Alright, back again with another chapter.
So, for those who missed the update I uploaded a week ago, the harem elements of this fic have been dropped entirely for both Ren and Kazuma but there will be semi-harem romantic moments with other girls like hugs, cheek kisses, etc. You already know the love interests I've chosen if you look at the character tags, and I hope you will continue to read and enjoy. Just like Kazuma, Ren will have what-if chapters at the end of the fic where he ends up with a different girl. This was I can include all of his love interests instead of just the select few I had originally planned.
Now the last chapter according to my traffic graph was the most watched chapter of this fic. You guys really loved Kazuma and Shiho together and so do I. Thank you so much for your continued support.
Update: I am aware that because most of you posted a review for the latest update that it's preventing you from posting a review for this chapter. I deeply apologize for this so from now on all updates will be in the Authors notes.
Only one shoutout today. This one goes to ReallyLazyReader for their fic Persona 5: The Phantom (Not) Twins. They have been very supportive of my fic so I urge you to give their fic a read.
Without further ado, here's the 10th chapter.
Kazuma made his way back to Beauty Heights, thinking over his conversation with Shiho. To be frank, the whole plan was a failure. He had gotten what he wanted, confirmation and testimony from an actual member of the Volleyball team that the rumors about Kamoshida's abuse were true. And now that he has it, he can't do anything with it. He knew that it was pointless to persuade Shiho to make a statement to the police, she was firm in her belief that if she made any move against him, he'll target her friend.
Ann Takamaki.
That same blonde who had the nerve to warn Kazuma to stop the investigation. Even after having disgusting rumors spread about her that she was sleeping with Kamoshida along with being harassed by him almost every day, she has the gall to tell him that stopping the investigation was "for the best".
Idiot. He insulted her.
But she was the reason why Shiho had endured his abuse up to this point, her sole reason for keeping quiet. All because they were "precious friends" as she put it.
Precious friends. Kazuma thought over the words. Regardless of what he thought of her, Shiho cared for Ann a great deal, so much that she was willing to take a punch to the face and deal with physical abuse. She thought not of her own safety, but her friend's safety.
Seeing that kind of selflessness, it made him question why he chose solitude over companionship.
Because people are selfish monsters. That was the reason and that was the truth. Human beings are selfish creatures whose natural instinct is to care for themselves and no one else. They look down on others who don't measure up to their standards and hate for no reason, simply because they don't like you.
To be friends with people like that, it made him want to gag.
And so he kept his head down and outright refused to become friends with anyone. Besides, he didn't need friends. He's survived the last two years without them.
Are you happy? At that moment, Amamiya's words rang through his head. Are you perfectly happy not having any friends?
"Shut up Amamiya." He blurted out, refusing to let that guy's words change his mind.
He entered the apartment complex, greeting Tori who sat at her desk, reading one of her novels.
"Kazzy-kun! You're back." She greeted him with a smile. "You look tired. Don't tell me they put you on cleaning duty again?"
"Sort of." He gave himself cleaning duty but he wasn't going to tell her that.
"Two in a row? Sounds like your teacher's out to get you or something." Tori reiterated Sakamoto's belief.
"It's whatever." He shrugged it off.
"Well, if you say so. Just be careful and don't overwork yourself, Ok?" She asked.
"Sure." He said, walking up to his room to go to sleep.
"I put your dinner in the fridge. Heat it up for about a minute, it should be good to go!" She gave a thumbs up.
"Alright." And with that, he left his guardian back at her desk. He entered his apartment and went to the fridge, hungry after such a long day.
Once he finished his dinner, he went into his room, got changed and laid down on the bed. He let out a huge sigh, the stress of exiting his body.
Even though what happened today didn't go as plan, Kazuma planned to keep his promises as he was a man of his word. He would keep what Shiho told him a secret but hoped that she would keep their promise as well: If Kamoshida called on her again, she would come to him instead.
Their promises, sealed with a hug, lingered on in his thoughts.
He heard his phone vibrate as if to interrupt those thoughts. He pulled it out and saw that Sakamoto texting him and Amamiya on the group chat.
Ryuji: Guys, this don't make any damn sense. The principal and even the parents know about the abuse.
Ren: It's no wonder Kamoshida hasn't been punished for the things he's done. Everyone knows and they do nothing about it.
Ryuji: This is bullshit! Why ain't anybody speaking up?!
