September 9th.
The SIU Director was on the phone, discussing some important matters on who to cut off. A certain someone was at the top of the list and it was high time to get rid of loose ends. "No, I believe it is a wise decision. Though it was some third-rate tabloid's article, unnecessary information was leaked, after all. Besides, his investigation of the Phantom Thieves showed no progress since then."
…
"Yes." He nodded. "There is a chance he will betray us out of spite for being let go…so we can make it that he died of uh…heart attack. As usual, he will be left to deal with the…" He paused. The idea that was presented to him by the other man on the line made his eyes widen in surprise and delight. "Oh? I hadn't thought of that. Well played, sir. It no longer matters if we deal with one or two of those connected to us…."
.
.
September 10th.
Mishima let out a heavy sigh. "Our trip is almost over…by tomorrow night, we'll be heading to Japan."
"Dammit, this isn't how stuff was supposed to go!" Ryuji was complaining. A trip to Hawaii was supposed to be filled with beach and babes! He only got one of those and even then, barely!
"What do you mean…?" Mishima asked.
"We ended up walkin' around like we do in Japan! I mean we even ate at a freakin' Big Bang Burger! It's like we never left!" Ryuji groaned.
"Whine all you like, but that's what the trip was supposed to be." Mishima stated matter of factly.
"I think whatever plans were originally there ended up getting dashed since…we barely have any teachers." Ren adjusted his glasses.
"But weren't some other guys getting' all cozy with their girlfriends or some shit?" Ryuji asked.
"I…think…?" Mishima wasn't sure how to reply.
"That's it! What's what this trip is missin'!" Suddenly, Ryuji felt a surge of confidence. He thought they could salvage this trip somehow if they got some girls. "C'mon, we totally gotta get movin' during our free time in the afternoon."
"What are we doing to do?" Mishima was being dragged along and he knew it.
"Makin' a once in a lifetime summer memory!" Ryuji grinned. "Hawai's famous for its beaches! You know, what happens in Hawaii stays in Hawaii!"
"…Isn't that Vegas…?" Ren said.
"We can get some girls numbers' durin' the day, then sneak away to 'em at night! You in or what?" Ryuji looked towards Mishima expectantly.
"Me too…?" Mishima wasn't so sure about this.
"Neither of us got girlfriends' who'd be mad about it either!" Ryuji was really good at talking this up.
"…I guess that's true…" Mishima wasn't seeing anyone.
"C'mon, I know you're acting all cool about it, but you're coming too! No questions!" Ryuji told Ren. That's when Ren's phone buzzed. "Huh? Who could that b…actually, don't answer it. It could be about 'you know what'. Alright, c'mon Mishima!"
"Wait, what just happened!? It's only going to be the two of us, Sakamoto!?" Mishima thought Ren would at least join! He didn't like the idea of just hanging around Ryuji!
"Don't give me that look! We're going to Waikiki, so get excited!" Ryuji was already walking off, not really giving Mishima time to answer.
"Man…" Mishima let out a heavy sigh and slowly followed behind Ryuji, defeated.
"…I wonder who that message was from. I should check later…" Ren mumbled to himself. They had a little time today, so he could spare it.
.
.
"Today's our last free time…" Ann mumbled to herself. She was in her room again now, but her roommate already left to be with her boyfriend. But unlike last night, her roommate just decided to leave her the room key, which saved Ann a lot of trouble. "I should be able to meet with Hifumi no problem today…" Last night stung and left a bitter taste in her mouth. That's when her phone happened to buzz and she quickly checked to see who it was.
Hifumi: I know last night didn't end ideally…but we still have some time today. So would you like to walk down the beach with me? I could use the company.
Ann: That sounds great! I'll be right over!
"Don't mess it up this time, Ann…!" Ann told herself, digging around in her bag to look for a specific item; something she bought at the store just yesterday. "Okay, got it! Let's do this right this time…!"
.
.
