Monday, May 31st
Ryuji yawned and attempted to crack his back as he went towards the door, "Jeez…that Mako kid knows how to sucker punch someone…"
Following his lead, the two Kurusus sighed, with the oldest speaking on both their behalves, "Sorry Ryuji…I know shit got crazy—"
"Pfft, don't apologize. I wasn't kiddin'. I got your back. Same for the little asshole behind you. Through high hell and water."
Mona snorted, "Hell and high water, you monkey. But thanks…I uh…I appreciate it. I was…even wrong about you and your prank. Maybe you do have a brain in that big ass head of yours.
Ryuji nodded, "Yeah yeah, now I gotta get home and hope my mom doesn't bite my head off!"
Bidding Ryuji farewell, Akira closed the door and immediately set his sights on his younger brother, "So…considering what Iwai told me…mind telling me why you thought it was okay to—"
"Pull an Akira Kurusu? Remember the last time we had a conversation like this?"
Akira chuckled as he made his way to his phone on the countertop, "Okay, okay…trying to take my job as the protector huh? I'm slowly getting used to this idea but…if you're gonna shit-talk a group of guys who could easily beat your ass…at least make sure Ryuji or I are there or you could leave it up to the originator."
"You're acting as if you can't get your ass beat as well."
He shrugged, "Maybe, but I have it down to a science, and considering today…it's clear you don't."
Mona shrugged, "That's what you think." He paused, his face darkening as he tilted his head down, "Seriously though? Thanks for having my back. Trusting me and all that stuff. Not scolding me or…treating me like a delicate baby. I uh…I know I never apologized…for calling you a really shitty brother."
"Ah, come on man, I know you were hurt and angry."
"No, no. Well, yeah, but I can only imagine how much that hurt…especially considering the last time we had a…brotherly talk."
His eyes darkened, "Yeah."
"I'm sorry."
Akira rapped his fingers on the countertop, "And I'm sorry for never treating you like your own man."
A smile formed on his face, "Here's to us both being our own men looking out for each other. Finally somethingnormal."
Akira laughed, "We stopped being normal a long, a long time ago. But, throwing my life away each and every time you get in trouble does get a little tiring, so I think I can vibe with this whole normal thing. Just don't do anything overly stupid and I won't do anything overly stupid or complicated to save your ass."
"Ha. We'll see. Heard anything from Sojiro?"
Akira stretched, "Nope, and thank god. I don't want him to talk our ears off…"
Morgana looked down at his phone, seemingly getting a text, "Uh-huh…"
"What?"
"Nothing…it's just that mom just sent me a slew of texts worrying about if we got into a fight today…"
Akira's expression waned, but it didn't fully disappear, "I mean…uh, at least it isn't dad?"
Akira's phone buzzed, promptly causing him to put it on Do Not Disturb.
Sure that could either be dad…or Saya.
All I know is that I'm not taking that chance.
"Anyway uh…you heard anything from Kasumi…? Couldn't help but notice how she…kinda just stared at the both of us."
Mona's joyful energy fizzled out as he collapsed on the countertop, "Nope…this is just…great. Tried sending her some texts and I haven't gotten anything back, so…"
Akira winced, "Yeesh…and to think me and her got off to a good start today…"
He sighed, "At least I know what it's like to be an idiot like you…scaring off the bad bitches…"
Waving a finger, a snarky grin formed on Akira's face, "Ha, you can't say that when Haru came running up me–"
"Us.She came running up to us."
"Yeah, yeah whatever, point is she came running out of concern so…that's all you. Even Ryuji got catered by Ann…he's so lucky Ohya actually listened to him and left once he told her."
"I hate both of you."
"While you're hating on me, you should go and finish getting all the paint out of your hair dude."
Begrudgingly, he listened.
As Mona retreated into the bathroom, Akira's phone started vibrating, a sign that someone was calling his phone. It was Yusuke's number.
"Yo, Akira here."
"This is Kurusu-san, correct?"
"Kitagawa-san?"
"Yes. I received your messages, earlier."
"O-Oh, right. I almost forgot…today kinda…took a crazy turn. Did you think on it?"
"I did. Though…I'm a little bit confused on why you wish to meet in person. Why not converse here, over the phone as we are?"
Fair…
"True…but…"
Shit, come on, think of something sincere.
"Look, Kitagawa-san I…I truly do feel bad. But besides that…I want to use this as a chance to start over." God I can't believe I'm about to say this, "Makoto says you're a really nice person…so, I want to make things right. And…recently I've been having a bit of a musical rut. I think maybe even playing with you would help as well."
Yusuke paused over the line, "An actual musical rut or…is it pertaining to the sullied mood you seem to carry around every day?"
Oh for fu–
Just go along with it.
"I'm not sure…but I feel like you could offer a different perspective or approach as well."
"Hm. Well…who would I be if I ignored a fellow musician's cry for help. Sensei…shouldn't be home tomorrow after school, so I don't think anything bad would happen as well. Bring your trumpet. See you tomorrow, Kurusu-san."
"Right. Thanks, Kitagawa-san, you have no idea how this might help."
Yeah.
No idea.
Sae felt frustrated.
Sleeping with your ex would do that.
Thankfully, she was able to work her frustration away as always in her recording studio, though it was only briefly working as she couldn't focus. Soon enough, Sae realized it was something else bothering her.
This whole Yusuke and Madarame situation.
Sojiro didn't provide her with any answers besides one of the physical variety and she felt too weary to contact him—both in fear of lust overtaking them again and complete embarrassment for even letting things go that far.
She sighed as she stepped out of the studio, taking a seat in the control booth, taking a brief sip from her flask.
Sae just…didn't want Makoto to be an idiot. She didn't know how.
Until an idea formed in her head.
Tuesday, June 1st
"So uh…what was the reason you were late, yesterday? You know Maruki came up to us and asked about you?" Akira and Sojiro were alone in the band hall, the former sitting in a rolling chair, spinning around lazily. Sojiro had his office door open as he attempted to de-stress with the minuscule amount of "free time" he had in his pitiful lunch break.
Sojiro sighed, not taking his eyes away from his phone, "Look kid, it's one thing I'm even letting you inside of here during my peace and quiet. Don't push it, okay? I'm still angry at you for getting into a damn fight."
Yeah, I can tell because THIS was the thing you decided to tell everyone about.
Had to deal with dad chewing my damn ear off last night after I got off the phone with Yusuke.
Akira simply sighed as he leaned more into his chair, staring at the ceiling as the bandroom was soaked in suffocating silence.
At least until Sojiro came up with a topic.
"Speaking of which…um…mind if I say something?"
Akira could hear him place his phone down, exiting his office to block Akira's awe-inspiring view of the ceiling, "Hey, you're blocking my view!" Another joke almost slipped from his lips, but Sojiro's expression was serious, more so than usual, "But…sure, go ahead."
