Kirkleton: Ah, thanks! Glad you're liking this so far. As for the romance, I admit, romance writing is not my forte but taking it slowly is appropriate. Namine's not really even looking for romance at this time and Yusuke...well, it's Yusuke. Enough said. This feels like the most reasonable pace to me.
After hearing Caroline's latest demand, Namine just had to say it.
''...You're really bored, aren't you?''
The girl harrumphed, pointedly averting her amused sister's gaze. Caroline hadn't been able to decide where she wanted their next outing to be so she left it up to Namine. Caroline's personality being what it is, this was the only conclusion Namine could come up with.
''We have to do our duties as wardens of the Velvet Room, it's something to be proud of. So I wasn't bored! I don't expect you to understand such a big responsibility, you annoying Inmate!''
''You say that but you certainly seem to be looking forward to those outings, Caroline.'' Spluttering, she shot Justine a betrayed look ''Weren't you the one who pushed me to do this today since it was your turn to choose?''
''Wha-I...you...'' Caroline
Shaking her head in amusement, Namine decided not to embarrass her any further ''Okay, okay-I've gotten to know the city fairly well by now..." She stopped to think. "...I've got it!''
The twins looked around the arcade curiously as Namine lead them inside. The older girl told them a bit about the place before explaining ''I was thinking since Justine seems to like the more peaceful areas, this could do the trick. What do you think?''
''Not half-bad.'' Caroline tapped her chin ''All right, show us how to proceed!''
Namine went on to do just that, telling them about various games and playing with them, occasionally letting the twins face each other. As they went on another round with Gun About, she noted that Justine did a lot better due to her calmer temperament and focus while Caroline's rising temper made mess up more and more.
''Ugh, it wasn't worth it!'' The girl huffed once Justine won. ''Hey, Inmate...'' Both noticed Namine eyeing the games thoughtfully. ''...what're you spacing out for?''
''Hm? Oh, I just remembered-Makoto thought we could use the games for some inspiration in the Metaverse. Today's visit gave me a couple of ideas which might actually be effective...''
''Oh, really? Well, this is thanks to us.'' Caroline stated proudly.
''It wouldn't have happened if the Inmate hadn't begun inviting us to begin with, Caroline.''
Aaaand count on Justine to burst her bubble...
Namine held back a smile ''Well, I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves.''
''We did, thank you.'' Justine returned. ''By the way, I saw a curious place on our way over and it has me wondering...what is your opinion on manga?''
Namine had invited the twins out on a whim, but she did not think it'd be so entertaining.
They had gone to see the manga Justine mentioned and the girls seemed surprisingly fascinated. They'd had different preferences of course but the concept of manga itself clearly caught their interest. Namine had even recommended some of the manga she'd read before and Justine readily bought a few, which had certainly been unexpected. She thought back to the time Caroline had even tried different creps on Namine's advice Perhaps the girls were coming to trust her? It would be nice if that were the case.
The sound of her phone ringing snapped Namine out of her thoughts, the girl picked up ''Oh, Haru-what's up...'' Her eyes widened. ''...wait, what do you mean Sensei's in the hospital?''
On that alarming note, she hurried to see Haru, who was waiting for her at the hospital's entrance. The heiress explained how she had been here to visit a company employee she was somewhat familiar with when she happened to recognize Kawakami in another room.
''Ann mentioned something about her pushing herself too hard before.'' Haru recalled.
Namine nodded ''We tried to figure this out but she won't say a word. Ushimaru-sensei helped too but she's being really stubborn...''
She knocked on the room's door, hearing a voice call them in. Kawakami looked up in surprise ''Oh...you girls came to see me?''
''You've been really working too hard, Sensei.'' Namine remarked with a frown.
''What, this?'' A weak laugh ''It's nothing to be worried about. I'll be back on my feet in no time.''
Neither of the girls was convinced and Haru said as much ''I hope that's an exaggeration, Sensei. You're really looking pale-you need to focus on resting. Forget about work now.''
