Life will Change
Original Concept: Persona 5
Chapter 7
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Created by: Atlus/Sega
Written by: wrathie
Consultation: DiLost
Cover art by: Aiwa
Author's Notes: Well well, look at the escalation. Hope you guys enjoy the story.
Shujin Academy: Infirmary
"So, is she feeling better?" Niijima senpai asked Masumi quietly as she stood near the door together with Ryuuji who had his back against the door to prevent anyone from coming in.
Niijima Makoto senpai had secured passage for the five of them despite protests from the teachers, the principal and especially Kamoshida sensei. Ryuuji had offered a jacket to Shiho to cover herself and to avoid Kamoshida's seething glare as Ann and Masumi escorted her to the infirmary.
Masumi had no idea how Niijima senpai made it happen, but even the school nurse had left her position, allowing Shiho to rest on one of the beds while Ann stayed by her side.
Masumi had been with them till a moment ago when Niijima senpai caught her eye and gestured her over silently.
"She is. Thank you for your help, senpai." Masumi's thanks were waved aside in favor of business it seems as Niijima senpai spoke softly to her.
"When can she talk about the incident that triggered her attempted suicide. The teachers need answers and as her parents are contacted, I would really appreciate it if she reveals the cause if I am to aid in containing the fallout."
Niijima senpai was stressed but she remained in control of the situation, well as much as she could anyway.
"How did you, wait, that's not important… I'll talk to Shiho then. It's best if she told the story herself. Should Ryuuji listen to? I mean, as a witness… we should record it down too, as evidence." Masumi's suggestions surprised Niijima senpai and she nodded in agreement to them, gesturing for Ryuuji to join them.
"Eh me? I should be at the door though… what if they tried to get in."
"They won't enter the room unless Suzui-san's parents are here. I told them that Suzui-san would want to see her parents first before speaking with anyone else. That is how the two of you managed to convince her to stop in her attempt." Niijima senpai explained as Masumi led them to where Shiho is.
"I apologize for overstepping my boundaries and putting words in your mouth, but that is the only way that would placate the Principal. Now, is there a specific reason why Kamoshida sensei is so focused on your well being, Suzui-san?"
Ann, who was beside Shiho, widened her eyes when she saw Masumi recording the conversation but relaxed a tad when Masumi and Ryuuji stayed by their side as Shiho slowly sat up.
"Student Council President…" Shiho looked both unwilling and afraid, but with Ann by her side and she squeezing her hand, Shiho nodded her head and slowly began her tale.
"Those are serious allegations, Suzui-san." Makoto ignored how Kurusu was had a firm grip on Sakamoto's arm to stop him from resorting to violence or how Takamaki was crying again, her face pressed against Suzui's shoulders as Suzui looked down at her own hands, or mores specifically at her body.
"... I believe in Shiho, she's saying the truth." Kurusu was quick to back Suzui's bold statement of rape by Kamoshida sensei. For Makoto herself, she was caught in a flux between utter disbelief, rage and uncertainty. Kamoshida sensei was a respected and well liked by the student population of the staff, but she would be lying if she hadn't heard the silenced minority that gossiped about Kamoshida sensei behind everyone's backs.
There were no smoke without fire, and the rumors of Takamaki going out with Kamoshida sensei were obviously false as she was now apologizing to her friend repeatedly for not going out with him to save her.
If Suzui was right and Kamoshida was a sexual predator who was preying on vulnerable girls in the school, it would be her duty to protect her seeing how she had failed once.
But if she was lying and trying to pin the blame on Kamoshida-sensei…
"I don't suppose you would be willing to take tests to verify your claim? Having your admission and accusation recorded would help ensure you are speaking the truth, but without evidence it would be hard to place charges." Makoto understood that the incident happened last night at school, and there was no doubt that if it was true, Kamoshida sensei would have cleaned the scene up.
"You believe her then, senpai?" Kurusu sounded hopeful and Makoto pinched her nose in silent frustration.
"It doesn't matter what I believe, my duty is to take the necessary steps to verify your claims, both for yourself as well as for the faculty. Do you mind if I call the hospital? They would be able to let you go through tests and might be able to obtain evidence to further your charges against Kamoshida sensei." Makoto paused before shaking her head.
"That said, I would only do so with your consent, or perhaps your parents as you are a minor…."
"Do you think it's the best course of decision then, senpai?" Kurusu interrupted her and Makoto flushed ever so lightly at being caught while lost in her thoughts. She had to stay focused and she nodded to Kurusu's question.
"Without a doubt. The words of a student would not be much help against a teacher with a reputation like Kamoshida-sensei. If you are speaking the truth, obtaining the necessary evidence would not be an issue, am I right, Suzui?" Her glance towards Suzui wasn't threatening nor accusing, but it still made Suzui tense up slightly.
"I see you understand." Kurusu no doubt did too, but Makoto understood now that the transfer student's circumstances would make her more than willing to undertake such risks no matter the effect on her reputation.
"It would become public knowledge if you do so. However at the same time your attempt in your life would have already made assumptions form about your character."
"That'll mean Kamoshida might spread things about you, like what he did with Ann." Kurusu explained, more for Sakamoto's benefit as the blonde fumed, but kept quiet.
It was amusing to see the violent Sakamoto be on a leash under Kurusu, but she was stereotyping, the blonde was more than able to hold his temper when it mattered. His vigil on his friends earlier proved that.
"In short, we have to strike while it's hot… but, only if you are willing to have that news go public." Kurusu elaborated and Makoto sighed while nodding in agreement.
"Dirty laundry is aired laundry. We might be too late as it is if you are speaking the truth. I would not definitely say it is Kamoshida-sensei, gossip travels faster than light after all." Makoto answered grimly before the sounds of knocking could be heard from the door.
"Shiho! Are you there? We're here!"
Looks like her time's up, now to see what her decision about her life would be.
Shujin Academy: Student Council Room
"Suzui is a brave individual to agree to take the test. A rape kit would prove her allegations." Niijima senpai explained quietly as she sat in a chair in the room. Ann had left with Shiho to the hospital while Ryuuji was a presence around them and Masumi herself from Kamoshida.
But he didn't need to bother with that, Kamoshida was nowhere to be found and that made Masumi worry even more. Niijima senpai was right, he was probably up to something but they had a silent ally to help with that.
Morgana, their phantom thief friend had been listening to their conversation the whole time and had snuck out through the windows to look for Kamoshida after Shiho's parents arrived. Hopefully he would be able to find something of use that would help against Shiho's situation.
Speaking of Shiho's parents, they were worried sick about Shiho but were just as outraged about what happened to Shiho. There was no mistaking the relief that Shiho had when she had her parents full support.
"I just hope it goes well, and that Shiho's parents know what would happen from now on." Masumi sighed while Ryuugi looked at her in confusion.
"It is not my position to reveal your past, Kurusu-san…" Niijima senpai started but was stopped when Masumi shook her head and explained herself.
"Shiho's family would be subject to many things, from the rumors to the bullying and to the public scrutiny of their daughter, Shiho. It would lead to a decrease in their reputation, but to not face it head on is to bury it. I don't think burying the incident would be of much use now… I would know, right, Ryuuji?"
