March 12th, 2037
"Human perception has its limits… For example, when we see the moon in the sky, it appears in circular shapes, whether that be a full moon, a crescent moon, or a half-moon. This actually isn't the case, however… Amamiya-kun, what is the moon actually shaped like?"
Yuki Amamiya sprang to attention as her name was called by her older, rotund science teacher, who's balding head, loud voice and firm stature would normally give off an intimidating vibe, but was much gentler to her. She didn't sleep through class, after all.
"Hold on I think I know this!" A small voice whispered from her bag, but was promptly shushed by Yuki shoving her hand against the source. Turning her attention back to her teacher, Yuki's eyes gleamed with excitement as she opened her mouth.
"It's actually shaped like an oblate spheroid, sensei!"
"That's correct!" Her teacher clapped. "For those who don't know, an oblate spheroid is basically the shape of a lemon, or a slightly flattened ball. Either of those answers would have been correct as well. Don't always believe what you see, kids."
"How, how did Amamiya-san know that?"
"Well, she is a genius!"
"Kinda weird if you ask me…"
"Pay attention, class." The teacher shot the rumor-mongering kids with a serious glance. "That'll be on the next test, so I hope you're taking notes!"
A series of simultaneous "OH craps!" broke out across the room as most students scrambled to write down what Yuki had said.
"Yuki, are you…" The voice whispered with concern.
"Don't worry, Mona."
"Are you sure? I could make the straps on their bags disappear…"
"It's not worth it. Compared to dad's stories, this is nothing."
"You really are their child…"
Yuki turned her attention back to the lesson, which flew by. Once the final bells rang, she scurried on out of the classroom and made her way to the front gate, her shoulder-length twintails bouncing with two cherry blossom pins.
"Let's see… dad's at work until five, Aki's got practice till then, too. Should I meet up with mom and sis, or get a head start at home to make dinner, Mona?"
"Hmmm… You've proven to be quite a capable cook, you know. There are always ingredients for curry, so you could make that."
"That's true, and I know mom will be tired when she comes home…"
"Well well if it isn't Yuki-chan." A leering voice crept up behind Yuki as she pondered.
"Oh!" She turned around and saw a mean-looking boy who was a bit taller than her, with a wider frame. "Hello, Kouki-san…"
"Say, since you're a bookworm and all, why don't you come study at the library with me? We could find a nice, quiet corner…" The creep reached out and managed to grab Yuki's wrist before he heard a hiss, saw a flash of black pop out of her bag on his left, and then a flash of yellow on his right.
"What do you think you're doin'!" The blonde punched him in the right shoulder hard enough to send him back a few feet while he found himself trying to fend off a series of claws with his left arm.
"Shit! Shizuku and a cat? The hell? Get offa me!"
"Mona, stop!" Yuki cried out to the cat, who promptly jumped off the boy.
"What's the big deal…" Kouki groaned. "I was just gonna take her to the library…"
"Uh-huh." Shizuku cracked her knuckles, a fire burning in her green eyes. "Get out of here."
"Not worth my time anyway…"
The boy grumbled and turned his back to the trio, walking away in a huff.
"Are you alright, Yuki?"
Still slightly shocked, Yuki turned to face one of her saviors. She stood a little taller than Yuki despite being younger than her, with light blonde hair that reached her mid-back and a shark-toothed grin that spelled mischievousness.
"Y-Yeah… Thanks, Shizuku, Mona."
"Dumbass thinks he can do whatever he wants 'cause his dad's the principal." Shizuku put a hand on Yuki's shoulder. "Well my mom's the history teacher, and you don't see me gettin' up to no good!"
"B-But you just punched him at the front gate to the school…"
"Well he deserved it, didn't he?"
"Uh…"
"That's my girl!"
The trio heard a roaring laugh as another blonde practically tackled Shizuku from behind. "I saw the whole thing! I can't wait to tell your dad!"
"Please don't mom…" Shizuku lowered her voice, a slight tint of pink on her cheeks.
"Oh come on! You know he'd be proud of you!"
"But I promised not to cause trouble at school…"
"Hey, I'm not mad, and I'm a teacher!" Shizuku's mother laughed.
"Thank you for letting this go, Sakiya-obasan!" Yuki suddenly bowed, nearly throwing Morgana off of her.
"Huh? Why are you bowing?" Sakiya gave her a puzzled look, adjusting her glasses.
"W-Well, because that should have gotten us in trouble…"
"Oh. That zero-tolerance bs? I'm not a stickler, Yuki-chan."
"Sorry…"
"You're just like your mother!" Sakiya roared back in laughter again. "Thank you this, sorry that! You're so formal! What will you do when you get a boyfriend or girlfriend? You'll be a total mess!"
"Um…"
"Hey, she's got a bit of her father in her!" Morgana yelled back.
"You know I can't understand you, Morgana. Why are you even here? Pets aren't allowed on school grounds."
"Crap!" Morgana ducked back into Yuki's bag.