Kazuma: Isn't it obvious? Mutual Gain.
Ryuji: What?
Kazuma: Suguru Kamoshida, the head coach of a successful Volleyball team, who also happens to be an Olympic medalist, leads his team to nationals, and you wonder why the principal and parents don't say anything? It's simple. In their minds, as long as they all gain something from it, who cares if the students and children suffer.
Ryuji: People can't be that selfish!
Kazuma: You underestimate just how horrible people are, Sakamoto.
Ryuji: But that don't give him the right to do whatever he wants! He's beating kids up, and all they're allowed to do is endure. It's bullshit!
Ren: We're not going to let it end like this Ryuji. We're going to expose him. Right, Kazuma?
Kazuma: Sure.
Ryuji: Anyway, I'm gonna try and find someone who knows about what's going on with Kamoshida during break tomorrow. Just watch, I ain't giving up!
Ren: That's the spirit, Cap'n!
Ryuji: Really, dude? Again with the pirate jokes?
Ren: Had to get one in. Anyway, let's meet up in the courtyard tomorrow after school. Have a good night you guys.
Kazuma shut off his phone, wanting to go to sleep.
As he closed his eyes, he allowed sleep to take him.
As his eyes slowly opened, Kazuma saw that he was no longer in his room nor was he in his bed. Having woken up from slumber, he looked around and saw where he was. Back in the realm between conscious and unconscious.
"This place again?" He got up from the hard floor he was sleeping on and looked around. There was no one else around, no person nor building. All that existed was this tower and Kei Kazuma himself. He walked over to the railing and looked down. Nothing, not even ground. "It really is just like last time."
"We meet again, my friend."
"Huh?!" He turned around and there he was. The Masked Man wearing the same black dress shirt, tie, and white blazer from last time. "Y-You again."
"Greetings, Kei Kazuma. I apologize if I've startled you." He gave an apologetic bow. "Tell me, have you gotten used to your Persona yet?"
"My Persona?" Kazuma questioned as to how this man has knowledge of his power.
He held out his left hand and what appeared to be a tiny version of Kazuma's Persona emitted from his palm.
"So, it was the Lord of Deception who heeded your call. A powerful Persona indeed." He said, closing his hand before crossing his arms once more. "It appears you have formed great partnerships since the last time you were here. Most impressive." The masked man held out his right hand and what appeared to be a card. Unlike the blank card that this man gave Kazuma the last time he was here, this one was different. It had what appeared to be a jester laughing very close to a cliff, accompanied by a dog at his heels. "The Fool: Innocence, Divine Inspiration, Madness, Freedom, Spontaneity, Inexperience, Chaos, and Creativity. It represents the number 0, filled with infinite potential."
"What are you...? I don't understand." The boy said as the masked man closed his hand again only to open it up once more with a different card emitting from his hand.
"The Chariot: Victory, Conquest, Self-Assertion, Self-Confidence, Control, War, and Command. A driven individual yet short-tempered or aggressive." He described.
Kazuma, while confused by why he was doing this, somewhat understood what he was doing. He was listing off Tarot cards, usually used for fortune telling and such, though why he was doing that here, he had no idea.
He finished by closing his hand before crossing his arms once more. "Through your connections with others, you awoke to the many and varied selves within you. In time, you will call upon them to assist you in times of crisis."
"I-I don't understand what you're saying." Kazuma fought back. "Look, it's Philemon, right?" He asked and received a nod from the masked man. "You claim to know me but I'm pretty sure I've never met you before in my life. Who are you, really? What do you want from me?"
"To help you." He answered.
"Help me? With what?"
"To set you back on the right path." Philemon cryptically answer. "Tragedy has torn you from your once peaceful life. You have chosen the path of a loner simply for the survival's sake. This is not who you are, Kei Kazuma. It is not what you feel deep within you."
"What do you know about me, huh?! You don't know how I feel! What I've lost!" Kazuma fought back. "I don't need anyone! I don't need these 'connections' you say I have! There's no point in befriending anyone in this sick twisted world where people care more about themselves than others! Human beings are selfish monsters! I hate them! All of them!"
Philemon kept calm, even though his guest was lashing out at him.
"If humans are selfish monsters, then tell me this, my friend." He pointed his finger in Kazuma's direction. "What are you?"
"I..." He stopped as soon as the question was asked, unable to give an answer.
