Monday, April 26th
"Are you sure you want to go to school today?" Akira turned his head back.
Mona stood behind Akira, who had his hand on the knob, he was dressed in his usual Shujin garb.
It's a bit weird considering I haven't worn this in almost a week though…
Morgana sighed as he stared at his brother, "I've been telling you since last night that I'm fine."
Akira dropped his hand from the knob, "Yeah but…are you sure? You know your face still has some scratches and…and Kamoshida…"
Right.
…right.
Mona started to teeter on the edge of falling into the abyss of his mind, replying that night over and over again.
Morgana had the exact number of times it replayed in his head.
Two hundred and sixty-six.
It was an excruciating thing to endure. Every waking moment, every second, every millisecond.
He couldn't even escape it in his dreams either.
Every single minute detail of Kamoshida's office kept broadcasting itself into his brain, searing itself permanently.
From the terrible scent Kamoshida had, to the exact number of instruments and parts he had thrown about, to the exact force of his punches…to even Shiho's face.
It plagued him.
There was only one moment of brief respite, and that was annoyingly when he was out with Akira.
He wouldn't describe his disdain for his brother as hatred, just sheer anger.
Akira lied to him.
Again.
It was as if he couldn't comprehend that he wasn't in elementary school, that he didn't need Akira to protect him at all times.
Was it unfortunate that he got injured with Shiho? Yes.
But that didn't call for the total removal of Morgana from the situation and isolating him from the rest of the world. To leave him hanging with no follow-ups. To ignore every question he had asked about what was going on.
Akira was being selfish and egotistical, he didn't even think about how I was feeling during this time.
Then to have the truth revealed through…Niijima-senpai instead of Akira?
It was distasteful.
It was infuriating.
Then to have those feelings mesh together for the hours he was alone leading up to Akira's return? Of course, he exploded on him. He hated that he let his feelings get the best of him, but…it was needed.
And God, did it feel good.
But even when considering all of that, spending a little bit of time with Akira made him feel a little better.
He hated feeling like this, but maybe Akira was going to change. That he was going to start being fully transparent, that he could depend on Morgana and not coddle him.
That they both could depend on each other equally.
Akira snapped his fingers in front of his brother's eyes, making him flench, "You having an internal monologue over there? God, you really are my brother…"
Oh, right. His question.
"Uh, yeah. I'll be fine. I'll just tell people I had a biking accident or something."
Akira almost opened his mouth to say something, probably another spill that included being overprotective, but he stopped, "Okay. I'm going to take your word. Just text me if you need me."
Mona gave him a faint smile, "See? There you go! Not hard at all, was it?"
Akira groaned as he opened the door, "Shut up, man."
Walking through the halls of Shujin after almost a week, was an annoying ordeal. Not because Akira and Ryuji were babbling on about DSBZ since they met at the train station, but because of the fact everyone was giving them odd looks.
Him in particular.
"Isn't that the one who might have something to do with that bitch who jumped?"
Oh wow, just…just getting vulgar already.
Can't say I'm surprised about the rumors though.
"Such a shame, he is like his older brother."
"What happened to his face? You think it has something to do with that girl?"
"Those three are terrible news for Shujin…I don't feel safe with them here…"
Morgana took on a scowl as he walked to his class, with Akira eventually speaking up, "You get used to the rumors. People suck, little brother."
Ryuji ruffled the little bit of hair Morgana had free from his ponytail, "Don't worry about it Mona, this bullshit is gonna be over soon."
Mona shoved his hand away with ease, "Watch it you ape! It takes me forever to style this properly!"
Ryuji chuckled, "My bad. I can't believe I missed you callin' me an ape"
"Speaking of which, Iwai told you where he wants to meet me?"
Ryuji groaned, "Someplace in Shibuya, somethin' called 'Untouchables', never heard of it in my life though."
Morgana quickly piped up, "I can still come, right?"
Akira turned his gaze towards him, instantly replying as he smiled at him, "Of course."
