Wednesday, June 16th
Ann gazed back, seeing Akira completely passed out on his desk.
He's…getting worse.
To sleep in Ushimaru's class without a care in the world? He–
OH CRAP, WE'RE IN USHIMARU'S!
Ann whipped her head around, trying her hardest to remain stealthy as she jabbed Akira's crumpled form—unluckily for her, or more accurately Akira, he was unresponsive as Ushimaru turned around at the most inopportune time, a devilish grin spreading across his face.
"And if you—Oh? What's this…?" A giddiness filled his demeanor as he locked onto Akira's exhausted form, Ann still desperately shaking his body to no avail.
Ushimaru grabbed the nearest piece of chalk, clasping one eye shut as he aimed for the crown on Akira's head.
Oh god.
Ann moved away, electing to abandon her friend as the chalk shot through, smacking the sleeping rogue in the skull. He jumped from his desk, the entire class laughing at his drool-covered face as he erratically looked around, his jumbled and exhausted brain overworking to gain a semblance of understanding—
Then a sigh slipped from his lips as his cranky, baggy, and drained eyes gazed at Ushimaru, "You gotta be fucking kidding me."
Akira stuffed himself into his desk, sighing as he glanced at Ann for a second, no doubt wondering why she didn't try to wake him—before he realized her look gave the impression that she tried.
"And that kids, is how fate works. No matter how hard you try to be a good little student…no matter what, I willget you with chalk."
Ann spoke as Akira fished around for a parfait, grabbing one and allowing the two to set off for the roof, "It's okay Akira, it happens to the best of us. My forehead still hurts from when he did it."
The two scaled the stairs while Akira nursed his chalk wound, "You got it easy…I'm pretty sure that shot was months worth of irritation at the fact he could never catch me lacking…" He frowned as they reached the landing before the door, it being slightly cracked, "Until now…"
Ann chuckled, "That brings me to my current question, are you sure you're fine? The regularAkira I know wouldn't have let Ushimaru catch him like that."
He stared at her for a moment before grasping the door, "Again, it's not about Ryuji—or Yusuke."
Ann caught his wrist, her eyes laced with worry, "Again, then you should tell me? I don't like this look on you Akira. When was the last time you got a full set of sleep?"
"Last week...I think."
"And you think that's fine? Can't you just let me help you?"
He sighed, dropping the grip on the door handle, "Ann, I promise it's nothing serious that I would need your help. I just gotta…keep at it. I think."
That's…
Ugh.
Ann frowned, removing her grip as he opened the door, making it onto the roof, the two catching wind of Haru tending to the garden for the first time in days.
"Haru? For a second, I almost thought you abandoned the garden!" Ann slipped into her usual seat, waiting for Haru's response to her banter but…it never came.
Or, well it was delayed as hell since Haru and Akira were staring at each other—then they weren't as they hid their faces away from each other, instead moving to their plants and phones respectively. Their faces were almost a tinge of red.
Wait.
Wait a goddamn minute.
Why does this remind me of a drama I watched a couple of months ago…
Ann's eyes narrowed, piercing the both of them as she focused her voice into a straight-forward tone, "You two kissed didn't you?"
Akira, who was taking a bite of his parfait, promptly choked as Ann directly hit the spot. Haru froze for a second before her face became consumed entirely by red, a fit of chuckles escaping her lips as she put her hands up defensively, "W-What? N-No! Me and Aki-chan? Pfttt!"
Haru is bad at lying.
Why do I feel like that's going to be useful in the future…
Ann's flat expression did Haru no favors as she turned to Akira, still recovering and coughing, "Help please…"
Akira straightened up, briefly glancing at Haru before turning to Ann, another sigh slipping from his lips, "Nah, we inexplicitly found a child on the streets of Shibuya and now we're both pseudo parents and I'm affectionately known as a dad. Would you like to meet him? His name is Renny." Both girls looked at him confused as he took another spoonful of the parfait, taking a seat at the table with a content gaze on his face.
Ann clicked her teeth, "He's been a little…out of it all morning, I assume it has to do with the lack of sleep…"
Haru worriedly gazed at him, "I see…"
Ann turned to her friend, "So…tell me the details! I–"
The two heard a thud to the side of them, Akira was passed out on the table, seemingly giving up his battle with sleep.
He looks peaceful.
Nice, I guess.
"So, what're the details Miss Okumura?" Ann poked at her teasingly with a smirk on her face.
Haru tried to protest but sighed, "W-Well…we were together after school and went to this Jazz Club in Kichijoji…and…once we left…Akira made the first move and…you know."
Ann squinted before turning her eyes to Akira's sleeping form, "Akira Kurusu…making the first move?" She snorted, "He doesn't even have the balls for that. C'mon, what actually happened!"
Akira is the only guy that will stand up to pedophiles and corrupt old guys, but he struggles with women.
And opening up.
And dealing with his best friend.
Well, best friends. I'd like to say I'm a best friend—
I think.
…I really have to do all of this myself because these idiots don't know how to talk to each other…
Great…
Haru froze, but it didn't matter as Ann's phone buzzed in her pocket.
Iwai: Hey, I found out a couple of things.
Ann: What's up?
Iwai: Okay…number one, apparently Ohya's been out and about with Niijima-san. Like, alot.
Iwai: Been askin' about that girl from last year…the Kayo Murakami girl.
Iwai: And…at the moment, I see her walking into the Student Council Room.
Iwai: Seems mad.
