Author's note:
Hello,
As you may have noticed, my writing has slowed down, and is unlikely to speed up again, especially with my life gradually getting busier.
On another note, we are now entering the next part of the story, which is always exciting. This chapter probably could have been better, but I hope you enjoy anyway.
-asdf
Chapter 11: Sunday
Sunday May 29th, 20XX Early Morning
"My, the make-up is doing good work." Akechi commented. Leaning down, he examined Kasumi's face closely. Sitting in the television studio, they had to be here early. The show started at eight. That meant they had been here since seven. Despite the early hour, Akechi had no problem getting up with plenty of time to arrive.
These were the days he lived for. When he got the spotlight that he deserved. He had struggled endlessly to perfect everything about his image. To be able to respond to comments in a humorous way. How to attract women and appeal to men at the same time. It all came to a head on these days. When he was given another chance to charm the country.
In response to his words, Kasumi blushed and averted her eyes. With her left cheek fully in view, Akechi traced the lines that were still there. It wasn't the swollen purple mess from the days after, but it was still clearly a blow from a fist. The discolouration and faded into red lines and jaundiced patches surrounding it. With the make-up used, the wound shone vividly on her face. Highlighted to demonstrate not only the principal's atrocities, but the girl's courage.
"Why are you still staring at me?" Kasumi demanded.
"Oh, just enjoying the view."
Kasumi's shoulders twitched, her eyes jumping back to meet his. "E-Enjoying the view!?"
"Yes." Akechi confirmed with a nod. Then his lips split into a teasing smile. "That wound allowed me to take a big step forward. Why wouldn't I enjoy it?"
"O-Oh, that's what you meant."
She's so easy.
Smirking, Akechi stood back up and strode to his own chair. They still had fifteen minutes of so until the show would start. Lifting his styrofoam cup, Akechi blew on the black coffee and took a small sip. The bitter flavour was delightful. Far better than the sweets he sometimes ate to appease to a wider range of people.
"Any last questions?" Akechi asked the girl. They were the only two in the prep room. The hosts had their own place to get ready and any stage workers were elsewhere. It was quite literally, the calm before the storm. Lights and questions unending.
"Yeah, why are you an asshole?"
"Testy, testy. Drink more coffee before the interview. I don't want you swearing at the reporters."
"Fine."
Taking another small sip, Akechi watched her over the rim of the cup. Analyzing her actions as she followed his lead. Rather than his small sips, she took quite large gulps. The action causing Akechi to shudder imperceptibly at the thought of that much scalding liquid burning his throat.
"Any other questions?"
"Hmm… Did you take the principal's statement?"
"Yes." Akechi nodded remembering the time with satisfaction. For hours after his arrest, the principal had been despondent. Not saying a word in response to the questioning. Head bend low over the table, the shock of everything had paralyzed him.
Eventually though, a change had overcome the principal. Not in the form of pleading, or begging his innocence, but in tears. Silently they dripped down his face, each one falling to the table below. The image had etched itself into Akechi's mind, never to be forgotten. It had been like some sacred ritual: The repentance of man. For Akechi, it was a symbol of his first victory. A leg up on these phantom thieves that weren't even aware of his existence, yet. For five minutes, the crying continued unabated. The principal made no effort to wipe them up or hide them.
Akechi did nothing during this time except to watch, fascinated, from the other side of the table as the principal wept silently, his face contorted into an ugly grimace. Then, slowly, Kobayakawa began to talk. Hiding nothing he emphasized what he had done. How lax he'd been as a principal, letting Kamoshida run wild because he brought them popularity and fame. Then about how the man who had gotten him his position, the SIU director, had told Kobayakawa that if he didn't figure out who the phantom thieves were, he'd be…
It was the only time the principal hesitated. Akechi loved every second of it. Watching the principal attempt to accuse one of the most important men in the country of a crime by convincing a detective. It was a struggle not to burst out into laughter. Akechi already knew everything about the SIU director's connections. How his true allegiance was to Shido.
At last the principal ended by admitting his blackmail of Kasumi and her family as well as Makoto, the student council president to aid him in this task and help rebuild the school's reputation.
"Did he, uh… Seem repentant?" Kasumi asked quietly.
"Absolutely. He confessed everything." Speaking the truth, Akechi hid the reason why. It wasn't time yet to tell the girl anything else. Putting on a content smile, Akechi watched silently as Kasumi beamed back at him, relief and joy in her eyes.
No doubt she thought the whole thing was finished. Giving her an answering smile, Akechi wondered how much longer it would take before she'd realize. Her life would never return to the way it was before.
Sunday May 29th, 20XX Morning
"We are on in five, four, three…"
Closing his mouth, the man behind the camera mouthed the final three numbers. Flashing them with his hand at the same time. As he reached zero, the co-host opened up the dialogue.
Sitting straight-backed, Kasumi tried not to feel intimidated. She'd done this twice before already. Yet, for some reason, it was actually harder this time. A large part of which, was probably due to Akechi being here as well. They sat side by side on the guest coach. Kasumi in her Shujin uniform yet again, and Akechi in his standard gray detective suit. His shoulder was close enough that all she would have to do was a lean a little and they would touch. She wasn't sure exactly why they were positioned this closely.
As these thoughts were running through her mind, Kasumi also had half an ear listening to the co-host reading off the teleprompter. The words described the background behind who the two guests were today and what they had achieved.
Hearing it back, Kasumi was impressed by how heroic they made her sound. It wasn't necessarily embellished, but without all the fear and uncertainty she had felt for the whole process, it sounded a lot better. Glancing at Akechi, she thought she detected a faint tightening of his lips. Right, he wanted the story to be mainly about him. No doubt this introduction focusing on her was quite disappointing.
"So, you must tell us Kasumi!" The main host broke in, practically before the explanation was finished. "Where did you get your sense of duty that compelled you to defy your principal!? You're the picture of a model citizen! I mean, wow!"
Taken aback by the enthusiastic question, Kasumi struggled to find an appropriate response. "Eh? W-Well… I… I just followed what Akechi told me to do. He is the one that deserves praise."
"Oh, true, true!" The host agreed readily, nodding quickly. His expression was ecstatic. He was clearly thrilled to be interviewing people whom he considered to be heroes of a sort. "Say, Akechi, can you walk us through your masterplan? How did you know that the principal was the one behind everything going on at Shujin academy!?"
Akechi spread his hands in an easy manner. "It was elementary really. If a child is throwing rocks at a dog, you don't blame the kid, you blame their parent. This was just the same thing."
"Oh, so Kamoshida was the child in this case, the principal the negligent parent? I see…" The host nodded as if Akechi had said something truly wise. Kasumi wanted to roll her eyes at the artificial laugh Akechi was giving. By now, it was easy for Kasumi to differentiate between the synthetic personality and his actual demeanour. Even if she still wasn't able to figure out what he was thinking at all times.
