Author's note:
...Well. This took a long time to write.
A lot of stuff was happening. I hope my updates are more regular moving forward as things appear to be settling down. Always hard to say unfortunatly.
I hope this chapter isn't complete garbage since it took so long to upload.
Later,
Edit (Oct 18, 2021): Yep, I'm an idiot. Fixed the Makoto issues. Thought I had caught them all... missed eight...
Chapter 23: The Afterparty(math) part 1
Saturday June 25th, 20XX Morning
"Hah, hah…" Heavy breaths came from Kasumi's mouth in regular intervals. Her feet pounding along in time on the empty pavement.
Every other second, Kasumi's eyes drifted to the right where until recently another person would have accompanied her on the run. It happened less nowadays but was still irksome.
Even more irritating for Kasumi was that she struggled to keep up with the times she had posted before. While she had no interest in being a runner, running was excellent for many things. One of those things was pushing your limits.
Kasumi had thus far been unable to break any of hers without Sumire at her side. The sight of that beautiful red-headed sister of hers always enabled Kasumi to find another gear. A gear she constantly lacked nowadays.
Kasumi was almost relieved as her phone buzzed violently. Slowing down to a walk, she pulled it from the band on her arm and stared at the screen.
"Akechi…?" Muttering the name that appeared, Kasumi answered without thinking about it.
"Hello?"
"Have you heard yet?" The detective's voice came through clearly.
"Heard what?" Kasumi shot back, admitting her ignorance.
"I thought not. It is about to air on the morning news, come over."
"…" Biting her tongue, Kasumi had almost replied with a snarky 'you wish'. Sighing heavily, she stared at where her path was supposed to curve back to her house. "How do you know I don't have school today?"
"Because exams are approaching. All high schools dedicate these Saturdays to review and catch-up."
"Oh, shut up, I'll be there in twenty." Hanging up before she could catch the detective's response, Kasumi kept on her new direction. Once the phone was secured once again she took off into a jog. It was hard to say whether running straight to Akechi's or taking a train would be the fastest option.
Since she still had more energy, Kasumi didn't want to board the train covered in sweat and wearing her running gear. Even if the trains would still be empty for another 30 minutes to an hour.
Feet pounding repetitiously, Kasumi's mind had time to wander. No longer pushing her pace each second, Kasumi's body wasn't on the verge of failing. Only one thing came to mind as to what Akechi could be talking about: Kaneshiro.
No other topic made sense. Yet, as his words replayed through Kasumi's mind, one thing stood out about it, Akechi wasn't happy. He didn't seem very pleased that Kaneshiro had been taken, if that was indeed the event.
Waffling back and forth about her conclusion, Kasumi slowed to a halt as she approached the apartment complex. Letting herself into the old-school security building, Kasumi decided to take the stairs. Quickly arriving on the correct floor, Kasumi knocked out the rhythm her dad had taught her. With it brought memories of simpler times. Giggling to herself as Kasumi would tap the rhythm through the wall to Sumire who would fire it back without hesitation.
"Come in," Akechi interrupted, throwing open the door.
Brought back to reality, the nostalgic feelings vanished quickly as Kasumi's curiosity was piqued. "So why am I here?"
Akechi's nose crinkled as he stared her up and down. "You stink."
"Not my fault," Kasumi stuck out her tongue at the rude boy. "I had no time to shower."
Shaking his head, Akechi moved to the side to allow Kasumi to enter. "Just stand away from me."
Kasumi snorted. "I try my best to avoid you."
"Right, sure you do."
With both of them rolling their eyes at the other, Kasumi headed first for the kitchen. Opening the door, Kasumi was pleasantly surprised at the selection available. "Hey, you've upgraded."
"Ew, don't expose my food to your stench." Akechi shot back.
Kasumi frowned and turned to face Akechi. "There is a line you know."
"Actually, there are very few lines one won't cross when a skunk enters their home."
Kasumi scanned Akechi's face. Finally finding that bit of mirth, she stuck out her tongue and ignored him. Showering in his apartment was a line she wasn't crossing.
Being conservative, Kasumi took a fresh apple from the fridge and shut it. Biting into it, it gave a satisfying crunch and squirted its juices into her mouth. "Ahh, fresh."
"Tsk, you shouldn't steal my food."
"Oh hush, you only have it because I told you to eat better."
"Healthy food is expensive…" Akechi grumbled, bringing up issues Kasumi didn't have to worry about.
"Sooo," Kasumi pushed before Akechi could make more snide comments about her smell, "what's happening?"
"Kaneshiro, of course." Akechi made a face, "I would have hoped you figured that much out."
"I guessed," Kasumi crunched again. "Thought you would be happier though."
"Happy?" Akechi raised an eyebrow. "About another changed heart? Not likely."
It was a pessimistic statement that only the two of them would have agreed with. "He just turned himself in then?"
"Yeah," Akechi nodded. "Only got back here four hours ago or so. Things kept moving and it was impossible to get out."
"Sucks." Kasumi replied unsympathetically. "Should have slept longer."
"And miss the police's report to the news? Not likely." Picking up the remote, Akechi turned on the smart TV hanging on the wall. The small thing was probably a couple thousand yen at this point. It was both pathetic and endearing at the same time.
When Akechi flicked it on, it was already set to the proper channel. As the commercial ended, it changed instantly to a news desk. The serious man greeting the country and welcoming them to the morning news.
"Late last night, a mafia boss turned himself into the police. We will shortly hear from the head of Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department as he explains this startling development."
"Whoa, this really is big news," Kasumi remarked. Pulling out a counter stool, Kasumi leaned on the counter as she continued to crunch away.
Akechi rolled his eyes. "Of course, it is. With Japan's low crime rate, something like this is monumental news."
"Oi, what's that?" Kasumi pointed at the screen. The news network had switched to a police station that didn't look fully set-up yet. A stand had been prepared for the chief to talk on, but the mics were still being adjusted and two men were arguing in the background.
To Kasumi's unknowing eyes, one appeared to be the police chief who was scheduled to speak while the other was a suit; based on its silky quality, probably a politician.
"Kawanabe…? Why the hell would—"
"Who?" Kasumi asked. Akechi's muttering was hardly audible.
"…No one. Just a politician."
"Ahh, well. A shame we couldn't hear them," Kasumi continued as the view cut awkwardly back to the news desk who had to apologize for not communicating properly.
The room was silent for the next few minutes with the exceptions of Kasumi's crunches and Akechi's sighs. Neither of them said a word as the news slotted in a different story quickly while waiting for the police chief to finish preparing.
Once the excruciatingly long break was finished, it flipped back to the familiar scene. Multiple mics covered the podium as the regal man stood proudly before the flashing lights.
The short-cropped black hair was touched with gray. Wrinkles around the eyes proclaimed his worry to the world, and, Kasumi thought, his fear. "Why doesn't he seem happier? That politician threaten to cut his funding now that criminals are turning themselves in?"
Kasumi thought her joke was funny; Akechi didn't laugh. In fact, he said nothing at all. The confusion was plain on the detective's face.
Rolling her eyes at the sensitive boy, Kasumi decided to watch the conference.
"Late yesterday evening," The static-distorted voice rang through the speakers, "the mafia boss of Shibuya city, Kaneshiro Junya, turned himself in confessing to charges of extortion, bribery, and more. We believe he was inebriated at the time as he spoke about other matters we cannot reveal at this time."
Then why bring it up!? Kasumi raged silently.
The police chief as well seemed at a loss for words, his eyes drifting to one side. Kasumi couldn't help but imagine him searching for that politician that was tearing into him earlier.
"For now, we have Kaneshiro in solitary confinement without bail. We are worried about his gang trying to break him out, so for now, his location is not being advertised…"
Yawning, Kasumi was quickly losing interest in the police chief's words. As he talked, the nerves were decreasing. Whatever had put the stick up his ass, it appeared to have come out.
