5/11 Mon - Gekkoukan high - 2-E - Afterschool
After an oh-so-very boring day of school, I woke up from my afternoon nap.
"Kazuki-kun."
I looked over to who was calling my name, but I already knew who it was.
"Good morning, Fuu-chan. How are you?"
"It's the evening, Kazuki-kun."
"Really? Well in that case, Good evening."
I got up from my desk, rubbing my eyes.
"So, do you want to go somewhere Fuu-chan?"
"Sorry, not today, I need to study for midterms."
I actually didn't expect her to turn down my offer.
"Seriously? Come on, you're already smart enough, you study anymore you'll leave me in the dust."
She laughed at my joke.
"I'm sorry, but I do need to study. It's important to review what I might forget."
"You might forget? I didn't really think you forget things; I always thought of you with a mind of steel?"
"Not really, but I do have an easy time remembering things."
"Really, then in that case, how about I study with you?"
"Stu-Study...together!?" Fuu-chan started blushing after repeating what I said.
"Yeah, I tried to study on my own but it got pretty boring, and I tried asking others in my dorm, but some of them refused, one of them can't help me at all, and two others seem like they'll grill me until my brain is dead."
I heard how smart Mitsu-chan is and she might be able to help me. But if I add in her commanding attitude, she might be totally strict about it! So that was a hard pass.
"Oh, then I guess I can help you."
"Sweet, let's head over to the library then."
"To the library?"
"Well of course, where else can we study?"
"Oh, yes!"
Fuu-chan seemed pretty unfocused today, or maybe she likes to study by herself?
"We don't have to go if you don't want to, I'll try something else."
"No, I want to help you."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
"All right, if I'm not bothering you then let's go."
We grabbed our bag and then made our way to the library...
Gekkoukan high - library - Afterschool
After half an hour of studying, we both decided to take a break. Thank god, I think my brain was gonna self-destruct.
"Um...Kazuki-kun..."
"Yeah."
"I was wondering..."
"Ask away."
She fiddled with her fingers for a bit.
"Lately, I've been concerned for Moriyama..."
"Do you mean Natsuki?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
I don't know why she cares about what happens to Natsuki; it still bothers the hell out of me that she does.
"I heard Mr. Ekoda talking to himself about the school possibly expelling Moriyama."
I don't see anything wrong with that.
"But why do you care?"
"Because I don't want her to be expelled."
"Are you serious! For what?"
"Because I feel obligated."
"Obligated, why? Why do you feel responsible for her?"
"It's kinda hard to explain, but I feel like I need to help her."
I don't get it, why does she want to help a person like her?
"Kazuki-kun, could you, by any chance, help me," she pleaded
"I...um..."
I don't know if I should help or not.
"I'm...um...not sure. You have to give a bit of time. I need to think about this."
"Oh...I see."
"I'm sorry, I'm just confused about what I should say."
"Okay..."
I should help her, and normally I would, but I don't want to help someone that bullies her.
"Well then, do you want to continue studying," Fuuka awkwardly asked.
"Sure..."
The two of us continued studying but in silence. If there were a mood killer, this would be one of them.
Yamagishi household - evening
I was going over the notes I made for the exams, but I couldn't focus on that, only on Moriyama-san, and her situation. I tried to talk to her about it but she said she didn't care. I have no idea what to do. I wanted to help her on my own but it didn't turn out well. I can tell how Kazuki-kun feels about Moriyama-san, nonetheless, I thought if I asked he would at least give me some advice, but that didn't turn out right either. I head-planted the desk.
'I'm such an idiot!" I didn't want to make Kazuki-kun feel uncomfortable or pressured him. It's just...he's such a nice warm and friendly person, and I... For a moment, I pictured him in my mind, smiling. I shot up from my desk. My cheeks were heating up, I felt pretty embarrassed by the fact. And this isn't the only time, too. I would see him in my dreams as well, though, I find myself not being able to figure out the details of the dreams. But I'm very fond of these dreams; they make me feel warm inside...
"I can't focus."
He just keeps popping into my mind. I wonder how he's doing now? I hope he's feeling alright.
