6/6
It was a sunny day at school, and Kanji had returned to school after a long absence. Yui met up with him after class to tell him to meet everyone on the roof, intending to inform him of what was going on. When he arrived, he seemed rather awkward around everyone.
"Good afternoon." Kanji mumbled.
"You're being really polite, Kanji." Chie commented.
"I mean, you guys are my senpai." Kanji noted.
"That's true. We almost didn't realize it ourselves." Yui stated.
"Hey, thanks a bunch. I wanted to say it proper." Kanji told everyone.
"We wanted to ask you a few questions." Yukiko told Kanji.
"Like who was that boy you met with?" Chie asked.
"I really don't know. We only met twice, and we didn't really talk a whole lot. When we were done, I blurted out that I wanted to see him again." Kanji explained.
"Do you remember what happened after you chased us away?" Yosuke asked.
"Oh that? Well, I kinda just went home after that. I remember someone coming to my house...or did I? It's all fuzzy there, all I remember after that was waking up in that bathhouse." Kanji recalled.
"That's not very helpful…" Yosuke muttered.
"Did the police question you?" Yui asked.
"Yeah, they did. But when I tried to tell them what I remember, they thought I was crazy." Kanji stated.
"It's understandable. It's all very surreal." Yui commented.
"Are you guys trying to catch the bastard that did this?" Kanji asked the group.
"Yeah, we are." Chie replied.
"Mind if I help you out? Whoever put me through all that, I owe them an ass kicking!" Kanji asked enthusiastically.
"You mean it? Awesome! We could use some muscle on the team!" Yosuke said with a smile.
"I'm all for it." Yui stated.
"Yes! I'll put my life on the line for you guys!" Kanji said as he flexed a muscle.
As celebration for attaining a new team member, Yui and company invited Kanji to eat at the Junes food court.
6/7
Yui bought instant ramen packs for Yosuke, Chie, and Yukiko as their school lunch, purely because she was in a good mood. Her friends were very thankful towards this kindness.
"Instant noodles really hit the spot! Thanks, Yui!" Chie chimed.
"Sure thing." Yui replied, sneaking a quick hand-holding beneath the desks.
Chie quietly hummed at this show of affection.
"You know, it's going to be the rainy season. That means we'll have to check the Midnight Channel constantly." Yukiko pointed out.
"Crap, I didn't think about that. Oh well, that's how it is. Funny, I thought you were worried about the rain because of the school campout." Yosuke replied.
"Why are you so excited about that?" Chie asked.
"Chie told me about that last night. She said it was gonna suck, but I can't say for sure." Yui added.
"I told Yui it was a bunch of crap about 'developing a love for one's hometown in young people'. Sheesh." Chie complained.
"And apparently that translates into 'picking up trash off the mountain'." Yui told Yosuke.
"Wait, what?! 'Develop a love' my ass! What is this bullshit?!" Yosuke exclaimed.
"Well, at least nighttime's kind of fun. We cook our own meals with mess kits and sleep in tents." Chie stated.
"Oh god, I have to share a tent with Chie. I think I'm gonna have a heart attack…" Yui thought to herself.
After class had ended, Yui was suddenly approached by Mr. Morooka, much to her dismay.
"Shit. What did I do?" Yui asked herself.
"Hey, Narukami! I need you to take care of something! You know the Student Health Association? One of the members is out sick, so I need you to take over!" Morooka demanded.
"Bullshit! Why do I have to do it?!"
"Why does she have to do it? That's not fair!" Chie defended Yui.
"Shut it, you! I already signed you up Narukami, so get over there, or I'm suspending you!" Morooka threatened.
As soon as Morooka left the room, Yui crumbled up a piece of paper and threw it as hard as she could at the nearest trash bin.
"I'm sorry, Yui…" Chie said.
"Why are you apologizing? You've got nothing to do with it." Yui replied.
"Well, good luck over there."
Chie gave Yui a quick hug before she left for the Student Health Association.
Yui arrived at the health office, greeted by the few members there.
"Oh, hello Yui-kun! How are you? Are you sick?" A female student asked.
"No. I was sent here to fill in for an absent member." Yui explained.
"I see. Thank goodness. We were running low on staff. Could you stay here and deal with anybody who comes by the office?" The female student asked further.
"Sure thing." Yui said with a nod.
"Oh but don't touch the medicine. If someone's sick, use the first aid kit."
Yui stayed behind while the other students went around the school to make observations of the school members. While they were gone, a representative from a pharmaceutical company stopped by and asked Yui to deliver a message, something about an order of gauze bandages. When the other students came back, Yui informed them.
"Alright, let's discuss our findings. Group 1?" A female student asked.
"Oh, but you went alone." Another female student pointed out.
"Yeah. Since Konishi-kun isn't here." A male student added.
"It's understandable, after what happened."
Just then, the office door opened up as another male student walked in.
"Hey guys. Sorry I'm late." The student said flatly.
"Oh no, that's OK. You don't have to come, really. We know you've been helping out at your parent's liquor store. And we have a replacement, so don't worry about it." The female student stated.
"I still want to help…"
"Well, you can help Yui-kun clean up this room then."
The other students promptly left the room, leaving Yui and the male student by themselves.
"Hello." Yui greeted the boy.
"Hey. I'm Konishi. I'm a first year." The boy responded.
"I'm Narukami. Second year."
Yui suddenly had a strange feeling about this student.
"Have I seen you somewhere before?" Yui asked.
"Did you know Saki Konishi? I'm her brother." The boy explained.
"Her brother?"
A memory suddenly flashed in Yui's mind as she thought back to the day she arrived in Inaba.
"Hey, do you know where my snack went? I had it in the fridge, but it's gone…"
"Oh, I ate it just now. I thought it was leftovers."
"What?! No it wasn't! I was making sure to save it for later."
"Oh really? Sorry about that. Well, I have to go to work now. See you."
"Oh. Oh my god, he WAS her brother."
"You're friends with Hanamura, right?" Konishi asked.
"Uh, yes?"
"I hate him. And I hate you too."
"Wow. OK then. What did I ever do to you?"
"Can I go home now?"
"What are you talking about? You came all the way here. You might as well help out." Yui told Konishi, doing her best to hide her annoyance.
"I have to help out at home." Konishi replied, making up an excuse.
"It clearly wasn't important enough for you to stay home today, was it? Look kid, I was brought here against my will. I could be doing a million other things right now. You can go back home after you help me clean." Yui retorted, showing more of her frustration.
Konishi turns away rudely.
"OK, fine. I'll do the shelves. Can you hand me a rag?" Konishi coldly asks.
Yui tosses a rag to Konishi and starts cleaning the tables. Despite their friction, they were able to make short work of the room, allowing them to go home in a timely manner.
Yui walks out of the school feeling gloomy, but her mood immediately brightens up when she sees Chie waiting at the entrance for her.
