Wednesday, 4/13

Ren opened his apartment door to see a clean living area and kitchen. This wasn't because Morgana was well behaved. It was because Ren had decided to bring him to school that day.

I should do my homework now before I look for a job. But where should I start job-hunting? Maybe Iori-san could recommend something.

Ren set his bag on the floor, sat on the couch, and started his homework. He had no trouble with it and finished it quickly. Ren then looked at Morgana.

"Time to call Iori-san."

Ren pressed the button and held the phone up to his ear. It rang a few times before Junpei picked up the phone, obviously drunk.

"Hello? Who's this? I'm busy at the moment, you know."

"No, I didn't know. It's Ren Amamiya, the kid who's staying in one of your apartments."

"Oh, yeah Ren. You calling to ask for handouts?"

"No. I was wondering if you had any recommendations for work in the area?"

"Work? Why do ya need a job?"

"Because you wanted to stop giving me handouts," Ren quickly retorted.

"Oh yeah. Must've slipped my mind. There are a few places in Shibuya that are..."

"And they are…?"

"Incomparable to another place that I know! I am actually there right now. It's called Leblanc. It's in Yongen."

"Could you ask if they're hiring?"

"No problem, um…" Ren heard Junpei muttering to himself on the other end. "... Ren! No problem, Ren."

Ren did a quick internet search for Leblanc while Junpei spoke to the owner. It was a coffee and curry shop.

Iori-san is drunk at a coffee shop.

Junpei spoke again on the other line.

"The owner said that if you're special or something then you could work here."

"Could you ask if I could meet with him tonight?"

"Sure."

Junpei spoke with the owner again.

"He said you should come as soon as possible. And to bring a mug. He also says that if you ask why then you don't get the job."

"Alright. I'm on my way. Thanks, Iori-san."

"No problem, Ron. I would say see you soon, but I'm leaving this place right now."

Junpei hung up.

Ren searched around the kitchen for a mug. He opened up a cupboard and saw what he was looking for. He grabbed the white mug out of the cupboard before turning it around. The words "World's Best Dad!" were written in bright red on the mug in bold, blocky letters. Ren hadn't found any other mugs, and he had already wasted enough time, so he took it and left. Morgana stayed at the apartment.

Ren had no trouble getting to Yongen. Despite taking only one route every day, he knew how to navigate the train system. He emerged from the train station and saw that Junpei had messaged him the address of Leblanc.

Put on your nicest smile, Ren.

Ren found Leblanc. It would be hard to notice if you weren't looking for it. It was in a narrow semi-alley off the main street. Ren looked through the door to see the owner that Junpei had mentioned over the phone. He was washing dishes behind a bar. There was no one else inside.

No customers. Easy work. I like it.

Ren looked more closely at the owner. The man's face showed his age, along with his outfit. He wore a pink shirt with long sleeves that were rolled up. Over the shirt was a black apron with white stripes. To complement the rolled-up sleeves, he had rolled up khaki pants as well. Finally, Ren looked at the owner's shoes. They were indescribably glorious. At least, glorious to Ren. The rest of the world would consider them weird.

He is bold. I respect that. Out of respect, I will not mess with him until I get the job.

Ren walked in. The owner looked up.

"You must be Ren. Welcome to Leblanc. I am Sojiro Sakura. Take a seat at the bar when you want to start your interview." Sojiro had a gruffness to his voice that caught Ren off guard.

Sojiro went back to washing dishes. Ren looked around Leblanc. It had an old-time feel that gave him nostalgia, but he wasn't sure what the nostalgia was for. The bar looked the same as it did from outside. On the opposite side of the room were booths. They were pretty plain but looked comfy. Ren took his seat at the bar.

"Mug?" Sojiro asked. His terseness also caught Ren off guard.

Such a way with words.

"One second." Ren dug around in his bag. He remembered what was on his mug. He mentally cringed and put the mug up on the counter.

"Alright. Make me a cup of coffee," Sojiro said. Ren opened his mouth to speak, but Sojiro cut him off. "I didn't ask if you knew how to make a cup of coffee, I told you to make one. Don't question it. Just do it."