Iwatodai dormitory - Lounge - Evening
I returned to the dorm feeling mentally exhausted. Studying for that long would nearly kill a man. I saw Mako-kun sitting on the couch, facing the TV. I went over to him. "Yo," I greeted him.
"Hey Kazuki, you're pretty late."
"Yeah, I was studying with a friend, what about you?"
"Huh, I didn't study, I was helping someone else study."
"Ah, that's cool...that's sweet."
I was twiddling my thumbs.
"I'm just gonna go," I blurted out.
"Kazuki, are you okay."
"Huh...yeah, I'm fine, why?"
"I only asked because you have a weird look on your face."
"Weird, I didn't think my face was weird," I said, covering my face with my hoodie.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean weird, but you do have a look about you."
I sat down on the couch, putting down my hood.
"All right, I'll tell you, just don't talk about this with anyone else."
"I won't."
I sighed to myself, not out of drowsiness, but to relax.
"You see, today a friend of mine asked me for help on something."
"I don't see the problem."
"Well, because I didn't finish yet," I pouted.
"Sorry, continue."
"...My friend asked me to help her convince someone to stop acting like a delinquent."
"You do want to help, right?"
"Normally I would want to help my friend, but this person my friend wants to help was harassed by this person last year and this year."
"I see."
I stretched my legs out and put my hands on my chest.
"So I'm feeling conflicted about this whole thing. I want to help but on the other hand, I don't really care if she gets expelled. But either way, I need to decide what to do. What do you think?"
Mako-kun put his hand on his chin and closed his eyes...
"Hm, I could tell you what to do, but instead of doing that, how about you decide for yourself."
"If I could, I would've done that by now."
"Then I might as well tell you this: do what your heart tells you."
"Hm?"
I raised an eyebrow at his advice.
"I know it's a bit overused but it's true. Your heart knows you best and it'll never fail you."
"My heart?"
I plant my hand on my chest, at my heart. A phone went off, Mako-kun took his phone out.
"I'm sorry but I need to take this," Mako-kun told me.
"O-okay."
He got up from the couch and went upstairs. After a few minutes of reflecting on his words, I went up to my room. I changed clothes and slammed myself on my bed. I thought about what my heart wanted while I was trying to drift off into sleep...
5/23 Sa- Gekkoukan high - Afternoon
Today is the last day of midterms, and I can't say that I'm not glad that it's over. I looked at the paper in front of me. Surprisingly, I was actually able to remember most of the answers I studied. I guess I am a bit of an academic after all.
"All right, times up, put your pencils down: the test is over. I repeat: the test is over."
Gekkoukan high - 2-E - Afterschool
Midterms are finally over and I'm a free man from studying...for now.
Fuu-chan turned her desk to face mine
"Kazuki-kun."
"Yo."
"How did you do on your Midterms?"
"I think I did okay, what about you?"
"I think I also did okay."
"Come on, you don't need to be modest; you probably did awesomely," I sing her praises.
"You think so?"
"I know so."
I gave Fuu-chan a thumbs-up. After that, we quietly prepared ourselves to leave. I put my bag on my seat and turned my head to her.
"Fuu-chan, can I talk to you for a moment."
"About what?"
"About you asking me to help you with Natsuki."
She twisted her hair with her fingers.
"Kazuki-kun, I decided you don't need to help me, I can-"
"...I'm gonna help you."
"Huh!?"
Fuu-chan looks at me with a shocked look on her face.
"Really? But you really don't."
"No, I want to." I lightly pat my chest where my heart with the side of my fist. "My heart told me to, so I got your back," I stated.
Fuu-chan's eyes beamed. shining brightly.
"Thank you, Kazuki!"
Fuuka lunged herself at me, wrapping her arms around my chest; hugging me.
"Umm...F-Fuu-chan, I think you're a bit-"
I stopped in my tracks, realizing that Fuu-chan's head is on my chest... It feels...nice. Suddenly, Fuuka separates herself away from me, she was blushing like crazy.
"I...um...we...were... I'm sorry!"
"No, It's alright."
