#coach hiraguchi p5

[persona-game-info]

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 223: Back Before We Were Brokenhearted

On Wednesday, Sumire was at the studio practicing her gymnastics. She had been progressively getting more and more into the swing of things, but today felt different. She felt like she was on fire, and ready to do anything.

Once she finished, she began drinking from her water bottle. Coach Hiraguchi came over. “Well done Sumire.”

Sumire swallowed her water. “Thanks Coach!”

“I honestly think you can win this next meet,” Hiraguchi said.

“I’d like to think so too,” Sumire said. “But there’s one more thing I have to do to guarantee it.”

“Oh?” Hiraguchi responded. “What is it?”

“I have to go back to where it started,” Sumire replied.

“Hm?” Hiraguchi replied.

Sumire chuckled. “It’s a twin thing.”

Hiraguchi smirked. “Well then, don’t let me stop you.”

“Thanks Coach,” Sumire replied. She finished the water in her water bottle, and then went to the changing room before heading out.

Soon, Sumire arrived at Maruyama’s Ice Cream; the ice cream shop she and Kasumi used to frequent after practice or meets. She hadn’t set foot in it since Kasumi’s passing, and she knew that needed to change. If she was going to keep her promise, if she was going to move on, she needed to come here once again. She sighed. “Here goes…” She opened the door, and walked in.

The man behind the counter, looking to be in his early 50’s, wearing a black shirt, apron, and paper hat, and sporting a 5 o'clock shadow, along with medium length black hair, took note of the entry, and immediately recognized her. “Oh. Sumire…”

Sumire took a seat at the counter. “Hello Arata-san.”

“I haven’t seen you since the funeral,” Arata said.

“I’m a little surprised you came to the funeral,” Sumire noted.

“Are you kidding?!” Arata replied. “You two were some of my most loyal customers” He pointed to an old photo of Sumire and Kasumi he had on the wall.”

Sumire chuckled. “Well, your ice cream is second to none, so it makes sense.”

“Heh heh. I appreciate the compliment,” Arata said. “To be honest, I had just about given up on the idea of you returning.”

“Well, I thought I wasn’t going to,” Sumire responded. “Kasumi and I made a promise to not come here by ourselves.”

“Gotcha,” Arata said. “So what changed your mind?”

“Well, it depends,” Sumire said. “There’s a part of me that feels like I need to find myself outside of Kasumi. And as much as I love and cherish her, I can’t be bound by her. But on the other hand, I know she’s always with me in spirit, so it’s not like I’m really breaking my promise to her.”

“Heh heh heh,” Arata chuckled. “I hear that!”

Sumire grew curious. “Um, does that mean…you lost someone too?”

Arata sighed. “Ya got me. There’s another reason I came to the funeral.” Sumire was even more confused. “It turns out we share the worst thing in common.”

Sumire was puzzled at first, but then gasped in horror and disbelief. “You…had a twin as well?”

Arata nodded. “And I miss him every day. His name was Akimitsu.” He sighed. “You two should have met him. He had the kind of smile that could light up a room. Me? I have to rely on ice cream to do that.”

“I think you’re incredibly kind, Arata,” Sumire said.

“Thanks,” Arata replied. “I think I kind of get that from him.”

“I know what you mean,” Sumire said. “I’m starting to feel Kasumi’s influence a little more earnestly. So, um, if you don’t mind me asking…?”

Arata nodded. “We were riding our bikes home from school one day. We were racing each other, because you know, that’s what boys do. I thought for sure that was the day I’d beat him. However, he was going too fast, and he hit a bump wrong, and went flying into the river. I tried giving chase, but the river’s flow is mighty.”

Sumire gasped once more. “I’m so sorry.”

Arata smiled. “Normally, I’m not too big on people telling me that when I tell them. But I know you mean it because you know what it’s like.”

“I’m sure others mean it,” Sumire said.

“You’d be surprised,” Arata said. “Some people say it because they feel like they have to.”

“Well, nuts to them!” Sumire reied. “But not your nuts. They go really well with your ice cream.”

Arata chuckled. “I missed having you here.”

Sumire grew more serious. “How come we never knew this?”

“I think your parents might have,” Arata said. “But whenever you were here, you two would always be discussing your practice, or your hobbies, or your dream. I didn’t want to bring you down. Not in the middle of that. Especially since I knew it could be taken in an instant. I mean, I didn’t want that, but…how could I ruin a moment just for the two of you like that?”

Sumire pondered this. “I guess that makes sense.”

Arata sighed. “I do wish I got a chance to tell both of you…

“What are you talking about?” Sumire said. “I told you before, she’s always with me.”

Arata chuckled. “Of course. How could I forget?” Sumire chuckled back. “So, strawberry as usual?”

“You know it!” Sumire said.

“Comin’ right up!” Arata said. He began preparing Sumire’s ice cream.

Sumire began remembering the first time she came here. A slightly younger Arata gave the two of them their ice cream, Kasumi would always get chocolate, while Sumire would always get strawberry. “Here ya go!”

“Thank you, Mr. Maruyama!” Kasumi and Sumire said in unison. Arata smiled as they dug in.

“WOW!” Kasumi said. “This ice cream is AMAZING!”

“Hm hm. I agree,” Sumire said.

“We should come here after EVERY practice!” Kasumi suggested.

“Oooooooooo!” Sumire said. “I like that idea!”

“What do you think, daddy?” Kasumi asked.

Shinichi smiled. “Only if you do well.”

“And you behave yourselves,” Akane chimed in.

“For this ice cream, I’d behave for the both of us!” Sumire said.

“He he,” Kasumi laughed mischievously. “Well, if she’s behaving for me…”

“Hey now!” Shinichi said. “Like your mother said, if you don’t behave yourself, you don’t get to come here!”

“Aww!” Kasumi pouted.

Sumire chuckled. “It’s OK Kasumi. If mom and dad don’t let you come because you don’t behave, I won’t come here either.”

Kasumi looked at her sister intently. “Promise?” She held up her pinkie.

Sumire linked her pinkie with her sister’s. “Promise!” Kasumi chuckled.

As Sumire was reflecting on this, she smiled. “Hey Arata?”

“Hm?”

“Do you think you could mix in some chocolate syrup? Sumire wondered.

Arata smirked. “Of course.” He drizzled some chocolate syrup over the strawberry ice cream. Here you go.”

“Thank you,” Sumire said. She took a bite. Her face lit up.

Arata smiled. “I haven’t seen a smile like that from you in a LONG time.”

Sumire chuckled. “It’s just…I think I’m understanding Kasumi a little better now. And it’s giving me everything I need to succeed.”

“Hm. I hear that!” Arata said. Sumire continued eating her ice cream and making lighter conversation with Arata.

Once she finished, she paid and said “It’s good to be back.” “It’s good to have you back!” Arata countered.

Sumire chuckled. “Until next time!’

“Until next time!” Arata replied. Sumire left, and headed home for the evening.

[megashadowdragon]

Kasumi Yoshizawa & Japanese Sociocultural Issues (Persona 5 Royal Character Analysis) comments on youtube :

Forgot to mention that we don't really know the "true" Kasumi at the end of the day, only Sumire's perception of her. The fact Coach Hiraguchi's insight is such a shock to Sumire just further proves that Sumi's narrative bias likely plays a part in how we the players perceive Kasumi. It's not a huge deal in this video, since it's Sumi we're trying to analyze here anyway, so it's just food for thought!

The "respect for anyone older" aspect of East-Asian values is interesting to me. P5 shows where it can go wrong and that's something a lot of westerners latch on to, but there's a flipside to it. Asian cultures respect the elderly far more than the west does. When my grandmother spent her final years in a nursing home, the most caring staff to her were all of East-Asian backgrounds, and she and my mother grew very annoyed at how dismissive westerners could be of the aging members of society. (Not so relevant to this vid, just wanted to mention that) Cu Cuchulainn and Scathach were mentor and student, wonder if them being encounters in Maruki's Palace is symbolic. What little we see of Kasumi and Sumire's relationship is interesting. Yes Kasumi was showing "on", but I feel she was doing it in an unintentionally condescending way that was ultimately hurting Sumire mentally. A lot went unsaid between then and I'm sure they could have worked things out if Sumire had the courage to tell her about it, but it went bottled up for so long that the traffic incident happened. Sumire seems to have had a bit of supressed resentment over never having her own feelings considered, always being stuck in her sister's shadow (in more ways than one, talking about Persona). Again, Kasumi wasn't a bad person, it was just a tragedy of unexpressed feelings. (You basically said that in the "Gaman" section) On "gaman", I wonder if it plays into tropes of the traditional Shounen protagonist, always persevering to get stronger. This character trope has fallen out of favour in anime recently, replaced by the Isekai protag who already starts strong and only gets stronger with little effort. I wonder why? Wish-fulfilment, gaman falling out of favour in society, or a bit of both? Sadly there's a bit of an aversion to seeking therapy in the west too, but it's definitely worse in Japan. I held off on going to therapy for a long time and I feel my university years would have been a LOT happier if I'd done it sooner. I always had that feeling of "if I go, I'm admitting that I'm crazy." Side note: the clothing store owner talking about "carnivore" and "herbivore" energy... if I'm remembering my Japanese classes right, those are dating slang over there. Coach Hiraguchi's a pretty underrated character and I wish we got to see more of her. Good point about her portraits reverting at the end of the game. And also 23:53 YES, THIS THIS THIS THIS!!!!! That bothered me so much of my first playthrough of Royal I had to ask people "did I miss Sumire's goodbye or does she really not get one?!" It made me think of a Friends quote from the 2nd last episode. Sumire: "I don't get a goodbye?! Sure it's hard to say goodbye to 22 Confidants, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye gh- IT'S PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE! It's not like I awakened my Persona with you, saved the world with you, dated you oh wait a minute wait a minute I DID ALL THOSE THINGS!!" So overall, Sumire feels like a Persona 4 character arc in Persona 5's world. While all the other PTs had an abuser they had to learn to stand up to, Sumire's abuser was HERSELF. (Some would argue Maruki, but imo what Maruki did was a "seemed like a good idea at the time" that really did prevent her from committing suicide in the short-term, but we'll get into him later) This might not be true of everyone, but these kinds of characters are the ones I really relate to, as someone who suffers from self-esteem issues and, not exactly a fear of failure but more... a "fear everything you do is a failure"? General feelings of worthlessness. I also struggled with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder all through university without knowing I had it until I saw a therapist (it is NOTHING like pop culture says it is, I'd recommend looking it up on medical sites. It's more about intrusive, distressing thoughts than obsession with order and cleaning), so in a way my own mind was literally my enemy for a lot of my life and that's a big part of why Persona 4's Shadows used to scare me so much. The stigma around therapy is awful, because it was only after it that I started to turn things around. (This is why Maruki's a favourite of mine too but we'll get to him later)

[coolman229]

Mitsuru Kirijo, Mia Fey, Android 18, Son Chichi, Videl Satan, Elizabeth, Margaret, Rise Kujikawa, Lisa Silverman, Ann Takamaki, Ohya, Kawakami, and Sumire’s Gymnastic Coach

Mitsuru Kirijo

Not My Type | Alright | Cute | Adorable | Pretty | Gorgeous | LORD MERCY

She is my execution queen

Mia Fey

Not My Type | Alright | Cute | Adorable | Pretty | Gorgeous | LORD MERCY

Mia is top tier and not just because she’s stacked

Android 18

Not My Type | Alright | Cute | Adorable | Pretty | Gorgeous | LORD MERCY

18 is a bombshell and I’m weak

Chi Chi

Not My Type | Alright | Cute | Adorable | Pretty | Gorgeous | LORD MERCY

Chi Chi’s pretty af and I will fight people who say otherwise

Videl

Not My Type | Alright | Cute | Adorable | Pretty | Gorgeous | LORD MERCY

She’s capable of being both extremely adorable and really sexy and I appreciate that

Elizabeth

Not My Type | Alright | Cute | Adorable | Pretty | Gorgeous | LORD MERCY

Sometimes being cute and stupid is enough

Margaret

Not My Type | Alright | Cute | Adorable | Pretty | Gorgeous | LORD MERCY

She’s so pretty and elegant but also a dork and I love her

Rise Kujikawa

Not My Type | Alright | Cute | Adorable | Pretty | Gorgeous | LORD MERCY

Risette!!

Lisa Silverman

Not My Type | Alright | Cute | Adorable | Pretty | Gorgeous | LORD MERCY

Lisa is really cute

Ann Takamaki

Not My Type | Alright | Cute | Adorable | Pretty | Gorgeous | LORD MERCY

Ann is so pretty

Ohya

Not My Type | Alright | Cute | Adorable | Pretty | Gorgeous | LORD MERCY

Ohya is cute but I’m not super into her

Kawakami

Not My Type | Alright | Cute | Adorable | Pretty | Gorgeous | LORD MERCY

Top P5 waifu. Tired teacher supremacy

Coach Hiraguchi

Not My Type | Alright | Cute | Adorable | Pretty | Gorgeous | LORD MERCY

She can step on me

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 203: The Book of Love

The next day, Makoto was getting ready to head to school. She was determined, and just about ready to tackle this day head on. For she knew that tomorrow was the day of her sister’s court case, and tomorrow was the day they would go back in and finish finding an infiltration route to her sister’s treasure.

She went out to the kitchen to see Eiko doing some cooking. “Oh!” Eiko said. “Good morning!”

“Good morning,” Makoto replied. “How are you doing?

“I’m doing GREAT!” Eiko said. “I know it’s only been a short time, but I really like living here.”

“Well that’s good to hear,” Makoto remarked.

“So, what are we doing tomorrow?” Eiko asked.

This caught Makoto off guard. “T-Tomorrow?”

Eiko nodded. “I mean, like, it’s Sunday tomorrow. We have off from school, silly. I was thinking we could do something together.”

“Oh…” Makoto said. “Um, well, uh, about that…” Eiko was confused. “I…made some plans with friends.”

“Oh,” Eiko responded. “Well…maybe I can tag along! I’d like to get to know your friends.”

Makoto was panicking. She wasn’t sure what to do. “Sooo, ummmmmm…”

Eiko grew concerned. “What is it?”

Makoto sighed. She knew what she had to do. “I need you to promise not to say this to anyone. Do you understand?”

“What is-?”

“Do you understand?” Makoto repeated. Eiko was a little scared, but she didn’t suspect that Makoto would pressure her like others did. She nodded. “Good,” Makoto said. She grew quiet. “The truth is, I am a member of The Phantom Thieves.”

“WHA-” Eiko belted before catching herself. “What?” she said, quieter.

Makoto nodded. “Tomorrow, we have something important planned, so we can’t do anything.”

“Huh…” Eiko reacted.

“I’m sorry…” Makoto said.

Eiko smiled. “Don’t be. I…really appreciate The Phantom Thieves. So it’s nice to know that you’re among their ranks.”

Makoto was shocked. “Oh! Oh. Ummmm…”

Eiko grew worried. “What’s wrong?”

“Well, um,” Makoto said. “I thought you’d be more…upset.”

“Why?” Eiko asked.

“Well,” Makoto began, “We didn’t go after Tsukasa when we could have. Or your parents for that matter.”

Eiko frowned. “Oh. Well, I suppose a little of that is my fault. I could have easily put all of them up on the Phansite. But there were so many requests that I think I wouldn’t get noticed. Besides, I didn’t think I was worth saving.”

“Eiko...” Makoto said, shocked. She took her hand. “It’s not your fault. In fact, I’m the one who suggested not targeting Tsukasa because I wanted to show you that you were worth more than that. I was a little selfish, but I thought if you could see what Tsukasa was like without him having to say it, you’d be better off for it. But I didn’t know better.”

Eiko was stunned. She grew determined. She broke from Makoto’s hand to grab her arm and pull her in, wrapping her other arm around her waist. “It’s nobody’s fault,” she stated. “We were both in our own head about things.” She smiled. “But now, everything’s changed, and we’re both better off for it. I admit the road was bumpy, but I’m glad that things turned out the way they did.” She kissed Makoto. “So, you do whatever it is you do with your Phantom Thief friends, and we’ll do something some other time.”

Makoto was in disbelief. She then smiled, and placed her forehead against Eiko’s. "I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.” They shared another kiss. “Well then, we still have school today, so let’s get ready.”

“Hm hm, right,” Eiko said. They prepared themselves further, ate breakfast, and headed off.

After school, Ren got a text. She was confused when she saw it was from Dr. Maruki.

Maruki: Hi. Do you have a minute?

Maruki: I know it’s a little unorthodox to contact a student, but I’d really like your expertise.

Ren: Um, sure.

Ren: Give me a minute.

Maruki: Take your time.

Ren put her phone away, and headed over to Maruki’s office.

Upon Ren’s arrival, Maruki greeted her. “Heh heh. Welcome.” Ren closed the door and took a seat. “What do you need help with?”

“Well…about that…” Maruki said. “It’s a little complicated. I just needed someone to talk to.”

Ren was confused. “And you wanted that person to be me?”

“Well, see,” Maruki said, “as you know, I’ve been going through a difficult time as of late, but talking with you has helped alleviate that. I feel like I’ve been getting better with every conversation, but you in particular have helped me quite immensely.”

“Thanks?” Ren said, a little confused.

Maruki chuckled. “Don’t mention it.”

Ren chuckled. “So, what’s up?”

“Well, uh, here’s the thing,” Maruki said, “I’ve started dating again.”

Ren was surprised. “Really?” Maruki nodded. “Well, congratulations!”

“Eh heh, thanks,” Maruki said. “But I’m a little nervous.”

“Well, so long as you don’t mention the fact that you were on course to take over the world, I think you’ll be fine,” Ren jokes.

“About that,” Maruki said. “What if I did?”

Ren was puzzled. “And she still said ‘yes’? Or he? Or they? Sorry, I don’t know what way you swing. Well, I mean, I know you had a girlfriend, but…”

Maruki chuckled. “It’s fine. She’s a woman, I’m straight, and for the record, she asked me out first.”

“Huh,” Ren replied.

“Truth be told, the confession itself was a little messy,” Maruki said. “There were a lot of surprises between the both of us. But through our intense honesty, I think we came out the better.”

“So, why did you want to talk to me?” Ren asked.

“Well, I mean,” Maruki said, “I’m still nervous. I haven’t dated since Rumi, and despite everything that happened, I’m nervous I can mess this up.”

“Well…I can’t say I don’t understand,” Ren replied. “I mean, I know my girlfriend asked me out, and I still get butterflies sometimes. But I think that ‘intense honesty’ you mentioned before might be helpful. I mean, it’s certainly been helpful in situations where being dishonest was causing pain. I know it’s not always the easiest thing, but if you told her that you were hatching a plan to usher in a false utopia, then I don’t know if there’s much to worry about.”

“Hm,” Maruki grinned. “I think we’ve talked about stuff like this before. But it’s nice to hear that it’s stuck with you.”

“I think you’re right,” Ren said. “But it’s nice to reiterate.”

“Of course,” Maruki nodded. “But I know it’s easy to say things like that and not put them into practice. I guess I’m just scared of that. I’ve talked with countless students who were telling me about their problems, and time and time again I’m impressed by their courage. I feel like if I don’t get this right, I’ll fail to live up to their expectations, you know? Especially since I’ve already failed to live up to expectations previously.”

“Hm,” Ren pondered.

“Something on your mind?” Maruki asked.

“Oh, uh, well,” Ren said, “I was just thinking about something Miss Kawakami was talking about.” Maruki looked at her more intently. “She was teaching us about the practice of kintsugi, or gold repair. The idea is that when you fix broken poetry, you line where the break happened with gold to show off its damage, rather than hide it. The damage is seen as part of the pottery’s unique history. I was kind of thinking that people would benefit from something like that. Although an emotional scar isn’t visible, so there’s no desire to paint it gold. But if the people you care about need to see it, maybe it should be a little more gold.”

Maruki was stunned silent. He was impressed. He started laughing. “Oh man. That’s BRILLIANT!”

“Well, I’m just thinking out loud,” Ren said.

“But I agree with you,” Maruki said “I just didn’t know how to phrase it until you said it.”

“Well…I only learned about it through Miss Kawakami,” Ren said.

“Hm,” Maruki chuckled. “Maybe I should thank her as well.”

“Not to mention your new girlfriend,” Ren retorted.

“Ha ha, yeah,” Maruki said. “Although, I’ll let you in on a little secret.” Ren was curious. “They just so happen to be one in the same.”

Ren was shocked again. “Really?!” Maruki nodded. “Well, congrats to the both of you!”

“Thanks,” Maruki said.

Councilor-Takato Maruki: Rank 8

Ren checked her phone. “Well, I should get going. Sojiro’s planning something tonight, and I don’t want to be late.”

Maruki nodded. “Take care!” Ren got up, bowed, and then left.

Once she got back to the house, she looked around for Sojiro. “He’s at Leblanc,” Futaba said, sneaking up on Ren.

“Gah!” Ren said.

Futaba chuckled. “Gotcha!”

Ren rolled her eyes. “So, do we just meet him there?”

“Not until he tells us,” Futaba said. “He’s going to text me when he’s ready. Although I don’t know how much he has to get ready.”

“Well, do you know what he’s doing?” Ren asked.

“No clue,” Futaba answered.

“Really?” Ren said. “You’re usually so good at keeping an eye on him.”

“Only here and at work,” Futaba said. “I can track his phone, but I haven’t hacked it to the degree I have yours. Well, I actually have, but then he caught on and got a new phone. And then didn’t give me his new number until I promised not to do that again.”

“What if you needed to call?” Ren asked.

“He told me to call the payphone Leblanc has,” Futaba said.

“I see,” Ren said.

Futaba’s text notification popped up. “Oh!” She checked her phone. “That’s Sojiro! He says he’s ready.”

“Well then, let’s go,” Ren instructed. She and Futaba headed out.

Upon entering Leblanc, Futaba said “So Sojiro, what’s the ocas-EEP!” She and Ren noticed Hiraguchi at the bar taking a sip of coffee. “You said you were ready! You still have a customer!”

“Uh, hi,” Ren said, nervously.

“Hello,” Hiraguchi replied.

Sojiro sighed. “Futaba, this is Kokoro Hiraguchi. She and I are…seeing each other.”

Futaba seemed puzzled. “Um, pardon me, but I don’t need to know who you take on various one night stands…”

“Well, that’s the thing…” Sojiro said. “This is more than that.” Futaba seemed puzzled. “She and I are, well, dating. Properly.”

Ren was shocked, but not as much as Futaba. “Oh!” Futaba said, pale as a ghost. “Oh…”

“I wanted you all to get to know each other,” Sojiro said. “I have a good feeling about this, and I don’t want it ruined.”

“Well, I’m already familiar with Ren,” Hiraguchi said.

“Yeah,” Ren said

“You are?!” Futaba said, incensed.

“She’s Sumire’s gymnastics coach,” Ren explained. “Plus, she’s the interim gym teacher at my school.”

“Oh…I see…” Futaba said, calming down. She turned to Hiraguchi. “Um, hi.”

“Hello,” Hiraguchi replied. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

Futaba was alarmed. “How much?!”

“Well, a fair amount,” Hiraguchi said. “Not too much, I don’t think.”

“She knows about Wakaba,” Sojiro said.

This oddly calmed Futaba down. “She does?”

Hiraguchi nodded. “I’m…sorry that happened to you.”

“...I mean, it’s not like you did it, right?” Futaba said.

“Right,” Hiraguchi answered. She glanced away. “I know this might seem like a lot, but Sojiro and I are having a good time together. I just want to make sure that things are going to be OK going forward.”

Futaba stared at her intently. She then looked over at Sojiro. “Um, do you mind if I speak with her one-on-one?”

Sojiro was surprised by Futaba’s initiative. “Not at all.” He started walking around the bar. “C’mon Ren.” He led Ren outside so that Futaba and Hiraguchi could have their one-on-one.

While outside, Ren asked “So, you decided to go for it, huh?”

