Hello everyone, we have arrived at the downward slope of the Amagi Obsession. I didn't intend for this to be, but it is the longest chapter of the story thus far. I considered splitting this into two parts, but I felt like everything involved was relevant to the theme of acceptance. I took sometime to revisit this chapter and add additional dialogue I felt was necessary. I hope you will please read at a good pace, don't overwhelm yourself, its a lot to take in. Next week's chapter will be the final installment of this story.
The Amagi Obsession
Chapter 15: Acceptance
"Pain. Aching pain."
"It was the first sensation I felt in days."
"An ailing wound that would take years to heal."
Yukiko's eyes slowly fluttered open. The whiteness of celling lights was the first sight to greet her. Their brightness pierced her retina like the sun never had. She blinked fervently, her pupils beginning to water. Yukiko cursed silently. "I must have fell asleep with the lights on again."
The Amagi heiress didn't have poor eyesight, but saying they were sensitive was an understatement. Sudden changes in lighting had always been a bother. Not to mention, her head was throbbing. Glancing back, the pillow underneath had gone flat.
Sighing, Yukiko felt the urge to rub some feeling back into her eyes. Some relief was warranted. She moved her arm but was met with a sudden sharp pain and the feeling of metal scrapping against skin.
CLANK!
"Ow!" She cried out as her wrist twisted. Something was restraining her movement. Yukiko glanced down. Her eyesight began to adjust to their surroundings and no sooner than did her heart begin to pound. A pair of handcuffs was shackled tightly around her wrist and conjoined directly to the bed she found herself on.
"What is going on?" she gasped.
She pulled at the handcuffs, but to no avail. Each tug caused her wrist to strain. They were tightly clamped. Unlocking them without a key was nigh impossible.
Yukiko's confusion didn't cease there. Her eyes darted desperately around the room looking for anything in sight to clue her in. Immediately the feeling of unfamiliarity came. The quaint room had an odd air of melancholy. The walls, curtains, and shiny tiles complimented the brightness. Everything was adorned in a bland white.
It didn't take her long to realize, that this wasn't her room.
Panic began to set in, leaving Yukiko's thoughts to run wild.
"Okay, seriously, what is happening here?"
"Why am I in handcuffs!?"
"I just went to school and then went home. I don't understand?!"
Yukiko's head was already throbbing, and with all this excitement a headache was coming on. Glancing down, she noticed that her left arm was still free from restraint. Despite being trapped, some sort of comfort was warranted. In slow motions, she massaged her eyelids.
Then she followed up by trailing her fingers over the top of her forehead. To Yukiko's surprise they were met with a texture that was most certainly not skin.
Her fingers continued to rub the grainy texture around her skull until they arrived at the back. There was a large lump that hadn't been there before. The source of her throbbing. Yukiko cautiously pressed in, only to be met with a sudden sharp pain. "Ow, ow, ouch!" she cried out.
The girl concluded that bandages were wrapped around her head to conceal whatever injury had been inflicted upon her. Perhaps that was why she couldn't recall how she had gotten there.
Yukiko's heart continued to pound. Each palpitation felt harder than the last. Lack of memory aside, there was no visible way out.
"Konohana-Sakuya." Yukiko whispered, silently willing her guardian to appear. However, the persona did not heed her call. The girl surmised she was still in the real world.
Yukiko did her best to breathe, freaking out now would do her no favors. Neither would constantly tugging at her restraints. She glanced over at to the window. From the thin white curtains, she could spot the sun, sky, and some trees in the distance. There were no roads in sight.
"So, I'm in a building." She surmised. "High up it seems."
Yukiko continued to investigate. The clothes she had on weren't the Amagi Inn's staple yukata. Instead, she was adorned in a long white gown that extended to her knees.
Next, she scanned the room until she spotted the door that connected her room to an exit. It was sealed tight with a small window frame. However, the window was concealed with a little black curtain. Nothing from the other side was visible. She was drawing blanks.
Yukiko willed herself to remember what happened, but the gaps in her memory proved to be too large. The only thing she could recall was that she had last been at the Amagi Inn, but there was something else.
A strong surged of panic hit her.
She did remember something!
"I was there with Narukami-kun, my mother, and… Naoto." Yukiko blurted out. "But what were we doing?"
Yukiko's question went unanswered as the sound of the door opening caught her attention.
"Hmm, I thought I heard talking in here? So, you're finally awake it seems." The sound of a mature voice greeted her. "I was beginning to think that you'd never wake up."
Before Yukiko stood an early middle-aged woman in a white nurse's uniform. Adorning the uniform was a lovely pink cardigan with an accompanying nametag that read, Sayoko. She pushed in a steel cart that had a variety of medical supplies including needles, an IV bag, and an infusion set.
Based on the woman's appearance and items Yukiko assumed she was a nurse.
Yukiko's eyes shifted back down to her free arm. She hadn't noticed a bandage wrapped tightly around her elbow before.
"I see…" she mumbled confused. "I'm at the hospital."
"That's right." The nurse chimed in. "Inaba Municipal Hospital to be exact."
Yukiko's mouth fell ajar. She had many questions.
"And don't worry, no IV for you today. Since you're awake, I think you might be well enough to start drinking fluids again. But we'll need to take some blood first." Sayoko commented whilst moving over to the left side of the bed. She pulled the cart next to the bed and began to hum while working.
Nothing about Sayoko seemed suspicious to Yukiko, at least not yet. Out the corner of her eye she saw her preparing the needle for sticking and carefully unwrapping the bandage around her arm. On the exposed skin she spotted the previous point of injection. A small bruise had formed around the stick point. Yukiko grimaced. Just how much blood had they taken?
"Oh, if you're worried about that, don't be." Sayoko commented, noting her wrinkled face. "We had you on an IV for a while since you couldn't eat. Don't worry it won't scar."
"Couldn't eat?" Yukiko repeated.
"That's right." Sayoko continued to hum, all the while cleaning Yukiko's arm and beginning the blood draw. "Well, it makes sense that you wouldn't really remember. You have been in a coma."
"A coma!?" Yukiko shouted, catching Sayoko by surprised.
"Stay still young lady!" Sayoko chided the surprised girl. "You still have a needle sticking out of your arm!"
Sayoko finished up the blood draw, cleaned up, and properly bandaged Yukiko's arm. All the while, the Amagi heiress lay in bed wordlessly wondering how she possibly got in this situation to begin with. She turned her head to the side and locked eyes with the nurse who had finally finished her task.
"Just how long have I been here?" Yukiko managed to ask.
