A/N: Just wanted to express my thanks first guys as my sequel to my first story for Breath of The Wild is about to break 30k views on here, and even the former is creeping just past 25k. And this story is starting to get close to 20k and we've only just dived into the Madarame arc. That kinda stuff isn't possible without your support. Appreciate all of those who sit down and read my work, it makes uploading a much more enjoyable experience, and I really enjoy people who engage in the comments. Hearing your thoughts on it never ceases to fascinate me. Let's make this story trump both those numbers, yeah?
Since it's the first time I've implemented it in the story. Immediate flashbacks will be implemented as bold and italicized.
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His lips were... soft, softer than she expected. They were akin to the feeling of rose petals brushing against her skin.
Euphoric.
How can someone have such a gentleness to them?
It made Ann want more.
She pressed further into the kiss, which sent jolts of electricity throughout her entire body. The feeling was entirely foreign to her, but it felt good, really good. It was as if she was being cleansed from the last remnants of darkness that Kamoshida left behind; bringing forth only light. A light so blinding, that Ann could only succumb to it, allow it to envelop her in its warmth.
It still wasn't enough.
Ann's tongue delved into Akira's mouth, aggressively seeking out every nook and cranny it had to offer. She wanted to memorize the taste of him, the feel of him like this. After all, it was something she had been craving for more than any sweet in recent memory. She smiled against his lips when the familiar taste of coffee burst against her taste buds, reinvigorating her need to feel his red velvety heat against hers. Their tongues engaged in a playful dance for what felt like an eternity, something Ann was all too content with until the need for air would stifle those plans.
When she pulled away, she immediately felt a chill at the loss of contact, something that elicited a small whimper from her. Her entire body felt like it was on cloud nine, even the way the fabric of her clothes rubbed against her skin was sending all kinds of pleasure waves to her core, making Ann feel... bothered. Not to mention, the placement of Akira's hands on the small of her back and waist were amplifying that feeling tenfold.
With ragged breaths she slowly opened her eyes to meet his, full of anticipation.
How did the kiss feel for him? Did I make him feel the same way he makes me feel? Where do we go from here now that... this happened?
Does he love me, as I love him?
It was no longer a question of how Ann felt about Akira, that much was certain. It was a question of only, how does Akira feel about her?
One that the more Ann thought about, the more she realized that it was the real reason behind her hesitancy.
I've been an idiot all this time. Ever since that moment in the rain I knew there was something between us that just clicked, a special connection that you don't find with just anyone.
Her thoughts drifted to the past.
All my life I remember being rejected, and having my feelings toyed with by others. By supposed "friends" to people I thought I had that special connection with. You'd think that with good looks and a likeable personality I wouldn't have that problem. Unfortunately, those kind of things only seem to happen in anime and comic books. People were jealous of me... I was "different", a fake. It had gotten to the point where I thought about dying my hair and getting contacts so I wouldn't stand out anymore, cause even when I stopped saying anything I still looked foreign. Still had ammunition to give them. I was tired of being hurt and shunned by my peers and former friends, and was willing to do anything for it to end...
Years of that made me weak and brittle. Meeting and befriending Shiho had done wonders for my mental health, but everything that happened with Kamoshida only showed just how much of a pathetic push over I still really was. I was still running from my problems. It was only after meeting Akira... talking with him and spending time with him, that I was able to enact real change.
I want to evoke the same feelings that he brings out of me. I want to see his growth, be a part of it, and stand proudly beside him when he reaches the pinnacle.
Why?
Because that's just the kind of spectacular man I want to spend the rest of my life with...
Her eyes met his. His expression was unreadable as always, but Ann wasn't going to let that deter her this time.
"Akira, I'm... serious about you," she said softly. "That kiss was serious."
Even he couldn't hide his surprise at her words. She knew that he understood the weight of what she said.
After the silence lingered for far too long. Ann grabbed the cuff of his collar, looked up at him with glistening eyes and a quivering lip, and begged, "Say something, please..."
He had a tough time swallowing the lump in his throat. How in the hell was he supposed to respond to all of that? Did she not realize that she just confessed on the spot? On top of that, the implications it would have on the team moving forward?