Sojiro nodded. “Yup.”

“If I may, what was the catalyst for it?” Ren asked.

Sojiro sighed. “We just kind of opened up to each other. One thing led to another, and then…”

“Gotcha,” Ren said.

“You know I wouldn’t do this for just anyone,” Sojiro said.

Ren nodded. “I know you don’t like doing something just for the heck of it.”

“Hm,” Sojiro grunted. He looked at the ground. “Of course I’m not going to forget Wakaba. Nor should I ask Futaba to. But after what happened this summer, after dealing with all of that, I feel like it’s time to move forward.”

“Well, that’s a noble stance,” en remarked.

Sojiro smirked. “You taught me that.”

“I did?” Ren wondered.

Sojiro nodded. “Ever since you came here, you’ve grown immensely. The position you started in was unenviable to say the least. But looking at you know, I know you make the world green with envy.”

Ren smiled. “Thanks. But I think I have some growing left to do.”

“Hm. We all do,” Sojiro shot back.

“I guess that’s true too,” Ren said.

Meanwhile, inside, Futaba and Hiraguchi were looking at each other. “So, um,” Futaba said, “what do you see in Sojiro?”

Hiraguchi was surprised. “Not what I was expecting. Straight to it, eh?”

Futaba nodded. “I’ve already lost one parent! I won’t lose another if I can help it!”

“What about your birth father?” Hiraguchi questioned.

“I dunno,” Futaba said. “I never knew him. Mom didn’t talk about him. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a non-entity.”

“I see,” Hiraguchi said. “To answer your question, I think he’s a smart man. He’s serious, but he knows when to let loose. On top of all of that, he knows just what to say. He may seem like just another guy, and he can certainly present himself that way, but when you get down to it, he’s really genuine.”

“Hmmm,” Futaba said. “Yup. That sounds like him alright. Next question: Are you concerned at all about, well, me?”

Hiraguchi smiled. “Not at all. In fact, I was the one who insisted on meeting you.”

Futaba was surprised. “Really?”

Hiraguch nodded. “I really like kids. I wouldn’t teach them if I didn’t.”

“So, um, do you have any kids of your own?” Futaba wondered.

“Well, no…” Hiraguchi said.

“Why not?” Futaba inquired.

Hiraguchi sighed. “Well, I know your baggage, so it’s only fair.” Futaba was confused. “The truth is, I just can’t have children. I’m…infertile.”

Futaba gasped, covering her mouth. “I’m so sorry I didn’t-”

“It’s OK,” Hiraguchi assured her. “There was no way for you to know. Besides, being open like this was what led to me and Sojio to start dating in the first place.”

“I see,” Futaba said.

Hiraguchi frowned. “I don’t…I’m not here to replace your mother. I don’t even think I could. But Sojiro and I feel like we need each other. And if we’re going to be in each other’s lives like this, well, things like this need to happen.”

“Hmmm,” Futaba thought. “You seem almost too good to be true.”

Hiraguchi smirked. “Don’t I know it. Sojiro had to get serious to start dating me.”

Futaba was impressed. “Wow. You really carry yourself well. Respect.” She smiled. “Well, if someone like you is dating Sojiro, then I can see things being alright. And if they aren’t, well, I think Sojiro might have himself to blame.”

Hiraguchi chuckled. “I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

Futaba giggled. “Me either.” She went up to the door and knocked on it. “We’re good!”

Sojiro opened the door and he and Ren popped their heads in. “Well…?” Sojiro wondered.

“I gotta say Sojiro, you managed to pick yourself a feisty one,” Futaba said.

Sojiro and Hiraguchi grew a little embarrassed. “I take it you like her.”

“I…think so…” Futaba said. “It’s still a little…”

Sojiro smirked. “I understand.” He gave Futaba a hug. “Change like this isn’t always easy,” he looked at Hiraguchi, “but sometimes it’s necessary.”

Hiraguchi smirked. “Well said.”

Futaba looked up at Sojiro. “So, um, is that everything?”

“Well,” Sojiro said, “I figured we could go out a little.”

“Where to?” Futaba wondered.

“Well, first, I would like to visit Wakaba’s grave,” Sojiro said. “But then we can go get something to eat. Together.”

Hiraguchi was a little surprised. “You want to visit Wakaba’s grave?”

“Well,” Sojiro said, “I haven’t been in a while. I didn’t even go on the anniversary because, um, well…there was an incident.”

“What kind of incident?” Hiraguchi wondered.

“That’s on a need to know basis,” Sojiro said.

“Oh?” Hiraguchi said. “And who says I don’t need to know?”

Ren interjected. “It’s OK. So, um, well, you know how The Phantom Thieves were dealing with Medjed through the summer?”

“Oh!” Hiraguchi said. She nodded. “Gotcha.”

Futaba and Sojiro were confused. Ren turned to them “She knows I’m a Phantom Thief.”

“Oh!” Sojiro said, surprised.

“Yeah, she figured it out with Sumire,” Ren said.

“Huh,” Sojiro said.

“Not gonna lie, that’s pretty cool,” Futaba said. “But also kind of scary.”

Hiraguchi chuckled. “I’ll take that as the compliment it is.”

Sojiro sighed. “Well, now that that’s out of the way, shall we get going?” They all nodded, and headed off.

At the church, Futaba went to pay her respects on her own, while Hiraguchi went to use the bathroom. Sojiro turned to Ren. “Hey.” Ren looked over at him. “While it’s just the two of us, I just wanted to say: Thank you.”

Ren was confused. “Where is this coming from?”

Sojiro smirked. “I know it might not seem like it, but you’ve taught me a lot since I took you in. I watched you grow. I’ve watched you help Futaba break out of her shell. At every turn you’ve always impressed me. I thought I was content with just keeping to myself and Futaba. But I’ve seen what opening up can do, and I’m not about to be outdone by some punk kid. So again: Thank you.”

Ren smiled, bowed, and said “You’re welcome.”

I am thou, thou art I

Thou hast turned a vow into a blood oath.

Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion and break the yoke of thy heart.

Thou hast awakened to the ultimate secret of the Hierophant, granting thee infinite power…

Hierophant-Sojiro Sakura: Rank 10

Futaba returned. Ren turned to her. “How’d it go?”

“Oh, uh,” Futaba said, wiping some tears. “I think it went alright.”

Sojiro pulled her in for a hug. “I know…”

“I’m back,” Hiraguchi announced. She saw the hug. “Is everything alright?”

“As fine as it can be,” Sojiro answered. “This is a more somber activity.”

“Right…” Hiraguchi said. “Well, I’m glad you’re able to do it.”

“Me too,” Sojiro replied. He let go. “Alright, I’m off. Once I get back, we’re heading out, OK?”

Futaba nodded. Ren gave a thumbs up. “You got it,” she said. Sojiro smiled, nodded, and walked off.

Once he got to Wakaba’s grave, he sat down. “Hey. I know it’s been a while, but, well, you know that not a day goes by where I don’t think of you. But I’ve started moving on a little.” He smiled. “You know, you told me to be the man you fell in love with. I feel like I’m starting to get back into that thanks to Kokoro.

I think you’d like her. She’s got a similar fiery spirit as you. Of course, if you were still here, she and I wouldn’t be dating, but I still think you’d get along.” He sighed. “You were my first catalyst to change. And I will always appreciate you for that. I didn’t know I needed that to keep me going until another one got arrested and just so happened to be the kid of a friend of mine.”

He took out the ring he kept on him. “I was going to give you this, right before you told me you were going to die. I was going to ask for your life, but it appears I wasn’t the only one who wanted it, huh. I kept this on me because it made me feel closer to you when you were taken from me. But I’ve always thought you deserved this, and I’m finally in a place where I can give it to you.” He set the box with the ring next to the grave. “Thank you for everything.” He stood up, and walked back to his new family.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 200: The Future is Now

Akechi had been working all day on case work. Since there was no school today, he was free to catch up on a few things, as well as working on proving his ideas on who The Phantom Thieves were. “Hmmm. I know they have an interest in Sae. Perhaps I could try and intercept them in some way through that.” He was cut off by his phone ringing. He checked, and sure enough, the caller ID read “POS”. “What does he want now?” He answered. “Hello?”

“How are things coming along?” the man on the other end spoke.

“Well,” Akechi answered, “it’s a bit tense. I’m walking on eggshells to not give too much away without jeopardizing my position to get closer to The Phantom Thieves.”

“I heard through the grapevine that you have some suspects,” the man said.

“Hm,” Akechi grinned. “I don’t have any proof though.”

“Know you, you’re probably right,” the man said.

“Let’s say I was,” Akechi said. “What good is it to attack them now?”

“It’ll remove a thorn from our side,” the man said. “Even if they aren’t the Thieves, you believe they might be, and we can’t have anyone like that once I come to power.”

“I understand your logic,” Akechi retorted, “but if we were to do that at this point, you might not get into power." The man on the other side grunted. “I mean, if the director didn’t fail at killing Okumura and framing The Phantom Thieves, we’d have a whole other ball game. But as it stands, support for them is still high. All we have to do is weather the current storm, and then everything will fall into place.”

“I sure hope you’re right,” the man said.

“Did you just infer that I usually am?” Akechi asked.

“Don’t give me lip,” the man said

“Sorry,” Akechi said.

“Just keep me posted,” the man said.

“Will do!” Akechi replied. They hung up. Akechi’s face grew sour. “Sometimes I wonder why I’m even doing this.” Suddenly, he got another call; this time, it was from Lena. “Hello?”

“Hey, um, can we talk?” Lena said. “Ah! That sounds bad. It’s not. Well, kind of.”

Akechi smiled. “Of course. I needed a break anyway.”

Lena smiled. “Great! Should I come over?”

“No, that’s quite alright,” Akechi said, looking over his apartment filled with different case papers, as well as some of his plans concerning the conspiracy.

“Mmm,” Lena said. “I never get to come over.”

“Sorry,” Akechi said. “It’s a mess, and I never have time to organize things.”

“I can help,” Lena offered.

“It’s fine,” Akechi said. “I know just the place to go anyways. I’ll come pick you up, OK?”

“OK,” Lena replied.

“Great! See you soon!” Akechi said.

“Seeya!” Lena said back. They hung up.

Akechi sighed. “I can’t let her know. But if I keep this up, she might find out regardless. Hmm. Well, no sense in worrying about it now. Once everything is in place, it’ll be smooth sailing.” He got himself ready and headed out.

Meanwhile, Riko was doing some work for Sae when Sae emerged from her office. “Oh, hello,” Riko said. “How are you doing?”

Sae smiled slightly. “I’m doing fine. I have that case in a few days, and then I can focus squarely on The Phantom Thieves!”

“Right,” Riko said with a smile.

“Hm,” Sae muttered. “You know, once we catch those thieves, that’ll free us up a bit. I mean, I know that some big changes will come our way, but we’ll be given some time to relax.”

“I see,” Riko said.

“So, um, is there anything in particular you’d like to do, but just never had the time for?” Sae asked. “Maybe we can do that.”

“Oh!” Riko said, blushing. “Well, ummm, I’m not sure.”

“I was planning a trip to some hot springs with my sister,” Sae said. “Maybe you could come along.”

“Well, um,” Riko said, getting more nervous, “that sounds nice, but um, you know, I don’t want to interrupt time with your sister. I mean, I’m sure she’d be looking forward to just spending time with you.”

“Oh,” Sae said. “Right.” She smiled. “Well, maybe you and I can take a trip afterwards. Or before, depending.”

“Uhhhh,” Riko responded.

“It doesn’t have to be hot springs either,” Sae said. “It could be anywhere.”

“Well…” Riko said. “I’d like to go to Osaka. I mean, it’s the food capital of Japan.”

“Hm. Alright,” Sae said. “Sounds like a plan.” Riko smiled. “Although, I’m surprised you’ve never been.”

“Oh, uh,” Riko said, her face going pale, “I, uh, I had planned to go with some friends of mine, but um, before we were set to go, we, um, had a falling out.”

Sae grew alarmed. “What happened?”

“Well…” Riko said. She remembered that she had started being more open about her transness, and then her friends started to distance themselves from her. “I…was changing, and they didn’t like it.”

Sae grew mad. “Sounds like they weren’t your friends after all.”

“Well, I mean,” Riko said, “I don’t entirely blame them.”

“You should,” Sae said. “I mean, I don’t know what you were like then, but you’re amazing now.”

“Oh, you’re just saying that,” Riko said.

“I don’t tend to say things I don’t mean,” Sae said.

“Right,” Riko said.

Sae smiled. “We’ll go to Osaka. We’ll hit up every restaurant and food truck from sunup to sundown. It’ll be amazing. I promise.”

“Really?” Riko wondered. Sae nodded. “Well, uh, I don’t know what to say.”

Sae chuckled. “Just keep working hard. And I promise, I’ll do everything to make up for everything bad that’s happened.”

“Oh, uh, well…” Riko said, embarrassed and unsure. “Thanks?”

Sae smiled. “Don’t mention it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to head out for a bit. Hold down the fort until I’m back, OK?”

“Of course,” Riko nodded. Sae smiled and left. Riko was a little confused. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d assume she was just hitting on me. But that can’t be right. Can it?”

On her way out, Sae said “Alright. Good first step. Although she seemed a little lost for words. Maybe I need to be more clear about my intentions. Although maybe I should get to know her a little more.”

She grew more serious. “She seems real hesitant when talking about her past. I don’t know why people seem to despise her. She’s amazing. Hm. Well Sae, like you said, the goal is to make up for all of that and then some. Just keep it smooth, and you’ll be good to go. Once those thieves are behind bars, you and her will have all the time in the world to change this world for the better!” She headed out.

Meanwhile, gymnastics practice had gotten out, and everyone was leaving. Once they left, Sojiro was there waiting for Hiraguchi. “Hey,” he said. “Ready for our date?”

Hiraguchi smiled, but then grew stern. She walked over and asked “When am I going to meet your daughter?”

Sojiro was stunned. “Um, that might be a bit too fast.”

“You said we should go fast,” Hiraguchi countered.

Sojiro sighed. “I know. I’m just worried.”

“From what you told me, she’s stronger than she seems,” Hiraguchi assured him. “Besides, the sooner she knows, the sooner she’ll accept.”

“I know,” Sojiro said. “It’s just hard, you know. It’s been over two years since her mom passed, but the wound still runs deep.”

Hiraguchi felt his pain. “Trust me, wounds like that never completely heal. But we both know it’s not worth it to just do nothing.”

Sojiro smiled. “You’re right. Alright. I’ll try to organize a time soon. How does that sound?”

Hiraguchi giggled. “Sounds great.”

“Great,” Sojiro said. “Now, as for tonight, are you still up for a date?”

“Of course,” Hiraguchi said. “Lead the way.” Sojiro nodded. He took her arm, and the two headed off to their date.

A little later, Akechi and Lena arrived at a Jazz Club in Kichijoji. “Wooow!” Lena said, amazed.

“Hm hm,” Akechi chuckled. “This is one of my favorite places. I come here when I need to clear my head, or just relax.”

“It sounds wonderful,” Lena remarked.

“Let’s head in, shall we?” Akechi offered. Lena nodded. The two of them headed in.

As they entered, they were greeted by the manager. “Hey there Akechi!”

“Good evening, Muhen,” Akechi replied.

Muhen looked at Lena. “Hmmm.” Lena got a little nervous. “It’s unusual that you bring someone in with you.”

“Well, she’s special to me,” Akechi said. He turned to Lena. “Lena, this is my friend Muhen.”

“Uh, hi,” Lena said.

“Hello,” Muhen replied.

“Hm hm,” Akechi chuckled. “Muhen, this is my girlfriend, Lena.”

“Oh!” Muhen said. “Congratulations!”

“Thanks,” Akechi and Lena said at the same time. They noticed this, and shared a chuckle.

“I take it you trust Muhen a lot,” Lena asked.

Akechi nodded. “He’s a special confidant to me. Between the three of us, he and I run under the same flag.”

Lena was a little confused, but then got it. “Oh!” She toned her voice down. “You’re both trans?”

“Woah!” Muhen said. “You told her? She must be REALLY special.”

Akechi smirked. “Of course.” 

Muhen nodded. “Well, just don’t let her go.”

“Actually,” Lena said, “that’s sort of what I wanted to talk to you about. Er, uh, that sounded bad again. It’s really not. It’s just…”

Akechi was concerned, but remained calm. “Why don’t we have a seat?”

“That…sounds good…” Lena said, trying to organize her word salad.

“Muhen?” Akechi asked.

“Follow me,” Muhen said. He sat the couple down. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

“What do you want?” Akechi asked.

Lena was unsure. “Mmmmmmm, dealer’s choice.”

“Very well,” Akechi said. “I’ll take the same.”

“Certainly,” Muhen said. “Coming right up!” Muhen rushed off and brought back their drinks. “You kids have fun, alright?”

“Will do!” Akechi assured him. Muhen nodded and headed back to his post. Akechi turned to Lena. “So…what’s this about?”

Lena sighed. “I’m…worried…”

Akechi was confused. “About what?”

“Well,” Lena said, “I’m an exchange student. But I want to stay. And not just because of you, but because I love it here, despite everything. But I don’t know what to do. I haven’t told my family about you yet, but I want to, but I’m worried about what they’ll do, and I-”

“OK, OK, OK,” Akechi said. “I understand.”

Lena sighed. “I’m just…worried… I don’t know what to do.”

“It’s OK,” Akechi said. “I’m glad you came to me. And I’m glad you want to stay with me.”

“Of course I do!” Lena said, tearing up slightly.

Akechi sighed. “Listen, I know what it’s like to keep things from your parents. My mother never knew I was actually a boy. And I’ve regretted not telling her before her time. I don’t want you befalling the same fate. If you’d like, we can do it together.”

Lena calmed down. “Well, I know you’re busy…”

“Just say the word,” Akechi interjected. “This is important. You are important.”

“Are you sure?” Lena asked.

“Positive,” Akechi answered. “I know I’m busy fighting crime, but I’m doing it for you. For us. So that tomorrow is brighter than today.”

Lena smiled and blushed. “Goro…” She took a sip of her drink. “Well, I still have to plan on calling them. The time zone difference is a lot, so it’s hard to find a good time that works for the both of us. But I will. For me.” She grasped Akechi’s hand. “For us.”

Akechi smiled. “For us.” That’s right. I’m not just doing it for me. I’m doing it for us. For everyone. To make sure that the future I build is one where Lena doesn’t have to worry; where no one has to worry. It’s hard now, especially working with that horrid man, but when all is said and done it will be worth it.

They noticed a singer going on stage. “I didn’t know this place had live music,” Lena remarked.

“Huh,” Akechi said. “I did, but I wasn’t aware there was any tonight.”

“Well, I guess it means good luck,” Lena said.

“I guess so,” Akechi said. He raised his glass. “To us.”

Lena reciprocated. “To us!” They clinked their glasses, drank, and hung out in the jazz club for a while. As they were leaving, Lena said “Thanks for taking me here. And thanks for everything else.”

“Of course,” Akechi said. “It’s my pleasure.” They shared a kiss, and went home for the night.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 183: Experts in a Dying Field

After Ren headed to school, Sojiro headed to work. He was planning on taking the afternoon off, but that didn’t mean he could get a few morning customers. Before he opened though, he made a phone call. “Hey, it’s me…Listen, I just want to talk. Is that alright with you?...Great. Where do you wish to meet?...I see. Alright, I can be there at about 4;30, maybe 5, how does that sound?...Alright. See you then.” He hung up. He sighed. “Let’s hope this works.”

A little while after school got out, The Phantom Thieves, sans Makoto, entered. Sojiro was curious. “Aren’t you missing someone?”

“They’re meeting with someone,” Ren said.

“They might know something about the predicament we’re in,” Haru added.

“Gotcha,” Sojiro said. “Well, the place is yours for the afternoon. Don’t burn it to the ground.”

“We won’t!” Futaba said

Sojiro smiled. “That’s my girl!” He left. “Seeya!”

“Bye!” the thieves called out. Sojiro tensions were somewhat eased with all those people supporting him, but he knew he had to face this challenge using his own skills.

On his way, he stopped by a few stores. He wanted to pick up something, but he didn’t know what to get. It took some time, but he managed to find something suitable for the occasion.

He arrived at his location. “Huh,” he said, looking up at it. It was the studio where Sumire practiced gymnastics. He walked in, and soon spotted Coach Hiraguchi.

She spotted him soon after. “Hey,” she said.

“Hey,” Sojiro said. “I brought you a little something,” he offered her a fruit soda, and was holding one for himself as well.

“...Thanks,” Hiraguchi said, taking it. “If you don’t mind, I have to wait until everyone leaves.”

“Fine by me,” Sojiro said. “Do you want me to wait with you, or am I fine outside?”

“I’d prefer it if you were in here,” Hiraguchi answered. “No offense, but a man who doesn’t know any of the young girls exiting this building waiting outside seems a little…”

“Right,” Sojiro agreed. The two waited for everyone else to leave, drinking their sodas in the meanwhile.

Once they all left, Hiraguchi said “Thanks. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Eh, it’s fine,” Sojiro replied. “So, do you want to talk here?”

“No,” Hiraguchi answered. “I just figured it'd be easier meeting here.”

“I see,” Sojiro said. “Well then, where do you wish to go?”

“How about the park?” Hiraguchi said. Sojiro was confused. “You seem surprised.”

“Sorry,” Sojiro said. “I’d just thought you’d want to eat after all this.”

“I can wait,” Hiraguchi said.

Sojiro nodded. “Very well. Let’s go.” The two of them headed out.

Once they got to the park, they sat down on a bench. “So, what did you want to talk about?”

“It’s complicated,” Sojiro said. “Mind if I smoke?”

“I do, actually,” Hiraguchi said.

“Hm. Figures,” Sojiro said. He took a deep breath. “You’re both right and wrong about me.”

“Huh,” Hiraguchi said, slightly confused about where this was going.

“You would have hated younger me,” Sojiro said. “To be honest, I kind of hate him too. I was self-absorbed, and not willing to keep any personal relationships. I’d go from woman to woman like there was no tomorrow. I just did what I felt like because I could.”

“Sounds charming,” Hiraguchi said, sarcastically.

“But that all changed when I met her,” Sojiro said. Hiraguchi was intrigued. “Her name was Wakaba Ishiki, and she was like no woman I’d ever met before. She knew all my tricks, and one-upped me at every turn. Normally, I’d talk someone into what I wanted, but she did it to me.

We grew closer, first as friends, then as lovers. She taught me that life is more than about what I wanted. She taught me what it means to be close to someone. She opened my eyes. I thought I was living, but after meeting her, I truly was alive. Then one day, she…she passed away.”

Hiraguchi went pale. “I’m…I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Sojiro said.

“Is it?” Hiraguchi asked.

“It’s as OK as it can be,” Sojiro replied. “Her death is…complicated to say the least. But it happened, and I have to live with that fact, no matter how much I hate it.”

“I see,” Hiraguchi said.

“Once the dust settled,” Sojiro continued, “I reverted into some of my old habits. Sleeping around, smoking, you know.” Hiraguchi nodded. “But it never felt truly the same. I was doing those things for comfort, but I didn’t feel the same. And I wasn’t. I had changed. Those things couldn’t make me as happy as they used to.

I took in Wakaba’s daughter after she passed. Raising her hasn’t been easy; she took her mother’s death worse than anyone. But it’s certainly been rewarding. Partially because takes a lot after her mother. Partially because it’s nice to have someone to talk to, both the good and the bad. But a lot of it is I get to watch her grow into an amazing person. I never considered having kids, but she changed everything for me too.”

“And what about Ren?” Hiraguchi asked out of curiosity.

Sojiro smirked. “I feel the same. She’s an unusual one, but I like that in people. When I first agreed to watch over her, I didn’t entirely know what I was getting into, but she’s done just as much for me and Futaba as we've done for her. Maybe more.”

“Futaba?”

“My daughter.”

