It was a long and exhausting day. The battle against Shadow Okumura took a lot out of everybody and it was time for a much needed rest until the change of heart occurred. Ren and Morgana were resting in the attic of Leblanc as per usual. "I've actually been thinking a bit about my actions this time." Morgana told Ren. "I was way too worried about who I am and how I compare to the other members of our group. Turns out I just don't have any guts, huh?"
"It's fine. It happens to everyone at one point or another." Ren answered. "I think it just means you want to grow."
"Come on, I've known you long enough. No need to be modest." Morgana said. "I think the reason I was so hung up on being human is because I wanted a goal of my own. Well…not a goal per se, but something bigger. I guess…more like…a reason to live. I'm sure I belong with the Phantom Thieves, so I know what I want to do. Do you know what that is?
"Hm? What's that?" Ren wasn't sure, but he asked anyway.
"I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure the Phantom Thieves succeed." Morgana said, determined. "So that means our goals are in alighment."
"You mean they weren't before?" Ren joked.
"Oh, come on. You better put your work in too. Don't make me regret my choice, I'm counting on you, Ren." Morgana said with a nod.
"You can count on me. Don't worry." Ren said with a nod of his own.
"Plus…I want Lady Ann to be happy. If my actions can help her achieve happiness, that's more than enough for me…" Morgana's eyes gleamed…then he turned to Ren. "I hope you're not thinking about how sappy all of this is…" Ren had no answer.
.
.
Returning home, Haru held the plastic UFO kit in her hands. She was going to give it to her father when she saw him next. Surely he was home by now. If he wasn't in the living room, he was likely in his study at this point. So…Haru was a bit bold. She approached the door to her father's study and knocked a few times. "Um…Father…?"
There was no response for a moment. A slow groan came from the other side of the door; it certainly was Okumura's voice. "If that's you Haru…can you wait until later…? I'm…not feeling so well at the moment."
"Huh..?" Haru blinked. Was the change of heart already happening? Her father was full of energy earlier in the day. It was some kind of improvement, since she would normally be told to go away in a dismissive tone if she tried this. Still, something didn't seem quite right. "O-Oh, of course, Father. I hope you feel better soon." Okay, so she just had to wait until later. Hopefully this meant the change of heart was working…actually, when she thought about it, she pulled out her phone to text the group.
Haru: Thank you so much for today, everyone.
Makoto: Likewise.
Hifumi: I am glad to have been of help in this situation, Haru.
Kasumi: I hope this all turns out well!
Yusuke: You must surely be exhausted after today. I suggest you go to sleep early.
Ryuji: Hey, we should talk about Haru and Kasumi's welcome party!
Ann: Didn't we just say we would let her rest, you dimwit!?
Kasumi: Welcome party?
Haru: I appreciate your concern, but I'm OK. I promise.
Makoto: As long as you're OK, Haru..well, is there anywhere you'd like to go?
Haru: Actually, I'd like to walk with everyone around the school festival.
Ren: Oh yeah…heard about that, forgot about it just as fast.
Yusuke: You mean the Shujin school festival? I must admit, I am interested as well.
Hifumi: So am I. I would like to attend.
Ren: Then it's settled. I can't wait.
Makoto: That reminds me, we still haven't decided on a guest.
Futaba: A guest!? Like, some kinda celebrity!?
Ryuji: Wait, does that mean the Phantom Thieves could be one of the canidates?! How 'bout it? Wanna show up?"
Haru: That's a bit over the top.
Hifumi: Unfortunately, I have to disagree with this idea…
Kasumi: I don't think it's a good idea…
Ann: You're getting way too carried away.
Makoto: Don't say such strange things.
Yusuke: What a shallow idea.
Futaba: Oh! A six hit combo!
Ryuji: Sorry….
Haru couldn't help but snicker at the end of the conversation, however. As silly as it all was, she was currently glad she fell into the Phantom Thieves…
.
.
September 26th.
Back to school. The fall semester was just around the corner, so it would be time to change the uniforms soon enough. That was for later. For now, Ren sat in class, curious as to why Kawakami wasn't present yet. In fact, it didn't seem like she was here at all today, which was odd. "Huh…"
"Uh…she is here today, right?" Ann looked back at Ren as if he had an answer. The lack of a teacher did cause the students to stir. "Actually…I heard something weird this morning on my way here."