Ryuji burrowed his hands into his pockets as he lazily jerked his legs around in annoyance, "Let's just hope that jackass doesn't take so long with snatching that shit from dick-head over there. Did he ever text you back after last night?"
"Nope, but I know he's going to do it."
Morgana stifled a chuckle, "Of course, you did tell him you were going to treat him like—"
Akira quickly cleared his throat, "Let's uh…let's ignore that."
A yawn released itself from Ryuji's mouth as he started to do a couple of random stretches, "Aight, Ima get to class, I don't want Chouno chewin' me out for bein' late again."
Akira nodded as he followed Ryuji down the stairs, giving his little brother an endearing nod.
A deep breath formed in Morgana's lungs as he prepared to step into his class.
He wasn't sure how to progress through this day, with all of this attention on him.
I don't know how Akira does it.
Doesn't it get tiring?
Maybe that's why he zones out a lot…
Oh screw it, I can't stand out here fore—
"Excuse me?"
Idiotically, Morgana had started zoning out whilst a fellow student stood in front of him.
Aw crap, I did—
YOSHIZAWA?!
A bewildered expression quickly took form, "Y-Yoshizawa-san?"
She giggled, making Morgana feel more and more like a fool, "Hi, Kurusu-san."
"H-Hey, how are you?"
"Me? Oh, I'm fine. But how are you? You've been absent since Wednesday and your face…"
Mona nervously pointed at his face, "Oh these? Ha, I uh...um…got into a biking accident!"
She tilted her head.
Aw crap, she knows I'm lying.
Before she could continue on with her inquiry, the bell rang.
"A-ah! I'll see you in class Yoshizawa-san!" Morgana gave her a bow as he nervously rushed into class.
He was making a total fool of himself. Morgana buried his face into his hands.
I really am a Kurusu.
Much to his dismay, the sounds and whispers of his classmates were being perfectly transmitted into his brain.
So much for subtly.
I don't have to put up with this for long...we just have to make sure these plans work out.
That's all.
It's a matter of patience.
"Kurusu-kun?" A shadow cast itself over him, much to his annoyance it was his teacher, Mr. Aoba. He was a gray-haired balding pudgy man beyond his prime years. His sunken eyes were hidden behind his glasses, it seemed as if he never wanted to teach each time Mona entered his class.
Morgana emerged from his hands, staring up at him, "Yes, Aoba-sensei?"
"Niijima-senpai has requested your presence, I expect you to make it quick. She's standing outside."
Oh for the love of God, what is wrong with this woman?!
He gently nodded his head in understanding, "Right, sensei. I promise."
Mona rose, bypassing both his teacher and Yoshizawa, the latter giving him strange looks, which he was oblivious towards.
Aoba wasn't lying, Makoto was standing nervously outside of his classroom. He closed the door behind him, "Niijima-senpai."
"Hi, Kurusu-kun."
"So uh...what is this about? I thought if anyone would leave me alone today, it would be you…"
Makoto cringed a bit as she thought of her previous talks with the younger Kurusu, "This...this isn't my doing. Kobayakawa-sensei...he's called you to a meeting. Both you and Sakamoto-kun." Makoto pivoted on her foot as she began to pace to Kobayakawa, Mona swiftly following suit.
"W-what? Has he called-"
"No. He hasn't. Only you two. I'm not sure why, but I have a bad feeling about this."
"My brother, does he know about this?"
"No, but I'd assume Sakamoto has texted him about it. Do you want me to text him?"
Morgana instantly replied with sternness in his voice, "No. Well...not until after. I don't want him to get riled up when this might not be something to stress over just yet."
Makoto nodded, "Right, that's smart."
Stepping in front of Kobayakawa's door, she lowered her voice to a whisper, "Kurusu-kun, I um...I'm sore-"
He raised a hand, "Don't worry about it. It seems to be water under the bridge for you and my brother from what he's said, Makoto." Morgana winked at her before opening up the door, only to be greeted by...
Kamoshida, standing right beside Kobayakawa's desk.
