Author's note:
Hello again,
I editted this pretty quickly, so hopefully it isn't riddled with too many horrific errors.
On another note, this chapter is very delayed for how short it is. Maybe it's just me, but I've felt too many segments are too repetitive. Ergo, things are speeding up a little, less meaningful sections that would have bloated the word count getting cut. If it isn't working I may change back.
Either way, I hope it is at least somewhat enjoyable.
-asdf
Chapter 16: Where oh where is the crime boss's lair?
Tuesday June 14th, 20XX Morning
Sitting in his classroom, Ren waited the final minutes for class to begin. It shouldn't be long now, although with Ms. Kawakami you could never tell. Ren often got the impression that she didn't sleep very well which frequently made her borderline late to school.
"Oh my god, I just heard that one of our school's students was in police custody!"
"H-Huh? What are you talking about?"
Struggling not to jump out of his chair, Ren focussed his ears on the conversation two girls beside him were having. The one in front was clearly eager to share; her voice raised and carrying through the noisy classroom.
"Yeah, that's right. My dad's an officer around here. Said that last night a student from our school showed up at the station and confessed to drug trafficking!"
"W-What!?"
The first one was nodding quickly now. "Keep it quiet, alright? This is confidential. My dad would be suuuper mad if he knew I was telling you."
"D-Drug trafficking though? And its not…"
Ren rolled his eyes as he felt the girls glance toward him. Keeping himself faced front though, they were apparently unaware that he heard every word.
"Yeah, so anyway, its apparently related to this big gang that's operating out of Shibuya. They like target students by offering them cheap jobs!"
"Scary…"
"I know, right? Like, just arrest them. What are the police doing?"
"I-I'm sure its not that easy…"
"Oh, I know! Maybe If the police can't do it, the phantom thieves should like steal their hearts!"
Ren could only listen as they broke into giggles. Neither girl seemed to truly believe in them. That didn't matter, they were right. Ren wouldn't sit back and watch a gang target his school's students.
"You heard?" He whispered to Morgana.
"Yes," the cat replied. "It's basically the same as what you told me last night."
"We'll meet up with everyone after school. I'll send a message."
"…Okay." The cat replied hesitantly. "I'm always up to tackle a difficult palace…"
"Is something wrong?" Frowning down at the cat, Ren whipped out his phone as Ms. Kawakami rushed into the room. Running out of time, Ren's fingers blurred across the keys. By the time Kawakami called for morning announcement, Ren had clicked send and put it back in his pocket.
When things were finally finishing, Morgana spoke up again. "I guess, I would have thought you'd be happy with these events?"
"Why?"
"Well, they continue to deride you… I would have thought you'd like to see them suffer."
Ren was genuinely surprised by the sentiment. But he did understand what Morgana was saying. It would be a bitter sort of justice watching the students get dragged into the same affairs that they accused him of. Still, students tended to be obsessed with fads. Now that Ren had completed more than two boring months of school, the students had switched from hostility to boredom. It was almost as if they had been hoping Ren would do something. Give them something else to talk about to liven up their boring student lives.
Smiling slightly at his own thoughts, Ren whispered one last statement before focussing on class. "Nah, no one deserves to go through what I did."
Tuesday June 14th, 20XX After school
Makoto once again resorted to holding her book upside down. She wasn't even sure what it was on, she had quickly grabbed it from the library and darted outside.
Having been acquainted with actual detectives—like her sister and Akechi—Makoto would never dare claim the title for herself. However, her instincts were screaming at her. Ren was simply too sure, too confident in the phantom thieves for someone who seemed so laid back.
Plus, all of her evidence, every conjecture, pointed to him at being the most likely suspect. He was probably just a proxy for the ones that actually wielded the power, but Makoto was certain. Ren was involved.
It was that confidence that led her to pursue him as he left school grounds for the day. Hiding behind the recently planted flower beds, Makoto stared with wide eyes. Her attention was fixed so strongly on the unassuming student that she completely missed the presence behind her.
"Umm, Makoto?"
"Wah! N-No of course I'm not following Ren!" Whirling around, Makoto found herself face-to-face with Haru. The poor girl was so startled by Makoto's outburst that she stumbled back a step.
"I-I didn't say you were. So why are you- umm, I mean, why aren't you following Ren?"
"W-Why aren't I…?" Makoto trailed off as she considered the unorthodox question. Glancing back down the street, Makoto was dismayed as how quickly his back was disappearing. "J-Just curious about something, bye!"
Dashing away from the school, Makoto kept her book up around her face. She needed it in case Ren should spy her. In short order, Makoto heard another set of steps beside her.
"H-Haru?" Confirming the fluffy-haired girl's presence, Makoto was unsure whether to be comforted or dismayed.
"If it's that important, I thought maybe you'd like the support," the girl smiled hesitantly.
Appreciating the gesture of friendship, Makoto struggled to reply. It was something she hadn't considered until yesterday, but confronting the phantom thieves potentially held great danger. Still hemming and hawing about this showdown, Makoto was steadied by Haru's presence.
"Umm, to be blunt Makoto… Why are you doing this?"
"Err, I just…" Trailing off, Makoto couldn't answer the question any better the second time. "Let's just say that if I ask you to leave, please do."
Haru struggled to digest Makoto's confusing words. Blinking once again, the rather unassuming gardener just nodded. "Of course."
"Thank you." Breathing a sigh of relief, Makoto felt better knowing that Haru should be able to avoid any potential incriminations with the thieves. Makoto wondered if that was what happened to Ren the first time. Someone found out who the thieves were and he had to assault the man to keep them silent until they changed his heart.
But no.
Frowning, Makoto discarded that theory. It didn't make any sense. If anything, Ren was probably released by the thieves as a loyal messenger. Using their influence over his parole officer to win him over.
Yet, once again, Makoto discarded her thoughts. None of them seemed to fit. Ren was too earnest. Plus, if he had a corporation behind this, they wouldn't bother targeting someone like a teacher. It would all be high profile people like Madarame.
Grumbling about the lack of information, Makoto almost forgot about Ren and had to stop herself from running into him at a line-up in the station.
Is something staring at me?
Feeling a slight jolt, Makoto tracked the sensation to Ren's schoolbag. Was that the glint of eyes? Unnerved slightly, Makoto continued stubbornly on behind Ren, boarding the train through a nearby door.
"Oh, thank you for your help yesterday, Mako-chan."
At the strange name, Makoto flinched, whirling to stare at Haru. "M-Mako?"
"O-Ohh, I'm sorry! It just sort of slipped out!"
