5/16

Kobayakawa sits at his desk. The students have all arrived. His door is thick, but he can still feel the bustle as they make their way through the halls. Ridiculous, he thinks. Maybe so, but denial eludes Kobayakawa. Phantom Thieves. The blackouts. This is all some months-long nightmare from which he cannot wake.

Somewhere deep inside him, a tiny gear of guilt grinds his blood. But it is so very small, and Kobayakawa is so very large.

There's a knock at his door.

She has arrived.

"Come in," he calls.

#

Makoto steps into the Principal's office and stands at attention before his desk. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

Kobayakawa does not look well. Sweat peels from him like another skin. When he turns to her, a second's contact seems all his eyes can bear, and he glances away from her. "Yes," he mutters, then takes a heaving sigh.

For her part, Makoto is in no mood for whatever this is. Her emotions have ranged wide today, and it is only mid-morning. She has not caught sight of Akira and has not received any answer. The relief Makoto feels at coming clean to Haru still resonates within her, but she cannot clamp down on the giddiness at the prospect of finally having an answer about Akira and the Phantom Thieves.

Kobayakawa finishes his sigh and looks back at Makoto. His eyes are suddenly sharp and narrow. Distrustful, even.

"Niijima-san," he says, and nods his bulbous head. "I want to begin this conversation by saying a few things."

"Yes, sir."

Kobayakawa clears his throat and continues. You are a remarkable student and an excellent Student Council President. You are hard-working, diligent, and the staff and your classmates respect you. If you continue down the path you tread, I have no doubt a shining future awaits you."

Makoto blinks, having not expected the Principal’s lauding words. Makoto wasn't sure what she had expected when she received the instruction to come to the office, but it certainly wasn't this.

"Thank you, sir."

"So then, I want to ask you this directly. Are you a member of these so-called 'Phantom Thieves.'"

Makoto's eyes widen. "What?"

"I am not hearing a denial."

Her words fall from her in a stutter. "N-no! Of course not!"

Kobayakawa stares at her for some time. Then, he says, "Then let me ask you this, do you have any idea who the Phantom Thieves could be?"

Akira Kurusu. Ryuji Sakamoto. Ann Takamaki.

Makoto's heart beats faster. Sweat pools within her hair, but does not yet slide down her face. She thinks of Akira. Was this really happening? Right now? Today?

"No," Makoto answers. "I do not."

The Principal sighs and collapses back into his chair.

"May I ask, sir," she begins. "Why are you asking these things?"

Kobayakawa's eyes seem to scowl at her. "Do I honestly need to explain that?" Makoto opens her mouth, but Kobayakawa continues before she can speak. "Really, now. I expect a bit more deduction for someone with such high test scores." He spreads his hands wide. "Who else but disgruntled Shujin students would bear a grudge against Kamoshida-sensei? Who else would be aware of the man's... problems?"

Problems? Makoto thinks. He was a rapist! "Sir, he-"

Kobayakawa holds up a hand. "I am aware of Kamoshida-sensei's misdeeds. He confessed to them before me just as much as before you. However, I cannot condone students who think they can blackmail, manipulate, and otherwise extort and exploit this institution's faculty members!"

Makoto cannot believe what she is hearing. "Why would they, sir?" She asks. "They made their point, didn't they? They called out Kamoshida. They got him to confess. What else would they..." Makoto trails off because she very well knows what they can do. What they have done.

Kobayakawa nods. "I see you understand the flaw in your logic, Niijima-san. The Phantom Thieves have - apparently - already targetted a Shujin student. Their website, the PhanSite, has been up and running for some time now. And if you honestly had your finger on the pulse of the student body, you'd know that's all anyone is talking about."

Not quite all," Makoto thinks, recalling the very many rumors circulating about Akira.

"The point," Kobayakawa continues. "Is that the Phantom Thieves are not done. And I will not permit them to use this school as some kind of... staging ground." Kobayakawa's hand darts out, yanks open a drawer, and snatches out a manilla folder. "I would prefer to believe your denial, but as I cannot be sure, you leave me with no real choice."

Makoto's heart smashes against her ribcage. "Sir?" She asks.

"You wish to have the full recommendation of this institution. With it, you would have a relatively easy time securing your position at any university." Kobayakawa pauses, and Makoto feels the dread ink its way through her, tattooing itself on her organs. "If you wish to receive this recommendation, seek out, and find the Phantom Thieves."

This isn't real. This isn't happening. He can't do that! Thoughts of Akira flee her mind, and new images - those of her sister - fill her mind. And not only of Sae but of everything. Without the letter of recommendation, getting into a top-tier college would be much harder, and even if she could, the letter would have a much more significant impact on her future and career choices. Stabs of panic rampage through her skin. "Sir, you can't honestly-"

"What?" Kobayakawa cuts in, and Makoto swears he's almost sneering. "I can't honestly, 'what?' Because if you're doubting my ability to do what I'm outlining, then you are tragically mistaken." Makoto feels as if all the blood has drained from her body. "What's wrong? Are you unwilling to turn in your confederates?"

Something rises in her. "Sir, I am not a Phantom Thief."

Kobayakawa nods. "Then I suggest you find out who is." He shoves the folder across his desk. It stops just before sliding over the edge, only a few inches from Makoto. When Makoto looks at the Principal, he nods.

Makoto reaches out one trembling hand, picks up the file, and opens the flap.