Ryuji turned his head to meet the younger Kurusu, sheer shock being showcased on both of their faces. It was as if they had the same thought.
Oh shit.
Kobayakawa gave them no time to bask in their shared confusion, "Ah, nice of you to finally bring him, Niijima-chan."
Morgana shuffled right beside Ryuji, the former seemingly getting mentally smaller and smaller at the sight of Kamoshida.
He knew this was going to happen. To see him in person again. He had been dreading it the whole time, hell even Akira was dreading it.
Even Ryuji could tell, to which he nudged him in the ribs in a not so gentle way by using a cough to disguise the movement.
Faintly doubling over in pain, Morgana at first wanted to beat the crap out of his not-so-favorite blond monkey, but he looked up into his eyes.
Don't be afraid. I'm here with you man.
Shit.
You're being so weak you have to depend on the resolve of this numbskull? Ah hell no, this isn't at all who I am!
He straightened up just as Kobayakawa continued, "Niijima-chan if you don't mind, you can swiftly leave and return to class. I would hate to see your grades slip up from this."
Makoto faltered for a bit, flashing the two boys looks of concern, before reluctantly bowing.
With Niijima's exit, it only left the four men staring at one another.
Kobayakawa spoke first, "It's good to see you again, Morgana Kurusu. I've heard tell of you disappearing from school this last week."
Morgana nervously spoke up, "Yes sir."
Kobayakawa examined Morgana's face a bit more, pondering on the nature of his bruises, "Mind explaining those?" He raised his chunky hand, his pen shifting in the direction of the younger Kurusu's face.
His hands instantly shot to his face, as Ryuji finally spoke up for the first time, "What do those have to do with-"
Kamoshida's words lurched from his mouth, oozing into Morgana's ears as he was dropped back into his office, "Sakamoto. Did Kobayabawa-sensei refer to you?"
It's over.
It's over.
That's behind us.
He can't hurt me right now. Not in front of Kobayakawa.
Stay calm.
Ryuji's blood-curdling rage could be felt as he struggled to hold himself back, "No." To Morgana, it seemed his time with Akira was starting to balance him out.
Even if it was for a bit.
Kamoshida turned towards Morgana as he flashed his signature smile, his eyes closed to lull him into a false sense of security, "Now, Kurusu-kun, where did you get those injuries?"
Even if all of us with the exception of that balding idiot knew it was a lie.
"These? Oh...well, I um...had a biking accident. I was injured these last few days, Akira's been taking care of me."
Kobayakawa grunted, "Now, I don't know if you've heard, but recently one of our star musicians in the band attempted to end her life on the premises."
His throat tightened.
If you're going to mention her, then say her name you spineless asshole.
"I...I heard. Suzui-senpai."
"Initially, I chalked it up to stress. Kamoshida-kun here even agreed at first."
Confusion tugged at Ryuji's voice, "Wait a minute, what does that have to do with us? Why are-"
"But. I've heard among the masses something interesting. Kurusu-kun, last Tuesday, where were you?"
Faint realization dawned in his eyes, even in his peripheral vision it seemed Ryuji caught on too.
Kamoshida's trying to pin me for senpai jumping.
Shit! Niijima-senpai really wasn't lying!
But I thought we had more time!?
At least until the end of the week! Why is he moving so fast?
Is it to disorient? To play with us?
Does he know about the plan?
Mishima?! Did he rat?
N-No, Ryuji even said-
"I…"
The manufactured blonde stood in front of the junior, his hand partly out to hurdle him behind, "What the hell are you gettin' at, old man?! There's no goddamn way you're tryna pin this on the kid when that asshole is standin'-"
"Watch your tone! And don't think for a second you're safe Sakamoto-kun! I heard that you were seen running to and from Suzui's jumping point! Why was that? What did you two do to her?!"
Ryuji was on the roof with her? What the hell happened that day?
Crap.
No matter what we say we're screwed…
What's the best choice to take here, Mona? Come on...come on...think…
"I was with Suzui-senpai on Tuesday. We...left practice early that day. We got something to eat, that's all. I promise."
