Tuesday, May 25th
"Are you ready, men?!" His voice boomed like an explosion, shaking the raven-haired boy wonder from his slumber. It took him forever to finally be laid to rest, but it was easily swept away.
Akira's vision took a moment to refocus, taking in his surroundings again. The pure white room was circular, with little seats carved from the walls where the rest of the men took seats.
It was difficult for Akira to even make out the other men since their bodies were draped in pure white suits, only their blank faces popping from the frame of white that consumed both the room and their bodies.
I can't say much since I'm in one of these suits as well…
In the center of the room stood Yusuke, staring at him. He spoke again, directly centering on the older Kurusu, "Are you ready, maggot?!"
Akira wasn't sure exactly what he had to be ready for, but he didn't want to cause any trouble so naturally, he went along, "Y-Yes sir."
Yusuke appeared in front of his face, "What did you say maggot?! I can't hear you, you punk-ass little bitch!"
His voice quivered, "Y-Yes sir!"
He pushed deeper into Akira's face, "LOUDER!"
"YESSIR!"
"GOOD! IT SEEMS AS IF YOU DO HAVE SOME BALLS, MAGGOT!" Yusuke turned around, his voice losing its hateful luster as he addressed the rest of the men. For once, the exuberant artist actually seemed…threatening. Or at least normal enough to elicit a form of emotion that wasn't just second-hand embarrassment from the little Akira knew of him.
To the left of Akira, an elbow nudged him in the rib, "First time?"
"Y-yeah?" Akira–for some reason–felt nervous in the man's presence. Somehow noting the fear in his frame, he gave the kid a smile, simply oozing nothing but charm and sleekness. His features were nice. He had a face that was the definition of attraction, even if his skin was a little too pale and his face was adorned with stubble that desperately needed a shave. His eyelashes were long and dark, contrasting the stormy and alluring nature of his grey eyes. His hair was pulled back into a bun, although that did little as his jet black hair was akin to an explosion, barely contained as it was pulled back.
Akira couldn't help but feel familiar with the man.
"Despite it being your first time, I have faith in you. I know for a fact you'll catch on with ease. Hopefully, you'll be the first to make it."
Akira's face contorted into confusion, "First one to make it? What does that even?"
The man waved a hand, "Trust me, it's better for you to experience it than me struggling to explain it."
Right.
I'm new here. I should listen to…this dude than for me to balls to the walls it.
Ryuji would probably balls to the walls it.
Oh man…I wonder where he is right now…?
Wait…how did I even get here…?
Akira's mind drew a blank as he stared mindlessly, eventually Yusuke's grating voice taking hold once more, "Alright shit-heads, we're in for another journey! As you all know, the first to get inside is the winner. They'll take hold and actually break free."
Another blank face formulated a mouth, getting ready to ask a question, "Break free from?"
Yusuke's voice darkened, "The shackles of reality…"
Akira couldn't help but look confused as Drill Sergeant Yusuke slammed on the white wall, the wall forming a depression that gave way to a window that revealed a pinkish tunnel submerged in liquid, "Now, it's time for you maggots to prove your worth!"
The seconds the words left his mouth, the room faded from existence, leaving the group of contestants left at the start of the pinkish tunnel, below the churning waters that lay within.
WAIT!
FUCK!
I CANT—
Akira took a breath.
Oh.
Akira's renewed sense of relief faded as two masses in the water sped past him, "What the fuck?!"
Oh? I can also talk underneath water?
A couple other masses passed Akira, somehow he finally pieced it together that it was the rest of the room's population.
Still soaked in his confusion, Yusuke swam up to him, "Come on maggot! You wouldn't like the consequences if I win!" He turned around and—almost akin to a sonic boom—he launched off further down the liquid tunnel with an OOMPH! reverberating merkily through the water.
What the hell does he mean by—
The man from earlier came speeding up behind Akira, grasping his hand as he pulled him along with his journey throughout the tunnel, "You have to be kidding, Akira! What are you doing?!"
"What the hell do you mean what I'm doing?! What the HELL am I even supposed to be doing!? Did you think you were cool leaving me with your vague ass statement? What do I even call you?!"
He groaned as he maintained his speed, "Perhaps you are right. Just call me Maurice and…follow my words. If you can will yourself, you can move. Just have the drive and you'll be zooming throughout these walls." He paused, taking a gaze behind them to see a few other competitors, "Just remember to win the race. Or at least…don't let Yusuke win. I trust you know the implications if he does?"
Akira groaned with much irritation, "No! For the love of fucking god no! I told you this was my first—"
Another boom reverberated through the water as Maurice took on the competitors behind them, easily outmaneuvering them and battling them. Within a few seconds? They were all gone.
Akira couldn't help but feel, once again, impressed with him, "How the hell…"
He shrugged, "I trust you know how to do that as well?"
"Uh…no…?"
Maurice eyed him a little skeptically, "Uh-huh. Come on, Kurusu-dono."
He exploded down the tunnel, leaving a trail of bubbles and a very confused Akira Kurusu following suit.
Did he just call me Dono…?
He felt a slight headache as he trailed behind Maurice, his mind struggling to piece things together.
Who…
No…
Where am I…?
These walls…
These walls look like human flesh or something…
How did I get here…
What…
What's the last thing I remember?
Ah! Right…me and Ryuji were playing Ancient Halo last night since he bought it yesterday after practice…
But…I didn't even remember going to sleep…?
Oh god, did Igor do something to me again?!
Is this some weird elaborate project he's funneled his money into?!
Fuck!
Where's Morgana?!
Akira voiced his question, "Hey! Maurice! Do you know where Morgana is?!"
As depressingly expected, he ignored Akira as they zoomed throughout the tunnel.
Oh, great.
Thanks, Maurice.
Akira maintained his focus, catching up and sharing an equal speed with him. It seemed as if they weren't even a quarter through the tunnel by his flat expression. They sped in silence until his voice stirred actual panic in Akira, "We have more opponents, stay vigilant Kurusu-dono."
He, as expected, rolled his eyes one more time, "Can you seriously stop calling me that—"
Maurice willed another sonic boom and appeared in front of the next group of white-covered men, stylishly dispatching them and reducing them to nothing but reddish mist in the fluid.
Akira felt a little jealous.
The two of them continued their trek through the tunnels, twisting and turning with ease until Akira brought up a question, "So…who are you?"
"You have all the answers, Kurusu-dono."
"Could you stop calling me that?! And thanks for the vagueness, I think I could solve world peace with it."
"How is it vague if it's the truth?"
"What the fuc—oh shit, more dudes coming up ahead!"
Taking a page out of Maurice's book, Akira willed himself into the group, shooting into them like a human torpedo.
He trailed behind him, watching the raven-haired boy as he—somehow—blitzed the entire group.
Well, partially as two stragglers manage to avoid his attacks, their faces taking on forms as they regrouped for their attack plan.
It was his 2020 and 2016 variants from his first hallucination.
Okay, cool. This is just a drug trip.
Just…just don't remember how I got here.
That's…that's not concerning at all.
A series of bubbles slid from his lips as he tried to sigh, "You have got to be fucking kidding me."
His 2020 variant snapped his head to his younger self, "Don't just stand there! Fight him before he invokes us getting smited by Ryudalf!"
Do…do they think Ryuji is a god here?
…what the hell does that mean on how I view—
OH SHIT!
Maurice became a torpedo as he shot into 2016 Akira's chest, sending them into the fleshy ground beneath them, leaving the one-year differential Akiras to stare at each other.