"N-No, it's fine." Makoto smiled. In fact, receiving the nickname had set her heart fluttering. Like with Kasumi before her, Makoto felt like she'd found a friend. "I umm, don't have one for you though…"
"O-Oh no, please don't worry about it!" Haru insisted, colouring badly from embarrassment. "I just thought it was a little cuter and suited you…"
"You mean cute names suit me?" Blurting it out, it was Makoto's turn to avert her eyes and stare at the train floor. She could feel gazes from the nearby boys that had overheard her words. Self conscious, Makoto dipped her face back behind the book.
"Yep, absolutely!" Haru agreed, digging in further. "I think if you wore a nice dress, with shiny earrings, you'd be super cute."
"S-Super cute!?" Makoto squeaked. This time she was sure. Chuckles from nearby passengers. Male gazes lapping at her body, trying to figure out how accurate Haru's assessment was.
"I'm sure of it!" Haru finalized.
"Urgh…" Doing her best to endure the stares and giggles, Makoto barely noticed the train slowing down as it pulled into Shibuya station. She was mortified that Haru had done this to her.
"Umm, Mako-chan? Ren is getting off."
"W-What!?" Shooting to her feet, Makoto forgot to keep her book up in her haste. "After him!"
Darting to the train door, Makoto muttered a few hasty excuse mes as she pushed through the crowd. In short order, she found Ren casually climbing the staircase. To the unobservant, he looked nothing more than a depressed student hoping to find something meaningful to fill his time in the packed city. To Makoto, Ren simply looked pensive. As if his thoughts stayed on topics that he found unpleasant.
"What are you?" Muttering to herself, Makoto pursued him up. In no time, they made their way to the walkway overlooking the crossing. Staying around a corner, Makoto and Haru were treated to an unfiltered view of Ren leaning against the railing and staring at the city.
One after another, as if by prearranged fortune, more people showed up. Ones Makoto had been suspecting. Sakamoto Ryuji, Takamaki Ann. Both people that had the most to gain from Kamoshida's change of heart. Then came the one that had finally convinced Makoto: Kitagawa Yusuke. The boy had been the last pupil Madarame had. Attending a school far off, the chances of him randomly becoming friends with them all was exceedingly unlikely. There were simply too many coincidences for Makoto to be wrong.
Her assumptions were dashed moments later as a curtain of red hair passed through her vision. "Yoshizawa… Sumire?" Mumbling the girl's name, Makoto doubted that there was a single person in their school that didn't know the girl. While she didn't have the fame of her older sister, Makoto often heard boys whisper excitedly about Sumire's exotic good looks. Wearing large glasses hidden behind long, straight hair, Sumire had that aura that made people want to protect her.
Or she used to anyway.
Now, the girl tossed her hair back over her shoulder and strolled ahead confidently. Straight into Ren's group like she belonged there. Staggered by the development, Makoto wondered how she had missed this.
"The clean-up…" Groaning, Makoto realized she had misunderstood the relationship between the three of them. Still, Kasumi and Ren seemed a little too close for the way that Sumire now sidled up to the boy.
Unfortunately, Makoto couldn't hear the words being said. There was too much traffic in the walkway. Too much background noise. It made their hideout essentially perfect. It was wide open preventing people they couldn't see from eavesdropping. At the same time, the location was public enough that they didn't look suspicious talking here.
"Umm, Makoto?" Haru asked from slightly behind. "Are spying on Ren to find out if he's cheating on Kasumi?"
"Err, not really, no. I don't think it's possible to cheat on a sister with another sister…" Makoto mumbled back. Although she was becoming increasingly curious as to what exactly Ren's relationship with the sisters was.
"Good point… So, why then?"
Receiving the question a third time, Makoto just shook her head. Her hesitancy to telling the truth was diminishing each time. She wanted to confide in someone.
As they watched, something shifted in the group. Ryuji had shot up, yelling animatedly about something. Only a few words drifted over to Makoto's ears.
"…We have to… …No one else… …think of the fame!"
Despite how loud he was talking, it was Ann's words that cut through the air even more clearly. "Shut up! There are people around!"
With growing certainty, Makoto swallowed once to steady her nerves. Lowering the recently remembered book, she stowed it in her bag. "This is where we part Haru. Thank you for the company."
"Mako-chan…?"
Ignoring the questioning call, Makoto strode forward, passing through the people walking as if they were ghosts. Halting a few feet away, Makoto waited as they adjusted to her presence.
Ren was the first one to see her. His expression inscrutable, he greeted her amicably. "Makoto." Friendly enough, it was still colder than the parting he had given yesterday. His eyes slightly hooded behind his glasses.
"Oh, the pres is back?" Ryuji grumped. "What do you want? We aren't on the roof anymore."
"It isn't that." Makoto spoke coldly, channelling her best impersonation of her sister. Oh, Sae, give me the strength to do this!
Ignoring the questioning glances, Makoto focussed her gaze solely upon Ren. The way the boy was situated within the group spoke to him being their leader. Backing up this train of thought, as soon as she faced him, the others simply waited.
"I want you to prove the justice of your group."
"My group?" Ren asked with a raised eyebrow. His poker face was convincing enough that Makoto would have thought she was mistaken if not for the others. Their expressions morphed into surprise and fear.
"Yes, the phantom thieves." Speaking clearly, Makoto was greeted with several dropped jaws. Ren, once again, just stood there, his eyes drilling holes into her. Keeping her back straight, Makoto continued. "I want you to-"
Forced to stop midsentence, Makoto looked down upon Sumire as the red-haired girl stepped close to her. Looking at her from close range, Makoto could clearly see the family resemblance.
"Aren't you a bit of an idiot?"
"W-What?" Stuttering, Makoto felt her façade begin to shatter under the girl's intense glare.
"Would you really accuse people who have changed people's desires? Even if you were right, the group could simply steal your desire to turn them in."
It was a perfect echoing of Makoto's worst fears. Stumbling back a step. She had to steal herself against sprinting away. By god, she was frightened. Beginning to hyperventilate, Makoto had no words.
"That wasn't very nice." Raising a hand, Ren lightly smacked Sumire across the back of the head.
Instantly, her aura of dominance faded. "Ow! Senpai, I was trying to keep her safe!" The cute pout on Sumire's lips was so different from her previous expression, Makoto couldn't understand what was happening.
"No, you weren't," Ren continued. "I try hard enough to convince people we only target criminals. We really don't need rumours out there about the phantom thieves harassing innocents and engaging in mind control."
"…Sorry," Sumire muttered. "But still! She'll be in danger if she comes along."
"You didn't even let her finish saying what it is she wants…"
We only target…
At that point, most of Makoto's consciousness had dissociated. She was right. But Ren wasn't just part of the phantom thieves. He ran everything. It was fitting in a way.