"Something to eat? That's all?! I don't think anyone would believe she only had something to eat and then threw herself off a building the next day! And to think I thought you weren't like your messy brother…"
"W-What did you say about Akira?!" Morgana almost pounced on him like a feline if it wasn't for Ryuji's surprisingly sturdy hands.
"Sakamoto, why were you on the roof?"
"Why was I on the roof? You gotta be bullshittin' me! The fact she even got up there in the first place with no one realizin' should be the bigger issue! But me tryin' to talk my friend down is the problem because you keep mindlessly eatin' all the horse shit this asshole is feedin' you!"
Ryuji had gotten a rise out of the larger set principal as he, with surprising speed, lurched from his chair and leaned over his desk, attempting to intimidate the younger boy, "I see you still have that ludicrous vendetta against him! Sprouting endless lies still?! Kamoshida-kun didn't even tell me about this, I heard this through students! And the only reason this is an issue is that your reckless nature probably startled her and made her go through with it! You should've alerted a teacher instead of playing a superpowered punk!"
Ryuji's temper wavered, his confidence faded like grains of sand on the shore.
It was an idea that had been permeating through his head recently.
Maybe that's why he didn't tell Ann yet.
His face darkened as his posture simply weakened more and more.
Kobayakawa exhaled as he plopped back into his chair, the sudden and excessive weight making it creak, "Now, with all of this in mind boys...There's a board meeting on the second of May. Considering this is Kamoshida-kun's ordeal, he and I will make the final choice regarding your status as Shujin Academy material."
The two immediately perked up, resurfacing from their stupors, "What?!"
The gaudy teacher spoke once again, "Well, with all this mounting evidence against the two of you, it's a miracle we haven't instantly landed on expelling you." His voice kicked into overdrive, his eyes barely hiding the malicious intent festering inside his pupils, "Only reason I haven't is just in case something…new comes up."
He was deriving pleasure from this.
Getting a gutsy lust-filled kick from it.
Almost as if he was playing with his food.
There was nothing the two boys could do besides grit their teeth whilst Kobayakawa dismissed them.
It was infuriating.
It seemed as if Morgana was visibly shaking as the two stood in the halls, to which Ryuji tapped him in the forehead, "Don't worry 'bout it, Mona. We just gotta follow through with the ideas we have and we'll be fine. All of us."
…I'm actually getting reassured by Ryuji.
This is weird.
"Right."
Ryuji tapped him in the stomach instead, "Now get back to class, I don't need Akira bein' mad 'cause you skipped class with me."
"You're not going back to class?"
"Nope, this is a perfect chance for me to get some more sleep with no more interruptions. I'll be on the roof." A sigh came from his mouth as he yawned, "I wonder if they'll serve some grape juice today…" Ryuji started ascending the stairs while Morgana had one question on his mind.
How the hell is he going to pass this year…?
Yuuki Mishima wasn't having a good day.
At all.
Besides having the looming ever-present threat of Kamoshida over his head, he had Akira Kurusu texting him at the crack of dawn.
As to why?
Simple, he wanted him to steal from his band director.
It was an idiotic, crazy, and sporadic idea that, if gone wrong, would spell the end of Mishima's academic career and a vicious mauling.
However, if he refused Kurusu…there was a very nice chance he would end up in a hospital.
Especially with the thinly veiled words Akira gave him.
He couldn't even figure out exactly how he got his number.
Oh, what does it matter, I'm doomed either way…
He couldn't help but clutch his stomach as he approached the band room, practice was starting up soon after all.
Maybe I should just tell Kamoshida…
No…that's even worse, he'll destroy me for even letting things get to this point.
Then…Kurusu-san will get his hands on me.
And Sakamoto…and the little brother too…
A-Actually, yeah…
Kurusu doesn't know Kamoshida tasked me with spreading those rumors, he only has more and more reasons to behead me or something…I should get in his good graces.
Y-yeah.
…yeah.