Hifumi was in her bikini, waiting on the beach for Ann to show up. She was really glad she decided to pack it. Even though Hawaii was a little too hot for her liking, dressing for the occasion did make it easier to bear the heat. "…I don't know why I feel nervous…" She mumbled to herself. She was fiddling with a small object in her hands, but quickly hid it away when she saw Ann closing in.
"Hey!" Ann approached, also wearing her bikini. If they were going to enjoy Hawaii as much as they could, they ought to dress for it! "Did I keep you waiting long?"
"Not at all." Hifumi replied, managing a slight smile. "Shall we walk? I did want to enjoy the beach a little."
"Sure, let's go!" Nodding, Ann led the way down the beach, walking side by side with Hifumi along the shoreline.
It was quiet for a few moments. Truthfully, even though they both wanted to talk, they were avoiding the heart of the matter. So Hifumi decided to try and start small. "You said you lived in America before, right?"
"Oh yeah, for a little bit." Ann responded. "But I was always moving around a lot. I'm at least good at English because of it!" She could at least take pride in that. "Because of that, I've been helping a few girls from Shujin. But then those same girls ended up abandoning me to meet up with their boyfriends and all, so…" She let out a nervous laugh.
"How unfortunate…" Hifumi rubbed her arm awkwardly. "There were not many Kosei students who were prepared to come to Hawaii…myself included. So as a result, there were no plans for us. Even so, I am glad I was able to come…because you were here."
"Huh?" Ann blinked.
"I-I mean…" Hifumi quickly backpedaled. "It's just…I'm glad that I was able to be overseas with you and the others." Hifumi turned her gaze to the ocean, watching the waves peacefully crash by. "…I know I bring this up a lot, but I wouldn't be able to enjoy these types of things properly had you not pulled me along that day." Hifumi brushed her hair aside, not quite facing Ann. Her expression was faltering but she didn't want Ann to see it. "Ever since then, I've been a little more outgoing…not much, but I really enjoy the time I spend with everyone. It's the most fun I've had in a long time. Spending time with you all, fighting alongside you all…it's been great…a-and I…I…" Her voice was starting to quiver.
"H-Hifumi…?" Ann felt her heart drop. She could hear Hifumi's voice shaking. "W-What's wrong…?"
"…I've been thinking." Hifumi began weakly. "…I think I might quit playing shogi…"
"Huh..?!" Ann's eyes went wide. She didn't think she'd hear those words ever come from Hifumi's mouth. "But why…?"
"…I…I don't know what I want to do anymore…!" Hifumi suddenly exclaimed. This was the loudest she had ever been outside of the Metaverse and it surprised Ann noticeably. Hifumi still couldn't bear it, but she slowly turned to look at Ann and the expression broke her hear. Hifumi was crying, letting it out. "It's all so hard lately…!"
"…! Hifumi…!" Ann gasped.
"I thought I could take it, but I was wrong. It still hurts, Ann! Knowing that I'm part of the reason my father is in the hospital with no chance to recover! I thought I was doing the right thing at the time, I had no idea it would spiral into this!" Hifumi sobbed. She couldn't hold it back anymore. "I just…wanted to play shogi like my father. I wanted to be a professional like him…we bonded over it so well. I don't know when things went so wrong…!"
Ann did the one thing she could think to, wrapping her arms around Hifumi to pull her into a tight hug, allowing Hifumi to sob into her shoulder. It hurt Ann so much to see Hifumi break down like this. She didn't even get the chance to ask, it just happened at once. "…Hey…"
"I thought if I complied with my mother's wishes, it would make things easier. But that was wrong too!" Hifumi kept going, even though Ann tried to say something. "All it's done is suck out the enjoyment I had for a game that I truly loved. It just feels like everything I do is a mistake…! I can't make a choice on my own without hurting someone I care about or worse. My father is in the hospital; my life is nothing more than something for my mother to parade around for publicity…publicity that I never even wanted…it's so crushing. I…I wonder if joining the Phantom Thieves was a mistake after all, sometimes…"
"W-What…? Don't say that…!" Ann shook her head, pulling back a bit to look at Hifumi with a frown.
