My summer vacation is over...

Futaba was having more fun than she thought she would these days. Hanging out with Akira meant being near his friends more. He had a whole group of them and she had hid behind him a couple times when it came time to greet them. They were all really friendly with her. She was blunt from the jump, but everyone seemed to take it in stride except for Yusuke. His way of talking was eccentric and she would cut through it like a knife, which infuriated him. But she enjoyed spending time with them. They were great people and she needed that more in her life considering her wretched childhood of bratty kids and bullies. Going out with them involved group activities in places Futaba yearned to go, but was too nervous to do herself.

They had all gone out to Destinyland together and Futaba sat quietly in the back of the van they were using with Haru.

"Have you been to Destinyland, Futaba-chan?" Haru asked excitedly. Futaba shook her head.

"Too much people," she muttered, clenching her fists on her pants. This was the first time she was going somewhere so congested with people and she didn't have her mask on. People could look at her. But Akira said she'd be okay and offered to be by her side no matter what. Haru nodded understandingly.

"No one here blames you. The crowd can be quite fierce. That's why we're sticking together!" she announced out loud. Ryuji turned around and got on his knees to stand over them.

"Yeah! Stay together as a group!" he repeated from their rules earlier. Makoto, who was driving, scowled in the rear view mirror.

"Ryuji, sit down and put your seatbelt on before I turn this car around!" she ordered. Ryuji quickly turned and sat down, grumbling as he clicked his seatbelt on. "Yes, mom..."

Ann smiled back at Futaba. "I promise it'll be fun! We can get so much to eat too! Do you like sweets?"

Futaba smiled a little. "Yeah..."

Ann looked like she struck gold. "Perfect! Extra large crepes and sundaes are where we're going first!"

Haru gasped. "But I thought we were going to go to the castle first and check into the hotel!"

Ann turned to her, eyes slightly crazed. "Sweets. First. I don't care if we end up sleeping outside!"

Ryuji scoffed at her. "You psycho! We'll get your fucking crepes after we make sure we have a place to stay, you fucking glutton."

She glared at him and batted her arm to attack him, which he fended off fiercely. Yusuke ignored them and slicked his hair back.

"I was promised we would all attend the aquarium for my inspiration." He glared at anyone who dared to think his idea was stupid. Ryuji took the chance, grimacing at the other man.

"You mean buying those crayfish weren't enough?" he asked, noting the crayfish taking up space with their aquarium tank.

Yusuke huffed haughtily and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Of course not. A wonderful piece needs more than one muse sometimes."

Makoto waved her hand to calm everyone down. "We'll do everything on our list, I'm sure. But please keep our needs a priority. We need a place to stay first, then we can get plenty to eat."

Ann perked back up and held up a tote bag, eyes sparkling.

"And to make sure we don't get lost, I had a designer make us these great shirts-" Ryuji immediately cut her off, already having seen the atrocities inside. All the shirts had whatever number and 'out of seven' printed on it to show how many people were in the group.

"Oh hell no. I am not putting on your cheesy crap. We have phones and can call each other!" he shouted, pulling out his own and waving it around. Haru nodded in the back.

"And we all have our park buddies! It'll be fine!" she assured. Ann grumbled, but seemed to agree, sitting back in her seat.

"If the crowds get dense, hold hands. Remember that!" she reminded them. While the rest of the group was agreeing, Ryuji disgustedly scoffed. Yusuke was his park buddy and he did not want to hold hands because he'd be dragged around until his shoes were shredded.

"Are we eight years old here?!" he shouted angrily. Ann glared at him through her mirror.

"Mentally you are!" she snapped.

"Your diet is!" he shot back viciously.

Futaba watched as they argued, then looked out her window nervously. Could she really do this? The crowds were already freaking her out and she couldn't even see them yet. The club was terrible, but mainly because she felt canned in. Destinyland was probably bad, but at least she had air. Akira glanced back at her worryingly. He had told her she'd be okay, but he could still sense the doubt. He would work extra hard to make sure she was comfortable. He just had to see to it that she acted like herself. Usually that meant upsetting her in some way at his expense. He honestly wouldn't mind that as long as she was able to smile.

Futaba was in a whirlwind of confusion when she was pulled into the hotel lobby. Haru was rich and used her lifetime pass at Destinyland for free lodgings, buying up hotel rooms and handing everyone their room keys. They even had fancy-looking hoteliers take their luggage up to their rooms for them while the group took to the park. Futaba ended up sticking close to Akira, still shy and uneasy. He didn't mind though, at least he didn't show in her eyes.

Futaba had way more fun than she thought she would, plowing through desserts with Ann, scaring Yusuke in the haunted maze, screaming at the top of her lungs on a rollercoaster, and now buying a cute pair of dog ears in the souvenir shop. She turned to Akira with the ears flopped in the front.

"How does it look?" she asked, face bright with joy.

Akira smiled and put his thumb up. "Perfect."

She grinned and turned when Ann asked for her attention, suddenly picking up what he said next.

"Oh, did you mean to ask for the ears because they don't look bad either." She froze. Did he really say that?! Turning back to him, she was met with a cocky smile before he had turned away.

Ann was internally squealing. Akira was turning up the charm! Just like she threatened him to do! Clearing her throat, she put on a surprised face.

"Oh, are you two having a thing now?" she asked teasingly. Immediately, Haru perked up from looking at souvenir bags. Makoto stopped midway from picking up a shirt. All three crowded around Futaba with eager smiles.

"We can totally leave you guys alone if that's what you need!" Haru piped up helpfully. Like the older sister of the group, Makoto nodded understandingly.

"Very true. A little alone time can build many bridges," she replied wisely. Futaba shifted uncomfortably.