Ren stood up and walked around the counter. He was prepared for a few questions, but making coffee? That was out of the question. He didn't even know where to start.

"Don't be nervous. Just show me what you know," Sojiro said as he went around the bar and took Ren's seat.

I am not getting this job.

Ren saw a bag of coffee beans on the shelf. He grabbed it. He opened it.

What comes next?

He looked around. He recognized none of the equipment that Sojiro had.

Fuck it.

"I'm done," Ren blandly stated.

Sojiro stared at the open bag of coffee beans on the counter.

"Perfect." Sojiro stood up and walked back around the counter.

I'm sorry, what?!

Ren was speechless.

"I've been looking to pass on my coffee-making skills to someone. If you already knew how to make coffee, then you would already be set in making it your own way. But because you don't know what you're doing at all, you're a blank slate."

"Uh, thank you, sir."

"Cut that 'sir' bullshit. Just call me Sojiro. I'll be calling you Ren anyway."

First name basis already? Does he not want me to remember his last name? I guess it worked. I forgot it already.

"Okay, uh, Sojiro. Will I be starting tonight?" Ren said.

"No. You'll be working Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights. Get here by 6:00 pm."

I should be polite. He did just give me a job after my colossal fuck up.

"Alright. I am excited to work here. May I ask why you wanted me to bring a mug if you wanted someone who doesn't know how to make coffee?"

"You can learn a lot about someone from looking at their mug," Sojiro said. He looked down at Ren's mug. The text on it gleamed in the light.

"Ah. I'll see you Friday night?" Ren asked.

Sojiro nodded and motioned for Ren to leave. Ren exited to Yongen.

While I'm here, why don't I look around? I'll be spending a lot of time here.

Ren walked around Yongen. There wasn't that much to see besides batting cages and back-alley doctors. At least Ren knew where to go if he spilled boiling coffee on himself. Ren began walking back towards the train station, stopping when he saw a second-hand shop. It had all kinds of things: TV's, knives, everything. There was even a small panda stuffed animal. Ren read the tag. Apparently, it was Buchimaru, a character that hadn't been popular for a long time.

There's no way that they're still producing Buchimaru merch. If I buy this here, I can probably sell it for way more later.

Ren promptly bought the stuffed panda. He told himself that he wasn't paying much compared to what he would be making from it. Ren then began the journey back to his apartment.

Ren again opened the door yet again to a clean apartment. Morgana was sleeping on the couch. He was thankful that he hid his remaining food. His phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Rin! It's me! Your guardian!"

He changes his personality every time he's drunk. First, he's a forgetful bum. Now, he's a forgetful guardian.

"How'd your job interview go? Did Sojiro kick you out when you told him about your record?" Junpei asked.

"He didn't ask. I don't think it matters to him. I was able to get the job."

"Perfect. This is the last you'll be hearing from me."

Ren couldn't tell if he was joking or not. Just as Ren was about to hang up, Morgana meowed. He wanted food.

Terrible timing.

Ren hadn't told Junpei about Morgana because he didn't think he would care.

"Ran. Is that a cat I heard?"

No point in lying. He could just come over and check.

"Yes."

"Nice. Ok Ryn, talk to you later. Remember to keep up with your journal," Junpei said as he hung up.

I was right. I should do the journal now. Probably will just take a minute or two.

Ren opened the journal that Junpei gave him. He wrote down almost exactly what he did each day that week. He already knew what he would be doing on the fourteenth, so he included it in the journal entry.

4/10: Visited Shujin.

4/11: First day. Came home immediately after school.

4/12: School day. Had a chat with the president.

4/13: School day. Got a job at Leblanc in Yongen.

4/14: School day. Studied with the president.

He read back the list to himself. He remembered that he hadn't prepared for his study session. Not his schoolwork, but how he would beat Makoto at her own game. He was already up two-one.

I've got a good idea. Better make a list.

He got to work on that, completely forgetting to take the Buchimaru stuffed animal out of his bag.

Thursday, 4/14

Ren was sitting at his desk.