The eldest spoke up, "So…uh, what's up?"
2020's voice became laced with disgust, "Don't 'what's up' me you damn traitor! How dare you use Ryudalf's words to weaken us! Thanks to you, 2012 is in permanent imprisonment within the depths of the Shadow Realm!"
The two started circling each other—swimming more like—as present Akira shrugged, "C'mon man, 2012 was a dick."
"We're all dicks! We're straight up thick flaccid cocks!"
Akira's head tilted, "Uh—"
"Shut up!" 2020 jerked his hand out, a blade manifesting in his hand as he pointed it in Akira's direction, "I'm going to take your head and win this damn thing! You disgusting feet lover!"
"Where the fuck did you—" His words were cut short by 2020 attempting to slash at his neck, just barely missing the chance to behead Akira if he didn't dodge in time, "Wo-woah! There's no way you're being deadass right now! Dude it's just feet!"
"It's not just the feet you nasty fuck! It's the principle! Everything that you do…it's just miserable and pathetic! You disappoint me! The past version of yourself! Is that upstanding to you?!"
Akira sighed, "Okay, so we're going down that path." Before he could get another chance to speak for himself, 2020 came flying after him, something that caused Akira to speed down the tunnel.
No matter how he tried to rationalize it, he needed to either find another person for his younger self to fight, bide enough time for Maurice to recover–hopefully–and regroup with him after battling the 2016 variant of himself, or he needed to win this race. Which meant he would have to overtake Yusuke…
For some reason, that doesn't sound pleasant at all.
While in the recesses of his mind, 2020 Akira yelled as he trailed behind the man he was destined to be, "Do you feel good up there?! Running away from me like you always do?! Running away from the past?! Desperately trying to rationalize it as the right thing to do?!"
"Oh fuck off! That bullshit isn't going to work on me! I don't do that anymore!"
2020 gained a sudden burst of speed, one that put him right beside Akira as he whispered in his ear, "You think Shiho can make up for all the bad you've done? All the things you've let slip through your fingers? You're guilty Akira. Nothing can erase the sins we've manifested." The variant throttled his older self by the neck, sending him down to the fleshy ground that laid beneath them with the speed of a meteor.
After the bubbles cleared, 2020 held down Akira using one of his hands and legs as he raised his blade, moving faster than he could expect as he dug the steel into his abdomen.
Even though Akira had never been stabbed before, he was pretty confident in this pain being accurate as he howled in pain. The blood slipped from his wound and mouth in a misty filter, partially hiding his younger self's pain until he jerked his head through the misty, a miserable expression lining his face as he peered into his identical eyes, "Is that why you want to help Yusuke? Is that why you're forcing yourself to find something wrong with Madarame? Is that why you're starting to worry about Futaba's condition? Haru's life? Because you want to delude yourself into being a good person?" A bitter chuckle slipped from his lips as he twisted the blade deeper into Akira's gut, "What a load of horse shit. You only care about Yusuke because he's taking Makoto away from you, although you're already excelling at her hating you already. You think solving this mystery is gonna make her come back to you? That having Ryuji tell her what you found out might make her view in a favorable light again?"
Akira could barely breathe. He couldn't do much of anything since his body was slowly becoming a freeze-pop of blood being twisted out with ease. He needed…something. If his younger variant could manifest a weapon, he possibly could as well…he just needed to wrench one of his hands free.
2020 leaned closer, his voice dropping even lower as he caressed his face, "If only you did this insufferable heroic act with our relationship with father. Maybe…just maybe we wouldn't have been Shido's favorite pet."
Akira wrenched his hand free as he felt something manifest in his hand, "Shut the hell up!" A jagged black dagger swiftly cut through the flesh of his younger self.
In any other setting, his head would've gone flying with a glorious display of blood spewing over everything, but this time his head and body just floated in the fluid, with a misty cloud of blood 'soaking' Akira.
He couldn't help but stare at his floating head.
Trippy…
Wait…I just killed…myself, right?
What the…fuck?
Wait, wait, in these hallucinations, is that permanent? Didn't he say some shit about my youngest self being trapped?
Is he trapped now?
What does that mean for me?
Do the laws of these hallucinations dictate that something negative is going to happen to me now?
Am I going to lose my ability to love thighs?
Sheesh, I know I called my younger self a dickhead, but I'm gonna miss him…
….
Am I really going to be miss almost being murdered and tortured by the variant of myself that represents one of my lowest points…?
Akira stifled a chuckle.
I can make myself laugh, huh.
It took a few moments, but eventually, Akira pulled himself from the ground, failing miserably as he tried to speed through the fluid again while clutching his wound. It seemed his best course of action would be to wait for Maurice, but he didn't know how long that would take. Especially since he was meant to stop Yusuke from winning the race…
"Fuck…fuck."
Akira sighed as he started slowly started floating through the fluid.
After an ungodly amount of time, Akira couldn't help but worry about Maurice.
There's no way it's taking him that long with fighting my 2016 variant…
Well…
2016 was…a dark time…especially with those weird-ass pipelines that were being propped up all over the internet…
Man…I really almost got brainwashed huh—
Akira stopped his trek when he saw the end of the fleshy tunnel. There was this vibrant translucent blue barrier as the point where the tunnel curved, almost akin to a hill. The hill was adorned with the white bodies of the rest of Akira's adversaries. However, most notably, Yusuke was nowhere to be found.
Akira tried squinting his eyes, trying to get a look at if there was anything beyond the barrier. He couldn't really make it out, but it seemed as if it was incredibly narrow afterward.
He couldn't help but think out loud, "If…if this is the end, then where's Yusuke? Aw fuck, did he already win?!"
Drill Sergeant Yusuke chuckled as he levitated—well, swam—above Akira, lowering himself it seemed with each chuckle. "You thought I was going to simply win without having a little visit with you? Especially after last time?!"
"Uh…what the hell are you talking about?"
Yusuke's feet finally touched the ground as he stepped closer to him, "Think maggot! Think! What happened when I last saw you?"
Confusion spread itself across his features, "I'm not gonna lie dude, I have no idea what the hell–"
"The shack! What you did to me at the shack! Condemning me with Makoto and leaving me in the grasp of Madarame-sensei after you angered him! You left me while proking him! And all for what?! Makoto Niijima?!"
"Okay, was I a bit of an asshole? Partially, but I didn't…well, I wasn't really trying to provoke–oh fuck it, what are you gonna do to me now, Yusuke?"
An uncanny smile formed on his face as he peered deeper into Akira's features, "I'm going to behead you."
"Oh. How…quant."
"Then I'm going to hang your head on my belt buckle as I enter the womb! So you can watch me be everything you can't!" He pointed towards the barrier, only confusing Akira more.
"Ex–Excuse me?!"
"Where do you think we've been in you pathetic worm?! We're inside the woman you love! Makoto Nii–" A massive sonic boom crackled throughout the fluid, with Maurice becoming a blur as he sent Yusuke to the ground.
A mass of bubbles once again formed from the impact as he wrestled with Yusuke, "Go! Leave Kurusu-dono, I'll handle him!" Though that proclamation didn't last for long as Yusuke usurped him, pinning the man to the ground with his fingers digging into his face. His fingertips were taking on a bluish tint as frost caked up from the contact.
With his hobbling, Akira was getting closer and closer to the barrier, he just needed to push forward–
An ice crystal dug itself into Akira's back, sending him to the ground. With confusion fresh on his face, Akira was able to bite through the seemingly infinite pain that clouded his entire body as he looked for the source of the blast. He was greeted with the sight of Yusuke stradling Maurice, one hand seemingly causing frost to spread across his face while another was pointed in his direction. It seemed another blast was getting primed.
