A/N: This chapter is really long because I wanted to get through the slower stuff in one week. Don't expect this kind of chapter length to become regular. Also, next week's chapter won't be on Wednesday. I'm just gonna post it whenever I finish it. Could be before Wednesday or after, I don't know. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. Happy holidays.
Sunday, 6/5 - 9 Days Until Deadline
"So you want Makoto to stay in Ren's apartment for over a week?!" Ann asked in disbelief.
Ren looked to Makoto to see her reaction. Her face was completely neutral, almost disconnected from the conversation. It was as if she tuned out.
I wonder if she stopped listening. I wonder when she stopped listening.
"Basically, yeah," Ryuji said. "Just think about it for a sec. It makes sense."
He has a point. Unless Kobayakawa is Kaneshiro's little bitch, Kaneshiro won't know where I live. Makoto would also be able to comfortably go in between both apartments for whatever she needs, a lot more convenient than Makoto having to pick up and move her shit to Haru's place. There's still one problem: there's one bed and one bedroom. I'm sure she wouldn't want us sharing a bed, but if compromises must be made, I'm totally down for-
"I think it's a great idea!" Haru exclaimed. "On the surface, it will seem that Makoto is still living at her apartment when she is actually in another, undiscoverable to Kaneshiro. And the guards will still be there to provide an extra layer of protection."
"I'm sorry, but… are you all really considering this?" Makoto asked, her face red as if she finally realized what everyone was talking about.
"Hey, these are just ideas. It's up to you to follow through on 'em," Ryuji said.
"I guess it's a good idea… but Ren wouldn't want me taking up space."
"Let's ask him," Ryuji said before turning to Ren with a grin. "Whaddya say, Renny?"
"Uh… yes."
"Yes…?" Ryuji prompted Ren to elaborate.
"Yes, I'd be okay with Makoto staying here."
"Great, then-" Ryuji began, but was cut off.
"But there's only one bed, so it's not that good of an idea," Ren added.
Ryuji leaned over to Ren.
"You're just sabotaging yourself, man. I'm tryna help you out," he whispered.
Ren stepped in the direction opposite of Ryuji.
"Huh. Well, what does only having one bed matter? I've slept on the couch a few times and it's comfy as shit."
"You sleep in shit?" Ren sarcastically asked.
"No! I- you know what I mean!" Ryuji protested.
"Guys, focus!" Ann ordered.
"I would be fine sleeping on the couch…" Makoto said before trailing off.
Anything else to add?
Makoto said nothing more.
"Then we've figured it out! Makoto stays at Ren's place, Haru keeps a few guards outside and inside the apartment building. Anything else we can add?" Ryuji asked everyone.
Props to Ryuji for taking charge with this. I guess he's really proud of his idea and wants to see it through. Or maybe he's just trying to be a good wingman. Good ol' Ryuji.
"Mako-chan shouldn't go to school, or maybe even leave the apartment in the days leading up to the deadline, right? That would be the most opportune time for Kaneshiro to enact his goals," Haru suggested.
Ren looked at Makoto. Same old neutral expression.
Is a neutral facial expression agreement for Makoto? It's hard to tell.
"I agree. But it's up to Makoto," Ann said before turning to Makoto and putting an arm on her shoulder for reassurance. "What do you think about that?"
"It's… I want to keep up with school, but Haru's right. It would be risky for me to go out in public close to the deadline."
Hard to argue with that.
Ann was about to speak again, but Ryuji got close to Ren again, distracting Ren from whatever Ann was going to say.
"You're friends with that detective, yeah? Tell him about Kaneshiro. If he got to Madarame that quickly, he might be able to help," Ryuji said.
"More of a reluctant acquaintance. But yeah, I'll tell him. He stops by the place where I work regularly."
"Good. It can't hurt to get him working on this," Ryuji said before turning back to the group. "Is everything settled?"
"Can we go over the plan one time in full? I want to make sure we haven't missed anything," Makoto said softly.
Does she really want to go over the plan, or does she just want to delay moving into my apartment?
"Aight, so here's what we've got: Makoto stays at Junpei Iori's apartment until the fourteenth and maybe longer depending on what goes down. There will be security at the apartment building. Makoto can go back and forth between her apartment and this one. Makoto stops going to school and out in public maybe… three, four, hell, maybe five days before the deadline?" Ryuji said. "Oh, and Ren can tell his celebrity detective friend about Kaneshiro."
"Akechi? Will he help?" Haru asked.
"Yeah. The guy wants to be friends with me. Even if he says no, I'm sure I can convince him," Ren answered.
"Awesome," Ryuji conclusively said. "Any questions?"
No one said anything. No noise was made until there was a knock at the door. It wasn't a normal knock. The knocking went to the rhythm of the piano from Runaway . It was almost creepy. Everyone froze their movements before slowly craning their heads to look at the door.
"I got it," Ren said quietly.
He walked to the door, slightly afraid of what was on the other side.
What if Kaneshiro decided the deadline has come early? What if it's Yoshiro? Well, I know what I'd do if it was Yoshiro. He'd get the living shit beaten out of him.
Ren slowly turned the knob as the knocking continued. He took a deep breath and opened the door.
There stood Yusuke Kitagawa, his wet shirt clinging to his slender form. His greasy hair was very messy, and his pants had been rolled up. His shoes had dirt on them.
"The fuck?!" Ren yelled in surprise.
"Greetings to you, Ren," Yusuke said, out of breath from wherever he came from.
"We thought you ditched."
"Ditched? I haven't unraveled the mystery of this meeting yet. Why would I ditch?" Yusuke asked, very confused by Ren's words.
"Uh… whatever. Come in," Ren said as he moved out of the doorway.
Yusuke stepped in, prompting the group to react to him.
"Holy shit, it's him!" Ryuji yelled.
"Hello, Yusuke-kun," Haru said softly.
"Uh… what happened to you?" Ann asked.
Yusuke looked down at his shirt before looking back up at the group with a look of remembrance on his face.
"I lacked the necessary funds to travel on the subway today. Despite this, I still wished to come. I walked and ended up passing through a park. I checked my phone while I was at the park and realized that the meeting had already started. I immediately ran here."
"Jesus… the hell's wrong with ya?" Ryuji had a smile on his face, even with the harsh words.
"To start, I don't have enough money to get back to my dormitory. If one of you could-"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. I'll lend you some money, but you gotta pay it back," Ryuj interrupted.
"It's unlikely that I will do so. However, I will not deny the loan. I accept," Yusuke said.
I mean, what's Ryuji gonna do if Yusuke doesn't pay him? Mug him in a dark alley? Ryuji will just have to settle with being owed money forever.
"It's great that you're here, Yusuke, but we kinda finished things up," Ann said as she nervously glanced back towards the group.
Yusuke gave a disheartened look.
"That is unfortunate. Will you enlighten me to your dealings?"
"Dude… just speak normal," Ryuji said with a sigh.
"Is there something wrong with my enunciation?"
"No, no… it's just… agh, nevermind."
"Very well. Now please, tell me what you all discussed."
Yusuke went and stood on the side of the coffee table opposite of Ryuji. The group members took turns detailing the situation, the plan, and their desired outcome: none of the group members being threatened, Kaneshiro in jail, and the volleyball team rightfully punished.
That last goal feels a little unrealistic, but whatever. They'll get what's coming to them eventually.
"This is troubling. How did you all end up in this mess?"
That was the part they left out. Haru and Ann, who both got the story from Ryuji in the first place, had no clue what led to everything. Ryuji was sure to have a bit of an idea. Ren had no clue how Makoto felt, but she definitely blamed him. How couldn't she? Ren had pushed Yoshiro to that point. Even if people told Ren otherwise, he knew that the statement would hold at least a bit of the truth.
"An abusive teacher was fired from our school and it snowballs from there," Ren said simply.
"Ah, Kamoshida? I heard about that. Good riddance," Yusuke said with a bit of bitterness.
I'm sure Yusuke's reminded of Madarame by Kamoshida.
"Well, I'm sure that's enough of that. We got a lot done today," Ryuji said, clapping his hands together conclusively.
Ryuji, silence thyself. It is I, residing lord of GRAVY-esque goodness, here to give finality to this meeting.
"This concludes today's GRAVY meeting," Ren said, beating Ryuji to the punch.
Gotta remind him who's boss.
The girls stood up from the couch to leave and Ryuji moved towards the door with them, but Yusuke approached Ren.
"May I access your rations?"
"Jesus… this isn't the fucking wasteland. And no, I don't have much food here," Ren said before thinking of Makoto. "I'm gonna need more soon anyway."