Sojiro sighed, "Look kid, despite the glasses, I'm not blind. I see you…struggling."
I do not want to do this right now.
Akira sat upright in his chair, his hesitation showing, "Sojiro–"
Sojiro raised a hand for him to shush, "Let me finish. I've known you for a long time. I've had to put up with you for a long time. You've been annoying…irritating, frustrating and any other descriptor but…you've never been one to half-ass something. But that's what I'm getting right now."
"Half-assing? Are you serious? I'm working my ass–"
"No, you're not. You're acting like you are. Maybe you can fool Sakamoto-kun or Mona, but despite everything, you can't fool me with your playing. It's almost like you're a phantom."
Akira faltered, taking a moment to recover himself, "So what…you're just gonna give me a verbal beat down to motivate me?"
Sojiro shook his head, closing the distance between them as he placed a hand on his shoulder, "What I'm going to give you…is the fact that we're not Tachibana. I'm…I'm not Shido."
Akira struggled to maintain eye contact, and it didn't go unnoticed.
"Right now? Its feelings like that are holding you back. Causing you to not try and view yourself as a crucial part of this program. As if you're not worthy." Sojiro struggled to push to the next part, "Maybe…one day, later on I'll tell you more but…I used to know Shido." Disbelief morphed Akira's face as he was stunned into silence, "I know how he is. What he does to you. So…I wasn't kidding before, kid. I'm here for you. Don't forget that."
The two lingered in each other's eyes until the aging band director cleared his throat, "Now, mind telling me why you're hiding out in my bandroom or?"
Akira cleared his, getting back into his usual gist, "Gonna tell me why you were late yesterday?"
"...Futaba."
Akira's face was flat, "Damn it…I owe Morgana yen now…and I'm hiding in here because I put my lips where they didn't belong…"
Sojiro's eyes lightly bounced with surprise, "Woah, you actually get play?"
"I hope you choke on ass fluids."
"I wonder how you got through your days without having a verbal punching bag before I got hired."
"Just dealing with pedophile teachers and angst, the usual."
Sojiro clicked his teeth, "Jesus…mind telling me how that paint trick worked?"
Akira immediately went back to his phone, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
With Ryuji in tow and Morgana visiting Shiho, Akira knocked on Madarame's shack, the door opening with haste as Yusuke appeared on the other end, his appearance…seemed off.
Akira couldn't exactly pinpoint it, maybe it was the fact his eyes were a bit more sunken? His clothes looser? His hair messier? His posture even worse than Ryuji's?
It was even stranger he didn't even have a reaction to Ryuji's uninvited presence.
He spoke, his voice strained as he attempted to keep it low, "Um…hi, Kurusu-san. My apologies, I forgot to inform you but…sensei has a guest at the moment."
"Oh…um…we can still come in right?"
"I-I don't–"
Ryuji spoke for the first time, "Madarame wouldn't mind right? I mean, he wanted the battle on Sunday to be full of fun and shit right? Ain't this the same thing as well?"
Yusuke faltered, seemingly shocked by Ryuji making a valid point. He sighed as he pivoted on his foot, "Close the door behind you…and please, be as quiet as possible when you're inside of my room. Sensei's not that far away."
As he walked off, Akira and Ryuji exchanged cheeky grins as the latter elbowed him, "And that is why I'm your Secretary of Cream."
Akira snickered as they went inside, locking the door and venturing toward Yusuke's room. On their way there, Ryuji stopped right before the entryway, pointing at the end of the hall as he kept his voice to a whisper, "It's down there, right?"
Akira gave a nod, "Yup. Just…be you once I leave."
"Can…I crank it up to like ten?" There was another one of Ryuji's shit-eating grins.
Who would Akira be if he denied Ryuji that luxury? "Hell yes."
Ryuji gave a fist bump as they went inside Yusuke's room, the sight being a first for the both of them.
Yusuke's "room", if you even dared to call it that, was filled to the brim with paintbrushes, canvases, broken saxophones with their parts strewn all about the floor, and sheet music.
Akira couldn't even see if he had a futon or a place to sleep in the room as well.
Considering what Nakanohara said? I'm not going to pretend as if I'm surprised all that much…
"Uh, Yusuke? As I said, I'm really sorry about the other night. That was unbecoming of me."
Yusuke grabbed two stools from his corner for the boys, allowing them to sit down, "Correct, it was. But sometimes…we all fall to unbecoming idiotic sayings. I can't hold onto ill will because of that." He moved around for a few more moments, attempting to clean up the perpetually junky room he called his home.
He took a canvas board off his stand, lazily throwing it to the side as if it was as useless as Akira declared himself at times. Upon doing that, Akira got a few of arguably one of the most beautiful paintings he had ever seen.
It was of Makoto, simply smiling with a serene giddiness in her soul. She seemed at peace.
Something he had never seen before.
Ryuji was the first to open his mouth, "W-Woah! Dude, you drew that!?"
Yusuke promptly shushed him, "Remember what I said? Please be respectful, Sakamoto-san. It's one thing I'm letting you reside in here...even though it was supposed to be just me and Kurusu-san."
Ryuji meekishly rubbed his head, "R-Right, my bad."
Out of the corner of his eye, Akira saw Ryuji give him a faint smirk.
"But yes, I drew this. I've been trying to…finish it but…nothing is working. It feels bland."
Once again, Ryuji spoke up again, "What?! How?! This is like, one of the most goddamn beautiful things I've ever 'effin' seen Kitagawa-san! Oh man, I just know you get all the bitches at Kosei!"
Yusuke seemed to realize that trying to chastise Ryuji would only result in nothing as he gave a dry chuckle, "I do not…get any women. And…sensei would disagree with you on the beautiful part. He…thinks differently about my artistic toolset. That I should be focusing strictly on my music."
"Pfft, you got Makoto right? And that's weird to say you should strictly focus on one of your passions!"
Oh, he did that on purpose.
I swear to God, Ryuji…
Yusuke waved a hand, "Niijima-san and I are just friends. I feel no sense of sexual hunger when I lay eyes upon her. I just wish to memorize her beauty on a canvas." His eyes were drawn to the canvas, taking on a darker shade, "Though…I can understand why he says that. Being drawn into your passion 100% is the mark of a true master! It's how sensei does it."
Well, I feel even worse for those thoughts last week.
"Being multi-talented is a thing. Besides, all creatives–even in the same fields–work in different ways, Yusuke." Akira muttered, he was gazing aimlessly at the painting, at least he was until Yusuke sighed.
"I suppose you are right…but, you wanted to play together, correct?"
Akira nodded, "Yup." Grabbing his trumpet from his case, he started warming up while Yusuke did the same.
Eventually, the young prodigy cleared his throat, preparing for a question, "Kurusu-san? What key do you wish to play over?"