"Is that all?" Akechi muttered, appearing disappointed as well.
"He was just arrested." Kasumi reasoned. "They won't have tons of details yet."
"Hmm, but there are things missing." Akechi frowned. "I hope the interviewers were paying attention."
Kasumi nodded distractedly. Nibbling on the apple core, the final juices coated her mouth as she wished for another one. There was one big topic that the police chief had avoided mentioning: the phantom thieves.
As the floor was opened for questions, a flurry of hands was raised by the attending press at the bottom of the screen. Each one clambering for attention.
"Did Kaneshiro have a change of heart!? Were the phantom thieves responsible for his arrest!?"
"…It is still too early to say." The chief replied stiffly.
"After years of failure by the police to keep Shibuya safe, is it safe to say that the phantom thieves are becoming an integral part of our country's security?"
"W-What the hell kind of a question is that!?" The police chief roared, his mannerisms turning angry. Grabbing the podium roughly, he yelled at the reporter. "I will not let vigilantes become respected! The police did this! The police!"
Kasumi whistled. "That didn't take long."
Akechi tsked loudly, his eyes blazing with anger. "The fool is ruining it for himself."
Kasumi couldn't stop nibbling as she nodded her agreement. All he was doing was gaining support for the phantom thieves. Hell, even Kasumi didn't like the man right now.
"But you said yourself that he turned himself in? Do you now refute that statement?"
"N-No, but-!"
"And do you deny that the phantom thieves induced a change of heart in him?"
"…I can neither confirm nor deny that sentiment at this time."
Whistling, Kasumi set threw the core out and went to get a second apple. "This reporter is badass."
"Don't eat my fridge," Akechi snapped.
"I can't eat it," Kasumi answered with a smirk. "All the hard plastic and metal is hard on my digestive system."
"Oh, shut up."
Chuckling, Kasumi crunched loudly again.
"Ah, and bring me one."
"Catch." Without waiting for acknowledgment, Kasumi lobbed it gently toward the detective. Flinching, his left hand shot out and snagged it.
"A lefty?" Kasumi asked. "You always drink with your right though."
"Grr… Just shut up so I can hear."
"Yeah, yeah." Returning to her seat, Kasumi was just in time to watch as the next and final question was asked.
"Can we take the police's silence on the phantom thieves as confirmation of their intention to let them work without interference?"
"N-No!" The police chief bit back. Instantly though, his head snapped to look at something the viewers couldn't see. "T-That is to say… I am not at liberty to speak about the phantom thieves as of this moment. Expect a statement in the following weeks."
"Can you please clarify?" The interviewer pursued, not letting the police chief flee. "How can the chief of the police not give a concrete answer about whether or not you acknowledge the presence of a vigilante group!?"
"This is bad…" Akechi whispered.
Kasumi could only watch as the train wreck continued. The police chief's sweat was visible as he stole more glances at the corner of the screen.
"I-I have no comment to make about the phantom thieves at this time! The vigilantes will be dealt with in the future!"
Stomping off the stage, the police chief refused to acknowledge any further questions. It was a stinging defeat for the person that should have been triumphant and proud of their accomplishments.
"What the hell was that…" Kasumi asked into the quiet room.
"A failure on many levels," Akechi scratched his head. "I'm afraid the phantom's thieves' popularity is about to hit an all-time high."
"It's hard to blame people after that." Kasumi shook her head in disgust. "The police could not have declared their incompetence any more clearly."
Akechi likewise shook his head, rolling his apple around in his hand. Its bright-red surface reflecting the light. "The police were put in a hard place with Kaneshiro. It was made worse by him turning himself as a result of the phantom thieves' actions. This abysmal reaction to it may as well act as a third strike."
"…What will the aftermath be?" Kasumi asked softly, no longer feeling her second apple.
"Impossible to say… At best, the thieves will be no bigger than an idol. At worst… complete anarchy."
Kasumi sat in somber silence as the news continued. Neither of them listened to the more tame news. In Kasumi's mind, she could see the bleak potential Akechi had laid out. People refusing police mandates, granting the phantom thieves absolute authority as arbiters of the country. The abuse predatory factions could wield was perhaps the most frightening part of it.
"Am I… wrong to doubt them?" Kasumi asked. She wasn't sure where the question came from.
"…Who am I to say?" Akechi answered with surprising loftiness. "Maybe we are both just blinded with hate."
"Yeah, who knows…" Hate? Transfixing on the word, Kasumi did not understand where it came from. She doubted them, she feared them, but Kasumi did not hate them. For her it was impossible to hate the people that had stopped men like Kamoshida and Kaneshiro.
"…I should go." Akechi spoke suddenly. "There will be work to do and Sae-san's mood… Haha, that will be something to behold."
"Alright. I'll catch you later then." Bouncing the apple in her hand, Kasumi decided to take it as she left the detective's house.
Saturday June 25th, 20XX Morning
"Dude," Ryuji greeted Ren with a massive smile. "It's all over my feed, you seen it yet?"
Ren shook his head bleakly. He didn't have the time to scrounge social media on his phone. There was no one from his old life he wanted to stay in contact with, and little desire to see what his school mates here were typing about him.
"Dude, Kaneshiro was arrested! Turned himself in last night. More importantly, all the questions were about the phantom thieves! Everyone knows that it was because of us!"
"Shut up!" Morgana spat from Ren's bag. "Are you a moron!?"
"N-No…" Ryuji sulked. Ren wasn't sure how important it would be anymore. Probably be a dozen people out there claiming to be members of the thieves now, or that they know the thieves.
"Don't worry about it," Ren slapped him on the back and kept walking for the school building.
"Actually… Why are you here?" Ryuji asked. "There's no way you didn't qualify to miss the remedial lessons."
Ren shrugged. "Kawakami suggested I come anyway to keep up a diligent air. Today in particular I need to talk to her as well…"
Ren's voice faded as they rounded the final corner. Standing by the entrance was the subject of his words, Kawakami.
"I'll uh, go on ahead." Ryuji stammered before taking off. Halting once, Ryuji yelled back a parting. "We're having a massive cele after school!"
"Coward…" Morgana cursed the boy as he disappeared.
"Probably for the best," Ren smiled. "They aren't exactly on good terms."
"True…" Morgana's voice faded away as he buried his head back into the bag.
Coughing to get her attention, Ren stopped awkwardly at the edge of the gates. "Kawakami-sensei… Good morning."
"Mr. Amamiya…"
"…"
The few tired students milling into the school around them didn't seem to notice any irregularities about the tense meeting between student and teacher.
"I need to discuss the level of your recent schoolwork with you if you would kindly follow me."
"…Sure thing." Ren answered. They walked in a half-line as Ren trailed her half a step back. Taking furtive glances at his teacher/maid, Ren didn't know to handle the upcoming conversation. Did he thank her? Did he try and hide his involvement as a phantom thief? Was that even possible?
Entering the small student council room, Kawakami closed it firmly behind her. Ren stood off to one side, not taking a chair.
"…This is awkward." Kawakami remarked. "I… I don't know what to say."
"I was just thinking the same thing…" Ren replied quietly.
"…So, you're a phantom thief then?" Kawakami asked. As she spoke she stood with her back firmly to Ren.
"Would that be a problem?" Ren answered.
"That depends," Kawakami swallowed loudly. "You won't… change my memory or anything? Will you?"
"Of course not," Ren sighed. "I suppose its obvious at this point."
"Kind of." Kawakami giggled as she turned around.
Ren was shocked at the massive smile on her face. "Are you alright?"
"Amazing!" Without prompting Kawakami pulled Ren into a hug. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
"K-Kawakami!?" Ren's back went straight as he froze.
"Ah, sorry." Quickly releasing him, Kawakami bowed deeply. "That was highly inappropriate of me."