“Gotcha.”

“All this to say,” Sojiro said, wrapping up, “I’m not opposed to a relationship like that again, but I am afraid. What Wakaba and I had was special. I want that again, but I’m afraid I’d be betraying her.”

Hiraguchi looked at him intently. “I think she’d want you to be happy, even if it’s with someone else.”

“Thanks,” Sojiro said. “I just wanted to tell you that. I figured I owe you that much after butting heads a couple of times. We’re adults. We should act like it. No playing these silly games.”

“You’re right,” Hiraguchi said. She frowned. “Truth is, you’re luckier than you think.”

“Excuse me?” Sojiro said.

“You can still cherish Wakaba,” Hiraguhi said. “I married my middle school boyfriend. He and I were practically inseparable. We had the same interests, shared the same favorite foods, it was like we were made for each other.

However, a few years into our marriage, we tried having kids. After not succeeding for a while, we found out that I was unable to have children.” Hiraguchi started tearing up. “And..and he just divorced me. Just like that. Not caring about anything else. The moment I couldn’t carry a child, I was useless to him, and he just ran off, looking for someone who could. It all felt like a big lie. I’d spent most of my life at this point with him, and he threw me away at the first possible opportunity.”

Tears started streaming down her face. “It’s not like I wanted to be infertile. But the worst part is there’s a part of me that still loves him. He was such a big part of my life for so long. I couldn’t give it up like he could. And that hurts more than anything else.”

She cried a little more, before wiping her tears. “So, that’s why I'm a little hesitant when it comes to relationships. I was fooled before. I am adamant about not getting fooled again.”

“Hm. I see,” Sojiro said. “It sounds like we both have our baggage.

“It does, doesn’t it?” Hiraguchi responded.

“Perhaps we should take it slow,” Sojiro said. “If we rush into things, it might make for a bit of trouble.”

“That sounds smart,” HIraguchi said.

“So,” Sojiro said, “why don’t I take you out for dinner? As friends?” He offered his hand to her.

Hiraguchi’s stomach growled. “I’d like that.” She took his hand and stood up.

“Great,” Sojiro said. “But we’re just starting as friends.”

Hiraguchi smiled. “Right.” The two walked off to get some dinner.

A little while later, the two of them were in Hiraguchi’s bedroom after having had sex. “Wow,” Sojiro said.

“Wow,” Hiraguchi repeated. She turned to Sojiro. “Tell me: Was this a play by you?”

“Boy, I wish,” Sojiro said. “But I think that’s giving me too much credit.”

“I see,” Hiraguchi said.

“Hey,” Sojiro said. Hiraguhi looked at him. “I know we said that we’d take things slowly because that’s the safe thing to do, but I think the two of us need to be pushed out of our comfort zone a little.”

Hiraguchi nodded. “I agree. My comfort zone is stupid asshole who I haven’t even seen in over ten years. I’d like to finally get past him once and for all.”

“And I’d like to feel more alive again, rather than just going through the motions,” Sojiro said.

“So, it’s a deal then?” Hiraguchi said.

“I believe so.”

Hiraguchi smiled. “Hm hm. How wonderful.”

Sojiro smiled back. “Sooo, ready for round two then?” Hiraguchi answered him with a passionate kiss. Sojrio matched her passion, as they went at each other into the night.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 161: Alchemy Girls

Before school got started, Ren messaged Sumire.

Ren: Hey Sumi!

Ren: Are you free today?

Ren: I thought we could do something, just the two of us.

Ren: Like, a date, I mean.

Ren sighed into her phone. “I’m already dating her. Why do I still sound like a nervous wreck? I mean, I know I am, but…” Ren’s phone dinged.

Sumire: Um, actually…

Sumire: There’s something I want to talk to you about.

Ren: Is something the matter?

Sumire: Everything’s fine.

Sumire: …Mostly.

Ren: That doesn’t sound fine.

Sumire: I just need to talk about this in person.

Sumire: Can we meet at lunch on the rooftop?

Ren: Sure. Of course.

Sumire: Thanks.

Sumire: See you then.

Ren: See you.

Ren’s head was spinning. “Maybe I have every right to be a nervous wreck…”

Ren was having difficulty concentrating all morning. She was worried about her girlfriend. What does she want to talk about? Why is it just me? It’s probably not so bad. It might just be a dating thing. Maybe it’s a surprise. She wouldn’t do something bad. But why did she sound so distraught? Argh! This isn’t getting me anywhere.

The lunch bell rang, and Ren, sighed, relieved. She hurried to the roof as fast as she could. She got there before Sumire, and sat down on one of the chairs, anxiously twitching in anticipation and fear.

Meanwhile, Sumire was staggering up the stairs to the roof. She didn’t want to do this, but she knew she had to. Once she got to the door, she took a deep breath. “Here goes.”

As soon as the door opened, Ren’s entire focus was turned as her girlfriend emerged. “Hey Sumire,” she said. She noticed Sumire looked a little uneasy. “Is…everything alright?”

Sumire sighed. “Not…really…” She sat down in a chair across from Ren. “I mean, kind of. I mean…ugh…” Ren didn’t quite know how to react. “This is complicated…”

“Take your time…” Ren instructed.

Sumire nodded. She took a deep breath. “So, I got third place at the last meet.”

Ren perked up. “Sumire that’s great!”

“It is,” Sumire said. “But…I feel like Coach expected me to get first…and I kind of expected the same…”

“Well, you can’t blame yourself,” Ren said, ready to console her girlfriend. “You’re doing everything you can.”

“Well, not everything…” Sumire said. “And that’s what I wanted to talk about.” Ren was confused. “I’m thinking about…maybe leaving The Phantom Thieves.”

“What?!” Ren said, shocked.

Sumire sighed. “I knew you’d hate me…”

“No no,” Ren said. “I was just shocked. Why?”

“I haven’t been going to practice as much,” Sumire said. “I feel like I need to give it my all, and I don’t think I am.”

“Right…” Ren said.

“I still want to be friends with everyone,” Sumire explained. “And of course I still want to go out with you. But…it’s a lot…and I don’t know how to tell everyone.”

“I see,” Ren said. “Well, you know I’ll support you no matter what. And I’m sure everyone else will too.”

“They won’t be mad at me?” Sumire asked.

Ren shook her head. “You’re pursuing your dreams. Why would anyone be mad about that?”

Sumire smiled. “Thanks.” Both their stomachs growled. “Heh heh. I forgot my lunch.”

“Hm hm. Me too,” Ren replied.

“Let’s go grab it quick, and then we can find someplace to eat together,” Sumire suggested.

“Sounds like a plan,” Ren said. The girls left with a quiet sense of contentment and sorrow.

On their way to get their lunch, they bumped into Coach Hiraguchi. “Oh Coach!” Sumire exclaimed.

“Hello Sumire,” Hiraguchi replied.

“Oh, um, well, I suppose I was gonna tell you sooner or later,” Sumire said, “but I’m ready to come back to practice regularly. No more breaks!”

Hiraguchi looked at her, confused and stern. “Why?” she asked.

This confused both Sumire and Ren. “Um, because I’m ready to dedicate myself fully to gymnastics,” Sumire answered. Hiraguchi was still glaring. “I mean, I only got third at the last meet. If I want to get first, if I am going to be able to do my best, I need to practice more!”

Hiraguchi sighed. “I see… You want to practice more.”

“That’s right,” Sumire answered.

“Sumire…” Hiraguchi said. “Your issue isn’t your practicing…”

“Huh?” Sumire wondered. “But…some weeks I only come on one day!”

“You’re trying to find yourself,” Hiraguchi replied. “You still are. The reason you got third isn’t because of your lack of practice. It’s because you’re still a little lost.”

“Wha?” Sumire said.

“Um, I think she’s gotten a lot better,” Ren said.

Hiraguchi turned to Ren. “She has, don’t get me wrong. But…there are times where she’s leaning a little too much on Kasumi’s routines. Even now.” Sumire and Ren looked puzzled. “Perhaps the both of you can come to practice today,” Hirguchi suggested. “You’re good and understanding and helping Sumire.”

“Well…” Ren replied, embarrassed.

Hiraguchi smiled. “I’ll see you after school.” She walked on by.

“What…just happened?” Sumire asked.

“I think the coach knows something you don’t,” Ren replied.

“I…really thought I was over everything,” Sumire said.

Ren paused for a moment, and then sighed. “I mean, it's fie if you aren't. I know I’m still not…”

Sumire was surprised. “Really?” Ren nodded. “How so?” Before Ren could answer, both their stomachs growled again. “Oh right. Lunch.” Ren chuckled. “We’re hanging out after school. I can go over it with you then.”

“Sounds wonderful,” Sumire said. “Can’t wait.” The girls split up, ate a quick lunch, and then headed back to class.

The rest of the afternoon was still tense, but a little less so. It was less worrying about the devil they didn’t know and now the devil they did know. Still, they were assured by the fact that they were in it together.

After school, Sumire was waiting by the door, when Ren approached her. “Hm hm, Ready?”

“As ready as I could be,” Ren replied. “I had to scrounge up my training clothes.”

“Well then, let’s go,” Sumire said. They started walking at the train station. “So, about earlier…” Ren looked at her. “What aren’t you over?”

Ren let out a sigh. “I’m worried about a lot of things. And I know things have gotten better, but…” She sighed again.

Sumire placed her hand on Ren’s. “It’s OK. I’m here.”

Ren smiled, and then scowled. “I’m here on probation. So when it’s up, I’ll probably have to go home.”

“And you don’t want that?” Sumire asked.

“Of course not,” Ren said. “I know I’ve been here less than a year, but in that time I’ve made friends, I’ve gained confidence, I met you. In that short period of time, this place is starting to feel like my home.”

“Have you told your parents about this?” Sumire asked.

“No,’ Ren said. “I’m…scared.” Sumire was a little stunned. “I know they’re OK with me being a lesbian, but..what if they want me back? That doesn’t seem unreasonable, but it feels like it is.”

“Well, I could always help you tell your parents,” Sumire said.

“Thanks, but you’ve done a lot to help me,” Ren replied.

Sumire pulled Ren down and kissed her on the forehead. “I did that because I care about you. And besides, you’ve helped me a lot too.”

“Well, I…care..about…you…” Ren responded. “OK, I get it.” Sumire chuckled. Ren sighed. “I don’t know why I keep getting in my own head about things.”

“Well, I mean, I guess I’m the same way,” Sumire said. "I think we need to be there to bail each other out when we’re spiraling in our own self-doubt.”

Ren smiled. “Sounds like a plan.” The two continued to Coach Hraguchi’s studio. Their hands met a few times before they agreed to hold hands.

Once they arrived and got changed, they met with Coach. “OK! We’re ready!”

“Good,” Coach Hiraguchi said. “Let’s start with some stretches.” She turned to Ren again. “I want you to pay attention to Sumire. You understand how to phrase things with her better. I know I’m her coach, but I can only do so much.”

“Yes ma’am,” Ren replied. They started practice. Ren did as Hiraguchi asked. Although she was slightly distracted by her girlfriend in her workout gear, she was focused on helping Sumire. The practice itself was rigorous, but Ren had built up a good amount of stamina, and Sumire was no stranger to this kind of training.

Once practice was over, Ren, Sumire, and Coach Hiraguchi regrouped. “So Ren.” Ren looked up at Hiraguchi. “Did you notice what I’ve been noticing?”

Ren paused for thought for a moment. “I…think so? I’m not exactly sure, but I can tell some of her movements were a little stiff. Like, it feels practiced, but in a way that feels forced.”

Hiraguchi nodded. “Exactly. Judges take note of that kind of stuff.”

“So, what do I do?” Hiraguchi asked.

“You still feel like you’re in Kasumi’s shadow at times,” Hiraguchi said. “You’ve done a great job at finding yourself so far, but I don’t know if you’ve found yourself fully.”

Sumire frowned. Ren grew a little peeved. “Hold on a second,” she protested. “It is true that Sumire might be a little stiff here and there, but she’s made great strides these past few months.”

“Again, that’s true,” Hiraguchi said, “but she’s still clinging to her sister.”

“Well…maybe that’s just who she is,” Ren snapped back, surprising both of them. “I mean, yeah, it is important for Sumire to have her own identity, but part of that identity is who she loves, who she cares about. And she cares about her sister. She…can’t be here any more…but Sumire wants to carry a part of her with her.

I mean, they’ve been doing gymnastics together basically forever. To Sumire, Kasumi and gymnastics go together like coffee and curry. So maybe Sumire keeping a part of Kasumi in her routine is the most Sumire thing of all.”

Sumire and Hiraguchi were still stunned. Hiraguchi smirked. “Hm. I knew you had a better understanding of things than me.”

“Hm?” Ren responded.

“It seems so obvious when you say it out loud,” Hiraguchi said. “I thought Sumire was still stuck in the past, but I guess I was.”

Sumire turned to her coach. “What do you mean?”

“Well…” Hiraguchi explained, “sometimes after practice, Kasumi would come to me and explain how jealous she was of you.”

Sumire was shocked. “Of ME?!”

Hiraguchi nodded. “Sumire's so much more graceful than I ever could be. I don’t stand a chance against her in an actual competition.’”

“But…she won several times,” Sumire said. “I always got second.”

“She figured that once you found your spark, you’d bet her hand over fist,” Hiraguchi explained. “And although I didn’t say it to her, I agreed.” She looked at Ren. “And I think you found yourself a spark. And a really cute one at that.” Ren laughed nervously.

Sumire smiled. “Hm. So, Kasumi thought I could be better than her. I’d hate to prove her wrong...”

“So, what is your plan?” Hiraguchi asked.

Sumire pondered on that. “I…think I know what I need to do…but I need to figure out how exactly to do it.”

Hiraguchi nodded. “That sounds like a reasonable plan. I will however up your mandatory attendance to three times a week.”

“Of course…” Sumire replied.

Hiraguchi smiled. “After the next meet though.”

Sumire was confused. “Wait, really? But that’s in 10 days!”

“It is?” Ren wondered.

“Oh, uh, yeah…” Sumire replied. “I was gonna tell you earlier, but I was contemplating telling you about…the other thing…and…it was just a lot swirling in my head.”

“Gotcha…” Ren said.

“What other thing?” Hiraguchi asked.

“Oh, uh, it’s nothing,” Sumire said.

“It doesn’t sound like nothing,” Hiraguchi replied.

“Well…” Sumire said, nervously.

Hiraguchi smirked. “It almost sounds Phantom Thieves related.”

“I, uh, wha?” Sumire said, befuddled.

“Hm,” Hiraguchi smirked. “I’m not stupid. A lot of days you take off a Phantom Thief related incident occurs. I can put two and two together.”

“...And you’re not mad?” Sumire wondered.

“Of course not,” Hiraguchi replied. “I appreciate what you are doing. Besides, it’s helped you out this far, right?”

“O-Of course,” Sumire answered.

“Then that’s all I need to hear,” Hiraguchi said.

Sumire bowed. “Thank you, Coach.”

Hiraguchi smiled. “Take care now, you two.” She walked off.

Ren and Sumire looked at each other. “...We should probably get changed and go,” Sumire suggested.

“Yeah…” Ren agreed. They got changed back into more casual clothes and headed out. As they were walking, Ren said “So…that was…something…”

“Yeah,” Sumire agreed. “I had no idea Coach knew.”

“I’m just glad she’s on our side,” Ren pointed out. “She’s rather intense when she likes you. I’d hate to see what she’s like when she doesn’t like you.”

Sumire giggled. “True.” She paused for a moment. “So, it seems like leaving The Phantom Thieves isn’t the option.”

“Based on what Coach said, sounds like it,” Ren replied.

“I’m…more talking about what you said,” Sumire replied. “Coach said she wanted me to let go of Kasumi, but you said that that’s not who I am. And you’re right. But I don’t want to let go of you all either.”

Ren pulled her in for a side hug. “I don’t want to let go of you either.” The girls giggled and blushed. Ren then got a phone call. She checked. “It’s my dad.” She answered. “Hello?”

“Hey pumpkin,” Jun answered. “Guess where I am.”

“Ummmmm, where?” Ren asked.

“C’mon,” Jun replied. “It’s no fun if you don’t guess.”

“Ummmmm, mom’s massage parlor?” Ren guessed.

“Nope, guess again,” Jun responded.

“Daaad,” Ren said.

“Fine, fine,” Jun replied. “I’m down at Leblanc.”

“Oh!” Ren said, surprised.

“I came down to Tokyo to meet about my campaign,” Jun explained. “I’d thought I’d say hi while I was in town. Where are you?”

“Oh, uh, I’m…I can be there shortly,” Ren replied.

“Great! See you then,” Jun replied.

“Seeya,” Ren said. They hung up. Ren signed. Sumire looked at her, concerned. Ren turned to her. “Oh, uh, that was my dad.”

“Right,” Sumire said.

“He’s down at Leblanc,” Ren continued explaining. “He wants to say hi.”

“Are you nervous?” Sumire asked.

“A little,” Ren said.

“You don’t have to say anything,” Sumire assured her.

“No,” Ren said.”I mean, you almost quit The Phantom Thieves today. I have to face my fears as well.”

Sumire took Ren’s hand. “Well, just know I’ll be right there with you.”

Ren smiled and blushed. “Thanks Sumire.” They shared a kiss, and headed down to Leblanc.

Once they arrived, Jun and Sojiro looked at them. “Welcome back,” Sojiro said.

“Hey pumpkin,” Jun said, getting up. He gave Ren a hug. He looked her up and down. “You look like you just ran a marathon.” Ren chuckled. “So, how are things going?”

Ren glanced at Sumire. Sumire smiled to reassure her. She turned back to her dad. “Well…I…actually…wanted to talk to you about that…” Jun and Sojiro grew concerned. “Things are going good. Really good. Great, even.”

“...But…?” Jun wondered.

Ren sighed. “But…I don’t…I don’t want to leave…” Jun was a little surprised. “I know I’m only here until my probation is up, but…I don’t want to go back. Ever since coming here, a lot has happened. And this feels more like home than home has. That’s not to say I don’t love you, or mom, or Sasa, but…it’s just different.”

“Pardon me,” Sumire interjected, “but I have to agree with Ren. And not just because she’s my girlfriend, but because I’ve seen how she’s changed throughout all of this. She’s always been kind, considerate, and amazing, but when  first met her she felt guarded. And right now, she’s more free being herself.

Being here has freed her, which is ironic given the circumstances, but it’s true. Once she’s free from probation, she’ll be caged again at home. So please, would you allow Ren to stay?”

Jun looked at the two of them. They were both very impassioned. Jun smiled. “You wanna know something?” The girls were confused. “Your mother and I agreed I wouldn’t run for the Diet until it was just us two. And after talking with her, we both knew you weren’t coming back. I’m not about to break a promise between your mother and me.”

Ren was confused, but hopeful. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that I’ll allow you to stay,” Jun said. “And your mother will too.” He turned to Sojiro. “Provided it’s OK with Sojiro.”

The girls looked at Sojiro. He sighed. “How can I say ‘no’ after all of that?”

“Hm hm, thanks Sojiro,” Ren said.

“Just…be sure to help out when you can,” Sojiro said. Ren giggled again.

Jun checked the time. “As much as I’d like to continue talking, I have to go. I don’t want to be late for my meeting." He had an idea. "Say, why don’t you come with? Not to the meeting, but to where the meeting is. Dietman Matsushita wanted to meet at the Wilton Buffet. I believe you’re familiar with the place.”

Ren chuckled. “Of course.”

“You and Sumire can celebrate this momentous occasion while I’m talking with Matsushita about my campaign, how does that sound?” Jun asked.

“That sounds wonderful,” Ren said.

“Great!” Jun said. “Let’s go!”

“OK,” Ren said.

“Bye Sojiro!” Sumire called.

“Thanks again Boss,” Ren said.

Sojiro smiled. “You’re welcome.” The three of them left. “Hm. She really has changed a lot. I’m sure you’re really proud of her.”

Jun, Ren, and Sumire arrived at the Wilton. Jun broke off to meet with Matsushita, while Ren and Sumire found a table and got some food. They dug in almost immediately. “Ohhhh,” Sumire said. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

“Tell me about it,” Ren responded. “Coach Hiraguchi really upped the ante today.”

Sumire glanced over to Ren. “Speaking of…thanks…for helping me out…”

Ren looked back at her. “Well…thank you as well…for helping me with my dad…”

Sumire giggled. “I don’t know what I was so worried about.”

Ren smiled. “Me either.” They looked into each other’s eyes and realized that they knew what they were worried about.

Sumire broke the tension. “So, um, listen… I feel like things are getting chaotic. Between this whole Phantom Thieves business, and my gymnastics, it’s getting hard to connect with myself, since I’m being dragged in all sorts of directions.”

“I feel the same way,” Ren said. “I don’t have gymnastics, but I do have parole to worry about. And now I need to figure out what I’m going to do afterwards. There’s a lot on my mind. But whenever you’re around, things just seem so easy.”

Sumire chuckled. “I feel the same. So…what should we do?”

They both thought. “Well…I think that we need to figure out how to spend more time with each other.”

“I like the sound of that,” Sumire said. “I know we see each other at school, or during Phantom Thief stuff, but I think we just need some time for the two of us.”

“Yeah,” Ren agreed. “It doesn't have to be long. Like a phone call before bed. Or I could stop by after practice, and we can get something to eat.”

“I’m always down to get a bite to eat,” Sumire said. “But I think this sounds like a really good plan.”

“Really?” Ren wondered.

“Of course, silly,” Sumire replied. They looked into each other’s eyes again. They then closed them and leaned in for a kiss.

Faith-Sumire Yoshizawa: Rank 8

Once they finished kissing, they looked at each other and blushed. Sumire’s stomach growled a little bit. “Oh right! We only have so much time.”

“Well, what are we waiting for?” Ren asked. They continued eating, getting up to get more plates every so often.

“Oh!” Sumire said. “Do you think we should send a calling card to Okumura soon?”

Ren swallowed her food. “Oh yeah. With everything happening today, it almost slipped my mind.”

“Mine too,” Sumire admitted.

“Why don’t we meet tomorrow about that?” Ren asked.

“Sounds like a great idea,” Sumire said. They continued eating.

After their time was up, they met up with Jun again. He took care of their bill, which admittedly was reduced since Sumire was the chef’s daughter, but it was still nice of him. “Thanks dad.”

“Any time, kiddo,” Jun replied.

“Should I call mom and tell her about…?”

“Nah, I can tell her,” Jun answered. “It’s not like she didn’t know anyway.”

“Right…” Ren said.

Jun looked at Sumire. “You sure you don’t want us to take you home?”

“Yeah,” Sumire said. “Mom insisted she take me home.”

“I understand,” Jun said. “Let’s go Ren. Bye Sumire.”

“Bye!” Ren called out.

“Bye!” Sumire waved. Ren and Jun left.

On their way back, Ren asked “When are you going home?”

“I’m staying the night in a hotel, and leaving tomorrow morning,” Jun said.

“I see,” Ren said.

Jun looked at his daughter and smiled. “I’m gonna let you in on a little secret.” Ren looked up at her father. “The truest moments of love shine through in adversity. Of course, when things are easy it’s wonderful. But the fact that she’s with you during your hardest moments is what makes her a keeper. Don’t let her go without a fight.”

Ren smiled back. “I wasn’t planning on it.”

“That’s my girl.” Jun walked Ren back to Leblanc, and then headed to his hotel.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 150: Osmosis

Saturday, after school, Ren walked down to Dr. Maruiki’s office. She knocked on the door. “Come in!” Maruki called out. Ren walked in. “Ah, Amamiya-chan! How are things going?”

Ren sat down. “Pretty good, I guess.”

“So, what brings you here today?” Maruki wondered.

Ren grew a little tense. “Our next target might hold the key to figuring out who may be behind the mental shutdown cases.”

“Oh,” Maruki said, surprised. “That’s…something… Are you concerned about taking them on?”