"How long? Hmm, well about three days give or take." Sayoko said casually.
"What do you mean three days?!" Yukiko shouted once more. This time the girl swung herself up so quickly her wrist twisted in the handcuffs. "Ouch! Arghh, these cursed things!" The news came as a shock. So much so, that her nerves began to tingle. First, she wakes up in the hospital handcuffed and now discovering she's been here for three days. Yukiko was sure her parents had to be worried sick.
"You need to be careful before you sprain your wrist!"
"Can't you just take off these wretched things!?" Yukiko demanded.
"I'm afraid I can't." Sayoko replied frankly. She paused before releasing a deep sigh. For the first time since arriving her professional façade dropped. Her lips curled into a sympathetic smile. "Look kid I'm going to be honest. I didn't want to be the one to tell you this, but as I'm pretty sure you've already figured it out. You're not only a patient here, but you're being detained by the police as well."
"…."
Yukiko's heart stopped.
"I'm being… detained?"
Sayoko stared at her silently processing the information.
"That… that can't be right. I- I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't hurt anybody!" Yukiko wailed, she pulled on the tight handcuffs once more, hoping to separate the metal from the bed. However, it was to no avail. Her arm was tightly clamped with no signs of release. She shot Sayoko a desperate glance and began to sputter. "Ge- get me out of these things! I have to get home, I'm sure my mother is worried sick. I don't know why they would put these things on me. Pl- please, you have to believe me!"
"Now, just calm down. Your parents know you're okay, we're going to get in touch with them right now." Sayoko raised her arms, but this failed to reach Yukiko who continued to plead and then started to hyperventilate. "Hey! Just relax kid. Everything is going to be okay!"
"Mom! Narukami-kun! Chie!"
Sayoko's voice soon faded into white noise and absolute panic began to set in. Water welled in Yukiko's eyes, and it felt as though her heart was ready to burst. The Amagi heiress raised her hand to her chest and gasped, she could hardly breathe. Memories surged through her mind like lighting.
She was beginning to remember!
Meeting Kanji at the river, Naoto confronting her at the Inn, and descending into the TV world. All of it came rushing back! And there at the very end… Chie, Chie, Chie!
"Someone get in here! I need a sedation in room five stat!" Sayoko shouted outside the door.
Yukiko continued to thrash wildly on the bed until the staff burst into the room and held her down by all fours.
"Release me at once!" She screeched angrily. "Get off me! Narukami-kun help me, help me…"
"Yukiko!" she heard a familiar voice call her name. Out the corner of her eye she spotted a glimpse of sandy blond hair. A girl appeared at the door then began to push and squeeze her way through until finally coming into full sight. Chie continued to yell at the staff. "Hey, hands off her jerk!"
"Chie!" Yukiko gasped out loud, her eyes could hardly believe it.
"You can't be in here right now!" One of the doctors called out. "Nurse, take her away!"
Sayoko moved to block Chie and tried removing her from the room, but the sandy blond evaded her.
Before Chie could reach Yukiko, other nurses came to intercept Chie. Yukiko felt the sharp pain of a needle being thrust into her arm. The cold sensation of sedation fluid traveled up her veins and she felt her consciousness beginning to waver. The Amagi heiress casted one last glance at her friend.
"Stop being so rough with her!" Chie's voice began to fade into the distance. The Amagi heiress suddenly felt the warm sensation of a hand on her own.
Chie was there by her side calling out. "Hey! Are you okay Yukikio? Yukiko!"
"Ch- Chie…" Yukiko's voice trailed off.
Once more, the darkness claimed her.
…
"Follow this light with your eyes." Sayoko instructed. The nurse sat on a stool near the side of Yukiko's bed with a small flashlight in hand. She shone the light into the girl's eyes, once again hurting her sensitive retina, but she endured it. "Left. Okay, now right. Up, then down. Very good. Well done."
Sayoko turned off the light and scribbled some words on her clipboard.
It had been two days since Yukiko's last freak out. The feeling of being sedated was something she never wanted to experience again. Waking up from it and experiencing nausea was far from pleasant. And the feeling of being forced down against her will hadn't gone away. She rubbed her numb wrist. The sensation of pressure still felt fresh.
When Sayoko finally looked back up, she asked. "How are you feeling today Amagi-san?"
Yukiko wasn't sure how to answer the question. The humiliation she suffered in front of the hospital staff still gnawed at her. Yukiko felt as though that embarrassment wouldn't go away for a long time. The fear she felt in that moment was real. She remembered all of it.
Everything that happened in the TV world came back to her in a jolt.
Still, Yukiko put her head down and answered. "…fine I suppose."
"That's good! You've been making a fast recovery." Sayoko said with a smile. Her pen jotted down more gibberish that Yukiko couldn't see. "The swelling on your head has finally subsided and we'll be able to take those stitches out soon too."
"…"
Sayoko's smile faded as she looked at her watch. Tension began to rise in the air. The nurse looked to her with uncertainty and said "Amagi-san, as I mentioned yesterday, the police are still coming by this afternoon. They should be here in an hour or so."
"What will they do with me…?" Yukiko asked, still holding her head down.
"I… don't know." Sayoko answered honestly. "They haven't given us many details regarding your detainment. And you haven't exactly been forthcoming with your own details either. All I know is that by the end of the week you'll be released from this facility. Whether it's too police custody or your parents is above my knowledge."
"I see…" was all Yukiko could get out.
Sayoko placed a comforting hand on Yukiko's shoulder. Her touch was soft and warm. The nurse offered a comforting smile. "Cheer up kid. I may not know the finer details of your situation, but I do know that you've got good people looking out for you. And not just your parents. Your friend has been asking about you."
"My friend?"
"You know, Satonaka-san!"
"Chie… is she okay?" Yukiko asked. Since the sedation incident she hadn't caught a glimpse of her friend at all. Yukiko later found out the doctors were furious at the girl for forcing her way into the room while they tried to calm a patient down. She was blamed with escalating the situation. Following that, the staff had made sure to keep the two separated during the duration of their stay.
"That's right! You don't have to worry, she's fine. She just got discharged yesterday afternoon."
For the first time in days, Yukiko let out a sigh of relief. After everything she put Chie through, having her experience even more grief was the last thing that Yukiko wanted. A deep feeling of regret washed over her. Back in the TV world, Chie had been the one person to try and calmly reason with her.
Yukiko tried her best not to dwell on it these last few days, but the true repercussions of her actions were being laid bare and soon she would have to face them.
