Disclaimer:
I do not own the story and the concepts represented in this fiction. This fiction and all Persona-related fictions belong to Atlus, the fantastic company that created the games.
Author's Notes:
Hello everyone! Happy holidays and I hope you all have a great new year. The next couple of chapters will consist of the Hawaii trip, which is a lot of fun writing. Then, everything is downhill from there, so enjoy while you can!
Comment to Reviews:
Agunimo: I could not agree more. Sojiro is too good of character, and I love writing him every chance I get.
Guesy99: You know that is something I've considered but been too lazy to do. I'll find the time eventually and will upload it there! Thank you for the review!
Ganheim: Hey, thanks for reading my story and pointing out those errors. I make it a habit to review previous chapters occasionally, but I still miss so much. Also, I haven't played P5 Strickers, but I really have to! So, thank you, I appreciate it.
Erelia: Hey, thank you so much for the review. I hope you enjoy this chapter too and find it equally as engaging. Also, yeah! You definitely have to play P5. It is a must-have experience.
maelstrom969: I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. Writing the dynamics of Haru and Akira's relationship is so wholesome and fun.
prince of underbrush: Yes, Sojrio is a master at his craft! He definitely is the mentor Akira needs. But, don't worry, the sly playboy will appear again!
lightning-187:Thank you for your review, and I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far. While I might be late updating at times (or all the time), it is kind comments like yours and others that motivate me.
Before
8/16
The sound of chalk hitting the blackboard, rain hammering the windows outside, and the teacher's slow, dreary voice makes staying awake hard for Haru. Her final class of the day, Advanced World History, is tiresome.
It doesn't help that the class is relatively easy, so maintaining a passing grade requires nothing but straightforward memorization of names and dates. It also doesn't help how the teacher's tone lulls the young woman to sleep.
It isn't Mr. Akiyama's fault, though, Haru thinks.
Mr. Akiyama is an old soul. He is an older gentleman with round glasses over his tired face and noticeable grays sticking out of his neatly combed brown hair. Haru assumes that Mr. Akiyama is in his forties. He dresses much older, though, with an oversized sweater over his torso, ill-fitting pants, and brown loafers.
Almost like a grandfather, Haru thinks with a smile.
Sitting straight in her seat to avoid becoming too comfortable, the auburn-haired young woman glances at the windows to see the terrible weather outside.
It was in the afternoon that the light rain had become a downpour.
Fortunately for her, the horrendous weather aligned perfectly with her lunch period.
So, instead of relaxing, Haru attended to her garden on the school rooftop. She had equipment prepared for such instances as heavy rain. Without delay, the young woman rushed out into the open rain to open one of the lockers behind the four air conditioning units.
Haru acquired everything she needed to protect the garden from the harsh weather inside the locker. Hurridly, she laid a fabric cover over each planter stand.
Only when her task was complete did the young woman step back inside the stairwell and realize how drenched she was. Droplets of rain fell from her clothing, creating a pool underneath her feet. Her pink cardigan was like a sponge, having soaked up and needing a good wringing.
Haru shivered from the cold. Reaching for her cellphone, damp yet still functional, she realized she had a little over half an hour to shower, change, eat, then prepare for her next class. Haru rushed down the stairs to her locker without wasting a moment.
Haru praised her forward-thinking by always having a spare outfit ready. However, her feelings of self-admiration ended when she realized her extra clothes did not include a second cardigan.
After that, the rest of the day continued as usual. Perhaps it was her imagination, but the young woman received more looks than she was accustomed to, primarily from other male students. Or so she told herself.
Unlike most elite prep schools, Shijin allowed freedom regarding student uniforms. Without her cardigan, she felt exposed. It was why Haru donned her pink cardigan or why Makoto wore a halter vest over her long-sleeve white shirt. Now, without the main component of her attire, Haru navigated the school in her long-sleeve white turtleneck with black suspenders affixed to her skirt.
Haru was used to going to and fro without a glance from other students. She had always been aware of how her figure drew in the eyes of others since her sudden growth spurt during middle school. But, without her cardigan, her chest – more prominent due to the damn suspenders – was attracting attention.