“Well…kind of…but that’s not why I’m here,” Ren explained.

“Oh?”

“Well, I mean...” Ren went on. “It is kind of scary. Taking on someone who has been murdering people, possibly with no remorse. But it’s something we have to do. To uphold our justice. We can’t let people like that get away with it.”

“Hm,” Maruki reacted. “Well, you aren’t The Phantom Thieves for nothing.”

“Well…that’s just it…” Ren said. “Once we’ve figured this out, we’ll probably take on Eris.”

“Are you scared of fighting her?” Maruki asked.

“Well, again, kind of, but I’m prepared for that,” Ren said. “What I’m worried about is after.”

“After?”

Ren nodded. “I mean, we were given this power to stop Eris. Once we stop her, that power might be taken away, and we might not be Phantom Thieves anymore. What then?”

“Ah,” Maruki said, upon realization. “Is that all?” Ren gave him a look. “I mean, I guess it’s worth reminding you that every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

“Meaning…?”

Maruki chuckled. “If you stop being The Phantom Thieves in the sense of going into the metaverse and serving justice, you won’t stop being the people you’ve become. Or maybe you will, in order to become different people.” Ren was a little confused. “Think how much you’ve changed since coming to Tokyo.” Ren did. “That growth isn’t going away. Well, unless something really bad happens, but with a heart as strong as yours, I doubt it.”

Ren chuckled. “I…guess… I don’t know. I basically became a Phantom Thief when I came to Tokyo, so it’s hard to parse the two.”

“Well, I’m sure your time in Tokyo won’t end when you stop being a Phantom Thief,” Maruki assured her. “But I can’t say I don’t understand the hesitance. I mean, when Rumi woke up, I had to figure out how to move forward without her. I did that by pouring my energy into my work. But then that got cut off, but that I found I had powers, and a palace. And then that got taken away from me too.”

“You’re not really selling your position here doc,” Ren snidely remarked.

“Well hold on,” Maruki said, being taken aback by the sudden attack. “After my palace got destroyed, I had to find something new. And by becoming a therapist here and helping you out, I believe I have. In fact, since I stopped chasing a high, be it work or power, I think I’ve found my life a little more fulfilling. Of course, there are struggles still, and I’m not 100% there yet, but I’ve been thinking of things I haven’t thought about in a while.

My point is you should keep an open mind. Even if you stop being a Phantom Thief in the literal sense, you’ll still be one where it counts. You didn’t get your disdain for the corrupt from being a Phantom Thief. You didn’t get your social prowess from being a Phantom Thief. You didn’t get your girlfriend from being a Phantom Thief. Your being a Phantom Thief may have amplified that, but that was you, through and through.”

Ren was taking this in. In a sense, she had known this, but hearing it out loud is another thing entirely. A part of her felt like Joker was the person she couldn’t be. But now, it feels more like Joker is who she always was. And much like how continued failure forced Maruki to be the person he is now, becoming Joker forced Ren to open up in a way she might not have been able to on her own.

She sighed. “A part of me wishes it wasn’t these exact circumstances that lead to this. That I could have done this all on my own. But at the same time, that’s not how life is, at least all the time.”

“Yeah…” Maruki lamented. “You know, that’s what I had wanted to fix. But after working here without having the power to change things, I’m slowly realizing that how we survive makes us who we are. It’s not ideal, and we should strive to make sure people suffer less, but we can’t control everything.”

Ren smiled. “That’s some perspective. As much as I hate to admit it, you have a point. But in a way, it makes me feel better. Because at the end of the day, I’m not alone, and neither are my friends. I’m thinking now that practically all of them felt alone in one way or another. But now that we’re united, things are better.”

Maruki smiled back. “Making sure people get better is my job. And despite everything, I think I have a new lease on life as well.”

Ren giggled. “Of course. I included you when I was talking about my friends.”

Maruki was surprised. “Oh. Well, I’m flattered. Thank you.”

Counselor-Takuto Maruki: Rank 6

Ren stood up. “Well, I should be on my way. I have to prepare, you know.”

“Of course,” Maruki said. “But take a snack for the road. It’s hard to strategize on an empty stomach.”

“Right,” Ren said. She grabbed some snacks and left.

That evening, she and Futaba decided to help out at Leblanc. “Hm,” Sojiro chuckled. “It’s been a while since the place felt so alive.”

“What about when the group is here?” Ren asked.

“Yeah, no group coming in tonight exceeded our party,” Futaba pointed out.

“I meant outside of that,” Sojiro replied. “I know how lively it can be with you teens around. But in the sense of what it’s usually like here, things are more alive with you two helping.”

“Well, maybe this could be the new normal,” Ren said.

“Maybe…” Sojiro said. He turned to Futaba. “I know I appreciate you being more active. I know it’s hard for you, but you’re getting the hang of it.”

Futaba blushed. “Thanks…” She checked her phone. “Oh! My show is almost on! Sojiro…”

“Heh. Yeah, you can go,” Sojrio said.

“Thank you!” Futaba said, bowing. She took off her apron and fled out the door.

“Heh,” Sojiro chuckled. “You know, I’ve known Futaba for a long time. And yet it feels both longer and shorter than it actually has been. Things happen so fast, you know? Eh, perhaps you’ll understand when you’re older.”

“I think I get it now,” Ren told him. “I mean, I haven’t even been here half a year, and look how much has changed.”

Sojiro chuckled. “I guess that’s true. … Say, speaking of change…” Ren grew curious, “do you ever wonder if you’re taking two steps forward, one step back. Or if a certain type of change would be alright?”

Ren was confused. “What do you mean?”

Before Sojiro could answer, the door opened. The two looked to see none other than Coach Hiraguchi enter. She looked at Sojiro, and then Ren. “Sumire was talking about this place a lot. Now I understand why.” She walked over and sat at the bar. “Hello.”

“Hello,” Sojiro said. Ren could feel a certain energy emerging. “What’ll it be?”

“Your sign says coffee and curry, right?” Hiraguchi asked.

“That is true, but we serve other things if you’d like,” Sojiro informed her.

“I’ll just take your specialty,” Hiraguchi answered. “Coffee and curry.”

“Alright. Any kind in particular?” Sojiro wondered.

“Surprise me,” Hiraguchi told him.

Sojiro nodded. “Very well.” Sojiro rolled up his sleeves.

“Uh,” Ren interjected. “Do you want me to take care of this order?”

Sojiro shook his head. “I’ve got it.” He went to work.

Hiraguchi turned to Ren. “So, you work here?”

“Uh, well…” Ren began. “Let’s go with yes.”

“Is there more to the story?” Hiraguchi wondered.

“You could say that…” Ren answered.

“Hmmmmm.” Hiraguchi looked at her intently. Ren was starting to get nervous.

“Leave her alone,” Sojiro called out. “If she doesn’t want to tell you her life story, she doesn’t need to.”

Hiraguchi turned to the cooking Sojiro. “For what it’s worth, we’re acquaintances. She’s…really close with one of my gymnastics students. Aside from that, she’s also my student. You know I’m the interim gym teacher at Shujin Academy, right?”

“I’m aware,” Sojiro retorted. “You know what happened the last time a gym teacher got too close with their students.”

“That’s a low blow,” Hiraguchi replied. “I thought you were better than that.”

“I just don’t want you harassing someone on my watch,” Sojiro said.

“Um, it’s fine…” Ren said, trying to cool the situation. “Really… Um… So, I’m not from Tokyo originally…and while I’m in Tokyo, Sojiro here is taking care of me. So…that’s why he’s a bit defensive…”

Hiaguchi looked at her intently again, but this time with a little more understanding. “I see… So he’s taking care of you while you’re on probation?”

“Oh? You knew about that?” Ren asked.

“The school told me,” Hiraguchi informed her.

“Oh… Figures…” Ren lamented.

Hiraguchi nodded. “My apologies. Both of you.”

“It’s alright,” Sojiro said. “I overreacted too. I’m sorry.” He placed a plate of curry and a cup of coffee by Hiraguchi. “Here you go.”

Hiraguchi took a sip of the coffee first. Her eyes widened. “I see what you mean. This is excellent.”

“Thank you,” Sojiro said.

She took a bite out of the curry. She was even more surprised. “Wow. Not only is the curry amazing, pairing it with coffee is unusual, but it works.” Sojiro smirked. “Did you come up with the recipe yourself?”

Sojiro hesitated. “I had help.”

“Hmmm,” Hiraguchi wondered. “Would you mind if I asked for the recipe?”

A shiver went up Sojiro’s spine. He shook himself, and then snapped into his usual suave self. “Sorry. But if I gave out the recipe, I wouldn’t have much of a restaurant, now would I?”

“True,” Hiraguchi said. “But the atmosphere here is also second-to-none.”

Sojiro was impressed. “Glad you feel that way.”

Hiraguchi continued with her meal. Once she finished, she said “That was excellent.” She nodded at Sojiro. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Sojiro replied.

Hiraguchi took out some money and slid it across the counter. “Here.”

Sojiro took it from her. “Thank you.

She started to leave, but stopped. “Oh, by the way, you may have heard Shujin will be getting a new principal.”

“I’ve heard…” Sojiro said.

“I’m...not saying I wished death upon the previous principal,” Hiraguchi explained, “but if it’s to your liking, maybe your daughter could go there.”

“Maybe,” Sojiro answered.

Hiraguchi nodded. “Well, thank you again.” She left.

After the bell finished ringing, Sojiro shrugged. “Hm.” He began cleaning up her dishes.

Meanwhile, Ren was bemused. “Wha…what just happened there?”

“Oh, right,” Sojiro said. “On your first day back from summer break, I decided to go tour schools to see if Futaba would fit into one of them. I looked at yours first. I wasn’t impressed by the principal, but I bumped into her, and we got to talking.”

“I…see…” Ren said. “So, what happened?”

“Well, we just talked about Shujin, and…that was that…” Sojiro explained.

Ren seemed puzzled. “I…see…”

Sojiro sighed. “Look, it’s none of your business, OK?” he snapped.

Ren was even more confused. “OK? Um, did you…ummmm?”

Sojiro let go of the dishes. “What did I just say?”

“Right, sorry,” Ren apologized.

Sojro stared at her some more. He loosened up his tenseness. “I…may…have made a move.”

“Oh!” Ren said, even more shocked. “And, ummm…”

“She said no,” Sojiro replied.

Ren was still kind of puzzled. “I didn’t think you’d be the type to get like this when you got rejected.”

Sojiro sighed again. “It’s not just the rejection. It’s what she said.”

“What did she say?” Ren asked.

“She told me she only plays to win in a relationship,” Sojiro said.

“Wait…you didn’t plan on making it a real thing?” Ren asked.

“Of course not,” Sojiro said. “I-Look… Up until I met Wakaba, that’s who I was. And now that she’s not here, I thought I was that person again.”

“I thought you changed after meeting Wakaba,” Ren replied.

“I did,” Sojiro said. “I didn’t think I could fall in love, but then I did. And when that…” He sighed. “I didn’t think I could do it again. I sort of regressed. I took up smoking again, and when I could, I had some one night stands…but it never felt the same.”

“Well…maybe you should explain that?” Ren offered. “I mean, things cooled down when I explained what was happening with me.”

Sojiro smirked. “True. But…if you really want me to pursue a relationship, do you think Futaba would be OK with it?”

“I think she’d be happy if you’re happy,” Ren informed him.

“Hm,” Sojiro smirked. “Maybe. I still need to think about it. I need to think about a lot of things I haven't thought about in over two years.” He looked Ren over. “You know, I tell this to a lot of women, but I really think you’re an angel.” Ren was confused. “I mean, you come into my life all of a sudden, and you start fixing my problems one at a time. You’re nothing short of a miracle.”

Ren chuckled. “Well, you’re a miracle too.” Sojiro was now confused. “I mean, call me what you like, but not everyone would be willing to take in a criminal. Let alone, help her do further crime.”

Sojiro chuckled. “I guess miracles are in the eye of the beholder. … Thank you.”

“Thank you.”

Hierophant-Sojiro Sakura: Rank 7

A little later, Sojiro headed out, and Ren headed for bed.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 63: Mass Disruption

As people were walking into school the next day, Makoto noticed Ren. “Ren-chan!” she shouted, capturing her attention. Makoto ran up to her. “Um, while I do think a break is important, I mean, I’m still feeling a bit worn out from Mementos, I do have a few other things I need to do these upcoming days. Of course, you are in charge, but…”

Ren smiled. “Does tomorrow work for you?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah!” Makoto exclaimed.

“What are you talking about?” Ann said, joining them.

“Well, uh…” Makoto said, taken aback.

“Good morning senpais” Sumire said, meeting up with them.

“Uh, good morning,” Makoto said.

“Yo” Ryuji said, rushing up to meet them. “What’s bonkin’?”

“Erm, ‘bonkin’’?” Makoto repeated, confused.

“Yeah, I’m tying it out,” Ryuji said. “What do you think?”

Makoto was a bit confused. “Well… I don’t think I’d use it.”

“Huh,” Ryuji replied.

“I like it,” Ren said.

“Yah! Now that’s what I’m talking about” Ryuji said.

“So, what ARE you guys doing here?” Ann asked, still wondering, and a little annoyed.

“Oh, well, uh,” Makoto stammered.

“We were discussing going into the palace tomorrow,” Ren explained.

“Oh” Ann said. “I’m fine with that.”

“Yeah, same” Ryuji said.

Sumire nodded. “That actually works really well for me. My competition is next week, and I want to practice as much as I can before then. So doing it earlier works out.”

“Oh, right,” Ann said. “I guess that means sending out the calling card might have to wait until after.”

“It would?” Makoto asked.

“Yeah” Morgana said, popping out from the bag. “We usually have to secure our route first, and then we’d need another break.”

“I see,” Makoto said, fascinated with the inner workings of the Phantom Thieves.

“I’d think we’d still have time,” Ryuji said.

“Yeah, but we’d be cutting it a little close,” Morgana retorted.

“It’s alright” Ren said, scratching Morgana’s ear. “We ARE the Phantom Thieves after all. What would we be without a little dramatic tension?”

“Hm. I see” Makoto said.

“You seem pretty quick to agree to that,” Ryuji said.

“Well, I feel like it’s easier to go with the flow when it comes to you guys,” Makoto explained. “And maybe to life in general at points.”

“But you’re still not going to say ‘bonkin’’?” Ryuji inquired.

“Mmmmmmmm, probably not,” Makoto answered.

“She has her own brand,” Ann explained.

“Thank you, Ann,” Makoto said.

“I should message Yusuke and Jose,” Ren said, taking out her phone and doing just that.

“Well, we should head in,” Sumire said. “We don’t want to be late, you know?” The others nodded.

On their way in, the Shujin thieves noticed Hikari, the girl whose heart they changed, talking to a boy. “Um, so what I’m trying to say is...I’m Sorry!” Hikari said. “Would you ever forgive me?”

The boy smiled. He hugged her. “Of course.” Hikari was surprised and started crying. He changed positions from a hug to a face to face meeting with him grabbing her shoulders. “I’m crazy about you.”

“I’m…” Hikari said through her tears, “I’m crazy about you too!” She rushed in, burying her face in his collarbone. “I just didn’t know how to show it until now.”

“Hm” the boy said, wrapping his arms around her. “It’s OK.”

As they witnessed this, Makoto smiled. “I’m glad they could work things out.

Sumire shed a single happy tear. “Me too.” They then proceeded to go to class.

After school, Ann turned to Ren. “So,” Ann said. Ren looked up. “We’re going into the palace tomorrow. As it just so happens, I have a photoshoot today. I was wondering if you’d like to come along with me.”

Ren smiled. “That sounds like an excellent idea.” The two girls got up and started heading out.

On their way, Ann couldn’t hold in her excitement. “GAH! I can’t wait!”

Ren looked at her. “What’s got you so giddy?”

“Ah, well,” Ann said, kind of embarrassed. “This is just the first time I’m bringing a friend along.” She stopped, causing Ren to stop as well. “I was always told I could bring a friend along, but Shiho and Ryuji were always busy with practice and stuff. And then, well…”

Ren placed a hand on Ann’s shoulder. “It’s OK. The important thing is you have the chance now.”

Ann perked up. “Yeah! I can do this!”

“That’s the Ann I know,” Ren said, smiling a mile wide. They continued walking. “So, where are we heading?”

Ann got out her phone. “I’m not exactly sure myself,” she admitted. “Apparently, some other models didn’t show up, so I was called in to replace them.”

“I see,” Ren said.

Once they got there, one of the cameramen noticed. “Hey! Takamaki!” he shouted. “We’re just setting up!”

“OK!” Ann replied. She then noticed another model. “Oh my gosh” she said, dramatically grabbing onto Ren. “It’s Mika!”

Ren looked at Mika. “That other model?”

“Yeah” Ann said, letting go. “I’ve never worked with her before. I’m a little excited.”

“I can hardly tell,” Ren said, sarcastically.

“Shut up” Ann said, playfully shoving her.

Mika took notice of this, and grinned maliciously. She put on a cheery face and walked over. “Um, you know it’s not nice to shove people like like that” she said, mimicking a caring voice

Ren and Ann were somewhat confused. “It’s alright, really,” Ren explained. “We’re friends.”

“Oh, I see,” Mika said. “That’s great!” She turned to look at Ann. “So, you’re Takamaki-san.”

“That’s right,” Ann said. “And you’re Mika, correct?”

Mika gasped. “You've heard of me?”

“Of course!” Ann said, cheerfully. “I’m so glad we get to work together!”

“The feeling’s mutual,” Mika said. “So, why did you want to be a model?”

“Huh?” Ann said, surprised. “Oh, uh, well, I guess my parents put me up to it, you know?”

Mika then broke her nice look. “Are you telling me you don’t even WANT to be a model?”

“Huh?” Ann said, confused. “No, I jus-”

“Everyone’s working their hardest, and you’re just floating in, blissfully unaware?” Mika interrupted.

“No,” Ann said, getting angry. “But I-”

“And after they asked you to come down here to help, you can’t even bother to give it your all?” Mika continued.

“ENOUGH!” Ann shouted, catching everyone’s attention.

Mika then went into fake “WAAAAAAHHHHHHH!” she wailed. “Takamai’s yelling at me!”

“Takamaki! Did you make Mika cry?” a cameraman asked.

“Well, I-” Ann tried to explain.

“You know what? We can do this with Mika alone” the cameraman explained. “You can just go home until you can control yourself.”

Mika looked up at Ann and Ren and smirked. Ann grrred, but couldn’t do anything about it. Mika put her fake tears back on. “Are you sure?” Mika asked.

“Yeah,” the cameraman answered. “We don’t want to upset you.”

“Oh, thank you,” Mika said, walking back.

Ann huffed and walked away. Ren followed her. Ann was still frustrated. “What was THAT?”

“Do you want an honest answer?” Ren asked.

Ann looked at her. “If you lied, I could probably tell by now.”

“You say that, but I haven’t told anyone I’m the leader of the Phantom Thieves” Ren retorted. “I’d like to think I’m good at lying.”

Ann giggled. “You know what I mean.” Her face grew a little more serious. “In all seriousness, I know I just got played by Mika. It’s just so frustrating, you know?”

“I get it,” Ren said.

“But do you know what the worst thing is?” Ann asked. Ren looked at her for an answer. “I think she might be right in a sense.” Ren was worried. “I mean, I’ve been on the fence about modeling. Sometimes, I even wanted to quit.” Ren was about to comfort Ann, when she snapped into a fury pose. “But now, I’m thinking about Mika being on the cover of the magazines, and people aspiring to be like her, and that makes me SO MAD!”

Ren chuckled. “I was going to say ‘don’t let her get to you’, but I think you’re doing alright.”

Ann simmered down. She looked at Ren and grinned. “Thanks.” She became a little frustrated again. She sighed. “I’m still not sure what to do though.”

“Well, since she appears to be cheating, we have a way to punish that sort of thing,” Ren suggested, holding out her phone with the Metaverse app.

Ann smiled. “Thanks, but I’d rather do this fair and square, and on my own terms.”

“Hm” Ren smiled, putting her phone away. “Well, the option’s always there if you want it.”

“Thanks,” Ann said. She started chuckling softly, but then it grew. “You know, before, I feel like I would have just accepted it. The whole ‘I’m not good enough’ thing. But with you, Ryuji, Shiho, and, well, everyone, I’m starting to feel like I am good enough.”

Ren smiled. “Trust me when I say this: The feeling’s mutual.”

“Hah!” Ann laughed. “You didn’t need to worry. Like I said, I could probably tell when you’re lying.” Ren started laughing as well. The two girls laughed with each other in the middle of the sidewalk, not caring about the people giving them weird looks.

Lovers-Ann Takamaki: Rank 5

Meanwhile, Sumire was at practice. Everyone was taking a break. Suddenly, the gym door busted open. Everyone looked. Sumire was shocked to see it was Daisuke. But not as shocked as the girl next to her. She was a bit shorter than Sumire, but a bit more muscular, and had short black hair in a bob-cut. “Kimi!” Daisuke called out.

“Daisuke?!” said the girl with the bob-cut. “What are you doing here?”

Daisuke ran over to meet Kimi. He took hold of her hand. “Kimi. I...need to apologize.” Kimi was surprised. “I...I made a huge mistake. I got caught shoplifting something, and this guy...he was pressuring me into becoming a bully. I felt trapped. So, I broke up with you before I could hurt you in a way that I couldn’t bear.

But, after getting some help, I realized the error of my ways. I apologized to the store, I paid them back, and I made it up to them. And that other guy has apparently stopped blackmailing me. He was blackmailing other people too, can you believe it?”

Daisuke sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m such a lousy person. I wanted you to hear the truth. I couldn't stand you just wondering why forever. I’m sorry I’m such a lame person. I hope one day you can forgive me.” Daisuke started walking away.

Kimi was stunned for a second, but then gathered herself enough to shout “Daisuke!” Daisuke turned around. Kimi grabbed his shirt collar, and pulled him in for a kiss. Needless to say, Daisuke was shocked. Once she let go, she said “Today is that day.” She closed in and hugged him. “I’m sorry you had to go through all of that.” She looked up at him. “But please, don’t leave me again like that. You’re the sweetest, kindest, gentlest person I’ve met. You’re my best friend, the love of my life, and the one I want to spend my life with. If you ever make a misstep like that again, I want you to be honest, lean on me. Because I would lean on you.”

Daisuke was stunned and embarrassed. Once he regained his composure, he said “You’re right. You’re always right. I’m sorry. I promise to lean on you whenever I need it.” Kimi gave him a kiss, this time on the cheek. They both smiled.

Just then, everyone else started clapping for the two of them. Sumire wrapped her arm around Kimi. “Way to go, Kimi!”

“Ahem!” Coach Hiraguchi said. “While this is all very lovely, I think it’s time we get back to work.” Everyone went back to put their stuff back down and start working on their routines again.

Daisuke started to walk out. “So, competition coming up?”

“Yeah!” Kimi answered.

“Great!” Diasuke said. “Text me the deets later! I’ll make sure to come!”

Kimi smiled. “Will do!”

Daisuke returned the smile. As he was heading out, he got stopped by Coach Hiraguchi. “If you do anything like this again, I wouldn’t worry about the person blackmailing you. Understand?”

Daisuke was a little scared. But he looked her dead in the eye, smiled, bowed, and said “Yes Ma’am. It won’t happen again ma’am.”

Hiraguchi smiled. “That’s what I like to hear.” Daisuke nodded and left.

Kimi chuckled slightly at her coach intimidating her boyfriend. She started to stretch. Sumire was stretching next to her. “Congratulations again,” Sumire said.

Kimi smiled. “Thanks.” She did some more stretching. “You know, with Daisuke and I getting back together, I feel like I can go the distance in this competition!”

Sumire smiled and quietly said “Me too.” She continued her stretching before going back into her routine.