Since being admitted to the hospital, none of her friends had come by to visit, save for Chie. She heard through the other nurses that Kanji had been released a few days prior with stitches. He had sustained some blood loss and a mild concussion. Yukiko felt sick to her stomach, she was the cause of it all.
Naoto's speech rang over and over in her mind.
You're selfish, you're vain, and you're incorrigible.
Yukiko despised everything she said.
Every. Single. Word.
But she couldn't deny their validity any longer. Chie had once called her obsessed and she was right. Ever since she shoved the bubbly girl into the TV, every single action she took was for her own selfish gain. Being alone in the hospital had given her much time to reflect.
Yukiko cast a glance outside the window. Even though the Amagi Inn was close, home felt so far away.
Sighing, she slumped back in the bed.
"Amagi-san, I'll be taking my leave now." Sayoko said, shattering her self-pity session. The nurse collected all her notes into her arm and gave Yukiko's forehead one last feeling with the palm of her hand. "Well, I guess you were right, you are doing well. Your temperature came down. Anyway, would you like me to turn the TV on for you?"
"No!" Yukiko blurted out. The sight of the TV made her stomach turn, she wished they could remove it from the wall. "Anything, but that..."
"Won't you be bored just sitting here in silence?"
"You don't have to worry about me. I'll just… get some reading done." Yukiko said reaching out to grab a nearby novel the last nurse had left.
"Night on the Galactic Railroad by Kenji Miyazawa, well then." Sayoko said, reading the title aloud. She scrunched her face in surprise and nodded. "That's an oldie, but I must say, you have good taste Amagi-san. If that's what you want to do, suit yourself. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Right, tomorrow…"
As Sayoko headed to leave, the doorknob turned. A visitor was waiting just outside. "Oh my, I didn't expect you to come by so soon. Did you get permission from her parents?"
"Of course, I did! So, the doctor can't stop me from visiting anymore." Yukiko heard a familiar voice.
"Well make sure you don't say anything to upset her. This is the most docile she has been since..." Sayoko whispered low enough so Yukiko wouldn't hear. The Amagi heiress felt a tinge of annoyance. She hated when people talked behind her back, even more so when they were whispering in her presence.
"You won't have to worry, she's in good hands." The voice responded. Without further delay the girl moved past Sayoko and entered the room. To Yukiko's surprised Chie was standing there, greeting her with her usual large grin. "What's got you looking so glum Yukiko?"
"Ch- Chie…" Yukiko barely managed to sputter out her friend's name before the tears began to flow from her eyes.
"H- hey! Don't go crying on me already." Chie said as she began to tear up herself. "I just got in here dummy." Chie made her way over to Yukiko's bed and embraced her.
Both girls cried silently in each other's arms.
Chie's skin was hot against her own. A far cry from the icy hospital rooms they had found themselves in. Yukiko relished her friend's touch, never wanting to separate. She felt Chie's arm massaging her back and felt a huge wave of guilt wash over her.
After everything she had done, why would Chie come to see her?
She wasn't deserving of her friendship or her pity.
Yukiko felt like garbage.
"I- I don't understand." After what seemed like an eternity Yukiko spoke, finally breaking their silence. She shifted her body back and stared at her friend's brown orbs. "After everything I've said, everything I've done. Why would you still want-"
"Don't say it." Chie interrupted her with a serious expression, before it lightened. "I've heard that same question too many times these past five days. I've heard it enough from everyone else, so I don't want to hear it from you." The girl was serious. Chie raised her thumb to Yukiko's cheeks and swept some of the fallen tears away.
Yukiko touched her hand and placed it on the bed. She wanted to respect Chie's wishes, but she had to know. "Chie… I- I…"
"I was pissed at you…" Chie responded frankly. "I still am actually… very pissed."
Chie was a terrible liar, so Yukiko knew she was telling the truth. Even though they had hugged one another, there was still so much left unsaid. All of this had been caused because of those unsaid words.
Yukiko knew Chie better then anyone else, after an experience like this, she would leave no more half-measures. "…. Chie I-"
The sandy blond held her hand up, cutting off Yukiko's words. "Let me finish." Her voice was stern. Chie's lips pursed before continuing. "We've been best friends since primary school. You know, during that time we've learned a lot from one another. You like scary movies, I more for kung fu. You're a sucker for high cuisine and I'm more a steak type of gal. You're the daughter of one of the richest families in Inaba and I'm just your run of the mill country girl. You and me, we're both so different. Even still, somehow, we managed to click."
Yukiko held her head down.
Chie sighed before continuing. "This past year, we've both kept secrets from one another. We faced our true selves. Back then when we saved you from the TV world, I thought- nothing would ever come between us again, but… I was wrong. Yu happened."
Yukiko winced at the mere mention of his name.
His disappointed expression flooded her mind. The Amagi heiress wasn't sure she could ever face Yu Narukami again. The thought of it frightened her. What she did for the sake of 'love' was anything, but.
"I'm going to say what I should have told you months ago." Yukiko felt Chie's warm hand clasp the top of her own, she looked up and saw the sandy blond staring at her dead on. Her friend's voice was devoid of warmth or humor. "I am dating Yu Narukami. I know you have feelings for him. You're my best friend and I don't want to see you get hurt, but you need to understand that I'm his girlfriend and that isn't going to change."
Yukiko let her words sink in.
They were like stone. Chie had been blunt just like Narukami had been when he let her down. Gone was the anxiety the sandy blond had felt weeks ago when she had attempted to confront Yukiko with this information.
"That aside. I don't want our relationship to change either. I still want to be your best friend." Chie's tone changed softer. "I need you to respect that, Yukiko. Can you?"
Yukiko paused.
She was asking Yukiko to set her own feelings aside. After all the strife the Amagi heiress had put her through, she knew Chie shouldn't have had to ask her for anything. Yukiko still loved Narukami, her heart ached at the thought of giving him up, but she knew it was the only way for them to move forward.
Yu's look of disappointment crossed her mind once more.
The expression of discontent twisted her stomach and made her blood run cold. She never wanted to see it again. Yukiko shifted her uncomfortable expression from her hands back to Chie. The only person that had come to see her aside from her mother. All her friends had lost their faith and trust in her, but Chie hadn't. She was still sticking by her even though she treated her like utter shit.
Yukiko nodded weakly, the tears streaming down her cheek. If it meant she could stay by Chie's side. She would give up her needless, unrequited love for Yu Narukami. "I can. I swear, I will."
Chie gasped, her serious expression faltering with it. "Thank god, you have no idea how worried I was."