"Uh…concert Eb? Simple enough."
Yusuke nodded as he went onto his phone, finding a backing track for the two of them to practice over.
Akira's eyes connected with Ryuji's, giving him a nod of affirmation as the blond started typing away on his phone.
Yusuke gave Akira the honors, letting him start off to dictate the tempo and pace of their improv session. Despite Akira bullshitting, he actually felt incredibly comfortable playing his trumpet again.
Almost as if Sojiro's words from the day before had some effect.
After a few minutes, Yusuke joined in, taking a melodic approach to the improv. Akira couldn't help but enjoy the approaches Yusuke were manifesting, causing the two to go back and forth, bouncing and feeding off of each other. A proper call and response.
At least they were until Akira got a phone call, "Ah shit. Hold up, Yusuke." It was Morgana, "Oh, what's up Mona? Everything alright over there with Shiho? Something wrong?"
"Yeah yeah, shut up. Appreciate the fact I'm doing this for you when I'm supposed to be relaxing. You're lucky Suzui-senpai is fine with this."
Akira looked at Yusuke while pointing at the door, his face was slightly confused until he realized what he meant, "Of course, but just…be quiet okay? Sensei's meeting."
Akira gave a nod and easily slipped out the door, closing it behind him as he heard Ryuji almost instantly attempting to indulge Yusuke in whatever random topic he could come up with.
This time it was Realm Sentiments.
Akira kept his voice low as he crouched, "Seriously? Thank you for this."
"Yeah, yeah. I owe you guys after yesterday. Just bring that old fart down."
"Yeah, yeah. Tell Shiho I said hello."
Akira hung up, stuffing his phone in his pocket as he slowly crept toward the end of the hall.
This reminds me of Kamoshida's apartment again…
Hitting the edge of the hall, he took a left, being blessed with the sight of the okiyo-e door.
Okay, this should be easy–
Oh shit.
There were a couple of things going on as Akira made his way to the door. For one he heard muffled voices behind the door. Very…pointed voices. One of which belonged to Madarame.
He's having the meeting there?
Shit…
And it's too muffled for me to try and listen in…
Secondly, he noticed that the lock on the door was gone at the moment, of course, due to the meeting.
Maybe I could try to lure them out? Sneak in?
No…that's not going to work… there are no hiding places in this insanely narrow hallway, they'll see me no matter where I try to hide…
Besides, even if I tried to get in, I have no idea how the other side of that room is…could be completely barren with no hiding spots…
Shit.
This is perfect but I literally can't capitalize off of this…and I was trying to do this before the Battle of the Bands since that's a perfect excuse…
I can't wait for Tora…like I said it could be too late for Yusuke if his current appearance is any indication…
Akira racked his brain for ideas, this couldn't be the one time his resourcefulness completely vanished.
Come on…
Come on..
Com–
His eyes widened as he looked at the opposite side of the hall, a staircase in sight.
Staircase…leading up…holy shit, there's a skylight on the shack roof.
Maybe I could leave it open?
Okay…I leave it open, but then what? We can't just sneak back in here and then get caught by Madarame or Yusuke…Nakanohara did imply he guards the fuck outta the room.
So, we need a distraction or something right?
I can't have Ryuji do it, because he's the only one that can lockpick…
Shit.
Wait…
Realization was slowly dawning upon Akira Kurusu as everything was satisfyingly fitting into place.
Makoto Niijima.
Akira carefully made his way towards the stairs, trekking up them with minimum creaking.
The top floor of the attic was filled with discarded instruments along with stacks and stacks of compositions along countless shelves.
Plus it was dusty and darkas hell.
And wooden floors again.
Great.
God I feel like I'm playing Steel Cog Solid
With a painful amount of bodily control and overthinking, Akira meticulously made his way across the dingy and suffocating attic, luckily not bumping into anything as he followed the faint light that was seeping through the–unsurprisingly–dusty and grime-riddled skylight.
He felt around some more, finding a chair to use as a stepping stool.
Opening the skylight was easy, probably the easiest ordeal.
As Akira's face started to display a satisfying grin, a question dawned upon him.
There's no way I'm gonna get away with having this open for an unknown amount of days.
Shit.
Uh…
Put something in it to leave it ajar?
Who the fuck says ajar?
Me…but I'm getting off track, I can do that but there's nothing on me I can use for–
Akira felt around his uniform, eventually brushing against his year 2 pin.
Huh.
Maybe that second uniform does have some good.
Plucking it from his blazer and positioning it just right, Akira made his way from the attic.
Well, he attempted as the okiyo-e door opened as he made his way down the flight of stairs.
Fear rippled through Akira as he tried to come up with any excuse in the book but-
The effort wasn't needed since Madarame didn't come out of the room, it was a short heavy-set man with slicked-back brown hair.
The two lingered in each other's eyes, though the older man seemed annoyed.
Madarame walked up beside the man, catching sight of Akira, "Oh…Kurusu-san. I didn't know you'd be here today…" His eyes were laced with a sense of suspension.
The heavy-set man looked at Akira one more time and left, leaving the famous artist and Band President together.
"Yeah…I asked Yusuke if I could come over."
Madarame's eyes danced with faint surprise, "Ah. That's…something considering how last week went."
Akira's eyes narrowed.
Ah, he knows what I said. Only makes sense, he would ask Yusuke why we had security after us.
Akira faked a nervous chuckle as he rubbed his cheek, "Right, right." Giving a bow, "I apologize for…the unsightly things that happened."
Madarame gave him a gaze, "Well, it's all water under the bridge. I just hope…that you're not letting silly rumors get into your head. That would be unfortunate if that taints your view on me, who knows how that would affect things coming up."
Akira lifted his head, Is…is this supposed to be a threat?
Going along with it, he nodded as Madarame retreated back into the okiyo-e room. Akira went back to Yusuke's room, with his best friend chewing Yusuke's ear off, "So, Phantom Will right? He's hella hard, but if you keep usin' an easy ass strategy he–"
He and Ryuji's eyes met, his less-than-enthusiastic gaze let Ryuji know something didn't go right, "Hey uh…Morgana said something's wrong with Shiho. I was gonna go see her, you want to come with?"
Ryuji nodded, "Ah…shit, that sucks to hear…yeah, I'll come."
Akira gave Yusuke a nod, "I'm sorry, Yusuke. But uh…about your painting, I had an idea, just call Niijima-senpai and see if she'll drop by for a visit. I think she's gonna be free for the rest of this week, but Saturday's probably the best bet."
"Hm…perhaps you are right. If I can't get it right, then the subject could enlighten me…what a smart idea, Kurusu-san. Perhaps you aren't so bad."
Grabbing his trumpet, Akira chuckled, "Maybe I'm not."