"It's not like that between us," she muttered, sighing. "But I don't mind it when we end up alone together, which happens a lot when I go to his house to play games. One time, we were trying to beat a dungeon together and I ended up falling asleep on the couch when it was his turn. I've never done that before. I've never fallen asleep around other people because I don't like feeling vulnerable. But it's fine if it's him."

The girls were giving each other sideways glances and grinning to themselves. This was too good and cute. They needed to make sure Akira and Futaba had plenty of time together.

Futaba looked disgusted with herself. "I'm clingy. That makes me clingy, right?"

Ann waved her off dismissively. "Nope, not at all! It's totally natural to want to be near the person you like."

Her encouragement didn't seem to put Futaba at ease. She scoffed and put her hands on her hips. "That's gross. Really gross. I feel funny in my stomach."

Haru put her hands together in hope. "That funny feeling can be butterflies from thinking about him! That comes with the territory of love."

Futaba groaned. "Real-life dating is harder than otome games after all..."

The group was getting more tired as the day became evening. The rides and rush from earlier were crashing down, more so for Futaba and Ann as their sugar meters were running low from indulging too fast and too much. But Ann still had enough brain power to think of one last ride to do for the perfect end to the day. Her eyes sparkled and her hands were clasped together against her cheek as she gazed up at the ride.

"The Ferris Wheel! Destinyland has one of the longest rides in the world! Twenty minutes of great views and romantic atmosphere!" she shouted, eyes dreamy with possibilities.

Ryuji wrinkled his nose. "Why would we want that? It's not like-"

He was given a sharp elbow from Makoto, who pointed over at Futaba and Akira. The two weren't listening, too busy dealing with Futaba's groaning of how tired she was with Akira physically supporting her. Ryuji's mouth fell open.

"Oh, right. Wait, do we all have to go?! Why me?!" he shouted, stomping his foot towards Ann.

The girly blonde bristled. "If we all don't go, then Futaba will use it as an excuse not to! Just eat a snack while you wait!"

Ryuji pointed an accusing finger at her. "You ate all the snacks!"

Yusuke swooped in and grabbed Ryuji's shoulders, a hard look on his face. "We must ride the Ferris Wheel, Ryuji. There's so much inspiration to be had."

Ryuji wrenched himself out of his hold.

"Go yourself!" he snapped.

Yusuke grabbed him back, face turning dim. "You're my promised park buddy."

Ryuji groaned, cursing his luck. Why was he always stuck with Yusuke?

Haru grabbed Makoto and Ann's shoulders, shaking violently and pointing towards the entrance of the ride.

"We should act quickly! Futaba and Akira have already gotten in one!" she called out. As she said, the two were already being checked into their own gondola. Akira gave them a salute before he followed Futaba in.

Ann's jaw dropped. "When'd they-? Come on!"

She shook out of her shock and hugged the girls' arms to herself before charging towards the Ferris wheel. Ryuji was dragged by Yusuke to follow.

In their gondola, Futaba watched as more passengers were loaded onto the ride before the rotations began. She snuck a peek of over to Akira, who was looking out and smirking when he saw Ryuji's suffering face enter a gondola with Yusuke. He'd get an earful about that later. Futaba curled into a ball and sighed deeply. The rush of the rollercoasters and spinning of teacups stayed in the past of today and she was glad for it. Her body couldn't take any more and her energy level had depleted. It felt sort of nice to be alone with Akira who wouldn't ask her a million questions like his friends did. While they were nice, she just didn't like super socializing. Life simulation games typically had a social need with their characters, but Futaba's was practically nonexistent in real life. But what about romance? Her heart still raced when Akira was around, which hadn't happened before. Their interactions and banter were the same as always, but she found herself wanting more time with him. She looked forward to going to his home and playing together. They would cook for each other and share stories. When she fell asleep that one time, he placed a blanket on her and continued on with the game. He never made her feel awkward for falling asleep, but she was so embarrassed. She smiled gently and hid it behind her knees.

"I like being like this. It makes me feel calmer," she murmured. He perked up at the sound of her voice. He stared at her quizzically.

"In a Ferris Wheel ride?" he asked, unsure what she meant.

She shook her head and stretched her legs out. "I'm not telling. You'd make fun of me for it."

He looked surprised and a tiny bit upset. "No I won't."

He sighed when Futaba closed up and stared out her window. He couldn't get this girl sometimes. And yet he still feels smitten when she's around. If only she would open up more. He should feel accomplished though, she was warming up to him in a way that made him no longer regret approaching her that day at the arcade.

"This ride feels like it was made for couples," she muttered. His heart gave a start. He was smiling in spite of telling himself that he shouldn't get his hopes up.

"Yeah, I see it," he agreed.

She shot him a warning look that was less intense than the ones she gave him before. "Why are you smiling like that, basement-dweller?"

He was growing fond of that nickname. "Maybe I want something," he mentioned vaguely.

To his utter surprise, she smirked back.

"Maybe you'll get it once a few more days pass if you're good," she replied, just as vague. He nearly fell out of his seat.

"Wait wait wait," he repeated, slowing down and trying to process what she had said. Hope was springing and it was hard to stay suave if he was this excited.

"A-are you serious?" he asked slowly.

She simply gave him an innocent smile. "Serious about what? I honestly don't know what you're talking about."

She wasn't exactly lying. If he was being vague, then she was too. It threw him off his game and made her smile. Now if she was thinking what he wanted was true, that was going to be something. Oddly enough, she didn't think she minded. But commitment was scary. What if she didn't live up to expectations and she got dumped in record time? That thought alone made her feel down. She...she shouldn't have said anything. Looking back at Akira, her heart jumped when he was smiling a little more dreamily than he normally did when he teased her.

