Monday, 4/25
Ren was packing his bag as class ended. Ann stood up and walked beside his desk.
"Wanna hang out with me and Haru?" She asked.
"No Ryuji?" Ren questioned.
"I think that Ryuji would be too embarrassed to remember what happened yesterday." Ann explained.
Oh yeah. She's gonna tell me what happened. It can't be that embarrassing. But this is Ryuji. It could be that embarrassing.
"Ah. Where do you want to go?" Ren said as he finished packing his bag.
"I was thinking the diner in Shibuya. We could get crepes again! I'll text Haru to meet us at the school gate."
"Sounds like a plan." Ren said as he stood up.
Ann sent Haru a text, then left the classroom with Ren. They went to the school gate where they were greeted by Haru.
"Hello, Ann. Hello, Ren." She said.
"Hey Haru." Ann said.
Ren simply nodded to Haru.
The three made their way to the station and quickly boarded the subway. The ride to Shibuya was quick (at least for Ren, given that he traveled that way every day). The trio got to the diner faster than they expected. They sat down in a booth. Ann and Haru sat next to each other, leaving Ren alone on the other side.
Before we talk about anything else, I have to know what actually happened with Ryuji.
"So what went down with Ryuji yesterday?" Ren asked.
"Oh, did something happen?" Haru asked.
You were there.
"From the story he told me, yeah. But Ann says that Ryuji is lying. So what happened yesterday?" Ren said.
"Well, we met up outside of Big Bang Burger. No one really said much. It was very awkward between me and Ryuji, and Haru just kinda stood there. I got the feeling that he was counting on you coming. Anyways, we went inside. No one really said much in line. We ordered. Ryuji took the challenge or whatever it is to eat the huge burger. We then sat down. It was still pretty awkward. Then our food came. Here's where it gets interesting. Haru and I had no problem with our burgers, but Ryuji really struggled with his. He got about halfway through his burger before he turned away from the table and puked all over the floor." Ann was barely able to finish her sentence because she was laughing.
Haru giggled and Ren gave one of his chuckles.
Ann's laughing this hard and she hasn't even heard Ryuji's version of it. But if Ryuji is still interested in Ann, and his chances with her would definitely be ruined if she heard his version. I'll keep quiet.
"That's, uh, quite different from the version I heard." Ren said.
"What did he tell you?" Haru asked.
"The way he told it, it sounded more… social." Ren answered.
"No way it could be called social. It's still pretty awkward between me and him. You have to do something about this, Ren." Ann said.
Why is that my problem? Yeah, they're in the same club, but they're almost adults. They should be able to work this out on their own.
"Ann, I think that it's important for you to solve that problem yourself." Haru said.
"I second that." Ren added.
"Hmph. You guys should at least help me figure out how to fix it." Ann poutingly said.
Haru looked at Ren as if she was asking what to do. Ren shook his head.
"This is a you problem, Ann. GRAVY does support all of its members, but I strongly believe that this is something that you must do alone." Ren said.
"Fine. I'll try talking to him. But don't expect it to work." Ann was still pouting.
The waitress then came. Ann ordered 3 crepes for them. The waitress then left.
"Moving on from Ryuji, let's talk about another club member." Haru said.
It's pretty safe to assume that she's about to say Makoto.
Ren raised his eyebrows. Ann looked at Haru.
"Makoto." Haru said.
"What's there to talk about? She's a new club member. Case closed." Ren said.
"That's not true! Like, why is she joining the club?" Ann asked.
"Because I asked her to." Ren answered.
"Why is that?" Haru asked.
I'm not gonna tell them about how she spent her birthday alone, or how lonely she is in general. That's not their problem. Not yet.
"There are several reasons. First, we could always use more members. Second, she's the only non-club member at Shujin who seems to enjoy spending time with me. Those kinds of people are rare. That's really it. I thought you said that you were excited to have another third year in the club, Haru." Ren explained.
"That's true, and I am, but Makoto joining just feels… out of nowhere." Haru said.
"To be fair, the club was started out of nowhere." Ren joked.
"Yeah, but it feels very sudden." Ann added.
What does it matter?
"That's because I asked her suddenly. Now could we please move on from this topic?" Ren pleaded.
