Disclaimer:
I do not own the story and the concepts represented in the fiction written. This fiction and all Persona-related fictions belong to Atlus, the fantastic company that created the games.
Author's Note:
To make it more transparent whether the chapter is narrating the past or present, I went back and made previous chapters of the past in italics. Chapters in the past going forward will also be in italics, while chapters in the present will remain in normal font.
Comments to Reviews:
rebfan90: Thank you for the review and support for this story. I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter, and I hope that you'll enjoy this one as much too.
Erelia: Thank you for all of the praise for this story. It motivates me to keep updating and think of new ideas. Also, I agree with you that in the game, it is a shame that you don't even spend time with Haru at all.
prince of underbrush: Glad to be back. Thanks for the review. If nothing else, I aim to make the story the best quality I can.
Before
5/16
Haru sat in the conference room's far back corner like an invisible onlooker. Closest to her was her father, seated to the long boardroom table's head. The company's board of directors and officers of various positions were filling the other seats. A few chairs were occupied by prominent stakeholders as well. And Sugimura sat at the opposite side of the table from her father, listening intently to everyone else's chatter.
Or so he made it appear. In actuality, his eyes, predatory-like, were trained on Haru. And his gaze never focused on her eyes long – or at all – but on her figure instead. Sugimura's gaze drank in her form like a fresh bottle of wine, ready to be opened.
The thought unnerved Haru to no end. Thankfully, the meeting was nearing its end. That or she'd eventually excuse herself. Today was still Monday, and she was a student in high school. Her father could only keep her from missing so many classes before even he realized she'd have to go to class.
The talks around the table consisted of strategies to further reduce expenditures – Haru heard outsourcing and downsizing mentioned more than once – expanding to foreign markets and investing in new technology.
These strategic conference meetings never failed to terrify Haru in some way. Whenever she was asked – demanded – to accompany her father, she remembered the power each person at the table possessed.
Accustomed to being an onlooker to these events, Haru learned to pick up some of the terminologies.
Stockholder value and market share were both topics brought up frequently. Anything hinting at an increase of either of these two was welcomed with approval and praise.
She'd become familiar with other terms, too. However, the technical jargon mentioned by some officers like Chief Financial Officer Takakura was still alien to her. However, she did pick up on his off-hand explanations of downsizing to reduce expenditures. Haru learned to dread the word as the termination of numerous employees soon followed it.
Like this, the meeting continued with different individuals of worth to the company; subsequently, her father reported one thing or another. In contrast, her father listened silently, impassively.
After a while, when Haru found she could no longer follow the conversation flow, she allowed her mind to wander. Her thoughts were random: jumping to school, her upcoming midterms, Akio-san, her garden, and the boy who helped tend her garden.
Her lips twitched up at the thought of the young man. They would spend two days out of the week together after school for the mentorship. Much like the meeting, she was forced to partake in, Akira and Haru's activities were a steady routine, except their interactions were much more enjoyable.
Their meetups were every Tuesday and Friday on the school rooftop unless circumstances dictated otherwise. There, they'd spend time cultivating the garden and tending to the potted plants on the desktops.
They didn't talk much during these activities, though. Or, well, Akira didn't speak much. For the most part, Haru would lead the conversation between them with the occasional comment from Akira; Morgana would join at times, too, meowing as if to answer for the raven-haired youth.
At first, Akira's silence unnerved Haru a little. She worried that he wasn't interested in their conversations or that he found her annoying. It took a while, but Haru realized that the young man was naturally just quiet. He was more of a listener, she realized.
That wasn't to say that he didn't contribute to their talks. Akira talked – albeit rarely – about the subjects that interested him. Without fail, Haru could squeeze some words out of him whenever the subject matter resolved the books for their read-along.
Their previous literature, The Great Thief, had been an addictive page-turner. More than once, Haru found herself staying up late to consume a few more pages or read about the conclusion of another of the valiant thief's ordeals. The conversation following the book's completion was avid and charged between Akira and Haru, the twosome relating their favorite scenes from the literature. It'd been a week since then, and Haru, interested in Akira's taste in novels, passed over her opportunity to pick a book for him to decide again.