"Chie, you waited out here for me this whole time?" Yui asked.
"Sure. I was hoping I could cheer you up after the bullshit you had to put up with." Chie replied.
"Thank you. There's no one else I'd rather see right now."
Yui and Chie held hands and walked home together, parting halfway and saying goodbye.
6/8
Yui was sitting at her desk after class, listening to the rain patter against the windows, when Yosuke came up to her.
"Hey uh, Yui?" Yosuke awkwardly asked.
"Yes, Yosuke? What is it?" Yui asked.
"Uh, this is gonna sound weird, but there's not really anyone else I can ask. When they sit in the back of you, it's like spooning." Yosuke muttered.
"Yosuke, what the hell are you talking about?"
"Agh, never mind! This was a stupid idea."
"No, come on. Try again."
"OK, let me start over. You know how when a girl sits behind you on a motorcycle, they press up against your back?"
"Ohhhh. I get it now. You're a creepy, desperate pervert!" Yui said with a glare.
"You don't gotta call me out like that! Look, motorcycles are like the hot new thing right now. Girls like guys that get outdoors, right? That's kind of why I'm asking you."
"You're asking the wrong person. Do I look like I get out much?"
"Well anyway, I'm getting my motorcycle license. You interested?" Yosuke asked as he held up an instruction manual.
"Motorcycle license, huh? Well…"
"I can only afford a scooter, not a motorcycle. But it'll still let us get around. It could even be useful for the investigation."
"You're serious about this, aren't you?"
Just then, Kanji walked into the classroom, intending to pay a visit.
"Hey Senpai. About that camping trip…" Kanji began to say.
"Oh hey Kanji. We were just talking about motorcycles. Or rather, getting motorcycle licenses." Yosuke told Kanji.
"Licenses, huh? Well, it's no use to me. I'm still 15." Kanji shook his head.
"Wait, you fought that biker gang, right? How did you chase after them without a motorcycle?" Yosuke asked.
"Eh, I just used my bike." Kanji casually replied.
"Well whatever, I can't let you in on my plan."
"Plan?"
"He's trying to win over girls with a motorcycle…or at least a scooter." Yui explained.
"Yui!" Yosuke shouted.
"Scooter? Hey, if you're trying to get with a girl, you have to go for a motorcycle. Two-seating on a scooter is illegal." Kanji pointed out.
"Look, this'll work! The reason we don't have girlfriends is because we're stuck in this small town!" Yosuke retorted.
"The irony of that statement is astounding. But they don't know that…" Yui thought to herself, both amused by and pitying the fact that out of the three of them, she was the only one to have a girlfriend.
"Alright, look. I'll think about it." Yui told the boys.
"Huh?!" Yosuke said.
"I'll think about getting my license. For myself. I'm not interested in your asinine plan, but I also want to keep an eye on you so you don't do anything stupid."
"Huh. What's with the change of heart all of a sudden? Oh well. If you say so."
"Count me in on it!" Kanji added.
"No way!" Yosuke argued.
Yui shook her head and went home, hoping Yosuke had enough sense in him to stay out of trouble.
When Yui got home, Dojima was seated on the floor at the dinner table with Adachi.
"Ah, you're home." Dojima said.
"Hi there. You want some eel? Fair warning though: It's supermarket eel." Adachi said with a mouthful of food.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Dojima said sarcastically.
"Uh, I mean, it's delicious! And such a good price, too!" Adachi corrected himself.
"I invited him over because I was getting sick of hearing him slurp instant noodles." Dojima explained.
"Aw come on! You can just say you wanted to eat with a coworker!" Adachi said with a polite smile.
"Dojima?" Yui spoke up.
"What is it?"
"I want to start riding a scooter."
"A scooter? I don't know…" Dojima said hesitantly.
"Hey, I think that's a great idea! I'm from the city myself, and having to wait for trains or walk everywhere is such a hassle." Adachi spoke up.
"It can be. I just want a way to travel further, to explore." Yui stated.
"That reminds me, Dojima-san, you once told me about the reckless things you did on your motorcycle when you were young…"
"Shut up about that!" Dojima told Adachi.
Dojima's phone suddenly rang, which he promptly answered.
"Hello? It's me. Alright, we'll be there soon." Dojima said over the phone.
Dojima hung up and muttered something about skipping the booze.
"Adachi, you were in charge of the file, right?" Dojima asked Adachi.
"File? Oh, did that suspicious guy show up again?"
"Would you be quiet about that? Go get in the car!"
"But I haven't finished my eel soup…"
Dojima gave a killer glare to Adachi, which was enough to get him to practically sprint to the car.
"Hey, about this license. No one talked you into it?" Dojima asked Yui.
"No. I want it for myself." Yui answered.
"Two wheeled vehicles can be dangerous. Understand?"
"Of course."
"Go get a license first. Then we can talk about getting you a scooter."
"Alright."
"Take care of the house for me, alright?"
Dojima quickly left the house. It was at this moment that Yui got a call from Yosuke.
"Hey, did you talk with your uncle about getting a motorcycle?" Yosuke asked anxiously.
"Well he said I should get my license first, then he'll get me a scooter." Yui told Yosuke.
"That's great! Let's get our licenses right away!"
"Seriously? Fine then."
"Study hard tonight!"
"Whatever…"
Yui hung up and went to her room, choosing to read through the manual that Yosuke gave her.
6/9
Yosuke took Yui to go get their scooter licenses immediately after class was over. Yui didn't need to study that much and passed with flying colors. Yosuke passed just as well, though he had spent almost the entirety of last night studying for it. Nevertheless, Yosuke was thrilled to have gotten his license.
"Ha ha! We passed on the first try!" Yosuke exclaimed.
"Great job, Yosuke. If only you'd study like this for normal school lessons." Yui joked.
"Yeah, it was actually pretty easy. I may have overstudied."
Yui spotted Dojima standing around at the Moel gas station and went up to him along with Yosuke.
"Hello! Are you on duty?" Yosuke asked Dojima.
"We just stopped to get gas." Dojima explained.
"We wanted to let you know that we got our licenses." Yui told Dojima.
"Already?!" Dojima exclaimed.
Yui held out her license as proof, flashing a brief smile.
"He kind of dragged me along to get it, but hey, I have it now." Yui joked.
"I really wasn't expecting you to get it so soon…but I guess I can't say no now." Dojima muttered.
"Yes! I'm gonna go home and browse through the catalog! See you!" Yosuke said as he headed home.
"Mind if you stay around for a sec?" Dojima asked Yui.
"Sure." Yui said with a nod.
"Adachi!" Dojima called out.
"I just finished filling up!" Adachi called back.
Dojima had Adachi bring out an old scooter and show it to Yui.