Before Ann could conjure a reply, she heard another thump, causing her to turn around to see Haru scurry to Akira's crumpled form on the floor, his nose bleeding profusely—his face lined with sweat and exceedingly pale with bits of his spilled parfait lathering him.
Ann shot from her chair, getting by his side and gently slapping his head to wake him up—but he didn't.
Haru was the first to speak, panic enveloping her entirely as it seemed as if she wanted to puke from worry, "S-Should we take him to the nurse? C-Can we even—"
Ann took charge, lugging one of his arms around her shoulders, with a simple shrug she communicated for Haru to do the same. It was going to be hard but it was a better idea than letting him stay on the roof passed out.
Akira…
What's going on with you?
"And I'm telling you Niijima-senpai, it's been two days and we have absolutely nothing. Kamoshida was just using that Bael shit to throw you off guard! He did something to her! He knows where she is! As if he would just send her away! As if Kayo would just…walk away from the man who ruined her life!" Ohya stomped her hands on the table as the door clicked open, Shiro entered as Ohya finished her spiel, "Stop being so goddamn stupid and obsessed over Bael! It's a dead end that's just wasting time we could use for Kayo!"
The two women stared at Shiro as he froze, "I…I assume this is a bad time…"
Makoto and Ohya stared at each other before the latter cleared her throat, straightening out as she addressed the third-year, "No, I was just about to leave, actually." She bowed, nodding on her way out, "Good day, Niijima-senpai."
Ohya closed the door, leaving the two members on their lonesome. Initially, it was quiet—awkward as Shiro tried to find the best approach to the situation, "So–"
Makoto sighed as she rubbed her temple, grabbing and opening her computer to complete whatever bundle of work she had for the day, "I'm sure it's important, Nishikawa-san, but can you please leave me to my devices for a while? I'd genuinely appreciate it."
Shiro faltered in his conviction, wanting to open his mouth to protest—but much like Tora in the week before—he relented as he exited the room.
But it didn't stop his worry as he pulled his phone from his back pocket, pulling up Tora's contact information.
Shiro: Hey…when you get the chance, can we talk?
Shiro: It's about Niijima-san.
Great…I'm surrounded by darkness again…
Real great backdrop for a dream.
Can't believe I fell asleep on the rooftop…
Right?
Yeah, I fell asleep there, on the desk as well.
I think I had the parfait in my hand…
Akira placed a hand on his stomach, the grumbling already starting from the mere mention of his precious parfaits, "Aw man…I should really wake up…"
A grunt of effort came from Akira as he tried to forcibly pull himself back into the land of the living, but nothing came.
What the hell?
I'm technically lucid dreaming, right? I know it's a dream, so why can't I just wake—
Akira's legs gave out as he fell to his knees, clutching his head as every nerve within his brain felt as if they were ablaze, a series of endless screams escaping his lips as he begged for it to stop.
His vision was blurring as he felt something trickling from his nose.
A feeling all too familiar.
Another nosebleed?
But—
There was a blinding flash of light, and before Akira knew it…he was with Haru.
But something was off.
Why…is she crying?
It took him a minute, but somehow he was able to piece together a simple fact—this was another hallucination.
A sigh slipped from his mouth as he gazed around.
Again? But…shouldn't things be better? I mean, yeah I have to figure out how to keep my…whatever she is, safe and how to break up a high-profile arranged marriage.
I think I'd cook up some hallucination about Haru getting married right in front of me instead of—
Akira's eyes widened as they came across something, but before he could soak it in—
Sojiro's day wasn't starting out well.
Futaba had another fit of nightmares that kept him up well into the night, a booked event for the program had fallen through, and Sae was ignoring him once again.
Though that could be a good thing from a certain angle.
Learning Akira had passed out on the roof with a seemingly endless nosebleed and a sickly pale complexion?
That was the cherry on top of his personal own shit sandwich. A cherry that was too familiar.
Shit sandwich…a sign I've been around these kids a little too much…
A sigh slipped from his lips as he made his way to the nurse's office, catching sight of Maruki standing outside of the room. He greeted him with a flat smile, "Maruki."
Maruki bowed as Sojiro raised a hand before sliding the door open, "Thanks for texting me, I appreciate it." he poked his head in, catching sight of the girls surrounding Akira's limp body on the bed. There were cotton plugs in his nose, the white long since erased and replaced with a dark red hue.
The nurse ushered the girls out of the way as she removed the plugs from his nose, a fresh batch of blood drizzling from his nostrils before another set momentarily paused it.
Sojiro's presence was finally caught by Ann and Haru, the former addressing her band director, "Boss…do you know what's been going on with Akira? Is this a sickness or an allergic reaction?"
As she retreated from Akira's bed, the nurse snorted, "I've never seen an allergic reaction do this before, kid."
Everyone in the room, including Maruki, flatly looked at her, with the therapist speaking first, "I think that…isn't the news anyone wishes to hear, sensei."
She shrugged as she returned to the desk, filling herself with remnants of her lunch.
Sojiro turned back to Akira, pushing closer to the bed as his gaze lingered.
I don't…
This…
This reminds me of…
No.
No way.
Wakaba…?
Sojiro cleared his throat, gaining his bearings back to appear strong for both girls, especially Haru as she seemed…unusually shaken. He sighed, putting his mind back in place to the original question, "I…don't know." He broke his gaze, sighing, and took in the room once more, "Where's…Morgana?"
The silence was telling as he sat down, shaking his head as he closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose as he took a second to collect himself.
His best bet?
Hotaru.