Well, if anything, the young man's tastes were not bland. A blush crept up Haru's face at the thought of their latest novel: The Alluring Dancer. Oh, what an exciting and foreign concept it was for Haru, the tale of Carmen. Blasting her traditional view of ladyhood, the story of the female gypsy opened with a powerful and vivid description of the woman's charm and ability to sway men to do her bidding.
Carmen was exciting, sexual, and magnetic. So far, near the beginning of the tale, Haru couldn't help but feel heavyhearted at the men tossed aside by Carmen. Secretly, though, she also couldn't help but feel a fire ignite in her chest at Carmen's exploits.
Were these the type of stories Akira enjoyed? Were these the kind of women who caught his eye?
Haru desperately hoped not because the thought of acting in such a way burned her face crimson like the tomatoes in her garden.
The stirring of chairs and formal farewells alerted Haru to the long-awaited end of the conference meeting. Out of the concern of her eyes, she saw Sugimura exchanging pleasantries while keeping his gaze trained on her. Maybe it was due to her readings of The Great Thief and The Alluring Dancer or her interactions with Akira. Still, Haru was determined to escape the room without interacting with the man.
First, she needed to secure a means of transportation. Turning to her father, Haru said, "Pardon, father, but would it be alright if I called the driver and departed for school? I have midterms coming and don't want to perform badly."
Her father glanced at her at the mention of school and exams and wordlessly nodded. Despite the fact she already had a suitor, no matter how begrudgingly, it was still essential to maintain the pristine image her father expected of her.
Next, she needed a distraction. As she walked down the room, Haru stopped in front of Chief Financial Officer Takakura.
"Hello, Mr. Takakura," she said.
"Haru, hello," greeted the older male. "Thank you for being present at the meeting. I want you to know that everyone here is grateful for your presence. Oh, and congratulations on your suitor. Sugimura is an excellent individual."
Haru made a strenuous effort to smile at Mr. Takakura's congratulatory words. "Thank you very much," Haru said. "Regarding my… fiancé, he informed me of wanting to converse with you."
"Hmm? For what exactly?"
From her peripheral vision, Haru saw that Sugimura was finished chatting and was making his way toward her and Mr. Takakura.
Perfect, she thought.
"My fiancé was interested in hearing your professional opinion of franchising, mergers, and foreign investments and their impact on the company."
"Hmm. Is that so?"
And right on time, Haru's fiancé appeared, sneer etched across his face.
"Well," began Sugimura before Mr. Takakura stepped into his line of vision with a delighted smile.
"Sugimura!"
Sugimura stopped in his tracks, confusion replacing his previous zeal. "Y-yes?"
"I'm overjoyed to hear about your interest in the financial aspects of the organization's expansion."
Taking advantage of her fiancé's confusion, Haru speedily exited the room and pocketed her cell phone to arrange for a ride to school. A smile danced on her lips as she walked to the elevator and mentally cheered at her successful escape.
O
She'd arrived at school late, having missed her first two classes. Somehow, despite how it resembled corporate meetings, Haru didn't mind the classroom setting. Her second-period teacher always seemed off and snappish toward the students, reminding Haru of a frog, if frogs had teeth and menacing glares.
She'd quietly entered her third-period classroom, knocking beforehand, shared a silent nod with the teacher, then took her seat. All the teachers were aware of her circumstances, so suddenly, dropping in late to class was never an issue.
It was some arrangement her father had struck with the school principal when she first entered Shujin as a freshman.
So, whenever she was needed for whatever corporate event, usually for her father to showcase her to some bigwig, Haru would skip school – the entire day at times – and arrive late.
Being somewhat of a loner, Haru didn't have friends who would question the occasional tardy days. Despite the solitude, Haru still preferred school over mundane corporate meetings.
It felt like class ended when she sat down, but it made sense considering how late she arrived. Usually, her fourth period was Physical Education. Still, since the volleyball coach's incident, Physical Education became a free period akin to lunch. Including the fact that the fifth period was lunch for the school, Haru and a few other students had a two-period lunch.