Niijima senpai was surprised that Ryuuji knew her past, she had told him her story after all and Niijima senpai nodded in understanding.
"I see, that is a good thing. Sharing your past with others is a sign you have acclimatized to the school and made good friends." She paused before addressing Ryuuji. "Sakamoto, I would like to offer my apologies to you. You acted in defense of your friends rationally and had their interest in mind. I was wrong for judging you based on my flawed opinion of you."
"Ah that's fine, I'm just glad you haven't said you were going to write us up, president. I want to thank you for helping Shiho too, we wouldn't have gotten her somewhere safe without your help." Ryuuji bowed to Niijima senpai, causing her to pause momentarily before mimicking the gesture.
"Your assistance is invaluable as well." She paused before narrowing her eyes at Masumi, causing her to flinch and look very worried.
"As for you, Kurusu-san. I would like to demand that you answer why did you decide on that course of action, placing yourself in huge risk to obtain the results that you did?" The solitary raised eyebrow looked even more menacing when Niijima senpai pointed to the seat in front of her table.
"Please, do answer my question. I look forward to you explaining yourself in full."
Shujin Academy: First Floor
"Honestly, you get in trouble all the time." Sojiro grumbled as the two of them walked down the stairs towards the door. He had arrived shortly to save her from Niijima senpai's lecture. Kawakami sensei had saw her attempt that foolhardy maneuver and decided to call Sojiro over to help 'convince' her.
"I know… let me tell you what happened first before you chew me out?" Masumi asked hopefully before wincing when Sojiro flicked a finger against her forehead.
"Alright, let me get a drink and I'll listen to you, brat." He huffed in annoyance while Masumi led her to the sitting area in the courtyard of the first floor.
"Don't you dare do that ever again. I don't care what your reason is, if you put your life at risk like this ever again!" Sojiro growled angrily as he continuously flicked his finger against Masumi's forehead, to her protest and pain. He has seriously boney fingers!
"I get it, I get it… I won't do that again… I know there's better ways, but I won't put my life in danger again!" Well, she'll try to. Knowing about the strange Castle and her powers with Medea really made her doubt that was even possible.
What he doesn't know won't hurt him right?
"Honestly… you would have given me a heart attack. How am I going to face your mother if you died like that?"
"She might actually say it's a good thing… Ow." Masumi winced when he flicked a finger at her forehead again, and she scowled at Sojiro. She was saying the truth after all, there was no love lost between her and her parents.
"Don't say that to your mother." Sojiro reprimanded without much heat, he knew her circumstances well and decided not to push the issue.
"Alright, now go back to class. School's not cancelled for you and the other blonde brat. He's going to go back to class too in the afternoon." He chuckled at Masumi's grumbling as he walked her back to school, the two of them not noticing how another figure was observing them from the second floor.
Said figure shook his head before walking away back to the faculty room.
Shujin Academy: Student Council Room
"Writing the incident report, Niijima?' The voice of Kamoshida Suguru sensei didn't surprise Makoto at all. Honestly speaking, she was expectant but at the same time, wary.
The accusations made by Suzui against the man were serious, and if she was the Makoto a week or so ago, she would have never believed her.
Kamoshida Suguru was a respectable, hardworking teacher that pushed the volleyball team to the limits and their best to achieve nationwide fame.
But now, Makoto wasn't sure. She had met first hand two individuals who had been unfairly condemned in society thanks to the man that stood in front of her desk.
A part of her was worried that she was alone in the student council room with the man, but a part of her wanted to confront him about the things he had done. Makoto had barely managed to convince Principal Kobayakawa for letting her deal with this incident after all. Principal Kobayakawa had been surprised at her insistence, but had caved in at her stubborn insistence. She was one of the witnesses after all, and that gave her a personal stake in the investigation for the truth.
The part of her that worn out was the one that told her to be patient and to wait for the truth to be exposed. They always did in time after all.
Makoto ignored the tiny voice that reminded her that the circumstances of her father death was still largely unknown.
"Yes, Kamoshida-sensei. It is a troubling affair, I thought I'll write down some notes in preparation for the actual report." Makoto nodded in acknowledgement as she wrote in short hand in her personal notebook.
She had two of those, and this particular one was her personal copy with her own notes about the case. Her other work notebook had similar notes, but less some sensitive comments that she had drawn from her long interview with Suzui.
The amount of power that Kamoshida sensei had in his hands should have never been granted. He had the volleyball club in an iron grip, and anyone that goes against him were quickly removed from the club or suppressed in violent nature.
Makoto couldn't believe that it would have happened without her noticing, she was too far away from the student population like she has suspected.
..
"That's studious of you, Niijima. Could you tell me more about what Suzui shared with you? As a valuable member of my club, I am concerned about her wellbeing. It would do well for the morale of the club if they know what their team mate is facing."
Kamoshida asked politely while taking a seat in front of Makoto, and the teacher's friendly smile made her pause in her notetaking and she kept the notebook before addressing him directly.
"I will assist you as much as I can, but some parts of Suzui's interview were of a very personal and private matter. Her parents requested that those details are not to be divulged except through Suzui herself or through her parents. I have to honor their privacy and request."
Makoto was watching, and hence her heart sank when she saw the minute twitch in Kamoshida's cheek at her polite refusal to give him all the facts.
"I understand, that is understandable… Perhaps when I visit Suzui's home afterwards…"
"I am afraid that Suzui is currently warded in hospital and is taking no visitors till the end of the week. She has submitted a request for absence of leave due to her condition and it has been handed over to the principal who is going through it now.." Makoto smiled apologetically as Kamoshida froze before laughing in acknowledgement.
"With what she had went through? More than understandable…" There was an awkward pause as he noticed Makoto still waiting for him to continue. "Am I interrupting something, Niijima? Or are there questions for me as well?"
"Of course not, sensei. I hope that I can be of use to you."
"That's good… good. Hmm…" Kamoshida's scrutiny of Makoto didn't cease but it did decrease in intensity, did he suspect something? No, that's not right, did he know what Suzui had said about him?
Unlikely so, but…
"There's this rumour going out about Suzui that is spreading among the students. They are vicious lies of course, Suzui is not someone who would degrade herself to such an extent to have multiple boyfriends… I hope that you can help me uncover the truth behind these allegations."
Her eyes widened at the news, causing Kamoshida sensei to nod sadly. However, it wasn't a real surprise to Makoto, the news just came as a disappointment to her. Sakamoto and Kurusu's fears about how Kamoshida sensei would react had came true after all.
"Could you please elaborate on this rumour, Kamoshida sensei. Suzui appears to be an individual with a very good moral standing, her friends and her reputation speaks for itself. To have a rumour like this spread now is highly unusual."
It was looking more and more likely that Kamoshida sensei was exactly the horrible person that was described by Kurusu and Sakamoto.
This day couldn't end faster as Makoto listened to Kamoshida describe the new rumour that was spread around school that was tarnishing Suzui's reputation.