Oh, you have got to be fucking kidding me.
Another one of those ice crystals lodged itself into Akira's shoulder, pinning him against the fleshy ground.
With both men incapacitated, Yusuke couldn't help but sneer at their defeated forms, "Huh. What a valiant effort." It was clear he was disappointed as he walked past Akira, seemingly giving up on his ideals of turning his head into a lamppost. With each step it became depressingly clear Akira had failed, Yusuke's success was mere steps away and he had to witness it.
Yusuke crossed the barrier with ease. At first he just stood there, seemingly wanting to bask in the fluid and his new-found freedom.
At least until his arms folded like paper.
It was a disgusting crackle that reverberated through the water, a sound that Akira couldn't help but become horrified from.
His broken form fell the ground, his legs bending inwards, physically incapable of sustaining his weight.
A gutteral yell escaped from his lips as his limbs unnaturally retracted into his torso, entirely disappearing. The bottom of his torso began stretching into a thin tail-like structure.
Whatever was happening, it was causing Yusuke an unbearable amount of pain as he started violently convulsing, a white foam spewing from his mouth and engulfing his entire body.
After a while, Yusuke's screams ceased as he ascended to his true form.
A sperm cell.
There was a deep ominous boom as he swam off, eventually a blinding white flash engulfing everything Akira could make out.
Though the second the flash disappeared, Akira depressingly woke up on Takemi's examination table, both blessed and cursed with the beautiful sight of Tae Takemi and Sojiro Sakura grumbling in the background.
"There, the kid's awake, can we go now?"
Takemi pushed herself off the examination table, electing to grab her clipboard, "Not yet." Plopping into her chair and rolling back to the teen, she nudged him gently, "Akira? How are you feeling?"
Akira hadn't moved an inch since he forced his eyes open, he was too busy replaying his bullshit-ass drug trip, "Like shit. So, that's nothing new, right?"
She jotted down some notes, "Right. Do you remember why we elected to have this study?"
It was still a bit hazy, but that was the point after all, "Yeah…to see the effect of your drugs on a sleeping party. To see if they're more potent or whatever…"
"Correct. I know you said you felt the same, but were the contents of the trip the same? More visceral or tame?"
"Uh…I'm pretty sure I was having a life or death battle over whoever would impregnate a woman as sperm inside of her vagina. That's…visceral, right?"
I probably shouldn't have said that.
Correct he was as Sojiro, hell even Takemi, gave him strange looks.
"Oh come on Takemi, you can't be judging me over that! I thought this was a judgment- zone!?"
She chuckled as she continued her note-taking, "Not judging you, I'm just…pleasantly surprised by the depths of your mind." She paused for a moment before finishing her thought, "I would assume this woman is Mak–"
"Shhh!"
Though he couldn't see, Akira knew for a fact Sojiro had raised an eyebrow at the two of them. If he did, he quickly shrugged it off as he went over to Akira's side, "So, you ready to go to school jackass?"
He yawned as he sat up, "You were the one that gave Takemi the okay to do this…without my consent mind you."
Sojiro waved away his valid point, "What's different about this in comparison to the other times you did it?"
"I mentally prepared myself?"
Sojiro shrugged it off as Takemi broke between their banter, "So…what's with the bruising on your knuckles, Akira?"
Oh, you know…just punching the hell out of a weirdo that might have crucial information for this dumbass hunch me, my best friend, Mona, and Sojiro have!
Yeah, no let's not act like a bumbling idiot with Sojiro here. With my luck, he'll throw it in my face later on just to spite me.
Before Akira could reply, Sojiro threw out an excuse, "He was beating his dick a little too hard."
"Sojiro! What the hell man!"
Takemi, much to Akira's dismay, started chuckling, "Want some medicine for that?"
"No…I'm fine."
Sojiro finished his series of chuckles as he tapped his watch, "C'mon kid, I should be getting you to Shujin now."
Akira couldn't help but narrow his eyes in disappointment as he hopped off the examination bed, following Sojiro to his car.
He couldn't really tell why, maybe it was just an aftereffect of the drug, but something…felt off.
Akira and Sojiro arrived at Shujin during the middle of second period, something that the both of them secretly thanked God for as it saved any annoying nosy people trying to piece things together between the two of them.
Akira gave Sojiro a wave as he walked up the stairs, trying to find his way to Kawakami's class before Sojiro cleared his throat, "Kid?"
Pausing on the steps, Akira turned around, "What's up?"
"Uh…do me a favor and come to the Student Council Room with Takamaki-san, Sakamoto-kun, and Mona during lunch, okay?"
"The Student Council Room…? Look, despite what you might've heard Takemi say, there's completely and totally nothing going on with–"
Sojiro shrugged his words off, something that blindsided Akira, "I don't care about whatever weird shit you may or may not be into with a Niijima girl, kid, it's relating to something else."
Akira flatly, and idiotically, replied, "Cool…but uh, I wanted to ask earlier, but what's up with the eyebags?"
Sojiro groaned, "It's because an old friend of mine came back into town…I don't know how he got my damn house…"
Akira couldn't help but house a snicker as he thought of Junpei torturing him for two days straight, luckily Sojiro didn't pick up on it as he ascended the stairs once more.
Thee Delinquent Trio and a Highlighter + Elite Milk
Akira: Yo! We gotta meet up in the Student Council Room for some reason.
Akira: And before you smartasses say anything, except for Haru, no I'm not dishing this order out, its something Sojiro wants the four of us to do.
Mona: You saved yourself at the literal last second.
Ann: I assume that means you're finally at school?
Ryuji: wat were you even out for?
Akira: Why are you spelling like a three-year-old?
Akira: Stayed up playing Ancient Ring even more after I got off?
Ryuji: kiss my ass
Akira: I wasn't even trying to say anything sneaky man…for once, I'll give you a pass if you sleep in class today.
Elite Milk: Hey! No sleeping in classes! Unless it's with Chouno.
Akira: You don't like Chouno? Does anyone like her?!
Ryuji: Dude, she's just the worst.
Ryuji: Really cute though, but the worst!
Ann: Shut up Ryuji.
Mona: I thought you all hated Ushimaru? What's wrong with Chouno?
Akira: Fuck Ushimaru.
Ryuji: You spittin as usual
Ann: Agreed.
Elite Milk: I'd change the verbiage but correct!
Elite Milk: And there's nothing wrong with Chouno…it's just that she can…get very carried away at times.
Haru, then, received thumbs up from the rest of the group as Akira hoisted himself up the stairs, yanking on Kawakami's door. He ignored the grossly invasive stares of his classmates as usual as he made his way to her desk, waving his tardy pass in her face before lazily placing it, "Mark me here, or whatever it is you do, Kawakami-sensei…"
She tilted her head in worry as he took his place behind his desk. Although he knew it was useless, Akira gently placed his head on his cool desk.
It was odd, but Takemi's trial this time made him extremely sluggish. Maybe he just needed a form of rest without there being a drug in his system?
For a split second, Akira almost returned to the lovely lands of rest, but the infuriating grating of the bell shoved itself into his ears as he pulled his scrambled brain from the desk. The mass of the class filled out of the classroom while Ann turned out in her desk, meeting Akira's sunken eyes, "So…you okay?"
Pulling himself from his desk, a hearty yawn came from his lips as he stretched, "Yeah…just really drained from my doctor's visit."
She raised one eyebrow, "What type of doctor's appointment has you this drained?"