The school day just ended. The reason he was still there was that he was going over his list. He wanted to have it memorized.

After about five minutes, he stood up. He was ready. He shot Ryuji a text.

Ren Amamiya:

-About to study with Miss President. Any tips?

I don't know why I'm asking Ryuji about this. I won't be using whatever "tips" he gives me. Maybe I'm just telling him to brag.

He got a reply faster than he expected.

Ryuji Sakamoto:

-For real? Don't look into her eyes. That's all I got.

Ren Amamiya:

-Will do. I'll see you tomorrow.

Ren put away his phone. As he walked towards the student council room, he went over his list. He was sure that his plan would work.

Ren walked up to the door, raising his hand to knock, but Makoto opened the door before he could.

That's some next-level creepy shit. She was listening for my footsteps.

"Hello, Niijima-senpai. Ready to study?"

The determined look on Makoto's face made Ren doubt his plan, if only for a fraction of a second.

"Of course, Amamiya-kun. Please take a seat and we can begin as soon as you're ready."

Makoto moved to the side to let him enter. She stood next to him, waiting for him to take his seat so she could take hers.

I should sit in her seat. That would be good. Actually, nevermind. Her bag's already there. That would just be an inconvenience.

Ren sat in the same seat from Tuesday. As he opened his bag, he saw that the Buchimaru stuffed animal was still in there.

Shit. She probably saw that. She has the advantage. Not good.

Ren quickly glanced at Makoto to see if she noticed the stuffed animal. When he looked at her, she quickly shifted her gaze away from him, her face slightly reddened.

I need to get the advantage back. Time to start going down the list.

"What class should we start with Amamiya-kun?" Makoto said.

"Does English work, Miss President?" Ren replied.

No reaction. Next.

"Yes, it does. Just know that I can read and write well enough in English, but I am not the best at speaking it."

"Don't worry, Niijima-senpai. Reading and writing are all I need to succeed."

Makoto hesitated before her next words.

Not enough of a reaction. Next.

"That was a good rhyme. Let's see how well you can rhyme in English," Makoto said.

Ren sighed. The study session continued, as well as Ren's plan.

"What's this mean, Makoto?"

Another hesitation. Next.

"What about this one, Mako?"

Makoto hesitated again but stared at Ren this time.

That's good. I'll ease off for a bit. I'll be turning up the heat soon enough.

The study session continued.

"Do you know the answer to this one, senpai?"

She reacts more to that than Niijima-senpai. Weird.

"Did you guys study this last year, Risette"

That got her.

"Amamiya-kun, did you just refer to me as an idol?" she asked, her condescending, presidential tone taking hold.

Not enough. Next.

"No. What'd you get for number eight, General Niijima?"

Makoto sighed. Ren was surprised she was still putting up with him.

The study session continued. Ren went through several more names. None of them did the job.

Time to bust out the big guns. The final entry on the list.

Ren hesitated before he said it.

This is a big risk. If it fails, I lose. If it works, I win.

"What should I do for this question, babe?" Ren was struggling to keep a straight face. He was struggling enough for his hands to sweat.

Makoto immediately set her pencil down. She began the Niijima Death Stare.

Can't back down now.

"I don't like that look on your face, babe."

She flinched.

Hold this L, Miss President.

She suddenly resumed the Niijima Death Stare.

"Amamiya-kun, in what way is this appropriate?! I am taking time out of my day for you, and this is how you treat me?!" She was getting close to shouting.

Oh fuck. Ohfuckohfuckohfuck.

"It is incredibly disrespectful of you to treat me this way! What if I called you criminal this whole time?! I simply won't stand for this!"

Nevermind. I found the opening.

Ren tried hard not to laugh at what he was about to say. It wasn't funny. His recklessness was funny.

"You're right."

The Niijima Death Stare was broken.

"Thank you, Ama-"

"That's because you're sitting, babe."

Makoto was going to murder Ren Amamiya.

I have no patience left. I am done with him. I can't take it. I spend my time trying to help him, and this is what he does, she thought.