"So," the host followed up. "What about these 'phantom thieves' that we heard about last time. Are they the one's that targeted Kamoshida?"
Feeling the host's eyes upon her, Kasumi winced slightly. "First off, I'd like to apologize for deceiving you all. It was necessary to make this work." The host's question had been a direct reference to Kasumi's first two appearances and her claim that the phantom thieves did nothing to change Kamoshida.
"No apology needed!" The host crowed, waving his hand. "Do these thieves exist? If so, why didn't they target the principal, the man behind Kamoshida?"
"If I may," Akechi spoke, taking the question for himself. Kasumi was tempted to throw in a snarky, 'no', but she doubted it would go over well. "This just goes to show that the 'Phantom Thieves', if they even exist, are juveniles. Most likely, they are students at the school who had a falling out with Kamoshida. That led to them targeting him. They didn't care about the underlying issues, they wanted revenge."
"…" Stunnded into silence, Kasumi could only stare at Akechi. His eyes had hardened as he talked with a passion. Out of the corner of her eye, she realized the host was the same way.
"Ah, sorry about that. I can get a bit impassioned when talking about justice."
"J-Justice?" The host asks.
"That's right." Akechi nodded firmly. "What I did was follow the law that our society has decided on using a democratic process for the betterment of everyone. According to those laws, I arrested the principal with the help of Ms. Yoshizawa. While I don't argue that Mr. Kamoshida was guilty and deserved to be punished under the law, I will not abide by having vigilantes running around thinking they are above the law. Especially vigilantes who are only concerned with revenge and lashing out at those around them."
"Ah, amazing! No wonder you are the detective prince! I'm almost moved to tears!"
It wasn't that good.
Kasumi grumbled to herself. However, she was still impressed. She had an inkling prior, but it was interesting to know that Akechi's feelings on the phantom thieves were similar to hers. She had let Sumire talk her into putting Kobayakawa's name on their website, but nothing had come of that obviously. It was possible Akechi was correct about everything he said.
That brought with it another issue. He had claimed they were students at her school. Students that were angry at Kamoshida. Kasumi didn't want to make assumptions, especially on such a bold claim, with a group that most likely didn't exist, but it was hard not to see the similarities. Kasumi resolved herself to have another talk with Sumire, make sure that she didn't let herself get coerced into any groups she shouldn't be a part of.
"…Can you comment on that?"
"…Me? Oh, uh… w-what was the question again?" Wilting under their gazes, Kasumi couldn't believe she had zoned out quite so thoroughly. She decided to blame it on Akechi for taking almost all of the questions up to this point.
"Your, er, injury." The host emphasized again. "It's hard to believe that your own principal would hit you."
Kasumi winced as the scene of the raised fist descending upon her played itself through her mind yet again. She had a feeling it would be a long time before she stopped seeing it.
"W-Well…" Clamming up, Kasumi struggled to answer the principal's words. The easy confidence from the first two interviews simply wouldn't come. There she had deflected deflected deflected. That wouldn't work here.
"It's all right. Just take a breath."
Surprised by the touch of a hand on hers, Kasumi looked up into Akechi's smiling face. "Huh?" Strangely, focusing on it helped. That's right. They had discussed this a number of times before.
"It was an overstep on my part." Kasumi admitted, batting her eyes at the camera. "We needed to find out exactly how far the principal's crimes went. How much of the poison that was affecting the school was of his making. I wasn't careful enough in the conversation and well…" Raising a hand, Kasumi stroked a careful finger across the tender skin.
"Oh no! Don't blame yourself!" The host cried. "To think the man in a position of so much power would strike a young girl like you…"
"It's horrible, isn't it?" Akechi agreed, his voice sad. "A terrible abuse of power. It was an honour to be able to work with such a brave girl to be able to correct it."
"Oh, no!" Kasumi denied, embarrassed by the sudden outpouring of praise. "T-To be able to help a detective and aid my school at the same time is already more than enough!"
"Oh, don't be shy now!" The host laughed at her. "I think the two of you should take a bow! These two, ladies and gentlemen, are two of our very best!"
Prompted by Akechi, Kasumi joined him in standing. She was unable to bring herself to bow, however. Crossing her legs, she executed a small curtsy. The gesture paled in comparison to Akechi's elegant bow. Right hand in front of his heart, left folded behind him, his back perfectly straight. It made Kasumi glad she didn't try something similar.
As he rose, Kasumi was shocked by the embarrassed expression on his face. The slight tinge of red, how his eyes flitted off in different directions. He's faking. Upset that it took her more than a moment to figure out, Kasumi kept a watchful eye on Akechi, wondering what he was up to.
As he reclaimed his seat beside her, Kasumi no longer had to wonder as he jumped straight into it. "Really, this is too much. I'm just an average guy trying my best to bring justice to this world."
"Surely you can appreciate how far that sentiment separates you from everyone else!" The host parried. "If more people were like you, our country wouldn't be starting to decline… Er, not that…"
"It is nice to hear these things." Akechi smiled lightly. "It makes it worth the struggles of wondering whether we'd actually generate enough evidence to manage an arrest."
"And then the evidence found its way onto Kasumi's face! That must have been a shock!"
"Yes…" Akechi agreed, but his eyes tracked over to Kasumi's. A teasing mirth within them. "That was truly an unexpected development."
Placing a hand over her mouth, Kasumi hoped she looked demure. Not hiding the snorts that threatened to emerge. She may have freed herself from the principal's clutches, but as she sat on the interviewee coach, Kasumi began to realize, the farce was far from over.
Sunday May 29th, 20XX Morning
"Urgh…" Groaning, Ren rubbed sleep from his eyes. The thin mattress and threadbare sheet rubbing uncomfortably on his body. Moving his arms to force himself out of bed sent an unpleasant feeling down the limbs. Every muscle ached with deep-seated exhaustion.
"One too many times into the metaverse it seems…"
Taking one last deep breath of encouragement, Ren lifted his upper body from the bed. The action taking numerous seconds as his face scrunched with concentration.
"W-What time is it?"
Turning to Morgana's mumbling form, Ren smirked. Rubbing the cat's head briefly, Ren left to search for his phone. A quick rotation completed his search of the dingy attic. Picking up his glasses first, Ren placed the lensless creation on his face before picking up his phone. Holding the power button, Ren waited a few impatient seconds for the emblem to light up. A few more and the home screen displayed, time and all.
"Just before 9:30."
"I see… Five more minutes…"
"Got it." Leaving the cat behind, Ren grabbed a shirt and threw it on before tromping down the stairs. Something told him Sojiro might just kick him out if he showed up shirtless while the café was open.
Descending the wooden stairs, Ren realized he hadn't put any shoes on. Oh well. Sojiro could put up with that. It's not like any customers would actually be here at this time.