Akira gave a wry chuckle, "One that had a lot of swimming."
"What does that even–"
Akira's phone started vibrating, the caller ID showing Sojiro's name, "Aw shit. Guess my wit will have to wait for later…come on, Ann."
She gave a nod as she agreed, the two swiftly making it to the Student Council Room. Akira thankfully prayed to whatever higher power existed for missing Makoto as they united with Sojiro, Morgana, and Ryuji at the door.
Akira gave another yawn as Mona spoke up, "So uh…why are we here, Sakura-sensei?"
Sojiro struggled for a moment, trying to piece together how to phrase it as best as possible, "Well…uh…first off," He pointed at Ann, "Did you three tell Takamaki-san?"
Morgana and Akira looked at each other, shrugging as they turned their gaze toward Ryuji, "Did you?"
"Why the hell was it my responsibility?!"
Akira looked at him disappointedly, "Last time me and Ann talked, I got cursed out, remember?" He turned towards her and gave a cheeky grin, "I never did get my apology like Ryuji…"
Ann's face cringed with regret, something that Akira wasn't sure if he did or didn't want, "Akira, I'm sorry–"
"Aht, aht it's too late! I'd rather have a ramen hangout session as an apology!" Akira turned his grin into a sincere smile before turning back to Sojiro, "Yeah, we never did get around to telling her…"
Sojiro sighed, looking at the group of stragglers before centering on Mona, "Aren't you the most responsible here? You didn't think to make sure they told her?"
"Why the hell should the youngest be the most responsible?! And my bad I've been concerned with a girl the last couple of days!"
Sojiro and Ann raised their eyebrows, the latter turning to him, "You never did tell me how that date went.."
Mona blushed at the implication of it being a date, "It…it wasn't a–"
Sojiro waved his hand in front of the group, "Look, as interesting as Morgana's minute love life is, I think at the moment we have more concerning things." He paused, taking in a regretful sigh, "Outside of Akira, I need everyone here to pretend to be on Band Council, okay?"
The teenagers tilted their heads in confusion, with Ann speaking up, "Excuse me?"
Sojiro checked his watch, "I don't have enough time to explain it better, but Takamaki, you're the Secretary, Sakamoto-kun's the Vice-President, and Mona you're the Treasurer. Just…just trust me, okay?"
Before any of them could raise any questions or objections, Sojiro got a call. It was something that elicited panic within him as he ushered the group inside while he took the call.
Probably Futaba, right?
I wonder if she's–
Much to Akira's dismay and the general disgust of the group, Makoto Niijima's back was presented to them as she professionally sat at the table.
Meeting Niijima-senpai right after losing to Yusuke inside of her vagina…?
This…
This is a very strange day off rip.
Probably a good idea to keep my hand underneath the table or in my pocket at all times.
Morgana nudged his brother as he pocketed his bruised hand, bringing his voice to a whisper, "Hey…you're blushing dude, you should probably get that under control."
Akira lowered his eyes to meet Mona's, "I'm not blush–"
The door was wrenched open behind them, bestowing Akira and the gang with the sight of…Ichiryusai Madarame and Yusuke Kitagawa along with a few other stragglers behind them.
And…seeing Yusuke as a legit human being instead of a sperm cell…
Oh god.
What's next, a manifestation of whoever that Maurice dude is?!
Akira caught the sight of Sojiro and gave him the most intense hate stare he could muster. If they were on partially good terms, Makoto would probably be proud of him.
Shujin's director ignored the hateful stare of his Band President and went immediately to Makoto, shaking her hand, "Again, thank you Niijima-san for even allowing us to use this room for our meeting."
Makoto gave a faint smile as she ignored the searing stares, along with the infatuated stare of Yusuke, "As Student Council President, it's one of my required duties to keep a watchful eye over interactions between our school and any third-party. This was going to happen, either way, Sakura-sensei."
Whatever energy Sojiro had was sucked out and replaced with flatness as he stared blankly at the younger Niijima sister, "Yeah, thanks kid."
Madarame's eyes lingered around the room as he positioned himself by Makoto, something that Yusuke followed suit with, "This is a…quant room."
"Truly…I think I would complete some rather stormy compositions here, sensei. Especially if I were to have Niijima-senpai with me, as well."
Akira, and Sojiro, couldn't help but groan as the latter clapped his hands together while he took his seat at the table, "Okay, okay. I can imagine neither of us has much time for this meeting so…mind if we get a move on, Madarame-san?"
There was a flash of something on his face from Sojiro's urging. It was an emotion Akira couldn't really decipher, not that he would've had enough time as the musical phenomenon elected to place a sincere smile on his face before turning to the miscellaneous gathering of teenagers, "I think Sakura-san is correct here. If everyone would take a seat so we can timely finish this matter?"
The Shujin kids took a seat on the left side of the table–of course electing to stay where Sojiro sat for a sense of safety–while Kosei's band council sat on the right side of the table. Sitting at the center of the table was Makoto, seemingly wanting to serve as the mediator she propped herself up as.
Sojiro started off, establishing the purpose of the meeting, "Madarame-san, Akira told me you suggested a battle of the bands between our two programs?"
Madarame shuffled around in his seat, clearly broadcasting his discomfort with the wooden chair, "Correct, however…your president rejected my offer with ease."
"And I'd do it again…"
Akira caught a glare from Sojiro, and a nudge as well, it seemed as if he wanted him to say something nice and not be a snarky little shit.
Don't tell me he wants me to apologize or suck up to Madarame…?!
What the hell happened to 'my sources' and not letting your band's first gig be used potentially in vain?!
The silence in the room was heavy as Sojiro stared at him once again, practically pleading with his eyes.
Mentally, Akira sighed.
Fine…
"Yes…at first, I did shoot the idea down with ease, Madarame-sensei, but…I gave it a few more minutes of consideration over the past few days, with this leading to me asking Sakura-sensei if he'd orchestrate this meeting on my behalf." Akira lowered his head, on one side it was meant to sell his sincerity more, but on the other, it was meant to hide his disgust with his pathetic words, "I thought you'd be a little…touchy over my disrespect on Saturday. Especially considering I was in your home."
Sojiro nudged Akira again, signaling to him to raise his head to meet Madarame's gaze. The aging man had a considerate expression on his face, "It's no worries, my boy. I can see how my…conduct could elect a negative reaction within you. But it's good to see, even still, you apologized for your mannerisms." Madarame shifted his gaze back to Sojiro, "But yes, I did suggest a battle of the bands between our two programs. It came from the little squabble your band council had with Yusuke when I came home. You know it goes, they believe their school to be superior to the other." He flashed a grin as he continued, "I thought since everyone in my shack were musicians, a battle of the bands at my festival would be an intelligent and fun way to solve this debate while also bringing publicity to the both of us." He paused for a moment, "Especially…Shujin after…" He trailed off, but everyone in the room, as expected, caught onto his implication.
Akira sighed for a moment, slouching as he caught Ryuji's eye. It seemed he was bored out of his mind as well.
I bet he's probably fantasizing about beating the shit out of Marge right now, huh?
I don't blame him, I'd rather get my ass eaten by Marge a hundred times over than stomach being in the same room as Madarame and having to dickride him.
Akira's eyes wandered as he overheard Sojiro and Madarame hash out some more ideas about the event, something about the percentage of ticket sales and how to properly split it amongst the programs. Eventually, they lingered to the left, much to his dismay, and landed on Makoto Niijima.
Fuck.
Fuck…
Thank God, she isn't looking. She…just jotting down notes and shit.