Coming to, Makoto realized that everyone was back to staring at her. "Umm…"
"You were saying?" Ren prompted.
"Ohh… I…" What was she saying again? "I want you to stop the crime boss that's targeting students in Shibuya."
"Don't bother asking." Ren replied.
"W-What? But…"
"We were going to do it anyway."
Blinking, Makoto could only stare in confusion at the enigmatic boy. "You… You were?"
"Of course," Ren smirked. "I can't let people abuse my fellow students."
"Are-are you… No, sorry. Thank you. Thank you so much." Bowing deeply, Makoto struggled to contain tears. She didn't know what she was hoping to achieve by coming here. A gentle acceptance and promise to help was beyond her wildest expectations.
"Umm…" Feeling a hand on hers, Makoto looked up into Sumire's red eyes once more. Rather than hard rubies, they were swimming with guilt. "S-Sorry for my words earlier. Please leave this to us."
"…You're saying I'm useless to you?" Makoto asked. Staring into those eyes, she saw the truth reflected. Yes. Sumire didn't think that Makoto would be able to help them at all.
"No," Ren interjected. "What we need most from you is information. What's the name of Shibuya's crime boss?"
"I-I don't know…"
"…Do you know anyone who might?"
"Err… I-I'm not sure…" Hunching her shoulders in, Makoto could feel the sentiment from the surrounding members. While they had stood there silently for the most part, she could sense the judgement. Who are you to aid us? Makoto had no answer. She was no one. A burden to her sister. A student council president that the students didn't trust.
"That's fine." Ren tried to soothe. "What about from the students? I heard that the boy from yesterday went to the police."
"O-Oh yes." Makoto nodded frantically. "I got a memo about that. It seems like the police weren't very sympathetic however…"
"Yeah, I guess Kasumi's speech didn't help him all that much…" Ren murmured, more to himself than in answer to Makoto.
"Excuse me?"
The temperature felt like it dropped at least ten degrees. Makoto almost started sweating, she could imagine those hard red eyes that were staring up at Ren.
"Uhh, w-well, we had a study session yesterday and Kasumi was there, and then she berated that boy from our school that went to the police station as I explained earlier…"
"Grr…"
"Umm, are you upset about something?" Ren asked hesitantly.
"No."
Makoto struggled not to laugh. Hearing another mirrored giggle, Makoto glanced over at Ann who was in a similar position.
"…Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Okay then… So, Makoto. As I was saying before, have you heard anything more about how he got into it? Anything extra would be very helpful."
Before Makoto could reply, Sumire interjected with one final, "Hmpf!" Crossing her arms, the girl was clearly pouting.
"Haha…" Laughing weakly, Ren seemed to understand he was in trouble but couldn't do anything about it at this moment. Raising his right hand, he patted the red-haired girls head with exaggerated motions. Even through her pout, Sumire's cheeks started to loosen a bit.
Oh my, she is smitten.
Struggling to contain another giggle, Makoto focussed on Ren who was still staring at her. "I'm not sure. Since he didn't come to me, most of my information has filtered down from the acting principal. I-I'll think it over and message you if I find something."
"Sounds good." Ren nodded. "We'll do what we can over here…"
"Is something wrong?" Makoto asked as Ren's words trailed off.
"No… I just thought I saw Haru."
"Haru!?" Whirling around, Makoto looked but saw no sign of the distinctive hair. "Did she not leave…?"
"What was that?"
"N-Nothing! Bye!" Waving at the group, Makoto strode off at an embarrassingly fast clip. Thanks to Sumire's antics she had calmed down quite a bit. However, it was still highly unnerving standing in the middle of a group like that. "I really was useless to them…"
Sighing heavily, Makoto tried to put her mind to work. It was time to finally apply her hard-earned studying techniques to an application that actually mattered.
Tuesday June 14th, 20XX After school
"Urrrgh…"
I'm such an idiot.
Muttering to herself, Sumire could barely pay attention as the thieves talked among each other. Makoto's exit was prompt, but it made sense. She didn't feel at ease here, and why would she?
However, Sumire's thoughts couldn't help but come back to her own behaviour. How her initial burst of fear led to her insulting Makoto. Thankfully, Ren had cleaned that up, but then she had to make it worse by overreacting to her sister's name. Looking back, Sumire realized how she seemed.
The reason she was so shocked was that neither of them had mentioned it. True, she wouldn't have been able to join, but they could have sent her an invite!
Why invite me when the smarter sister is there?
Feeling her anger rising again, Sumire took a big breath. They needed her to pay attention to the current circumstances. Her jealousy was nothing compared to the extortion of the school's students.
"School's students…"
"What was that Sumire?"
Raising a hand to hush whoever had asked her, Sumire's mind worked quickly. Her idea… it could work. "Why don't we let ourselves get taken the same way?"
"…Explain." Ren demanded tersely.
"I mean, if we go in our school uniforms, they'll be watching for them and talk to us, right? It will be an introduction at least…"
"True…" Ren mumbled. "The question is if we can manipulate them somehow. Get them to bring us to their boss somehow. Become customers…"
"That sounds very risky," Fox frowned. "Especially for you, Ren. Your previous record would make further incarceration especially bad."
"I'll do it." Stepping forward, Sumire drew all their gazes. "It was my idea; I should take the risk. Besides, I also look the most vulnerable." It was something Sumire didn't like to admit, but she was the shortest member and with the combination of her glasses and hair, it was a word her sister had applied to her.
Sumire had been upset with the description at the time. Now, she could only hope it would be useful.
Thankfully, Ren didn't immediately say no. Even though by the crease in his face, he definitely wanted to.
"Are you sure?" Was all he said quietly.
Nodding firmly, Sumire tried to convey her determination. Hands clenched by her sides, she stared defiantly up into Senpai's black eyes.
Ren sighed heavily. "Let me pursue some other options tonight. If nothing comes from it, we'll see if you can make a connection tomorrow."
The meeting ended shortly from there. They had very little to discuss. Assuming Makoto wouldn't turn them in, they left shortly after feeling more determined, and angry at the gang, than scared.
"Senpai…"
"I had a feeling you wanted to talk to me." Ren smirked.
"Haha…" Laughing weakly, Sumire struggled not to blush. "I'm sorry for my behaviour today. It was unacceptable."
Senpai shrugged. He didn't appear concerned about it. "I don't think you were necessarily wrong. In a different situation, threatening them may have been the correct choice."