"You desire solitude and would push away others to achieve it. That in itself is a selfish act. Hypocrisy does not befit you, my friend. Especially when your actions are evidence to the contrary." Philemon then clapped his hands together before spreading them apart. By doing so, he showcased the two cards he showed his guest earlier. "The Fool and The Chariot. They are bonds you have forged by opening your heart to them. Bonds that shall unlock the potential within you."
"Fool and Chariot." Kazuma repeated as he recognized those words. They were affiliated with that strange voice in his head, which appeared at some point during his interactions with his associates.
...
Associates?!
"Amamiya and Sakamoto." He said spoke of the names those cards represent. "It's them."
"Exactly." The masked man nodded.
"But, why me?" He asked.
"It's because of who and what you are," Philemon explained. "You are the Aeon. An Outsider who must forge his own story. But, you must learn to open your heart to others. By doing so, a number of paths will present themselves to you. Down each of them, you will witness the karma of those you meet."
"I..." He shook his head, not wanting to believe in anything he's saying.
"I understand your reluctance, my friend." The masked man said to try and comfort his guest. "Just remember this: Whatever path you choose, remember that the choice was yours, and no one else's."
With that, he finished. Kazuma didn't offer an argument, reply, or retort of any kind. He just kept silent as he contemplated the advice that was given to him.
While this "Philemon" hasn't explained as to how he knows him, he didn't appear to be an enemy.
And Something told him this won't his last trip to this place
...
I am thou, thou art I.
Thou hast established a new bond.
...
From the self-suffused with divine love to the self-capable of demonic cruelty.
A new self has been born.
...
Thou hast given birth to the Arcana of Aeon that shall grant thee new power.
...
"That voice." Kazuma brought up as he finally understood why it sounded so familiar. "It was yours."
"I'll be looking forward to your next visit, my friend." He gave a formal bow. "Until then, farewell."
"Wait!" He reached out but fell to the ground as he suddenly felt tired. His vision began to darken until darkness overcame him.
4/14 - Thursday
Following his dream visit with Philemon, Kazuma simply woke up and continued his morning routine as if it never happened. He showered, ate breakfast, and left for school. He thought of the words and advice he gave him, even though half of what he said made little sense, especially the part about gaining power by forming bonds with others.
Power through bonds? Sounds like something you'd see in a cheap anime. He thought.
Leaving his apartment building, he let out a frustrated sigh at the situation he's in. Nothing has been going his way since his first day and he didn't appreciate all this annoying meddling.
Why can't people just leave me alone? He wondered.
"Kazuma."
"Hmm? He looked over his shoulder to find Amamiya outside his apartment building, waiting for him. He was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, who was apparently waiting for him. "Amamiya?"
"I had a feeling this was where you lived. It's the only apartment building down this road. I checked." He looked up at the sign. "Beauty Heights Apartments, huh? Nice name."
"What do you want?" Kazuma demanded, wanting to know why he was here.
"I just wanted to talk." He explained. "You were right."
"About what?" He replied.
"About trying to get testimonies. You were right, no one's going to talk to us. We need to find another way." He admitted.
"I assume you have a plan?" Kazuma believed.
"I do." The probationer nodded. "I'd like to go to the castle again after school, talk to Morgana and see if doing anything to Pink Undies will have any effect on the real Kamoshida."
"I was thinking the same thing." He said. "After all, if that place was created because of Kamoshida's distorted view of Shujin Academy, then we might be able to affect the real one by targeting his shadow-self."
"Then we have a plan." Ren smiled, glad to see he and his partner were of the same mind. "Let's get going. Don't want to be late again."
"Sure." With their talk finished, they left for school.
A few train rides later, they arrived in Aoyama, walking to Shujin. On their way, they could hear two girls talking amongst themselves.
"Did you see Mr. Kamoshida play yesterday? He was so awesome! I think I might ask for his autographs after school."
"I dunno if that's such a good idea. I hear that you shouldn't go near the P.E. faculty office. People say you can hear weird sounds, like screaming, even though no one's there."
Goddamn it. Kazuma winced at their comments, knowing full well what goes on in that office.
"I don't like the sound of that," Ren commented.
"Just ignore them," Kazuma said.
As the girls kept chatting about Kamoshida, Ren and Kazuma kept walking until they reached the school gate. Once they arrived, Kazuma noticed one particular individual waiting by the gate.
It was Shiho Suzui.
