#Hidden Beneath My Mask - Mid P5 Royal

[epitomees]

"...."

Absolutely no comment.

[epitomees]

Hold on...why did it sound as though Akira planned on purchasing the plush for her own satisfaction? A flash of black and white immediately pulled her attention away from their previous wanderings, eyes immediately fixated on the popular panda bear wearing a flowery, spring outfit. Yet another rare find, although the price tag was unlike any other outrageous online markup.

A reasonably priced collectable. Within her own grasp...however...

"It is...but..." Allowing Akira this opportunity to buy something for herself, with his own money, didn't (and wouldn't) sit well with the brunette. "...I don't want you to buy it just because I find it cute. If anything, I can pay for it on my own when I have enough to cover for it."

❛ you want that one? ❜  akira glances at her, looking away from the buchimaru-kun plush in the store window that had caught her eye. ❛ it's pretty cute. ❜ 

「 starter for @epitomees / makoto 〉

[epitomees]

txt [ nijima ]: nijima, please get your boyfriend. he's singing that tiktok song again about being lonely.

Attentive eyes tore their glance away from the windowpane, finding more importance in checking out who decided to send her a message. With very little preparation left for the upcoming mock exams Makoto indulged on some much needed alone time, either traversing Shibuya's streets for sweet eats or staring longingly at pricey outfits.

In this case, she happened upon a collector's store. A familiar, cute and fuzzy panda bear colored in bright greens kept the brunette's focus for longer than expected. Another rare find. Another exclusive Buchimaru piece of merch to add to Makoto's growing collection. The price, however, was the only matter stopping the girl from an impulse purchase. That and the message on her cell phone.

"...what did he do this time..." Her tone held both a tired frustration and a hint of intrigue. Whatever Akira did to cause Sam, of all people, to kindly ask her assistance in curbing her boyfriend's shenanigans must mean a bout of trouble would soon follow. Her eyebrow quirked upward once she read over each message, but further increased after watching Akira's impromptu performance. He'd been caught singing by himself and choosing a really, really sappy love song about being alone?

Only three days have past since they went on a date and he's resorted to these theatrics?

"...I really picked a handful." Maybe he was part cat after all with a huge amount of separation anxiety. And yet, his silly mischief always made Makoto smile. Even now. She typed out a brief message back before temporarily leaving her post.

[TXT] Gray-san: I see. I'm not too far from Leblanc. I'll be there to take him off your hands.

Another day, Buchimaru. Someone more important required her company.

[epitomees]

Somebody leaked a video of Makoto’s ‘after-hour’ activities. 

And unfortunately, or not, through the ever-growing grapevine of social media, it reached Makoto’s attention. 

“Whomever decided it’d be funny to post a video of myself performing...such reckless behavior better speak now or else...” The usual culprits of one blonde boy and one nerd girl immediately came to mind. 

[epitomees]

❰❰ LEAN ❱❱ (Ann to Makoto :3)

AN EXTREMELY SELF-INDULGENT MEME

❰❰ LEAN ❱❱ sender leans against receiver

It'd been Ann's idea to join in Makoto's daily gym workout, but only for today. An interest grew when the older girl spoke about her routinely aikido training, along with other core exercises and strength regimens. Something about growing stronger by observing the team's hobbies? Whatever the case, Makoto happily invited Ann to the nearby gym.

"I told you the routines were going to be rather intensive..." She smiled fondly, allowing the blonde a place of rest and ease upon Makoto's shoulder. How much time passed since they started? A half hour? An hour? "Did you stretch before you started testing out the punching bag?"

[epitomees]

A solid plan.

As Makoto hurried downstairs into the kitchen area, she took a headcount on the cabinet foods and other dry items stored next to their fridge. Movies couldn't be enjoyed without popcorn, right? That's what everyone always enjoyed at the Shibuya theater...whenever she found the time to go there. Not much...nowadays...

Aside from such a thought, they needed something to drink as well. A few cans of cola sat undisturbed in the fridge, until Makoto picked them up in hand. Popcorn, soda, and maybe a bag of chips too! That seemed good for now!

"...apologies for taking a bit of time. The popcorn needed a little extra heat for the remaining kernels." Two bowls of salty goodness and a six pack of cold drinks sat on top of his desk, since there wasn't any proper table. "So...what's the uh, name of the movie? Anything popular?"

"Oh, yeah, snacks sound good! Here, I'll set things up here while you get them."

Ren had managed to find it subbed in Japanese, and while the website would probably give his computer viruses, this was the computer they built. It probably already had viruses. So whatever.

[epitomees]

@oraclememehacker replied to your post “Somebody leaked a video of Makoto’s ‘after-hour’...”:

"Holy shit. I didn't know you were capable of such things outside of the metaverse."

"Well, the Metaverse only amplifies the natural strengths and skills we all have, correct? Even outside the cognitive world, I can defend myself by means of my aikido training."