Supressing one final yawn, Ren exited unto the base level. Ren would wonder what breakfast would be, except he already knew. Curry. Same as yesterday, and the day before. Oddly, Ren couldn't actually say that he was bored of it. In fact, it was kind of growing on him. Maybe Sojiro added an addictive component to help keep his customers.
As his thoughts wandered, Ren missed the singular person sitting at the bar in the café. Drawing out a stool, Ren sat two spots away from the person. "Morning Sojiro. Can I get a plate?"
"Urgh. I always knew you were hopeless…"
Tilting his head, Ren couldn't figure out why his guardian looked so confused. Was there something on his face? Pawing at it, Ren found nothing except his usual glasses and curly hair. It was a little unkempt, but it wasn't like there was anyone else here to…
Thoughts reaching this point, Ren froze. The images from when he walked down the stairs finally loading within his brain. The sight of a person sitting at the counter that hadn't registered properly the first time.
"Ah…" Emitting a small sound, Ren's head creaked to the right. To the stool at the end of the bar. Sitting there was a girl about his age. Her cheeks tinged red. Probably embarrassment from Ren's strange behaviour this morning.
"G-Good morning… I'm sorry for showing up unannounced."
"Oh, you are forgiven then." Ren answered instantly, his mind grabbing onto only a few of the words.
"Idiot!" The growled word from Sojiro somehow registering better despite being quieter. "Drink."
Taking the proffered cup from Sojiro, Ren forced the scalding liquid into his mouth. The sensation of burning taste buds combined with the scent of coffee helped stimulate his exhausted body.
Looking with fresh eyes at the girl, Ren's tongue curled up in his mouth. He couldn't believe he had just said that. Not just to a girl. But to Ms. Student body president herself. Nijima Makoto.
"Er… Sorry about that."
"N-No, please don't worry about it…"
"So… Why are you here?" Ren ventured to ask. He may be awake enough to hold a conversation, but not to figure out this girl's strange motives.
"Well…" Makoto's red eyes drifted off Ren to Sojiro. Even in his stupor, Ren understood the implications. She wanted to talk somewhere without another person listening in. Or at least not Sojiro.
"Do you want to get lunch in a couple of hours? There's a diner in Shibuya…"
The girl's cheeks reddened further. Just as Ren was sure she would leave without saying anything to her purpose, she nodded once sharply. "We will meet at noon. This is my phone number. Text me the address ahead of time. Please excuse me."
"That… was random."
"Huh, maybe you aren't as hopeless as I thought…" Sojiro commented, stroking his chin. "Drink up, you'll need to be at your best, so you don't screw this up."
"Uh, screw what up?"
"The date!" Sojiro groaned. "Oh, the stories I could tell from when I was young… Hoo boy!"
"Yeah… This isn't a date." Ren denied, shaking his head at his obtuse guardian. "We don't even know each other. I'm guessing she wants to talk about school."
"About school?" Sojiro scoffed. "Did you see her face? Ah, whatever. Who am I to say? Here, half a plate of curry. You need to still have an appetite for the date."
"But I don't want to have to pay for food there…" Ren whined knowing how the statement must sound.
"Urgh, fine. Here. For helping around the store. But expect me to make you do more to make up for it!"
"…Thanks." Taking the 2000 yen, Ren pocketed it swiftly before Sojiro could change his mind. It was an unexpected gesture. Maybe Morgana was right about the guy. He really wasn't as bad as he seemed at first.
Sunday May 29th, 20XX Lunchtime
"Wow… This place is… really fancy." Sumire remarked as she glanced around the interior. As she did so, she tugged self-consciously on her clothes. It appeared to be a similar level as the Hilton buffet that the Principal had brought their family to. No, maybe even more extravegent. One difference was that this place had a menu rather than a buffet. Also, it was more enclosed, giving each of the dining occupants more privacy.
The floor was laid with authentic hardwood that sparkled a majestic deep red colour. Crystal chandeliers lined the restaurant's vaunted ceiling. Each one cast a bright white glow throughout the interior even without any windows to speak of. Going from the name hard to pronounce name, this place served French cuisine.
That was confirmed, moments later, when a man in a tight white suit handed them each a piece of laminated paper. With gloves the same colour, it was all Sumire could do to manage a weak smile.
"I'll be back shortly with water and bread. Please read today's course in the meantime."
"Thank you." Kasumi responded, glancing at the menu.
Staying silent for now, Sumire did the same. Eyes bugling, Sumire gaped at the singular sheet. To call this a menu was disingenuous. It was a proclamation of death. Above the complicated French words that she would struggle to pronounce, Sumire stared directly at the two lines at the top.
Mid-day five course meal.
10 000 a person.
10 000. The number was mind-numbingly large for the price of a meal. She had been expecting both Kasumi and her to eat for a fraction of that price. Hell, street ramen would probably run them a maximum of 1000 yen a bowl. A literal tenth.
Coming back to their table was the waiter. While he carried the bread on a silver platter, as well as exotic curved goblets and a pitcher of water, he hesitated before setting them down. "Will you ladies be staying with us for lunch?"
No!
Sumire responded instinctively. She didn't have this kind of money!
"Yes, we will be." Kasumi answered out loud. "We'll both take the set meal." Taking Sumire's menu from her stiff hand, Kasumi gave them to the waiter once he'd unloaded the dishes he'd brought.
"Very well. The soup shall be out shortly."
"Thank you."
As the waiter left, silence fell between the two of them. Sumire still didn't know what to make of this restaurant. She wasn't slovenly, but nowhere near the level of the other patrons that were present. Kasumi was in her school outfit. Something even more out of place.
"Oh, I hope this place lives up to what I've heard!" Kasumi spoke, flashing Sumire an excited smile. Her voice containing none of the hesitation that Sumire was feeling. "It certainly has the price tag behind it."
"A-About that…" Sumire finally found her voice. "I… I can't afford this."
"Oh, don't worry about that!" Kasumi laughed. "I got paid today!"
"Paid…?" Sumire spoke with disbelief. She struggled to comprehend the basic word. Why on earth would Kasumi have been paid?
"Yupp! Apparently Akechi had negotiated 'appearance fees' with the show we were on. Essentially, we went on that show because they were willing to pay more for us!"
"I… I see." Sumire replied haltingly. With Kasumi bringing it up, Sumire had nothing else to do but acknowledge what she had watched this morning. The truth behind everything. Except… there were lies mixed in. Sumire had detected more than one inconsistency, which had left her confused. She had been hoping to clarify this with Kasumi, but her sister looked so happy. For the first time in a long time, Kasumi had regained that easy smile. That twinkle in her eye that spoke to her fearlessness and strange ideas that she constantly generated.