Wednesday, June 2nd
Akira had a few things on his mind. Ever since yesterday and Madarame's words…he couldn't help but come to the conclusion that Yusuke's appearance clearly had something to do with him.
It was the only logical conclusion and that frustrated him, so, so much.
The frustration wasn't missed by Ryuji as they went on their lunch break, the two of them seeking out their usual food.
Akira grabbed his mochi bread and parfait while Ryuji only took his grape juice. Like Tuesday, Akira returned to his hiding spot with Ryuji in tow, the bandroom.
As Akira took tiny bites of his bread, Ryuji spoke, "Are you okay dude?"
"Yeah…I'm good. Just thinking about this…stuff."
Taking a prolonged final sip, Ryuji pretended to stroke a fake beard, once again bringing forth the Ryudalf personality, "Ah…my wise child. You seemed to be troubled. May I interest you in…a stress reliever?"
Akira eyed him suspiciously, "If it's the same type of stress reliever that currently has me hiding from Saya Nagase? Hellno."
"Okay, okay, just wait a damn minute Aki, I promise it won't go bad. It'll just be the two of us, y'know? So…"
Akira slowly nibbled on his bread as he continued staring at him, "Okay, I'm just going to hearyou out. That's all."
Ryuji took a look around the bandhall, making sure Sojiro's office door was closed, "Okay, so…" He reached into his bag, pulling out a bright pink poster, "I found this stuffed into my mailbox. Luckily I found it before my old lady did…but, dude…it's a housekeepin' service. With maids. Maids!Apparently, they're supposed to do anythin'for you! C'mon, ain't this fun?!"
Akira finished his bread, taking his time to swallow to make Ryuji wait with bated breath, after giving a satisfied sigh, he turned to his best friend, his hand on his shoulder, and finally spoke, "What the fuck is wrong with you?"
"Hey, I heard that!" For some godforsaken reason, Mishima came hobbling from the hallway, "I..uh…I heard all of that."
You have got to be shitting me.
"So? You gonna snitch on us or something?"
Ryuji looked back at Akira, "Oh? Does that mean you're gonna come along Aki-chan?"
Akira shrugged, "Maybe, but first, we gotta figure out what Mr. Drum Major plans to do with this information."
Mishima nervously swallowed his spit, "I just…want to come with."
Excuse me?
"Woah…I didn't know Mishima here had a thing for maids. Or…that you had an interest in anythin' relatin' to women!"
Akira snickered, "I would say that I'm surprised he has the balls to ask to join in on something immoral but…I think we already know he has a mean streak."
Mishima swallowed again, "I…just want to make sure the members of our band council are being properly accommodated. That you guys aren't being scammed!"
The two best friends looked at each other and then Mishima suspiciously, with the Band President speaking first, "Okay…I'm gonna pretend like a lick of that was true. Uh…Ryuji? I guess this is your call man."
He shrugged, "I guess I don't really mind, just don't be on some weird shit, okay?" Mishima nodded as Ryuji yawned, "We'll have to call the maid to this vacant apartment above mine, dude just moved out and the key's behind the mailbox so…"
Akira started moving onto his parfait, "So, when do you guys wanna do this? Today or…?"
"Hell no to today, we got practice and I know I'll be exhausted…tomorrow would be good, actually." Ryuji greedily rubbed his hands together as he energetically pumped a fist in the air, "We're about to become beings greater than the most awesome men on the planet…tomorrow, we commence Operation Maidwatch!" He quickly turned back to the boys, "Can you guys please promise to not tell Oh–"
Sojiro quickly opened his office door, jabbing a frustrated finger at the trio, "I don't know what the hell you three are talking about, but keep it down! I'm tryna watch some damn TV!"
Ryuji's energy was stripped away, "S-Sorry, Boss."
"Huh. I kinda like that…but just keep it down. I'm already doing you assholes a favor letting you inside of here during my lunch time." And with that, he closed the door, leaving Ryuji with a faint grin on his face.
I don't like the feeling of this.
Thursday, June 3rd
Goth Goddess: Hey, Akira I need a favor. Mind being my Guinea Pig again?
As Akira made his way down the steps of Shujin Academy, narrowly avoiding the likes of Saya, Ren, Kazuhiro, and Shigeo, a thought ballooned in his head.
Okay…an incredibly shady doctor who's arguably one of the prettiest women I've ever encountered drugging me, poking and prodding at me, and perpetually giving me blue balls or…
Operation Maidwatch with my best friend…and Yuuki Mishima.
The maid could be really pretty though…
Or really ugly.
Hmm…those are hard odds. Plus who's the say she could be pretty enough to balance the insufferable annoyance of Yuuki Mishima…
Plus, him being there kinda raises the chances of that prophecy coming true.
Oh fuck it.
Akira: I kinda got something tonight so…
Goth Goddess: Beating your meat doesn't count as something, Akira.
Goth Goddess: Besides, I promise it won't take long, okay?
Akira: You're being unusually nice…I…I don't trust this.
Goth Goddess: For once in our Doctor-Patient relationship, I'm being sincere. Plus, I'm sober if that's any consolation.
Akira: Gee…sobriety as a doctor, how…unexpected.
Goth Goddess: Your sarcasm reeks.
Goth Goddess: Just come to the clinic, I promise it won't be long.
Akira felt a tap on his shoulder and his entire soul almost left his body as he yelped.
OH GOD ITS SAYA SHE FOUND—
It was Haru, extremely confused, "Aki-chan, it's me. Jeez, are you okay?"
Akira felt his nerves calm down as he took the sight of Haru in, "Y-Yeah, I'm okay. Just…caught me off guard is all."
"Seems like I have to do that…you haven't been to the roof since last week…and you've barely been replying to my texts. Did I do something wrong?"
No! I just kissed a girl and she's trying to talk to me at every chance and I'm a coward who avoid his problems, and I also feel that if I tell you, it'll be weird as shit, and I'm also avoiding you because of those damn rumors and I wanna give you a break!
Yeah.
And I'm rambling.
God.
He sighed, "Far from it, you've done nothing wrong. I've just been busy with…everything, you know?"
"I see…in that case, mind if I relax you with…some food?"
Goddamn it Ryuji!
GODDAMN IT TAKEMI!
Akira felt a piece of him die as he spat out a hasty reply, "I'm sorry Haru, but I got some things to do today. I promise I'll hangout with you as soon as possible, okay?" He sped off in the direction of the train station, leaving Haru as confused as ever.
As she scribbled away at the many documents that required her signature while surrounded by her fellow council members, Makoto's phone began to ring, revealing the name of one Yusuke Kitagawa.
Hesitance struck through her like a lance as Sae's words burrowed their way back into her head.
Ever since that night, Makoto had been ignoring Yusuke's texts–although that wasn't too difficult for the fledgling woman as his texts stopped manifesting that Wednesday night as, according to Yusuke, 'I'm going to be busy for a while.'
