Hey guys, it's been a while since I've updated this. Sorry, my mental health has been all over the place but now I'm in a good place to where I can improve it. I don't want to get into it because it's personal but I want you guys to know that I am fine so you guys have no need to worry. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter.
4/19
Waking up, I see that Akari isn't on the futon Sojiro helped me set up. She might be downstairs. Ugh, I gotta get up. I don't want to go to school, not after what happened. But I have to. Changing my clothes, my phone buzzes off. The name, 'Akiro' was on it. "Yo, Akiro! What you want? I'm getting ready for school." I tie my hair into a small ponytail to keep my hair out of my face but it doesn't do much. "Quit the bullshit. I know what's going on. You can't hide it from me," What the fuck? "Wow, what a way to say good morning. If you want to say it better, here's the chance". "Look, I have to get to school too. Just tell me, did something happen?" How did he come to that conclusion? Whatever... I'm not comfortable telling him now. "I'll tell you later... all you have to know is that it's school drama. You know, pointless shit. I'll be fine, I made some friends who understand me. You'll like them," Ryuji's face appeared in my mind as Ann's followed after as Morgana jumped on the shelf. I pet him as I hear Akiro sigh, "I'll take your word for it but tell me if you're feeling down, I'll be there at lightning speed. Anyway I've got to go, talk later?" he maybe a jerk at times but I know he cares. My lips form a small smile, "Yeah, I might call up in a few days after this drama sorts itself out. Bye..." Hanging up, I walk downstairs after placing Morgana in my bag.
~Timeskip~
Ugh, why do we have to got to gym class? Especially since Dog Shit is presiding over it. Sigh, at least I can just hang with Ann. "Okay 2-D, we are gonna do a few warm ups and start playing badminton. Got that?" The class responded with a 'yes sir!', excluding Ann, Mishima, and myself. For warm ups, girls and boys were separated as we were just doing basic exercises like jumping-jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, etc. Dog Shit was overlooking both groups but was mainly circling the girls, fucking perv. "Nice form, Fuyumiya~San! Keep up the good work Watanabe~San..." He makes his way to me as I was doing push-ups, "Hold on a moment, Kurusu~San. You're form seems to be uncomfortable for you. Here, let me help." he gently pushes my knees inwards and my hips lower. Thanks, asshole. I was comfortable before, I never needed that. "When you push up and down, keep your back align with your shoulders." If that wasn't uncomfortable enough, he grips onto my ass while a small gasp escapes my mouth. Fuck you, you dumb pedophile, bitchass, motherfucker. "Mnngh..." I look up and see that Dog Shit was 'helping' Ann with her sit-ups. His 'help' included him him pushing her back up while also subtly fondling with her chest. Okay, I need to try and get him off our backs or he'll keep doing that.
My eyes scanned the room, seeing a way the two of us can sneak out. They landed on a girl with short brown hair and light brown eyes doing jumping-jacks. That's Miyuki Nakamura, our class president. Maybe I can have her distract Dog Shit... then again, I have a feeling that Dog Shit just sexualizes all the girls in the school and if he hasn't gotten to her yet, I wouldn't like to be the one who helps him. "Alright, now that everyone's warmed up, grab a racket each and go in groups of 2-3 with one of the things you hit," It's called a shuttlecock, dumbass. Hell, you could've at least called it a bird. Ugh, whatever. "I'll get you one, Ann. Let's at least play the part of 'good girls'," I tell her as she nods. The items necessary weren't hard to find, it's just that there was too many people in one place. Grah! This is going nowhere! "Kurusu~San... here you go," Huh? I turn to see Mishima handing me two rackets and a shuttlecock. "Since you and Takamaki~San are friends, I had a feeling that you were going to pick one for her..." "Thanks Mishima~Kun!" Flashing him a smile, I go to Ann as we start playing.