"I think that is to be expected in this situation." Ren forgave her. "So… I have no worries about the police arresting me in the middle of the night?"
"No, not from me at least," Kawakami shook her head swiftly side-to-side once she rose again. "After everything you have done for this school, for our students… for Japan. You should be a hero."
"Well trust me when I say that you are our hero." Ren replied easily. "Taking those pictures away saved us. Even with Kaneshiro confessing it would have been bad."
"Haha, well that's what deals are about I suppose. Both sides helping the other…"
As Kawakami trailed off with searching eyes, Ren screwed up his courage to speak the expected follow-up. "Well, I think that continued dealings would benefit us… As I suspect you're in some kind of trouble?"
"Y-You noticed, did you?" Kawakami winced. "Actually… I guess I told you."
"You did," Ren smirked. "No need to be so formal anymore. You saved my bacon, let me return the favour."
"Yeah… I think I may just do that." Kawakami bowed again. Then, smiling broadly, age melted off her usual grumpy appearance. "I'm so glad I got you as a student. I can think of no one better to change the world."
Blushing, Ren couldn't think of a reply to the unadulterated praise. In fact, it was one of the first times he had heard such praise from an adult.
Into that tender moment, the student council door crashed open. "Come in, come in!" A familiar voice rang out.
"Ah!" Kawakami panicked, whirling to face the student council president.
"Ah! M-Miss Kawakami! D-Did you need something from… wait, Ren?"
"…Yo." Ren felt Morgana slam his head into Ren's back.
"Eh? What are the two of you doing in here?" Ann asked, sticking her head it past Makoto. Ren saw Haru as well staring in from the back.
"N-Nothing!" Kawakami shouted. Perhaps forgetting in her panic that these were the very students in the pictures and clearly fellow thieves. "G-Good day!"
As she raced out of the room, Ren started sweating as numerous stares were focused upon him. "W-What?"
Hands beginning to shake, Ren hadn't felt this much uncertainty when they were fighting Kaneshiro. He has glad that Sumire wasn't there turning the triple stare into a quad. Ren understood implicitly at this point why Kawakami had run away.
"I, uhh, I'm going to go to class."
The girls opened up and provided Ren a narrow passage through them. He didn't know what their blank expressions meant, only that they were terrifying. Scurrying away, Ren didn't know exactly what had just happened, and didn't want to.
Saturday June 25th, 20XX Morning
"What was that!?" Ann burst out as the door closed behind Ren.
"Suspicious!" Haru agreed nodding.
"I'm sure it was nothing…" Makoto stuck up for the absent leader.
"Nothing?" Ann repeated. "Girl, I know nothing when I see it. I mean, just look at Ryuji, that was not nothing."
"Harsh…" Haru whispered for their absent friend's defense.
"I do see what you mean Ann…" Makoto breathed, "but seriously, you need to stop these weird ideas."
"Weird ideas!?" Ann looked at Makoto affronted. "Was Kamoshida just a weird idea of mine?"
"N-No! Of course he wasn't…" Makoto's defense collapsed slightly. "Just…"
"Ms. Kawakami saved us!" Haru interjected. "Seriously Ann? What do you even think you're accusing her of."
"Urgh, it isn't her I'm worried about!" Ann revealed her true feelings. "All these boys and their fantasies about teachers. Its just one girl after another with that boy, isn't it?"
"Hey, why are you including me in this!?" Haru replied shocked as she caught a pointed glare.
"Ahh!" Ann threw her hands up in the air. "I don't even know what I'm talking about anymore!"
"Neither do we!" Makoto yelled exasperated, throwing up her hands. "Why did we come in here again?"
"Hehe, that I do remember! We did it!" Haru clapped, a smile stretching her mouth.
"Hell yeah we did, goooo phantom thieves!" Ann lifted a cheering fist to the ceiling.
"…This feels like a comedy skit," Makoto sighed. Her dour expression lasted only a few seconds before she as well broke into a massive smile. "We really did it, didn't we?"
"Yeah!" Jumping up and down, the infectious mood spread through the three of them.
Ann squealed as well, dragging the two of them into a large hug. "We did it! We're famous!"
"I won't get arrested!" Makoto added.
"My father won't disown me!" Haru finished.
"…" Pausing momentarily, Ann and Makoto blinked at their friend. "What was that?"
"Uhh… Yay, no revealing pictures?"
"N-No, I'm pretty sure that isn't what you said!" Ann replied seriously.
"Are you okay, Haru!?" Makoto asked seriously, the two girls hounding their friend.
"O-Of course!" Haru backed up to the nearby wall, hands in the air. "T-There's no way my father would force me to buy a completely new wardrobe and yell at me about bad press… haha."
"That's more concerning!" Ann raged.
"Indeed," Makoto frowned, "what aren't you telling us?"
"O-Oh, well definitely nothing happened between my father and fiancé where he complained about being accosted by a mafia boss because of me…"
"F-Fiancé?" Ann gasped, "W-wait, that guy in Kaneshiro's palace!? That happened? He was real!?"
"…Yes," Haru pursed her lips, her eyes falling dejectedly to the bottom corner of the room.
"Wait, you thought that was made up!?" Makoto looked at Ann aghast.
"H-Hey!" Ann protested, "it can be hard to tell in those cognitive worlds…"
"He is real," Haru confirmed, "but it isn't a problem. Please, don't worry about and me and focus on cele—"
Bzzt!
All three jumped as their phones buzzed at the same time. Sharing an embarrassed smile, they all checked their separate devices. On each phone, the same notification appeared under the group chat the Phantoms.
Ryuji: Talked 2 Jokes this morn. We partying 2day after skool! Cancel ALL plans now and get ready to meat and plan! L8er!
"W-What is this…" Makoto sighed heavily. The unseemly text must have been a direct attack on the hp of the poor student council president.
Before Haru could even begin typing something, Ann had sent her reply and stored her phone. It was a simple two words of text that caused more sweat to brew on Haru's brow.
Ight, Gucci!
"G-Gucci?" Haru asked. "Are we shopping for their clothes or something?"
Ann gave Haru an incredulous look that that made the poor girl doubt her mental facilities.
"D-Did I say something weird?"
"That is the only conclusion I can draw from this incomprehensible exchange," Makoto sighed, rubbing her forehead. It was remarkably similar to how one behaved in the metaverse after receiving psychic damage.
"You both… Are you serious?" Ann as well donned a face of complete disappointment. "How can the two of you… Never mind. This is my fault! I have been neglecting my duty as your friend to keep you versed in the most relevant lingo. Never again! From now on, I, Takamaki Ann, with all responsibility benefitting my position do declare that I shall—"
Ding!
Interrupting Ann's impromptu and unasked for declaration, the first bell rang.
"Oh no!" Makoto paled. "I've never been late for class before."
Without a word of parting the student council president dashed from the room, disappearing as if by magic.
"But that was only the five minute warning…" Haru blinked.
"It's also only a review today," Ann sighed. "That girl is paranoid."
"Ahaha…" Haru laughed awkwardly in agreement. "I'll see you after classes."
"Yeah, bye!" Winking once more, the girls shared a secret smile as they split for their separate destinations.
Saturday June 25th, 20XX Afternoon
"But Senpai! I can't!"
Ren had to hold the phone away from his ear as Sumire's distraught voice flowed through the speaker.
"Look, just leave the prep work to us. Show up at LeBlanc whenever you can." Ren soothed her.
The crux of the argument involved the party that Ryuji had unanimously decided was happening after school. Sumire, predictably, had scheduled training for most the day. Missing the review day, she was doing her best to review routines and focus on improving for her next competition.
"A-Are you sure?" Sumire asked. "I'll be the only one not helping to prepare things for the party…"
"We have more than enough people as it is." Ren repeated. "We can absolutely do this without you."