"I cannot help but feel this way recently…" Hifumi's voice was still weak. "If you asked me now why I am a Phantom Thief, I could not provide a suitable answer. The moment I awakened to my Persona, I felt so certain that it was what I wanted to do…! I thought I could make a difference and help people, but I was blinded by my ambition and failed to see the truth before me…no matter what course of action I undertake, someone will always get hurt. Whether it be people close to me, or simply those caught in the crossfire…after hearing the truth from my mother's Shadow, I felt my will to continue on that path vanish. I…I backed away from my shaky convictions and as a result, all of you in that moment. I believe that my lack of conviction would simply hold the team back...and that I do not have a place on the team. It…feels terribly wrong of me to continue on if I am unable to hold onto what makes a Phantom Thief precisely that…"
"….." Ann had no words. She didn't even know where to begin.
"I-I'm sorry…" Hifumi shook her head slowly, sniffling. Most of her sobs died down, but she just felt so terrible. "I just…I've been so stuck. When I agreed to lose that match, something inside of me just…broke. The moment it happened, it felt like everything I was working towards just fell apart. I thought I was doing well, but it's hard to tell anymore. I…I didn't mean to unload all of this on you, but you're the only one I could. It's a lot and it's unfair, but I…I'm a little scared. I've been losing so much lately. It's been so scary. I'm losing my father, my love of shogi, I'm afraid of what's next. If I lose my friends…if I lose you, I don't know what I'd do…"
Ann stood there, still hugging Hifumi. She truthfully felt the tears welling up in her eyes. Hifumi was so hurt from recent events, so afraid of what might come to pass. "Oh, Hifumi…I…" Ann needed to find the right words. This felt the same as with Shiho; Hifumi was pushed to her limit and needed someone at her side. Ann failed once…but she couldn't do that again. Not right now, when she knew she could make a difference. Even if it was small, Ann had to do something. "You aren't losing anyone…!" She blurted out. It wasn't even the first thing that came to mind; she just said it because it was instinctual.
Hifumi blinked slowly, wet eyes glancing down at Ann. She was surprised Ann blurted that out so quickly. "W-Wh…I…?"
Ann wasn't sure where she was going with this now, but she had to keep going. "I promise, you're not going to lose me or anyone else, Hifumi!" Of course, there was a part of Ann that knew to keep her promises and expectations grounded. But at the same time, she was literally doing everything in her power to cheer Hifumi up. "And you're not weak either, far from it! You've been enduring all of this on your own for a while now…but you don't have to. I'm glad you shared this with me, because now I know how I can help you!"
"Ann…" Hifumi sniffed. She felt the tears welling up again, but they weren't driven by sadness this time.
"This whole time, I've been so worried about you." Ann admitted. "I knew everything was weighing you down lately, but I didn't want to force it out of you. I was a little worried that you wouldn't tell me…I felt like I was having repeats of Shiho, just standing idly by while you suffered on your own. But I…I'm really glad you told me. Because I really didn't want to leave you alone, watching as the weight of your life slowly crushed you. I couldn't forgive myself for letting that happen a second time!" This time, she was the one trying not to cry and slowly failing. "You're really important to me, Hifumi, so please trust me when I say I want to help you!"
"I…Ann…" Hifumi was the speechless one this time. It wasn't that she took her friendship with Ann for granted, far from it. But this was truly the first time Hifumi was experiencing having someone be there for her during her low times. She was beginning to understand what it felt like and it was overwhelming in a good way. It made her heart swell.
"And don't ever say you don't have a place with us!" Ann kept going. "When you're not there with us, it doesn't feel the same. I know I'm not the only one who thinks this way, but the others do too! I saw it on their faces. You said that you belonged with us, right? Well…that's where you're staying. I'm not letting you retreat back into your shell again. When we became friends, that meant you were stuck with me, through thick and thin, whether you like it or not. Got it?" She managed a smile to display her positivity.
