4/16 Thu - Afternoon - Tatsumi Hospital

My eyelids feel like they're being weighed by bricks. Despite that analogy, I fight my drowsiness, slowly opening my eyes Light floods into my vision, keeping me from opening my eyes too quickly. The first thing I see is a white ceiling. This definitely isn't my room. Where am I? The last thing I can remember was… My chest!

Finally getting up, I peer at my chest. I'm wearing a hospital gown and there are bandages wrapped around my chest. Okay, so that means I'm in the hospital. I try to get up but something is holding me down on my left arm. I glace over to it. Full-set bright teal hair leaves me stunned. Fuu-chan is resting her head on my arm, dosing off without a worry in the world. Why is she here? More importantly, how did she find out I'm in the hospital?

"Fuuka, please wake up. My arm…"

I move my arm as gently as humanly possible. Not about to yank it right out and disturb her sleep. Moving it just a tad bit, her grip on my arm grows even tighter, it almost hurts… She must've been really worried about me.

"I'm so sorry, Fuuka..."

Memories of that night are coming back to me in pieces. The monster, the blood, my power, and the moon as it hung over me, all of it. Is Yuki okay? I know Yuka-chan might be, but he was out cold. Maybe he's in the hospital, too?

A groan escapes Fuu-chan's mouth. She starts to lift her head off my arm, rubbing her eyes a little.

"Good morning," I greet with my best smile.

She jumps up to her feet, gawking at me with a relieved expression. "Kazuki-kun, you're awake! Thank goodness."

"I can say the same for you."

"Did I doze off?"

"Yeah, sleeping right on top of my arm."

She swiftly turns, covering her face with her hands. "Oh, I didn't– um, uh, I'm sorry!"

"Why are you apologizing, it's not a bad thing. Besides, you must've been bored just watching me sleep."

"I wasn't bored! I was just watching you sleep, and I– Wait, I wasn't watching you sleep because I like it! It's just…you looked peaceful while you slept, that's all."

I don't how to feel about that, but I can't say that it bothers me, let alone weirds me out. It's enough to get a laugh out of me.

Fuu-chan's face gets red, and she gives me a pouty face. "Wha–what's so funny?"

"Nothing, it's nothing."

Guess I'm just glad that she's doing fine from what I can tell based on how she overthinks her wording. Though, that's like pot kettle black if I'm talking about people tripping on their words. But as much as I want to enjoy my time with her, I need to know how she knew I was here.

"Fuu-chan, how did you know I was here?"

"Ekoda-sensei let it slip when he was speaking with another teacher. I came after school to see what your condition was." I sure am glad Ekoda loves to hear himself talk, but I'm sure that's not gonna last for long. "...But why are you in the hospital, is it serious?"

To be honest, I have no idea what to tell her. Even if I do, she wouldn't believe me; she'll think I'm insane.

"I...don't know either. I felt dizzy, and then I must've passed out. Guess I was a bit exhausted."

"Is that true," she asks, seemingly skeptical of my story.

"Of course it is, I wouldn't lie?"

"I don't mean to doubt you, but you've been asleep for an entire week."

"What!? A week!?" How the hell did I sleep through an entire week? Was the wound that bad? Easy Kei, keep your cool, you gotta keep it together. Can't let her think it was anything worse than being exhausted. "Wow, I must've been super exhausted."

I tried to laugh off the matter but she wasn't going along with it. She seems dejected at what I said, her lips are trembling.

"You must have been exhausted from helping me," she says, carrying her downcast attitude. "I'm sorry, for being such a burden."

"Th-that isn't it! I wasn't exhausted from helping you."

"Are you sure? Helping and dealing with me is tiring, so-"

"It wasn't, I swear. Besides, I wanted to help you! If I didn't, then I wouldn't be a good friend."

Her expression lightens as her eyes beam with joy.

"Thank goodness. I'm glad that I wasn't burdening you."

"Not at all, so you don't have to worry about a thing."

