Sunday, May 30th
Much to his dismay, Ryuji was woken up by the sound of Akira playing on his trumpet.
You gotta be shittin' me...
A yawn rippled from his mouth as he struggled to sit himself up off the floor. A few loose gazes around the living room revealed the sight of countless cans of energy drinks and sushi containers littered all about.
"What the hell happened while I fell asleep…?"
Akira pulled his mouthpiece off his lips, his frustration coming to a head as he sought to answer Ryuji's question, "Correction, what the hell did we do."
Ryuji struggled to stand up, his body felt ten times heavier than usual, "What the hell does that mean…? And where's Morgana?"
"It means you goated me into doing another dumbass Ancient Ring all-nighter, which caused us to use fucking energy drinks and sushi to keep going until we crashed. My brother is out doing something." Akira chuckled, "God I hope Haru never learns about this."
Ryuji rubbed his head as he trekked to the kitchen, "If I'm bein' real, I hope she doesn't find out you have an ass hunter on your trail. That ain't the most attractive thing in the world, y'know."
Akira groaned as he turned to him, "I hate you so much."
Ryuji slid a spare water bottle to him as he sat next to him at the countertop, "So…howdya plan on dealin' with that?"
He attempted to feign ignorance, "I have no idea what the hell you're talking about, Sakamoto-san."
He attempted to take a sip from his water bottle as Ryuji's face morphed into a sardonic grin, "I'm talkin' about the Legendary Ass Pillager on your trail since you're the…perfect hole."
Akira choked on his water as the blond went into a bout of laughter, "Are we really gonna make jokes about this? Some man is literally prowling the streets of Tokyo for my goddamn asscheeks!" A realization dawned upon Akira, "Oh my god, please don't let Haru or Ann know about this. Please."
Ryuji started patting Akira on the back, "Don't worry, Ann doesn't watch the news like that. Now Haru on the other hand…I'm not really sure. You better pray to your 'Milkiness' that she didn't see that report yesterday."
A frustrated groan came from Akira as he laid his head on the counter, to which Ryuji decided to drop some more of his comforting advice, "Let's be real Akira, there's probably no way he actually knows how to find you. I think he was sayin' that to just make you panic. Which you're doin' right now. Besides, we have more important things to worry about." Ryuji opened his palm, counting them off as he spoke, "Y'know like…girls, grades, band performances, bringing down a famous beloved artist, and a prediction of the future that involves someone's death."
Akira chuckled, "Yeah, when you put it like that, it is rather small…but uh…he might have a lead since we werewearing our Shujin outfits. Remember that's how Akechi found me."
Ryuji's energy dwindled, "Oh…oh, shit."
"Oh, shit indeed, my friend."
Ryuji stared off at the countertop as an idea manifested in his head, "Okay, well he's a felon right? He can't come near schools, right?"
"You're thinking of sex offenders, Ryuji. That would only apply to Kamoshida, for example."
He cursed under his breath, "Shit," He shook his head, "Well…Goldie's…nah I can't even say that…the jackass had his face covered." His energy, somehow, got lower, "Yeah, you're cooked."
"I know."
Silence sat in the living room for a while. It was a good refresher.
That is…if you count two teenagers angsting over the idea of being pursued, but that self-reflection wasn't given a chance to truly fester as the rain started to patter against the windows, giving Akira the idea to attempt to practice again.
The keyword was attempt since his frustrations started to mound once again, "Damn it!"
Akira groaned as he laid his trumpet against the countertop, electing to flop on the couch.
Ryuji couldn't help but look perplexed, "Dude, what's been up with you lately?"
Akira's voice came out muffled as his face dug itself into the cushion, "It's…it's nothing man. Nothing at all. Just been tired lately, I think that's it."
"Huh. Tired? I mean, there ain't shit for us to do today, no plans or schemin' since we gotta wait on Tora-senpai so, just relax for once." Ryuji hopped off his chair, "I dunno, beat your meat or somethin'. Watch some TV–" He paused, "...never mind that wasn't the best choice yesterday…" Eventually, he sat in the recliner, "Point is, besides the joke I said earlier, do somethin' fun to get your mind off of shit."
Akira rolled around, his empty gaze locked onto the ceiling, "I wish I had your ability to not constantly worry about shit. Must be nice, I guess."
A buzz from his pocket forced Akira to brandish his phone, revealing a text from…
It wasn't a text, it was a notification. Well, Saya texted as well, but he bypassed it as there was an emboldened wall of text in his Notification Center, "Click Here For Hot PAAG MILFS In Area!"
What in the WEST HELL?
In the notification, he saw the icon for that strange app that kept downloading repeatedly onto his phone.
Oh you have got to be shitting.
Before Akira could make a decision on if he wanted to open it, his phone automatically opened the app.
I really gotta get a new phone man.
While he expected either the worst porn of his life, or a virus that would brick his entire phone…he was only met with the sight of the pure black icon with a toothy grin. One simple word accompanied it.
"Enjoy."
In the text bubble below it was a number…with Yusuke's name beside it.
Akira's eyes slowly widened as he realized the implication…
What…?
Ryuji cleared his throat, clearly trying to get Akira's attention, "Dude? Hello? Earth to Akira? What is now?"
That was enough to stir his consciousness as he instantly swiped out of the app, "Uh…it's just.." He went to his IM app, seeing the texts from Saya.
Nagase-senpai: Hey!
Nagase-senpai: Kurusu-kun, are you busy?