When the ride was over, she was led out by the hand by Akira and the two waited for the others to exit their gondolas. It felt like everyone had been hit by a speed-down because movements felt slow and heavy. She was exhausted too. Hanging out was one thing, but they were constantly moving around the park. She had never put so much energy into one day before. Her body needed rest. A magic flute wouldn't be useful in waking her up. Akira cursed loudly and caught her when he saw her nearly fall onto the cobble street. It gave everyone an adrenaline shock from the dreary attitude they had before. He shifted to pick her up like a princess, smiling a little as she murmured sleepily.

"Let's hurry back to the hotel. I feel like falling asleep too," he decided. No one could argue because they were too tired to talk.

Futaba woke in the middle of the night on a comfy bed. Groggy and thirsty, she slowly sat up and tried to shake the sleep out of her head. She was in the hotel room the girls were sharing. All the girls were sleeping heavily like they were under a spell. She just wanted her water so she could fall back in the spell herself. With a bottle from the fridge, she went through her phone when she noticed a few notifications on it. She had sleepily given consent for the girls to change her into pajamas. That sounded like her. Free breakfast at 5:30 AM. Hell no, too tired. Akira carried her back to the hotel. If she wasn't any more tired than she was, she'd freak out at the news. Not enough energy to do that.

Finishing her water, she tossed the bottle into the trash bag and fell into the sweet embrace of the bed again.

Sometime later, she could hear the sounds of rustling as the other girls got out of bed. Maybe they were going to breakfast. But she was too tired to check what time it was. Instead, she went back to dreaming of her inevitable triumph over Akira in Smash.

With their trip over, Futaba was dropped off at her home with her dog ears on and her luggage. She headed up with Akira who volunteered to bring her luggage to her apartment.

"Destinyland was a lot of fun," she stated, stretching her arms. "Now back to our regularly scheduled routine and ongoing series of Futaba's Revenge Against Akira!"

He smirked at her. "Who knows if she'll ever get her revenge when her series will renew for 4 more seasons?"

Her jaw dropped in offense. "Ugh! You're on! The series is going to get canceled when Akira is found begging for forgiveness after a humiliating defeat!"

He ruffled her hair playfully and dropped off her luggage at the door. Feeling brave, he gently leaned down and pressed his lips against her cheek. stopped working and blue screened.

He pulled away and smiled. "Take care, Futaba."

Her eyes were wide and unresponsive. Akira nonchalantly took her key and unlocked her door. Ushering her and her luggage inside, he set the key on her counter. He patted her head before quietly shutting her door and leaving with a satisfied smirk on his face. By the time she restarted and came to, she threw herself into bed and groaned. His charm stats overpowered hers by a mile.

Days had gone by once again before Futaba gave herself a few days off from work. Being a freelance programmer gave her plenty of perks including working from home unless the museum needed her. As long as she did her work and kept security tight, she could come and go as long as she could still work a few hours on her vacation for maintenance.

Futaba chewed haphazardly on her fingernails as she scanned the various ticket choices on the kiosk for the subway. She needed one to Yongen-Jaya and she was not looking forward to cramming into a metal tube with swarms of people taking her oxygen. The club was way worse though and Destinyland wasn't as bad. At least people weren't dancing and pushing her into the crowd. But the subways were a hubbub for perverts. It's alright though, she had a little switch blade that she could shank someone Assassin's Creed style if she so desperately needed to without cutting off her own finger for it.

That didn't mean she was looking forward to it though.

It's been almost a month since she visited Sojiro. That was the only reason why she was willing to go. She could indulge in free curry and coffee, though she was definitely going to give him some money to help out. She did make a promise to herself on a promise list that she would provide for Sojiro like she had done for him.

Behind her, footsteps closed in and she nervously kept to herself. Maybe the people would go around her.

"Futaba-chan?" called out a familiar voice. Recognizing it, she immediately turned around and saw Ann, Makoto and Haru.

"Oh. Hi," she greeted, smiling a little at them. Ann giggled.

"Hi yourself! It's nice to see you. Heading out for the day?" Ann asked, giving her a quick hug. Futaba nodded slowly.

"Yeah. Have things to do." She didn't want to say much. She just didn't like people knowing her business. Ann didn't seem to be bothered.

"Same here. We're heading to our jobs right now. Had to pick up some extra shifts," she explained, sighing at the photo shoot she needed to do. Modeling was tough when it was out of necessity. Haru nodded nervously. She honestly couldn't relate. She was rich, but she was working extra out of guilt because her friends were doing it. Her independent branch of flower businesses was flourishing.

"We were a little careless with money some time ago," she added. Makoto slanted a look in her direction.

"Says 'we.' I got dragged into it," Makoto sighed. She shrugged a little. "But I did agree to attain my share."

Futaba frowned. "Sad face. I should see you guys around then, huh?"

Ann nodded earnestly. "Yup! By the way, where are you headed?" she asked, noticing her luggage.

Futaba shifted her luggage so it was next to her. "...Yongen-Jaya."

At the name of the familiar district, Ann excitedly grasped her hands together.

"Hey, Akira's heading there too! And he has a car! You two should totally go together and save yourself the money!" she suggested, though it was less of a suggestion and more of a demand. Futaba wildly tried to oppose.

"No!" she cried, but curse the temptations of frugality! "...ugh. That actually might be a good idea. Wait."

The color drained from her face. "I have to call him now, don't I?"

Ann seemed way too happy with herself. "That's what you do when you need to talk to someone! Need his number?"

Makoto shook her head and moved in to help the overwhelmed Futaba.

"Ann, of course she has his number already." The chatroom they included her in was proof of that. Though she did hear from Akira about the story where they exchanged numbers. The way she said it sounded teasing.

Futaba shook her head, catching onto the ideas brewing in their heads. "It's not what you guys think!"