"I understand. I shall ask Ryuji," Yusuke said before turning away from Ren and following the rest of the group to the door.
Ren saw Makoto just in front of the door, ready to leave.
"Makoto? Where you going?" he said, a little playfulness in his voice.
The student council president lightly stumbled away from the door, knocking into Ann behind her.
"Er… sor-" Makoto looked like a terrified tomato.
With that reaction, I'd think that Ann is some all-powerful deity who smites people for touching her. Maybe Makoto is just high strung.
"Don't worry about it," Ann said cheerfully as she put a hand on Makoto's shoulder.
"Oh…"
Ann and Haru went out the door. Yusuke got Ryuji's attention as they were about to leave.
"Ryuji, would you care to get lunch together?"
"Eh, why not. Beef bowls?"
"I personally consider beef bowls amateurish-"
"Beef bowls it is," Ryuji said with a groan before walking out.
Yusuke soon followed, closing the door behind him. It was just Ren and Makoto alone in the apartment. Even though they had been in the same situation just earlier that day, it felt different now. It felt awkward.
"H-hi," Makoto nervously said.
"'Sup, roommate?" Ren asked. He wanted to fluster her, even if the reason for her being his roommate was nothing to be taken lightly.
Her face flushed red.
"S-stop…" she insisted.
Whether that's because of embarrassment or for some other reason, I'll respect it.
"Alright. You wanna go to your apartment and get your stuff? You don't need everything. Yet, at least," Ren awkwardly said, piecing together his words without trying to upset Makoto.
I'm treating her as if she's some fragile object. That's what I should do, right? She's been through a lot and doesn't need more on her plate. After all, everything that's happened has been my fault. I don't wanna make things worse for either of us.
"I think I'll do that," Makoto said. Despite her words of action, she didn't move from her place next to the door. She was looking around the apartment as if realizing that this would be her home for the foreseeable future.
"You gonna… go?"
"Oh… yes, I'm sorry," Makoto said as she quickly moved to the door and began to open it.
"Need some help with your stuff?" Ren called after her.
"No thank you!" Makoto quickly replied before leaving and closing the door.
Huh. Did I fuck up? I probably fucked up. Oh well.
Ren sat down on the couch and opened his phone to play a game. Even though he had gotten his concussion not even a week prior, he felt normal.
If I was still recovering, I wouldn't have been able to get through that meeting without a headache. I'm really done with laying in bed all day. Good. That shit was boring. Shujin is a terrible place, but at least it's more interesting than my room.
Roughly fifteen minutes later, Makoto arrived with a suitcase behind her. Ren had spent that fifteen minutes replacing his bedsheets and blankets with the spares that were in the closest of his room. He was just stepping out of his room when he saw Makoto.
"Going on vacation?" Ren joked.
"Ren, come on," Makoto said, her tired eyes looking directly into Ren's.
It wasn't an NDS, but it was still terrible to see. Ren hadn't realized how tired Makoto looked. The bags under her eyes made Ren a little scared for Makoto's well being. Her eyes were even a little bloodshot.
How the fuck did I not notice this earlier? Is it because I was tired or because I don't care and am a piece of shit?
"'Kay, sorry,"
Makoto brought her suitcase into the area in front of the couch, setting it next to the coffee table.
"A-are there any blankets for the-"
"Stop right there. You're not sleeping on the couch. No offense, but go into the bathroom and look at yourself in the mirror. You look exhausted. Even if it's just for one night, take the bed. You need it more than I do. All I've done is sleep, I can take the couch," Ren said, almost begging for Makoto to take the bed.
It wasn't out of some weird kink that Ren wanted Makoto to sleep in his bed. It was for his conscience. Makoto was suffering because of him and would only suffer more if their plan didn't work.
The least she deserves is a decent night of sleep.
"But-"
"I insist. Just take the bed. I'm fine with the couch. You need the sleep, I can tell."
"O-okay."
"Great. Want me to take your suitcase in there?"
"No, I'll be alright," Makoto said before picking up her suitcase and going into Ren's room.
Damn, that's weird. Makoto's gonna sleep in my room. I don't know if I can get used to that. I guess I won't need to. Makoto seemed pretty reluctant to take my room. I'm sure she won't want to occupy it for more than one night.
Makoto came back out from Ren's room, Ren turning back from the couch to look at her.
"Now about your homework…"
Motherfuckerbitchshit godammit fuck.
Five. Fucking. Hours. FIVE. FUCKING. HOURS. FIVEFUCKINGHOURS!
Ren was lying to himself. It had been six since they started working on the homework. They sat side by side on the couch, the homework placed on the coffee table.
I hate myself for not doing this. I hate Morgana for being present for this. Makoto's still cool though. She's helping. Back to hatred. I hate Kawakami for this.
Ren thought of Kawakami in her maid outfit.
Nevermind. I'd do another ten hours of homework to see that again. Actually, why don't I order- shut the fuck up, Ren. You're not ordering a sex worker, who happens to be your teacher, to your apartment- but she looked really damn good- no, she didn't. Shut the fuck up before you-
"Ren?" Makoto asked, looking up from the paper she was working on. "Is everything alright?"
"Oh, haha, yeah," Ren said as he nervously scratched the back of his head.
"I know you're lying," Makoto said, putting her pencil down and resting her arms to focus on Ren. "Talk to me. What's on your mind?"
"My teacher is bad as fuck. Please stay in my apartment for two weeks with me, the asshole who objectifies women."
"Just worried about things, you know? Going back to school is gonna be weird."
It definitely was. Ren had plans for what he was going to do when he got back.
"I'm sure it will be. I've never missed a day of school and you missed four. I can't imagine what it will be like."
"You've never been absent?"
"I shouldn't say never. I took a sick day as a first-year," Makoto said.
And now she's gonna have to take three or five soon. Crazy.
"That's some serious dedication."
"I suppose. Speaking of dedication, we've worked on your homework for a while. How about we take a break and discuss dinner?"
That sounds delicious. One problem: do I pay for Makoto? Dammit, of course I should pay for Makoto. She's a guest. But can I afford two weeks' worth of dinner for two people? I'm scraping by on my own. Shit, I'm gonna have to go back to bagels and bread all day long. It's not like I can ask Sojiro for a promotion. Maybe I could work as a maid- no, definitely not.
"Sure. Wanna just order pizza?"
"I'd be fine with that, as long as you allow me to pay for it."
"Nah."
"Excuse me?"
"Nah. I'll cover it. Makoto, you just saved me a lot of time with the homework. Think of the pizza as my way of paying you back."
"If anything it was…" Makoto mumbled before getting quiet to the point where Ren couldn't understand.
"Eh?"
"Nothing."
"What do you want on your pizza?"
"Just cheese, please," Makoto said.
Damn, you're basic as hell. Actually, she's probably just trying to be agreeable. Cheese is like the default option.
"How about pineapple and anchovies?" Ren asked. He wanted to find out how agreeable Makoto was actually being.
"Erm… sure," Makoto said unsurely.
"Thought so. Just joking, Makoto. You don't haveta agree with me on everything now that you're living here."
"I'm not-"
"Yes, you were. Only serial killers order anchovies and pineapples on pizza."
"That's why I didn't question your order," Makoto said with a tired grin.
Ha. That was pretty good. But why's she telling jokes? With how exhausted she looks and how much of an emotional toll this whole thing must take on her, is she just trying to cheer herself up? That must be it. I should laugh to boost her confidence. I don't want her living with me to just be shitty and depressing the whole time. If the plan fails, her last few days will have been wasted wallowing. That's unacceptable.
Ren laughed.
"Good one. Pepperoni and sausage?"
"Sure."
"A hundred percent sure?"
Makoto nodded.
"Got it. I'll call."
Ren ordered the pizza. It was expected to arrive in thirty minutes, so Ren and Makoto settled on trying to finish up Ren's homework before the food arrived. They were oh so close when they had decided to take a break, and finishing the work would let them relax for the rest of the night.
Ren was scribbling out the answer to the last problem on his paper when there was a knock on the door. He got up from his seat and answered the door. He handed the pizza guy the cash and took the box. He brought it back in and placed it on the kitchen counter. Makoto looked over from the couch.
"Did you finish your half of the work?"
"Pretty much. I'm sure Kawakami won't mind if the last question is only three-fourths done."
"Ren, you should properly complete the question," Makoto said with a scold.
"Makoto," Ren jokingly imitated her tone, "you should eat some pizza."
Ren opened the box to the smell of pure joy. Pizza was a treasure. It was a shame that he hadn't had much of it since coming to Tokyo.