"It may be old, but it runs well. I came to put gas in it, but I wasn't expecting to hand it over today." Dojima told Yui.
"Wait, you mean…" Yui began to say.
"I'm letting you have it." Dojima said with a smile.
"Wow! You mean it? This is a really nice bike!" Yui commented.
"So you noticed? Local shops don't carry twist grips, so I had a repair guy at work help me with it. Keep it secret, OK?" Dojima said with a sly grin.
"My lips are sealed." Yui responds.
"Ha ha. I always knew you were a cool dad inside!" Adachi chuckled.
"Shut up, Adachi!" Dojima shouted.
Adachi quickly went back to the police car in fear.
"Anyway. I was about your age when I got my license. I took the test behind my parents' back. When my dad caught me riding a scooter, he gave me a good thrashing. *chuckle* Don't tell Nanako, OK?" Dojima told Yui.
"Imagine if she knew…" Yui replied.
"I won't bug you about traffic laws. Just ride safely and I'll look the other way if you decide to ride out of town. Can you promise me that?"
"I promise. Thank you so much, Dojima!"
With that, Yui took the opportunity to ride the scooter home, filled with a new sense of excitement and adventure.
Yui paid a visit to the school to greet friends and take care of some extra work. At some point, she overheard a female student talking about Kanji.
"I can't believe they let that Tatsumi kid in here." The student bemoaned.
"What about him?" Yui asked.
"I heard he started his own gang and goes around bullying people. How did I end up in the same class as him?" The student explained.
"That doesn't sound like Kanji, but at the same time it almost does…"
"Do you know where he might be?" Yui asked the student.
"He's probably hanging out in the Practice Building."
"I see. Thanks."
Yui immediately went to the Practice Building, the section of the school where extracurricular activities were held. It didn't take long for her to find Kanji, standing around doing next to nothing.
"Kanji-kun." Yui said to Kanji.
"Whoa! Hey senpai! What's up?" Kanji greeted cheerfully.
"Kanji, I have something important to ask you." Yui stated plainly.
"Is that so? Well then, let's go somewhere private." Kanji said with a frown, his mood changing once he realized what Yui meant.
Yui decided to bring him to the Samegawa Flood Plain to talk, to which Kanji had no objections.
"Why'd you bring me out here? Are you telling me off?" Kanji asked.
"Kanji. You're a good kid. Seeing everything for myself, I know it to be true. But I need you to clear something up for me." Yui explained calmly.
"OK then. What is it?"
"There's a rumor going around about you starting a gang of bullies. This isn't true, is it?"
"Eh?! Bullies? Senpai, do you suspect me?" Kanji said in shock.
"No. I want to believe you. I want to believe you wouldn't do such things. But to be honest, with the way you sometimes handle problems, it's not 100% out of the question…" Yui stated firmly.
"Senpai...I didn't do it. You gotta believe me." Kanji responded confidently.
"I do." Yui said with a nod.
"I know it isn't easy to trust me. It's kind of my own fault rumors go around like that…at the rate I'm going, I might start causing trouble for you guys." Kanji admitted.
"Don't worry about that. You're not a burden to us. Don't ever think that for a moment." Yui insisted.
"Senpai, you're something else, you know that?" Kanji said with a smile.
"I'm known among my friends as being pretty understanding. If you ever need to talk about your problems, you know where to find me."
"Hmm. You know, I could beat up that gang of bullies for you!" Kanji said enthusiastically.
"Kanji, we're trying to avoid violence! That's what's causing people to start rumors in the first place...aside from just general prejudice, I mean." Yui pointed out.
"Oh yeah. You're right."
"Anyway, I have to get home. Take care of yourself, Kanji."
"You too, Senpai!"
6/10
After class, Yui and Chie took a train ride to Okina. They had been talking over the phone for a few days now about when and where they were going to have their first date, and this was the result of their conversation. As Yui and Chie sat next to each other on the train, they talked in detail about various topics like fashion, movies, and manga, each getting to know the other's likes and preferences. They held hands as often as they could, but made sure to only do it when they were certain no one else on the train was looking. When they finally arrived in Okina, Chie practically sprinted out of the train, waiting for Yui to catch up.
"Well, we're here!" Chie said excitedly.
"So, where to stop first?" Yui asked.
"If you want, we could go clothes shopping at Croco Fur."
"Croco Fur? I did see that store when I was here with Yosuke, but I never actually went in. Do they have good stuff?"
"Let's go find out!"
Chie led Yui into Croco Fur, a clothing store that sold all sorts of outfits, from the typical shirts, pants, and dresses, to fancier expensive clothes like suits and gowns, to novelty items such as silly hats. The pink walls of the store were a bit off-putting to Yui at first, but she quickly grew accustomed to it as she admired the wide selection on display.
"Wow! There's so many clothes here!" Yui commented.
"Hello! Welcome to Croco Fur! I'm Reiko Osa, fashionista extraordinaire! How may I help you two today?" The shopkeeper greeted the two.
"Hello! We're just browsing for now." Chie replied.
"If I may make a suggestion, this dress just came in a couple days ago. It's the perfect outfit for any sweetheart couple!" Reiko said as she showed Yui and Chie a white and pink outfit.
Yui and Chie were taken aback by the shopkeeper's comment.
"Oh, you've got it all wrong. We're...we're not a couple…" Chie lied, despite her face turning pink.
"Ah, there's no hiding that sort of thing from me! Fashionistas have a keen eye for this! Don't worry though, our creed has always been about discretion. Your secret is safe with me!"
"We'll come back to you if we find anything." Yui politely said as she went around the store.
Yui's first instinct was to examine the skirts. Unsurprisingly, there was an abundance of pleated skirts, a popular style of skirt in Japan, though they came in many colors and lengths. There was a black, mid-length skirt with a pattern on it like splattered paint, evocative of an urban artist. Clearly experimental, but unique and memorable. Yet another skirt was a hot shade of pink, but it was so short that nobody in their right mind would wear it beyond it being a novelty, and certainly not in public.
"Yui, look at this!" Chie called Yui.
Yui went over to Chie and saw the clothing set Chie was pointing out.
"I think this would look great on you!" Chie stated.
"You're joking, right? There is no way I'm wearing that!" Yui objected.
"Why not? You're from the city, aren't you?"
"Are you implying people from the city all dress like that?"
"Come on! Just try it! You just might like it!"
"I seriously doubt that." Yui muttered as she took the outfit to the dressing room.
After a couple minutes of changing, Yui reluctantly stepped out of the dressing room to show Chie the outfit. It was a dark purple hoodie with the logo of a scarred, edgy cat mascot on the front, paired with a black skirt that was made to look ripped up. The skirt was rather short for Yui's liking, and the red, torn stockings that came with the outfit weren't helping.
"It looks great on you, Yui! You look just like a street artist." Chie commented.
