Psycho Pass: Redemption (UPDATING)

17 (UPDATED)

In that very moment, Touma found himself ensnared by a cascade of memories from the past. His thoughts meandered back to their fateful encounter on Ogishima Island when Touko was but a little child. The memory triggered a subtle trembling in his fingers, quickly clenched into a fist, as he was transported back in time. Unbeknownst to him, the words of a passing teacher dissolved into the background, submerged in the whirlpool of his recollections.

As more guests flooded the room, the serendipitous meeting of Touko's gaze with his own sent a quiver through their connection. Her brow furrowed briefly upon encountering his smile, a fleeting response that swiftly gave way to a blossoming recognition. Her smile mirrored his own as she realized that the man smiling at her was none other than the same boy her father had rescued on Ogishima Island all those years ago, a boy with a bright smile that had left an indelible mark.

"Now you'll be my princess," Touma's voice reverberated in his mind, his smile suffused with nostalgia, transporting him back to that unforgettable moment from years gone by.

Yashiro found herself within this lively tapestry, her eyes keenly scanning the room. Amidst the festivity, a familiar voice broke through the ambient noise, softly calling her name. Yashiro turned to see Shimotsuki Mika gracefully weaving her way towards her. In her wake followed a group of girls from their class, laughter flowing like infectious music. Yashiro could not help but smile, drawn in by their shared camaraderie.

"How I'd love it if there were boys here. Just imagine them mustering the courage to ask us to dance," Shimotsuki's eyes gleamed with mischief, her smile lighting up the moment with anticipation.

The other girls chimed in, their voices harmonizing in a chorus of dreams and agreements. Their circle formed a cocoon of relaxed conversations, painting a backdrop of youthful enthusiasm against the backdrop of celebration.

"Why don't you tell them about Sadao?" a calm voice joined the conversation from behind.

Turning her gaze, Yashiro found Makishima Shougo, attired in a beige three-piece suit that harmonized with the amber shade of his eyes. His arms folded casually, his intent gaze fixed on her.

"We lived in the same neighborhood when I was a child," Yashiro began. "We'd scheme to get by."

"Tell them about Shinjuku," Makishima prompted her with a casual incline of his head.

"It was during the night, at a dimly lit bar. The hour was late, and the place was quiet. That's when I met the owner's son—he was older than me."

"What did you do?" he inquired.

"We talked in the alley. A sneeze signaled Sadao to appear. I told the boy I'd meet him another day, then rendezvoused with Sadao."

"What did you do with the money?" a sly grin played on Makishima's lips.

"Our adventures included movies, the theater... until a disagreement arose about the number of books I bought. It got under my skin," Yashiro's voice held traces of nostalgia and amusement.

Amid the laughter of the group, Yashiro felt a sense of detachment, as if the narratives flowed around her. The storytelling continued, anecdotes ranging from lighthearted to profound. Yashiro seized the opportunity as her classmates remained engrossed in their tales. Turning to Makishima, she took a deep breath, signaling her readiness to seize a moment of solitude within the celebration. Together, they moved through the bustling room, a dynamic pair amidst the festivity.

"You shouldn't be here," Yashiro remarked, her tone a mix of caution and concern.

"I wouldn't miss this splendid celebration," Makishima responded with nonchalance.