The Puppet on the Strings

A New Confidant

I sit up, stretching my arms. It was getting late. Besides, I wanted to stop at the bath house before I went home. "Thanks. I should head out." I pack up my papers, shoving them into their binders and into my bag. 

Akira moves his coffee aside. "I can walk you home."

I shake my head. "I think I'll stop by the bath house in Yongen-Jaya. My feet hurt," I state. 

"You okay?"

"I'm always sore. Don't sound so concerned." My tone is harsh, almost like my words are laced with venom. I look down at my feet. I probably sounded ruder than I intended. "Sorry. I'm not mad at you or anything."

Akira is quiet, gathering his things. "Still, you shouldn't be alone so late. I could go for some time in the bath house."

My eyes are downcast, looking at the floor as we head outside. "Why are you so concerned about me?" I mutter, not expecting him to answer.

"Because I know what people like you can go through."

"People like me?" I question.

He sighs, the two of us heading underground. "I'm on probation because I punched some guy for... pushing himself onto another woman."

I pale, slightly angered now. Not even by the story. I'm angry he thought about it because of me. Does he hang out with me because I'm weak? "You think I can't take care of myself?"

"That's not what I meant. That woman didn't help me because she was scared of the guy. Society is a cruel place."

My once tense shoulders relax as we get onto the train. "Oh. Sorry." I look at my feet, avoiding his gaze. I can never help but jump to conclusions. "I just don't think there's a need to worry about me. No need for someone to go after me, is there?"

"That's not true," Akira states, looking down to me. I hate feeling so small, but I can't help it. "You're a great person, y/n. And don't think I'm trying to be nice. You're really kind. You don't let yourself be pushed around by people like Kamoshida."

"Now there's a lie," I scoff. "Haven't you ever noticed? People never cared about what he did. I never cared enough to say anything." I sigh. "I told my parents about him after school yesterday. They didn't listen. They said I was making it all about me and that I was looking for attention." I look to the side. "They're right about that..."

Akira frowns. The crowds are thinning as we go above ground and into Yongen-Jaya. "No, they aren't. You may not have gone against Kamoshida completely, but you gave me the benefit of the doubt. He said I had a criminal record. So did everyone else. You didn't care about that. You asked me honestly and kept talking to me when I refused to answer."

My cheeks become slightly red. Thank god it's dark out. "I wanna keep hanging out with you..." I mutter, rubbing my arm. "I still think it's selfish, so just come talk to me when you wanna hang out! I'll usually be in the library studying, so come find me whenever you wanna deal with me..." My voice becomes quieter as I continue. 

Akira chuckles softly. "You have my word."

I smile softly. Maybe it's selfish to wanna be near him, but letting him decide is a good first step. I still think he's trying to be nice for my sake, but I want to be sure. He's a nice guy. Maybe I deserve some comfort for once.

A/n: I'm glad everyone who got this far has stuck with it for as long as they have. I've been on hiatus for really writing my fanfictions, but I'm enjoying this one so far. I actually planned out the entire confidant path for the reader. I also have some (maybe stereotypical) plans, but I'm gonna enjoy trying to write the action sequences. I'm mediocre at quiet moments, but I've never really thrived in action. I'm trying to improve my writing now, so please stick with this as long as you can! It really helps me stay motivated! Don't be afraid to critique even my wording or phrasing. It'll help me understand what people want from a good story! Anyone else excited for Persona 5 the Royal, though?! I'm really hoping I didn't just copy Kasumi Yoshizawa (had to look up her name). I'm just a stupid American who likes anime, so I've actually had to do a bit of research for what I plan for this (Mainly names). I am SUPER excited to show everyone what I have planned for this story, though! I think I made it unique enough to stand out. Crossing my fingers! 

Also, I don't do this often, but I gotta give shout outs to @VanillaNOM and @MizukoYami. Just commenting helps me feel motivated! VanillaNOM makes me really excited to show off what twists I have in store! And I wanted to shout out MizukoYami because I wanna show how much I appreciate these first two commenters for letting me know they enjoy it! Might not sound like much praise, but I really appreciate you too, Mizuko!