I really don't want to have to tell them about Makoto's problems. Or my problems. I guess that they're kinda intertwined at this point.
Ann and Haru looked at eachother.
"Sorry, but no. We actually prepared a list of questions for you about Makoto." Ann said.
She opened her bag and took out a piece of paper. As she was taking it out, Ren caught a glimpse of the side of the paper with writing on it. It was in small handwriting and filled the whole page.
Fuck.
"I'll answer three questions." Ren simply said.
"But-" Haru began.
"Three." Ren finished.
"Ok, fine. First question, what is the nature of your relationship with Makoto Niijima?" Ann asked.
"You sound like you're interrogating me." Ren said flatly.
Haru giggled.
"Of course we are!"
"The answer is that we are friends. Kind of. She tutors me sometimes." Ren said.
For whatever reason they have for asking that question, I am sure that telling them that Makoto and I live in the same apartment building wouldn't help my case.
"That's it?" Ann asked.
Ren nodded. Haru then took the paper from Ann and read the next question.
"What do you hope to gain from inviting Makoto Niijima to GRAVY?"
I dunno, maybe an everlasting bond that strengthens my supernatural abilities?
"Does friendship satisfy your thirst for knowledge?" Ren asked sarcastically.
Ann narrowed her eyes.
"No."
"How about intelligence?" Ren said.
"Fine." Ann said. She took the sheet back from Haru. "Final question. What does Makoto Niijima like to do?"
Huh?
"That's a change of pace. Why do you want to know?" Ren said.
"It will be easier to talk with her if we know what she likes." Haru said.
That's the only good question they've asked.
"From my conversations with her, she enjoys reading, Yakuza movies, and studying." Ren said.
"Yakuza movies, huh? That's interesting." Ann said.
That last question was alright. Maybe there are some other decent ones on that paper. But I don't want to waste our time together answering questions.
Despite not being able to ask all of their questions, Ann and Haru seemed satisfied. The groups food then arrived. When they were done eating, Haru checked her phone. She suddenly stood up and began to leave.
"Sorry you guys but I have to leave. Thanks for hanging out with me." She said as she walked out. She didn't give Ren or Ann a chance to respond.
Ren and Ann just looked at each other.
"Wanna investigate?" Ann said.
"Of course." Ren said as he stood up.
Ren left money for the food on the table. Him and Ann left the diner. They emerged onto Central Street to see Haru on the phone with someone. They began to approach her but stopped when they heard what Haru was saying.
"No! I don't want to be with you right now. I am busy. Please understand that." She said.
Who is she talking to? A boyfriend?
"I know that we are going to be married but that doesn't mean that I have to spend all of my time with you!" Haru said as she hung up and put away her phone.
Ren gave Ann another look. She met him with a nod. They completed their approach to Haru.
"Are you alright, Haru?" Ann asked.
Haru jumped out of surprise. Her face quickly changed from distressed to friendly.
"Oh, of course! I just had a phone call to make. I'll see you guys tomorrow." Haru said as she walked towards the station.
"Hmmm. Something's off." Ann said.
No shit. Haru mentioned getting married.
"Yeah. We should talk to her later to make sure." Ren said.
"...What if she's like Shiho?" Ann asked.
That's not likely. Haru was happy until that phone call. Shiho seemed to be depressed the whole time that I spoke to her. Unless Haru is as good at acting as I apparently am, then she's probably fine. However, that doesn't mean that that phone call wasn't a problem.
"She's not. Haru was fine until that phone call. Just make sure to check in with her later." Ren said.
"Got it. I'll see you tomorrow." Ann said.
Ren nodded as he walked away from Ann. He still had some time before work, so he decided to go back to his apartment to do his homework.
Ren entered Leblanc to a surprise.
There are customers!
The two customers sat in a booth. Ren was able to recognize both of them.
That boy… He was outside of Shujin that day. His name was… Akechi. I guess he's famous. And he's sitting with… Sae! Makoto's sister.
Ren went behind the counter. He put on his apron. Sojiro came up next to him and spoke in a soft voice.
"Here's your first chance to serve normal customers. Don't screw this up. If you do, you're fired." He said.