Yukiko wiped her own tears. Chie wasn't asking for a lot, only for the single thing Yukiko should have given her from the get-go, understanding. Once the two of them calmed down Chie fetched some tissue to clean up all the tears that had fallen. They were both a mess.
"That out of the way, Yukiko I'm going to need you to do one more thing for me."
"I'll do anything you need Chie. Though these cuffs might make it a bit difficult." Yukiko replied, barely wiggling her arm from where it was restrained.
"That shouldn't be a problem, but I'm going to need you to brace yourself."
"Come again?" Yukiko asked, tilting her head.
"I said brace yourself." With those words, Chie lifted her hand up high above her head and struck Yukiko across her face with a sharp slap. The strike had been so quick and concise, that its receiver barely had the chance to process what was coming.
Yukiko head hung to the side stunned at what had just occurred.
They had gotten into scuffles in the past, but never once had she been hit on her on the face before. No tears came out, as she had already cried her eyes out just minutes prior. Yukiko looked back at her friend who immediately had an apologetic expression plastered on her face.
Chie shook her wrist. "I'm sorry about that, but I had to get you back."
"Get me back!?" Yukiko shouted.
"Don't look at me like that!" Chie retorted! "You didn't think you were going to get off scot-free, did you? You pushed me in the TV, tied me to a chair, and tried to steal my boyfriend!" Chie began naming off a list of Yukiko's transgressions.
The Amagi heiress rubbed her cheek. The slap did hurt, but Chie was wholly justified in her anger. "I- I'm not mad, just shocked is all. You've never struck me like that before."
"Well consider this the first and last time." Chie said crossing her arms. "I wanted to do something a lot worse but settled on this after I calmed down. That slap is the least of your worries."
Yukiko sighed, her eyes shifting to the clock. It ticked silently, passing each second wistfully. The girl knew that her time spent her with Chie was limited. A lump formed in her stomach. Everything Chie had named off was simply scratching the surface. There were other crimes on her conscious.
What she did to Kanji and Teddie for one.
The police would be here shortly and her fate would be up to them. The thought of spending time behind bars frightened her. She had never strayed to far from the safe confines of Inaba and the back of a cell was the last place she wanted to visit. Prison life didn't sound pleasant in the slightest.
"But its no more then I deserve right…" Yukiko murmured out loud.
"Oh Yukiko…" Chie whispered. The police would be grilling Yukiko soon and considering her mental state, Chie didn't want to risk shattering her fragile mind all over again.
Chie gave her a concerned look. She had meant her comment as a dark joke, but the more time pressed on she knew this was no joking matter. Going forward, she and Yukiko had a lot to work on when it came to navigating their friendship. It would be a rocky road, but she was willing to walk it together. However, the Investigation Team was less forgiving.
The sandy blond thought about telling Yukiko everything that had been discussed amongst the friend group the past few days.
After they'd left the TV world, she and Yukiko were immediately admitted into Inaba's local hospital. The team wasted no time recounting everything that had occurred to Dojima. The older detective was shocked to say the least. He immediately recommended that she be admitted into the psychiatric ward due to her unstable mental condition and bipolar episodes.
Yukiko wasn't in the right state of mind, everyone that was there to bear witness to her meltdown agreed.
From there, the team reached an impasse. Once again, the issue of the TV world arose. While the older detective and some higher-ranking members of the force had been aware of its involvement with the Inaba kidnappings, revealing its existence to the general public would have been problematic. Even Naoto agreed. The government would become involved and who knows what would happen to each member of the team should politicians learn; they could leave and enter it at will.
They had to come up with a resolution the day of and quickly.
Eventually it was decided their involvement would be hidden aside from Naoto who would be lauded as the hero who found the missing Chie Satonaka. The story would be that she located her in one of the abandoned rice mills.
This story ran in the paper whilst they decided what to do next.
When the team next convened Chie revealed that she wouldn't be pressing charges against Yukiko.
Yosuke and Rise were furious at her decision and Chie couldn't blame them; Yukiko had inflicted irreparable damage on their trust. Nothing would be the same. Yu on the other hand, while apprehensive, was just grateful to have his girlfriend back. He wouldn't argue with Chie even if he didn't agree with her decision. Teddie who was forgiving as always, agreed with her choice. He was a sympathetic bear and didn't want any more of his friends to get hurt.
Chie explained her reasonings after everyone had calmed down and stuck to her guns. Even though she was livid with Yukiko, she wouldn't act out rashness.
Naoto had remained silent when Chie vocalized her opinion, remaining as cryptic as she had been when they first met. After she had finished Naoto disagreed with Chie and felt as though she was being biased. Letting past feelings influence her decisions.
Chie knew she wasn't wrong even now as she sat next to the guilty, she felt Naoto was right. But still, she loved Yukiko and wanted to spare her such a horrible fate. The thought of Yukiko being convicted scared Chie, her heart wouldn't let it happen. She just wanted the young Amagi to get the help she needed to move past this.
The sandy blond stayed adamant in her decision and eventually Naoto accepted it. But deep-down Chie knew the detective prince just wouldn't let it go.
The subject of Kanji had come up in recent days. The boy had woken up from his concussion two days after the incident. He had received stitches and was finally respondent. Needless to say, Kanji was upset. The teen had to be restrained by the hospital staff, as he was trying to get to Yukiko's room. Thankfully from what Chie heard, he finally cooled off before being discharged.
The day after she reached out to him about Yukiko, and it wasn't pleasant.
At first, she received no reply, but then he called and went off on her. Chie could handle getting yelled at, but she was more nervous about what he was going to do. She hadn't heard from Kanji since.
After she had told the team her intentions to not press charges the updates from the police stopped rolling in. Whenever she reached out to Naoto, she was informed that it was a police matter now and they would handle it going forward.
Chie took this as a sign that she had been cut out from the case.
She was grateful for everything Naoto had done for her. If it hadn't been for her, she might have been a corpse hanging from a light pole. So, while it pained Chie, she knew she couldn't hold anything against the detective prince. Her kouhai was just doing what she felt was right.
Everyone was against Yukiko, and they had every right to be.
Chie shook her head. Now wasn't the time to be thinking about that sort of thing. By the end of the day both girls would have their answer about what was going to happen. She still had some time left with Yukiko and wanted to take her mind off the inevitable future.
Yukiko glanced at Chie. She sensed her friend's unease and slightly squeezed her hand. "Sorry to be such a downer."
"Pshh, you don't have to worry about that." Chie replied. "Hey! You'll never guess what Muku did when he saw me."