Makoto put her head in her hands and sighed. A silence came down upon the room. It stayed for five minutes. Both were figuring out what to say, but she could hear Ren's pencil on paper, indicating that the transfer student was continuing his work without her.

Makoto wanted to figure out how to stop all study sessions with Ren, but it was too risky for his grades with how he was behaving. She also told him that she had been ordered to help him.

Ren wasn't sure whether to apologize or not. He won, but he wasn't sure if he was happy about it.

She seems really upset. I should apologize. But then I lose my advantage for the rest of our time together. But there won't be more time together if I don't apologize. And I do want to keep seeing her. Fuck it. I'll apologize. Better put on my "I'm sorry" voice.

Makoto still had her head in her hands. Her face was red, but Ren couldn't see that.

"Niijima-senpai, I want to apologize." She took her head out of her hands. "I do value how much you're helping me, but I wasn't acting like I normally do. I was out of line with what I said. I understand if you don't want to continue these study sessions, but know that I would like to continue."

Makoto gave him a blank stare.

This is worse than the NDS. I don't know what this one means.

Makoto thought about what to say. I could forgive him, but then he could just get back to his games again. I need to press the advantage and keep it. He doesn't know what I think about Buchimaru. Or that I saw it in his bag. Even if he only has it in there to make fun of me, he can't say that. It'll have to do, she thought.

"Amamiya-kun, I was hoping that you would have some backbone." She was trying not to tremble as she said it. This was not something she would be saying. "But I knew that you didn't when I saw that stuffed animal in your bag."

"It's for, uh, my cat. Niijima-senpai, can we get back to studying?" Ren's face flushed as he spoke, leaving him fumbling for words and admitting defeat.

"Of course, Amamiya-kun," Makoto said condescendingly. She was no sore-winner. She would graciously accept her victory, even if there was a little resentment for her opponent.

The study session continued, with the two completing all of their homework. Ren even picked up on some third-year material. The two decided that the session was over and began to pack up.

"Niijima-senpai, I wanted to apologize again for the way I behaved earlier. I enjoyed this study session and would like for there to be more," Ren said politely.

"That can be arranged. When we were actually working, I also enjoyed it." Makoto responded.

"Great. Also, I have news about the club situation."

Makoto was surprised. That was too quick. This won't be good, she thought.

"Do tell," she said.

"Well, I decided to start a club." Ren rubbed the back of his head as he said it.

"Good for you. What will be the club's focus?" Makoto didn't like where this was going.

"Gardening," Ren said as he smirked.

"You're shitting me." Makoto covered her mouth once she said it. "I'm sorry about that. I usually don't swear like that. May I ask why you chose gardening of all things?"

Ren finished packing his bag.

"I've always had a deep-rooted passion for gardening." He stood up and rushed out of the door as soon as he said it.

"Wait, Amamiya-kun!" Makoto yelled out the door as he left. He didn't respond or come back to the student council room.

Makoto sat back down.

He sounded confident. Does he meet the requirements to start a club? she pondered to herself.

Makoto locked up the room about two minutes later and began to go home.

Ren was getting nervous. He had just left the train station a few minutes ago and was walking back to his apartment. But that wasn't the problem. The problem was that he was being followed.

Even if it was just a person going home, it would too much of a coincidence considering who the person following Ren was.

It was Makoto Niijima.

Did she catch up to me while waiting for the train? I guess she didn't let me off as easily as I thought. Or she really hated the pun. She's not looking at me right now. I guess she's trying to be discreet. Or she's just going somewhere in the area. Shibuya's a big place. If she's still with me when I get to my apartment building then I'll know that there's a problem.

Ren kept walking. He didn't see Makoto ever glance at him. Or even notice him. It was as if she knew his route home and wasn't following him.

Weird.

Ren got to his apartment building door and turned. He stared into the crowd and waited for her to emerge.

Makoto was walking home after a long day.

Putting up with Ren's games had been taxing, to say the least. She just wanted to get home, eat dinner, and sit in the bath the rest of the night.