Which was around the time she started wearing something woolly over herself, she remembers. Something similar to Mr. Akiyama's oversized sweater.
Haru returns her attention to the front of the classroom and stares at Makoto's empty desk. Usually, nothing could separate the overachieving student from her studies, but her responsibilities as Student Council President were not trivial. From what Makoto had explained, she was responsible for helping the teachers plan the school trip to Hawaii.
A rather daunting task, but Haru could think of no one more capable. Still, the lack of her friend's presence made concentrating harder than usual.
Once more, Mr. Akiyama scribbles some obscure name on the blackboard and references a page from the book in his hand. Haru looks down at her own book and skips a couple of pages to keep up with her peers. She imagines she is not the only one struggling to pay attention. And Haru is proven right by the fierce tapping to her left.
Her neighbor, a short brunette with a flower clip in her hair, has her textbook placed in a way that hides the phone in her hands. Like Haru, it helps that the girl is seated at the back of the classroom and rarely brings attention to herself. Haru watches the girl in equal measure of disbelief and fascination. Never in her school career had Haru texted during a lecture before.
Still observing the girl to the left, Haru feels the urge to mirror her.
Would it be exciting? Haru wonders. To break the rules so indifferently.
Haru spares one more glance outside at the heavy downpour and thinks the weather would prevent her and Akira from tending the garden.
Indeed, a text message to inform him of the meeting in the library.
A mischievous smile begins to spread across the young woman's face. She isn't one to go against the rules. But, since meeting Akira, her actions have become more unruly. Haru decides she likes that.
Haru reaches for her phone. In her shaking hands, she considers what kind of message to send while trying to ignore the thoughts forming in her mind. Since their first intimate encounter, they had become bolder.
[Haru O.] 354 PM: Hello! How is your day going?
While she does care about Akira, asking about his day is the least of her concerns. Some parts of her blame Akira. She can't get the sensation of his lips on her body out of her mind.
Goodness, to believe it was only two days ago.
She can vividly recall how loving and momentous their first time was. Their second time, however, left much to be desired. On that occasion, she blames herself.
Emboldened by their first session, Akira began trailing kisses down Haru's leg. His mouth traveled down her calf to her inner thigh and the area surrounding her sex. And when his tongue came into contact with her clitoris –
She feels goosebumps in the memory.
Haru presses her legs together. She of her memory but did not take the unexpected stimulation well. No, to her shame, she kicked her partner.
Regardless of what he said, Haru knew it hurt. Her numerous leg days with Makoto strengthened her body.
A low vibrating from Haru's cellphone brings her back from the embarrassing memory. Gleeful, she reads Akira's message.
[Akira K.] 357 PM: Hey. My day is sunshine and rainbows! Though, it's better now to hear from you.
Haru's chest jumps at his response. Haru must admit that she can see the appeal now. Is this why her peers spend so much time messaging during class?
[Haru O.] 358 PM: My day is much brighter. Since it's raining, I was thinking about meeting at the library. Also, I wanted to talk to you about how to spend today.
After waiting for a minute without a response, Haru sets her phone down, hidden behind her open textbook. Mr. Akiyama is in another section of the book, discussing some new historical figures and their contribution to present-day Japan.
Haru feels her mind wander once more. She wants to see Akira and indulge in his presence so much that she feels a physical ache.
Still, the boy makes no effort to reply. Not even the three small circles that let her know he is forming a text are visible.
He's in class, Haru reminds herself. He's paying attention to his teacher like you should be.
Her mind wanders to another pressing concern: the mentorship relationship between her and Akira.
The time together is not what the school likely intended when selecting her as his mentor. Sure, she is keeping him out of trouble – so far. At times, the glint in Akira's eyes worries her.
But, he has never broken any rules.
He doesn't get into fights. His grades are excellent, and his personal conduct is exemplary.
No, if anything, Haru is the one corrupting him. She fidgets uncomfortably at the thought. Haru is well aware that every advancement of their relationship has been a bold and calculating move on her part.
Nonetheless, it did not sit well with her.
Calculating…
Unethical…
Those were not the words she wanted to associate with their relationship. But, a more ruthless aspect of her mind scolds her for being childish. A side of her she dislikes immensely.