Makoto came over, grabbed a plate and a few slices. The pair dug in, starved from their day of mental labor. They didn't say much as they were busy stuffing their faces. Ren didn't know how Makoto felt, but he felt shameless with how vigorously he ate his food. He deserved that pizza and no one could tell him otherwise.
After they finished, they cleaned up their plates and put the remaining slices in the fridge to eat as leftovers. With Ren's homework complete, the two were unsure what to do next. Ren went over to the couch to collect his schoolwork into a neat pile for the next day. He sat down as he stacked the papers, with Makoto soon sitting next to him.
"What do we do for the rest of the night?" she asked.
Ren looked her in the eye. She looked even more tired than earlier. There was also something in her eyes and expression that Ren couldn't place.
I'm an asshole. I shouldn't have let her help with the homework. Now she's even worse than before.
"Uh… I dunno. Not much to do. It's too early to turn in."
Ren got back to organizing his papers. Makoto put a hand on his shoulder. He turned to look her in the eyes before he finally realized what it was that he had previously noticed.
Fear.
"Ren, please? What do we do for the rest of the night?"
I guess she didn't cheer herself up as much as I thought. Or maybe it's because she was focused on something. Either way, she just wants a distraction. Maybe… video games? Those always help me.
"How about some video games and then we call it a night?"
"O-okay. Will we be playing Super Rash Toes?"
"Is that what you wanna play?"
"Sure. I don't know any other games."
"Super Rash Toes it is."
Several matches of SRT followed, with Ren destroying Makoto in each. She was playing much worse than she had at the GRAVY party from early May.
It's probably because she's tired. She should get to bed early.
Ren paused the game.
"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it's time for bed. You need to sleep."
"You're right," Makoto said softly as she stood up from her position on the couch before turning back towards Ren. "Are you sure you're alright with me sleeping in the bed?"
Ren dismissively waved his head.
"Yeah. To be honest, I'm a little sick of the bed anyway. The couch will be a nice change of scenery."
"If you say so," Makoto said as she walked to the door to Ren's room. "Goodnight, Ren."
"G'night, Makoto. Sleep well."
With that, Makoto entered the room and closed the door behind her. Ren wasn't sure what to do for the rest of the night. He usually played video games for a few hours, but it felt wrong to do that with Makoto trying to sleep in the other room. Not that the TV was loud, but that it just felt off to Ren to do so. He settled on just surfing the internet on his phone until he was ready to fall asleep.
It didn't feel real. Makoto was sleeping in someone else's bed, in someone else's room, in someone else's apartment. While trying to grapple with the newness of the room, she contemplated whether she felt safer or not.
Ren's bed was slightly more comfortable than her own. What made it much better than her own bed was the lack of Kaneshiro memories that the bed inspired. When she slept in her own bed, the blankets would brush against her face when she restlessly moved around, reminding her of Kaneshiro's touch in the club. The blankets of Ren's bed would do the same, but Makoto wouldn't flashback to Tuesday night. She wasn't sure why.
Another thing that she thought about was Ren himself. He seemed to be trying to keep her happy and healthy, no matter how much of a burden she was on his life. He must've wanted her safety over everything, as he had agreed to the plan of letting her stay in his apartment for the next week or two.
But am I safe? Is Ren safe? Staying at Ren- no, Iori's apartment has just added a little extra research and a few extra bodies between me and Kaneshiro. It's just more people for him to threaten, hurt, and kill. It's pointless. If I can't do anything to save myself, what can others do? Besides, I'm not even worth saving at this point, Makoto thought before remembering where she was. Makoto, Ren is letting you sleep in his room because he wants you to actually rest. He cares about you and all you do is disregard it to think about how worthless you are. You're not worthless, you're just self-centered.
Makoto truly believed that she was self-centered in more than just that way. She depended on only a few others for things in life. Sae had been Makoto's guardian for the last few years but had slowly been pushed away from Makoto, leaving her to depend on herself. But Makoto didn't have to do that. She could depend on Ren.
Makoto closed her eyes and fell asleep, a slight smile on her face.
Monday, 6/6 - 8 Days Until Deadline
Ren and Makoto boarded the subway. For breakfast, Ren and Makoto had had two of the bagels that Ren kept in constant supply. While he didn't enjoy them that much, they were cheap, didn't taste like shit, and were convenient for quick eating. As long as Ren didn't have to eat only bagels he would be fine.
The morning routine had been strange. Makoto had rushed out of the apartment back to hers to shower and get ready. It was understandable for Ren, as he knew that she wanted to save time and for things not to be weird, but it was still a strange thing to see.
Ren figured he should be escorting her to school for her last few days to assure her she would be alright. He couldn't tell if it worked but told himself that it did to ease his conscience.
They sat down in two empty seats and the train began moving soon after.
Another thing that eased Ren's conscience was going back to school. Not that he particularly wanted to learn, but there was something he could do at school that was impossible when he was trapped at home: get back at Yoshiro.
Ren didn't know what he wanted to specifically do. Poking fun at Yoshiro for his mom's behavior had grown old, stale, and didn't go far enough for Ren's tastes. Also important, whatever Ren did had to be significant enough to keep Yoshiro out of his life forever. If that meant violence was the only answer, so be it.
No… I can't think like that. Provoking Yoshiro is what led us here. If I assault him or some shit, what if he buys a gun? Not like he will, but what if? You can never underestimate someone. I mean, I said I fucked his mom and he started working for a mafia boss and kidnapped Makoto. Going after him would only make things worse.
But he wanted to, badly. Yoshiro deserved to feel pain. He deserved to be hurt. It was justice, right? Ren wasn't sure. He settled on just trying to keep the violent thoughts at bay. If he gave in, he would be no better than the image that the rest of the school gave him. He would be the murderous criminal that they wanted him to be.
If he assaulted Yoshiro, there would be no doubt that he would be expelled from Shujin Academy. Following that, he would be sent to juvenile hall. Once he did his time, he would be set free on the world with a big stamp on his head that says "Don't hire this motherfucker." Hurting Yoshiro would make everything he had done at Shujin pointless.
Ren had been quiet during his contemplation and Makoto had taken notice. She nudged his shoulder.
"How are you feeling?"
"Fine. Just thinking about things," Ren said before realizing that his answer was too vague and Makoto would press him. He quickly added, "How'd you sleep?"
"Hm? Oh, it was honestly the best night of sleep in a while. I pretty much passed out after I laid down."
"Good to hear. You still look a little tired," Ren said, observing the bags under her eyes.
Is she lying? Does she not want me to worry? Too late for that.
"Maybe it's carried over. I feel a lot more energized today if that means anything."
"That's what's most important. Still, if it's carried over you should take my bed again."
"No, Ren-"
"Don't know, don't care. Take the bed. The couch is fine," Ren said conclusively. He wanted the discussion to stop there.
"Are-"
"Yes, I'm sure. You don't have to ask that every time I make a decision that favors you," Ren said a little frustratedly. He wanted what was best for Makoto and her constant questioning was upsetting.
"O-okay."
"Sorry if that came off a little aggressive."
"It's alright. I understand," Makoto softly said.
"You sure?"
"Who's doing the questioning now?"
"I'm the residing lord of GRAVY-esque goodness. I have the right to ask questions, no?" Ren said sarcastically.
Makoto smiled at Ren just as the train came to Makoto and Ren's stop.
Ren's first half-day back was shit. The only good thing to happen was Kawakami being nice to him when he handed his work packet to her.
"Hope you're doing better," she had said.
Ren hoped so too and that his concussion wasn't having any lasting effects on his mental or physical abilities.
By the time lunch had come around, Ren had spent the last hour going over his thoughts from the train again. He was so close to Yoshiro, all he had to do was go into the hall during lunch and call out his name. Ren could get his revenge, and maybe even give Makoto an out from the situation.
If Yoshiro is feeding Kaneshiro information on Makoto, who would do it when he's in the hospital? Dai? No fucking way.
But that wouldn't actually help Makoto. Ren would be forced out of Tokyo, leaving Makoto to stay in her own apartment. Ren knew that he shouldn't even be thinking of going near Yoshiro, but beating the shit out of the guy was just so tempting.
When the lunch bell rang, Ren was leaning towards assault more than pacifism. In fact, as soon as he left the classroom, he began going to the first floor to find Yoshiro. He was about to step down the stairs when a hand on his shoulder stopped him. Ren turned around.
"We're eating lunch on the roof. C'mon," Ryuji said with more force than usual.
Ryuji began going up the stairs. Ren looked down the stairs. His goal was down those steps. He could give that douche what he deserved. He could make everything alright.
Agh, who am I kidding? It wouldn't change shit.