Sojiro shuffled in his seat, tapping away at his phone and bringing Hotaru's contact immediately.
Ann seemed frustrated with Sojiro's demeanor, but decided against pushing any further—but Haru didn't.
Before Sojiro was able to dial his number, Haru's voice took on an uncharacteristic edge—anger, "What do you meanyou don't know? You're his guardian, are you not? He's your responsibility! He's in your care, Akira's looked horrible for days and this hasn't concerned you?!" Ann tried to temper Haru with a hand on her shoulder, but it was useless, "How can you just…sit there as if nothing's wrong? Why aren't you more worried? Why aren't you concerned with the fact Mona-chan isn't here? Why aren't you trying to take him to the hospital?"
Haruki stepped forward, trying to mediate between the two, "Okumura-kun, you can't talk to Sojiro like that. That's not fair."
He noticed one thing as she glared piercing eyes at him, practically begging for a response—there were tears.
His eyes moved to Akira for a moment before returning to Haru.
Then it clicked.
They're together.
His eye moment must've clued the young heiress in on his thoughts as her anger dwindled for a split second, giving everyone in the room a bit of breathing time.
A sigh slipped from his lips as he stood up, Hotaru's contact still on his screen, "Someone has to be level-headed, Okumura-san. I see that's a fault you share with your father, though you're better at hiding it."
With that, he stepped outside of the office, dialing his best friend.
Luckily, it took seconds for Hotaru to pick up, "Yo! It's been a while since you called, Akira kicking your ass again?"
A bitter chuckle came from his lips as the difficult idea of how to approach his best friend kept forming, "Uh…yeah, about him…does…does Akira have any underlying issues? Like a sickness or an allergy?"
There was a pause as Hotaru hummed, "Hm…I don't think so…why?"
Sojiro froze for a second, "I…no reason, he's just been…restless lately. I was wondering if he's had any similar bouts of insomnia—if any at all."
"Huh…y'know, I could just ask Haruk—"
Sojiro heard muffled sounds behind him, "Uh, n-no, it's fine, but I have to go, okay?" Before Hotaru could muster a reply, Sojiro hung up the phone while barging back into the office, instantly seeing Akira disoriented and seemingly irate, trying his hardest to free himself from the bed.
Ann, Haru, and Maruki were holding him, trying their hardest to calm him down, seeking to put him back on the bed for some rest. Sojiro acted quick, pushing him back onto the bed with the combined might of everyone as he grasped his head, "Hey! Kid! Calm down! It's me! You're at Shujin, you're fine! You just…passed out apparently. Relax. Okay? Just relax."
Erratic and quick bundles of breath came from his lips, his eyes shooting in every which direction but slowly…he calmed down.
A final shaky breath slid from Akira's mouth as he slipped back into normalcy—or whatever remained of normalcy.
Everyone collectively sighed as the two teachers took a step back, flopping into seats to catch a break.
Haru gently placed a hand on his face, her voice as soft as she could muster, "Are you okay? I was really worried…"
Shakily, Akira placed a hand over hers and held it tightly, "Course…I've just been…tired."
Ann, unbeknownst to the two, rolled her eyes.
Akira sat up, directing attention to Sojiro, "Hey, Boss, could you uh…do me a favor?"
Sojiro sighed before readjusting to see him, "Shouldn't you be resting instead of…whatever it is you're about to ask me?"
Akira stumbled out of bed, using Haru and Ann partially as support before standing upright, "That's the point…I just need to get home and rest. Can you grant the quest to go home early?"
Sojiro narrowed his eyes, sighing before speaking once more, "...Fine…are you sure you'll be able to make it home, though? I can't just leave since Kobayakawa's been on my ass lately—"
Akira waved a hand, "I'm fine, just need some rest. I promise. Once I get home, I'll take my rest and come back better than ever with Takemi's medicine. In fact…" Akira grabbed his bag from the side of the bed, fishing through it before brandishing a bottle filled with her medicine and taking a sip, "See? I'll be fine, you know this stuff works wonders."
Sojiro, hell everyone included, looked at him skeptically but…Sojiro nodded, "Fine. But straight home. I don't want to read about you passed out on the street."
Akira nodded as Sojiro placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder before leaving, a sort of grim expression on his face.
Ann gave him a hug before she left herself, leaving Haru and Maruki with Akira as the nurse finalized his walk-home pass to give to the front desk.
Maruki gave the kid a nod, electing to return to his tiny desk in the corner to give the two some alone time.
It was clear they needed it.
Akira grinned weakly at her, "Got scared?"
Haru didn't share his humor as she started to stammer, clearly letting her worry get the best of her, "I…I didn't know what to do…it was so scary a-and the blood just wouldn't—"
Akira placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice once again taking on a soft quality as he gazed in her eyes, "Don't worry…I'm not going anywhere just yet. I just gotta start taking your diet advice, remember? Besides…I still have to fulfill my promise before I'm out of the picture."
A faint slither of a smile formed as she got on her tippy toes, kissing him on the cheek, "Just get home safe and relax, okay?"
Course…
Yeah.
Just…straight home.
Akira lied.
Just a little detour.
The detour?
Chihaya.
It was strange…but after his last vision and the fact these things didn't seem like manifestations of a stressed mind anymore…another idea popped into his head.
An idea that Chihaya was well versed in.
She already has a good track record…so, why not?
God.
I hope I don't regret this.
Akira quickly scooped up a seat in front of her booth, "Chihaya…hi."
She gazed at him confused as she looked at her watch, "Aren't you supposed to be at school, right now? And…what happened to your nose?"