''...I wish I could...'' She mumbled so lowly that they almost it, immediately dismissing it with another laugh ''...really, I'll be fine! I apprecaite the concern though, it's really nice of you to visit.''
Haru was about to respond when the door suddenly flew open, revealing a man in a sui walking in. Kawakami stiffened ''There you are, Kawakami-san! I hope you haven't forgotten...''
''I know-the money's going to be ready soon, I promise.''
He huffed ''Good! We can't be made to suffer because of your careless...not that it'd be the first time, of course.'' Kawakami flinched. ''Guilty, eh? You should be...''
''Stop it!'' The two looked at Namine in surprise. ''Look, I may not know what's going on but she's sick. At least let her rest-she's already working so hard as it were!''
''Not yet, she isn't. You just admitted that you have no understanding of the situation. I'm only making her pay what we deserve. It serves her right.''
''How could you be so cold?!'' Haru demanded ''Sensei doesn't...no one deserves to be treated like this!''
''Sensei? Wait, you're her students...? Ha! That's a laugh.'' To Kawakami he added. ''You just don't learn, do you? Isn't what happened already enough?'' Kawakami looked away. ''Here's a bit of advice, girls. Stay away from that woman-you don't want to be near a teacher like that. After all, one of her students died all thanks to her.''
''What...?'' Haru started but the man was already leaving.
Namine looked just as bewildered ''...Kawakami-sensei? What...?''
''I-it's nothing...'' She managed. ''...please, I...it'll be fine. Don't mind him.''
The girls shared a worried look, wondering what on earth could this mean...
The following day, Namine told Morgana about the visit...
''That's really strange-she wouldn't tell you anything then?''
The girl shook her head ''She tried to brush it off but that really upset her. We left because she was getting tired and we didn't want to push her. But...that man...''
''Yeah, he sounds like a sleaze...but this does explain a few things. It's no surprise she's focused on working if she's being blackmailed for money.''
Namine nodded, thinking back to what that Takase had said. A student of Kawakami's passing away. Grimacing, the girl decided to see if she could get the story straight from the woman herself soon. She couldn't just leave things at that now...
She hadn't realized she was distracted until she almost bumped into someone, who grabbed her arm lightly just before it happened. ''Oh, it's you...''
Namine blinked ''Miura-san?''
''Hey there, you looked really spaced out.''
''Ah, yeah...I guess...'' She shook herself.
''On your way to school, huh? You're definitely a diligent student from the sound of it...'' Miura remarked ''...I hear you're friends with with little Mako. She told me a bunch about you and your other friends.''
A startled Morgana repeated the nickname, Namine fighting back her amusement ''Wait, you actually call her...?''
He snickered ''Yup, the name got on her nerves so of course I had to keep using it. She used to have the most hilarious reactions.''
''I can imagine...''
''In all seriousness though-I actually wanted to thank you for that.'' Miura admitted. ''She never said it but I know kids at school gave her a hard time for some time. Sae wasn't helping with how she just wanted the kid to focus on studying. I mean, I get it-she wanted to be prepared for the future but that really wasn't much of a way to live.''
The duo had to agree. Even early on, it was obvious that Makoto's school life was lonely. She had a few acquaintances but her reputation got in the way of her making real friends. None of her acquaintances helped when it really mattered, when Makoto needed them.
Miura went on ''But she told me a whole bunch about her new friends. You guys really made her happy-she was really touched when you gave her a chance and actually heard her out. That's why I want to thank you.''
''Hehe, well it's nothing to be thanked for. I just did because I wanted to.'' The girl returned.
Morgana felt the man had a point. After all, it was because Namine chose to help Makoto back when they didn't even know her that they eventually did the same. She had no reason to but found it in her heart to give the student council president a chance and it just proved what a kind person she was.
An angry cry brought his attention to their far left ''Hey, that's...!''
Makoto had been on her way to the train when a disheveled man in a suit approached her ''Ah, I thought so...you look like that woman.'' The girl blinked twice ''You're her sister, aren't you? Well?!''