"Overcome failure at any cost, even if it means betraying others."
Her father's favorite saying rings in her ear, and Haru begins the mental hassle of pushing it down.
Fortunately, her phone beeps just in time to help.
[Akira K.] 407 PM: Shoot, today's Tuesday, huh? Look, I got something important to take care of. Is it possible to be off today?
Haru stares at Akira's response for a long time. Somehow, the thought of him having other obligations did not occur to the girl. She knows that he has other friends. Like the energetic blond-haired young man or the studious-looking black-haired young man in his class.
But, he spends time with a handful of young women too. Try as she might, Haru cannot help but feel insecure about Akira spending time with Ann.
Haru knows that Ann is kind, fun, and caring. But it is those qualities that she finds so magnetic about Ann that Akira might as well. And perhaps in a way that is more than platonic.
Then, there is Makoto. Haru adores Makoto. She is the friend Haru wishes she's had since entering Shuijin. Some may find the ruby-eyed young woman's zeal and intensity offputting, but Haru admires it. She finds Makoto's dedication to her responsibilities admirable, even if she wishes her friend did not push herself too much.
But some part of Haru, perhaps the same side that agrees with her father's saying, feels wariness about her friend. After all, she once stalked Akira.
And so, with those thoughts swirling in her mind, Haru debates rejecting Akira's request. After all, it is within her authority as his mentor. A responsibility that was given to her by the school.
"Overcome failure at any cost, even if it means betraying others."
Haru prepares her response.
[Haru O.] 410 PM: I see. Of course. I already laid a protective cover over the garden. If you need any help with your errand, please let me know.
Unlike his previous message, this one feels instant.
[Akira K.] 411 PM: You're always one step ahead, Haru. Thanks, I should be fine. I won't make a habit of this, promise!
Something so simple as Akira's gratitude eases her displeasure.
There's still Friday, she thinks to herself. Or, maybe something sooner, hopefully.
Haru returns to focusing on Mr. Akiyama's lecture.
The final fifteen minutes of class pass quickly before the bell rings, signaling the end of the day. Chairs scrape the floor sound at once, and the room is immediately filled with chatter.
Haru mimics her peers and exits the classroom. The hallway is crowded and infinitely louder, with other students grouped together discussing their plans. Watching them from the corner of her eyes, Haru feels something old and new: loneliness.
She considers it strange because her days are usually spent alone, not with Akira or Makoto. No one wants to approach the Okumura heir after all. Those who tried– perhaps genuine in their intentions – gave up a long time ago.
Navigating the busy hallway, Haru wants to bump into someone she knows. A friendly wave, smile, or even nod in acknowledgment would uplift her mood.
Some part of her scolds the needy yearning. Akira's change of plans and Makoto's absence are minor inconveniences that shouldn't impact her mood as significantly as they have. But with the rain as hectic as it is, even gardening is not an available form of distraction.
Haru sighs upon reaching her locker. Methodically, she collects her study material in her bag and then calls Akio-san to arrange her ride. It doesn't take long for the head maid to answer her call.
"Apologizes," Akio-san says, "there is a lot of activity going on right now. Would you like your pick up at the usual stop?"
"Yes, thank you." Haru reaches for the pink-top umbrella in her locker. "Akio, is everything alright? You sound…"
"Stressed and annoyed?"
Haru stifles a smile. Akio-san only allows her dignified façade to fade when talking with Haru.
"Your father is hosting an event at the residence," Akio-san explains.
"Oh…"
"Yes, but no need to worry. I have been informed that it will consist of only high-level personnel from the corporation."
Haru feels tension ebb out of her body. "That's good!"
"Yes, so there is no reason for concern. However, the chef and I usually ensure the kitchen is ready for these occasions every Monday. Unfortunately…"
"Someone else was responsible for checking?"
"Yes, one newly hired maid believes the checklist and inventory review are not crucial to the position."
Haru winces in reply. She props her umbrella open and walks down the wet steps toward the school's gate.
"I hear a lot of rain," Akio-san comments. Her voice is clear without the background noise of cabinets opening and closing.