Akira's eyes dipped for a moment, remembering the cotton plugs knee-deep in his nostrils as he quickly snatched them out—which proved to be a bad idea as blood started flowing out again.
You have got to be shitting me.
Chihaya luckily acted quickly as she gave him a handkerchief, putting it to his nose he answered her question, "I'm pretty sure that should answer it. But…um, I'm here because I…I need your help."
She narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "Weren't you…less than enthusiastic about me, last time?"
"Yes…but considering two of your predictions came true and now that I'm having some of my own…I kinda need your help."
Her eyes widened at that comment as she almost leaped over the table, eager to hear, "Visions? H-How? Of what? How are you sure they're visions?"
Akira brought his spare hand up, pushing her back from his personal space, "Can you just give me a reading first…? I just need to confirm something and then I'll know if they're actually visions."
Chihaya nodded, reaching out for his spare hand. Annoyingly, he relented but not before a question formed, "Why do you need my hand this time?"
"It depends on the severity and how much I want to see. Besides…I use the tarot cards for first-timers andcustomers willing to spend a little more."
Even though half of his face was hidden by the cloth, a frown formed on Akira's face, "What a wonderful owner…"
She cracked a grin with an eyebrow twitching, "What was that? Do you want to pay more, Kurusu-san?"
Akira swallowed his pride, annoyingly, and shook his head, "No…I'm perfectly content with your services as they are."
Even if they're a crock of shit.
Is that even a thing to say?
Who says that?
Americans?
The British?
Oh, for gods sake Akira, focus.
Chihaya closed her eyes, grasping his hand tight. Her determination and focus could be felt in their little space.
In fact, to Akira, it felt as if the miscellaneous sounds of Shinjuku faded away…silencing enveloping the two of them and forcing him to focus on her. Nothing else mattered outside of their pocket bubble.
Nothing except for each other.
Chihaya spoke, her voice strained as if it was taking everything out of her to channel her voice, "I…I see…I see the moon has been completed…but that's odd," She paused as her grip grew tighter, "I thought you said two of my predictions came to pass…?"
Confusion spread across his face, "Y-Yeah? The shy person shit, right? I-I did—"
She shook her head, her voice coming out direct as she crushed his hopes with a simple word, "Nope…it's almost as if…things have gotten even more distant."
Distant?
Then…Ryuji?
But that doesn't—
No…wait, wait it could just be that I actually have to give Haru more time?
Y-Yeah! One simple kiss isn't enough to fix things dumbass!
…r-right?
Chihaya's grip tightened as she gasped sharply, almost bringing fear to Akira as he almost jumped back.
Her expression was terrified, her brow furrowed as lines wrinkled her forehead—and yet she didn't let go, "Ch-Chihaya?! What's—" A few beads of sweat started to manifest over her face as she kept holding on, a few pants slipping from her mouth.
Whatever was happening was draining her—and that worried Akira.
Soon enough, her grip loosened as she leaned into her chair, attempting to catch a breath as she slouched. Her eyes were still tightly closed as if she was afraid of seeing something.
As if she was afraid of laying them on Akira once more.
A final quivering breath came from her lips as she slowly opened her eyes, her gaze hitting Akira as trepidation infected his very being. He swallowed, preparing to speak but she took the initiative, "I…I haven't seen that before…"
"W-What? Was it a new prediction or—"
"I…I don't even know…it was like…it was as if you were surrounded by great darkness. It…It felt as if the chains of death were wrapped around your neck. Like a reaper caught up to you…"
Akira froze at her words, "So…the prediction about someone dying from before…?"
"I…I suppose? It was familiar but something completely new." Chihaya crossed her arms, trying to warm herself up as if she caught a sudden chill in the middle of June.
She was shaken, and that much was clear to Akira.
Does that mean…
He placed his hand on the table once again, showcasing his desire for more as he spoke, "Chihaya…isn't there something more you can tell me about this? I don't—" She faintly moved away from his hands, causing him to grimace, "I…I just need to know more…please, tell me. D-Did you see someone else at least? Like…like a girl? Brown hair? Red eyes?"
It took her a moment, but she shook her head, "Is that who you saw? In your vision?"
Akira stared at her for a moment, despair seeming to take hold as he dropped his head.
Silence bloomed between them as she respected his wishes and waited. Eventually, he spoke...even if there was a quiver in his voice, "I…" He clicked his teeth, "Each and every time I've had a vision, my nose bleeds. The first vision was a knife. My second was a girl that I know. At first, I went to my doctor and she thought these were hallucinations since I haven't been getting a lot of sleep lately, just manifestations of my worries. Like the death prediction and Haru because she hadn't been her usual self lately."
"That's why you thought you solved the second prediction, right?"
He nodded as he pressed on, "Yeah, at first she gave me medicine on Sunday, and everything was fine…until yesterday. So, I talked to Haru and I thought I made things better, so I went to school today expecting no more visions and hopefully no more nosebleeds." He paused, "Until I passed out at lunch with the worse nosebleed I've had so far. Which, as you can see, hasn't gone away."
"So, another vision? What was it this time?"
Akira was slow to it, but he started nodding, "Yeah…and that's when I realized these weren't hallucinations, that they were something else...they're all one big vision, just..broken."
"What do you mean? Like a fragmented memory? That you can't recall until something sparks it?"