Shibuya Diner: Shibuya
"So it did happen after all, ugh…" Masumi sighed as she finished reading the messages that Niijima senpai had sent to her after her shift at the Shibuya Diner. Although Sojiro had told her to take it easy for today as classes were cancelled after all, she had decided to use the opportunity to take a shift at the Shibuya Diner after leaving the rest to Niijima senpai to handle.
Besides a stern warning given by her to be careful of Kamoshida, and a longer but stricter one to Ryuuji, she had dismissed the two of them from school.
It amazed her to see that she had so much power in the school, but as expected the Student Council President was someone else altogether. Perhaps with her help, they could make things right? But after her newest update of the nasty rumors about Shiho being spread around school, she wasn't feel optimistic again.
But Masumi had to eat after all. Sojiro hadn't been too happy about that, but he had drove her over to the station and seemed satisfied at the location of the diner at least, even ordering a drink to his amusement as she had to wait on him.
At least it was coffee, and Masumi had a laugh at the disgusted face that he made when he drank it. She even had the opportunity to learn coffee from him too!
Sojiro didn't need to know that she wasn't the one brewing the coffee after all~
He still made her promise to return home before 10pm though, apparently she had a curfew to follow now but it was a sign that he cared. That was reason enough for Masumi and it was way better than what her parents would have done for her.
..
"Aren't you leaving?" The voice of a co-worker shook her out of her thoughts and Masumi blinked before realizing that she had been sitting in the small break room located at the back of the diner for a while.
"I'm sorry, I got lost in thought… Thank you for the hard work! I'll be going off now!" She quickly got up and bowed to the co-worker, a middle-aged woman who nodded in acknowledgement. Masumi had worked in part-time jobs before at various establishments for some independence and thus took to the job easily enough.
They had been relieved, but although there was a surplus of part time employees on their roster, not all of them were available all the time and the part-timers had to call in earlier in the day if they wanted a shift.
Masumi had lucked out at being able to start work earlier, and she eagerly collected her pay before skipping to the backdoor of the diner.
She had somewhere to visit, and a person to try to thank again.
Shop "Untouchable" - Shibuya
"I'm sorry for intruding." Masumi called out softly as she entered the shop, an airsoft shop from what she had googled online. It was a place that enthusiasts spoke about highly, even if the prices were horribly expensive.
"Oh, it's just a kid…" The same cap wearing man dismissed before pausing as he took a closer look at Masumi.
"You again? Honestly... " He sighed but didn't make any moves like he was going to kick her out. He had seriously underestimated how he had helped her out that time. Although Shibuya was seedier in a few areas, there was a huge increase of gangs in Shibuya recently and the police wasn't sure how to handle.
Based on what Masumi read online, small pocket of the streets had became hangouts for gang members, many of them students and she had accidentally stumbled upon one by sheer bad luck.
"I'm here to browse… It's not my first time encountering problems… like that. I even dyed my hair black and everything…" Masumi didn't know why she had chosen to divulge that information, but she supposed the raised eyebrow from Munehisa-san had something to do with it. She didn't want to upset the gruff looking man for some reason, but she did feel much safer with him around.
"You're a mixed blood huh… You were really unlucky then. I don't think you'll do any good even with an airsoft though. You're too delicate looking…." He then chuckled at the frown that Masumi shot him and he grinned. "Well you got spirit at least, it's illegal to own a firearm, so even if I did sell you one, it wouldn't help. You should be taking up martial arts, kid."
"I thought as much… but can I still take a look? Guns are neat."
"I'm not going to chase someone out for just looking. Just don't get in the way of my customers."
Masumi wanted to comment on how there wasn't any customers but decided against it, instead taking the time to look at the displays when a thought hit her.
There was still the gun that Ryuuji had picked up for her to use at the castle. For some reason she had kept it with her ever since…
"Is this one of yours?" Placing the toy gun on the table, Masumi smiled as Munehisa appraised the toy gun before nodding his head.
"Yeah, it's one of the cheapest we got. Someone gave this to you?"
"Yep, my friend did. Said it'll keep me safe… I guess it's a no go huh?"
"Maybe at the dark and if you're willing to fire a shot or two… you don't have any airsoft bullets do you, kid? Remove the part at the barrel and you MIGHT have a good chance of fooling someone for a minute." Munehisa left the gun at the counter and grabbed a small container that rattled and placing it beside the toy gun.
"If you got the right ammo, even an airsoft can help, especially if you use the metal ones. I'm not going to sell you those, kid. But here's some plastic ones that can sting a little." He nodded in satisfaction when Masumi scrutinized the container and asked.
"Could you teach me to load it? And… would it be better if I get a better one?"
Yogenjaya Station
All in all it took all of her pay over the last few days to cover the purchases, but the money she had picked up after her adventures in the Castle was untouched, so it was still a net gain?
In Masumi's bag was a new airsoft gun that had a better calibre together with a container of airsoft bullets. The shopkeeper, Munehisa-san was someone that Masumi liked, like a gruff uncle even if they had a strict business-to-customer relationship.
Masumi remembered what the strange attendants and Igor had mentioned, that there would be individuals who had skills that she would need and could draw from.
If she was going to continuing to invade the Palace like Morgana had suggested, it would pay to be properly armed and equipped. She had been tempted to ask for the vests that she had seen hanging around Munehisa's shop, but didn't want to push her luck. Perhaps next time…
"Well it is late, I hope that Sojiro won't be upset, well I am not late…?" Masumi trailed off in her own thoughts when she noticed someone approaching her just as she turned into the street leading to Le Blanc.
"Well, there you are. You sure keep late hours don't you, Miss Escort."
..
"K-Kamo-shida sensei…" Masumi stammered, the shock getting to her as she couldn't stand firm on the lecherous teacher as he stepped out from the corner of the street he was waiting patiently in.
Judging from the lights from Le Blanc, Sojiro was waiting for her but it was an eternity away as Kamoshida placed himself between Masumi and her salvation.
"Good evening to you too, Kurusu, you sure kept me waiting. I suppose your clients made you stay that late, hmm?"
His insinuation made her cheeks flare, and although she was incensed, she couldn't do anything against him now in public. It was just like how she was like before, there, helpless to do anything against this man who was aware of her weakness.
"Mm… I guess your records spoke the truth then. I didn't know that we had such a… naughty student in our school." Kamoshida closed the gap between them and Masumi fought not to cringe when he placed a hand on her shoulder, slowly tracing his fingers down her arm, feeling it up before resting it over her hand and fingers.
"Well now, from what you did morning, I expected something more. Guess you know your place, whore." He hissed into her ears before chuckling softly at how Masumi's cheeks reddened in shame and outrage.
Was she being prepositioned in broad daylight? Granted, Yogenjaya wasn't populated and there were few individuals around with all the shops closed, but this was ridiculous!
"Please stop, Kamoshida sensei… I'm not like that." Her voice sounded weak even to her and Kamoshida dismissed it easily with a shrug and a sharp tug that caused her to stumble towards him.
