Author's note:
Chapter is hopefully okay, I edited it really fast.
Next chapter will likely be awhile away but should be fun. As a note, I had to make a few things up as they are never revealed in the games. Do feel free to call me out if I miss something though.
Chapter 33: Summer vacation plans
Saturday July 23rd, 20XX, After school
"Finally!" Ryuji stretched his arms as he lounged in LeBlanc. Already he had shredded off his summer uniform and was chilling in a tank top and shorts. He was sipping on a cola, complimentary of LeBlanc. "School is out for summer! From now on it is sunny beaches and babes in bikinis!"
Ann rolled her eyes. "You say that like your whole summer is going to be video games and remedial homework?" The girl looked like a model in tight jean shorts, a floral red crop top and her hair up in its traditional pig tails. As she sipped her water and looked out the window, she dominated the room without trying to.
"Urgh!" Ryuji flinched. "At least we didn't fail. Hey, we should do that homework together! We can meet up here and finish it up quick."
"Finish it up quick?" Ann cocked an eyebrow. "I thought you of all people would procrastinate and leave it to the last moment."
"Hell no," Ryuji cursed, shivering despite the warm summer air. "I learned my lesson. See, academics is like body building. If you build a habit and conquer it a little at a time, day by day you will eventually get a lot better."
Ann's eyebrows creeped higher as her skepticism increased. "And finishing it quick is similar to that… how?"
"Well… Err, it gives more time to learn other things?"
"Things like how many hot babes in bikinis can reject you in one summer?"
Ryuji flinched like a physical blow had landed. Actually, Ren assumed that Ryuji would have gladly exchanged the scathing comment for a punch. Washing dishes behind the counter, Ren manned LeBlanc by himself. It was far from a challenging task with how minimalistic the menu was.
"Ren doesn't have that problem," Ann smirked, involving him in the conversation. "His problem is being too popular. Do you know why that is, Ryuji? It's because he respects women."
"I respect em!" Ryuji protested.
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, like I saw this model popping up on my feed with gorgeous black hair. Sexy as hell. I respected the shit out of her for a long time."
Ann's eyes hardened as she glared at Ryuji. "I swear if you aren't making a joke right now…"
Whatever Ann was going to threaten Ryuji with was cut-off by the door slamming open and a panting Mishima collapsing into the store. Ren stopped washing dishes. Mishima was one of the few that knew Ren was a phantom thief, well suspected as much. Actually, Ren had no idea what Mishima thought now adays. Ren had been sceptical about the Phansite, but it had turned into an invaluable tool for sorting and finding mementos requests.
"Is something wrong, Mishima?" Ren asked. "You have my number, you could have—"
Mishima slammed his hands on the door sending a loud sound through the bar. Ren tightened his mouth but said nothing at the disrespectful gesture. After all, it was only Ann and Ryuji in here with Ren and a previously napping Morgana. The cat shot up from its sunbeam and whirled around frantically for the disturbance.
"I couldn't say this over message, I have to hear your answer in person!"
"…On what?" Ren asked casually.
"You see, there is this person…"
"Okay…" Ren was nervous but had no idea where this was going. Mishima's eyes were a little frantic. An innocent desperation twisting his face, so he looked younger than he was.
"They are really great! An amazing man and Phan! Although there are rumours that he is a woman… but that's besides the point."
Ren thought it was impressive that Mishima managed to pronounce Phan in such a way that it was clear he did not mean its more common homonym. "Continue."
"You see, they host this streaming channel where they summarize all the great things you guys have done as well brainstorming future feats, or the best way for the Phantom Thieves to proceed…"
Creepy. Was Ren's first honest thought. Soon after though, he thought it may be worthwhile to watch. It was possible they could generate good ideas.
"Anyway," Mishima hurried on. "They submitted a request months ago that has still not been fulfilled. I made them a moderator of the Site and everything. Please, you really have to do it!"
"…" Ren hesitated. They had mostly caught up on requests at this point. More had filtered in during exams, but from what Ren had seen during his brief looks, there was not much of substance. "I can pass on a message… Who and Where?"
"Sure, pass it on." Mishima chortled. "Anyway, The Joker says that a legislator—"
Ren had to stop Mishima with a raised hand. "The Joker?"
"Yeah, that's their screen name. You know, that they use for streaming? Same username that they mod the Site with."
"Sure, continue." Ren took one glance at Ryuji and Ann who were doing their best to not burst out into fits of laughter. Morgana still looked sullen about being woken up.
"Anyway, she's in Kyoto, her mother was killed about a year ago in a hit-and-run by a politician of the name Jyun Owada."