Too bad she'd forgotten to have something whipped up by Akio-san or another maid. Undeterred and hungry, Haru traveled down the stairs to the first floor. It was there that she saw something questionable. If her eyes weren't deceiving her, the student president, Niijima, was walking suspiciously while reading a book – manga?
The young woman's gaze drifted up and down from her book to something ahead in rapid moments. Then, she began to move, purposeful-like to the crowd ordering from the food vendor. It was a bizarre sight; others, standing idle in the halls, paid no mind to the strange occurrence.
The student president advanced a few steps, stopped, ducked her head, and pretended to focus on her book. Someone in the line turned in Niijima's direction and then faced forward again. It was only for a moment, but the flock of raven hair was unmistakable to Haru: Akira.
Haru's eyes narrowed marginally.
Was Akira in trouble in some way, she wondered. Was the school having him watched?
But why?
I'm his mentor.
Suddenly, a wave of protectiveness welled up in Haru's chest. Without thinking, she walked up to the student president and lightly tapped her shoulder. To say Niijima was surprised would be an understatement. The young woman jumped like a cat, vaguely reminding Haru of Morgana, and stiffly turned her body toward Haru. Almost like a robot.
"H-how can I help you?"
Yeah, people usually had reasons for walking up to others.
Haru racked her brain. "Niijima-san…hello?"
Said young woman straightened her posture, ruby-red eyes focusing intently on Haru. Her frame was small but resolute and commanding. The slight crease of her eyebrows silently demanded a quick conclusion to their conversation so she could continue in her…stalking.
Haru shallowed. "Because of personal reasons, I could not attend Advanced Biology and was wondering if you could go over today's subject matter with me."
Niijima's entire demeanor shifted at the mention of academics. She smiled, assuming a more approachable stance which Haru much appreciated. "Oh, I didn't realize we shared a class together. Where do you sit?"
"Right next to you, in fact."
A slight dumbfounded expression formed on Niijima's face as she processed the new information. Haru smiled tightly at the girl's confusion. Behind them, ordering from the food vendor, Akira turned in her direction and sent a small wave. To not have him attract Niijima's attention, Haru blinked twice, conveying a greeting with her eyes.
Most people would be baffled by the gesture. But Akira wasn't most people. That was why when Akira pushed his glass higher on his face and blinked twice in return, Haru had to scrunch her face together to keep from laughing. Unfortunately, Niijima noticed her drastic facial change.
"Is something wrong?"
Haru bit down on her tongue hard. "No, no…just a sneeze. So, regarding Advanced Biology."
Niijima nodded sharply. "Yes, of course, but maybe another –" She paused, turning her head back to find that Akira had disappeared. Her eyes widened in panic for a moment but then quickly steadied. "I have free time at the moment."
"Excellent," Haru said. She moved to stand alongside Niijima. "Out of curiosity, what are you reading?"
"Oh, this isn't school-related…just some personal literature."
"Hmm, what's it about?"
The twosome moved to a secluded spot by the practice building. Slowly but surely, Niijima spoke more and more about the manga in her hands. She explained the plot, characters, and many of her favorite scenes in great detail. While she wasn't too knowledgeable about the material, Haru listened intently to Niijima's explanations, enthralled by the passion she displayed. She imagined Akira and how he'd listen to her when discussing her passions and interests.
At the present moment, Haru was the listener, absorbing the thoughts and feelings of another. It was a beautiful feeling to understand another person. The sudden chime of the school bell stirred both young women, and they began making their way back inside.
"I'm sorry," Niijima said, closing one of her eyes in guilt. "I just realized that instead of going over anything, I just talked about my manga."
"No, no, please don't apologize. Truly, I enjoyed hearing about it. I'm considering purchasing a copy myself."
"Let me save you a trip then," Niijima said, holding out her manga. "Please, as an apology."
Haru smiled, accepting the book. "There's nothing to apologize for…but thank you. Do you think – do you think we can do this again?"
The sudden request caught Niijima off guard before she smiled and nodded. "I would like that. I have some things I have to attend to, so until next time."