"He said she's like her dad." Shizuku shrugged. "I think she's 100% like her mom, though."
"Well… I guess she has her moments. Alright, you two." Sakiya waved them off. "I've got some after-school lessons, so get out of here before a teacher that actually cares comes along."
"R-Right!" Yuki bowed again. "Thank you!"
"Ugh…" Sakiya sighed.
"Thanks mom! See you later!" Shizuku grabbed Yuki's hand and waved her mother goodbye before taking off.
"You can't let yourself get pushed around all the time, Yuki." Shizuku let go of her friend's hand and spun around in front of the train station. "I won't always be there to protect you. Next month, you'll be in middle school while I'm stuck here for another year! Who knows what will happen if something… Never mind. Morgana is a beast, but he's also just a cat. You have to rely on yourself, okay?"
"I know…" Yuki sighed. "I just…"
"Don't come to a decision now. Just think about it."
"Right…"
"This is my train, so I've got to go! See you tomorrow, okay?"
"Mhm. Goodbye, Shizuku."
"Bye, Shizuku!" Morgana popped his head out of Yuki's bag.
"Bye!"
Yuki and Morgana watched as Shizuku disappeared into the crowded train. Silence overtook them for a minute, and Morgana finally piped up.
"Yuki."
"I don't want to talk about it, Mona."
"If you don't tell your parents, I will."
"..."
"This is the third time this week that monkeys tried to pull something!"
"...Fine."
With a sigh, Yuki stepped onto the next train that arrived, taking it to the station closest to her home. Once she arrived, she unlocked the door and stepped into the house she had spent half her life in. It was a far cry from the apartment she remembered spending her early years in. Huge, glamorous… Three bedrooms… She loved it, and thanks to her Uncle Yusuke's help, had set up a mini-planetarium using stickers and paint on her bedroom ceiling. After putting her bag down and changing into her casual dress, she started cooking dinner. The steam that emanated from the crockpot calmed her mind as she cut up different vegetables and threw them into the mix. Since she was two, she had been cooking with her parents in some way, shape or form. Her dad made absolutely sure to teach her how to make curry, stating that it got him through some of the most difficult times in his life.
"I think I'll use coriander…" Yuki hummed Will Power to herself. It was a song from a game called Facade V , which was quite old in 2037, but it was a cult classic amongst her parents, aunts and uncles, and she liked the soundtrack a lot. Sakiya in particular loved old music from the 1980s. Some days when she'd go to hang out with Shizuku, Sakiya would be blasting heavy metal from that time. It was loud and bizarre, at least for Yuki. Time flew as she finished mixing all of the curry ingredients together and let it come to a sitting point after heating up. Eventually, Morgana and her heard the front door open.
"Hmmm… I smell curry!" An older voice joyfully proclaimed.
"Is Yuki-nee making curry again? Aww…" A younger voice whined.
"Don't be like that. You know it's delicious!"
"Ahhhh! Papa, stop!"
"No, you stop being ticklish!"
"Hi dad, hi Aki." Yuki walked around the corner of the kitchen and greeted the two.
"Yuki!" Her father walked up to her and patted her head. "Thanks for making dinner."
"It's no big deal, dad…"
"Ren!" Morgana jumped onto her father's shoulder. "She's got even better at cooking it! I watched her and timed her today!"
Ren broke out in laughter, scratching his lightly-stubbled chin.
"Of course she is! She's the daughter of Ren Amamiya, the greatest curry chef in the world!"
"I-I'll learn how to make curry, too!" The boy declared, pointing at Ren. "Just wait!"
"I'm sure you will. I'll teach you when you're ready." Ren turned to him and ruffled his crimson red hair, which matched his eyes beneath thick-framed glasses. On his cheek rested a fresh band-aid, and he wore a white t-shirt with black sleeves and blue jeans.
"How was practice, Akira?" Morgana swung around Ren's shoulders and looked down at the redhead.
"Good! I slipped and fell once, but I scored a home run!"
"Nice!" Morgana jumped down in front of him. "You and Ren are home later than usual."
"When I got out of practice I saw an old lady trying to cross the street with a bunch of stuff, so I helped her all the way home!"
"Hehehe! You're a real gentleman, just like me!"
"He's also irresponsible…" Ren chuckled. "I went to pick him up and he was nowhere to be found! I called and called, and his phone was dead!"
"I'm sorry papa…"
"It happens." Ren ruffled his hair again. "Luckily, you ran into a friend of mine."
"He was kinda scary… He asked me if I liked guns! Why would I like guns?"
"Iwai is a strange one."
"He walked up to me and said 'Hey, you're the kids kid, arencha!' and stuff!" Akira lowered his voice to mimic Iwai. "And then he got me a lollipop and called you!"
"You look more like your mother, really. Speaking of..." Ren leaned back up and gave Yuki, Akira and Morgana a dead-eyed stare. "Don't say a word of this to her. If you do, I'm a goner, okay?"
"I won't tell…" Akira poked his fingers together. "Is it really bad though? I was helping someone!"