And there was the reason why. Kyoto. Ren wondered if there was a mementos there. If so, what would it look like? However, Ren frowned and realized something. "A legislator… so he lives in Tokyo?"
"No," Mishima shook his head like an eager puppy, certain that the request would be fulfilled. "He is secretary on the Diet currently, but he lives in a large mansion in Kyoto. He flies by private jet when he needs to go to assemblies."
Ryuji whistled loudly from the table. "Bro thinks himself an American celebrity or something?"
"That's exactly why you need to knock him down a peg!" Mishima exclaimed, still passionate. "He forced blame unto his secretary who died shortly after. Only the Phantom thieves can fix this!"
Ren had no answer. What could he say? Mishima's earnest eyes were ripping at him, seeking something more. "I'll pass it on."
Mishima looked disappointed but departed from LeBlanc. Only after he was gone did Ren realize that he should have invited him to stay for a drink or something. Pay for his work on the PhanSite. That was probably why Mishima kept stealing glances back at Ren as he was leaving…
Shaking his head, Ren ditched the apron and grabbed a spot at the table with his own drink. "Well, thoughts?"
Ryuji was scowling. "Sounds like a pompous asshole. Not sure what there is to discuss."
As usual, Ryuji's comment got a sigh from Ann. "The problem! The man may not even be in mementos."
"Oh." Ryuji blinked. "Wait, what the fuck!? Is that what we were talking about awhile ago? Something about people not using trains?"
"Yes!" Ann threw up her arms in exasperation. "Morgana, can you explain."
"I could, but I doubt the oaf will understand." Morgana yawned and curled up. Despite the lazy position, his tail flicked and his cat eyes remained open, scanning the room with feline intensity.
"Shut it, furball," Ryuji growled. "I'm not good with this theoretical stuff. Can't we test this?"
"Yes," Ren agreed taking his phone out. Clicking on that ominous red eye app, Ren opened the voice input and spoke the name that Mishima had given him. "Owada Jyun."
It accepted it.
Sighing internally, Ren spoke the determining word. "Mementos."
"Incorrect location."
Ren closed his eyes. This was what he was afraid of. Incorrect location. It was the reply that indicates the existence of a palace, not a simple mementos shadow. "Well, thoughts?"
"I don't know…" Ann murmured. "Maybe we should call the others?"
"Nah, there has got to be something else we can do, yeah?" Ryuji pulled out his phone and began googling. "Maybe it had something to do with this mansion that Mishima mentioned?"
"Location accepted."
"Well, that worked." Ren said. "So where is the mansion?"
"Umm, Kyoto, I think…" Ryuji mumbled. "So… We would need to go to Kyoto to do this?"
"That is correct," Morgana broke in, standing up. "This is a big scope. If we bust this legislator, its our way to begin cleansing the corruption all the way to the top of the government!"
"Oh, hell yeah!" Ryuji pumped his fist. "We gotta do it. We have to take this fucker down!"
Ren shared a look with Ann. Unfortunately, the girl was nodding along as well. Clearly outvoted, Ren leaned back and took a sip of his drink, marvelling in the cold beverage tickling his mouth, its sweetness as it bubbled and went down smoothly.
"Guess we need to plan a road trip to Kyoto." Ren said. "Let's call everyone up with the information."
Saturday July 23rd, 20XX, Night
Sumire panicked inside as she dutifully dried dishes one at a time. Kasumi stood beside her washing with incredible focus that likely only she could achieve while performing such a mundane task.
For everyone else, the order of operations discussed was easy. Step 1, get Futaba comfortable around people. Step 2, plan a trip to Kyoto with the excuse that they were taking her there as a final test and a sightseeing thing. That worked for the others. Sumire's problem came in the form of the beautiful girl beside her absorbed in washing dishes. Sumire had no idea how to tell her family of the trip and framing it in such a way that Kasumi could not come.
Sumire wanted to avoid using the pseudotruth of 'you are not wanted'. Kasumi got along well with the thieves… but she could not come to Kyoto with them. That was simply an impossibility. Kasumi was bright enough to have suspicions already. Sumire could not validate them by taking a trip to Kyoto on the same day the phantom thieves were magically there for the first time. That was simply not an option.
Lost in her thoughts, Sumire dutifully dried her dishes. One at a time, each one done in a meticulous, thorough way. Cleaning first a fork, then a cup, then a plate, Sumire was truly lost in her head.
"Hehe…"
Sumire did not heed the ominous chuckling.
"HiYAAAAAAH!" Screaming, Sumire jumped high into the air, her knees clearing the countertop. Her hands went to her sides that had been soundly pinched. By the time she had landed, Kasumi's arms were around her, tugging Sumire tight against her. She could feel her sister's bra digging against her back.