Akira Kurusu's face stares out at her. It is his student record. Her throat dries. This can't be happening. There are more pages. She flips to the next. Ryuji Sakamoto glowers out from his student photo. Makoto turns the page. Ann Takamki grins. Another page. Yuuki Mishima stares tentatively at the camera. Once more. Shiho Suzui wears a small smile.

"Suzui?" Makoto asks, then looks up at the Principal. "Sir, she was in a coma after her suicide attempt."

The Principal's eyes are hard, and his tone suggests no further argument when he asks, "And?"

Makoto returns her eyes to the folder. There are more pages. She turns the next page and stares at herself.

This is not happening.

"Sir, I-"

"Akira Kurusu. A recent transfer student with a criminal record. He was threatened with expulsion by Kamoshida-sensei a scant handful of days before his confession. Coerced by Kamoshida-sensei into facilitating inappropriate relations with Takamaki, but by all accounts, he remains friends with Takamaki. Ryuji Sakamoto. A delinquent who physically assaulted Kamoshida-sensei last year. Also threatened with expulsion. Also friends with Kurusu and Takamaki. Ann Takamaki. The target of Kamoshida-sensei's advances. Yuuki Mishima. Frequently abused at the hands of Kamoshida-sensei. Threatened with expulsion. An associate, if not friend, of Sakamoto's and classmates of Kurusu and Takamaki. Shiho Suzui. Victim. Takamaki's friend." Kobayakawa says nothing more on Suzui. He says nothing more about Makoto's presence in the file. Makoto begins to peel back the remaining pages. A few more students are in the file, but Kobayakawa stays silent.

He doesn't think any of the others are involved, Makoto realizes. And he was almost entirely correct.

Idiot! Makoto thinks, and she is not sure whom she means.

How could the Phantom Thieves be so careless?

And how could she? Makoto had spent all this time looking into the Phantom Thieves. How could she have been so naive to think actual authorities wouldn't also be interested?

If I can figure all this out, so can the Principal. So can the police.

"Sir..." Makoto starts, then trails off.

This isn't happening.

This isn't happening.

This isn't happening.

Makoto shuts her eyes. She breathes. In and out. In and out. What would Sis do? What would Dad do? Makoto's brain burns, and she settles on only one possible way out of this.

She opens her eyes.

"I understand, sir. I will investigate the Phantom Thieves."

Kobayakawa smiles. "Very good. That will be all. Keep me abreast of the investigation."

From the corner of her eye, Makoto notices a black flash out the window, but when her gaze flicks towards it, whatever it was has gone.

"Sir, I have one question."

"What is it?"

"Did you know? About Kamoshida's abuses?"

A scowl explodes across Kobayakawa's face, and he lurches to his feet. "What kind of inane question is that, Niijima? I won't even dignify that with an answer! Need I remind you that your name is on that list as well? So if you want to continue down the path to success, don't waste my time with foolish inquiries, and get to work!"

"Yes, sir," Makoto says, and forces herself to look cowed. Then, to herself, she whispers, "That's all I wanted to know."

"What was that?"

"Nothing, sir."

"Then get to class."

"Yes, sir." Makoto turns and walks out the door. As she shuts it behind her, she thinks, Piece of shit.

#

Akira walks the alley's length, turns, and walks back to the group. He looks at each person, then turns and takes off down the alley once more.

"Akira," Ann says, when he does this again.

Akira turns back, looks down at Morgana, and says, "You heard wrong."

"I didn't."

"You heard wrong."

"I'm telling you," the cat replies. "I didn't."

Ryuji's face is pale, and his feet tap out a rhythmic beat, even as he leans against the wall. "This is bad. So freakin' bad."

"What did she say?" Akira asks.

"She said she understood. She said that-"

"Word for word, Morgana," Akira cuts. "Word for word."

The cat begins to wilt under Akira's gaze, then finds his resolve and stiffens. "Don't snap at me. I didn't get a chance to listen in on the entire conversation. Once Makoto left her homeroom, I had to climb to the roof, then hop around on some of those damn window ledges until I could find her. It's not my fault she's working with the Principal."

"Morgana's right," Ann replies, then sighs. "Guess we know why she wanted to know about us so badly."

Ryuji shakes his head. "This is so bad."

"After the Principal gave her the list and named all of you," Morgana says. "Makoto flipped through the file and said she understood. She said, ‘I will investigate the Phantom Thieves.’ Then, the Principal dismissed her, and I came to find you guys."

"What about before that? What did she say before that?" Akira asks, his mind racing.

Morgana, confident once more, stands all the straighter. "She asked why Shiho was on the list since she'd been in a coma during Kamoshida's confession."

"And before that?"

"I don't-"

"What did she say before that?" Akira shouts.

"Akira, stop it," Ann says, walking up to him and grabbing his shoulders. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Akira's eyes find their way to hers. "There's another reason. There's-"

Ann's hands tighten on Akira's shoulders. "Get a hold of yourself."

"I told you," Morgana hisses. "I told you something like this could happen. This is why Makoto wanted to know so much about us."

"Well," Ann says, trying to fix a smile onto her face. "We're okay, right? Akira didn't tell her the truth, so we're good?"

Ryuji lifts his head. "Good? Ann, they've got our freakin' names."

"Ryuji's right," Morgana says. "Whatever Makoto's role is in this investigation is secondary to the fact that there is an investigation."

Ann steps away from Akira. "I'm sorry, Mona, but one more time, what happened, and what did the Principal say, specifically?"