"What did he do?" Yukiko asked, indulging her friend. She sat and listened while Chie recounted the story of her homecoming. Their giant dog barreled for a hug at top speed and the story left Yukiko in tears. For the rest of their time together Chie rambled on about Muku, her family, and what she had been watching on TV since. Just about anything to distract them both from the worries of the world for a while.
Yukiko felt her aches in her heart slowly hurting less with each minute.
She was grateful Chie was alive and here. Her fingers intertwined with her friends. She would never let her jealousy get between them ever again.
…
The two girls remained in the room chattering away.
Before they knew it, an hour had come and gone. Time flew by once they started having fun.
Yukiko had been grateful for the company. Having Chie around had reminded her just how lonely she had been the last few days. No access to either her phone or the internet had been brutal. Her only interactions had been with the medical staff and her mother. And the extent of her entertainment was relegated only to books.
The distraction was nice.
Chie sat next to Yukiko dozing off, the glare of the sun caught her eye and the teen sprung from her seat. "Oh, look!" She commented, while yawning. Her finger pointed outside the window. "The fogs finally clearing up!"
"Oh, you're right." Yukiko craned her neck above the hospital bed to see. Sure enough, the thick fog that had covered Inaba the past two weeks was beginning to dissipate. The far-off streets and trees were finally visible. "The snows beginning to melt as well."
"Finally! I've been dying to get out and go for a run." Chie said standing up and stretching. "Plus, no more chilly walks to school."
"Now that you mention it. The school year is nearly out, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it is." Chie replied. A sullen look formed across her face.
The sandy blond didn't comment further, but Yukiko could sense her sadness. It didn't take a genius to realize what was wrong. They both knew that Yu would be leaving Inaba soon. Yukiko wondered how Chie would manage to cope in his absence but decided not to pry. She had done enough digging into their relationship to last all three of them a lifetime.
"That means we'll be seniors soon." Yukiko said, quickly changing the subject.
That perked Chie's interest as her familiar cheesy grin spread across her lips. "That we will. Hard to believe we'll be the highest ranking senpai of Yasogami High! Oh, I'm so excited!"
"Have you given any thought to your plans after graduation?" Yukiko asked out of curiosity.
"I'm fielding a couple of ideas." Chie mused.
"I think professional stunt actress is out of the question." Yukiko joked.
"Hey! That was a childhood dream!" Chie snickered. "I'll have you know that I've matured quite a bit since then. I have more practical goals now."
"Oh, do you now?"
"I do!" Chie chirped. The girl twiddled her thumbs looking a bit embarrassed. "It's nothing concrete. But I'm thinking I might try and become an officer after college. Of course, things can totally change! I'm still toying with the idea for now."
"An officer?" Yukiko was surprised. She had never seen Chie as the cop sort. She had always assumed; Chie would always pursue something kung-fu related. The more that Yukiko thought about it, the more it made sense for Chie. She, like the rest of the Investigation Team, were seekers of the truth. Those ideals had surely rubbed off on her. "You should do it."
Chie's eyes lit up in surprise. "Really?"
"Yes, really." Yukiko said with a smile. "You love getting outside. Rarely do you ever miss your personal training. You're a very sociable person. Seriously, it's so easy for you to make friends. And then you're always trying to help people. It suits your personality. You'd be a good officer Chie."
Chie stared back at Yukiko with a touched expression. "Wow, thank you Yukiko."
Yukiko was sure that was the nicest thing she had said to Chie in weeks. The Amagi heiress had a lot of making up to do. Even still, she meant every single word of it. Chie had all the right qualities to be a great police officer. All the qualities that civilians appreciated in their public servants.
"What about you?" Chie suddenly asked. "Have any plans after graduation?"
"I…" Yukiko's gaze shifted to the blank wall. She didn't know what the future held for her. The Amagi Inn always seemed like a last resort for her. Escaping Inaba had always come first and foremost. Now the only thing she could think about was how to not end up in the back of a prison cell. The Inn didn't seem so bad anymore.
Before Yukiko could answer there came a sudden knock at the door.
Yukiko felt her heart sink at the sound.
Chie shot her friend a nervous glance but said nothing.
Both girls turned their attention to the door as it opened. In entered Ryotaro Dojima and Naoto Shirogane. Both weren't in their usual attire. The detectives had worn formal clothes for official business. Each blazer fully buttoned and ironed. Their eyes met with Yukiko's who immediately looked down. The detective's expression was serious and devoid of any form of sympathy.
Dojima was the first to greet them. "Good afternoon Amagi-san, Satonaka."
"H- hey there." Chie offered a sheepish wave.
Yukiko remained silent but gave a short nod of acknowledgement.
Naoto walked to a nearby table and began to settle in. She placed the small suitcase she was carrying down and unlocked the clips. From there, she pulled out some folders and began to shuffle through the paperwork inside.
Yukiko could feel the tension cutting her like a knife. She didn't want to see Naoto. The detective prince was literally the last person she wanted to see. The animosity between them had yet to subside. She brushed her fingers over the back of her head. The swelling on her wound had finally gone down but it was still sensitive.
Over the past few days her memory had become much clearer.
The bandages she found herself in were due to Naoto. Back in the Amagi Castle, Chie had been the one to talk her down. Naoto had taken advantage of the situation and was the one to render her unconscious. Yukiko felt her nails dig into her covers. Despite making up with Chie, she knew her relationship would never be the same with her kouhai.
Each of them traded both mental and physical barbs with one another over the last two weeks. Those barbs might possibly last a lifetime.
Naoto finally looked up from the paperwork. Yukiko was quick to avert her gaze, but she felt Naoto's silver orbs boring into her skin. Her eyes were cold and unwavering. Passing judgement on her with each second. It was hard not to feel sick.
"Yes, good afternoon you two." Naoto finally spoke in a calm voice. She turned her attention to Chie. "I'm sorry that we interrupted your visit Chie-senpai. I know it's only been a few days since you've returned to Inaba and I'm sure your eager to just decompress with your friend."
Chie shook her head. "Oh no, its fine really. We were just relaxing was all."
"That's understandable." Dojima grumbled rubbing his scruff. "You two have been through a lot in the last few days. Some rest is warranted."
Yukiko felt like everyone was walking on eggshells. Dojima and Naoto were uncomfortable that Chie was present, and she couldn't blame them. Yukiko had collectively made all their lives a living hell. She couldn't justify Chie being here even if she tried.
Being alone with the crazy Yukiko Amagi was Chie's decision and they had no choice, but to accept it.
Chie looked at the two detectives nervously until Naoto finally cleared her throat. The detective prince shot Dojima a glance. It had come time to proceed with the meeting.