"O…okay. Then how about we talk about school? You missed some things while you were out. I even have notes if you want them."

Considering that she watches me sleep whenever she comes to visit and that I'm behind, I'm probably due for a little crash course.

"Tell me everything that happened."

We spent who knows how long catching up on the classes I missed during my power nap. My grade is something I have to take somewhat seriously. I may not be a straight-A student, but I have to keep my grades up to a standard minimum.

"Hm?" There's a bruise on her hand, and it doesn't look small "Where did you get that?"

"Hm, get what?"

"That bruise on your hand?"

She recoils, covering the exact spot it's on. "Oh...I, um."

"Tell me the truth!"

She's fiddling with her fingers as she looks at her feet. I shouldn't yell at her like that, but I'm more concerned about her well-being.

"Before I came here today, I ran into Moriyama."

"You mean that girl with the tan?" She hesitantly nods her head. "What happened?"

"I was trying to stop her from going somewhere she should."

"Why do you care what she does?"

"Because where she was going wasn't safe for her."

"Still, why does it concern you? Who cares where she goes?"

"But I care! I feel like I need to stop her! If I don't, then she's bound to get into trouble."

"Who cares if she does!"

My outburst shocks her, and me as well. The room goes dead silent. I don't have anything else left to say. Why does she care what Moriyama does? I don't get it.

"I should notify the doctor that you're awake," Fuu-chan says in a hushed voice.

"Yeah..."

We both avoided eye contact. I'm not angry at her, but I can't bring myself to agree with her.

"Okay, I'll be going now. See you later."

She gets up from her seat and walks to the door without looking at me. Damnit, I can't leave things off like this!

"Wait, before you go, can you bring my hoodie to me when I get back to school? It would mean a lot to me."

"Of course," she gladly obliges.

"Thank you, Fuu-chan. I'll call you when I'm released..."

She left my hospital room immediately after. I lay my head back on the pillow. That conversation ended a lot more awkwardly than I would've liked. I'm glad she came to see me but I'm still puzzled by this mystery in my head.

"Worried about a bully? Makes no damn sense!"

Paulownia mall - Be Blue V - Afternoon - Fuuka

My visit to see Kazuki-kun today ended…awkwardly. It's not his fault though, but mine. I understand why he got upset at me. Wanting to help Moriyama sounds ridiculous, yet, I can't help myself; it's a compulsion.

Speaking of Kazuki-kun, he said he was just exhausted. I want to believe him, but I have my doubts. A person wouldn't be out for that long if it was just exhaustion and longer periods would be considered a coma, which isn't the case. Of course, there could be several other reasons why he would be out so long, but it isn't safe to assume anything. But I am glad he is okay, so I suppose I'm just overthinking things.

I came to Paulownia Mall, specifically, the "Be Blue V" store. The store is lined with amazing accessories like earrings, necklaces, and rings. I don't keep up with fashion or what's trendy, but it doesn't hurt to browse. Although, I can't see myself wearing any of these. They're all so flashy, just thinking about wearing them is embarrassing.

"Hello, miss, are you looking for anything?" An employee asks, presenting a beautiful smile.

"Um, not really, I was just browsing."

"Are you sure?"

Wearing any of these seems impossible for me, but what if I could pull off wearing one…?

"Maybe I am," I accidentally said aloud.

"...And that would be?"

"Well…an accessory that would look nice for-"

"For a date," the employee finishes.

"Huh!? N-not for a date, just as a get-together, is all! I was only viewing what you had. I'll be leaving now."

"Please come back any time," the employee politely tells me.

I rush out of the store, my face is burning hot as I speed-walk out of the store. It was unordinary for me to even go in there, let alone think I could wear anything from there. I'm nowhere near as gorgeous as Kirijo-senpai or Takeba-san; not even close… But it was nice to think I could, even if it was for a little bit.