Morgana sighs and rolls his eyes. "Usami told Makoto the Principal wanted to see her. By the time I got to the window outside Kobayakawa's office, he'd given Makoto a file and listed your names, one by one, starting with Akira, then Ryuji, then Lady Ann. He also suggested Shiho and Mishima as suspects. Makoto asked him why Shiho was in the file, but he didn't answer."

"Oh god," Ryuji mumbles. "How? How could they know it was us?"

"They don't know it was us," Morgana says. "They suspect us. Strongly."

"What the hell is the difference?" Ryuji shouts.

"Calm down," Ann snaps.

"Like hell," Ryuji spits back and straightens. "Don't you get how bad this is?"

Akira turns from the group and takes a few steps away.

"Of course, I do," Ann protests.

Akira turns and puts his back to the brick wall of the alley. He clasps his hands together and slides down, dropping his rear against the ground. He keeps his eyes focused on the puddle of dirty water centered on the blacktop.

"Dude," Ryuji says, and steps around Ann. He kneels next to Akira. "Are you okay? Come on, leader, this isn't the time to lose it."

"You are," Ann points out.

"I'm not the leader!"

Ann ignores him and asks, "What'd you want to do, Akira?"

Akira looks up at them, but he doesn't see them. Not really. All he can see is the white ceiling, mismatched with the dull ivory walls. All he can see is the cot where he'll sleep and the massive door that locks him inside. All he can see is the box.

You fell for it, Joker whispers. Akira wasn't careful enough. Makoto's been investigating us all along.

You're not thinking, another voice whispers, and Akira recognizes his father's voice, dragged down from too many years with a cigarette between his lips. I'm here because you need someone who knows how to do this. Think about the timeline. The words wriggle in his brain.

The pieces are all jumbled, Akira thinks. Something doesn't make sense.

Panic still pumps through his system, which does not allow further exploration.

Akira's phone vibrates. He pulls it from his pocket.

MAKOTO: We need to talk.

"It's Makoto," Akira says. "She's asking for my answer."

Ann huffs. "I knew we couldn't trust her."

Akira opens his mouth to spit a scathing retort, but he manages to swallow it.

Breathe, he thinks, and does just that.

It wasn't Makoto's idea to tutor me. That was Kawakami. And we flirted for a long time before we ever announced ourselves as the Phantom Thieves.

Right, his father whispers. But then again, what did you once call her? A robot? You know she's looking into you. You just thought it was on her own. But now? What conclusion would you draw, and what should you draw?

Akira lets his breathing slow and wills his heart rate to decelerate. We need to know more. We need to keep Makoto off our backs. Fool her and-

No, his father's voice is harsher now. You already tried that, and it didn't work.

Akira is silent.

Ryuji, Ann, and Morgana speak to one another, and Akira hefts himself up. They turn to him as he rises.

What do I need to know? What do I need to do?

"Morgana, we need to know what was in that file."

"I need to warn Shiho," Ann says.

Akira nods. "Sure."

"But what about the Prez?" Ryuji asks.

Akira is silent for a few moments. Then, dragging the words out, he says, “I’ve got an idea.”

#

Akira checks his phone.

MAKOTO : Where are you?

Akira scowls and slides the phone back into his pocket. Maybe I should've talked to her, he thinks. Told her something. That's what she was expecting.

We need some distance, Joker replies.

This is why Akira makes his way back to LeBlanc, alone. After school, Ann had gone off to warn Shiho about Makoto's investigation. Akira had left Morgana in the care of Ryuji with the instructions to see about getting access to the file the Principal had shown Makoto. Per Morgana, the Principal returned the file to his desk, so it shouldn't be too much of an ask to break in.

In the meantime, Akira's idea for handling Makoto needed some thought. Hell, this whole thing had come about due to Ann's declaration to Takanashi. The timeline would have worked out if she hadn't said she'd been on a date with Ryuji when they confronted the bully.

No use worrying about that now, Akira thinks. What's done is done. Still, it was a valuable lesson. If the Phantom Thieves were ever to do something like this again, they'd need to know what they could and couldn't say. Takanashi had only spoken with Makoto, as far as Akira knew. But Akira and the others had ample communication with Kamoshida.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

It was too much to assume they could get away with not interacting with targets from now on, but if they went in with a script or at least a mental list of prohibited topics, they could avoid this mistake.

It was too much for Akira to think about Makoto. Hard to imagine that just over a day earlier, he'd been ready to have a great time. And he had had a great time, until the topic arose.

Why? Akira thinks. Why did it have to be this way?

The voices in his head remind him that he does not have the time to lament, but he shuts them up. Yeah, I know.

Akira pushes the door to the LeBlanc and steps into the dim light of the cafe.

"Oh, good," Sojiro says, from behind the bar. "You can take over for a few minutes."

Akira glances up, noticing the small cast present within. Sojiro stands in his usual spot, and a young woman in her twenties with silver hair stands before him, a stern look on her face. Her eyes flash across Akira, and he gets the impression of being vivisected. The woman turns to Sojiro and says, "Then, should we take this in the back?"

Sojiro nods, and glances at Akira. "Mind the place, would you? Don't try to make anything too complicated. We'll be just over there."

Akira stifles a sigh and moves behind the bar, shedding his bag. Hopefully, these people will leave soon.