Haru watched the other Niijima's disappearing back. Somehow – she realized – the urge to protect Akira resulted in her making a friend – the first in a long time. Haru still didn't know if the raven-haired youth was the target of Niijima's attention. Yet, maybe future interactions with the young woman would reveal the truth. For now, though, she was content to stop whatever Niijima was doing. Perhaps she could mention the incident to Akira and see what he knew.
O
As much as Haru wanted to talk to Akira, preferably spend time with him, it seemed their stars didn't align. Though today wasn't a day for the mentorship, really for gardening, Haru asked if he would join her. To her dismay, which she hid, he declined her offer, mentioning something or another that he urgently had to take care of. Haru understood. Or, well, she acted as if she understood. Internally, her disappointment was like ice sickles stabbing the inside of her stomach.
It really shouldn't have saddened her as much as it did, but – it did, and Haru returned home with the eyes of a doleful puppy.
Akio-san, noticing her sad state, quickly fixed a meal and insisted that Haru eat. Under the head maid's stern stare, Haru swallowed and sensed an immediate improvement in her mood.
Note to self, she thought, don't skip out on meals.
"So," the head maid said carefully, "you seem wary, madam."
"Akio-san," complained Haru, "my father isn't here. Please, no formalities."
"Aw, of course."
The mask fell from her face, and Akio-san's plain and neutral façade morphed into one with a sharp smirk and playful eyes. Haru swore that the head maid de-aged ten years; she liked this version of Akio-san infinitely more.
"I must acknowledge, madam, suits you rather well."
"You think?"
"Of course," said Akio-san. "For example, madam, care to explain the foul mood you were in when you returned?"
Haru sat up in her seat. "I-It was nothing. Just another of my father's meetings that I had to attend."
But the head maid was not so easily deterred, nor was she so easily deceived. "Is that all? You've never returned from such meetings, so…" She wrinkled her nose, "discontented."
"Ah, well…that man was there."
"He?" With all her insightfulness, it only took a moment for the head maid to understand. "Oh, that man is it. The suitor?"
Haru nodded solemnly. "Yes. With every interaction, he seems intent on…progressing things along."
"Hmm?"
"As in touching."
Akio-san made a disgruntled face. "Don't tell me he's tried something!"
"Oh, no, he hasn't. So far, he's only taken my hand, but it's his eyes. They disclose his intentions perfectly."
The head maid walked to Haru reassuringly and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Smart girl. Your insight into others, especially men, is to be marveled at."
"I've learned from the best," Haru said with a giggle. "Although…"
"Hmm?"
Contrary to her proper teachings, Haru slumped forward in the chair she sat, her face touching the cold marble table. "Some people are harder to read than others."
Unwillingly, her mind wandered to Akira, the silent youth. Despite all her supposed insight and understanding of others – courtesy of Akio-san – Akira was still an enigma, a shapeless figure whose mannerisms and demeanor altered every interaction. His perception was continually expanding, and the transitions from the Akira last week to the Akira this week were such a smooth sailing flow. As if the marginal changes occurring in him were natural, it made getting a fix on him impossible.
"Now," said Akio-san, gathering Haru's attention, "who are these difficult-to-read individuals? I thought I taught you rather well."
Haru sighed, raising her head. "Well, it's this boy who –"
"Wait!" Akio-san was by her side immediately, pulling out a chair to sit adjacent to Haru. It might have been against Akio-san's professional code of conduct. Still, Haru liked the rare moments when she discarded those rigid rules.
"A boy, you said."
Haru nodded, smiling softly.
"Tell me about him."
"Oh, you already know a great deal. The boy I'm mentoring, Akira, he –"
"On a first-name basis, huh?"
A blush crept to Haru's face, and she looked away from the intense stare Akio-san was giving her.
"Madam, no…Haru…"
Haru looked at her; Akio-san was smiling cryptically. "Do you like this young man?"
"I do," Haru said, not catching the head maid's tone.
"I see," Akio-san said. "Then, does this likeness for the boy extend to a romantic level?"
"H-huh?"
"Romantically?"
Luckily Haru was seated, or else she'd have tripped on her feet.