Ren nodded. He exited from behind the counter and approached the booth.
"Hello there. May I take your order?"
Instead of giving his order, Akechi made an observation.
"Strange that such a small coffee shop would have someone waiting on people."
I just asked for your order.
"Leblanc prides itself on being unique." Ren offered.
"Hm. Well I'll have Columbian Narino. With no cream." Akechi said.
I don't like this kid. He seems like he let's the fame get to his head.
"And for you?" Ren said as he turned to Sae.
When Ren looked at her, he found that she was already staring at him. Analyzing him.
It's not a death stare. So what is it? Why's she doing that?
Ren simply smiled.
"Your order?" He said.
"Ah. My apologies. I'll do the same thing." She said.
Ren nodded and went back behind the counter. Sojiro was preparing the coffee.
"You can take it from here." He said to Ren.
Ren did just that. He finished brewed the coffee and poured two cups.
Should I spit in Akechi's coffee? ...Probably not.
Ren took the two cups and brought them to the booth. When he got there, Akechi stood up.
"I must apologize. I was called back in to work. Here's what I owe you." He said as he handed Ren the money.
Ren took the money. Akechi then left. Ren set down one cup of coffee for Sae and began to take the other cup back behind the counter.
"Wait. Sit down." Sae said.
Oh shit. She finished analyzing me.
Ren took a seat with the coffee.
"Have some coffee with me." Sae said.
Oh. I guess I'm fine. She just wanted someone to have coffee with.
Ren took a few sips of his coffee and looked up at Sae to see if she was enjoying the coffee. She was analyzing him again. Ren put down his coffee.
"Alright. What is it?" He said.
"When's the last time you spoke with Makoto?" Sae asked.
Huh? Why does it matter?
"It was Sunday. I was speaking with her about my club." Ren explained.
Sae narrowed her eyes.
"Your club?"
"I am the president and founder of Shujin's only gardening club." Ren said.
Sae narrowed her eyes even more. When she realized he wasn't lying, she stopped narrowing her eyes.
"And what is Makoto's involvement in the club?" Sae asked.
Ren took a sip of coffee before mumbling the answer.
"She's a member."
Despite Ren mumbling it, Sae still perfectly understood his answer. She didn't say anything and looked like she was pondering what to say.
I should try and take control of the conversation.
"May I ask why you're so interested in Makoto and I's relationship?" Ren said.
Sae looked at him. She took a large sip of coffee and then began a Niijima Death Stare.
"I presided over the investigation into Kamoshida. In his files we found several references to a student with an assault record. A student named Amamiya." She said.
Oh. That's a bit of a bummer.
Sae finished her coffee and stood up.
"Don't ever speak to my sister again." She said as she left.
Sojiro chuckled from behind the counter.
"I heard something about you being a criminal?" He asked.
"I'm a lady killer." Ren said distractedly. He had other things on his mind.
Is Sae gonna say the same thing to Makoto about me? Will she stay away from me? If she does, then that would really suck. It would more than suck. But if she doesn't stay away from me, that means she might be interested in me...
Sojiro laughed at Ren's comment.
"Your shifts over. Take your pay and go home for the night." He said.
Ren collected his salary and left after thanking Sojiro.
Ren checked his phone as soon as he got back to the apartment.
Ann Takamaki:
-I followed up with Haru. She says she's alright. What should I do?
It's nice that she's asking me, but she has a serious problem with depending on others to make her decisions.
Ren Amamiya:
-It was just a phone call and she seems alright. We shouldn't pry too much. We don't know her as well as the others. We should give it time. If it seems like it's becoming a big problem, we can intervene.
That's a terrible plan, but Ann usually seems to calm down and agree with me as long as I layout a plan.
Ann Takamaki:
-Kamoshida was "just a phone call" for me.
Fuck. My bad. New plan.
Ren Amamiya:
-Sorry. You seem close with her. Maybe you could try talking with her about it.
Ann Takamaki:
-But I don't know what to say!
Ren Amamiya:
-Just let it come naturally. I can tell that you care about her. Just speak from the heart.
Ann Takamaki:
-That's so cliche.
Ren Amamiya:
-It's cliche because it's true.
