Saturday, May 22nd
A guttural groan elicited itself from Akira's lips, "Do we seriously have to go on this stupid ass make-up date with Kitagawa-san?"
Haru pushed him gently as she steered him towards the school's gates, "Yes, yes you do."
Akira voiced his protests, "Oh, come on! That's not even fair, you're not going!"
Haru stopped, stepping in front of him with a goofy smile on her face, "So…you'd only be okay with going if I went?"
As expected, Akira began to trip over his words, "W-Well, um…uwagh?"
She giggled a bit, "Uwagh? You're looking so cool, Joker."
"I think you getting comfortable battling me with your wit is the worst thing that could've happened to our friendship."
Her smile hadn't disappeared as she peered into his eyes, "Could be worse, I could be a gentle robot like everyone else seems to view me."
Akira lingered in her eyes, attempting to analyze the intent behind her statement before attempting to steer the subject back to its origin, "Are you sure you can't come? I think you would have fun watching the entirety of our group struggle to mingle with a weirdo such as Kitagawa-san!"
She frowned a bit as her mind revisited her reason behind canceling at the last minute, "I really wish I could, Akira…but my family requires me at the moment. But there's always a next time!"
He flashed a disappointed smile with his charm oozing, "I will be eagerly awaiting for this mythical next time, Haru."
He gave a respectful bow as she started to laugh, gently placing her hand on his shoulder, she looked up at him, "Have fun, Akira."
The two lingered briefly in each other's eyes before the heiress went off on her own adventure, though Akira couldn't help but wonder what she had meant by her earlier words.
A gentle robot like everyone views her?
What does that even mean?
Is she okay?
Can rich people even have problems?
Dude, she's human, come on.
I hope it isn't anything serious…
Same to her family if that's why she canceled on us…
His phone buzzed with multiple messages lining his Notification Center.
At first, Akira thought it was just the group chat being hyperactive for the first time since Ann's rant, but he was unfortunately wrong.
Marching Buccaneers!
Sojiro Sakura: Hello! I pulled everyone's number and info from the school directory to make this group chat!
Sojiro Sakura: In here, we'll use it as a basis to spread information, answer questions, dates, arrangements, and events!
Sojiro Sakura: Speaking of which, practices start on Monday. It'll be twice a day, early in the morning at 6, before school starts at 8, and after school. It'll be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Oh.
Oh, you have got to be shitting me.
DUDE MY SOCIAL LIFE?! MY SOCIAL LINKS! NO!
Oh, who am I kidding, those jackasses are gonna be in this band shit with me as well.
As if on cue, Morgana and Ryuji were arguing with each other with their phones in hand as they walked up to him, his best friend was the first to speak, "You see this shit?"
Akira tapped his glasses as he spat out a reply, "Despite me wearing these, I actually have decent vision."
"Yeah, yeah smart-ass. Anyway, I guess we're suffering all together. CPNB thrive together and we die together after all…"
"Is that a new part of the pledge? Oh, for fucks sake, have you two been working on more CPNB shit without me?! How could you do that to your residing FKSO!?"
Morgana snickered, "You know…why don't we have a private group chat? Just for the boys, you know?"
Huh.
Fair point.
We used to technically have one for the Kamoshida shit but…you know, Ann's in there now.
Akira met his brother's gaze, "What surprising wisdom, my young ward."
His face went flat, "Don't you dare start that ward shit with me, I'm not down bad enough to take any sort of advice from…you."
His face scrunched up, "Weren't you the one who asked me for advice with Yoshizawa-kun?!"
"And you didn't do shit!"
Ryuji, who had been typing away at his phone, surrendered a fist bump as he yelled with so much vigor, "Booyah! I made the chat! Anyone else y'all wanna add?"
The brothers stared at him, contemplating it. Akira turned his eyes to Morgana, "I mean, you came up with the idea, what do you think Mona?"
"Hmm…" His eye took on an inquisitive gaze, "I mean, I think it would be kinda cool if we had Tora-senpai and Iwai-senpai in there. I think they're cool enough to be considered a part of the boys, you know?"
Internally, Akira cringed.
Oh god.
Iwai in a group chat with me…?
That sounds like genuine hell.
Tora seems cool though enough, I won't even lie to you.
But Iwai…
Akira touched his healed nose in fear, which also served as another reminder that he needed to thank Takemi.
Yeah, thanking Takemi…which means another drug trip huh.
I can just see it now…
'Thank you, Takemi!'
'Oh, it's no problem Akira! You can show me your appreciation by taking this vial! I'll even let you sniff my panties!'
And being the idiotic weak man I am to thighs and feet, I'll gleefully accept. I wonder what my mind would have in store for me.
Mommy milkers shouldn't uh…shouldn't be another thing for me.
He sighed as he released his mind from the sheer terror of another Takemi encounter, "Fine, yeah add them."
Akira heard the ding on his phone and looked down.
Authentic MEN (Mona Pending)
He looked back up at Ryuji, "Really?"
"Shouldn't have let me make it bro."
Fair point.
Iwai: What the fuck is this GC.
Tora: I share the same sentiment, what in the heck is this?
Ryuji: It's just a fun little thing for us to just vibe in!
Iwai: Fuck you n your vibin kid.