"Oh, is that how you think of me? I look like a vandal!" Yui complained.
"Imagine beating up Shadows in that! That would be awesome!"
"OK, you know what? I'm going to go find something for you to try on. See how you like it!" Yui said as she stormed out of the dressing room.
After only a few minutes, Yui came back with an outfit for Chie. The moment she saw what it was, Chie broke into a sweat.
"No! NO! You can't be serious right now!" Chie shrieked.
"You know how to bring a tomboy down a notch? Remind her of the oppressive expectations of femininity!" Yui said, putting on a grim tone.
"OK Yui! I see your point! That means I don't have to try it on, right?" Chie said as she laughed nervously.
The scowl and slanted frown on Yui's face told Chie everything that needed to be said. With a look of defeat, Chie took the outfit and started changing into it. She exited the changing room slowly, her face a bright red. The outfit she wore was of an orange maid outfit, identical to the ones worn in maid cafes, complete with a headband and apron. Yui looked on in amazement at how good it looked on her, to the point she had to stop herself from staring.
"Chie, I know I only had you try that on as a joke, but...you actually look amazing in that!" Yui stated.
"No I don't! This is embarrassing!" Chie said in denial.
"Now you know how I feel wearing THIS!" Yui responded, pulling at her hoodie.
"But Yui...you...you really do look great in it. I think you look awesome!" Chie told Yui, a sincerity ringing in her voice.
Yui looked at herself in the mirror again. While she didn't exactly feel the same way Chie did, the look did start to grow on her. She couldn't help but crack a smile.
"Maybe if my life went a bit differently, this WOULD be my main style…"
"You really think so, huh?" Yui asked.
"Yes." Chie said with a smile.
"Well, thanks Chie. As for you, I meant what I said. You look great!"
"If you say so...but I really don't think it suits me." Chie said as she fiddled with the dress.
"To be fair, it doesn't. And I'd never force you to wear something you don't like."
"I wouldn't do that to you either. It's OK if you don't want to wear that."
"Actually, I don't mind the urban style. It's just that this particular outfit is...a bit much. Let's look for something else that we'll like better."
"Sure."
Yui and Chie went off to look for more suitable clothes. After some time, Chie found a set that consisted of an orange long-sleeve shirt with a picture of a martial artist printed on it, a ruffled skirt, and a pair of white thigh highs.
"OK, you need to wear thigh highs more often, because you look too cute in them!" Yui commented.
"*giggle* Maybe I should. They're not sporty though, but I guess that's not the point." Chie replied.
"Well, time to try on mine."
Yui got changed and proudly stepped out of the dressing room. This time, she wore a light purple short sleeve shirt, cyan and grey arm warmers, a pink pleated skirt with a decorative belt worn at an angle, and glittery white stockings.
"Oh my god, Yui! You look beautiful!" Chie exclaimed, barely containing her joy.
"This is more like it! I'll take it!" Yui said as she placed her hands on her hips.
Yui and Chie changed back into their normal clothes and paid for their new outfits. After leaving Croco Fur, they spent the rest of the date looking around Okina. They browsed the bookstore, checked out the coffee shop and considered buying a drink from there before deciding it might not be the best idea to drink such potent coffee. Yui even showed Chie how to beat the crane game in front of the movie theater, which involved watching another person try and fail at it several times before making an attempt of their own. By doing this, they were easily able to earn two prizes from the crane game, a Jack Frost doll, and a Hariti figurine. Once it was time to go home, Yui and Chie hopped on the train to go back. They ended up leaning on each other and falling asleep, but thankfully woke up before their stop.
It was nighttime in Inaba by the time Yui and Chie got back. Chie followed Yui home to make sure she got home alright.
"Thanks for going out with me, Chie. Today was really fun." Yui told Chie.
"Thank you too, Yui! Let's do this again soon!" Chie said with a warm smile.
"Make sure you get home safe, OK?"
"I will."
Just before they went separate ways, Yui held Chie's hands and planted a kiss on her cheek. Chie squirmed in embarrassment, but her blush and smile spoke volumes. After one more quick hug, Yui let Chie go home, waving goodbye and goodnight to her. As Yui entered the house, she did her best to hide her happiness, as she didn't want to have to explain to Nanako or Dojima what she had been up to. Not yet, anyway.
6/11
Yui visited the Velvet Room after school, and was pleased to see Marie present this time. Marie asked Yui to take her to the "big city", and Yui knew the only place to take her.
"You want to go to a big city? The closest thing would be Okina City." Yui told Marie.
"This is fine. Please take me there." Marie replied.
Yui and Marie sat quietly together on the train to Okina, choosing to sit in the back. Yui watched as Marie looked out the window, even when there was nothing to look at for her. Though she didn't outwardly show it, Marie displayed an aura of curiosity and wonder not present in most humans. The situation made Yui wonder if perhaps Marie had been on the same train to Inaba she was riding, and they hadn't noticed until they were both off the train.
"So, I know it's been a while. Sorry about that. How have you been?" Yui asked Marie.
"Fine." Marie said simply.
"Still writing your poems?"
"They're not poems! I already told you!"
"You shouldn't be ashamed of them. It's a good way to express your feelings to yourself, in a way that makes sense."
"My poems don't make sense though."
"Most poems don't. And all the best ones are left to interpretation."
"...could you look at this for me?"
Marie held out a slip of paper that looked just like the one Yui had picked up in the Velvet Room. Yui hesitated initially, but after seeing that Marie wasn't resisting, she took the paper and read its contents.
"Fly!"
Where am I going, you ask?
Don't ask stupid questions.
I don't need a map.
I throw away my compass.
My heart will show me the way.
I walk by myself.
Am I not lonely, you ask? Yeah, right!
I scorn the company of my own shadow.
Freedom! That is the rule!
Why don't you try and hold me down?
I will die magnificently in front of you.
No one can break my wings!
After she was done, Yui promptly handed the paper back to Marie. For some reason, Marie wasn't making eye contact anymore.
"That was even better than last time, Marie-chan!" Yui commended.
"It was?"
"The message was quite clear and simple, but it's one that resonates with many people. We all want to be free, no matter what."
"See? You understand."
"I do."
"Well, thank you. I will...keep trying."
Marie pockets the poem in her bag and shifts in her seat.
"How have you been? You get to explore the world and have all the fun without me." Marie asks Yui.
"Things have been alright, I suppose. My friends mean a lot to me right now. You included, by the way."
"I see."
"Do you remember Chie?"
"The green girl?"
"*chuckle* Yes, that's the one."
"What about her?"
Yui thinks back on the previous day and how much fun she had with Chie, sighing happily as she reminisced.
"She's my girlfriend now!" Yui said proudly.
"Huh? Wasn't she already your friend before?" Marie asked.
"Oh, 'girlfriend' is just a female friend you like more than normal."