"…Okay." Sumire relented finally, her voice disappointed. "I'll be there later. Don't think I will forget this though!"
"Umm, alright?"
"Okay, I have to go. Bye Senpai!"
"Later…" Before his farewell was complete, the phone line had been disconnected. Sumire was probably in the middle of training as they spoke. The clock ticked just past noon as the half day of school wrapped up.
Ren was still sitting at his desk as students talked, eager to depart and enjoy the weekend. Catching Kawakami's eye, Ren wasn't sure what to do. Their relationship had evolved significantly, but also gotten way more awkward. She was more of a phantom thief accomplice than a teacher to Ren.
"Stop that!" Ann kicked Ren's shins under the desk.
"Ow!" Rubbing his leg, he turned to look at the girl. Since class had started that morning, Ann had been weird. Whispering strange things and glaring at him constantly.
"You philanderer." Ann sniffed.
"Umm…" Upon receiving no further clarification, Ren turned to gathering his stuff and preparing to leave. They were meeting up at the entrance to discuss further plans.
"Hah! No response, that means you're guilty!" Ann pointed a triumphant finger at Ren once he had stood up.
Raising an eyebrow at her, Ren replied. "Are you coming?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, don't leave without me!"
"…Care to tell me what is wrong with her today, Morgana?"
"I… Lady Ann is a delicate specimen…" The cat answered back, clearly not understanding any more than Ren did.
In short order, Ren reached the entrance of the school. Watching his peers filter past and out, Ren didn't receive a single glare or suspicious look. Neither did he receive any positive ones… Ren guessed it was as Kasumi assured him would happen.
Ren had become old news. Everyone was more focused on the thieves and enjoying the weekend. The weird kid that caused no events since school started two months ago was boring.
Before too long, everyone else exited. Ryuji, sauntering along in his askew outfit. A minute after him was Haru and Makoto, their noses together whispering about something.
"That's everyone, yeah?" Ryuji asked, wiping his nose with his finger.
Ann nodded even as she gave him a disgusted look.
"Wassup?" The boy asked.
Sniffing, Ann turned her nose aside, "You're disgusting."
"Getting back on track," Makoto provided the voice of reason. "What are we doing? Yusuke is at his school and I suppose and Sumire is still busy, correct?"
"Yusuke shall not be deprived of free food!" A voice announced dramatically. Making his way to them, Yusuke revealed himself in his casual clothes.
"No school for you dude?" Ryuji whined. "I kept getting singled out by my teacher…"
"Indeed not!" The artist told them. "I thought it prudent to meet you here as you said we would be discussing plans after school had ended."
"Ryuji…" Makoto narrowed her eyes. "Could it be you kept getting singled out because you perform poorly on your exams?"
"N-No, why would you…" Gulping, Ryuji changed tactics under the student council president's glare. "Ann does bad too!"
"H-Hey!" The girl yelled. "I can speak English at least!"
"Oh yeah, you are reaaaaal fluent."
"I just don't use it a lot anymore!" Ann blushed.
"…Alright, whatever." Makoto rubbed her forehead.
"Yeah, we have a party to plan!" Fist pumping, Ryuji's energy came back in a blast. "Stage one, change into awesome summer clothes for the weekend. Stage two, shop up a bunch of awesome food. Stage three, throw a raging party in Ren's place!"
"Aren't you forgetting a step?" Ren teased Ryuji.
"Oh, you must be referring to stage two point five!" The blond boy answered without missing a beat. A delinquent grin spread wide on his face as he pointed at Ren and delivered the final step of the plan. "Invite that Futaba girl to party with us!"
"A fine plan," Yusuke chuckled. "I give it my full support!"
"Me too!" Ann cheered. "A celebration combined with helping out a little girl. What could be better?"
Makoto sighed. "Do we have Sojiro's permission to do this, Ren? This girl must be in a very delicate mental state, is it possible that the increased stimuli could set her off?"
"…We definitely have his permission to speak to her." Ren replied after considering the question for a moment. "As long as we don't force her to do anything, it should be okay."
"Of course, it will be fine," Haru poke Makoto to start moving. "Didn't you hear Ren's story? It is our responsibility to help her!"
"But why is it our…?" Sighing heavily, Makoto rubbed at her temples again. "Please forget I said anything. What was stage one? Getting changed? I'd have to go home…"
"Oh no you don't," Ann gave Makoto a predatory smile. "We're shopping!"
"T-That's irresponsible though…" Makoto replied. "Wasting money on outfits simply to avoid a trip to our houses…"
"Please do not concern yourself, Makoto. "Haru chimed in. "I can cover any costs beyond what you can afford."
"That was not my actual… oh fine."
"Yeah!" Pumping another arm into the air, Ann rushed over and wrapped an arm around the two girls. "We are going shopping; it is on you boys to collect the ingredients we need and meet at LeBlanc!"
"Hell yeah! Let's go boys!"
Following along behind the boy, Ren simply listened with an inevitable small smile that they always managed to bring out with their theatrics.
Morgana had left the bag behind and was instructing them about the food they would be eating. Ren listened with only half an ear. The back and forth between the members becoming so standard he could barely remember them not being there.
Taking one last glance back at the school, Ren wished he could have thanked Kawakami again. The teacher had gone out onto such a limb for them that he doubted he would be able to repay her.
Turning back around, Ren followed them to the train station and back to Yongen-jaya. Ren supposed that so they could fulfill the first step of the plan: get changed.
Lo and behold, Ryuji steered them straight to the café and flung back the door without a care in the world.
"Yo, Boss!" He greeted Sojiro happily.
Unable to follow up such an act, Ren simply nodded casually.
"Ah, it truly is a marvel being able to relieve my stress in such an establishment," Yusuke greeted with his usual artistic prose. "To enjoy soul-touching coffee and the presence of the Sayuri. You surely run the most benevolent of hideaways."
"Uhh, yeah. Good to see the two of you again." Sojiro responded casually, doing dishes in the midst of his empty café. "Guess you guys are celebrating again? What happened?"
"Did you see the news?" Ryuji asked excitedly. "That shitbag mafia leader Kaneshiro turned himself in. Dude was terrorizing kids in our school."
"Oh, him." Sojiro nodded wisely, his uncaring expression unchanged. "Yeah, saw that on the news this morning. Well, you kids have fun."
"Oh, Boss?" Ryuji paused on his way up the stairs. "You mind if we invite Futaba?"
Sojiro's head turned mechanically to Ren. "You told them."
Unable to formulate a persuasive response, Ren nodded.
"…Whatever." Sojiro sighed. "Just don't try to force her. I'm blaming you, Ren, if she has a breakdown."
"Just trying to get her outside." Ren assured his guardian. Sharing a pair of nods, Ren thought they understood each other. Sojiro was getting scared that Futaba was sliding to a place of no return.
Ren wanted to assure Sojiro that she would get better but… Truth be told, Ren felt another wave of uncertainty. Even if he could change hearts, he wasn't a psychiatrist, a professional that Futaba desperately needed.
Reaching the attic and Ren's room, Ryuji began quickly shuffling through Ren's box of clothes.
"Umm, excuse me?"
"How inelegant…" Yusuke also chastised the boy. In less than a second though, Yusuke's mannerisms changed as he peered over Ryuji's shoulder. "Oh my, that black colour is quite striking, isn't it?"
"Calm down dude," Ryuji waved a dismissive hand. "I'm just checking out the options. Can't be the only one wearing my school outfit."
"And you want… to wear my clothes?" Ren asked disbelievingly.
"…Is there a problem with that?" Ryuji asked.
"…" Ren blinked again, wondering if he had gone into an alternate dimension.
"The girls do share clothes…" Morgana spoke slowly.
"Yeah," Ryuji latched unto the cat's words. "I mean, most of my stuff is second-hand. All I do is wear other people's clothes!"