Is this what she usually does in classes?
Just aimlessly jotting down notes in class, encasing herself in a bubble of her own grand design? To the point that her presence disappears?
Holy shit I can see how she was able to track me for however long without me noticing…
…I really didn't notice?
How do you not notice Makoto goddamn Niijima tracking you?
A beautiful ass girl like that on my tail? I gotta be a dumbass…
Now that I think about it…isn't this my first time gazing at her without there being some extra bullshit in the last couple of weeks?
Her skin looks as soft as ever…I think her hair's gotten a little…shorter? Did she go to a stylist recently?
Ha, I can't even imagine Makoto going to a stylist, probably something about efficient time usage, "No! To optimally make usage of my time, I cut my hair myself!"
Akira silently laughed at his impression of Makoto, as he lingered on her features some more.
He hated it.
I'm over here fawning over the girl that's belittled me so much over the last couple of weeks, the girl that stalked me…the girl that I can't stand to be around anymore…and yet…
Akira clenched his jaw as he withdrew his eyes from her, instead electing to gaze aimlessly at his palm in his lap.
"You can do so much better. In fact, use this situation to…I dunno, talk to other girls."
Huh, I almost forgot.
Right…
Right.
Right!
Come on, Akira! The fuck are you doing moping around over a girl whose sister wants to murder you!? The same girl that pretends you don't exist for the most part!
Fuck it! We ball!
That's the spirit!
Akira almost surrendered a fist-bump as Sojiro nudged Akira in the rib, throwing him a question, "What do you think, Kurusu-kun?"
The oldest Kurusu started stammering on his words, "H-huh?" He threw his eyes between Sojiro and Madarame, "Y-yeah, yeah, I think that's the best course of action for the event."
Sojiro leaned on the table, "Sakamoto-kun? Takamaki-kun? Morgana?"
The trio, following in the same steps as Akira, stammered their way into some form of agreement.
Sojiro gave a brief chuckle when meeting their gazes, getting reminders of days long past before readjusting his sight to Madarame's apprentice, "Kitagawa-kun? Anything you want to say?"
Yusuke seemed a little shocked as if he forgot his presence within the room could be detected. It was almost as if he was a porcelain doll that had been a part of the matched set, left on the shelf to be gawked at, never to be touched or held whenever he was around his mentor.
Except, this was a moment that broke the status quo.
Courtesy of Sojiro Sakura.
"H-Huh?"
"I said, what do you have to say, Kitagawa-kun?"
Yusuke paused for a moment, flicking his eyes between Sojiro and Madarame. He lingered in Madarame's eyes, his mentor maintaining his smile as he gave Yusuke a nod.
"I…I agree with what Kurusu-kun said, everything is perfect."
Sojiro gave a nod as he directed his voice to the rest of Kosei's band council, "Do the rest of you have anything to say either?"
The rest of the council had been gazing at their phones, grouped up at the edge of the table near Makoto. Simultaneously, they all raised their heads, speaking in the same intonation and timbre, "The trio turns, startled."
Sojiro and the rest of the Shujin kids—Makoto included-–all surrendered a double-take in the direction of the group, with the former voicing their collective confusion, "Uh…excuse me?"
Once again, they spoke in unison, "The group tilt their heads in irritation; 'What is there to be confused about old man?'"
Madarame sighed as he turned to Sojiro, "They're…a little eccentric. Even for musician standards."
"Yeah, I think we can tell." He paused, turning his head to his band president, getting a shrug from Akira before a sigh slid from his lips as he returned his gaze to the strange gang.
Sojiro knew deep inside he was going to regret this, but he needed to be thorough, "But…what do you kids think about the competition?"
The first of the trio spoke, seemingly the youngest with his pompadour sticking out, "Yukio Terada sighs as he begrudgingly looks at the old man who acts as if he was thirty years younger, holding deeply onto the fading embers; 'Sounds like a plan, man.'"
Akira, while still confused at the group of weirdos in front of him, snickered a little.
A girl went next, "Yayoi Goda sarcastically replies; 'This must've been such a rousing effort,' She takes a beat, setting a sting for the opposing school; 'I can only imagine how desperately Shujin needs this.'"
Ryuji sat up swiftly, "What was that?!"
Akira tried easing his irritation while the last of the group spoke, "Yuya Bessho rolls his eyes before staring menacingly at the blonde, his mouth was partially agape as his eyes threaten to burst from their sockets, as if he hadn't blinked in decades, they were dry and bloodshot;
'What foul curse has fallen down to wrinkle your fair skin with a frown?"
Ann looked at him as if he was speaking a foreign language, 'Uh…" Ann decided to look at Sojiro, who quickly decided to clear his throat.
"Okay…since everyone in here basically agrees with the terms, June 6th is the date of the battle, it'll be six rounds of songs and the winner will be decided by the judges' booth."
Madarame nodded, "Correct, two of the songs will have to be uptempo drill songs and a ballad. Also, you and I will have to handle selecting judges that are biased as well."
"Right, right. Just call me whenever you want to get around to it."
"Right…also, your program's name…is that still the name? Even during your tenure?"
Sojiro didn't get a chance to answer as Akira instantly spat out an answer, "Nope."
Madarame, seemingly, found Akira's outburst offputting, "Oh…then what's the new name?"
Shit.
I didn't think that far…
"That…is a surprise, Madarame-sensei."
I am totally speaking out of my ass.
I need to stop doing this man, oh my god.
Skepticism was laced on Madarame's face, but Sojiro tried his best to cover for Akira, "He is right, it's a nice little surprise Kurusu-kun and I have been working on since I got hired."
Before Madarame could press a little further, a knock reverberated throughout the room, causing Morgana to get up and open it, it was Kawakami, "Sakura-san? Madarame-san? Kobayakawa-san wishes to meet you both to discuss your plans."
A frown spread itself across Sojiro's face as he turned to Akira, whispering in his ear, "Yeah, we're gonna have to talk more later since I didn't…really tell him about this meeting. Sit tight until we get back, okay?"
Akira quickly eyed the opposite side of the table and then reconnected with Sojiro's eyes, "Yeah, yeah, not much else I can do here."
"Good, thanks kid." With a hearty grunt, Sojiro pulled himself from his chair and left with Madarame, leaving Akira and the rest of the Shujin kids with the Kosei weirdos.
For the first couple of minutes, both groups stayed relatively separated and in silence, which elected Akira to dive into the group chat.
Thee Delinquent Trio and a Highlighter + Elite Milk
Akira: So, how we feeling during this miserable ass ordeal?
Ryuji: I feel like meltin into goo.
Akira: Why goo?
Mona: It's not even that hot in here man.
Ryuji: Both of you are thinkin way too hard on this omg
Ann: You guys should really change this name
Akira: Only in death will this chat name change.
Ann: Can you at least change it to include Haru instead of her number just being there?
Akira: Ehhh…
If only they could see my phone…this is wildly chaotic.
Actually, its a good thing they can't.
Well, If Ryuji saw I think he'd probably laugh.
Oh what the hell am I talking about, let me change this damn name.
Akira Kurusu has changed the chat name to: Tasters of the Milk
Akira: There we go!
Ann: Akira, what the hell?!
Akira: What? It's an inclusive name that works for everyone!
Elite Milk: I must say…what does the milk mean?
Akira: In due time, you shall learn.
Elite Milk: Okay…
Elite Milk: So what was this about you guys being in a meeting?