Tora: Okay, now that's a little extreme, Iwai.
Tora: But, what would we do in here?
Ryuji: I dunno, have fun? Joke? Talk about girls?
Tora: Hm…I'll stay.
Iwai: If Tora's stayin, then I'll stay.
Iwai: BUT it's only to shit on yall.
Akira: We appreciate the rousing and enthusiastic energy, Iwai.
Iwai: Kiss my ass.
Iwai: Also wym by Mona pendin
Akira: Ask Ryuji
Ryuji: He is simply pending.
Ryuji: The child must grow a pair of cock and balls.
Ryuji: (Pause)
Morgana punched Ryuji in the arm, causing him to give a faint ouch.
Iwai: Huh. That's almost funny.
Iwai: Anyway, still on for this meet up with that rich asshat that ruined Mona's shirt?
Akira: Sadly.
Akira: We're at the front of the school if you guys wanna meet.
Akira got another alert; it was from Ann Takamaki.
Oh shit.
He moved a bit away as Iwai, Tora, and Ohya met up with the rest of them.
Ann: Hey, do you think you can give me Sakura-senpai's number?
Akira: ?
Akira: Huh? Why?
Ann: I just want to talk to him, that's all.
Akira: Ann I already tried talking to him…
Ann: Shut it Frizzy-Chan, just give me the damn number.
Okay…she seems…less prickly…?
Akira: please stop with that damn nickname…
Akira: And fine. Here.
Akira: XXX-XXX-XXXX
Ann: Thanks.
Akira: Are you still coming?
Did—
Did this motherfucker leave me on read?!
REALLY?!
GODDAMN ANN IM HAPPY YOU SEEM HAPPIER BUT FOR FUCKS SAKE IMA KICK YOUR ASS WHEN I SEE YOU.
A few minutes passed as he angrily grumbled before he got a text back from her.
Ann: Yeah! Getting on the train towards Shibuya rn!
Ann: You're still going right?
Akira: Course. Gotta make sure Morgana doesn't suffocate this kid and I gotta make sure nothing weird happens.
Ann: Right…I'm assuming Ryuji's with you rn?
Akira: Yeah, why?
Ann: No reason
Ann: See you there!
Weird…
Akira yawned as he looked back at the unfortunate group of stragglers he had somehow assembled, "You guys ready?"
Iwai gave a sarcastic nod, "Yeah yeah, let's get this show on the road, dickhead."
Akira's face went flat, "Such a nice individual."
The train ride, as always, was awkward. That awkwardness was only expedited by the sheer crowded nature of their train car. Everyone was squished against everyone. It was almost as if they were a pack of sardines.
Who the hell even eats sardines...
God, they taste like ass.
Oh, wait…dad has his moments.
Yuck.
The train's doors wrenched open, everyone spilling out like furious waters during a storm. The group eventually regrouped with one another, heading off towards the Underground Mall.
Akira was zoning out for most of the walk until his errant ears locked into Ryuji's voice, he was saying…something to Iwai and Tora.
It was clear he didn't want Akira to hear, but the range of Akira's ears never failed him.
Most of the time.
"…so it's called the Cursed Perverted Nut Busters, right? And—"
Akira twisted his head so fast to the point it almost popped off, "Ryuji, what the fuck?!"
Ryuji looked almost shocked, "What?! C'mon dude we need more people!"
Akira looked at Iwai and Tora in disbelief, "I'm so sorry you have to suffer because of this idiot—"
Iwai put a hand, "No, no, I'm actually intrigued, so shut up dickhead."
He stared at him in disbelief.
He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
Still, amid his awe, Akira threw his eyes around, trying to find any hint of Morgana.
Right behind the bulk of the group with Ohya by his side was his younger brother with their uncle's old-school video recorder.
You have got to be shitting me.
"Morgana, are you serious?! How did you even—"
He shrugged, "You know Shujin doesn't check bags, this was light work. Move a little bit to the left though? You're kinda ruining the composition of this shot."
Sheer irritation flickered on his face, it was probably the last frame caught by the camera before Akira marched over, covering the lens and disarming his brother, "Give me that!"
He capped the lens and ceased Morgana's passion project as he looked at him with a mixture of annoyance and disappointment, which caused his brother to pipe up, "Oh, come on! I can't do something fun while we do this!?"
"Seriously? Recording Ryuji of all people is your definition of fun?"
"I mean, yeah! I'm kinda bored right now so—"
"Weren't you and Ann the ones who were excited for this?!"
"Yeah but just to get free shit! Emphasis on free!"
An exhausted groan came from Akira's lips while—still behind him—Ryuji continued explaining their brotherhood to the two seniors.
I…I just can't win.
Akira locked eyes with Ohya, wanting to ask her if she could control her boyfriend but…she quickly snatched her gaze away from him.
It was as if she was scared of him.
What the—
"I just knew the only ones yelling like idiots could be you guys." Ann strolled up with, surprisingly, a faint grin on her face.
Sure, it was faint, but it was almost as sincere as the smile she gave Akira the day of Kamoshida's arrest.
It made his shoulders feel lighter.
And judging from the startled look on Ryuji's face, it was pretty much the same for the manufactured blond as well.