Ren followed after Ryuji to the roof. The pair exited the school building to the warm June air. They both took one of the abandoned desks for themselves. Ren pulled out his lunch that he had bought that morning: school sold bread. Ryuji took out his bagged lunch that Ren assumed was made at Ryuji's house.
"So… there a reason you wanted to have lunch?" Ren asked.
Ryuji searched through his bag before taking out a sandwich. He still hadn't answered Ren as he unwrapped the sandwich and took a bite.
"Making sure you don't do something stupid, ya know?" Ryuji said, his mouth full of food.
He waited until he was eating to answer. What fantastic manners!
"Stupid? Why would you think that?"
Ryuji took another bite out of his sandwich.
"Yoshiro," Ryuji said, taking a few chances to chew his food so he could speak clearly, "gets under your skin. I can tell."
"Oh… you think I was gonna try and get back at Yoshiro?"
"Yep," Ryuji said before taking another bite. "Amirite?"
Hit the nail on the head.
"Nah, I'd like to think I'm too level headed for that," Ren said calmly. He felt a little arrogant saying that.
"Hm… nah, you're not."
"What?"
"You're not. Gimme an example of a time you haven't overreacted."
"Gimme an example of a time where I overreacted," Ren argued.
Ryuji set his sandwich down and wiped his mouth.
"For one, you called Yoshiro's mom and proceeded to embarrass him in front of the school because he asked where Makoto was, who you were angry with at the time. For two, you tried to get Mishima to fight a maid. Three-"
"Okay, okay, I get it," Ren said holding his hands up. "You got a point. Thanks, I guess."
"No problem. No volleyball players to get angry at up here, huh?" Ryuji exclaimed, his hands raised towards the sky.
"Nope. None at all."
"Peaceful?"
"Hm… I dunno. Got too many things to think about for things to be peaceful," Ren said, finally starting to eat his lunch.
"Understandable. Speaking of, how'd things go with Makoto?" Ryuji asked, a grin forming on his face.
"Shitty. We started by doing my homework for five or six hours."
"Dude… I get Makoto to stay at your place and you do schoolwork. The fuck is wrong with you?" Ryuji shook his head as he said it.
Ah, the rare f-bomb from Ryuji. Now I know that I really fucked up.
"Had shit to catch up on. By the way, did you only come up with that plan to be a wingman?"
Ryuji said nothing and just grinned at Ren.
"You mother-"
"Nah, nah, I'm kidding. I want her to be alright. No one deserves the shit she's going through, ya know?"
"Yeah, for sure, but it's not only her. We still gotta worry about our photos leaking."
"Man, I'm gonna be honest, as long as Makoto is safe, then I'm fine."
"Expulsion is guaranteed."
Ryuji's face grew cold.
"If that's the price, so be it. The photos leaking is better than what Makoto will have to go through. If the photos come out, I can live with it. If Makoto is taken away, I can't live with that. If any of us are taken, I… I couldn't live with that."
Am… am I a piece of shit for not thinking that way before? Ryuji put Makoto's safety as priority number one while I'm over here worrying about how some photos of drugs are gonna make my assault record worse. But… I let Makoto stay at my apartment. I let her take the bed because she needs sleep. I can't be an asshole, right? Agh, shut the fuck up, Ren. You only did those things to tell yourself you're a good person. In the end, you only care about yourself. Hell, you were gonna go fuck up Yoshiro to satisfy your thirst for revenge. You didn't care how it would affect the people around you.
"Yeah… I agree. You're right. What could happen to us two is nothing compared to Makoto."
"We can worry about the photos when we get there, right? I'm sure we can get plenty of people to vouch for us that we're drug-free."
That's a good point. As long as the school doesn't immediately expel us, we have a chance of making it through.
Ren continued eating his sandwich. Ryuji didn't keep talking and settled on admiring the views from his seated position. When Ren finished eating, Ryuji stood up.
"Ready to go back in?"
"Not yet," Ren said before extending his hand to Ryuji. "Thanks for this."
"No problem, dude."
Ryuji shook Ren's hand and the two went back into Shujin.
Ren arrived at Leblanc barely in time for his shift. He had committed to taking Makoto home after school but she had to file papers for the student council. He had no clue why she agreed to do it and even less of a clue why he stayed to help, but it was in the past. He took her home and immediately left for Leblanc.
Ren entered the retro coffee shop. Sojiro looked up from behind the counter.
"It's the champ. How was your stint at fight club?"
Fight club? How the hell does he know that I got in a fight? Wasn't much of a fight, actually.
Ren walked up to the counter and took a seat.
"Horrible. Who told you about what happened?"
"That Niijima girl came here. Seemed down. Told me that you had a concussion from getting your ass handed to you," Sojiro said before shaking his head. "Might have to fire you if you get jumped and lose again."
"Very funny. Can I just practice making coffee?"
"No can do," Sojiro motioned for Ren to look behind him. "Someone wants to talk with you."
A customer sat in a booth, with no coffee in front of him. He smiled at Ren.
Akechi. Funnily enough, I don't want to talk to him but should talk to him for Makoto's sake. Fine. I can put aside my personal biases for her.
"Hello, Amamiya-kun," Akechi said in his usual pretentious tone.
"Dammit," Ren muttered before sitting down at the booth. "Hey, Akechi-san."
"What's this I hear about a concussion?"
"I got attacked last week. Left me with a minor concussion. I'm good now."
"Unfortunate. I was wondering why I didn't see you here on Wednesday. Tell me, have you reported the crime? Have the perpetrators faced justice?"
"Uh, no. Not that kind of situation. No evidence of the attack."
"Even more unfortunate. Would you like for them to face justice? I can open an investigation if you'd like."
Ren raised his eyebrows.
"You're a detective who just does favors for people he knows. Is that allowed?"
"No. But if those favors bring results, then… it's allowed."
"Okay… can you actually do another favor for me?"
"Separate from the people who attacked you, you mean?"
"Hm, kinda. It's all tied back to one guy. You wanna help?"
"I require something in return."
"Name it."
"Spend time with me outside of Leblanc."
Fuck, anything but that. Shit, I'd pay Akechi twenty million rather than hang out with him.
"Uh… why?"
"It is simple: you are interesting to me. As a celebrity, everyone I meet with praises me, but you… you want nothing to do with me. It is new and interesting. I wish to find out what makes you different."
"I don't like bullshit. Good enough?"
"I prefer to analyze through actions rather than words, so no, it isn't good enough. Do you agree to my terms?"
Akechi maybe investigates Kaneshiro, which might not even lead to anything, in exchange for me hanging out with him. Shit deal, to be honest.
Ren was about to decline when he remembered his conversation with Ryuji.
Makoto can't be taken from us no matter what.
"Fine. You got a deal."
"Wonderful. Now, who would you like for me to look into?"
"Junya Kaneshiro," Ren said, not hesitating. Kaneshiro may own the cops, but no one in their right mind would buy out Akechi. The teenager was just too talkative, too annoying, too naive.
Akechi made a strange face that Ren couldn't interpret before he quickly recomposed himself.
"Ha. Kaneshiro, you say?"
"Did I stutter?"
"No, but that's a tall order. Few go after Kaneshiro."
"How'd that go?"
"I can give you their names if you'd like to visit their tombstones."
Ah. Nevermind. I guess Akechi won't be investigating. At least I won't have to hang out with him.
"No thanks. It's alri-"
"But I am no ordinary detective. I believe I'll be the first to bring in Kaneshiro. What do you think?"
Uh… what?
"Do whatever you want. Just, uh, try to do something significant before the fourteenth, okay?"
Akechi laughed.
"I will do my best, Amamiya-kun."
"Cool. You want some coffee?"
"I would, but as you said, I must take action before the fourteenth. I have places to be. Thank you for the conversation. I'm looking forward to speaking with you more," Akechi said before he stood up, bowed, and left.
What the fuck.
Ren stood up from the booth and went to sit at the counter.
"What're you doing, kid?" Sojiro asked, cleaning a dirty plate.
"I got work to do, don't I?"
Sojiro shook his head.
"You just did your job. I can't stand that kid. He thinks he's some sleuthing god or something. You got him out of here, now it's your turn to leave. Take your pay and go."
Sojiro knows what's up. Akechi is pretentious as hell, but he's lived up to the image he's created for himself. He got Madarame arrested, maybe he'll do the same for Kaneshiro.
Ren followed Sojiro's commands. He took his money and left Leblanc for the night.
Tuesday, 6/7 - 7 Days Until Deadline
Makoto was doing a lot better. Physically, that is. The second night in Ren's room had provided her with more quality sleep than the first, which was an achievement on its own. She was so well rested that she was able to pay attention in class and stay awake during lunch. But that created a new problem: what the hell was Makoto going to do during her lunch period?