Bumping against him unwillingly, Masumi couldn't just push him away as Kamoshida retained the tight grip on her hand, and to her disbelief, actually dared to placed a hand around her hips as he guided her away from Le Blanc.
"S-Sto-" She started to scream but was silenced when Kamoshida whispered into her ears.
"You don't want your records to go out in public do you?"
Masumi's blood froze as she looked up at Kamoshida in public, him letting her hand go as Masumi stared at him in dread, feeling colder and number as the seconds ticked by.
"You ruined the things that I had going with Takamaki and Suzui. But I'll make sure you make it up to me tonight. Shall we then?" Kamoshida's quiet threats and suggestions only made Masumi's stomach sink further but she couldn't go against someone who had that much power over her.
Kamoshida started walking towards the station and after a moment, Masumi slowly followed his lead, making Kamoshida's grin grow wider as he nodded in acknowledgement at her submission to him.
One arm wrapped around Masumi's hips as he pulled Masumi to press against him, and to her own disgust, she placed one hand on his sides as well, knowing it would win points for her. Kamoshida chuckled at the gesture, proving she was right as she lowered her head in shame and defeat.
She had given up without even a whimper, was this truly her fate after all?
..
"I wonder if you'll be better than Suzui. Heh, you should, you're a pro at riding, aren't you?" Kamoshida's remark came out of nowhere and that made Masumi saw red, a spark in her lit again as she prepared to-
"Where are you going, Masumi-chan?"
..
The person calling her name was like an angel of salvation to Masumi and the dark haired transfer student looked in relief at Takemi Tae sensei as she walked towards them, dressed in the same doctors garb that Masumi had seen her in a few nights ago. The rage that she felt was doused immediately and she prayed for the best outcome as Takemi sensei approached them.
"It's late, you should be back home, not going out, and who's this?" Takemi sensei took a quick look at Kamoshida before she frowned, blocking their way even as Kamoshida's hands were lifted off her. The two of them were too engrossed in their conversation earlier to sense her approach. It was odd how an individual in white clothing could go undetected in the dark alleyway but Takemi sensei managed that somehow.
"Is this an acquaintance of yours, Kurusu?" Kamoshida's tone was guarded at first but then it changed to curiosity as he studied Takemi sensei.
No! This lecherous swine was going to put the screws on sensei as well?!
"I'm her doctor, and she is my patient. Now who are you and where are you taking Masumi-chan." Her eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms, not at all intimidated while Masumi's dread and despair grew.
"Well now, it's nothing special, I'm just having a brief walk with her. I'm Kamoshida Suguru, Kurusu's home room teacher. We have something to discuss, perhaps you should join us. It concerns the reason why she transferred to Shujin in the first place" Kamoshida's hands went behind to cover Masumi's bottom, pinching it discreetly and causing her to stiffen at the hidden message.
"Intervene or stop me and he'll reveal her past to her."
Takemi sensei knew about her past, and the wary look she gave Kamoshida made Masumi plead in her heart for her to refuse.
"Alright, that is fair. She is my patient after all, I am invested in her well being." Takemi's words and concern for her almost made Masumi cry for two totally different reasons. The tighter grip on her bum froze her in fear again. He was going to hurt Takemi sensei because she was too weak to stop him, he was going to lay his hands on someone who liked her and Masumi herself was to blame for it.
"But I do know who Masumi-chan's home room teacher, and that is not you… I have no doubt that you are up to no good with Masumi, release her or else." She took a step towards Kamoshida, unfazed by how he was now frowning as he looked down to the smaller woman.
"We all want the best for Kurusu here. I might not be her homeroom teacher, but she know's what's best for her, yes, Kurusu?" He spoke calmly, hands now on her waist instead as he smirked at Takemi sensei.
"I'll make things easier for you, sensei. Just come with us and both of you won't get hurt."
The blatant threat was enough to throw even Takami sensei to a loop and she glanced at the guilty looking Masumi, before scoffing at Kamoshida.
"Try it. I know Masumi-chan's history, and I know who you are. Try to exploit that and I'll sue you for every penny you have, you've all but dug your own grave. If her past is ever revealed, I'll make sure the whole world knows what a slimeball you are." Takemi sensei stood up to Kamoshida without even flinching, daring him to make a move while Masumi just stared at her in shock.
The deadlock was broken when another voice called out to them from behind Masumi.
"Masumi? What are you doing out so late?"
Le Blanc
"You are an idiot." Sojiro scowled heatedly at Masumi while the transfer student could only lower her head in shame. She agreed with him, she had been an idiot and she mumbled tearful apologies while Takemi sensei looked on disapprovingly at her as well.
Kamoshida sensei had backed off almost immediately after hearing Sojiro calling out to them from behind them, him making his way slowly and purposefully towards them.
Kamoshida's grip on her shoulders had tightened first before they had slackened, his features schooling into an indifferent one was he gave one last scowl at Takemi sensei, who smirked at him before winking at Masumi.
The two men had exchanged introductions, with Kamoshida introducing himself correctly as the PE teacher and amending his statement to him being here as he was concerned for her wellbeing.
It naturally didn't full Sojiro one bit as he had quickly pulled Masumi away from his light grip, ignoring how Masumi's knees had almost given up on her as he leaned against Sojiro for support.
With the two adults cornering him, Kamoshida had made a hasty retreat. There was no leverage that he could gain here after all. The two adults had then brought Masumi back to Le Blanc, Takemi sensei throwing her doctor's robe over the shivering teenager while Sojiro had served her coffee.
..
After she had calmed down, it was time for the interrogation and Masumi had spilled the beans to them easily. They were the adults that had saved her after all and there was no reason for her to lie to them.
"Why did you even do that? That man was going to take advantage of you, and you knew it. So why didn't say no, or scream, or anything?" Sojiro asked angrily but was interrupted by Takemi sensei who raised a hand.
"As he is her teacher. You said it yourself, she knew, but she is his student and he knew about your past didn't he?" Masumi nodded in response and Takemi sighed, while Sojiro froze in anger.
"What ? He knew and he was going to-" Never ever say Sojiro was slow on the uptake as realization struck him, his anger growing while Masumi focused hard on the cup she was gripping in her hands.
She didn't really want to remember what happened, but it was the lesser of two evils. At least they believed in her words. It was an uplifting feeling, to be trusted and to know she could speak her mind without repercussions.
"We've already established Kamoshida Suguru as a slimeball and a pervert. I was informed of the proceedings and accusations that your friend had labelled against him by Sojiro, Masumi-chan. You are incredibly lucky that I decided to take a brief walk today. You would have really gone with him, would you, Masumi-chan?" Takemi asked softly while Sojiro continued scowling, apparently letting Takemi sensei take the lead.
"Yes sensei, I… I didn't have a choice; I can't let him reveal my past to the school…"
"Why would you think that? He wouldn't have the right to do so, doing so would have tarnished his reputation."
Masumi inhaled, taking several breaths to calm herself down before explaining the situation at school, the new rumours that were being spread about Shiho on the exact same day that Shiho tried to kill herself. It was easy to infer what was going on.
..
"It is too coincidental to be true, and the only beneficiary to the rumours would be Kamoshida… am I right?"