Mishima took a long gulp as he entered the band hall, attempting his hardest to replicate his usual routine.
If anything was awry or noticeable to Kamoshida leading up to his attempt to steal his phone, he would instantly point fingers at Mishima.
Kamoshida usually leaves his phone face-down on his desk…so all I have to do is make sure no one sees me enter his office while he's away…
But how…
The answer to that question kept escaping Mishima almost for the entire duration of practice until an idea blossomed in his mind.
I can just pop a drum head, or at least have one of the rookies do it, he'll cover and investigate…and I can go off of that, right?
Y-yeah, this has to work!
Mishima continued, teaching one rookie a cadence but with horrible stick control, which eventually led to a puncture.
Just what he needed.
As expected, Kamoshida strolled over his irritation on display.
Drum heads are an annoying ordeal to deal with, after all.
Meekly, Mishima played to his silent strength and slipped away, somehow strolling into the office with ease.
M-Maybe this is easier than I thought!
Maybe—
Wait.
Kamoshida's phone wasn't on his desk.
It wasn't anywhere.
Wh—
What?
Mishima quickly poked his head out, only to see Kamoshida scrolling through his phone, attempting to see prices before settling on one and pocketing his phone in his jacket.
Despair was clear as day on his face.
Oh my god.
It's over.
I—
I'm going to die.
I—
I have to tell Kurusu and Sakamoto…
With his hands shaking, Mishima slid his phone from his pocket. His eyes were faintly stinging from tears and he felt as if he was going to projectile vomit.
This was truly the twilight hours of his pathetic little life.
MAYBE - AKIRA KURUSU: What is it, Mishima?
YUUKI: Um…
YUUKI: K-Kamoshida…
YUUKI: His phone isn't where it usually is…it's in his jacket.
MAYBE - RYUJI SAKAMOTO: you gotta be shittin me
YUUKI: Um…what should I do?
Minutes transpired with no reply.
The pit in his stomach only deepened.
A look of sheer anxiety covered his entire face as he aimlessly looked at his phone, something that Kamoshida himself noticed.
"Mishima? Why do you have that pathetic little look on your face?" A little sneer was on his face, maybe he thought he was somehow the cause of this.
He would be partially correct.
Mishima started stumbling on his words as he gazed at Kamoshida's towering build, he really couldn't piece anything together without becoming a mess.
Until he heard a familiar voice.
"Wow! This is a pretty nice bandroom! Mona, how come you never told me it was this big!"
Kamoshida's sneer quickly turned into a scowl as he whipped his head around, catching the sight of Akira Kurusu with his little brother.
Inside his bandroom.
Unprovoked.
Kamoshida stomped over to the raven-haired duo, his disdain for the two barely being veiled, "Ah, Kurusu-san, what are you doing here?"
Akira rolled his head, attempting to loosen it to feel better, "I just wanted to see how this place compared to Kyoto! Besides being nice in size," He sucked his teeth, "I must say I am not impressed at all…seems like overcompensation."
The older man gritted his teeth, "That's not very nice of you, Kurusu-san. Especially considering—"
Akira lowered his voice a bit, "Considering the fact you're trying to frame Ryuji and Mona to get me to come over?" He wasn't playing around anymore, his anger was slipping a bit.
Morgana placed a hand on his shoulder, "Brother."
Akira nodded and took a breath as Kamoshida spoke again, "Of course, I'd like to think you'd want to be on my good side for when you're the little submissive piece of trash you are. You and your brother."
Akira almost fell victim to his bait but Morgana tightened his grip on his shoulder, this time pulling him back as he took a stance in front of Kamoshida, "You really do think you're never going to get exposed? I wish I had that blind optimism."
Akira mumbled, "Or blind narcissism."
A few deliberating chuckles came from his lips, "How could I? There's nothing at all that could take me down. Everything is like a chessboard to me, and all of my pieces are perfectly guarded while I can see your every move. This is my school. Nothing will change that."
Akira felt his phone vibrate as he chuckled, "You've been watching too many dramas, Suguru. And besides, you were never even a piece on my board."