"There's nothing wrong with that, but it's the fact that you got lost."
"We won't tell, Aki!" Yuki gave her brother a hug, and Ren leaned down to look at her.
"Yuki-nee, why is your wrist bruised?"
"H-Huh? Oh, uh… I fell!" Yuki's eyes widely darted away from Ren.
"Fell, huh?" Ren squinted, and Yuki felt herself shiver. "Morgana?"
"Yuki, be honest."
"Sorry…" Yuki released her hug and looked up at Ren. "A… A boy tried to grab me, and Shizuku and Mona fended him off."
Yuki nervously looked up at her father and found his eyes to be completely empty, his smile gone.
"What's this boy's name?" He asked coldly.
"Dad, please! Th-this is something I need to figure out myself! I can't just let Shizuku, Mona and you do everything for me! O-On top of that, I don't want you getting in trouble!"
Ren took a deep breath before leaning down and taking Yuki's hands.
"It's okay to rely on others, Yuki, but I do understand where you're coming from. It's frustrating when you can't figure out something yourself, isn't it? Has this boy been frequently bullying you?"
"H-he has. I keep pushing him away, but he always comes back. I just want him to leave me alone, that's all."
"You know what I'm going to tell you, right?" He spoke reassuringly.
"Don't let yourself get pushed around… Rebel against injustice…"
"And believe in yourself." He rested his hand on top of hers. "If you don't believe in yourself first, then no one can help you. You're already taking your first steps, so don't stop now. Do whatever you have to so that boy leaves you alone. If you get in trouble, we all have your back. That's why we're here."
"Y-yeah!" Akira shook his fist. "I won't let anyone bully my big sis!"
"D-Dad… A-Aki…" Yuki felt tears threatening to burst from her eyes as Morgana jumped up on her shoulder and purred.
"If you ever stumble, we'll be here to pick you, up, Yuki." Ren patted her back.
"Mona!"
Yuki found herself unable to hold back her tears as she wrapped her arms around her father's neck.
"I'm sorry! I just don't know what to do in situations like this!" She cried out. "Why can't I talk to people normally? I'm smart, right? Everyone tells me that, but then I can't even talk to people half the time! My mind goes blank, and I just stand there like an idiot!"
"There's a huge difference between book-smarts and social skills, Yuki." Ren moved one hand against her back and the other over her head. "Some people are good at one or the other, while some are good at both. It's not something you can easily just do. For a lot of people, like your mother, talking to people can be just downright scary, unless you put on a mask and pretend you can. I was like that for a while, too. It starts off slow, with close friends and family, but over time, you'll find yourself able to speak to others normally. I know it's frustrating that you can't do it right now, but don't let it bring you down, got it?"
"Y-Yeah! I-I'll try my best!"
Yuki found another set of arms wrapped around her back, and her brother's forehead pressing against her back.
"You can do it, Yuki! I'm not super smart, but I have a lot of friends! I'll help!"
"Aki…"
"I'm sure we can introduce you to Yoshida, if you want to learn how to talk to people." Morgana snickered.
"The old assistant to the Prime Minister?" Yuki sniffled and asked confusedly.
"Yup. Ren knew him way before that, and he was at the wedding. You've technically met him."
"Oh… Huh."
"Let's just relax for now, alright?" Ren stood back up and patted Yuki's head. "Go wash up, and we'll eat as soon as the other two get home."
"Okay!" Yuki couldn't help but beam a smile at her father before turning around and patting Akira's head. "Thanks, Aki."
"Of course, big sis!"
"I love you."
"I love you too!"
Akira let Yuki go, and she ran to the bathroom to wash her face. Upon taking off her glasses, she found herself nearly unable to see. Her near-blindness always made her wonder how her mother performed rhythmic gymnastics. Thinking about it was certainly better than thinking about anything else that happened today, except the moon question. That was fun. As she finished drying her face, she heard two loud voices cheerfully ringing out loud enough for the whole house to hear.
"We're home!"
"I'm home!"
Yuki felt her heart completely relax as she heard the voices of her mother and little sister. It was a nice feeling, one she realized that she had missed for the past few hours. With a newfound skip in her step, she made her way out.
"Onee-chan!"
As Yuki skipped into the living room, she found herself nearly tackled to the floor. Holding her like a vice as a little brown-haired girl whose matching brown eyes were eager to take on the world. Her swirly side-ponytail brushed against Yuki's noise, which made her giggle as she reached out to hug her sister.
"Hi, Kasumi."
"Look!"
Kasumi tilted her head and rotated it slightly, showing off two small ribbons tied into her hair. "I got ribbons! Like you and mama!"
"How cute!" Yuki ran her hand through Kasumi's hair. "That makes me happy."
"Eheheheh…"
"You two are just sooo adorable together!"
Yuki looked up and saw her mother poking her head in from the kitchen, holding both her hands to her cheeks as she ogled the two. A pair of black-framed glasses sat on her nose, contrasting her bright red hair that was tied into a side-ponytail with a matching red ribbon.