"Margaret told me girls typically have something called boyfriends."
"Well, that's only if you like boys."
"Do you not like boys then?"
"I don't hate them or anything, I just don't like them like that. Do you like boys, Marie-chan?"
"I don't know."
"Do you like girls, then?"
"I don't know. I never really thought about it before."
"There's always time to figure it out. To learn who you are."
"Learn who I am? Yeah…"
Marie fell silent again, as if pondering something. After about a minute, she spoke up.
"Are we there yet?"
"Not for while."
"That's lame…"
"You can still talk to me. I'm sure you want to know more from me."
"OK...when you're someone's girlfriend, what does that mean?"
"The way I understand it, it's like this…"
Yui chats with Marie the rest of the way to Okina, passing the time quicker than they realize.
After Yui and Marie arrive in Okina, they stand in front of the train station, taking in the sights.
"Hmmm...so this is the city?" Marie asked.
"It was the closest city I could bring you to. The city I came from is even bigger, but it would take us too long to go there." Yui explained.
"It's a funny place. It's wide, and yet it's narrow. It's grey and full of squares."
"That's just how cities are."
"What exactly do you do in the city?"
"That's a good question. At least where I lived, it felt like everything was happening at once, and yet nothing was happening. People are either incredibly busy, or they're not." Yui attempted to explain.
"I don't understand."
"It's kind of hard to explain…"
As Yui was talking to Marie, she spotted Chie and Yukiko in the peripheral of her vision. It seemed they had coincidentally decided to visit Okina City on their own.
"Chie! Yukiko!" Yui called out.
Chie and Yukiko immediately turned to see Yui and Marie, surprised to see them.
"Yui!" Chie said happily.
Chie ran up to Yui and gave her a big hug, which Yui returned without hesitation.
"Hello Yui!" Yukiko greeted.
"Funny seeing you two here. What are you two doing?" Yui asked.
"I wanted to bring Yukiko to Okina. After we came here yesterday, I just had to come here again with Yukiko!" Chie stated.
"Who is this? Is she your friend?" Yukiko asked, referring to Marie.
"Oh, that's right. You haven't met her yet. This is Marie-chan. Me and Yui had lunch with her one time." Chie explained.
"Marie, this is Yukiko Amagi. She's another friend." Yui introduced Marie.
"She must not be from around here, huh?" Yukiko assumed.
"Is that why you're in Okina City? I know there's not much to do back home." Chie asked Marie.
"She asked me to bring her to a city, and what better place than Okina?" Yui stated.
"First a green girl, and now a red one…" Marie muttered.
"Green and red?!" Yukiko said in exasperation.
"I guess I was wearing green last time I saw you…" Chie mumbled.
"Green is a good color for you, Chie. And let no one discourage you from wearing red, Yukiko." Yui said with a smile.
"I didn't mean it in a bad way. You both look good in those colors." Marie corrected herself.
"Oh! Thank you!" Yukiko said cheerfully.
"But do you always wear red and green?" Marie asked.
"She has a point…" Yukiko muttered.
"OK, how about this? Let's go clothes shopping at Croco Fur! Pick out a new style for ourselves." Yui suggested.
"Hey, I was thinking the same thing! Good idea, Yui!" Chie concurred.
"Then shall we get going?" Yukiko said.
"Huh? Sure...I don't mind." Marie awkwardly replied.
Yui took Chie's hand and walked with her friends into Croco Fur.
Yui, Chie, Yukiko and Marie all browsed the clothing store, showing each other outfits that interested them.
"Yui! What do you think of this shirt? Do you think it's a good color?" Chie asked Yui.
"I think it's a wonderful shade...of green." Yui commented.
"Oh right. Why do I keep buying myself green clothes?"
"Nothing wrong with that, of course. But just the other day, we bought you a cute orange shirt. I figured you might wear it, but I guess you didn't want to wear it to class."
"You're right. I need to branch out."
Chie went up to Yui and spoke in a whisper.
"It's not that I didn't want to wear it." Chie told Yui.
"What do you mean?" Yui asked.
"If I wore such an unusual color, people would ask where I got it, and I didn't want to have to explain it."
"Don't want people to know we're dating?"
Chie nods.
"You can always wear it in private. Or around me."
"Hey, Marie-chan! What's your favorite color? Don't tell me...it's blue, isn't it?" Chie asked Marie.
"Er, I don't really have one." Marie replied.
"Does that mean you like all colors, or none of them?" Yui asked rhetorically.
Marie fidgets nervously.
"What do you think of this skirt? Is it too mature for me?" Yukiko asks Yui.
"I don't think the problem is it being too mature. I think it suits you. But...that's a red skirt. I hope you have a top that isn't red." Yui replied.
"It's very eye-catching. Eye-catchingly red." Marie adds.
"I see. So wearing a single color isn't in? I like to keep things simple."
"I'm not sure I'm the best person to ask when it comes to fashion. You've both seen my summer outfits, and I can be known to wear too many colors." Yui stated.
"They all look good on you. When I see all those colors, I think to myself: that's how an artist dresses!" Chie said with a smile.
"Well, I think you're obligated to say that as my girlfriend."
"Doesn't make it any less true! Hey, how about these?"
Chie holds up a yellow shirt and a blue skirt.
"Fascinating choices. Though I'm not a fan of the saturation on that shirt. Even I couldn't pull that off." Yui stated.
"At least it's not green." Marie comments.
"But, yellow and blue make green, don't they?" Yukiko points out.
"Hm, maybe it's some sort of instinct?" Chie mutters.
"Well, if you don't want that skirt, I'd be more than happy to own it!" Yui says.
"Sure! I think you'll wear it better than me."
The group finishes their shopping at Croco Fur and talk about where to go next.
"We should go there again sometime!" Chie said happily.
"It's too bad we didn't get anything for Marie. She didn't really show interest in anything." Yui commented.
"I'm fine with what I have already." Marie stated.
"That's cool. We just wanted you to have something nice as our friend." Chie told Marie.
"Friend? What does it mean, to become friends?" Marie asks curiously.
"Huh? The meaning of friendship? Well...I don't really know." Chie wonders aloud.
"It's hard to describe, but...it's just a sensation that you know when you have it. When someone is your friend and you want to be their friend too, it's instinct. Friendship is innate." Yui explains.
"Indeed. There is meaning in friendship. There are things you can't do alone that you can do with others. Like helping pick out clothes." Yukiko added.
"I don't get it." Marie says, shaking her head.
"It's fine. Most people don't." Yui states.
"Oh! I almost forgot! There's a DVD I wanted to get! Let's hurry before it sells out!" Chie exclaims.
"Chie, it's a kung fu movie. I don't think it'll sell out." Yukiko tells Chie.
"I'm not taking that chance! Come on!"