Moving and pulling his brother aside from the entrance, a familiar yell could be heard racing towards the door.
"Hey, Akira! I got that grape juic—OH SHIT!"
Rather expertly, Ryuji tripped over his foot while turning the corner, sending the opened bottle of grape juice flying all over Kamoshida. Utterly drenching his jacket.
Quickly, the three of them started profusely apologizing while removing his drenched jacket and patting his stained shirt dry as the rest of the band room stood in awe.
The mighty Suguru Kamoshida was merely a plaything to these boys.
Rather seamlessly, Akira took the phone from the jacket pocket and used his foot to kick it to Mishima, who was idiotically standing still but quickly covered it with his foot.
Akira gave him a quick wink as he continued to flap the jacket in the wind, trying his hardest to sell his "concern".
After a surprising amount of time, Kamoshida became enveloped in a ball of fury, "Enough! The three of you! Out! Now!"
As expected, the three quickly ran out like a bunch of buffoons.
Daisuke quickly came up and tried his best to try the wet angry mess that was Kamoshida, but he pushed him off as he went to retrieve his jacket, frantically searching for his phone, "I'll have Kobayakawa ruin those assholes at this very moment! How dare they!?"
Eventually, the lack of his phone finally dawned upon him.
A white raged consumed him as he shot his head at Mishima, stomping over to him.
W-What?! How did he—
Mishima's face quickly became pale the closer and closer he came, with him opening his mouth but being cut off, "Mishima, dismiss everybody today from practice! I have some business to deal with."
Kamoshida whirled around, none the wiser as Mishima slouched against the wall, trying his hardest to catch his breath.
Until he realized that everyone was staring at him, "O-Oh, right…you can leave everybody."
AKIRA: Makoto, I'm going to need you to be on the first floor, in about…two minutes.
AKIRA: Don't ask, just please do it okay?
MAKOTO: Do I take Takamaki-san with me? She's still here on the roof with me.
AKIRA: Nah, I just need you.
MAKOTO: Oh.
MAKOTO: Okay
Ryuji caught up to Akira, "You think this is gonna work?"
Hitting the turn to walk up the stairs of Shujin's entrance, Akira spoke, "I hope so. It only makes sense from what I've observed of him and what you two told me about this morning. Us disrespecting him in his 'castle' unprovoked? In front of all of his 'pieces' and 'subjects'? He'd immediately go to Kobayakawa to have him do something with us. Since I was the one with the jacket while you two distracted him, he would instantly lock onto me first."
"Which means we can use that against him later if we wanted to." Morgana sighed a bit, "God, this is stupid."
"Hey, it's the best I could come up with on pressed time."
"He's got a point, Aki—"
As expected, Kamoshida came barreling inside, gunning straight for Akira.
Admittedly, seeing a six-footer should've intimidated anyone, but all he did was stand his ground.
He was getting tired of Kamoshida and his bullshit.
"Where is it."
He tilted his head, "Where's what?"
"You know exactly what I'm asking for, my phone."
Akira stuffed his hands into his pockets, yanking them out to reveal nothing, "Sorry Suguru, I have no idea where it is."
He quickly turned his head, taking menacing steps towards Morgana, but Ryuji was quicker, positioning himself between the two, "Get the hell away from him."
Akira stood next to him, "You come any closer to Morgana and I swear to God, I'll have you drinking through a straw."
Kamoshida looked in awe as he switched between the three, "Is that a threat, Akira? What are you going to do? Punch me again?"
"Lay a hand on my brother again and I'll do worse than that."
He chuckled, "Three pieces of insubordinate trash huddling together." Morgana's stomach started to turn as his face contorted with disgusting pleasure, "I can wait till I stomp you all into the ground. Screw the deal, all three of you are getting expelled once the meeting comes. All because you wanted to step out of line." He started walking closer and closer to the trio, with Morgana attempting to stand his ground despite his brother and Ryuji protecting him.
"Kamoshida-sensei? What are you doing?"