Ann gave a wave to everyone as she reunited with them, although it flickered a bit as she briefly gazed at Ohya, "You guys just getting here?"
"Yeah, not that long though. You seen Kitagawa-san yet?"
She shrugged at Akira, "Nope, I wonder if we've been stood up by a rich kid. Wouldn't really be surprised…" Ann paused for a moment, realizing her words as she gazed at the ragtag group once more, "Hey…where's Haru?"
"Oh, right. Yeah, she had some important business to attend to. I'm assuming it had something to do with her family so…we're dying all by ourselves today."
Morgana appeared behind his brother as he retrieved their uncle's camcorder, "But we do get free shit."
Ann gave an immediate nod of approval, "Very wise, young Mona."
Akira couldn't help but flick his eyes between the two.
Okay, yeah whatever mental breakthrough she had I want that shit to be revoked.
Now!
Wait…no, that's fucked up.
I just don't want her egging on Morgana's bullshit.
Please!
"It doesn't take a lot to find this group of strangers does it?"
Oh great, smugness incarnate.
Akira rolled his eyes—he was pretty sure Ryuji did the same—as he turned around to meet Yusuke Kitagawa's gaze.
He surrendered a fake smile, "Hello, Kitagawa-san. How—"
"My apologies for coming late, I realized at the most inopportune moment that I didn't have enough yen to get on the subway. But, nevertheless, I'm here." He walked past them, expecting them to follow him like servants, "Let's make this quick, shall we? No need for pleasantries."
Akira rolled his eyes once again.
You have got to be fucking kidding me.
How the fuck is he going to buy us shit if even didn't even have enough money for the SUBWAY?!
The rest of the group, albeit with hesitation, trekked forward while Ryuji and Akira lagged behind. The two looked at each other, with the former speaking, "You still got that bad feelin'?"
"Ryuji, when have I ever had a good feeling about things?"
He titled his head in contemplation, "You know what, fair point. C'mon."
Idiots in arms.
Straggling on the ends of the group, the duo reconnected with the group while Ann voiced up a question that was, of course, on everyone's minds, "Uh…Kitagawa-san?"
He mindlessly replied, "Yes?"
"If you had to fetch together some money to get on the train here…how…how are you going to pay for our expenses?"
"What an interesting inquiry, you couldn't have assumed I'd have the money to do so?"
Ann spluttered out a cacophony of words, "Wait—"
"But, sensei loaned me his card with a limit."
Akira squinted his eyes in confusion, "Then why didn't you—"
"S-Sensei is…particular about his money…and his spending habits."
The duo took note of his phrasing and tone but passed it off as his weirdness.
"Right…so where are you taking us first?"
"I'm not acquainted with this area…I'd rather follow the lead of the messy-haired one in the back." Yusuke turned his head to Akira.
Oh?
"Wait, wait, don't look at me! I'm not even from here! Ask her!" His finger pointed at Ann.
She paused, but shrugged, "Sure!" She locked arms with Yusuke and dragged him towards a whole slew of vendors, with the rest of the group following suit.
Ryuji was completely and totally bored.
Once the rest of the group started pulling antics with Madarame's card, he pulled himself away. He really just wanted this to be over as quickly as possible.
The boredom was overwhelming, at least until Ann blindsided him by pushing him from the back. He almost tripped but found his footing, "Oh, what the hell?!"
He threw his head back to her in confusion, "What did I do now?!"
She paused for a moment before continuing her thought, "I just wanted to talk to you, that's all. Since you decided to split away from everyone, I thought this might be a good time."
Ryuji flinched, remembering the last time they had a 'talk', "Right…again, what did I do now?"
Ann almost turned around right then and there but remembered Shiho's words and…also her explosion on him.
He was right to be a little apprehensive.
"You…didn't do anything. It's about what I did, instead."
His eyes widened upon realizing what she meant, "Ann, wait…why are you apologizin'? Ain't that my job? You weren—"
She sighed, "Yeah, yeah it's both of our jobs, I think. But…I shouldn't have blown up at you like that."
Confusion was written all over his face, "I still don't get it…you weren't in the wrong."
"I wasn't wrong in what I said…but in how I did it. It wasn't fair to blow up in your face like that. Especially after I dragged you two to Shiho."
He shrugged it off, "Its fine, we needed that anyway."
"That should've been your choice though…not through me forcing you two. Either way…other things were biting at me, stressing me out, and all that. So it just…"
Ryuji finished her train of thought, "Mixed with the feelings you had and just nastily came out onto us. Well, me mainly." Ryuji saw her cringe, seemingly from thoughts of that day replaying across her synapses like an infinite camera roll, "But again, you weren't wrong."
The two sat in awkward silence for a moment, until Ryuji spoke up again, "Uh…so I guess you must've beat whatever was botherin' you?"
Ryuji noticed there was conflict forming in her face, something that quickly elicited worry from his lips, "Ann? You okay?"
She started off slow, "I…was absent from school today because…I went to see Kamoshida."
"WHAT?!" Somehow, a sliver of self-control possessed Ryuji as he grabbed Ann, pulling her to the shielding of a column, hiding away from prying eyes. He dropped his voice at least ten decibels, "You did what?"