Frowning, the girl braced herself for trouble. She was well aware of her resemblance to Sae so she wasn't surprised people who encountered her sister could make the connection. Which only left her to wonder ''...What's this about?''
''I want answers! What's that woman going to do about the case? This is all her fault!''
''Wait, what do you mean?'' She demanded.
''Don't act like you don't know! The woman ruined my brother and she has to answer for what she's done!''
''W-what?'' Was this about Sae's job? But...Sae never talked about any cases with her. What was he talking about?
Scowling, the man pulled her by the arm. ''Tell me-she can't get away with this!''
''But I really don't know...let go of me!'' She wrenched herself free.
The man took a step forward only for a new voice to call ''Stop this right now!''
It was Miura, who swiftly walked over with Namine and Morgana in tow, both looking at Makoto in concern. Miura's stormy expression softened when he gave Makoto a once-over as if to check up on her before turning on the man. ''I thought it was you...''
Namine and Morgana's attention was on Makoto, however ''Hey, you all right?'' The cat wondered.
''Y-yeah...'' She managed, giving them a weak smile turning back to the man warily.
''Oi, back off!''
''I don't think so. Makoto has nothing to do with any of this so leave her alone.'' He retorted sharply.
But this only seemed to make him angrier ''Nothing to do with it!? After what that heartless bitch said and did?! She...!''
''I'm sorry for your loss.'' Miura's sudden change came out of nowhere ''But it doesn't give you the right to condemn her just because you have a problem with Sae. She doesn't even know what's going on. I'm happy to keep things civil but if you keep insisting on this behavior I'll have no choice but to arrest you and I'd rather avoid that.'' He sighed as the man stormed ''Guess that was the best I could manage...''
''Miura-san, what's he talking about?'' The brunette bit her lip ''What does Sis have to do with this?''
''I'm not sure...it's only something I've heard about this morning. That guy, Izou...he's just in a bad place. I was hoping to talk to her about it so I don't want to throw in any conjecture until I have my facts straight. But one thing I'm sure of is that the prison incident has some nasty consequences.'' He gave them a small smile. ''Don't worry, I'll sort this out.''
Namine was going to meet her friends when lunch time came but she had an idea she wanted to try. Thanks to Ohya, she was able to get the story straight.
The man was a brother to Izou Kyoji, one of the prisoners. Kyoji was imprisoned on what was recently revealed to be false charges, being made a scapegoat of his boss' scheme. But the prison incident took place before he could be released. It seemed he believed the case was handled carelessly and he wanted some justice for his brother. They correctly guessed that Sae was the prosecutor in that case and he wanted her to answer for this.
An appalled Makoto felt bad for the man, now realizing what Miura meant. The man was grieving so he lashed out. She didn't blame him, knowing the Black Mask and likely this awful organization was responsible.
What did Sae make of all this though? At one point, Makoto would've had full faith in her sister's character to handle this but now?
Now...she found herself fearing the answer.
Yusuke and Morgana joined Namine as she helped Asuka with her work. Once they were done, the young woman was more than happy to let her practice some guitar playing and singing. Not only was it a reminder that Namine had found her passion again and she wasn't about to let it go, it also made for an enjoyable time.
As he looked on, Morgana didn't miss quite a few passerby surveying the store with interest, having been drawn by the music. He smiled to himself, watching Yusuke praise their leader before the two began to chat. The subject of Haru's idea to have Namine participate in the festival came up.
Yusuke seemed intrigued ''Hm, actually-I think that's an excellent idea.''
''Why did I know you were going to say something like that...?'' Namine trailed off. ''I'm not going to deny that I've made a lot of progress recently but I don't know how I feel about this...''
''Well, don't dismiss the possiblity all together.'' Morgana advised.
''Agreed, in fact I think you'd do splendidly. It should prove a highlight of the event.'' Yusuke added.
The girl raised an eye ''Don't exaggerate. Anyway...''