"W-What are you doing!?"
"You, my dear sister," Kasumi whispered into her ear, "are extremely suspicious."
Even as Sumire tensed and gasped, her parents rushed out in a rush. Her father was completely naked except for a hastily wrapped towel around his waist. In some ways, her mother was even more embarrassing wearing only her underwear.
"W-What are you two doing!?" Sumire yelled at her parents, blushing and averting her gaze. She ignored the fact that her scream and dropped plate that had clattered loudly had been the reason they came.
"Us!? Shinichi stuttered. "You two look like… well like things I don't want to consider."
"Oh? Is that right, father?" Kasumi purred, sounding far too happy. "Are we a nice-looking couple?"
"Kasumi!" Her mother broke in. "Your jokes go too far."
"Ahaha…"
Continuing to stand silently within her sister's embrace, Sumire waited as her parents disappeared back to their nightly routines. She was glad that they had at least managed a bit of clothing. If that had been lacking she would have died of embarrassment on the spot.
"So?" Kasumi whispered into her ear in a very unsisterly way. "Do you think this is unseemingly?"
"YES!" Sumire screamed, pulling out of the embrace roughly. "Why are you making it weird?"
Kasumi winked. "I thought you might tell me something interesting if I seduced you."
"Ahh! Get out of here." Leaving a few undried dishes in the wink, Sumire stalked off, her face of a color with her hair. Kasumi was always eccentric but as her Mother had said, this was too far.
As Sumire glared at her sister, Kasumi's teasing grin faded. "Are you actually upset?"
It was an odd sincerity that made Sumire do a double take. Anger fading, Sumire shook her head. "No, it was just a little embarrassing."
"Then you don't need to be so stingy," Kasumi smirked. "So, what's up?
Now that it had come to this, Sumire could not back out. Staring at her sister, Sumire gathered her courage and said it straight out. "My friends are planning a trip to Kyoto."
"And?"
"And well… I want to go."
Kasumi looked on the verge of laughter. "You were… nervous to tell me this? Or our parents? Oh, are you worried about slacking on your training? Yes, do make sure that you do your stretches everyday. The last thing you want is to have your flexibility decrease."
"It isn't that!" Sumire said forcefully, her voice growing louder. "You aren't invited!"
Kasumi blinked. Her expression fading in the face of Sumire's anger. "Well, yes, I gathered that as I was not invited to the planning session. Or did you want me to ask to be allowed to come or…?"
Why!? Sumire wondered, her heart beating furiously. She would have been devasted to be her sister right now. Was this the real difference between them? That Kasumi had a heart of iron that would not bend to the slights and insults of others?
"Oh." Kasumi said. "You don't want me there, I see…"
"W-We just…"
Kasumi raised a hand to cut off Sumire's weak excuses. "Don't bother making up excuses. You don't need one to not invite someone. Sounds like Dad is done with the shower, so I'm off. Don't forget to finish the dishes."
With that, Kasumi was gone. Sumire stared dumbfounded after her sister as she walked away. With mechanical motions she moved back to the sink and grabbed the final dishes. Kasumi had forgotten to drain the water as well. Closing her eyes, Sumire fought against the sudden tears that threatened to manifest. "I'm sorry, sis…"
Mumbling to herself, Sumire could not forget the direct words and impassive face of her sister. Her stomach was a tight knot of physical pain. Sumire was nauseous, on the verge of throwing up.
It was over, but Sumire could not do that again. Even now, she wanted to run over and tell Kasumi that she could come. But she could not do that. So, she dried dishes as her tears threatened to wet them.
Sunday July 24th, 20XX Afternoon
"This is unusual."
Kasumi averted her gaze from the street to the person who had taken the sit across from her. "Is it? It is summer vacation, I thought that was the most common time for high school students to hang out and relax."
Akechi smirked at that. "Friends, are we?"
"Are we not?" Kasumi challenged him.
Akechi shrugged nonchalantly, taking a sip of his iced coffee, "the word friend seems a little… underwhelming to describe our relationship."
Kasumi relaxed inside. If he had completely rejected me… She did not like how unsettled she had been since yesterday. "I suppose you have a point," Kasumi agreed. "Do you have a better word for us?"
"Hmm, I am not sure there is a good word. Conspirators?"
"Conspirators?" Kasumi chuckled at him. "Are we criminals now?"
Akechi smiled softly at that. Even the uptight detective looked more relaxed today. The pressure of trying to work and attend school had to be even greater than Kasumi's stress of managing school and transitioning into a professional athlete.
"No, not criminals, but all the good words for groups are taken by villainous teams. Squads, mob, accomplices."
"Collaborators?" Kasumi wondered.