"What is it that we think?" all three asked in unison. Futaba felt chills run down her spine. She had seen this before in a horror game. This was a fantastic day for a curse.

"Were...were you three triplets at some point?" she asked nervously. Their laughs in response were even more unsettling. She should probably jump on the next train to avoid this. Ann waved her hand encouragingly.

"Give him a call, Futaba-chan~," she sang. Futaba groaned, taking out her phone. She turned her back to avoid their eager stares. She took a deep breath. Calling Akira was normally meant to ask him if he was up for playing games. This was the first time it was for a true favor. They hadn't really talked about him kissing her cheek either. She couldn't out of embarrassment. She just kept things as normal as possible between them since she did value their friendship.

He picked up quickly, which was normal for him.

She sighed deeply. "Y-yo..."

"Futaba!" he answered back joyfully. Too joyful. She resolved to hang up.

"Nuh uh, I can't." Mind made up, she swiped off. The other girls were worried. Had she blown her chance for love?! Or something dramatic like that.

As soon as she had hung up, Akira called back. She groaned. It was just like him not to let something go. She answered bitterly.

"Why did you have to call back?" she whined.

He chuckled. "I got worried. Is everything okay?" he asked, partially concerned.

She sighed. "Yeah. I just had a favor to ask. Are you heading to Yongen-Jaya right now?" she asked, hoping it was a yes so she could sweep everything under the rug.

He paused for a minute before answering. "Ah, not just yet. I needed to pack since I plan on staying there for a while. Why do you ask?"

She glanced back, flinching when she saw Ann looking the most eager out of the group. She ignored her and cleared her throat.

"I was wondering if you'd take a hitchhiker," she whispered. He seemed to take it in stride.

"You want to come with? Sure! I can't come pick you up right now though..." He paused for a moment and she could here shuffling in the background. It was hard to hear when the trains kept screeching in the tunnels. She was more than eager to leave this underground mess.

"Sure. I'll walk." She nodded to the girls and turned to leave, stopped when Akira spoke firmly.

"...no. I don't feel comfortable making you walk from the train station. I can hear it, by the way," he added as another train squeaked to a stop. "Stick around and I'll come and get you."

She pouted a little. She really didn't mind the walk, but he seemed insistent. "Oh, okay..."

"I was seriously going to murder him if he said she should walk to his place," Ann muttered, dissolving her plans to get rid of her frizzy haired friend. The others didn't disagree. The girls waved at her like proud moms before they hurried onto the train for work. Fingers crossed that Akira didn't screw it up. Haru has an axe to grind and Ann learned the strangle hold.

Futaba hated waiting games the most, she remembered as she waited by the street near the entrance of the subway. It made her think unnecessary thoughts and left her feeling miserable with endless possibilities that didn't work out in her favor. She was getting a ride from Akira, but did that mean she had to go home with him too? And Yongen-Jaya was at least two hours away with this ridiculous traffic. What did she get herself into? Why did she listen to Ann when she could've easily been on a train right now?

But between being crammed into a train like sardines and deal with stabbing perverts left and right, she did prefer to spend time with someone she knew and liked better than the average citizen in this noisy city.

A familiar black Mitsubishi pulled up next to her, pulling her out of her thoughts. The passenger window rolled down and Akira leaned over into view.

"Hey," he greeted, smiling warmly.

She awkwardly waved. "Hi."

Setting the car to park, he quickly emerged and took her luggage. "Come on."

He ushered her into the passenger seat, setting her suitcase in the trunk before he returned to the driver's seat.

Setting off again, he turned to her and grinned.

"So Yongen-Jaya for you too, huh? Any particular reason why?" he asked.

She decided to keep it vague. Last thing she wanted was for him to go with her to see Sojiro. Her stepdad would very likely get the wrong idea and drive Akira out with a broom and a shotgun.

"I'm there to see someone," she replied, pulling her knees up to her chest.

"Same. And to pick up on some work," he added, sounding tired at the last remark.

Futaba raised a brow. "Is it because of wasting money? All of your friends seem to be on the same boat about that."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, about that. We kinda splurged more than we should've when we had to pool together money for something. Now we end up with the debt."

Yet they also went to an expensive theme park on top of that?

"Didn't you guys put yourself in more debt by going to Destinyland?" she asked bluntly. He held up a hand in defense.

"That was an absolute necessity. We wanted to make you feel like part of the group." Well, that was sweet, but not a financially smart decision. She remembered Ryuji mentioning extra training sessions with the track students at Shujin Academy and he wasn't excited about it. Yusuke had moaned about tutoring art students too. Was what they pooled for that expensive? Then again, if the Phantom Thieves hadn't bought her needed upgrades for her PC, she would be crying too over the cost.

She smiled. "Well, I'm grateful. You didn't have to do something that expensive to make me feel welcome, you know. You guys easily could've thrown a pizza party with games and I would've enjoyed that just as much."

Akira scoffed. "Casual outings, yes. But this was the first serious event we wanted to have with you."

Fair enough. If they were willing to spend the amount, she wasn't in a place to scold them about it. She spent her money on games and curry ingredients. Then there was that drone she detonated without a second thought that night she met the Phantom Thieves. Replacing that took some time and money out of her pocket.

They pulled up to Akira's place and he quickly got out of the car. "Sorry, need to finish packing!" he said, opening the car door for her.

He raced back inside and left her standing in his living room. She wasn't going to just waltz into his room like she owned the place. That was beyond rude. Besides, the living room was where she was more comfortable in. She could describe every detail of the room given how many times she came here. The kitchen was nice and cozy too. She never told Akira, but this place felt like a third home besides her apartment and Sojiro's house. If she mentioned it, he'd probably joke about her paying rent with Ryuji and Yusuke buttering her up to contribute and move in. She liked her place where no one could watch her while she failed another otome route.