Watching them fall into another conversation, Morgana found himself thinking. He had been wondering about those two for a while. Namine had told him she wasn't really interested in romance at the moment but she got along very well with the artist. Yusuke had been drawn to Ann's beauty but he'd also admitted to finding Namine lovely and from what he heard, had gotten rather invested in painting her. The feline hadn't ever seen him treat a girl the way he did Namine. Seeing their interactions had him wondering if their relationship could grow to be something more. He could see it happening...
Well, who knew what the future would bring?
A while later, Namine went to visit Takuto while Morgana opted to go on a walk. The girl was curious after finding their newest team member going through a sheaf of papers as he greeted her. ''So, what's all this?''
''Ah, I was looking through some notes I put down together earlier. It's like I told you the other day-I was thinking of a way to put the knowledge I've come to pick up to good use. We've seen plenty of the cognitive world's dark side but I think it can definitely do a lot of good. It has me thinking back on the days I was working on my research-funny thing is, between then and now, I was completely naive.''
''Oh, yeah?'' Namine thought Takuto was actually plenty more knowledgeable than the rest of them.
Apparently her expression gave her away ''Is it that surprising? I might have done some research but it's nothing like experiencing the real thing. You can say awakening Adam Kadmon helped bring a new perspective to me, in a sense. Back when I first started, I had considered the idea of removing pain and suffering from anyone all together.''
''Ah, that's...'' The girl had no idea what to say. It sounded nice in theory but it wasn't nearly that simple. ''...I'm not sure we can even do that in the Metaverse now. Besides-is there a way of changing that? It just seems like pain and suffering tend to be a part of life.''
''Oh?'' Takuto seemed intrigued. ''Let's see...look back, if someone offered you the option of a life without any pain, a perfect life that would bring you joy, what would you say?''
Namine thought that over ''Mm, there's no denying I'd be tempted to take such a thing...To be honest-I can't be sure what I would do. But...what's the cost?'' This made him blink. ''I don't think you get something for nothing here-what would such a deal cost? Isn't that why people say to be careful what you wish for?''
He nodded ''I see, so that's how you feel...''
''I consider myself lucky, in a way. Things were really bad after my arrest but I had Grandma and Grandpa. Then I met so many good people and that's how I've come to know you guys. Maybe what lead to it was really sad and painful but I'll never regret meeting any of you.'' He couldn't help but smile at those touching words. ''Besides-the more I think about it...just look at all of us-we overcame our pain to become stronger. It helped us grow. Life has bad things and good things but it's up to us to make the most of them...at least that's how it seems to me.''
Takuto chuckled ''That's quite the wise outlook. Such a response proves you've managed to reconcile your inner and outer worlds.'' The girl gave him a puzzled look. ''Ah, let me explain-everyone has an internal reality. A conception of themselves they're striving to reach. Like, wanting to be a model student, wanting to be loved and relied on, that kind of idealized reality and the one in actuality are often far apart. That gap is responsible for a lot of people's pain. Not everyone can ace their exams and not everyone can be the heroes they wish they could be.''
''I never thought of it like that...'' It made a lot of sense, actually.
''This sort of suffering is enough to twist people up into dark places.'' He carried on. ''It'd be enough to cause their desires to go out of control, like the shadows of the Metaverse. I think the shadows represent the inner reality. They can't lie and the twisted and dark feelings push them into things they wouldn't normally do. It's worse the longer they go on without help. Eventually, they deal with things very differently as you well know.''
Namine nodded, instantly thinking of people like Hijiri and others like Kamoshida and Madarame. Hijiri's suffering because of Sugimura and his friends drove her into that extreme state, likewise the two mens' out of control desires drove them into the men they were before the changes of heart.
''Now some people manage to pick the pieces up but others continue to wallow unless they can find the strength. I didn't want to keep holding out for hope...not after some of the people I met in my line of work...especially when I thought of how devastated Rumi and her mother were after the burglary.'' Takuto's work required him to deal with a lot of people so he had seen quite the sorts. ''But they got back on their feet and then I met everyone in the team. You're an inspiration-knowing what you all went through and seeing you come this far is nothing short of amazing.''