Akira never expected Ann to act on impulse, a grave miscalculation on his part.
It was time for damage control, "Ann I-"
"Could you hold still!?" an unknown voice interrupted. "Return to your prior angle, I am trying to capture youthful passion!"
Ann blinked a few times at the sudden disturbance, "Huh?"
Now that the adrenaline was out of her system. Akira's proximity and the way she was positioned, was something she became very hyper aware of.
Oh my god!
"S-Sorry!" she stammered out an apology while trying to push Akira away.
Whether it was God punishing her or blessing her, Ann stumbled back trying to create distance between them. Naturally, her first reaction was to try and find purchase against anything that'll break her fall, which just happened to be Akira's collar. Ann pulled Akira down atop of her as they fell together, and it was where she got to kiss him for a second time that night.
"Aha, marvellous!" cheered the weird blue-haired guy. "Stay just like that as I draw you two into an illustration that would win first prize at the next art contest. Yes! My hand trembles in excitement!"
Stay... just like... this...?
Ann's cheeks flared crimson as the proverbial steam rose from her head.
It was game over for her.
"Who are you?" asked Akira as he quickly rose off of her. Things were beginning to escalate out of control, and he desperately needed to seize it back.
"My apologies, where are my manners?" He put down his sketchbook and gave a slight bow. "I am Yusuke Kitagawa. I'm a second-year at Kosei High's fine arts division. I'm Madarame-Sensei's pupil, and I am being allowed residence at his place."
Madarame?
That caught Akira's attention.
"The famous one, right?" probed Akira.
Yusuke nodded, "The very same."
He then pushed past Akira over to Ann, who was slowly beginning to gather her senses once again.
"You're the woman I've been searching for all this time"—he cupped her hands—"please, won't you-"
"W-Wait a minute!" Ann stammered, yanking her hands away. "I-"
It was like everything she said to Yusuke went in one ear, and out the other, "-Be the model of my next art piece!?"
Her nose crinkled as she took a second to process what he said, "...Model?"
"All that I've drawn until now has been lacking, but I feel a passion from you unlike anyone else? Will you corporate with me, what do you say?"
What is this guy going on about? Why is he being so pushy?
If anything, it was starting to piss her off. Not only did he interrupt her magical moment with Akira, now he was trying to pick her up with some arts and crafts project!?
"Why don't you give her a bit of time to think on it?" suggested Akira.
She looked over at Akira completely dumbfounded that he's even entertained the thought, "Huh!?"
"A wonderful suggestion," Yusuke hummed in agreement. "I know, Madarame-Sensei's exhibit opens next week at the department store near the station. I'll be there to help out on opening day. Please come by. It'd be great if you could give me your answer in regard to being my model then..."
He then pulled out three tickets from his pocket and handed them to Ann.
"I'll leave these in your hands. If you know others who appreciate the fine arts, feel free to bring them as well."
She took the tickets and nodded dumbly to express her thanks.
Yusuke then gave the two a parting bow, "Farewell. I hope to see you there."
"That was odd..." she muttered once Yusuke was out of sight.
"But it presents us with a good opportunity," said Akira, offering her a helping hand.
She looked at him quizzically as he helped her up, "What do you mean?"
"You'll see in time. For now, we should go."
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The entire train ride back was awkward at best. The two hadn't said anything to each other since that fiasco with Yusuke, and it seemed like it was gonna remain that way for the rest of the night. When it came time for them to part ways, he gave her a silent wave and headed down the alley back to Leblanc.
Ann wanted to go after him, to ask him what he was about to say before they were interrupted, to tell him those three words she's been saving all this time... To apologize for putting him on the spot like that.
In hindsight, kissing the guy you like before making sure it was mutual probably wasn't the brightest move. However, now that her feelings were out there, it was really only a matter of how Akira would respond to them.
She could only hope for a positive response.
And if it was negative?
That's not going to change how I feel about him. Just letting him know that he holds a special place in my heart is enough.
At least, that's what she told herself. But, if the remainder of the walk home was any indication...
...Maybe I'll try calling.
One ring.
Two rings.
Three.
