The hellish battle against Madarame's shadow was finally over. And so will his abusive tyranny over Yusuke. Akiko had been smiling to herself all the way home from the hideout to the cafe. And yet, the exhaustion is barely visible because of today's fight in the Metaverse.
After eating a good meal and taking a warm shower in the bath house next door, Akiko changed into her pajamas and threw her body down onto the bed, breathing deeply as she finally got to relax and get a good night's sleep. It's the perfect reward after winning a war against a corrupt painter. However, the discovery of another Persona-user exploring the Metaverse left her slightly troubled. But the more she thought about it, the more tired she got, and she was glad to hear Morgana's voice break those thoughts.
From there, a conversation begins into a discussion of Morgana's identity. The black cat questions worriedly if he turns out to be a bad guy in the end. Akiko hated seeing her feline friend look so sullen that she hurriedly denies that theory as a possibility because Morgana has been of great help to them from the start. Hopefully, when the Phantom Thieves succeed in solving the mystery of Mementos, Morgana will return to his original human form.
The only part Akiko hesitated to answer was when Morgana hoped if he turns back into a human, Ann will surely take notice of him. The cat never mentioned Ann's name, but it's clearly obvious because of his obsessed crush on the blonde model. Akiko wisely held back saying anything other than a simple nod.
She had witnessed the signs whenever Ann socializes with Ryuji every time their group gets together... how close those two are... the shared genuine concern for one another whenever they're in the midst of a battle... Akiko thought those two would make a great couple, but it pained her to conceal this info from Morgana.
After the heartwarming conversation ends, the two of them are so exhausted that they fall asleep. At first, her mind could've drifted away to a world of dreams and peace. Except that didn't happen. Abruptly, she awoke to find herself greeted by that familiar sight of the Velvet Room's prison cell.
Igor's ugly smirk and bloodshot eyes stare intensely, almost making Akiko tremble as if he can stare right into her soul. He welcomed her in his usual deep tone, congratulating her for destroying the one who was stained in vanity, alias Madarame. It made Akiko feel a little proud at this. However, the little information regarding another Persona-user with a black mask wasn't much help, but it definitely meant serious business. A dark and unknown presence shadowing her and the team's movements in the Metaverse speaks of danger.
Igor had no knowledge of this mystery person, except he added one last detail which caught Akiko off guard. "And it appears you have harbored an attraction toward your newest comrade, the one who represents the Emperor confidant."
Akiko's eyebrows raised upward, confusion written on her face. "Emperor? What are you talking about?"
"Do I have to spell it out for you, inmate!?" Caroline scoffed as usual, rolling her eyes as if speaking to a mindless idiot. "Our master speaks of the pretty boy who has joined your group!"
"Pretty boy...? Who do you-" The realization sunk in. Akiko doesn't feel any shock at all, but still felt the warmness on her cheeks.
Yusuke Kitagawa.
That's their description of the eccentric yet loyal artist she had grown so fond of. As strange as it is, but it's true. Akiko gazes at her feet, unable to meet all eyes fixated upon her. No response, other than silently confirming with a nod that she truly liked him.
"How interesting," Justine mused with her usual calm tone. "Not only are you one step closer to your rehabilitation, but you have developed what humans call love toward this unique gentleman."
"L-Love? W-What are you-" Akiko's face glows bright red. She doesn't understand where this talk is going, but wanted to go back to her room and dream her usual dreams as soon as possible.
"Quit stuttering like a moron!" Caroline forcefully thrusts her baton at the bars to shut her up.
The rest of the conversation continues with Igor wishing her luck and hopes the devotion of her rehabilitation grow deeper. The bell rang not long after, signaling that it's time for her to wake up and her consciousness immediately drifts back to the real world.
Eyes shot open, Akiko blinked a few times since her vision is a little blurry, but once it clears up, she took in all her surroundings. Back in her room, still in bed and Morgana sleeping beside her. If she wanted to, she could've gone back to sleep. Except she can't, not until after she figures out why on earth did she admit to liking Yusuke. Thinking back, she couldn't pinpoint why she has feelings for him.
Was it when he requested her to model for him when they first met in the street? It was a shock to her, being asked to model by a handsome boy who finds her beautiful. It touched her heart. Because as far as Akiko was concerned, she had been accused of a crime she didn't commit and was forced to lose the life she once had in Inaba, serving out her probation in a city and in a new school where she will endure the gossip, jeers, bullying and discrimination following her every step.
So, to having met someone like Yusuke who sees her as a human being, and not a criminal, a little slice of happiness and joy filled her heart. But to pose nude... Oh lord, she could never forget where THAT escalated to? But why did she make out with him? They barely know each other. She did apologize and he forgave her, but was that enough?