"That's…" Caught off guard, Ren struggled to formulate a reply to the oddest request he had yet received.
"I see nothing wrong with it." Yusuke added fuel to the fire. "Although I am afraid neither my stature nor style is compatible with your clothes, however. As such, I shall stick with mine."
"…Wonderful." Unsure exactly how it happened, Ren had gotten a set of casual clothes thrown at him to change into while Ryuji picked a pair of board shorts Ren couldn't remember ever wearing.
Without a care in the world, Ryuji began removing the suspendered school pants that he wore. Ren was once again frozen as Ryuji revealed his boxers to the world and began to put on the shorts instead.
"Come on dude, get changed!" Ryuji prompted him.
"I…" Scratching his head, Ren sighed. He supposed it really was no different from a school change room. A place he frequented for gym class.
Walking to the table in the corner of the room, Ren attempted to change clothes with that dignity he could muster.
"Ah, Ren, your back is exquisitely muscled. Reflecting the light as you are… why I do believe something is stirring in me…"
"Whoa! Phrasing Yusuke!" Ryuji chimed in. "But seriously dude, you have got to give me your routine I mean look at those delts, Daaamn."
Staying silent, Ren had nothing to say about the far too personal praise. The compliments bordered too far on awkward and overwhelmed any good feeling he may have tried to extract from them.
"…This is weird." Morgana summed up with a sigh. Coughing, the cat jumped onto a table to grab everyone's attention as Ren finished throwing on his favorite pair of jeans. "I have come to the conclusion that what we should have to celebrate is… SUSHI!"
"What!?" Ryuji pffed at the cat. "No way."
"Hmm, I too am uncertain," Yusuke posed dramatically, his eyes scrunched together as if in immense pain. "Can we really indulge in such extravagancies at this time? Once more must we really on Haru's generosity and patronage to sustain our carnal pleasures?"
"Umm tray sushi is not that expensive…" Ren reminded the group. The whole ordeal was growing increasingly more ludicrous. Ready to bring this trip into the too personal for comfort dimension to an end, Ren offered another suggestion. "Why don't we go ask Futaba and bribe her with her favorite food?"
Saturday June 25th, 20XX Afternoon
"W-We should be wrapping this up," Makoto declared, doing her best to preserve her emotionless face. "I have the feeling that Ryuji will do something stupid to Futaba if we don't get over there."
"Oh hush," Ann waved off her concerns. The blond girl's eyes sparkled with a renowned zeal. "The boys will be fine. I'm sure Ren will work his magic with the girl."
"…I feel like you keep implying things about our leader," Haru sighed. She was the only one so far with a bag on her arm, her school uniform inside.
Shoulders tucked in, Haru did not have the sweater that she had tried to pick out. Instead, Ann had forced her into a cute pink tank top that revealed Haru's shoulders. Every few seconds, one of Haru's hands reached down and pulled slightly on the short ivory skirt with matching pink trim which revealed much of her legs.
Noticing the gesture, Ann turned and nodded proudly again. "Those clothes fit you so well, Haru!"
"They are embarrassing…"
"No Haru, Ann is right. You do look good!" Makoto insisted. "Too bad it took too much time; we should just head to LeBlanc and—"
"And don't you want Ann to pick out clothes for you?" Haru asked.
Her stare and flat tone sent chills down Makoto's back. "N-No, of course I would! I just think that—"
"Haru's right!" Ann declared, interrupting Makoto again. "We have tons of time to get you an outfit. I'm thinking something that brings out your inner biker… Maybe ripped jeans and a leather jacket? It is a little hot for that though…"
"A-Ann have mercy on me…" Makoto breathed faintly.
"Mercy? Is that a character in something? You want to cosplay them?"
"NO!" Makoto shouted. "Why do I get the feeling that you are intentionally misunderstanding me!?"
"No idea," Ann sang happily. Skipping forward, she grabbed Makoto's hand. "Come on! Let's hurry this up so we have more time to party."
"Sis… Save me…" Makoto's fervent plea was not answered by a famous prosecutor. Instead, Ann's phone rang.
"Oh!" Releasing Makoto's hand, she grabbed it and stared at the caller. "Sumi is calling!"
Answering it, Ann put it on speaker. "Hey, what's happening?"
"Ann!" Sumire's distorted voice yelled through a speaker. "Senpai says you are out preparing for the get together. Where should I meet you!?"
Yes! Makoto cheered internally as Ann relayed the information.
"Phone… dying… coming…"
Beep, beep, beep! As the obnoxious sound of a lost connection came through the phone speaker.
"Ah, well." Makoto forced a laugh. "Guess we should just wait for Sumire!"
"What are you talking about?" Ann tilted her head. "I told her to meet us at the store we're buying your outfit at!"
"…Oh." Blinking, Makoto composed her next action. "Ahh! Oh, my stomach. I'm going to go lay down at LeBlanc. Catch the two of you…"
"Ma. Ko. To." Haru smiled, her vicious expression removing any doubts Makoto had about escaping. "I really want to see you in a new outfit."
"…I'll try to endure it." Makoto bowed her head in defeat. While Haru looked good, Makoto dreaded being forced to wear something like that. It was revealing and bold. Pulling it off took a confidence in one's own appearance.
"Nice!" Haru pumped her fist. "We really needed a girls' day together!"
"Huh?" A new voice spoke. "Makoto, Haru?"
"Oh, Kasumi!" Haru greeted the girl warmly with a smile, briefly forgetting her embarrassment. "Are you out shopping?"
"Yeah…" The girl replied rather flatly. "I see the two, three, of you had the same idea."
"Yupp!" Ann interjected. "I'm making them buy outfits. I'm Ann, you must be Kasumi!"
"That I am. You're the one who, I mean, you must be friends with these two. Through my sister I presume?"
"Haha…" Ann was slightly taken aback by the rather blunt statements form the brown-haired girl. "In a way. We were going to meet up with her and go shopping, do you want to come along?"
"Thanks, but I doubt I'm welcome."
"Urgh." Makoto's eyes wandered swiftly to the ground. Shifting on her feet, she had no idea what to say. Kasumi had been her friend before the phantom thieves. Kasumi was the only person who actually helped Makoto with the clean-up operation.
"W-What do you mean?" Haru gasped. "Of course you can join us. You are our friend after all…"
"Am I?" Kasumi asked flatly, her eyes focused on Makoto. "Why do I feel like the only one who you told nothing to? My sister knew, didn't she?"
"I… I am sorry." Makoto finally said. "I didn't want you involved."
Kasumi stared hard at the student council president. After ten seconds of not meeting her eyes, Kasumi shook her head. "Tsk. Well if you don't want me involved then I won't be involved."
As Kasumi attempted to stalk away a hand grabbed her wrist. Whirling to face the interloper, Kasumi was shocked by a finger in her face.
"Not so fast missy! You and Makoto will have plenty of time to get along when you come shopping with us. Oh, I know! Why don't you pick out her outfit?"
"A-Ann…"
"Oooh, now there's an idea." For the first time today, Kasumi's eyes shone with that playful, borderline sinister light that Makoto was growing familiar with.
"Look at her style!" Ann continued oblivious. "I'm sure she'll have lots of great insight to add."
"Don't worry Takamaki, I have plenty."
"That's wonderful! But don't call me that, Ann is fine."
No, Ann, that isn't wonderful! It isn't even fine! Makoto complained frantically in her mind.
"Well Makoto-Senpai, Haru-Senpai; I will be in your care."
"We look forward to it…" Haru managed, already defeated in her new revealing outfit.
"Oh, I was going to ask, did you already get new clothes Haru? They look good on you!"
"I know, right!?" Ann agreed of course.
"T-They aren't quite what I am used to… I like autumn and my fluffy sweaters…"
"…You sound like my sister" Kasumi sighed. "She used to blush up a storm when wearing her gymnastic outfit. There's no crime for being pretty you know?"
