Persona: The Shadow of The Apocalypse Chapter 62: P: The Forgotten Typhoon, a persona series fanfic

Paradox Arc:

Chapter 62: The Forgotten Typhoon

Hamuko Arisato

Dark Hour - 4/10/2009 - Back Alley

"No! You can't leave me!" Hamuko screamed as she pressed the wound on Shinjiro's chest. It was bleeding- she never cared how much blood there was- and she knew that by the time he received the doctor's help, the man would be gone for good. It wasn't supposed to be this way. The SEES were too preoccupied fighting against Arcana Fortune and Strength to notice the disappearance of Shinjiro and Ken. And it was her ignorance that led to this. She was their leader. What was she doing?

"Mitsuru! What's the delay?! He's dying!" Akihiko's voice rang through her ears, but she had no time to look up.

"Silent, Akihiko! A fully functional medic is difficult to find in the times of Dark Hour, but I made my call to the headquarter- What is it, Iori?"

"He's dying! His eyes are closing! Hamuko-chan, he's saying something!"

She didn't budge from her spot. The wound on his chest was bad, perhaps in her eyes, but Yukari and Fuuka were already sobbing in each others' shoulders. Focusing on their sobbing was a mistake. Now, she was close to bursting into tears herself but certainly failed to withhold a single tear rolling down her cheek.

Then, from her side, the visible tears on her cheek were wiped away by a hand, but its caress was so soft till she almost didn't notice until she saw a shadow crouching beside her. She turned, and there was Makoto, face stern like a stone like it was never a surprise that it had come to this.

"Hamuko, it's alright."

She was unable to believe his word. Was he giving up on him, on his own comrade? The weak expression he had irritated her. 'Alright'? Nonsense! There's nothing alright about this! He can't die! Not after what he promised to her.

"Don't cry, Hamuko... *cough*" Shinjiro smiled, clutched her hand that pressed the wound, "This is how... it should be..."

"No! You said... you said you have something to tell me..." Hamuko wept, resting her head on his chest, "You said... you will tell me..."

Shinjiro flipped open his eyes weakly and turned to her, then to Makoto, before turning to her again. He whispered again. Hamuko leaned her ear closer, desperately trying to comprehend his words. She couldn't believe it. That was not the last word of a dying person.

Late Evening - 28/8/2009 - Fourth floor, Iwatodai Dorm

"But is he okay with it?" Akihiko asked carefully. Shuji Ikutsuki, however, maintained his composure.

"Actually, I asked to join," The boy said, earning a shocked look from Akihiko, "I believe I can be of some assistance." His eyes turned deep serious, however, "Now, I finally know why I was given this power."

The meeting was truly unexpected. She met him a few times before through Akihiko, but knowing that he had the potential was still a surprise. It seemed the rest of the team were positive about him as a new member. Hamuko watched him for a while. Ken Amada was to join SEES as of today, yet even she reluctantly agreed with Mitsuru's remark earlier. He's too young. Had this child have no childhood or parents? Still, she refused to pry too much in the matter, seeing as he will be as important as the rest of them. Junpei had already warmed up to the boy, yet Mitsuru and Akihiko were suspiciously close-mouthed about the recruitment. When she glanced at Mitsuru, the woman was observing her in return, as though she was reading her mind. She thought the punishment was already in Mitsuru's mind before, breaking away the cold stares, she stood and approached Hamuko.

"Arisato, I assumed you know why Makoto Yuki is not with us today?" She said, crossing her arms together.

"Why are you asking me? I'm not his mother," She replied, but immediately caught Mitsuru narrowing her eyebrows in annoyance at her, pursing her lips tight. She immediately added, "He said he had something to do, but he wouldn't tell me."

"Skipping every meeting with Ikutsuki is not going to cut it," Mitsuru paused the gasping Hamuko, "Yes, I know about his dislike toward our adviser, but that does not excuse his behavior," Mitsuru glanced slightly at the unaware adviser before she continued, "You were close. You might convince him to attend our next meeting."

"I'm close to everyone. That's my duty."

"Not like that. Even when you are not together, you will find a way to meet. That is my meaning of closeness."

Again she insisted that she didn't know. There's no telling if the student council president believed it so, but Mitsuru walked away afterward and dragged Akihiko with her. Hamuko caught Akihiko looking at her, with worried eyes and hesitant. What was there to worry about? There was no point in pondering it. Right now, she wanted to find Makoto, until Junpei stopped her.

"Hamuko-chan, can you do me a little tiny favor?" Junpei clapped his palms together with a pleading voice, "I was supposed to collect the photos from the mall today, but there's something I need to do. Can you get it in my place?"

Of course, the photo from the festival.

"You? Busy?" Hamuko almost giggled.

"S-Sometimes I get busy too, you know! Like... baseball training! Yeah!"

Hamuko peeked at the window and saw that it's almost night. He noticed this, of course.

"N-Night practice is the best!"

"I'm starting to think you're lazy, Junpei. The answer is no. Go get-"

"I'll pay for your lunch tomorrow!"

"Deal," Her lips spread in anticipation. It's not that far, honestly, but she deserved some reward. Makoto might have to wait.

Makoto Yuki

Evening - 28/8/2009 - Velvet Room

He glanced at the expression of Igor and Theodore, waiting for a response. But Igor's reaction was not what he wanted. He was calm and quiet. Theodore at least tried to comprehend his story, but it's not certain if he's truly baffling or lying. He needed an answer. He would wait for another 10 minutes for it, and he wouldn't leave until he had it. The competition of patience between them was subtle, but Theodore felt the tension. True enough, he wanted to jump over the table and grabbed the long-nosed man by the collar. But he humbled himself. No point berating him.

Igor, again, studied the two objects that he placed on the table. On his right was the Contact Card, on his left was the portable speaker Fuuka gifted him. He already pricked open the inside to see any broken part, but it was nothing too obvious to see. He sent it to a shop days ago, but the repairman commented that it was a fine speaker and that it worked perfectly. He already expected as such, but he needed to hear it from another's mouth. More than that, he already knew it had something to do with the card. Now, he needed it from Igor. To add the pressure, he dragged the chair very close to the table and sat for the first time since he entered today.

"Contact Card..." Igor finally began. If Theodore hadn't the pale skin he always had, the paleness will be much more visible due to his anxiety. It was clear that they both knew something that shouldn't be kept. Igor ignored the attendant and said, "...is the link you have with your original world. I mentioned you will need it to return to your own world. But there is another property for it. There is another Contact Card in your world, first in the possession of Tatsuya Suou. Certain times, there will be some disruption between worlds that a voice might pass through each other."

"My original world. Of course," Makoto said. Sometimes he had forgotten that he was not native to this world. It made daily life much more intolerable, constantly be reminded that he will never belong here and that he will find struggle to coop with the friends of his old world once he returned. He almost laughed, but his face remained still to the outsiders, "I've been keeping this for months, but heard nothing. Yet how curious that it linked with Fuuka's device now of all time, added that I heard Tatsuya Suou's voice; I know it belonged to him."

"It will find a way to voice the message from the other world," Igor answered. But Makoto quickly interjected before he continued.

"No, that was no message. Not to me," Makoto leaned his shoulder forward, "He was talking to Apollo, trying to use it to talk to his persona, but instead, I was the one who listened to it. I remembered every word, Igor. They found Prime Anima, though I have no word for its meaning. There are riots in Sumaru? What day is it, back in that world?"

"Master Igor!" Theodore reached out to speak when Igor cleared his throat to answer. Both eyes were on him now, which shrunk him away to the corner in embarrassment.

"The second seal is broken, at the cost of thousands. A friend of the 'Sun' passed away. But I will say no more of the matter," Igor appeared... smiling? Suddenly, he felt a shiver running through his body, as though he had seized his throat in his hand. Igor wasn't done. "Tell me, Minato-sama, other than this voice you heard, did anything odd happened to you or anyone around you that particular day?"

Hamuko Arisato

Paulownia Mall

"What do you mean one photo is no good?" Hamuko asked the female clerk who handed the envelope with a worried look. It was the pictures they had taken during the festival, which some of it she took herself. Although the clerk was oblivious to that fact, she was slightly offended that her photography skills were criticized. She still bowed slightly, "Thank you, but I'll take it."

She wasted no time escaping from the place to avoid looking at the clerk. She ran to the outside, taking a seat at one of the steel benches. Which photo? At first, she hesitated to open the envelope. It was the first gathering Shinjiro had ever tagged. She found herself pressing the envelope to her face stressfully. It's just one photo, how bad could it be? Gently, she pulled out the content and searched the album.

Everything else was perfect. Photos of the teams taken by Junpei and Yukari were clear as day, though it was dark. There were small blurring lights flickering at the front-most as if a meteor shower decided to greet the lens due to fireworks. Amateurish, but it wasn't too bad (her opinion). The second picture, the one with Shinjiro playing shooting games with Akihiko, brought a smile to her face. Akihiko was visibly laughed, but Shinjiro's figure was facing away from the camera that she was only able to identify him by his beanie hat. The clerk said only one photo. Which one?

Her meek smile faded to frown before it turned to horrify. That one picture was taken by a stranger of the entire SEES team, including Makoto and herself. It was as though the photo was paranormal. She rubbed her eyes a few times before checking again. It was no coincidence. It was him.

The figure of Makoto was flaring lights that it obscured all the faces around him. Hamuko, who was standing next to him at that time, might as well never been there. In fact, there's not even a shadow of her in it. Moreover, the background was stormy like a huge storm walked over the shrine and couldn't reach them. Hamuko found herself dropped the photo on the floor, but she hurriedly obtained it and realized she hated the darkness around her. The Paulownia Mall seemed dreadfully empty.

Makoto Yuki

Night - Iwatodai Dorm

"There you are. Perfect timing, I need to talk to you," Mitsuru greeted him at the lounge, crossing her arms together beneath her breast. That position warned him of the impending scolding. He pretended to ignore her and began strolling away, but Mitsuru stretched out her leg and blocked his path, "I am not finished, Yuki."