"Soooo," Kasumi spoke drawing out the word. At the same time her lips twisted into a teasing smile that twisted Sumire's stomach with apprehension. "You heard everything about my life. What's been going on with you?"
"M-Me?" Sumire stuttered again. "N-Nothing really… Just, uh, training… I guess."
Kasumi frowned at Sumire's obvious lie. "What do you mean? Didn't you go on a date with Senpai?"
"O-Oh right!"
"…"
"Er…" Under Kasumi's expectant eyes, Sumire didn't know what to say. She was having trouble trying to remember the excitement that she had felt that day. How she had waited for Kasumi. All she could remember clearly was the horror she had felt when she realized the cognitive world had been telling her about real world events. The disappointment and sorrow of Kasumi not confiding in her. All of that had compounded yesterday when they returned from the metaverse to find the principal already arrested.
Blinking, Sumire was saved from answering by the soup arriving. The first of many plates that would be coming apparently. As such, the volume was tiny. For the first time, Sumire wondered if they would really get enough food here.
"…Well!?" Kasumi pressed once she took a singular sip.
"Er…" Despite the extra time, Sumire hadn't prepared an answer. She'd been too absorbed by the food. "It… It went well… I think."
"You think?" Concern touched Kasumi's expression. "Why are you so uncertain?"
"It isn't like I've been on a date before!" Sumire grumbled back. Catching the bemused look from Kasumi, Sumire blushed deeply.
"I'm sure you felt something." Kasumi continued to prod. "Like a connection, trusting him in a new way or something… You know?"
"Oh… Umm, kind of then…" Sumire blushed, realizing now how embarrassing it was to talk about. Especially when the conversation was completely one-sided. "I guess, there was a tension between us…"
"A tension?" Kasumi snickered. "You make it sound so awkward!"
"Argh! Stop teasing me!" Sumire pouted. Glaring at Kasumi over her pursed lips, "Besides, what about you!? You seem awfully close to that Akechi guy!"
"I-It's not like that!" Kasumi rejected instantly. A little too quick for Sumire. "Besides, he's a little too old."
"So, age is the only reason?" Sumire taunted, glad the conversation had shifted away from herself. "You never really answered last time… But what about Senpai?"
"What about him?" Kasumi shrugged, finishing off her soup and sliding the dish away. "It was just a brief connection. Either way, I'm focusing on gymnastics from now on. I don't have time for boys."
"Y-Yeah… Same…" Laughing drily, Sumire buried herself in the soup. The rich creamy taste was extremely good. Normally she would lose herself in it, but Kasumi's words had sent her stomach somersaulting.
Training.
Her current workout schedule was far lighter than it had been previously. While the metaverse was good physical activity, it wasn't the same. Also, with her phantom thieves' work, Sumire saw no way to return her training back to where it had been. They had another palace they needed to conquer in the coming week.
"Your next course, Ladies."
"Thanks…" Breathing out the soft word, Sumire tried to lose herself in the plate. This entire day had been nothing like what she had thought it would be. With the principal gone, everything was supposed to be on the up-and-up, however Sumire was left as confused as before.
"Hmm? Why do you look so sad?"
"Sad? I'm not sad?" Sumire muttered.
"Yes, you are," Kasumi smiled. "I have seen that look on your face before. It's one I thought I'd never see again."
"Do I really… Look that bad?"
"I doubt anyone else would notice, but… kind of, yes."
"Oh…" Touching her face, Sumire wasn't sure what she was looking for. Some evidence to confirm Kasumi's words. But she didn't need physical evidence. She could feel it in her chest. "I… I tried so hard to help… But I wasn't needed…"
Hiccupping lightly, Sumire bit her lip, refusing to let any tears form. It was only her pride at stake here. Kasumi didn't do anything wrong; she knew that. Yet she still couldn't get over the fact that even after she found her strength, and fought with all her strength to help her… She hadn't been necessary. That suave detective was all Kasumi needed.
"…Thank you."
"Huh?" Lifting her head, Sumire was surprised by the sudden contact. Kasumi had reached across the table and gently placed one of her hands upon Sumire's clenched ones.
"I don't think you've told me everything you tried to do but… What you did do for me… It really helped. Honestly… I was pretty close to giving up a couple times."
"R-Really?" Sumire replied shocked. She knew Kasumi had been suffering, but she didn't think the phrase 'give up' was in her vocabulary.
"Knowing you were out there fighting for me was a huge help," Kasumi admitted. "So please, smile."
Sniffing, Sumire wiped her eyes. Hearing those words from Kasumi meant so much to her. She hadn't realized how confused she had been these past few days. How upset she was that she couldn't prove the phantom thieves' justice to her nonbelieving sister. Sumire hadn't managed the second yet but having been able to help Kasumi was its own reward. Flashing through her mind was the sword dance from yesterday. When she had fought side-by-side with the cognitive Kasumi against the principal. She hoped that that brief moment would become reality eventually.
"What are you smirking at?" Kasumi wondered, narrowing her eyes.
"O-Oh, nothing! Just umm… thinking about the future." Sumire's words appeared to hit a mark. Rather than smiling at the potential, Kasumi winced slightly. The barely perceptible gesture ripping apart the mask that she'd been wearing this whole meeting. "Kas…?"
"It's nothing."
"Don't say that!" Sumire snapped back, a note of anger in her voice. "The principal punched you and you lied to me! Don't… Don't lie to me again… Please."
Kasumi's face twisted with guilt. "You're right. I shouldn't have… I just didn't want you to do anything reckless."
"Reckless!? You are the one that got punched! That makes my meta… Never mind."
"Meta?" Kasumi toyed with the sound to Sumire's chagrin. "Er, I mean… I'm still planning on becoming a professional gymnast, don't doubt that. But… I owe Akechi a lot. After this whole debacle with Kobayakawa… I just don't see my life going back to the way it was before."
"Kas?"
She shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant despite her words. "Maybe that's for the best. After all… I wasn't exactly the best sister before. I tried to help you, but never gave you what you needed."
"Kas…" Words tinged with sadness, Sumire wasn't sure how to bridge this gap between them. "Those were my problems. My jealousy…"
"Hmph!"
Jolting up, Sumire whipped her head to the side. The waiter was there, new plates in hand. His mouth a thin line of disappointment. About what, Sumire wasn't too sure.
"Your next dish, ladies."
"T-Thanks…"
"Yes, thank you…" Kasumi added with a small smile. "I guess we were being too loud."
"Too loud? That's what he was grumpy about? No need to be so stringy…" Sumire grumbled, slightly abashed to be making a scene in a top-end restaurant.
"Haha, I'm guessing this is the kind of place where people don't talk."
"Don't talk?"
"Yeah, you know. Everyone sits silently with straight backs and eats with perfect manners?"