"I totally know what you mean, Sumire." Ren smirked as he rested his head on hers. "Got the camera?"
"Of course!" Sumire pulled up her phone and snapped several pictures of Yuki and Kasumi. "I just feel like my heart is going to melt! Akira, go join your sisters!"
"But mama…!" Akira, who had been standing in front of his mother, looked up at her and whined. "I don't want to touch Sumi!"
"Akira…" Sumire stepped out in front of him and bent down. "Kasumi is your twin sister. She loves you very much."
"No I don't! Aki's a meanie!" Kasumi stuck out her tongue.
"Kasumi!" Sumire shot a glare at her, and she immediately backed down.
"Sorry mama…"
"Now, Akira."
"Yes mama?"
"Why don't you and Kasumi get along?"
"B-because she thinks baseball is dumb."
"Hmmm… Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, Akira."
"But baseball isn't dumb!" He stomped his foot.
"Do you like rhythmic gymnastics, Akira?" Sumire spoke in a calm, motherly voice, holding Akira by the shoulders.
"N-No… I mean… The girl would just hurt herself."
"Do you know what I did before I had Yuki?"
"Um…"
"I was a rhythmic gymnast."
Akira's face went completely red as his jaw dropped.
"I'm so sorry mama! I love r-rh- gymnasts!"
"My my. What made you change your opinion so quickly?" Sumire beamed a smile at him.
"B-Because you did it…"
"That's not a very good excuse. The same goes for you, Kasumi. I want you two to get along more, okay?"
Sumire gently took a hold of Akira's hand and led him over to Kasumi and Yuki while Ren and Morgana followed.
"We're a family. I love each and every one of you with all my heart. It doesn't matter if I don't like something, or if it's dumb. Papa didn't know a single thing about rhythmic gymnastics when he met me, but he still loved me anyway. Even if you don't like it, you should support your family. Yuki doesn't like sports at all, but she still asks how baseball practice went. Morgana can't even do most of the things we do, but he still cares about us and supports us. I don't want to see you doing that again, okay?"
"Yes mama." Akira stepped forward toward Kasumi, who was in total shock.
"I-I'm sorry Aki…" She frowned and gripped the skirt of her pink dress. "Baseball isn't dumb…"
"I'm sorry too, Sumi." Akira wrapped his arms around her.
"There we go." Sumire smiled and wrapped her arms around them both. "Those are my babies."
"I'm not a baby, mama…" Akira sighed.
"You'll always be my little boy, Akira." Sumire kissed his cheek.
"Don't argue with her, Akira." Ren smirked. "You know it's pointless."
Akira sighed in defeat and held out an arm to embrace his mother, all while Ren, Yuki and Morgana joined in.
"Mama!" Kasumi mumbled in a muffled tone, buried between everyone.
"Yes, Kasumi?"
"What's a rymmic gymnast?"
"I'll tell you after dinner, sweetie."
"Okay!"
The Amamiya family broke out of their huddle, with the twins and parents going to change while Yuki set down the plates and food for everyone, including a plate for Morgana, who got to sit in his own chair. By the time everyone returned, dinner was set up and ready...
"How was school today Yuki, Akira?" Sumire beamed a smile at the two before taking a bite of curry.
"I had a pretty good day until… Kouki-san showed up." Yuki stirred the curry, a frown on her face.
"Kouki-san?" Sumire furrowed an eyebrow.
"A boy who won't leave me alone… He grabbed my wrist today. I told dad and Aki…"
"Yuki…"
"I already told them I want to figure out how to deal with him myself, mom. I know relying on others is important, but if I can't do this myself, it's pointless."
"I see." Sumire calmly closed her eyes. "You're more and more like Ren every day. Sometimes the best way to grow and become who you've always wanted to be is by having someone at your side. It's difficult to face things by yourself, but like he said, it's okay to have others behind you when you do. I'm sure that you'll be fine, Yuki. If you need us, we're here."
'Thanks, mom."
"Of course, sweetie." Sumire turned to Akira. "How about you, Akira?"
"Um… Classes were good. I fell during practice, but I'm okay. Oh, and I helped an old lady carry some stuff!"
"That's so kind of you!" Sumire giggled.
"Yup! And the-"
Ren panicked and repeatedly gestured his hand across this throat, wide-eyed.
"And then?"
"A-And then papa picked me up and we went home!"
"Mhm." Sumire nodded.
Ren let out a sigh of relief.
"Kasumi, do you want to share what you did today?" Sumire turned her attention toward her youngest.
"We learned about life and stuff! Goals! Sensei asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up!"
Kasumi bounced up and down in her seat eagerly.
"What'd you say?" Ren asked inquisitively.
"I said I wanna be like mama!"
"D'aww! How sweet of you, Kasumi!" Sumire giggled.
"If I wanna be like mama… I gotta be a rymmic gymnast!"
"There's much more to it than that, but we'll tell you before bedtime."