Oh, thank God.
Makoto finally appeared on the first floor, making Kamoshida's sneer dissipate the second he heard her voice.
Turning around, his usual smile reappeared, "Niijima-san. What are you doing here? Don't you have Student Council dealings?"
"I finished early. But…why are you approaching these three students?"
He cleared his throat, "I believe they stole my phone."
Makoto paused for a moment, slightly focusing her gaze on Akira instead, trying to speak to him through her look.
Did you?
She looks a little down.
Akira shrugged, Not really.
She sighed, walking past Kamoshida and commencing a pat-down of the three.
Akira felt oddly embarrassed.
With nothing out of the ordinary being found, she turned back around to the band director, her hands empty, "I'm afraid you're mistaken, Kamoshida-senpai."
He wanted to press the issue more but he gritted his teeth and sighed, "You may think you're slick, but all of this dilly-dallying you're doing won't save you in the end. Say goodbye to Shujin after the second." He walked off, leaving the three boys a moment to finally breathe.
Well, partially until they realized Makoto still stood in front of them. Akira awkwardly spoke up, "H-Hey, Makoto—"
She wasn't having it, "What did you three do? And why are you getting immediately suspended now instead?!"
Akira was the only one to not immediately fall victim to her Niijima stare, with him trying to calm her down, "Makoto just take a second to brea—"
"Is that why the three of you left so quickly?!"
"…yeah. But look, all we did…was spill a whole bunch of juice over Kamoshida. And ran."
Morgana and Ryuji covered their faces in embarrassment, maybe Akira was an idiot.
"You…what?"
"Wait, that's a bad way of explaining it, it was worth it because…we do have his phone."
"Wha—Akira—"
Akira brought his hands up in defense, "Wait…wait, it wasn't our idea. It was Mishima's. The bastard was desperate to be useful to us so…"
A teeny little lie can't hurt.
"Language."
"Right. He said Kamoshida didn't have it on his desk like usual, so I just…came up with a random idea. That doesn't break our little agreement, does it?"
Makoto took a moment, pondering on it, "No…but I expect you to legally use it to take him down along with Suzui-san's phone."
"Of course."
Ryuji quickly brought up his phone and saw the time, "Dude, we gotta go."
"Right, you two go ahead, I'll be there soon enough."
Ryuji lightly jabbed him in the arm, "Don't be late."
Akira focused his attention back on Makoto, "Are you okay? You look a little down. Did something happen after we left?"
She wasn't expecting Akira to notice the slight change in her face, "Oh, I'm fine. I just…got some news from Tora-san about our next meeting. That's all."
He lingered in her eyes for a moment before turning around, "Alright. I'll talk to you later, Makoto."
A faint nod came from her.
The train ride to Shibuya was quick, probably the fastest Akira had encountered so far. Seemed as if his disdain for trains was starting to evaporate quickly also.
They had even retrieved Kamoshida's phone from Mishima with ease too, even though Ryuji kept looking at an older woman and Mishima with much disgust.
Akira started to clear his throat as they stood outside Untouchables, "Are, uh…are there any rules I need to know for this meeting with Iwai?"
Ryuji took a moment to reflect, "I mean, there ain't much I can say. Just don't be a jackass."
Morgana quickly piped up, "So, don't be Akira Kurusu nor Ryuji Sakamoto?"
Ryuji flicked the younger boy in his forehead before Akira could, "Haha, you're so funny, dude."
Morgana frowned as he rubbed his forehead, "You set yourself up for it man."
Ryuji opened the store door, which was tucked away in one of Shibuya's back alleys.
Untouchables was…a strange store, at least to Akira's Kansai knowledge.
Behind the counter sat Iwai, with a lollipop in his mouth as he had his feet kicked up, seemingly trying to catch some rest.
A sigh pulled itself from his mouth as he straightened up, eventually getting up from his chair and signaling for Akira to follow him into the back room.