Mishima's POV
I know I can't change the way she thinks of me... but I can at least show to her I'm a good person. That's the best I can do for now, right? She's become Kamoshida's target along with Takamaki, I need to help them before it gets out of hand. But, what can I do? I'm just a zero... "Mishima, come here." Oh no, that voice... I'm gonna get a new bruise, aren't I?
~Timeskip~
Akano's POV
Finally the bell rang. Hmm, should we go in the Palace? Mnngh... I don't feel like it. I'm still a little stiff from yesterday. Huh? Oh, it's Ryuji.
R- Hey, we going in the Palace?
A- Nah, I'm still stiff and I'm thinking
about us going every two days so we
can rest up.
R- OK. Say, since we're not going into
the Palace, want to go and train
with me? I want to be able to run
alright over there.
A- Hmm...I don't have any plans so
sure. Let me go and get changed
and I'll meet you in the courtyard, k?
R- Sure thing. Cya!
Ryuji's POV
So I have to meet Aka~Tan at the courtyard? Okay then, I just need to get changed first. Hmm? Mishima? He looks more depressed than last time. Wait, is that a black eye he's got? "Hey, Mishima. You okay there?" I ask him as he jumps a bit. "Gah! Oh, it's you Sakamoto. Yeah, I'm fine... it's just that Mr. Kamoshida told me to keep my distance from Kurusu~San..." What the? He can't do that! "Is that why you got that black eye? That bastard..." My fist clenched tight with my teeth gritting, "I don't know how to make you feel better... maybe, hang in there? I know that makes me sound like a douche, but I understand to some extent of Kamoshida's torment..." a small smile formed on the blue-haired boys face. "You may not be good with words... but I get what you're saying. Thanks for that," And with that, he leaves. I feel bad for that kid, man. And what's with Kamoshida? Telling him to stay away from Aka~Tan, who does he think he is? Oh shit! I forgot, I need to get changed and meet up with her at the courtyard.
~Timeskip~
Akano's POV
Hm, looks like I got here first. I open my bag and pull out a box of pocky I bought at the convenience store in the backstreets this morning and began snacking on it. The sweet chocolate and the crunch of the biscuit stick makes me smile as I eat. This is actually my first time eating pocky, they don't sell these in my town. I only see Akiro eating these but that's because he goes to his dad's place every two weeks. Oh yeah, I didn't tell you guys yet. Akiro's parents are divorced. He spends two weeks with his mom and one week with his dad. Looks unfair but to him and his parents, it's not. I don't exactly know the details, because I never pushed him to tell me, so maybe I'll find out later. "Aka~Tan? You okay there?" My mind returns to reality with Ryuji's face being in front of me. "Oh, sup Ryuji! Want one?" I hand him the box as he proceeds to take FIVE sticks. "Hey! I only said ONE!" The two of us couldn't stop laughing, I remember Akiro and I would do this. Not with pocky since he'd never give me one but it was with shrimp chips.
"You ready to train, Aka~Tan?" And with that, I place the box of pocky in my bag as the two of us ran around the school three times. There were times where I had to walk and catch my breath but Ryuji was always kind enough to walk beside me. Stamina's my weakness, I'm just glad I didn't fall or faint. At the end, my legs were numb and wobbly. I can't remember the last time I ran that much in one go, but from what my legs are telling me, it's been a long time. "Woah...! I'm drenched... and my legs are all tight. You okay, Aka-" "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Ryuji was cut off by another voice cutting in. Three boys in gym clothes came walking towards us as Ryuji looks taken aback. "Nakaoka... Takeshi..." He knows them? "... running, huh? I saw you from the window. And you've got a girl too, Kurusu~San huh? I knew you were into bad chicks but not that much." What? "Ryuji... who are these guys?" I gripped onto his hand but he continues to look at the ground. "Seems like you don't want to talk about or even with your girl, all goods dude. We didn't come here to talk about that. We came to talk about you running, trying to crawl back to the track team?" Another boy spoke which made Ryuji growl, "H-Hell no..."