"…Saya just texted me to see if I'm busy…"
"What?! Dude, tell her you're doin' jackshit!"
"But you're here? I can't just–"
"DUDE! THIS IS LITERALLY WHAT I WAS TALKIN' ABOUT! DISTRACT YOURSELF! HAVE FUN! GET SOME PUSSY DURIN' THE MONTH OF WOOIN'!"
Akira stammered some more, clearly struggling with the idea of a woman taking more importance than his best friend—or the fact a direct means of contact between him and Yusuke manifested, "But–"
"BY THE GRACE OF THE CURSED PERVERTED NUT-BUSTERS, I OVERRIDE YOUR POWER AS THE FKSO AND ORDER YOU TO GO HAVE FUN WITH A WOMAN! FORGET YOUR STRESS!"
There's no way we're actually doing this.
I possibly have Yusuke's number and you want me to worry about a woman?!
…To be fair he is right about the str—
Ryuji shot from the recliner, giving Akira a salute, "I gladly give up our hang time!"
Akira, spurred by Ryuji's energy, did the same, begrudgingly going along with the bit, "This might actually bring a tear to my eye. I won't forget this, Secretary of Cream!"
"Cool, but get back to textin' the girl dude." Ryuji dropped back into the recliner, "Y'know girls hate bein' left on read."
Ryuji Sakamoto giving me advice is the most awful and amazing thing in the world.
Akira: Uh, no not really. I just woke up, actually.
Nagase-senpai: Oh! Nice! I assume that means you aren't going to be busy for the rest of the day?
Akira: Nope, gotta gain as much energy as possible to brave the bullshit known as Shujin Academy tomorrow.
Nagase-senpai: True lol
Nagase-senpai: In any case, think you could spare some time with me today? The rain just stopped so…
Akira surrendered a quick gaze at Ryuji, he was staring daggers at him.
Akira: Yeah, that sounds fine lol
Akira: Where do you wanna meet-up up?
Nagase-senpai: You know that bookstore in Shibuya? Yeah, I have a few books I want to buy, so I think we can just meet there and just… hang out.
Nagase-senpai: Is that cool with you?
"In fact, use this situation to…I dunno, talk to other girls."
Jesus Christ, these two are devils on my shoulders.
Akira: Let's do it.
Nagase-senpai: Great! See you soon!
Akira dropped his phone on the couch, electing to stretch, "Guess I have a little hangout session."
Ryuji grabbed the PS5 controller and selected Realm Sentiments, "Great, now but somethin' on that doesn't make you seem like a dork."
Akira's face scrunched up into irritation, "Oh shut up! You can't say anything when—"
"You're literally in your boxers, dude."
…
Shit.
"Fair point."
Nagase-senpai: I'm so sorry! But I'm running a little late in terms of getting dressed.
Nagase-senpai: Mind just meeting at my house and then we make our way over to Shibuya?
Aw man, I'm already on the train…shit.
Well, I can't complain.
'Eff it, we ball.
God, I have got to stop saying 'eff it…I should accept my title as the fuck meister.
WHY AM I UNIRONICALLY BECOMING OKAY WITH EVERYONE'S TITLES FOR ME?!
Oh, right, Saya.
Akira: Sure, but you DEFINITELY owe me yen!
Nagase-senpai: lmao
Nagase-senpai: Alright, here's my address!
Akira tapped the highlighted line of text, allowing his phone to blow up the location and input it onto his pre-downloaded maps app.
Hiroo?
Wait…
His eyes ballooned to the point of nearly popping out of his skull.
HOLY SHIT
ISN'T THAT A RICH-ASS NEIGHBORHOOD?
Akira tapped his phone on his head as he partially chastised himself.
Remember, Shujin Academy dude.
Shujin Academy.
Haru and Ann are literal walking examples!
Everyone is not like me, Ryuji, and Iwai…
Hell, I'm a weird example as well–
Oh, shut the hell up and figure out your next stop and transfer line.
While Tora and Shiro left at the official ending time of their impromptu meeting, Makoto decided to stay around as a way to work on some of the other things that occupied her mind while she was still in an efficient mindset.
Killing two birds with one stone as they say.
I think.
While the bulk of this extra time was spent on Makoto overlooking sheet music for her audition and light studying for entrance exams, there was one sneaky obsession that kept threatening to take over her mind once again.
Kayo Murakami.
Makoto hadn't recalled much information on the girl when Ohya confronted her about any potential clues she may have had.
The most she had was basic information that Ohya had as well. She knew they had been friends, she was in the newspaper club at a certain point, and that her personal information had been leaked during the beginning of the Nationals run from the year prior.
To be completely transparent, Makoto hadn't given the "mystery" of Kayo that much thought as well, since the longer she put it off, the more time she had with Ohya's particular set of skills.
Ohya's ability to sleuth was starting to help her in a handful of ways when it came down to some of the notes left in the Student Council suggestion box.
A bully?
An issue between students?
Disruptive students?
Ohya had all that information between her fingertips and was ready to be dispersed at any chance.
It just had to be under the right circumstances.
To be frank, it's the only information she wants to give me when I ask.
She gave pause as a thought ballooned in her head.
I'm just using her.
Am I any better than Kurusu-kun at this point…?
…She's using me all the same.
It's a mutual transaction.
What does it matter when we've made it clear to one another?
He…he just didn't do that with me.
Makoto shook those thoughts away as she continued jotting down notes on her sheet music, specific interpretations of musical measures for her own playstyle, but her mind steadily went back to Murakami.