Ann was being the right kind of pushy; the kind of pushy someone like Hifumi needed to keep going and stay active. To prevent her from pulling back from all of her socializing progress. "…I…I guess that's true…" Hifumi was able to smile slightly in response. "I…I suppose it was foolish to think I could distance myself from you."
"That's right!" Ann said, pulling back from the hug slowly. They were able to push through the sadness and negativity together. "So…don't go anywhere."
When they parted from the hug, Hifumi admittedly missed the warmth that Ann provided. But it spread to her face and chest, possibly throughout her entire body. She couldn't recall a time she felt this way and brought a hand to her chest. Her heart was beating so fast she couldn't believe it. It left her stunned. The only other sounds she could make out where the gentle waves and the faint breeze. "When you ask like that…how can I…?"
"Hehe…" Ann held her hands behind her back, turning to face the ocean, letting the waves gently roll on her feet. "Hey, Fumi?" She didn't really think about it either, the name just slipped out on instinct.
Fumi? Was that a nickname? Hifumi never had one of those before, but she responded to it positively. "Yes…?"
"Let's make a promise." Ann's tone was as soothing as the ocean waves. "No matter how down one of us is feeling, we go to the other and talk about it. It's not good to keep all that in…I know it from experience, and I know you've been struggling with it badly these last few weeks. It's important to let it all out. …Is that okay with you?" Ann slowly turned around, the gentle Hawaii breeze blowing both her and Hifumi's hair ever so slightly.
"T…That's okay with me." Hifumi nodded slowly. "Yes. That's fine with me." She repeated, reaffirming her decision. "You are right, Ann. We shouldn't allow such awful feelings and thoughts to fester! I…I feel like a fool for having to ask this, but is it alright if I properly come back?"
"Don't be silly, you never left." Ann kept her smile.
"…Of course I didn't." Hifumi didn't know how much she needed to hear that. "Oh…! To commemorate this promise…" She pulled out a small charm and held it out towards Ann, cheeks burning a bright red. "I…I bought this at the store while waiting for you. I was planning on buying accessories and thought I may as well get one for you, since we were already h-here and all…"
"Oh…it's great, Fumi. I love it." Ann pulled out a small set of dolls. "I…actually got you something too. It was yesterday while I went to pick up sunscreen with Makoto. I wanted to surprise you!" Now her cheeks were red too. The two of them exchanged the accessories, holding onto them tightly. "There! As proof of our promise! Don't lose it, okay?" She teased.
"I wouldn't dream of it!" Hifumi replied. "It'll be like I'm carrying a part of you with me…" She then covered her mouth. "Oh…that was weird, wasn't it? I'm sorry, I'll stop talking…"
"D-Don't do that!" Ann shook her head, giving a small giggle. "If it helps you feel even a little bit better when you're down and I'm not around, that's all I need."
Hifumi managed to calm down a little bit from that. She was still a little flustered but was able to hold it in. "I…may lack a direction at the moment. But I'm certain I will feel better with everyone than being off alone."
"That's the spirit!" Ann then took Hifumi by the wrist, starting to lead her off down the shoreline. "Now c'mon!"
"W-Where are we going?!" Hifumi let out a cute yelp of surprise, clutching onto the gift Ann gave her to ensure she didn't lose it.
"We're going to enjoy the rest of our free time, duh! I'm hungry!" Ann said.
"…Of course you are." Hifumi closed her eyes for a moment, smiling fondly. "Let us enjoy the rest of our time together, then!"
.
.
Considering the day was coming to a close, it was no surprise that many students from Shujin and Kosei were trying to fit in as much as they could before it was time to return to Japan. By this time, the sky was painted orange from the sun setting over the horizon. Ren and Haru were walking down the beach together, having just finished a jumbo serving of shrimp. "Guh…that's enough shrimp for me for a lifetime…" Ren groaned. He was surprised they were able to finish it.