''I think you're forgetting about yourself there, Doc. You seem to be doing good yourself-your research was gone and people tried to keep you down after your dream was ruined but look at you now. You're sticking it out and helping others, that's something special too.''
Takuto chuckled ''Well, I'm flattered but I don't know about that...'' He closed his eyes for a moment. ''...your reasoning was on point. I considered getting rid of pain all together but it's just best if I focus on trying to reach out to people. I can't help everybody no matter how much I want to but I'll work hard to make a difference out there. So I was thinking-Namine-chan, would you help with my research?''
''You think I can...?''
''Absolutely. You have quite the insightful outlook.'' He returned at once. ''I've been trying to think of some new treatments but I'm afraid I might have hit a wall. You just have to listen to my theories and tell me if they give you any ideas or realizations.''
''That's all? Sure, I'm game.'' Namine smiled as his face lit up. Well, she had no idea how much she could help but she had every intention of giving it her best effort. ''So what did you have in mind?''
On her way back, Namine encountered a familiar figure...
Kaoru's eyes widened ''Oh, you're...''
''Hi, Kaoru-kun, were you going to the shop?'' Untouchable wasn't too far from here after all...
''...I wanted to but you heard Dad the other day...he just keeps saying not to. And still I...'' The boy frowned. ''...I don't know why he won't let me help.''
''Hm, maybe it's because of what he said about the business. It kind of sounds like he's a really stressed at the moment.''
''You think so?'' He looked down. ''But that's all the more reason not to deal with everything alone...''
Namine regretted her words, realizing she might have wound up making this worse. ''Well...ah, maybe he's just used to doing all that stuff alone. I mean, he's really rigid about what I get to do in the shop. And that's even with how I'm used to dealing with guns...''
Kaoru blinked ''You are?''
She nodded and told him about the retired soilder Nakamura from her hometown. The boy nodding ''Huh, yeah, you think that would have him cut you a little slack...but I guess Dad's always going to be strict about this stuff. Typical...''
''You sound like you're close.'' Namine remarked.
''Mmhm, Dad's always going the extra mile to help me...it's only been the two of us since Mom died in a car accident. I want to show him that he doesn't have to coddle me...'' Kaoru trailed off.
''Well...two heads are better than one-maybe we can get some agreement out of him eventually.''
He blinked ''Wait, you want to...?''
She nodded, things seemed awkward between the father and son. Maybe she could help change that...''I can tell this is important to you. Who knows? Maybe we can wear him down eventually. Never hurts to try, right?''
Kaoru chuckled ''Right...thank you.''
Two days later, Namine and Ann were walking from the Student Council office, having just finished helping Makoto with some of the work.
''Maan, that was a mess...'' Ann stretched her arms up. ''...it almost reminds me of some of the times I had to deal with my closet...''
''Oh, so this is why you started keeping the thing closed when we come around?'' The girl started to fumble for an excuse, elicting a smirk from Namine ''See, I'm hearing bits of talk here and there but it all sounds like code for 'I don't want another lecture from Makoto.'''
Ann laughed weakly, unable to deny that. Makoto made a point of looking out for everyone and she would make a point of trying to correct any bad habits. As much as she appreciated the older girl's efforts, she wanted to avoid a lecture. ''My guardian does a good job of keeping things organized but sometimes I'm in a rush or getting ready for a shoot and...things get out of hand...''
''Ann, I've seen you when getting ready for a shoot, remember? 'Out of hand' is a huge understatement.''
''Ah, well...'' Ann rubbed the back of her head, acknowledging that she deserved that. She might have overdone it a bit a few times when her friends were around.
The girl blinked ''Hey, actually-Morgana said something about you figuring out what happened with Kawakami-sensei?''
''Oh, right-we didn't tell you...''