Yamagishi household - Evening

Since there wasn't anything else to do, I returned home. My hand hovers over the doorknob, hesitating to touch it. This isn't anything new, my hand always does this before opening the door, but I always open it regardless of how I feel. After all, what else could I do, or go? Opening the door, I take off my shoes, placing them next to the other pair of shoes on the floor. I quietly close the door behind me.

"Mother, Father, I'm home."

On cue, my mother appears to greet me. She's a woman in her mid-40s', yet she still has the beautiful, mature appearance of what a woman should be.

"You're finally home," mother coldly says, scolding me with her scornful stare.

No matter when it is, she's always judging me with those eyes; carefully watching whatever I do in her presence. It's suffocating.

"Hello, mother," I mumble hesitantly.

"Fuuka, I've started to notice you've been returning home later than usual. This is starting to cut into your studies. Where have you been going lately?"

"I…umm..."

"Does it have to do with a boy named Kazuki Kei?" How does she know about Kazuki-kun!? "I found this hoodie in your room; it has his school I.D."

But I hid that hoodie well enough... Although, maybe deep inside my closet shouldn't be considered "well hidden".

"So for nearly this entire week, instead of focusing on your studies, you were fooling around with some boy!" I have to say something to her, anything. "...You're going to be a third-year soon. This is the time to double down on your studies. Studying hard enough to become a doctor, that's what we've been working toward." I want to tell her I don't want to be a doctor… "...Now isn't the time to get distracted with other people." Something, anything, I just want to object. "...Is this understood, Fuuka?"

I want to scream, yell, and even tell her no, but…

"Yes, mother."

…But no matter how much I hate it, it's no use fighting against it. Nothing will change.

"Good..." Mother turns her back to me. "...I want you to go to your room and continue with your studies. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"Excellent. Dinner will be ready at 8:30 P.M. Here, take this filthy thing."

Mother throws Kazuki-Kun's hoodie at me. She leaves without another word. I trek up to my room, locking the door so no one can enter unannounced. I lay down on my bed, hugging the jacket in my hands. It reminds me of our conversation from earlier. I didn't mean to yell at him, but the words came out, no thought behind them… It was the first time I yelled at someone.

That's not the only thing that's bothering me. Mother's attitude toward me is something I'm used to, however, I can never get over the aching in my heart whenever we speak. Whenever she speaks with me, it's about only about my future as a medical student and who I speak to. I know that it sounds ridiculous that I'm complaining about my mother having an interest in my future, she's not saying it out of love, but her projecting what she wants onto me… But what can I do? Running away wouldn't solve anything, arguing with Mother is out of the question, and going against her wishes is impossible… I hate it here.

"I wish, I could be with him more." Even if it's for a moment, I can forget all my worries when I'm with him. Having his jacket in my arms right now reminds me of him, almost like… Ah! Was I daydreaming about him!? No, that can't be. I'm too old to be doing that, and it's not like that, not at all… At least, I know he wouldn't see me that way…

4/18 Sa - Tatsumi hospital - Afternoon - Kazuki

I've finally been released from the hospital today. Thank god, it was boring in here, sitting in one place without anything to do isn't fun, and the food tastes stale. Feels great to move around after so long.

As I make my way for the exit, Fuu-chan enters the building wearing her uniform. Guess she is just out of school today. She notices me waving at her,

She lifts her eyebrows, surprised and happy, from what I can tell. "Kazuki-kun, you're being released today?"

"Yeah, cool, right?"

"But you've only been awake since yesterday. They should keep you for another week at best."

"Guess they decided to let me out early? But don't worry about it, I'm fine."

The wound on my chest says otherwise. Doctor said it'll leave a scar, but it'll be completely healed soon. Which shouldn't be possible, yet I think I get why it will.

"If that's the case, do you want to go somewhere to celebrate your recovery? I don't have to be home until 6:30 P.M."

"Um, isn't that kind of early?"

"My parents are a bit...strict when it comes to how I manage my time."