"I-I know that but… I… I don't—" The rest of Haru's words faded out as she mumbled.
"Haaaruuuu," Ann poked the girl. "Speak clearly!"
"Urgh! I don't like the way they – he – looks at me..."
"Oh." Ann's excited demeanour flattened. Her eyes swan with the trauma of her recent past plain for all to see. After a deep breath however, that disappeared as her smile returned. "That's all the more reason!"
"Huh?" Haru answered dumbly.
"You can't let them use your clothes as an excuse! Shitty people will be shitty regardless of what you are wearing."
"Ann is right." Kasumi added on. "You need to wear what you like for you, don't even think about other people."
"B-But what about considering how you want a specific person to view you…?"
"…"
"…"
"Haru, are you talking about—"
"N-No one!" Haru covered Makoto's mouth. "J-Just hypothetically!"
"Uh huh. Is this hypothetical person a boy with curly hair?" Kasumi rolled her eyes.
"Sounds that way," Ann giggled. "Better warn your sister, Kasumi."
"Hmpf!" Kasumi shrugged. "Sumi can deal with her own choices."
"No! Why are you all ignoring my question to make assumptions?" Haru whined.
"Haha, I think this is just how they are…" Makoto consoled Haru. "We should get moving though, Sumire is waiting for us."
Saturday June 25th, 20XX Afternoon
"Futaba?" Ren's questioning voice sounded through the wooden door. "How are you doing? I was wondering if you wanted to come to—"
Bzzzt! Ren's phone vibrated noisily during his talk. Getting an eerie premonition, he pulled it out and stared at the screen. He had gotten a notification from an unknown number.
Somehow, the ID was already identified as Alibaba. You dare disturb me again!? I need not your presence. Begone!
"Whoa!" Ryuji read the message over Ren's shoulder. "Is that you Futaba? That's pretty wicked cool!"
In half a second another message appeared. Stop calling me that! And silence the beast you brought with you!
"Err, okay Futa—ahem, Alibaba. Is there a favorite food of yours? We were going to make a celebratory—"
Bzzt! Before Ren could even finish, a message appeared on his screen. CURRRY!
"Ah, but It has to be Sojiro's!" The audible words flowed through the door just milliseconds before the same message appeared on Ren's screen.
"She is… eccentric." Yusuke muttered. "This curry must have some deep—"
Yusuke as well found himself unable to finish as yet another message took precedence. Actually, ignore that. Do as you wish. Leave me here.
"…" Ren paused for a moment then gestured with his head. "Leave us. I want to talk to her for a moment."
Ignoring the quizzical looks, Ren waited until the others had all trooped back down the hallway, Morgana included.
Sliding down the far wall, Ren felt as the aging paint pulled at his shirt, lifting it up. Ignoring it, he sighed as he touched down on the plush carpet. Running his fingers through the curls, Ren could feel the dirt in the dejected surface, marring the otherwise great home. The house was lived in, but it had no aura of life. It was the final heartbeats of a dying creature, content with knowing that its life was over, and nothing could change that.
…Why? The message read.
"There's no need for that anymore," Ren replied with a smile. Scanning the door, he found it eventually, a small camera. "You are impressive with technology."
"Of course I am!" Futaba answered with her usual snarky attitude. "Machines are easy, they do what they are told to. They make sense."
"Unlike humans?" Ren guessed with a small smile. He still didn't have the whole picture, but things were making more sense. Why he was the only one she could talk to was still uncertain.
"Don't assume!" Futaba replied. "For I have discovered your truth! You are the leader of the phantom thieves, are you not?"
For the second time that day, Ren's stomach dropped as someone else discovered what should have been a hidden identity. "What makes you say that?"
"My sources are long and exhaustive! I only need one thing from you. Tell me, how do you invoke these change of hearts?"
Not breaking composure, Ren kept staring into the camera. "What do you want, Futaba? You install cameras in LeBlanc, this house. You send me messages without having my number. Why? How?"
"Urgh. A-Answer my question first!"
"And you will answer mine?"
"Yes."
"I don't believe you." Ren shook his head. "You'll back out of the deal."
"H-Hey, I didn't ask you to come here! T-Tell me o-or I'll blackmail you!"
"I doubt that." Ren replied sounding more composed than her felt. He had dealt with enough blackmailing to last himself a lifetime.
"Urgh… W-Why won't you tell me."
"I never said I wouldn't." Ren reminded her. "I just want an answer from you about what you want."
"Huh? …Oh." After a long second of silence, Futaba's quiet voice hesitantly sounded again. "I… I will type the answer."
"…Why?" Ren had to ask.
"It's too—"
"Sorry, it is too what?"
Bzzt! Sighing, Ren took his phone back out and read the newest notification. It is too embarrassing.
"Fine. The phantom thieves change hearts by removing distortions in one's cognition." Ren summated succinctly.
The phantom thieves do… clever wording. Futaba's text read. Sakura Futaba will die in this room. She wants to be left alone until that day comes. Unless…
"Unless?" Ren replied out loud to the disturbing message.
Unless perhaps her distorted heart can be fixed as well…
"That… That may be possible…" Ren said more to himself than Futaba. Leaning his head back against the wall, Ren re-evaluated his knowledge that she had a palace. Ren's fingers itched to try and find the keywords. They seemed so obvious now. Unfortunately, another notification buzzed his phone and notified Ren that it was time to go. Standing up, Ren stretched.
"I need to go prepare for the celebration. You are welcome to join at any time."
"…"
Trying not to take the silence personally, Ren went to put out the fires that the rest of the boys had started in his absence.
Saturday June 25th, 20XX Afternoon
"Haa… Haa…" Sumire's labored pants drew the attention of the many onlookers. Standing in the middle of an outlet mall, Sumire leaned heavily upon her knees, her loose, sweaty hair forming a curtain around her. Occasionally a drop of sweat would drip off her nose and plunk against the clean marble floor.
"Did I… Make it?" Grabbing her phone, Sumire tsked as the screen flickered. It had never worked right since that day in the rain. Smacking it against her palm, Sumire stared at it hopefully.
Her expectations were quickly dashed as it flickered once more and began the restart process. "Why?" Sumire groaned. Without being to update them, it would be challenging to find each other. What if Sumire missed them and they decided to return to LeBlanc? Maybe that's what she should do?
As negative thoughts and possibilities swirled around in her head, a familiar voice called out. "Yo, fancy seeing you here."
"Ah…" Freezing up, Sumire's head jerked stiffly around to confirm what her ears had told her. "K-Kasumi! F-Fancy seeing you… HUH!?"
Right behind Kasumi was the group Sumire had been expecting. Seeing her with the people Sumire considered friends shocked her to her core.
"I-I… what?"
"Oh, don't look like that," Ann frowned. "Your sister is here to have some fun with us!"
"B-But what about training!?" Sumire retorted frantically.
"What about yours?" Kasumi frowned. "I thought you were training all day?"
"I did! I ran out to meet them here!"
"…Hardly all day."
"S-Still!" Sumire replied flustered. "You are in that tournament! You need to prepare."
"I was running this morning and I will stretch later. Oh, and this is my day off."
"Urgh." Sumire winced as the difference in their levels was slapped across her face at her own insistence. "T-That's awesome…"
"Exactly." Kasumi winked, cocky as ever.
Before her sister could say anything else however, Sumire finally got a good look at Haru who had been hidden. "W-Whoa! H-Haru senpai. Y-You are hot!"
"I know right?" Ann sounded as happy as if Sumire had complimented her.
"Oh no no no," Haru shook her head violently. "Hot isn't my aesthetic. I'm more of the cute and forgettable type."
"Umm…" Sumire briefly wondered if they were making fun of her. Haru's delivery was completely different from the words she had said. Having ditched the bulky sweater Haru's pose and clothes gave her the aura of a model, like Ann.