"I think that term is also used in business and science senses as well." Akechi informed her.
"Hmm… How about Connivers?"
Akechi actually laughed. Not forced, not mocking. He simply sounded like a high school boy having fun. Sooner than it should have however, the laughter cut off and the detective was back, mirth gone. His eyes defocusing as if a sudden thought weighed on his mind.
"Is something wrong?" Kasumi asked.
Akechi flinched. "Hmm? Wrong? No… I do have a question though."
"A question? Well, you've never stood on proprietary before…" Kasumi tried to keep her tone jovial, but it was hard when the person opposite her had started acting so strangely. Just like Sumire had yesterday before she…
"Did your sister make summer plans?"
"Sumire… why?"
"Oh, just curiosity," Akechi smiled weakly, the disguise a weak one. "I thought you would be with her."
Kasumi gave Akechi an appraising eye. Deciding there was no evil, she shrugged. "Apparently there is a girl living at Ren's guardian's house that is recovering from an illness that she is helping. After that, Sumire is planning a trip to Kyoto with some of the others."
"Kyoto? Odd… Why would they…?"
Kasumi continued to look at Akechi sideways. The detective was muttering about the oddest things. She wasn't sure why, but she got the impression that he knew more about things than she did. "Do you have an interest in my sister, Akechi?"
"Yes, I do."
The direct answer was spoken offhand as Akechi's brow was furrowed, his eyes on his cup held between both hands.
"Oh? I'm afraid you have an uphill battle ahead of you if you want to win her from Ren."
"Ren? What about Ren?" Akechi's head shot up.
Kasumi threw up her hand and sighed. "This is pointless. You expect answers and then ignore me."
"Aha, my apologies. I must admit that my time here is short. I have tasks I must start on that I did not have time to conquer before."
He got his information, so he is leaving…
Akechi fished out his wallet and threw down more than enough money for their drinks. "Buy yourself a snack from me. I'll get you a better present for your victory soon."
"You are off then?"
Akechi nodded, flinching somewhat. As he stood up, he hesitated before walking away. "Thank you for the invite. I did enjoy this time and I am sorry to leave so quickly."
Kasumi almost gaped at the detective's back. No teasing gag? No condescending smiles? That had been downright sincere and heartfelt! "Did he notice…?" Kasumi could not reject that possibility. It would be concerning if her fellow conspirator—or was it conniver now?—could read her so well.
When a waitress came over, Kasumi took Akechi's advice and ordered a gelato thing. When it came out, it was a creamy white that sparked brightly in the sun. Smiling at the treat, Kasumi dug into the cool sweetness and allowed herself to forget the stress and uncertainty that had plagued her recently.
Kasumi sat and ate, all the while not thinking about laying awake in her bed last night. Laying there as time ticked by, her finger massaging her beauty spot, contemplating her imperfection. Wondering why she was the only the that could not make friends. Telling herself it did not matter since she could not go anyway, she had training to do. Wishing she had been invited anyway.
No, Kasumi did not consider any of that as she sat and ate alone, unable to share the experience with anyone.
"Hey, its Yoshizawa!"
"You are right, it is!"
Kasumi blinked and looked up at the nearby street. On the other side of the wooden balcony was a group of four that had stopped and looked at her. Kasumi took only a moment to recognize them. The four had come to her final performance at the tournament and Kasumi had talked to them there. They were from her class. The two girls in the group, Minami and Yuuki, were part of the junior volleyball team. One of the boys was tall and stood by Minami's side. That was Ryoutarou, a boy with a roguish grin who had been her childhood friend. The last boy was a bit of an outsider with the group. As far as Kasumi knew, he had become friends with Ryou this year and had fallen in the other two. He was the shortest of the four by a smidgen and faded into the background with his mop of black hair. Despite that, Yoshito had a clear reading voice and a sense of intelligence when called on in class. He had placed not far below her in exams either.
"Hey," Kasumi put down her half-eaten dessert and walked over. She did not want it anymore. "You are all enjoying the start of summer vacation?" Kasumi could gather as much from the casual attire and drinks in their hands. The girls were wearing matching summer dresses that they had probably bought together today. Likewise, both of the boys looked slightly goofy with matching wide-brimmed hats that kept the summer sun off their faces.
"You are… by yourself?" Yuuki asked, sounding confused.
"Yes," Kasumi confirmed, keeping a bright smile on her face. "My partner for the afternoon ran off on business."
"Oh." Minami hesitated, "well, if you want…"
"Yeah, join us!" Ryou barged in. "It would be great to have you. Someone else that can rein these two in."
"Two?" Yoshito scoffed, "I'm by myself holding the four of you together like dogs chasing different scents."