"That was quite a bit…" Even Haru was a bit distraught from it. But she was smiling at Ren, too. "But…thank you for walking with me, Ren-kun. I hope I wasn't a bother today."
"Not at all." Ren shook his head. "Plus, it wasn't like I was gonna leave you alone to deal with those dudes…" He recalled it vividly. He was making his way to the beach when Haru was being pestered by a few tourists. He was able to pull her away with no difficult and the men relented in their attempts after.
"I especially have to thank you for that." Haru kept her smile. "I wasn't sure what I was going to do to get them to quit bugging me. I deal with enough of that sort of thing back home…" It made her equally frustrated. But at the same time, in Hawaii, she was willing to take matters into her own hands if Ren didn't show up in time. Thankfully it didn't have to come to that.
"That's why you took the trip here, right?" Ren asked, recalling how Haru mentioned something along those lines just yesterday.
"Yes." Haru replied. "I wanted to do a bit more in Hawaii too, but I wasn't able to."
"Yeah, I think we all feel the same way there…" Ren replied. He glanced over to the side, only to see what he could only assume to be an embarrassing sight. Ryuji and Mishima floundering when it came to some American women, while Yusuke was being the surprisingly normal one for once. He had no idea of the events that transpired for this to even, but he wasn't getting involved.
"I wonder what happened there." Haru noticed. She turned her head only to see Makoto nearby as well. Turns out she was watching the situation from afar and was showing off her usual exasperated expression, which made Haru giggle. "It seems like everyone is spending their free time well, huh?"
"Yeah, looks like it." Ren said. He almost saw everyone around, but he did wonder where Ann and Hifumi were…before ultimately deciding it didn't matter. If Ann was able to help her feel better, then that was the important part.
.
.
Free time was now over and everyone returned to their respective hotel rooms. This was the last night in Hawaii so they were spending time packing and preparing for bed. Mishima was groaning from the long, embarrassing day he had. "Ugh…I was dragged around by Sakamoto all day…do you think I'll have to go through this in future school events as well?"
"You'll survive, Mishima." Ren said casually.
"T-Thanks…?" Mishima just sighed. "I dunno. It's fun hanging out with Sakamoto, but he's just too different from me. Is getting a girlfriend really my only option…I'd rather hang out with someone a bit quieter and reserved…which reminds me! I saw you and your friends hanging out with Hifumi Togo earlier! Why didn't you tell me!?"
"Uh…." Ren scratched his cheek. "Well, if you knew Kosei was here, you should've been able to guess."
"That's not the point…! You totally could've been my in!" Mishima frowned. This was reminding Ren that Mishima was a fan of her. "I wonder if I could've asked her for an autograph…"
"Yeah…she doesn't really like that kinda stuff. Nor do I think she's really in the mood at the moment…" Ren wasn't saying it outright, but he was hoping Mishima would remember the tone surrounding Hifumi's circumstance.
"O-Oh, I mean…! I wouldn't do it like that…!" Mishima quickly said. "I just wanted to let her know as a fan that I support her no matter what!"
"…Right." Ren wasn't sure to believe that or not, knowing Mishima. Regardless, he shrugged it off.
"A-Anyway…we're leaving tomorrow. Might as well get some sleep now." Mishima awkwardly shifted the topic. It was best to quit while he was ahead and not bring it up again…at least for now.
.
.
Futaba was finished with the data by this point. Now it was just a matter of waiting for Ren and the others to come back. In the meantime, she was taking some downtime at an empty Leblanc with Morgana. Sojiro, of course, had to bring up the fact of a cat sitting in what was a restaurant. "Hey, we're still open for business. Ge that cat upstairs."
"It's not like anyone's coming in anyway." Futaba said lazily. "Plus, if someone does come, you can just tell 'em it's a cat café!"
"You know that's not gonna work…" Sojiro grumbled.