What is she doing? He thought as he froze at the sight of her. Her expression appeared neutral, her eyes glued to the ground. It looks like she's waiting for someone. Takamaki maybe?
"Kazuma?" He heard Amamiya call on him, wondering why he stopped so suddenly. "You alright?"
"I'm fine." He shook his head, not wanting to get him involved in what happened between him and Shiho. Seeing that she was alone, this might be a good opportunity to find out what she's doing. "You go on ahead, I have something to take care of."
He raised an eyebrow, wondering what was so important. "Alright then. See you after school." And with that, the probationer departed.
With him gone, Kazuma turned back to his classmate, still waiting by the school gate. He approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her.
"Suzui?" He called out.
"Huh?" Upon hearing her name, she looked to see who had called out to her. "O-Oh! Kei!" She smiled at the sight of him, greeting him by his first name. "Good morning."
He noticed her bruise was still painted on her left eye, not showing any signs of healing. Looking at it now still made him frown, anger at the scumbag that gave it to her.
"What are you doing out here? Class is about to start soon. Waiting on Takamaki or something?" He asked.
"Well, no." She shook her head, still smiling. "Actually, I was waiting for you."
"Me?" He raised an eyebrow, a little confused as to why she was waiting for him.
"Mmhmm." She nodded. "I was wondering if you wanted to walk to class together?"
That's why she was waiting here? So they could walk to class together? It doesn't even take that long to get to 2-E and she waited outside of school just for that reason?
This girl is something else. He admitted with a little roll of his eyes.
"Do what you want." He said, walking away from her, seeing no reason to talk any longer.
However, in spite of not giving her a 'yes' or 'no' answer, she followed after him, walking by his side as they both made their way to class.
If she was going to try and converse with him, she made no attempt to start so neither did he. Plus, he didn't really have anything to say at the moment.
As they walked to class, students were giving them looks and started to whisper to each other.
"Look at that? Suzui-san's with the transfer student in 2-E."
"Wow? I had no idea he was her type."
"Are they dating?"
Goddamn it. Kazuma said in his mind. To be frank, it was his own fault for not outright refusing Suzui's request of walking to class together.
"Well, looks like we're quite the couple. Wouldn't you say, Kei?" She teased a little, giggling at the frown had at the moment.
"Hmph." He didn't make eye contact any longer, but his cheeks reddened a bit from the embarrassment.
Shiho took note of how he avoided eye contact and frowned because of it. She noticed that he would do this a lot in class. Whenever Ms. Chouno asked him a question or when Sakamoto tried to make conversation, he would always look away. What was he afraid of?
Once they reached class, they didn't say anything. They just sat down at their respective seats and waited for class to start. As more students entered the classroom, Sakamoto arrived and walked to where his seat was.
"Hey, dude." Ryuji greeted him, sitting down in his seat.
"Sakamoto." He gave a simple greeting.
"You can call me Ryuji, you know?" The spiky blonde insisted.
"What do you want, Sakamoto?" He corrected, ignoring his request to call him by his first name.
"I wanted to talk about... you know." He pointed to his phone, signaling his classmate to get on their group chat.
Kazuma pulled out his phone and waited for the conversation to start.
Ryuji: So about witnesses. I have an idea.
Ren: What is it?
Ryuji: I was wondering if we could get something outta Takamaki.
Kazuma mentally shook his head, not like the idea of interacting with her again. Besides, it's not like she'll want to talk him anyway.
Ren: You really think after yesterday, she'll want to talk to us?
Kazuma: Did I miss something?
Ren: It's nothing. Really.
Ryuji: Cmon guys, Just hear me out. You know how we didn't get a thing outta the volleyball team? I figured it'd be a good idea to talk to someone who knows them. Takamaki's BFF's with a starter.
Kazuma: You mean Suzui?
Ryuji: Yeah. How'd you know?
Kazuma immediately winced as Ryuji asked him the question. He had promised Suzui he would keep what she told him a secret but it still didn't sit well with him. To keep that promise, he couldn't let Amamiya and Sakamoto find out about his association with her or their talk the other day.
Kazuma: Not important. What's the plan, Sakamoto?
Ryuji: Well, after yesterday, I doubt she'll talk to me. Maybe you guys could try talking to her, maybe convince her to get something out of Suzui.
Kazuma: I doubt she'll say anything the other volleyball members haven't already told us.