"But that's besides the point! Did you post this video, Futaba, or not."

[epitomees]

@silver-strings-of-fate​ | continued from here: X 

Right, as if that so-called ‘gentleman charm’ had any decent effect on Shujin’s student council president. They don’t call her an ice queen for nothing. 

“I’m not so sure you can confidently state such an assumption when you haven’t properly investigated, and confirmed, with your own eyes.” She hadn’t looked his way just yet, but Makoto knew Ren wouldn’t easily be taken down by a mere rebuttal. “Perhaps it’s because Sis has mentioned you many times during our own conversations. You two work closely together, after all.” 

[epitomees]

@silver-strings-of-fate​ | continued from here: X 

This was stupid. 

What point was there being trapped inside a crapped space with another person? Was it made to embarrass the two individuals sentenced to the darkness? Or maybe they’d have to endure the poignant stench of lingering cleaning supplies. Even contorting their bodies to fit just right among the long lost brooms and askew dust pans. 

But being this close to Ren proved...challenging, not just as a physical matter. Still, the others nagged Makoto to join in the fun and why damper their good spirits? She’s no Ice Queen...not anymore, at least. 

She found a slightly more comfortable position with her back against the the wall, legs straightened towards and touching the opposite wall where Ren stood, and arms bent inward. But it looked like Makoto was about to entrap the other in a hug, if someone opened the door at just the right time. 

Thankfully, no one did when Ren nervously made a confession. And no one would notice the flushed red growing in her cheeks, too. “...huh? You...” 

Did he really say that? Did she hear that right? 

“...w-wait, y-you...you...actually...you...really.......really...” She leaned closer to him. Her voice wavered, quiet and meek. Almost as if Makoto was not only flabbergasted but nervous too. Even scared to hear the truth. 

“....you...love me?” 

[epitomees]

...no...

...no why...why was this-

...why was this important? At all? Where did he-

"...what?"

That's all the brunette offered to say against some inane, unlikely hypothetical.

@epitomees hit the HEART

" Hey, would you still love me if I was a worm? "

[epitomees]

A  VALENTINE’S  APPLICATION. 

your  name: Amamiya Ren

your age: 17

your perfect date: At a small cafe, just the two of us as I prepare you a nice meal. Whatever you want, I'll make it for you. And I get to stare into those cute red eyes of yours while we talk about stuff. Like how cats are the perfect animals.

make out in private or in public?:  I prefer privacy so in private. I'm probably not good at it though. I've only practiced in a mirror.

do you like to cuddle?: I'm a wittle kitty cat uwu I love cuddles. Just save the head pats for the end so I can fall asleep in your arms.

tell me something about you: I can balance a pencil on my nose for 30 seconds. Maybe a minute if I'm trying to beat Ryuji's time.

why do you want to be my valentine?: Because you inspire me to be a better person. Without you the phantom thieves wouldn't have succeeded. And you make me happy every time I see you. I'm just a silly kitty and you're a full grown tigress and I want to be with you, if only for a little bit.

(Makoto obv :3)

A  VALENTINE’S  APPLICATION. 

As someone whom hardly received any handcrafted Valentine cards or sweet treats, handmade or store bought, from a trusted companion growing up, Makoto hadn't expected to find a note slipped into her bag. Nor did she expect it to be from Ren, but nevertheless she took her time reading over his handwritten letter on her walk home.

Obviously, he wrote this with a clear intention of spending their time together once the love holiday came around and yet...it sounded extremely unappealing.

Cat puns and metaphors were Ren's specialty but it felt as if this took it to another level than his usual banter. A little too extreme for someone as straight-forward and upstanding as the student council president. Then again, Ren always spoke honestly around his fellow thieves. This may be his actual writing...

....but seriously? Full grown tigress? What did that even mean!?

"...oh...well..." She neatly folded the note once again to tuck it back inside her bag. Safely dry, and away from any peeping toms wandering nearby. "...I'll have to see about this..."

[epitomees]

@etherbonded​ | continued from here: X 

Two hot chocolates coming up! 

It wasn’t the familiar walls of Leblanc, but the atmosphere of exuded that comfortable, welcoming warmth like their usual hangout. Although, in fairness, Makoto did miss the little jingle whenever someone entered through the door. Besides that, though, the ambience surrounding this little café felt nice! Cozy and friendly. 

“I don’t come here very often, but I’ve heard they serve a very delicious hot cocoa.” Winter and sweet drinks always paired well. Perhaps if Boss added more to his menu for the colder months, more people will be enticed to visit. Note to self: bring up the idea to Joker at their next meet-up. 

“Things are...busy, like always. I’m more relieved to have a day to myself instead of buried behind a set of mock exams or textbooks.” Plus, it grew rather lonely at home when Sis spent most of her days at work. She felt relieved when Sumi texted her an invitation to hang out. “This is a nice break. But I wish it wasn’t so cold outside too.” 