Ann frowned at the end of the story ''You mean he actually said that?! This guy sounds like a total ass! There's no way he was telling the truth. Why is Sensei going along with this?''
''That is an excellent question.''
The girls started and turned around to find Ushimaru approaching. Ann blinked ''Ah...how much of that did you hear?''
''Subtlety is not one of your virtues, Takamaki.'' He returned dryly, the blonde smiling sheepihsly ''Now Hyakuya, didn't she tell you anything?''
Namine shook her head ''She just tried to brush that visit off like it was nothing...she's obviously to dealing with that jerk. It's almost like she really does think her student died because of her.''
''...Well then, it's time to get some answers.'' At their surprised glances, he explained. ''Kawakami did try to come to work today. We just ensured she'd stay in the nurse's office. Come on.''
Kawakami appeared a bit better off than she was in the hospital and Namine was really glad no one let her work today. Why had she even come in this state?
It wasn't long before Ushimaru brought her up to speed, making her look away from their expectant glances.
''Sensei, enough-why don't you just tell us what happened? There has to be more to this.'' Ann stated and Namine nodded.
''So...you'd even listen to a mediocre teacher like me?'' Kawakami exhaled. ''...The truth is...''
And at last she told them everything. Before she came to Shujin, Kawakami had a student named Takase. He was considered a problem child since he skipped classes often and she was put in charge of him. Then she found there was more to the boy than it appeared-he was no problem child at all. In fact, he was enthusiastic to learn, he was just far too busy doing multiple jobs to cover his living expenses. Takase's clear interest had her teaching him and his grades improved.
But then things got worse, Kawakami was accused of favoritism and the principal of her old school threatened to fire her if she didn't stop tutoring the boy. Kawakami, loving her job far too much to take the risk, gave in and apologetically told the boy that she couldn't teach him anymore. The boy was driving back from a job, he'd clearly been saddened by the news but he'd tried to brush it off and told her it would be all right.
But...that was the day he died, Takase had gotten into a car accident on New Year's Eve.
''This is just horrible...there's no way it's your fault!'' Namine frowned.
''It was...he was so tired after working so hard-if I hadn't done it...'' Kawakami trailed off sadly.
''No, Hyakuya's right.'' Ushimaru interjected. ''You had good intentions in the end. It's sad that the boy died but that doesn't make you responsible.''
''Exactly! If anything, his parents should be the ones to blame.'' Ann scowled. ''He just kept working and they didn't seem to care at all. Takase never should've been in that situation to begin with.''
Nurse Akie nodded ''That's what the money he mentioned is about, isn't it? Now that they don't have the poor kid, they want you to be their cash cow.''
''I...I wanted to continue teaching, so I payed them as an apology. If I hadn't, they were going to sue me and take the issue to the media and Board of Education. I wouldn't have been accused of a crime but if word had gotten out the school would've been done for.'' Kawakami looked away ''That's why I keep working myself to the bone-I have to atone for my sin.''
''But that's just it, you had no sin here!'' Namine stated sharply. ''This is just blackmail. They have no right doing this to you.''
The woman looked up at her in clear surprise. Here was the student she had written off at a delinquent, the one she'd hardly even bothered to give a chance standing up for her. But she kept subverting expectations time and again...
Her thoughts stopped as her phone rang, signaling a message. Kawakami grimaced after reading it. Akie had been close enough to read the message ''Are you kidding me?! They're still at this even now. The Takases won't back off. She's in bad shape but they think she's trying to get out of paying them so they're threatening to sue again and they're going to go for it if they don't get payment in the next three days.''
''I-I don't know...I have to do something but...I...'' Kawakami trailed off.
''No. There's a way to deal with those creeps.'' Ann crossed her arms. ''What is we use the Phan-Site?''
''That's...''
''Look, whether you want to admit it or not, this is downright cruel. You were trying to do something good and all they're doing is taking advantage of you. This can't go on.'' The blonde pressed.
''Are you sure...?'' Akie bit her lip.