"I-I see…" Shuffling awkwardly, Sumire trailed beside him as they slowly began moving. As Sumire worried that their time was coming to an end, Senpai ignored the platforms and approached what appeared to be a smoothie stand instead. "…Senpai?"
"Hmm? Oh yes, what flavour do you want?"
"W-Whatever is fine…"
"You got it. Hello, two medium Strawberry delights please."
"Ohh…" Muttering to herself, Sumire realized that once again, Senpai had taken her seriously. It was the kind of thing that Kasumi would do. "Umm, please let me pay for it Senpai…"
"No, I got it."
For some reason Sumire couldn't understand, Senpai looked a little guilty. Does he get an allowance from somewhere? "Are you sure, Senpai?"
"Yes, I have it." Indeed, Senpai easily produced the requisite coins and slid them over the counter.
Narrowing her eyes, Sumire knew she was missing something. Actually, where does he get new gear for the metaverse from? Positive she was on the correct path now, Sumire was distracted by a cup that was thrust in front of her face.
"Here."
"T-Thanks." Stuttering from surprise, Sumire stared into the thick red substance. It was darker than her hair and eyes, but still vibrant in its own way. Taking a sip, Sumire smiled as the cold sugary deliciousness coated her mouth.
"I want you to know, I didn't intentionally leave you out of the study group. I kind of got roped into it at the last minute."
"Hmm?" Taking another sip, Sumire couldn't find any anger at the moment. Maybe having something to do with the food that she had recently received. "Oh, no, it's fine. You had some smart people with you."
"Yeah… I guess I did." Senpai agreed reluctantly. "But if you want… we can study together sometime."
"S-Sure…" Sumire flushed, drinking some more cold liquid to cool her cheeks off. "Umm, can we also do… other, err, things, together?"
Senpai tilted his head. "Of course. I mean, we saw a movie that one time. What else did you want to do?"
"Uhh…" Sumire felt her mind shut down briefly. This is all it takes!? Unsure how to feel, Sumire really wanted a pause button. If she could just stop time and come up with the perfect answer, she was sure… But inexorably, time ticked on. Every second that passed by, Senpai's smile grew more strained.
Forcing her mouth open, Sumire talked about a random memory. "M-My sister was good at batting cages when we were younger. I-I never got the hang of it. M-Maybe if you were to teach me though?"
Senpai raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "There's one by my house. Want to come over?"
"EHH!?" Shrieking, Sumire's hands shook with nerves. Thankfully, the drink was helping cool her head, literally. "S-Sure. Of course, if you're busy…"
"Nah," Senpai denied, probably untruthfully. "I feel like I've studied enough for a month."
"W-Well sports is a great way to aid in memory retention!" Sumire recited faithfully. "Now that we have all our nutrients, it should be easy!"
That got a laugh from Senpai. Watching him now, Sumire wondered if she wasn't the only one that had fought through problems. His stoicism from before was fading day by day. More smiles, more gestures of warmth. It was only when she looked back now could she see the difference. No doubt to most people he still seemed mysterious and hard to read.
What Sumire didn't understand—what she lacked the confidence to comprehend—was that she was the only person to have noticed this change.
Still, Sumire was a mix of nerves and joy as she followed Senpai back to his residence in Jongen-Jaya. As such, as they sat close together on the post-rushhour train, Sumire scanned her brain for something to say. Unfortunately, she was struggling.
"Jongen-Jaya, next stop is Jongen-Jaya."
"Ah, here we are."
As Senpai stood up, Sumire finally noticed the discrepancy. "Where's Morgana?"
"Morgana?" Senpai shrugged. "No idea. He's his own person. Maybe he finally got the courage to ask Ann out."
"R-Really?" Sumire asked intrigued. "Would Morgana go live at her house?"
"It's possible." Senpai shrugged again, appearing to not care. However, Sumire was sure she saw a brief flash of distress at the thought. After two months together, no doubt living by himself again would be boring. "I think he prefers the freedom here. Sojiro leaves Morgana's care entirely to me which means he can come and go as he pleases."
"I see…"
"Does that disappoint you?" Senpai asked. His question uncomfortably accurate for Sumire.
"N-No, of course not!" Shaking her head frantically, Sumire assuaged Senpai's query. There was some truth to it. More than once Sumire had found herself wishing there was an easy way to talk to Senpai without Morgana listening in. Even now, she could remember with horror the things she had said in front of Morgana before knowing he was anything more than a cat.
Senpai smirked. Then, a brief guilty look flashed across his eyes as he looked around Jongen. "To be honest with you… It can be a little strange having a sentient pet around."
"I can imagine…" Sumire muttered sympathetically. And really, she could. Having a sister as close as Kasumi, Sumire knew what it was like to have no separation from someone.
"I'm sure," Senpai nodded. "To be honest, I still struggle with how to treat him…"
Surprised by Senpai's honesty, Sumire took an unconscious half step closer to his side. "Well, he says he's a human, so treat him as one I suppose."
"Yes," Senpai said wryly, "well if a human tried to sleep on top of me, I'd probably punch them."
"Ahaha…" Laughing it off, Sumire did feel bad that she didn't have a better answer for him. The situation was very strange and there was no precedent to daw on.
"Well, here we are."
"Oh." Sumire found herself staring at a strange staircase. She never would have expected anything to be here with a faded sign hanging above the entrance. Entering the strange staircase, Sumire tried not to shiver at the rough surroundings. The metal stairs rattled beneath their footsteps and Sumire thought she could see mold beneath the faded, peeling paint.
Coming up to the top, it opened into a slightly better-kept, warmer room. Sitting behind a wooden bench, a bored looking attendant greeted them. Sumire couldn't reply as her eyes found the hand-painted sign detailing the various speeds available. She was sure it was possible but seeing speeds in excess of 100 km/hr did nothing to encourage her.
"We'll do the beginner one," Senpai said, handing across a bit of money.
"Have fun," was his only answer.
Letting Senpai lead her on, Sumire knew that he had been here before by how easily he found the bats and handed her one. "I'd let you choose, but every bat is a replica."
"Oh, I'll trust you on that then." Taking the wooden thing, Sumire felt uncomfortable with it in her hands. It was far heaver than any of the props she used. The way the wood dug into her hands was strange.
"Umm, should I go first?"
"Y-Yes please." Letting it fall by her side, Sumire watched as Senpai donned a helmet and strode onto the other side of the netting. Out here, Sumire could see the brilliance of the location. By converting the roof into a batting ring, the owners had found a cheap spot that worked well.
It was non-traditional in the fact that normal batting chambers tended to be more of a linear line. They reduced space to maximize efficiency. This repurposed roof meanwhile was an open area with a giant net that allowed you to better track where your hit went. To compliment this, there was a target in the middle of the far net near the top.