[epitomees]

@silver-strings-of-fate​ | continued from here: X 

...did...did he just...? 

“Wh-what!?” Where did Ren pull that thinking from? He hadn’t responded to his name being called several times, nor did budging his shoulder work in Makoto’s favor. Grey hues zoned out hard, along with Ren himself. Once all else failed, the brunette tried a different tactic. 

A successful strategy, only it worked a little too well. 

“N-No...no that...that’s not what I was trying to do, Ren.” It sounded incredibly cheesy. And yet, it tickled the brunette’s own heart. Makoto couldn’t stop the faint red dusting her cheeks either. “Y-You weren’t paying attention...I was calling for you but it didn’t work so...” 

One moment led to another, and here they sat gazing awkwardly toward each other. 

“...I’m...so sorry if that confused you. I’m...I’m not too sure why I did it myself...” 

[epitomees]

Another Shadow downed. 

Another one pummeled. Squashed and ran over under the wheels of Mona’s bus-form.  

While taking out these annoyance felt more liberating hand-to-hand, there’s a certain enjoyment found by means of vehicular slaughter. The loud thud of their body hitting against the car’s grill, swallowed beneath the tunnel tracks and toughened rubber, and nothing to see once the dirt cleared the way. 

Queen made it a clear point to catch any and all obstacles in their way. Once another Shadow materialized, she veered Mona straight into its path. An unsuspected sudden force was an excellent surprise tactic, and with little time to properly react, catching them off-guard made the kill even more sweet. Her focus and concentration remained on the road ahead, venturing further and deeper in Mementos’ depths. While she may not be paying attention to her surroundings inside the bus, breaking her zone may result in a bit of harsh backlash. 

[epitomees]

❝ i’m not sure we should go down that street. ❞ - Ken to Makoto (P5 Verse)

autumn/halloween sentence starters!

At first glance, nothing appeared to be of major concern but a closer inspection revealed a number of revealing red flags. Low visibility due to a lack of proper streetlighting, and in turn it caused the shadows of haphazardly placed trash cans look more menacing. Were there figures swaying further in, or could that be an illusionary trick of the eyes?

Regardless of the back street's current state, Makoto rather stay closer to more populated, vibrantly lit pathways on their way home. Better be safe than taking a sketchy shortcut. "...you may be right. We may miss the next train, but I rather we get there without finding ourselves in a problematic situation." Even if someone happened to jump them, it's not as if they couldn't defend themselves. It's a matter of interrogation from her older sister should she notice any signs of a scuffle. Avoiding that potential outcome was a very, very high priority.

"Amada-san, are you sure you'll be alright taking me to my train?" Their homes were further apart, meaning it'd take her fellow student council member extra time to wait for his train. Her concern for his own safety and well-being mattered more than her own. "I don't want you getting home late. We have a morning meeting tomorrow, after all."

[epitomees]

It couldn’t be real.

If the deep, distorted voice hadn’t spiked Makoto’s growing anxiety the sudden unfurling wings surely sealed the deal. Beneath the vocal inflections she recognized Ren’s voice yet his current physical appearance remained, at most, a mystery. No wonder his voice was hard to decipher over the phone.

“H-h-h-hold it…w-what…” The shock settled in quickly, much to the couple’s dismay. Creatures and winged monsters didn’t exist in their world. It made more sense in the Metaverse consider it’s a mirror of their own reality amplified with the shared cognition of society. Questions piled more and more as Makoto attempted assessing her current predicament. Unfortunately, since her answers remained unknown at the moment, the sudden fear struck a chord through her body and forced her to step back.

“Th-This isn’t…it’s n-n-not possible…” The more the brunette dawned on Ren’s altered form, the wider her eyes became. “It…it can’t…h-h-happen here…Ren…”

@epitomees asked// Whatever happened didn't sound like something good. Makoto couldn't decipher most of Ren's ramblings over the phone but anxiety led her rushing towards Leblanc's entrance. Forget her plans for the day. Her boyfriend's distress call was far more important.

"Ren!! Ren!?" Crimson eyes scanned the kitchen area with no sign of his presence. She moved quickly upstairs running two stairs at a time, getting into the attic at a record-breaking pace. "Ren!! Ren are y-" What came into view wasn't anything the brunette came to expect. An injured Ren? A curled up Ren crying into his sheets? It was vastly different than the imaginary scenarios she played in her head.

"....h-hold...hold on....Ren?" It couldn't be him. (FOR THE DEMON LAD!!

--

When he heard the sound of someone coming up the stairs, Ren raised his head from his position curled up on his bed. His wings unfurled, blocking out the light from the window with thick, black feathers.

His eyes softened when he saw that his visitor was Makoto. Once he'd gotten a look at what he'd become, he'd immediately hidden himself away in the attic. There was no way he could let anyone who wasn't already aware of the metaverse. But that unfortunately limited who he could turn to for support.

"Makoto... I-I don't know what happened to me. But please, don't be afraid."