"What was it?" Ren asked.
"I heard some students talking…they mentioned how they overheard a few teachers talking about Ms. Kawakami. She might be sick or something? I didn't really catch too much of it." Ann said. "I hope she's okay…"
A moment or two after class was set to begin, Maruki stumbled into the classroom. "Ah, sorry for being late, everyone." Maruki's awkwardness was part of his charm to some of the students. "Ms. Kawakami is out today, so I'll be filling in her place for the day. I hope you don't mind."
"Do you think it's because she's been pushing herself too hard for the maid stuff…?" Morgana whispered to Ren.
"I'll check later…" Ren whispered in return. For now, they just had to get through the school day.
.
.
Later in the day, Ren called the maid company about 'Becky', only to learn that she collapsed sometime last night and was in the hospital. Naturally, out of concern, Ren went to go visit her. Luckily it was nothing too serious, but he had to check for himself. "You collapsed?"
"I'm just a little overworked, no need to make a big deal about it, haha…" Kawakami gave Ren a half smile. "But it was nice for you to come and visit me, though…"
"You've been exhausting yourself for a while…" Ren could recall how Kawakami was coughing and not feeling well lately.
"Ugh…I know." Kawakami sighed, staring down at her lap. "How could I collapse at at ime like this? I really need to make some money…how am I going to make today's payment…"
While Kawakami was mulling things over, a man and woman invited themselves into her hospital room. "Tch, there you are!" The rude man said. "What's going on, Ms. Kawakami!? I called the school but no one answered."
Kawakami gasped for a number of reasons. "Takase-san…!? You called the school!?"
"Well, you weren't answering your phone! And when I thought you finally answered, a nurse picked up and told us you were here. It's really an inconvenience for us when you miss a payment."
"Now now…" The woman by his side said. Her tone was entirely unpleasant. "It's not like she wanted to collapse. But our credit card payment is coming up, you know…? So we'll need you to transfer the money."
"I-I'm sorry…" Kawakami said, fully ashamed of herself.
Meanwhile, Ren just had several questions. "Uh…who are these guys?" He asked bluntly, simply returning the attitude they were giving Kawakami. They were clearly taking advantage of her and he wasn't going to allow that.
"These are Takase-kun's guardians. I mentioned them before…they took care of him." Kawakami explained.
"Who's this?" The male representative asked Kawakami.
"He's one of my students. He came to visit me." Kawakami said.
"Messing around with another student, huh? Hahaha, you never learn, do you?" The male laughed. "Tsk tsk…and after all you did to him…"
"I'm sorry…" Kawakami repeated. All she could do was apologize to them and pay them the money she felt she owed them.
"So? When are you going to transfer the money?" The female relative of Takase asked.
"I should be able to send it tomorrow…" Kawakami said.
This just upset Ren and he was restraining himself from causing a scene, purely because Kawakami was trying to rest. "Hey, don't pay them." Ren said while standing up, putting his foot down. "Can't you two see she's trying to rest? She's only in here because she's working hard to pay you guys, so give her a break."
"R-Ren-kun…" Ren's actions surprised Kawakami. She didn't expect him to stand up for her.
"Stay out of this!" The female relative demanded.
"Don't act so tough, kid. Our precious adoptive son died because of this woman." The male relative said. "Honestly, she should be fired."
"T-That's not…" Kawakami couldn't find the words.
"And yet, she still doesn't know her place…and she still continues to teach. We're gonna need you to show some remorse for what you did to him, in a material an undeniable way!"
"It's not like we're trying to extort you." The female added. "But who was it that convinced Taiki to start studying when he needed to be working? The schoolwork on top of his part time job left him exhausted and overworked, which led him to that accident. Poor Taiki…it's almost like he was murdered!"
"So you no longer feel regret? In that case, we should sue the Board of Education…" The male added, not even giving Kawakami a chance to reply. "Or should we have a chat with your school? Either way, your days as a teacher would be over."
"Oh, really…?" Ren didn't even try hiding that remark. Clearly these two were just piling on the guilt on Kawakami. Now he understood why she felt so burdened.