"The first was a bloody knife, and the second was Haru crying her heart out as if the worst thing imaginable happened." Akira faltered before continuing, finally opting to meet Chihaya's eyes, "This one…has to be the start. The girl I described earlier, her name is Makoto Niijima, and…she's someone I...decently know if I'm to sum up our relationship. In this vision, I'm looking through someone else's perspective, I think…they're taller than her, hell of a lot more than me." He paused before shakily drawing a breath, "Makoto...she...tries to fight back and then…" He clenched his jaw, "she's stabbed in the stomach. Hence the bloody knife and Haru crying. I…I don't know where this is, but I was able to piece together one thing from a clock in the back; this happens on Monday at I think...9:30?"
Chihaya was speechless, "I…I've never heard of this type of clairvoyance…I'm not trying to be skeptical, but Akira what makes you so sure—"
Akira felt offended at her idea as he cut her off, "Chihaya…this…felt too real. Way too real. I could feel the warmth of her blood spill o-on my hand. I could feel her breath, her final breath." His jaw tightened, "I thought if anyone would know anything, or help me at all, it would be you. Please…there has to be something you can do. Something you can tell me."
Akira was practically pleading, his voice damn near quivering and his eyes heavy with a sense of regret. It only made it harder for Chihaya to shake her head… "There's…nothing I can do. That's all you've been dealt. The fates…I can only assume they want you to calm down or—"
He snorted, a slither of anger lining his voice, "Learning of a death is calming?"
"-or they want you to prepare, to accept the future you've seen. I wasn't lying when I said the future is set in stone. Even if you sought to tell her...it wouldn't amount for anything. The future is the future. It's unwavering and stubborn..." She sighed wearily as she gazed regretfully into his eyes, "I'm so sorry, Akira."
Akira opened his mouth, seeking to say something, say anything.
But nothing came as he simply stood up and walked away.
It was mindless as he boarded the train and returned to Leblanc before he knew it. The door clicked open, and he was met with the sight of Yusuke, confused at the dried blood underneath his nose.
Akira wasn't exactly sure what he said, a mumble of sorts as he returned to his room—the blinds shut and the door locked as he lay within the darkness, staring at the ceiling.
Maybe Chihaya was right.
Accepting the future…not rebelling against a fate that was written before I was even a thought in father's ballsack.
Makoto is going to die, and somehow I need to be okay with that.
A lump formed in his throat as the final breath of Makoto Niijima replayed in his head.
He didn't know why, maybe it was empathy, but it hurt.
It felt as if he was going to cry.
Within an instant, it faded away as a glowering expression spread across his face.
…I'm not accepting what I saw.
I just…I can't.
I won't…I told myself I wouldn't sit and let things happen in front of me…ever again.
And I meant that.
Once again, Makoto found herself inside Kobayakawa's office.
"Sensei? You asked for me?"
Kobayakawa rapped his fingers on his desk, a clear sign of a form of irritation, "Have you had any luck with your… lead into the unsightly parties of Shujin?"
Of course, I'm not surprised.
"I…haven't been able to find anything at the moment. My lead is cold if I can say that much."
Kobayakawa clicked his teeth, "And why is that? I expected more from you, Niijima-kun, I thought you'd have this done within days considering what's on the line." He paused for a moment before moving to his next thought, "Don't tell me you're losing motivation?"
For a split second, anger spilled into Makoto, but she quelled it as she cleared her throat, "No, I haven't…it's just that…I'm looking into something that seems to plague the student body. It's been talking a bit of my time, that's all."
There was a faint flame of curiosity as he stopped rapping his fingers, "Are you referring to the fact that you and Ichiko Ohya went to a student's home and questioned their mother?"
Makoto faltered, "W-Wha—how do you—"
"It was a call made on Monday, I wasn't able to get around to it until today, but a woman named Kaoru Murakami called in and named Ohya while describing you. How is this exactly plaguing the student body?"
"K-Kayo Murakami disappeared the same day Shiho Suzui jumped from the practice building. Her mother moved not long after into a house that only the most elite in Japan should have. Then, a first-year by the name of Jin Kageyama stopped showing up to school—when he had perfect attendance and grades—and his home was vacated when I checked it yesterday. And Tetsuo—"
"Kayo Murakami was pulled out of school and re-enrolled elsewhere. Her mother, in the call, stated Murakami-kun had been working at her part-time job when you two appeared on her doorstep to harass her. She had to lie in order to turn you two around."
Wha–
What?
"We didn't hara–"
Kobayakawa raised a hand as the room went quiet. He took a simple breath as an edge entered his voice, "Banging on her door? Yelling? Asking teachers for confidential information so you can a mockery of everything that uniform and your Student Council President position stands for while chasing silly little lies and theories instead of actually doing something useful and going after a threat that's real?! All of this conduct is unbecoming of you and your position!" Kobyakawa took another deep breath as he calmly exhaled, "I'm only going to tell you once, Niijima-kun. Dropthis silly little game of yours and do what I tell you. Investigate the Kurusus and their guardian and find something substantial by the 21st. If not? That letter of recommendation will be thrown into the garbage and that pin that decorates your uniform? I'll revoke it immediately. And before you get any funny ideas, I told the teachers and staff if you or Ohya-kun ask around for any more confidential information on students, they should report to me. Same thing with the Murakamis if you decide to go back. Am I understood?"
Makoto stood there in front of his desk, stunned as she…was forced to submit to Kobayakawa.
It made her sick to her stomach.
As she made it back to the Student Council Room, one thing was certain.
She wasn't going to stop doing what she thought was right.
The only challenge was finding a different way to go about it.
"So…he passed out and bled alot?"