Makoto kept her head down while she walked. It felt like she would get home faster that way. It worked. Makoto was walking up to her building and saw him. Ren. Looking at her. Waiting for her.

No. nonononono. This has to be an illusion. How could he find out where I live? Is he that devoted to messing with me? Maybe he is a serial killer. Does that mean I'm his next target? Oh my god, it all makes sense. Ren Amamiya is going to murder me, she thought but then stopped. What am I saying? I can't buy into these rumors. That makes me no better than the people who talk behind his back. I'll just be stern with him, tell him that if he continues to joke around with me then he will have to face the consequences. He'll surely leave after that.

Makoto walked up to Ren.

"Amamiya-kun, what are you doing outside my home?" Makoto asked.

Huh? Wait. Holy shit… there's no way… I can recover from earlier. I can take the lead.

"I could ask you the same thing, Niijima-senpai." Ren was able to maintain a poker face. If he didn't, Makoto would realize what Ren discovered and take action.

"I'm sorry, wha-" Makoto's eyes widened.

"Niijima-senpai, you've been following me from the train station. If you have nothing else to say, then I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Ren walked into the building, leaving Makoto speechless.

Three-two. Back in the saddle.

Makoto couldn't believe what had happened.

There were three possibilities for why this was happening to her.

One: Ren Amamiya is incredibly devoted to ruining my mental state, going far enough to find out my apartment building address and to pretend to live here. It's supported by the fact that he left the study session in a rush. Two: I went to the wrong building. I was walking with my head down. But I recognize the people inside, so I can rule that out. Three: I am going insane. I am infatuated with Amamiya and am seeing hallucinations of him. The saddest part is that option three is the most likely. Or… wait. There's a fourth possibility. Four: Ren Amamiya lives in the same building as me, she thought.

As it dawned on her, she rushed in to talk with him. As she entered, she saw him getting into the elevator.

"Hold it, please," she called out to him.

He took a second, whether it was because he was teasing her or because he was considering not holding it, she did not know. But he held it, and she got in the elevator. The door closed. He pressed the button for his floor. Makoto turned to look at Ren. He had a smug look on his face.

"Wanna see my room?" he said smoothly.

"No." Her teeth were clenched. She wasn't sure whether she was excited, angry, or confused. "When did you move in?"

"I arrived on the ninth. Do you know Iori-san?"

Unfortunately, she did.

"Yes. Most of his neighbors aren't fond of him. Thankfully, he isn't present most of the time. How do you know him?"

"He's letting me stay in his apartment."

Not good. If he's staying with Iori-san, he could be participating in illegal activities. I should go to his apartment. I can't let the possibility of him committing more crimes linger in the back of my head, she thought.

"Amamiya-kun, does the invitation to your apartment still stand?" She felt weird saying it.

"For you, anytime," Ren said. She felt weird hearing it.

The elevator door opened. The two stepped out.

"This way, Niijima-senpai."

Ren led her down the hall to the last apartment. He opened the door to his apartment, not even checking what was inside before letting her in first.

He's confident, Makoto thought.

She stepped in. She kept her head down as she entered. It was a habit. Because of this, the first thing she saw was

...An opened ketchup bottle...? Makoto was puzzled.

Makoto looked up towards the center of the room.

Iori-san was sitting on the couch in the middle of the room, holding a cat up by its armpits. The cat was smeared in ketchup. It was hissing so much that Makoto was surprised Iori-san continued holding it. Iori-san was yelling.

"SIMBAAAA!"

The silence between Makoto and Ren was deafening.

"Is this Iori-san? I've heard of him but I've never seen him," Makoto said confusedly. Iori-san didn't notice.

Ren nodded.

"He is wasted right now. Call him General Iori or else he'll get upset."

Ren acted as if he dealt with this before.

I hope he hasn't, Makoto thought.

Ren walked towards the couch and took a seat next to Iori-san. Ren put his hand on his shoulder.

"General Iori? The commanding officer is requesting your presence at home base. He says that you have to draw up battle plans for tomorrow."

Iori-san turned and looked at Ren.