"Yes, it is quite a downpour," Haru says. She leaves, passes the gate, and asks, "Are you...will you be ok?"
Akio-san's huff of amusement sounds like static in Haru's ear. "No need to worry. I have the cook's assistant going out to purchase the necessary items and – !"
Haru flinches. The sound of something shattering in the background almost makes her jump.
"Let's…continue this conversation when you return. One of the new maids broke something."
Haru smiles sympathetically, hoping her goodwill can somehow reach the hardworking Akio-san. "I'll see you when I return home."
X
Haru can only remember a few instances when the Okumura household was loud and hectic. Upon entering her home, she sees a flurry of activity. Maids rush to set the table and place utensils in and out of the kitchen area. Haru can hear orders being barked from her position.
She grimaces. It sounds to her like the main cook berating his assistant cook, a young man known for nervous fits. Then, in an uncharacteristic display of aggression, Haru sees Akio-san exit the kitchen into the dining area to bark orders. The other maids freeze upon her arrival and then scurry along to complete their tasks.
The head maid sighs tiredly but then notices Haru and straightens immediately.
"Akio-san," the girl mummers. "You seem overwhelmed."
The older woman smiles and breathes another sigh. "Yes, well, coordination has been lacking as of late, and preparing everything so suddenly is taking its toll."
Haru nods. It is the only thing she can do in response to the head maid's situation. Though, she wishes those circumstances were different. She wishes for a world where her father wasn't so inconsiderate as to push so much work onto others without notice.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Haru offers meekly.
Akio-san gives her a small smile. Haru expects a gentle no, which is standard whenever she offers help. Instead, something comes over Akio-san's face – a flash of inspiration.
"Haru, dear, are you available at the moment?"
"At the moment? Yes, of course."
"Good, good," the head maid says, nodding. "Haru, you aren't interested in going to this dinner we are planning, correct?"
"Ah." Haru opens her mouth and then closes it.
Her gut reaction is to say how much she enjoys these dinners as an Okumura should. Then she remembers that she doesn't need a façade in front of Akio-san.
Haru confesses, "No, I would rather not. Why?"
"Perfect," the head maid cheers, clapping her hands. "Oh, well, I had purchased groceries and snacks for the orphanage. My plan was to deliver them personally, but your father's sudden request has put me in a… difficult position."
The head maid steps closer to Haru and takes her hands in hers. "Can I trouble you to deliver it for me? It is sudden, but it would mean everything to me."
Haru blinks. She feels her chest warm at the heartfelt request. Never, in all the years that she's known Akio-san, has the head maid ever needed help from Haru. The idea of rejecting her did not even come into the girl's mind.
"Of course, Akio-san," Haru says. "I'd help you in any way I can."
Akio-san beams at the younger girl with a smile. A smile expressed her love and appreciation for the young woman before her.
"Thank you so much," Akio-san says. "Well, the children don't have much, and the thought of failing them troubles me greatly. Wait here; I'll go fetch the purchases momentarily. Oh, but you're still in school attire. Never mind, why don't you shower and change, then we'll meet here in half an hour. I will have everything ready and a driver to deliver you."
CRACK!
Both women jump from the sound of plates breaking. Haru observes Akio-san turn toward the kitchen where she is, without a doubt, needed.
"Duty calls, I suppose," she says, adopting her stern façade. "I will see you shortly, Milady."
Haru nods, feeling pity for whoever incurs the head maid's wrath.
She hurries to her room to quickly ready herself, wanting to avoid a chance meeting with her father and his many guests. If Akio-san gave her thirty minutes, Haru was prepared in twenty with an outfit fit for the terrible weather.
Waiting by the entrance, the head maid gives the driver – Mr. Sato – the bags of groceries to stow in the vehicle.
The head maid nods at Haru in acknowledgment before addressing the driver. "You recall the address, correct?"
"The church in the Kanda District, I assume?"
"Yes," Akio-san nods.
"I can help carry some things," Haru offers.
Akio-san smiles. "No need. We have dependable Sato here, don't we?"
The driver rolls his eyes at the maid with a familiarity Haru wasn't aware they had. "I'll be in the car, ready to leave anytime."