Ann Takamaki:
-That's also a cliche.
It's like she thinks that she's living in some fictional story.
Ren Amamiya:
-Have a nice night, Ann.
Makoto got the text from Sae.
Sae Niijima:
-I'll be home for dinner tonight. We need to talk.
What does she want to talk about? Is it about Kamoshida? Makoto asked herself.
She got to work on dinner and was putting the final touches on it when the door opened. It was Sae.
"Hello, Sis. How was your day?" Makoto asked. She was in a good mood from the impending GRAVY meeting.
"We can talk during dinner." Sae simply said as she took her seat at the table.
That can't be good, Makoto thought.
Makoto finished preparing dinner and brought it over to the table. She gave Sae her plate and then took her seat. She waited for Sae to speak.
"I spoke with Amamiya-kun today."
What?! Oh, it was probably at Leblanc. But what did they talk about? Is Ren joking around again? Makoto thought.
"What did you guys talk about?" Makoto asked.
"He told me about how you've joined his club. His gardening club." Sae said.
Why would he say that?! Makoto thought.
"Well, you see..." Makoto failed to finish her sentence.
"You don't have time to be gardening, Makoto. You're already the student council president. What will colleges think when they see that you're not fully devoted to your duties?" Sae asked.
"Um-" Makoto was struggling to find words.
"That's not all that I learned. During the investigation into Kamoshida, we found some files. These files described a student with an assault record." Sae said.
Oh no, Makoto thought.
"You really joined a club led by a student with an assault record. And you're tutoring him! Makoto, he's not worth your time. The rest of his life was decided for him when he was found guilty. Stay out of that mess."
"But... he's not a criminal." Makoto protested.
"You have proof?" Sae asked demandingly.
"No." Makoto said sheepishly.
"Exactly. Stay away from him. If I hear about you and him interacting, there'll be consequences." Sae said.
How can she say that? She's barely home and now she wants to take control of how I spend my time? I want to spend more time with Ren. That's my decision. Not hers, Makoto thought.
"No." Makoto said.
"Excuse me?" Sae looked offended that her authority had been questioned.
"You heard me. You can't just take control of my life like that. And it's not like my grades are slipping. Student council also requires barely any work. You've made me focus on grades since dad died and now I'm trying to branch out and you're trying to stop that!" Makoto slammed her fist down on the table as she said it.
Sae was shocked.
"Fine. Branch out or whatever you call it. I don't care. Just stay away from Amamiya." She said as she stood up. She then left without saying anything.
As soon as Sae closed the door behind her, Makoto unleashed her rebelliousness.
"NO!" She yelled.
Tuesday, 4/26
Makoto packed her bag as soon as school ended. She didn't want to be late to her first meeting with the club. She left her classroom and made her way to the stairs. She climbed the stairs and finally reached the doors to the roof. Before she opened the door, she took a deep breath.
This could either go very well or very poorly, she thought.
She opened the door. Even with how quick she was to leave her class, the other club members were already there. They had made themselves comfortable at the unused desks and chairs that were conveniently left on the roof. Ryuji, Ann, and Haru all sat at the desks. Ren was standing with his back turned to the door. When he heard the door, he turned back to Makoto. He gave her a smile.
Something about that smile... Makoto thought.
"Welcome to the second official meeting of GRAVY. I'm glad to see that everyone's on time." Ren said.
Makoto approached the desks, but didn't know where to sit. She looked around nervously. Haru seemed to notice, and gestured to the empty chair next to her desk. Makoto sat there after giving Haru a warm smile.
"Before we begin today, I would like to welcome our newest member, Makoto Niijima. Do your best to make her feel comfortable." Ren said.
Makoto was a little embarrassed by the attention, but smiled to the group. Haru and Ann both gave her kind looks. Ryuji was the opposite. He was indifferent.
How can I make Ryuji accept me? Wait… I already have something, Makoto realized.
Makoto stood up.
"Before we begin, I also have an announcement. This is unrelated to GRAVY." She said.
That got Ryuji's attention. It actually got everyone's attention. Ren had a look of confusion, but it soon changed to a look of understanding when he remembered what Makoto had told him.