Both girls nodded before Namine spoke ''Something has to be done, the Phantom Thieves will change their hearts. They can figure out who deserves it or not, look at what happened so far.''
''...You know they might be on to something.'' Ushimaru stated. ''Even with the recent talks, a lot of people are still praising them. You've got nothing to lose, Kawakami-san. They did free many of our own students. It's definitely better than listening to those bastards.''
''But would they help...?''
''We can post the request for you-people put out plenty of anonymous requests, no one will have to know it has to do with you.'' Namine suggested.
Ann took out her phone ''What're their names, Sensei?''
After school, Namine headed off with Mishima, intending to meet the team so they could go to Mementos. It didn't take Mishima long to spot the request, which lead to him telling Namine about it. The girl brought him up to speed in turn.
''They what?! That's lousy!'' He exclaimed ''Kawakami-sensei was the one they were blackmailing...and that's why? Those guys are terrible...''
''Yeah, that's why we're going to do something about it.'' The girl stated with determination.
He smiled ''Well, it'll be fine with you guys on the case. Oh and don't worry, I won't tell anyone.''
''I wouldn't have told you if I didn't know that'd be the case, Mishim-kun.''
Namine's response made him smile, realizing that she was trusting him with this. It did remind him of something he had been meaning to ask for a while now ''Say, Namine-san? You know you can just call me by my name, right? I mean, I've been doing it for a while now...''
''Oh, right. Guess it's just a habit...Yuuki, then.'' He nodded happily.
He glanced at his phone as it buzzed, blinking at the number ''Huh...Akiyama-kun wants me to stop by. Sorry, I know you were going to leave soon but could you come with me? It sounds serious.''
''Right.''
As they quickly found out, it really was serious. The boy was being ganged up by a pair of thugs, leaving him to cower.
''Akiyama-kun?!'' Yuuki looked taken aback.
''Ahh, there's our guy.'' One of the thugs grunted. ''Look, Akiyama-kun says he's not gonna be able to pay up this month. How 'bout you spot him? That's what friends're for, right?''
''F-Friends? And what's this about payment?''
''Huh...?'' The thug frowned. ''You guys ain't friends?''
The other thug scowled ''Don't try n' mess with us, Akiyama. Is this loser s'pposed to be the friend who was gonna help you?!''
Akiyama looked down, remaining silent. Namine frowned, what exactly was going on? Had he been trying to set Yuuki up?
''If you don't got anything to do with the little bitch Akiyama, I suggest you get outta here.'' The two stared back warily. ''C'mon, Tohru, looks like just gonna have a nice little chat with that girlfriend of his.''
''P-please no!'' Akiyama cried while Namine and Yuuki looked on in alarm.
''Sorry, but you broke our promise. Now she's gonna have to pays us back...if you catch my drift. This is just what you for tryin' to screw us over.''
''You're so cruel, Yuuta-kun!'' His friend said with a laugh.
''A-Akiyama-kun...'' Yuuki's expression turned determined. ''...Namine-san. Run.''
The girl's eyes widened a little ''What're you...don't tell me you want to fight them?''
''I have to do something...I-I can't leave Akiyama-kun like this. You heard what they were saying now about Akiyama-kun's girlfriend. Who's to say they won't actually go and do that with anyone? I don't want them to hurt you.'' Mishima faltered ''...I think I have an idea, it's risky but it might just work. If anything happens to me, take care of Akiyama-kun.''
''Wait a sec...''
But he wasn't listening ''H-H-Hey, you guysh...crap, I bit my tongue...''
''You're still here?'' Yuuta demanded.
Akiyama grimaced ''Run, you idiots...''
''You know, this girl here's pretty good lookin', we can have her pay for a start.'' Tohru added, Namine glared back.
''Leave her alone!'' Yuuki exclaimed before she could retort. ''Umm...you'd better lay off Akiyama-kun, I've been taking a video of this whole conversation. If you do anything to Akiyama-kun or his girlfriend, I'll take it straight to the police! Oh and don't get any ideas about breaking my phone, it backs up to the cloud automatically.''
