Disclaimer: Do not own anything Persona.
Okay. This ISN'T the final chapter. It may be in the next chapter or two, though. I'm still playing with this plot, and I'm not ready to let it go! Anyway, here's another short kind of event that's necessary for everything to develop. Enjoy, and please don't be afraid to let me know if I'm losing my touch and ruining the story!
The Night to Remember
Chapter 7:
Challenge
"Not too tight, Takeba," Mitsuru breathed, wincing as she stared at her strikingly slender reflection.
"Why do you even need a corset?" Yukari asked, relaxing some of the strings. "You're skinny enough as it is. You're practically perfect!"
The thought of being considered perfect made Mitsuru laugh out loud. Yukari's eyes narrowed as she proceeded to tie and lock the back of the corset, but she didn't say anything, much to Mitsuru's relief. She didn't feel like exploiting her doubts and insecurities regarding the subject.
In all sincerity, Mitsuru did have a reason for wearing the corset, even though she looked fine without it. Upon going to prom, she wanted to appear absolutely flawless. She wasn't, of course, but she could make people think that she was. With the right makeup, proper dress, and appropriate accessories, she could pull it off. She was a Kirijo, after all; she could do anything.
"You're all set."
"Thank you," said Mitsuru. She glanced at her figure in the mirror and then smiled. "It's just right. Well done."
As the junior moved away from the mirror and adjusted the hem of her own dress, she kept looking back at her redheaded senpai. A shy blush trickled through to her cheeks.
"Um… Senpai?"
"Yes?"
"Is… Is everything okay with you and Akihiko-senpai?"
Pausing mid-stretch, Mitsuru's head whipped up to stare at her, the right strap of her dress falling to the side. "Of course. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, I don't know," the girl said quickly, turning around and reaching for her makeup. "He just seems pretty moody lately, and I never see you guys together… I'm probably just imagining things. Sorry for prying."
Nodding her head to her, Mitsuru felt herself grow warm and uncomfortable. If Yukari had noticed something off between her and Akihiko, who else did? If they somehow found out the truth behind it all, what would they do?
Just get dressed, Penthesilea told her. Just make yourself beautiful to forget about your worries.
But as Mitsuru slipped her feet into her sleek two-inch heels, she couldn't stop worrying about it. Though she would never admit it to anyone, not even Minato, it bothered her more than she let on. In all sincerity, it was excruciating. Akihiko had always been on her side, and when things got rough and there was nowhere to turn, she could always count on him. Yet now he won't even speak to her.
"Ready?" Mitsuru called, giving a cursory glance at the mirror and turning to her underclassmen. Her eyes widening, Yukari stared at her before dipping her head and following her downstairs.
"You look really good, Senpai," she chimed as they made their way down to the second floor. "I wish I was as beautiful as you."
Mitsuru didn't say anything, and as they reached the ground floor, Yukari's compliments were only mirrored.
"You look stunning!" Minato exclaimed, his eyes swiveling over her slim black dress, sparkling diamond earrings, and gleaming arrangement of pearls.
"Yeah. You look HOT!" Mitsuru scowled. Leave it to Junpei to ruin the concept of a compliment.
As the others all fussed over her dress, Yukari's dress, Minato's tux, and Junpei's ridiculous old suit, Mitsuru was watching someone else. His silver hair was slicked back, and his silver tuxedo was flanked by his onyx dress shirt. His tie was a vibrant pink, and he was waiting by the door – waiting for someone.
"You look good," she blurted out before she could stop herself. Her fists clenching, she waited. She watched.
Naturally, he didn't respond. He didn't even move. Typical Akihiko.
Just then, the door opened. She entered, a frothy blur of pink and skin.
"Hi Aki!" she beamed, leaning in to kiss his tender, pursed lips. "You're so handsome! I'm glad we found the right pink tie!"
"No one can be as breath-taking as you," was the response. Mitsuru flinched as if it were meant for her. "In fact, you're the most beautiful girl here. No one can compare."
Yet as Hana smiled and took his hand, her eyes dashed over to Mitsuru. They raked her long, elegant dress and her lean, flawless body. They gazed at her sparkling jewelry, and they stopped at her shimmering eyes.
That's right, Mitsuru thought, turning around to return to her friends. Stare all you want. No one can ever outshine me. I'll always be the shadow in the back of his mind, and you'll never be able to compete with me.
You go, girl! Hahaha.