Fuu-chan takes on a somber expression mentioning her parents. That must be a sensitive topic.

"Are you okay?" I ask her.

"I'm fine, sorry if I seem a bit gloomy, but I really am okay." I want to ask for more details, but I don't know if pressing the topic is a good idea now. I'll lay off for now. "So, is there anywhere you want to go?" she asks, pointing to the exit.

"Yeah, about that. I can't, not today. I need to head straight to the dorm. Sorry."

"I see. Okay then. I'll see you at school tomorrow."

"Of course…

I try moving my leg but Fuu-chan's dower expression keeps stopping me. I need to head back to the dorm and figure out what the hell happened last night. Though, on the other hand, I should hang out with her. She probably wanted to hang out the moment I got out of the hospital, so it doesn't seem fair... Ah, I just got an idea!

"I do need to head straight for the dorm today, but if you want to tag along, that would be cool."

Her mood quickly shifts, hitting me with a smile. "O…okay, I'll come with you!"

"Awesome, plus, I don't know how to get home from here."

Fuu-chan gives me a dumbfounded face, then quietly laughs, doing her best to suppress it. "It makes sense, you're still new to the city. I guess I'll take you home now."

She keeps laughing, barely keeping it down to a whisper. Is it that funny? Eh, I guess it's fine since she's having fun, I owe her that much for having to watch me sleep.

Iwatodai dormitory - Afternoon - Kazuki

Didn't take too long to reach the dorm, and on the way, we got some Takoyaki, and by the way, delicious, that's all I can say. But, in the end, this is where we're going to have to separate for now.

"Fuu-chan, I'm sorry about today."

"Why?"

"Because you wanted to hang out, I just dragged you here instead."

"It's okay, I'm glad I get to see where you're staying." I never did tell her where I lived in the city. "It must be nice to live in a place like this, away from home," Fuu-chan says, her eyes transfixed at the dorm.

"Fuu-chan, are you okay?"

She jerks her head back at me. "Y-Yes, I am!"

"You just seem kinda off."

"Sorry, I just spaced out is all. Thank you for letting me walk you home, Kazuki-kun. It's getting late, so I'll be heading home myself."

I can't shake the fact that this is a lousy way for us to hang out. Figuring out what almost killed me the other night is important and all, but so is this.

"Fuuka," I call.

"Yes?"

"If you're not doing anything this weekend, maybe we can go out and do something?" Why am I so nervous, this shouldn't be so hard! And it feels like there's a furnace warming up my head.

"I would like that," she sheepishly, yet enthusiastically, stepping closer to me.

"Great! I'll text you the details later."

"I'll be looking forward to it."

She waves me goodbye from the sidewalk, watching me head inside the dorm. A part of me just wants to stay out here and talk to her, but I don't have the luxury. Nobody is sitting around the lobby. I suppose that was to be expected, given the message Kirijo-senpai sent me this morning, "When you reach the dorm, come to the fourth floor.

"Kirijo has sway, no two ways about it."

I march upstairs, preparing for anything at this point. On the fourth floor, there are double doors on the right-hand side. This is probably it. Turning the handle to both doors, I carefully open them… Everything in this room could pass as normal except the huge ass monitor on the left part of the room. I can't begin to imagine what watching movies on that thing is like; probably godly, if I'm being blunt. Kirijo-senpai is here, so is Ikutsuki-san. Yuki-kun, Yuka-chan, and the white-haired guy I saw the other day.

"Kazuki, come and sit down. We have much to discuss," Kirijo-senpai invites, gentle in her tone.

I take a seat on the couch in compliance. Pretty comfy but now isn't the time to let my body sink in it.

"Allow me to get the introductions out of the way," Ikutsuki-san says. "...The man sitting right in front of me is Sanada Akihiko."

"Nice to meet you," he says, giving off more welcoming energy than before.

Sanada… I heard that name before, mostly in passing, from girls.

"Chairman, shall we start?" Kirijo-senpai asks Ikutsuki-san.