She pursed her lips, "Remember that detective that came that day? The one that arrested Kamoshida and gave you guys the letters?"
"Miss Prez's cousin?"
"Oh…I didn't know that…but yeah, her. In the letters, she put a card for me and Shiho to contact her. I'm not sure what…really compelled me to, but I uh…"
"Called her. When you did?"
"Went to the police station. She wanted to talk. She explained that…I would have to chance to settle things with him if I wanted to. On my own terms."
"Ain't…ain't that kinda somethin' she can get fired over?"
"Yeah…but she decided to help me."
Ryuji was quiet. Unusually quiet. His eyes danced around in the environment, taking in everything else with the notable exception of Ann herself.
For some reason, his avoidance of her slightly stung.
It irritated her.
She gave him a stare that would've even scared Makoto Niijima.
Aw shit…
Realizing that avoiding the sight of Ann would result in his, probably, pre-mature demise, he sighed, "What happened…? What did he say?"
She paused.
Although it was slight, her renewed sense of joyfulness dwindled for a moment. It seemed as if she was still touchy on the subject.
Yeah, that…that makes sense.
Eventually, her mouth loosened, "Oh you know…just usual Kamoshida things." Within a fraction of a second, his face darkened with unfiltered anger, but Ann spoke again, "But…I didn't let it get to me. None of it got to me. I got everything I wanted off my chest and left him there. Left him in the past where he belongs."
Genuine surprise formed on his face, he didn't even keep his voice low anymore, "Really…?"
"Yeah. It left him speechless too. Ever since then I just…I just feel better. I am better."
A goofy grin formed on his face once hearing her proclamation, "Okay, Super-Ann. I like this change on you."
She returned his smile but it was brief, it was clear she still had more to say, "I, um…with me leaving certain things behind…that should extend to us as well."
"Huh?"
She scrambled, "W-wait, I didn't mean to say it like that. I mean…leaving the mistakes behind us. Yours…and mine."
He was still a bit confused, "Then…?"
"I want us to be friends again, Ryuji. I really do. Even with the blow-up I had at the hospital, I still want to be your friend. None of the stuff in the past should be holding us back." She gazed into his eyes, "I want a fresh start. Together. Are you okay with that?"
He gave a brief smile as he nodded.
No more words were needed.
He had missed her and now she was back.
It didn't matter if it was possibly brief, she was finally back.
And that was all that mattered.
I…
I really wish Haru was here.
Somehow, the group had ended up in Ginza at this expensive sushi restaurant, per Yusuke's suggestion.
Everyone in the group at least someone they could banter with.
You got Tora and Yusuke disgustingly getting along…Ann and Ryuji are back friends? Iwai and Ohya?!
Even Morgana's keeping himself entertained with this recording bullshit!
I am NOT winning!
When am I ever winning…
Morgana pointed the camera at his older brother as he attempted to finish his sushi, "You okay dude?"
"I think I would be even better if you didn't have Hotaru's camera in my face man."
Morgana nudged him in the arm, "Come on! Have a little run!"
Akira gave him a stare of zero tolerance, which prompted him to reverse the camera to reveal his face, "Akira's in a bad mood because he's not getting any p—"
"Fuck off."
"I got that on camera, just so you know so—"
"So? Frame it, sample it over a hip-hop diss track, remix it Mona, I don't give a shit."
Morgana stared at his brother for a moment before looking down at the lens again, "This is what zero pussy does to a man."
Akira shot him a glare that perfectly showcased his urge to suffocate his brother, but sighed as he stuffed his mouth with the rest of his sushi.
For a couple of minutes, he actually attempted to listen to Morgana, joking with his little brother as he mindlessly tried to let the day pass by.
He even did the initiation ceremony on Tora and Iwai who, sadly, were infected by Ryuji's bullshit with CPNB.
It was worthless in the end since his skepticism kept nibbling at him…and the hairs on his neck kept rising.
At least Morgana can't say I didn't make an effort.
Yusuke detached himself from his and Tora's conversation and latched his eyes onto Akira.
Oh brother.
"Pray tell, Kurusu-san, are you always like this? Or is this a mere illusion to your true form?"
Akira frowned, "What?"
"You have this…funky energy emanating from you. You seem to be at an impasse, that much is clear from your face. Is this how you usually are or are you not an insufferable presence in your loved ones' lives?"
Does—
Does this jackass just like pissing people off?!
"What the hell—"
Yusuke took another piece of sushi and shoved it into Akira's mouth, something that caught the attention of everyone, "Also…if I may ask, is that girl in the booth over there a friend of yours? I've seen her hair and outfit before and couldn't help but recall seeing her also at the hotel and in the underground mall." He pointed a finger that Akira followed.
There was a girl, meekly sitting in the booth across the room with a manga to her face, although it was upside down. Although Akira couldn't fully make her face out, he could tell she had brunette hair with a…eerily reminiscent headband that reminded him of…
There's…
There's no…
Wha—
Akira shot from his chair, much to the surprise of everyone. Before running off he turned back around, "Hey, uh, wait for me? Just stay here."
Before anyone had a chance to reply, Akira sped off.
Arriving in front of the booth, he noticed the woman trying to bring the manga closer to her face, trying to obscure her entire face. He also noticed a little journal open in front of her.