And as if it was called upon, Maruki happened to walk through the Leblanc door. "Excuse me…"
Oh great. A customer. Exactly what Sojiro was worried about. "What did I tell you! Get that cat out of here!"
"Oh no, please! There's no need! I'm sorry!" Maruki frantically stated.
Morgana turned his head to Maruki, surprised that he was the one at the door. "Hm…hey wait, that's…"
"I was told that, um, Amamiya-kun was lodging at a café, so…." Maruki slowly began. "And I just happened to be passing by…"
Futaba decided to shuffle to a booth nearby with Morgana, while Maruki took a seat at the counter, setting the small book he had on there as well. "Ah, I see – you teach at his school, huh?" Sojiro asked.
"Not really. I'm just a counselor." Maruki said.
"I see. Either way, sorry about the cat. He usually stays upstairs." Sojiro stared at Futaba and Morgana, who weren't moving.
"It's fine by me. I love animals. They don't seem to share the same sentiment though, haha…" A nervous laugh escaped Maruki. All the times he tried to help a few cats and what did he have to show for it? Scratches on his face and hands. But he didn't mind it.
"…What the heck is he doing here?" Morgana asked as if Futaba had an answer. "Ren's off on his little trip and he knows that…" There was bitterness in his tone.
"No clue…" Futaba pushed her glasses up. "He's just some alien-level stranger to me."
Maruki overhead Futaba's voice and turned to face her. "You talk to your cat? That's pretty cool." The fact he mentioned it surprised Futaba and Morgana, making the former clam up since she wasn't good with strangers. "Sorry, did I frighten you? My apologies. I just found it impressive, is all."
"Sorry about the cold shoulder over there…" Sojiro sighed. "Just take the cat upstairs, oaky? I'll call you back down when it's all clear." He told Futaba.
Morgana agreed. "Come on, Futaba. We'll just be in the way here."
Futaba nodded and stood up, beginning to walk off. But her eyes caught the book Maruki had with him. "…That book…!"
"Oh this?" Maruki held the book up. "It's on a subject called cognitive psience. Any interest?"
Sojiro's eyes immediately widened. "Wh-!? You're…" He suddenly scowled. "I'm sorry, but you need to leave. Don't worry about the bill."
"Huh!?" Maruki was understandably confused. "I-I'm so sorry if there was anything I…!"
"The café's now closed. I'm going to have…" Sojiro started, but Futaba cut him off.
"Sojiro!" Futaba objected. "He stays! What good is driving your few customers away gonna do you, anyhow?"
Well…Futaba was right. But Sojiro didn't think Futaba would take such a stance. Who was he to push back? "…Futaba…" He relented.
Futaba steeled herself. This caught her interest and she…wanted to talk about it. "S-S-So! That book! Is that what you teach, Mister?"
"Huh?" The question caught him by surprise, but he leaned back in his seat to chat with Futaba. "Heh, no, not at all. I'm not a teacher."
"What's it for, then?" Futaba asked.
"It's just a personal interest of mine." Maruki replied. "I've been studying it for years now. It's difficult to grasp at times, but it's quite useful for study, too."
"It's fun?" Futaba questioned.
"Well, of course. It's a wonderful division of science that can help many people. That makes it pretty fun, right?" Maruki said, smiling.
"Mwehehe! Yeah! Monm thought the same thing!" Futaba grinned.
"Her mother studied it too." Sojiro added. "What I don't get is why you're studying something like that, though. Well…you are a high school counselor, right? I guess it does make some sense, being related to your field and all."
Maruki nodded. "Your mom thought that too, huh? She sounds like a wonderful woman."
'Hell yeah! My mom owned. She loved me so much!" Futaba grinned.
Maruki took notice of that. "Past tense, huh…." He shook his head, keeping a friendly smile. "Well, I'm sure she'd be very proud."
Feeling energized, Futaba was already darting upstairs. "C'mon Mona! Let's go! Off to a menless room!" She was gone.