The only thing that's interesting about this girl…she apparently stopped coming to school, at least according to Nagase-chan when I asked in the meeting last week…
But it was so close to the beginning of the term, so who's to say she didn't just transfer?
Hmm…there must be a reason why Ohya-kun cares so much. Even if they were friends, I don't remember their relationship being that close.
Strange.
A knock on the door stirred Makoto from her mental tanget of theorizing, Kawakami poked her head in, "Niijima-san? Didn't the Student Council meeting end half an hour ago? Why are you still here?"
Makoto gave a rare huff of humor, "I'm just trying to capitalize on this time, that's all."
Kawakami gently closed the door behind her, taking a view at all of the papers strewn about, "I see…while this is good and all…wouldn't you rather spend your one technically free day of the week with some friends? Your sister even? I heard she was seen at the Tokyo Dome for the Madarame festival."
Makoto mindlessly nodded as she circled a measure in a thick red marker line, "Sae's been busy this week, me and her did get to spend time at the festival together."
Mentally she winced, That's a complete lie. Unless I want to count spending time as her yelling at me for being a brat…which seemingly did nothing as I'm doing it again.
"Besides, friends aren't going to help me with school and my career, sensei."
Kawakami sighed, "While that…is true from a certain point of view, being highly focused on your goals can lead you to miss out on certain things." Kawakami paused, "I…I don't want to see you grow up only to realize you might've wasted your youth. Not…" She sighed, her voice going silent.
Sensei?
Makoto, for the first time, lifted her eyes to meet Kawakami's for the first time since she entered the room, only to be greeted with the sight of an utterly exhausted face, "Sensei? Have you been getting any sleep?"
Kawakami yawned as she waved away her concerns, "As hypocritical as it sounds, no but it's only been because of work." She snickered–-although it seemed fake as if to hide some other emotion-and gave Makoto a grin before retreating to the door, "I can do that though since I'm an adult and a superior. Just don't take on too much you can't chew at your age."
Once Kawakami closed the door, it left Makoto in silence, juggling the sincerity of her words.
While she didn't have any friends, maybe Makoto deserved one day to at least relax and watch TV.
Maybe.
So, she grabbed her bag and papers and walked out the doors of Shujin with her umbrella shielding her from the rain, just to be met with the sight of Haru Okumura tending to the flowers that graced the sides of the entrance path.
"Okumura–san?"
Haru jumped, nearly dropping her umbrella, startled by the presence of Makoto's voice, "Oh! Niijima-san! I didn't see you there!" She steadied herself, returning to her plants, "Why are you still here? I thought the Student Council ended their meeting a while ago?"
Makoto stepped on the first descending stair, "I suppose I could say the same thing, Okumura-san."
Haru giggled as she flouted a pile of dirt in her hand, "I think you could piece that together, you are the smartest in our class, after all."
The faintest form of a smile formed on the Student Council's president, something that seem more and more…faint as the school year was progressing, "Hmpf, you got me there. I was just staying in the council room to study. Catching up on some aspects of my academics I've been neglecting."
"Hmm…so you were extremely busy? Working yourself away?"
Unbeknownst to Haru, Makoto tilted her head in a form of agreement, "I suppose."
"Then you know what you need?" Haru hopped from her perch above the flowers, "Fun!"
Maybe not.
Once again, Makoto found herself on the roof of Shujin. Gardening away as usual. Though this time, it was lightly raining.
It was a good thing Haru had ponchos stashed away behind the garden itself.
I wonder if the stashing of this counts as a violation as well?
And much like before…she was finding herself getting lost in the magic of it.
This…is something else.
Haru was the first to attempt a conversation as she watered the plants, "Niijima-san?"
Makoto was snipping away at some roots, her mind hyperfixating on getting the plants to look as well as possible, "Hm?
"Is…that all you do?" She seemed hesitant as if she was navigating a minefield while being blindfolded.
Makoto surrendered one final snip as she vanquished a root, turning around to see Haru's restrained gaze, "What do you mean?"
"I mean…do you keep yourself cooped up inside with all of your work?"
"I…um…in a way, yes. I never really have that much time, Okumura-san."
Haru loosened her grip on the trigger, "You never have the time…or you don't allow yourself to? Do you have an outlet, Niijima-san?"
Makoto broke the connection of their eyes, electing to return to her root snipping as she cleared her throat, "Is that why you garden?"
"Flipping the question around on me?" Haru inquisitively place the water hose on her chin, a reflective quality taking hold of her before she settled on an answer, her eyes shifting to a somber shade, "I like gardening because it's sincere."
Huh?
"But, I will now put the spotlight back onto you, Niijima-san. Do you have an outlet?"
Makoto stammered with her words, "I, uh…if it's your sincere place? Why do you allow delinquents up here?"
Haru seemed extremely confused, and possibly at the same time irritated at Makoto dodging her once again, "Delinquents…? Do you mean Ryuji, Morgana, and Akira?"
"Yes, I do. I can't recall a day as of late when they aren't sneaking up here." She paused, looking around the garden, "I can clearly tell you've been here longer than any of them so…why do you allow it? I can only imagine how…scary that must be at times."
Much to her slight surprise, Haru simply laughed, "Niijima-san, you're acting as if I own this roof or something. But…I guess to answer your question, it's because they're nice people." There was a content smile etched upon her face.
To any other person, they would've taken that positively.
But Makoto Niijima?
She…she simply didn't know how to feel.
Well, there was one emotion steadily sneaking up on her.