Before her naps, she would always eat her food. That didn't change today as she quickly ate the bento she made at her own apartment that morning. But what about the rest of the break period?
Investigate more? No, I'm depending on Noriko for that. Actually, I should text her to ask how things are going, Makoto thought.
Makoto Niijima:
-Have you found anything on Shirai?
Noriko Taira:
-Idk what you were looking for, but I don't think ur gonna like these results. Apparently the rumors only started because Dai was telling ppl he's a criminal.
Makoto Niijima:
-Do you know why?
Noriko Taira:
-No clue. He told a boy ik that he was a criminal without any context. Ig he was bragging.
Makoto Niijima:
-Thank you, Taira-san.
Noriko Taira:
-Need anything else?
Makoto Niijima:
-No, that was everything. Again, thanks for your help.
Makoto put away her phone.
Shit. What am I supposed to do now? Kobayakawa won't care if Shirai was telling people that he was a criminal, and if Shirai denies it, Kobayakawa certainly won't believe me. He wanted testimony from those not involved in the accident. Do I… do I just depend on the plan GRAVY came up with? Can I depend on it? I should be able to. There will be armed security guards outside the apartment. I doubt any intruders will be able to get past them. But if they do… Makoto's thoughts trailed off as there was a knock on the door to the student council room.
She stood up and opened the door not to see one of her peers, but the school counselor.
"Hello, Niijima-san."
"Hello, Maruki-san. What can I do for you?"
"I was hoping to have a chat with you. Would you like to go to the nurse's office?"
A chat? What about? Does it matter? I have nothing else to do. Talking with Maruki could give me something to do and stop me from thinking about the future, Makoto thought.
"Of course."
Maruki smiled at her before he turned around to lead her to the nurse's office. They began walking. As they traversed the halls, Makoto looked around at the students. She felt like they were watching her, whispering behind her back, but when she looked at them they were just talking amongst themselves and not regarding Makoto. The pair reached the nurse's office. Maruki let Makoto enter first. After she took a seat on the couch he took a seat in his chair.
Makoto had been in the nurse's office before, but not with Maruki. She had simply been helping to prepare the room for his arrival. She had met the counselor before, but they hadn't had the time for a full conversation. Since Maruki hadn't reached out to her sooner, Makoto wondered what this was really about.
"Niijima-san, there have been reports from teachers that you have been sleeping in their classes," Maruki said flatly. His tone had no harshness to it, but Makoto took it as an accusation anyway.
So that's what this is? He just wants to tell me not to sleep in class? Makoto asked herself angrily.
"Is everything alright, Niijima-san? The reports make it sound like this is an unusual thing for you. You don't have to answer, but has there been a change in your personal life?"
Oh. He doesn't want to discipline me. He wants to check in, Makoto realized.
"Y-yes, you could say that."
"Would you like to talk about it? Everything you say here is strictly confidential."
Makoto already knew that, but the reminder was comforting.
I can't let everything out, but talking to Maruki could help me calm down. I don't want to spend my last days free as a paranoid and nervous wreck, she thought.
"I guess I could talk about it. My sister… my guardian at the moment," Makoto said. Maruki nodded at her, "has left our apartment. She was angry at me for something I did."
"And you're upset with yourself for whatever you did to anger her? That's why you're losing sleep?"
"Not exactly. There was… an event. A friend and I were attacked by another student at this school. That incident was a precursor to something happening on the fourteenth. I don't know what's going to happen, and that scares me."
"You were attacked? By who?"
Makoto took a deep breath. Everything was purely confidential, so why couldn't she tell him? It wasn't like he had the power to arrest anyone.
"Yoshiro Takata."
Maruki looked away from Makoto.
"Niijima-san, I'm sorry to tell you that I don't have enough power at this school to take action. If I did, I would but-"
"It's alright, I've realized that the school can't do anything for me. My friends and I have a plan."
"To take revenge?"
"To stop whatever will happen on the fourteenth."
"And it's guaranteed to work?" Maruki said, not looking Makoto directly in the eye.
Well… no, but I don't want Maruki to worry. I don't want to burden anyone else with my problems, Makoto thought.
"It feels like it."
"You don't have to tell me about your plan, but would you like to go back to what you mentioned before? How you were scared."
"I'm scared of the future. Whatever happens will be because of me, and I won't be the only one affected by it. Every day I get closer to the fourteenth, and it eats away at me. I just… I don't know what to do. That scares me."
"It's natural to be afraid of the future. The unknown is the most terrifying thing to a mind that's at peace."
"But I'm not at peace."
"No, but you would be if you weren't afraid."
"How do you know that?"
"I'm a counselor. It's my job to know these things."
I suppose that's true, Makoto thought.
"Niijima-san, would you say you prefer to stay in control of things?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"And your lack of control scares you?"
"Y-yes."
"But your plan is guaranteed to work. Aren't you in control then?"
He's right! If I think rationally about the plan, it's more unlikely for it to fail than succeed. I'm staying in an apartment under a name that Kaneshiro can't know, and there are elite security guards, Makoto thought.
"You're right."
"Would you say everyone needs to control their own lives to be happy?" Maruki suddenly asked.
"Excuse me?"
"Just a question," Maruki said with a kind smile. "You don't have to answer."
It's just… a strange question, Makoto thought.
"Maybe? I don't know."
"Interesting… are you sure you don't have a yes or no answer?"
"Maruki-san, where is this coming from?"
"Ah, sorry," Maruki said, holding his hand up to apologize. "When I get carried away, my side-projects bleed into my work life. A research paper I'm working on asks a similar question."
"May I read it when you are finished?"
"Of course, but it may be a while," Maruki said, chuckling. "I'm only in the beginning stages."
"I hope it goes well," Makoto said, still confused on the subject change.
"Thank you. Was there anything else you wished to talk about?"
"No, thank you. That… helped, I guess. Thanks for your time, Maruki-san."
"Anytime, Niijima-san. Enjoy the rest of your lunch break."
Makoto stood up to leave before nodding a goodbye at Maruki. She turned away and walked out the door. She turned right when she exited, hoping to get back to the student council room before lunch was over, but a voice from behind stopped her.
"Going somewhere?"
Makoto turned around. Yoshiro Takata was leaning against the wall, staring at her. He was close enough to the door to the nurse's office that it made Makoto wonder.
Was he… was he listening? No, he couldn't have. Surely the walls are soundproof, she told herself.
Either way, she was growing paranoid now that he was in front of her. She looked over her shoulder, making sure there was no one coming up behind her. Thankfully, the hallway was clear bar the few lingering students. She recognized none of them as volleyball players. She would've breathed a sigh of relief, but Yoshiro was still in front of her.
"Not got anything to say? Kaneshiro got your tongue?"
"S-shut up," Makoto shakily said.
"Make me. Better yet, I might make you. I have those pictures, you know…" Yoshiro said, pulling his phone out of his pocket and teasingly waving it in front of Makoto. "Don't you wanna know how I did it? How I pulled off something so genius?"
"No. I don't care," Makoto said, turning to leave.
Yoshiro grabbed her wrist.
"You will, bitch. You will," he almost growled at her.
"H-hey," Makoto said, trying to pull her arm away.
Yoshiro's grip tightened.
"Back to those pictures… if you do what I say, maybe I'll convince Kaneshiro to delete them."
Makoto was speechless. The fact that Yoshiro had the audacity to attempt blackmail in school was mind-boggling.
"Man, wait till you see the pictures I got!" a voice said from behind Yoshiro.
Ren came into view. He stood up straight with his hands in his pockets, shooting Makoto a look to stay calm.
How did he get here? Wait, there's a boy's bathroom at the end of the hall, Makoto thought.
Yoshiro let go of Makoto and wheeled around to face Ren, who was fast approaching the scene. He quickly passed Yoshiro and stood next to Makoto.
"What the fuck are you talking about? Is this another mom joke? How original," Yoshiro angrily said.
"Actually, there are no jokes today. I just took a photo of you grabbing the student council president without her permission," Ren said.
"Fuck you. No one's gonna care."
"Really?" Ren asked.
He walked over to the nurse's office and knocked on the door. Maruki quickly opened the door to the unfolding scene.
"Amamiya-kun? What are you… oh, hello, Niijima-san. Takata-san. Everything okay?"
"Everything's great," Yoshiro said begrudgingly.
"Ah ah ah, that's a lie," Ren said before pulling out his phone and turning it to Maruki. "Kamoshida's bi- I mean, Takata-san was giving our student council president a hard time."
Maruki rubbed his nose.
"Takata-san, you do understand that touching other students is not allowed?"