It stopped on the fourth, "The-"
She perked up, "Hey, Aki-"
"-number you have dialled is not available," jingled the automated voice. "At the tone, please leave a message."
Ann sighed as she hung up the phone.
Maybe I should try messaging?
As she stared at the screen, however, doubt started to creep in.
What do I even say? Should I start by explaining myself about tonight? No, that isn't how you start a conversation, Ann! But, would simply saying "Hey" be too causal? Should I just wait until school tomorrow?
She screamed into her pillow as these thoughts continued to circulate.
It was going to be a long night for Ann...
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As soon as he got home, Akira made himself a cup of coffee; one with a more acidic taste considering how his night's been going.
He let the aroma envelop his senses before taking a sip.
Not bad.
It was one of the few bright spots the evening had to offer him. Well, that wasn't entirely accurate. Mementos was a place where they could now explore to improve as phantom thieves. They also had stumbled across a lead on the Madarame case thanks to Yusuke. It was really only...
His memory went back to the kiss he had with the cognitive version of her.
It was... different. The first one was filled with her feelings of loneliness, it was a message over something that held any real significance. This one was filled with passion, pent up feelings. Just how long has she been feeling like that?
But more importantly...
Why? What did she hope to gain by kissing him? Did she not realize how it would change the dynamic of the group moving forward? How was he supposed to interact with her after that?
"Akira, I'm... serious about you," she said softly. "That kiss was serious."
He'd be lying if he said he didn't find her attractive, she definitely was on the outside. However, could he say the same about her on the inside?
The truth was, while he found parts of her interesting, he couldn't go as far to say that he wanted anything more than what they already have. After all, he didn't come to Shujin to form relationships or make lasting memories. Why else would he keep everyone at arms length? Did Ann not realized that?
He was waiting for what hid beneath her mask, what her true desires really were. There was no way someone like her, would seriously fall for someone like him. The thought was repulsive, ludicrous. They were polar opposites, and she knew almost nothing about him. There had to be something more to it.
There just had to be.
It wouldn't be the first time a woman tried to make a move on him with false promises, only to stab him in the back later. A lesson he learned long ago.
He sighed as he downed the rest of his coffee, wincing as the strong taste overwhelmed his taste buds.
I can't take the superficial implication of it to heart. If the twins words are anything to go by, I should see how this plays out. The outcome of this "ruin" seems to weigh heavily on the relationships I have with my contractors.
He could hear Caroline's condescending laugh echo throughout Leblanc.
Seems they like to make things difficult. But if it means that it'll help in the trials to come, I guess I have no choice...
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"Morning!" Ann waved to Akira when she seen him approach their usual morning meeting spot.
He returned the gesture, "Hey."
She stepped in stride with him as they made their way to the station, "Exams are right around the corner, still feeling confident?"
He nodded tersely.
Ann then slowed to a stop behind him, "Umm..."
There it was, the topic he knew she'd bring up.
"About last night... I just wanted to say I-"
"Good morning," a familiar voice interrupted. "It seems like you're attending school seriously."
Ann's eyes went wide as the voice revealed herself, "Nijima-Senpai!?"
Nijima brushed off Ann, and moved closer to Akira, "You also seem pretty close with Takamaki if you're both coming to school together."
Ann's face went beet red.
Wh-What is she implying!?
Akira raised an eyebrow at Nijima, "Oh?"
"You just transferred here though... I guess you two really click."
There was a certain edge to her voice that he wasn't particularly fond of, something Ann seemed to notice as well.
"We're just in the same class," Ann blurted as she moved next to Akira.
The brunette chuckled, "...I see. You seemed a lot closer than that yesterday evening."
"Y-You saw that!?"
Nijima was one of the last people she wanted to have see her kissing Akira!
She smirked at seeing Ann's flustered self before returning her attention to Akira, "I heard that she was a victim of Mr. Kamoshida, but was that all there was to it...?
"Either way, closer inspection should clear everything up... Goodbye."
And as fast as she came, she was gone.
She's really keeping an eye on us, huh? But why bring up what happened with Takamaki?
"Wow... She really said some crazy stuff there, huh?" Ann said while trying to suppress a nervous laugh.