Penitence.
Haru quickly made her way to Makoto, clasping her hands around her phone, "Here."
"Huh?"
"Put your number in. That way the next time you…struggle to give yourself free time, or you need a break…or maybe a chance to figure out what your outlet is, you can easily contact me instead of stumbling your way upon me."
"O-Oh…that's…"
Useful.
"…that's something, Okumura-san."
Haru gave a huff of humor, "That's another thing, call me Haru."
Makoto faintly nodded her head as she tapped her information away, "Then call me Makoto."
Okay…so, I just need to keep walking and then…make this right and—
Akira was greeted with the sight of a slight hill on the road ahead of him.
"You have to be shitting me…"
Conjuring the mental willpower, Akira was able to surmount the hill, coming across a luxurious concrete beige three-story house with black horizontal stripes along its sides.
Aw man, she even has the damn balconies.
Yup…trust fund…
A sigh slipped from his lips as he reached over the fence separating Saya's home from Tokyo at large, opening the gate and stepping onto the stone pebble path that lay in front of him.
Making it to the door, a singular knock was able to manifest before she snatched the door open, "Hey Kurusu-kun!"
In any other situation, Akira would've instantly hit her with a greeting, maybe even a grin.
Though, that would've only happened if Saya wasn't dressed in a…extremely simple outfit.
Despite his mannerisms, words, phrases, and extremely suggestive thoughts, Akira really did try to think of himself as a respectful guy, keeping his eyes to himself and only maintaining eye contact if possible.
Though, that was hard in this particular instance as Saya was only wearing an oversized T-shirt.
I can't even tell if she's wearing any sort of shorts—
Isn't she supposed to be getting dressed so we can go out into PUBLIC?
He hated the fact his eyes were wandering, that was something out of the Ryuji Sakamoto 101 playbook and Akira Kurusu was definitelybetter than that.
"Uh–uh, um…you…uh…" He managed to gain a semblance of self-control, deciding to flash a meek smile, "Hi.'
There seemed to be a glimpse of a satisfied smile on her face as she replied, "Hi. You wanna come in or are you just going to stand outside the whole time?"
He looked around, judging the sunlight, "I mean…the sun is pretty nice today." He licked his thumb and let it sit in the air, "Nice breeze too…going northwest at maybe three miles per hour…"
Saya snorted, "Just come in."
Akira couldn't just deny her, despite how much he wanted to based on the realm of comfort, he had to be nice and respectful.
Is this nice and respectful?
Of course, it is man, what the hell are you talking about?
I'm rambling on and on, yeah I'm cooked goods.
Stepping inside, Akira was greeted by the sight of a…really bland house.
Geez, you'd think with her being rich it would be more than…black, white, and grey.
Saya tapped him on the shoulder, pointing him in the direction of her couch, "You can just sit there while I go change." Eventually, she walked towards her room, not before stopping, "Feel free to make yourself comfortable with the couch and the fridge."
"Uh…thanks, I guess." Akira made it to the couch as he heard her door close.
For a few minutes in the excruciating and anxiety-inducing silence, Akira simply sat. Just staring aimlessly as he waited for Saya to return from her room.
Unluckily for him, Akira could see from the patio door that it was starting to rain.
Damn it…I should've brought my umbrella…
A vibration came from his phone, no doubt in his mind it was Ryuji.
Ryuji: Dude, it's starting to rain over here…y'all okay?
Akira: Yeah, we haven't even gotten to the shop yet, we're at her house.
Ryuji: Ur…at her house?
Akira: Yeah…?
Akira: For the love of god, don't say anything stupid man.
Ryuji: AND YOU'RE TEXTIN ME?
Ryuji: I CANT LET THIS FRAUDULENT BEHAVIOR GO ON ANY LONGER! CEASE THE TEXTS
Akira: Dude it's not that serious! She was just running late with putting on an outfit!
Akira: And there's no way you know what cease means.
Ryuji: 'Eff off.
Ryuji: What girl have you ever met that is EVER late getting dressed?
Akira: But…
Ryuji: Ima block you.
Before Akira could even conjure a reply, the text bubbles went green.
There's no way.
He sighed as he eventually put his phone away, with Saya's voice coming from her room, "Kurusu-kun?"
"Hm?"
"You see the rain right?"
Akira sighed, "Regrettably."
She chuckled from inside her room, "I guess this isn't the best time to try and go to the bookstore, hm?"
He waved away her question, "Nah, I usually like my public adventures with a side of wetness. Adds a rich flavor and scent to your clothes."
"That…sounds like you're into eating clothes."
"Oh, you haven't heard that piece of my mysterious past yet? I sneak into the girls' locker rooms and steal—and or eat—their knicknackers. It's why I got kicked out of Kyoto."
It sounded as if confusion was rife in her voice, "Uh…I assume by knicknackers you mean—"
"Panties? Yeah, apparently that's in the rumor." He shook his head, "I swear kids at Shujin have nothing to do but gossip and shit. I can't help but admire and detest it."
There was this heaviness in her voice as she released a huff of humor, "Tell me about it." She paused for a second before pushing forward, "Um…is there anything you want to do?"
Akira pushed himself off the couch, stretching as he gauged the intensity of the rainfall against the windows, "I should probably get back home. Don't wanna intru–"
"No!" Akira jolted at the sudden intensity in her voice, "I mean…no, let's…let's…study. I know the last session we had you kept messing up with English."
Um…yeah, true but then I had Haru's help.