"Okay mama!"
"One thing I can tell you right now is that a gymnast eats all her vegetables!"
"Awww… Really?" Kasumi frowned and looked down at the variety of greens next to her curry.
"Yes!"
"O-Okay…"
Once Kasumi reluctantly ate her vegetables, the family moved to the living room, where Kasumi, Akira and Yuki all sat between Ren and Sumire, with Morgana maneuvering around them.
"Story time!" Kasumi bounced up and down.
"That's right. Do you know what the medal on the bookshelf is, Kasumi?" Sumire pointed across the room.
"Uhmmm… a rymmic gymnast medal?"
"That's right. That is the gold medal I won at the 2024 Olympics in Paris."
"Ol-ym-picks?"
"The Olympics is a special event where people from all over the world come and play different sports together, and everyone in the world watches!"
"Wooooooah. Everyone?"
"Yes!"
"That's the same medal in the picture with Yuki, right?" Akira scratched his head and pointed at the family photo that sat next to the medal.
"It is!" Sumire excitedly nodded. "Ren, dear?"
"On it."
Ren hopped up from the couch alongside Morgana, and they grabbed the medal from its case. He split it into four and handed one piece to Kasumi, one to Akira, and one to Yuki while giving the last to Sumire.
"It splits into four, for a family. We're a family of six now, though."
"I thought that dad broke it when he first split the medal." Yuki giggled, rubbing the surface of the medal. "I love that picture a lot."
"So do I!" Sumire reached over and kissed Yuki on the forehead. "You really surprised me with it!"
"Thanks…"
"Yuki got the picture?" Akira asked.
"It was her idea." Morgana nodded. "We got it on Sumire's birthday a couple years ago, before you and Kasumi were born. She wanted to "steal her heart" as we planned it."
"Did it work?"
"Did it, Sumire?" Morgana turned to her.
"Yes, it did." She nodded and sighed. "You all really have fun playing as Phantom Thieves…"
"Do you not like it, mama?" Akira sadly looked up at her.
"Wh- I love it!" A blush trickled up her face. "I-I'm Violet, the proud wife and sidekick of Joker!"
"Yay!" Akira cheered.
"I wanna be like mama Violet too!" Kasumi pumped her fists.
"Kasumi, Akira, please…"
"Keep going kids." Ren smirked.
"This wasn't meant to be a party of the story!" Sumire pouted.
"Oh yeah! More story, mama!" Kasumi jumped to her feet on the couch.
"Don't stand on the furniture, Kasumi!" Yuki picked her up and plopped her down.
"Sorry!"
"For a long time, I trained very hard to win that gold medal. First, I trained with your aunt Kasumi, and then I trained with Sakiya. I had to train almost every day after school, learning how to use the ball, clubs, hoop and ribbon. You have to move your body a lot, and it's very hard. I made a promise to win a gold medal in front of the world, though."
"A promise with Kasumi-basan?"
"That's right, Kasumi."
"I… I still wanna be like you, mama. I want to be a rymmic gymnast and win a gold medal!"
"Are you sure, Kasumi?" Sumire planted her hands on her daughter's face and gave her a firm glare. "It's very difficult, and requires a lot of dedication. If you really want to try, we can visit Hanako this weekend, and she can start training you."
Kasumi gripped the medal she held harder as she stared into her mother's deep, red eyes.
"I wanna do it."
March 15th, 2037, Yongen-Jaya
The Amamiya family stood outside Leblanc, admiring the old-time atmosphere it gave off. Yuki had expected Futaba to put on a neon sign or something, but she had kept it the way it was, with a plain old sign that said either open, or close. She led her family inside as the doorbell chimed.
"Welcoooooo- Oh hi!" Futaba eagerly ran around the counter and up to the group. With her hair tied into a tight bun at the back, she didn't look any different with her striped brown apron and green shirt underneath than Yuki remembered. "Everyone's here today, huh?"
"Hey Futaba." Ren waved, as did Sumire. "Hello, Futaba."
"Hey." Morgana popped out of Yuki's bag.
"Futaba-basan!"
Like she did with Yuki, Kasumi threw herself at Futaba, gripping her leg.
"Hey there Kasumi."
"Hi Futaba-basan!" Akira walked up to her.
"Akira. What's up?"
"Where's Kenichi?"
"Hm? Oh, he must be sleeping in. It's the only reason he hasn't rushed down to see Yuki."
"Futaba-obasan!" Yuki's cheeks flared up red.
"Heheh… You're just like your mom."
"Watch out kids." Futaba patted Kasumi's head and had her let go before walking halfway up the staircase. "Hey, Ken! Wake the heck up Samurai!"
"I'm not sleeping, Futaba. I can hear."
"Well with those AKG headphones you basically can't, I know, trust me. Now c'mon out of your fort. Your crush is here."
"H-Huh? Yuki-tan's here?"
"Yeah, and she's a waitin'!"