"Nijima isn't wrong," he replied, deadpan.
Her mouth hung agape from his reply, "W-What!?"
"If she's been watching us. Then from an outside glance, yeah, we seem kinda close."
Her heart was filled with hope, "Then-"
"I know what you want to say," he punctuated. "I... can't respond to your feelings in the way you want me to."
And just like that, he shattered it.
Ann could feel tears welling up in her eyes. She did her absolute best to fight them off as she spoke, but it didn't stop the slight crack in her voice from slipping out, "Yeah, I guess I kinda put you on the spot. I just... I..."
Akira tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze, "Ann, while I respect your decision to be upfront with your feelings, you're making a mistake."
That was an odd thing to say.
"A mistake?" she repeated.
"I'm not someone you should fall in love with. I'm tainted to the very core, and if I show you what lies within, you'll end up running away like the rest."
"We all have secrets we don't want to share," she retorted. "It doesn't just apply to you."
"It's much more than that."
"More?"
He suddenly pulled her into his embrace, "If I let you in, there's no telling what might happen to you. I'm sure that even you are aware of that."
Ann knew more than anyone that Akira was an enigma no one had ever cracked. That he had demons haunting him you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. Yet, it was all the more reason why she wanted to be a light for him, as he was for her. That beneath that rough exterior, was something truly beautiful.
She looked up at him, "Are you saying that you can't respond to my feelings, cause you're worried I won't be to handle what I find?"
"Yes."
"Then..."
He was only doing what was necessary. Keeping her at arms length was his natural defence against a boundary he didn't want anyone to cross.
"Then, I'll just have to get stronger so you can respond to them."
It was Akira's turn to be surprised.
There was a fire in her eyes he had seen only once before, "You don't have to do everything alone, Akira, I want you to be able to lean on me. To open your heart up to me, bit by bit.
"...I want to your light, just like how you've been mine."
He couldn't help but smirk at her words, the girl's determination was something else. If she was hellbent on trying to crack the enigma, he wouldn't stop her anymore.
"Don't say I didn't warn you."
She winked back at him, "Just you wait." Ann pulled away and grabbed his hand. "Come on, we're gonna be late for morning assembly."
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"Ever since that specific incident, many of you have voiced concerns that I could not bear to ignore," claimed the Principle. "We believe the mental health of our student body is absolutely vital, so we've acquired the services of a therapist."
Ryuji nudged Akira's side, "Yo, you believin' this shit?"
"Ryuji! Shush!" Ann glared from Akira's other side.
A person in a lab coat then took to the stage. He didn't seem to be that much older than them at a glance, maybe late 20's? Which wasn't that old considering. His appearance was rather casual as well, likely in an attempt to strike a sense of familiarity amongst the students. And it seemed to be working, if the fawning of the female students was anything to go by.
"It's nice to meet you all," the Doctor greeted. "My name is Takuto Maruki. Thank you for welcoming me to your school."
He bowed, but smacked his head off the mic in doing so, earning him more than a few laughs.
"No need to be formal with me, though," he recovered. "I'm just here to counsel anyone who's interested. You can even call me Doc, if that would help you feel more comfortable. Any assistance you need, I'll be— Oh... I guess I'm not really any good for helping with money problems..."
"...Thank you, Dr. Maruki," cut in the Principal, clearly wanting to get the assembly over with. "You can find the good doctor in the nurse's office, that'll be all."
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As the three were returning to class, Ryuji decided to bring up the topic again when they got to the courtyard.
"Yo. You ever expect this place to actually give a shit about our mental health?" he asked as he leaned against the railing.
He's just not going to let this go is he?
Ann tried to reason with him, "Well, our school's made national news. Maybe they figured they'd look even worse if they didn't do anything for us."
"And Doctor, uh... Doctor Whatshisname."
"Maruki."
He let out an agitated sigh, "Yeah— wasn't the guy just basically clowin' it up onstage? You really think he'll do us any good?"
Ryuji really had the worst timing.
"Ryuji..." She glared at him, which also served as a warning, as the one in question strolled up to the group.
If he had heard anything, he didn't show it.