When he came back down with two suitcases, she stood in shock when she noticed one of them was padlocked. It didn't look like a casual one either.

"Uh, origin story?" she prompted, pointing to it. He looked down for a second, then winked at her.

"Habit. That delinquent side of me being overprotective of his stuff." At his explanation, she shrugged. Portable treasure chests were convenient. Unless someone walked around with a lockpick, they probably weren't going to open up the suitcase.

He loaded his luggage in next to hers before starting the car again. She diligently put on her seatbelt and resumed staring out the window again. Curry at Leblanc sounded like heaven. She'd probably eat two plates with a mug of cappuccino. She just missed the coffee and curry that Sojiro made.

While she was lost in thought, Akira reached over to turn on the radio.

I'm a shape-shifter

At Poe's masquerade

Hiding both face and mind

All free for you to draw.

She stopped her train of thought, zeroing in on the song. Wow, she must've drawn up a lot of luck in her stats today! She gingerly reached out to the volume knob, stopping her hand for a second. This wasn't her car to go DJ on. What if Akira didn't like the song?

"...do you mind...if I turn up the volume?" she asked quietly.

He smiled and glanced in her direction. "Not at all."

Relieved, she turned up the volume until the singer's voice was nice and clear. Approving of the volume, she sat back in content and looked over to him. "Do you think it's a nice song?"

"Yeah. I listen to it a lot whenever I have time to myself and want to chill." Futaba nodded at his answer. She sighed deeply and leaned back into her seat. She felt weightless and relaxed.

"It's a good song. Sorry, I wanna take a minute to just listen to it," she murmured. Akira's chuckle vibrated pleasantly in her ears.

"Of course."

Not fighting the sleepiness that took over, she closed her eyes and let her mind drift with the song.

Akira putting the car in park pulled her out of her sudden nap. She sat up, marks on her face and arm from sleeping in her seat. Her hair was a mess and she had faint drool marks on her mouth.

"Wha? I fell asleep?" she warbled, glancing over to him. He was taking off his seatbelt.

"Just for a little bit. We're here in Yongen-Jaya," he announced, gesturing to the windshield. She stretched and peered out to the familiar view of her hometown. He had parked near the backstreets like Sojiro always did. She bowed her head.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude and fall asleep on you," she apologized forlornly. He patted her head, soothing her.

"It's fine. You looked too comfortable, so I felt bad waking you up." He opened his door to get out.

"Let's take our luggage out. Do you need me to carry anything for you?" he offered. He had one suitcase more than her, so that wouldn't be fair to him. She shook her head.

"I can handle it. I'm gonna head back to my old house. It's not that far from here."

He nodded as he popped open the trunk. "That works. I'm heading over to my probation mentor's workplace."

She pulled her suitcase out and set it on the ground before grinning at him. "Thanks for the ride! If I see you around the place, let me treat you to lunch!"

He beamed at her. "Sounds like a promise. Take care."

She nodded and flounced off to Sojiro's. She never told him what time she'd be arriving, so it'd be a nice surprise.

Yongen-Jaya didn't change at all since the last time she was here. It was good for her to see since she didn't like crazy amounts of change. People here tended to be chill, albeit gossipy, but she preferred this over the city which was full of gossip. Here, she was just Futaba, the quirky daughter of the grumpy cafe owner on the corner of the alleyway. She nodded to the owner of the secondhand shop nearby, who seemed more than glad that one of his top customers was back. She'd have to see if he had any games in stock for her.

Reaching the house, she took a minute to commit it back to memory. The familiar walls, the gate in the front, the shoddy door that was deceptively sturdy. She was home. With her spare key, she entered the house and dumped her suitcase in her room. Sojiro kept her things in place, but she really needed to tidy up later. She slid her window open up to air out her room and stuck her head out to enjoy the breeze. Even the smell of the air was different than it was in Shinjuku. Satisfied that she came, she bounced out of her house to see Sojiro at Leblanc.

The door to the café was the same as always, like she expected it to change. She opened the door like an unsuspected tornado and burst in.

"Sojiro!" she announced, glad that no customers were in. To her surprise, Sojiro was standing with Akira behind the counter with a cup of coffee. Shocked, she bounded over and stared up at the younger man.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, slowly piecing together the story Akira had shared about his mentor a while back.

Akira was finishing his pour in a second cup of coffee and smiled at her. "I took on my old job again."

Sojiro grinned at the sight of her. "Ah, Futaba! Good seeing you! This is-"

She cut him off. "A basement-dweller, I know. Good seeing you too, Sojiro."

Her stepdad chuckled, scratching the back of his head with one hand. "Still as blunt as ever. Akira and I were discussing a few things. I'm thinking of showing him the ropes to take over the business."

At this, Futaba's jaw dropped. Sojiro barely trusted his own regulars. If Akira had told her right, then he had only spent a year with Sojiro while she was in the academy. Now he felt comfortable to give Leblanc to Akira? Sure, there was a few years plus after that, but Sojiro wouldn't even trust the neighbors to have a spare key.

"I didn't think you'd trust anyone enough to let them take over," she answered, still surprised at how small the world was.

Sojiro shrugged. "Didn't think so either. But this one's got a good head on his shoulders. He's the brat I rehabilitated a few years back."

She frowned a little, shifting her weight to one foot. "You never told me much about it. Guess that's normal since I came back and immediately started job hunting."

She had put her head down and gave it her all. Sojiro had encouraged her and didn't talk much about what had gone on because he didn't want to take any attention away from her focus.

Sojiro nodded and smirked. "I'll make sure to tell you all the stories while you're here."

Akira raised his hand a little. "I can share stories too, since I feel like Sojiro might embellish some details."