Chie begins to run off, but then stops herself and turns around. She suddenly runs up to Yui and gives her a hug.
"Nice seeing you again today! Are you coming with us?" Chie asks Yui.
"We'll be right with you." Yui replies, gently playing with Chie's hair.
Chie and Yukiko go off to get the DVD, leaving Yui and Marie alone.
"Hey, those two are Persona users, right? Chasing after the truth, just like you, huh?" Marie asks.
"That's right." Yui replies.
"You can't do it on your own, but you can do it together? Because you're friends?"
"For at least one of them, it's more than that." Yui says knowingly.
Marie ponders it all as she walks with Yui to follow Chie and Yukiko. After spending the day with everyone, Yui brings Marie back to the Velvet Room, promising to visit her again soon.
6/12
Yui got a call from Yukiko asking if she wanted to hang out. Realizing that having Yukiko go out of her way to ask to hang out was a rare occasion, Yui did not hesitate.
"Thanks. I'll see you in a bit." Yukiko said.
Yui and Yukiko met up at Junes, planning to help Yukiko gather ingredients, presumably to practice cooking.
"I made a list of everything, so this shouldn't take long." Yukiko told Yui.
"Have you gotten any better at cooking?" Yui asked.
"I certainly hope so." Yukiko said with a blush.
"What's causing you trouble?" Yui inquired.
"I'm studying the basics of the basics. But even though I'm following the directions, it's not turning out how it's written." Yukiko explained.
"Just keep on practicing. And it doesn't hurt to ask for special assistance either."
"I think there's no point if I don't do it alone. The cooks help me out all the time. At first they give me advice, but eventually they just take the knife away from me. I keep telling them to leave me alone, but they still stay around and watch me. Are they that worried about my cooking?"
"They seem to care about you. They clearly want you to succeed. They just don't want you hurting yourself or setting the inn on fire."
"They care about me? I...never thought of it that way."
"People sometimes have roundabout ways of showing that they care. It's just human nature, I guess."
"The head chef was so frustrated watching me cook, and then the waitress argued to let me make it myself. Then my parents got involved and it exploded from there. Suddenly, I was 'learning how to cook for a boy I liked'." Yukiko says with a giggle.
"'For a boy you liked'? Where'd they get that idea? Wait...are you actually?"
"Oh no, no! I'm not seeing anyone! Boy or girl." Yukiko quickly replied.
"Oh. Um...does anyone at the inn know?"
"Know what?"
"That you're, you know...bi?"
Yukiko suddenly falls silent and her gaze falls to the floor, causing Yui to instantly regret asking.
"No...I don't believe they do…" Yukiko eventually replies.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I shouldn't have asked…"
"Don't be sorry. I know you're concerned about me as a friend, I understand."
"To be fair, my family doesn't know I'm a lesbian either. It's not like I'm ashamed of it or anything, but I know the stigma exists. I just don't know if I'm ready to tell them…"
"You don't have to tell them if you don't want to. It's really none of their business." Yukiko states firmly.
"When you put it like that, you make it sound like they don't deserve to know."
"It doesn't help my family for them to know I like both boys and girls. I can just pretend to only like boys and they'll never know the difference."
"But isn't that a bad thing? To suppress your true self? That's what brought about your Shadow in the first place."
"My Shadow?" Yukiko exclaims.
"We have Personas now, but that doesn't magically make our Shadows go away. They still exist in some form. Whatever aspect of ourselves we're most ashamed of, that we hide the most, that just becomes the new Shadow…" Yui muses.
"Oh no...you really think so?"
Yui and Yukiko fall into an extremely awkward silence. Yui breaks the silence by profusely apologizing.
"I'm so sorry, Yukiko. We didn't come here to talk about all this personal stuff. We just wanted to buy food."
"It's OK. I think it was good that you brought it up. It gave me a lot to think about."
"You're not upset?"
"Not at all. You're very perceptive and sensitive, Yui. That's a good thing."
"Thank you so much, Yukiko. You're pretty good, yourself."
"Thank you. Well, anyway. Shopping! Let's go find chicken stock!"
"I know where that is. This way!"
Yui helps Yukiko gather all the ingredients she needs before saying goodbye.
6/13
Yukiko was the one to approach Yui this time around, asking her if she wanted to come with her to Tatsuhime Shrine. Yui naturally agreed, and they found themselves sitting down and relaxing after Yukiko said her prayers.
"I like to come here every so often. It's nice and quiet." Yukiko tells Yui.
"It is. I'm glad you invited me." Yui replied.
Yukiko looks at her feet, thinking deeply about her inner conflicts.
"When I leave this town, I won't be able to come back, will I?" Yukiko says.
"You're not coming back? What makes you say that?" Yui asked, a bit surprised.
"I mean...I couldn't face my parents again…"
"And what about your friends and classmates? We'd miss you dearly."
Yukiko sighs, and she notices a woman wearing a kimono approaching the shrine.
"Oh! Kasai-san!" Yukiko calls out.
"Oh, hello Yuki-chan!" The woman replies.
"What are you doing here?" Yukiko asks.
"I just got back from the liquor store…" The woman answers, sounding a bit melancholy.
"Oh, I see. I won't tell."
"I'm kidding! I'm not bitter or anything. Is this your friend?"
"Konichiwa. My name's Yui. I'm an artist and Yukiko's classmate." Yui said politely as she stood up and bowed.
"Yuki-chan has mentioned you before. She says you know how to cook!" The woman commented.
"It's nothing special. She sometimes comes to me for advice though."
"That's good to hear. Soon enough, Yuki-chan's cooking will be enough to attract a cute boy!"
"I-I doubt that…" Yukiko muttered.
"Well, see you back at the inn!" The woman said as she walked away.
"That was one of the waitresses. They all think I'm trying to impress a boy…" Yukiko told Yui.
"I mean, it doesn't necessarily have to be a boy." Yui pointed out.
"I suppose I'll let them keep thinking that. Things are difficult enough as it is."
Yui wonders about something, but comes to the quick realization that asking Yukiko about it was extremely risky. Even so, her curiosity was burning and irresistible.
"Yukiko, there's something that's been bothering me for a while. But I don't know if I should ask you." Yui stated.
"We're friends, Yui. I'm willing to listen to anything you have to say. So what is it?" Yukiko said with a smile.
"*sigh* It's...it's about something your Shadow said before..."
"Oh...that felt like such a long time ago…"
"I never asked you about it because...well, it's extremely personal. But for the longest time, it left me wondering, and in my emotional turmoil, it crossed my mind again. I remember your Shadow saying to me, 'You're a very beautiful prince. Or do you prefer to be called a princess?'."
Yukiko looked away in embarrassment, but Yui decided to press forward, carefully considering her words.
"Those were the same words your Shadow used to describe Chie. Does that mean…"
"Do you really want to know?" Yukiko spoke up.