The trio followed him, but Morgana and Ryuji were stopped, "Nah, just the kid with me. You two sit out here." Iwai closed the door behind him, before quickly reopening it, "And don't be on some funny shit. This my uncle's store, so if somethin' is screwed up, it's my ass."
Morgana scowled at him, "I'm not like this numbskull over here!"
"Dude, are you serious? Screw off!"
Akira's voice could be heard in the backroom, "Can yall shut the hell up?! Jesus Christ!"
Iwai gave a faint chuckle as he shut the door. Walking deeper in only to see Akira positioning himself in the epicenter of the junky storeroom. Akira perked up, "I uh…I didn't know where or not to take the chair. It's the only one in the room."
Iwai walked up, taking his rightful place in the sole chair, "You guessed right, kid."
Upon slouching, Akira realized where Ryuji got his chronic habit from.
"So…I wanted to have this meeting because—"
"Ah, before we do that…tell me why I should even give a rat's ass? What are you fixin' on givin' me in exchange for hearin' you out? Especially after me and Tora told you jackasses to not do stupid shit?"
Iwai's presence is…intimidating alone…way more than in the restroom…I get why Ryuji hated asking for this…
He rubbed his neck nervously, "Uh…well, I know about your whole favor system. I know I have one tallied up, so I was going to extend another."
"Yeah, that's basically why—"
"However, these favors I owe you encompass any and everything. No matter the task, no matter how daunting, I'll do it."
Iwai's interest was peeved as he popped his lollipop from his mouth, "Is that so?"
"I would give up my left nut if I don't uphold this." Akira was dead serious.
Iwai shuttered a bit before giving some laughter, "Jesus…but add in workin' at my uncle's store when I need you to."
"That's it? That shouldn't be so hard."
"You say that now." Iwai popped his candy back in his mouth, slouching again, "So spill."
"Okay…so, I've heard from Ryuji that you have…certain..connections."
Iwai rolled his neck, "Damn it…I hate when people learn about this. Yes, I do. But they're not mine really. Just people I know from the past before. My uh…uncle retired from that life after…my dad went to prison. Most of the family still retain some loyalty to both of them and me by extension. I hate askin' them for favors though."
"Shit man, I'm sorry to hear that."
"Don't worry 'bout it, my old man deserved it anyway. But there's a limit on what they can do for me, and considerin' how hefty it is, the bigger the favor you'll have to do for me, also."
"Fine."
Iwai nodded, "Alright then, kid."
"Iwai you're only a year older than me, why do you keep calling me a kid?" Akira was a little bit peeved, it reminded him of someone he grew a disliking for.
"Doesn't matter, anyone younger than me is a kid."
He groaned, "Oh my God."
"So, what do you need my connections for?"
Akira shuffled around for a bit, "I'm not going to lie, I didn't think this far ahead but…do you think they can remove some prying eyes from a place for a little?"
"Whaddya mean? Gotta be specific here, kid."
"A building. Cameras, residents, owners even? Just for a little bit."
Iwai was slowly starting to piece everything together, "Ah…yeah. Easily. Do you even know where he stays?"
Akira pulled out Kamoshida's phone from his back pocket, "I disabled the tracking feature on here, but the maps app has his place in the favorites section."
Iwai couldn't help but burst into laughter, "You're more than I thought you were, Akira Kurusu. I think this partnership could really be somethin' special. But…if you have his phone, why don't you just anonymously turn it in? Or deliver it by proxy?"
"I'm not just here to take him down," Akira's face darkened with silent anger, "I want him to see his 'castle' crumble. That means I'm fixing on using everything to make his life a living hell. So, are you still in?"
Iwai couldn't help but smile.
Pulling himself up from his chair, he rested a hand on Akira's shoulder with a gleeful smirk, "Yeah, I can make this wish of yours come true." A little chuckle came forth, "Heh, you're a strange one, kid."
A/U:
Welp, yesterday was my nephew's birthday party which drained me totally and completely, sorry that's why I'm late. Sorry.
God, this is becoming a bad habit.
Anyway, Kamoshida finale next week!
Be safe everybody!