Senpai stepped up to the plate and called back to her. "Uh, get into a comfortable stance, bat back. Then, when it pitches the ball…"
Trailing off, Sumire saw the moment his body seemed to tense with energy. It was matched with the noise of the machine. Barely a second later, a sharp crack split the air. The baseball became visible again as it bounced off the net well right of the target.
"…Just swing." Senpai finished, somewhat lamely.
"Err, got it." Feeling even more nervous, Sumire watched as Senpai finished his set of five. He ended up hitting three. No targets.
Watching him wave her on, Sumire hesitantly stepped forward. Once there, left staring at the machine, Sumire had no faith in her abilities. This was Kasumi's thing, not hers. She had no business here.
Cling!
With a metal noise, followed by a hollow, rubber noise, a ball blazed toward her. "Eep!" Panicking, Sumire took a step back. However, the ball soared perfectly through the center of the plate. Feeling foolish, Sumire walked back into position.
Only a desire to not appear pathetic before Senpai kept her here. Raising the bat behind her, Sumire could tell it was shivering in her shaky hands.
Cling!
The second ball came and passed. The bat didn't even shift from its position.
"Umm, Sumire?"
"J-Just warming up, Senpai!"
"Alright… you can do this by the way. I know you can."
Cling!
"Huh?" Whirling to look at him, Sumire completely missed the third ball as well.
"Seems like I distracted you…"
"Oh no!" Sumire waved him off, looking back to the machine. "Thank you for your kind words!" Feeling a warmth flowing through her arms, the bat was no longer shaking.
Cling!
Eyes focussed, Sumire saw the ball leave the machine. "Huff!" Exhaling sharply, Sumire put all her strength into the bat and swung.
"Ahh!" Getting pulled off balance by her swing, Sumire staggered two steps to the side before falling over. Hunching there in embarrassment, Sumire stayed there as the fifth ball came and went.
With the session over, Senpai came out to greet her. "That was a good effort. Your swing was a little high and early, but definitely fixable. Make sure to put more energy into your hips, not just your arms. It's a transfer of momentum."
"I'll… try and remember."
"Enough moping," Senpai chastised lightly. "Up you go."
"Huh?" Feeling hands beneath her shoulders, Sumire's face darkened with a rapid influx of blood. "S-Senpai!?"
Screeching did nothing to stop her situation as she got picked up and placed back on her feet.
"Come on, back to the plate."
Shuffling forward under his prodding, Sumire began to wonder if the ball had knocked her unconscious and she was now in a dream. Senpai never got this physical with her.
Standing at the plate, Sumire obediently lifted the bat back into its correct position. It was shaking again, but for a very different reason this time.
"You're going to want to stop that," Senpai told her. Feeling his hand on hers, the pressure reduced the motion. "Good. Slightly bend your knees, back straight…"
"Ahh…" Exhaling sharply, Sumire couldn't move as she felt Senpai's arms wrap around her. His hands coming together around hers.
"Then when you're ready, rotate down."
Allowing him to guide her, Sumire completed the swing and follow through. All she could focus on was the warmth of his hands. The heat of his breath, tickling her neck. How his proximity made her heart quicken.
"That's good, take a practice swing without me."
"Ahh…" Breathing out again, this one was more of a sigh. As he disengaged and walked back behind the net, Sumire felt his absence keenly.
If I pretend to not understand, will he do it again?
Cursing at her own foolishness, Sumire did as instructed. She wouldn't impress Senpai by acting like an idiot. Determined to show him her potential, Sumire swung hard at nothing. Unlike before, the rotation of her hips and stance kept her upright.
"Looking good. Let's start the set."
Cling!
Staring down the device, Sumire saw the flash of white leather tearing through the air. Waiting for it, she tried to replicate the swing. The bat that had moved so quickly before felt lethargic when trying to connect with the supersonic ball. It hit the net behind her well before her bat was in position.
"A little late, you're doing good though!"
Cling!
Waiting for the supersonic baseball, Sumire swung. Her bat whooshed through the air and a second later, the ball entered the same path.
"Eye on the ball," Senpai reminded her gently.
Cling!
Narrowing her eyes, Sumire focussed intently. I can do this! Body pumping with adrenaline from Senpai, Sumire was determined to complete this task. Even if all she did was hit one measly ball.
Whoosh! A miss.
Cling!
Whoosh!
Cling!
Whoosh!
After the fifth ball and fifth miss occurred, Sumire lowered her bat. She had failed. Lowering her head, she sighed deeply. "I guess I can't do it…"
"Is that seriously it?"
Sumire was shocked by the confusion and borderline anger in Senpai's voice. Turning to gaze at him through the mesh net, Sumire was taken in by his eyes. Usually soft pools that stole her soul, they had hardened into unyielding obsidian.
"You went into the metaverse by yourself, without a persona, didn't only survive, but began to work your way through it! You drove off the cognitive version of your sister and defeated our principal. Now you give up because you failed a couple of times?"
"S-Senpai…"
Unable to look away, Sumire stared as he got closer. Hands gripping the net, he leaned in until the mesh was tight around his glasses. "You wanted to do this, right? So do it. You aren't inferior to Kasumi."
Gulping, Sumire struggled to react. Her lips trembled, words forming and dissipating. The whole time, Senpai was staring at her. Not at Kasumi's sister, but at Sumire. He saw the girl who loved to cook, the girl who could never match her sister's athletic brilliance.
"I'm starting the next set."
As Senpai walked away, Sumire felt like she'd been freed. Naturally, her body moved back to the plate. Bat up, poised and ready to swing. Not full of tension, but an easy athletic grace.
Cling!
Keeping her eye on the ball, Sumire swung.
Whoosh!
She had been too low. The ball passing a handsbreadth above the bat. Taking it in stride, Sumire lifted the bat again. Her lithe arms aching mildly from the repetitions. Yet it was a familiar pain of a long routine.
Cling!
Whoosh!
Too high. She had overcorrected her height and the ball had been lower this time. It may take the same horizontal path, but its height changed. Sumire only now was realizing.
Three balls left.
Cling!
Whoosh!
Early again. Pursing her lips, Sumire felt some of her previous defeatism return. There were too many variables. The chances of her connecting were too low.
As if no longer listening to her mind, Sumire's body raised the bat yet again. If she could see herself, Sumire would have been shocked by how natural she looked. For someone completely unused to baseball, achieving this kind of form in ten minutes of practice was surreal.
Cling!
Whoosh!
Fourth ball gone, one left.
Sumire's mind was blank. Only she and the ball existed. The bat had become an extension of her.