"Yes. And you…didn't go check on your best friend. You feeling real good about this whole ignoring him thing?"
Ryuji flatly stared at her as he overlooked the band doing their PT for the moment, "Ann…"
"I'm just saying Ryuji, this seems…serious. Even Haru was crying."
"Wait, what? Why was she cryin'?"
A grin formed, "Oh…if only you were still in the group…so many interesting developments!"
He sighed, "I hate you." He continued as a few chuckles came out, "So…where was Mona durin' all of this?"
Ann shook her head, "I don't know…he really has been acting weird…I think he got called into the Student Council office before practice started so…"
"What the 'eff? Wasn't Boss just called there as well?"
Ann faintly frowned, "I'm not sure what's going on…but I don't like it one bit."
For the first time in months, Akira wrote in his journal.
Operation Rebellion; June 16th
(I seriously gotta come up with a better name.)
Okay.
June 21st, at 9:30 PM.
Haru's there for some reason.
I don't think they're friends though…I only saw them together at the clean-up…
It could be possible they're in the same class…I could ask Haru.
Though that's a little suspicious and I don't think she would be very privy to me asking about another woman instead of her…and also telling her I'm alright.
I'm still shitty at this…intimacy thing huh?
I haven't been around her and I can't—considering the standing of our relationship.
I also can't tell her about the vision, nor can I tell anyone. They're gonna think I'm batshit insane.
Are you sure you aren't actually batshit insane?
God, who knows.
Maybe I can ask Tora if they're in the same class?
No…maybe Iwai would be better. Yeah, less…awkwardness considering the last time I involved him in something with her, he lost his job.
If it's Iwai…I could also ask if he could keep an eye on her.
Whatever she's doing as of late? It has something to do with her death…
So…Kayo Murakami?
What's so important about that girl?
Maybe I should do my own investigating?
Shit, I don't know how I'd do it though…Ryuji isn't helping me anymore.
Plus, how would I explain it either?
I have no links to Kayo…the only person she was around that I know of was Ohya…and I feel weird being around her anyway since I'm pretty sure she has something to do with Niijima-senpai knowing Sojiro is my guardian.
Shit.
Shit.
Shit.
We have to save her.
We have to do something goddamn it I just need more information.
I need to know more.
FUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK
Akira scribbled that out, his frustrations reaching a fever pitch as he flopped back onto his bed, wracking his brain for more ideas.
Maybe I can try for another vision?
No, dumbass you don't even know the triggers…
Besides, there's no guarantee it'll even make sense.
Haru and the knife didn't make sense UNTIL I got the one today.
Is there anything I missed?
Akira bit his lip as he, much against his feelings, recalled Makoto's stabbing.
Small details.
The time and date is a small detail and we got that…
Clothes, right?
Right.
Niijima-senpai…she's wearing a…hm…what the hell is that? What do people call those things?
Dress blouses?
Yeah, a white dress blouse with a belt.
Really hard to ignore when it gets stained by the blood too easily.
Okay, then…that shows she goes back to the apartment, right? In that case, it makes it easier to intercept her.
Hopefully, Sae isn't there…
Even if she's at the apartment and I'm able to intercept her…what can I use as an excuse?
Hey! You're going to be stabbed so… could ya notgo where ever you're going, please?
Maybe a lie? Fuck man, this is so annoying.
I gotta wing that.
Brainstorming is so much harder when Ryuji isn't here to help.
I wonder what he's doing right now.
Niijima-senpai has a bruise as well…looks like a slap or something. Didn't really notice that the first time.
Maybe I'm missing something with Haru?
Haru's wearing a blouse…
Shit.
Am I going to fail?
Akira threw his journal to the floor as he decided to take a break, laying on the bed to calm his temper. Electing to check his phone since he turned it off the second he left from Shujin.
Needed no distracts…yet here we are, seeking distractions.
Akira checked his messages, freeing his phone from the self-imposed exile he wanted for the moment.
There was a message from Ann…Sojiro…Haru.
I think checking on Haru first would be best.
Don't want to get skinned alive with an axe for something.
Haru: Hey, I wanted to make sure if you're okay and you got home safe. I hope you feel better!
There was another message, not long after.
Haru: I would come by…but I think you're sleeping and father told me to come home immediately. I hope you're okay.
Now…I feel like complete dogshit.
Fuck.
Akira: No need to worry, Haru! Like I said, it's gonna take alot more than that to ever put me down.
Akira: All corniness aside…I'm sorry to worry you. I can imagine how terrifying that must be. But I'm fine, so…when I see you tomorrow, I expect a smile.
Good energy. I have to keep good energy.
Speaking of which…I haven't done a count in a while.
Hm…last time was during the first hangout…
Akira mindlessly counted on his fingers as he eventually pilled together both totals.
So…that should come up to…
118.
Holy shit.
Then the good stuff should be…115.
Close enough.
Akira shook his head as he went back to his messages, tapping on Ann's next.
Ann: Do you still want to act like you have this under control?
Ann: I'm gonna see if I can get Ryuji to come over, maybe you two can use your…whatever as a stepping stone because this is getting serious.
Ann: I also have something I want to tell the both of you.
Hm.
I'll…think of a reply later.
Onto Sojiro.
Sojiro: Hey…uh, just wanted to make you're fine.
Sojiro: Y'know I'm not too great at this.
Sojiro: But seriously, I'm not gonna bother you…just gonna let you get your rest, but when you're fine? Let's talk…I think…I think you might need to know about Shido.
Excuse me?!