The third person sits at the bar. His gloved hands are clasped together before him, casually. Sandy brown hair matches his school uniform, and a briefcase sits next to him on the floor.

The woman moves off as Sojiro slides from behind the bar into the far booth, joining her. They begin to whisper in hushed voices, but Akira can’t bring himself to care.

"Hello," the third person says, and Akira spares him a glance. It's a boy, about his age, maybe a year older. He smiles calmly and regards Akira without any hint of malice or contempt.

"Hey," Akira replies. He scoops a spare apron off a shelf behind the bar and dons it.

"Are you Sakura-san's assistant?"

"Sure feels like it," Akira mutters.

"Ah, well," the boy replies, nodding. He drums his fingers along the bar's wood for a moment, then fixes an apologetic look on his face. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I had placed an order, and well..."

Akira smiles. "Boss forgot about it?" The boy nods, seemingly embarrassed. "Sorry about that. I'm not much of a cook, though."

"Oh, it was just coffee."

"That I can do," Akira replies. "What blend?"

The boy tells him, and Akira pours it, black. The boy requests no creamer or sugar.

"Easy enough," Akira replies, setting it before him.

The boy bows his head. "Thank you very much. I need all the energy I can get in my line of work." He reaches out, almost daintily, and lifts the cup to his lips. He takes a small sip, then sets the cup back down, sighing contentedly. "Wonderful." He relaxes onto his stool, then glances back at the two adults sequestered in the booth. "Any idea what they're talking about?" He asks.

Akira arches a brow. "Didn't you two come together? I would've thought you'd know."

"Alas," the boy says. "She tells me little. Just drags me from place to place, not that I mind. This place is charming."

"First time?" Akira asks.

"Coming here?" The boy asks. Akira nods. "Yes, though I hope it's not my last." He grins at Akira and inclines his head. "Goro Akechi. Pleased to meet you."

The name sounds familiar, but Akira cannot place it. "Akira Kurusu," he says, nodding. "Likewise."

What? Are we making friends now? His father's voice demands. We've got more important things to worry about.

If the authorities are after us, or at least have our names, why would they ask the Principal to investigate us through Makoto? Joker wonders.

That doesn't make sense, Akira thinks. He knows, from experience, that the authorities wouldn't need any excuse to come for them. So why send a Student Council President after them?

And the way she phrased things, Akira thinks. If what Morgana said is true, she said, 'I'll investigate the Phantom Thieves.' It almost sounds like this was the first she'd heard of it.

Can we afford to think it all a coincidence? Joker asks.

"Excuse me?" Akechi asks.

Akira blinks and returns to the present. "I'm sorry. Did you need something else?"

"Oh, no," Akechi replies. "I'm sorry if I interrupted your thoughts. I just noticed your uniform. Are you a Shujin student?"

"Yes, I am," Akira answers.

"Interesting, so-"

"...not gonna order anything," Akira suddenly hears Sojiro say, "then I've got nothing left to say." Akira turns and sees Sojiro stand, a stern look on his face. He removes himself from the booth and crosses his arms.

The woman doesn't sigh or show any discernable emotion. Instead, she rises, turns, and begins to march down the bar. "Let's go, Akechi."

"Ah," the boy replies. "One moment." He takes the coffee and takes a big slurp, swallowing as much as possible. He sets the cup down and makes a face. "Oh, dear. That might've been too fast. Could I trouble you for some water?" He asks Akira.

Akira pours him a cup, and hears the woman take a long sigh, standing next to Akechi. Akira glances at her once more as he hands Akechi the water. She looks to be around Kawakami-sensei's age. Her outfit is a stern black business suit over a black turtleneck. Her hair is tinged more towards gray than silver, and her eyes are a deep brown Akira almost mistakes as red.

These eyes flick towards him, then pause, and scrutinize him. Akira, however, cannot mistake the dullness shot through them, the exhaustion. Though her makeup is applied precisely, Akira can see the faint hints of dark circles beneath her sockets.

"I see you noticed, too," Akechi says, as he finishes his water. "I already asked."

"I'm sorry?" Akira asks.

"That's a Shujin Academy uniform, no?" She asks. Her voice is direct and authoritative.

Why so many questions about my damn uniform?

"Yes," Akira replies.

She nods, a single, solid dip of her head. "I see. What brings a Shujin student out to this place?" A look to her suggests she will not accept silence as a response. Akira can almost feel himself wilt beneath her gaze. Had he not been behind the safety of the bar, he is not sure he could stand it. He glances back towards the far end of the bar, but Sojiro has stepped into the kitchen - he can hear the sink running - and provides no explanation or protection.

"I live here," he says. What am I doing? Akira wonders.

Who even is this? Joker asks.

Stop talking, his father demands.

She blinks. "I was unaware Sojiro had taken in..." She pauses, then shakes her head. "I suppose it really has been some time since I visited the file."

The file? Akira wonders.

"The file?" Akechi asks.

The woman's attention refocuses on Akira. "Well, I suppose your living here would explain your presence. Is Sojiro your uncle?"

Akira considers staying silent, but what can he do under her gaze? "N-no."

Akechi offers a brief little wave to the woman. "Um, Sae-san? You're doing that thing again."

The woman - Sae, fixes her gaze on Akechi, and Akira feels as if he's been holding his breath. "What thing?" She demands.

"He's just a student at the school," Akechi points out.

Sae sighs. "Fine." She glances at Akira. "I attentded Shujin in my youth. Now, my younger sister attends."