Dojima nodded and turned to Chie. "Satonaka, we have some important business to discuss with Amagi-san. For legal purposes we have to ask that you leave the room at this time."
Chie gave Yukiko a concerned look. "Sh- shouldn't she have a lawyer or something available?"
"That won't be necessary." Naoto cut in. "Her parents are serving as her legal representation, and we've already spoken with them earlier this morning regarding this matter. For now, we just need to speak with Amagi-san alone."
"Its fine Chie." Yukiko spoke up, her face pale. "We'll speak later. I promise."
Yukiko's face was pasty white, and her mouth was dry. Dread was no longer avoidable. The time had finally come for her to face the consequences of her dark deeds.
The sandy blond took Yukiko at her word. She offered her a comforting hand across her shoulder before exiting the room, leaving her to fend for herself.
An awkward silence fell amongst the room after Chie's departure.
Yukiko did her best not to hyperventilate at the sheer pressure she felt. It was odd, just a few days prior she could stand toe to toe with Naoto to justify her deranged actions, but now that she had been exposed, she could hardly muster the strength to begin speaking. She laughed bitterly in her head.
Never had she felt so pathetic.
"We thought it best to come and see you after some time had passed." Dojima began. "Given the sensitive nature of this case and the supernatural circumstances surrounding it, we've had to proceed with some level of caution."
Yukiko knew he was referring to the involvement of the TV world. The general public could never know of its existence, it was far too dangerous. Namatame and Adachi were a testament to its abuses. Not only that, if the government had gotten involved, things could get problematic quickly.
"I want to make one thing abundantly clear." The older detective continued, his voice serious. "You are guilty of several serious charges to include…"
"Assault." Naoto chimed in her voice bold. "Kidnaping, lying to law enforcement, the tampering of evidence, and attempting to flee from a uniformed officer. Each punishable with time spent in prison."
Each charge made her wince.
Yukiko knew. Her time spent with Chie felt like a dream, but now it was time to come back to reality.
"I- I.." she stammered. "I'm sorry…"
"Sorry doesn't cut it!" Dojima stopped himself and let out a disgruntled sigh. He reached into his pocket to pull out a carton of cigarettes and a lighter. Without regard for the teens, he lit the smoke and sucked in a long drag. "I swear, the shit you put my nephew through…."
Naoto gave him an understanding look and continued while staring daggers at Yukiko. "Everything that you've done to our friends is unforgiveable. You should consider yourself lucky that Chie-senpai even came to visit you. I want you to understand, no one wanted her to come here today. You aren't deserving of her pity."
Yukiko silently bore the brunt of Dojima and Naoto's words.
"Sorry doesn't stop Chie-senpai from being bound to a chair for weeks. Sorry, doesn't stop Kanji-kun from being assaulted. Sorry, didn't stop you from nearly killing Teddie." The detective prince was getting worked up and shot up from her seat. For the first time Yukiko could spot Naoto blinking to stop the tears from falling. "If it were up to me, you'd already be in the back of a jail cell!"
She'd never seen Naoto cry before.
Dojima walked over and put a hand on her shoulder to calm her down. She shot a menacing glance to the older detective, but immediately noticed her lost composure. Naoto let out her own sigh and went over to the window to calm down.
Dojima returned to his seat and resumed. "We've interviewed everyone involved in this case and have concluded your guilt. However, Chie Satonaka has chosen to not pursue charges against you."
"Chie…." Yukiko gasped, her fingers tightening around her bedsheets.
"Additionally…" Dojima continued. "Kanji Tatsumi has also feigned ignorance in the attack against him at the rice mill. He's claiming he struck himself on some sort of debris."
Yukiko was in utter shock. "I- I don't understand why he would…"
"Because our friends are extending you a mercy you don't deserve!" Naoto shot back furiously. She shifted over Yukiko's bed put her hand on her shoulder with a hard squeeze. "I didn't think that Kanji-kun would go lightly on you, especially after what you did to him. He was livid. You should consider yourself grateful Chie-senpai spoke up for you."
Chie hadn't told Yukiko any of this. The girl was dumbstruck.
Did that mean she was off the hook for everything?
Dojima cleared his throat. "Our own feelings on the matter aside, just because the victims are showing you some grace doesn't mean the Inaba police will. For the past two weeks we've dedicated most of our resources into finding Chie Satonaka. You knew where she was all along. That cannot go unpunished."
Here it was. The gut-wrenching feeling Yukiko felt was finally coming full circle.
"As I've mentioned before, given the nature of her disappearance it wouldn't be in our best interest for this to garner more attention than it already has. The Inaba police is still dealing with the fallout from Adachi's crime. Considering that, we've spoken to the court, and they've decided to seal your case." Dojima said, signaling to Naoto. "I'll be frank. We're prepared to offer you a plea deal."
Naoto pulled a folder from her suitcase and placed it in front of Yukiko. "Open it." She ordered.
Yukiko looked hesitantly but complied. Inside the folder were several documents, both legal and medical. Some of the forms already included the signatures of her parents. Yukiko scanned the files in confusion, unsure what to make out of it all.
"Yukiko Amagi, you'll be serving two years of probation. We also took the liberty of speaking to the fine medical professionals here. They've suggested you be admitted to counseling, and I agree. You'll be required to attend no fewer than two sessions per week of mandated mental health treatment for the next 12 months." Dojima said, taking another drag of his cigarette. "Additionally, the Amagi family will be paying full damages to the Tatsumi's for her son's hospitalization. I've already spoken with your parents, and they have agreed to the terms."
Yukiko held her head down and finally spoke. "Mental health treatment? There isn't anything wrong with me! M- my parents agreed to all of this?"
"That wound on Kanji-kun's head suggests otherwise." Naoto murmured to herself.
"They have agreed to the terms." Dojima took a pen from his blazer pocket and placed it on the folder Yukiko was holding. "I strongly advise you accept as well."
The Amagi heiress pursed her lips. There was no other alternative. If she didn't take this deal, a jail cell would be the only thing waiting for her.
"Understand this is your second chance." Naoto muttered bitterly. "Break it and you will be spending a lot more time behind bars."
Yukiko looked at Naoto's face. The combination of disgust and superiority was enough to make her blood boil. Everything she had been through amounted to this. She couldn't deny the regret she felt for her actions, but they expected her to just keel over and accept their terms. Her grip tightened on the paper.
What choice did she have?
"Yukiko Amagi, it's time for you to take accountability for your actions." Naoto pressed. "If you're really the woman that Chie-senpai believes you to be, then prove it."