Akio-san watches his retreating back before turning towards Haru and appraising her attire. Haru smiles, feeling like a child under their parent's scrutiny. Though she didn't wear jeans often, she kept a few for such occasions.
She wears a green V-neck underneath her blue raincoat. Her sneakers are the running shoes she uses whenever exercising with Makoto. Overall, she is comfy for her errand at the church.
"Do me another favor, Milady, and apologize for Aina-san for me. She might not say it, but she fusses over me too much." Akio-san nods in satisfaction.
Haru smiles. "Of course. I'll let her know."
"Thank you. Now, is there anything before you go?"
Haru shakes her head. "Is there anything you need from me before I go?"
"Cheeky girl," Akio-san laughs. She looks around them to ensure they are alone, then pulls the younger girl into a hug. "Thank you once more. It truly means so much to have your help."
"A-anytime," Haru mummers, happy to be helpful.
They break from the embrace, and Haru gives her dearest confidant a wave before heading towards the door.
"Milady, just one moment, please."
Haru turns. "Hm?"
Akio-san points to the mahogany umbrella stand by the garage door. "Please take one of those. It'd be worrisome to have you in bad health."
"Of course!" Haru nods, reaching for her pink-top umbrella. "Thank you, I forgot all about it!"
She opens the door to the estate's ample garage space. Cars are lined next to each other, facing the open garage door. Inside the black sedan, Mr. Sato patiently waits for her.
"Are you missing anything?" Mr. Sato asks as Haru steps into the passenger seat.
"No, we are good to go," she smiles.
X
The rain begins to subside. Instead of a downpour, only a slight drizzle falls on the pavement. Mr. Sato parks the sedan adjacent to the sidewalk of the church's entrance. The tall, black gates shine from the rain.
Haru exits the vehicle with Mr. Sato and follows him to the sedan's back. He opens the trunk to a box with the bags of food.
"I can help," Haru offers.
Mr. Sato gives her a glance before piling plastic bags containing milk and juice in her arms. Then, he effortlessly picks up the box and proceeds to the entrance.
The wide double doors are left slightly pushed open. As they approach, the doors open entirely to reveal a small girl in a raincoat.
"Akio! Akio!"
The little girl runs past them, looking in all directions for who Haru assumes is Akio-san.
"Um," Haru starts before another voice jumps in.
"Fumi!"
Everyone's attention shifts to the elderly woman approaching them.
Aina-san, Haru thinks.
"Forgive her," the caretaker says, gesturing at the little girl. "Whenever the children hear Akio-san is coming, they become overjoyed."
Haru smiles. "It's no problem at all."
"But, where are my own manners," Aina-san continues. "Fumi, take the young woman's bags, and – why, what a dashing gentleman. Yes, can you please follow behind Fumi to the orphanage?"
Rather than expressing annoyance at the request, as Haru imagines, Mr. Sato is amused.
"If you can help with the remaining items, I'd appreciate it greatly," Haru says to Mr. Sato. "After that, you can depart."
The stoic man nods and follows behind the dispirited little girl. Once they are out of hearing distance, Haru turns to the elderly caretaker.
"I apologize. Unfortunately, Akio-san won't be able to visit today. She sent me in her stead, but –"
"No need to fret," the older woman says. "Akio called to explain the situation. I am so thankful that you took the time to visit us. I imagine a young lady like yourself has many other things she'd rather be doing."
"No, no," Haru refutes, shaking her head. "Truly, besides schoolwork and personal hobbies, my time is free."
"Well, we appreciate the help, nonetheless."
Upon entering the nave, Haru stops to marvel at the room's tranquil effect on her. Aina-san turns away from the entrance doors and walks deeper into the building. At a slower pace, Haru follows behind her to take in the unique interior of the atrium and the narthex.
There are only a few people in this part of the church. Sitting in the pews on the left is an older couple huddled together in prayer. A younger woman stared at the altar to the front of the nave in quiet reverence to the right. Then, further ahead, sitting close to the confessional box, Haru sees –
Haru blinks. Because the sight before her is too strange.
He said he had an important errand today...