"Oh, a dog?" Yuuki challenged the boy with a bright smile that Kasumi herself was adept in using. "I do so hope that you aren't actually calling me a bitch."
"N-No, metaphorically only, of course. You, are a wonderful girl with a bright sunny personality."
"Much better." Yuuki patted him on the head as the boy sighed wearily, a bullet dodged.
The interactions brought a smile to Kasumi's face. It seemed that Yoshito was not simply Ryou's friend in this group anymore. With a building desire to keep an eye on the two, Kasumi's teasing instincts rose.
"Yeah, I'll come with you. Where are we off to?" With Kasumi's money (Akechi's) left laying on the table with her melting dessert, she set off with a new group.
Sunday July 24th, 20XX Afternoon
"U-Umm… I do not understand." Feeling awkward, Sumire admitted her lack of knowledge to the orange-haired girl. Those bright eyes that were partially obscured behind thick glasses narrowed.
Sighing in annoyance, Futaba answered with poorly constrained nervousness. "Feather man is often praised by critics for its ability to undermine expectations and forcing its adult audience to think about the questions that it raises. However, the real draw is obviously the amazing action. How do you not understand this!?"
"O-Oh is that right…" Sweating, Sumire wanted to hide behind Ren. She had carelessly pointed to Futaba's action figures and commented on Feather man. In her youth, Sumire had watched a few episodes but had been too busy to really get into it. Futaba had latched onto the comment and was flitting around rapidly changing between high-level psychological analysis about its effect on childrens' psyche and child-like comments on the show's 'awesomeness'. It was a startling mix of incredible intelligence and childish innocence.
Sumire had heard that communicating was hard for geniuses. Was that what was happening here or was this an effect of her trauma and isolation? Sumire did not know.
"Well Futaba," Ren butted in, placing a hand on Sumire's shoulder as he stepped into the conversation. "Do you want to go over to LeBlanc? We can grab some lunch and maybe introduce you slowly to an area with more people."
Sumire was too busy staring at Ren's hand to pay attention to Futaba's response. With how hot out it was, Sumire was wearing a sleeveless red top. As such, she could feel Ren's warm hand pressing against her skin.
"Whoa… Now that is protagonist power." Futaba's voice was filled with awe.
"What do you mean?" Ren replied.
"You broke the poor girl with only a touch. Does that happen a lot?"
"Huh? Sumire? She is not broken. Futaba, you do need to learn to control your tongue before you go into public. People will not be happy if you say the first thing that comes to your mind."
"Not broken? Look at her! Your powers are too strong! Wait, should I be worried? What if you do this to me!?"
Sumire shook herself into attention again as her brain began prodding that she was missing something important. Futaba was sending suspicious glances at Ren as she covered her shoulders with her hands. "Huh? W-What are you two talking about?"
"Futaba is being weird." Ren replied, sounding oddly defensive. "She seems to think that my touch is seducing you."
"T-That is ridiculous!" Sumire managed, her face somehow finding the capacity to heat up further.
"T-This just proves my words!" Futaba complained from her computer chair.
"Nonsense,' Ren scoffed. "I'll show you." Without asking permission, his hand move from Sumire's shoulder to her head. She could feel his fingers in her hair. The gentle force as he patted her softly.
"A-AHH!" Screaming, Sumire darted from the room. Finding the nearby bathroom, she slammed the door and locked it, panting. Sitting on the toilet, Sumire held her hand between her hands. "Calm down, calm down… This is what I wanted to happen. This is what I wanted…"
Groaning about her useless self, Sumire shook slowly back and forth. If she simply leaned into Ren's touches and returned them… "If I could do that I wouldn't always be in my sister's shadow…"
A loud knock sounded on the door, making Sumire jump and let a squeak. "Y-Yes?"
"Sumire?" Ren's voice, "I'm sorry about that. I shouldn't have touched you like that. Are you okay?"
"Just… don't go treating other girls like that. Well, it might be funny to see Kasumi's reaction but…"
"Sumire?"
She blushed again; glad she was hidden behind a door. What the hell was I blabbering about!? "Ah, umm, never mind. It was nothing you did. Give me five minutes and I'll join you at LeBlanc for lunch."
"…Okay. See you there."
Leaning back, Sumire basked in the silence. She was fine, Ren's touch does not break her. Sumire was almost an adult.
"Hey, sorry about that. Good luck!"
Sumire stared at the door where Futaba's whispered voice had come from. The sounded of running footsteps on the other side marked the girl's departure. Waiting, Sumire heard the front door open and then close, leaving her alone in the Sakura house.
Using the time to actually go to the washroom, Sumire eventually exited into the hallway, feeling barely more settled than when she had when she entered. Her heart was an erratic pump that was rapidly activating faster than on her runs.