Okay, Sae can't beat my ass for this because she's seemingly the one following me around so…technical loophole?
Akira slipped into the booth, which caused Makoto to slide further.
Oh my god.
"Niijima-senpai."
She 'continued' to read her manga, which elicited him to speak once more, "Niijima-senpai."
Once more, nothing manifested.
His voice took on a bite to it, something he didn't intentionally mean, "This is a great showcase of the maturity that comes with being a Student Council President, Makoto."
She dropped her manga flat on the table, her face contorted with a faint trace of anger, "You do not get to call me that, Kurusu-kun."
I don't think I'm going to listen to someone who's been following me! The hell is wrong with you?! Do you stalk my apartment too? Wonder what cologne I use too? What hair gel?"
Her face faintly flashed red, "I…I haven't been—"
Akira grasped the journal, attempting to read it as Makoto burst into a fit.
He tried his hardest to read it, gathering that it was a form of note-taking for their activities throughout the day, but Makoto kept attempting to grab at it.
This would've continued further if Yusuke didn't appear between them, grasping Makoto's hand while on one knee.
"K-Kitagawa-kun? Why are you—"
He shushed her, his eyes were enraptured with her form, "What is your name…?"
As expected, Makoto was confused, a sentiment that Akira shared with her, "I'm…I'm Makoto Niijima…?"
His eyes beamed with so much vigor, "Incredible…who knew such a…tortured musician like Sae Niijima could have such a…utterly beautiful sister whose every atom enraptures my being…!"
Akira dropped the journal from his prying eyes, "Excuse me?"
Makoto's face went completely beet red as she stammered all over her words, "Wha—"
"You must allow me to take you home! I must—"
The raven-haired 'delinquent' tried living up to his reputation, forcing himself between the two of them as he spoke up, "Yeah, no, ha. You're funny Kitagawa-san, but Makoto isn't going—"
The object of this partial debate positioned herself in front of Akira, "I can speak for myself, Kurusu-kun. I don't need your help."
Yeesh. I can practically taste the anger.
Wait, why am I acting like that's bad?
Why am I even trying—
The rest of the group, finally, showed up as she directed her focus on Yusuke, "I'm sorry, Kitagawa-kun but—"
Yusuke cut her off, "It's just a simple painting. Can I not do that?"
Akira tried speaking up again, "C'mon Makoto, you can't just—"
"What painting is it?"
"A simple portrait, that's all I desire. That way…I can perfectly translate how your excess beauty enraptured me."
She paused for a moment, examining him, "That's all?"
"Of course, unless you wish for more?"
"No, no, that's fine. My sister has said that you are…eccentric in nature but harmless."
Ryuji nudged Akira in the rib, "The hell is going on?"
"…Yusuke's in love with Makoto? Apparently, she's been stalking me? I…I don't even know."
"Huh..so he just tryna throw it in her jaloop—"
Akira elbowed him in the stomach.
Yusuke gained a wry smile, "Then off we adventure towards my home!"
Makoto took advantage of his proclamation and snatched her journal from Akira's hands, giving him the meanest stare he'd ever received from her.
The day would've ended there…if Morgana didn't speak up.
"Hey! What about us?! Your guests?!"
Yusuke aimlessly looked at the group of misfits, "Ah. Right. You may come as well."
Makoto looked a bit dejected, although it faded once she shared a look with Ohya.
That was something weird Akira jotted down mentally.
Yusuke's—well, Madarame's—home was…something you wouldn't typically consider a high-functioning home.
It was a shack, a dingy run-down shack that laid in the infinitely sprawling streets of Tokyo.
Yusuke shoved his key into the lock, struggling with the door for a second before having to angle it perfectly for the door to open.
Akira and Ryuji looked at each other with skepticism seeping into every pore.
Good to know Ryuji's not infatuated with Ann to the point where he's ignoring his gut anymore.
The group entered Yusuke's home, seeing the simplicity that possessed the shack from the outside was the same inside the four walls of the home as well.
Makoto, for the first time since the sushi place, spoke, "W-Wow, what a…interesting place, Kitagawa-kun."
"Interestin'? This place is a dump, Miss Prez." Ryuji pointed his voice at Yusuke, who was possessing a snarl, "Ain't Madarame one of the best musicians Japan has to offer? Why is he livin'...like this…?"
While Akira was internally cringing at Ryuji's lack of a filter, he couldn't be mad as he planned on getting to that question as well.
Just at his own pace as usual.
"Sensei doesn't care for materialistic things. He's free from those things. It's why he's a director now, why he took me underneath his wing. The only thing he cares about is the acceleration of the genre."
A famous musician who doesn't care for materialistic things? Yeah, this sounds like bullshit.
Ryuji must've read Akira's thoughts, "Bullshit."
The rest of the group looked at the blonde, groaning at his rudeness, with Ohya and Ann especially shooting him a disappointed gaze.
Yusuke chuckled, "I wouldn't expect an individual as boorish as yourself to understand. This is why I would kindly ask of you to sit in here," He pointed around the living room, "while I do my best to create a portrait of lovely Niijima-senpai."