"Yes, yes, romantically. Come on, Haru, you have never mentioned a boy before. Has it finally happened? Has someone finally caught your eye?"
Overwhelmed by the head maid's energy, Haru could not say a word, opting to shake her head madly. Unknown to the young woman, though, was the redness blooming onto her face.
"Say no words," Akio-san suddenly proclaimed, calming Haru. "Let's try this then. I will ask you some questions, and I want you to nod or shake your head to respond. Does that sound appropriate?"
Haru opened and closed her mouth, then sighed, surrendering to the head maid's request.
"Good…hmm, is this person older than you?"
A shake of her head.
"Then, younger. Ah, I see. Madam, you prefer them younger."
Haru shrunk into herself and shied away from answering. If she was honest, Akio-san's questions and comments threw her off balance. To be romantically interested in Akira would be – Haru's mind produced the young man's image – perfect. Her chest drummed powerfully from the realization, and the blood reached the tips of her ears, lighting them aflame. It would be ideal, Haru decided, to be involved with the youth she spent so much time with and conversed with.
"Haru," said the head maid, looking at her curiously. "What about this young man attracts you?"
Suddenly, the words didn't choke in her throat and flowed freely. Haru smiled. What a difficult question. To answer it would require contemplating the young man's nature, which was already something of a contradiction to her.
Still, Haru thought, what better time than now with Akio-san to consider this?
"I like how I can't read him," Haru began.
"Even though I can't read him, I like how he makes me feel. I feel he understands me when I talk even though he doesn't say much back. I... don't like how others treat him, though. How they look at him like he's a criminal, and he's done something bad."
Just recollecting all of the mummers and rumors about Akira and the malicious gazes on his back evoked anger in the usually placid young woman. "People just assume and assume and assume and –"
The head maid's hand landed on hers. Haru focused her gaze on the head maid's, blinking back tears. Akio-san's facade had swiftly morphed into one of concern. "Haru...who is this young man who has you so flustered, and why do others think so poorly of him?"
With her free hand, Haru dried her eyes. "I told you already, Akira, the second year I'm mentoring."
The head maid stared at Haru for a long while, her expression indecipherable. Finally, with a gleam in her eyes, the head maid said, "So, you like bad boys, huh?"
Haru's mind stilled as she registered the head maid's words. Then, when she had, she jumped to her feet, ready to refute Akio-san's claim.
Akira was not a bad boy; she wanted to state.
Akio-san was too ecstatic, though to pay any mind to Haru's pleas. Instead, she made her hand into something vaguely resembling a fist with her thumb sticking out and told Haru to mimic her.
"But why?"
"Oh, just do it," urged Akio-san. "I promise you'll thank me later."
So Haru did as instructed and made her hand into something of a fist.
"Then what?"
"You kiss it?"
"Excuse me?"
"You kiss it," Akio-san repeated.
"B-But, why –"
"Haru, please," the head maid interjected. "Have I ever led you astray?"
"Well, no, but –"
"Then try it. I promise you'll learn something important."
So, with much reluctance, Haru did as the head maid instructed, closed her eyes, and gently brushed her lips against her closed fist. "What am I supposed to learn?" she asked after the ordeal.
Akio-san smiled. "Well, nothing so quickly, but if you keep at it, you'll be a fantastic kisser."
"What...?"
"Yes," said Akio-san. "Keep practicing so that when you eventually share the kisses with this younger, bad boy, he'll always have you on his mind."
Haru's mouth closed several times, but she wordlessly stood from the table and walked toward her room when no words came out.
"Haru," called the head maid with an amused and concerned tone.
"I am retiring to my room early," Haru replied. "Goodnight."
Haru could hear Akio-san's soft snickering and mummers of sweet dreams from behind her.
X
The following day, she found tickets to an art exhibit of the famous artist Ichiryusai Madarame, a note explaining dinner reservations, and a pamphlet showcasing movie times. All of these items were on her nightstand. The most interesting article was the paper taped to her alarm clock with the message: Don't compromise. Reach for what you want!
And, maybe – just maybe – Haru would seriously consider doing what the message advised.