Later that night, after she and Ann split up, Ren decided to head to the church in Kanda to see if Hifumi was there. Despite her trepidation, she did want to take her up on her kind offer. Once she got there, she said “Here goes nothing.” She took a step in. “Well, I didn’t burst into flames, so that’s a good start.”

She then spotted Hifumi. She was playing shogi in one of the pews. Ren walked over and sat beside her. “Hey.”

“Oh” Hifumi said, sort of shocked. “You’re that girl from yesterday.”

Ren nodded. “Ren.”

Hifumi smiled. “What made you decide to come here tonight?”

“Well, I just needed somewhere to think,” Ren explained. “And since you so graciously offered…”

“I see,” Himfumi replied.  She then made another move on her shogi board. Ren looked on. “Would you like to give it a try?” Hifumi asked.

“Huh?” Ren said. “Oh, no. I would be no match for someone like you.”

“It’ll be fine,” Hifumi said. “I learned by playing against my dad, and he is also a shogi master.”

“I see,” Ren said.

“I find shogi helps clear your head,” Hifumi continued. “It also helps you think on your feet better.”

Ren could use some of that. “Well, if you insist.” Hifumi started to reset the board. “Hey” Ren said. “Thanks.” Hifumi smiled, and continued setting up the board.

They started playing. As expected, Ren was no real match to Hifumi, but she did try. However, that didn’t do her much good. After one of Ren’s moves, Hifumi said “The dragon which governs the blue sky has fallen into my hands. How do you intend to survive this?” She made her next move. “Check.” Ren was looking at the board. “It’s checkmate no matter how you look at it. It would be best to concede.”

Ren looked up. “Concede?”

Hifumi nodded. “It’s better to admit defeat with grace and dignity.”

Ren smirked. “I see. Well then, I guess I concede.”

Hifumi smiled. “Very astute.”

“But despite that, I had a good time actually,” Ren admitted. “Would you want to do this again sometime?”

“Huh?” Hifumi said, surprised. “Oh. Of course.” She looked off. “I...actually had fun too. So, I would like this to continue.”

Ren was silent for a bit. “Hm” she shrugged. “I thought you’d be bored playing a novice like me.”

“Well, that might be the case for some people,” Hifumi began, “but I like practicing new moves and thinking of new strategies. However, I find it better to do this while playing against someone else, and playing against someone elite at the game can tip your hand when trying to engineer new strategies. Besides, no one wants to play with me…”

“I see…” Ren said. She smiled. “Well then I guess I’ll just have to keep coming back here.”

Hifumi was shocked. “You mean it?” Ren nodded. Hifumi smiled. “Well then, I hope you’re prepared. I’m not going to go easy on you.”

“Of course,” Ren said. Hifumi chuckled. She then realized she was doing that, and stopped herself. Ren smiled at her, affirming their new friendship.

I am thou... Thou art I… Thou hast acquired a new vow...

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Star Persona I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power.

Star-Hifumi Togo: Rank 1

After another round of shogi, which Hifumi won handily, the two girls exchanged numbers went home.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 47: See Through

After school the next day, Ren was walking out when she overheard some commotion. “So, what’s she really like?” one student said. This caught Ren’s attention.

“Yeah,” another continued. “Does she have any weaknesses? Or anything like that?” Ren turned to face them. Two students had crowded Sumire.

“Ummmm” Sumire was a bit nervous.

“C’mon. You've known her practically your whole life” the first student said.

“Yeah. If we could just get some pointers for dealing with her, that'd be great,” the second student added.

Ren was about to interrupt, when Sumire blurted out “You want to ‘deal’ with her?” The two other students nodded nervously. “Then just work hard. She appreciates that.”

“What?” The first student said, in shock and hesitation about what was coming.

“You heard me,” Sumire said.

“There’s-there’s gotta be something else, right?” the second student asked.

Sumire shook her head. “Just work hard. Is that really too much effort?”

“Well…” the first student said.

Now Ren was more scared about what Sumire was gonna do to the other two. So she gently walked up and said “Hey Sumire.”

The two other students looked back at Ren, spooked by the sudden interruption. “Oh, hi senpai!” Sumire said, changing into a very cheery voice on a dime.

“Senpai?” The second student said.

“As in ours too?” the first one said.

They looked at Sumire, and then at Ren. They turned to Ren, bowed, and said “We’re sorry!” before dashing off before anything could be done.

“That...was odd,” Ren said.

“Yeah,” Sumire agreed.

“So, what were they talking about that got you so worked up?” Ren asked.

“Oh. They were asking about Coach Hiraguchi” Sumire said.

“I see,” Ren said. “I’ve gotta be honest, I’m a bit impressed.”

“Thank you,” Sumire said with a smile.

Ren continued. “But also a little disappointed.” Sumire was confused. “It’s great to see you standing firm, but you don’t seem to do that when you’re the topic of discussion.” Sumire averted her eyes. Ren lifted her head up to meet her eyes. “Sumire, you’re amazing. You gotta show that more.”

Sumire’s heart was now beating a mile a minute. She needed to do something to distract from that before it overwhelmed her. “Well... The same could be said about you” she retorted Ren was confused. “You have no trouble helping someone in need, but from what I’ve seen, you have a harder time allowing people to help you.” Sumire’s face was still red, but Ren thought this was about the intensity of her statement.

Ren wasn’t quite sure what was happening, but felt like she needed to say something. “You’re doing it again. You’re kicking up a storm about me, and not you.”

“So are you!” Sumire pointed out.

The two girls looked away from each other, embarrassed about what was happening. “This’ll just keep going forever if we let it,” Ren lamented.

“Yeah…” Sumire agreed.

They stood there for another moment. “Well, seeya, I guess…” Ren said.

Ren tried to leave, but Sumire grabbed her arm. “Wait!” she said. Ren turned back to her. “Um, if it’s OK with you, there is something I’d like your help with.”

Ren turned some more to face her, as Sumire let go. “Sure.”

“Thanks,” Sumire said. She blushed ever so slightly. “Well then, let’s go.” Sumire said, walking off. Ren was stunned, and decided to follow her. Ren wasn’t sure where they were going. She was a bit distracted by Sumire’s energy. When she finally thought about it, it was too late to say anything.

They arrived at a glasses store in Kichijoji. “You wanted to buy glasses?” Ren asked.

“Well, they aren’t for me…” Sumire said. She looked down at her feet. “I know you just got done dressing me down for putting other people before me, but this is something I actually want to do.”

Ren looked at her. “Sumire… I don’t want you to stop thinking of other people. You thinking about others, and the kindness you show is something I admire deeply about you. It’s just… I want you to think of what you want too.” Sumire looked at her intently. “Please don’t throw it back at me, I don’t want to get into that loop again.”

Sumire chuckled. She sighed. “Anyway, let’s head in.”

Ren nodded and the two girls walked in. “So, what are we here for?” Ren asked.

“Well, my dad needs a new pair of glasses,” Sumire explained. “And I felt like surprising him. Plus, um, that reporter we met apparently caused some trouble for him.”

“How so?” Ren asked.

“Well, I’m not sure really,” Sumire answered, “but apparently his boss wasn’t all too happy about it.”

“I see…” Ren said. She assumed a thinking position with her hand grabbing her chin.

“What’s on your mind?” Sumire said.

“I’m not sure,” Ren said. “Why would a reporter asking questions about Madarame concern your dad’s boss? The two things seem unrelated.”

“Hm, that is a bit odd,” Sumire said, assuming a similar thinking position. “But I’m not really sure. It might be one of those things where we’ll cross the bridge when we get there.”

Ren was slightly surprised, but fell into agreement. “Right. Whatever the case, if...he’s?” Sumire nodded, “dirty dealing, then we’ll come across it. If he’s just interested in running a tight ship, well then I guess the onus is on him.” Sumire nodded again. “So, those glasses?”

“Ah, right,” Sumire said. “Let’s look through their stock and see what they have.” Ren nodded and they started to peruse the gallery.

“So, do you have any idea what kind of glasses your dad would like?” Ren asked.

“Well...he’s very practical,” Sumire said. “But he’s also kind. So, I’m thinking something that’s simple, but shows who he is.”

“Who he is, huh…” Ren said.

Sumire picked up on Ren’s anxiety. “What’s wrong?”

Ren was stunned, but not entirely surprised by the question. She took off her glasses. “Before coming here, before getting into high school even, I switched over from contacts to glasses. I did this because…”

Sumire was a bit concerned. “Because…?”

“I dunno,” Ren said. “I thought they would help somehow.”

Help how?” Sumire wondered.

Ren sighed. “I wasn’t the most...well liked kid where I grew up” Ren explained. “I thought this would help my image somehow. That somehow people would be nicer to me if I had glasses. In middle school, I got into a bunch of fights, and that messed with my contacts a fair bit. So maybe I thought people would be less willing to break my glasses… But while I got into less physical confrontations in high school, everyone started fighting with their words and indirect actions, rather than a punch to the face.”

Ren looked at her glasses. “In a way, these glasses were supposed to hide who I was. But in the end, they just showed that I was someone who didn’t belong there. I mean, I guess they’ve been working since I’ve been in Tokyo, but that could all change in an instant. I feel like I’m just waiting for the moment things all go to Hell in a handbasket.”

Ren felt a presence grab her. She looked down to see it was Sumire giving her a hug. She felt...a lot of things. She felt happy, sad, embarrassed, confused, pathetic, but most importantly, she felt cherished; something she had only recently started getting accustomed to. “Senpai…”

Ren wasn’t sure what to say, so she said “Sorry” and put her glasses back on. Sumire let go. “I didn’t mean to bog you down with all that.”

“No!” Sumire insisted. “Er, what I mean is, thanks for telling me that.” Ren was more confused. “It...probably wasn’t easy to say all of that. But thank you for telling me how you feel, and opening up to me on that.” She took off her glasses. “I guess in the spirit of that, I should do the same.

Both Kasumi and I...we both needed vision correction. While Kasumi went for contacts all the time, I decided that I’d only wear contacts when performing, and glasses all other times. I told my parents I wanted to be different from Kasumi, and while that was true, a part of me was telling me that these glasses were to make me look cuter than Kasumi.” Ren was shocked.

“I know that sounds mean, and it kind of is,” Sumire continued, “but… I was always jealous of Kasumi’s natural cuteness. Well, as well as other things. I sort of felt like this would give me an edge. It didn’t, but by the time I realized that, things solidified. Kasumi was the one without glasses, and I was the one with. And now, I feel constantly torn. If I keep wearing my glasses, they serve to remind me of this awful part of me, but if I don’t I feel like I’d be copying Kasumi again.”

Ren was taken aback by all of this. Still, despite that, she knew exactly what to do. She gave Sumire a hug like Sumire did to her just moments before. “Sumire… Thank you.” Sumire started letting out tears. Ren backed up to put her hands one Sumire’s shoulders. “Whatever your feeling, feel it. I can’t say I understand entirely your relationship with your sister, or everything that comes with that, but I think you’d look cute either way, so whatever you decide, I’ll stand by it.” Wait, did I just call her cute?

Ren-senpai just called me cute! “I...I think I will keep my glasses.” She smiled. “Kasumi was also interested in finding the differences between us, so I think even though this might have started from a tinge of jealousy, between that and you calling me cute,” Ren’s face turned slightly red, “I think I’ll keep them.” Ren smiled. “Well, now that that’s all settled, let’s start looking for glasses for my father.”

They started looking. “What do you think of these?” Ren asked.

“Hmm, well they look really cool, but…” Sumire said. “...these are for my dad, so…”

“Gotcha,” Ren said.

Sumire picked up a pair. “What about these?”

Ren looked. “I’m not sure what kind of person your dad is, but those SCREAM ‘I’m from 20 years ago.”

“Yeah…” Sumire agreed. “I mean, I know my dad can be a bit stuck in his ways, but these are a bit too much.”

Ren saw something that interested her. She put them on. “Sumire, what do you think of these?”

Sumire looked. Ren was wearing a pair of gag glasses with swirly eyes, a big nose, and a mustache. She began laughing uncontrollably. “Why...why are these even here?” She asked between fits of laughter.

Ren started to laugh as well. “Probably for this reason.” She snickered some more. “C’mon, you try them on now.”

“Me?” Sumire said.

“Yeah, it’d be great!” Ren insisted.

“...Fine” Sumire relented. She put them on. “Well?” Ren tried holding it for a few seconds, but ended up in absolute stitches. Sumire was a tad annoyed at first, but then saw the humor of the situation and started giggling along. She took them off. “I guess these are pretty funny.”

After that, they decided to keep looking. However, nothing they found worked. “I’m starting to think we won’t find anything here that suits my dad” Sumire moped.

“Well, I mean, we did try,” Ren said. “Plus, I think we had a good time here anyways.”

Sumire smiled and blushed. “Yeah… Well, maybe we should get going.” As she started to head out, she noticed something. “Wait!” Ren stopped as well. She walked over and picked up a pair of red glasses. “Hmm. This is it! These are the glasses for my dad!”

Ren smiled. “Cool.”

Sumire was filled with confidence. She took them to the check-out. “I’d like to buy these please.” The cashier was a bit confused for a second. “They’re for my dad” she explained.

“Ah, I see,” the cashier said. She checked Sumire out and said “Have a good day you two.”

Once Sumire and Ren walked out, Ren said “Mission successful.”

“Yeah,” Sumire agreed. “And ever better, I did this myself. I made the decision, and I think it’ll pay off. Ah, what I mean is, I’ve been doing that thing you said where I wasn’t thinking about what I wanted. And a little while ago, if someone said ‘we should get him this pair’ I would have gone along with it. But now I made the final decision myself. And I’m proud of that.”

Ren looked at her, smiled, blushed, rubbed Sumire’s head, and said “Well done. You've come so far.”

“Right!” Sumire said. “And I’m not stopping now!”

Faith-Sumire Yoshizawa: Rank 4

Sumire turned to Ren. “Anyway, wanna get something to eat before we head off?” Ren nodded, and the two of them found someplace to eat. After that, Sumire headed home, while Ren did some part time labor.

The next day, Sumire was wandering through the halls of the school when she bumped into Coach Hiraguchi. “Ah, Sumire. Perfect timing.” Sumire looked at her. “There’s something I wanted to discuss with you. Can you meet with me after school?”

“Uh, sure,” Sumire said.

“Great, see you then,” Hiraguchi said. She walked off.

“I wonder what that’s about?” Sumire asked. She shrugged it off for now and continued on her way. Once school was over, Sumire headed straight for Hiraguchi’s office. “You wanted to see me?” she asked, walking in.

“Ah, yes,” Hiraguchi said. “Please, have a seat.” Sumire did. “Now, Sumire, I did say I wanted you in big competitions,” Sumire nodded, “but there is one coming up soon. If you’re not feeling up to it, I can get you out of this one, but only this one. I wanted to run this by you before doing anything.”

Sumire was shocked. Her coach had been nothing but supportive throughout this entire ordeal. Heck, she was even going through it with her to some extent. Sumire had always felt weak and insecure about herself and her performance, but she recently started to feel better about herself. Sumire smiled. “Thank you coach, but as much as I appreciate the offer, I want to participate.”

Hiarguchi smiled. “Very well. You know, I’m glad to see you coming in full force again. It almost feels like old times.” Sumire was surprised. “Anyways, thank you for coming to see me.”

Sumire had gotten up, bowed, and said “Thank you.” She left.

Hiraguchi watched her leave. “I know Kasumi would have loved to see this as well.”

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 37: Standing Firm

It was lunchtime. Sumire had brought her food to the office of Dr. Maruki. She gulped. “Here goes.”

She was about to knock when she heard “Sumire-chan?” She looked up to see Dr. Maruki.

“Dr. Maruki!”

Maruki smiled. “Well, this was unexpected, but please, come in.” Maruki opened the door.

As they were about to walk in, they heard a voice. “Hold it.” They turned and saw the vice principal. “Principal Kobayakawa wishes to meet with you Yoshizawa.” He looked at Marui. “You should come as well.”

“Oh, uh, sure, I guess” Sumire said, confused.

Maruki noticed she was panicked. “Uh, I guess I’ll come along as well.” The three walked to the principal’s office.

They opened the room to an even bigger surprise. “Mom? Dad? Coach Hiraguchi?” Sumire yelped.

“Please, have a seat,” principal Kobayakawa said. Sumire sat down, while Mauki remained standing.

“What’s this about?” Sumire asked.

“I’d like to know as well,” Hiraguchi said. “You called me here suddenly, saying it was urgent.”

“Yeah,” Shinichi said.

“Ah, yes,” Kobayakawa said. “Please understand, this is all for Sumire-chan’s sake.” He got a little more serious. “It has come to my attention that Sumire hasn’t been going to practice every day that she could be.”

“Ah!” Sumire shrieked.

“Why I’m only hearing about this now is surprising to me,” Kobayakawa said. “I would have thought you would have called me by now Coach Hiraguchi.”

“Is this true?” Akane asked.

“Well…” Sumire started.

“It’s because I permitted it,” Hiarguchi said, surprising everyone in the room. “Sumire hasn’t been doing as well ever since… well…” Everyone looked a little pained, but Maruki also felt a tinge of guilt. Hiraguchi refocused. “She asked for time to find herself, and I agreed to that, so long as she came to practice once a week.”

Everyone was silent for a moment. “I see,” Kobayakawa said. “So it’s for her to get better at gymnastics.” Hiraguchi nodded. “Well, as noble as that goal is, you can agree that with her not pursuing gymnastics full time while still being an honors student might seem unfair.”

“What are you saying?” Shinichi asked.

“What I’m saying is we might need to remove her status,” Kobayakawa said. “I didn’t want to make any rash decisions, so I was hoping we could discuss this.”

“Are you out of your mind?!” Shinichi said, standing up.

“Calm down,” Akane said. Shinichi looked at his wife, nodded, and sat down.

“I can understand why you’d be upset,” Kobayakawa said, “but we at the school need to consider the feelings of all of our students.”

“You didn’t have trouble not thinking about that with the whole Kamoshida thing” Sumire said under her breath. Everyone looked at her surprised. She got surprised herself. “Did I say that out loud?”

Kobayakawa sighed. “While it was unfortunate what happened with Kamoshida, we had no idea it was going on.”

There was another uncomfortable silence. “Well, Sumire seems a bit… candid today” Maruki said. “Maybe we should hear what she has to say.”

Shinichi and Akane glared at him. “...Why are you asking to do this?” Sumire asked.

“Well, if you need to skip school for gymnastics events,” Kobayakawa answered. “Of if you’d like to pass on doing the otherwise mandatory clean up day next week to get some more training in.”

“...I was planning on going anyway,” Sumire said, blankly.

“I see…” Kobayakawa.

“I don’t think I’d be in great enough shape to ace any of the competitions,” Sumire continued. “Maybe I don’t need to be an honors student.”

“Sumire!” Akanae said.

“It’s alright,” Hiraguchi said. She looked at Sumire. “I understand you not feeling like you’d be at your best, but if you’re still interested in gymnastics, I still want you in those competitions. Win or lose, they’re good practice.”

“Now, hold on,” Kobayakawa said. “Being an honors student means getting results.”

“Huh?” Sumire said.

“Don’t you think that’s a bit much?” Maruki asked. “I don’t think that’ll help like you think it will.”

“Like you’re much help,” Shinichi mumbled.

“He’s gotten better…” Sumire said.

Her parents were shocked. Shinichi blurted out “But he-”

“I know!” Sumire said. “But in all honesty, it was helpful. If it wasn’t for him, I probably would still be barely able to get out of bed in the morning. Having Kasumi’s strength to lean on a little while longer pushed me enough to find my own strength. And while it hasn’t fully manifested, I’d like to think I’m getting somewhere.”

Shinichi and Akane were surprised. “If I may,” Maruki said. “I feel like giving Sumire the ability to do what she wants would be healthiest for her.”

“Now there’s an assessment of yours I can agree with” Hiraguchi said, snidely.

“I guess I’m a little infamous, huh” Maruki noted.

“So, what do you want to do Sumire?” Hiraguchi asked.

Sumire thought for a second. “Well, I want to continue doing gymnastics, and I wish to continue finding myself, but if I can’t be an honors student while doing so, then so be it.” Her parents were shocked.

“Now hold on,” Kobayakawa said. “I don’t think you can do gymnastics at the level you’re doing without being an honors student.”

“Well then, why don’t we make a deal?” Hiraguchi said.

“What kind of deal?” Kobayakawa said.

“Well, as Sumire pointed out earlier, you’re in need of a gym teacher,” Hiraguchi said. “You know my qualifications…”

“And your price is keeping Sumire’s honors status…” Kobayakawa said.

“A few other things as well” Hiraguchi. “But I’m sure we can discuss that further.”

Kobayakawa started Hiraguchi down. Hiraguchi stared back. “Very well. I’ll consider it. We’ll have a meeting to discuss this further. I’ll call with the details.”

“Thank you,” Hiraguchi said.

Kobayakawa smiled. “Thank you for your time.” Sumire, her parents, Hiraguchi, and Maruki left the room.

Shinichi sighed. “Are you OK dad?” Sumire asked.

Shinichi smiled. “It’s fine. It’s not about you. I just got called here from work at a bad time.”

“What happened?” Akane asked.

“My boss is breathing down my neck about this reporter asking questions of my crew,” Shinichi explained. Sumire blushed and averted her gaze. “But there’s not really much I can do about it.”

Maruki looked at Shinichi, Akane, and Hiraguchi. “I feel like I owe you all an apology” he said. The three looked at him. “While Sumire may have defended my actions, I cannot. I rushed my judgment. And while it seemed to have worked out in the end, I seemed to have caused the lot of you unintentional harm. As a psychologist, I should work towards lessening one's burdens, not adding to them. I’m sorry.”

They looked at Maruki. Maruki was waiting with bated breath. Shinichi approached him and said “At least you learned your lesson” and nodded.

Maruki laughed nervously. “Thanks?” Shinichi, Akane, and Hiraguchi left. Maruki looked at Sumire. “Well, it’s getting a bit late. Do you still want to eat lunch with me, or would you prefer to wait and talk with me after school?”

Sumire thought about it. “I… think I’ll wait.”

“Well then, have a good rest of your lunch” Maruki said. Sumire nodded and headed off. Maruki went back to his office.

Sumire headed to the lunch room where she found Ren, Ann, and Ryuji sitting together. She joined them. They could all sense a bit of nervous tension around her. “Oh, hey Sumire…” Ryuji said.

“How are you?” Ann asked. Sumire pulled out her lunch and started eating. “Woah, that’s a lot.”

As Sumire continued chowing down, Ren grabbed her shoulder, which caught her attention. “Hey. Are you alright?” Ren asked.

Sumire swallowed her food. “Yeah…” Sumire said. “It’s just… something happened.”

“You can tell us,” Ryuji said.

“Yeah, we’re all friends here,” Ann continued.

“Well… OK…” Sumire said. She explained what happened.

“WHAT?!” Ryuji said.

“That’s messed up,” Ann said.

“I mean, I don’t know,” Sumire said. “I still have a lot to figure out. There’s a lot of pressure that goes into being an honors student, and maybe not being one would make things easier.”

“Well, do you want to give up gymnastics?” Ren asked.

“Well, no…” Sumire said. “At least, not right now… It’s always been a part of who I am. A part of who WE are. Casting it aside feels like casting Kasumi aside.”

“I getcha,” Ryuji said. “That stuff can’t be easy to figure out.”

“We’re with you either way” Ann said.

“Whatever you want,” Ren began. She took Sumire by the hand. “We’ll support you. No matter what.”

Sumire started blushing, which in turn caused Ren to blush. When she saw Ren blush, Sumire smiled, nodded, and said “Right.”

“Yoshizawa-san?” rang out principal Kobayakawa’s voice. The gang of four looked up to see the improbably large man. “What are you doing sitting here?”

Ren felt a little guilty about the question. “They’re my friends,” Sumire explained firmly. “I needed some cheering up after what we talked about, and they helped me put some things into perspective.”