Ryuji instantly objected, "Wait! You and Miss Prez alone? What type of weird shit do you think you're gonna do–"
"As I explained before, I wish to capture her beauty on a canvas. However, I wouldn't be able to do that with your…" He eyed Ryuji up and down, "vulgarity oozing endlessly in the room. But if it bothers you so much…then the rest may come while you sit."
Ryuji grumbled a bit, but eventually spat out a fine.
Yusuke signaled for the group to follow him down a narrow hallway that led to two doors. One laid further away, deeper into the hall. It had this strange..almost ethereal feel to it. It seemed as if it was calling to Akira, its presence inviting him to investigate it. He also noticed it had a pattern carved into it, something akin to an ukiyo-e artist. That wasn't the only thing he noticed as he saw a lock dangling from its handle.
Whatever hid behind that door did not want to be discovered.
And that only made his mind race with the urge to unveil it himself.
The other door in the hall was the one Yusuke shepherded everyone in. Well, not entirely everyone as he stopped Akira in his tracks, "I wish for you to sit as well."
Huh?
"What?"
"I wish for you to sit as well."
"Why?"
"Because the funky energy I mentioned earlier has only gotten worse since the restaurant. That will surely dampen my creative juices."
Akira eyed Makoto, a stifled chuckle coming from him as he whispered underneath his breath, "I wonder why."
Not wanting to argue with one of the strangest people he had ever met, Akira turned around and sat in the living room next to Ryuji.
Even if it was for idiotic reasons, at least the two finally had some alone time to converse.
"So…Miss Prez has been following you?"
Akira slouched in his chair, "Apparently…Kitagawa's weird-ass said he noticed her at the hotel and the underground mall. I think she had a journal with notes and stuff but I didn't get a chance to read it."
"Dude…that's 'effin insane…and now he's bitten?"
"What?"
"Bitten. Y'know, that thing where people are insanely in love?"
"...you mean smitten?"
"Pfff, that can't be right." Ryuji pulled his phone out, looking up the word only to be disappointed, "Oh…"
"That's rough, buddy."
"So, whaddya gonna do now? About Miss Prez?"
Akira lingered on the question for a moment, "I'm not even sure dude. Maybe figure out why she was following me in the first place? How long has she been doing it? Or…" Akira remembered Sae's words, "I could just leave well enough alone and just pretend nothing happened. I don't do anything that awful anyway."
Ryuji nudged him with a smile, "Besides your underground infant fighting ring?"
Ryuji's cheerful grin infected him as well, "Right, I almost forgot about that. That isn't even that bad, I give them tootsie rolls after each fight."
Ryuji groaned and chuckled, "Oh, that's just evil dude."
Akira shrugged, "Kids need to know the greatness of tootsie rolls man."
The two sat in silence for a bit until Ryuji spoke, his voice low, "Don't you think Kitagawa-san might be…I dunno, lyin' about something?"
"Maybe? If anything, it's not him…I think it might just be Madarame. From how he flipped his switch at the hotel…to him apparently being limiting with his money on Yusuke and…this?" Akira waved around the entire shack, "Plus that room at the end of the hall? Something just doesn't feel authentic about him, I think."
"Plus this whole thing about Yusuke wantin' to throw it inside of Makoto's jalooper. That's kinda sus–" Once again, Akira smacked the back of Ryuji's head and felt no regret. "Ow…That ain't gonna stop the fact he throwin' it in her mouth–" Another impact.
"You do know I could make the same joke about him throwing it inside of Ohya right? Even Ann?"
"Okay man, now you're goin' too far!"
Akira's voice returned to its base volume as the front door jiggled open, "How the fuc–"
It was Madarame, and gauging his expression, he was less than pleased to see the 'help' at his home, "What are you two doing here?"
Ryuji and Akira both tried speaking up for themselves, but Madarame quickly cut them off with a wave of the hand. Almost as if they were servants, "Enough of that, will you kindly leave?."
"W-What?! But we were invited–"
"Yusuke! Come out here!"
Yusuke quickly scurried out, his face having this…deathly pale expression to it as the rest of the group and Makoto came out with him. The sight of Makoto was an instant attention grabber to Madarame as he stared at his protege, "Yusuke…what have I said about having guests over before?"
He spoke, even though his voice was choked, "T-That I need to inform you beforehand." His confidence, if you could even call it that, faded as he whimpered underneath Madarame's gaze. Though a gaze at Makoto rejuvenated him, "...but Sensei, it's just that for the first time in forever, I was blessed with the suffocating grasp of creativity! I felt that I could even compose again…that I could touch my horn and have it all flow out without being compromised or tainted! I had to bring her here in order–"
Madarame raised a hand, causing his pupil to shush as he stepped into Makoto's personal space.
It was…almost intangible, but something deep within Akira stirred inside of his chest, something disgustingly close to his heart.
It was almost as if his body was going crazy at the sight of Madarame…and he needed to get him away from everyone.
He needed to get him away from Makoto.
It was like an instinct, and he hated it.
Whatever instinctual urge Akira was close to performing was stopped by Ryuji gripping his wrist and staring deep into his eyes. It was almost as if he was saying, Not now.
He relented as a deep sigh slipped from his lips.
Madarame gazed at her form for a moment, a faint form of familiarity ballooned on his face when he got to her uniform, "Ah...Niijima-chan…I haven't seen you since…your father's funeral…to think you've gotten so big."