Her feet move before her mind can process the situation.
It's why he canceled our meeting today, Haru thinks. Right?
The less distance she puts between herself and the two individuals near the front, the more she hopes she's wrong. That it isn't Akira seated on the front bench with another girl giggling and smiling. Haru hears snippets of their conversation, but it sounds hazy and incoherent in her muddled mind.
Try as she might, Haru cannot quell the confusion and panic in her chest. She is unable to dispel the insidious idea worming into her mind.
Akira is something of a playboy. Their every interaction, from words, hugs, kisses, and finally intimacy, is a lie. What if, just maybe, maybe…
Haru feels her eyes burn, yet she cannot stop her feet from proceeding toward what she hopes is a misunderstanding.
What if…
What if…
What if…
Those words stab the forefront of the young woman's mind. Suddenly, the memory of their first intimate encounter isn't so vibrant and beautiful to the girl.
No, standing before the raven-haired youth that she's come to adore, Haru finds the memory rather distasteful. She is about to touch (yank) his shoulder when the girl with Akira says something.
"I summon forth forbidden move that shall bring your end…Ultimate Excalibur Attack!"
Haru makes a noise of surprise, not expecting such a bizarre and passionate statement.
The girl beside Akira looks up from what Haru sees is a Shogi board with pieces arranged haphazardly. The girl is beautiful with long brown hair, dark green eyes, and a pale heart-shaped face. A red hair accessory resembling a rope with a three-leaf clover is fastened to her hair. She wears a blue school uniform that Haru isn't familiar with that fits her slim figure perfectly. Haru feels her chest tighten.
Noticing Haru, the girl says, "I'm so sorry. I said something outrageous so loudly and disturbed you, haven't I?"
Akira gives the girl a questioning look before following her gaze. His eyes go wide, and Haru is equally baffled about how to proceed. She wants to question him, maybe reach deep inside and make a disparaging comment, but can't find the words.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, Akira is infinitely better at this.
Haru sees the young man quickly cool his bafflement. Perhaps it is her imagination, or she is too emotional about the situation to think clearly, but the air around Akira shifts.
No, it is more accurate to say that the young man himself changes. His disposition is calm and pensive around the other girl. But eyeing Haru, he deviates to something more delicate, more attentive, and more understanding.
The change is jarring.
Akira smiles at her, and Haru finds herself smiling back.
"H-hello," Haru mummers.
"Hey, spooked me there," Akira responds. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, well – " Haru turns around to spot Aina-san in conversation with the elderly couple. Good, she isn't keeping the older woman waiting.
"I'm…volunteering here at the orphanage," Haru explains slowly.
She watches the change in his expression. It is the young man's companion who speaks next, however.
"Orphanage?"
Akira turns toward his companion and makes a pained expression. "My bad, I just realized I haven't made introductions yet. Togo-san –"
Haru perks up at the woman's name.
"— this is my mentor from school, Haru Okumura."
The girl, Togo, makes a face at Haru's last name. "Okumura-san?"
"Yes," Haru says quickly. "I have been assigned by our school – Shujin high – to ensure his academic and personal success."
Togo-san nods her head, taking in Haru's words. Haru notes that Akira doesn't mention why he has a mentor in the first place.
"I see," Togo-san says with a nod. "Hm, my school could benefit greatly from a similar program."
"It's been keeping me out of trouble so far," Akira offers, earning a chuckle from the girl.
"I…don't think you've had difficulty with or without the arrangement, Kursuru-kun," Haru mummers.
Akira makes a puzzled face at the formal speech but doesn't comment.
"A-anyway," Haru ventures, "what are you to up to?"
It is Togo-san who answers the older girl's inquiry. "Ah, the young man here has come seeking my teachings in strategy matters."
Haru gives the other girl an uncertain face.
"I wanted to improve my analytical ability and foresight, so I'm having here teach me how to play Shogi," Akira clarifies.
"O-oh, I see," Haru says, though she doesn't.
"Togo-san is a Shoji master," Akira continues. "She's a champion who was known for never losing a match. I heard the rumors and am pleased to say she's just as amazing as they all say."