Why is something telling me that isn't a good thing to mention?
Strange…
Well, extra studying can't be an issue. I heard the summer exams are hard…yeah, especially from what Tora said that one time.
Akira didn't really know what to say so he just went along, "Uh…sure."
Saya eventually came into view, still wearing the same intensely casual—and comfortable probably—outfit from the door. In her hands, she had a few study guides and books, though her face was laced with a nervous mask.
At first, Akira's face was pulled into a frown as he saw the books, but it was quickly replaced once he spared a quick gaze at her thighs.
…Thighs…
Wait.
No.
This isn't right.
No…
Resist…
RESIST.
SHE BROUGHT YOU INTO HER HOME AND SHE'S TRYING TO SADLY STUDY WITH YOU.
DO NOT LISTEN TO RYUJI'S SICK AND TWISTED PORN FANTASIES.
CEASE.
Saya took a seat next to Akira, an action that made both of their minds curl up with apprehension as she placed the study supplies on the coffee table.
For a few beats, they sat in silence, staring at the rain almost sentiently sliding down the windows in the living room.
Eventually, Saya took initiative and opened her English book from the year prior, torturing Akira with studying one of the most inconsistent languages in the multiverse.
Though, Akira's focus wasn't fully channeled into the session as he kept noticing Saya's nervous face that was bordering on uncomfortable.
Well, that and the thighs.
By the grace of Buddha, I am weak.
Akira shook those thoughts away as he turned to Saya, "I don't know if it's the insufferable inconsistencies of the English syntax, but it seems as if something's wrong Nagase-senpai." He paused, waiting for her to meet his gaze but it never came, causing him to shift a little closer to her, "You do know that we don't have to study if you don't want to. It just…seems like you're forcing yourself, and I'm not really sure why. I can just go home."
Saya immediately turned to Akira, her rose-tinted face inches away from his, "N-No! You don't have to do that! I just…sorry. I just…would feel awful making you go home when nothing happened at all today." She meekishly pulled her head back as she gazed at the page in front of her, "I just don't think that would be fair."
Huh.
Never would've thought Saya would be the caring type.
Well…she is on the Student Council, so it only makes sense.
Akira sighed, electing to slouch into the couch cushion, a yawn ripping from his lips, "Just wanna watch TV? I think that would be pretty eventful."
Saya let the idea marinate for a second before nodding, grabbing the remote, and sitting back as well.
The first thing to come on was the news, which gave Akira something akin to a panic attack as he quickly asked her to change the channel.
After five minutes of flicking through channel after channel, they were both able to settle down on
Two Piece, a rerun of Blandbeard screeching the Two Piece is real while being completely naked from the earth-shattering battle that would lead to his demise.
Such an interesting and phenomenal battle.
Sure, the penis kinda does take away from the emotional levity of the scene, but it barely even matters.
Once the famous scene passed, Saya shifted towards Akira, "Kurusu-kun…?"
Akira kept his eyes trained on Two Piece, honestly, he had forgotten how investing it could be at times, "Hm?"
"Can I…ask you a question?"
"You're my senpai aren't you? I don't think you'd have to ask." A brief chuckle came from his lips.
Saya shuffled around, seemingly mustering up some courage, "S-So…are you interested in anyone?"
Huh.
"Hu–" His attention instantly snapped to her, "Huh?"
"I…just want to know if you're into anyone. It's just that…being a part of the Student Council, I naturally hear a lot of rumors of the student body…and your name has come up a lot as of late…along with others."
Ah.
Haru rumors?
Niijima-senpai as well?
I suppose it makes sense, it's her fellow council member.
Akira quirked his head, "If you're talking about those stupid ass rumors relating to Haru Okumura and Niijima-senpai…no. They're wrong. Me and Niijima-senpai don't even talk or anything…"
Saya chuckled, "You're better than that anyway."
Akira lifted an eyebrow and continued "Uh…Haru and I are just friends. Oddly she's teaching me how to garden. It's…it's fun. I think."
Like before, she was avoiding his gaze, her words coming out restrained and meek, "Well…what about Takamaki?"
Akira snorted, "I'm pretty sure Ryuji would kill me if something ever happened between me and Ann. Plus…if anything I'm starting to see her as a sister."
"Oh."
"Any other rumors you'd like to learn the truth about or—"
It seemed as if a form of Ryudalf had leaked into the physical plane because there was no conceivable way in Akira's head that his best friend was actually right about something.
The mere idea of Saya actually purposely or…accidentally piecing all of this together seemed insane, even by Ryuji's standards of insanity.
But…here Akira was, being passionately kissed by her and he had no…idea…what to do next.
Though a form of instinct caused him, much to his dismay, to equally exert a level of passion in the exchange, allowing himself to maintain a level of command.
It seemed he wasn't as rusty as he thought.
Though, that command dissipated as Saya pushed him to the cushion, her kisses becoming deeper and more hungry as their bodies meshed against each other. Soon enough, it seemed as if she was starting to straddle the young man. Something that brought Akira back to his senses and worried him.
Wait.
Wait.
WAIT.
WOAH, WOAH WAIT WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?
WOAH, WOAH, WOAH THIS–
THIS IS CRAZY.
Akira tried to free himself from her relentless, and frankly overwhelming, barrage of kisses but all his attempts bore no fruit.
Maybe…maybe this isn't so bad.
The month of wooing right…?
Oh, who am I kidding?
Luckily for Akira, the sound of keys jiggling caused the both of them to jolt upright on the sofa, Saya making a mad dash for her room, seemingly seeking out more…suitable pants.