"I'm certain our leader can brief the meeting today later," Makoto responded, but it made the woman curved her eyebrows sharply.

"Sit. Do not make me repeat myself," She demanded with a stronger tone, nudging her chin to the sofa not far from them. He was certain it took only one more wrong answer to make her lashed out in anger.

"...I will return to my room if it's nothing important," Makoto dropped his small pouch at the side and sat. His eyes never broke contact with the student council. Mitsuru eyed him dangerously before she too took a seat opposite him. She will probably mention that Ken Amada was the newest member of the team or his rejection towards Shuji Ikutsuki. But his instinct told him it was something else.

"We will have a new member joining us today," Mitsuru spoke, crossing her legs together, "As our team grows, I expect some 'communications' between teammates. Everyone deserves their privacy, that I cannot deny, but..." She leaned forwards, expecting to push him into the sofa with her stare, "...I will not accept any disdain in secret."

"I won't without a reason," Makoto answered with a cool expression, despite it not being a question. Shuji Ikutsuki, of course.

"I am sure you will need to rest soon enough, but bear with me," She said, sinking back to the sofa, "I hope you will get along with our advisor since I cannot force the reason you despise him so much out of you. But that..." She reached for something from her skirt's pocket, "...is not why I call you out tonight."

The sudden shift in tension was so great that he felt goosebump running over his skin. What she laid on the table between them was a registration letter; HIS registration letter. He didn't like this mood one bit. Without him noticing, he had already removed his headphone, tapping his fingers frantically on his thigh. What made him so uneasy was the fact that he had never filled in that form. It was already registered for him when he first arrived in this world.

"Tell me, Makoto Yuki," She said, returning to her usual pose without breaking her eye contact from him, "Is that even your real name?"

Finally, his heartbeat paused, along with his breath. Mitsuru refused to let him speak, however.

"Back in Yakushima, my father said something about you. Your record was filled with details that would convince any stranger that you had a life here on this island. But you were with us for so long, a student of our school as long, it seemed impossible for me to ignore your strange background. Do you have anything to say?"

Makoto said nothing, never attempt to until she was done. She took it as a sign to continue.

"Yuki, there were no proofs about all the incidents you claimed to experience. You said you lived with your parents' relatives before you arrived here. There is no record of such a relative. The record said you had a childhood here, but there was no birth certificate to be found in the hospitals. You claimed your parents died in a car crash, but there was no record of the accident 10 years ago involving a surviving boy. I'm not the only one researching this, in case you doubt me."

"Just get to the point," Makoto said in an almost whispering voice. Mitsuru remained silent for a moment.

"You are close to our leader. Everyone notice. We all see that you were very much alike in many aspects. Which, curiously, most of the details of your background are almost identical to Hamuko Arisato. But the articles regarding her parents' death is there and confirmed. I have not notified Arisato of this, but I hardly need her to verify it. I can show you proof if you want. But your claim-"

"So I'm a liar?" Makoto cut her speech with so sharp a tone, it might have sliced the air. Igor's questions in the Velvet Room earlier didn't soothe his temper. And now this? His own friend, doubting him? "You think that I tried to steal Hamuko's identity for myself? Do you mean to say that I pretend to be an orphan, seeking sympathy expecting tears to shed for me? No, you sit down this time, Mitsuru-san. You probably doubt me because of my strength too. Think I'm part Strega, a spy? All the things we've done together is an illusion to you?"

"That is not what I said!" Mitsuru flared up, slapping the table so hard, it rattled for a while. Eventually, her anger was tempered as quickly as it came. She took a deep breath and rubbed her reddened palm, realizing that she had slapped too harsh, "I am not accusing you, but I need some truth to make myself see you as an ally. Understand that this is not easy for me, Yuki, to corner my own teammate like this."

Her last words brought some insight into him. She was merely concerned about her own teammate. If their position was swapped, and he found out his friend was hiding a dark secret, he would have done the same thing. But then, the trip to the Velvet Room fail to quench his frustration. Igor and Theodore hiding secrets, and now his friends thought of him as an outsider. It hurt, to hear it came from his own friend, or rather, a 'copy' to the real Mitsuru. He always needed to remind himself that he truly was an outsider. What right did he have to blame her for doubting him?

It was then he finally noticed someone was watching from the kitchen. A head that peeked from behind the cabinet with that height would definitely belong to the shortest dormmate. Mitsuru saw his gaze and turned around hurriedly.

"Amada, you should be in your room instead of eavesdropping," Mitsuru scolded as she stood up.

"I'm not a kid anymore. I know when to sleep," Ken emerged from the kitchen, holding a glass of milk with a frown expression, "I'm thirsty, that's all. Wouldn't want to disturb your argument, anyway."

Ken shifted his eyes downward with sudden quickness due to Mitsuru's sudden glare. But the student council's expression returned to normal as she introduced Makoto to him. The young persona user observed him slowly, then he broadened a smile as if approving what he saw, leaving only one comment, "You look as strong as Akihiko-san said you are."

After he trotted upstairs, Makoto noticed Mitsuru still rubbing her reddened palm. He grabbed her wrist so instant that she nearly dragged him to the ground in response. He remembered buying some medicine oil from Tanaka's TV show days ago.

"Forgive me, Mitsuru. I can't blame you for not trusting me," He said, rubbing her palm gently, "Because I can't tell you my secret. But know that I will never bring harm upon SEES. I promise this."

"I see... Then I won't say anything more."

Mitsuru ceased her speech. Though he noticed that her cheeks grew red for some reason before she darted off towards the stairs. Ah, he accidentally called her by her first name.

Hamuko Arisato

Evening - 2/9/2009 - Beef Bowl Shop, Iwatodai Station

Hamuko refused to look at the street ahead as Akihiko, holding a briefcase, led her to their destination. She was still nervous to meet the man after avoid him for days. If only she knew the real reason why Akihiko approached her today after school, she would have run away in a flash. As they climbed the second floor of the building, Akihiko noticed her sullenness and halted his pace.

"What are you so nervous about? We're just going to convince him to join," Akihiko said with an assuring look, "Or was it about the photos? Nobody blamed you, Hamuko-chan. You're not the only one took the photos. Even Makoto said nothing." Though as she remembered it, Makoto did look like he just lost all blood when he saw the photos of himself in white.

"It's not that," Hamuko muttered, but loud enough for Akihiko to hear.

"Oh, I get it. Aigis join your class today for the first time. Did she embarrass you again?"

"No, not that either!" Hamuko replied, shoving his eyes away and pushed him up the stairs, "Just get on with it already!"

"Hey! Don't push! He's right over there!"

True enough, when they both stood at the front of the Beef Bowl Shop, Shinjiro Aragaki did emerge from the shop and was not expecting them.

"You're getting on my nerve!" Shinjiro growled at Akihiko, but his anger faded when he noticed Hamuko, "Arisato..."

"H-Hello, Shinjiro-senpai," Hamuko replied nervously. Akihiko, who was watching the whole scene, shifted his eyes between the two of them with widened eyes.

"Did something happened between you two?" He asked, gripping the briefcase in his hand tightly.

"I hope not," Shinjiro said with a low tone.

"Of course it's nothing," Hamuko said. She quickly pushed Akihiko towards Shinjiro, "Go, get on with it!"

Akihiko handed the briefcase to Shinjiro, once again demanding him to join. Shinjiro tried to walk away, but he paused when Akihiko revealed that Ken Amada had joined the team. The convincing became a breeze, though once again, Akihiko began to eye her and Shinjiro suspiciously.

It was almost too fast to process, but Shinjiro walked into the dorm for the first time that night, armed with the badge of SEES. It will be a nightmare if the man started questioning why Hamuko decided to ignore him for days and running away from him when they encounter each other.

This was all Makoto's fault. Why did he have to be the one to tell her that she was in love with Shinjiro and made her so confused?

Oddly, that very night, Makoto said something truly interesting.

"Hamuko, listen carefully," Makoto said, "You must treasure the moment you have with Shinjiro as much as you can. You will regret it later. So will he, soon enough."

When he said 'he', Makoto was looking straight at Junpei, who was watching TV at the lounge that night.

Makoto Yuki

Morning - 8/9/2009 - Iwatodai Dorm

"Why in the world are you still hiding behind your door?" That was the first thing he wanted to say to her that morning after seeing her in that state. Hamuko was still in her night gaunt when she answered the knock.

"Because this is my room, and it's half an hour before my alarm goes off?" Hamuko answered with a mix of annoyance and sloth. This girl... If she's keeping this up, Not even years will raise his social link with her.

"*cough* I mean it SYMBOLICALLY," Makoto said with a careful voice, holding back the stress he felt from watching her action, "Why are you still quivering instead of confronting Shinjiro?"

"H-Hold your voice down!" Hamuko said, pressing her hands on his lips in panic, "This isn't the conversation we should be having in the morning!"

"You weren't like this with the rest of the guy," He said after pulling her hands away, "I know Ken had fallen heel over you by now."

"That's not the same thing!" Hamuko retaliated, "A-Anyway, I never said I like the guy!"

"Hamuko-chan, look at me," Makoto removed his headphone and faced her properly. He pulled Hamuko's shoulder to face him, "You are hesitating. You are not yourself. Our battle with Arcana Hermit three days ago proved that. You nearly got yourself killed to avoid looking at him. Who knows what will Chidori do to Junpei if we were minutes too late?"

"I-I know that," Hamuko said, remembering their boss fight days earlier. After defeating Arcana Hermit, they freed the missing Junpei that was held captive by a member of Strega, Chidori, that night. Makoto naturally knew this, including the demise that will befall both Shinjiro and the painting girl. It was the most crucial month of them all. She must realize her feeling before it's too late.

"I'll talk to him today," Hamuko said, looking away. She pushed Makoto's grips away, "I understand, okay? Now leave me, I still need some sleep."

He finally sighed in relief after Hamuko closed the door behind her. One couple was taken care of. The next destination was as heavy as this relationship. He had no idea what to bring to the hospital.

