.

Usagi blinked, remembering stained hands and painted canvases. A woman’s soft, but proud voice telling her that she was her pride and joy.

Her newest art piece, a portrait of her mother, her true supporter despite all the hardship they had faced, complete.

Only a week later that would all be ruined, red blood mixing and staining her first and last picture of her mother.

“I was the same,” Usagi said lamely, looking away. “I mean kids aren’t supposed to worry about those things, right?”

“Right,” Nozomi had said as if he had seen right through her. “They aren’t.”

There was something more to that, Usagi thought.

“Well,” Nozomi said, finally drinking the coffee he had stared so heavily at. “Did you have any hobbies?”

“I don’t remember,” Usagi lied. “It seems like such a long time ago from now, don’t you think?”

Nozomi nodded, “still, it might be at least a good exercise to do something you used to do.”

“I know the past is far behind us,” Nozomi continued. “But we don’t have to change for the worse because of it.”

“Huh…?” Usagi asked. “I mean, yeah, Itsuki-kun, you’re not wrong.”

He stared at her, before giving her a faint smile. “But, we don’t have to talk about something so serious right now.”

“We are on a date, aren’t we?”

Usagi was thankful for the obvious segway and quickly changed the tone to something happier.

It might be fake but it’s better than nothing, she decided.

When the date ends, as all dates do, Usagi found that she actually enjoyed her time with Nozomi.

“Itsuki,” she began, right before they were supposed to depart. “We should do this again.”

He stared at her with an unreadable emotion in his eyes.

If she had to guess it was acceptance, but of what she couldn’t be sure.

“Yeah,” he somewhat smiles. “It was… fun.”

Usagi smiles, beaming at him as they depart.

When Usagi enters her apartment for that final time that night she notices that it feels a little empty.

She remembered her mother chiding her for giving up so easily on her art when it didn’t go perfectly.

“You’re in Hope’s Peak,” she had said frowning at the girl. “Decorate your room with your style, give it a little more life!”

“It’s just a dorm room,” Usagi said sheepishly. “Does it really matter?”

“You’re going to be living here for a while,” her mother rebuked. “Living so dull will only upset you.”

“It’s good to surround yourself with things you love, Usagi,” her mother added softly, staring at her pleadingly.

“I’ll think about it,” Usagi conceded and her mother smiled brightly at her.

“I just don’t want you to live alone,” her mother said, finishing that line of conversation.

It’d been a long time since then, that was for sure.

Opening her phone she did something that she never thought she’d do again.

You swallow slowly as you approach him, waiting for the dream to turn into a nightmare.

“Naegi,” he whispers, which is odd for him you think, “it’s not fair.”

“Huh?” you ask, “what do you mean Ishimaru-kun?”

He turns to look at you, and you can see that her influence has already reached him.

“You’re not real,” he continues, tone getting louder. “Why do you haunt me so?”

You frown, you were under the impression that this was your dream, not his.

After all, only in your dreams did you ever get to see Ishimaru after what she did.

“This is an interesting dream,” you conclude, “although it seems to be a bit confused about when it’s taking place...”

Ishimaru glares at you, a murderous and insane fury that you wish you could say you haven’t seen before.

“Enoshima-sama is all I need,” he begins, it seems like an insane sort of mantra. “You’re no good, Naegi, and I’m happy that you died.”

You frown, not knowing what exactly to say.

What would Naegi Makoto say?

...It’s almost scary that you can’t even remember how to act like yourself.

“If that’s what you want to believe,” you decide on, “be my guest.”

Before you can say anything else he darts for you, grabbing you tightly.

“Please,” he whispers, “please don’t go, Naegi.”

Despite everything that has happened you still feel comfort in his arms.

“Ishimaru,” you begin, “I’m not dead.”

His grip only tightens and although you know the act is pointless you try to comfort him anyway.

“It’s going to be fine, Ishimaru,” you continue, “we’re going to be okay.”

“How can you not be dead?” he whispers, “she killed you.”

“I got lucky,” you say simply and Ishimaru bitterly laughs.

When Ishimaru finally lets you go, you think you see a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

Does it matter if it's all a dream?

“When will I see you again?” he asks.

You pause, not knowing what to say.

“Soon, hopefully,” you say after a pause. “I hope you’ll be excited to see me then.”

Ishimaru looks on the verge of tears and you’re not so sure if you’re so far behind.

As your vision fades to your dark bedroom you cannot help but feel the tiniest bit nostalgic.

Your phone rings softly and you go to pick it up.

“Itsuki,” a soft voice murmurs, “I know it’s early but can we talk about our dreams?”

You smile, for once, “sure, Usagi-san, we can do that.”

There’s a little hope that this might last.

There was a sadness in his eyes, Ishimaru realizes as he wakes up.

Despite what Ishimaru believes in, he can’t help but hope that Naegi wasn’t lying when he said he was alive.

His loyalty to despair wavers, just slightly, at the thought of Naegi’s whispered promises.

“Ishimaru,” Ikusaba’s voice cuts through from a monitor Fujisaki installed. “You and your troops are needed at once.”