"Yes… Shiho isn't someone like that, she wouldn't be someone who would have multiple boyfriends or to fool around. It's definitely Kamoshida who spread it. I don't know how but… if he wanted to…"
Masumi's voice trailed off uneasily, her mind going into overdrive at the nightmarish scenario.
"He has that much power in the school? I find that shocking, oh, I'm not doubting you, Masumi-chan. And you, calm down, Sojiro. Masumi-chan's right, she was thinking straight. But I hope you had a plan to get away later on."
Takemi looked horrified when Masumi slumped even more, lowering her head so that it was resting against the counter.
"You didn't? Were you going to sleep with him? Masumi-chan!"
Now it was two adults mad at her and Masumi's composure broke fully as she sobbed.
"Then what else was I supposed to do? He was going to ruin my life anyway… if I could just preserve a part of it… even if it's a lie, even if it might have hurt me… At least I wouldn't have to face those glares and gossip again…" The rage that she felt earlier in defence of Takemi sensei had long burned out, it left her with a hollow feeling that couldn't be filled. A feeling of dread and helplessness, in essence what she felt when she first arrived here.
Kamoshida could turn her life to hell, his underlying threat was her worse nightmare and she couldn't get out of that trap.
The shame and anger was mounting as her mind flashed back to the memories that she had of speaking with both Ann and Shiho.
The blackmail was too great for her to fight against, this was exactly what Ann and Shiho felt, and for all of her brave words to Ann, she had caved in just like Shiho.
The power he wielded was too much, crushing all of her options before she even realized it.
..
A hand rested on her back, slowly rubbing it as Takemi sensei spoke. "… You're right. As much as it pains me to admit it…" Her sigh was accompanied by Sojiro rubbing his hand on her head, ruffling her hair as he spoke.
"I'm sorry for losing my temper, I can't think of a way to make it better. But that's why we are here now. We'll help you find a way."
"Tsk, you're paying for my consultation fees, Sojiro. You'll be using my valuable time for this." Takemi sensei broke the mood as she smirked at the groaning Sojiro.
"Oh, I didn't know you were so cold hearted. Can't you do something out of the goodwill of your heart?"
"Certainly, but the consultation fee is for you. I have no sympathy for old men like you. Consider it payment for my prese-." Takemi sensei paused, realizing the possible impression her statement might have given. Sojiro cleared his throat in an attempt to buy her some time when Masumi raised her head, her face still red as she sniffled.
"… thank you for being willing to help me…" She mumbled as the two adults sighed in exasperation at her.
..
"You should stop going to school for a while. If he's that confident to approach you in public and not at school, it's inevitable that he'll get at you alone." Takemi sensei's words made sense and Masumi was relieved that she was willing to offer her expertise and profession to allow her to take a few days off school.
"I would recommend a few days away from school in my expertise, considering the negative aspects of Kamoshida on you. To aid in your recovery of severe trauma, it is strongly advised by to take a leave of absence from school and to rest at home." Takemi sensei smiled as Masumi nodded obediently. Masumi knew how resourceful Kamoshida was, with any luck he'll just ask her to go to a secluded area and make his moves on her.
Being at home at Le Blanc would provide the best possible protection from Kamoshida as Sojiro would be working downstairs as well.
"Let's try not to make that a habit, you got that? I'll allow it as it's for the best. I don't want you to get any ideas, your attendance is important as well." They couldn't possibly get a transfer for Masumi, not that she wanted to leave her new friends behind.
"Hopefully Shiho or her parents could expose Kamoshida and get him fired." Masumi spoke hopefully while the adults agreed.
"That's the ideal scenario, but it would be better for Suzui if the charges are established quicker. If you are correct, Kamoshida has fired off the first salvo. Even if you might know the truth, in time his influence and power in the school will twist the facts sufficiently so that it'll be distorted. The last thing we need is for no one to believe Shiho when the time comes. It is similar to your case, Masumi-chan. A decorated teacher being accused by a student, a suicidal student at that. It is a brillant and yet disgusting move, but knowing Kamoshida and his track record, it is not the first time he had ruined someone's life." Takemi sensei summarized while Sojiro sighed, feeling a headache at how the situation had escalated.
"As a last resort, I'll ask your mother about a transfer for you. Though I'm unsure if it'll be possible. There might be no other school that might wish to take you."
"But I can't be running away from him like this! What if he does it again!" Masumi cried out in indignation, feeling very much like her entire life is being revolved around Kamoshida at this point. He wasn't! She won't let him!
"That is true, but as of this point he is a danger to you at school. He knows that, your display of weakness against him only served to embolden him. It is not your intent, but unfortunately that has already happened."
Masumi felt her cheeks reddened at the reminder, Medea's voice mocking her at the back of her head. It wasn't that Medea had been silent through Kamoshida's approach, but Masumi herself had basically given up.
"I'm sorry…"
"You shouldn't be, he left you with no choice. It's just a bad decision with more bad decisions in the end." Takemi accepted a cup of coffee as Sojiro scratched his head.
"Hey, thanks for helping out." He was holding the excuse slip that Takemi sensei had signed for Masumi. "I might really owe you consultation fees for this."
"Well if you two really want to pay me back, there's some tests that I'm asking for volunteers with... "
Interrogation Room
Niijima Sae frowned as she sat back behind her chair. There were more ways to get answers from the girl and she glared at her once more.
"Considering all the actions you've taken, you must've had someone with medical expertise." Nothing, it wasn't something that she could hide. There wasn't many who had the skill, but it was shockingly easy to narrow the list down, even if the girl didn't cooperate with her.
"Who? And how did you treat your wounds? It'll be easy to find out who if we look into this, you know!" Sae demanded of her subject, who continued keeping quiet despite the questions.
This was ridiculous, how many adults were facilitating her crime in the first place?
I am thou, thou art I...
Thou hast acquired a new vow,
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Death Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power.
Yogenjaya
"You know the kid will do anything to repay the favor. Even if it means taking part of your tests." Sojiro remarked to Tae as he walked her back to the clinic. The old man hadn't exactly tucked her to bed, but had only walked Masumi-chan up the attic for her to change and to shower. "Then again, you saved her from getting raped, so I guess it can't really be helped."
The relationship between Sojiro and Tae was mostly professional, but they had shared a few tense days when his daughter, Futaba had fainted from malnutrition.
She had been livid at Sojiro then, but had calmed down after seeing how miserable he was. She was Futaba's doctor, but also a bridge of sorts to help encourage Futaba to accept Sojiro as her new father.
The abusive relationship that Futaba had was easy to discern from her behavior towards Sojiro, and to a lesser extent, herself as well. But it had worked out somehow, even if Futaba was a shut in. Sojiro's spoiling the child, but it was his responsibility, not hers.
And now yet another child dropped into his lap, and it was enough for Tae to roll her eyes in exasperation at how Sojiro was picking up the homeless strays that he would do better to ignore.
But the man had a big heart, she can't fault him for being kind, and especially so when he was making difference in their lives.