Hamuko Arisato

Evening - 8/9/2009 - Hagakure, Iwatodai Station

She regretted it the very moment she sat next to Shinjiro in that ramen shop. Why did she follow him into a ramen shop of all places? Fortunately, this was Shinjiro's favorite shop. Had she not startled by his angry stares earlier, she might have taken over the trip. 'Too late to turn back', she thought. Still, ever since she was led into the shop, not a single word was exchanged between them. Their mutual thoughts were that it was not the right time. The ramen arrived -Hamuko took a humbler dish size to avoid evoking awkwardness- and finally, Shinjiro cleared his throat.

"So you finally decide not to hate me anymore," Shinjiro said, folding his fingers together on the table, waiting for the ramen to cold down.

"That's not true at all. I was just... thinking about many things," Hamuko drifted off and looked away from him, "I... we all were so worried that you won't be joining SEES to the end. I was not prepared for that. So I avoided you, hoping that I won't be feeling that loss. Makoto really worried about you."

"...What are you talking about?" Shinjiro said, "I'm here, aren't I? I'm SEES now."

"That's true," Hamuko said. She hated how she sounded. This wouldn't do. Puffing her cheeks a few times, she took a deep breath and faced him, "Let me make up for the encounter that I avoided and ask that you allow me to spend more time with you. No, I insist on that. It's my task as a leader."

Shinjiro's jaws dropped so hard, he almost thought she was joking. This time, she was not looking away. Out of nowhere, Shinjiro broke into a chuckle.

"You really are strange," Shinjiro said, finally decided to raise the chopsticks, "Turns out beneath that leader's mask, you're really just an innocent girl."

Hamuko pouted her cheek because of that comment. Shinjiro misunderstood her gaze, believing that he might have said the wrong thing.

"No, I didn't mean to insult you. I'm just glad that there's human in you," Shinjiro looked at her concernedly, then retraced his words, "What I'm trying to say is, I'm glad you're our leader."

Crash!

Thou art I... I am thou...

Thou hast established a new bond...

Thou shall be blessed when creating personas of the Moon Arcana...

She had foreseen this for days but never expected him to be her social link this soon. She wished she could see the look on Makoto's face as she bragged that she made Shinjiro smiled.

...Eh? Why did she care so much about what Makoto would feel? No, that's not it. Makoto cared about Shinjiro, so she had to take care of Shinjiro for him. For him? Not for Akihiko or anyone else?

Makoto Yuki

Evening - 8/9/2009 - Tatsumi Memorial Hospital

There was no need for him to come today. Yet for some reason, he knew he needed to accompany Junpei to the room. As they both strode along the lonely hallway, he saw Junpei clenching his fist tightly till it's knuckle white, face filled with sweat despite the chillness. He was far from ready to meet his first love. Junpei rejected any suggestion from him, despite allowing him to tag along, including gifting some pencils to Chidori, believing it to be awkward.

"Come in."

Makoto and Junpei rushed in after Mitsuru's voice permitted them to enter the room. There were Fuuka, Akihiko, and Mitsuru watching the red hair girl in the bed intensely, though they did turn their attention to the two visitors entering the room. Fuuka was sitting next to the bed, Mitsuru and Akihiko were standing surrounding it. Chidori herself was drawing something, not even once moved her attention away from the sketchbook. Junpei rushed towards her as fast as his persona.

"Chidori! Are you..." Junpei's word trailed off when she ignored him.

"What are you two doing here?" Mitsuru demanded.

"I accompany Junpei. The girl needs him to talk."

"How can you be so sure?" Akihiko asked curiously, "We've been prying her for answers for hours."

"She will talk. You see."

All eyes were on Junpei as he began talking to the bedridden girl. True enough, she responded as soon as he began, surprising them. Makoto observed Chidori carefully with mixed emotions. All she had was months left of living. To think such people would die without a single foreshadowing. Her lifeline was almost similar to the plant on the shelf next to her, so short a lifespan...

"You really need to leave, both of you," Mitsuru said, after the conversation between Junpei and Chidori ended, "There's nothing left for you to do."

"Let's go, Junpei," Makoto said. Junpei didn't even nod when he left the room together with him.

"Man, it's gonna sound stupid, but..." Junpei said once they're both outside, "...I really need to watch over her."

"Then don't hesitate, even if she said she doesn't want to see you."

"Urgh! Don't say it like that! She doesn't have any reason to hate me," Junpei argued, but the worried expression was visible on him as he tugged his hat, "She won't, right?"

"You better bring some gift next time."

"I don't even know if she will like it."

"Maybe something more distinguishes? Flowers, maybe?" Makoto said, then found himself coughing. The hospital was cold.

"You okay?" Junpei turned to his side with a worried look. But when Makoto told him not to worried, he cheered up and asked, "Know any good flower shops?"

Hamuko Arisato

Evening - 10/9/2009 - Iwatodai Station

Shinjiro insisted on going to the hospital for the day to see Chidori, a member of Strega, and strongly against having her tagged along. That didn't mean that their plan today was canceled, though. "I'll be late," That's all he said before darting off. Wakatsu Restaurant, at four, that's what they promised. Silly her, still dressing in her school uniform instead of changing into a proper dress at the dorm, expecting him to be early ahead of schedule. Makoto would laugh at her at this. She looked around after reading her watch. 5 minutes past 4 p.m.

"Where is he?" Hamuko mused, tapping her feet as she stood under the sign pole next to the street. Cars were jamming the traffic light, but the walking passengers around the station itself lacked people. Which was good, it'll be easier to find Shinjiro like this.

Then, from afar, she saw Shinjiro walked towards somewhere, but clearly running from something, or someone. It was then she noticed Akihiko chasing him. She began to stroll towards them but paused when she observed them carefully. They were arguing. Nerves were visible on Akihiko's forehead, while Shinjiro spoke some harsh words. What happened next made her backed away in a gasp. Akihiko just landed a fist on Shinjiro's face!

"So why the drug? Why didn't you come talk to me?" Akihiko scolded, yet faintly she noticed a certain sadness in his tone. Shinjiro never thought of fighting back, as if Akihiko was the one being comforted. She couldn't let it slide any longer.

"Why are you fighting like this?"

They both turned to Hamuko's voice and staggered away in startlement. Their eyes searched for a way out. Why do they always tend to hide the important stuff?

"Uh... we're just talking," Akihiko said but looked away when he said it.

"It's nothing. Just some friendly quarrels," Shinjiro answered, but then he jerked his head backward in sudden realization, "Of course, our appointment. I'm sorry. I forgot..."

Akihiko looked at both of them with a nearly expressionless stare.

"Can we... postpone to another day? I want to be alone for a moment." Shinjiro said guiltily.

"I understand. Come talk to me when you're ready," Hamuko nodded, maintaining her blank face without leaking her troubled expression.

They departed, but Akihiko remained there for a while. His eyes trailed after Hamuko. Then his eyes became accepting.

"Don't tell me... You fall for her too, Shinji?"

Makoto Yuki

Late Night - 12/9/2009 - Iwatodai Dorm

"So?" Makoto asked Hamuko as they sat alone at the resting area on the third floor. He hoped for some good news about Shinjiro, seeing as the mystery of Tatsuya's voice kept distressed him, added with Mitsuru's suspicion of him.

"Shinjiro opened a bit to me now," Hamuko giggled, but it faded to seriousness, "Though he still hides something. Quite a stubborn man."

"Don't worry. He's a good man," Makoto reassured her, "Just make him feel at home."

"I understand," Hamuko faced him with a proud stance, "As long as I'm here, you don't have to worry about him. Don't think of the bad stuff."

"I knew I could count on you... *Cough*" Makoto coughed, but quickly covered his mouth.

"You alright?" Hamuko asked concernedly, walking quickly to him.

"It's nothing, just a small cold," He smiled, but his body did feel slightly weaker, till he had to sit on the nearby bench. Hamuko, however, wasn't convinced. She reached out her hand and pressed her palm on his forehead.

"Hmmm... Not really a fever, but can't be too certain."

"You'll catch my cold. Back away."

"No way, why should only you be one to get sick?" Hamuko said with a jester tone, her hands pressed both of his head and forced it to look upward at her. She wasn't smiling, however.

"...What?" Makoto gripped both of her wrists to remove her hand, but she resisted.

"Why do you have that look?" Her voice was almost a whisper.

"What look?"

"Like you're in pain. Don't do that. Don't make that face, Makoto-kun."

"Why not?"

"It makes me sad. Tell me what makes you sad."

Was the stress of recent events shown itself on his face without he noticed it?

"I'm not sad," Makoto put some force in his grips. He decided to stand, ahead of Hamuko's height, "You can let go now, Hamuko-chan. If I cough one more time... Haaa... *cough*"

Hamuko hurriedly removed her hands and shielded her face from his cough. But when she realized it was a ruse, she narrowed her eyes annoyingly. He was chased around for a while by the angry Hamuko. Good, she deserved a little breather. She couldn't waste her time on him.

Hamuko Arisato

Evening - 14/9/2009 - Iwatodai Dorm

Shinjiro refused to go to the shop today as he promised. They were just heading out to the front door of the dorm's lounge before they both smelled something burning. Fuuka's presence in the kitchen told her the entire story. She looked incredibly guilty when she saw both of them staring at them.

"I-I was trying to cheer Junpei up! He said he was worried about Chidori hurting herself," Fuuka gave her reason. Junpei will definitely be cheering in joy, alright, because he'll be sent straight to the hospital next to Chidori once he ate those black charred meat. Shinjiro, who appeared fierce, but never burst into anger, gave a glare as though he was ready to gnaw at Fuuka's throat.

"You're wasting good meat!" Shinjiro shouted, turning to Hamuko with smoothened expression, "Sorry, but we'll dine at home today."

Her eyes nearly budged out when she saw Shinjiro reached for the apron, "You can cook!"

"Tch, shut up! This one time only!" Shinjiro tried to hide his cheeks that grew hot red. He turned to Fuuka with a commanding voice, "Take some notes! This is how you cook a lump of meat!"