"I-I guess…" Sumire chuckled weakly. To be honest, Kasumi's description sounded horrible. Eating was supposed to be a happy occasion of devouring all the calories and vitamins that you would be using throughout the day. Looking down at the newest platter, Sumire poked the steaming meat with her fork. There wasn't a lot of it. Picking up her knife, the meat fell apart.
"High quality stuff, isn't it?"
"Yeah… What is it?" Sumire poked the material, unsure what animal had produced such a substance.
"Uhh, lamb? I think?"
"Lamb, huh?" Sumire snorted only half believing her sister's answer. It would certainly be her first time eating it if she was correct. Taking a small bite, Sumire's eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "Arf!"
Emitting a strange noise, she scarfed down the rest with a ferocity. Her gaping stomach craving more and more of the tender substance. It dissolved in her mouth with a rich, tangy flavour. "It's… gone…"
"Ah… So good!" Kasumi muttered from the other side, her own plate empty as well.
Sharing a look, they laughed slightly, the distance forgotten for half a moment. All too soon though, the laughter died, and the awkward silence returned.
Clearing her throat with a fake cough, Kasumi's face settled into a determined expression. Taken aback by the change, Sumire waited for this pivotal moment in the conversation.
"What do you think the last few plates with be?"
"…EH!?"
"….?" Tilting her head, Kasumi wore a puzzled expression. "Is something wrong?"
"W-Well… Nothing… I guess." Sumire grumbled. The statement was just so Kasumi, Sumire couldn't really be surprised.
"HMPF!" With an even louder cough, the waiter returned. His face was livid, even though he spoke not a word in disrespect. "I trust the meal is proceeding well, ladies?"
"Ah ha ha…"
"Here is the second to last plate. Do you require more bread or water?"
"Yes please!" Kasumi responded happily.
"Then I shall be back shortly."
"…He's kind of grumpy," Sumire complained once he left them alone. The uptightness of the waiter somehow surpassing even the obnoxious adults that had filled the Hilton.
"It is a first-class place," Kasumi snorted. "This may be the last time you get to experience this kind of luxury."
"Ha!" Sumire shot back, "when I win myself some gold medals, I'll have more sponsorship money than I know what to do with!"
"Really? I don't remember telling you I'd share."
"Bleh!" Sticking her tongue out at her sister, Sumire was glad for the banter. It still wasn't exactly the heart-to-heart she'd been expecting, but it was better than nothing. "S…Salad?"
Gaping at the plate, Sumire wasn't expecting such a plain looking dish to come in fourth. Poking the leafy bits with her fork, she shoveled some into her mouth. "Ooh!" She was pleasantly surprised by the marinade that was been applied. The light sheen of oil had transformed a typical forgettable part of the meal into something interesting. Of course, just as she was beginning to enjoy it, it ended. The salad only lasting three or four mouthfuls.
Lowering her utensils onto the plate, Sumire held an arm over her increasingly annoyed stomach. "Glmph!"
"Was that… your stomach?" Kasumi remarked. A small smile touching her lips. "You're as voracious as ever. Guess we'll have to go somewhere else after, huh?"
"Haha… Yeah." Sumire blushed. With only one more plate coming, she didn't see how it would fill her up. Unfortunately, there was unlikely to be anywhere nearby serving cheap, healthy food. The statement was almost an oxymoron. "The food here is really good. How did you decide on this place?"
"Oh, Akechi told me about it." Kasumi answered immediately. "We were talking about plans after the interview and I mentioned I was meeting you. He made the reservation for us."
"He's done a lot for you." Sumire commented casually, repeating Kasumi's words from earlier. Sipping her water, Sumire stared at Kasumi from over the rims of her glasses.
"Yes, he has…"
"But…?" Sumire pushed.
"He's a little… Scary."
"Scary? This coming from you?" Sumire wondered. While she knew now that Kasumi did in fact get frightened of things, it wasn't a word Sumire would apply to the demure brown-haired man she'd seen on the television.
"Yes… You watched the show, I take it?"
A nod.
"How he was there… Is quite a bit different from my interactions with him. In private he is more… intense."
"Intense?" Sumire wondered. She could agree that his talks about justice were passionate, but was that what Kasumi was talking about? "He didn't try anything… strange with you, did he?"
"S-Strange? W-Why would you ask that…"
Raising an eyebrow, Sumire gazed at her sister with hard eyes. Under it, Sumire watched slightly pleased as Kasumi wilted a little. The embarrassment from her obvious lie getting the better of her.
"I-I'm serious, there was just one moment where he touched me and…"
"T-Touched you!?" Sumire squeaked, standing up. Blushing, Sumire instantly noticed her mistake. The faint clinking of silverware and mild talking disappeared. She couldn't see any glares, but Sumire knew they were there. People wondering what sort of ruffian would dare disturb their expensive French lunch.
"Not like that!" Kasumi hissed, trying to tug Sumire back into her seat.
Reluctantly, Sumire obeyed the prodding. "S-So… How did he touch you?"
"Urgh, don't say it like that." Grumping, Kasumi blushed slightly.
"Well!?" Sumire insisted. Remembering to keep her voice low.
"Well your last plate is here. I'll be back shortly with the check."
"Ah…" Sharing an embarrassed glance with Kasumi, Sumire slide the dessert closer to her. It looked like the piece of a cake. Except this one had numerous layers. White cream poking out from various positions as well as decadent looking icing on the flat top. "So, this is Mille feuille…"
"You know it?" Kasumi questioned. Her attention also locked unto her matching piece.
"Yes, it's a famous French dessert. It looks so good…"
"You are right about that…"
As words trailed off, Sumire took her first hesitant bite. The hundreds of bad calories unable to ruin Sumire's expectation and anticipation. "Mhmm!" Muttering, Sumire closed her eyes and pressed her free hand to her cheek. Her usual sweet-free diet exacerbated the rich taste of the cake. "Sooo good!"
"Ahh…"
With a twinkling clink, Sumire laid the dessert dessert on the now empty plate. Its surface covered with small crumbs and little bits of cream that Sumire was tempted to lick clean. However, the little bit of self control she still possessed held her back.
"I see you have finished. How will you be paying?"
"Already?" Sumire grumbled, casting an askance look at the irate waiter. She knew they weren't exactly the most reputable guests, but they hadn't done anything to deserve this kind of treatment.
"Casfh!" Kasumi mumbled through a piece of bread that she had stuffed in her mouth. Sumire watched awed as she swiped another two from the basket before withdrawing the money from her purse. Throwing a stack of bills on top of the check, Kasumi winked at the waiter before walking past him.
"Umm, thank you for your service!" Bowing slightly at the waiter, Sumire took one glance between the bread and the waiter. Then, with a quick motion, she took one and fled from the seething man.
Darting through the store, she quickly caught Kasumi. Grabbing the girl's arm, Sumire hissed in her ear. "Why were you so rude!?"