Again, while Makoto didn't know Yusuke intimately, there was a portion of her brain that kept nagging at her, bringing Yusuke's sudden disappearance to the forefront of her consciousness rather frequently to a very irritating degree.
Why?
She couldn't figure it out herself.
Well, more accurately, Makoto knew.
She wanted answers.
As always she wanted answers, no matter what.
It was the reason why she came across Yusuke in the first place, as her search for an Akira Kurusu-variant of answers led to their meeting. Her search for answers based upon Ryuji Sakamoto's warning caused her to go to the festival.
Her search for answers led her to stay by Kitagawa's side, eventually leading to her and Akira attempting to pry a little deeper in different ways.
Although both attempts led to the same failure.
Once again, her search for answers reared its unquenchable head once again.
She answered the phone, "Hi, Kitagawa-kun!"
Tora perked up once hearing Yusuke's name.
"Hi, Niijima-senpai. Sorry for calling you…I felt as if I should've, considering the sudden nature of my disappearance."
Makoto interrupted him, "Are you okay now?"
"Yes, of course, I just had a…cold. I usually get rather sick this time of the year. I guess I could attribute it to a…pollen allergy."
Busyness was just code for sickness?
That…that's not very convincing Kitagawa…
But…he doesn't have to tell you everything, Makoto. It could just be something he doesn't feel comfortable telling me just yet.
Yes, that could just be…
Tinges of the festival replayed in her head along with Akira's rant filled with accusations, causing her frustrations to manifest again.
As if.
Figure out an angle.
While Makoto was lost in the vast expanses of her brain, Yusuke began speaking again, "Although, I must admit, I'm rather surprised you answered the phone, however…I know…our last encounter didn't go that well."
"That's…an understatement, but it wasn't your fault."
"I suppose that is correct. Which is why I decided to contact you."
Her mind instantly jumped to the Tokyo Dome once more, "I…I don't know if I have the drive to go back to the dome, Kitagawa-kun…"
"Oh, that's quite alright, Niijima-san. Thanks to the valuable words of someone, it made me realize that I need your input and presence to help finish my painting of you."
There.
"Oh! So you're asking for me to come over? I don't have any objections to that."
There was a sense of optimism in Yusuke's voice following the suggestion, "Ah, that could be perfect. I already had Saturday in mind and since I already know the music for Sunday, Madarame shouldn't have any qualms about your presence. Is that okay?"
She gave a verbal nod, "Uh-huh, great! I'll see you then." After a goodbye, Makoto hung up the phone.
This…is good.
I'm doing things my own way.
Tora was the first to speak, "Must be cool getting contacted by someone as talented as Kitagawa-kun, or is it just more of the same, Makoto?"
Placing her phone on the table, Makoto snickered a bit, "More of the same. Though…this time is a little different."
Tora looked in Shiro's direction, "Seems like you have even more competition, kid. Tighten up on your trumpet play."
Shiro scowled at Tora, "As if. And stop calling me a kid! Kitagawa isn't thattalented."
"Ooh, that's a bold statement, what do you think, Saya?"
In any other case, Saya would've just waved the conversation off with a snarky remark, but this time she was just sitting in her chair, looking dejected and miserable.
It had been a common trend for her ever since the week started, something that the three of them kept pondering over.
They had came to the conclusion that trying to interact normally might…change things, but…this wasn't going anywhere.
Tora sighed as Makoto chastised the both of them, things settling down as they handled their respective duties.
Tora's most pressing duty? Texting Akira Kurusu.
Tora-senpai: Saturday, afterschool. Sorry this took so long Kurusu-kun, things are still a bit of a mess after the incident on Monday so…
Akira: Right…still, I'm so sorry about that.
Tora-senpai: No apology needed, it spiced up an already miserable event. Plus, seeing Iwai fight is something I haven't seen since my first-year…a pleasure to see.
A smirk formed on Akira's face.
Akira: I'm glad to have put on a rousing show.
Akira: But seriously, thanks for the tip. Gotta go tho, pressing duties.
Tora gave Akira's message a thumbs-up as he walked into the clinic, immediately graced with the ever-so-pleasant and terrifying sight of Tae Takemi.
Her eyes lit up once seeing her "precious" guinea pig, "You're late, piggie."
He went straight towards the examination room, "You didn't state a time, and let's get this over with."
Her eyes faintly widened as she made her way to the back as well, Akira flopping onto the examination bed, "Seems like someone has some moxy today."
"Well, as I said, I really do have some shit to deal with today. You said it was quick, so let's make it be so."
She nodded as she sat in her chair, turning to her desk and concocting something that Akira couldn't see, "Huh. You're serious for once. Color me surprised. Another lady in your life? Makoto by chance?"
"When were you ever the main lady in my life? And hell no…just something with some friends."
"Hm. I see. And I became the main lady in your life once you fell for my luscious body."
Unbeknownst to her, Akira rolled his eyes with the might of a thousand men, "Jesus Christ, Takemi."
She spun around to greet his unamused face, holding a shot glass in her hands, "Here."
"Wha…what the hell is this? Takemi I don't know if you forgot with all the flirting, but I'm still a mino–"
She snorted, "Flirting? Try again. And relax, this is just a mixture of non-alcoholic beverages with a few chemicals and herbs mixed in. I'm not that reckless to have a child consume alcohol. At least not here."
Akira reluctantly grabbed the glass, "Gee, that's…so reassuring. So, what's supposed to happen when I take it?"
She grabbed her clipboard, "I'm not exactly sure, but it should boost your cognitive functions, at least for optimal output. Something like a…brain booster that fills in the gaps where your brain may be lacking or struggling."
"Ah…so, something like clarity? No awful drug trips? Oh, I'm all in." Akira downed it in one go. It didn't have a partially awful taste, in fact it tasted like nothing at all.
Huh.
Ten minutes passed before Takemi spoke, "You felt anything yet?"
Akira flexed his arms and hands, "Uh…no, nothing really. Maybe a little less tired? Which I guess technically works with what you were looking for."
She jotted down a note as another twenty minutes passed, "Takemi?"
She had been looking at her phone, "Hm?"
"Can I go now? I bet the sun's starting to fall and wanted this to be over before then."
She looked at him hesitantly, but agreed as she gave him a nod, "Text me if you feel anything else, okay?"
He hopped off the bed and made his way toward the door, "Stop being so nice, it's actually terrifying. But I will."
After making it back to Sojiro's apartment to change his clothes–his usual grey and black button-up with jeans–Akira bid Morgana farewell as he embarked on his quest of bullshit at Ryuji's apartment complex.
Ryuji: Remember to like...not do anything relating to Mishima. I dunno how this shit works but if we don't have the talk then Chihaya's wrong, right?
Akira: I hope.