"Oh, hello Ron." Iori-san turned and saw Makoto. He had a proud look on his face. "Already scoring with girls?! Nice. I raised you well."

"You didn't raise me. I've known you for four days. Is there a reason you're here?" Ren asked.

"I don't need a reason. This is my apartment. But if you must know, I wanted to see your cat." Iori-san held the cat towards Ren as if he couldn't already see it.

"It seems you've seen enough. Could you please leave?" Ren said.

Iori-san looked towards Makoto and smiled.

"Ahh," Iori-san said as if he knew why Makoto was there. "Don't be too loud, Ron." Iori-san patted Ren on the back, leaving the cat on the floor. He left.

Ren's face was red, and Makoto was sure that hers was too. She closed the door.

I don't want to see that man ever again, she thought.

"So… what'd you want to see?" Ren asked.

"I just wanted to make sure that you're not living in a dump. After what I'd heard about Iori-san, I thought that he could be mistreating you."

Ren shook his head.

"Nah, he's been fine to me. He's left me alone pretty much all week. I guess he visited unannounced so I'm sorry you had to see that."

"I'm s-sorry too," Makoto said shakily. She remembered the reason she originally came to Ren's apartment.

I wanted to make sure that he wasn't doing anything illegal. That's terrible of me to assume that he was a criminal. I have to tell him the truth, she thought.

Ren looked puzzled.

"Why're you sorry?"

"The reason I came to your apartment is that I didn't trust you. I wanted to make sure that you weren't a criminal. That's a terrible thing for me to think, even with your record. I'm sorry," Makoto said softly.

Ren looked upset.

He said he found it amusing what people thought of him. Why does his reaction change with me? Makoto asked herself.

"Makoto, I think it's time for you to leave. I have a cat to clean."

That's not why he wants me to leave, she thought.

Makoto nodded, waved goodbye, and left.

That was dumb. Now he's going to hate me for the rest of our study sessions. I just alienated another student from the student council, she thought.

Makoto went back to her apartment.

Ren was elated. If Makoto had actually done what she was in his apartment to do and searched around, she would have found the alcohol that Junpei had left. While it was easily explainable, it would still cast a bad image on him. He had asked her to leave before she reconsidered her apology and began investigating.

Ren was happy with how quickly she had left, but now he had a new problem to deal with: giving Morgana a bath. Luckily, the ketchup wasn't fully dry yet, so there was still hope.

Ren put Morgana in the bathtub and ran the water. Most of the ketchup came off easily, and when it didn't Ren was easily able to wipe it off.

Better than expected.

Ren took his phone out when he was done and sent Ryuji a text.

Ren Amamiya:

-Are we still on for tomorrow?

Ryuji Sakamoto:

-Of course. We can get beef bowls or something. How'd things go with Miss President?

Ren Amamiya:

-I'll tell you tomorrow. There's a lot to unpack.

Ren put down his phone. He ate some of his remaining bread and went to bed, but not before thinking about the day's events.

Even if I did just kick out Makoto so she didn't find the alcohol, that doesn't change why she came here. Do I care? I should. She didn't trust me enough to not be doing anything illegal. To be fair, I did put her through a lot today. But she still thought that I could be a criminal. I wonder if she believes my record. Of course she does. She's one of those people who just listen to facts and nothing else. If it's written on paper, then that's the version she'll believe. I don't want her to think of me that way. I want to keep studying with her. I should text her.

Ren Amamiya:

-Hey, this is Ren Amamiya. What day works for our next study session?

Makoto Niijima:

-Hello, Amamiya-kun. Does Tuesday work?

She calls me Amamiya-kun over text. My new goal should be to get her to call me Ren.

Ren Amamiya:

-Yep. See you then.

Ren turned off his phone and went to bed.

Should I have told her not to worry about what she said when she was here? Nah. It's leverage. I can use that.

After Ren had fallen asleep, another text arrived on his phone.

Makoto Niijima:

-I wasn't able to tell you earlier, but you need at least four members to found a club. You also need a teacher to sponsor your club. The final requirement is an official name. Good luck with forming your club, Ren.