"I-I understand!" Kawakami hastily replied. "I will pay you, so…!"
"That's more like it." The male said with a nod, then proceeded to leave.
This left Kawakami in a rut. "I have to figure out how to make more money…I guess transferring to our sister company is a way…you can…probably guess what type of services they provide, right?"
"You don't have to pay these people, think this through more." Ren said.
"It's the only way I can make more money…." Kawakami shook her head. "Ah…I'm so tired. All I really wanted was to apologize to Takase-kun. His guardians keep asking for more and more money. I wonder…if I can just escape all this if I can quit being a teacher…and a maid too. People like me really have no right to be a teacher. If I quit on my own, I won't have to pay them…" With the way she spoke, this was clearly something she was pondering for a while. This just may have been her breaking point. "What do you think…?"
Ren frowned. It wasn't really something he was prepared to answer on the spot, but if this was what Kawakami truly wanted to do, he couldn't stop her. "If that's what you really decided…"
"It is." Kawakami nodded. "But…did I really decide this on my own…? If I really felt bad for what happened, I would've resigned the day he died. And yet, I still feel the need to teach. I wonder why that is…"
"Well, why do you think? I can't claim to know what you're thinking…but I figure you have an answer already." Ren suggested.
Kawakami was silent for a moment. "Oh…that's right. I decided the way to apologize to him was to make sure there won't ever be another student like him. Because I might've been able to save him if I wasn't concerned about labels or rumors back then. I wanted to be the kind of teacher who takes care of her student! That was the kind of teacher I wanted to be. But look at me now…putting the critical work of a teacher on the back burner for apology money. I can't make things right with Takase-kun like this…"
"It's never too late to do the right thing." Ren said firmly.
"Yes. You're right." Kawakami took those words to heart. It was such a simple thing to say, but she lost sight of that a long time ago. "I can still be the teacher I aspire to be. That's the right way for me to make amends. From here on, I refuse to pay them anymore money! And that's my real answer! What do you think?"
"It's your answer. So what do you think about it?" Ren flipped the question around on her.
"Haha…you're right. You can't get your real answer from someone else." Kawakami was able to laugh. It was the first time she was able to in a while. "Man…I'm tired."
"You should get some rest then…sounds like you're about to be busy, Teach." Ren gave Kawakami a smile.
"Yeah…I will. I'll speak with the Takase's soon. Thanks again…" Kawakami was really tired and it showed on her face, but she also felt like a large weight was lifted off her shoulders. This would likely be the most refreshing sleep she'd have in a long time.
.
.
October 1st.
With the beginning of October came the Fall Semester. The uniforms of all school students changed to match the season. It was lunch time and Ren was making his way through the hallway when he was suddenly called to the Student Council room over the intercom. Curiously, he went over and it was Kawakami who called him. A few days passed since they last talked. "What's up?"
Kawakami was fighting back a smile. "I'm sorry to pull you out of class like this, but I wanted you to be the first person to know. I told them…I told them that I'm not going to pay them any more money! I'm quitting my part time job too! Although I'm still in talks with my boss about it. I'm going to devote myself to being a great teacher! No matter what others say, I won't waver! So, thank you for giving me such good advice."
"I didn't anything. That was mostly you. But I'm glad to hear it." Ren was smiling. Kawakami was really struggling lately, but he was happy to see that she was making an effort to change and stay true to what she believed in.
But unfortunately, good things were just never meant to last for Kawakami. A female teacher politely opened the door. "Ms. Kawakami. The Takase's are here to see you."
"Wait, they're here!? At school!?" Kawakami was not prepared for this. The male and female relatives of Taiki practically barged into the room.
"How long are you going to make us wait!?" The male asked, his tone filled with agitation.
"Tch, him again." The woman cut her eyes at Ren.
"Nice to see you too." Ren shot back. "But we're talking here, Lady."
"How rude." The male shook his head. "I guess a student is only as good as his teacher. Obviously you lack a proper education." His attention then turned to Kawakami, as she was the more important matter here. "You thought you could just call and say you're not going to pay anymore? Who do you think you are!?"
"It's what I decided, for Takase-kun's sake. I'm going to make sure there aren't any students like him." Kawakami was resolute in her response.