"On Sunday, the detectives that have been at Shujin conducted an in depth search of Kamoshida's office. They found significant… evidence of Kamoshida's crimes." Makoto shuttered at what Sae said was found. "The evidence is more than enough to send Kamoshida to jail. All that's left is for the school to announce his departure and his trial."
Haru looked confused. Ann looked like she was about to cry tears of joy. Ren had a normal face. Ryuji had a look of anger.
I thought that Ryuji would be the most excited about this news, Makoto thought.
"You're just telling us that so we like you more." Ryuji said.
He's partially right, but that's not the full reason , Makoto thought.
Before Makoto could answer, Ren did it for her.
"Haru and Ann don't seem to have a problem with Makoto. It's only you." Ren said. He looked at Makoto. He could tell that she had something to say. "And I'm sure that she has a good reason for telling us early."
More than one reason. The main reason I told them is because there's no one else to tell in my life, Makoto thought.
"Thank you, Ren. I told you all because you are the students that deserve to know the most. Kamoshida did terrible things to each of you. Also, I thought that Ann should know so that she could tell Suzui-san when she wakes up." Makoto said.
A single tear came from Ann's eye.
"Yeah. Thanks. This really means a lot. Truly." She said.
Makoto smiled.
"Ya know, maybe I was too harsh. Sorry 'bout that." Ryuji said.
That's surprising. Maybe Ren's been able to have a calming effect on Ryuji, Makoto thought.
While everyone was happy, one club member was still in the dark.
"I've heard the rumors about Kamoshida, but what happened to you guys with him?" Haru asked.
"That's my bad, Haru. I said I would tell you. I'll give the short version. Kamoshida tried to blackmail Ann. He broke Ryuji's leg and ended his track career. He's the reason Shiho did what she did. And for Makoto, he…" Ren paused.
Please don't tell them. Please, Makoto thought. She didn't know why she didn't want the group to know.
"Did nothing." Makoto abruptly said.
Ann and Ryuji looked confused. Haru glanced at Makoto.
"Oh. That makes a lot more sense. Thanks for the context." Haru said.
Can she tell that I want to change the subject? If so, she's really kind for not continuing the discussion , Makoto thought.
"Does anyone have any questions about Kamoshida?" Ren asked everyone.
Everyone shook their heads. Makoto sat back down.
"Then I would like to commence the second meeting of Gardeners Raging Against Veganism Yearly." Ren commanded.
Ryuji cheered.
"Here's the agenda for today. First, we must decide a position for our new member. Second, we must brainstorm ideas for Club Day. Any questions?" Ren said.
It's honestly impressive how seriously he's taking this. As much as Ren jokes around, he has serious leadership potential, Makoto thought.
Again, there were no questions.
"Then let's begin. Makoto, do you have any ideas for your position in the club?" Ren asked.
Makoto thought about what their positions had been.
"All of the required positions are filled. The position must be lower in the hierarchy than the president, vice president, secretary, and the treasurer. I don't really have any ideas." She said.
"How about 'Assistant to the regional manager?' That's official sounding." Ann said.
"But there's no regional manager." Ren said.
"How 'bout that? You can be the regional manager." Ryuji said.
"GRAVY has different regions?" Haru asked.
"No. So that position's out." Ren said.
"How about sergeant at arms?" Haru suggested.
"I like it. But that's just my official title, right? You guys all had GRAVY themed names. What will mine be?" Makoto asked.
"GRAVY Queen." Ren muttered jokingly. Everyone heard him anyway.
Ryuji snickered and Haru let out a giggle. Makoto gave Ren a playful jab, but she couldn't help but smile at the joke.
"Sorry, but I'll pass on that." She said.
"How about GRAVY Enforcer? It makes sense because you're sergeant at arms or whatever." Ryuji offered.
"That could work. As long as we don't address each other by title, I'm fine with it." Makoto said.
"Then it's settled!" Ann said. She wrote down something on a piece of paper.
She's taking her job as secretary seriously. Ren seems like he inspires people to take things seriously. Maybe even Ryuji will get some work done, Makoto thought.
"Moving on, everyone at least thought about what we should do for Club Day, right?" Ren said.
Haru and Ann nodded. Ryuji let out a sigh.