"...you don't have to tell me if you're not comfortable."
"You're my friend. I trust you. The truth is...I had a bit of a crush on you…" Yukiko admitted, her face growing pink.
"Ohhhh. But then, does that mean…"
"Yes, for some time, I had a crush on Chie as well."
"I guess it makes sense. You two were friends long before I even got here. But then...how come you never asked her out? Besides your troubles working at the inn, I mean."
Yukiko breathed a sigh, trying to come up with the right words to say.
"I suppose I simply got over it. I still like Chie, of course, but like you, I was afraid to break that friendship we had. That's why my Shadow called her my 'prince'. Because I felt like she was the only person who could help me out of my situation. It was such a toxic view of our friendship, and I'm still ashamed I ever felt that way about her. Things are different now, of course. But don't know if we'd have ever made a good couple with the way our relationship was before."
"Well, you said it yourself. You both got better. You overcame your toxic relationship. It doesn't change what happened, naturally, but you can both move forward. And if you ask me, knowing what I know now, I think you two would have made a great couple!"
"Hm...but I still think you and Chie make a better pair. I'm very happy for you two."
"We've only been dating for about a week. Neither of us really know if we can keep it up."
"But you both seem happy. As long as that's the case, I think you'll be fine."
"I've always preferred to live in the present, and not think too much about the future. But I can't help but wonder where things will go with me and Chie. You and Marie are pretty much the only people who know."
"Oh, that's right. I don't think Yosuke knows yet. Are you going to tell him?"
"I have to at some point. But I don't know…"
"Only if you want to. But you can trust him, I think…"
"Yukiko?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you so much for having this conversation. Being able to talk about such personal stuff means a lot to me."
"I don't mind at all. As long as I'm able to help."
"So...is your cooking getting better?"
"Not really. There was that one time where it turned out halfway decent. Everyone was congratulating me on how good it was."
"That's great! Any progress is something worth celebrating."
"Between my family and my friends, I'm pretty lucky all things considered. But now I'm trying to leave them all behind. Am I betraying them?"
"Don't feel that way. It's good that you want to spread your wings. If you do leave, we'll keep in touch. Me, Chie, even Yosuke. We'd have to call you for him though."
"That's nice. I'm happy for that."
"Well, I need to get going home."
"Yes, I need to get back to the inn."
"See you, Yukiko!"
"See you, Yui!"
6/15
Yui was walking to school when Yosuke ran up to her and greeted her.
"Yo! Partner!" Yosuke called out.
"Morning, Yosuke." Yui replied.
"Guess what? I finally got a motorcycle!" Yosuke cheerfully stated.
"Motorcycle, or scooter?"
"Not a scooter! A real motorcycle! Why don't we take them out for a spin after school? We can ride all the way to Okina!"
"Oh yeah, the whole 'win over girls' thing. I'm coming along, but only to keep you out of trouble."
"Aw come on, you worry too much! This'll be great! I want to make sure I have a girlfriend to spend the summer with this year. And don't you want a boyfriend yourself?"
"I didn't want to tell you this because I didn't want to hurt your feelings. Or your ego. But I already have a...date." Yui told Yosuke, stopping herself before she revealed too much.
"Wait, seriously! You should have told me sooner!" Yosuke said in shock.
"Do I have to tell you everything about my life? It's not that I didn't want to tell you or anything, I just wanted to keep it to myself for now."
"OK, that's fair. You should introduce him to me! We could be friends!"
"Things is, Chie's already his friend. God, Yosuke's in for a nasty surprise."
Immediately after class had ended, Yosuke urged Yui to come to Okina with him. Yui quietly explained the situation to Chie, who simply rolled her eyes upon hearing it.
"I'm just going with him to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid." Yui told Chie.
"Trust me, there's not much you can do to stop that." Chie replied.
"I'll call you later. You look pretty wearing your jacket around your waist, by the way!"
"Thanks!" Chie said with a blush.
Yui bid Chie farewell before heading home to get her scooter.
Yosuke showed Yui the way to Okina City on their bikes, and they arrived without incident.
"See? That was easy!" Yosuke said triumphantly.
"Sure. 'Real motorcycle' my ass, though. That's just an orange scooter!" Yui stated.
"Come on, Yui! Can you just let me have this satisfaction?" Yosuke angrily replied.
"I'm kidding. You seem happy with it. Hope it was worth the investment." Yui said with a grin.
"Senpai!"
Yui and Yosuke turned to see Kanji riding in on his bicycle with a cheerful grin on his face.
"I still can't believe he followed us…" Yosuke muttered.
"I don't mind having him around."
Kanji stepped off the bicycle and looked around.
"Lots of people around here." Kanji noted.
"Yeah. If we hang around here, someone will come talk to us!" Yosuke stated.
"I'm not sure anyone here has a reason to come up to a bunch of high schoolers." Yui commented.
"You guys can start without me. There's a craft shop in Okina I wanted to visit." Kanji told the other two, seemingly a bit embarrassed to admit it.
"Why'd you come with us if you're just gonna go shop?" Yosuke asked.
"Look, it doesn't matter! I just wanted to buy stuff!" Kanji shouted.
"Never mind him, Kanji. Go buy your stuff." Yui told Kanji.
With a nod, Kanji went off, leaving Yui and Yosuke to their own devices.
"OK! Now we just wait!" Yosuke told Yui.
"Wait, you're really just going to wait around? Why not actually talk to the girls?"
"That's stupid! I'm just going to weird them out! It's better if they approach me, not the other way around."
"I guess it's true some guys appreciate it when a girl approaches them instead. But like I said, nobody has a reason to approach you."
"Just watch!" Yosuke said stubbornly.
"Fine, I'm just going to go check out a movie or something. You're free to meet me whenever."
Yui walked away and went into a movie theater called "30 Frame", eyeing an experimental art film that was currently being shown. She bought a ticket, as well as some fast food, and sat down to watch the movie. The film was called, "Crimson Beetle Soul", and it mostly consisted of a combination of live recording and animation, shot in various styles and angles to evoke raw emotions within the viewer. While it wasn't the strangest film Yui ever saw, it was up there. Watching the film inspired new ideas for future art pieces.
After the movie, Yui called Chie to tell her about it, adding that they should watch a movie together sometime. It was a brief conversation, and after the call, Yui went to go check up on Yosuke. She pulled out her phone to look at the time. It had been...three hours since they arrived.
"Oh geez, has he been out there that long?!" Yui thought aloud.
Yui went to the spot they parked their scooters, and sure enough, Yosuke was sitting there, looking rather dejected.
"Hi Senpai! Sorry to keep you waiting!" Kanji called out to Yui.
"Oh, not at all, Kanji! I just got done watching a movie."
Yui and Kanji both looked at Yosuke again.
"No luck?" Yui and Kanji said at the same time.