"She adapted remarkably quick…" Makoto complained sullenly.
"You think?" Haru examined herself. "It is still a bit awkward wearing it in public. I think I will be more comfortable when we get back to LeBlanc."
"Yeah, a real mystery as to why," Ann clapped her hands. "Anyhoo, let's get to shopping!"
"Yes, let us."
"Ahaha," shivering at her sister's voice, Sumire was glad that she did not appear to be the recipient. Based on how Makoto's face paled, the student council president had been selected as a sacrifice.
Seeing the two of them together triggered a memory for Sumire. Makoto mentioning briefly that Kasumi had accosted her about Kaneshiro and demanding to learn what had happened.
"W-Wait!" Makoto cried suddenly. "S-Sumire should also choose clothes with me!"
"…I am not opposed." Kasumi stroked her chin as if choosing between people to abuse.
"Yes!" Ann declared. "Let's have a competition instead!"
"A competition?" Sumire asked.
"This sounds bad…" Makoto whined, her demeanour on the verge of fleeing. "C-Can't we just look at clothes together and then leave?"
"Request denied." Dictator Kasumi informed the dejected student council president. "Not a horrible idea Ann. Who is competing though? These two, or us?"
"Us?" Ann tilted her head. "Ohhh, I see. Yeah, let's do that. I call Sums!"
"Wait!" Makoto cried, but it was too late as Ann skipped off with Sumire in tow.
"I am going to go look at books over there!" Haru declared before marching off.
"Hehe, looks like it is just us." Kasumi hopped over to Makoto's side. "I will be in your care, senpai."
"Umm… I think Makoto might be in danger…" Sumire told Ann as she looked back at the fading disaster.
"Nah," Ann shook her head. "Those two just need time alone to remember that they are still friends."
"Yeah… maybe…" Sumire replied unconvinced.
"Hey, Sums?" Ann asked. "Should we uhh… you know, tell your sister?"
"I… No." Sumire decided almost instantly. "She does not believe in the phantom thieves. We could have changed that with Kobayakawa but…"
"Oh right." Ann pouted. "That detective stole our credit!"
Sumire nodded. Pushing up her glasses, Sumire bared a hypothesis that she had been formulating for awhile. "I can't help but feel like that was the turning point where her allegiance shifted wholly to the police…"
"I don't know," Ann shrugged. "Kasumi has a good head on her shoulders. I'm sure she'll come around when we irrefutably prove our justice!"
"Maybe…" Floating through Sumire's mind were images of that one night. When Kasumi let Sumire submit a plea on the Phansite. A time before Sumire was a phantom thief. Could she have done more for her sister?
"Hey, stop moping," Ann poked her in the side. "We are going to win this easily!"
"W-We are? Makoto is so pretty though… I think that her outfit will be better. I'm too sweaty and…"
"Stop."
"Huh?" Met with a hand to her face, Sumire had to stop walking.
"No more of this self-deprecating garbage. You are amazing and super pretty! I'm going to have you own that today!"
"Err…" Sumire remembered vividly her multiple trips with her sister. Those were a continual balancing act between comfort and what Kasumi tried to push on her. She had a sinking feeling that today would be similar.
At this point, Sumire was still confused as to why they were shopping. It wasn't exactly the team celebration that she had ran from practice to attend.
"Oh, don't give me that look. Let's pick an outfit that will drop Ren's jaw!"
"Huh? W-Why would I want to do that!?" Sumire blushed darkly.
"Why wouldn't you?" Ann fired back, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
"B-Because that makes it sound like I want to impress him. That I l-like him or something…"
"You don't?" Ann leaned in closer, her inner gossiper shining through. Growing up in Japan, Ann had struggled to make friends with her mixed blood. Now with a firm group that she trusted, her innate desire to play match matcher started to rear its head.
"W-Well I… Umm… Oh look! That coat is half off!"
"Where?" Distracted completely, Ann whirled around to follow Sumire's pointing hand.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Sumire wiped the beading sweat from her forehead and took stock of her bearings. The population in the mall was steadily increasing as more and more students and adults flocked in, their responsibilities coming to an end for the day.
Through Ann's steering, they had ended in front of a higher-end woman's fashion store as well as a bargain store. Resulting from sheer dumb luck, Ann was currently at an on-sale coat at the bargain store that Sumire hadn't even seen when she made her claim.
Thanking whatever benevolent entity had warped the universe to make her claim accurate, Sumire wound her way through the crowds to stand beside her friend.
Ann was pursing her lips and humming as she examined the thick, furry brown coat. While it looked incredibly soft and warm, Sumire also knew it was those exact reasons it was heavily discounted as summer heat began to bake the land.
"Hrng… Buy now and save for Winter? But what if I find something else before then? Ahh, but the quality is so high for the price…"
I have escaped! Cackling evilly to herself, Sumire tasted freedom from the imposing position she had been placed in. Ann was too susceptible to the whims of shopping and would happily be egged on until their designated time expires.
Why wouldn't you? "Urgh." Ann's words and eyes flashed again through Sumire's mind. Did she really want to arrive at LeBlanc with this many girls in incredibly attractive outfits while she was wearing gym cooldown gear?
Clenching her fist, Sumire shuffled back and forth half a metre behind Ann. Unsure which side was more dominant in her, Sumire waited impatiently for Ann to finish with the coat. Did this really take so long? Just make up your mind!
Aren't I more important right now!? Sumire complained internally.
"Hey, Ann…"
"Hmm, did you say something?"
"W-Well about the competition…"
"Ah, forget about it. You aren't wearing school clothes which was technically the whole point of this shopping trip anyway."
"Huh?"
"I mean, if you have no reason to get a new outfit, then I may as well look for stuff I want. You'll carry bags for me, right?"
"I…" Stunned, Sumire struggled to compose her words. Her tongue felt frozen in her mouth. This wasn't like shopping with Kasumi at all. Kasumi had never once let Sumire give up or go without buying something.
"Is there a problem?" Ann asked, finally turning around and staring Sumire in the eye. "If you are happy with what you are wearing, I have no complaints."
"…" Staring down at herself, Sumire picked at the gray sweatpants. The slightly too large red jacket. "A-Ann…"
"Yes?"
"Please help me pick out a nice outfit!" Bowing at the waist, Sumire knew she had been baited when the blond model began to chuckle.
"Of course I will! Let's go across the hall for this."
"O-Oh no…" Sumire protested weakly as her hand was dragged for the second time today. "That store is too expensive for me. I don't have the money to pay for clothes like that…"
"That's fine." Ann overrode the objections. "We are going to get an idea of what you want. Then we will find cheaper replacements."
"…Sure?" Never having been subjected to this kind of approach before, Sumire could not help but get the impression that Ann was even superior to Kasumi in terms of shopping. Used to modelling the most expensive clothes, Ann had the ability to determine which pieces were important to completing and complementing an outfit.
"Here, this one." Ann grabbed a piece of fabric and held in up for Sumire.
"Umm, why do I need a headband?" Sumire asked. She ran her fingers across the velvety surface, its surface changing from black to hints of maroon. "An oddly sized one at that…"
Ann giggled into her hand. "It isn't a headband silly. It's a Bandeau top. It goes around your chest."
"…" Looking at it, Sumire's cheeks quickly changed from their normal, straight through blushing, to volcanic. "E-Eeee—"
"Chill out!" Ann commanded. "I was just testing to see how much skin you were comfortable with. Not a lot apparently."
"B-But this is! It is completely indecent!"
Ann shrugged, seemingly unconcerned. "It isn't so much different from a bikini top. Good for keeping cool in the summer."
"Ugh…" Knowing she wouldn't win this conversation, Sumire tentatively placed the fabric down like it was a poisonous snake before placing her hands on her cheeks. The radiating heat slowly being dispersed by her almost icy hands.