"Hey there" —he looked over the the three—"Sakamoto and Takamaki, right? And that must make you... Kurusu."
"How d'you know about our names?" asked Ryuji, who wasn't hiding the fact that he was uncomfortable.
He scratched the back of his head as he tried to explain himself, "Well, I was informed of certain students before beginning my tenure here. Those that had, ah... previous interactions with Mr. Kamoshida."
Maruki then turned to Akira, "Kurusu, it must've been especially tough for you after having just transferred here."
"Nothing I couldn't handle," he replied cooly.
There was a slight crinkle on the side of his eyes, "You're quite the tough youngster— just don't overdo it okay?"
"So... whaddya want with us?" asked Ryuji in typical fashion.
"Ah yes, I'd forgotten... I know I already offered my services to the student body earlier, but would you three be interested in counselling?"
Once again, in typical Ryuji fashion, "Nope, not at all."
It even stunned Maruki at how quick Ryuji shot down the proposal.
"How's that surprising?" frowned Ryuji.
"You were just a touch more emphatic about it than I'd expected..." Maruki admitted. "Ah! But, if you come to my office, you can have free snacks! All you can eat... would be nice, but there's still plenty to be had. So, how about it?"
"What's your angle?" questioned Akira. "Why specifically approach us three?"
Maruki scratched the back of his head once again, "To be frank, I've been explicitly ordered to provide counselling to the students directly involved with Mr. Kamoshida. It's in the school's interest... for its students."
Ryuji crossed his arms, unconvinced, "Ahhh, the school's interest, huh?"
"I know that asking you to be open with a complete stranger like myself is a lot. Making this mandatory wouldn't do you any good, either. Might as well make it a worthwhile experience..." He snapped his fingers. "Ooh, I know!"
He then turned to Akira, "If you attend my counselling sessions, I'll teach you different ways to improve your mental acuity. Like, ways to hone your concentration before exams, or not getting nervous on dates. How's that sound?"
He's real persistent isn't he? More so than your average counsellor. I can't believe that this would be for the sake of our mental health. There's gotta be more to it than that, and that's what has me curious. What does a counsellor hope to gain by talking with us?
For Ann, it was a tough sell. She kinda already had people she could confide in in Akira and Shiho, but Maruki was a professional. Maybe it wouldn't hurt for a different perspective?
She snuck a glance at Akira.
Even he's seriously considering it...
"What are you thinking, Akira?" she asked, more for herself than anything. If he was willing to go, then maybe it would be in her best interest to go as well.
"No harm in a little chat," he shrugged.
Ryuji sighed, "I guess it'd just be more trouble for us if we didn't go."
Ann couldn't argue with that logic.
"Really?" Maruki perked up at the sudden turn around. "Then, I guess it's a deal. I'll be in the nurse's office—feel free to come by whenever it's convenient for you."
The bell rang.
"Welp, we should get goin'," said Ryuji.
Ann nodded, "Don't want to be late for class."
As the three turned to leave, Maruki placed a hand on Akira's shoulder, "Thanks for taking my counselling into consideration. Now that we have a deal, I promise I'll do my best to help you."
"Come on, Akira"—she grabbed his hand—"we're really gonna be late for class at this rate."
Maruki smiled, "Sorry for keeping you like this. Well then..."
As they headed up the stairs, Ann stopped to face Akira, fiddling with one of her twin tails, "I think... I think I'm gonna go after school today. Counselling I mean."
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Ann took a deep breath as she headed inside the nurse's office, "Ummmm..."
When it looked like she struggled to find the right words, Maruki spoke up, "Welcome. Are you here for a counselling session?"
"Yeah, is now a bad time?"
"Not at all!" he smiled. "It's always a good time, so long as I'm not already listening to a student." He went to make some tea. "I'm so glad you're here. Would you care for a snack?"
There he goes with he snack trope again. Does he think we're little kids?
"Just the tea, thank you."
Once they got settled, Maruki pulled out a clipboard and did a few scribbles on it, "Shall we get started?"
She combed her fingers through one of her twin tails. Now that she was actually here, Ann could feel her heart thump in her chest. She was nervous.
