-Shujin Academy-
Lunch period came as it always did, though the students themselves could tell that something had been off. They didn't know it yet, but they could feel it. Ren, Kai, and Dide meet up with Ryuji as they eat their lunch.
"Hey so---" Ryuji said, "---Have any of you guys seen Kamoshida today?"
"No." Ren said.
"Me neither." Kai said, "Is it weird if I'm expecting him to rub his ego in our faces?"
"I don't think so." Ren said.
"Still it is kind of strange don't you think?" Dide asked, "I mean---Shouldn't we be seeing him by now?"
"I know right?" Ryuji said, "I mean who knows how long it takes to see a personality change." He soon pushed himself from the wall, "Our expulsion could be coming tomorrow for all we know, and---We haven't seen a sign since this morning!"
"I know what you mean---" Dide said, "---If I don't hear anything soon, I'll just save them the trouble and deport myself!"
Just as this was said, Kawakami along with Murdock approached them. "There you are---Perfect timing." She said, "Study hall will be held instead of PE today."
"What?!" The boys exclaimed.
"Same goes for your class---" Murdock said, "---We're letting students know in case they haven't heard."
"O-oh is that so?" Dide said.
"Wait, why?" Ren asked, "What happened?"
"Not too sure myself---" Murdock said, "---But apparently Kamoshida placed himself under suspension as of this morning. Made the call himself."
"Murdock-sensei!" Kawakami said, "You're not supposed to tell them that!"
The boy's looked at each other as they were shocked to hear this.
"Do… You know why?" Dide asked.
"Who knows---" Murdock replied as he shrugged, "---Wasn't making any sense when Kobayakawa asked him about it. Just thought you should hear it from me."
Kawakami sighed, "The talks about your expulsions and your deportation will be put on hold. Neither of us don't know too much about it."
"Now if you'll excuse us---" Murdock said as he and Kawakami walked away, "---Don't stay out too long boys lunch period is almost over."
Thus the teachers left as they looked shocked by this ordeal. "... Well---I guess that's our sign." Kai said.
"I don't know if that is a sign---But it sounds like something happened." Ren said before his phone rang. He looked at the ID before he picked it up.
"At least it sounds different from a mental shutdown…" Ryuji said, "... I guess all we can do is wait."
"Yeah…" Dide said, as he stretched, "... On the bright side, they put our expulsions on hold! At least this way we don't have to worry about---Much??"
Dide's words trailed off when Ren suddenly broke off from the group and ran to catch up with Kawakami. "What the---" Kai said before he, Dide and Ryuji caught up with him.
"I know, I know but I have to be there please!" Ren said.
"I-I understand but this is so sudden---" Kawakami said.
"Hey, hey---" Ryuji said, as he placed his hand on his shoulder, "---What's going on man?"
Ren turned over as they noticed the distress on his face. It would become clear as to why when he told them.
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-Hospital-
Ren managed to get to the hospital, practically within minutes after he was called. Not only that, he was accompanied by Dide, Kai and Ryuji after they had gotten permission from their teachers to leave early. They got to the room where they found Haruto sitting at Kiku's bedside, where they found a respirator plug in her nose as she slept.
"Guys!" Haruto said relieved as he stood.
"Haruto-san! What happened?!" Ren asked.
"She just started bleeding and collapsed after you guys left!" Haruto said, "They just brought her back from surgery."
"SURGERY?!" Dide exclaimed, "DID YOU JUST--"
"Not in a hospital." Kai said as he lightly smacked him. "You gotta be quiet, alright?"
"Apparently her liver was damaged so they had to operate." Haruto said.
"How the heck did she get an injury like that?!" Ryuji asked.
Haruto looked around, before he quickly closed the door. "My guess is it happened in the Palace yesterday." Haruto said, "She did take a pretty hard hit from Kamoshida when we were in there."
"How come we didn't notice before?!" Ren asked.
"One of two things--" Haruto said, "---Either she was so high on adrenaline she didn't realize she was hit---Or because we were in that other world it was just a slow reaction and when we came back here, it just caught up with her."
"Geez---" Ryuji said, "---She'll be okay though right?"