Before Akira could type up a reply, he saw a notification from Tora.
Tora-senpai: Hey, I heard about what happened. I hope you're fine, but…I need to talk to you, as fast as possible if you're up to it.
Tora-senpai: It's about Niijima-san. Just text me back when you can.
Akira, naturally, jumped at the chance, clearly putting Sojiro's message on the back burner.
Akira: You can come by as soon as possible. Just text me when you're on your way.
Tora-senpai: Great. I have to finish this little shift at my part-time job, but I should be able to get there before Mona gets there.
Akira: Sweet.
Huh.
Good timing on my part.
Maybe I should try to rest up like I said earlier.
Makoto had called Morgana Kurusu to the office to…hopefully find something odd on the brothers but…the only thing odd was how calm the younger Kurusu was.
In fact, he hadn't as much as said a word during their time together.
A sigh slipped from her lips, "Kurusu-kun…you can go."
A smile formed on his lips as he left, with Sojiro Sakura following up behind him. A frown on his face as he took a seat, "Look, it's a long day, Niijima-kun and I—"
"I heard about Kurusu-kun and his…bloodied display through the halls of Shujin. Must be terrifying for you."
He sighed, "I don't know what's wrong with the kid…"
"Isn't that a bit concerning for a guardian? Haven't you called his father or uncle? I understand you three are close."
Sojiro wearily raised his head, meeting her gaze as he slouched in his chair, "I'm not even surprised you know about that. I expect Kobayakawa told you?"
No, but sure why not.
"I don't intend to do anything negative with this information…but I assume you know about Kobayakawa-sensei banning me from…asking teachers certain information?"
"If you want me to tell you information about Akira, I'm not gonna stab the kid in the—"
Not now.
You wouldn't tell me anything substantial anyway.
I have to talk to Ohya-kun about that anyway since I have a noose around my neck…
"No. I wanted to ask about the contact information for Tetsuo's family."
Sojiro's face displayed a form of surprise as he sat upright, "You want it?"
"I…don't have any proper way to gain that information, and I want to check something about him that may give me some sort of answers relating to his recent activities. You're really the only choice I have. I know how much you care about him…and your students, so."
Sojiro stared at her for a moment before clicking his teeth and pulling his phone out, sliding it to her, "Do your magic."
It took Makoto less than a minute to jot down the information, sliding Sojiro back his phone, allowing him to pocket it and seek to leave the room.
Before he did though, Makoto spoke once again, "Thank you, Sakura-sensei. I might even…put in a good word with you about my sister."
Makoto couldn't see his face, but she knew for a fact his face was flushed.
It was a little humor she could use, considering how the day had been turning out.
A brief sigh of relief slipped from her lips as she stared at the paper.
Another lead.
But first…homework.
Akira had asked Yusuke to slip inside of his room while Tora made his way to the apartment. For a few minutes, Akira sat on the stool, his mind still racing with the implications of Tora's words and his drive to fix the future.
Tora's the stepping stone, right?
If he's coming here because of her…I can use this information to my advantage.
The present is what matters…not the future.
Some knocks came from the front door, a sign Tora had made it. Akira quickly hopped off the stool, opening the door, and welcoming Tora to the apartment—for the second time ever he realized.
Huh.
Yeah, Iwai, Tora, and Ohya have only been here once.
Wait, no Ohya's been here twice due to Ryuji.
Even Niijima-senpai's been here more…
The two made their way to the countertop, Akira veering off to make some drinks for the both of them, as he made the drinks, Tora spoke, "You're probably wondering what I meant in the messages, correct?"
Even if it felt as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders, Akira snorted as he tried to inject the situation with some humor, "Nah…I just wanted to have some drinks with a friend."
The attempt at humor landed as Tora briefly chuckled, grabbing his respective drink as Akira took a seat beside him, "I suppose that isn't bad as well."
Akira took a sip of his juice, "Though…I guess I am a little interested in what you have to say."
The faint grin on his face faded as he remembered his purpose in being there, "Right…so, as you know, I was kicked from the council."
Akira winced, "I remember…I'm the reason for it."
"In that time, I haven't been around Niijima-san. Hell, I don't even have a class with her."
Oh, wait, this is my chance for the idea from earlier.
"Does…does Haru have the same homeroom as her?"
Tora took a moment, thinking on the question before nodding, "If I'm not mistaken, why?"
Hm.
A lead.
He shook his head, "It's uh…for no reason, forget about it."
Tora's confusion was etched into his face but he shrugged it off, getting back on track, "During this time, the only people have been Shiro-san and Saya-san." Akira cringed at the mention of Saya, something that wasn't missed at all by Tora, "Akira...are you okay?"
Yeah, I'm totally okay.
Just…gotta remember I have to solve that little issue.
Preventing a murder that hasn't happened, figuring out my visions, figuring out what's exactly wrong with my body, trying to figure out if Haru's actually the one in the prediction or if it's someone else, fixing my relationship with Ryuji, eventually figuring out what's with Morgana, and now…girl problems in the form of Haru AND Saya.
Isn't this just great?!
Akira clicked his teeth as he returned from his mental tangent, "Yeah, I'm perfectly fine. Where were going though?"
"Right, Saya-san hasn't…really been all there the past couple of weeks,"
Akira winced again.
My fault.
"So, that really just means that Shiro-san's been the only one actively doing work and paying attention…and he's been noticing that Niijima-san…she's been…strange recently."
Akira leaned forward a bit, "Strange how?"
"A bit scatterbrained…more tense, aggressive even. She's been with Ohya a lot apparently."