Something the Doctor seemed to catch on to, "Just relax, all right? I'm only here to listen to whatever you wish to talk about."
"Sure. Although I really only have one thing on my mind right now, anyway..."
"Yes, I'd say that makes perfect sense," he hummed. "But don't force yourself into talking with me. You could even grab some snacks and be on your way, if you wanted! Haha..."
She rolled her eyes at that, then sighed.
"No, it's... it's all right. I know I need to talk to someone else about this, anyway. That is, if you're willing to listen to the super-long story."
"Someone else?" he queried. "Have you spoken to someone about this before?"
"Somewhat," she admitted. "I haven't told him the super-long version, but I did tell him the long version."
"I see," he said before writing something down. "Just spit-balling here, but would that person happen to be Kurusu?"
"Huh? Yeah... how did you guess?"
"You two seem kind of close, so I just figured..."
She averted her gaze, everyone seemed to be making that deduction, "Y-Yeah, he's helped me a lot through the whole Kamoshida ordeal."
He penciled something else down before smiling at her again, "That's good! I'm glad you've found someone you can share these kinds of things with. Finding a good support system is hard in today's world, so even just having one person can make a world of difference."
Ann smiled at his words.
Yeah, Akira really is something special.
Maruki cleared his throat, "Now, mind telling me about that super-long story? Take all the time you need."
After taking a deep breath, Ann spilled the beans about everything. From Kamoshida stalking her at the modelling gigs, attempting to force himself on her, trying to blackmail her while using Shiho as the bait, to how his advances affected her relationship with Shiho. Minor details aside; such as their phantom thievery, Ann told Maruki practically everything there was to tell.
"...I see. That's such a horrible thing to do to someone," Maruki empathized after digesting Ann's story.
Ann sighed, "Yes. That's why I wanted to get even with him... For Shiho."
He scribbled some more on the clipboard, "...And?"
She let out an even deeper sigh this time as she thought back to those feelings she had about Kamoshida. It wasn't a place she liked visiting, filled with hate, vengeance. Justified, but not her at all. It surprised her with just how consumed she was with vengeance.
If those three hadn't been there to keep me level-headed throughout our infiltration...
Ann shuddered to think how the ending would've played out.
"At first, I thought Kamoshida ought to face the same fate Shiho was going to put herself through..." she confessed. "But..."
"But?"
"...Later, I realized that wasn't right. If he did take his own life, it wouldn't undo Shiho's suffering—in fact, it's just give him the easy way out."
"Is that so?" He mulled over her words for a moment, then said. "You know, you are quite the wise, level-headed young woman, Takamaki."
That caught her by surprise. Her? It was only thanks to her friends that she managed to...
"Huh? Uh, I think you've got the wrong..."
"Nope," he said matter-of-factly. "In fact, I think you're wiser than I was at your age. I wasn't anywhere near as mature as you are now."
"...It's not like I did anything special though. If I hadn't gone through my own share of hell, I don't think I'd be so mature either."
"I see... So, what's on your mind now?"
She combed her fingers through one of her twin tails as she tried to think, "Right now? Hmm... I'm just hoping Shiho will get better quickly.
"We both suffered a bit, but... I just wanna get back to laughing and having fun together like we used to. At this point, I don't give a rat's ass about Kamoshida."
"Now that's a healthy outlook to have!" he praised. "You can't change the past, but you want to keep your chin up and press onward—is that the gist of it?"
"Yeah, that sounds about right," Ann nodded. "I mean, it'd definitely be better if none of this had happened at all, but..." her voice trailed off.
But, then I'd just be the same as before. Stagnant, a push over, someone who wouldn't fight for what she believes in. I would've never met Akira, nor have this new goal to strengthen my heart. These new feelings I have wouldn't exist, and just thinking about going back to the person I was makes me gag.
I hated myself...
Maruki's laughter brought Ann out of her reverie, "I definitely agree with you there. But, it's impossible to wipe every tragedy from history."
"If only, right?" It was cynical to think about, but entertaining. "Everyone would be so much happier if we could actually do that."
The bell suddenly rang.
"...Oh, it seems I lost track of the time"—he looked over at the clock—"we should wrap things up here for today—thank you so much for coming in to see me."