Ren: I have to agree with him, Ryuji. Everyone's too afraid to speak up, if we just stick to this current plan, we'll get nowhere.
Ryuji: Then what the hell do we do?!
Ren: I actually have a plan of my own. Me and Kazuma talked about it earlier today. Let's talk more after school.
Ryuji. Well... Alright, guys. We'll talk more after school.
Once they finished their chat, they put their phones back in their pockets. Kazuma thought it was over and done with but apparently, Ryuji wasn't finished.
"Hey, dude. You didn't answer my question." Sakamoto brought up. "How did you know I was talking about Suzui?"
He was about to reply before he looked past him to see someone apparently eavesdropping on them. Suzui, out of the corner of her eyes, was watching and likely listening to the two talk.
She was probably worried that he would tell Ryuji about what happened the other day, especially with how pushy the blonde could be.
"Volleyball rally." He said as if to answer his question and end the conversation.
"Ah, that's how," Ryuji said, remembering how the two were sitting next to each other during the rally.
Once he was done, Ms. Chouno entered the classroom and began the lecture for the day. Kazuma rested his cheek against his hand as he began jotting down the notes his teacher wrote on the board. With this, along with the plan to revisit the castle, he knew it was going to be another long restless day.
A few hours passed, boring classes went by, but thankfully, lunchtime finally came around. Shiho pulled her lunch out of her bag and planned to meet with Ann at their usual spot. But, before she could do this, she heard Sakamoto let out a loud groan which caused her to look over to where he and Kei were seated.
"Ugh. I hate math." He said, turning to his classmate. "Dude, do you even pay attention in class? You slept through every lecture."
"Just because my eyes are closed, doesn't mean my ears don't work," Kei replied sharply.
"Uh huh." Ryuji rolled his eyes a little, grabbing his bag. "I'm gonna hit up the caf, see if I can get any information from there."
"Do what you want." He said as the spiky blonde took his leave, finally giving the boy some peace and quiet.
Or so he thought.
"There you are, Kazuma-san!" She sat down in the seat in front of her, which coincidentally is her assigned seat in class.
Shiho watched as their class rep walked over to him. Emi Matsumoto, Representative of Class 2-E and member of Shujin's Newspaper Club. Kind and friendly while being stern and strict, she embodied everything a class representative should have. Shiho didn't have a problem with her, she was always nice to her and Ann, occasionally inviting them to sit with her at lunch. Her classmates have gone on to call her "our favorite newspaper girl" or something like that. Lately, she had been fixated on the newest addition to the class, Kei Kazuma, trying to strike up a conversation with him although it was always met with silence and grunts.
"You and Sakamoto-kun seem close." She observed. "When did you two become friends?"
"He's not my friend." He said.
"Really? But you're always hanging out with him and Amamiya-kun." She brought up.
"Are you deaf? I said he's not my friend. I don't need friends." Kazuma informed her as he grabbed his bag, got up, and prepared to leave. Shiho watched as he walked away from their class rep to get away from her.
"Hey, hold on." Emi got up and hurried over to him, getting in his way. "Why are you being so mean? I'm just trying to be friendly."
"Well, your friendliness is starting to border on harassment because you keep bothering someone who just wants to be left alone." He informed her. "Now quit pestering me."
"But..." She tried but he wouldn't budge as he walked past, leaving her to ponder what he had said. It was really mean of him to say that, but she really was just trying to be nice. "I just want to talk."
Having watched and listened to everything that was said between her classmates, Shiho was confused. She knew the boy was distant and had a bit of an attitude but that was nothing like the Kei Kazuma she talked to the other day, the one who came to her rescue and promised to protect her.
It's like the Kei Kazuma she knew and the Kei Kazuma others knew who two entirely different people.
"Kei." She whispered. She had been noticing a pattern. He's rude, tends to look away from people, not wishing for eye contact, and rejects company. Why was he so opposed to having friends?
Wanting to find out more, she sent Ann a quick text telling her she wouldn't be able to make lunch. After that, she got up from her seat and went after him.
Kazuma sat down on the bench of the courtyard where the vending machines were, the same place he and the others used as their base. When he arrived, there was no one else here so he decided that this would be the best place to have his lunch. It was quiet, just the way he liked it.
He put one earphone in his ear to listen to his music before pulling out the lunch Tori had prepared for him along with a can of Mad Bull he bought from the vending machine. Opening his lunch, he found 6 Sriracha Chili Chicken Wings, an old favorite of his. He set the meal aside, opening his can of Mad Bull and took a sip.