Yukiko sighed and took the pen in her hands. With several strokes she signed the court documents.
Naoto watched silently unmoving as the Amagi heiress finally admitted to her guilt on parchment. It was a vindicating moment. Everything she had fought for hadn't been for nothing. Though this wasn't the victory she had sought after; it was justice, nonetheless. It would take time for her to fully accept Yukiko's punishment.
The younger detective hadn't been personally involved in the court's decision. Dojima had brought up several good points while discussing options with a few of the other officials involved with Adachi's conviction. They concluded to keep everything out of the limelight.
Once Yukiko had finished signing the documents, she handed them back to Dojima. He looked them over before giving Naoto a brief nod.
With that signal, Naoto reached into her pocket and pulled out a key. She moved beside Yukiko's bed and unlocked the handcuffs.
Yukiko looked at her free arm in disbelief and rubbed her wrist. They had been sore from being pressed between the metal edges for so long. Still, she relished the freedom.
"We'll be contacting your parents next week regarding probationary evaluations and the beginning of your counseling sessions. That concludes our business." Dojima said, standing up. He put out his cigarette on the hospital table and tossed it in a nearby trashcan. The older detective gathered his things and headed towards the door to leave. He glanced back at Naoto. "You coming Shirogane?"
Naoto nodded. "I'll be out in a minute."
Dojima took that as his sign to leave, but before he departed, he looked back at Yukiko. "Oh, and Amagi?"
"Y- yes?"
"Stay the hell away from my nephew."
Yukiko could scarcely reply before he slammed the door behind leaving her alone with his protégé.
"I'll be brief." Naoto said, snapping Yukiko's attention away from the door. "You'll find no forgiveness here. As I mentioned earlier, if it were up to me, you'd be behind bars. You've proven just how dangerous you can be. Everything you put us through just can't be swept under the rug. I meant what I said, you should count your blessings that Chie-senpai begged Kanji to reconsider. If she hadn't, things might have looked very differently for you."
Naoto approached Yukiko and slammed her arm against the back of her bed. Her icy gaze piercing silver. "Have you anything to say for yourself?"
"…." Yukiko could no longer stomach to speak.
"Be aware that if you don't abide by the terms laid out for you. I'll be the one to lock you up. Miss one appointment, step out of line. I dare you." The detective prince loomed over her in a threatening manner. "I need you to understand. You will never do anything to harm my friends again, you'll never summon your persona again, and if you even think about stepping foot in the TV world again, I swear that next time, I won't miss."
Naoto stood up, her steely eyes never faltering. Without saying another word, she departed, leaving the room quieter than before she entered.
Yukiko laid in the room alone, eyes still glued to where Naoto had been. The room was a deafening silent, but her words rang in her ears repeatedly. Never again would she doubt Naoto's capabilities.
…
Two days later Yukiko was discharged from the hospital. To her surprise, Mr. Amagi was waiting in the hospital lobby. The older man had frequently been out of town on business trips, so she rarely saw him. Usually, he had always been delighted to see his daughter, but that expression didn't cross his face when Yukiko came into gaze. All forms of affection were nonexistent during their reunion.
Since her meeting with Dojima and Naoto, this was the first time she had met with her guardian. She hadn't heard anything from her mother since. Yukiko had guessed they were filled into some extent what she had been doing these past few weeks and were none to pleased.
The car ride back was hauntingly silent.
Yukiko was unsure how to approach conversation. She had found out from Chie more details regarding her case. The police hid all references relating to the involvement of the TV world. They fabricated the story the of her assaulting Kanji out of the assumption he kidnapped Chie. The latter's disappearance was covered up further, being chalked up to an unsolved case. Just like the newspapers had run days prior, Naoto had been the one to find the missing girl. She was the hero of Inaba.
It was an unlikely, but believable story that no one would ask questions about. Given her case was sealed, it would never see the light of day again.
It didn't take them long to arrive at the Amagi Inn. To Yukiko's surprise there was a lack of vehicles in their parking lot. Something that was unusual especially during a weekday. She wondered if her mother had closed the inn for renovations.
Yukiko's father parked their vehicle and let out a long sigh.
She noticed he bore an irritable expression but didn't comment. He was only like this when her mother chewed him out over something. Mr. Amagi mumbled curse words under his breath and lit a cigarette. Something she rarely saw her father do. It was obvious he was stressed.
Rather than sit and wait around. Yukiko exited the vehicle and walked into the Amagi Inn. The bath house was the same as it had always been, maids running around and looking after what guests had booked reservations for the evening. On the lobby staircase her mother was waiting for her. However, there was no warm welcome. The older Amagi made a beeline straight for her daughter and struck her hard.
"You stupid girl!" Her mother spat. Her eyes were watering as she held her stinging hand. "Do you have any idea the amount of shame you have brought to this family? The damage that you have done to your own future?!"
Yukiko's cheek throbbed with the aftershock of the blow. No matter how cross she had gotten, Mrs. Amagi had never struck her own daughter before. The girl opened her mouth to speak. "But mother I- I can…"
Before she could get the words out another strike hit her across the cheek. "How dare you! You will not interrupt me! I am your mother and none of your excuses matter!" Mrs. Amagi was furious beyond reproach. "Yukiko, the guests are whispering, the neighbors are talking, and worst of all our business is suffering! Do you have any clue? Any idea at all what you've put me and your father through? I had to go to that Tatsumi boy's mother, get on my hands and knees and beg her not to press charges. Beg Yukiko! An Amagi, the pride of Inaba, having to grovel for forgiveness!"
Yukiko stood still, too stunned to speak.
The thought of her mother having to prostrate herself on her daughter's behalf made her sick. The Amagi's were one of the most prestigious families in the small country town. With Yukiko's actions their name had been tarnished.
"I'm surprised they even let you go after what you did!" Mrs. Amagi was not holding back. "And how dare you walk back into this house with your head held high after the way you acted, like some righteous woman. You should be ashamed of yourself!"
"You can say goodbye to your phone, weekends, and your friends! Yukiko Amagi, never in my life have I been so ashamed of you! From this moment forward, when I call you, you will come! When I speak to you, you'll answer! Now go upstairs right now and get changed. You'll be working day and night until your fingers fall off!" Her mother shouted. The older woman grabbed a bucket and mop and dropped them at her daughter's feet. She had never seen her mother behave in such an undignified manner before. "I'll be damned if I let you drag our name through the mud."
The woman shot a sharp glance at the maids who had stopped to stare. They immediately dispersed.