By the grace of God, she was able to make it inside her room before the front door opened, leaving Akira to idiotically sit on the couch alone, as stiff as a statue.
"Oh. Who are you?"
Akira kept his eyes straight ahead, focusing on the blandly painted grey wall in front of him. Did he hear the voice behind him? Yes, but it was hard with the white noise in his head reaching a fever pitch inside of his head.
Plus, Akira had no idea—which seemed like a running trend—on how to even reply to that question.
Hey, I'm the kid who just snogged your daughter.
Yeah.
Well, she snogged me.
And had me strapped down against the couch creaming for my life.
"Kid, I said–"
Saya's voice came out, "Sorry dad, he's a little shy. That's…Akira. The underclassman I helped tutor before exams started? He wanted my help on…" She gazed at the tabletop, "English, and it was raining so I just asked him to come over." She bowed, "I hope that isn't an issue."
Saya's dad, who Akira finally got a good look at, gave a smile, "It's fine. Just…text me next time." He turned to Akira, "Nice to meet you Akira. I hope Saya hasn't been too much trouble."
The two smiled at each other.
Yeah.
Trouble.
Sweet merciful Buddha I gotta get the hell outta here.
"She did WHAT?" Ryuji's yelling was…oddly comforting for Akira.
"AND YOU JUST LEFT?! THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?" Morgana's yelling though? Wasn't.
"Why the hell wouldn't I leave?!"
"Dude, it's a smokin' hot babe all over you! And she started it too?! As much as I hate to agree with Mona, he's kinda right…"
Oh for the love of God.
But…why did I…
Time to…bullshit my way out of this?
"I…well…uh…"
Never mind.
Morgana rolled his eyes, "Don't tell me you just panicked and dipped…"
"No! No…it's just…well, her dad came home. After he came home it was hella awkward and I just didn't wanna be there, you know?"
Ryuji eyed him and shook his head, "Right…right, so you panicked."
Akira gave a defeated sigh and laid his head on the countertop, "Yeah." But his head rose, "But it's perfectly reasonable!"
Neither of the boys could wrap their heads around it, "What the helldo you mean it's reasonable?!"
"I mean, yeah she was sexy as hell and all that other shit…but I dunno…she just surprised me, man. And…that's just it. There wasn't any…synergy? I think that's the word?"
Ryuji's disbelief multiplied, "But that's what makes it great! It's an 'effin fling! A chance to just do whatever!"
Morgana swung his chair in his direction, "I truly do wonder how out of the three of us, you're the one in a relationship."
Akira nodded, "It's one of Tokyo's great mysteries." He shook his head, remembering they were getting massively off-topic, "Look, the point is me and her don't have anything in common and there's…no connection so…"
Morgana and Ryuji in a synchronized manner placed their hands on their chins in an inquisitive manner. The former spoke first, "So you're still stuck on Mika?"
Ryuji came up in a swift second, "You're still stuck on Makoto?"
The two boys looked at each other, Ryuji spoke first, "Who's Mika…?"
Mona winched, "Another story for another time." He turned back to his brother as he ignored Ryuji's pleas for clarification, "Um…Haru? Lavenza?"
Akira slammed his hand onto the countertop, "No! No to all the shit you assholes just said! I just," He sighed and put his head into his hands, "...don't know her."
Ryuji nodded, "Right…now when this was happenin'…didya make any of this known?"
"Well…it was kinda…hard to…"
Morgana's face was laced with skepticism, "It's…not that hard to make it be known. You can always pull away…did…did you…?"
"...Kiss her back before she pushed me back into the cushion…? Maybe…"
Morgana dropped his head into his palms, his energy rife with disappointment, "Oh for fucks' sake."
Ryuji on the other hand, stuck his hand out, "Alright! C'mon man, I gotta give you a fistbump! You gotcha FKSO privileges back! Sure you didn't do at all what the hell we talked about earlier, but baby steps."
Akira couldn't help but begrudgingly bump fists while Morgana snorted, "Course this dumbass gotcha into this bullshit." He punched his brother in the arm, "So, how are you going to interact going forward?"
"Pftt…he doesn't have shit to worry about. Think about it like this right, she caused it, initiated it, so she gotta be the one to uh…sleep on the beans she…uh…y'know."
Akira tilted his head, "You mean reap the seeds she sowed? Come on Ryuji, you gotta get better at this man."
"Right…right, hm…give it five minutes."
"What…what does that mean? Dude? Morgana?"
Morgana kept ignoring his brother as he retreated into his room, probably to text Kasumi as usual.
Ryuji caught Akira's gaze and shrugged, "Brawlerz?"
Akira replied with another shrug and moved to the couch, "Sure."
The two began their set, best of three as usual. "So…what'd you do today?"
"Nothin' really. Kinda just sat around…was ignored by my girlfriend for most of the day, and took a couple of naps. Y'know."
"Ouch. Guess we both didn't have…fulfillin' days." Ryuji sighed and selected his usual team, electing to change the subject matter, "Did Tora text you about Miss Prez and Yusuke or?"
Akira sighed as he dug deeper into the couch, "I wish. But hey, maybe we'll catch a break tomorrow?"
Either that or I might give this number a try.
What's the worst that could happen, it's a phone-sex hotline?
…Are those still a thin—
Ironically, Akira's phone buzzed at the same time, giving the teenagers some hope.
But…it was an ill omen.
Nagase-senpai: Hey…can we talk?