"I wasn't!" Kasumi answered, sniffing with self-righteousness. "He was! Besides, the bread was given to us, right?"
"You… aren't wrong." Sumire agreed, taking a bite from hers. Even this ordinary food tasted exotic and delicious. Kasumi was right, it was unlikely Sumire would taste food of this level for a long time.
Exiting the store, Sumire felt like she got dumped into another dimension. Shibuya was packed with various people. Tourists, students, shoppers, all utilizing the nice spring weather to enjoy their Sunday outside. Releasing a deep sigh, Sumire realized that Kasumi had managed to avoid answering her.
"So, what was that thing about him touching you!?"
"You're still on about that?" Kasumi groaned.
Sumire stared hard at Kasumi's side profile. Her brown-haired sister not answering immediately. Instead her left hand reached up and brushed her injured cheek. "It's hard to say. One second, he is the perfect detective, only worried about the case and fulfilling his clients needs. The next…"
"The next?" Sumire pushed.
"He's a live wire… His eyes and mannerisms glowing with emotions and feelings he never shows. I guess… He comes across… as a ruthless… sort of guy."
"Ruthless?" Muttering the word, Sumire shot her sister another quick look. It ran contrary to what she had seen on the show, but she didn't call Kasumi out on it. Sumire had never known her sister to be wrong about something like this before. Even if she hadn't been able to tell how deep Sumire's frustrations lay, Kasumi's intelligence allowed her to generate accurate analyses of other people.
"Yeah… I'm not saying he is a bad person… But Sumire. Do your best to stay away from him."
"S-Sure…" Based on his feelings on the phantom thieves, Sumire knew they get along very well, but Kasumi didn't know that. This wasn't jealousy to protect the boy she liked either. It was, plain and simple, worry for her well-being.
Standing beside Kasumi, Sumire watched in silence as life in Tokyo proceeded around them. The noise and activity seeming to occur within a different dimension. Suddenly, a flash of black brought it all crashing back.
"Is that… Senpai?"
"He's with a girl?" Kasumi continued, picking up the figures swiftly. "Wait… The student council president!?"
Sunday May 29th, 20XX Afternoon
"You're late," Makoto grumbled from the other side of the two-person table.
"Ha…" Laughing lightly, Ren ruffled his hair awkwardly. He had no real excuse except that Sojiro kept trying to teach him pick-up lines, telling him to get better clothes, et cetera. Ren had already changed into his best casual clothes. The dark blue jeans were almost brand new. He thought they fit well.
"So, well…"
"Welcome! What can I get for the two of you? And, don't worry, almost all of our items can be split. Perfect for dates."
"Oh no!" Makoto cried, raising her hands in denial. "T-This isn't a date. I mean, we aren't, we aren't like that!"
"We aren't?" Ren teased. "I could have sworn…"
"Stop it!" Makoto exploded, her entire face crimson.
Ren bit his lip. Not bursting out in laughter at her was a struggle. The waitress had a gentle smile on as well. Clearly not believing her claims either.
"I'm sure. Your order then?"
"Ugh, I don't know…"
"Hmm, we'll take a sandwich to split and a soup each."
"Got it!"
"Hey! Why did you order for me!?"
Ren shrugged, trying to come off as nonchalant. If he was being honest though, it was a struggle not to tease the girl. Especially after the anxiety she'd given him this past week by following him around.
Maybe Sojiro was right!?
Stricken by the thought, Ren blinked in confusion. Could it actually be? The reason she was following him… and then showing up at the café?
"I-I don't know what you are thinking but stop it!" Makoto ordered with a steely glare. "I… I wanted to apologize."
"Wait… The thing you didn't want to say in front of my guardian… Was sorry!?"
"Er… basically."
Groaning, Ren rubbed his eyes. He'd gotten dressed and dragged himself to Shibuya, changing the plans, which he definitely had, only to be told sorry. Made worse by the fact that the person had already been in Jongen-Jaya!
"D-Don't you want to know why I'm apologizing?"
"I imagine for stalking me." Ren spoke, rubbing his head.
"Y-You noticed that!? I thought I was flawless…"
Ren just gaped at the girl. For someone so smart… She was a bit of an airhead. Some of her mannerisms reminded him of Sumire. Particularly the lack of confidence that they seemed to share. Although Sumire's had been improving as of late.
"Umm… It was a valiant effort, I guess?" Ren tried to lie; he wasn't sure how it went. Makoto looked just as confused as ever. "Was there… Anything else, Ms. Student council president?"
"…Makoto."
"What?"
"Call me Makoto."
"…Ren." He answered, bemused by the interaction. He knew calling her by her first name wouldn't fly at school, but it should be fine here.
"And well… I wanted to tell you why."
"Why?"
"Why I was, er, stalking you." Makoto blushed again.
Waving a hand, Ren took a drink of the complimentary water that he had received upon being seated.
"The principal ordered me to find the phantom thieves."
Freezing mid-sip, Ren returned the glass to the table. Keeping a close eye on his hand, Ren ensured it wasn't shaking. "And how did that lead you to following me around?" He thought he did a good job keeping his voice innocuous.
Makoto didn't really react to his question besides nodding as if she expected it. "I… Well to be honest, your group is the most suspicious. I was hoping that by doing so, I could finally get some concrete evidence on if you were the phantom thieves or not."
"Sorry to disappoint you. We aren't going to get found out that easily." Ren took on a joking tone, hoping it would lighten the mood and convince Makoto of his innocence.
"Y-You are the phantom thieves!?" Makoto choked out, her eyes bulging in disbelief. "B-But… Oh, you're joking…"
"I mean, come on. You really think a group of high school students, manipulated someone's mental state?"
"Er… It is just that… I suppose you're right…" Makoto released a heavy sigh lowering her head to look at her water. "I don't know why… but I almost wished that you were the phantom thieves. There are so many criminals out there that the police can't arrest. So many people suffering… I just hoped…"
"That someone could give them confidence?"
"Yeah, something like that." Makoto answered with a gentle smile. "Although, that Yoshizawa Kasumi seems to be doing a decent job."
"…What do you mean?" Ren questioned intently. The last he'd heard about Kasumi was that the principal had actually punched her. This new revelation brought Ren to the edge of his seat.
"You're interested in her, aren't you?" Makoto narrowed her eyes at him. "Leave her alone. She has enough to worry about without someone like you pursuing her."
"Someone like me? You're the stalker here." Ren reminded her.
"I… Sorry. She's helped me out twice now… I guess I'm just a little protective."
"Or maybe jealous because I'm giving her more of my attention?"
"Absolutely not!"
Chuckling slightly, Ren took a casual sip of his water as Makoto glared at him. The girl was nothing like he had imagined her to be. Rather than being cold and calculated, she came off as naïve and unexperienced. Throwing herself face first into a problem with no subtlety.