Track team? Were these douchebags 'part of the track team? "Sure... speaking of which, this was your secret training spot, wasn't it?" Doesn't sound so secret now, doesn't it? "Well, it's our spot now. You know, us. The former track team." Huh? You can't just claim a spot! You're not even a club anymore, "We don't even have a locker room anymore, thanks to someone I know." Wow, real classy guys. "Hey! Shut the fuck up! I swear, I heard everything and it's incredibly toxic and I don't like it. So, take your bitch tits out of here before I kick your sorry little asses!" I didn't mean to sound like that, guess I have more pent up rage than I thought. Ryuji looks shocked as the others were dazed but then laughed. "As if a slutty pipsqueak could do anything to us!" Did he just say what I think he said?! 'A slutty pipsqueak'?! Oh you're goin- "To get to her, you need to get through me first." The blond student stepped in between the boys and me as they erupted into laughter. "You've really fallen for her, huh? Kurusu~San, you should stay away from him. He'll beat the shit out of you if you piss him off. I heard his dad was the same, like father like son, aye?" Are you kidding me? Don't say that in front of him! I could tell Ryuji was getting aggravated, I need to calm him down. "Ryuji, I'm here. Calm down." Wrapping my arms around his chest from behind, my presence was able to calm him down.
Man, I can't believe I called you my teammate. C'mon dudes, let's get out of here. I've said what I've got to say. And you," The boy with tanned skin points his index finger to me, "Next time Ryuji won't be here to protect you." My god I hate this guy. With a 180 turn, the tanned student leads the others away. "Grr, I almost lost it once they were teasing you and bringing up my dad. But, I'm glad you were here. You made me feel calm Aka~Tan!" His goofy smile returned which made me smile. But now I'm curious, "Ryuji, what were they talking about? 'like father like son' What were they talking about?" I know I shouldn't ask this but my curiosity is my weakness. Second to my stamina. "... let's get out of here, 'kay?" He dodged the question... must not want to talk about it. "Okay, see you tomorrow Ryuji." Gifting him a sad smile, we parted ways. Why am I still fixated on this? What was his father doing? Wait, why am I worrying about stuff that has nothing to do with me? Ugh, I can't think.
Returning to Leblanc, Sojiro is behind the counter like always. To my surprise though, someone I recognize is sitting in front of Sojiro. It wasn't Akari, it was... "Kenny...?" Calling out, the man turned to face me. "Akano! So nice to see you!" That accent still annoys the fuck out of me. Kenny was born overseas but moved here around the time I was born. Forgot where he lived but that accent is annoying. "What are you here for, Kenny?" my tone was harsh while all he does is sigh, "I'm here to collect your journal. I'll bring it back in a week after I finished evaluating it," Oh great, a way of having my parents know about my life. "Fuck that, I'm tired and I need my rest." Not turning back, I walked upstairs to get ready for bed. Changing out of my gym wear into my nightie, removing my glasses, then laying in my bed. Akari was fast asleep so I tried to do this as quietly as I could. Morgana this time slept on top of Akari so I had nothing to cuddle. Fuck you Morgana.
4/20
The final bell rang, guess it's as good time to-
"Kurusu~San? Can you help me out?" God dammit. "Yes, Ms. Kawakami?" Politely as I could, I straightened my posture to keep up the 'goody two-shoes' act of mine. "Thank you! I just need you to take these papers to the student council room, that's all! I would do it myself but I got papers to grade and Nakamura~San isn't here." Reluctantly, I accepted the task. The moment I had the papers in my hand and I was out the door, thoughts from yesterday flooded my mind. Ryuji's past... what happened? Ugh! I can't ask him, but this curiosity is killing me! Wait! I just remembered something. I don't know where the student council room is. Shit, Ann isn't here since shes gone to see Shiho, I don't think I can talk to Ryuji without bringing up his dad, and I don't think I can face Mishima. Even though it wasn't his fault my records were released, it's just... something. I can't put my finger on it though. Sigh, maybe I should ask- GAH!