She couldn't blame him for thinking that. "Sounds like something Sojiro would do. He'd tell me to be careful around you and paint you to be some kind of wolf."

Her stepfather bristled and jutted a thumb in Akira's direction. "He is, by the way. That's not a lie."

She rolled her eyes. "Uh huh. Anyway, I'm assuming the attic was his room, since I remember there being a bed up there. You do know it's oddly suspicious that you never told me about your attic dweller? Despite him living here for a year?"

Sojiro grumbled something, leaving Akira a chance to speak. His eyes grew a little softer. "Wished you had been around for it. It would've been nice if we met sooner."

Well, there technically wasn't anything wrong with that. She would have more friends in high school if she hadn't gone to the academy, but her life may have been different since the academy led her to her current job.

"Could've been," she admitted, "but better late than never."

She yawned, still feeling a bit tired from earlier. "Guess I'm gonna go knock out and replenish my minuscule stamina. Call me for dinner!"

Waving over her shoulder, she dashed out and left them men behind.

As soon as she was out of the door, Sojiro pinned Akira with a look. "Don't think I didn't see how you looked at her."

That cocky smile of his seemed to grow just to spite him. "Not a crime to look, not like I did in any sort of way to make you look at me with disdain. You did tell me back then to not get with your daughter even though you never showed me what she looked like. Never said why."

Sojiro scoffed and rubbed the back of his neck. "'Cause it'd be weird for you to start calling me 'Dad.' I actually wouldn't mind now if you did, since finding an honest boy for Futaba is getting troublesome. No one is worth it. Your smart mouth is something to handle, but her smart mouth counters it. Futaba seems to be your type, as much as I don't want to admit it."

The older man did not appreciate how confident his former ward had. Akira stuck his hands into his pockets with a wide grin. "So you approve of me dating her?"

Sojiro's glare could cut glass, but Akira remained unaffected. "Don't flatter yourself. I'm not saying anything."

Akira chuckled. "Alright, I respect that. Dad." His last remark sounded so mocking.

Sojiro groaned, swallowing coffee to keep himself distracted. "Hoo boy, what did I get myself into?"

Futaba woke up just in time for dinner. She stared out her window dreamily while listening to her favorite, calming song. The slow bustle of people and the faint sound of the train screeching to a stop played in constant, looping motion. Maybe she should come live back home and enjoy the rest of her life like this while still working online. But absence makes the heart grow fonder and she's appreciating every moment now.

Too bad she still had to deal with basic bitches, broke-ass NPCs, hentai weirdos on occasion and budget dollar wannabes on the daily, but she loved returning back to this position by her window.

She pushed off her windowsill and proceeded down the stairs to get to Leblanc, totally ready for the famous curry that her mother backed and improved.

Her curry was ready and sitting innocently in a booth when she came in, but the sight before her was way more tantalizing. Sojiro was guzzling water down with a plate of ruby red curry in front of him. Akira was waving around a ladle with a blank look on his face from the kitchen.

"Don't test how much spice I can lay into a curry. I did warn you," he added with a matter-of-fact tone. She stared fascinated as Sojiro struggled for a witty retort.

"I-I-I'm go-gonna s-s-sue!" he choked out, though the way he said it sounded more like an inside joke.

Akira smirked knowingly. "I'll file it under the other nags you give me." He saluted to Futaba.

"Welcome back. Sojiro prepped a plate for you." He gestured to the plate on the other table. She ignored Sojiro's sufferings and dove for the plate. She clicked her tongue as she waved her spoon in discipline.

"Haven't you told me to not underestimate others?" she scolded. He groaned something. Shrugging, she went to eating, happily bouncing as the curry's bold flavors filled her mouth. She giggled girlishly and put her hands on her cheeks in joy. Akira watched her with fascination, but quickly turned his gaze when she looked up.

After dinner, Futaba stretched out and yawned across the seats. Akira had eaten and went upstairs for his 'privacy.' That probably meant masturbating.

"Time for my evening walk," she announced to no one in particular. Sojiro was in the middle of clearing down for the day, looking up worryingly.

"Be careful. These areas may be safe, but it just takes one person to ruin it for everyone," he lectured. She nodded.

"Don't worry, I'm packing," she answered reassuringly. It did the total opposite.

His eyes were as wide as saucers. "'Packing?!' Is it a gun?! You'll be the trouble I'm warning you about!"

She scoffed. "No, of course not."

Because of his reaction, it probably wouldn't be any better to show him her switch blade. Without another word, she took off into the night. Sojiro sighed loudly. That girl was giving him heart palpitations. He started up the stairs to Akira, who had opened his locked suitcase with his things sprawled out on his old bed. When Sojiro cleared his throat, the younger man turned with an inquisitive look.

"Futaba's gone out. Could you watch over her?" he asked, not surprised to see the contents of the locked suitcase. Akira narrowed his eyes, gesturing to his bed.

"In sight or in the shadows?" he asked.

Sojiro sighed and scratched the back of his head. "Either. Just make sure neither of you get in trouble. But I worry. Neighbors have been complaining about some seedy people from the city crawling over to solicit business."

Akira remained quiet as Sojiro descended down the stairs. Wordlessly, he reached out and pulled the long tailcoat off his bed.

Futaba walked slowly, taking in the sights of everyone finishing their errands or out for a walk. The stores were closing shop for the day and the crowds began slimming down to a handful of people on the street minding their own business.

She should have been paying attention to the small alley she was passing.

Her entire body was yanked into the alley and her blood froze in fear. She was slammed into the wall and was lucky her skin didn't scrape thanks to her jacket. Her body screamed in pain from the collision and the giant hand grabbing her hair. She shivered in disgust as a large man came into view with a perverse look on her face. Short hair, sweaty complexion, and a suit that was uncanny to the sleazy club promoters from the city hoping to score more girls into coming in and bringing in men.