Cling!
Clack!
With the resounding sound of leather on wood, the white ball rebounded on contact. Sumire's arms jolted with the shock of the impact, ruining her follow-through.
The ball popped up in a small arc, hitting the ground just shy of the far net. Out on a diamond, it would have rolled to a halt around the pitcher's mound. That did nothing to dissuade Sumire's rush of excitement.
"S-Senpai! I did it!"
Jumping up and down, Sumire hugged the bat to her chest. Turning away from the machine, Sumire left the protected area and threw herself at Ren.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Sumire hung onto him and the bat together.
"Gah!" Simultaneously getting choked out and having a wooden bat shoved into his spine, Ren could only stagger under the weight.
"Hehe!" Continuing to laugh, Sumire's rush of emotions overpowered her logical side that was slowly beginning to overheat. "I've never hit one before!"
"T-That's great…" Ren choked out. "I'll cheer you on… from the afterlife…"
"Huh? Ahh, Senpai! Your face is blue!"
Releasing her chokehold, Sumire peered down at Senpai who had fallen against the wall. Tilting her head quizzically, she didn't understand the strange colouring. It wasn't like…
Thoughts coming to a head, Sumire began to slowly heat-up as her elation faded. Bringing a hand to her mouth, she squeaked. "I-I'm so sorry!"
"No, it's fine," Senpai replied with a half-dead smile. "Just give me a minute."
"Oh, I guess I should return this…" Still clutching the bat, Sumire almost didn't want to see it go. Minutes earlier she had picked it out of an identical line-up at random. Now it felt special. This was the bat she had hit her first ball with.
With reluctant motions, Sumire put it back. Her hand delaying as she touched the pommel one final time. Thank you. Putting her earnest thoughts into it, Sumire left it behind. She hoped it would help more people like her in need of a confidence boost.
"You seem attached to it."
"Ahh!" Whirling in surprise, Sumire hadn't seen Senpai begin to move. "N-No… well yes. It helped me a lot."
Senpai began to smirk as if a clever comment was forming. Shortly after he closed his mouth and nodded. "It helped you because you trusted it. These things go both ways you know."
"Hehe, you sound very wise Senpai." As she spoke, Sumire remembered the moment they had shared earlier. Not when he had touched her, but when he saw her. The words he had spoken. Flushing deeply, Sumire bowed her head away from him. "Umm, thank you."
"For what?"
"For… For being you Senpai." Before the last dregs of courage fled her, Sumire took a step to the side and leaned her head on his shoulder. It was only for a moment, they had to make way for the next players, but for now it was enough.
Wednesday June 15th, 20XX Afterschool
Ren took a deep breath before entering the café. It had a modern design with clean, white walls. Ren assumed it was based off a western style. These details and more flitted through his head as a way of distracting him from the pressing issue.
"Who do you think this second person is?" Morgana asked from the bag.
Jolted, Ren stared at the cat. He often forgot about Morgana these days. For hours at a time Morgana would nap silently in his bag before coming out and interjecting like now.
"I have no idea." Replying quietly so the people on the street wouldn't hear him, Ren squared his shoulders and entered. Almost instantly he found the person he was looking for. A cool, tailored suit worn expertly to enhance the aura of a boy who was still a teenager. His straight brown hair perfectly mussed to create a boyish charm.
Feeling like his total opposite, Ren strode over. As he arrived at the table, Ren found the second person that Goro had brought. "K-Kasumi!?"
"Ren-Senpai!? You're the one who wants Akechi's help?"
Goro smirked at that, taking a small sip of his black coffee all the while. Confused by this strange occurrence, Ren had been expecting a second detective, or an officer.
Just yesterday, after parting ways with Sumire, Ren had shot Akechi Goro a message asking if they could meet. Ensuring him that it was urgent. In short order, the detective replied saying that he knew what it was about and asked if he could bring someone along. Even with ten chances, Ren would never have guessed that Kasumi was the one he would bring.
Sitting at the table, Ren struggled not to shift in anticipation. This felt suspiciously like a trap, except Ren couldn't figure out how it could be one. After only a moment of silence, Ren spoke first—he didn't want to give Goro a chance to set anything up.
"I guess I should feel honoured to have the superstar duo who defeated the evil principal talking to me."
Kasumi reacted with a modest laugh, but Goro simply smirked again.
"No need, Ren. You gave me enough to think on to justify my aid one time."
"Aid?" Ren replied. "I just wondered if you had time to meet up."
Aid. That was the word that had set Ren's instincts off. Goro had told Kasumi that someone was coming here today to get his help. Ren hadn't mentioned needing help in his messages, only that it was important.
"Is this not about the recent crime outbreak in Shibuya targeting students?" Goro riposted.
"It is…" Answering slowly, Ren was glad that a waitress had come over. Ordering a black coffee as well, she bowed slightly and left. "I was wondering if you were looking into it."
"That's all?"
Ren shrugged, trying to not give much away. The last thing he needed was more people figuring out he was involved in the phantom thieves. "Of course. After our discussion the other day, I couldn't help but wonder if you would leave such an important matter in the hands of the phantom thieves."
"Why ask me then?" Goro fired back, his face still a perfect mask of casual conversation. "As a 'Phan', wouldn't you want them to get the credit instead of me?"
"How do you know that's not what I'm doing?" Ren replied, raising a single eyebrow. Taking the coffee that was just arriving, Ren sipped the scalding liquid.
"Oh?" Goro smirked again. "Inviting me out simply to waste time I could be dedicating to solving it? What a droll proposal, now you are wasting my time."
"Try to keep it civil you two," Kasumi interrupted with a mild glare, focussed mainly upon Akechi. "I think Ren-Senpai is right Akechi. You said yourself the police won't act without the right evidence. Can't the two of us find some again?"
"This again?" Goro whined, giving Kasumi a sideways stare.
They are close…
Ren had watched the interview on a re-run a while back. The pair had obviously had a connection, but it was hard to tell on shows like that how much was acting. Sitting here, Ren could confirm it was genuine. Even the detective's eyes became a little softer when he stared at Kasumi. So slight, Ren wondered if Goro even knew it was happening.
"You two have clearly discussed this at length…" Ren muttered, leaning back and taking another sip. Waiting for an explanation, Kasumi eventually gave one.
"Well, I'm not the expert, but since Akechi isn't saying anything…" Sighing, Kasumi took another drink and crossed her legs. Back straight, hair tied back, she struck an imposing figure despite her diminutive height. "Essentially, leaders of organized crime units, like this gang in Shibuya, tend to exist in a ceasefire with the police. Neither of them want an encounter."