Within the next 10 minutes, the rest of their friends had climbed downstairs due to the strong smell. Akihiko was the most surprised to see Shinjiro cooking at the kitchen, yet Makoto held no expression. How was he not stumbling in awe? Fuuka, on the other hand, gave up entirely on the notes and merely watched the man chef with amazement. The serving plates that Hamuko help prepared were enough for everyone who was eagerly waiting in their chairs. Akihiko seemed most happy, asking whether it was enough for all, but the young Ken was quiet, watching Shinjiro with a perplexed look. Then, the young persona user excused himself hurriedly. Something changed in that boy. Due to what, she couldn't tell.

"Chidori would love this!" Junpei said happily.

"I wondered if she can smile, though," Fuuka doubted.

"Of course she can!" Junpei argued, "Do you know she smiled today? Though she was rather occupied with those small flowers of hers..."

"Don't talk while eating," Mitsuru warned, preparing for her first bite. She smiled as she chewed, just like everyone else. It was the most delicious meat she had ever tasted.

"Thanks, Shinjiro-senpai!" Hamuko said with much joy. Shinjiro, however, said nothing, but his face was burning up so much in embarrassment, he slid away to the sink, pretending to clean the pots.

"Thank you. *Cough*" Makoto said in between the cough. Everyone repeated those words until she was sure Shinjiro wanted to jump out of the dorm right then.

Hamuko offered to help him clean the dishes, and the chef refused only at first. They finished the cleanup together before dropping into the sofa at the lounge.

"Looks like we had to postpone our date again," Shinjiro said.

"A date?" Hamuko said, turning to Shinjiro who finally realized what he said.

"I-I mean, an appointment, a hangout, whatever you want to call it," He said.

"But aren't you glad to cook for them?"

"Of course I enjoy it. Aki looked really happy back there."

The mood was good. She believed it was finally time to speak what's on her mind these past few days.

"Can I ask something, Shinjiro-senpai?" Hamuko sat upright when she said it. Hamuko added quickly when he was looking at her, "It will probably make you mad."

"Then don't ask," Shinjiro said instantly as he rested lazily on his seat. Hamuko sank back into hers. After a moment, however, he finally sighed, "Ask away."

"That day, what did Akihiko mean when he said drugs?"

Shinjiro's face tightened as he looked at her coldly.

"...My persona is a little stubborn. The drugs to keep it in control," Shinjiro said, "That's all."

"Is there any space for me to help?"

Instead, he laughed ruefully, "Help me? You can't. What problem I did, I had to clean up on my own."

What did he do? Hamuko refused to pry further, seeing as it hurt him, "I just... want you to know that everyone cares about you. Especially me and Makoto-kun. Every time he looked at you, his eyes were filled with sadness."

Puzzlement traced his eyes. "Why? What is he to you?"

Those questions left her mouth hanging for answers. How could she explain that man of all men? Her heart was pounding again, every time she looked at the blue-haired man.

"Let's just say that we'll always be in your heart," She said, then she wanted to palm her face, cursing herself for speaking such weird nonsense. Shinjiro appeared startled, but he rose from his seat.

"What time is it? Tch, I forgot I lost it..." He searched through his pocket.

"Hmmm? Lose what?" Hamuko asked curiously.

"It's nothing. Just some old watch I had. I'll find it later..."

"If you need me to-"

Shinjiro paused her instantly. She saw some trace of crumbled leather on his hand as he wiped clean his hand, "Oh, no. Don't trouble yourself."

"Okay, but if you need me... Remember what I said."

He didn't respond to it, simply turned towards the door.

"You're already in my heart, Hamuko-chan..."

She heard it clearly before Shinjiro raced to the front door.

Makoto Yuki

Evening - 16/9/2009 - Iwatodai Dorm

"Makoto-kun?" Hamuko spoke when they walked home from school that day, "When you spend time with me, what do you feel?"

He shifted his attention from the front road to her, "What's with this question? *cough*"

"I... I just need to make certain of my relationship with Shinjiro-senpai."

He had no idea how his viewing of Hamuko will contribute to their relationship, but he answered regardless, "I supposed I can share all my problems with you."

"No, no. I mean, do you feel any... abnormal feelings, like nervous, heart pounding, or the thoughts that make you losing control of yourself?"

"...Huh?" He voiced out his confusion, "I have always stayed together with you through these tough times. When I'm with you, I feel... *cough* 'opened', I guess?"

Hamuko looked disappointed at his answer and clearly given up on pressing on. That was no good. He stopped his track, forcing Hamuko to paused as well.

"Did Shinjiro said something?"

"No..." Yet she looked around with weak gaze, "He invited me to diner tomorrow since it will be the last night before the typhoon hit the island. It's not far from the dorm. After all, he was busy these past few days, and he only had time at night to make up for it."

Makoto grinned, "Then what's with the long face? *cough* You have a date, with someone you like. How can you reject that? Are you truly that nervous? Just go."

Hamuko appeared uncertain, but she smiled, as though reconsidering his words to her, "I wouldn't call it a date, but I supposed I am." She regained her smile after a deep breath, "Yeah, I'm fine. But what about you? Your cough is lessening, but your body..."

"I'm the last person you should worry about."

They both broke into a small laugh. Hamuko thought he was jesting. As if he could tell Hamuko that he's been feeling dizzy for days now.

Hamuko Arisato

Night - 17/9/2009 - Iwatodai Dorm

"Be back soon," Yukari said as they passed by each other in the hallway, "The storms might appear anytime tonight."

"The news said tomorrow, Yukari-chan," Hamuko said in her pink dress with dark skirt and carefully tied ponytail, "It's just at the cafe."

Hamuko left Yukari and strolled down the staircases with excitement. However, the excitement died abruptly with a sudden sense of despair. Makoto kept swelling in her mind. Why was he on her mind when she was about to dine with some other man? 'Makoto is a friend. He wanted this...' She thought, 'Making Shinjiro happy will make him happy...' But was that it? Somehow, spending time with Shinjiro felt tolerable, but a duty. Yet for some reason, she continued this.

Then, another thought came to her. Why she risked this just for him? No, don't think of this. She put on her best face and continued downstairs. Shinjiro was already waiting at the lounge with a reddened face as he looked away from Hamuko's dress. The man was surprisingly good looking when he kept his brows from furrowing itself. If even Shinjiro like it, she wondered what Makoto will think of her dress?

"You look stunning," Shinjiro commented. He eventually focused on her with a confident look. Luckily Akihiko was busy upstairs, otherwise, he would bore into them with his eyes. He knew nothing of these, of course. Perhaps he pretended not to know and said nothing? There was some guilt left in her to hesitate taking Shinjiro's offer, but there's nothing stopping her. Makoto told her so.

"Let's hope we'll be back before the typhoon hit," Hamuko said, caressing her front hairband, "Let's waste no time."

Just as they began walking towards the door, Hamuko's eyes caught Ken leaving the men's bathroom carrying a small bowl of water with a wet blanket. He seemed to be in so good a rush, that he nearly bumped against Hamuko. Ken widened his eyes upon the figure in front of him that he gave a quick bow.

"Forgive me, Hamuko-senpai," Ken said remorsefully, "But I really need to get these to Makoto-senpai's room."

Her ears pricked against that name. Did something happen? She bent her legs slightly to level her eyes with the young boy, "Did he got a cold?"

"Uh... I'm not sure it's a cold anymore. I saw him fainted in front of his room. I informed Junpei, and now he's watching over him in his room, but he's not even opening his eyes to greet- Woah! Hamuko-senpai?"

Hamuko screamed internally as she darted past the young boy. Rage, confusion, frustration, panic... Almost every negative emotion was swimming inside her. When she saw the man, she will probably rip his hair out for lying to her. But when she reached Makoto's room and saw a few more faces, she was quick to ease her mind for now. Akihiko was leaning on the door frame, blocking the path from the outside. Fuuka was peeking through Akihiko's shoulder, arguing to see her love interest. Whether or not Fuuka moved on from her rejection, Hamuko had no notion and no right to ask further, but Fuuka looked pale white. Junpei was not in sight, but she did hear his voice in the room, arguing with someone. The second voice in the room turned out to be Aigis.

"Aigis, back away from him! That's not how you help! Put that thing down!" Junpei's voice warned.

"According to my data..." Aigis's voice sounded hasty, but masking with calm words, "...Defibrillation of above 110 volts will be able to increase his heart rate-"

"Aigis, put away that electric rod," It was Akihiko who overtook the voice in the room this time before turning to Fuuka at his front, "Sorry, Fuuka, but the room's full. Don't worry, let the guy take it from here."

"Is he going to be alright?" Fuuka said with a fearful tone, "I was in my room when I heard Junpei's shout on the lower floor."

"His heart rate is extremely high," Aigis again with her functions, "His temperature is above 39 Celcius, also dangerously high. A medical checkup is recommended."

"Where Ken? He's supposed to fetch a wet blanket-" Akihiko's eyes fell on Hamuko as she was climbing the stairs. It took a while to notice that Shinjiro had followed her upstairs.

"How did he get so sick?" Hamuko asked, striding towards Makoto's room. Fuuka backed away in fear when she saw her leader. Whatever expression she had, they will have to accept it. "Make way, Aki!"

Her heart sank when she saw him lying unconscious on his bed. The boy, not even in his nightshirt, was covered with a blue blanket and a damped towel lying on top of his forehead. Junpei and Aigis were standing next to his bed. Sweats wetted the blue-haired boy's face till Hamuko felt like she was going to faint herself. Moving towards his bed, Hamuko paused for a while, then turned to her back. Shinjiro was outside, talking to Akihiko and Fuuka. His eyes did dart towards the room and surprised to see their eyes made contact. He gave a weak sigh. Hamuko lowered her eyes slightly to break contact. Guilt began to surface within her.

There was no point in dining anymore, they both knew that.

Makoto Yuki

Morning - 21/9/2009 - Iwatodai Dorm?