They probably weren't expecting Ryuji to do the work anyways, Makoto thought.
"Good. Ann, please begin." Ren said.
"Begin?" Ann was puzzled about what she was specifically supposed to do.
"Begin telling us your ideas for Club Day." Ren explained.
"Oh! Well, we should bring a few potted plants to our booth! I was thinking that we could also get a banner that has our name." She said.
"I like the potted plant idea. I don't know about the banner. It's gonna be one long banner if we write out our full name, and if we write out our short name then people will just think that we're giving out gravy samples." Ren said.
"What if we didn't write our name on the banner? We could just write 'Gardening.'" Haru suggested.
"Good idea. We'll do that. Haru, did you have any other ideas?" Ren asked.
"I was thinking that we could have some food! Maybe we could prepare some vegetables that we grow in the garden." Haru said.
"That's a great idea. People love food. Ryuji, do you have any-" Ren was cut off.
"Nah dude. Pass." Ryuji simply said.
"Makoto?" Ren curiously said.
"We should make a poster. It could give some information about our club." Makoto said.
"Perfect. So far we have a banner, plants, vegetables, and a poster." Ren said.
"OH! How 'bout a table?!" Ryuji was proud of his suggestion.
"Can't forget that. Good job, Ryuji." Ren said. "As for who's going to make all this, I think we should split up the work rather than everyone working on the same thing."
"I'll do the banner! I'll make it look really good!" Ann said.
"I can do the vegetables and the potted plants." Haru said.
I don't think anyone will argue with that. She's the only one with gardening experience, Makoto thought.
"I can help you with that, Haru." Makoto said.
"That would be wonderful!" Haru sounded excited.
"That leaves the table and the sign. Ryuji?" Ren said. Ryuji looked up. "You wanna pair up on this?"
"Of course, dude!" Ryuji said.
"Great. Everyone knows what they're working on?" Ren asked.
Everyone nodded.
"Perfect. Our next meeting will be after we've finished some of the work. That concludes today's meeting." Ren said.
Everyone stood up and began to get their stuff together. Makoto remembered her mental note from Sunday night.
"Before everyone leaves, I have some bad news." She said. Everyone looked at her. They were all confused. "We'll have to find another place to meet. The roof is supposed to be off limits."
Ryuji was about to protest this when Ren spoke.
"Sounds good. I'll ask Kawakami."
Makoto nodded. Everyone resumed packing their bags. Ann was the first to leave. Then Ryuji. Haru went to tend the plants. Ren was about to leave. Makoto thought about what Sae had said to her.
"Stay away from Amamiya." Fuck that, Makoto thought. She mentally chastised herself for swearing.
Ren was about to open the door back into the school when Makoto approached him.
"Excuse me, Ren?" She said.
He turned around and smiled at her. Makoto still couldn't identify what it was about that smile that was so charming.
"Yes?" He said.
"Would you like to walk home with me?" She asked.
A look of concern flashed across Ren's face, but it was replaced by that smile.
"Sure. Let's go."
The pair made their way to the subway station. They boarded the train. They were able to find seats next to each other.
"Is there a reason you wanted to walk home together?" Ren asked.
"I wanted to talk about my sister." Makoto said.
Ren chuckled.
"She told me that you spoke with her yesterday." Makoto said.
Ren nodded.
"And you told her that I joined your club." Makoto continued.
Ren realized the mistake he made.
"Sorry. That's my bad." He apologized.
"Don't worry about it. You couldn't have known that she would dislike that." Makoto said.
He actually should worry about it. Sis probably wouldn't have been as harsh on us if she didn't know that we were in a club together, she thought.
"About that… and it's fine if you don't want to answer, but why is it your sister that decides everything for you?" Ren asked.
He would've found out eventually. Actually, maybe he wouldn't have because we aren't supposed to be spending time together, Makoto thought.
"Neither of my parents are around anymore. My mother passed when I was young and my father was hit by a truck several years ago." She said solemnly.
Ren's face dropped from neutral to shocked.
"I'm sorry. That's awful. You're so strong to overcome that." He said.
Who says I overcame anything? Makoto thought.
"I guess." She said.