I hit something. I landed on my ass and papers got scattered, ah fuck. "Ugh..." Looking up, an unfamiliar girl wearing a grey headband clenches her head. "Holy crap! I'm so sorry! Here, let me help you up." Extending my arm, she looks up and reluctantly takes it. "T-Thanks Kurusu... let me help you collect these papers..." Fear was in her voice which makes me a little upset. The two of us collect the papers in silence until my eyes landed on a paper that wasn't a school related thing. Picking it up, I begin to read it.
Dear Sadayo Kawakami,
Your application for your part-time job as a maid has been approved. We will mail your uniform to you the day after this letter was sent and you can ring us to know when you're ready to start your first shift. Also, your maid name was approved as well. Hope you enjoy your time with us, Maid Becky!
Sincerely,
The Twilight Maid CEO, Hiroshi Tsuyomi.
What the fuck? Ms. Kawakami's a maid? Maybe that's why she's tired 24/7. Didn't expect that though, I need to confront her about this. Folding the paper, I cautiously placed the letter in my pocket. "H-Here you go K-Kurusu~San!" The young girl gave me the stack of papers in her hand with a bow, "Thanks!" I take the papers out of her hands as the girl runs off. A flash of sadness consumes me. Trying to regain my composure, I go back on my way to finding the student council room and eventually, I found it.
*KNOCK KNOCK*
"Come in!"
With that, I opened the door. The room was what I expected it to be, a bunch of bookcases, filing cabinets, lockers, and a table in the middle surrounded by chairs. And in one of the chairs, was a brunette with a braided headband writing papers. "Kurusu~San? What do you need?" Um, who is this? Judging by her demeanor, she seems like the student council president. "... Ms. Kawakami told me to take these papers here. She would've asked Nakamura~Chan but she isn't here," I told her as she nods, "Okay, just put them on the table and I'll file it." Doing as I was told, I leave the room. Now that that's out of the way, time to confront Kawakami. In no time what so ever, I was in the class. Thank god, she's still here. "Oh Kurusu~San, why are you still here?" She could've at least sounded better... "I just want to ask you something. I found this in the stack of paperwork you told me to put in the student council room!" Once I said this, I showed her the letter. The color drained from her face the moment she saw it. "Just say it, you're moonlighting as a maid, aren't you?" After a while, she nodded as her face flushed red. I could use this to my advantage.
"Please don't tell anyone! I'll do anything!" Now she shows her vulnerable side, "Don't worry, I don't plan on exploiting this. I just need information, that's all. I don't want to talk now, I'll do it later on. Becky." saying her maid name made her shiver. Looking at the letter, the company name, Twilight Maid was burned into my memory. And with that, I left. "What are you gonna do to Ms. Kawakami? Do you swing that way?" Morgana jumped out of my bag, giving me a fright, "I'm not doing anything! And NO! I don't swing that way. It's just something Ryuji's 'old pals' were talking about yesterday, it got me curious." The cat sighed and retreated back into my bag. I take this chance to text the others about not going to the Palace as I go back to LeBlanc. We can do the Palace tomorrow for sure. This time, we're gonna be making it to the treasure.
Hey guys! Holy crap, over 3,000 words! I think this is my longest chapter yet! Anyway, I hope you like this chapter. It took a lot of dedication to keep on writing this for long and I put in so much effort. I made it long to compensate with the mini hiatus I had with my fanfics and now I'm sleep deprived. It's been hard trying to avoid Persona 5 Royal spoilers, especially since I've been recommended them on YouTube with spoilers in the titles, but I'm glad that I can't understand Japanese or kanji so I guess I'm okay. Also, I'll be busy for a few weeks so there won't be any updates on any of my fanfics so I hope you're all okay with that. That's all I've gotta say so, peace out!