Ryuji: Anyway...It's time for maids BITCH!
"What the fuck…?" It came out as a slight mutter as he closed the door, releasing his sight from the phone, and elected to gaze down the hallway. As he pocketed his phone, Akira was met with the sight of Makoto with sunglasses by the elevator. Her pose was strange, her arms were slightly from her side, angled in a way to radiate her build. Her legs were wide as her body slightly leaned to the side.
It was almost as if she was a supervillain.
He groaned, "Makoto…you haven't been to my apartment in over a month, what is it now? The fight?" He paused, "Did…Did Saya tell you—"
Makoto suddenly jerked her sunglasses off, catching Akira off guard. Her eyes were laced with an intense hatred and it was pointed directly at him. "M-Makoto?!"
With an incredible burst of speed, she lunged towards him, which caused Akira to scream at the top of his lungs and cower in fear as he braced for impact.
Except…it never came.
Behind Akira, he heard the door open, Morgana's voice was panicked, "Akira?!"
Akira's panicked eyes shot around the hallway, trying to see where Makoto went. She was nowhere to be found.
Wha…what the FUCK?!
He shot his head back towards Morgana, "D-Do you see anyone else out here?!"
Confusion formed on Mona's face, "No…? Are…are you okay? Did you get enough sleep last night?"
A bead of sweat came down his face as he pulled himself off the floor, still looking around cautiously, "Y-Yeah…I'm okay…listen uh…lock the door the second you get inside of the apartment…I'm gonna go…"
Morgana slowly nodded as he retreated back into their home, keeping a concerned eye on Akira, "Okay…?"
Once the door closed, Akira looked around, his panic clear on his face, but no matter how hard he looked, he didn't see Makoto again.
Maybe I didn't get enough sleep…
Akira smacked his face a couple of times with both hands to rejuvenate himself, calling the elevator up as he intended to make it to the lobby.
Though, once he pressed the button and the elevator doors closed, he felt another presence with him.
A slow, agonizing look to his left revealed Makoto, still as angry as ever.
Akira jumped back, slamming into the wall and sending a flurry of pain throughout his body but his fear overpowered it, "Makoto?! What the hell?!"
Makoto approached him, slamming her hand into the wall behind him as a terrifying sneer formed on her face, "You know what I like about you Akira? That fact you serve zero purpose. You should kill yourself now."
Akira's face of fear was quickly replaced with confusion as he stared at her, "W-What?"
"You should release the piece of oxygen that inhabits your little pathetic cuck body so it can go into the ozone layer of this blue-trapped bubble. Do some good for once."
A voice behind her called out, a very familiar one, "Okay, okay, that's enough, Mako-chan."
Haru–-or Therapist Milk Goddess Haru-–stepped forward with her pink glasses on her face, petting a black cat with blue eyes as she met Akira with a satisfying smile, "Hi, Aki-chan. It's been a minute since we've talked."
Mako-chan sighed as she pulled away from Akira, giving him a chance to breathe as she lamented, "I'm gonna get you to taste the syrup, bitch."
What the FUCK IS THE SYRUP?
Akira rubbed his eyes, hoping for the women to disappear, but nothing came, which…only made him come to a startling conclusion.
No…no…thi–this can't be.
"Oh my god, I'm tripping. Is this real? Am I still at the clinic?" Akira started to grab at tufts of his hair, "Fuck…fuck…FUCK!"Akira grabbed his phone from his pocket, immediately dialing Takemi, "Takemi! Hey! Uh, that shit is hitting! I feel like I'm on a perc or some shit and now I'm seeing Makoto a-and, and Haru and some fucking cat–"
"Hey! I'm not a cat! It's me you asswipe!" Akira's eyes widened as he heard Morgana's voice…coming from the cat..
Wha–
"Wha…what? What?! What!? What the hell?!" Akira got onto his knees, crawling closer to Haru and snatching Mona from her hands, cuddling his little brother with his voice rife with anguish, "Oh my god! What the hell did they do to you?! Morgana!"
Morgana's bright blue eyes peered up at him, "They didn't do anything to me! I'm just a cat now!"
"But I just left you at the apart–" He shook his head as he remembered he was drugged.
Yeah, I'm seriously tripping balls.
Remembering he was on the phone, he let Mona free from his grasp as he spoke once more to Takemi, "Tae? Tae? You got any advice for this?"
"Yeah, you should probably text me back, Akira." Her voice morphed into Saya's, causing Akira to drop his phone in fear.
"Wha–what the fuck is going on?!"
The elevator became engulfed in a blinding blue light from Akira's phone, until it dissipated to reveal Saya in her outfit from Akira's last conversation with her.
Oh no.
She hopped into his face, pinching his cheeks while a searing smile formed on her face, "Kurusu-kun! How are you? I missed you soooo much! Why are you avoiding me?" While maintaining the smile on her face, it pinches became tighter and tighter, until Akira was screaming in pain.
At least he was until the elevator doors opened.
Oh great, Someone gets to see me having hallucinations.
If…if this is real.
The doors split apart to bless Akira with the sight of…Lavenza? It was his Lavenza, but the only difference was that she was wearing this long and lush beautiful velvet dress with a book in her hands, and her hair was pulled back by a hair band. With her eyes on Akira's poor state, she chuckled as she stepped into the elevator, "I can't believe you've been ignoring my texts for these…little girls when I'm right here."
That caused Makoto to jerk her head towards the freshly joined woman, "How dare you? If you ever speak my damn name again I'm going to get my Covenant Cloaks to hunt you down with the goddamn Saturn Stick."
Haru nervously laughed, "Mako-chan, I don't think you–"
Lavenza simply smirked as she shot a playful gaze at Akira, "It's apparent you have…varied taste."
You could say that.
Lavenza continued, simply ignoring Makoto as she wrenched Saya's hands from Akira's face, "And I'd suggest you'd leave your sullied hands off of his above-average face, it's the only thing he has for him."
"Hey!" Akira's outburst didn't register to either of them since the girls–bar Haru, started harking on each other.
Wearily, Akira looked at his warped reflection in the top of the elevator, his face flat.
This…
This is going to be a long night.
Ryuji kept looking at his phone, the night only getting darker and darker, as he and Mishima stood outside the vacant apartment.
It had been ten minutes since their set time and Akira hadn't even shown up yet.
Goddamn it, where is that asshole?!
I wanna be a satisfied customer!
Ryuji squatted as he groaned, checking his phone.
Course…no responses from Ohya…
Wait, I'm supposed to be textin' that asswipe!
Ryuji: YOOOOO
Ryuji: Where ya at man?
A sigh slipped from Ryuji's lips as Mishima cleared his throat, "U-Um, Sakamoto-san? Can I ask a question?"
"No, you're not gettin' first dibs."
Mishima became flustered, "N-No! I just…I um…I wanted to ask…do you hate me?"