He knew he was going to be busy soon so he'd have to relax while he could.
Finally peace and quiet. Kazuma thought.
"Kei?"
I spoke too soon. He groaned at the intrusion.
He looked up and saw Shiho Suzui once again, standing in front of him with her lunch in her hand, gracing him with that friendly smile she had this morning.
She's a lot happier today than she was yesterday. He noticed her change in attitude as he's never seen her so cheery before from the times he had seen her.
"What is it Suzui?" He asked her, not particularly fond of the fact that his peaceful lunchtime has been interrupted.
"I believe I remember asking you to call me Shiho." She pointed out.
"I never said I was going to." He brushed her off. "Now, what do you want?"
"Well, I wanted to talk to you some more." She offered. "Mind if I join you?"
"Depends. Are you going to slap me again?" He asked, not sarcastically because he really didn't want to get hit by her again. The punch he received from that loser that was picking on her the other day was nothing. Shiho Suzui on the other hand, had a mean right hook.
"Only if you give me a reason too." She replied cheekily with a wink, causing him to roll his eyes.
"Whatever. Do what you want." He moved over a bit, allowing her to join him.
"Thank you." She said, sitting down on the bench next to him.
Shiho took out her lunch and started eating. Seeing as she started, Kazuma decided to eat his as well, as he was hungry. He took a bite, and the taste of siracha overwhelmed his taste buds. He always loved spicy foods whether they were mild or insanely hot. However, it was the flavor that mattered most to him.
They stayed silent, both were probably waiting for one to start up a conversation. He glanced over at her to see her staring at him out of the corner of her eyes but looked back at her food when their eyes met.
This is getting awkward. Kazuma admitted. He wasn't the best conversationalist, especially for one who doesn't desire the company of others. But this wasn't just any person, this was Shiho Suzui. His classmate, a victim of Kamoshida's abuse, a girl he rescued and promised to protect. The best thing to do here was to say something just to break the ice and the awkward silence.
"How's your eye?" He asked, noticing her bruised eye hadn't healed in the slightest.
"Huh?" She got caught off guard by his sudden question. "Oh, it's fine. Still stings a bit."
"Ice it every few hours, it'll reduce the swelling." He advised.
"Uh, sure. I'll do that." She nodded, promising to follow his advice and get an ice pack.
"Are those guys from the other day still bugging you?" He asked another question, wondering if those idiots learned their lesson.
"Nope. They won't even look at me anymore. Can't say I blame them after you put the fear of God into them." She joked, smiling fondly of the memory.
"Hmph." He looked away from her, not really caring for her teasing or her jokes.
Shiho noticed that he did it again. That same pattern. At some point during a conversation, he looks away to avoid eye contact. He did it yesterday when they spoke at Sing Sing Karaoke. He did it this morning and he's doing it again. She couldn't understand why and wanted to find out.
"Why do you do that?" She asked sadly.
"Do what?" He questioned.
"Why do you look away whenever someone tries to talk to you?" She asked again but received no answer, only a grunt. "Why are you so afraid?"
"Afraid? Afraid of what?" He wondered where she was going with this, finally turning back to face her.
"Holding a meaningful conversation with someone. You couldn't even do it with Matsumoto-san earlier and she was just being friendly to you." She pointed out how curt and rude he was with their class rep earlier. "Why are you so mean all the time? Why are you trying so hard to be alone?"
"If I want a lecture, Suzui, I'll ask for one." He told her off. "Why are you even here? Is it because you feel sorry for me or something? Or do you feel obligated because of yesterday?"
"Why do you think that?" She asked, wondering why he would assume that she's spending time with him out of pity.
He let out an annoyed sigh, turning to look her in the eyes. He wanted her to hear what he had to say. "You're a nice girl, Suzui. But, you don't need to feel obligated to be around me just because of what happened yesterday."
"What?" She was taken aback, not believing what she was hearing.
"I meant what I said yesterday. If Kamoshida tries anything, I'll protect you. I'm a man of my word." He explained as his face began to contort into a frown. "You went out of your way to wait for me by the school gate and join me for lunch but you don't have to do this anymore." And once again he looked away from her, angrily clenching his fist. "If you're being nice to me as some sort of repayment, then don't bother."