Kobayakawa looked at the three of them. “Yoshizawa, I’m not sure you should be hanging out with these three.”

Ann and Ryuji were mad. Ren just felt more guilty. “They’re my friends,” Sumire reminded him. “And I can hang out with whoever I want. They’ll help me get back on track faster. That’s what you want, right?”

The three second years looked at her in disbelief. “Holy shit…” Ryuji said.

“Sumire…” Ann added.

Kobayakawa grew distressed. “You wanted to see me?” Makoto said from behind him.

Kobayakawa turned. “Ah, Niijima-san. Perfect timing.” Makoto was confused. Kobayakawa pulled her up. “Niijima here is the student council president.” Kobayakawa explained. “Maybe she could be your friend.”

Sumire looked at the odd display. “Maybe… But these three ARE my friends.”

Kobayakawa got frustrated. Makoto broke from his grip. “What are you doing?” she demanded.

“Er, well, I was just explaining to our honors student that these three… might not be the best companions,” Kobayakawa said.

Makoto raised an eyebrow. “You’re referring to their circumstances, correct?”

“See? Niijima-san is very adept” Kobayakawa explained.

“I’m not finished,” Makoto said. Kobayakawa was stunned. “As far as I know, everything about Takami was either a lie set up by Kamoshida, or forced on her by Kamoshida. Sakamoto has been on his best behavior ever since he had a chat with his homeroom teacher. And as to Amamiya, she hasn’t caused any problems since she’s gotten here, correct?”

“Well, uh, I guess that’s true” Kobayakawa mumbled.

“Then I don’t see the problem,” Makoto finished.

Kobayakawa and Makoto glared at each other. ‘Do you have any information?” Kobayakawa said, changing the subject.”

This took Makoto by surprise. “Well, no…”

“Very well then” Kobayakawa said. He walked off.

Makoto sighed, partially because of relief, partially because of her nerves. “Hey” Ren said. Makoto looked up. “Thanks.” Makoto smiled. She left shortly after.

“Wow. I didn’t think Niijima-san would do that” Ann said.

“Yeah, well, we’re learning that people aren’t always what they seem,” Ryuji pointed out.

“Excellent point Ryuji,” Ren said.

Sumire checked her phone. “Ah! Is that the time?” She began vigorously munching down. Ren giggled. Soon after, lunch was over and the group headed back to their classrooms.

During their afternoon classes, Ryuji texted the group.

Ryuji: So, when are we going after Madarame’s treasure?

Yusuke: I would like to know as well.

Yusuke: He’s been getting more temperamental by the day.

Jose: Is that why you’ve been refusing my offers to hang out?

Yusuke: Correct.

Yusuke: Madarame would get mad if I wasn’t back before sundown.

Yusuke: I’m sorry.

Jose: It’s OK.

Jose: I will keep track of the time if need be.

Yusuke: I don’t wish to arouse suspicion.

Jose: Very well.

Jose: We’ll have all the time in the world after Madarame confesses.

Yusuke: True.

Ren: Well… About that…

Ryuji: ??

Ren: Kosuke paid a visit to LeBlanc last night.

Ren: He told me he was going to paint a picture of me and give it to me by next week.

Ryuji: Huh.

Yusuke: Interesting.

Ren: I think this gives us some breathing room as well.

Sumire: So, do you want to do it the day after the trash clean up?

Ann: Oh yeah. I’d forgotten about that.

Ryuji: Makes sense. We could plan everything after we clean up.

Ren: Well then, it sounds like we have a plan.

Ren: Later.

Ren put her phone away.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 33: Show Me How You Move

After school the next day, Ren got a message from Sumire.

Sumire: Hey Senpai.

Sumire: Um, if you have time, could you come with me to ballet?

Sumire: Whenever I’ve been going, Coach Hiraguchi tells me I keep falling back into Kasumi.

Sumire: I think with you there, it might be helpful because I feel best about myself around you.

Ren smiled. 

Ren: Of course.

Sumire: Thank you!

Sumire: Oh, but Coach might want you to participate too.

Ren: ...I guess I’m bringing my gym clothes.

Sumire: Maybe you should go shopping with Ann for some better workout clothes. She’s great to shop with.

Ren: I’ll keep that in mind.

Ren went to grab her gym clothes and met up with Sumire. The two headed to the studio. They saw Hiraguchi looking at them. “Hi coach,” Sumire said.

Hiraguchi just looked at them for a few seconds. “What is she doing here?”

“Oh, well, um,” Sumire began, “it’s just, you’ve been telling me that I lapse into Kasumi when doing gymnastics. I feel a lot more comfortable being myself around Ren-senpai, so I thought bringing her here would help.”

Hiraguchi looked at Ren. “Very well. However, I expect you to do some practice as well.”

Ren smiled nervously. “Sumi-chan told me you might do that, so I came prepared.”

Sumire blushed. “Um… ‘Sumi-chan’?”

“Ak!” Ren exclaimed. “DId I really say that?” She started blushing as well.

Hiraguchi smiled. “This might just work after all.” She clapped her hand. “Alright! Get changed, and then begin!” Ren and Sumire nodded. They headed to the locker room to change. Both of them were a little nervous about changing in front of each other. Once they changed, they emerged onto the studio floor and began doing routines.

Hiraguchi taught Ren some basic maneuvers. Ren took to them surprisingly well, and by the end of it even Hiraguchi was impressed. “Not bad, for a beginner.”

“Thanks,” Ren said.

Hiraguchi looked at Sumire. “However…” Ren looked over as well. She noticed something off about the moves Sumire was doing. Hiraguchi noticed Ren’s concern. “You notice something’s off too, huh.”

Ren looked at her. “Well, uh, she gave me a demonstration of some of her moves earlier… but they didn’t look like that.”

“You’re right,” Hiraguchi said. “Sumire!” she called.

SUmire stopped her routine and came over. “What is it coach?”

Hiraguchi sighed. “I thought you said Ren being here would help you break from Kasumi. But if anything, this is the most Kasumi you’ve been in a little while.”

“WHAT?!” Sumire said, shocked. “I don’t understand…” She looked at Ren. “What do you think? Weren’t my moves the best?” Ren stared at her with a disappointed look on her face. “Not you too senpai?!” Sumire cried.

“It’s not that they were bad…” Ren explained.

“But they’re Kasumi’s moves” Hiraguchi finished sternly. “I’ve told you time and time again, you need to practice your moves.”

Sumire started letting out tears. She ran off for the locker room. “SUMIRE!” Ren called out. She chased her. Ren looked through the locker rooms for Sumire . “Sumire! Sumire!” When she found her, she exclaimed “Sumire!”

“Go away!” Sumire shrieked. She continued sobbing.

Ren was a bit heartbroken, but decided not to listen. Instead, she sat down next to Sumire. “Hey. You did tell me you could handle anything hard if it came from me, right?” Sumire looked up, her eyes still watery. She nodded. “Well, I think your coach might be right in this instance. In any other circumstance, you’re not afraid to be yourself. At least, when you’re with me. But during gymnastics, well, let’s say your movements were a little strange.”

“Huh?” Sumire said. “But how would you know?”

Ren smiled. “You told us you incorporated your gymnastics into your fighting style in the metaverse. But your moves today were different. They seem less practiced and more stiff.”

“Oh… I see…” Sumire said. She sighed. “I guess I still can’t break free of Kasumi, huh.”

“Well, that’s not entirely true,” Ren said. “In the metaverse, you seemed to be all you. But here…”

“Well, that’s different,” Sumire stammered. “I don’t HAVE to be the best at gymnastics in the metaverse.”

Ren looked at her, curious. “And you have to be here?”

“Huh? Well, yeah” Sumire answered. “It was always Kasumi and I’s dream to make it to the top of the gymnastics world. And now that she no longer can, I have to…”

“Sumire…” Ren said, mournfully. She grabbed her hand. “You don’t HAVE to do anything you don’t want to. When Kasumi pushed you out of the way that day, she wasn’t saving your chance at reaching the top. She was saving you. Because she cared about you more than any gymnastics performance out there.”

Sumire sat there silently, tears slowing, but still dripping down her face. “Right. I should know this. So why do I still feel like I’d be letting her down if I don’t win?”

Ren pulled Sumire in to lean on her shoulder. “Because, these things are complicated. You were already dealing with some emotional issues before that day. And then everything got worse. And it sucks, because you told me I’ve been helping you, but I don’t know what I can do in this situation.”

Sumire looked at Ren. She stopped crying for a little bit. “I think you’re doing enough right now. You’re sitting here with me, talking me through my problems. That’s all I could ask for.” She leaned against Ren more.

Ren blushed hard. “Uh… yeah…”

Sumire sat back up. “I think I might be somewhat of a masochist.” Ren was confused. “Ah! Not like that! But like… I think I invited you here today knowing this might happen. I think I need you to tell me when I’m not myself. I get so lost sometimes in what other people want out of me or Kasumi even, and I focus on that. Having you there and telling me to calm down and just be myself is really helpful.

...When I fainted, and you told me those sweet things, a part of me hated myself for it” Sumire explained. “Because I was still ‘Kasumi’ at that time. I guess I got jealous that my sister was getting help from this amazing person, and she didn’t even notice me. So, I guess I fought to get noticed by you for who I really am.”

Ren thought about what Sumire had said. She sighed. “When you first told me you weren’t Kasumi, I was surprised. But you were determined to tell me the truth, even if I ended up hating you for it. I like it when people are honest with me. So many times, I’ve had people ignore me or go out of their way to spite me when they didn’t like me. They didn’t have the courage to tell me that they hated me to my face.”

Ren turned to Sumire. “But you… You were honest. You told me your honest feelings even if you thought it would ruin everything we had. That told me everything about you as a person. Even if everything before that was not entirely honest, the fact that you wanted, no, you needed to be honest with me told me that you really are a wonderful person no matter what anyone else might say.”

Sumire was shocked. She then hugged Ren, surprising her. Sumire looked up at Ren. “I keep forgetting you’re going through a lot as well. Here I am being selfish with my problems again, when really I should be asking you how you’re doing.”

Ren was stunned. She smiled. She hugged Sumire back. “I’m doing just fine. Helping people, and hanging out with you and everyone else, that’s how I’m getting through everything.”

“Well…” Sumire said. The two girls let go. “I guess I can accept that for now. But please, don’t hesitate to tell me anything.”

Ren smiled. “You got it.”

Sumire smiled. “You know, I was never as good as Kasumi when it came to ballet. And there were plenty of moments where I wanted to give up. But Kasumi kept pushing me and making me try harder.” She got a little sad. “But now that she’s not here, I guess I don’t really have anyone like that.”

“What about me? Or your coach?” Ren asked.

“Well…” Sumire said. “It’s not that you aren’t helping, but no one could motivate me to do gymnastics like she could.”

“I see,” Ren said. “Um, are you thinking of giving up? Not that I would want you to.”

“Hmmm. I don’t know” Sumire said. “I’ve been doing it for so long, it feels like a part of me. But now, without Kasumi, I think it’s sort of lost all meaning.”

“I see,” Ren said.

Sumire stood up. “Well, I guess I could still do it. But I don’t know how serious I want to take it yet.”

Ren smiled. “I guess that’s as good a place to start as any.”

Sumire turned to Ren. “So,” she stood up, “do you want to see me do my actual routine?” Sumire reached her hand out to pick Ren up.

Ren looked at it, smiled, grabbed on, and said “Of course.” Sumire lifted her up.

The two headed out to the studio floor. Sumire looked around to find no one. “I guess we were in there longer than I thought,” she said.

“You wanna head out?” Ren asked.

Sumire shook her head. “I promised you a performance, so I’m giving you one.” Ren sat down against the mirror-wall. “I can’t promise you it’ll be any good. It’s been a while since I’ve done these moves, but here goes.” Sumire posed herself. She began her performance. Sumire remained focused on her moves throughout the performance.

Meanwhile, Ren was awed by Sumire. It was a lot different than the moves she was practicing earlier. These moves were like poetry in motion. They felt purely emblematic of Sumire herself. They were graceful, earnest, and full of passion. She was a little clumsy at times, but Ren found charm in that as well. Overall, Ren found it magnificent.

Sumire went into her final pose, finishing her routine. She was breathing heavily. Ren applauded. Sumire bowed. “Thank you.”

“My, what a truly brilliant performance” Hiraguchi said from behind Sumire.

Sumire and Ren both looked at her. “You… You saw all of that?”

Hiraguchi nodded. “THAT’S the Sumire I know.”

“Oh, well, thank you” Sumire said, blushing.

“I guess you were right after all,” Hiraguchi said. Sumire was confused.”Bringing Amamiya-chan over did help you be more yourself during ballet. It just took some time.”

“Oh, um, about that…” Sumire said. “Well, when I was talking with Ren-senpai, I came to a realization. Ballet and Kasumi are too intertwined for me. So without Kasumi, I don’t know what I want to do with ballet.”

“...I see” Hiraguchi said.

“I’ll still come,” Sumire explained. “And I think I’ll start working on my own routine more. But I’m not sure if I want to aim for the top anymore. Maybe one day, but right now I need to focus on figuring out who I am outside of Kasumi.”

Hiraguchi looked at her. She placed her hands on her shoulders. “I understand.”

“You? You do?” Sumire said, completely taken aback.

Hiraguchi nodded. “Whatever it takes. The most important thing is your well-being.”

Sumire was stunned. She rushed in and gave her coach a hug. “Thank you. You’re always there for me.”

Hiraguchi was a little surprised at first, but she quickly smiled and hugged Sumire back. “Of course. You’re like family to me.”

After a few moments, they let go of each other. “We should get going,” Sumire stated.

Hiraguchi nodded. “Be careful, and have a good evening.”

“Right” Sumire responded. Hiraguchi walked off. Sumire turned to Ren. “Come on Senpai, let’s go get changed.” Ren nodded, got up, and the two of them changed back. They started walking out. “Boy, today sure was something, huh” Sumire said.

“Yeah,” Ren said.

Sumire looked out onto the horizon. “But I feel like I have a better understanding of myself.” She looked down. “Those people… People like Shiho-senpai or that Kosuke guy… They lost part of themselves too. In a way, I can understand why they’re doing what they do.” Sumire looked at Ren. “But that’s what we’re here for. To help them. Like we’ve been helping each other.”

Ren nodded. “Right.”

Sumire looked up again. “Once I’ve fully figured myself out,” she looked at Ren again, “I want you to be the first person to see it.”

Ren’s face turned completely red. Her heart skipped a beat. She calmed herself down, nodded, and said “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Faith-Sumire Yoshizawa: Rank 3

They parted ways for the evening. Sumire went home and cooked herself up a meal. During the meal, Sumire was thinking to herself. Am I ready? She said she liked that in people. But… Maybe once I build up a little more confidence. Yeah.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 23: Two Awakenings

Saturday, after school, Ann excused herself to use the restroom. Ren decided to wait for her. Suddenly, Mishima walked up to her. “Hey” he said. Ren was curious. He seemed excited. Mishima looked around. He then leaned in to whisper. “So, you, Takamaki, and Sakamoto are the Phantom Thieves, right?”

Ren was surprised. “Well, uh…”

Mishima chuckled. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. In fact, I’m here to help.”

“Ummmmm, K?” Ren said.

Mishima pulled out his phone. “Have you seen this?” he said, showing her his screen. “The Phantom Thief Aficionado website. And you’re looking at its creator.” Ren was incredibly taken aback by this. “What you did was nothing short of amazing. It made me realize that I don’t just want to sit back and let life happen to me. I want to help. So I made this!

The Phantom Thieves save people. But they can’t be everywhere at once. This is where I come in. I help facilitate the public image of the Phantom Thieves as heroes of justice! There might not be a lot of support right now, but just you wait!”

He scrolled around. “And check this out.” He found a section of posts. “Some people are already leaving requests. I’m sure you can work your magic and help those who need help. And don’t worry, I’ll be there every step of the way.”

Ren was impressed. “You seem really invested in this.”

“Heh, well, I do what I do,” Mishima said. He then got a little less playful. “Listen, I don’t know exactly HOW you guys do all of this, but it’s clear you have a lot on your plate. So, let me try and lighten the load.”

Ren took note of Mishima’s understanding nature.He seemed really eager to help out in some way. He truly believed in the Phantom Thieves, much like he truly believed in her when he didn’t go along with Shiho’s plan. She smiled. “Alright then. But as the leader, I’d like to check in on you every so often.”

Mishima grinned. “Done and done.”

I am thou... Thou art I… Thou hast acquired a new vow...

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Moon Persona I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power

Moon-Yuuki Mishima: Rank 1

“Well then, till we meet again” Mishima said. He left.

Ryuji and Ann walked up to Ren. Morgana popped out as they came over. “So, what was Mishiman talking to you about?” Ryuji asked.

Ren smiled. “He’s the creator of the Phantom Aficionado site. He knows who we are, and is on our side.”

“What?!” Ryuji said.

“Calm down!” Ann said. “I don’t think he’d expose us.”

“Well, maybe not purposefully,” Ryuji said.

“I don’t think we need to worry about it too much,” Ren said. “But I’ll be checking in with him just to be sure.”

“Well, if you're doing that…” Ryuji said.

“Oh, and look!” Ren said. “His website even has request posts. Maybe we can look into them to find our next target.”

Ryuji smiled. “Alright. Now we’re talking.”

Morgana thought for a moment. “Hey. Can we head to the subway station today? I think I might have something to show you guys.”

“Um, sure?” Ann said.

“What is it?” Ren asked.

“It has something to do with the requests” Morgana said. “If they are what I think they are, then it’ll be important.”

“Man, you’re always so vague. Just spill it already” Ryuji whined.

“It’s...easier to just show you!” Morgana protested.

“Fine,” Ryuji said. “It’s not like I wasn’t gonna do it anyway.”

“So, now that we’re all in agreement, let’s roll!” Ren said. The four of them headed to the station.

Meanwhile, Sumire was at ballet practice. She had begun to open up to some of her classmates a little more, which made her a bit happier. She also felt like she had never been better at ballet. However, after one routine, Coach Hiraguchi’s face told a different story. “Did I do something wrong?” Sumire asked.

“Sumire…” Hiraguchi said in a disappointed tone. “It’s great to see you in higher spirits, but I don’t know how much it’s doing for your ballet.”

Sumire looked despondent. “I am trying. What am I doing wrong?”

“Well…” Hiraguchi said. “You’re not doing anything wrong, per say, but it just feels like you’re sliding back into Kasumi when doing your moves.”

“Ummmm, how is that a bad thing?” Sumire said. “Kasumi was the best. Doing her moves will guarantee our dream of becoming the best to come true.”

“This is what I’m talking about,” Hiraguchi noted. “Kasumi performed her moves with a passion only she could provide. You’re just doing a pale imitation of them. They’re technically impressive, but emotionally, they feel hollow.”

Sumire was shaken. “Coach…”

“I know it’s hard to hear!” Hiraguchi interrupted. “But if you want to make it to the top, you need to perfect YOUR moves. You need to understand that what people want to see is Sumire Yoshizawa as herself.”

Tears began to form in Sumire’s eyes. “But...no one does want that… I’m never good enough. I know you care for me. I know people care for me. But no one is expecting me to make it to the top. They all expected Kasumi. And...and I ruined it. If Kasumi can’t make it to the top, and Sumire can’t make it to the top, then who is going to make it to the top?”

Sumire ran to the locker room. She threw off her leotard with hardly a care. She was too distraught. She put her clothes on, and then ran out the door. Coach Hiraguchi noticed this and tried calling out to her. “SUMIRE!” Sumire didn’t hear her. She kept running through the city, trying to deal with the emotional turmoil of everything.

After running a few blocks, she thought to herself Wait. This is just like what happened last time. She slowed down, and took a deep breath. I don’t want to cause another death. Heh. Even from beyond the grave, Kasumi is saving me.

She looked around. Maybe I just need to clear my head for a bit. I don’t know what I want right now. Maybe I haven’t found as much of myself as I have thought. But where to go? Sumire continued walking. I guess I’ll see where my feet take me.

The Phantom Thieves made their way to the subway station. They began looking through some of the requests on the Phan-site, but none of them felt all too dire. That is, until they found a post about one Natsuhiko Nakanohara; a municipal teller stalking his ex girlfriend. “Ugh. What a creep” Ann noted.

“So, we’re in agreement then?” Ryuji asked. The others nodded. “Alright, now let’s figure out where his palace might be.”

“Hold on,” Morgana said, taking charge. “This is why I brought you here today. Try the word ‘Mementos’.”

“Umm, alright,” Ryuji said. “Mementos.” Suddenly, the world shifted around them. The bustling station was now empty, and Morgana had taken on his Metaverse appearance. “Huh?”

“What’s going on?” Ann asked.

“I figured as much,” Morgana said. “C’mon, let’s head down.” Morgana headed down the platform stairs. The others just shrugged and went with it.

A few moments before, Sumire had made her way to that exact subway station in her stupor. She sighed. “Maybe I should just head back. I haven’t found anything. She glanced up and noticed something across the station from her. “Isn’t that senpai and her friends?”

“Navigating” her phone said.

“Huh?” Sumire noted. She got out her phone. “How come I haven’t noticed this app before?” she asked herself. “It looks strange.” Suddenly, she felt the world change around her. “Huh?” She looked around and saw no one.

Sumire was in disbelief. The once crowded station was now barren. “What’s going on?” She looked around, only to find herself more confused. She looked back and saw that Ren and company were going down a flight of stairs. She looked determined. “Maybe senpai knows what’s up.” She decided to follow them.

Once down the stairs, the thieves were greeted by a few surprises. The platform was there, but instead of rails there was a field of dirt with a bunch of flowers growing in it. They were also in their Phantom Thief attire. “Woah! What’s this?!” Ann asked.

“Is this that Nakanohara guy’s palace?” Ryuji asked. “Why is it here? Why is it a garden?”

“Hold on,” Ren said, remembering this scenery. “This seems familiar.”

“Hm hm hm” Morgana chuckled. “Well, you’re sort of right Skull. But, you’re sort of wrong as well. Mementos is everyone’s palace.”

The thieves were confused. Ryuji sputtered “Everyone’s…”

“...Palace?” Ann finished.

Morgana nodded. “Not everyone has a palace all to themselves. Only those with incredibly distorted desires. Most people’s shadows, you’d just find here. This place is basically the thing that connects all human minds.”

“So, how do we get this guy’s attention?” Ryuji asked.

Morgana grinned. “We already have.” Again, everyone was shocked. “That Phan-site is a useful tool. It can act as a calling card for people without palaces. And, since their desires aren’t as warped, it’ll have a longer effect on them.”

“Huh” Ann said.

“So, we can just go and get that Nakanohara guy now?” Ryuji asked.

Morgana nodded. “Let’s go!”

“But, um, how?” Ren asked. “I mean, this place seems big.”

“Never fear!” Morgana said. He posed. “Morgana transform!” he transformed into a car.

“WHAT?!” Ryuji said.

“We can go like this,” Morgana said.

“How can you turn into a car?!” Ann asked.

“Oh, well, uh, you see, it’s a common perception that in fantastical situations, cats can turn into cars. And since we’re basically in the collective unconscious...”

Ren just shrugged. “OK.”

“What? You’re just gonna accept that?!” Ryuji asked.

“Why not? It makes things easier” Ren chuckled.

Ryuji sighed. “Well, we’re already this deep.”

“Yeah, it might be easier to not question things,” Ann added. The three of them got in.

“Um, why aren’t we moving?” Ryuji asked.

“I’m a car!” Morgana said. “Someone needs to drive me!”

“Oh” Ryuji said. “Um, since he’s sort of your cat, do you want to drive him?”

Ren simply said “Sure.” She got into the front seat and took off.

Meanwhile, Sumire managed to make it down the stairs to see Ren, Ann, and Ryuji in strange looking suits getting into a car that looked kind of like a cat and drive off. “Huh. That’s, um… unusual…” Sumire looked around. “This is also unusual.” She looked at the path where the car drove down. “Well, I don’t suppose I’m going to get any answers just standing here.” She hopped off the platform and followed the car on foot.