Ryuji's face scrunched up into confusion, but shook his head, "Nah. I uh…if I'm bein' real, I don't give a shit about you. What you did…everythin' with Shiho…" Ryuji's hand balled up into a fist but he loosened it, "yeah, I 'effin hate it. But…" He sighed, "I'm tired of bringin' that asshole back into the present. He's gone. We got him outta here. We all got a clean break. Which…includes you as well. Don't squander it, and don't try to get pity from any of us. Just try."
Huh.
Wow.
I actually…sounded smart!
Awesome!
Mishima digested his words, giving a nod before asking another question, "Uh…does Kurusu-kun hate me?"
Ryuji looked at him and busted out into laughter as he went back to his phone. Which did nothing for Mishima's self-esteem.
Ryuji: Yo, did Akira leave yet?
Mona: Yeah? Like twenty minutes ago. He was kinda…outta it though when he left.
Ryuji: wym?
Mona: Well, when he stepped out, he started screaming and fell onto the floor outside. He looked like he shitted his pants.
Ryuji: wtf?
Mona: Same shit I said…
Before Ryuji could reply, he heard tumbling in the staircase, causing him and Mishima to go check it out, only to see Akira sprawled on the landing, struggling to stand up as he tried to push something off him?
Ryuji quickly ran to his side, "Dude, what the hell is goin' on? You okay?"
Akira grabbed onto Ryuji, gripping him with an intensity that was only multiplied by the bloodshot glossy gaze he had in his eye, "R-Ryuji?"
"Y-Yeah? Dude, what's up with you?"
Akira did a dazed look around the landing, "I'm uh…I'm fine. Are you ready for the maid…?"
"Y-yeah…Mishima, go into the apartment and call the number."
"W-What? Why me?!"
"You're the one who forced themselves into our plan."
Plus you seem to be the only…other person who's actually all here at the moment.
Ryuji slid underneath Akira's arm, supporting him and his weight as he heard, "F-Fuck off Makoto…he's real…Golden Stallion isn't coming for me…"
Did…didya take a perc or somethin' man?
Akira was sprawled on the floor of the vacant apartment while mindlessly staring at the ceiling. He was sure Mishima and Ryuji were saying something but it was hard to make them out when Therapist Milk Goddess Haru, Mako-Chan, Morgana The Cat, Lavenza The Velvet Attendant, and Saya The Horn Dog were all crowding around him arguing with each other.
Well, it was mainly Mona, Lavenza, and Saya throwing jabs at each other, Haru was simply listening to Makoto lay by Akira's ear, saying the vilest shit in the world, "So, you see I'm gonna have my–my Covenant Cloaks hold you down and rip the clothes from your body in the cold snow-caked grounds of the forest. I'll command the Golden Stallion to hold you face down in the snow, butt ass naked while I slowly make my walk towards you in my golden fuckin' cloak. Each step I take? You get scared, fearful, timid, and aroused. Because deep down, you know you're excited for the pegging from my Majestic Makoto Mace that'll take–"
Okay, I don't give a shit if this is real anymore–
"GRAGH!" It was probably the ugliest scream Akira could muster, and he felt the judging gazes from his fellow bandsmen, not that it mattered though. He groaned as he rolled onto his stomach, his hands covering his eyes as he hoped and prayed to whatever god would listen to his pleas.
Akira Kurusu simply wished to open his eyes and to be back in his bed.
Alone.
Resting.
Vibing.
Anything was better than this.
Akira removed his hands to see a pair of feet in front of him. Only one, and it belonged to Ryuji.
Oh, thank you Buddha, I'm free!
Akira shot up from the ground, hugging Ryuji with the tightest hug he had ever given anyone. "Oh my god Ryuji, you don't know how happy I am to see your fa–" Akira pulled back to see Ryuji…with a beard.
Ryudalf.
Oh.
Okay.
This isn't real then.
Ryuji–or Ryudalf's face was laced with nothing but pure confusion, "Dude, what the hell is goin' on with you?!"
Akira dropped his head as he sighed, "I'm just gonna go onto the balcony."
Yup, killing myself in this drug trip is probably the fastest way to get out of this.
I'll never forgive Tae for this.
Quick and easy my goddamn ass!
As Akira made it to the balcony, with the fresh Tokyo breeze enveloping him, he felt presences by his side, not that he needed to look—he already knew the girls would come back soon enough.
Lavenza was the first to speak, "I can say, this is truly enjoyable to watch, Akira. It almost makes up for you abandoning me."
Saya snorted, "With that attitude, no wonder he doesn't talk to you." She shuffled closer to Akira, trying to smother him in kisses but luckily, Mako-Chan had that handled as she flicked her in the forehead, "Ow!"
Mako-Chan pointed at her with an intense ferocity, "Nobody gets to touch my little cuck."
I…thank you?
I think I'd much rather be called a twink…
Haru, with Morgana peering at his older brother with eyes that held no remorse, walked up to the railing with Akira, "Pretty nice sight tonight, isn't it?"
He shrugged, "I guess." He looked down at the street below, "So, this is like the…fourth floor? You think if I just jump it'll be a clean break? Or–"
She instantly knew the answer to his question, "You'd definitely have to land on your head for some damage. Don't know if it'll kill you or make you a vegetable."
Morgana gave some input-–or, well, a suggestion-–,"Do a flip! It'll be gnarly!"
Akira gazed at Morgana, unamused, "You're even more annoying as a cat. That's amazing. Holy shit."
Haru cleared her throat, making Akira center in on her and ignore the bickering from the other girls, "Do you know why this trip is happening?"
"Because I decided to fall for Takemi's fucking thighs again?"
"Yes, but…think about all the girls that are around you? What do we all have in common?"
"Uh…they're all really pretty?"
Haru snickered, "True…but outside of that?"
Akira sat on the question for a moment, trying to piece it together, "They…are all women I have some sort of feelings for? Though, Makoto is debatable."
"True, and she is not debatable. I know your thoughts, remember? But, all of us here are examples of your hesitancy. Your inability to commit."
"Pfft, I don't have a problem committing. I told Ryuji why I'm not going after Saya, and how me and Makoto aren't gonna work…plus I'm just busy."
Haru snorted, "All about a connection, right? Chemistry? Vibes? All of that…perfectly encapsulates our relationship in the material world…and yet…you haven't done anything with me. Or are your misadventures of getting drugged and screwing around with Ryudalf and Morgana really making you busy?"She paused, carefully attempting to word her next phrase, "At this point…I don't think it's still your reluctance to open up…me and you…we're past that. And yet…you still aren't trying. Madarame's valid, but he doesn't take up all your time…and the way things are looking? You won't be able to use him as an excuse much longer, Aki-chan."
Akira's mouth was partially agape as he struggled to try and find a rebuttal.