"Yes, Maruki-san."
"Good. Now get out of here."
Yoshiro quickly walked away.
I guess everyone bows to authority, Makoto thought.
"Wait, why aren't you suspending him or some shit?" Ren asked in disbelief.
"It's important to remember that I'm just a counselor, Amamiya-kun. Besides, an actual staff member would only give him a slap on the wrist for that. Understand?"
"Yeah, but…" Ren said defeatedly.
"But…?"
"Nevermind."
"Amamiya-kun, could you do me a favor and walk away for a minute? I need to speak with Niijima-san," Maruki said kindly.
"But-"
"Just a minute, that's all."
"Fine."
Ren walked down the hall and went up the stairs. Maruki turned to Makoto.
"Niijima-san, I know what you told me about Takata. If he keeps giving you trouble, please report him to me, the school, and the police. I can vouch for what happened here today," Maruki said calmly.
"Thank you," Makoto said.
"Now, if you don't mind me asking, how're things with Amamiya?"
"They're… good."
"Hm, good," Maruki said with a smirk before retreating to the other side of the door. "Remember, don't hesitate to report Takata if any more incidents occur."
"I will," Makoto said as Maruki closed the door.
The worst part of that event was that Yoshiro was able to get away with harassing Makoto. All he had really done was grab Makoto's wrist. Even if it was not allowed, it wasn't punishable by expulsion, suspension, or even detention. If the school was consistently punishing students who grabbed other students' wrists then half the student body would be guilty, malicious intent or not.
Makoto walked down the hall, calming herself down after what happened. Ren came down the stairs when she passed them.
"Hey. How're you?"
"I'm fine. Thanks for what you did."
"No problem. I hate that kid as much as you. How's it going tryna get him and the others punished?"
"Not great. The lead I had resulted in nothing."
"Well… that's alright. I'm sure they'll lose their minds when Kaneshiro's plan fails on the fourteenth and do something stupid enough to get them caught."
Makoto smiled at the false promise.
"I'm sure they will."
As they continued walking down the hall, the end of lunch bell rang. They kept walking, as Ren needed to reach the next stairway to get to the second-year's floor. When they did, Ann was leaning against the wall, using her phone. Ren and Makoto walked up to her.
"You gonna go to class, Ann?" Ren asked.
She looked up and smiled.
"Oh, I was waiting for you. I saw you go down to the first floor, and I figured you'd come back this way."
"Good guess."
"Thanks. We should probably get going if we don't want to be late, you know."
"Yeah, you're right. Alright, see you, Makoto," Ren said as he nodded towards her.
For the entire exchange, Makoto had been in a trance. Seeing Ren and Ann together sparked something in her. During the GRAVY meeting, she hadn't felt anything because she was too focused, too worried to think about Ren and Ann together. Now, with her head mostly cleared, she realized the gravity of what was going on.
Ann is dating Ren. Ren is letting me stay in his apartment. Ann probably hates me. I'm ruining their relationship, aren't I? No, stop it, Makoto. They literally just spoke to each other and were fine. Ann didn't object to you staying at Ren's, so she must be fine with it. Stop thinking like that, Makoto told herself.
"Hm? Oh, see you guys later," Makoto said back before rushing off, leaving Ren and Ann behind to awkwardly look at Makoto walking away.
That fucking asshole. If I didn't get that photo, I would've attacked him on the spot. If Maruki's office wasn't right there, I would've lost it. Thank fuck I stayed in control.
Ren sat on his couch, finishing up his homework for the night. He hated that he hadn't given Yoshiro what he deserved during lunch. The teenager wouldn't be punished for grabbing Makoto, nor would he be punished for any of the other shit that he did.
It's times like this when I wish I could just snap my fingers and have something happen. *Snap* Yoshiro goes to the guillotine alongside Kaneshiro. Over and done with, I don't have to worry about it. Easy, right?
Wrong. Very wrong. Ren realized what he was thinking.
Jesus, did I just consider killing the guy? Fuck, I can't do that. But he… he deserves it. Shit, he really deserves it. For him to even look at Makoto at school… fuck. I hate him.
Makoto was also sitting on the couch, doing her own homework.
"You're acting weird," she said plainly.
"Hm? What do you mean?"
"You keep moving around on the couch and scowling. It's weird. Sorry, is that rude?"
"Ha, no, it's fine. Just thinking about things."
"About Yoshiro?"
"No… just school stuff."
"Is it Ann?"
"What?"
"Are you thinking about Ann?"
"Why would I be thinking about her?"
I could think of a few reasons to think- shut the fuck up you horny bastard. Ann is your friend, and Makoto is sitting next to you. Calm yourself down and speak to Makoto.
"Because she's your… g-girlfriend, right?"
Ren put down his paper and turned to look directly at Makoto. She looked up from her homework.
"The fuck are you talking about?"
"A-aren't you guys dating?" Makoto sheepishly asked.
"No… who told you that?" Ren asked, growing suspicious.
"Suzui-san."
Man, what the hell? I get that Shiho is in the hospital and I shouldn't be upset with her, but like… why? What's the point of that?
"No, we're not dating. We never have been and we probably won't be."
"Probably?"
"We definitely won't be. We're just friends."
"Oh… okay," Makoto said softly. Ren was trying his best to read her face but just couldn't figure out how she was feeling. "Ren, what's the friend zone?"
"Uh…"
Jesus Christ, did Shiho tell her this shit too?
"It's just, you said you guys are just friends. Does that mean she's in the friend zone?" Makoto asked curiously.
Damn, how old are you? Eight? This is like dealing with a little kid.
"Who told you about the friendzone?"
"Sojiro, when I stopped by Leblanc to tell him why you were away."
That son of a bitch.
"What'd he specifically say?"
"I told him that we were friends and he disappointedly said that you were in the friend zone. So, please tell me what it is."
"Uh… you're tired and hearing things. You should go to bed early," Ren said, hoping that would end the conversation.
It worked. Makoto didn't ask again for the rest of the night.
Wednesday, 6/8 - 6 Days Until Deadline
Ren and Ann left classroom 2-D to go to the school store to buy lunch. Almost immediately after they emerged from the classroom, voices followed them from behind.
"Ha, look at him go," a familiar low voice said as Ren tried to ignore the voices and keep walking.
"Heh, look at her go…" another voice said creepily, followed by laughter from the others.
That was what made Ren turn around. The people who had been doing the talking were familiar: Dai Shirai and three other volleyball players.
"Ren, it's not worth it," Ann said, pulling on his arm to get him to keep walking.
No, it's fucking worth it. They can't say shit like that. It's not alright.
"Ren, it's not worth it!" one of the volleyball players mimicked.
Ren took a few steps toward the group but stopped when one of the players held his arm out.
"Hey, how many fingers am I holding up? You sure your head's okay?" he teased.
That's it.
Ren was about to charge when Ann grabbed his wrist. He furiously turned back to her.
"Ren, please. Can we just go?"
Ren just looked at her. She was the one who should be upset about what was happening. She was the one who should care. Not him. She was the one they had said anything worth getting angry about to.
Ren turned his back to the volleyball players and began walking away.
"Uh oh, there goes Ren. He's got nothing to say!" Dai jeered, the other volleyball players laughing at Ren's defeat.
"Hey, hey, you guys think we should take that whore back to Kamoshida?" another voice asked. It wasn't a serious question based on the tone and given that Kamoshida was being prosecuted, but Ren hated himself for continuing to walk away.
He looked at Ann. Her face was blank. She didn't let any emotion slip through the cracks as she walked. She was used to the harassment. That was the worst part.
Capital punishment is feeling pretty justified right about now.
The two kept walking.
Ren had turned into a bitter mess by the end of the day. All he thought about was kicking the shit out of Shirai. The snoozefest that was the final period of the day turned into a mental bloodbath for Ren. It filled his mind.
Then the bell rang. It should have been satisfying, but it wasn't. It was another opportunity for him to be provoked, another chance for him to lose control and attack. He quickly stood up and walked out the door. He rapidly walked down the hall and down the stairs before almost bumping into a familiar face.
"Oh, Amamiya-kun. I've been looking for you," Maruki said.
Ugh, here we go again. Actually, I shouldn't be that bitter about it. Maruki has always been nice to me and helped me figure shit out.
"You wanna talk?"
"Mhm. Could you come with me to the nurse's office?"
Ren nodded and the pair set off. They quickly reached the nurse's office and Ren sat down in his usual spot on the couch. Maruki took a seat in the same chair he always used. He gestured to the bowl of chocolates that was always on the table.
Does he get new ones or just leave them in there? Shit, those're probably old. Gonna have to pass on that.