"Haven't seen you around here. Wanna have some fun, hottie? I know some guys who'll make it worth your time," he snickered, panting at the thought of her on her knees and servicing his clients. She gagged in her mind, but her hands moved faster. Her switch blade was out and she swiped it across the man's arm on her hair. She dug in deep, remembering the golden rule of going all out to defend yourself.

Her blade retreated back into her sleeve as she scrambled to get up again. She was scared, but survival was way more important. As she tried her escape, she cried out when the man reached down and grabbed her ankles, yanking and causing her to hit the pavement. She desperately kicked to free herself, but the man held on tight even after she had cut him and blood was running down his arm. Fuck this guy. She wasn't going to run. She was going to end him.

Her blade clicked out from under her wrist, Futaba forcing herself to turn over and aim the blade straight for his eye. Before she could connect, another dagger emerged from the darkness and sunk centimeters into his back from behind. The man cried out in pain, releasing her from his hold and staggering back. He was forced into standing from a figure she recognized when they stepped into the moonlight.

Tailcoat had his dagger held up to the man's throat, his free hand under the man's jaw and pulling it up to give his dagger space. The man could only see his assailant's eyes.

"You're going to leave her alone, Ryuichi Kanasaki," he hissed out, his voice the familiar deep warble. His eyes were murderous through the mask. Futaba took her chance and ran for it. Tailcoat could handle himself, she was definitely sure of that.

Horror games were definitely not her forte. She slammed into the corner of an alley when she turned too quick, ignoring the pain in her shoulder and continuing to run.

Minutes passed as she followed out of Yongen-Jaya through the backstreets, more determined to get as far away as she could from the man who probably wanted to make her a prostitute. Fuck that guy. If that was his name, she was going to dig up his past and blast that shit on his social media and in the news. As she thought out her revenged, she took another turn out of the alley she was in.

She smacked into a firm, looming body shrouded in darkness. It was way taller than her and intimidating as all hell.

She opened her mouth to scream, but he was quick to silence her by putting his hand on her mouth, coming into the light. Tailcoat. She steadily relaxed, letting him gently release her. He was panting a bit as if he were running around looking for her.

"You're okay," he muttered, more to confirm rather than ask. She huffed in air and coughed roughly. That damn lack of exercise took over once her adrenaline died.

"Am not. I need to level up my endurance," she whined, putting her hands on her knees as she struggled to catch her breath. Tailcoat took her by the chin, moving her head this way and that to look her over. She was going to get bruises by tomorrow. That man was fully intending on marking her body up just enough so he could still sell her without being damaged goods. It made Joker's blood boil. He had the man's information. He was going to bury his ass.

"I should've come sooner," he hissed regretfully. She shrugged. No one could travel in time yet.

"You should've come later. I was going to give him an excuse to wear an eyepatch." He let out a relieved chuckle, thankful that she was alright enough to joke around. She put her hands behind her back and stared at him curiously.

"How come you're here, Tail...dude?" She forced herself to give him a different nickname to keep him off Alibaba's trail. He looked at her in confusion, but said nothing about it.

"My name's Joker, by the way. I'm here on business. You want me to take you home, Futaba?" Ack, she almost forgot that he knew her name. Akechi, that stupid Conan wannabe. She shook her head.

"No thanks. I'm still going on my walk." She started to pass him with her head held high.

He grabbed her by the wrist. "Wait, some guy almost kidnaps you and you still want to be out?" he asked incredulously.

Well, he had a point there. But she was determined to go on.

"Meh, then be my bodyguard, Joker. I still need to walk off the curry I ate."

He looked at her up and down. "Why do you need a walk? You're a fucking stick-oh fine. I'll walk with you. Consider it your payment."

The way he said that got her heated. She stomped her foot. "Debts?! Ugh, forget it! I'd rather take someone's eye out!"

He chuckled. "Please don't actually do that. Come on, it'll be fine." He reached a hand out for her to take.

Feeling as though she could trust him, though she could knife his eye if needed, she took his hand.

"Okay."

He walked with her to a small empty park nearby with the lake out in the distance. Trendy couples sought after better hotspots like the movie theaters and the dance clubs. At least there was some peace and quiet.

She sat on a swing and slowly rocked herself while Joker took the one next to her. She hummed as she stared up in the sky.

"I have no idea why a phantom thief would be here in a small place like Yongen-Jaya. I think you're lying about having business here," she concluded plainly. Under his mask, Joker cursed her bold attitude. But he played it cool.

"Even if I am lying, it's good that I was around to protect you from that pervert," he pointed out.

She blew a raspberry at him. "I did eighty percent of my rescuing. You just came swinging in with your knife and stole the rest of the glory. And now you lump me with a debt. You're not the only guy who's done that. Do guys throw debts around thinking that girls would be into that? I'm not attracted to having to pay for things."

Joker narrowed his eyes. "You...shouldn't be. This is relaxing though, isn't it? You can relax here and you have a handsome knight protecting you." He grinned when her jaw dropped. She pouted at him.

"Calling yourself handsome is like calling yourself humble. Just because you describe yourself that way doesn't mean it's true. Now if someone else called you handsome besides your mom and grandma, then you can say that. In other words-" She reached out and grabbed his mask.

"I'll be the judge of that! Otherwise you're just a creepy voiced weirdo!" He flinched when he felt the mask become slightly askew. They floundered around with Joker grabbed her wrists while she was trying to pull off his mask.

"Lemme see your face!" she begged.

"No!" he shouted, surprised by her burst of strength despite her size. As if by some miracle, she let go. He nearly fell over when she put herself in balance and left him hanging. She put her hands behind her back innocently.