Akira nods and makes an effort to start sliding away from the two. "Oh. Maybe I've seen her."

"I would hope so," Sae says. "She's the Student Council President."

Akira's eyes snap back to hers. He sees it now. The red tint in her eyes. This is Makoto's sister? This is Makoto's sister. And here she is. In LeBlanc.

Akira starts to laugh. It does not begin as a laugh but more of a chuckle. But then it grows until the smile splits his face wide, and the sound belts from him.

Sae's eyes narrow. "What's so funny?"

Akira shakes his head. "Nothing," he says, regaining control of himself. "I apologize. It's nothing."

The woman stares at him, a newfound intensity in her eyes. Akira's laughter diminishes and eventually dies. He breaks his gaze and pretends to stare at the various coffee-making equipment behind the bar. "I suppose," Makoto's sister says after a long pause. "We should be going. Let's go, Akechi."

"Yes, let's," Akechi replies. "Thank you for the coffee, Kurusu."

The two turn and begin to walk towards the door. Akira hears the click-click-click of her shoes and recalls the same sound from the courtyard's alcove. It is the sound of a Niijima on the march. Most likely, an angry Niijima.

"Yeah sure," Akira calls after them. Then, before his brain realizes what his mouth is doing, he adds, "Tell Makoto I say 'hi.'"

The footsteps stop. Akira does not hear the chime of the bell.

When Sae speaks, it is the sound of shattering ice. "And why would I do that?"

"Oh dear," Akechi mutters.

Somehow, the already low lights in the cafe dim a bit closer to total darkness.

Click. Click. Click.

Akira is not laughing now.

Click. Click. Click.

Akira feels the elder Niijima's presence grow before him. What was the answer to that question Inui-sensei asked us today? The one about the sisters that could turn you to stone if you looked at them?

Akira has never wanted to not look up so badly in his entire life, but he does.

Oh, that's right, Akira thinks, when he sees the eyes. Gorgon.

"Tell her you say 'hi?'" Sae demands. The length of a heartbeat passes. "What is your name?"

Akira's mouth creaks open. "I didn't-"

"Don't dodge the question. What is your name?"

"I-"

"Sae-san," Akechi says, quickly. "I don't think he meant anything by it. If he-"

"Quiet, Akechi," Sae snaps. "I heard you call him Kurusu. I want your full name, Kurusu. I can find it just as easily on my own, using my resources, but that would waste my time, and I promise you, Kurusu, I am not someone whose time you want to waste."

"A-Akira," Akira stutters. "Akira Kurusu." The name topples from his lips, but she presses onward before he can even regret it.

"And what is the nature of your relationship with my sister?"

"Relationship?"

"Judging by the uniform, you're a second year. Yet, you refer to her as 'Makoto' and not 'Niijima-senpai.' That indicates some degree of familiarity. Am I wrong?"

Her glare is a supernova, a blizzard, a sandstorm, a tidal wave. A small, dim part of himself realizes his brain has completely shut off. "S-she asked-"

"She asked you to call her that? I find that highly unlikely. So perhaps I should rephrase my question. What are your designs upon my sister?"

"To be fair, Sae-san," Akechi says. "I use your first name."

"Quiet, Akechi. Answer the question, Kurusu."

Akira's mouth is full of sawdust, and his jaw works uselessly.

"Answer me!"

"She tutors me!" Akira blurts.

The woman blinks. "She tutors you?"

"Yes! She sometimes meets with me in the library to help with my homework after school. The teachers asked her to."

They also asked her to investigate my connection to the Phantom Thieves. Akira keeps this part, thankfully, to himself.

"How long has this been going on?" Sae asks, slowly.

"Um, a few weeks."

Sae leans in closer, eyes narrow. "You're lying."

"Okay," Akechi says, lifting his hands as if they could somehow stop this woman. "Perhaps we should take a break and-"

"What aren't you telling me, Kurusu?" Sae asks.

"I-" Akira starts, but then Sojiro's voice echoes from down the bar. "Hey!" Akira turns and sees the older man approach. "What're you grilling him for?"

"This doesn't concern you," the woman retorts, her words sharp and biting. "I'm inquiring into your ward's designs upon my younger sister, Makoto."

"Makoto?" Sojiro asks, then looks at Akira. "That's not the one you took on a date, is it?"

Akira wants to die.

"Oh no," Akechi whispers.

"What?" Sae asks.

Sojiro seems to realize what a horrible mistake he's made. "Look, just leave the kid alone, Sae."

"You took my sister on a date?" Sae asks, slowly.

"It-"

"Enough," Sojiro growls. He puts a hand on Akira's shoulder, drawing him away from the duo. "I've been exceedingly polite towards you, Sae. But it's time for you to leave. Now. He did it right. Even if it was your sister he took on a date. Hell, he was back here way before the sun went down. Maybe you should try asking your sister if you've got questions."

Oh god, Akira thinks. Did that make it better or worse?

Sae is silent, and Akechi stands stock still, eyes moving between Sae and Akira. "Very well," Sae says. But before she makes to leave, she steps closer to Akira and, in a tone that brokers no argument, says, "Stay away from Makoto."

Then, she turns and marches out the door. Akechi follows her, then turns to Akira and mouths, 'Sorry!' before following her.

Sojiro shakes his head. "Kid. Please. Please tell me you didn't take a Makoto Niijima on a date."

"Uh," Akira replies.