"Are you sure," she nervously asked.
"Of course..."
Put my hand on the exact position of where Fuuka's head was on my chest. I feel some type of warmth around it.
"Fuu-chan, I noticed something else you did out of the ordinary..."
"What was it?"
"You said my last name without saying -kun."
"Oh, I-I'm s-sorry," she stammered.
"You apologize too much, even over the little things."
"Um, okay, but I'll still call you Kazuki-kun."
"Fine by me."
I pull out my phone and looked at the time. I think we should start going home.
"Hey, Fuu-chan, I think we should start going home."
"Yes, I think we should."
Fuuka leads the way as the two of us were exiting the school. I still had a hand on where Fuuka had her head on my chest, it felt nice. However, there was another feeling that was rising in my chest. It was a weird feeling, but I felt happy about it. I try to catch up to the petite figure in front of me.
Iwatodai dormitory - Lounge - Evening
I entered the dorm in a great mood, I was able to possibly pass my Midterms and help Fuu-chan. Things were turning up from here. I saw everybody (except Mitsu-chan) at the table in the kitchen.
"What's going on guys," I asked.
"Didn't you know, Kazuki-kun? Akihiko-senpai has healed up!"
"Really, that's great!"
"Dude, that's not even the best part," Jun shouted.
"What's the best part then?"
"We're getting a new member," he exclaimed.
"Really, who?"
My curiosity was piqued, not every day we get new members.
"I'm about to show you all." Aki put a folder on the table.
"Wha-"
When Akihiko opened the folder and revealed who it was, my mind went totally blank.
"Maaaan, she is too cute, what's her name," Junpei asked.
"Yamagishi Fuuka," I said, too shocked to even emote it properly.
Everybody eyed me with baffled stares. I put my elbows on the table while hanging my head over the file... "This can't be happening," I silently told myself.
"Yeah, you're in 2-E as well," Yukari pointed out.
"Ohoho! Kazu, do me a huge favor and try and recruit her!"
"No."
"What, why not, you have to," Junpei demanded.
"I said I won't," I said, my voice rising in anger.
"Come on don't be-"
"SHE'S NOT JOINING THIS DAMN TEAM!"
Everyone looked at me, shocked by my outburst.
"Kazuki must have his reasons for her not joining, let's respect it," Makoto stated.
"Ahh, man, if she joined, I would've given her some private lessons~"
Something in me snapped, I couldn't take it anymore, I just. I punched Junpei in the face, down to the floor.
"Kazuki-kun, I what are you doing!?"
"What the hell was that for," Junpei growled at me. He got up from the floor and grabbed me by the collar.
"I want you to forget Fuuka joining this team because it's not happening."
I grabbed his hands by the wrist. I squeezed them tightly enough for him to wince in pain and to lose his grip.
"And if you think about going against what I just said... I'LL BREAK YOU!"
The whole room went silent, no one dared speak a word...
"Does anybody have issues with what I just said!?"
I felt this violent urge, something that was out of my control; it wasn't like being angry, this was something else. Yukari began stepping back away from the table, but midway she tripped over herself. I then saw that I snapped out of my rage-induced frenzy.
"Okay, that's enough! Kazuki, let go," Akihiko demanded.
"Stay away from us, you freak!"
A sudden memory played in my head.
"AGHHH!"
My head is in pain like it was gonna split open. After a second, the pain subsided. I took a look up and all I saw is everybody looking at me. In fear.
"I'm...I'm...!"
I ran upstairs to my room without saying anything to anyone.
"What happened to me out there, I didn't mean to hit Junpei but I couldn't control it" I can explain why I got angry at Junpei, but I didn't want to hit him.
"Damn it!"
I hit my bed with my fist.
"Not again!
5/29 Fri - Gekkoukan high - dusk
Kazuki-kun was sitting in class by himself. For half of this week, he's been leaving school on his own and hasn't interacted with me much... I want to know why he's acting like this, so I waited until we were alone to do so.
"Kazuki-kun?"
He didn't respond.
"Are you okay?"
He remained quiet.