The rest of the train ride was awkward, so the two stayed quiet. They soon arrived to Shibuya and departed from the train. They were walking to the apartment building when Ren cut through the silence.
"So about what your sister said. I'm guessing she told you to stay away from me?" He asked.
Makoto nodded.
"And she told you to stay away from me." She said.
"Are you gonna listen to her?" Ren asked.
"I was at the meeting today, wasn't I?" Makoto answered.
"Good point. I'm glad that you made the right choice." Ren said.
The right choice… It was the right choice. Ren is someone I definitely want to spend time with. And he wants to spend time with me , Makoto thought.
"Me too."
"So when's our next date?" Ren asked.
Did I hear that right? Makoto asked herself.
"Hmm?"
"When do you wanna hang out next?" Ren corrected.
"Oh… I thought I heard something else." Makoto said.
"Did you?" Ren asked.
"I could almost swear that you asked when our next date was?" Makoto said with a slightly joking tone.
The two were outside the apartment building.
"Wasn't me." Ren said.
Makoto looked him in the eye. He was smiling at her.
"Sunday works best for me." She said.
"It's a date!" Ren said.
I definitely heard that one. But I'll play along, Makoto thought.
"A what?" She asked. There was a new tone in her voice that she hadn't ever used. She couldn't tell what it was even though she was using it.
"A date. Between me and you." Ren said. He also had that same tone that Makoto couldn't identify.
I've heard people speak like this before… But what is it? She asked herself.
"Sounds good. I'll choose the activity this time." She said.
Ren chuckled and smiled at her.
"Sounds like a plan." He said.
He entered the building. Makoto waited to enter because she didn't want Sae to verbally assault her and Ren. When she had waited several minutes, she went through the door and walked down the lobby. She boarded the elevator and went to her floor. She went back to her apartment to find it empty.
This might be the only time that I'm happy that Sis is not home, she thought.
Makoto went to her room. She tried to study but she still had something on her mind. It was actually someone. Her phone beeped. She took it out of her pocket and looked at it.
GRAVY
Ann Takamaki:
-Weren't we going to have an establishment party or something? What ever happened to that?
Establishment party? Makoto thought.
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-First time I'm hearing about it.
Haru Okumura:
-Same here.
Makoto Niijima:
-Me as well.
Ren Amamiya:
-I told Ann that we would have a small party to celebrate the founding of GRAVY. I guess that I kind of forgot about it.
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-How could you forget about a PARTY?!
The unnecessary exclamation points don't help your point, Ryuji, Makoto thought to herself.
Ren Amamiya:
-Like I said, it was going to be a small party. Nothing major. Probably just meet up and get some food.
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-Lame. Go big or go home.
Ren Amamiya:
-Good idea. I choose to go home. We can just order food to my place and play video games.
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-That's not what I meant, but you had me at video games.
Ann Takamaki:
-Your place?
Ren Amamiya:
-I currently stay in an apartment because of my probation. My guardian leaves me alone most of the time, so it's usually just me and my cat. I don't think he would mind me having people over.
Makoto recalled the time that Iori-san hadn't left Ren alone. The image of Iori-san holding the ketchup smeared cat in the air was a permanent blemish on her memory.
Ann Takamaki:
-Oh! That's cool!
Haru Okumura:
-Very cool!
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-So we got the where. But what about the when?
There was no response in chat for about a minute. Then Makoto got a message from outside of the groupchat.
Ren Amamiya:
-For Sunday, I was thinking that we could spend the day together, and then the GRAVY party could be that night. Does that work?
While Makoto said that she wanted to decide where to go this time, she actually hadn't decided on what to do. But it wasn't like she was going to choose for her and Ren to enjoy the Tokyo nightlife together.
Makoto Niijima:
-It does. Should we arrive to the party together?
Ren Amamiya:
-It's up to you. I should get back to the group chat before they get angry at me.
Makoto did the same.
GRAVY
Ren Amamiya:
-Sunday night?
Makoto Niijima:
-Works for me.
Haru Okumura:
-Me too!
Ann Takamaki:
-And me!
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-Gotcha! Everyone make sure to be there!
Makoto put down her phone.
A party… It's just a small party, but it's nice to be spending time with them outside of the club, she thought.