Ryuji: Just somethin Sojiro kinda threw us into…it's…it's important tho, I can't lie
Ann: Speaking of which, you three never did tell me what Sakura-senpai was talking about earlier!
Akira: Oh, right.
Ryuji: Shit.
Mona: I have nothing to do with this, please remove me from any and all asswhoopings that might occur.
Akira: Are you seriously going to leave your brother out to dry like this?
Mona: If it means I won't get my ass beat by Lady Ann? Yes.
Akira: Fuck you Mona
Ryuji: Fuck you Morgana.
Mona: WOAH
Ann: Ryuji!
Elite Milk: Don't you usually say 'eff' Ryuji?
Ryuji: Akira said it too!
Ann: But that's like…Akira's favorite word, he's the fuck meister.
Akira: I keep forgetting you guys weren't there when Ryuji and I played Ancient Halo…
Akira: And excuse me?
Akira: Fuck is not my favorite word.
That probably goes to mommy milkers.
Ryuji: Nah, nah I gotta agree man
Ryuji: You do say it alot.
Elite Milk: I concur, even if we've only been talking for a week or so.
Ann: See, if Haru's saying it, then it has to be true!
Akira: Okay, maybe I do use it…frequently, but fuck meister?!
Mona: In the last week alone, you've said fuck a total of 142 times.
Mona: Craziest thing is, that's only messages between me and you.
Mona: Not including this GC, or the Authentic Men one either.
Elite Milk:...Authentic Men?
Ryuji: That's not the full name, its 'Authentic Men (Mona Pending)'
Mona: SHUT THE HELL UP
Akira: Huh, speaking of pending…I have a question for you Mona.
Akira moved to their private messages as the group chat continued their mindless spiel.
Akira: Hey, you never did tell me what went down between you and Makoto, you know?
Mona: Right…
Mona: I was hoping I could constantly avoid this for the next couple of days until you forgot…
Akira: How long have you been around me, Mona?
Akira: I never forget shit, you know this.
Mona: Right, right. Could I tell you after we get out of here?
Akira: You don't plan on flaking on me with Yoshizawa, do you?
Mona: Do I detect…jealousy? Is my older brother hurt that a GIRL has my attention and I'm not constantly at his heel?!
Akira: Oh kiss my ass, you just always seem to use her as an excuse to leave whenever I need information or something!
Akira: It literally happened—
Akira: Hey! How the hell do you know about Mono you little bastard?!
Mona: Okay, now you need to stay out of grown folks business
Akira: I'm older than you, you dickhead!
Mona: Shhhhh
Mona: Didn't you say Haru's been pestering you since yesterday about a good day to help her with her garden? Let's help her garden and I'll tell you there, alright?
Akira: Okay…but if you flake, I'll kick you in the balls so hard you'll have nothing but a smooth sack of skin.
Mona: …really vivid, but okay.
Akira lifted his head from his phone, just to catch a breather when a horrifying image caught his eye.
Yusuke had moved his chair over to Makoto's, luring her from her studies with a conversation.
Yeah, no. I'm not going to watch this shit.
Can't I leave, or something?
Actually…it is lunch, and despite what old man Sojiro said, I don't HAVE to stay in here.
Valuing his mental—or well, emotional health—Akira turned to Ryuji, "How many minutes do we have until the bell rings for next period?"
"Uh…I'd say we have about twenty? Why?"
"Wanna grab Ann, Mona, text Haru, and dip to the roof?"
Ryuji bounced the idea around in his head before eventually shrugging, "Sure," He leaned in closer before lowering his voice, "I can imagine you don't wanna see this shit either, right?"
A cheeky grin presented itself to Ryuji, "If nobody's got me, I know you got me Ryuji."
The idea of leaving for the peaceful serenity of the roof, while on paper seemed ideal, wasn't…exactly that.
While Ann and Haru got to bask in the rare deliciousness of Shujin's cuisine, the former had an amazing—or tortuous depending on who would be answering—idea.
The boys would tidy up Haru's garden while she took a much-needed break.
While she initially argued against it, Ann advocated for it and after a while, Akira just simply started. Ryuji and Morgana, while annoyed, followed suit.
It was the least he could do.
I'm pretty sure Ryuji's doing this to avoid telling Ann about our crackpot theory of Madarame being a creep.
Plus, anything was better than being subjected to Yusuke and Makoto doing whatever.
Are my hallucinations predictions or some shit?
No way I had one about Yusuke and Makoto just for them to be around each other today.
This is just god-awful luck.
Akira crouched, seeking to pull a loose weed from the soil. He did it aimlessly as he dove deeper into his head, something Ryuji caught wind of.
No…I don't care about this in a…romantic or jealous way, I'm just irritated because it seems that everything Yusuke and Makoto related is being forced inside of my brain.
Yeah.
That's it.
A pressurized stream of water hit Akira in the face, jolting him to his feet, "Wh—Ryuji!"
Ryuji pointed the water hose at his best friend threateningly, "You gonna continue bein' inside your head or you gonna tidy up this damn garden?!"
"Okay! Okay! Fine, just put the hose down man! Use it on some plants, not me!"
Ryuji pointed towards the rest of the garden, not before calling Haru from her talking session with Ann. It seemed as if she was really enjoying herself.
"Haru?"
"Hm?"
"How…do I go about waterin' these plants? Like, should I use a decent amount of water? Or should I use alot? There a system or somethin' you use?"
Haru paused for a moment, thinking about if she actually did have a system in place, "Um…put the hose on the mist setting and just go over the plants for a minute or so. That's what I do."
"Bet!"
While Ryuji seemingly had the time of his life spraying plants, Akira sought out Mona, who was snipping away at some overgrown plants, "Hey."
Mona lessened his concentration on the plants to meet his brother's gaze, "Oh brother, this is about the mono, isn't it?"
"Yes—no. Whatever…weird freaky shit you've gotten into, that's you. I just want to hear about your encounter with Niijima-senpai, okay?"
Mona paused. Taking a few seconds before he placed the clippers down. A hefty grunt slid from his lips as he stood to meet his brother's gaze. His eyes darted around for a moment, making sure no one else was within earshot. Ryuji was preoccupied with the plants and the girls were enjoying their food and conversation.
Taking a page from his brother's book, a sigh slid from his lips, "Okay, fine."
"When did this happen?"
Morgana walked over to the fence, gazing around at the skyline of Tokyo, "It was when me and Kasumi went to the gym when you were sick. The entire time we were together…I had this strange, nagging feeling in the back of my brain. Almost as if someone was watching me, their sight burning a hole into my brain. Luckily, I saw her reflection on the train. " Morgana shrugged as he gave a chuckle, "I'm surprised you never noticed her before Yusuke did…"
"Oh shut up. Plus…I'm pretty sure I almost caught her once, when I was doing that dumbass errand for Iwai."
Sure, I believe you. Anyway, after me and Kasumi parted ways, I directly confronted her. All I did was tell her to stay away from you. From all of us." He sighed as a rueful grin formed on his face, "We can see that went wrong."
"Why…why didn't—"
"-I tell you? Please tell me you see the irony in that statement."
Yeesh, he's got me there.
Looking up, he saw Akira's regretful expression, which shot him with a pang of remorse, "Shit…that wasn't fair. My bad."
"No, no you're right. That is hypocritical of me."
Mona surrendered another sigh, "I was going to get around to telling you, I promise. Hell, I wanted to do it that night, but…when I saw the smile on your face with Ryuji and me? I just didn't think it would be fair to ruin the fun that night over something I didn't think was that important, you know?" He paused as he met his brother's eyes, a toothy grin formed as his voice took on its signature snark, "Plus, I thought it would be fun to be my brother's keeper for once."