Once he felt that the mood had calmed enough, Ren repeated his question. "So, what exactly is Kasumi doing to help people?"
"You were sleeping, but she gave an interview on TV."
"Another one, huh."
Makoto nodded in affirmative. "Yeah, about the arrest of our Principal. Wait, do you know about that?"
"Yes." Ren nodded. "I heard about it yesterday. Kasumi was involved in that?"
"Apparently. She worked with a detective to discover whether or not the principal was guilty as well with Kamoshida's crimes."
"I see…" Muttering softly, Ren did feel a quick spike of jealousy. Once again, someone else was swooping in to claim credit for the hard work that they had put in. They had almost died at numerous points. Now, after all was said and done, they had nothing to show for it.
Madarame will be different.
Assuring himself, Ren tried to focus on Makoto as she continued to talk.
"Their interview together was quite good. It was inspiring to see one of students stand up to someone in a position of power. I think she will be quite the celebrity at school starting Tuesday."
"Hmm, I'm not so sure about that." Ren warned. "Jealousy is just as likely as a response as adoration. Also… why Tuesday?"
"Why Tuesday?" Makoto asked confused. "Well we have the park clean-up tomorrow, and honor students don't need to attend."
"Right!" Ren agreed. It had completely slipped his mind. However, hearing about it now put him in a far better mood. Only half a day of work would give them more time to prepare for Madarame's palace. If everything went well, they may even find the treasure route tomorrow.
"And to comment on the potential jealousy, I think it's unlikely."
"Why?"
"Because of how she has helped them. Honestly, most of the student body hopes the phantom thieves are real and supports them. Or did, before the interview. Primarily because they got rid of Kamoshida, a dissident element in the school. I think the reaction to Kasumi will be similar."
Taken aback by the well-structured argument, Ren was once again forced to reassess his opinion of the student council president. Her intelligence had shone through at that moment. She may not be much of a strategist, but Ren reminded himself not to underestimate her smarts. There was a reason that she had initially suspected him of being a phantom thief.
Looking back over her words, Ren noticed a strange phrase in the middle. "Why would the interview change the schools outlook on the phantom thieves?"
"You'll understand when you see it… But the detective that was with Kasumi… was well, less than complimentary of the thieves."
"Less than complimentary?"
"Called them children basically. Directionless dissidents looking to make a splash rather than improve people's lives."
"Bullshit." Ren snarled. His hand flexing briefly into a fist. With no one there to other a contrary opinion, Ren had no doubt that Makoto was correct. Opinion on the phantom thieves would crash out. Until they changed Madarame's heart, they would be forgotten.
"A fan of them?" Makoto questioned; her eyebrows raised.
Mentally berating himself for the show of passion, Ren debated his course of action. There was only one sensible option; Ren nodded. "Of course I am. Kamoshida hated me before I even attended the school. Made Mishima spread rumours of my record, threatened to expel me. Why wouldn't I cheer for someone that could stop a bully like that?"
"But how are you sure it was the phantom thieves?"
Crap.
Thankfully, Ren's mind quickly spit out an answer that appeared to be foolproof. Still, he had once again underestimated the girl's intuition. "What else could it be? He was an unrepentant asshole that kneeled on stage and wept while apologizing. I was pretty close when it happened, there was nothing fake in it."
"…I agree." Makoto muttered. Her eyes spacing out as they stared at nothing. "It was why I could never bring myself to confront you about being a phantom thief. There is nothing I know of that could change a person that drastically. It was as if Kamoshida underwent years of therapy and counselling overnight."
"Precisely," Ren nodded. Breathing an internal sigh of relief that they seemed to have aligned in interests. Or at least a common belief in the phantom thieves.
"…Do you think they are just?"
"…What?"
"It was the point the detective made." Makoto informed him. "Their power aside… Do you think they are using it correctly? Are they actively trying to help? And even if they are, is their help needed? Is it just?"
"That's… a lot of questions." Ren chuckled lightly. Finishing the rest of his water, Ren struggled to find answers to the questions. Answers that weren't suspicious anyway. "I think humans are inherently good."
"What?"
"Therefore, if there is a group out there, with the power to help people repent their sins, I'll choose to believe in them. That probably sounds a little naïve but look at what they did. They made Kamoshida realize his mistakes, with that power, it would probably be easier to just kill him, wouldn't it?"
"What a… Unique point of view." Makoto murmured. "I wonder how you and that detective would get along. I get the feeling you would either respect your differences enough to form a strong bond or hate each other."
"Maybe…" Ren chuckled, scratching his head. "I doubt I'll ever meet the man." Leaving it there, silence descended, and food arrived. Since Sojiro had restricted his portion, Ren was hungry enough to immediately dig in. Taking his half of the sandwich, Ren dipped it in the soup and began eating. The mixture was good. For a moment, Ren allowed himself to be proud of his ingenuity to split the sandwich and get each of them soup.
"I can't believe you ordered for me…"
Choosing to ignore Makoto's grumblings, Ren didn't want to risk teasing her further. The student council president could be a valuable ally to have. Antagonizing her more would be stupid, even for him.
"It's good though…" Sitting up, Makoto coughed slightly. "As an apology… please let me pay for this all."
"…Are you sure?" Caught off guard by the offer, Ren didn't know what to do. Sojiro had told Ren at least a dozen times to make sure he paid. Especially since it was his invitation.
"Yes. I unfairly labelled you, and believed the rumours… I'm so sorry."
"Er… Really, it is okay." Ren tried to assure her. "Although… this is goodbye. At least I'm assuming you won't be following me around anymore?"
"Of course not!" Makoto insisted. "Although… I don't know if it will fix the damage Kamoshida did… But if you want, student council always needs more people."
"Are you serious…?"
"Of course! We never have enough people."
Scratching his hair, Ren was surprised by the offer. It was touching. This was a girl that at one point probably considered him as much of a villain as Kamoshida. The list of people that hadn't labeled him as one at school was exceedingly short. Opening his mouth to politely decline, Ren felt a faint tugging from his subconscious. More accurately, from where Igor's words frequently rose up from. Reminding him to forge bonds.
"I won't join, but… if you ever need help, please feel free to ask me whenever."
"Sounds good. See you later… Ren." Placing some bills down on the table, Makoto bowed slightly and exited the building.
Leaning against his backrest, Ren sighed. Closing his eyes, he felt the sensation once again. The confirmation that he had formed another new bond. A connection that would allow him to further foster his power and provide more aid for his allies in the metaverse. A surprise meeting had generated something.
Waiting a few moments longer, Ren stretched. Adding a bit more money to the pile as a tip, Ren exited the building as well. His mind still wondering what he should do in the evening.