Her internal peace was completely shattered. It was not Futaba, it was not Ren's touch. It was Kasumi. Sumire could not get that moment from her mind. When Kasumi told her to finish drying the dishes and walked away. Her expression had been so flat. Like a stranger. What had her sister been hiding?
As these thoughts swirled within her, Sumire passed through the intervening distance from the house. The market street that was sparsely populated could not grab her attention. Opening the café door, Sumire sat down beside Ren still distracted and upset.
"Are you alright?" Ren whispered. "You're hyperventilating."
"I…" Sumire checked her breath rate and yes, as Ren stated, it was elevated like her heart. "Yes, I am."
"Hmm…" Futaba looked like she wanted to say something, but her mouth was full of curry. Sumire sent her a warning glare to ensure that it stayed that way.
"Ah, there you are." Sojiro said jovially, dropping a plate and a glass of water in front of her. "On the house. Thank you for trying with Futaba. I know she is excited to have a girl her own age to talk to again."
"Sojiro!" Futaba gasped. "Go mind your café and stop embarrassing me!"
"Ah, but that's a dad's job…" Sumire was not sure if she imagined the words from Sojiro as he turned around and headed back to the counter. Unlike most times Sumire had been here, it was not empty. A man sat at the bar watching the news will two other booths were filled with couples. It felt like an actual café. Was that rude?
Coughing awkwardly, Futaba thrust a fork at Sumire. "You, look almost sick as I did."
"N-No, I do not!" Sumire retorted. "I must nearly weigh twice you!"
"That seems completely false, but weight has nothing to do with whether someone is sick."
"I agree with her," Ren said, turning on Sumire. "Your hand is shaking; you look to be on the edge of fainting. Can you eat? If not, I'll take you home so you can rest."
"You could let her use your bed," Futaba suggested, a nasty smirk on her face.
"Stuff it," Sumire growled. "I get enough of that from my sister. I. Am. Fine."
To prove her declaration, Sumire dug into her meal with ardour. Her heart was not in it, but Sumire was an expert of eating. Around Kasumi, if you weren't you didn't eat. It would be gone before you finished adjusting your napkin.
"Amazing…" Futaba gaped. "I thought you were a gymnast, not a professional eater…"
Sumire barely flushed as she continued eating. That, at least, was something she was used to being teased about. In only minutes Sumire put her utensils down and sighed. The food had tasted good. It was nutritious and filling. Filling, unfortunately, was not something her knot of a stomach particularly appreciated.
"I think Futaba is right," Ren said, "why don't you go lie down on my couch or bed? I'll take you home in a few hours when you feel better."
Sumire, however, was distracted by Ren's right hand. To eat curry, the western utensils were undoubtedly the best way to go. However, Ren was holding a single chopstick that he was spinning without even looking at it. First one direction, then the other. After that, he spun it on the flesh of his thumb, the chopstick stopping at the perfect place to fall back in his grip.
"Amazing…" Futaba spoke as she followed Sumire's gaze. "Did you max out your proficiency or something?"
"Stop treating me like a video game character," Ren grumbled and set the chopstick down. "I practice in class is all. So? Do you need to lie down?"
"No," Sumire shook her head, sighing heavily. With her gaze on her plate, Sumire pushed her fork through the remaining sauce. "I need to apologize to Kasumi… or something."
"What happened?"
With halting words, Sumire explained what happened the night before. How well it went from on objective perspective. Still, there was something weird to it.
"Hmm…" Ren tapped the table now that he did not have anything to spin. "Kasumi is good at hiding her feelings. She uses teasing as a defense mechanism as far as I can tell."
"Does she… know about me?" Futaba asked.
Sumire blinked at the seemingly unrelated question before nodding. "Yeah, why?"
"Oh," Ren paled, "I see."
"See what?" Sumire asked, frustrated. It felt like everyone except her could see the answer that she was missing.
"Well…" Futaba looked uncomfortable. "I'm like… taking her place on the trip."
Sumire paled. "B-But… That's not… I can't…"
Folding over the table, with her eyes closed, Sumire could barely feel Ren's comforting hand on her back. "She helped me when I distraught, she is friends with you and Makoto, she knows about Ms. Kawakami… Yet she did not get an invite."
"Come on."
Sumire allowed herself to be handled by Ren. First forcing her up and then directing her to the back of the store and up the stairs. Moments later, Sumire found herself laying sideways, her head on a soft pillow and a blanket covering her. She still hadn't opened her eyes. She couldn't.
"Hey, let me call Kasumi. I'll explain everything."