Ann shook her head, "Oh no, thank you! I feel a ton better now that that's all off my chest."
"Hah, good to hear it—you deserve it. Feel free to stop by again anytime."
"Will do! See you around!" she waved.
Wow, over an hour I was in there, huh? I guess I had more to talk about then I realized.
She pulled out her phone once she made it to the station.
Ann: Well, I went in for counselling.
Akira: How'd it go?
Ann: Well, honestly wasn't as rough as I was expecting. 👍
Ann: I think you should just go and give it a shot.
Ann: I feel like you two would really hit it off! 😊
Ann: Okay, see you tomorrow. Let me know how it goes!
Maybe it actually will help him? If my experience is anything to go by, then hopefully... hopefully it can go well for him too...
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"Ah, hello," greeted a red-haired girl who'd been taking to Maruki when Akira approached the nurse's office. "Are you here for a session as well?"
Akira nodded, "Something like that."
"Is that so?" she smiled. "Dr. Maruki is a wonderful counsellor. I've been seeing him for a while, before he ever came to Shujin."
"Oh? I didn't know you two were acquainted," said Maruki before frowning at the girl. "Don't go overselling me too hard, Yoshizawa—I'm really nothing special."
"Well, I need to get going,—"Yoshizawa bowed—"please excuse me."
Maruki turned to Akira, "What say we get started? Thank you for coming."
Akira took a seat on the leather sofa, "We did make a deal."
"Ahaha, well... I'll try to make sure it's worth the trouble." He moved to the coffee maker. "You seem like a coffee guy, that work for you?"
Akira nodded tersely.
"Good. While the coffee is brewing, why don't you tell me about the circumstances that led you to coming here today?"
"As I'm sure you're aware"—he pinched his bangs—"I transferred here due to the court ruling on my assault case. That's where you can say it all started."
Maruki hummed his assent, "Well, full disclosure... The school gave me a brief rundown of the circumstances regarding your transfer here."
"I wouldn't expect anything less."
The Doctor frowned, "What makes you say that?"
"Why else would they make you approach me? I know it's not all out of the kindness of your heart, Doctor."
Maruki smirked as he prepared the cups of coffee, "Very astute of you, Kurusu, but do bear in mind that I didn't become a counsellor simply for the sake of it. I do want to help people."
Akira nodded his thanks after accepting the cup, "You know my circumstances leading up to this point, both with my transfer and Kamoshida. So why don't we get down to it, Doctor?"
Maruki chuckled, "You know, I've realized something the more I talk with you."
He halted a sip, "Oh?"
"It seems like you've largely been able to reconcile your inner world with your external one. I should note—that's really, truly impressive. Even most adults can't reliably manage that."
Akira shrugged nonchalantly, "That's because their idealized reality is often far apart from the one in actuality. Their goals are unrealistic, which often leads to failure."
"Correct, it's responsible for a lot of people's pain. You've already been through so much. That kind of suffering is usually enough to twist people up into dark places."
"It's easy to give up and let the darkness consume you. Numbing yourself to the pain is sometimes the only thing you can do. Sure, you end up isolated and alone, but at least you're not dragging anyone else down with you."
Maruki leaned forward as he mulled over Akira's words, "I cannot deny that many people end up giving in to their suffering. After all, if it were easy to stand up against such terrible fates, everyone would be doing it.
"That's why I find it incredibly admirable when people do try to stand up to a tough, painful reality. Just like how you are."
He looked out the window, watching a group of girls laughing amongst each other, "You're only given one life. If I were to go out, I'd want it to be on my terms, not by what life had decided for me. Sometimes, destiny doesn't always know what's best for you."
"Heh... if only you realized how similar we are..." Maruki muttered, low enough so Akira couldn't hear.
"Huh?"
He waved the spectacled boy off, "It's nothing! ...Sorry, this went on a little longer than I expected. Somehow, the conversation took a life of its own, I guess..."
Akira nodded, "It's been... enlightening."
"Before I let you go, I've got one last request. Do you mind?"
Judging by the look in his eye, Akira deduced that this was the real reason behind the invitation.