She nervously chuckled, it was clear something was putting her off. Perhaps the mention of her father? Akira couldn't tell.
"It has been a long time…how have you been?" She gave him a respectful bow.
"Fine, fine. Where do you go now?"
"Shujin Academy."
His face flattened as he remembered, "Ah…that's where the uniform is from…It hasn't been a favorable few months for you guys, correct?"
Yusuke gave a few tsks, "Shujin Academy? That explains the…unusual formation of this group and…the apeishness."
Ryuji instantly blew up, "Oh c'mon! Can't I go a goddamn day without someone sayin' that shit to me?!"
Morgana gave a nod of approval, "Even you have to admit this group is strange Ryuji…and plus, you are an ape."
He snapped his head to Morgana, "This ain't the time dude! This is some random jackass sayin' that!"
Yusuke piped up, "That extends to you and your brother."
Mona's grin instantly slid off, "Okay, I take my nod back. You think Kosei is any better?"
There's no way we're about to defend Shujin Academy.
The boys went back and forth, with even Iwai and Tora joining in. Although Ohya and Ann tiredly observed the argument.
For once it seemed as if they could stomach each other's presence.
Madarame gave Makoto an interested look, "You have…an interesting group of friends."
She snickered at the suggestion, "They're not my friends, Madarame-senpai. Just…weirdos."
He showed interest in her phrasing, but stopped, "Well, how have things been at Shujin with the new director? I heard his name is…Sojiro Sakura? How have you been fairing as Band President?"
"Band President? No, that's not me. I'm just the Student Council President."
"Oh, my apologies it's just that–"
"My sister was both, so you'd just assume I did the same. I get it."
"So…who is?"
She pointed at Akira, who was, at the moment, flipping Yusuke off while he talked about Kosei excelling at each program, especially band.
Which gave Madarame an idea.
Clearing his throat, he brought all the attention to himself, "I see that you boys are very passionate about your schools…which is understandable since back in the 90s, Shujin and Kosei used to be violent rivals, especially in the band field. Which…gives me an idea. My festival ends on the 6th of June…so why not have a battle of the bands against Kosei and Shujin? I think it would be a wonderful celebration of our combined histories and a beautiful warm welcome to Shujin's new path–"
Akira instantly spoke up, "Not interested."
Madarame was caught off guard, "Surely, you–"
"Nope."
Everyone in the room was shocked at his blatant rejection, "I…I see. That's unfortunate."
There was a heavy silence, one that Akira didn't want to stomach, "Right…so uh, we'll be going then."
Madarame looked at Yusuke with disappointment, "Yes, yes you should."
Yusuke was pale in the face as he opened the door for them to leave, something almost everyone took note of.
The walk to the train station had been soaked in silence until Akira stopped walking. "So, are you going to tell me why you've been following me, Niijiima-senpai?" The rest of the group, bar the core three, sensed the tension and continued walking.
Akira turned around and stared her in the eyes. There was a part of him that just wanted to linger in her eyes, but he stomped those feelings down.
"Is there really a point in me explaining myself?"
Morgana, surprisingly spoke up, "For someone who veils themselves in the robes of Justice, you don't think there's a logical obligation to explain why you've been stalking your junior? Especially after I told you to stay the hell away from my brother?"
Akira looked confused but didn't have the chance to voice any questions, "Wait–"
Makoto paused for a moment, flicking her eyes between the four, each of them having varying levels of contempt. She scoffed and simply walked off.
Ohya: You should've told me you were stalking Akira.
Makoto: I'm not stalking him. I'm just…doing a job.
Ohya: What fucking job requires a student council president to stalk a student?
Makoto: The same type of job you do. For information.
Ohya: Those aren't the same thing. Not at all.
Makoto: ?
Makoto: Don't people ask you to get information on people so they can make informed choices as a result?
Ohya: I don't do it to people I used to be friends with. People I trusted.
Makoto: Then how is the Sojiro Sakura file coming along?
Shit…
Makoto: You think Akira actually used to think of me as a friend? As a person? I doubt he does with you, or any of you guys in that group except his precious little brother.
Where…
Where is this coming from?
There's no way she's right…
Ohya: You're doing this for Kobayakawa, aren't you?
Makoto: Do you have the file on Sojiro Sakura?
Ohya: wow.
Ohya: Here.
Ohya: After we find out what happened to Sayo, we will NEVER talk again, you understand me?
Makoto: I wouldn't have it any other way.
Makoto: Goodnight.
Ohya felt disgusted with herself as she pried open her bedroom door.
She just wanted to get away.
It didn't matter if it was just in her dreams.
It was an escape.
Makoto: Goodnight.
Wanting to avoid as much awkwardness as possible, Makoto took the long way home to ideally not run into Akira or Morgana.
Was it annoying?
Yes.
Was it worth it?
Probably. Although she hoped Sae wasn't home. She didn't wish to deal with her sister asking about her whereabouts.
It didn't matter anyway, as she soon realized, once she stepped into an empty apartment.
It wouldn't have mattered anyway since Sis never checks up on me.
Makoto soon realized she was starving as she popped a cup of instant ramen inside of her microwave.