He had no notion of ever slept in his room with a towel over his forehead. The first thing he noticed when he woke up was that his head was hurting madly. He saw the sunlight blinding his vision, but he knew it was morning. His alarm didn't wake him up. In fact, he felt as though he was sleeping for a long time. His body felt exhausted, oddly too weak to think of anything else. When he sat upright, some memory did return to him. He remembered bedridden with a cold for two days in his world, yet he felt like recovering from some chronic disease. Will Hamuko experience this cold as well?

It was then he noticed another presence in his room. Hamuko was sitting by his desk, observing the contact card. Her presence was so weak that he almost thought she was a mannequin. But she was there.

"Hamuko-chan?" Makoto called out, "What are you doing in my room? How long have I been sleeping?"

Slowly, Hamuko turned to face him with a blank face. It was a face he had seen every day since coming to this world. However, that stare she gave him... Chills ran down his spine. He observed her even closer. Could this be the same kind of dream when he saw her on the rooftop? It had that sense of alienation of being in a different world, a deeper dream, and a feeling of being an outsider to the world. He had not felt this strongly since coming to this world for the first time months ago. In fact, he felt it only occasionally, then it faded away so smoothly that he nearly forgot he was not of this world. Until today. Until this... moment. Hamuko was smiling, still holding the Contact Card.

"You have been sleeping for a long, long time, Makoto-kun," Hamuko said, "You need to be off soon. They're all waiting for you."

"Waiting for me? What are you talking about?" Makoto asked with a croaked voice. His throat was thirsty.

"Why? The Cultural Festival, of course. You need to be at school by now."

"...What?" Makoto widened his eyes in confusion, "I thought we canceled the festival because of the typhoon?"

"But you were at the festival, weren't you?"

Her voice changed. It was a male voice. Makoto jerked out of his bed in a panic, searching for his Evoker in the drawers next to his bed. No Evoker. Adrenaline filled his body. He glanced at 'Hamuko' for a split second and... She was gone. He searched for her at the door. The front door creaked open, the sound of footsteps. His footsteps. How? How was he in his battle uniform, already walking towards the door? Since when did he change? Everything came through him in a flash. He was already outside through the lounge. He was heading to the train station. Now, he was walking on foot. Wait, where was his destination, with crescent moon peering down on him?

Huh? Since when did it get dark? Why is he out here, in the Dark Hour? It's not nighttime, it's Dark Hour. Time lapsed rapidly with immerse speed, including his memories. What day is it today? Didn't he promise to go to Tartarus today? It was his responsibility as their leader. Yes, he was their leader. Not that girl! ...What girl? He wondered who that girl is as he opened the school gate, heading into Tartarus. What was happening to him? His friends were waiting for him inside and... cobweb entangled the entire entrance of Tartarus. Hamuko was at the center, her entire body webbed with her eyes peering at him.

"You were there, weren't you? At the Cultural Festival?"

[CAUTION! CAUTION! ANOMALIES IN SUBJECT CONTAINMENT DETECTED! PLEASE REPROGRAM DATA IMMEDIATELY!]

Hamuko Arisato

Morning - 21/9/2009 - Iwatodai Dorm

Knock! Knock!

It was the sound coming from the door that forced her awake from the bed, after two days of cold. Her head was dizzy, but she must make herself upright for the day. If she grew fat, Makoto will probably laugh at her. Then again, he wouldn't, but he will look at her sideways. She wondered when she started to feel conscious of her own body. Who was she trying to impress? She giggled.

But then, giggle turned to anger. Worried her to death, she knew she couldn't sleep a wink thinking about Makoto. Not only she had to apologize to Shinjiro for the canceled diner, but she also volunteered to sleep in his room for the night to care for him. Volunteer! The cringes she felt when she remembered her friends' eyes on her when she said it. What was a girl thinking of sleeping in a boy's room to care for him like a worried mother? Even Fuuka looked at her like she was going insane. How was it her business whether or not he's sick? Yukari said there should be a limit on how far she needs to care for her teammates.

"What was I thinking..." She mused as she reached the door. Speak of the devil. Yukari was already up for her shopping, seeing as she was already dressed in her best outfits to cover the days she had lost due to the typhoon. That was the first comfort of the day. Typhoon passed by, leaving no trace.

"Hey, Hamuko-chan," Yukari said with a broad smile. Too broad. Was she still teasing her about that night? "Just checking on your cold. Looks like you're doing well. See? I told you not to get too close to Yuki-kun."

"I got cold from the rain, not from him," She protested, but with a weak voice. She was still half asleep.

"Oh, well. I just want to let you know that Yuki-kun woke up a while ago."

That statement brought her completely awake.

"Give me a moment to get ready, Yukari-chan."

She slammed the door and emerged back not more than ten minutes later. Yukari had already left for her shopping, as did most of the teams. Currently, the only one at home was Ken and Koromaru, who were spending time at the lounge. Aigis remained in her room. But that's not her destination. She took a deep breath as she stood in front of Makoto's room and gently knocking it.

"Makoto-kun, it's me. Open the door," Hamuko said. There was no answer at first. "Makoto-kun, open the door for me, please. I just want to see you-"

The door hinged open, revealing Makoto still in his sleeping shirt. There were black marks below both of his eyes. He appeared so fragile, as though he was recovering from a terrible nightmare. He did smile at her, though. He was spreading open his blue hair to see her carefully when he said it, "I heard you got a cold. Glad to see you're doing alright."

"That's my line," She responded. Placing her hand on his chest, she pushed him into the room and shut the door behind her, "Do you have any idea how worried I am? Why didn't you tell me you were sick?"

"It's not that bad."

"For your information, you FAINTED in front of your room," She raised her voice, pointing one finger at him, "Aigis said you're going to die. Exaggerate, I know, but how do you expect me to dine in peace when you're bedridden-"

Hamuko felt a moment of panic when Makoto suddenly seized her wrist with a few blinking eyes.

"Please don't tell me you canceled the diner with Shinjiro."

Hamuko looked away, not answering him. That was more than enough answer that made him exploded. It's impossibly rare for him to get angry.

"You canceled it? Why would you do something like that?!"

"Circumstance! And why are you so mad? It's none of your business of who I had diner with!" Hamuko replied, breaking her wrist free.

"You don't understand, do you? You don't have much time with him! Spend it with someone you like, not me!"

"You're the one who said I like him, not me! So stop telling me our precious time together is wasted! I hate it!"

...She shut close her mouth with both hands. Makoto appeared speechless, waiting for her next word. Soon, the waiting became a realization. Why had she said that? Makoto finally leaned closer after waiting for a while. But before he could speak, Hamuko quickly cut him off.

"...I need to be off," Hamuko hurriedly headed for the closed door, but a hand pulled her shoulder backward, "Makoto-kun, what are you-"

She was shocked to feel the sudden embracement. His arms around her back felt tight, like a frustration wanting to be released.

"Sorry," She heard his voice as her face was facing backward. Unlike Shinjiro, she was almost as tall as Makoto. His voice sounded regret, "Sorry for getting angry. I... I had a bad dream last night. Really, really scary dreams of being somewhere I don't remember. Our friends were not our friends, and you were... These past few months, things were not going my way, except you..."

'Eh?' She mused, 'Why do I feel like I want to cry when I heard that?' It was the first time he was being opened about his trouble. Somehow, he always appeared mysterious to her in secrecy and personality. But today, she felt like she could ask him anything. But she suppressed that because he was still recovering. When she gripped his arms, she sensed shiver, fearing for lost. It seemed almost as though she was experiencing his nightmare through the hug. She will feel his nightmare if the hug continues. But let's kept the hug a little longer.

"I-I'm sorry too," She said, "But don't ever say that my time is wasted on you. Both you and Shinjiro are important to me. I wouldn't want to lose any of you..."

Gently, she broke free from the hug and read his expression. He looked so tortured. What could a man dream that made him looked so lifeless from the eyes? No, no use bringing that up. Time to change the topic, "I won't abandon him, or you. You know I wouldn't, right?"

He nodded, "I always had that notion that Shinjiro won't be with us for long. That's my anxiety."

There were many odd minutes of silence between them in almost every conversation they had. Sometimes they realized they had agreed for something despite speaking nothing. Hamuko understood him, and he understood her. All it took were a few words and a nod. Strange connection, him and her. Hamuko felt ready to open herself up, "Weird, huh? My feeling with you is mutual, at least. I also felt that he won't be with us for long. Which is why I'm scared of liking him. The loss I would feel when he's gone; it will be unbearable. Yet I do feel attached to him oddly. But is this what truly liking someone is? I'm not sure..."

Finally, she saw the smile curving slightly on his lips. When it faded as quickly as it came, she knew then that he didn't intend that smile.

Makoto Yuki

Morning - 23/9/2009 - Paulownia Mall

He didn't remember much about The Film Festival in his original world. He blamed it on his recent recovery from the cold he had during the typhoon. Perhaps he did nothing, but that won't apply to Hamuko today. The girl needed to recover the social link that she missed out days ago. She had a week left to make most of her time. But Makoto was certain, the girl was fond of the man more than anyone she met so far. However, the connection between them was disrupting that. How he wished to spend time with Shinjiro himself. But he had to relent. He mustn't allow his sense of dread for the man mixed with Hamuko's feeling.

What Hamuko said last night brought some interesting notes about Shinjiro. A leather-strapped pocket watch? He was more than certain now that Shinjiro mentioned nothing about it in his old world. Hamuko had been dead set on searching for it from the moment he mentioned it to her. Culturally, she hated the idea of returning it herself. Gifting someone a clock or anything to do with time was a taboo matter in their culture. It is said to hint an impending doom for the receiver. How true was that...

He was stopped his daydream as he entered the police station, where officer Kurosawa came in and greeted him. He saw Hamuko at the backmost corner of the station, rummaging through a box full of lost items collected from months past. It's a wonder why the officer still kept something that was probably long forgotten.

"Here for the same issues? She's still looking," Kurosawa said with a stone look, "She's been searching for half an hour, clearly not expecting the amount of watch we had."

"I'm sure we'll find it this time. I got good eyes," Makoto efforted a proud grin. Kurosawa never changed his expression, no matter what. He wondered why Mitsuru still kept him three years later. The officer eventually returned to the backdoor and left them both. She still failed to notice him until he coughed.