Yuki buried her face in her hands as Futaba spoke loudly . Sumire smiled and massaged her shoulders. "She's just teasing you, Yuki."
"Why are you even worrying? You're barely twelve! Twelve! You kids shouldn't be thinking about anything like this!" Ren groaned.
After a few seconds, a black-haired boy appeared halfway down the staircase. He wore a pair of huge glasses that sat upon his nose, a black shirt with the kanji of his name, Futaba's name, Hanako's name, and Sojiro's name on it, and blue shorts. He looked to be about Yuki's age, with his hair roughly combed back.
"O-Oh. Hello." He looked over the family. "Good to see you all. Hi, Yuki-tan."
"H-H-he-"
"Hello, Kenichi-kun!" Sumire excitedly waved at him, interrupting Yuki. "It's been a while!"
"Yes it has, Sumire-basan." He gave Sumire a nod and looked over at Akira, who fist-bumped him. "What's up, Akira-chan?"
"Get anything new in the fort? It's been a while!"
"Yeah man. Futaba helped me build a new PC recently. Want to check it out?"
"Yes!" Akira's eyes lit up, and the two ran upstairs.
"Like mother, like son." Ren laughed. "You're teaching him how to build PCs?"
"Well duh!" Futaba threw her arms up. "If I'm gonna raise a kid, he needs to be cultured ! VR and stuff is all the rage, even AR. Do you know what AR is? Augmented Reality! Tech is advanced, but you need to appreciate the fundamentals first and foremost!"
"Time flies…" Sumire walked over to Futaba and gave her a hug. "It's been five years already…"
"Why are you gettin' all sentimental?" Futaba hugged her back. "He grew fast, yeah, but that's just life. I mean, look at you and your little Featherman."
"I'm Feather Pink!" Kasumi raised her hand. "I'm gonna be a rymmic gymnast!"
"Ohhh, so it's not just a social call. Hanako mentioned that you wanted to visit." Futaba adjusted her glasses and nodded. "I just wasn't sure if you'd skip out on poor ol' me."
"Pfft. C'mon Futaba." Ren waved his hand. "I'd never skip out on your coffee and curry."
"Of course you wouldn't." She turned to him and snickered. "I made a new version of mom's recipe, and you still want to figure it out."
'I will one day, trust me." He winked back.
"Yo!"
Everyone in the cafe turned around to find Ryuji standing at the door.
"Ryuji!"
"Ren!"
The two shared a firm handshake.
"What brings you here?"
"Sakiya wanted to shop for the little one's birthday on the 19th. I snuck off since I was feelin' nostalgic."
"How many is that now, Ryuji?"
"Five."
"I'm so sorry."
"Haha! Don't worry about it. I'm more surprised you stopped at three."
"I just listen to what Sumire wants. You know how it is."
"Trust me, I know." Ryuji buckled back in laughter. "Ahhh… Hey Futaba, Kasumi, Yuki, Sumire, Morgana."
"Hi, Ryuji-obasan." Yuki peeked her head out, a light pink still on her cheeks.
"Hello, Ryuji." Sumire waved.
"Ryuji!
"Ryuji-basan!" Kasumi ran over to tackle his leg while Morgana jumped on his shoulders.
"Woah there! You won't trip me, if that's what you're lookin' to do!"
"Hrrrrrg!" Kasumi groaned.
"Get him, Kasumi!" Morgana laughed.
"Tough little one." Ryuji chuckled. "So what brings you all here?"
"Ohhh, Yuki's just here to see her cru-" Futaba received a chop to the head from Ren.
"Only I get to tease my kids, Futaba."
"What kinda rule is that?"
"Kasumi wants to try out rhythmic gymnastics." Sumire effortlessly picked up her youngest daughter. "We told her about the Olympics."
"Neat." Ryuji nodded. "Could I get a cup of coffee to-go, Futaba?"
"Sure. I'm charging extra, though."
"Whaaaaat? Why?"
"Because."
Ryuji sighed, and then he broke out in a sweat as his phone buzzed. He slowly pulled it out and answered, holding it up in front of him. Projecting out of his phone was Sakiya, who held an infant in her arms.
"H-Hey Sakiya!"
"Where did you run off to?" Sakiya looked at him with a deep frown.
"Leblanc… To get some coffee for you!" Ryuji turned the phone, which allowed the others to come into view.
"Hello, everybody!" Sakiya smiled and waved before frowning again.
"Hello!" Yelled everyone in the cafe back to her.
Sakiya adjusted the infant she held in her arms and smiled.
"Please warn me next time. The little ones are looking to cause havoc across Shibuya.
"Papa!"
"Daddy!"
"Gaaaa!"
Ryuji's children cried out for their father, hooping up and down, briefly appearing in the holographic projection.
"...Right! See you soon! Love ya!"
Ryuji breathed a sigh of relief as everyone looked at him with a raised brow.
"Nice save." Futaba cracked a grin. "It'll be on the house."
"Thank you Futaba!" Ryuji clapped his hands together and grabbed the coffee. "See you all later bye!"