"I swear she's bipolar… but it is not an easy thing to face her fears. In more than one way, this is her worst nightmare. I'm surprised she could hold herself together like that even while knowing what that bastard would do her. She had a damn good pokerface, till I intervened of course. Like I said, she's lucky, very lucky."
"She's got the worst luck in the world and the best at the same time, did I tell you she climbed over a railing on the roof to save her friend? She's lucky she didn't get blown off right there."
"Correction, she's suicidal… maybe she do have depression. It's shocking how quickly she could accept giving up her body like that." Tae's mind couldn't wrap around that idea, it was suicidal to her. Though to be fair she suppose she had never been in that situation before while Masumi has.
"It must be the rumors at her old school that got to her. She got nothing to lose… You have to keep an eye on her. She isn't exactly mentally stable. If you push her hard enough, she would either snap or push back, hard."
Tae's evaluation of Masumi wasn't conclusive, she wasn't an expert by any means but the high school student was certainly anything but normal. She wouldn't know how Masumi-chan would react to certain stimuli, and she wasn't sure she wanted to find out.
The two adults stopped besides Tae's clinic and she turned to face Sojiro with her arms crossed. She had became invested in the kid, something about her reminded her of her patients from before.
If she could help even in some way, it doesn't hurt to try.
"Just keep an eye on her Sojiro, i don't know what she might do if she is pushed too hard. You said she might be sent to juvenile prison? She might do something stupid to be sent back there."
"Why do you say that? Are you saying she's unstable." Sojiro asked in concern, he had trusted her diagnosis for Futaba and although she had recovered, Tae had said Futaba would certainly shy away from people for a long time yet.
"Just a hunch…. That's all."
Le Blanc
"You not at school today? Morgana's asking.
We're supposed to meet today remember?"
Ryuugi's messages made Masumi sigh and smile at the same time, her friends didn't forget about her after all. She couldn't attend school today, Sojiro had called in the morning to report her absence to Kawakami sensei and to apologise for her getting ill at such short notice.
Which was always odd to her, how do you get early notification that you'll be ill.
Still, Kawakami sensei hadn't asked much, according to Sojiro she had been sympathetic, no doubt linking her illness with what happened to Shiho the day before.
"Sorry, I'm ill today. I'll fill you in when I'm better and at school.
Did you see Ann today?"
The circumstances makes it difficult for her to explain without being face to face, but more than herself, she was worried about Ann. Although Shiho wasn't injured, there was no doubt she'll be taking an absence from school as well. With the circumstances surrounding Shiho, and those fake rumours floating about, it would be hard on Ann.
Especially so when Ann would surely be distracted about Shiho, and her friend was being falsely accused. Ann hadn't taken the rumours well at all, and had replied with a torrid of messages before abruptly stopping. Masumi had stayed up a little earlier to see if she would respond, but she had been silent in the morning too.
"I'll check later, you take care.
Right, you got news about Shiho?"
Ryuugi's message came quick and he didn't question her illness, but she found it hard to ask him about the rumours in school about Shiho.
"Nothing at all, but did you hear what everyone is talking about Shiho?"
Her exchanges of messages with Ryuuji was so engrossing that she didn't notice Sojiro approaching till a mug of coffee was placed in front of her.
"What, you got a boyfriend now?"
"Ryuuji's just a friend. And… the entire school is now talking about how Shiho is cheating on multiple boyfriends, and they found out. Nonsense like that. There's so many rumours now about Shiho no one cares about how she almost killed herself yesterday." Masumi sighed softly in her high chair at Le Blanch as she explained to Sojiro.
"And I know how he's doing it. He's sending messages like this to everyone, but I think he modified the messages." Masumi activated her phone app to show Sojiro the messages that were sent to her.
His eyes widened before he scowled as he read the scandalous message. Masumi didn't blame her, it was a smear campaign and conducted in such a manner.
"Isn't this illegal? He shouldn't be allowed to do this."
"We can't prove he did it just because it's send from an anonymous number. Besides, this is the kind of news that everyone is interested in, even if they might not necessarily like it… he just needs enough people to know."
Masumi had gotten the image from Niijima senpai, who had tracked down those who had started the rumour, but it ended up being just one of several girls who were notorious gossips.
They had spread the messages in their circles and it had spread like wildfire, unsubstantiated or not.
There was nothing that Niijima senpai could do to limit the fallout to her frustration and she could only advise Masumi, Ann and Shiho to prepare for the worse.
"That's despicable." Sojiro growled while Masumi nodded in agreement, who knows how many times Kamoshida had started and had gotten away with this.
"I know… it'll really make things difficult for Shiho if she wants to accuse Kamoshida-sensei of raping her…"
Le Blanc
"Yo, Masumi!" The abrupt greeting at Le Blanc almost made Masumi drop a plate in surprise as Ryuuji swung open the door to Le Blanc, only to pause at the sight of Sojiro's stern gaze and raised eyebrow. A part of her was relieved that Ryuuji didn't call her by her suffix, while another part of her was struck with fear at why he was here in the first place.
And Sojiro was certainly going to judge him now too! How did she forget that!
"R-Ryuuji… you came to visit, but… shouldn't you be at school?" It was barely noon after all, and homeroom should be starting now.
"The school dismissed us cause of Suzui's incident. They didn't say much, the usual please pray for her stuff. Kamoshida didn't even attend, that bastard. Uh… right, sorry for the intrusion…" Ryuuji's grin withered from the raised eyebrow from Sojiro as the shopkeeper refused to be ignored.
"And you are…?" He asked, no, growled as his gaze made Ryuuji sweat in response.
This was going to get tricky…
..
"So you were the one that Masumi was talking so much about. I have you to thank in getting her out of trouble in the first day." Sojiro admitted gruffly while Ryuuji sat on one of the countertop chairs.
Masumi had decided to help out around the shop, wiping the cutlery and plates, small stuff when Ryuuji had popped in.
After Sojiro's strict interrogation of sorts, the man had brewed Ryuuji a cup of coffee as thanks.
"Ahh, well we helped each other. I got her out of one and she got me out of another one." He replied modestly while putting his bag on the floor.
"Oh, is that so… surprising Masumi didn't mention that. You are being modest yourself, kid."
Masumi blushed while Ryuuji sipped the coffee, making a face at how bitter it was.
"Well, we friend gonna help each other, you know. So that's cool." Ryuuji grinned as Sojiro asked him about school and why he was let off early.
"Ah, school was let off early thanks to a meeting that the teachers had to attend about what happened to Suzui. I was asked to write down what happened by Kawakami-sensei, but I don't think it'll help much. Prez is working hard though, she took a look at my report." Ryuuji grinned, recalling the incident. Masumi herself was glad that Ryuuji's impression of Niijima senpai has grown better.
The two of them must have exchanged words during that terrible standoff, at the very least they were united in their agreement that she had pulled a foolhardy stunt the day before.
Masumi made a mental note to not bring up this incident to Niijima senpai, she might chew her out in principle before chewing her out again to make a point. She always appeared as a prim proper, confident and collected individual after all. She would never cave in like she did.