As they were driving, Ann asked “So, um, not for nothing, but why didn't you do this at the palace Morgana?”

“A big car like this would attract too much attention when we’re trying to sneak around” Morgana answered. “Plus, it was way too narrow to do anything in.

“I guess that’s true,” Ryuji said. “I’m wondering why you didn’t tell us all this ‘bout Mementos beforehand.”

“Well, you know how you reacted when he turned into a car, right?” Ren answered. “Basically that.” Ryuji knew she was right, but didn’t want to say it out loud.

They reached a strange looking portal. “What’s this?” Ann asked.

“I’m sensing a specific shadow there,” Morgana said.

“Nakanhara?” Ryuji asked.

“Most likely,” Morgana said.

“Bring it on,” Ren said. She hit the gas and drove through. On the other side, there was a smaller plot of land. In the middle of it stood Nakanohara. Growing from it was a small thorny vine.

“Let’s get him!” Ann said.

“Hold up,” Ren said. She observed the vine.

“What is it?” Ann asked.

Ren thought some more. She sighed. “In my initial vision, I saw the subway system turn into this garden. That vine… Something feels off about it.”

The other thieves looked at it. “You think it’s protecting him?” Ryuji asked.

Ren stared some more. “No. I think the opposite.” Everyone else was confused. “If Eris is giving people the power to exact revenge on those with palaces, that vine might be the equivalent of that here.”

“You mean that vine is from his ex and it wants to kill him?!” Morgana said.

“Well, that’s my working theory anyways,” Ren said. She smiled. “So, it doesn’t change much. If we steal his heart, that vine can’t destroy him.”

“Alright!” Ruji said. “Now you’re talking!”

“Let’s go!” Ren said. The four of them headed out of the shadows to Nakanohara.

Nakanohara noticed them. “Hm. Are you those so-called Phantom Thieves? I bet you’re here because of what my girlfriend said about me.”

“Don’t you mean your ex-girlfriend?” Ann snapped back.

“SHE’S MINE!” he screamed. “Tch. I don’t even know why you’re here! Why not take on someone who deserves it?! Like Madarame!”

“Madarame?” Morgana said.

Ren struck a pose. “We are the Phantom Thieves. We are on the side of justice. Hence, we shall steal your distorted desires.”

“Yeah! You can’t just act like a creep because other people are worse!” Ryuji added.

“Grrrrr” Nakanohara. “GAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!” he transformed into a shadow that could not be reasoned with any longer. “SHE’S MINE! MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE! I WON’T LET ANYONE ELSE HAVE HER!”

“Let’s go!” Ren said. The thieves fought Nakanohara’s shadow, and won.

After that, Nakanohara reverted back to himself. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I just-” he sighed. “I lost everything to Madarame. I had hopes and dreams, but he took them all away. I had to settle to be a teller. So, when my girlfriend left me, it just opened up old wounds.”

“That’s no excuse for stalking!” Ann said.

“Heh. You’re right” Nakanohara said. “I’ll apologize and leave her alone. But please. Steal Madarame’s heart.” Nakanohara vanished and a small treasure appeared. Ren grabbed it. She looked down and noticed the thorny vine had also disappeared.

“So, we did it,” Ryuji said. “Let’s go.”

“Hold on!” Morgana said. “There’s something else we need to do.”

“For real?” Ryuji said. “Well, if you say so.”

“Yeah, you’re the expert Mona!” Ann said.

Morgana blushed. “Thanks Panther.” He turned back into a car. They drove back to Mementos proper.

“Huh?” Ren said, looking back. “That portal closed behind us.”

“Well, we stole Nakanohara’s heart,” Morgana said. “It has no reason to exist anymore.”

“I guess that’s true,” Ren said. “Alright then, what’s next.

“Find another platform” Morgana said. “Not the one we came from.”

“Alrighty then,” Ren said. She drove off, exploring Mementos for a little while until coming to another platform. “More stairs?”

“Yeah,” Morgana said. “Mementos isn’t just a one floor structure. It keeps going.”

“How deep?” Ryuji said.

“That I don’t know,” Morgana said. “But I know at the bottom is the source of all of this...probably.”

“So, that’s where Eris lives, I presume?” Ann asked.

“I’d think so,” Morgana answered. “Anyways, let’s head down.” They got out and headed down the stairs.

Meanwhile, Sumire was still trying to find Ren. “Man, this place is confusing.” She kept walking. Unbeknownst to her, a large thorny vine was following her.

On this new floor, it was just a straight path to a strange looking door. “What’s this?” Ann asked. Ren felt like the door was calling to her somehow. She walked over. “Hey, wait!” Ann said, trying to stop her.

Ren placed her hand on the door. The door then opened up. “Woah” Ryuji said.

Ren looked at her hand. “Huh.”

Morgana smiled. “I knew you could do it!”

The three teens looked at him. “Um, do what?” Ryuji asked.

“That door's been locked for the longest time,” Morgana said. “But now, we can open it.”

“Um, do you know why it’s been locked?” Ann asked.

“I’m thinking it’s a power thing,” Morgana said. “I was originally exploring Mementos, but I hit this dead end. So, I met up with the two of you in Kamoshida’s Palace to try and gain power by stealing his treasure.”

“Hmmmm” Ren said. “I don’t know if that’s entirely correct.”

“How so?” Morgana asked, confused.

“Well, you’re right that we needed more power,” Ren began, “but it might not be raw power. This place is basically the collective human unconscious, right?” Morgana nodded. “So, I’m thinking the power needed is the power to make an impact on this unconscious.”

“Ohhhhhhh” Morgana said.

“Wait, how’d we do that?” Ryuji asked.

Ren grinned. “We stole Kamoshida’s heart. People are talking about the Phantom Thieves now. We’re not nothing to the public anymore.”

Ryuji was dumbfounded. “I guess that makes sense.”

“So, let me get this straight,” Ann said. “In order to progress through Mementos, we need to keep making an impact by stealing more hearts from people with palaces.”

“Seems like it,” Ren said.

“Well then let’s do just that!” Ann said.

“Of course” Ren said.

“Hmmm” Morgana said.

“What’s up Mona?” Ann asked.

“Nakanohara gave us a name,” Morgana reminded them. “Madarame. I think that’s worth looking into.”

“Hm. You may be right” Ren said. “It could be our next big break.” Ren looked at the recently opened door. “Wanna continue, or should we call it here?”

“Well, we’ve learned a lot,” Ryuji said. “It might be better to collect ourselves for the time being.”

“You have a point Skull,” Ren said. “OK, let’s head back for now.”

“Right, but remember,” Morgana began saying, “ we need to make occasional trips here to deal with shadows like Nakanohara’s.”

“Right,” Ren said. They headed back up the stairs. Morgana turned back into a car and they were on their way back.

“Hey, this looks different,” Ann said.

“That’s because Mementos is always changing,” Morgana said. “Because so many people are influencing it, no two visits will be the same.”

“Huh” Ann said. They continued to drive. On their way to finding the platform that will take them up, Ann spotted something. “OVER THERE!”

The others looked. They saw a small boy next to a tipped over car that was on fire. Ren turned the car to meet with this mysterious boy. She got out.

“Oh, hello” The boy said. He was wearing a white coat with star patterns on it, with matching boots, black pants, and wearing a pair of goggles.

“Hello,” Ren said. “Um, who might you be?”

“Oh. I guess that’s the human thing to do” the boy said. “My name is Jose.”

“Wait. ‘Human thing to do’?” Ryuji asked.

“Does that mean?” Ann asked.

Jose nodded. “I am not a human.

“You look like one,” Morgana said, pouting a little.

“While that might be true, I’m just a dweller of this universe created to study humans here in Mementos” Jose explained. “Or, at least I was.”

“Was?” Ren asked.

Jose nodded. “These weird, plant-like things sensed my presence and destroyed my car. I guess they didn’t like that I was trying to drink them.”

“Drink...plants…” Ryuji said. “Alright, I’m officially giving up trying to understand things.”

“Don’t worry, we’re all mad here,” Ren said.

“The plants I’m trying to drink are the essence of humanity” Jose explained. “Well, before they were tainted by this garden of madness.”

“So, why study humanity?” Ann asked.

“I was asked to by my creator,” Jose said. “He wanted to know what I thought humans were like.”

“Why couldn’t he just do it?” Ryuji asked.

“It’s complicated,” Jose explained. “But now I can’t do it, My car is destroyed, and those shadow things keep attacking me. But I can’t go back to him empty-handed.”

Ren felt sorry for him. She smiled. “Hey Jose,” she said. Jose looked up. “Wanna come with us? I’m sure you can learn a  thing or two about humanity by studying us actual humans.”

Jose smiled. “I’d like that ma’am.”

“NO!” screamed a voice. The group turned toward the source to see a cabal of shadows. “Humanity will be brought to its knees by chaos. We won’t let this interloper interfere!”

“Bring it on!” Ryuji said. The Phantom Thieves put themselves between Jose and the shadows and began fighting.

Jose looked on. “These shadows. They want to stop me. But these humans. They wish to aid me? Those shadows are trying to force their beliefs by stopping me, while these humans wish to help. If humanity really will descend into chaos, why aren’t these humans allowing it?”

He looked on to see the Phantom Thieves fighting. He got a determined look. “If you humans are so willing to help me find the truth about humanity, then these shadows are wrong!” he yelled.

“Well done” said a voice in Jose’s head. He started to struggle. “Stand up to those who would hide the truth from you. They proclaim truth, but in reality are pushing lies. Are you ready to seek the truth? Are you ready to spread it, even if people aren’t willing to listen?”

“...Yes...of course…” Jose answered.

“Hm hm hm” the voice continued. “Very well. I am thou. Thou art I. Call upon my power to bring the light of the truth to the world!”

Jose gripped his goggles and tore them off his face, blood flowing from the tear. “Galileo!” he called. Suddenly, his persona appeared behind him. Galileo looked like a balding man with a beard, wearing a black cloak and black pants, with a white collar. He had a telescope in one hand, and a book in the other. Nothing really changed about Jose’s outward appearance though.

“Holy shit!” Ryuji said.

Ren smiled. “Looks like he’s one of us” she said.

Jose looked angry. “Let me join in.”

“You got it!” Ren said. Jose rushed in to help defeat the shadows with his new persona along with his weapons of choice: A hammer, and a sniper rifle.

After the fight, Jose was breathing heavily. “WOO!” he exclaimed. “That felt great.”

“You’re pretty good Jose,” Ann said.

“For real,” Ryuji said.

“It’ll be nice to have you on the team,” Ren said.

Morgana stared at him. “Yeah, he’ll be fine.”

“Aww, are you jealous?” Ren asked. “Don’t worry, you’re still important to the team. But we need all the help we can get.”

“I guess that’s true,” Morgana relented.

“Thanks,” Jose said. “But, who are you guys anyway?”

The four of them were shocked. “Oh, right, well…” Ren said.

“AHHHHHHHHH!” someone screamed.

“What was that?” Ryuji asked.

“It sounded like someone screaming” Ann pointed out.

Ren went pale. No way. Could it be? She ran off in the direction of it. Everyone else followed suit. When Ren got there, she came face-to-face with what she feared it was. “SUMIRE!” she called out. Sumire was being tied up by vines and was about to be enveloped by this plant-like thing.

The other thieves were just as surprised by this sight, as was Jose. However, Jose noticed something else. “HEY!” he called, pointing to Eris. The thieves’s attention was now on her. “You’re the person controlling these plants, right? You destroyed my car!”

“She did this?” Ann said.

“Grrr. Why do you always have to cause so many problems?!” Ryuji howled.

“We should just stop you right now!” Morgana added.

“Hehehehehehe” Eris snickered. “You can only open one door. What chance do you have against me?”

“LET HER GO!” Ren demanded.

“What? You mean her?” Eris said, pointing to Sumire. “No can do.” She laughed. Ren tried to run to save her, but some shadows stopped her. “You don’t get it. Unlike you, she’s not here to save anyone. She’s here to bury herself in the depths of Mementos with me.”

“Bullshit!” Ryuji said.

“Yeah! She’s not just something for you to claim!” Ann said.

“Oh, but she’s always been mine,” Eris said. “I’m the only one who will accept her.”

“That’s not true!” Morgana protested. “We accept her!”

“Really?” Eris said. “Well, maybe for now. But what will happen when I show you this?!” A giant flower grew and blossomed. It presented a large screen. Appearing on it, a girl who looked like Sumire with brown hair in a ponytail, and a mole on her face.

“Oh no,” Sumire said.

“Today was brutal, huh?” Kasumi said on the screen. She looked at the camera. “Feeling OK?”

The camera shook its head. “It’s not that,” Sumire said in the video, who is now revealed to be the camera. They keep walking. “Why am I doing so bad?”

Kasumi looked at her sister. “Your growth spurt has just changed your eye level. See, you’re as tall as me now.”

“We practice the same amount,” Sumire said. “But you’re the one that’s always getting first place.”

“You know why?” Kasumi asked. “Because it’s my right as the elder sister.”

“We’re in the same grade though,” Sumire pointed out.

“Aw, don’t be so down,” Kasumi said. “We’ll reach the top of the world together. That’s our dream, right?”

“You don’t get it” Sumire said, sadness in her voice. “You’ll never understand how I feel.” She started to run. We can hear her thinking. Kasumi...if I were like you...things would be so much better.

“Hey! Wait up!” Kasumi cried out.

Kasumi’s the one people want.

“Look where you’re going, the light’s red! Hey!”

The talented one who CAN reach the top of the world.

“Sumire! Stop! Listen to me! SUMIRE!” Sumire felt a push, as Kasumi shoved her. She heard a car pull up.

After Sumire had gotten up from the shove, the next thing she saw was Kasumi dead in the middle of the road. “Kasumi?”

It is there that the video ends. Everyone was in shock. “That’s right,” Eris said. “She killed her own sister by attempting to die. What a truly horrible thing to do. She really is a monster, destined to join the shadows down here forever.”

Sumire was crying. “She’s right,” she muttered. “After what I did to Kasumi...after taking her from this world...I can’t...I can’t…I can’t forgive myself.”

There was silence. Sumire was slowly sinking into the plant, resigned to become the monster she thought she was. “NO!” Ren shouted, surprising everyone. Sumire looked up. “You are NOT a monster! You are NOT horrible! You are Sumire Yoshizawa! You are kind! Gracious! Welcoming! And I will do everything to help you see that! PERSONA!” Ren summoned her persona and started fighting the shadows.

“Pathetic,” Eris said.

“You're the one that’s pathetic, Eris!” Ann shouted. “Preying on people’s emotions to get what you want! It’s disgusting!” She joined the fight. “And I won’t let you do it to one of the sweetest people I’ve met! Sumire! Don’t give in!”

Sumire was stunned. “But..but I-”

“No you didn’t!” Ryuji chimed in. He started fighting too. “It ain’t your fault the situation turned out shitty! You’re not worthless! You mean something!”

“He’s right!” Morgana added. “You have more power than you think you have!” He started to fight. “You just need to channel it!”

Jose was fighting some shadows already. “From my limited observations, these humans fight for what they believe in. And they believe in you. You must be something special if they’re willing to fight like this.”

“SUMIRE!” Ren said. “You said that you’d be able to handle anything hard if it was from me, right?! Well here’s something hard! Kasumi died saving you! She did that because she believed you were worth saving! Is this any way to honor her?!” Sumire was shocked.

Ren went on. “If she felt like giving her life to save you, then so will I! SUMIRE! I’LL FIGHT FOR YOU TILL THE END!” The group kept on fighting the shadows.

“My my” Eris said. “They just can’t accept the way things are, can they?”

Sumire looked on, as her new friends risked everything for her. The inspiring words they said. The bitter fact that Ren was right. Kasumi did sacrifice her life for her’s. “...everyone…”

“Hm?” Eris said, looking at her. “You can’t really believe that, can you?” she asked. “You’re a pathetic weakling. You’ve always been pathetic. And you always will be!”

“SHUT UP!” Sumire shouted, gaining the attention of everyone. “I’m THROUGH being weak. I’m THROUGH running away! I’m THROUGH needing others to save me! Senpai! Everyone! They have their own demons to fight! And yet, they continually help me fight mine!

Well. This is no longer going to be a one way street! From now on, I’ll help them too! Because that’s what I do! Because I am Sumire Yoshizawa! And I will NOT let my sister’s gifts go wasted!”

“My, what a forceful person” A voice in Sumire’s head rang out. Sumire started to struggle under the wraps of the vines. “But if you are here, then all is good. Only go for success. Your sister will always stay in your heart.”

One of Sumire’s hands broke out of the vine. The voice continued. “She is grateful you have not accepted a life of cinders. That you now strive towards splendor. One question remains. Will you fill these shoes and dance with me?”

“Yes,” Sumire said, a mask appearing on her face.

“Then we shall dance to the end. I am thou. Thou art I. Accept this contract. This spell I cast upon you.”

With one swift motion, Sumire ripped off her mask, leaving blood spattered on her face.”CENDRILLON!” she called. The energy of her summoning her persona forced her out of the plant. When she landed, she found that she was dressed in a leotard, a coat with three flaps, stockings, heels, a belt with a violet on it, and her hair was tied back in a ponytail with a black ribbon. Sumire quickly jumped in to fight the shadows.

Eris was growling. “FINE! You can have her! But know this. I will always be watching. Waiting. And the moment any of you have doubts, I’ll be there.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ryuji said. “Like it matters what you say at this point.”

“You laugh now!” Eris continued. “But once humanity has embraced chaos, they will evolve! Beyond the need for suffering! Beyond the need for hate! Beyond the need for saviors like you!” Eris vanished.

Ryuji wanted to try and chase her, but Ann stopped him. “Let’s fight this fight first!” she pointed out. Ryuji nodded. With all six of them, the shadows went down.

Sumire was breathing heavily. “We did it! I did it! We won! I won!” She passed out.

“Sumire!” Ren shouted. She ran to catch Sumire as she fell.

“Let’s get out of here!” Morgana said. He transformed back into a car. Ryuji got in. Ren handed Sumire to him. She went around to take the driver’s seat.

Ann stepped in. She turned to Jose. “Hey!” she called, reaching her hand out. “Wanna come with us?”

Jose smiled. “Sure. You’re an interesting bunch. I feel like I will learn a lot from you.” Jose took Ann’s hand, and the both went in together. Ren began to drive to find the exit to Mementos.

They reached the platform. Everyone left, and Ren took Sumire back. Morgana transformed back, and they all headed up the stairs. They used the app to leave Mementos and appear back at the subway station.

When Sumire came to, she was staring at Ren’s eyes. “Senpai,” she said. She gave Ren a little hug. Ren got slightly embarrassed.

“Ahem,” Ren said. “How are you feeling?”

“Well…” Sumire said. “Right now, that seems like a loaded question. I’m feeling all sorts of things.” She looked back at Ren. “But I’m glad you found me when you did. I’m glad you’re here.”

Ren’s face was now as red as a ripe tomato. She looked at Sumire. “I’m glad you’re here too, Sumire.”

“SUMIRE!” Coach Hiraguchi called out.

Sumire looked up. “Coach?” She got up to see her coach had come looking for her.

Hiraguchi found her. “Sumire!” She ran over. “I was looking all over for you. I was worried.”

“I’m sorry,” Sumire said. “I guess I’m not as over everything as I thought.”

“And that’s fine,” Hiraguchi said, placing her hands on Sumire’s shoulders. “No one’s expecting you to be fine after what happened.” Hiraguchi gave her a hug. “I just don’t want anything bad happening to you.”

Sumire was awed. She gave her a hug back. “Coach. Thank you.”

The two ended their hug. Hiraguchi turned to Ren. “You’re Amamiya, right?” Ren nodded. “You found Sumire then?”

Ren nodded again. “Yeah. She was wandering about when I came across her. She explained to me some of her problems, and then I helped her work out some things. She passed out, feeling exhausted.”

Hiraguchi smiled. “Well, I can certainly see why Sumire has taken a liking to you.”

“Coach!” Sumire said, her face now turning red.

Hiraguchi smiled. She checked her phone. “It’s getting late. If it’s alright with you, I can take you home, Sumire.”

“Oh” Sumire said. “That’s fine.” She waved at Ren. “Seeya, senpai!” She and Hiraguchi walked off. Ren waved back. She then got out her phone and texted her.

Ren: Hey. If you wanna talk about all that stuff about Personas and stuff, meet me tomorrow at Leblanc.

Sumire: Wait.

Sumire: That was real.

Sumire: I thought that was a dream I was having.

Ren: Nope.

Ren: It’s real.

Ren: Believe me.

Sumire: …

Sumire: Well, I guess it would be helpful to understand it all.

Sumire: Alright, I’ll come over.

Ren: Thanks.

Ren: Seeya!

Ren: And get some rest.

Sumire: I will.

Sumire: Thanks.

Ryuji, Ann, and Jose walked up. “Well, we should probably head back too,” Ryuji said.

“Yeah,” Ann said. “But what about Jose?”

They looked at him. “Yeah, you’re right,” Ryuji said. “We can’t just leave him alone.”

“Maybe we could,” Morgana said, riding in Ren’s bag. Ren rolled her eyes.

“Actually, Mr. Kitty is right,” Jose said. The thieves looked at him, surprised. “Don’t worry about me for now. I can figure something out.”

“...Well, if you say so,” Ann said. Morgana groaned. 

Ren smiled. “Hey. Jose. Wanna come over to my place tomorrow to discuss everything?”

“Sure,” Jose said. “If you tell me where you live.”

“Oh. Right. I live at a place called Leblanc” Ren said. “If you ask, I’m sure you can find it.”

“Noted,” Jose said. “Oh, before I leave, what are your names?”

The thieves were surprised. In all the hubbub, they didn’t mention them. “Well, my name is Ren. This is Ann.”

“Hello.”

“This is Ryuji.”

“Sup.”

“And Mr. Kitty here is Morgana.” Morgana pouted. “Don’t mind him,” Ren added. “He’s just going through some things.”

“I see” Jose. “And Sumire was that girl from before, correct?” Ren nodded. “Thank you. I’ll be sure to stop by then.” Jose walked off.

“Boy, I’m exhausted,” Ryuji said.

“Same,” Ann said. “I can’t wait to get home and relax in a bath.”

“I’m just gonna chow down on meat and then watch anime till I pass out” Ryuji said.

“Sounds fun,” Ren said. “I might do both of those.” They all walked off. Ren went to a public bath not too far from Leblanc and enjoyed some leisure time to herself, as Morgana waited outside.

Once she finished, she headed for Leblanc. She used her key to open the door. She noticed Sojiro wasn’t there. “Hm.” She began making food for her when a thought occurred to her. Wait…

She remembered what Eris said. “You laugh now! But once humanity has embraced chaos, they will evolve! Beyond the need for suffering! Beyond the need for hate! Beyond the need for saviors like you!”

But didn’t those shadows that attacked Jose say…?

“Humanity will be brought to its knees by chaos. We won’t let this interloper interfere!”

Hm. Well, we’re meeting tomorrow. I don’t need to think about this today. I’m too tired. She finished cooking. She went upstairs with her food, changed into her pajamas, turned on the TV, and ate. Once she was finished eating, she continued watching TV until she fell asleep.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 18: The “U” in “Sumire”

The next day after school, Ren was looking through the brochures for jobs that appealed to her. She settled on applying to one that day. She walked out of the classroom. She was on her way out of the building when she saw Sumire standing still looking at the ground. She decided to check on her. “Um, Sumire?”

“Huh?” Sumire said, looking up. “Oh, senpai. How are you?”

“I was just about to ask you the same thing” Ren said. “You seem down. Did something happen?”

“Oh…” Sumire said. “Is it that obvious?” Ren nodded. “I see... “ She sighed. “To be honest, ever since the incident, my coach was telling me I should ‘find myself’. I now realize that that was in reference to me thinking I was Kasumi, but… even after snapping back out of it, she keeps telling me that. And I’m just not sure what to do.”