"And just like that, he's gone." Ren sighed. "Well, let's not keep Hanako waiting."
"Let's go! Let's go!" Kasumi cheered.
"Akira! We're going to see Hanako!" Sumire yelled.
"Okay!" Akira appeared on the staircase with Kenichi.
"You want to go too, hmm?" Futaba smirked.
"Of course." Kenichi sternly nodded.
"Okay!" Sumire clapped. "Let's go!"
The group made their way over to Hanako's studio, which was a short walk from Leblanc. Yuki didn't say a peep to Kenichi, staying at the other end of the group. They were greeted by the familiar sight of the mat, apparati, and various rhythmic gymnasts who ran, leaped and jumped around. Hanako stood in one corner of the mat, wearing a blue shirt with a group photo of Futaba, Kenichi and herself on it, along with a pair of white yoga pants. Her hair was tied into a bun similarly to Futaba's, and her flower decoration and butterfly pin sat proudly in her locks.
"Honey, I'm home!" Futaba yelled out to her.
"Just another minute!" Hanako yelled between instructions. All of the gymnasts were practicing with the ribbon, matching their movements to the beat. Once they finished, Hanako walked over to the group.
"Hello Ren-kun, Sumire, Akira-chan, Yuki-chan, Morgana-kun, Kasumi-chan, and Kenichi!"
The group all managed to get out their variant of hello before Kasumi went to tackle hug Hanako.
"Hanako-basan!"
"Sumire told me that you wanted to try rhythmic gymnastics?"
"Mhm! I want to be a medal rymmic gymnast, like mama!"
"So you love rhythmic gymnastics too?" Hanako's eyes beamed like stars as she bent down in front of Kasumi.
"Umm... Yeah!"
"Yay!"
"I wanna practice!"
"Then let's get started! We'll start you out with the ribbon, okay?"
"Okay!"
Hanako led Kasumi out to the middle of the floor, where she showed her a variety of basic movements, how to properly hold a ribbon, and how to spin around. She fell many, many times, and while she practiced, the group made conversation.
"Feeling nostalgic, Sumire?" Ren poked Sumire's side with his elbow, which made her giggle.
"A little bit. Watching her brings me back to my first days practicing."
"I'm guessing it looked a bit like this?"
"It did. She's picking up on it quickly, though."
"Yeah she is. That's because I trained her." Morgana laughed.
"This is kinda cool…" Akira stared out at the other young women who were practicing, in leotards.
"So he takes a bit after me." Futaba grinned.
"Hey, Yuki-tan." Kenichi slowly approached Yuki, who had stayed by her mother's side.
"Hi, Kenichi-kun."
"Have you figured out where you plan to go to high school? We've only got a few more semesters…"
"Um… Not yet."
"I see. How are you doing?"
"I'm fine." She hid her bruised wrist with her hand.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Hmmm…"
"Did you finish your history homework? Sakiya-obasan doesn't play favorites." Yuki changed the topic.
"I… Oh. I didn't, Oh no. Yuki-tan, could you help me?"
Ren and Sumire couldn't help but smile as Yuki's face slowly turned red.
"S-Sure."
"How much longer will you be in the area, Sumire-basan?" Kenichi looked up at Sumire.
"Another hour or so! That should be plenty of time for Yuki to help you!"
"Thank you very much."
Yuki followed Kenichi out, and the two made their way back to Leblanc. There was an awkward wall between the two, with Yuki only answering his questions and nothing else.
"What happened to your wrist?"
Yuki winced as he brought up the question.
"I fell…"
"That doesn't look like a bruise from falling." He remarked with a frown.
"H-How would you know?"
"I watch girls fall all the time at the studio. I've seen those bruises. Did someone hurt you? Was it someone at school?"
"Kouki-san…" Yuki mumbled. "But I want to deal with him myself. I've relied on other people for too long!"
"Kouki…" Kenichi's eyes turned cold.
"Kenichi-kun, please." Yuki shook her head. "If I don't do something about this myself, it won't matter."
"Hmmm… Fine. If he does anything else to you, though, don't expect me to just stand by."
Yuki's heart wanted to jump out of her body and run. She had no idea why she felt like this, but it scared her.
"Th-Thank you. I'll be fine on my own, though."
"I feel like your family has told you this, but I've got your back."
"I know. We-We've been friends since second grade, after all."
"That's right. Let's finish this homework."
"Mhm."
Yuki and Kenichi went quiet as they continued working on the history homework, and they eventually found their way back to the studio.
"Great job, Kasumi-chan!" Hanako held up both her hands, and Kasumi reciprocated a high-five.
"Thanks, Hanako-basan!"
"Do you like rhythmic gymnastics?"
"Uh huh! I wanna come again!"
"My door's always open!" Hanako giggled.
"This really is nostalgic…" Sumire found herself foggy-eyed. "Hmmm… Kasumi!"
"Yes mama?"
"Would you like to get some ice cream?"
"Ice cream! Ice cream!" Kasumi started to bounce up and down again.