Sure, it wasn't healthy and she usually tried to continually eat foods that would actually keep her in a fairly healthy state, but she liked the taste sometimes.
After the microwave went off, she sat at the table and ate the cup in silence.
It wasn't anything new to Makoto. In fact, she routinely welcomed the silence as it gave her a bit of reprieve, her own little slice of reality where she could dictate things to move at whatever pace. Where she could focus and think about any and everything she wanted for once.
But for the first time in long time, the silence wasn't welcoming.
Her mind, despite how much she tried, kept harkening back to the frustrating events of the day.
To him.
Akira's voice.
His gaze.
His…disappointment.
His worry.
It kept replaying how all of them stared at her. It was like a broken VHS tape.
Makoto looked at the warped reflection of herself in the broth of the ramen as a simple phrase formed in her head.
This is who I am.
This is me.
Her reflection mirrored her frown.
The taste in her mouth was foul.
She hated instant ramen.
Akira, Morgana, and Ryuji annoyingly trekked across the streets of Shibuya, trying to find some games since Ryuji wanted to stay over until Monday. It also gave the three boys a chance to talk about…the strange events of the day.
"So…"
Akira kept a stone face, "I don't even wanna talk about it."
"Okay, I get not wanting to talk about the Makoto stuff, but we gotta talk about the Yusuke stuff."
Depressingly, Morgana had a point that Ryuji had to agree with, "C'mon Akira, all day me and you kept talkin' about how weird Yusuke was. But after the conversation we had before he appeared at the snack, and now…"
Akira groaned, "...We have to admit that Madarame has something to do with it. He's weird and it's not in an eccentric artist type of way." He paused as they stood outside a store, "But…this is different. Us investigating. We don't have a lead…we don't really have any hard evidence, and we don't even have a connection to the kid. What if we're completely wrong and it's literally just some weird artist bullshit?"
Morgana and Ryuji looked at each other, "Fair…but, c'mon man. That look that he had once Madarame came in? What did that remind you of…?"
Faint flashes of memories dormant jaggedly forced themselves into his brain.
…Fuck.
"Still, we don't have any leads…and I doubt we can have one fall into our–"
"I told you! We…We belong together! I belong to you and you belong to me!"
The trio looked at each other and instantly set off to find the source of the voice.
In the alleyway near Untouchables had a man violently grasping the arm of a woman who clearly didn't want to be around him.
"Y-You've been to that bar again, haven't you?"
The man was seemingly in his twenties, he had a sunken expression, that much was clear from the glasses that hid his eyes.
The girl was similarly aged, maybe a little younger. She had brunette hair. Her face was contorted with a fear that reminded Akira of…a forgotten memory.
The dick-heads are always balding or they have bowl cuts.
Akira put sheer anger in his voice. Maybe he could use this as a way to express some of his seemingly infinite frustration, "Hey! Get the hell away from her!"
The man looked at him, "I don't think you kids should be interfering in…grown folks' business."
Ryuji snorted, "Grown folks' business? All I see is a loser tryin' to be somethin he's not. Get the hell away from her or–"
"Or what? Everyone thinks they know what's best or what's needed…fuck off!" He started taking massive drunken strides toward them.
Great. Thanks, Ryuji.
Ryuji stared at him in confusion, "Dude what? All we're saying is that she clearly don't wanna be around you!"
For some reason, he centered on Akira instead of Ryuji. Perhaps it was due to the fact Akira was the closest…or maybe it could've just been the booze beating his ass.
Akira didn't care and didn't want to care.
"I-I'll teach you kids about–" Akira put…maybe 40% of his strength into the punch. Maybe even 30. It didn't matter since the drunkard was knocked off his feet and slammed into the asphalt.
Akira couldn't help but look at his fist, trying to gauge his power while Mona and Ryuji checked on the lady.
Mona spoke while Ryuji took the woman away from the alley, "Could've used a little less force Akira."
"True…but he's a drunkard who was trying to force himself onto a woman in the night."
Mona shrugged, "Fair."
A few slurred groans came from the man as he struggled to hold himself off, he was trying to mediate the pain he felt in his jaw as he rubbed it, "Y..You stupid kids…You stupid fuckin' kids…I'll…I'll sue…!" He looked closer at their uniforms, gathering that they went to Shujin Academy, "S-Shujin will give me a hefty payday! The pedophile school having delinquents that–"
Ryuji came back into the alleyway, "-students that heroically stopped a drunken bastard from forcin' his loser ass on a woman? Think about what you're sayin' genius."
The man clenched his teeth as he couldn't come up with a comeback.
"You thought Akira's punch was bad? Stay here for another minute and I'll beat the dog shit out of you."
He slouched against the wall, staring daggers at the group, before drunkenly running out the alleyway, "...bastards are always taking what's owed to me…just like Madarame…"
Wait, what?
The trio stared at each other for a minute before it clicked in their heads, "A LEAD IN OUR LAPS!"
They all turned around, bursting out of the alleyway, hoping to find a semblance of the man.
The only difficult part?
Shibuya, no matter the time, has a massive crowd.
As the sea of mindless bodies churned between the three of them, the only hope they had slowly but surely became more and more akin to a wishful dream.
Shit.