"Yes… Thank you, Senpai." Curling into a ball, Sumire left it all to him again. No, she should have left it to Ren in the first place. Sumire had made a mess of everything.
Sunday July 24th, 20XX Afternoon
"Heeello," Kasumi greeted the number on the other side as she accepted the call.
"Hi Kas, how are you?"
Kas? Kasumi smirked at the greeting. She was leaning against the wall of an accessory store. The boys were being good sports, but Kasumi could tell that the forced good will was starting to wear off as the girls continued to drag them through stores they could not care less about.
"Oh, I'm fine. What's up? I hope you aren't calling to ask me on a date."
"A date!? Ah, no, I am not… Umm, I just wanted to clarify what Sumire talked to you about yesterday…"
Kasumi froze, her smile slipping. I had just managed to forget about that. "There is nothing to clarify. You planned a trip with the people you wanted to go with. Nothing wrong with that."
"Kasumi, it isn't that we don't want you there, we just thought you wouldn't have time to come."
"That's right." Kasumi answered flatly, starting to feel angry. Why can't they just leave me alone!? Why do they have to ram it down my throat that I am not wanted!? "I don't have time."
"Umm…" Ren's voice was hesitant. "Okay, well how about when we get back we all go to the beach, or a fireworks festival?"
"If I have time." Kasumi replied shortly.
"Kasumi…"
She had had enough. "Sorry, I have to go."
Hanging up, Kasumi pushed herself from the wall, eyes smoldering. What the hell had that been!? How dare he treat me like a naïve child! Kasumi did not need to be coddled. Never before had she despised Japanese politeness as much as she did right now. The half lies and insinuations. All Kasumi wanted to know was why. Why was she not good enough for them? What was it that she was lacking?
Akechi would have just told me…
"Are you alright?" Kasumi flinched, noticing Minami had approached her. The volleyball player had half a hand of height on Kasumi. Just enough that she had look up into the girl's eyes.
"Yeah, just an upsetting phone call." Kasumi smiled at the girl. "So, all these purchases… trying to seduce Ryou into finally asking you out?"
"Huh? Oh no, of course not."
It was a dismissal with such a calm voice that Kasumi believed the girl. She had zero interest in the boy as a romantic interest. I wonder if Ryou feels the same… "Hmm, I see. Would Yuuki tell me the same?"
Minami smiled conspiratorially. "I doubt it. It is the most surprising development of the year to me, that's for sure."
Kasumi narrowed her eyes. What emotion had that been? A flash of sadness, was it? How odd. It had taken until now, but Kasumi finally felt that rush of excitement that she got around her sister or Ren or Akechi. Smiling back, Kasumi hoped she had found her own group of friends.
Wednesday July 27th, 20XX Afternoon
"Yes, Ryuji, that is a good idea. You are very smart." Futaba said, her voice mechanical. She struggled not giggle or add a deprecating comment to it. But Ren had told her time and time again to not speak her mind so frankly.
"I-I am!? Nice!" The boy fist-pumped so excitedly that Futaba winced. The boy did not understand. Most of them struggled to understand her words and interests. Ren did a better job than most of the others. It was not like they were bad people. They were just different.
Especially that one.
Futaba's gaze went back to the odd artist again. He kept shooting her strange glances. He had also been the one asking about her persona. Just thinking back to it threatened to bring heat to her cheeks. Thinking about the scene from her own palace Futaba had a hard time convincing herself it was real and not just another hallucination. That at any moment she would wake up from this wonderful dream and find herself trapped back in her bedroom with the shadows surrounding her once more.
"Are you sure you will not model for me?" Yusuke butted in, speaking the thoughts that Futaba had just been considering.
In that moment, all of the girls present began glaring at the artist. His eyes were earnest and did not contain a trace of underlying meaning. "It will be glorious! The despair of the tyrant mother. The hope in the UFO extending its tentacles! What is the price of salvation? Do you dare reach out for it? Ahh, it would be glorious…"
Futaba glared at him. "Isn't that a different theme from last time?"
"That's the beauty of it!" Yusuke continued. "The motifs are endless! I will name the piece… Desire and Hope! It will capture the attention of the world for decades… Nay, centuries!"
"Then just paint it," Futaba shrugged, wanting the topic to change. "You don't need me as the model."
"Hmm…" Yusuke stroked his chin. "Maybe, but it would help me if I had you there, able to go through the various motions, make the expressions again… Yes, I need one of those toys you have in your room designed after you. Then I could freely manipulate it and make it strike aesthetically pleasing poses."
Futaba's back straightened from where she had been huddled in the LeBlanc booth. "Did you touch my Feather man action figures!?"