Haruto nodded, "We got her in just in time. Doctor said if we delayed any longer the surgery might've not helped her. Though they're gonna keep her here for a couple of nights just in case."
Ren sighed with relief before he went to Kiku's bed side, having heard her groan softly.
"I didn't even think we could carry wounds from that other world." Ryuji said as he went to take a seat by her bed.
Dide soon realized something, "Wait, where's Sakura and Yukihara-san?"
"They're uh---Currently filling out paperwork." Haruto said, "Since you know, we don't have insurance."
"Oh yeah that is a problem." Kai said before he looked at Kiku, "So when do you think she'll wake up?"
"Not sure, hopefully soon---" Ren said, before he realized something, "---Oh that's right, I should let Takamaki-san know what's happening."
Just as Ren got out his phone, a portly man suddenly entered the room. Haruto's face immediately paled at the sight of him.
"HEY!" He said as he stomped over to Haruto, "YOU LITTLE BRAT SO THIS IS WHERE YOU WENT---"
"Uh---Who the fuck are you?" Kai asked as he got between him and Haruto.
"We're the brats caretakers obviously" the man replied, "And this guy and the bitch have been giving me trouble for the last few months!"
"Hey, if you're really their caretaker, you don't gotta call one of them bitch." Ryuji said.
"Back off kid! This doesn't concern you!" The Man said with a glare before he pointed to Haruto, "YOU BRAT! GET OVER HERE NOW! YOU'RE COMING BACK WITH ME!"
Dide soon held his hand as he gave a glare. "I think that's NO way to talk to someone who said you're supposed to be their caretaker."
"Tch! Damn Foreigner! Piss off!" he shouted as he tried to smack him but Dide caught it.
Dide slowly put his hand down as he asked. "You realize we're in a hospital..keep it down."
"Bastard! I can have you deported!" he shouted.
"Do that--" Kai said as he walked aside next to Dide."---And you'll answer me."
"What is going on here?!"
The group looked over and noticed it was Yukihara and Sojiro as they entered the room. Dide immediately let go as he dusted himself.
"Hmmph finally someone reasonable shows up!" The man said.
"Who are you?" Sojiro asked.
"I am their caretaker!" The man said, "And I've been worried sick about those two!"
"From what I can tell you didn't look all that worried." Sojiro said.
"I don't know how you got past security but in case you didn't notice there is a girl trying to rest." Yukihara said, "So I suggest you take your leave."
The portly man glared at him this time, "Didn't you hear me!? I said those two are coming with me!"
Yukihara soon stood in his way, "Actually---You didn't hear me. That young boy over there clearly doesn't want to go with you, and she is still in recovery. So either leave or I'll call security to have you escorted out."
The Portly man growled, "Who do you think you are?!"
"Who am I?" Yukihara said.
Ren noticed that he took something from his bag. It had been papers, though not just any papers… It was papers that showed---
"I'm that girl's father." Yukihara said proudly as he showed them off, "As of two days ago."
"WHAT?!" The Portly Man exclaimed.
"HUH?!" Ren, Dide, Ryuji, Kai and even Haruto exclaimed.
"The same is said for me, for the boy. I am the father of Haruto Sakura over there." Sojiro added as he showed him the papers. "And what you're doing here, that's grounds for arrest for emotional distress to my kid!"
The portly man flinched as he backed up, stuttering as he wasn't even sure what to say. "You---" He soon stomped out of the room, "---THIS AIN'T THE LAST TIME YOU'LL HEAR FROM ME!"
He stomped out of the room without another word as the teens looked to Sojiro and Yukihara in shock.
"You… Adopted us?" Haruto asked, stunned.
"Well technically I adopted Kiku---" Yukihara explained, "---And Sakura-san here adopted you."
"But how?" Ren asked.
"Well, I looked into your situation." Yukihara said, "We even found out the place you were staying in. That guy was apparently not up to code. A cop buddy of mine said that he was under suspicion of running an illegal business. Every foster care facility should provide birth certificates. Yours and Kiku's happened to be in his own safe deposit box rather than his office."