Akira matched gazes with Ryuji, "How…how many minutes has it been?"
Ryuji winced as he took a glimpse at his phone, "Five."
Oh, I know that little shit is laughing at me in his room…
God, I know when I eventually get around to that luck counter it's going to be goddamn awful.
I'm cooked.
The Niijima household, since its inception with Sae and Makoto's father Sadauji, had always been ingrained with the principle of all its inhabitants never being present at once.
Usually, when the girls were kids, their mother Keiko would be present in the house more than Sadauji. This time would be spent taking care of them when Sadauji had his long tour dates, meetings, and recording sessions all throughout the year. Sadauji had already made it big by the time Sae became old enough to bask in the usefulness that is human consciousness, so being a housewife wasn't…out of the question. It was the only logical choice for Keiko once the snarl of fame started to sink its lacerating teeth into Sadauji's mind.
Besides, she didn't hate it. Spending time with her daughters…it filled her days with immense joy.
However…her presence in the home only increased once she became ill. Those days quickly became swamped with a nauseating fear. A worry that…perhaps she wouldn't be able to pull through.
That she wouldn't be able to be around her precious girls anymore.
That they wouldn't have their mother around to hear their inconsequential stories about their school days, the stories that sheattentively listened to each and every day that made them feel like they were the most important tales in the world.
That she wouldn't be able to see her girls grow and only make her more and more proud each day.
Unluckily for Keiko…that fear that suffocated her each new dawn when she drew breath became ever closer when a hospital visit sprawled into something else.
It became closer…and closer until it took her away.
And yet, Sadauji was nowhere to be found.
So, yes, the Niijima household wasn't a stranger to people disappearing for long stretches of time.
Well, more accurately, Sae Niijima was no stranger to this concept.
Makoto was too young to memorize the specifics of their mother's passing, but Sae?
She saw everything.
She felt everything that no child her age should've had to emotionally go through.
While she utterly despised her father for this, she wasn't surprised.
He had been gone periodically for as long as he could remember.
Though he tried to remedy this by, for some godforsaken reason, taking the girls on a few of his tours not even a full day after the freshly laid dirt rested on their mother.
That lasted for half a year, causing them to jump all across Tokyo and Japan.
After six months, Sae had enough. She saw the effect this was having on her younger sister.
All it did…was scream to her that without their mother…she had to take care of Makoto and herself.
So, Sadauji relented and accepted her wishes, allowing them to stay in Tokyo with some of his…estranged family.
It didn't harm Sae in any way emotionally, Sadauji was just doing what he did best. Disappearing. It was a sufficient cycle. Nothing new.
Until the cycle broke when her idiotic father decided to overdose.
It didn't help that Hifumi's father became ill soon afterward, putting another strain on the family's finances since Sadauji blew through most of his money near the time of his death.
All this did was give Sae a new purpose.
Shehadto take care of her sister.
She had to take care of her cousins.
She had to make things easier.
She had to make use of her gifts.
She had to continue the cycle.
Because Sae Niijima, at the age of fifteen, knew there was one rule to this world: Only the strong survive.
No one else was going to help her.
No one else was going to protect Makoto.
Even the ones legally and morally bound to do so failed.
Which meant she had to do whatever was necessary.
Luckily through sheer willpower and talent, she was able to do so.
Though she had to sacrifice much.
What was the purpose of this?
Simple, Sae being away from home was a concept seared into their DNA. It was something that manifested long before both girls came onto the scene.
It was their normal no matter what.
And yet…as Sae made her way to Millennium Mitsui Hotel…something about this time being away from home filled her with…indecision?
Pressing a button on the elevator, she raced to find the answer within her brain.
It wasn't until she came upon the door that held her destination that her brain presented her with the answer she yearned for.
It was the same indecision that racked her consciousness each time she took a sip from the flask she kept in her back pocket each time she ventured into her recording studio. Each time she got a brief reprieve from the tours, the concerts, the press events, the promotion events…each time she passed by Makoto.
Yet each and every time she gave into her vice willingly with no regrets.
And yet—as Sojiro Sakura opened the door to their hotel room she hastily paid for from their conversation from the night before—here she was. Willingly giving into a vice she thought she abandoned a long time ago.
With no regrets.
At least for now.
A snicker came from Akira as Brawlerz flashed its winning animation, "Seems like all this time here could've been spent working on your blocking skills man. I'm not even going crazy!"
Ryuji placed the controller aside, it was getting late after all. "Whatever man." A yawn sprawled from his lips, "I think we should hit the hay man, it's gettin' hella late and we got that dumbass clean-up tomorrow."
Akira groaned, "Right…and we get to enjoy being social rejects once again while doing a phony ass clean-up…yay…"
Ryuji flashed him a look, "Geez, you aren't makin' a joke about bein' happy with how your infant fight club is comin' along for once. You okay?"
As usual, he waved away his concerns, "Yeah, I'm fine. I just don't really wanna run into all the assholes who have it out for us tomorrow. Plus, I'm gonna have to avoid Saya…and then Niijima-senpai as well…and it's so goddamn early in the morning. It's going to be a drag."
Ryuji tilted his head in consideration, "Fair. Though I will say, Mona poppin' the balls was a good as choice." A few chuckles were shared between the two of them, "Y'know if you ask me, I think another prank would do them pretty well man."
Another brief wisp of humor came from his lips, "Yeah, and then have them definitely jump us?"