"Yes ma'am." Was all Yukiko could muster before grabbing the supplies then retreating to her room. She placed the bucket outside and quickly undressed. There would be no peace for her today.
"Hurry up!" Yukiko heard her mother shout from outside the door.
Mrs. Amagi didn't tell her daughter any lies. Once Yukiko had gotten changed, the woman was right outside the door waiting to issue her commands. She had her daughter working the Inn's halls all evening. Yukiko had been tasked with washing the dishes, treating the hot springs, trimming the hedges, cleaning all the linen, and scrubbing the floors.
All of the grunt work was assigned to her.
Once Yukiko had finished one task her mother was there to stack another right on top.
Once the evening had rolled around and the guests were fast asleep, she was tasked to wax the entire lower floor of the Amagi Inn. Something she had never done before. The older Amagi didn't care, she expected absolute obedience.
Yukiko didn't finish until 1 AM.
Exhaustion was an understatement.
"In the morning, you'll be helping prepare breakfast and begin to wax the upstairs. You won't be attending class tomorrow because I have to go to the principal and beg him not to expel you. You're to be downstairs at 5 AM sharp. Do I make myself clear?" Her mother ordered.
5 AM was the time that the cooking staff reported for work. The morning shift was her least favorite because it was the busiest time of the day.
"Yes ma'am." Yukiko said with weary eyes.
"Now get out of my sight." Her mother ordered before turning her back and leaving her daughter alone.
The younger Amagi sighed and climbed back up the steps of the Inn. Each step made her legs feel like stone. When Yukiko arrived at her room, she unchanged and stared at her hands. They were aching and pruned from all the labor she had endured.
The girl thought back on what Naoto and Dojima had mentioned in the hospital room. Her mother had to pay full damages to the Tatsumi family all because of her fuck up. It wouldn't be too farfetched to expect the Amagi's would also be making a generous donation to Yasogami High to maintain her enrollment.
Yukiko looked at her clock and grimaced, she had four hours to sleep before being back up to work the halls. Her gaze shifted to the TV on her shelf. She stared at it wearily and slowly her expression turned into one of pure rage. The reflection of herself was that of a weak willed girl. Yukiko rushed at the television gripping it tightly with both hands and slammed it onto her floor.
She couldn't stand the sight of a TV or herself any longer.
The glass and plastic cracked and shattered at the impact. Yukiko exhaled deeply staring at her broken reflection in the shards. The young girl wanted to scream at the top of her lungs, but she couldn't. Her voice wouldn't come. Stumbling back, her naked form fell onto the bed. The exhaustion was beginning to overwhelm her.
The mess could wait for the morning. For now, sleep was the only thing that mattered.
The backbreaking labor and lack of sleep would continue over the course of several months.
At school Yukiko fared no better. Life had completely changed for her and not in a good way. The girl who was once the star pupil of Yasogami High was all, but a delinquent in the eyes of her classmates now. Despite her case being sealed, details regarding her crimes managed to leak to the general public.
While nothing regarding Chie managed to reach anyone's ears, her classmates had all, but learned that Yukiko was the person who had attacked Kanji.
"What? Yukiko Amagi did that? That's hard to believe. Isn't she like a star student or something?"
"I always knew she was putting on a façade. No one who acts that perfect, actually is."
"I guess you really can't judge a book by its cover."
"You really dodged a bullet getting rejected by her!"
"Who knew she was such a psycho bitch!?"
"Don't worry, I can fix her."
"You should just leave stuff like that to the professionals. Shirogane-san had it handled."
Yukiko had heard it all.
The lies, the accusations, the rumors.
The negative comments had become a daily occurrence over the remainder of her second year. Chie was always quick to defend Yukiko whenever someone had anything negative to say in her presence. Her friend would tell her to ignore the comments, but sometimes they were too much to handle.
Chie was always there to help her when she was feeling down.
Even though Yukiko was grateful, she felt unworthy of her loyalty.
However, Chie's help was the extent of the assistance she received. None of the other members of the Investigation Team wanted anything to do with her. After returning to school, Yukiko sought out Kanji to apologize, but he completely blew up in her face. Cursing her out for everyone to see, afterwards he only gave her the silent treatment.
As for the other first years, whenever passing Rise in the hall, Yukiko wouldn't even be acknowledged by the idol. When it came to Naoto, Yukiko avoided her like the plague. Interacting with her was the last thing she wanted to do. And despite her best effort, at times she could feel the detective prince's eyes boring into her when she wasn't looking.
For the second years, Yosuke remained cordial with her, but was distant. She wouldn't have been surprised if he was the one who let the information leak about Kanji's injury. Yukiko and Yu did their best to maintain their distance from one another. Every now and then he would lock eyes with her in class, but would quickly look away. She had the feeling he wanted to say something, but those words never came into fruition.
His silence continued until finally April rolled around and he returned home. Yukiko didn't even attend his going away party. She wasn't sure if she was even welcome. Maybe things were better that way.
Out of everyone, Chie was the only person who had stuck by her side. The sandy blond still sat with her at lunch, hung out after school, and often spent the night at the Amagi Inn. Much to Yukiko's objections the girl would even help assist her in the hard labor her mother had assigned.
It wasn't until months later did her mother finally let up.
Throughout it all of Chie's love was unconditional and unwavering.
Yukiko would frequently cry in her presence. Sometimes the guilt was too much.
Still, the ripples of her actions didn't end her social life. Weekly Yukiko met with her probation officer for checkups and would have to take a train out to Tokyo to go see her counselor. She had always wanted to leave town whenever she could, but the two hour trips back and forth had quickly lost their luster.
Having to talk to complete strangers about her mental health was a new and uncomfortable feeling.
Yukiko had always been very selective with whom she opened up to, but here she had no choice. Her mental health was being monitored and she didn't want to cause any more problems for her family. The town grumbling about her case was enough to see them lose a bit of business at the Inn.
She had to make up for it.
Thankfully the therapist she was assigned to was a godsend. Dr. Maruki was an easy man to work with. He was very relaxed and easy to talk to. Sometimes Yukiko would blab about school or refrain from mentioning anything of note.
On good days he would entertain her and join in on conversations, offering her candy to sweeten her up.
Other times she found herself breaking down completely.
The social pressures became too much to handle.
Her life was completely different now. Relationships were either shattered entirely or drastically different. Yukiko would have given anything to turn back the clock. To never have made such an impulsive, stupid decision. But it was too late for that.
There was no other choice, but to bear the weight of her consequences.
Yukiko Amagi would be a good girl.
She had to.
This was her life now and the first step towards growth, was acceptance.
…