Or what about the time he held her after they had both entered the Palace? Akiko couldn't stop blushing at the memory of Yusuke laying on top of her... being so close to him... it made her heart skip a beat. He had been on her mind these last few days... concerned for his well-being when she found out Madarame had been using him as a tool and disciplining him as if he was a dog... or perhaps it was when he pushed her aside just when she was about to get attacked, taking the blow for her.
Oh, she could never forget that. Dread and horror filled her heart when it had happened. Her breathing had almost stopped. Yusuke was hurt. The animosity slowly consumed her soul and her expression darkened in a rage. Akiko wanted to kill Shiki-Ouji for what that monster had done to Yusuke. And she had succeeded.
Maybe that was when she started considering an interest in him.
It's so obvious now that the truth has been brought to light.
Akiko was in love with Yusuke, and the idea of confessing to him either tomorrow, the day after or whenever made her very anxious. What if it ruined everything they had or make him reconsider joining the Phantom Thieves? Either way, the thought of him being distant and cold to her if she... hurt her. It hurt her heart so much that she couldn't bear the thought of being rejected again.
Long before she got probation, she recalled how some boys did try asking her out. Akiko never accepted their invitations of going on dates or hanging out, no thanks to her father. Always prioritizing her younger sister because of her pretty face and being their father's favorite, not to mention the harsh accusations he threw at Akiko by accusing her of trying to get attention for herself out of jealousy.
Akiko sighed. If only her mother was alive, then she would've put her father in his place.
There was this one boy at her old school who had caught Akiko's attention. Karasuma was this attractive, popular and friendly jock who gets along with everyone. He always spoke kindly to her, and Akiko wanted him to like her as more than a friend. But her crush for him had gone down the drain for quite some time when his true colors were revealed.
Karasuma turned out to be a selfish bastard who disregards anyone's feelings whenever they get bullied by the rich kids, especially Reika. In fact, he essentially shames people, Akiko included, for standing up Reika's bullying. The reason why is because Reika is his childhood friend, and that bitch often clings his arm as if he's a prize to be won. More than once, Karasuma tried advising Akiko to turn the other cheek and give Reika a chance to get to know her because she's not a bad person, despite being fully aware Reika is a spoiled, entitled and heartless princess who believes she owns the school.
And after Akiko got framed, malicious gossip spread like wildfire and everyone began avoiding her like a plague. Especially that asshole, Karasuma. He treated her like garbage and refused to hear reason whenever she protested her innocence... It hurt so much when he reprimanded her for getting involved in someone else's business when she should've ignored the situation, especially when it concerns his aunt.
That's when she realized the truth.
Karasuma knew Akiko had done nothing wrong, because the woman involved in her case is a relative of his. And yet, the ungrateful bitch somehow convinced him to lie her behalf just like that drunkard had done the same to her.
In way, Akiko was glad to be away from Karasuma. What possessed him to believe it's okay for rotten adults and bullies to get away with hurting people and gaslighting victims? Now that she thought about it, Karasuma is absurdly oblivious to people suffering and has become malicious, just like Reika and that manipulative drunkard.
Pi! Pi! Pi!
Her thoughts were interrupted when her phone jingles in the middle of the night. Whoever it is will have to call or text tomorrow. Groaning, Akiko readied to give whoever it was a piece of her mind. Until she saw the name of her caller.
"Why is Yusuke calling me this late?" With a shrug, Akiko decides to take the call, turning down the volume so not to awaken Morgana.
"It's Kitagawa. My apologizes for waking you."
"No worries..." That was a white lie, of course. But Akiko didn't find it in her heart to lecture him. "Is everything okay?"
"I'm calling about Madarame's state. For the time being, he hasn't suffered a mental shutdown. Oh, and there's good news! Madarame will not be taking legal action against you anymore."
Instant relief swept over Akiko, exhaling a soft sigh. "Thank goodness."
"Other than that, his demeanor seems to have softened a bit. Is that... the change of heart?"
"I believe so. When it happened with Kamoshida, nobody saw or heard of him for a couple of days until he showed up at the assembly to confess. You just need to be patient when the time comes for Madarame to make his confession."
"I see... Now that you mentioned it, I was curious and looked into Kamoshida as well. It's as if he was an entirely different person. Will the same be true for Sensei?"
"It will be. You mustn't worry."
"I'm sorry to have taken your time. That's all I wanted to tell you. Good-Oh, I'll try asking him about the black-masked intruder from the Palace when the time is right. Goodbye then. This time for sure."
After he hung up, Akiko was surprisingly a little glad about this unexpected chat. It was the perfect remedy to forget those horrid memories of betrayal and heartbreak and go back to sleep. Perhaps she could ask him to hang out after school.