Ren thought about it. “Well, do you think it’s a problem with your coach?”

“NO WAY!” Sumire protested. “Coach Hiraguchi has been our coach since we were little! Sure she pushes us, but she’s also really kind and understanding. She believes that we can make it, no matter what. And I want to help prove her right.”

Ren nervously chuckled. “OK, OK, so it’s not the coach. Hmmmmm. Well…”

“Well what?” Sumire asked.

Ren looked at Sumire cautiously. “Um, this might be hard for you. Do you think you can handle it?”

Sumire nodded. “I can handle it! ...If it’s from you…”

“Hm. Well,” Ren began, “you probably did lose yourself somewhere. Probably when your sister died. Also, when you were conditioned to believe you were your sister. You’re probably lost in all of that. And I get it. No one would be their best self after all of that. But I think what your coach is getting at is that if you’re not your best self, you can’t be good at gymnastics.”

“Oh…” Sumire said.

“I’m sorry” Ren apologized.

“No, it’s OK,” Sumire said. “I did say you could tell me.”

“So, what do you want to do?” Ren asked.

Sumire stood silent for a moment. “I’m not sure. I don’t know how I can ‘find myself’.”

Ren grinned. “Well, luckily, that's something you don’t need to do alone.”

“Huh?” Sumire said.

“Come on,” Ren said. “Let’s see if we can’t help you figure yourself out.”

“You...You’d do that for me?” Sumire said.

“Of course” Ren responded.

“...Thank you,” Sumire said, blushing. “Oh, but I have practice today…”

“I see…” Ren said, thinking about it. “We, if you do go to practice, wouldn’t it be more of the same?” Sumire looked at her, perplexed. “Meanwhile, if you go out to find yourself, you’d be helping your coach out.”

“I… hadn't thought of it like that,” Sumire said. “You know what? That might be worth a try! Although, I’d have to ask my coach.”

“Do you want me to come along with you?” Ren asked. Sumire hesitated for a bit. She nodded. “Alright then, let’s go. Lead the way.” Sumire nodded again, this time a little more confidently. She started walking, and Ren followed her.

One train ride later, they were at the gym where Sumire usually practices gymnastics.. Coach Hiraguchi greeted her as she walked in with Ren. “Ah, Sumire. Are you ready for practice?”

“Well...uh...here’s the thing…” Sumire said, nervously. “No?” Coach Hiraguchi was confused. “See, I’ve been thinking about what you told me about finding myself, and, well, I...I just might need time to do that. I’m sorry!” She bowed.

Coach Hiraguchi was interested. “Tell me, was that a conclusion you came to yourself?”

“Huh?” Sumire said, looking up. “Oh. Well. No. My friend Amamiya-senpai came up with it…”

Hiraguchi was even more perplexed. She looked at Ren. “Is that her over there?” Sumire nodded. “You haven’t mentioned her before.” Ren looked a little dejected.

“Yes I have!” Sumire said. “She’s the senpai I mentioned earlier! The one who’s been helping me a lot.” Ren cheered up a bit.

“Oh. I thought…” Hiraguchi said. Sumire looked at her, puzzled. Hiraguchi then realized something. “Nevermind.” A stern look returned to her face. “So, what you're asking is for time off to find yourself once again?” Sumire nodded. Hiraguchi sighed. “Well, I can’t let you stop coming here.”

“I see…” Sumire said.

“You will need to come to practice at least once a week,” Coach Hiraguchi said. “And you’ll need to practice on your own whenever you can. Just so you don’t lose your form. Aside from that, I am willing to let you go through with this plan.”

Sumire was shocked. “Really?!” 

“Of course,” Hiraguchi said. “...Look, losing Kasumi like that...it was devastating. Especially for you. I understand that these things take time. I want you to be OK with who you are more than anything.”

Sumire smiled. “Thank you Coach,” she said. “And don’t worry. I’ll make sure to come to practice whenever I can!”

Coach Hiraguchi smiled. “I’m glad to hear it.” Sumire and Ren walked out. Coach Hiraguchi’s face turned neutral. “I have to be prepared. In case the person she becomes in the end is one who doesn’t do gymnastics anymore.”

Meanwhile, outside, Sumire was excited. “I can’t believe Coach is letting me do this.”

“You were right,” Ren said. “She’s pretty great.”

“Right? I can’t wait to be back in top form!” Sumire said. “Oh, but first I have to find myself.”

“Yeah,” Ren said. “So, do you have any idea how to do that?”

Sumire thought about it. “Hmmm. I don’t know. GAH! Kasumi would know what to do right now!”

Something clicked inside Ren. “I think I’m starting to see the issue,” she said. “Even now you seem to be clinging on to Kasumi.”

“Sorry,” Sumire said. “It’s just...we did everything together. We were twins. It’s hard to let that go…”

“You don’t have to let it go completely,” Ren said. “Nor should you. I’ve never met Kasumi, but she’s really important to who you are. But she can’t be all of who you are.” Ren had an idea. “If you did everything together, what’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t because Kasumi didn’t want to do it?”

“Huh?” Sumire said. “Well… I’ve never seen a scary movie… Kasumi said we probably shouldn’t. Which is weird, because she was the bolder of the two of us. I thought it would be up her alley.”

“Well then, let’s do that,” Ren said. “There’s a theater on Central Street. Let’s see if they're playing something scary.”

“Great idea!” Sumire said, excited. They headed out. As luck would have it, the theater was playing a scary movie. They bought two tickets and headed in.

During the course of the movie, Ren managed to steel herself to try and make it through the movie. This got noticeably harder after minute 30, as Sumire alternated between looking at the screen and clinging to Ren’s arm out of fear. Ren was concerned, but also her face was flushed red.

After about an hour, Ren gently shook Sumire to get her attention. “Hey” she said. Sumire looked up. “Do you want to leave?” Sumire nodded. “Alright then. Let’s head out.” Ren started to get up. Sumire followed suit, still clinging to Ren’s arm. Ren was still blushing. They carefully left the movie theater.

As they headed outside, Sumire told Ren “I’m sorry Senpai.”

Ren looked at her. “It’s alright. Don’t worry about it.”

Sumire sighed. “I guess the reason Kasumi never wanted to do it was because she knew I couldn’t handle it. Figures. She was always watching over me…” She started to cry tears of sadness, instead of the tears of fear that lingered on Ren’s sleeve.

Ren looked at her sobbing princess. She knew she had to do something. “Well, at least we tried,” Ren said. “And hey, you know what, this was your idea. Completely independent from Kasumi.”

Sumire looked at her senpai who was desperately trying to cheer her up. In a way, that made her feel better. “Thanks,” Sumire said, smiling a little. “Though I don’t want to do that again.”

“Yeah…” Ren said. “Um, if you’re still a little shaken, we can hang out some more.”

Sumie smiled. “I’d like that.”

“OK, so what do you want to do?” Ren asked.

Sumire thought. “Honestly, I just want to relax. Someplace with as little people as possible.”

“I know just the place,” Ren said. “Come on.”

Soon, they arrived at Le Blanc. Sojiro saw Ren, but not Sumire. “So, how’s the job hunt going?”

“Oh, I, uh, put a pin in that,” Ren told him. Sumire followed in.

Sojiro noticed her. “Who’s this?”

“This is Sumire-chan,” Ren said, introducing her. “She’s the friend I told you about. The one who passed out.” Ren realized what she just said. “Uh, sorry…”

“It’s OK Senpai,” Suire said. “I know you were just worried about me.” She turned to Sojiro. “Still, you two must be close for you to tell some shop owner about me.”

Sojiro glared. “I’m not just ‘some shop owner’,” he explained, “I’m taking care of her.” He brewed himself some coffee.

Sumire was confused. “So, this is your dad?”

Ren shook her head. “Not exactly.” Sojiro took a sip of his coffee.

“Oh…” Sumire was struggling. “So, is he...um...your sugar daddy then?” Sumire asked, hesitantly. Sojiro spit his coffee out, as Ren began laughing so hard she fell to the floor.

Sojiro composed himself after nearly choking on his coffee. He looked at Ren and menaced. “Stop that.”

Ren struggled to get back up. “I’m sorry” she said through the laughter. “But THAT was too funny.”

“I’ll take that as a ‘no’ then” Sumire said. “So, what DO you mean when you say you’re taking care of her?”

Sojiro looked at Ren. “Do you want to explain?”

Ren stopped laughing, as she could tell the mood was getting more serious. She looked at Sumire. I knew this would have to happen eventually. “Sumire… There’s something you need to know.”

“What is it?” Sumire asked.

Ren was hesitant. She took a deep breath. “You know how I transferred here?” Sumire nodded. “I used to live in a small town before this. ...About a month ago, I was arrested.” Sumire seemed surprised. “Currently, I‘m on parole. My parents thought that because of how things travel quickly in a small town like mine, it would be difficult for me to live a normal life. So, they sent me out here to try to help. This man, Sojiro, has been taking care of me.”

“Oh. I see” Sumire said.

“...It’s OK if you’re scared of me now,” Ren said.”I understand…”

Sumire rushed in to give Ren a hug, surprising Ren. “I’m not scared,” she said. She looked up to meet Ren’s eyes. “To be honest, I’m a little glad.”

Ren and Sojiro were confused. “Glad?” Sojiro said.

Sumire nodded. “You have all of this to worry about, and yet you’ve been worrying about me. In a way, that makes me glad.” Ren smiled and hugged Sumire back. “But also a little pathetic.” Ren was shocked. She looked at Sojiro.

Sojiro sighed. “If I leave you here alone, can I trust you?” he asked. Ren nodded. “OK.” He began to leave.

“Wait, you’re leaving?” Sumire said.

Sojiro stopped. “It seems like you’re working through something. You don’t need me getting in the way.” He nodded and left.

Sumire looked on. Ren let go. “Here, sit down. Let me make you some coffee.” Sumire sat down at a booth while Ren made them coffee. “What seems to be the issue?”

Sumire sighed. “It’s just I feel so pathetic. You’re taking care of me when you should be taking care of yourself. I feel like such a burden…”

Ren looked at her. “Sumire.” She grabbed her hand, causing them to both blush ever so slightly. “We’re helping each other. If I hadn’t made friends with people like you, or Ann, or Ryuji, I’d be a mess. I’d feel alone and isolated. Like nobody would be my friend. And that I’m truly alone in this messed up world. But because I found you, I know I’m not. We’re in this together.”

Sumire began tearing up. “Thank you Senpai. ...You know, I’m glad to have you as well. And I get it. I felt so alone after Kasumi died. Finding someone like you has helped me a lot.” The two smiled at each other. “So, um, if you don’t mind me asking, what were you arrested for?”

Ren paused for a second. She sighed. “It’s.. complicated…”

“I’m here for you,” Sumire said. 

Ren smiled. She sighed. “What happened was this guy was trying to force this woman into his car. I tried to stop it, but he fell over. He told the police that I hit him and forced the woman to comply.”

“Oh. I’m sorry” Sumire said. “That sounds rough.”

“No kidding,” Ren said. She looked back at Sumire. “But I will say, this has its up-sides as well.” Sumire giggled.

Faith-Sumire Yoshizawa: Rank 2

Sojiro walked back in. “Are you doing better?” Sojiro asked.

Sumire looked at him. “Yeah.”

“Good,” Sojiro said. He headed back behind the counter

Sumire whispered to Ren. “Um, does he know you didn’t do it?”

Ren shook her head. “And I’m not sure he’d believe me if I told him.” “He seems nice enough,” Sumire said.

“Well, that’s the thing,” Ren said. “He IS, but…”

Sumire smiled. “Don’t worry. I get it. It can be hard to reach out to people sometimes.”

Ren nodded. “Thanks for understanding.”

Sumire stood up. “Well, I should get going.”

“Do you want help tomorrow?” Ren asked.

Sumire smiled. “It’s OK,” she said. “I heard you were job hunting. I don’t want to keep you from that.”

“Oh” Ren said.

Sumire giggled. “Don’t worry, we can still hang out. But I want to give you a chance to be yourself too.” Ren nodded. “Well, seeya!” She left.

“She has a point,” Sojiro said.

“I know,” Ren said.

“Just making sure” Sojiro responded.

“I should get to bed,” Ren said. She headed upstairs.

“Goodnight” Sojiro said.

“Goodnight” replied Ren.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 66: Brave Enough

After school, Ren and Ann were leaving class together when they were approached by both Shiho and Sumire. The four girls looked at each other, stunned at this coincidence. “Well… Um… What’s up?” Ann said, trying to break the ice.

“Oh, well, I was wondering if…” Sumire began, “I could talk with Ann-senpai… privately…”

“Huh,” Ann said. “Well, uh, I guess it depends if Shiho needs me right away.”

Shiho thought about it. “I was going to ask both you and Ren-chan for help with this, but I guess I can do it with just Ren.”

“Well, sounds like we have a plan,” Ren said, trying to get past the awkwardness of the situation.

“Great!” Ann said. She turned to Sumire. “So, do you have anywhere in particular you’d like to go?”

Sumire was now in thought. “Well, practice is going to start soon. Coach Hiraguchi just has some school work to finish off. I know a place that’s on the way that’s really good.”

“Sounds wonderful!” Ann said, excitedly. The two started to leave. “Seeya!”

“Seeya!” Sumire echoed.

“Seeya,” Shiho replied.

“Seeya” Ren finished off. Once they were out of sight, Ren turned to Shiho. “So, what are we doing?”

“Well,” Shiho began explaining, “it’s interesting that Sumire-chan mentioned Coach Hiraguchi, since that’s the person I want to talk to.”

“Huh,” Ren said.

“Let’s go,” Shiho instructed. The two girls started walking to the teacher’s offices.

On their way, Ren asked “What’s this about?”

Shiho stopped, causing Ren to follow suit. She looked at Ren intently. “You know how I want to start the volleyball team back up?” Ren nodded. “Well, today I’m shooting my shot on this.”

Ren was stunned. “Woah. That's a big step.” Shiho nodded. Ren was about to speak, but she caught herself. “I was going to ask if you wanted to wait for Ann, but if you’re so determined, I think you should go for it.”

Shiho was a tad surprised. “What brought this up?”

“Well,” Ren sheepishly said, “ last night was the first time in a while… I talked with my sister.” Shiho was even more surprised. “We kind of got into a fight… Well, it wasn’t really a fight, she was just upset with me, but that happened before I left for Tokyo. And I was always scared of trying to reach out to her. But last night, I found the courage to do so, and I felt relieved.”

“What happened next?” Shiho asked.

“Well,” Ren answered, “she messaged me back when I was asleep, and I read them all this morning. She apologized, and asked for forgiveness. But even if it doesn’t go that way for you, I just want you to know that even just doing this is worth it. Knowing what the answer is is worth it.”

Shiho smiled. “I suppose you’re right.” She started walking again. She turned to Ren and said “Shall we?” Ren smiled, nodded, and started walking with Shiho.

They had arrived at Coach Hiraguchi’s office. She was surprised to see the two of them, but gladly accepted their question. Shiho then explained her idea to Coach Hiraguchi. Hiraguchi listened intently. Shiho finished by asking “So… Would that be OK?”

Coach Hiraguchi looked at them. “There’s no easy way to say this,” she began, Shiho gritted her teeth, “but I’m afraid this is something I simply cannot do.”

“I see” Shiho said, meekly.

“It’s not because I don’t want to though” Hiraguchi continued explaining, causing Shiho to look back up at her. “Frankly, there’s a lot of factors that prevent me from doing this. For starters, I’m just the interim gym teacher. That in itself makes this more complicated.

There’s also the matter of my other obligations. I can’t stop doing everything I’m doing for this. It would be easier if you had another staff member to be your coach, but… Well…”

Shiho nodded. “...Yeah.”

Hiraguchi smiled. “But I’m glad you came to talk to me about this.” Shiho was surprised and a little delighted. “I’m glad to see you moving forward. After everything that happened, it can be hard to stand on your feet again. Trust me. I will help you in any way I can, but remember, I am limited. If you bring back a more fleshed out proposal, I will see what I can do.”

Shiho smiled. She bowed. “Thank you coach.” She turned away and walked out of the room, with Ren following behind her.

After a few steps out of the office, Ren asked. “How do you think that went?”

Shiho smiled. “Well it sucks that this isn’t going off the ground yet…” Shiho admitted, “but overall, I think it went OK.”

Ren smiled. “Well that’s good to hear.”

Shiho looked at Ren. “Thanks for being there for me.”

“What are friends for?” Ren responded.

Hope-Shiho Suzui: Rank 4

Shiho got lost in thought again. “I’m going to go work on figuring out the more fleshed out proposal. Strike while the iron’s hot, you know?” Ren nodded. “Seeya!” Shiho said as she left. Ren waved at her and then left as well.

Meanwhile, Sumire and Ann arrived at a restaurant, and placed their orders. Ann turned to Sumire and asked “It’s not that I’m ungrateful, but why did you want to talk with me over Ren?” Sumire frowned. “AH! I’m sorry.”

“Huh?” Sumire said. “Ah, no, I’m sorry” she said, getting a bit flustered. “Uhhhhh.”

Ann realized that Sumire wasn’t upset or anything. She giggled. “It’s fine. No need to panic.”

Sumire sighed, relieved. “Thanks, Ann-senpai.”

Their orders came in. Ann looked at Sumire’s order. “Um, are you sure you can finish that before we leave?”

“Oh this? This is nothing” Sumire said, determined. She began eating. Ann watched her. She giggled and began eating her order.

As they continued eating, Sumire realized she needed to focus on why she brought Ann out here in the first place. “Right!” Sumire exclaimed, catching Ann by surprise. “Ummmm… I need to ask you something.”

Ann was concerned, but smiled. “What is it?”

Sumire looked off for a bit. “...Is...there anything that would make you guys hate me?”

Ann was surprised. “Where did that come from?”

“I’ve just been thinking…” Sumire continued. “Right now, I’m working on trying to be myself in every aspect. ...But I’m worried that there’s a part of me that you guys might not like.”

Ann tilted her head. “Huh. Well, is this part of you spiteful in any way?” Sumire looked confused. “Like, is it that you want to kill someone?”

“Oh” Sumire said, understanding the question. “No no no, nothing like that” she answered.

“Not even yourself?” Ann pressed further. Sumire was shocked. Ann sighed. “Sorry. I guess that was a bit much.”

“No, I get it…” Sumire said, trying to move past it.

“It’s just,” Ann began. She sighed. “You know how Kosuke had those voices as we were fighting him?” Sumire nodded. “Shiho had them too. And one of them was of her…”

“OH!” Sumire said, surprised.

“Yeah…” Ann replied. “I just,” she sighed again, “I don’t want to lose any of my friends.”

Sumire looked at Ann. She chuckled. “Well then, I guess we’re in the same boat.”

Ann looked at her and chuckled back. “I guess we are, huh.”

“It’s just…” Sumire said, pivoting back to what she was talking about, “the part of me that I’m a little worried about expressing is just...well...not considered normal…”

“Is that all?” Ann said. Sumire looked at her, again shocked. “We’re the Phantom Thieves. We reject normalcy in hopes of a better tomorrow. Normal is what led to people having Palaces in the first place. So whatever it is, be yourself!”

Sumire smiled. “Thank you, Ann-senpai.”

“What are friends for?” Ann replied. They finished eating, and Sumire headed for practice.

Later that night, Ren arrived back at LeBlanc. “Hey Boss,” Ren said.

Sojiro looked at her. “Hey” he replied. Ren started heading up. “Hey, would you mind helping out tonight?”

Ren stopped and looked at him. “Sure, but what for?”

“It’s just...been a while, you know?” Sojiro admitted. “I’m supposed to be taking care of you, but we only seem to pass each other by in recent times.”

Ren smiled. “Well, I’m not getting into trouble, so that’s a good sign.”

“Right…” Sojiro said, willing to believe that statement. “Still, I feel like an attempt should be made. And tonight seems to be a good night for that.”

“Why’s that?” Ren asked.

“Well…” Sojiro said, nervous. “Let’s just say that my time has been freed up tonight.”

Ren shrugged. “OK.”

“Go change,” Sojiro said. Ren saluted him, and she left to put her bag away and change. She came back down in her casual clothes and put her apron on. “Good. Now let’s get crackin’.” Ren and Sojiro worked together. While there weren’t too many customers, they still tried their hardest.

Once the last customers were out the door, Ren was about to start on the dishes when Sojiro called out to her. “Hey.” Ren looked over. “You’ve been making coffee for a bit, right?” Ren nodded. “Well tonight, I’m going to teach you about this place’s other specialty: curry.”

“I know how to make curry,” Ren stated.

“True, but you don’t know about this restaurant’s special curry,” Sojiro said.

“I guess I don't,” Ren admitted.

“Well, it’s fine,” Sojiro said. “Besides, once you know how to make this curry, you won’t want to make any other curry ever again.”

Ren did notice that the restaurant’s curry was incredibly delicious. She nodded and said “OK then. Shall we get started?”

“I’d thought you'd never ask,” Sojiro said. They got started making the curry. Sojiro was giving her precise instructions on what to add, when to add them, and even a few technical tips. Ren had experience making curry before, making this a bit easier to wrap her mind around, but she was learning something new, and she and Sojiro were having a good time doing it.

When it came time to taste the curry, Sojiro prepared two plates. They sat next to each other and took a bite at the same time. Both of them were surprised at the result, but in a good way. “Wow” Ren said.

“Heh” Sojiro laughed. “Again, you’re not quite on my level, but neither was I when I started making the curry. And you’re learning this version to boot.”

Ren looked at him. “What do you mean ‘this version’?”

“Er” Sojiro said, realizing he made a mistake. “Well, uh, it’s a bit complicated.”

“I’m listening,” Ren said.

Sojiro looked at her. He sighed. “Well, I guess there’s no getting one past you, huh.” His look grew a bit more somber. “Remember when I told you that the woman I’d settle down with is no longer here?” Ren nodded, taking another bite of her curry. “She helped improve the recipe.”

“Oh. I see” Ren said. “...I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Sojiro said. “You were bound to find out sooner or later.”

“How do you figure?” Ren asked

Sojiro grinned. Before he could answer, the door opened. The two turned to see that it was the rude gentleman from before. “You’re back?” Sojiro said.

“Hey, is that anyway to treat a visitor?” the man said. “You must be pretty well off if you can get high on your own supply.” Sojiro continued to glare at him. “Nothing? Man, you used to be so quick witted.”

“Are you going to order anything?” Sojiro asked.

“You should know what I want by now,” the man insisted.

“Trust me,” Sojiro said. “It’s impossible to not know what you want.”

“Ooooo. There’s that wit” the man said. “Look, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way.”

The two men continued glaring at each other for a moment when Sojiro’s phone went off. He took it out and saw that it was Ren calling. Understanding the meaning, he answered. “Hello...yes...uh huh...I see...Hey, can you hang on a second?...Thank you…” He put his hand over the speaker. “I need to take this call. It’s about the business. I’m sure we can meet some other time about this?”

The man glared at Sojiro. “Fine. But the next time won’t be so pretty.” He started to leave.

Sojiro got back on the phone. “Thank you again. Now, where were we...right…” The man left. Sojiro sighed. He hung up his phone and looked at Ren. “Thanks for that.”

“No problem.” Sojiro continued eating his curry. “Wait. You didn’t answer my question. How did you figure I’d find the truth eventually?”

“Oh, right,” Sojiro said. “Well, there are two reasons. 1. Because I sort of promised you, but 2. I’ve been around the block more than enough times to know a smart woman when I see one.”

Ren was taken aback by Sojiro’s authenticity. She smiled. “You’re a good man Boss.”

“Heh. Thanks, I guess” Sojiro said.

Hierophant-Sojiro Sakura: Rank 4

They finished their curry. Once they were done, Sojiro went home, and Ren went upstairs to bed.