"I believe so."

Senpai coughs into her hands, paying me and Yuki her attention.

"Now, Kazuki, Yuki: the night you both arrived here, did you notice something was off?"

So that's why Yuka-chan asked me if I saw something strange the night I came here. I never imagined she meant all that stuff I saw during my walk from the station. Well, no point in saying I didn't.

"Yeah," I answer. "The street lights were off, there was blood on the floor, and I…think I saw…coffins."

None of it felt real, but the other night, and the fact they're all aware of it shatters lie to pieces.

"Those are the anomalies that occur during a…hidden hour, if you will."

"Hidden?"

"What is this hidden hour?" Yuki asks, clearly interested in all the details.

"It's called the Dark Hour," Sanada-san finishes.

Ikutsuki-san went on to explain that it's a hidden hour between 12:00 A.M., and 1:00 A.M. People the "potential" can move around in it, and people who don't have it, can't. Just like the night when that huge monster attacked the dorm, monsters lurk in that hour alone; Shadows, and only with the power of Persona can anyone fight back against them.

Kirijo-senpai also said it might be linked to a new illness called "Apathy syndrome". Anyone living in Japan knows about it; an illness that renders a person immobile, turning them into vegetables. Now that I think about it, I remember seeing a few people standing around outside, doing nothing but looking at the sky. They looked as if they were empty shells.

"Now, everything seems to be in order. Mitsuru, will you do the honors?"

On cue, Kirijo-senpai lifts two briefcases onto the table.

"Now for the main question," senpai says as she slides the cases in front of us. She opens them up. Inside, a strikingly similar gun with a red armband. "Will you both lend us your strength?"

I stare at the briefcase with a blank expression. This is…I mean, wow. It all sounds awesome, no doubt, but this is going a little too fast. I didn't think something like this would happen. What do I tell them?

"I'll join," Makoto declares without a speck of doubt in his voice. He picks up the gun inside the case. "I'll play my part."

"Thank you, Yuki," Kirijo-senpai graciously thanks him.

"Are you sure, I mean," Yukari trails off.

"It's okay, I want to do this. I feel like…this is something I have to do."

Amazing, just amazing. How can he make a massive choice like this and not feel scared? That takes guts, real guts…

"Kazuki, what's your decision?"

Everyone turns their attention to me. I still don't have an answer. He was able to come up with one in a couple of seconds. Fighting monsters, who am I kidding? I almost got killed because of one. There's no way I can do it, I'm not like Yuki.

"...I don't know." I clench my shirt, pressing my hand on the slash mark left by the shadow. "I'm not the bravest guy, and I don't know how to fight. Sorry, but I refuse…"

My eyes keep to my feet, unwilling to look up at everyone. I can't face their disappointed faces.

"I see, that's a shame. But I suppose it can't be helped. Although we'll have to transfer you to the regular dorms, but you will be compensated for your help the other night."

That's fine, I'll still be going to Gekkoukan then. Me, fighting monsters? I just can't see it. There's no way I could hack it, and even if I do fight, what would it be for? Would fighting even help people inflicted with Apathy syndrome? From what I know, the illness is on the rise without any cure in sight… Like a lightning bolt, a horrible thought surfaces. If Shadows cause this while people are in their coffins, then…!

"Apathy syndrome can happen to anyone, right," I ask aloud, waiting for anyone to answer.

"Well, as far as we gathered: yes, anyone can get inflicted with it. Of course, barring anyone with the potential," Ikutsuki answers.

Then that could very much apply to Fuuka. If Shadows we're to go after her, then… I clench my fist. Damnit, there's no way I can let that happen, no way!

"Kirijo-senpai, can I ask you a question?"

"What is it?"

"If I do this, fighting shadows in the Dark Hour, would I be protecting people from shadows? Would fighting make a difference?"