"W-Wait…!" Morgana was left behind, so he had to book it upstairs behind her.
"Geez…" Sojiro shook his head before turning to Maruki. "Would you care for another?"
"Thank you." Maruki accepted the offer. "You're coffee is truly amazing."
"Coming right up." Sojiro said, prepping another cup for Maruki. "Things sure are getting interesting around here…" But that was far from a bad thing. He actually enjoyed it.
.
.
September 11th.
Everyone was packed and ready to go. There was only a little time left before their flight back to Japan. "The school trip is finally coming to a close…" Makoto said, almost longingly. "I never thought I'd have the chance to go on a trip this year as well."
"It barely even felt like we were out of the country…" Ryuji pouted. To him, this trip was just one gigantic wash.
"I had a great time!" Haru beamed.
"Even Yusuke and Fumi were here." Ann giggled.
"It wasn't so bad. I think I liked it." Hifumi's mood changed considerably between yesterday and today. The happiness she displayed was far more genuine now.
"I'm simply glad the storm didn't make its way over here. They are truly dreadful…" Yusuke said.
"So…" Ryuji turned to Ren. "Where'd you go yesterday? You keepin' secrets from me? That's against the bro code!"
"I was on the beach." Ren replied simply. He was debating if he wanted to bring up the fact he saw Ryuji and Mishima fail on the beach.
"Were you with someone!? Wait…hold on…" Ryuji took that back. "The last thing I need is your secret lover coming after me with an axe…"
"I've been told I'm good with an axe." Haru said that so causally, with a sweet smile.
Well. That was frightening. Everyone didn't know what to say after that.
"…Um. We do have a little time left, don't we?" Hifumi decided to speak.
"Yeah! Why don't we shop for souvenirs before it's time to go?" Ryuji suggested.
"Ooh, count me in!" Ann grinned.
"Allow me to join you as well, although I do not have funds to buy anything." Yusuke said, rolling his neck.
"What?!" Hifumi's eyes widened. "I told you to watch your spending…! Why don't you listen to me..?!"
"I did!" Yusuke defended himself. "But yesterday on the beach, I was offered the most luxurious shrimp! I simply could not resist!"
"Uggggggh…" Hifumi pinched the bridge of her nose.
"…Are you…going to have enough to get back to Japan…?" Makoto was legitimately worried.
"Don't worry! I'll take care of it." Haru decided suddenly. "You can buy whatever you'd like, I'll cover the cost."
"W-Wait, really?" Ryuji was taken aback.
"Haru…are you sure?" Makoto was also surprised.
"Yup. Leave it to me! It's the least I can do after everything you've all done for me. I insist!" Haru was not taking no for an answer, and was already walking off.
"…The other way, Haru." Ren said.
"…This way!" Haru turned around, pretending she didn't go the wrong way, and walked in the correct direction this time.
.
.
The last stop in Hawaii was the store. Everyone was quickly looking around for souvenirs. Yusuke and Ryuji were attempting to find something that Morgana would like, while Ren, Ann, and Makoto were off looking for something for Futaba. This left Haru and Hfiumi on their own and their hands were plenty full already. Hifumi was struggling the most. "Agh…something for Mother, Father, and Mika…" She mumbled. It took her a few minutes, but she ultimately found something for all three! The only nerve wracking part is if they would like it…hopefully it would go beyond 'it was the thought that counts'. Being social was so exhausting and nerve wracking…
While Ren was looking for something, he felt…something on his back. Not physical, but it was the feeling of eyes upon him, growing closer and closer. "…I feel like someone's staring at me from behind…"
She crept closer and closer, unable to hide that grin on her face. "Hello…SENPAI!" Kasumi jumped forward, hoping to surprise Ren.
Ren wasn't surprised that someone approached him, but he was surprised to see Kasumi in Hawaii. "Aloha." He replied casually.
"Ahaha….that's a much more appropriate greeting." Kasumi laughed. "Aloha!" Around that time, Ryuji and the others were converging on Ren's location, but they didn't expect to see Kasumi there as well.