Akira couldn't help but return the grin, "Hmm, I think you did a decent job…should definitely leave it in the hands of the more experience Kurusu."
"Bullshit, I did more than a decent job! At least I didn't have you shove the hell out of me."
Akira playfully clutched his heart as he gripped the fence with his free hand, using it as a support, "Oof! What a critical blow! I'm on my knees, crying and throwing up!"
"Oh look at Joker on his knees, I've finally won…"
Straightening himself out, Akira placed a sincere hand on his shoulder, "In all seriousness…thanks. I appreciate you trying to protect me. Good to know the brotherly love and guardian shit ain't all one-sided."
Morgana chuckled, "You think Niijima-san is gonna stop following you? Or us?"
Akira snorted, "I doubt it, the Kurusu charm has latched itself to her!"
The two idiotically chuckled as they smiled wholesomely at each other. Not long after, Ann's voice sprawled through the air, "Alright, you guys can take a break! Come eat your…partially cold food."
Akira pushed his brother in the direction of the girls to get a head-start as he gave Ann a snort, "Ha! Jokes on you, my food is meant to be cold!"
Ann looked at him skeptically, "Akira…you do know that eating parfaits and mochi bread every day at school isn't the most…healthy thing to do, right?
Ryuji, while scarfing down his second piece of bread, came to Akira's defense, "Ann…don't you eat crepes and candy all day every day?"
"We aren't talking about me and that isn't the only thing I eat! We're talking about Akira here!"
Akira came to his defense, "I mean, parfaits and bread aren't the only things I eat…plus, I drink a lot of tea, doesn't that balance my body or?"
Haru gave him a worrisome gaze, "That…that isn't how it works…"
Ryuji's eyebrow rose, "And how would you know, Haru?"
As Haru finished her bento box and wiped her mouth, she looked at Ryuji, "Father has nutritionists for the three of us. While drinking water, and tea by extension, is healthy, it can't fully offset what you consumed. Unless it's something with a large amount of sodium. What do you actually eat, Akira?"
Uh…
What do I eat…
"Well…when I'm with Ryuji or just you guys, I kinda just eat ramen or sushi…when me and Mona are at home, I might just eat a parfait…or drink tea…oh shit…"
Haru cleared her voice, "...you need to start drinking water, at least."
I didn't see lunch causing me to have my meal plan—or lack thereof—to get rectified.
Good for me?
Ann cleared her throat as Akira meekishly ate his parfait in silence, "So…you guys gonna tell me what this whole Madarame meeting was about?"
Haru's ears perked up once hearing his name, "Madarame? Here? Why?"
Oh, for fucks sake Ann.
Ann turned her head to Haru, "Y'know that's the same question I have myself…"
Ryuji eyed Ann, trying to get her to drop it since Haru was with them.
She, of course, didn't relent, "Haru's one of our friends right? Whatever you have to say to me, you can say in front of her as well."
God…goddamn it, she's right but who knows how Haru might feel when it comes to Madarame…
Akira sighed, flicking his eyes between the two girls, "How do you feel about Madarame? The both of you?"
Ann, as expected, responded with a shrug, "There isn't really much I can say about him. I think he's a little…weird, but that's most musicians, right? I mean, you're pretty weird yourself."
What? Pftt…I'm…yeah, I'm weird.
Akira brushed past her comment, fixating on Haru, "And you?"
Haru placed her bento box in her bag as she retrieved a canister of juice, electing to take a sip as she pondered the question.
After the sip, she placed the canister down before slowly starting up her answer, "I…I'm not really sure. Madarame only really came around for my father, either asking for ideas, help, or pitching something. He was never really around me, so…that's why when he appeared at the hotel, I kind of just acted cordial. Haru pursed her lips for a moment, seemingly conjuring up a long since smudged memory, "Though that could also be because my mother never…seemed comfortable around him."
Akira's eyes connected with his brother's and Ryuji's. Reconnecting with Haru, he gave a wry chuckle, "It seems your mother was probably right."
Haru tilted her head, "What do you mean?"
Ryuji took the helm this time, "Well when we were with Yusuke, alot of the shit he was sayin' about the old fart kept stickin' out to me and Akira. Then the way the old man was talkin' to us in the shack before everyone came outta Yusuke's room…I dunno, all of it just screams as if there's somethin' else goin' on with him. Plus…the way Yusuke was lookin' when we left." He turned his gaze to Ann, "I'm pretty sure you didn't see, but he looked scared Ann. Terrified."
Haru silently got the implication as Ann spoke, "You don't…think?"
Ryuji's eyes took on weight as he pushed forward, "I…I dunno, that's what we're tryna figure out."
Mona's voice quickly replaced Ryuji's, "Doesn't help we found some creep in the alley screaming and saying stuff about Madarame as well. I just wish we didn't lose him…" He flatly looked at Ryuji.
"Hey! That was not my fault!"
Pushing himself from his chair, Akira stood tall as he regained the leading voice, "We told Sojiro about our suspensions, and…surprisingly, as you can see, he wants to help."
"Not that surprising." Ann quickly remarked, which made Akira shoot her a look.
Ew…
"Anyway…he said something the other day about calling around and seeing if his friends knew anything about Madarame…I guess it didn't work since he's trying to use the Battle of the Bands." Haru raised her hand, getting Akira's attention. Confusedly, he pointed at her, "You do know you don't have to raise your hand, right Haru?"
She nervously chuckled, "Right, sorry…but I'm confused, why is Sakura-sensei using the battle?"
Valid question.
"To tell you the truth, I'm not 100% sure. I think he wants to use this meeting and any other meeting with Madarame to just gauge him, maybe he thinks we'll get lucky? Plus…I'm pretty sure he wants to also this as a way for us to get publicity. It only makes sense since–"
She finished his statement, "Any publicity is good publicity."
He gave her a nod, but she wasn't finished as she—much to his dismay—raised her hand again, "Akira?"
"Hm?"
"What do you plan on doing? If Madarame proves to be of terrible character? Why do you care?"
Akira was taken aback by the question, partially frozen as he stared into her soothing mocha eyes, "Uh…I'm…not really sure. I guess I only really care because I hate the idea of sitting around while someone could be hurting. Being passive." Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Morgana's body slouch as he quietly nibbled away at his bread.
I've done it once, and I really don't want to ever do that again.
Haru took a moment to reply, her face solemn as she digested his answer. Though not long after, a beautiful and genuine smile formed on her face, "And you were worried I might change my view on you."
In return, he returned a smile, "You're being corny."
As much as he wanted to just sit there, basking in the moment with his friends, his phone buzzed while the bell rang…which only meant one thing.
Sojiro Sakura: Hey, bring your asses. Let's wrap this up.
Sojiro Sakura: Also…let's not come to school late again…Kobayakawa chewed into me about that, talking about how the "donation" gift he received won't allow him to let a delinquent disregard the rules and that I should be policing your every move.
Akira: Mad that someone wants you to be a proper guardian? Wow!
Sojiro Sakura: Kiss my ass.
Akira stood up, giving Haru a high-five, "Welp, that's our cue. We gotta head back to the Student Council Room."
As the group started to depart, with Ryuji panicking and devouring his food, Haru gave a cheerful wave goodbye, "Thank you guys for wanting to help!"
"Why is your hair wet? And why are your nails dirty…?"
Much like a dog, Akira shook his hair to get some of the final wetness from it—purposely doing it in Ryuji's direction—which elicited a rare directed response from Makoto, "Please don't get the table wet."