"I guess you saving me warrants a free day of not being bugged."

He sighed inwardly. Even though she was tiny, she could be pretty overbearing. He readjusted his mask on his face and stepped back.

"Just take my word for it that I'm handsome."

She rolled her eyes. "For now. Shouldn't knights be chasing after princesses or something? This place is relatively safe. I can handle myself now. No one can sneak up to me out in the open like this."

He shook his head in disbelief. "You wouldn't think perverts are hiding in the shadows so that you won't see them on purpose?"

She narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "The only potential pervert I see out here is you. You have plenty of charges against you, ya know. Picking up girls at the club and running away with them while being undetected in a crowded area, sneaking in with a knife to attack another pervert possibly in hopes of stealing their prey, taking said prey to a quiet park with no one around to enact your sick fantasies."

He stared at her in shock as each point stabbed his body. "You took me here! And I was saving you those times!"

She wasn't impressed. "Buttering up your prey. Makes the meal extra savory. But guess what, Joker?" she sneered. He just let her say her piece. If she was on a roll, there was no stopping her.

She leaned in to give him her most threatening look, but he got more fear out of seeing utility bills. "Try anything perverted with me and I will bite your lips, your tongue, spit in your face and knee you in the balls."

When he shivered in response, she quickly looking down, but back up again before she saw anything. "That better have been a shiver of fear," she squeaked, still hoping she sounded intimidating.

He chuckled. "A bit."

Disgust trembled up her spine as she sat on the steps of a slide. "Don't tell me you're into that shit."

"I am not. But I like knowing you're strong," he admitted. He leaned against the ladder.

"You remind me of someone I met, but I never got to see her face." She froze. He must've meant Alibaba. She played it cool and lifted her legs up close to her body.

"Don't talk about another girl if you're on this sham of a date with me." She didn't exactly care about his attention, but she needed to change the subject fast. He gave her a stunning grin.

"Not at all. You've got all my attention tonight." His response made her gag. She was saving her secret and a cost. But she'd use this as an excuse to drain more info out of him.

"So, are you single?" he asked boldly. She almost slipped off her stair step. Did this guy seriously ask her that? First he goes talking about Alibaba, now he cared about her relationship status? Why? Was he trying to add her and Alibaba to some harem? Boy, don't play her. She held her tongue.

"How about you answer that first before I do?" she shot back. He hummed a little in thought.

"I'd want to be taken." Ah, so he was desperate. She couldn't relate.

"So go get taken. Is the self-proclaimed 'handsome knight' not a ladykiller?" she teased. In a flash, he was up close in her face, smiling warmly.

"Depends on if she'll take me," he replied huskily. She jolted back, heart drumming in her ears. He looked sincere, but could he really be asking her?! A vision of Akira's smiling, serene face came to mind. Guilt took over the shock.

"Y-you aren't asking me, right? Because-!" she broke off, gazing to the floor. Joker blinked.

"Because what?" he asked. Though his eyes were gleaming with mischief.

She frowned. "N-nothing! You're a nosy joker..." she mumbled.

He chuckled. "Sorry. Can't resist when you're so cute. Anyway, are you single? I answered, so it's your turn."

Ugh, so persistent! She hoped that little outburst of hers made him forget! Of course not.

"Single. Single and staying that way. No guys are interested in me anyway. I barely go out as is. Turns out that was the right thing to do, since all I attract is trouble," she answered, cringing at the thought of the pervert.

He cupped his chin. "I'd beg to differ on that. I'm sure there's someone interested in you."

She raised a brow. There's no way he knew Akira. And maybe he was just messing with her like his namesake entailed.

"Oh? You don't count. We've met twice. That is not enough time to get interested."

He exaggerated being taken aback. "Hey, it's not about how much time you have with someone. It's what you do with it."

Fair enough. She didn't know about romance. She checked her watch, clicking her tongue when she realized Sojiro would be worrying about her at this time to get home.

"I gotta go now. It's almost bedtime," she announced. He pushed off the ladder.

"Alright. I'll walk you home." He held his hand out for her to take. She reluctantly held on and led the way back to Yongen-Jaya.

They reached her doorstep without much drama to be had. She was very lucky no one saw her with the infamous thief. Well, it did help that he used a lockpick on her window and slid it open for her. She landed on her feet in the room and turned to find him gazing expectantly at her as he sat on her window sill.

"Uh, what?" she asked, not hiding the attitude.

He chuckled. "Kiss good night? It's tradition on a date night."

She rose a brow. "Seriously? No way. I don't kiss on the first date. Don't make me recite the assassin's creed and knife you in the throat."

He grinned. "I'm just teasing. Take care of yourself, Futaba."

Before she could respond, he swooped down and was out of sight. What a strange guy, but strange was better than the other guy. She inspected her window. She needed a better lock. Maybe she'd rig a system that sent a shock to the intruder trying to break in. That could help for Sojiro's safety. That was something she could work on while she was here.

When morning came, she awoke to a message from Tailcoat on her email.

'I hope you've been well. I had a great night just now. It made me want your heart more and more.' She ignored how her heart skipped a beat.

Her response was quick. 'Cannibal.'

She logged off and walked to Leblanc for breakfast. She was greeted by Akira's warm smile that felt just right.

So for those of you who don't know based on my notes on other stories, I am a nursing student. The time of these fan fictions were during summer break and unfortunately, the time is coming to an end. You may not hear from me for another three months and maybe more since winter break doesn't exist since we jump into it relatively quick. I hope to return, but I've had so much fun writing so far! I always try to do long chapters to make up for the long waits!

Next chapter preview:

"I'm onto you and your sex dungeon."

...

"I know what a key's for. Unlocking things."

...

"Futaba, there's something I wanted to ask you."