"Ah! What are you doing here?" She stared, but understood immediately, "It's okay, I can find it by myself."

"You're already promised Shinjiro a movie today. Are you sure it's wise to be late?" He asked. Red spots bloomed on her cheeks; quite cute, actually.

"I-I didn't expect it to be so much! How silly of me..." She palmed her face in regret, sweats ran down the side of her forehead. She glanced at the watch and fell her face into her arms, "Another 20 minutes left before our meeting... Looks like I'm continuing this another day..."

"How about I searched them for you?" Makoto suggested. Hamuko lifted her head to see him. She shook her head disapprovingly.

"That's not your responsibility. I'm their leader. I'm the one who should."

"There's so much a leader can do, Hamuko-chan. Let me. Don't make him wait. He'll misunderstand it."

Hamuko examined the watches on the table and sighed. "I owned you one."

"Don't mention it," He smiled.

Hamuko left in a rush as he began. Such an event never happened before. Shinjiro never mentioned about a watch. Will this change the future?

'If given the chance...' He began to swim in his thoughts for an alternative, 'If I can save Shinjiro... Maybe that will make her happy...? If I changed too much, I'll risk returning to that world, but if that makes her smile...' He searched again. It was that single thought that motivated him to find that watch. Deep inside, he knew he was trying to deny the fact that it's just a watch. But if there was a possibility that Shinjiro will survive...

Hamuko Arisato

Morning - 23/9/2009 - Paulownia Mall

"Aren't you supposed to watch that movie with your boyfriend?" Shinjiro turned to her at the cafe. They had just returned from the movie together not more than an hour ago, and now they were sitting opposite of each other, separated by a circular table next to the glass wall. Hamuko had no idea the expression she's making as she peered down her tea, but she hoped her nervousness didn't expose her. Certainly, the choice of picking a romance movie was a bad decision she made so far today. She regretted not asking for Makoto's opinion. But it was too late for that.

"I'm just in a mood for some romance," Hamuko said, shifting her feet uneasily, occasionally caressing her pocket for her phone. The movie's choice was not the reason why she was slightly hesitant about today's planning. It was too late to regret her decision for seeking Makoto regarding the search for the watch. It was not his responsibility any more than it should.

"Well, I can't say I hate it," Shinjiro said, snapping her out of her daydreams, "It was... interesting at least. The way the woman mourned for the dying guy feels incredible. I always hate romance because of it, but..."

"Why did you hate it?" Hamuko asked curiously, pretending to pick up her cup but sipped nothing.

"It's relatable, I think..." Shinjiro responded, glancing at her with an odd stare, "What happened to the girl after he died? Won't she be sad? Why isn't he distancing himself when he knew she will be heartbroken when he leaves her? It's frustrating. That idiot character..."

Hamuko paused herself and examined him, then repeated his words in her mind. The instinct she and Makoto felt was right. Shinjiro felt so far like he was planning a trip with no intention of returning. Where would he go? What would happen to him? She promised herself she must protect her comrades. It mustn't come to it. A sense of duty filled her. What was she doing? Makoto would probably do something for him right now. He mustn't go anywhere! He mustn't go anywhere...

"Go where?"

She was startled again by Shinjiro's words. It was then she realized she must have spoken out loud the last bit.

"N-No, it's nothing. I'm just thinking about what you said about Makoto."

"About what?" Shinjiro leaned forward with a curious stare.

Hamuko didn't expect him to push that fact. "Ah, you don't remember? That time during the Summer festival. You said I told you the same thing as Makoto said."

Shinjiro's eyes softened; not truly angry, but surprised. He coughed a few times and proceeded to speak, "You and him, what's your relationship? Look, I know you are YOU, but the first encounter? I won't lie, I almost thought you're twins. Your manner, caringness..."

"If I had to be honest, I find it hard to say. He felt... too 'close'? Like he's always lingering in my mind even when I thought nothing of it."

She noticed Shinjiro's blank face, studying her. Was there jealousy he exposed in his eyes?

She quickly added, "Of course, he's just a friend like many others."

"A friend?" Shinjiro laughed slightly. Did she say something wrong?

Her phone was vibrating. It seemed Makoto had found the watch.

Night - 24/9/2009 - Nagasaki Shrine

She glanced at her watch as she sat on the swing at the empty playground. Dusk greeted her half an hour ago, but her iris were still adjusting to the submerging darkness. Two street lamps cast small double shadows beneath her, and the playlist she had in her headphone paused for a while now, allowing hollowness of the atmosphere to merge with the night. Once again, she took out the watch given by Makoto a while ago. It didn't have to be here, but she assumed it was appropriate. What would Makoto do in this situation? Would he have done it better?

"Hey."

Hamuko jerked her eyes towards the voice and saw the tall man walking towards her. He expressed no confusion for being called twice, but he lacked motivations, unlike this morning.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

She reached for the watch from her pocket. "You said you lost your watch some time ago," She exposed a dangled pocket watch from her pocket, "You weren't looking good enough for it."

Shinjiro's eyes bore into the watch for a moment. "Where did you find it?"

She explained carefully that it was sent to the police station, but hid the fact that Makoto was the one who found it. Shinjiro said nothing as he toyed with it. Eventually, he spoke out, "I thought I'd be fine if I never saw this again, but I never imagine you out of all people would bring it to me."

She didn't expect him to hand the watch back to her. "Take it. It keeps track of time. I... I don't want any more lingering regrets."

"What do you mean?" Hamuko asked. The man simply stared at the floor and remained still. What was on his mind that made him suddenly aversive?

"...Please look after Aki for me," He finally said, like someone ready to depart forever from the place, "Don't get me wrong, I'm not worried about him, because I know you'll take good care of him. Just... watch over him. He's a good man."

"We both will watch over him," Hamuko immediately corrected him. This atmosphere felt heavy. Shinjiro shook his head in dismissal.

"I don't want anymore regret..." He repeated it, but much more despairing. He quickly changed the subject as he stood up from the seesaw, "I wish I could stay longer, but the wind is cold tonight. You need to take care of yourself."

Shinjiro began to walk away, but Hamuko grabbed his arm sleeve.

"What's wrong with you?" She asked, suppressing her anger, "Why do you have to be so distant? Why must you go anywhere without us? Am I not good enough? Even Makoto noticed that about you!"

"Huh?" Shinjiro finally faced her, but the surprise was shown in his expression. Why? He continued, "No, that's not what this is all about. I'm really..." Shinjiro breathed deeply, "You shouldn't waste your time with me any longer. Just leave, Don't talk to me anymore."

"Senpai, please!" Hamuko didn't let go of his sleeve, "You can't just run away like this!"

"Leave me, Hamuko!" Shinjiro pushed her hand away. His eyes appeared lust for violence for a moment before returning to normal. No, he appeared to be in more pain than before, "Take care of everyone. I... I need to go."

He ran when she tried to catch up.

Makoto Yuki

Evening - 26/9/2009 - Iwatodai Station

Hamuko didn't say much of what happened that day. In fact, she appeared aversive about anything regarding Shinjiro. He noticed she'd still keeping that leather watch when she thought he wasn't looking. He had thought of a possibility that she lost the courage to meet the man, but it was more probable that Shinjiro returned the watch to her for safekeeping. Perhaps she was experiencing the same dread he felt as they all approached the fourth of October. 'Only a week left...' He mused. He couldn't look at Akihiko or Ken. The guilt just keeps on piling on his shoulder. Hamuko was feeling it as well, though in her case, she deserved all his sympathy. Longing for a particular man she loved for no reason, the girl must have felt confused beyond description.

Akihiko had started to notice this relationship. He clearly didn't intend to hide his scowl, but that revealed negatively to his daily routine. While Hamuko was aversive towards him, Shinjiro was aversive towards his childhood friend. Yesterday, Akihiko came extremely close to shout when Shinjiro pushed him away. That soured their contact much more, which Akihiko came to regret it. There was little to no planning to come here during this time of an hour. He would rather spend more time stalking Hamuko if he could, but the link emotion they had together will be a huge problem. They knew each other 'too much'. He thought it was a blessing when Akihiko call him to discuss it.

"Do you know anything?" Akihiko hadn't completely rested his back to the seat when he asked upon arriving at the station. Thankfully, he mastered the way of hiding his distaste to the sudden meeting and expressed a little to no frown in front of the boxer. The bench they seated on was long, allowing a little space for the two of them. There was no need for whispering. The passengers around them had masked their conversation enough. The problem was that the man was extremely impatient.

"Akihiko, I don't think it's my call to have an opinion at this point," Makoto began with the gentlest voice he could muster at the moment. That certainly did not calm him when Akihiko began to slam his fist on the bench floor.

"Like hell, it doesn't!" The boxer hissed, but quickly suppressed his tone when he realized the rage in his voice, "I'm not... I'm not angry, okay? I'm frustrated. Hamuko-chan has been my..."

Akihiko's voice faded away along with his anger. The tone of a man who was distracted and clueless...

"Your woman? That's what you want to say?" Makoto crossed his arms below his chest and observed, "You disagree with Hamuko's relationship with Shinjiro?"

"Guh!" Akihiko looked away. He hit the mark. Never would he have thought that Akihiko was so clueless in love. Then again, training was the only thing on his mind before. Akihiko's lips still failed to twitch, as though he was refusing to admit his weakness in holding a spice in his tongue.

"It's not that I 'disagree', but more like I can't see anything beyond that," Akihiko said with an effort to return his stares at him, "If it made Hamuko-chan happy, then I am more than glad to let Shinji take care of her. But now, Shinji told me -beg me!- to take care of her instead. He... Gah! He knows! He knows how I feel towards her! And I know he's thinking the same thing as I do."

This turned out to be more complicated than he thought. Was Shinjiro being stubborn to push Hamuko away? When he recapped his memories, he was certain that Shinjiro was long aware of his eventual demise. But why had Hamuko not consulted with him about it? Trusting the instinct of the bond between them, the answer must be what preoccupied his mind as well; the sense of loss. Akihiko certainly never thought of speaking too much of it, seeing as he quickly back away from the topic.