Fuck.
Akira took a breath as he tried to calm himself, annoyed at the idea he had about her sneaking back into his brain and attempting to take dominance once more.
Not now…making sure Niijima-senpai lives past Monday is the most important part.
"Is that all?"
"No, I wouldn't come to you if that was the case. Iwai and I could just deal with it then, but this…this is something that's a little more in your ballpark."
"Huh? What do you—"
"Today, Shiro walked into the Student Council Room with Ohya yelling at Niijima-san. Shiro didn't hear the whole thing since it ended by the time he made it in…but he heard about two things…Kamoshida…and something named Bael."
Akira's eyes widened as Bael crossed his mind.
Tora continued on, "I…I don't know what Bael means, honestly. But the Kamoshida part worries me. I wanted to see if I could get your help on this, maybe you know something I don't from your experiences as of late and your time around Kamoshi—"
There was a stifled grunt to the left of Tora as he turned his head to see Akira tightly gripping both sides of his head, his top lip slathered in blood as droplets littered the tile floor. Akira moved from the stool, the pain making him seek to move, hoping to find any place of solace—just somewhere to hide from the pain.
It didn't amount to anything as he felt a lack of sensation within his legs, it was too much sensory overload as they gave out, surrendering him to the floor as he slumped over.
This time was different.
The pain was rising and rising, bubbling to some sort of tip—seeking to overflow but he didn't know where it could overflow…or if he would even survive. His vision was blurring and his ears were filled with the sound of endless static. Tears were lining his sockets as one singular fear filled his mind.
I'm going to die.
I'm going to die.
IMGOINGTODIEIMGOINGTODIEIMGOINGTODIEIMGOINGTODIEIMGOINGDIEIMGOINGTODIE.
It kept repeating in his mind over and over until he felt his eyes roll to the back of his head as a sort of death rattle slipped from his lips—
Makoto was staring at him, her eyes lined with her signature determination.
They were in the darkness from the other vision, with Haru at her side, looking concerned as she flicked her eyes between whoever Akira was and her.
She spoke finally, "I know who you are…Bael."
Everything went black.
This is a shitty way to die.
Makoto locked the door to the office and made her way to the entrance of Shujin, being the last of the students as usual. As she made it to the train platform, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number.
"Ohya-kun?"
"What is it, Niijima-senpai?"
Makoto paused for a bit, trying to figure out her approach, eventually taking a breath to calm her nerves, "I need the file on Akira Kurusu as fast as possible. Considering the past week, I don't find it out of the ordinary for me to ask what I'm owed."
"Owed? Niijima-senpai, me and you teaming up hasn't resulted in spectacular results, mind you. We haven't even found Kayo! All we have is—"
"All we haveis the word of a mother who might've lied about her daughter's whereabouts."
"Wh—what?"
Sorry, Ohya-kun.
"Principal Kobayakawa called me into his office today, and he told me that Kaoru-san called on Monday, informing him of our…recent activities. She said that she lied and used it as a way to get us off her property. Kayo was just…pulled out of school. I guess Kamoshida wasn't lying as you thought."
"But…but…"
"Now, our agreement was based on the sole fixture of me helping you solve the mystery of Kayo. I've done that. So, I expect you to uphold your side of the bargain."
"Niijima—Makoto, you know this isn't the end!" Ohya stammered, "W-What about Bael? The connection? I don't give a shit about any of it but you were deadset on—"
"Just like you said this morning, I was wrong. Now, are you going to fulfill your side of the bargain or else?"
"I…no. I don't know what Kobayakawa said to you, but you OWE me. You have to see this out until the—"
Makoto faintly took a breath, trying to calm herself and steel her resolve.
I hope you can understand my position eventually.
"I don't owe you anything, Ohya-kun. In fact, you could say it's the opposite actually. How kindly do you think Kurusu-kun will take to you being the sole reason behind the schism between him and Sakamoto? Or the fact you've been going behind his back for over a month now? In fact… I'd hate for news of what you, Iwai, and Toranosuke did the morning of Kamoshida's arrest to leak. Spreading those pictures, even if they were Kamoshida's…is illegal."
Makoto could hear Ohya's rage seething over the line, but she kept silent until she spoke again, "Fine."
It was faint, but the defeat in her voice was crushing.
But it's necessary, right?
It's…
It's the right thing to do.
I have to be sure of myself.
Makoto took another deep breath to motivate herself further, "Thank you, you have until the 21st, goodbye." With a single click, she hung up the phone and took a look at her notebook.
Tetsuo Suzuno's apartment was her next stop.
Makoto made it to the apartment, braving the steps as she made it to the exact floor and door number. A sense of deja vu flowed over her as she recalled the Murakami apartment from Saturday night.
I have better luck than that.
He has to be home.
He has to be.
She knocked on the door, with a few minutes flying by before she did it again.
And again.
And again.
And again.
Until the crushing realization hit her.
The apartment was vacated.
…Damn it.
A/N:
Torturing Akira is fun. I love it-and oh, I promise everything is totally fine, the normal ole' marching shenanigans are coming back next chapter! As a sneak peek, I'll just say we get to see Akira and Ryuji wholesomely bonding over the women in their lives while intoxicated. What could go wrong?
I'm not gonna lie, there was a lot of stuff I wrote for this chapter that I either deleted or shuffled around for later. Morgana and Kasumi are the biggest offenders of this and I won't lie about that...man, it's so much easier just writing an outline without thinking about how it'll gel in a chapter with pacing and length.