"I'm actually doing certain research along with my duties as a counsellor. It's not quite like counselling—more like a type of psychological treatment. Basically, it's a project to learn more about people's metaphorical hearts. What they think, how they feel.
"If I get far enough with it, I think it'll be able to help a lot of people! So...?"
Akira frowned, "So... what?"
"Oh, sorry! Uh, I guess my point is... I'd like to ask you to help with that research!" he clarified.
"How would I do that?" asked Akira with piqued interest.
"All you'd have to do is listen to my theories, and then tell me if they spark any ideas or realizations on your end." He got up and bowed. "Please! Any time's good for me—I can work around your schedule. And, uh... I've got a lot of snacks, too! You can have them! They're yours!"
There he is with that persistence again. Why is he so desperate to have me help with his research? Wouldn't anyone do? If it's a matter of figuring out how the metaphorical heart works, I imagine that getting the perspectives of multiple individuals would be better than just me. Though, I guess it wouldn't hurt to play along, for now.
Akira offered his hand, "We have a deal."
"Really!?" Maruki looked up at him eagerly before shaking his hand. "You're a lifesaver! Let's see..."—he snapped his fingers—"I know! Maybe I could teach you some tips for mental training."
"Getting some advice from someone with your background could prove invaluable in the future."
He smirked, "If you're dedicated enough, I'm sure you could draw out your full potential!" He gave a self-satisfied nod. "Okay! I guess that's our second deal."
"I guess it is."
"...Oh, right! Would it be okay if we traded contact information?" Maruki asked after he pulled out his phone.
Akira didn't see the harm in it, "Sure."
"Good! Now, let's talk about mental training and presence." He took a sip of his coffee, wincing at how cold it had gotten. "Let's see, first off..."
The conversation with Dr. Maruki took the pair well into the after school hours. Something that surprised Akira after the fact. It wasn't often that someone was able to keep him engaged in conversation for so long, usually he'd become bored and move on. There was only one other person in recent memory that was capable of holding a good conversation with him.
Akira checked his phone, there was one unread message from two hours ago.
Ann: So... how'd it go?
Akira: Good.
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"I'm so sleepy." Ryuji yawned. "I ended up pullin' an all-nighter once I realized today was exam day."
"You? Studying?" Akira didn't bother hiding his disbelief.
"Nah, I gave up on the exam," the blonde confessed. "I was playin' some games, and before I knew it, it was morning."
"Sounds about aright."
Ryuji shrugged, "Eh, it's what I always do. No matter how many times I fail, nothing's gonna change."
"Morning..." called Ann as she joined up with the two, also visibly fatigued.
Something that seemed to amuse Ryuji, "Yo, look who else is yawnin'."
"Exams are today, so I thought I put myself ahead of the curve with some studying."
While she tried to sound convincing, even she couldn't put all her heart into it. She hated exam week.
"Woah! You're really taking that bet seriously," he snickered.
Ann glared at him as her cheeks grew hot, "Ugh, will you please shut up!? You're gonna make me forget everything I memorized!"
That only earned her a bolstering laugh from the vulgar blonde, making her even more irritated.
She turned her gaze to Akira, who was smirking at her.
"Good luck with you exams, Ann."
"Y-Yeah, you too!" she smiled back.
I'm so dead...
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A/N: So, lotta stuff going on here. This would be a chapter I circle as "very important" when we get further into the story. While Ann kissing Joker is something new I felt like adding, I really do believe she fell for him almost immediately. Anyone can argue when she decided to act on those feelings, but since the romance options are always limited to rank 9-10, the game doesn't offer a lot of freedom in that regard. Good thing fanfictions exist. As for Akira, we get yet another look into his heart as to why he's so hesitant about opening up. Unfortunately, he still has demons that he chooses to hide from everyone, but Ann is slowly chipping away at that barrier. Her declaration to get stronger is a powerful message sent to Akira that should not be ignored. She's serious, and she's willing to put in the work.
Maruki made his appearance, as well as Yusuke, and a minor one for Kasumi. Really excited to see how the relationship between the three and Joker progress as the story continues.
We're into the Madarame arc now, how will this one play out?