"Okay, do not shut me down immediately." Ann prefaced her next proposal.
"It is more worrying when you start with that…" Sumire groaned.
"Okay… tada!"
"…"
"You like it?"
"It's… really pretty." Sumire hated how beautiful the shirt Ann held up was. A sleek crop top with spaghetti straps, the mostly white fabric was form fitting with bright red accents running across the bottom which would flutter around her belly button. It was something Kasumi would wear.
"Hold." Ann commanded.
"W-Wait, no!" Sumire yelled too late. Ann had already disappeared into the aisles, her blonde hair identifying her even as she shuffled quickly through the store with the aura of a pro.
In short order, Ann had returned with a pair of shoes in her hand. "Summer is coming which means open foot. Needs to be comfortable so no heel is a must. This is for fun, not a serious date."
"A-Ann?"
"So, I think that I wanted to keep this red and white vibe going. So, white straps but lined with rubies. Not too flashy but doesn't throw off the rest of the outfit."
"T-These look so expensive…" Sumire struggled as the conversation drifted from her initial complaints and did not seem likely to return to them.
"They are." Ann confirmed. "Here, hold them for me."
"Eep!" Left alone again, Sumire turned them around with shaky hands. True to expectations, the price was written on a tag almost as an afterthought. The final zero squeezed in at the very edge. "500,000 yen…"
"I thought I told you not to worry about that?" Ann's voice shocked Sumire.
"Eek! I'm so sorry!" Jumping, Sumire realized that somehow Ann had returned while the gigantic number consumed her soul.
"Here, the bottoms were the hardest to choose. I haven't seen you wear something like this before. It's always skirts with you. But you worked hard for those legs girl!"
"Urgh…" Eyes rolling back, Sumire wondered if she was going to faint. It would be a welcome relief from the horror that was about to come.
"Now, try it all on!"
And there it was.
Knees beginning to buckle, only public decorum kept Sumire on her feet. Eyes seeing nothing, Ann somehow got Sumire into one of the few changerooms. A bit of an oddity at high-end stores.
"W-Wait, but trying these things on doesn't help…" Sumire realized too late as she took off her sweatpants with mechanical practice.
Without further instructions however, Sumire did not stop changing. First went on the last of three things she had been brought: the bottoms.
Ann was right, Sumire had never worn something like this in her life. It was definitely Ann's own style blending into the outfit with a pair of tight, faded jean shorts. Sumire was all too aware of how little fabric they were made of as she began the arduous process of simply getting them on.
Her muscular legs rejected Sumire's attempts to get the shorts on. Alternating pulling on each side, Sumire did a dance to the shorts' god to enable her to wear them.
"Yes!" Cheering, Sumire flexed to herself once the arduous task was complete. Turning to face the mirror, her face sparked crimson again. Dressed in her bra and the short shorts she looked almost naked.
"Guh!" Making more odd noises, Sumire quickly pulled the shirt on. The top was tighter than it had looked in Ann's hands. The bust was form fitting and pushed up on her bra. The overlapping straps was a bad look. Knowing Ann would make her do it, Sumire pre-emptively removed the bra straps to leave only the shirts' straps.
Sliding her feet into the shoes and her outfit was complete. Kind of. Reaching up, Sumire removed the unnecessary glasses and gathered her hair back. The two small changes changed her appearance entirely in the mirror.
"…I look like my sister." Reaching an unbelieving hand forward, Sumire easily saw the similarities between them. "Maybe if I just pretend to be her… I can do this?"
Glasses off and hair held back, Sumire emerged from the dressing room.
"Whoa…" Ann looked Sumire up and down. "Damn girl! We crushed this!"
"Huh? Oh right, the competition." Sumire frowned as she remembered something extremely important. "But we aren't done yet, we have to go look for cheaper versions."
"Hehe, sorry, I lied about that." Ann winked wickedly. "Also here, take a hair tie."
"You lied!?" Sumire shrieked, drawing the gazes of nearby employees. "I can't afford this, and I can't let you pay for this!"
"I can't afford it either," Ann shrugged. "Haru said she was paying today. Dad told her to upgrade her wardrobe and gave her like 10 mil to do it."
"Urgh!?" Sumire's knees finally collapsed. Using the wall as support, her vision swum from the countless sucker punches Ann had delivered today. "T-That's not…"
"For us? Haru said she already bought everything she wanted so don't worry about it."
"I… whatever." Rolling with the punches, Sumire followed Ann blindly to the front. I am Kasumi, I am strong! I am confident!
As Sumire and Ann approached the till Haru was already there, a glossy black card in hand. A quick exchange later, the process was finished and the three of them exited the store almost one million yen poorer.
"Unbelievable…" Sumire muttered. "I mean… t-thank you very much Haru."
"It is no issue. I don't think my father understands how much normal clothes cost anymore. I needed to get rid of it somehow."
"Err, but won't he be upset when you don't have a bunch of things to show him?"
"Maybe," Haru tried to shrug it off confidently. However, her eyes still sank revealing her internal fear. "He is so busy these days doing… something, that I doubt he will even remember."
"Hopefully…" Sumire muttered sympathetically. "If you want help picking out anything else though…"
"Don't worry, you all will be the first people I come to!" Haru assured her.
"Exactly!" Ann cheered. "Although I am kind of jealous that you got all that money to shop with and I have none…"
"Don't models keep their clothes?" Sumire asked. "Do you really need more?"
"…My closet has space… probably."
Sumire and Haru giggled as they shared a glance. Knowing Ann, the girl probably needed an intervention to remove the piles of fabric that doubtlessly clogged her room.
"Well well, looks like I may have lost," a happy voice greeted them.
"I don't think that is possible…" A dejected Makoto followed up.
Sumire thought her trip had been rough. Makoto's eyes were glazed and unfocused. Her bare arms kept hugging each other even though the mall was stifling hot.
"Aww, you like the outfit!" Kasumi poked Makoto.
"J-Just because I agreed does not mean I like it!" The abused president yelled back. The rebuttal did seem somewhat half-hearted.
Even with Makoto shuffling uncomfortably, she looked incredibly good. A silver chain hung around her neck and rested upon her bust which has emphasized by a form fitting sleeveless black shirt. Her pants were cut-off mid calf and hugged her leg. The faux leather gave her the appearance of a biker that Kasumi couldn't have known about. She was just missing the bike.
"Cool right?" Kasumi smiled. "Doesn't she have that aura of one wrong word and she'll deck you in the face?"
"I kind of want to hit you right about now…" Makoto sulked with no real force.
"Aww… she even acts the part!" Kasumi patted Makoto playfully on the head.
"Shopping mission complete!" Ann cheered. "Since you both look amazing, we all win!"
"Oh, so what's the prize then?" Kasumi asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Ann smirked. "We get to go eat whatever the boys made and have a great time!"
"The… boys?" Kasumi asked. "Oh, you must be talking about Amamiya Ren and Sakamoto Ryuji."
"Among others, but yes. March everyone!"
"Oh, you're coming, sis?" Sumire asked. She wondered if she was the only one worried about inviting her. Kasumi's intuition was not to be underestimated.
"Is that a problem?" Kasumi asked.
"N-No, of course not…"
"It sounds like it is…"
Sumire withered as Kasumi examined her up and down with a suspicious stare. "You look good."
"T-Thanks?"
"But are you maybe just pretending to be me?"
"Urgh!" Making another revealing noise. Sumire shuffled uncomfortably. Having it put directly in her face was far too embarrassing.
Kasumi sighed. "And here I thought you have learned that you don't need to be me to be better than me."
Somehow feeling like she had missed the point of the day, Sumire followed along at the back of the group. Haru and Makoto had started to come alive and regain confidence. Everyone gelling together even tighter than before.
So why didn't Sumire feel like she was a part of it?