"So you're just trying to get out of your responsibility? I bet you don't even care about Taiki!" The female shouted. "How are you still a teacher!?" Maybe we should report you to the Board! Are you okay with that? A teacher who caused her student to die would surely cause a scandal!"
Kawakami did not budge. She placed her hand on her hip, giving the Takase's a defiant glare. "I'm not going to run or hide! I'm going to spend my time taking care of my students!" She was resolute in her response. They couldn't scare her or make her feel guilty anymore. "If you want to take legal action, go ahead. I'll continue teaching regardless. That's how I've decided to make things up to Takase-kun. Paying money to you two is not the solution, to say the least!"
Okay. So the usual scare and guilt tactics weren't working. Kawakami really was serious, yet…the Takase's weren't deterred by her defiance. "Okay then. Along with suing you, I should tell everyone about your little secret." The male said. "About your little stint as a sex worker."
Kawakami's bravado vanished in an instant. "What…!? How did you!?"
It was an educated guess, but Kawakami's reaction said it all. "So I was right." The male said with a sinister smile. "I mean, the amount of money you're paying us can't come from just a teacher's salary. Well? Shall we head on over to the faculty office?"
Kawakami had no defense now. If that got out, she was definitely done for. Shujin currently had enough going against it as is… "Stop…please…"
"Huh! A teacher working in the sex industry. You've definitely done it this time How unfortunate for you that you thought you could just ignore your responsibility. You know what you have to do, right? You better pay up! And I don't want to hear you calling about not paying us ever again!" With that, the duo left, leaving Kawakami in despair.
Just when she thought she could finally turn her life around…this had to happen. She couldn't escape from her mistakes… "Haha…I guess I can't quit my job left."
Ren was watching in silent anger. Unfortunately, he had nothing to add to the conversation. "But you were so determined…"
"I know…but what else can I do…" Kawakami let out a heavy sigh. "What about the Phantom Thieves…? Would they even help someone like me?" What a ridiculous thought. But she was desperate. "No…that's impossible….ahaha…I can't do this anymore."
No. It wasn't. Kawakami was handling the situation well on her own, up until this point. From the moment he met them, Ren knew that Takase's guardians had Shadows in Mementos. This was the perfect time for him to intervene and help the only way he knew how. "What are their names again…?"
"Huh?" Kawakami was out of it for a moment. "Uh…the husband is Toshio-san and his wife is Hiromi-san…b-but why are you asking!? You're not planning on doing something, are you? Please don't. A Shujin teacher asking the Phantom Thieves for help would be…."
"But…" Ren began.
"It's…it's fine." Kawakami said this, but it was clear as day she didn't mean it. "I guess I really can't change." Shaking her head, she started to walk off. "Class is about to start. I…I need to go." She made her exit, leaving Ren alone in the room.
"…You took charge of the situation all on your own. I won't let that resolve of yours go to waste…" Ren said with a determined tone.
.
.
Ren was on his way home to text the group about Kawakami's situation. But on his way there, he did make a quick pit stop to see how Takemi was holding up. It had been a while since she was given the news about Miwa-chan, and he wanted to check in on her. He sat in her examination room, where the mood was…somber. "Sorry if you were looking for something to buy…but I've been having a hard time lately." Takemi told Ren. "I've actually been thinking of resigning…"
"W-What…!?" Ren felt like this news punched him in the gut.
"Several of my suppliers have stated that they're going to stop selling to me. If I can't get my hands on medical supplies, I won't be able to get what I need to complete the new medicine." Takemi said. "They're probably just being pressured by Oyamada to stop selling to me. So I figured it's over."
"But what about Miwa-chan…?" Ren asked.
"It's fine." Takemi replied with a straight tone. That caught Ren by surprise and this information would've made him double over. "I confirmed with the hospital…Oyamada was telling the truth. Miwa-chan was smiling until the very end. She probably didn't want to worry anyone…I wish I could've cured her…I didn't want fame or money…I just…wanted her to keep smiling." Takemi was sad about it, but she didn't cry. Those tears probably dried up quite some time ago, but she wouldn't show that weakness in front of anyone, not even Ren.