''H-hey, what should we do...?''
''We'll be fine. The police ain't gonna do shit' cause of a stupid little video...Why don't you run along to your anime girls? We don't got time to deal with a loser like you...though your friend on the other hand...''
''Urgh...'' The boy cringed, his nerves getting the better of him.
''That's funny, you're the only losers I'm seeing here.'' Namine had faced far worse then a pair of thugs so they weren't even close to intimidating for her. ''You think it makes you tough to gang up on people? You can't get away with this. Leave him and his girlfriend alone.''
''Namine-san...'' Yuuki looked at her in clear awe but his expression turned just as determined. ''...yeah...You're tough guys and all but should you risk arrest because of something like this? It'll definitely get you arrested with your previous criminal records!''
''H-how did you know?!''
''It doesn't matter now. Just leave Akiyama-kun alone and we'll be even. Then if you keep your word, I'll delete the video and the back up.'' Yuuki stated.
''You'll delete them now.'' Yuuta ordered.
''No!''
The thugs began to back up ''Y-Yuuta-kun...''
''I've had enough of this shit!'' They left.
The boy let out a huge sigh of relief and Namine turned to him ''That was great! You really handled them.''
Yuuki Iaughed a bit ''...I thought I was gonna a heart attack...good thing it's over. My whole act would've fallen apart if they didn't back off when they did...I really suck, huh?''
''That's not true at all. You completely stared them down, it was impressive.''
''Y-you think...?'' He smiled. ''The truth is, I've dealt with enough bullying to know guys like these have at least been arrested once. Oh and...thanks for sticking by me, Namine-san. We can't let injustice like that go unchecked. I think I get it now...this feeling is what made me want to help you guys in the first place...''
''And it's why we do what do-it feels much worse turning away from something you know is wrong, huh?'' The girl received a nod and they went to Akiyama.
''Are you okay?'' Namine asked.
''Yeah, it looks like they really laid it on you...'' Yuuki added.
''Mishima...why'd you help?'' Akiyama wondered, the former gave him a quizzical look. ''You didn't need to get involved...either of you.''
''Sorry, when it just looked like you were in trouble, I moved.'' Yuuki shrugged.
''If you really want a reason, I wanted to.'' Namine returned.
Akiyama's brow furrowed ''...Is that so?''
The first tilted his head ''Anyway, did you need any help?''
''I'm fine, just stay out of the way.''
The blue haired boy spoke after a few moments ''...I'll keep an eye on the situation but I think he'll be fine now. Thanks for the help, Namine-san. Sorry I held you up-I don't think I could've done this without you here.''
The girl smiled in return ''Hey, you oughta be proud of yourself, Yuuki. You did good today.''
He chuckled ''Thanks, I really appreciate all you've done.''
''Don't worry about that. Be seeing you.'' Namine stated, he nodded, waving as she headed off.
And let's stop here.
The next chapter picks up from this point as they head off to Mementos. Miura's just an all around nice guy who likes his jokes so he occasionally messed around with Makoto. Let's just say he's not happy with the way Sae's been acting lately. He's basically like a favorite uncle to the Nijima sisters and I'll show more of their interactions down the line. I had to tweak things with Kawakami and Takuto but I think it turned out okay. The opinion on the Phantom Thieves is a bit all over the place after the prison incident. A bunch of people trust them but others aren't so sure and the rest just got spooked all together.
With the Takases' new threat, the situation's more urgent so it'll be taken care of soon. I have a couple of surprises in store next chapter, especially one idea I've been looking forward to trying out for a while now.
Welp, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 7)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank Max)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 9)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 6)
Igor (Aeon Rank 6)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 6)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 8)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank Max)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 8)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 6)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 7)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 7)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 5)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 6)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 5)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 7)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 4)
Iwai Munehisa(Hanged Man Rank 3)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 3)
Nijima Sae (Judgement Rank 2)
Maruki Takuto (Councillor Rank 4)