"No, thanks. What'd you wanna talk about?"
"I wanted to check on you. We haven't spoken in a while. What's new with you?"
What are we, friends? It's great of him to be friendly, but I dunno. Feels like he's got some other reason to be nice to me.
"I, uh, smoothed things out with Makoto."
"That's good to hear. So you're completely fine?" It wasn't a question. It was like an order to tell Maruki what was wrong. At least, that's how Ren perceived it.
"Shit- uh, sorry, I mean, is vengeance bad?"
"That's a big question," Maruki said flatly.
"Mhm." Ren still wanted an answer.
"I believe that yes, vengeance is ultimately bad. It may feel important in the short term, but will it really change anything in the future? No, probably not."
"But what if the act of vengeance stops something terrible from happening? What if it does change the future? Is it justified then?" Ren asked, continuing the trend of asking vague questions.
"Ren, why do you ask?"
"I… I want to hurt someone," he said softly. It was so easy to open up to Maruki. Too easy. "He did something awful and deserves it. I'm worried that if I don't do anything, something even more awful could happen."
"And is this person that you want to hurt Yoshiro Takata?"
"Wha…?"
"Just a guess," Maruki said with a shrug. "You seemed pretty upset with him yesterday. Am I correct?"
"Yes," Ren muttered audibly enough for Maruki to hear him. He felt a little upset that Maruki guessed his target so easily. Ren wouldn't look at Maruki and kept his eyes on the ground.
"Amamiya-kun," Maruki said. "Look at me."
Ren looked up.
"Is it justified?"
"What?"
"It's a simple question," Maruki seriously said. He stared into Ren's eyes. "Does he deserve it?"
"Yes."
"Is that what you think or does he deserve whatever you plan to do?"
"He… he does. But how can I know what he objectively deserves?"
Maruki chuckled.
"Good catch. You can't. Who determines what's right and wrong, what's deserved and undeserved? The people involved should, but their opinions don't matter. Ultimately, it's up to society to wrongly judge them after everything without context."
"You… that's a good point."
"Consider this: if you carry out your vengeance, how will society judge it out of context?"
"Wrong."
"Then don't do it."
"You're not telling me to not take revenge because violence is bad?"
"Oh, violence is bad, Amamiya-kun. But there's something different about you. You had conviction when you said it was justified. If you think that it truly is justified, I believe you."
"But isn't society big on the whole 'violence isn't the answer' thing? Aren't you supposed to believe that vengeance isn't justified no matter what?"
"I believe a lot of things, Amamiya-kun," Maruk said, looking away from Ren as his gaze grew cold, "but nothing I believe isn't justified."
That sounds really weird and corny, but okay, you do you.
"Uh… okay. I think I'm gonna go."
"Did this conversation help?" Maruki asked, his kind voice and gaze returning as if a switch was flipped.
"I-I guess. I'm still a little confused, but I don't want to hurt Yoshiro nearly as much."
"Good. Anything else?"
"No, that's it, thanks. Be seeing you," Ren said as he walked out of the nurse's office.
That was fucking weird.
Makoto breathed a deep breath. That moment would be her only opportunity. Ren was about to go to sleep on the couch for another night, letting Makoto take the bed.
Not anymore, she thought before leaving Ren's room for the living area.
Ren looked up at her from the couch. He was laying down but the lights in the apartment were still on. If he was about to go to sleep, Makoto would only have one shot at this. If she screwed this up, she would be burdening Ren even more.
"'Sup, miss president," Ren said.
"Hey, so, um…" Makoto sputtered.
"You okay?"
"Um, I think you should take the bed tonight and I should stay on the couch."
"What? Why? Are you not sleeping well in the bed?" Ren said with surprise.
"No, quite the opposite, but I don't want to keep taking advantage of your generosity. Sleeping on the couch every night can't be good. Please, just sleep in the bed," Makoto pleaded.
"Nah, it's all good. G'night-"
"Ren, I'm gonna stay here until you agree," Makoto said, literally putting her foot down as she said it.
"Uh… okay? That's weirder for you than for me. You'd just be watching me sleep."
He's right. Crap, I didn't think this through. But can't he tell how much this means to me? Makoto asked herself.
"Ren, if you really care about how I feel, you'll let me sleep on the couch tonight."
Ren stared into her eyes. She knew he was analyzing her, and she hoped that he liked whatever he realized from that analysis.
"Fine. Not sure why you care that much but enjoy the couch," Ren said as he stood up and walked past Makoto. Before he entered his room, he turned back to her. "G'night, Makoto."
"Goodnight, Ren," she replied.
He closed the door behind him. Makoto had the living area and the couch to herself. She went over to the light switch to flip it. Once she did, she pulled out her phone and used the light to navigate to the couch. Once there, she organized the pile of blankets into something manageable before laying down, resting her head on the pillow and getting her body under the blankets.
The couch was actually pretty comfortable. Makoto had thought that it would be significantly worse than the bed, but it was only slightly worse. The fact that it wasn't as bad as Makoto thought made her question her decision to sleep out there. Maybe Ren didn't actually mind sleeping on the couch.
What also made Makoto question her decision was the living area itself. The whole apartment was open to her, and that openness was frightening. There were far more places for an intruder to hide than in a small, cramped room. Even if the intruder wasn't already in the apartment, Makoto was in a prime kidnapping position. The couch wasn't far from the door, and Makoto's position on the couch didn't give her many options to defend herself.
Worst of all was what the openness did to Makoto mentally. It was like she was alone in her room again. She knew that Ren was only in the other room, but it felt like there was an ocean between her and the nearest person. She was utterly alone. No one would save her, no one would know that she was missing.
Ren's cat leaped up onto the couch. Makoto figured that the cat had followed Ren into his room, but she figured wrong. The cat curled up on Makoto's stomach. While the weight was aggravating, Makoto only needed to slightly adjust her position before she was comfortable again. That weight came with something wonderful: the presence of another. Even if it was just a cat, it kept Makoto company. She wasn't alone.
She fell asleep.
Thursday, 6/9 - 5 Days Until Deadline
Thursday was unexpected. As soon as Ren had arrived at Kawakami's class he had noticed something was off. No one had been in their seat and Kawakami hadn't been preparing a lecture. It was then that he found out that there was a field trip.
So there he sat, in the audience of some shitty morning show waiting for the day to be over. He checked his phone in his pocket. It had only been an hour.
"Psst. No phones," Ann reminded Ren from his left side. "Don't want Kawakami to get angry."
But this is too much. Behind the scenes for a morning show is worse than six hours of homework. Who would subject themselves to this?
The first hour hadn't even been the show airing. It was just preparation. Apparently, the morning show's guest was running a little late, but there was still a chance that he would arrive by the time the show started.
Wonder who it is. General Iori? They could interview him on how he ended alcoholism across the world by drinking all the liquor on Earth. That'd be entertaining.
A murmur went through the Shujin Audience. Ryuji squirmed in his seat on Ren's right side.
Is he actually excited for the guest? I'll never understand Ryuji.
"Dude, who do ya think it's gonna be?" Ryuji excitedly asked as he nudged Ren's shoulder.
"I dunno, Teddie the Bear?"
Ryuji made a face as if was considering the possibility.
"Nah, they stopped interviewing that guy after he said that he scored with that chick on live TV."
He did WHAT? Is that where we are? The guy in the Teddie suit has been cancelled? We live in strange times.
"Wait, what do you-"
The crowd cheered. Ren looked up towards the studio's stage. Goro Akechi was walking out from behind a curtain. The crowd continued their cheering and clapping as Akechi approached the hosts and bowed towards both of them before the three of them took their seats.
"Everyone, welcome to today's showing of Good Morning Japan," the male host said directly to the camera.
The crowd cheered.
"Today we have the famed detective prince, Goro Akechi, joining us," the female host said.
"Thank you for having me," Akechi said with his usual grin.
"Now, Goro, can you tell us any insider details for your cases? It's what's made you so popular," the male host said.
Akechi chuckled.
"Yes, that is true. It's made me a little unpopular at the station, so I have to keep my lips sealed today."
"Oh, are you sure? I'm sure the viewers would love it, right?" the male host said, turning to the crowd.
They cheered.
"Well… alright. I suppose I can share something," Akechi said. "I am pursuing a case that has been dropped prematurely several times before now."
"Dropped? Why?" the male host asked.
"Whether it is because of the police department's incompetence or the cases unsolvability remains to be seen. It is likely the former."
"You claim that you're unpopular at the department for sharing insider information. Wouldn't criticizing them make you more unpopular?" the female host asked.