He believed after that, it would be the end. Shiho would leave him to his devices and he could have his lunch in peace. She would no longer affiliate with him unless Kamoshida made a move against her. Now that she's aware that she's under no obligation to be around him, there was no reason for her to be here any longer.
But when he looked to his side, she was still there, not having moved a bit. Her head was hunched over, her hair covering her expression so he couldn't tell what she was feeling at the moment.
"Y-You.." She whispered a bit before looking up at him, glaring right at him with a few tears in her eyes. "You're such an idiot."
"What?" He was taken off guard by words and the few droplets of tears from her eyes really hit him hard.
"If we weren't on school grounds, I really would slap you again for the crap that just came out of your mouth." She told him. "It's not like that at all. I'm not here because I owe you or something like that. I'm here because I want to talk to you. Has that ever crossed your mind?"
He didn't answer her. He just looked away, not wanting to look at her anymore, if only to spare him the sight of seeing her upset. It wasn't the first time, he remembered the other day when his words became rough, she fell backward and got scared.
"Kei." She looked at him with pleading eyes. "I know it's none of my business and you don't have to talk to me if you don't want to. I mean, we barely know each other after all. But, I'd like to get to know you and if you're in pain, I want to help. I won't tell anyone, it'll be between us."
Oh no, this is what he was fearing. She was trying to pry into his personal problems just Amamiya tried to do. He turned around to tell her exactly what he had told him, but when their eyes met, he knew he couldn't. Her eyes were already stained with tears and her frown wouldn't let up. Not a frown of anger but one of genuine worry.
"If you want me to leave, just tell me and I'll never bother you again." She said before looking down at her lunch, awaiting his answer.
Even though she said that, he couldn't reject her, not like this. She was willing to tell him about her demons and trusted him, a new kid and complete stranger, with her secrets. He felt like he could trust her.
No, that's not the right word.
He WANTED to trust her.
"My parents were police detectives." Feeling like he had nothing to lose by telling her, he began which caught her interest, causing her to look up at him again. "They were the best of the best, a force to be reckoned with. There wasn't a single case they couldn't solve. After a while, people started calling them 'The Best Detectives in Tokyo'. They were so renowned that they were often asked to do interviews, appear on talk shows, sometimes they were asked for autographs."
"They sound like good people." She believed.
"They were." He nodded. "Fame wasn't what drove them, it was to help people. To put the bad guys away and help innocent people." He got the good part out of the way. Now for the hard part. "But then, two years ago, everything changed."
"What happened?" She asked, noticing his demeanor changed quite drastically.
"They had some time off from a case they were working on. They were always so buried in their work so it surprised me when they told me they had a few days off. They wanted to spend it with me and asked me if there was anywhere I wanted to go. I asked them if we could go to Dometown. So, that's what we did. We spent the whole day there, riding rides, eating junk food, it was so much fun." His hands began to shake uncontrollably which made Shiho worry. "And then it was time to go home... and... and..."
"Kei." She seemed worried as he hunched over to keep her from seeing how he was feeling. She then placed her hand on his, hoping to comfort him. "It's okay. You don't have to say anymore."
"They died." Was all he told her. At that moment, Shiho's eyes widened and let out a little gasp. "It was those breakdowns that the news won't shut up about. They both suffered one and died right in front of me."
"Oh my god." She placed a hand over her mouth to keep her own shock in check. "Kei, I'm so sorry."
"Keep your sorry, Suzui." He told her. "You wanted to know my dirty secrets, there you go. The full package."
"So that's why you're so mean to people." She believed to have figured him out. "You're scared of losing someone close to you like how you lost your family."
"What?" He asked, wondering where she came up with such a conclusion.
"You don't hate people, Kei. Not really. You're just afraid." Shiho deduced. "But it's okay. There's nothing wrong with that. It's natural to be afraid."
"I..." He tried to argue but couldn't,
"I used to be like you, you know. I usually kept to myself and I hated coming to school. But then, two great things happened. I met Ann, someone who was alone like me. I don't know if I could've gotten through my first year here if she wasn't always by my side." She confessed. "And then, I met you."
"Me?" He questioned.
"Yep. When I met you at the train station, the advice you gave me, I felt hope for the first time since coming to this school. And when you saved me from those jerks, I couldn't help but admire you." She smiled. "Hehehe, it's like you're my knight in shining armor."