Ryuji shrugged, "Not if they don't know it's us." Before Akira had any room to question what that exactly entailed, Ryuji moved forward, "But about the other stuff, I dunno about Mona, but I gotcha covered. Just have fun talkin' to Haru." Ryuji pushed himself off the couch, electing to move toward Akira's room, "Just maybe…relax with the whole Month of Wooin' thing, alright? Oh, and I'm takin' your bed tonight."
Akira yawned, "Go ahead, I'm gonna be dragging in the morning away so…might as well not sleep comfortably."
Ryuji gave him a thumbs-up as Akira started a search for a new opponent, one that didn't last for one as one instantly appeared.
"Huh…Alibaba…strange name. A 21,902/15 record…Jesus that's both impressive and terrifying. Better than mine though…let's see if I can be the 16th though." He accepted.
Alibaba's team consisted of Replicant 21, Catrus, and Sidel, a team that…was certainly eccentric in terms of the meta of Brawlerz.
Hm.
I think Refla, Koku, and Begetko should be able to easily defeat this team. Meta should be in my favor.
The set was first to three, just like his matches with Ryuji.
Alibaba elected to skip the intros, an idea that he shared with Akira.
Though the second the timer started, all pleasantries went out the window as Akira elected to start a full frontal assault.
The best offense can make for a good defense as well.
It was rather simple keeping Alibaba on his toes, Akira kept utilizing pokes and assists to maintain pressure while he went back in with his combo strings. Eventually, Alibaba was pinned against the corner, which gave Akira ample reason to amplify his pressure.
Great pressure only leads to cracks.
A simple sweeping low left him wide open, letting Akira land the first non-chip damage of the match.
Ha! There we go! Time for my Touch of Death!
Akira caused Refla to leap into the air, juggling Catrus into the air, draining him of life with each blow Akira was able to land.
Despite what Alibaba was attempting, Akira wasn't dropping this combo.
Whatever desperate buttons Alibaba was throwing out, they led to her calling in Replicant 21.
A massive mistake.
Earlier in the match, Alibaba had instantly switched her out, seemingly wanting to leave his ace in the whole.
But with this slip-up, Akira had the chance to eliminate her point and mid. And that he did with one swift amplified level 3 from all three of his characters with sparkling on.
Nice! I got this in the bag.
Maybe I'll be able to do a clean sweep? Holy shit that would be—
After their introduction clash, Sidel moved with such swiftness it was almost…surreal.
Akira didn't even register she had moved until she put him in an infinite combo loop.
Giving him not even a chance to breathe.
Excuse me?
His shock led to Koku being left wide open, something Alibaba expertly capitalized on.
Wait—
HOLY SHIT WAIT!
Akira pressed the panic button.
In most situations, Begetko's assist is incredibly viable.
But Alibaba was expecting it and reflected.
Oh no.
Sadly, it was his turn to be utterly violated by a ToD.
Oh, you have to be fucking kidding me.
Within the timespan of 30 odd seconds, Akira had lost all momentum and lost the match after it was so close.
Aw hell no! I'm not going out sad again after that asshole embarrassed me in Avenue Brawler!
Let's go—
Before he knew it, the score was 2-0 in Alibaba's favor.
It was the final match and he was down his anchor and point.
It wasn't looking too good.
Oh.
Oh wow.
…
Fuck it, we ball?
While Alibaba attempted to put him into another ToD, he tapped into his sparkling. Giving Akira the most minuteamount of hope.
He just needed to utilize the sparkling, make it last, and give up no pressure with Koku.
I can't use Naionen. Not yet.
Just utilize a set-up into a loop.
It should work.
Since the sparkling always caused the enemy to become stunned and fall towards the stage floor, Akira used this as his chance for a set-up straight into a loop.
Much to his luck, it worked.
Down one…two more.
This time, Catrus was able to get a few hits in, but they didn't matter. A simple counter worked in his favor as he used underground ki blasts to start his plan.
Luckily, Alibaba took the bait as they called in their last assist.
A teleporting dive kick into ki blasts led Alibaba's characters to be stuck in his loop that would lead to the ToD Akira was able to throw together.
Somehow? He won.
Alibaba's 16th loss.
Holy hell I don't ever want to fight them again.
Much to his dismay, a friend request came in.
FUCK.
Alibaba: You seem cool enough.
Alibaba: You still suck though. Even worse in Avenue Brawler.
What?
Wait…
No way?!
*Le Joker accepted Alibaba's close friends' request*
Le Joker: Excuse me?
*Alibaba has closed the chat room*
Oh, you have got to be shitting me.
Screw this I'm going to bed.
Ryuji Sakamoto was a mastermind at sneaking out.
Though, usually, it depended on him getting lucky so things could be easier.
Akira sleeping on the couch instead of his bedroom with a door that creaked too much if you tried slowly opening it?
Perfection.
It made getting his card all the easier.
Ryuji's midnight exploration was solely for the purpose of making it to Inokashira Park.
Sneaking around was also a pretty useful skill he treasured just as much.
After a little bit of searching, Ryuji was able to find the maintenance room with the water system. By finding the water system…he was able to manipulate the sprinklers and their timing mechanism.
As much as he was an…idiot in other regards, pranks and causing general chaos caused him to be the greatest mind in the history of humanity with Einstein coming in as a distant second.
Just as he elected to leave, in the very back of the room…he saw paint jugs.
"Aw hell yeah."
If he was going to set the record straight with the volleyball team while also proving to Morgana he could actually come up with a good prank…it wouldn't be so bad to go all the way out.