"I'm sorry?" Ren asked confused.
"Err…" Kasumi stared at Akechi, looking for help.
"It's the nature of organized crime," Goro said coldly. "They control a region of the city, supply the drug addicts. The police can arrest the traffickers, the sellers, confiscate the drugs, but those are temporary solutions. Sometimes creating more problems than they solve.
"I could continue, many studies outline how a government can fix the underlying issues, reducing crime but…" Trailing off, Goro shrugged.
"So, what you are saying is that the police don't want to arrest this gang boss?"
"Oh no, they absolutely do," Goro smiled wryly. "Kaneshiro Junya is a big prize. The thing about people like that is they tend to be hard to arrest. They break very few laws. It tends to be their subordinates that do the trades and trafficking. His crimes tend to be extortion and probably tax evasion."
Kaneshiro Junya… The bastard even has money in his name.
"Can't the police arrest him on that?" Ren replied. It still seemed like more than enough for him.
Goro shook his head as if Ren had said some humorous. "No witnesses would testify. As soon as they attempt it and fail, he's gone for good."
"That's so messed up," Ren almost growled. He was surprised by how angry he was at the detective's words. As if the law was just made that way. No, it was more accurate to say that this man was above the law.
"Agreed," Kasumi sighed. "Sometimes I just wished that things could work."
"Never going to happen." Goro said. "People are greedy, they want things. As such, there will always be people that aren't content with what they have and break the law to achieve their desires."
"I suppose…" Ren murmured with a slight smile. "Then it is helpful we have the phantom thieves to help out."
Both of the table's other occupants shot Ren a baleful stare. However, in light of the law's failings, neither of them offered a swift rebuttal.
"That is the crux of today's question, isn't it?" Goro asked. "Who will stop Kaneshiro first. The police, or the phantom thieves?"
"Doesn't appear to be much a race with the police not doing anything," Ren shot back instantly.
Goro raised an eyebrow. "You sound confident that the thieves will act."
Idiot!
Cursing himself, Ren swiftly came up with something. "I have faith in them. They've dealt with criminals in this area pretty swiftly. There are already posts on the phansite asking them to deal with the gang situation in Shibuya."
I'm so lucky I checked the website.
His explanation appeared to have convinced Kasumi. Goro, however, merely preened further.
"So why come here? Unless you were being serious about delaying me? But I doubt that."
Ren debated briefly but went with the truth. "Just because I have faith doesn't mean I can't do my part to help them. The phantom thieves have only targeted people they have names for. You've provided me with what I need."
"Hmm, plausible I suppose." Goro seemed excited by Ren's ready answer. "For a moment I was worried that you were planning on taking on a crime boss by yourself. You have quite a fearsome reputation at school, or so I hear."
"I did not say that!" Kasumi pouted. "I said we were improving his… err."
What was that?
Glancing at Kasumi, Ren was sure there was something about him in that statement. Was Kasumi dabbling in things he was doing? Now that he thought about it, Makoto and Kasumi had looked pretty proud of themselves when they had asked him to study the other day…
Perhaps catching Ren's stare, Kasumi shuffled in her seat. "A-Anyway Akechi. Enough of these hypotheticals. What are we doing about this problem? I won't sit around and watch my fellow classmates get extorted!"
Goro simply met her stare. "What do you want to do?"
"I… I think we need to collect more evidence on the leader. Taking in one of the underlings isn't going to do anything. We need something big to draw him out and catch him red-handed."
Ren was impressed by the fervent speech. It was eerily similar to how Sumire had declared her intention to act as bait to find the leader. It made Ren wonder why the girls were always focussing on their differences rather than how similar they were.
"Umm, Ren-Senpai?"
Getting caught staring, Ren blinked awkwardly. "O-Oh, I-I was just thinking about what Sumire would say if she was in your position."
"Oh, probably something about getting help," Kasumi shrugged. While the comment was probably meant to be disparaging, Kasumi did tilt her head thoughtfully. "I guess that is what I've resorted to doing."
"How so?" Ren asked.
"By getting you two to help me!"
"…Huh?" For once Goro looked as lost as Ren did. Sharing a glance with the detective… This wouldn't work. More than that, Ren didn't want to work with them. They represented the other side of what Ren did. He was the vigilante that worked outside the law after the law failed him. Goro had bent the law to arrest the principal out of, as far as Ren could tell, a desire for popularity.
"I think…" Goro said slowly, "that this would best be left to the professionals. These people are far more dangerous than a rogue teacher or principal. These people can make a person disappear.
"Japan may be one of the safest countries when it comes to crimes and guns, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its darker sides. Take my advice and stay out of this Kasumi. Focus on gymnastics."
"I…"
Ren could practically see the internal conflict raging in her mind. The person she used to be combatting with the person she was now.
"I understand. I'll stay out of it on one condition."
Ren was taken aback by the declaration. Kasumi was a force of nature, you either got out of her way or directed her, you couldn't stop her. Yet Goro was appearing to do just that.
"What's that?" The detective asked.
"You give this case your all. You find charges that stick."
"Ah…"
Never mind, he got rolled over as well.
The detective took a calming sip of coffee. "I'm, not sure I can Kasumi… I'm already working with the police on the phantom thieves' case and…"
"Why?" Kasumi shot back. "They aren't a concern right now. The thieves may be criminals. These people definitely are. Don't they take priority."
"I-I'd agree, but I need to discuss it with upper management of course and I…"
"Well, you have no deal from me then," Kasumi concluded smugly.
Ren hid his smile behind his cup. The detective's stricken face was priceless. The façade he'd worn through the entire interview Ren had been in the audience for had crumpled. No, that wasn't quite right, it was blasted apart by hurricane Kasumi.
Goro actually blushed slightly when he caught Ren's eyes. To see the detective trounced so thoroughly was quite a sight to behold. Kasumi as well, was shimmering with pride in her own tactical brilliance.
"Fine," the detective sighed. "I will ask around and pressure the department to help, as well as preach leniency for the involved students. On no occasion, however, do I want you trying to do something by yourself."
"Deal," Kasumi crowed, having received everything she had hoped for. "Oh, and Ren-Senpai? Sounds like you're a helpful guy, here for the phantom thieves and all…"
Uh oh.
"I'll be counting on you to land a hand in the future as well, okay?"
How can anyone say no to that wink…
Not trusting his mouth, Ren simply nodded. He'd gotten what he had come for, yet part of him wondered if he hadn't lost in the end. Either way, he'd have to be careful to avoid drawing suspicion from these two in the future.
Wondering if that was even possible, Ren finished the dregs of his coffee; the cat in his bag completely forgotten.