"What a great idea." Ren chuckled and thought to himself.
"Ice cream… Sumire… You've come so far."
"Ice cream sounds good…" Yuki smiled. It was something to cool her volcano of a heart.
"I'd like ice cream!" Akira raised his hand.
"It's settled then!" Sumire clapped. "We're getting ice cream!"
"Goodbye, Sumire, Ren-kun, Akira-chan, Kasumi-chan, Yuki-chan, Morgana-kun!" Hanako shouted to the family with an enthusiasm that couldn't be beat.
"Hanako. We're six feet away." Futaba sighed.
"I just wanted to say goodbye with enthusiasm!"
"See y'all later." Futaba tipped an imaginary cowboy hat. "Saloon's always open."
"Where'd that come from?" Kenichi looked up at Futaba, confused. "Anyway. Goodbye, everyone. See you at school, Yuki-tan."
"Y-yeah. See you at school. Goodbye, Futaba-obasan, Hanako-obasan."
"Bye bye!" Kasumi waved as Ren picked her up on his shoulders. "See you, Hanako, Futaba, Kenichi-kun."
"See you later! Tell that to Kenichi and Hanako, Futaba!" Morgana yelled from Ren's shoulder.
"Morgana thinks you two smell."
"Futaba! Don't lie!" Hanako pinched her ear.
"Ack! Sorry! He says bye! Jeez!"
"Futaba…" Kenichi groaned.
"What? It's just a prank Ken!"
"Don't tease the cat." Kenichi shook his head. "You and everyone else say you can talk to him, but that makes no sense."
"It's a long story, Kenichi-kun." Yuki gave him a nod. "I'll tell you at school."
"Sure." He gave her a nod and a smile.
"Goodbye, Hanako." Sumire gave her a hug before stretching her arm out and pulling in Futaba. "Goodbye, Futaba."
"So sappy…" Futaba sighed and hugged her back.
"Goodbye, Sumire." Hanako giggled.
"Thank you, Kenichi-kun." Sumire lightly patted his head once. "See you later."
"Thank you?" He thought to himself.
The Amamiya family made their way out of the studio and over to Shibuya, where they found an ice cream stand.
"Yummy!" Kasumi giggled as she slowly ate away at the massive ice cream cone she held onto. The other cones met a quick demise as Ren and Akira raced to eat theirs, getting brain freeze, while Yuki and Sumire were on their third or fourth cone. Morgana asked for tuna flavored ice cream, but instead received a can from a nearby store, which was enough for him.
"Hey mom." Yuki looked up at Sumire, who was happily finishing her last cone.
"Yes, Yuki?"
"Want to get a picture? We haven't gotten a family photo in a while, and today's a big day, isn't it?"
"It is." Sumire giggled. "Today is the day Kasumi sets out to take the world stage."
"She's not the only one with grand ambitions." Yuki proudly declared. "I'm going to walk on Mars and the Moon, remember?"
"You'll do much more than that." Sumire stroked Yuki's bangs, thumbing over the white streak. "You're an Amamiya, after all."
"I love you mom."
"I love you too, Yuki."
"I'm gonna be the next Shohei Ohtani!" Akira yelled between gripping the sides of his head. "Home runs forever!"
"That's… my boy!" Ren groaned. "I fought two gods, only to be defeated by ice cream…"
"I'm gonna get a gymnast gold medal!" Kasumi proclaimed.
"We didn't schedule a photographer…" Sumire cupped her hand under her chin. "Etsuko-chan has gotten into photography lately, hasn't she?"
"Mhm! I'll call her!" Yuki pulled out her phone.
"Hello Yuyu!"
"Don't call me that, Etsuko-chan!" Yuki blushed.
"Sorry, sorry! What's up?"
"I know this is silly, but could you come to Shibuya so we could get a family picture?"
"Today's your lucky day!" Etsuko laughed through the phone. "I'm actually in the area for a club activity!"
"That's great! We're near the Buchiko Statue!"
"Got it! I'll be there in three minutes!"
"Why three minutes?"
"Bye!"
Yuki sighed with a puzzled look on her face, and as her family goofed around, Etsuko appeared within three minutes. She sported a white crop top and blue shorts, her long brown hair tied into a ponytail, contrasting her matching eyes.
"The Etsuko Maruki Company is always on time, exactly when they say they are!"
"That makes no se- Oh nevermind." Yuki shook her head.
"Okay everyone, bundle together!" Sumire giggled.
"What do you want us to say this time, Yuki?" Ren looked down and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, with Sumire between them, who had wrapped her arms around Akira and Kasumi, who held onto her ice cream with stars in her eyes.
"Hmmm… Today is a new beginning for Kasumi, so…"
"On three!" Morgana counted down, peeking out from behind Yuki. "One, two-"
"New Beginning!"
"Gold!"
"Home Run!"
"Sushi!"
Sumire and Ren giggled as everyone said something different, before speaking in unison.
"We love you all!"