"Niijima senpai is doing her best for Shiho, liked she promised. She's really capable." Masumi admitted easily enough as Sojiro listened on.
Her guardian wasn't exactly keen on them spending time alone by up at her room and she was flattered he was willing to listen in on what could be potentially a boring conversation.
"I thought she was all talk and no action, but she was really worried about you. …. Oh crap." Ryuuji face palmed all of a sudden, making Masumi look at him in concern.
"What's wrong?"
"I was supposed to pick up ya homework for you, I told Kawakami I'll be dropping by… Dammit. Sorry bout that!" Ryuuji clapped his hands in apology while Masumi laughed.
"I'm more surprised you even remembered about homework. Thank you, Ryuuji, I mean it." She beamed at the blonde, causing him to flush a little. Sojiro interrupted them by clearing his throat though, causing the two of them to laugh as their conversation went on to less dangerous topics.
"Takamaki is still with Shiho. You wanna go see her?" Ryuuji's invite made sense and she looked at Sojiro for permission, causing the bearded man to raise an eyebrow.
"What, are you asking for permission now, kid?"
"You are my guardian after all. It's better that I do." Masumi asked a little shyly as he considered.
"You're supposed to be sick, kid. You shouldn't be out of the house."
"I know… but I want to see Shiho too." Masumi argued back, and he hesitated. Sojiro knew the situation around Shiho after all.
"It's near the station at least, bout five minutes walk, about that? So it'll take around less than an hour? If you're worried we can take the bus from the station here. But it'll take around half an hour just to get there." Ryuuji chipped in, looking quite eager for them to visit Shiho as he elaborated.
"I know Takamaki and Suzui from way back, we went to the same school in middle school so I know their place. Here's the address." Ryuuji started scribbling on a notebook and passed it to him. At least he came prepared.
"Well… as long as you're back before dinner, I suppose it's good to check up on your friend to help her out. But do buy something for her, kid, fruits or flowers. Here's some money…."
Yogenjaya
"Sakura-san's a cool dude, so he's your guardian eh?" Ryuuji made small talk as they headed towards the station and Masumi nodded. He had been very kind to her, although it was partly due to his so-called penance regarding his daughter, Futaba Sakura. Masumi herself hadn't seen head or tail of this Futaba girl though, and she was worried to ask if she was deceased or in hospital right now.
She'll ask maybe at a later date, but for now, it was to talk to Morgana and Ryuuji as the odd cat-like being popped his head out of Ryuuji's bag.
"Nicely done, Ryuuji."
"Thanks, all according to plan man." Ryuuji snaked a high five with Morgana and the two of them chuckled. Masumi was glad to see the two of them in high spirits as Morgana settled on his shoulders.
..
"So why did you skip school, Lady Masumi. I can tell there's more to it than that. Sojiro seems reluctant to discuss that too. Did something happen?"
Masumi sighed, her cheeks flushing as she decided to share the story with them.
"The nerve of that individual, his King persona in the Castle is manifesting itself in the real world as well. To try and take advantage of Lady Masumi not even a day after almost causing a suicide of a fellow student. Does he have no shame?"
Morgana groused while Ryuugi just rubbed Masumi's back to reassure her. Although he was seething just as much as Morgana was, he noticed how difficult it was for Masumi to tell the story and he fought very hard to not agitate her further.
He had been through similar events, and at that time he had let out all his anger, but ended up hurting those around him instead.
So Ryuugi tried to be the person that he wished was there for him at that time, listening and encouraging her as she retold the story.
"I'm coping, sort of… it's difficult, it's cause I know what'll happen to me if I went with him, but I didn't have a choice. It's hard to understand, I've been through this before, but not like this. I understand Shiho and Ann better now, they really didn't have a choice. My body, it just froze up." Masumi sighed as she recalled what happened last night. It was embarrassing and shameful, she was angry at herself for giving up so quickly, but she also understood why she had done so.
"It's hard for boys to understand? Sort of… I don't mean any disrespect, but it'll hurt harder if it's a guy who went through this. I'm sorry, it's hard to explain." Masumi apologized to her friends as they made their way to the station to take a quick train ride to Shiho's place.
Ann would be there too, and she'll be glad to see her friend and to offer some emotional support for her.
"It's all in your mind and perspective, Lady Masumi. You are fearless in the Palaces, and yet hindered by the social norms that you grew up in. Your Persona, Medea, right? It's a reflection of true yourself called upon by the sea of souls. You should read up about her, as she is the closest approximation to you from the collective mythology that one calls upon as Persona."
Seeing how Masumi and Ryuuji stared at him blankly, Morgana shook his head.
..
"Where does Persona come from, and why did I summon Zorro. Those are questions I've been wondering for a long time. By seeing Lady Masumi and Ryuuji summon their Personas, my current theory is that with the possibility of more Persona users, there must be a database or a collection of mythical figures and heroes that one's Persona manifest as."
Morgana, lying on Ryuuji's shoulders, slipped into Masumi's bag as they approached the station proper, not wanting to be expelled from the station for having a pet like Morgana.
"So there's like, a pool or a group that people tap into to summon Personas? That sounds like something from a game though?" Ryuuji answered sceptically and even Masumi wasn't buying that either. It sounded too fantastic and convenient for her to agree on.
"Well, Personas are the façade that you wear in rebellion of the Palace's owner. It's also to your true self. But you yourself are weak, right? No offence, but none of you are stronger than your Personas, am I right?" Both humans had to agree to that, they felt stronger too at the Palaces. So it's like a superhero drug or something?
"So by eliminating other aspects, and how our Persona manifested by drawing from figures in mythology or lore that we might not be aware of, that there must be a pool of figures we could call upon." Morgana summarized and Masumi simplified.
"He's saying that Personas are like avatars in a game, and you won't want yourself in a game right? So it's automatically assigned by something that we don't know of to be heroes that matches your true self the most. Like yours, Ryuuji, he's Captain Kidd, right?"
Ryuuji nodded in understanding while Morgana chuckled at how it has become a routine thing for her to simplify things for him. Morgana can become a little confusing at times, however it wasn't his fault.
"Captain Kidd isn't really a hero though, but he's cool! He fought against many people as a Pirate, and pirates are cool. I read up on him a little." Ryuuji mused out loud. "Then is Medea a hero too?"
Masumi blinked at the question before frowning. She hadn't really read up on Medea much besides reading up on her online, but she wasn't a heroine either.
"Nope, she's more of a tragic heroine? Something like that." Just like how Captain Kidd isn't a hero, she never expected herself to be a heroine, she would be lucky to even thrive in society.
Medea, with her conflicted past, was a great match for her as she could empathize with her history. Though she would rather it not to be a template for her own future as she did have quite the… colorful past.
..
"Oh, well that's okay. If we do get Kamoshida, we'll be real heroes right? Captain Kidd, he's hard to understand but he knows that protecting one's friend is important." Ryuuji beamed while Masumi flushed a little herself.
"Wait, Captain Kidd talks to you then? Can Persona even talk?" Masumi mused in confusion as they descended the steps into the station. As Yogenjaya was located in a slightly less busy part of Tokyo, there were less people around so they could talk openly in public.