Thursday June 16th, 20XX Evening
Stomping along, Sumire trudged by herself through the Shibuya alley. It was getting late, too late probably. Still, she didn't want to give up. Surely her student uniform was like a beacon to these people.
Despite her umbrella, her sleeves and cuffs were wet. Rain could come from weird angles in a metropolis like this. With the cloud cover, the city was dark with the exception of streetlamps and store lights. Unconcerned, mobs of people still crowded through here, finishing whatever business that they needed.
It looked so peaceful that Sumire found it hard to believe what it had looked like in the other world. Showing up with information on the crime boss's name, the phantom thieves had successfully located and entered the palace. That's where the trouble began.
A giant floating bank. No, it was more like a vacuum cleaner. It sucked up the poor citizens hard-earned cash from below into it and relinquished nothing. All the while it stayed in a place of total security.
The level of reality-warping distortion was on a level they hadn't seen before. No doubt this palace would be by far the hardest they had ever faced—if they could ever reach it.
That's where Sumire's job came in. She had to secure a way into that bank. To change the boss's perception such that he knew Sumire was a client and could access the bank. Risky, foolhardy, many adjectives had been thrown around. Either way, Sumire was doing this. Every day was another chance for a student to get extorted. Even worse, Sumire had just heard about the girls that were forced to pay their debts by selling their bodies. They were trapped in a slippery slope with no light at the end.
Like I was.
Determined to not let them fall prey to the same emotions that had almost ruined Sumire's life, she continued to loiter in Shibuya. Currently in an alley with a gym, she looked across the way into another alleyway. If what she heard from Ryuji-Senpai was true, then down there was the store that Senpai used to upgrade their metaverse gear.
Sumire had only considered it briefly until now, but where did Senpai get the money? It was reminiscent of her dilemma with the smoothies yesterday. Senpai was hiding something from them, but what exactly it was, Sumire wasn't sure. She would be less anxious if Senpai would just tell her if he had enough money for everyone. She'd share her allowance with him if the stubborn man just asked!
"Wow, what's a student like you doing out here this late?"
"Huh?" Lost in her thoughts, Sumire spun, putting her back against the cold, damp wall. Two tall men were standing in front of her. Both of them had the same shit-eating grin on their faces. It was similar to the one Ryuji often wore, except these had a tinge of malice. It made Sumire wonder how they ever actually collected anyone. Already she wanted to run away.
"Hey baby, pretty face like that… I know a way you can make a bunch of money. Real easy too."
"O-Oh…" Biting hard on her tongue, Sumire forced the words back. She couldn't afford to run away here. "M-Money you say? Umm, how?"
"Oh, nothing much babe," the first one spoke again. He was wearing a gaudy metal chain around his neck overtop a yellow sweatshirt. The threads were pulling with dark stains on the surface—Sumire hoped they were food.
"Yeah, yeah, suuuper easy!" The second agreed, leaning one arm against the wall. This one had a black hoodie zipped halfway up his chest over a light blue shirt. His baggy jeans had a chain hanging from the left side.
They didn't scream gangster, but it was obvious they weren't very reputable. Sumire could understand now why the police weren't very sympathetic with the students. They had to have known when they got into it that this operation was far from legal.
"T-That sounds good! My parents don't give me very much…" To Sumire the lie sounded fairly obvious, but it was all that came to her. Why did students want money? She wasn't sure. The realization that she was so out of touch with the student body was disheartening.
"Oh yeah," yellow sweatshirt continued, "then you're going to love this. Maybe later we can go shopping together, get you into a bunch of different outfits."
"M-My wardrobe does need some expanding…"
Where are they going with this!?
Sumire wanted to give up. To apologize and run away. The heavy scent of cologne mixed with their predatory aura to create an environment Sumire wanted to flee. It was too different, so strange. She had no experience here, she couldn't succeed.
B-But I hit a ball!
Indeed, the noise and sensation of that moment was perhaps the only thing that kept Sumire standing here. That and how much Senpai believed in her. Eating away at her confidence was the fact that she didn't get a dozen do-overs here. There was one chance, and if blew it, she was done.
"Yeah, yeah, for sure!" Hoodie guy winked. "So, me and my buddy here are pretty busy guys. We don't got time to be everywhere. I got a bag here that I need you to deliver for me. Think you can do that?"
"Yupp! You do that, I got 10 big ones lined up!" Yellow finished.
10,000 yen!
It wasn't an insane amount of money, but it was a decent chunk, especially to a high school student; even Sumire understood that. More so for a job that sounded so innocent. "W-Well, don't I need to sign some papers first? Meet your boss? Work out some hours?"
"Uhh…" The two men looked at each other dumbfounded. "Paper?"
"Y-You know, for taxes?"
"T-Taxes, yeah…" The two men fell silent and stared at each other. Sumire wasn't privy to their thoughts, but she thought she understood. They were debating whether or not to give up on her. Unfortunately, she had no idea what to say that would get them to bring her to Kaneshiro.
"Let me call."
"You sure? What if…"
"Shut it."
The exchange was terse, but Sumire felt rising glee battling with increasing anxiety. There was a very real chance that she was about to cross a point of no return.
A short call later, sweatshirt came back with a more nervous smile. "Hey sweetie, what do you say about a car ride?"
"To umm, meet your boss?" Hesitant, Sumire couldn't believe she was about to do it.
"Something about that." The man assured her poorly.
Pausing, Sumrie's hesitancy and fear battled with her new confidence. I can do this! This is way easier than invading a palace!
Mind made up, Sumire was interrupted just before she could accept.
"Yoshizawa! There you are!"
"Ehh? S-Student council president?"
"Huh? Another one," hoodie muttered, standing straight up. His posture contained an energy that it had been lacking earlier. "What do you want, girl? Can't you see that we're doing a business transaction?"
"Yes, student council president, I'm fine." Sumire hissed at the girl, hoping Makoto would get the hint and back off.
"Err…" The girl relented half a step, but her eyes were burning with a determination that was familiar to Sumire. "I-I'm coming with you!"
"Why?" Sweatshirt asked warily.
Thinking quickly, Sumire decided to honour Makoto's wishes. "Those rumours about you needing a bunch of money were true? I'd have never guessed."
"Huh? What, ahh! Y-Yes! Money! I need it…"
She's a horrible liar…
From one bad liar to another, Sumire felt qualified to make that judgement. Thankfully, the thugs appeared to be a hurry and didn't particularly care.
"Get in the car."
Getting pushed together, Sumire gambled to whisper once into the president's ear. "I hope you know what you've signed up for…"
Ps. It's still super weird to me to call Akechi by his given name.