But of course, it would be hard to find one when she was seemingly right.
Haru gave Akira a smile as she leaned in, giving him a kiss.
Pulling back, Akira's eyes widened with fear.
He was staring into the beautiful and piercing brown eyes of Mika Miyashita.
He backed up until he hit the edge of the railing, terror filling every portion of his being as he saw every other girl as Mika as well. They all smiled at him, speaking in unison, "What's wrong sweetie? Didn't you miss me?"
But before anything else could happen, Mishima came from inside causing them to explode into smoke, "Hey, Kurusu-san? A-Are you okay? Sakamoto-san asked me to come and check on you."
He sighed as he shakily turned back to gaze over the railing, "Great…now I have to see you…yeah, I'm fine, Mishima."
"Um, I called the maid service, they should be here in a few minutes…so…yeah." Akira didn't reply. Much to his better judgment, Mishima decided to ask a question, "Kurusu-san? Do you hate me?"
Akira snapped his head to Mishima, a pause happening before he broke out into laughter, "Wow! Haru is hilarious, I see where she's going with this." Mishima's face contorted with confusion as Akira cleared his throat, taking on a zen expression, "No. I, Akira Souji Kurusu, do not hate you."
Mishima let out a nervous chuckle, "O-Oh, I'm sur–"
"In fact I loathe you…it's incredible. It's truly incredible how you think we can be chill with each other when you sent my brother to become a punching bag, for Shiho to be violated, to leak my record…and for you to somehowbe smashing a fucking PAAG at Big Bang Burger. How are you getting more play than me in the Month of Wooing? What's your secret man? Are you just packing a goddamn monster in those pants?!" Akira grabbed Mishima, shaking him, "What's your goddamn secret!? Tell me man! Tell me!"
"K-Kurusu–"
Ryudalf came from inside the apartment, separating the two, "Dude, what the hell is wrong with you tonight?! D-Did you go to Takemi's or somethin'?!"
Akira would've answered if he hadn't puked over the railing.
Mishima kept rubbing his neck, trying to make sure he was fine, "I…I don't know how you know about me and Noyama-senpai b-but…I don't have a secret…I have nothing…I'm just a eunch…"
Ryuji, while rubbing Akira's back, shot of a look of sheer hatred, "How the fu–"
The doorbell rung, causing the two to freeze, "Hello! Maid service!"
Ryuji was the first to speak, "D-Dude, Akira! Akira! Dude, get your ass together, there's a hot sexy maid in the area! What do we do?!"
Akira sluggishly pulled himself from the railing, "W-What are you two panicking about…you came up with this shit yourself…"
"I–I uh…just get your ass up and help! I thought you were gonna take the lead on this like usual! My stomach and hands are crampin' like hell!"
Akira rolled his eyes, "P-Pussy…"
Mishima was the next to speak as he smacked his forehead, "God I just wanted to get closer to you two! Now I'm going to be involved with a s-sex worker! Goddamn it!"
"Gee, Yuuki! If you wanted to get closer to us you should've just asked for a hangout at a ramen spot, not a FUCKIN' debactury-filled night with a goddamn maid you stupid FUCKIN' idiot, what the hell did you think would happen?! We'd take out little teapots and cancel the order and hash out our issues?!"
The bell rang once again, "Hello?"
"I–I didn't think that far ahead!"
Ryudalf looked between Akira and Mishima, and then at the apartment's front door. He cursed under his breath.
Another bell rang, "Hello! I'm coming in!"
Ryuji's eyes grew to the size of basketballs as he and Mishima looked at each other in fear, neither of them had any idea on what to do.
So, what do teenage boys do when they're stuck in compromising situations?
They panic and run.
"I'm so sorry, but you got this right? I'll pay you back! J-Just don't let her know you're a high school student!"
Wow, this might be the most chaotic of my visions.
Nah…the Sperm Patrol was crazy…
Ryuji pulled Mishima with him, somehow making it to the other balcony and hiding behind the railing.
Guess I gotta turn this trip into what I want it to be…lucid dreaming, right?
Akira pulled himself up and wiped his mouth, deciding to look mysterious as he gazed over the balcony.
If he was gonna be stuck in the trip until God knows when, why not have some fun with it?"
The maid approached Akira, stepping to the balcony's sliding door, "Welcome home, master! I'm Becky, and I'll have the pleasure of serving you tonight! I'm going to fill your tired heart full of lovelyenergy. Meow~"
To his right, Akira heard Ryuji give a muted cry in agony, to which he snickered and cleared his throat, "Nice to…mee-ow-t you."
This is the worst shit I've ever said.
Becky snickered, "We're going to get along sowell, master!"
Huh.
She sounds a little bit like Kawakami-sensei…
Becky walked closer, getting right next to Akira's ear, "While I can clean, cook, do laundry…I can also easily provide anything you'd want, master."
Holy shit I really am weak to whispering.
"Hmm? You look…young, master." Becky paused, "Are…are you perhaps in…high school?"
Akira snickered as he spoke, "Nah, I'm a dad."
While Becky did laugh, she sighed, "That almost reminded me of someone I begrudgingly like, master! But it seems like…I'll hold off on some services until you've grown by…a year?"
Idiotically, Ryuji screamed, almost lurching over the balcony as he reached out in agony, "No! W-Wait!"
Mishima quickly shushed him, "Quiet!"
"S-Shit, run!"
Becky stepped past Akira, examining the other railing but it was so dark nothing could be made out except the silhouettes of two teenage boys descending down the staircase on the side of the apartment complex.
"Was that…Mishima and Sakamoto-kun…?" Becky turned around, "And you're–"
Much to his surprise, and enjoyment, Becky turned out to be the Victorian Maid version of Kawakami all the way back from his first vision.
She sighed, "Did Chouno tell you to do this? Where is that harpy?"
Akira looked confused, "Now this trip is getting pretty weird…but what does it matter about Chouno? It's just you and me…Becky."
Kawakami snickered with a faint blush on her face, "Kurusu-kun, I'm being–"
"A student and a teacher…oh man, how rousing. Seems like the delinquent has been so bad…in need of a proper education?"
Kawakami eyed him, "A-Are you okay?"
"Nope, and it's because I desperately need proper teaching and punishing, Kawakami-sensei."
Push it!
Akira leaned forward, almost connecting lips but Kawakami wisened up, smacking him across the face. Her face was bright red as Akira struggled to stand upright from the power, "H-Hey! Goddamn it, I asked a question!" Seeing his frame double over, she started to realize what she exactly did, "O-Oh my god, I'm so sorry Kurusu-kun! Are you okay?"
Akira was kneeling over nor from the power or from how much it hurt.
He was just in shock that it…hurt.
It hurt…?
It hurt?
…it hurt.
His eyes widened.
It hurt.
He puked over the edge one more time.