"...I tried talking to Moriyama about the school wanting to expel her but she said she didn't care. However, I haven't given up on her yet, so it would be great if you could help me next time. Of course, you don't need to, but..."
He got up from his seat with his bag in hand, He was going to exit the class through the other door, but I stopped him by grabbing his hand,
"Please, what's wrong Kazuki-kun? Why are you acting so distant? Is something bothering you, are you not well? Did I do something to upset you, if so then... I want you to tell me. I want you to depend on me as I do for you. Even if I am unreliable, I still want to help you, because I..."
He turned around. His a smile on his face like usual, but it was different this time. It felt forced, fake.
"Thanks, for being my friend, but I think you should stay away from me from now on, Fuu-chan."
As he walked away I reached for him but I tripped on myself. Even as he noticed I did he kept walking, closing the door behind him.
"Kazuki...why...?"
My chest was burning as I remembered the fake smile he gave me as he left. There was no way I could be fooled by his smile, not when tears were coming from his eyes. It hurt to see him force himself to smile, I want him to smile at me like he usually does, without tears in his eyes, without the sadness in his voice. I just... I want to be with the one that's cheerfully smiling. So I... I want to help him this time! I want to show him my gratitude towards him, not only that but my love towards him! As I opened the door to exit the class, a figure greeted me outside.
"Hey there, Fuuka."
It was Moriyama and her friends...
Iwatodai strip mall, Evening
I find myself holding a bag full of food, medical supplies, and my sword. I was feeling starved. I went out to get a bunch of medical supplies for Tartarus tonight.
For six days now, everybody in the dorm acted as if the other night didn't happen, minus Junpei; he was still pissed at me and Yukari was still startled by me. Every time I tried to talk to them, they got away from me immediately, and they looked at me like I was some sort of monster. Huh, doesn't that feel familiar? I've been keeping myself away from Fuuka so she wouldn't get caught up in the Dark Hour, and SEES. But today proved that I couldn't even keep my distance properly, so hopefully, our last conversation was our last. Yet, even though I'm doing this for a good reason I can't help but notice that tears are running down my face.
"Tch, why the hell do I have to go through this? Why do I have to feel shitty!?"
I crushed a can in my hand. I threw it to the ground and I kicked it.
"Damnit, damnit, damnit!"
Why did I say goodbye to her? Why couldn't I just keep my distance for the time being? I really am stupid, I never think things through. Now she thinks I want nothing to do with but that can't be further from the opposite! I want to stick with her, hang out with her more, be with her more but I screwed it up... I'm such an idiot, and this feeling inside me keeps telling me so. There's also this other feeling that gets flustered but sad when I think about her. Before I punched a wall out of rage, I struggle to move my hand to my phone. I took it out to see the time 12:03 P.M.
"It's like, Mikage-cho all over again."
I noticed I got a message from Fuuka. I stared at the name for a while. She can move within the Dark Hour, and on top of that, she might have a Persona. Damnit, I didn't want this to happen. I knew something was off about that shadow on the train, going on about hypothetical questions! (I must be the biggest dumbass to exist).
I open the message for full display.
"What the-"
I read the message in a heartbeat, and I can't believe what I'm reading.
"Kazuki-kun, I'm locked in the gym storage closet! please, help me!"
I feel like I'm about to have a heart attack and the Dark Hour is going to begin soon! I have to get there!
Gekkoukan high, gym - Midnight
I made my way into the school by slicing up the door. Had no time to picklock the door.
"FUUKA, ARE YOU HERE!? FUUKA...!"
Damn, I'm running out of time... Please, answer me!
"Kazuki...kun," a hoarse voice called for me. I look over to the gym closet.
"I'm here, just one a bit!"
I only have a few seconds, I won't be able to get her out of here in time. I have to get this door open.
"Fuuka, stand back!"
I hack the door in halves. I take out my phone to check the time. I only have... FIVE SECONDS! I don't have time at all!
"Screw it!"
I got inside the closet and I held on to Fuuka as tight I can.
"Kazuki...kun..."
At that moment, the Dark Hour began...
I didn't want this to happen to her.
"I'm so sorry, Fuuka."