"Hmm… Zorro doesn't talk to me, but I am aware that he understands my circumstances." Morgana commented while Ryuuji shrugged.
"It's less talking out loud, but in your mind right? Kinda spooky, but cool too. He isn't interested in school or my life though, but he's like, there? Does Medea talk then?"
"Yeah, she does… she's paying attention too. She helped me a little in a few occasions, giving me support? She's like a friend to me now, is it a bit odd to say that?"
Masumi giggled nervously while Ryuuji shrugged, not too disturbed by that revelation. She had just admitted to having an imaginary friend after all.
"Nah, it's cool. I mean, they are defending us right? It'll be great if we can see them as our friends."
"Though I'm not too sure if it's a good thing if they started being able to move by themselves though!"
The trio laughed as they crossed the gantry into the station itself, feeling their worries fly away at the odd choice of conversational topic.
Tokyo Metro (Ichigaya Station)
As Ryuuji promised, Shiho's home was just a few stops away and they made good time, exiting out the station easily enough among the small crowd of people. As they weren't too much of a nuisance, they managed to sneak Morgana with them as well. It'll be a pain to explain why was a cat in her bag anyway.
As they made their way down the streets, Ryuuji pointing out one or two places of interests, Masumi's phone rang, causing her to look at it in abject confusion.
No one called her anymore, she doubted her mother or Sojiro would contact her. Besides, judging from the caller ID, it was neither of them and she hesitated before excusing herself to take the call.
..
"Is this Kurusu? This is Niijima." The greeting from her senpai made her confused, but she paid attention as her senpai wouldn't be calling her if without a purpose. Niijima-senpai didn't seem like someone who called socially after all.
"Niijima-senpai, good afternoon."
"My apologies for the intrusion, I hope you are feeling better, but even if you are not. This cannot wait. May I have a moment of your time?" The warning bells were ringing loudly now and Masumi gestured for her friends to follow her as she tried to find a place to sit down, resolving herself to listen to the bad news.
Niijima-senpai did not disappoint.
"The school board has found out about the rumours, I'm doing as much as I can to help Suzui's reputation, but the board has demanded a thorough investigation of the entire situation, rumours and all of Suzui leading up to her suicide attempt." Niijima-senpai's words were delivered slowly and concisely, but the words sent chills down Masumi's back, they were going to dig through Shiho's past just like that? But then… her stomach dropped as she feared the worst.
"Then the person appointed to the task is…"
"Kamoshida-sensei." The answer was both expected as well as a bombshell, causing Masumi's vision to swim a little as she felt her knees weaken, in the end deciding to lean against the bench she had managed to stumble upon earlier.
"Masumi?!" "Lady Masumi?"
"Are you still with me, Kurusu." The weak groan from Masumi must have been worrying for Niijima senpai but she quickly reassured she was still listening. Even if it was a major setback, to give up was to lose it all.
Medea agreed with her vehemently.
"I understand it's a shock and a major setback, but be reassured I would be part of the investigation as well. I will do my utmost and best to ensure the truth is revealed." Niijima senpai gave a sigh, showing her own frustration in the matter as she revealed her thoughts about the development.
"I have taken the liberty to inform you immediately after I have delivered the news to Suzui and Takamaki as you are a close friend of theirs. Are there any questions you would wish to ask?"
There were a thousand questions, like why would the perpetrators of the crime be allowed to investigate the victim, but in her heart she knew why, Kamoshida's position in school was absolute after all. So, something constructive then.
"Would Kamoshida be interviewing Shiho? He shouldn't be allowed anywhere near her at all!"
The mention of Kamoshida made the two boys (?) around her tense, Ryuuji paying more attention than before while Morgana curled up on her lap.
"He made a request for an interview, but I am doubtful it will happen as long as Suzui is engaging with the authorities about the claims we had discussed further. Unfortunately the investigation and the results will compiled and be announced in just two week's time."
"Two weeks?! That's-"
"Kamoshida-sensei is confident that he would be able to obtain results by then, he managed to convince the board that he would deliver. Naturally it works well in his favor." Niijima stressed while sounding very disgruntled. If not for how Masumi knew the straight-laced senior would never do so, she could imagine her rolling her eyes as she spoke to her on the other side..
"Any official investigation from the authorities would require a month at least for all the reports to be filed and for any indictment to be announced. I believe it is Kamoshida's attempting to influence the results or at least make it sound baseless by striking first. Or perhaps to even intimidate Suzui to drop any charges against him. The intrusion to her daily life is going to be tremendous. It would be difficult for anyone to stifle any rumors or talk about Suzui's social life..."
..
The conversation continued with Niijima-senpai explaining to her how Kamoshida was planning to investigate, basically taking statements from her friends and club mates to find out more about Shiho's life if he was unable to secure an interview with her.
Thankfully Shiho had requested and was given a long absence from school to recover from her brief bout with insanity.
But it was still two weeks before Kamoshida would just announce whatever bullshit he concocted and shove fake reports to bolster his claim.
"So… basically we have two weeks to make Kamoshida confess…" Masumi mumbled to herself as her thoughts drifted over to what Morgana had said. She had been considering her options for a while, but it seemed Kamoshida was not playing fair.
Not that she would expect him to, but for him to have the power to decide Shiho's future once more when he ruined her was too much.
"-what do you mean by that, Kurusu-san. Kurusu-san, are you listening to me?" The strict voice of Niijima san broke her out of her thoughts and she apologized to her senior for blanking out like that.
But it was a strand of hope for her friend, and if she could do something that could affect their odds, she would go all out for her.
Especially when she could get back at Kamoshida that way.
"My apologies for sounding impatient, Kurusu. It has been a taxing afternoon for us, but that is no excuse for me to be losing my patience with you as you are not the cause of my frustration." Niijima senpai sighed but after a brief bout of silence apologized to her again.
"I promise you, Takamaki and Suzui-san that I will do my utmost to ensure the investigation is truthful, but honestly I feel it is an uphill battle from the very beginning."
Masumi could feel her frustration and was both saddened and glad that she was willing to put in her all for them.
"It's okay. Thank you so much for even trying to help us, Niijima-senpai." Masumi sincerely thanked her, causing Niijima senpai to chuckle a little.
..
"It has been a while since I heard that. I, never mind, I'm the Student Council President after all, I'm elected to help all the students, Suzui, Takamaki, you and even Sakamoto. I will do my utmost with all my power. That is a promise I made as the President, you shouldn't have needed to remind me of that, Kurusu." Her voice sounded brighter now, more confident and Masumi found herself smiling and believing in her.
"Please take a good rest, and I will see you back in school."
"So, what happened?" Ryuuji asked quietly as he watched Masumi placed his phone on her lap, closing her eyes before sighing. It hadn't sounded like good news to him and Masumi's expression hadn't exactly given him hopes that it would be better.
Granted, the mention of "Kamoshida" in any shape or form would ruin his day, but he digressed.
"We got two weeks to save Shiho before Kamoshida ruins her life."
Trust Masumi-chan to summarize the situation so easily like this.