First words of the day. Huh.
He returned to Sojiro's question, "Just blame Ryuji…and as for my nails, I was doing my natural-born duty as a citizen to maintain the greens of the Earth."
Sojiro's eyes narrowed, "Gardening. You…were gardening, at lunch. Here? Really?"
"Is there something wrong with gardening?"
"I mean, each to their own, but I'm just tryna figure out where the hell a garden is here…"
"A roof, surprisingly." Akira caught Sojiro's…perplexed expression, "Look man, she's something else."
While Makoto finalized the documentation for the meeting—and its transcript—with everyone's signatures, Madarame decided to end the meeting on a high note.
"While on the way over here, I did some thinking." He started digging in his bag, "Considering the importance of this meeting and this battle, I thought I could extend a gift of goodwill."
Donation money?
From his bag, Madarame brandished passes and placed them on the table.
Oh…you shouldn't have…
"These are passes for the festival, top of the line. So, from now until the last day, you guys can get in for free, go everywhere, and even go backstage. Plus…tonight I'm going to be playing for the first time, premiering a new song as well."
Yusuke's blank stare was something not missed by the delinquent trio.
To his right and left, Akira met the gazes of his brother and best friend.
Sojiro spoke on the behalf of the group, "Thank you Madarame-san, we truly appreciate your kindness."
As always, he flashed a sincere smile as he placed his signature on Makoto's paper, leaving not soon after.
Though Yusuke lagged behind for a moment, his eyes fixated on Makoto, 'Niijima-san, you'll be attending tonight, correct?"
A nod and kind smile came from her, "Of course, I think it'll be fun. We can talk more, as well."
Ugh. I want to throw up in my mouth.
Yusuke promptly left, leaving the Shujin kids in each other's grasps.
"You kids can leave now, your teachers shouldn't mark you tardy or anything, you're excused." Sojiro surrendered a yawn while he grabbed his pass, making a trek out the door. Morgana and Ann followed suit while Makoto examined hers while Akira warily grabbed his.
Ryuji stood by the door, waiting for Akira as Makoto, surprisingly, spoke up, "Was that supposed to be the proof of Madarame's misgivings?"
Akira rolled his eyes.
…Why did I listen to Ryuji Sunday morning…
I don't really have time for this.
Makoto scoffed, "Right, I forgot if anything is meant to be communicated between us—for some god-forsaken reason—I need to use Sakamoto-kun," She turned to Ryuji's direction, "Did this meeting prove any of the points of your back-alley source? Because," She waved the pass around, "this doesn't really scream a creep worth worrying about to me."
Akira gave a chuckle that was laced with bitterness as he got up, finally addressing Makoto as he paused at the door, his back facing her, "At least we're trying to do something. Maybe this is all bullshit, maybe it's not. But we're trying." He turned around, meeting her terrifying gaze with his own as his voice became laced with a silent fury as he recalled Mona's story, "Maybe you should do the same instead of sitting around and being a good little stalker."
He swiftly turned back around, tapping Ryuji on the chest as a signifier that they should leave.
Misstress Reporter: Uh…hey. I left school early, had to help Lala-chan with some things.
Ryuji: Oh, hey you finally replied. After…a couple of days. Cool.
Ryuji: Anyway, why are you tellin me this?
Misstress Reporter: Um…is Akira around? I kinda need him to see this as well.
Ryuji flatly looked around, waiting for Akira at the school gate. It had been a few minutes since school let out and, usually, they would've already been at the trains by now.
Don't tell me he went back around for another round of gardenin'...
A groan pulled itself from Ryuji's mouth as he trekked throughout Shujin, eventually getting to the final flight of stairs before the roof as his phone buzzed.
It was a video call from Ohya.
I mean, it's somethin' for me and him, so might as well.
Pushing the door open, he pressed the button as he caught sight of Haru and Akira, getting prepared for some gardening.
"Dude, you could've told me you were gonna garden with Haru."
Akira slapped himself on the forehead, "Shit, my bad, it was last minute. But what's up?"
He pointed his phone to him, greeted by Ohya's face, "She wants to talk to you. Well, us. Not really sure why but…y'know, probably important."
Akira met Haru's eye, "Mind if I take this?"
Haru gave him a thumbs-up as she retreated to the garden.
"What's up, Ohya?"
Much like their brief encounter on Saturday, Ohya was a bit reserved when Akira addressed her, "Okay, first things first…what exactly did you guys do after we all left Madarame's?"
Akira's face scrunched up in confusion, "Uh…that's kinda a weird question…why ask?"
"Understandable…I'm asking because," She flipped the camera to the bartop in front of her, a man with an…oddly familiar bowl-cut sitting meekishly with a drink in hand. His face had a bruise on it as well, "This guy saw my Shujin uniform and described you two. In detail. And considering we don't have alot of male blonds or tall and lanky frizzy-haired 'teenaged assholes' as he put it, I figured you two might know him."
Akira and Ryuji looked at each other with a rejuvenated sense of hope, "Wait, honey, you're at Crossroads? Right now?!"
"Correct. Even better, he wants to talk to you two. I'd suggest you get down here as fast as possible."
No words were needed as Ryuji hung up the phone and Akira hurried over to Haru, "I'm sorry but we have to put a raincheck on this little gardening lesson, okay?"
As usual, Haru gave a smile in response, "It's okay, it wasn't going to be a full lesson anyway since I have to leave soon…but good luck with everything."
Oh, man.
Haru is so fucking cool.
He gave her another high-five and ran down the stairs with Ryuji, speeding past Makoto.
Makoto, on the other hand, had an idea in mind that was working out perfectly with their departure.
She usually hated going up here, but for once, it was important.
Keeping in mind Kurusu-kun said he was gardening, mentioned the roof, and mentioned a 'her'...this should be it.
I don't imagine him going to the practice building's roof. Kurusu-kun wouldn't be able to handle the guilt…plus it's still sealed off.
Makoto grasped the knob, slowly opening it as she tried to locate Haru.
If I can't directly track Kurusu-kun anymore, then I have to use other options…and…they've spent an alarming amount of time together.
Just play it cool. Be her friend. Get information.
Sis and her father know each other…so maybe I can use that connection.
"Okumura-san?"
Haru's ears flinched hearing her last name, but she turned around with her signature beaming smile, "Oh? Hello, Niijima-san. Is there something wrong?"
She paused for a moment, but recollected herself, "No, no, I just…heard about your little gardening project up here."
Haru's energy damped as she thought the worse, "Oh…is it against school rules? I'm so—"
No, no, it's fine. I just wanted to…I don't know, see how it was going? If it's okay with you?"
Haru faltered for a moment, the idea of Makoto Niijima wanting to see her garden was…unexpected to say the least.
But nevertheless, Haru couldn't shoot her down and continued working on the petite garden.
A/N:
Oh my fucking GOD this chapter became way too big. This is ridiculous. It ended where it was meant to be the halfway point in my outline. Guess I caught the writing holy ghost and went crazy.
Sorry for being gone for the last couple of weeks...kinda got an excuse there since today is my graduation. Crazy to think in a few hours I'm going to be walking the stage and saying goodbye to people I've grown to care about a lot over the last four years.
Anyway, sentimentality aside, that means I'll have more time to write and all of that before I go off to my college's band camp and suffer for two weeks before the semester starts in August lmao.
Hopefully, before college starts for me, I should be halfway through the Kaneshiro arc and almost done with the first act of the fic so...I guess that's something to look forward to?