"Shit," Sojiro spits. "Welp. Hope you're not in love or anything, because that's the end of that."

"Who even was that?" Akira asks. "What was she doing here?"

"That's..." Sojiro says, then clams up. "That's none of your business, but you don't need to worry about it. She's not here for you. So far as I know, she knows nothing about you. Well, I guess except for your name and that you were insane enough to try and date her sister."

"Why would she be here for me?" Akira asks. "Who were those people?"

"That was Sae Niijima and Goro Akechi," Sojiro replies. "He's the 'Detective Prince' or whatever, and she's a Public Prosecutor."

Akira leans forward until his head rests on the bar. "Of course she is."

#

"What if," Ann starts. "I pretend to have been dating you all along?"

Akira and Ryuji look at her. The four Phantom Thieves have reconvened in Akira's room, which has - Akira realizes - begun to feel like the unofficial headquarters of their team, despite Akira's protestations to Mishima the day before.

"Huh?" Akira and Ryuji ask.

"Out of the question," Morgana hisses.

Ann shrugs. "Why not?"

Akira stares at Ann. "Well, for starters, we already lied and said that Ryuji was about to ask you out. Then, I took Makoto out on a date. So I don't see how us pretending to have been dating would help rectify the situation."

Ann pouts. "Fine, fine. It was just a suggestion."

Ryuji shakes his head. "Whatever. Look, I gotta be honest. I'm not sure how much suspicion there is out there. I mean, Morgana couldn't break into the Principal's office so-"

"Th-that's not my fault," Morgana counters. "I couldn't get to his office door because his secretary was in the way, and the window was shut from the inside! I can't pass through walls, and I-"

"Dude," Ryuji cuts in, holding up his hands. "Relax. I wasn't blaming you. If you couldn't get in, you couldn't get in." Ryuji turns back to face the group. "Maybe we can trick the secretary or something, or pull the fire alarm and send Morgana in to check out the file. I thought about doing that but didn't want to do it with so few people in the school. It would've looked too, uh..." He snaps his fingers. "What's that word where you stand out too much?"

"Conspicuous?" Ann asks.

"Yeah, that one," Ryuji replies, pointing at her. "Woulda looked too conspicuouolosly or something."

Ann rolls her eyes, but Akira nods. "No, that was smart. If we do something like that, we should do it when more people are around. It'll be easier for us to blend in with everyone."

Ryuji nods. "Right, but besides that shit, I checked the RINE app. I'm not seeing anything on there talking about us being Phantom Thieves."

Ann shrugs. "That's hardly surprising," she says. "Why would any of the students think we were involved? It's the Principal and the President we need to worry about."

"But doesn't that seem strange?" Akira asks. "Why would the Principal be looking into us?"

"We did make our big debut at Shujin," Morgana points out. "And we really haven't strayed from the school."

"Save for Nakanohara," Ryuji points out. "And Madarame, if we ever get around to him."

"Right, but that's what I'm saying," Akira says. "If anyone in actual power - like the police - had any idea who we were, why would they use the school's Principal to flush us out? And why would he use Makoto?"

Ann frowns. "He probably knows that Makoto's close to you. Hell, that's probably why she got close to you in the first place-"

"No," Akira replies, shaking his head. "That's wrong." Akira holds up a hand when Ann starts to protest. "I did think about that, but it doesn't make sense. Makoto and I were hanging out and flirting way before we sent Kamoshida's Calling Card. And I can't imagine Kawakami-sensei getting involved in some conspiracy, and she's the one who introduced us.

"Plus," Akira continues. "Makoto's sister was here. Today." He shudders. "And she's a Public Prosecutor. But she had no clue who I was. She didn't even know I'd gone on a date with Makoto. If that were part of the investigation into the Phantom Thieves, you'd think she'd somehow know about it. So, why would the terrifying Public Prosecutor not know about an investigation into the Phantom Thieves, but the Student Council President of a high school would? It doesn't make sense."

"Shit man," Ryuji replies, after the silence that follows. "Maybe it is just the Principal?"

"Can we afford to think like that?" Morgana asks. "Even if it were the Principal, he's got our names, and he's roped Makoto into investigating us. So we need to be very careful."

"But then, isn't that more reason to just ditch Shujin?" Ann asks. "I mean, I realize most of the Requests come from Shujin students, but that will change if we change Madarame's heart, right?"

Akira nods. "I agree. I know there are still a lot of shitty things happening at Shujin, but I think we should focus on Madarame for now. Once we change his heart, it should take the spotlight off Shujin. If that happens, maybe the Principal's investigation will go away. But," and Akira says this with a raised index finger. "We still need to see what's in that file."

"If you can get the Secretary and the Principal out of the office," Morgana insists. "I can get to the file."

The four regard one another, and one by one, they nod. "Alright, but what about the other elephant in the room?" Ann asks.

Ryuji snickers. "The Principal?"

Ann spits out a laugh and quickly high-fives Ryuji. Akira chuckles and rolls his eyes. "No. You know who I'm talking about."

Akira nods. "Makoto."

"She's investigating us, and her sister is a Public Prosecutor, and she hangs out with the Detective Prince?" Ann asks. "That's a lot of red flags, Akira."

"You're right," Akira replies. "And it sucks, and I hate it, but I know what I've got to do."

The others are quiet, though Ryuji moves over next to Akira and offers a sympathetic clap on his shoulder. "Sorry, bro."