"But…" Ren didn't know what to say.
"This isn't just about her, though…I was going to help every single person who was suffering from that disease…!" She knew full well how it was to be sickly as a child. She became a doctor because she was saved by medicine, and wanted to save people. But she couldn't do that anymore and she failed at what she even tried to do. It was incredibly pathetic on her end. "I guess it's all over now, though…I'm all out of allies."
"That's not true. I'm your ally." Ren replied firmly.
That did make Takemi chuckle very slightly. "That's true. You might just be my one and only…and thanks to you, I was able to feel like a real doctor again. So, thank you for that…but unfortunately, this is where it is ends. I can't do clinical trials anymore, so you're free to go home now."
"…." Another situation so quickly. But this was precisely why he became a Phantom Thief: to help those who couldn't help themselves. "Hey, so…tell me more about that Oyamada guy…?"
"What, I hope you're not planning on getting revenge for me." Takemi replied dryly.
"Nah, I won't do anything like that." Ren shook his head.
"Well…his full name is Shoichi Oyamada. He's a very influential Chief of Staff in the world of medicine. He decides what's best, and there's not a lot you can do if he says no to you." Takemi said. "Is that all?"
"Yeah." Ren nodded and stood up. "Don't give up just yet." He made his exit shortly after.
"….He's such a weird kid…" Takemi shook her head.
.
.
Ren: I know this is a bit sudden, but are you guys able to come to the hideout today? There are some urgent requests I'd like to take care of.
Kasumi: I'd love to help, but I'm tied up with practice today. I'm sorry!
Hifumi: I'm a little busy myself…
Ann: Oh thank goodness. I thought I was about to have to find a way to skip homework today.
Ryuji: Yo, same! I'll be right over!
Haru: A distraction from school is welcome right now.
Makoto: You shouldn't really be doing that…
Hifumi let out a nervous smile before sliding her phone away. She was currently in Shibuya, sitting outside at a café with Mika. "Sorry about that…" She said with a sheepish smile.
"Oh, it's fine." Mika waved a hand casually. She was drinking water, since she was doing everything she could to keep her figure and all. "I'm just glad you were willing to meet me out here so suddenly."
"I did owe you after cancelling on you before." Hifumi said. "Besides, I…like spending time with you. It's at least nice being around a person that I know my mother likes."
"Of course your mother likes me." Mika said confidently. "I think our relationship has been very beneficial to the both of us, don't you? We've been getting a lot of popularity lately, and I do so enjoy photoshoots with you. You're very cute when you're red, Hifumi-chan!" Mika winked after that.
Annnd Hifumi felt her cheeks go red after Mika said that. She turned her head away bashfully, unable to properly respond at first. "T-Thanks….? I…um…I'm glad to hear that though. I know our interactions were sudden too…but I'm glad we're friends…"
"Friends…?" Mika blinked. The word was thrown out so suddenly for her, and it was hardly a word she expected to be used when referring to her. After all, Mika was mostly interacting with Hifumi for the sake of her own career, and to push Ann out of the picture as asked. Yet, she did glance to that flower wrist band Hifumi got her from Hawaii. It was a really nice gesture that she still wasn't used to. Some of her actions didn't have anything to do with the agreement she made with Mitsuyo, but Hifumi didn't need to know that. "Say…" She quickly changed the subject to avoid delving any deeper into it. "How is your…you know, your dad?" This was an awkward way to bring it up; Mika was off her rhythm for a moment.
"I saw him the other day." Hifumi answered. "He looks…like he's trying his best. It does make me a little sad, but I don't want him to see that. So, I have to try my best too, so he doesn't worry about me. That's the last thing I want to happen…"
"Your mom talks a lot of people's ears off about it…" Mika couldn't help but roll her eyes at the thought. "But look at you, Hifumi-chan. You're pretty strong yourself to keep going with a smile."
"You think so? It's hard at times and feels fake…" Hifumi admitted.
"Fake it till you make it!" Mika replied immediately. She flashed Hifumi a smile, though for a quick moment, her eyes darted around as if she was keeping an eye on something.
Hifumi did notice this. It was due to her experience as a Phantom Thief that let her see the small details. "Are you…okay? You seem like you're on edge…?"