Sunday May 29th, 20XX Afternoon
"Are we seriously waiting for them?" Kasumi asked exasperated. Staring at her sister, Kasumi realized Sumire was anxious. But still! "Stalking him won't change anything."
"I know that!" Sumire snapped back, her eyes not moving a fraction from the diner that Senpai and Makoto had entered almost fifteen minutes ago.
"Urgh," groaning, Kasumi did her best to contain her impatience. Instead, she tried to reason with her sister. "Look, if you trust him, then you can just ask him about it later and he will tell you. I don't think Senpai is the type of person who would cheat on you."
"But it wasn't an official date!" Sumire moaned. For the first time, her eyes left the diner and found their way to Kasumi's face. The red orbs were shaking with fear. "What if he didn't enjoy the date? What if he's decided that he likes the student council president better?"
"Uhh…" Taken aback by Sumire's fervent words, Kasumi struggled to respond. She had some good points but… "I really don't think the two of them are that close. I mean, I don't think they've talked before."
"They clearly are now!" Sumire snapped back, turning to the diner. "You can go home if you want, I'll watch on my own."
"Not happening." Kasumi denied her. "I want to be here when you are proven wrong so that I can gloat about it."
"Urgh."
"And, if you are right…" Kasumi teased with a smile. Poking Sumire's cheek gently, Kasumi dealt the death knell. "Then I need to be here to comfort you."
"Not helping!" Sumire vented.
"I know!" Kasumi answered in a singsong. Decided she had teased Sumire enough for at least another five minutes, she brought her phone out. She hadn't checked it since before the interview this morning. After that she had been preoccupied receiving her appearance fees and saying goodbye to Akechi.
Kasumi was shocked by the number of notifications that had come through. Email and texts from people she had almost forgotten. Each one praising her for her bravery and telling her how amazing she had been. The perfect citizen.
With trembling fingers, she opened each and every one. She didn't know how, but there were even a few emails from strangers and texts from classmates that she'd never given her number to.
Finally, at the top of the list was a new one from Akechi. Hope you are enjoying your time with your sister. Also… Has your newfound fame arrived yet? Enjoy. That was the only one that Kasumi answered. Typing out a quick reply, she added how overwhelmed she was feeling at the moment.
With that done, she pocketed her phone again. Now though, the sensation of its weight didn't vanish in a few seconds. It remained as a tangible presence. A black hole constantly drawing her back. She now had thoughts and feelings from dozens of people she barely knew stored in her pocket. She didn't know what to do with them. Could she ignore it? Would that be rude? Did she care?
As these questions circled her mind, she barely noticed Sumire perk up. Apparently her target had exited the café.
"Oh, she's alone! I'm going to talk to her."
"I'll… wait here." Kasumi's weak reply wasn't odd enough to draw Sumire's attention. Her red-haired sister carving a track in the sidewalk as she strode away. The flaming hair drawing almost everyone's attention as it sparkled exotically in the noon light.
Sighing, Kasumi tried to distract herself from the change that had just occurred. First had come the meal where Kasumi had spent the entire thing feeling guilty about how she had lied to Sumire and had been unable to properly apologize. Now, as comments rolled in about how great she was… Kasumi felt even worse. This was not the life she had envisioned for herself. Any popularity gained was supposed to be appreciation of her gymnastics skills.
"Kasumi?"
"Huh? Oh, Senpai!" Blanching, Kasumi stared up at the boy wordlessly. Her mind struggling to put together what Sumire had said. Going to talk to her. Signifying that Makoto had been alone when she left.
"Is… everything alright?"
"Definitely…"
Kasumi could practically hear the disbelief in Senpai's stare. His black eyes drawing her in. Making her want to confide how she had screwed up.
"In that case… What are you doing here? Not stalking me I hope."
"S-Stalking you? W-Why would you say something like that!?"
"…"
"Er, I mean… It's not my fault, I didn't want to, but Sumire…"
"Sumire's here?" Senpai shot back instantly, his body straightening a little.
Kasumi couldn't help but pout a little. Apparently, she wasn't good enough to talk to, and he wanted Sumire. After a moment, she felt guilty. Wondering whether she was becoming conceited due to the fame.
"Well… To be honest, we kind of saw you enter the diner with the student council president…"
"But that must have been twenty minutes ago."
"Er…" Eyes wandering, Kasumi didn't have an answer for the statement of fact. She didn't know how to word it so that Sumire didn't look like an overly clingy girlfriend. "We uh… just thought that… we would do some shopping and then say hi… I mean, we don't see you very often."
"…Right."
Tilting her head, Kasumi didn't understand his reaction. She had talked to him briefly on Thursday and wasn't aware of Sumire seeing him after that either. Deciding it wasn't worth prying into, Kasumi took a look over his shoulder, wondering if she still had time before Sumire returned. Not finding that distinctive red hair, Kasumi went for it.
"Senpai… Were you on a date with the student council president?"
"No." He answered flatly. Seeing no trace of a lie in his eyes, Kasumi took it for truth.
"And umm… did you consider the movie with Sumire… as a date?"
"N-Not like an official one…"
"I see…" Stroking her chin, Kasumi wasn't sure what to do with this information. How Senpai had looked askance by the question. He clearly didn't consider them an official couple either. For what it was worth though, he clearly felt something other than friendship for Sumire.
Taking this time to try and repay her sister for all the hard work she had put in; Kasumi tried her best to organize a coherent statement. Something persuasive that would influence him into asking her on a proper date this time.
"I hear you did an interview with a detective. What was that like?"
As she tried to speak, Kasumi's chance was ripped away from her. Thoughts jumbled by the surprise question; Kasumi fumbled her response. "It was almost as good as my sister."
"…"
"Ah, no! I mean it went well! Or at least I think it did. Please ignore that…" Lowering her head, Kasumi hid her blush. She didn't know why, but something about those black eyes made her struggle to talk. It was somehow even worse than Akechi.
"Huh?"
Feeling a soft sensation on her head, Kasumi's blushed deepened when she realized that she was being patted. Hands flexing, Kasumi stood awkwardly while the sensation lasted. A few moments later, the heat from his hand left.
"I'll catch you later."
"S-Sure…" Holding her hands to her head, Kasumi stood frozen as Senpai walked past her. Most likely heading to the station to catch a train back to his house.
"Kasumi!"
"Oh, Sumire? H-How did things go with the president?"
"…Alright. Did you see Senpai?"
"Y-Yes. He left already." Kasumi answered. Even as the conversation proceeded, she hadn't managed to lift her gaze from the ground.
"Did he say anything?"
"No… Only that he wasn't on a date."
"I see… I guess we should go home ourselves."
"Y-Yes, I guess so." Mechanically beginning to walk, Kasumi didn't look at Sumire. As such, she missed the suspicious gaze of a person that knew more than they let on. Mixed in was the pain of one who felt betrayed by the person closest to them.