"No, this isn't right. I shouldn't ask you about my problem," Akihiko clutched his head and bent his head downward, "What the hell? I can't believe that I told you all that. Please don't tell anyone, especially her."

Makoto nodded in promise. But he wasn't done. "Akihiko, I need you to tell me what you see. Who do you believe captured Hamuko's heart?"

Akihiko stared at him as if looking at the dummy. "That's not an easy question, Makoto. Shinji and I both love her, I can tell, but she never really return my feelings. But if I'm really honest... I don't know how Hamuko-chan sees that idiot, but she looks more like a concerned mother when she spoke of him. "Is he's taking those drugs again?" "What does he like?" "Who does he met?" Haha... I find it hard to grasp. Maybe a leader's duty is tougher than I thought. But love him? I don't know. I don't think she had that -how should I explain- 'spark' in her eyes when she talks to anyone than you."

Makoto sighed. She was very concerned about her teammates, unaware of how much she worried others. He must change this, "I will help you, Akihiko, but first I need your help."

Hamuko Arisato

Night - 28/9/2009 - Nagasaki Shrine

Makoto said nothing of his intention for bringing her to the shrine. The only message she received from him was: "I need to talk to you. Please come to the Shrine right now." Hamuko had tried really hard not to rely on his guidance regarding this matter. There's still the matter of sorting out her feelings for Shinjiro, a question she desperately wanted to be rid of from her head. She was their leader, there must be something she can do for them.

It was dark when she reached the stairs leading to the shrine and the playground. But there was no need for light, as the moon was close to full, reflecting some light on the trees and steels around her. It was unsettlingly disturbing to be alone here at night. What could Makoto possibly want with her? She tried to ignore the message, but her instinct told her to come. For some reason, she felt that it was important. It occurred to her that Makoto might be trying to make her talk about Shinjiro, and she was not opposed to it. But why had he chosen this place?

"Makoto-kun, where are you?" She called out as she reached the top of the stairs and observed the playground. Makoto was not there! Hamuko gripped her fist toughly. What could that man be planning? Taking a deep breath, she walked to the swing at the playground. The seat was cold, but she found it hard to stand once she sat. She felt exhausted, mentally, and she was losing appetite for two nights. Her mind constantly went to Shinjiro's dishes. If only she could cook together with him again, would that make him happy?

After a while, she heard rapid footsteps sound ascending the stairs. She stood up, preparing to scold him for making her worried. But when the man reached the top of the stairs, it was not Makoto.

"Hamuko! Are you okay?!" Shinjiro, face covered in sweat, ran to her direction before checking her upside down. His hands reached for her shoulders and shook it aggressively, "Girl, what the hell are you doing? Do you know how worried I am?!"

"Huh?" Hamuko spoke out, still dazzled by his words, "Shinjiro-senpai, I don't understand. What are you talking about?"

"How should I know?! Aki said you wanted to run away from the dorm! He said you were last seen here!" Shinjiro was still checking her attire, as though that was all that he could manage.

"What? I didn't run away! I only came here because Makoto-kun said he had something to tell me," Hamuko responded.

Then, like a sudden gust of wind, silence took over them. It was then they realized that they had been deceived by both parties into the meeting. The redness on Shinjiro's cheek confirmed everything. He hurriedly backed away in panic and tried to turn his body in the opposite direction. Something stung her again. She wanted to be rid of this feeling immediately! Makoto and Akihiko had given her this opportunity.

"Shinjiro-senpai, talk to me!" Hamuko immediately grabbed him from the back and dragged him backward, which proved pointless seeing as Shinjiro was too big to be moved. The man realized this and stopped himself from walking, thankfully. "Why do you keep avoiding me?"

Shinjiro gave no answer, but he didn't run away like last time. Hamuko pushed herself harder for this meeting too. She stood in front of him and began to stare him down, begging for his response.

"...You can stare at me like that all night. I've got nothing for you," Shinjiro finally spoke while avoiding eye contact with her, his hands in his pocket, "Haven't you wasted enough time on me? What more do you want?"

"I...I want to talk more with you," Hamuko said. His words cut deeper than she had thought. Shinjiro appeared colder after she replied, as though nothing will stop him from walking away. It terrified her. It felt as though she had to sort her feelings out this very moment.

"Is that all you had to say?" Shinjiro said disappointedly. He began to mutter something to himself, "I can't be like this. We're can't be together..."

Something caught her tongue this time as Shinjiro once again walking away, but much slower this time. It was then that her phone vibration in her pocket. She ignored it at first, but again, her instinct told her to reach for the phone. She was half surprised to see Makoto's name.

"Confess now, or you'll never get this chance again."

Was he there all along? Hamuko searched the shrine for any trace of a presence behind any of those trees or buildings. Confidence welled up within her despite her promise to herself to not rely on him. Now isn't the time to hesitate!

"I like you!"

Shinjiro spun so fast upon that word that she thought he never intended to leave to begin with. There was no mirror to show her expression at that moment, but Shinjiro's face burned out with red.

"...Huh?" That was all he said when he stared at her with mouth agape. He recomposed himself to sort out his words, "Are you kidding me? D-Don't tease me like that! Where did this come from?"

"I am not teasing you!" She voiced herself firmer and stepped closer towards him, forcing him to back away.

"Urgh... I-I mean, why just blurt out something like that? Here, of all places?" Shinjiro's eyes already stopped looking at her, his feets failed to stop tapping the ground. It took only one confession to break this man down. Good, their conversation was smoothing.

"Should we talk somewhere more private, now that you're ready to talk?" Hamuko decided to lead the conversation, "Can we go to your room, maybe?"

"What?" He stopped his foot tapping as whiteness filled his face, "I... I ain't a nice guy. I can't let you in my room. Don't you get it?"

"I still want to go."

"It's not gonna happen. You need to watch over yourself. Don't bother with someone like me..."

"My decision won't change, senpai! I need you to open yourself to me, I don't care!"

Makoto Yuki

Night - 28/9/2009 - Nagasaki Shrine

Examing the walking pair leaving the shrine, Makoto emerged from behind the tree nearby. He was right not to let Akihiko tagged along. That weak confession would sour him for good, no matter how much he told him that he's fine with Shinjiro as Hamuko's lover.

He could sense that Hamuko felt... relieved. Not from her confession, but from Shinjiro's opening up to her. If she didn't confess now, then the regret that followed afterward will be tenfold. He knew this because he felt the same way when Shinjiro died. How much he wanted to spend more time with his friend. Hamuko needed to sort her feeling now. The moon in the sky was close to a full moon. Besides, if he was the reason Hamuko couldn't sort her feeling, the guilt that laid on him will make him insane. 'Shinjiro is going to die...' That was all in his mind now.

He gazed at the moon again. Nyx... He wondered how much would he sacrifice to not becoming the Great Seal? To be with his friends forever? But he mustn't. This was the duty he had chosen. Death comes to all.

Hamuko Arisato

Morning - 4/10/2009 - Iwatodai Dorm
(Full moon operation)

She still tried to remember the embarrassment on the night she came to Shinjiro's room. Shinjiro's looked refreshed, now that he spilled it all to her. He even joked that if he died today, he won't have any regret. A fainted but a genuine smile was pasted on him whenever he caught her looking at him since that day. She owned Makoto much more than she thought.

But today, Shinjiro looked 'ready', as though he was prepared to face the worst shadow of Tartarus. Still, she had something to do herself. In the early morning, she came to the man's room, worried that he might leave the dorm too soon for her to meet him. Luckily, Shinjiro was still preparing himself when he opened the door.

"Hamuko? Is there something you need?" He asked. His eyes felt natural, plus there're fats on his cheekbone due to not hardening his face.

"I need to return this to you," Hamuko said, revealing the leather watch that he gave to her days ago.

"There's no need for that. It was a gift," He smiled with his unkempt hair, "Now if you excuse me."

"Wait," Hamuko pressed the door before he could seal himself, "Tonight is a full moon operation. Promise me if we survive the battle tonight, you can return it to me."

"...You will survive."

"I want us both to survive. If you do, then I won't have to worry anymore. None of us had to worry anymore. Especially Makoto. That guy was so worried about you."

"...Heh," Shinjiro chuckled suddenly, "You always like to do things your way, don't you?"

Slowly, he took the leather watch and slotted it in his left breast pocket. "There. Happy now?"

Hamuko nodded joyfully.

"Hamuko..." Shinjiro curved his lips upward again, much brighter than before, "I want you to tell me the truth."

"The truth?"

"Yes," Shinjiro appeared serious, but his face remained calm and gentle, "It wasn't you who found that watch for me, isn't it? And the reason why you confessed to me that night is that someone pushed you to. These two incidents are because of the same guy."

Hamuko felt a punch to the gut hearing those words. How did he know? But Shinjiro was quick in cutting her off.

"You don't have to answer. I already know," Shinjiro said. He felt the watch in his breast pocket with his hand and focused on her, "Hamuko, thank you for your time with me. I love you."

That came very sudden that she jerked backward in surprise. There was something else he wanted to say, but won't.

"I know this because I couldn't stop thinking about you in every moment. That's how I know I do love you. My question is, who is on your mind the most? I know the answer."

"On my mind?" Hamuko blinked for a while, "Shinjiro-senpai, I don't understand."

He chuckled, "After the operation tonight, I will tell you. I promised."

Hamuko tilted her head curiously.

Makoto Yuki

Dark Hour - 4/10/2009 - Back alley
(Full moon operation)

"Can you detect them both?" Akihiko asked Fuuka as they all ran to the back alley. The truth was, Makoto already knew this would happen, but he suppressed the foul taste in his mouth when they took another corner to where Shinjiro and Ken were.

"Yes, I sensed them at that alley. But they're not alone! We must hurry!" Fuuka said.

"If only I noticed them sooner..." Mitsuru muttered. The rest of the SEES said nothing and merely proceeded to the destination.

