This chapter is more focused on original story. Just a little bit of heads up.

4/20

It started raining in the morning and I made sure I brought my umbrella. The whole day was pretty uneventful to be honest. Everything was pretty much the same as the last time. After school, Amane-san texted me that she won't be available so I decided to go to the library for some light reading.

Upon entering the library, I noticed the number of students inside. It's not a lot but the fact that there were students sitting on study booths and browsing the shelves is something worth noting. As I was passing by the shelves, I noticed that the school president, Makoto Niijima, was at a table studying all by herself. Niijima-senpai was always studious one so it's no wonder that her grades were very high. I heard that her sister studied here and is now a prosecutor so maybe there is a legacy that she wants to upheld.

I started to browse the shelves for something to read at. Of course, I couldn't find Witch Dectective here as that book is more suited at middle school libraries. After searching, I chose the book titled "Dragon: Like a Yakuza" which I've heard is going to be adapted into a movie to be released next year. I heard great things about the book so I might as well try to read it.

I was around halfway reading the book when I noticed that it was time for me to go. I looked around and noticed that there wasn't that many students inside. Heck, even Niijima-senpai had already left. Putting the book back on the shelf, I reflected my experience reading it. It was as good as they say though I find it a little strange. I never expected a story about a yakuza to have an emotional story and have him going to karaoke of all places when he's not beating the shit out of people. This could be a good story for a video game.

As I was on my way home, I am prepping myself on what's going to happen tonight. It's time for me to talk to Mom.

It was after dinner that I decided to tell Mom that I wanted to talk to her.

"Is there a problem, Ruri?" she asked.

"It's…. something that I need to talk to you." I replied.

She seemed to understand what I said. She said, "Alright, I'll talk to you at the living room after I wash the dishes."

I nodded and went to the living room to wait.

It wasn't long until Mom came into the living room. She took the seat across me.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" she asked, starting the conversation.

"W-well, do you remember what we talked about not long before Dad died?" I asked.

"Oh that? Let's see….. I believe it's about what you want to be taking for college. Am I correct?"

"Y-yes. About that, several years had passed and I had some thinking. I realize that I…."

It's now or never.

".… I don't want to take engineering for college."

Mom's eyes widened and said, "What?"

"When I was at the age when we talked about it, I was inspired by my dad's story that I decided that I wanted to fulfill the dream that he never had. However, as the years go by, I slowly realized that what I said during that time was just based on my emotions. I never gained interest or motivation on engineering and hell, I didn't like math. It was when I read the book "Witch Detective" that I gradually gained my interest on creating my own stories. Knowing that writing isn't strong suit, I practice myself creating my own."

I looked at Mom and I saw her looking at me with a neutral expression. I took it as a sign to continue.

"Hell, I even considered joining the Newspaper Club just to practice my skills. The only stopping me from handing my registration paper….. was you. I wanted your approval, Mom. My conscience doesn't want to do this without you knowing."

"Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Huh?"

"This path you're taking, is this what you want? Ruri, you made a promise that you would continue your Dad's dreams on being an engineer, right as he was on the hospital bed. He was very happy that you have found your dream at such a young age. He wants you to pursue your studies and keep living that dream."

".…That's why I'm afraid to tell you. I don't want to break my promise to him but things change, Mom. The me that talked to Dad all those years is not the me now. I have been through a lot and it changed me for who I am. When I was writing, I had this excitement to finally express these ideas to people and to create worlds and characters that I can imagine."

I took a big sigh and continued.

"So, yes, this is what I want. And it's final."

Silence overtook the scene for a moment. And then Mom began talking.

"You know, your Dad and I had a chat on that day. He told me that he was glad that you were inspired by him to pursue that dream. But he also told me you're still young at that time and things will change as you grow up and you may pursue a different dream. Turns out, he was right."

She chuckled a bit before continuing.

"I guess some promises are meant to be broken."

Knowing what this means, I said, "So, you're…"

"Ruri, you're my daughter. And as your mother, I only wanted you to be happy on the path that you will take. At this stage, you're old enough to decide on your own. Are you sure you're not taking it back?"

"Nope."

Mom smiled.

"Then, continue your dream. And be the best writer you'll ever be."

"Thank you, Mom."

We somehow instinctively shared a hug at the same time. After we broke the hug, my mother said to me, "You know, you have to talk to your Dad about this."

I giggled and said, "I know."

"So what do you want about to write?"

"Well, I was inspired from the "Witch Detective" novels that I wanted to write stories with some mystery on it."

"Oh, like those murder cases that I saw on TV?"

"Mom, not every mystery story involves a murder."

We continued talking that night. In my mind, I'm glad a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

4/21

My mother woke me up early morning in order to visit Dad in the cemetery. I guess she wanted to immediately wanted me to talk to Dad before I finally file my application.

"Hey Dad. Looks like we're having the talk again. Only this time, looks like I'm the only one doing the talking." I chuckled at my own joke. I let out a sigh and continued. "So, looks like I'm going to break the promise we had before you left. I finally decided that I'm going to be a writer. I know that this means I won't be able to continue your dream to be an engineer. It sucks, I know. But from what Mom told me, you already knew that I could change my mind about my dream. Hell, I'm sure if you're alive right now, you would be accepting my decision despite everything. And you gave this big speech and a big hug and after you'll try to make me laugh with a corny joke or something."

I chuckled again as tears started falling.

"I….I just wish I can experience all of it from you right now. I miss you, Dad and I hope that wherever you are, you'll always be watching not just me but all of us."

I wiped my tears and let Mom walk to Dad's grave. After some talking, we drove home to prepare for the day.

"Here."

I finally handed Maho-chan my application.

"It's about time, Kobayashi-san. Now, we just need to submit this to the principal and wait for the approval. However, with the coming board meeting, looks like it would take a while before it will get approved." Maho-chan said as she files away the application. "I would like to introduce you to our advisor but he's currently busy at the moment, so I guess I will introduce you to him sometime in the future."

"Oh, it's fine. There no-"

"Excuse me, is this the Newpaper Club?" a male voice interrupted our conversation.

"Yes, it is. How can I help you? Maho-chan asked.

"I would like to apply to the club."

"Another new applicant? Oh sure, come in."

We watched as he came in the club room. He came to the front of Maho-chan.

"I believe you are the president?" he asked.

"Well, yes. And the only member so far." Maho-chan replied.

"What about her?" he asked again, this time pointing at me.

"Oh, she's also an applicant like you."

"Really? Guess I'm not alone then." He turned around and faced me. "I hope we can get along."

Looking closer at his features, I can't help but think that he looked familiar. Those black eyes and brown hair…. I know I've seen those features before.

It wasn't long before I came into a realization.

"Wait, Ei-chan?!"

A/N

Hello there!

This is my first attempt at drama (or at least an emotional moment) so I am very anxious if this chapter would go well. Also, a new character is introduced. He is going to have a role in this story which is going to be revealed in later chapters.

Now that the conflict of this arc is resolved, the focus is now back to the game's events particularly on the calling card and Kamoshida's confession. Not much happens going there so expect a timeskip in the next chapter.

On another note, I noticed that this fic is now almost a year since it started on AO3 and it's still on Kamoshida arc. The slowness of the progress was because of me writing only on weekends due to work and knowing that Persona 5 is such a long game, it's gonna take years before this will be finished. Still, I'm glad that it at least got some attention however small with (as of 5/22/2021) 3 followers and 6 favorites. I know that this kind of story that don't focus on any of the Phantom Thieves or important characters doesn't seem appealing especially with OCs but it is a story that I wanted to make. I hope that I can actually finish this.

Anywho, see you on the next chapter!