"Oh…Yoshizawa-san…" Hifumi remembered her. She was plenty surprised to see her overseas.
"Hello, Togo-san!" Kasumi smiled towards her and the rest of Ren's friends. "I'm sorry if I'm being a bother! I'm Yoshizawa! A first year!"
Ann recognized her immediately. "Oh! You're that gymnast!"
"Mhm!" Kasumi nodded. "Our club's here at a training came to get ready for the next big meet, and I just happened to find Amamiya-senpai."
"The last meet wasn't so long ago, wasn't it? And you're already preparing for the next one? You're putting forth quite a bit of effort." Makoto commented.
"I absolutely have to get the results for the next one." Kasumi said, determined. "We've been working with a coach who lives here on the island. She's working us especially hrd…we end up in tears almost every day."
"….Sounds awful." Haru felt like crying just from hearing about how much effort that was.
"Your dedication to training even when overseas is admirable. We should all learn from your example." Yusuke said.
"Yup!" Ryuji agreed.
"Good luck at the next meet!" Ann said.
"Thanks! Your kind words may be what keep me from crying today." Kasumi said in earnest.
"How difficult is their training!?" Hifumi was sweating.
"Hey, it's alright if you do cry though. You know what they say! What doesn't thrill ya makes ya stronger!" Ryuji said.
"…That's…not it…" Haru tilted her head, but she couldn't help but giggle at Ryuji's words. He wasn't even aware that he messed up.
"Agh! I almost forgot that we're outta time!" Ryuji said suddenly.
"Oh! Let me pay for your stuff then." Haru nodded, leading the way over to the counter with the others. They felt a bit weird letting Haru pay, but she was insisting she cover them and wasn't taking no for an answer.
"Your friends seem like a fun bunch." Kasumi giggled.
"Yeah, they're good. And a bit weird." Ren joked. "But…are you going to be okay?" He wanted to ask a lot more, but unfortunately they were short on time. So this little conversation would have to do.
"Of course!" Kasumi was confident. "I'll prove to everyone what I'm made of! Although…" Her hand went into her pocket, pulling out a small charm. "Considering the rank I got last time, I also got this as a sort of insurance. I always buy a charm before a big competition. My sister was even more stringent with her own superstitions." She shook her head. "The thing is…I forgot to pick up one before the last meet." Which, in her mind, was likely why she failed to perform. "I'll be fine now, though! But…I should probably get going. I almost forgot that I still need to pick souvenirs up for my family. Sorry for keeping you so long! I'll see you later, alright?"
"See you back in Japan." Ren nodded. It looked like Kasumi was doing well for now…he just hoped those rumors he heard were nothing more than just that…
.
.
Back in Japan, Principle Kobayakawa was standing at the light in front of the police station, waiting for it to change. He was sweating, letting out a heavy sigh at what he was about to do. It was his only option now, after everything that happened. The crosswalk like changed…but he lingered, swallowing the nervous lump in his throat. Slowly, his feet carried him across the street as he resolved to do this, but then…it happened. There was a ringing pain in his chest and he clutched his shirt, gasping for air. His eyes struggled before rolling into the back of his head and he just…stayed there, not moving. Even as the crosswalk light changed, he didn't move.
One of the policemen standing guard outside noticed this: a lone man standing in the middle of the street, completely unmoving. "Huh…?"
The light changed. A large truck was making a turn. Everything was going smoothly, but the man behind the wheel did not anticipate what he saw when rounding the corner. He saw a man standing in the middle of the street, completely unresponsive. "What!?" Natarually, he tried to step on the brakes, but it was too late. Principle Kobayakawa slowly turned his empty gaze towards the truck, black blood running down the corners of his mouth. There was no stopping the accident that was about to happen. Most people couldn't bear to look, but they heard it. The sound of a truck blaring its horn, followed by the horrible crashing sound that echoed in the streets….