"Oh, I just thought I saw something. Don't worry about it." Mika waved a hand.
Hifumi furrowed her brows. It didn't pass off a lie, so she surmised that Mika really did see something. "If you're sure…"
"It's not something you should get involved in anyway…" Mika thought to herself, but she kept her pleasant smile for Hifumi to see.
.
.
October 3rd.
The deed was done. Thanks to the efforts of the Phantom Thieves in Mementos, the hearts of the Takase's were changed for Kawakami's benefit. On the previous day, Kawakami came over to express how the Takase's changed suddenly and stopped asking her for money. Today…she didn't come over to Ren's room dressed as a maid. She was in her normal outfit and she felt so weird about it. "It feels weird being here dressed in a normal outfit for one…" The past several months, she was in here as a maid. Today, she sat across from him at a table in the Leblanc café.
"But it's not bad, is it?" Ren asked.
"Not at all. It feels nice." Kawakami smiled. "And I'm completely done with that part-time job, too! Oh! And my students! I'll be able to give them my all now too. I have to work hard so I can make up for all the times I let my students down in the past."
"It sounds like you're busy. I'm glad to hear that." Ren said.
"So, um…" Kawakami had to shift the topic a bit. "I'm speaking as your teacher…and I can no longer overlook such a grave 'danger'."
"Huh…?" Ren started to sweat. He didn't know what it was Kawakami was about to say…
"You….are waaaay to lax when it comes to your diet! You need to be more serious about your nutrition! And the state of your room, ugh! You need to stop slacking. I mean, look at how dusty this place is." Kawakami lectured him. These were the same concerns she had when she was working as his maid. But it held more weight now that she was speaking as a teacher. "I put up with the mess because you were my client, but you need to thoroughly clean this place!"
"I…" Ren began to sweat. "I will…"
"That's what I wanted to hear!" Kawakami smiled, filled with pride. "There are just some things you have to prioritize over your studies, you know? Oh yeah, there's just ooooone more thing. You're a member of the Phantom Thieves, aren't you?"
Crap. Ren tried his best to remain composed. "…What are you talking about? I'm just a normal high schooler."
Kawakami appreciated his attempt to deny it, for it was a serious claim. But she had too much evidence to not be certain. "That whole thing with Takase-kun's guardians worked out way too good for me, and you're the only one who knew about my situation. I think I've gotten to know you well enough at this point…so what happened to me, must have been some kind of injustice that you couldn't stand, right? Just like with…you know." She wasn't going to mention Kamoshida, but she was implying it.
"…" Clearly, Kawakami had him. "You got me."
Since he admitted it, the teacher's smile softened. "Don't worry, I have no intention of telling anyone. There are a lot of stories about the Phantom Thieves these days, but in the end, they help people like me, right? That's soooo you."
"Agh…" It felt embarrassing when Kawakami used that teasing tone. Ren couldn't help but rub the back of his neck.
"I just thought you were a problem child with a criminal record, but now I know better." Kawakami remembered the day she first met Ren so clearly. She was so upset that she had to deal with the delinquent transfer student, but here she was now…thanking him for all the help he'd given her. "I'll support you 100 percent! You're not just a student to me; you're someone special who helped remind me about my path as a teacher. A new path where I'll never abandon any of my students."
"That sounds promising." Ren leaned back in his seat.
"Right!? For my students and for you!" Kawakami was beaming. It felt like it had been so long since she could smile like this. "Okay, let's get into it! Fifty terms! Go!"
"E-Excuse me…!?" Ren was taking a sip from his coffee, and nearly coughed when Kawakami put him on the spot like this.
"I don't want you to flunk your exams! I'm going to go the distance with you!" Kawakami said excitedly. When she said she was going to help her students, she meant it. Anytime, anywhere. Ren was just the first one to experience the new Sayado Kawakami.
"Y-Yeah…thanks…" Ren withheld a tired sigh. He wasn't prepared for a sudden lesson, but there was nothing that he could do about it. Kawakami was giving him her all, so…he had to give it his all too. But that didn't mean it would be easy, especially when she was so eager to get to work. Still, it was worth it to see her freed from the chains of her guilt and she no longer had to suffer from the weight of her burden.