'You can't save him...' Makoto thought. Death is inevitable to all. His attention was entirely on Hamuko, however. The leader was quiet and was in disarray. He could feel a surge of emotion overflowing her. Was it hers, or his, or both? Then, they heard gunshots.

They reached the open space in the back alley to where three presences were. All color drained out of Hamuko's face when she saw the scenery. There was still smoke from the barrel of Takaya's revolver when Shinjiro went down. Ken Amada stood there hard as stone, while Shinjiro was crouching on the floor, pressing the bleeding wound on his left chest. The moment SEES came into view, Takaya escaped bitterly into the shadow. But all attention lied on the dying man. Oh, dear. The same thing again. He thought he was ready for the second time, but it was much worse. He had long known about it, and what did he do? Thinking of nothing but his own world. It was not a wrong choice, but it still pained him. At that moment, only he, Hamuko, and Shinjiro were in his mind.

"No! No! You can't leave me!" Hamuko was trying her hardest not to cry. She crouched in front of the dying man as Shinjiro's back fell to the ground, but the bleeding just won't stop. It hurt him worse to see her trying to be strong. She mustn't do this. Gently, Makoto crouched beside her and wiped away the one tear she wished to hold in on her cheek. It took her a moment to look at him. Her agonized eyes... No, he wanted to cry himself if he stared any longer.

"Hamuko, it's alright."

He felt as though he had just opened two flood gates the moment he said that. Tears won't stop flowing from Hamuko's eyes now. It was Shinjiro's word that stopped him from going into tears as well. It seemed they both shared something personal between them when Hamuko mentioned a promise. Shinjiro had already started to close his eyes.

"You said... you will tell me..." Hamuko rested her head on Shinjiro's chest to conceal her tears. At that moment, Shinjiro's gaze laid on her, then oddly enough, on Makoto. His lips twitched slightly at him. He wanted to speak something. Hamuko, noticing this, quickly rest her ears close to his lips.

He had no idea what the dying man just said to her. But that very instant, Makoto felt a sudden surge of realization from Hamuko. What in the world did Shinjiro say that evoked such powerful emotions to her? Backed away in shock, her weeping ceased, and the look on her was puzzlement.

"Shinjiro-senpai, I don't understand. What do you mean?" Hamuko pleaded desperately, but by the time she finished, Shinjiro had closed his eyes, a calm and warm look as he ceased to open his eyes again.

Shinjiro passed away. Again.

Hamuko Arisato

After midnight - 5/10/2009 - Tatsumi Memorial Hospital

The hallway reeked of death. Hamuko couldn't stand staying in this place any longer. The rest of the SEES members were still gathering at Shinjiro's ward. Akihiko was still comforting the weeping Ken. Mitsuru was talking to someone on the phone. Fuuka and Yukari were sitting on the chairs not far from Ken's. Junpei failed to seat himself, instead, he walked around distressfully in a circle. Koromaru had been sent home by Aigis, who still insisted that she returned shortly afterward to meet her until Hamuko resisted and told her to stay at home. She wanted some privacy, she needed it. All the emotions she felt that Makoto said about Shinjiro were correct. Even now, waves of emotions still gripped her by the heartstring. Did she regret this, or did she not? One savory outcome from this event was that she knew Shinjiro smiled happily before he closed his eyes for good.

Those thoughts nearly made her tripped her feet as she walked towards the exit of the hospital's door. There was not many patients or nurse about at night, but she was grateful for it; for every eye that turned themselves away from her. She picked herself up properly and walked towards the exit. The outdoor smelled a thousand times better than inside.

Her eyes searched for Makoto, who had long left the hospital but waited outside for all of them. Mitsuru told him to return home if it sickened him to stay, yet Makoto was particularly stubborn this time. Hamuko appreciated that. She wanted comfort from him now, more than ever.

When she saw him, Makoto was leaning by the lamp pole of the parking lot, concentrating his emotions into the song playing on his headphone. The moonlight hanging in the sky earlier had been dimmed by thick clouds. The boy was barely visible from afar because of it, but Hamuko observed closely, and he appeared so... lonely, detached from his friends and everyone; like an outsider noticing his limit and wanting to stay civil without barging in. Terror seized her temporarily. He looked so far away, even further than Shinjiro ever was despite within her sight. She dreaded this much more than ever.

Her voice couldn't call out his name. It was Makoto himself who finally raised his chin upward and widened his eyes at her.

"Need to talk?" He asked with the weakest voice he could muster. It irritated her. There was not even a trace of tear on him. He was as hard as a stone.

"Why?" Hamuko forced the word out of her mouth, "Why don't you cry?"

"...Cry?" He narrowed his eyes and removed himself from the lamp pole and approached her, "I had enough tears, Hamuko-chan. Do you think I have a cold heart? He's not here with us. We need to push forward for him."

"So you can't cry?" Hamuko leaned her head towards his face, forcing him to back away in surprise. She bit her lips and clenched his shirt tightly, "Makoto-kun, you're the one who suffered the most by what happened! Stop pretending that you're okay with this!"

Makoto stared into her to search the meaning but failed. Puzzlement covered his face, "Akihiko, Mitsuru, even Ken; they worth more sympathy than me. What makes you think they, who were closer to him than I was, suffer less?"

She realized how much anger she put in her grip that her nails nearly pierced his shirt. Adding with what Shinjiro said to her, her frustration with the man in front of him had just begun.

"Because out of everyone in our team, you're the one who truly knew he will be gone! You're the reason he smiled without regret when he closed his eyes!" Hamuko screamed. Before she realized it, she had buried her face in his shoulder, "Do you remember back at the golden week months ago, when we were pretending to be twins? I take back what I said to you about you're being strong. I don't want you to be strong, I don't want you to shoulder everything! All I did is made some empty promises to myself that I'll protect my teammates, but you're the one who truly taking care of everyone from the dark. And you thought that is enough for you!"

"Hamuko-chan, I..." Makoto held her shoulder gently, "I can't... ask for more..."

"No," Hamuko removed her grip on his shirt and went for his collar, "I am not letting you do this to yourself. I don't want to lose you to your isolation. You can't lie to me, and you know it. You need everyone," Her voice was obscured by her weeping sound, "And I... I need you..."

Makoto Yuki

Crash!

Universe Arcana Social Link:
Rank 6

The crashed sound barely reached his ears with Hamuko's tearful eyes locked on him. 'Of course, you need me. I am you...' He mused to himself. But her words resonated with him much more than before.

"I need to rest," Makoto said at last, "They will have a funeral by today. We need to rest."

He had no idea what he said, but Hamuko's eyes were filled with rage.

"How could you say that about Shinjiro? Don't wish for him like that!"

"Hamuko-chan, he's dead. There's no changing that."

"He's not dead," Hamuko said, but suddenly unassured of herself, "At least, not yet. The doctor said we can only pray, but there might be a chance that he wakes up-"

"What?"

Makoto felt like he misheard it the first time, "Wake up? What are you talking about?"

"If you don't know anything, then don't leave so soon," She scolded, but with a gentler tone, "Shinjiro is not dead yet. The doctor said the first bullet hit the watch that he put on his left chest pocket. The second shot missed his vital organs. He's in a coma, but the doctor said the chance for him to recover is very slim."

He's alive? Impossible, unless... The watch. He knew it, he screwed up. It was the watch that protected him! The same watch that he found for Hamuko! Was this what she meant when she said he made Shinjiro smiled without regret?

"Makoto-kun, what's wrong?" Hamuko asked as she stared at him, "Why do you look relieved all of a sudden?"

"He's alive," Makoto echoed his thoughts through his mouth, "Coma, but alive! He is going to recover, and it is all my fault. Unbelievable..."

Hamuko back away in surprise at his words. Relief and anxious blended together perfectly in his mind. What will Igor say?

Hamuko Arisato

Iwatodai Dorm

The entire crew walked home from the station, except for Akihiko and Mitsuru, who choose to sleep at the hospital. Not even a single word was spoken between them. Ken had already run ahead first, chased by Fuuka, then Yukari. The talkative Junpei was so speechless that it worried her. But that was the least of her concern. Walking side by side at the back most of the group, the blue-haired boy was matching her pace.

Makoto appeared shockingly at ease upon finding out about Shinjiro's condition. He was glad now, confidentially believed that Shinjiro will recover. It's like everything he said about deserving nothing earlier had ceased from his mind. Strangely, she believed his words without a second thought, yet it didn't stop the trauma of the incident.

"Hamuko-chan," Makoto suddenly turned to her with an unreadable expression, "What did Shinjiro say to you before he passed out?"

Hamuko said nothing at first. No matter how close they were, there's no way she could reveal it all to him.

"Do you trust me if I said I have reasons I can't tell you?"

Makoto didn't answer immediately and returned his eyes to the dorm in their sight.

"Very well, I won't pry into your secret," Makoto said with a beautiful smile, "He's going to be okay. Trust me."

The dorm was closing in. So there's no need for guidance to walk home. But subconsciously, Hamuko realized she had reached out her hand towards Makoto and gripped it gently. Makoto seemed startled at her action that he examined her hand in his with raised eyebrows.

"I need someone to hold me," She dangled their hands together, "Until we reached the dorm."

Makoto said nothing, but he eventually ignored her and focused forward. Hamuko felt the warmth in his hands and closed her eyes. Every chaotic emotion she felt these few weeks faded away from his warmth. His blue eyes, despite the seemly cold and emotionless, held her tightly both in heart and mind.

Shinjiro's words, expressed in a smile, resonated within her again.

"Stop losing yourself already because of me. I'm fine *cough* as long as you're happy. What you feel *cough* towards me isn't love. You should know by now who is that one guy that never *cough* leaves your mind. Your eyes shine brighter whenever you call his name. He's the one. I know, because I feel *cough* the same way for you..."

She opened her eyes when they reached the front door. She studied Makoto Yuki's face.

'He's the one that I...'

A/N: Sorry for the late update. My schedule is irregulars now. I really hope you enjoyed this chapter. Back to the story, it seems that there's something odd happening to Makoto during Cultural festival. What will happen to Makoto's world now that he indirectly saved Shinjiro?

Please wait for the next update.