#

"I see," Makoto says, into the phone. "Thank you, Suzui-san. Please, give my regards to your daughter and tell her that everyone at Shujin hopes she has a speedy recovery."

"Thank you for calling, Niijima-san," Shiho's mother replies. "I'll let her know."

Makoto exchanges a few more pleasantries and hangs up the phone.

Well, Makoto thinks. I suppose that's that.

So the whole Takamaki visited Suzui in the hospital during Takanashi's change of heart was bullshit.

It had been relatively easy to figure out. Makoto had called Shiho Suzui's mother, inquiring about dropping off homework assignments and schoolwork that she'd missed. She’d braced for the possibility that Suzui's mother would tell her to buzz off, but surprisingly, the woman was grateful. She thought it would be good for Suzui to have her mind on something other than... well, everything that was on her mind.

Makoto had stretched the truth and stated that she knew that Takamaki had come to visit but was hoping to have the dates, so Makoto could know which day's assignments might've already been provided. As far as an excuse went, it was pretty weak, and Makoto doubted Takamaki was even bringing the assignments. She seemed like the kind of person who would forget such things.

Suzui's mother had confirmed the visitor log. Ann Takamaki had not signed in on May 9th, though she had visited Suzui earlier that week.

Taken to its natural conclusion, Ann Takamaki did not have an alibi for Takanashi's change of heart.

Makoto sets her phone down on her mattress and leans back, staring at the ceiling.

There'd been no word from Akira. Not even a text.

When Makoto coupled that with the Principal's request, she found her brain shutting down.

Of course, she'd only agreed to get out of Kobayakawa's office. Makoto has no intention of betraying the Phantom Thieves. She'd wanted to speak to Haru afterward, but the girl had been absent from class, and her texts had gone unanswered.

Makoto feels very alone.

She shuts her eyes and blows out a long sigh. "What am I going to do?" She mutters.

Her stomach growls.

Food. That is what I'm going to do.

Makoto had already eaten dinner, but it had been small and tasted flavorless. She ignores her protesting limbs and exhausted mind and pushes herself to her feet. Makoto trudges in her pajamas, out of her room, and into the hall. When she turns into the dining room, a throat clears behind her.

Makoto jumps. Sae sits in an armchair in the living room. Her sister's eyes level themselves towards Makoto in a look the younger Niijima recognizes. What did I do now?

"Hey, Sis," Makoto says, giving Sae a small smile. "I didn't know you were home. Want something to eat?" Makoto begins to turn towards the kitchen.

"Akira Kurusu," Sae says.

Makoto's feet freeze, and she feels a flush spread through her whole body. "Huh?"

"I met him today," Sae says, and tilts her head to the side.

Makoto does not understand what is happening. She shakes her head and says, "Wait, what? You did? How?"

"I am acquainted with the man who has taken him in."

Makoto knows Tokyo is not Akira's hometown, but Akira had not mentioned his living conditions when he revealed his story the other day.

"I stopped by his cafe today," Sae continues. "It's a small hole-in-the-wall in Yongen-jaya. LeBlanc. I rarely see any customers there. So imagine my surprise when I see a young man in a Shujin uniform, working behind the bar."

Oh no, Makoto thinks.

"He told me to tell you, 'hi.'"

"Oh. Um-"

"And you went on a date with him."

The floor drops out from beneath Makoto's feet. "He told you that?"

"No. His guardian let it slip. All he told me was that you tutor him."

"Well, yes, and I-"

"So you tutored him and then proceeded to date him?"

"I-it was a date. We're not dating and-"

"Are you aware of his record, Makoto?" Sae snaps.

"Just wait for a second," Makoto replies. "I do tutor him, and I do know about his record and-"

"You do know about his record?" Sae asks.

"Yes, but-"

Sae lets out an angry groan and withdraws her cell from her bag, which sits at her feet. "And are you aware of this?" She asks, turning the phone's screen to face Makoto.

The too-familiar RINE chat screens appear. Even from this distance, Makoto can see the neverending speculation about Akira.

"Those are nonsense," Makoto says, trying to smile, feeling increasingly agitated by the second. "I mean, have you read them? Also, why are you even reading them and-"

"I attended Shujin as well, Makoto. I retain access, though I've had little cause to view these chats in recent years." Sae lowers her phone, leans back in her chair, and shakes her head. "This is unbelievable," she whispers, not even looking at Makoto now. "What were you thinking?"

"Those aren't-"

"Who cares?" Sae demands, fixing Makoto with a glare. "Obviously, they're not true. But do you want to be associated with someone like this? Someone who has rumors like these flying around about him? Regardless, you do not have time for this, Makoto. Your studies are supposed to take priority. Your work."

"Sis," Makoto says, trying to remain calm. "The teachers asked me to help him."

"And you have. The exam season is over, no? Time to cut the cord. No more tutoring and no more dating. You're not to see him again. You're not going to waste what precious time you have on some delinquent."

"He's not a delinquent," Makoto whispers.

"Oh, no?" Sae asks, and reaches into her bag once more. She withdraws a manila file, and Makoto feels vertigo. She sees the Principal in his office, sliding the file across the desk towards her. "That's not what his record says."

"You... you have his record?"

"Of course I do," Sae replies. "Did you think I wouldn't? Did you honestly think I wouldn't find all the information I could on someone dragging my little sister down into the mud with him?"