"I feel like someone's watching us from somewhere…" Yosuke muttered.
"What are you talking about?" Yui asked.
"Never mind…"
"Do you want to go home? Try again some other day?"
"Hold on! I'm sure if we hang around here a bit longer…" Yosuke began to say.
"Dude, the sun's about to set. Do you think maybe you didn't think this through?" Kanji stated.
"I kept telling him that. Considering I'm a girl, I wish he'd listen to my perspective."
"OK, give me ten minutes. I'll make something happen." Kanji told them.
"What are you gonna do? Hit on some girls?" Yosuke asked.
"Hell yeah! What else am I gonna do?"
"You sure that's a good idea? You're 15." Yui pointed out.
"I couldn't do it even with a motorbike! What makes you think you stand a better chance?"
Yui was beginning to get irritated at the boys' nonsense and spoke up again.
"You guys are pathetic. I bet I'd attract more girls in three minutes than you could in a week!" Yui taunted.
"Wait, what?!" Yosuke said, taken aback.
"Even instant ramen takes five minutes! But Senpai's right! We need to step up our game! I'll show you clowns how Kanji Tatsumi does it!" Kanji exclaimed as he flexed a muscle.
"You mean we have to approach girls?" Yosuke asked.
"You chicken?" Kanji taunted.
"No!" Yosuke retorted.
"Look guys, just go up to a girl and ask them to be your friend. Of course, you have to convince them. Simple as that. You can work from there." Yui told them.
"Guess we've got nothing to lose…" Yosuke muttered.
"That's the spirit, Senpai!" Kanji exclaimed.
"Hey, only girls count for this, right?" Yosuke asked.
"No, no, Yosuke. You take what you can get. Guy or girl. Anyone's fair game." Yui stated.
"But I don't swing that way!"
"Oh, that's too bad. I guess Kanji has an advantage there."
"Are you guys still on about that?! No way am I losing this!" Kanji shouted.
Kanji went off to try flirting, leaving Yosuke and Yui alone.
"What are you waiting for? Get to it!" Yui told Yosuke.
"Right, gotcha!" Yosuke said as he left to try his luck.
After the boys were gone, Yui called Chie again.
"Hello, Chie?"
"Hello! You called again quickly."
"I think they're on to me."
"Huh?"
"I haven't told them we're dating. They don't even know I like girls. But...I think they suspect something…"
"Do you want to tell them?"
"Eventually. But not today. I don't know if you're OK with telling them."
"Not really. At least not until we've been dating for a while longer."
"Any ideas for future dates?"
"Well…"
Yui and Chie discussed future plans for a while before deciding to talk later when Yui noticed Yosuke and Kanji coming back.
"I'll see you at home, OK?" Yui told Chie.
"Yeah. See you!" Chie said cheerfully.
Yui hung up and talked to Yosuke and Kanji.
"So how'd it go?" Yui asked.
"Not as well as I'd hoped…" Kanji admitted.
"Who were you talking to, Yui?" Yosuke asked.
"My date." Yui stated.
"That's right, you already have a boyfriend."
"I did get a number from some chick who told me to give her a call." Kanji told everyone.
"You did?! A girl hit on you?!" Yosuke exclaimed.
"She said something about it costing so much for an hour. What was she talking about?"
"Uh...that means she's a prostitute, Kanji." Yui explained.
"Are you kidding me, Kanji?! That doesn't count!" Yosuke shouted.
"Well, did you do any better, Yosuke?" Yui asked.
"*chuckle* I got you! I got a phone number right here!" Yosuke proudly stated as he got out his phone.
"Amazing!" Kanji exclaimed.
"Where'd you get it?" Yui asked.
"I got it from an older woman. She was super sexy too!"
"That seems suspicious…"
Yosuke dials the number he was given and answers the phone.
"Yosuke-kun?" A voice says on the other side.
"Hello, it's me! The guy who asked you out on a motorcycle ride!" Yosuke answers.
Yosuke suddenly stops himself as he realized something was off.
"Wait...you know my name? I don't remember telling you…" Yosuke began to say.
"Of course I know your name. We go to the same school." The voice explained.
"That can't be. We only just met...wait...that voice!"
"This is Hanako Ohtani! How'd you get my number?"
Yosuke quickly hung up and began to panic.
"I am in deep shit! I must have dialed the wrong number!" Yosuke said fearfully.
"Was that Hanako? The overweight girl?" Yui asked.
"Who's that?" Kanji asked.
"Forget it! It's better you didn't know!" Yosuke exclaimed.
"Oh, there you are…"
Yosuke spun around and saw Hanako standing there, a twisted smile spread across her face.
"Agh! Hanako-san! Why're you here?!" Yosuke shrieked.
"I was walking around here when you suddenly called me. So, you want to go on a date, hm? Is this your motorcycle?" Hanako said, eyeing Yosuke's scooter.
"Wait! Don't!" Yosuke warned Hanako.
"If you want to take a ride that badly, I'll go with you!" Hanako proclaimed.
Hanako jumped up onto the seat of the scooter with such force that it collapsed under her weight, its tires breaking off and rolling away.
"Nooooooooooo!" Yosuke shouted.
Yui and Kanji stood stunned as they saw the scooter get destroyed, while Yosuke knelt in despair.
"Hmph. This scooter's broken. You're going to have to make more of an effort if you want to take me out." Hanako rudely scoffed.
Hanako hopped off the remains of the scooter and walked away, as if nothing had happened.
"What the hell just happened?! That scooter's totaled now. That...that really sucks." Yui thought to herself, feeling incredibly sorry for Yosuke.
"Am I cursed? Did I piss off a gypsy or something?" Yosuke whimpered.
"Let's just go home, Yosuke." Yui told Yosuke.
"Ha...easy for you to say. I don't have a way to get home now…"
Yui quickly realized that Yosuke couldn't even buy a ticket to ride the train home, as the ticket booths were all closed now.
"Come on, Senpai! I'll get you home! Hop on my bike!" Kanji told Yosuke.
"No way! That's illegal!" Yosuke complained.
"Do you have any better ideas? Come on, Yosuke. There's always next time." Yui said.
Yosuke awkwardly got onto the back of Kanji's bike, feeling utterly defeated.
"I'm really sorry about your scooter, Yosuke. If you want, I could help you buy another one." Yui said, attempting to console Yosuke.
"It's alright. It's my loss, not yours…" Yosuke muttered.
"Hold on tight, Senpai!" Kanji told Yosuke as he rode back home.
Yui got on her scooter and followed Kanji home.
"Have faith, partner…" Yui said, even if Yosuke couldn't hear.
Author's Note (6-9-22): This one's been on the backburner for a while, but I think it's a good time to publish it, seeing as my birthday is tomorrow. Yui's interactions with the other characters in this chapter are my favorite so far.