"Suzui." He whispered softly. Never before has he heard someone speak so fondly of him before. It was kind of overwhelming.
"Jerk." She then flicked his forehead. "I told you to call me Shiho."
"S-Shiho." He muttered, a little nervous right now.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get so emotional." She chuckled a little. "What I'm trying to say is, you can't really survive in this world without friends."
"That's not true." He said. "I'm alone. I've always been alone."
"But you're always with Sakamoto and that other transfer student." She pointed out.
"They're not my friends." He told her. "Just because you associate with someone and have conversations with them doesn't mean you're friends."
"Hmm. Is that so." She smirked a little, bringing her hand up to her chin as she started thinking. This kind of made Kazuma a little nervous as to what she's thinking about. Once she was done thinking, she gave him a smile. "Well, I guess that makes me your first friend."
"What?" He raised an eyebrow, confused by what she said.
"Yep. Because unlike them, you and I share something." She grabbed his hand and brought it closer to her, interlocking her pinky with his. "Our promise, remember?"
"Promise?" He questioned. He knew what she was referring to but didn't understand how it made them friends.
"Yep. It's a promise between friends." She said. "So, like it or not, we're friends now."
A promise... between friends. He thought of as the words repeated in his head. This girl really is a one of a kind. She was the most selfless and sweetest girl he's ever met. He couldn't rebuff what she had said because he knew it was true. The two of them shared something together, something he doesn't share with Amamiya or Sakamato. He couldn't deny it. It was the truth.
...
I am thou, thou art I.
Thou hast established a new bond.
...
From the self-suffused with divine love to the self-capable of demonic cruelty.
A new self has been born.
...
Thou hast given birth to the Arcana of Death that shall grant thee new power.
...
He heard Philemon's voice again, signifying that he had forged a bond with Shiho Suzui.
"Tch!" He grumbled a little because of it but to be honest, it wasn't entirely unpleasant. In fact, it felt nice for once. "You talk too much, you know that?
"Haha, can't deny that." She laughed a little at his words before noticing something. "Hey, Kei. Do you want to exchange numbers and chat I.D.?"
"Huh?" He said, caught off guard by her request. He would need it though if he was going to protect her from Kamoshida. "S-Sure." He gave her his phone, allowing her to to put in her number and chat I.D.
"You know, I always see you wearing these earphones." She pointed out. "What kind of music do you listen to?"
"Oh, uh." He said nervously, as there are some tracks on his phone that he would prefer to keep to himself. "I pretty much listen to everything."
"Oh, cool. Mind if I listen to some?" She asked.
"Um, sure." He allowed her, praying that she won't listen to one of his tracks. She put in one earbud and put on a song.
"Oh, wow. I've never heard of this song before." She noted.
Oh crap. She must be listening to one of his tracks.
"Wait. That voice." She said, stunned as the voice on this track seemed familiar. "Wait... that's you isn't it?"
"N-No. S-Shut up." He looked away, his cheeks red with embarrassment.
"Wow. You're a good singer." She stated. "Do you play any instruments?"
"Um, yeah. I play guitar." He nervously said without thinking.
"Really?! Kei, you have talent." Shiho told him.
"Uh, thanks." Kazuma said as she took out the earbud and gave him back his phone.
"That was really good. You have to play a song for me one day. You have too!" She insisted, a little pushy at her request.
"Um. O-Okay." He said nervously.
"Geez, Kei. I didn't think you'd be so flustered. You're as red as a tomato." She laughed which made him angrily look away.
"S-Shut up! That's your fault!" He said, turning away from her.
"Look at that." She smiled. "Looks like we have another promise together."
As if he didn't have enough promises with her. Although, he was really flattered to hear that she liked his music and he really wanted to get back into playing guitar.
"We should probably get back to class." She stood up, throwing her trash away. "Want to walk together?"
He answered her with his actions, getting up and throwing his trash away. They walked side by side on their way to class, ignoring the whispers and glances people were giving them. It didn't matter to him, he continued on as he walked to class with his...
Well... with his friend.
The one thing he didn't want, he now had. And you know what, he didn't hate it. He looked away from Shiho as a small smile formed on his face.
Thanks, Shiho.
And Shiho melts the heart of the Ice King! My god, that was beautiful. *sniff* brings a tear to my eyes really.
This chapter was Kazuma-centric but the next one will be Ren-centric since we all know what happens next.
Til next time.