"Oh, I'm sure it will, but it won't change anything. They already know that everything I've said is true. Their ineptitude is clear to me, the government, and the public. Something must change." Akechi's harsh words combined with his pretentious, warm tone confused Ren, but the crowd loved it. They were on the edges of their seats.
"What do you have in mind?" one of the hosts asked.
"Hm, I can't speak on that. I don't aspire to run the show. I just wish to remain a humble detective in the pursuit of justice."
"A worthy goal, Akechi-san," the male host said before turning to the camera. "We'll be right back after our first break."
Criticizing the police on live TV, huh? That's sure to land him in some hot water.
The break also applied to the audience. Everyone was instructed by the producers to stand up and stretch their legs because they wouldn't be able to during the next segment. Ren, Ryuji, and Ann all stood up and walked towards the back of the room.
"Ren, did you tell Akechi about the sitch?" Ryuji asked.
"Kinda. I made a deal with him: he looks into Kaneshiro and I hang out with him."
"Huh? Why?" Ann was confused.
"Couldn't tell you. He said something along the lines of him being interested in me because I don't like him."
"That's…" Ann began, but her words trailed off.
"Strange?" another voice asked.
Ren turned around to see Akechi approaching the group.
Dammit. I'd rather not spend unnecessary time with this guy.
"I noticed you in the crowd, Amamiya-kun. It's surprising to see you here."
"Yeah, I'm the one Shujin student they leave out of field trips. Life's been tough for me, but somehow, someway, I get by," Ren said sarcastically.
Ryuji laughed, but Akechi glared at him. He shut up after that. Akechi turned his grin back on and turned towards Ren.
"What'd you think of the show?"
"Kinda a bad idea to badmouth your employers on air."
"You think so? Truth is more important than a paycheck to me."
"I mean, that's fair, but aren't you worried about getting fired," Ann interjected.
"Perhaps, but firing me would prove that I'm correct. If they weren't corrupt, why would they fire me?"
He's got a point.
"Akechi-san, how's the thing I asked you to look into going?" Ren politely asked. He wanted an update.
"Hm? Oh, that. It's going."
"Going well?"
Akechi just grinned his usual grin back.
"You could say that."
"Okay… not weird at all."
"The show will be resuming in three minutes. Everyone, please return to your positions," an announcer said through an intercom.
"That's my cue," Akechi said with a chuckle before leaving the group.
"That was really weird," Ann said flatly.
"Totally. Guess it's cause he's a celeb. They're all like that," Ryuji replied.
Ren just looked at Ryuji.
"You know a lot of celebrities?"
Ryuji shrugged.
"Name one genius that ain't crazy."
"Ryuji Sakamoto," Ren said plainly.
"Okay, my point is invalid," Ryuji conceded.
The trio returned to their seats. As they sat down, Ann nudged Ren's shoulder to get his attention.
"They're only a few days left until the deadline, you know."
"Of course I know. Kinda hard to forget about that."
"Well, yeah, but that's not what I meant. I was thinking that Makoto probably shouldn't be going out anymore."
Yeah, she's right. Every time she goes out in public closer and closer to the deadline is only getting riskier.
"Yeah, you're right, but it's up to Makoto. If we do, you think we should do something for her?" Ren asked.
"Like what?"
"I dunno, like something positive for her. Like a last get-together before she has to stay at the apartment."
"If we do, it's gotta be tonight. Can we do it at your apartment?"
I don't wanna pay for food.
"Can't, the place is kinda a mess and I don't feel like cleaning up," Ren said. Ann made a face but didn't call him out. "I work at a coffee and curry place called Leblanc. The food's good. Wanna go there?"
"Yeah, if Makoto's up to it. Ask her after we get back."
"Will do."
Makoto walked into Leblanc with Ren. The last time that had happened had been such a happy time in her life. Her social life was actually making progress, people were being nice to hear, and her grades were doing as good as ever. In the month following that visit, Makoto had lost two of those. Now, entering the coffee shop that day, she had regained those things on a different level.
Ren had proposed the idea of a final going out event to Makoto. She knew that she had to stop leaving the apartment soon, but she didn't think it would be this soon. The last few days had simply flown by. The semi-party that Ren had told Makoto about felt like a good way to enter the final stretch of GRAVY's plan. Eating some great food with friends was perfect. Makoto would exclusively be eating from home for the next few days, maybe even longer. She had to make the most of this.
The other members of GRAVY filed in over the next few minutes. Even Yusuke, who hadn't wanted to go until the mention of food, came. Makoto was surprised that any of them came. Not that she doubted their commitment to the club, but that the plan was very last minute. Ren had only sent out the text about it a few hours prior.
The group all sat around a booth, but Ren went behind the counter to talk with Sojiro. She saw him put on his apron.
He'll be serving us? This'll be interesting, Makoto thought.
It was exactly that. Ren each brought them a cup of coffee. Some enjoyed it more than others, with Ryuji spitting some of the stuff back into his cup. Ann elbowed him.
"Hey! What the eff was that about?" Ryuji yelled.
"That was rude!" Ann argued.
"Rude or not, coffee is lame in general," Ryuji muttered.
Makoto nervously looked towards Sojiro to see if he had heard Ryuji's comments. Thankfully, Sojiro seemed occupied by dishwashing and, if he had heard Ryuji, seemed unfazed. Makoto breathed a sigh of relief.
"That's wrong, Ryuji-kun," Haru said as she took a sip of her coffee. "Coffee is simply an acquired taste that is delightful once you learn to appreciate it."
"I find no delight in this black abyss," Yusuke said, staring down into his coffee cup.
"Dude, you didn't put any cream in it. What'd you expect?"
"I expect to be delighted," Yusuke said calmly.
"Don't go to coffee for happiness," Ryuji said with a sigh.
A few minutes later, Ren and Sojiro served the group massive portions of curry. Everyone dug in, some more elegantly than others. Yusuke slowly made his way through the curry along with Haru. Ann and Ryuji were the complete opposite. They were done within minutes.
"Compliments to the chef!" Ryuji yelled as he finished.
Ren grinned from behind the counter.
"It was my-"
"Stop taking credit for my work, kid. You know that I made that whole damn batch of curry for you," Sojiro gruffly said.
Ren just sighed and got back to work washing dishes.
"Mako-chan, did you enjoy your curry?" Haru asked, still working on hers.
Makoto was in between Ryuji and Haru on the spectrum of food-eating speed. She was almost done, but not nearly as fast as Ryuji or Ann.
"It's delicious, thank you."
"That's great!" Haru said.
That… felt off. Like she just wants to be uplifting, Makoto thought.
"So, Makoto. How's it staying at Ren's? You guys get up to anything?" Ann said in a hushed tone as she nudged Makoto from Makoto's right.
"What?! No, of course not!"
"Really? Nothing at all?" Ann teased.
"Nothing!" Makoto was doing her best not to yell, so her voice came out as a harsh whisper.
"Oh, speaking of Ren's apartment, I have assigned four security guards to stay outside the apartment building. I will increase the number over the coming nights," Haru said.
"Thank you, Haru. It means a lot."
Ren joined them at the table with his own plate of curry. He quickly dug in.
Makoto took a few seconds to take everything in. This could be the last time GRAVY would be together and it was all for her. This could be the last time she sees anyone other than Ren. It could be the last time anyone ever saw her. Apparently, her thoughts shown weren't as concealed as she believed, because Ann put a hand on her shoulder.
"It's gonna be okay, Makoto. We've got it all figured out," she said kindly.
"T-thanks," Makoto replied.
"Damn right, Ann," Ryuji continued the reassurance. "I might have to kick Kaneshiro's ass myself. Show off my ninja moves, ya know?"
Ren laughed.
"I'm sure you will, Ryuji. That'll happen when pigs fly."
"The flight of creatures as obese as pigs taking flight is striking. Perhaps I will have to paint this," Yusuke said in his monotone voice.
"Do you just paint anything?" Haru asked.
"I paint whatever I find most compelling," Yusuke answered.
"So you would paint the curry? You didn't want to come tonight until I said that there would be food," Ren said, still eating his curry.
"Preposterous."
"What's preposterous 'bout it? We can pull up the group chat right now!" Ryuji said as he began pulling out his phone.
Ann slapped his shoulder.
"No phones at the dinner table!"
"Jesus… the eff."
Makoto appreciated the group's conversation not being about her. It was like she was one of them, like they hadn't only united around her because she messed up. It was like everything was okay.
But it wasn't. The deadline was only days away and the plan demanded that she sit at the apartment doing nothing. It was going to be difficult to pretend that things were alright when they were drastically different from normal life.
Whatever. I don't have to think about that right now. I can just enjoy the time I have left here, Makoto thought.