I'm not a fighter, I'm not special, and above all, I was scared of dying. There's no way a guy like me could do it, and I'd be the first to tell anyone. But, if fighting will protect her, keeping her from ending up a victim, then…I'll fight, regardless of the risks.

"Yes, you would be. Shadows can cause damage to the city and people if they're not taken care of."

There we have it. I have my answer!

"Then I'd like to change my answer." I grab the gun inside the case, gripping it tightly. "...I want to fight, I need to!"

I'll protect her! Big or small, I'll kill any Shadow that threatens my friend's safety, even if I'm not up to snuff.

Ikutsuki coughs into his hand. "Then I guess that wraps this meeting up. Yuki Makoto and Kazuki Kei, I am happy to welcome you both to S.E.E.S."

I rub the back of my head as I feel my cheeks flaring up.

"Kazuki," Yuki-kun put out his hand, waiting for me to shake it. "Looks like we'll be working together from now on."

"Yeah, I bet we'll make a sweet team." I shake his hand. Maybe this won't be so bad, I just hope I don't slow everyone down…

Kazuki's room - Late-night

I retreat to my room after the meeting. I feel somewhat exhausted from almost everything that happened in that room today. Shadows, SEES, Personas, and the Dark Hour, all of it seems so unreal, yet, it is.

I change into my lounging clothes and plop on the bed. Now, I finally feel relaxed. All the thought swirling in my head lessen as I just lay here, staring at the ceiling…

"I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna protect Fuuka," I said aloud, not spurred by any real thought.

Suddenly, my phone goes off. Probably Fuu-chan.

"Hello?"

"Kei, it's Naoya."

I spring to life hearing the name.

"Oh, hey Naoya!"

"You alright, you sound tired?"

"Yeah, no, I'm fine. Just a bit tired."

"Guess private school life can run a guy ragged, huh?"

"You can say that again."

A brief moment of silence comes between us. It isn't like I have nothing to say, but I didn't want him teasing me about it when I say it.

"Kei? You there? Hello…?"

"Yeah, yes, yes! I'm here," I fumbled my words. "Naoya, I have to tell you something," I nervously said to him.

"What is it?"

"Well, um, I've been doing okay here. In fact, I actually made a friend here."

Naoya goes quiet, but after a few seconds, a chuckle comes from the other end.

"Aw, my little cousin is all grown up now. Making friends, I'm just so proud of you!"

Damnit, I knew he would pull this.

"Stop it! This is why I didn't want to tell you!"

"But I just wanted to congratulate you on making a friend."

"No, you're just being a jerk!"

Man, I swear, when he gets like this, it just makes my blood boil.

"Is it a girl?" Naoya asks in the dumbest voice he's put on yet.

"...Yes."

"Is she cute?"

Cute…!? I mean, she is cute, so it's not like I can answer no. But in that case, I wouldn't be able to say no since that would be hurtful, but answering yes is…well… It's just… Wh-what's wrong with me!? Why is this bothering me so much?

"Yes, she is."

"Man, it's only been a week. You're already a ladies' man?"

"Shut up, it's not like that!"

"You sure?" He asks with a dumb chuckle. He's sounding dumber and dumber! "...But Kei, I'm happy for you."

The sincerity in his voice hits me like a brick.

"Um, thanks."

Gosh, he knows when to hit my emotions.

"Hey, listen, I gotta go," Naoya says. "I'll call you later, okay?"

"Yeah, that's fine. I'll hear from you later, right?"

"Yeah, you will."

"Alright then, see you later."

"You too, Kei… Be careful."

The line hangs up. That was weird; be careful for what? Maybe he meant just in general? Probably…

Flipping off the lights and crawling into bed, I think back on what happened today. I guess I can say that I joined a club next time me and Naoya speak. Although, I can't mention it's a club for fighting monsters and protecting the city. Who knows how he'll react, and I don't want him pulling me out of school because of it.

"Well, what Naoya doesn't know won't hurt him."

The same thing goes for Fuu-chan in this regard. I'll do my damnedest to protect them!