Makoto sits down on one of their couches, across from Sae. "Sis, please. That's not what's happening. Calm down for a second and let me-"

"Read it," Sae says, and throws it onto their living room table. The edges of a few pages creep out from the confines. Sae nods towards it when Makoto makes no move. "Go on."

"No," Makoto says, and shakes her head.

"Excuse me?"

"I already know what it'll say. Akira told me what-"

"So he told you how he assaulted someone? And you still chose to go on a date with him?"

Actually, he told me during the date, Makoto thinks, shaking her head. "He told me, and I don't care. Maybe you don't know the full story. He was walking home, and he saw-"

"Oh, come on," Sae replies, rolling his eyes. "Do not tell me you're naive enough to believe his story."

Makoto's hands have begun to shake. "He's not-"

"You do not have time to waste on this boy."

"I'm not wasting time," Makoto whispers. "You don't... you don't know."

"What?" Sae demands, shrugging. "Tell me what I don't know, Makoto."

Makoto feels very cold and shivers. "K-Kamoshida."

Sae's eyes narrow. "The pervert who assaulted that girl?" She shakes her head. "What's he got to do with Kurusu?"

"H-he..."

"What?" Sae asks.

"He..." And Makoto is in that room again.

"So why don't we talk about how exactly you can help me, help you."

And then he is coming towards her and he's wearing that terrible smile and the fire alarm will ring but what if it didn't and she knows it only lasted a moment and she knows that nothing happened but she knows something could've happened and in that long moment before the fire alarm went off she was so fucking scared and didn't know what to do.

And the tears come.

Makoto wraps her arms around herself, hugs herself tightly, and whispers, "He tried to..." and she can't say the word, but she does manage, "with me." Makoto dips her head and short, wet sobs break from her, and she doesn't want to be doing this because she's a Niijima, and Dad never cried, even when he was scared, but she can't stop.

And as Sae watches her, realization spreads across her sister's face. Sae pales. And then Sae stands and barrels her way across the room and drops down next to Makoto on the couch. She reaches out and takes Makoto's hands in her own, and she rubs her thumbs across the backs of them as she used to when they were both much younger.

"Makoto," she whispers, and all the anger is gone. "Makoto, it's alright. Tell me what happened."

And Makoto looks into her sister's eyes and sees that it is her sister, her real sister, Sae Niijima, and not the one that's always around and always angry, and Makoto hates that it's taken this to bring her Big Sis back.

Sae lets go of one of Makoto's hands and pulls her into a hug. Makoto snuggles her face into her sister's shoulders and cries some more.

And cries.

And cries.

And then she tells her what happened.

She ends it with, "Akira pulled the fire alarm. He knew what Kamoshida was trying to do, and he got me out of there." Makoto looks down at the file, still unopened on the table. "That's not going to be in his record, but that's what he did for me. And that's what I'm sure he did for that woman, who lied. So I don't care what that file says about him."

Makoto remembers the Principal and his instructions. God, was that only this morning? "Everyone thinks he's horrible, but he's not. Even the Principal thinks so. He wants me to investigate him."

"What?" Sae asks. "Why?"

"He thinks... oh, it doesn't matter. He thinks Akira is up to something at the school. That he's involved with Kamoshida's confession."

Sae frowns. "Is this that 'Phantom Thieves' nonsense I keep hearing about?"

Makoto shrugs, trying not to let on too much. "It is nonsense, but the Principal thinks Akira may have had a hand in it."

Sae strokes Makoto's hair and lets out a hmph noise. "Please. The boy I met today couldn't pull something like that off."

Makoto rolls her eyes. You don't know, she thinks. "Yeah, well, that's because he was talking to you. You're scary sometimes."

Sae shuts her eyes, and a small sigh escapes her lips. "I suppose I can be... a bit harsh, at times. Akechi did say I might've gone overboard."

Akechi was there? Makoto thinks.

Sae refocuses. "Makoto, why didn't you say anything?"

Makoto doesn't answer for some time. "I wanted to be like Dad."

Sae stiffens. "Oh, Makoto."

Neither says anything for a time.

Then, Makoto asks, "What should I do?"

Sae sighs. "I am, obviously, happy that this young man protected you. But. He is still a criminal."

"Sis, I just-"

"No, Makoto," Sae cuts in, but her voice is soft. The prosecutor has not returned just yet. "I need you to focus on what's important right now. I know that may not seem fair, but it's the hand life dealt us." Makoto opens her mouth to speak, but Sae continues. "And don't worry about the Principal. I'll take care of him."

"Wh-what are you going to do?"

"Have a friendly chat," Sae says. "But first, tell me everything he said."

Makoto does, and they stay like that for a little longer.

Eventually, Makoto remembers she is starving.

"No," Sae says when Makoto tells her she'll make something to eat. "I'll get it." And Sae stands and moves to the kitchen.

Makoto sits on the couch, feeling light, sleepy, and hungry, but better than she has since...

Well, since Akira asked her out.

Makoto thinks of Sae, and the implication she has laid out just a few moments earlier. Makoto knows her sister, and while Sae may have become more sympathetic towards Akira, her message was clear. Stay away from Akira Kurusu.

Makoto crosses her arms while Sae pulls some dishes from the fridge.

Like hell.

Akira still hasn't given her the truth. Maybe his teammates weren't comfortable with her knowing, but that was too damn bad. Tomorrow, Makoto would march up to Akira and demand that he explain.

And who knows? Maybe afterward, she'd kiss him or something.