"H-hey, I'm not," Togo-san refutes with a blush. "There's always room for improvement, so you can never stop learning."
"Of course," agrees the raven-haired youth. "It's why you're teaching me."
Haru observes the back-and-forth banter with a bit of irritation but knows she's being irrational.
"Anyway," Togo-san says, "you mentioned something about an orphanage. I've come here a few times and have never known one nearby."
Haru smiles at the girl's bafflement. She opens her mouth to reply when Mr. Sato and Fumi open the door that leads to the walkway.
"Madam," Mr. Sato begins, addressing Haru. "I have delivered the groceries. Will you need anything else?"
"Oh, no, thank you. You can return. I will notify you when I need to be picked up."
The stoic man nods, then turns to the exit. Akira and Togo-san stare at Haru in confusion, curiosity on their faces when Fumi approaches Haru next.
"Um, ma'am, will you be joining us? Aina-san told me to ask you."
Haru looks toward the elderly couple to find that Aina-san is no longer with them.
Haru says, "Yes, of course. I came to help, so please tell Aina-san I will be there momentarily."
The little girl nods and dashes at the door leading to the walkway. Haru turns toward Akira and Togo-san, wondering what else to do. She knows she is here to help the orphanage in Akio-san's stead. Still, a part of her fights against leaving Akira with another girl without her questions answered.
She knows she's being irrational. She has no claim on the young man and no reason to demand anything from him. But matters of the heart appear intent on fighting objective thoughts.
"Hey," Akira suddenly voices. "You sound busy. If you need to go, we can talk later, alright?"
Is he dismissing me? Haru wonders.
Smiling, she agrees. "Of course…I will see you later."
"See you later," Akira parrots, while Togo-san flashes a friendly smile.
Leaving the twosome, Haru walks to the walkway orphanage. Unlike her first time navigating the path, the grassy open space does nothing to put her at ease. Even when facing Aina-san's welcoming smile, the ball of discomfort in Haru's chest does not dissolve.
She is led to the kitchen by the elderly caretaker. The kitchen is a clean, spacious area with everything essential to prepare a feast.
"Nice for an old orphanage, don't you think?" Aina-san says.
"Hm?"
"A lot of the reason we can operate with such good equipment is because of generous donators. Akio is one of our most regular benefactors…."
Something about the older woman's tone grabs Haru's attention. "Akio-san?"
"Yes," Aina-san nods. "Hm, did you know that Akio was once an inhabitant of this orphanage?"
Haru's eyes go wide at the information. "T-truly?"
"Oh, did I catch you off guard? Yes, years ago as a little girl. It's likely why she contributes as much as she does. The whole place was considerably different back then, and it was doubtful whether it could continue operating."
Haru doesn't know how to respond. The idea of the orphanage no longer operating and providing for the children under its care is a horrifying concept to her.
"Akio left around her teens," Aina-san mummers quietly. "Yes, she left with him, didn't she?"
"Aina-san?"
"Apologizes. You'll find that you get lost in thought more as you age. Haru-chan, can you do me a favor and check on the children? You remember what room it is, correct?"
"The door to the right wall of the entrance?"
"Exactly, wonderful. I'll be out there shortly with food for the little ones. If you can, keep them entertained. Kazuo-san doesn't have the patience to stay with them for too long."
"I – I understand." Haru nods.
She departs from the kitchen and quickly finds herself before the door leading to the children's playroom. There she stands, mulling over Aina-san's disclosure about Akio-san. Then she thinks about the children and Akio-san's drive and passion for providing for them.
Gulping, Haru opens the door. All chatter and commotion stop the second she enters the room. The children have questioning stares, and all Haru wants to do is run away and close the door behind her. But she doesn't.
Instead, she pushes down all her worries, thoughts of her dubious love life, and insecurities.
To the children, she smiles and says, "H-hi, my name is Haru Okumura. Um, we've met with Akio-san before. I'm here to help with whatever I can."
She bows, adding, "It's nice to meet you all again!"
One of the little girls approaches her. "Hi, miss Haru! Remember me? I'm Akane!"
That is all it takes for the floodgates to open, and Haru is swarmed by little people jumping for her attention.