"Hmm? The toys with the different coloured armour and interchangeable pieces? Why yes. I rearranged the pieces and made the squad form what must be mathematically the best position. In fact, I think that we ourselves should strike this pose in the dungeon. There is no way—"
"You rearranged their pieces!?" Futaba shrieked standing up in a huff. "Are you an absolute fool! Each member of the squad has their own armour with their own colour which collaborates with their identity and personality on a deeper level than an oaf like you could ever understand!"
Yusuke shot to his feet opposite of her, his face twisted. "Oaf!? How dare one such as you lecture me on composition and identity. They were bland and contrasted heavily with each other. By substituting parts, it creates a more even gradient when they pose!"
"Who cares about the looks! You've ruined the personality of the individuals!"
"The personality of… the individuals…" Yusuke actually looked pensive. "Hmm, I see what you mean. The inflexibility of each person as they try to maintain individual freedom, rejecting the idea of accommodating to be more seamless with the whole, despite the advantages it would carry…"
Futaba gave the artist an odd look. This boy was not just weird. He was weeeeird. "I need to go fix my action figures." Stepping out of the booth, Futaba moved to leave LeBlanc.
"Aww, Yusuke, you drove her off!" Ann complained.
"Agreed," Makoto sighed. 'These two…"
"Hmmpf!" Yusuke snorted. "I shall accompany her and determine which of us is correct."
"Uggh," Futaba rolled her eyes. "I don't need you, Inari."
"I-Inari!?" The boy protested as Futaba exited onto the street with him following closely behind. "W-What new oddity have you created!? Grr… You truly are an odd temptress. Insightful and heroic one moment, utterly disgraceful the next."
"T-Temptress!? Are you hitting on me? Back, back! Bad Inari! I'll put you in time out!"
"T-Time out!" It was Yusuke's turn to stutter.
Futaba walked while looking over her shoulder at the boy that followed her. He really did have stalker vibes about him… Still, she did not think about her computer, or how much less stressful it was to just sit quietly in her room. She was… having fun.
Realizing this, Futaba intensified her glare at the boy. How dare he make me forget about my computer!
"Urgh, that is a most unpleasant expression you are making. Hmm… children like ice cream… Unfortunately, I do not have the money to buy one… Perhaps…"
Futaba did not have time to react as Inari closed the distance and stuck out his hand. She froze as his hand touched her hair.
"Good girl. Yes, you are a good girl."
"AHH!" Futaba swatted the hand away, her face turning scarlet. At least half was anger, the other half embarrassment. "Don't treat me like a dog! Stupid Inari!"
Having no other option, Futaba tried to run away. Of course, the boy with the longer legs easily kept a pace with her.
"Ahh, not a dog, a child. Children like head pats, don't they?"
"I am not a child!" Futaba yelled back at him, panting already. Her body had no stamina. "Stupid… Inari…"
"Urgh, stop it with that horrendous pseudonym you insist on using! My name is Kitagawa Yusuke!"
"Hmmf!" Futaba sniffed, pulling up into a walk. "You can't have it both ways. I'm either a disrespectful child that will call you whatever I want, or I am mature enough to respect people's wishes."
"Grr… You manage to mangle logic in such ways that I struggle to even reply!"
"That is because you are a child, Inari."
"Hmm… I wonder how Ren would handle this… Perhaps I should create a weird nickname for you?"
Futaba shivered at that. What weird name would he think of? Unless… Smirking, Futaba shot a glance back at him as she opened the door to her house. "If you call me your majesty I will model for you."
"I accept, your majesty."
Futaba gaped. "W-What!?"
"Do you have a question, your majesty?"
"No, this isn't how this is…" Realizing her mistake Futaba ran to her room. Leaving him behind for the moment, Futaba shut hr door behind her. "What the hell? Inari is not correct. He is a true weirdo, that's right, Hentai! That's a better name for him! Urgh, what if he draws Hentai of me!? I really screwed up…"
Futaba could barely care about her figures. She did have to admit that Yusuke had a point. They looked pretty cool in the way he had organized them and their armour. However, they were not the Feather man characters. "Get your damn OCs out of my room…"
Growling that sentence, Futaba walked two steps, staggered, and collapsed on her bed. Her battery was empty.
Entering the room slowly, Yusuke wore a confused and concerned expression as he took in the interior. The girl seemed to be asleep. She looked even younger when she slept; so small. It was still odd that she had saved them. How was no one else transfixed by the contrast?
"Contrast…"
Muttering the word, Yusuke re-examined his perfected models and sighed. Yes, the small, annoying girl, his new queen, had been correct. He had perfected the aesthetics and in doing so had ruined everything.
With careful, controlled motions, Yusuke began to rebuild them properly while Futaba slept softly.