"Police confiscated it and got it for us to make everything legal when we signed the papers. I take you in and name myself as your legal guardian, and Kiku is now under Yukihara's care." Sojiro said, "In other words, you're now stuck with us."
Haruto had been shocked by this as he nearly fell back on the floor in shock; thankfully Ren managed to get a chair as he landed on it.
"Woah---that's--unreal." Dide said.
"Man, what a bastard! I can't believe he was treating you that way!" Ryuji added as he looked at Haruto.
"Well that means You and Kiku are in good hands now." Yukihara said, "We were gonna surprise you this morning though---You know."
"Oh and just because she's the only girl living with you boys, does not mean--" Sojiro said.
"Again--stopping you right there." Dide said. "Rest assured no one here has the hots for Kiku. All of us see her as a little sister."
"Good, I'm glad we're on the same page." Sojiro said, "Still you should do something about your accommodations."
"Waaaay ahead of ya!" Dide said with a smile.
"When you say that with a smile, that just scares people." Kai said.
"Uhh what's he gonna do?" Ryuji asked.
Ren and Kai looked at each other before they replied, "You don't want to know…"
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-The Next Day; Gymnasium-
All of the students of Shujin couldn't help but wonder why they were gathered so early in the morning. Some chatted amongst themselves while others minded their own business and had their own theories on what it could be. Ann had met up with Ren and the others as they were discussing about a certain someone.
"What?!" Ann said, "Kiku and Haruto were adopted by your caretakers!?"
"Shh!" Ren said in a hushed tone, "Not so loud Takamaki-san!"
"Sorry, sorry---" Ann said, "--Still I can't believe they would go out of their way to do something like that."
"I know right?!" Dide said in a low voice, "When they pulled out the papers, I swear Haruto's legs turned to jelly. Bro was flabbergasted even!"
"So what, they're gonna stay with you guys now?" Ann asked.
"Sounds like it to me." Ryuji said.
"And that's a good idea?" Ann said, as she eyed the boy suspiciously, "She IS a girl you know?"
"I wouldn't do anything that would hurt Kiku-san!" Ren admitted.
"I swear on my life I never assaulted a woman in all of my years!" Kai immediately said as he raised his right hand.
"What are you a Cub Scout all of a sudden?" Ryuji asked awkwardly.
"And again." Dide saud. "I'm not interested. Especially in relationships, Hell I might as well grow up alone."
"Considering his situation--it makes sense.." Ren said. "The last thing we need is paparazzi."
"See?" Dide told him.
Ann sighed, "I guess I can believe you then."
"GUESS?!" Dide exclaimed in confusion.
"Anyway---I hope Kiku-chan will be alright." Ann said, "Since she did take that hit from back in the Palace---"
"She'll be alright like the doctors said." Ren said.
"Does she even know about it at least?" She asked.
"Nah, she was still asleep when they told that guy off." Ryuji said.
"I plan on visiting her after school to tell her the good news." Ren said.
Before they could say anything more, they could hear the microphone come on. They all looked to the stage as they saw Principal Kobayakawa.
"Let's begin this school-wide morning assembly." He said, "As you all know, a tragic even took place the other day. Thankfully we have been informed that she has pulled through. But it will take time until she recovers. Everyone here has a bright future ahead. I implore that you rethink the importance of life and---"
Suddenly the doors swung open grabbing everyone's attention. When they looked over they saw it was… Kamoshida?
He had his head hung low, and his face? Everyone noticed it had been written with nothing but guilt.
"Kamoshida-san?" Kobayakawa said shocked, "What's---"
"I---" Kamoshida suddenly said, "---I have been reborn…" He soon picked up his head, "... That is why I will confess everything to you all…"
Ren's group had been taken back by this, while the other students and faculty looked perplexed. Kamoshida soon stepped to the stage as everyone's eyes were on him. And it was then that his next set of words… Put everyone, especially Ren's group into shock.
"I have… Repeatedly done things that were… Unbecoming of a teacher. Verbally abusing students… Physically abusing my team and… Sexually harassing female students…Microarrovating my co-worker and foreign students.. I am the reason why Shiho Suzui tried to kill herself!"
All of the students gasped at this as the teachers were unsure of what to do. However, the one that had been most shocked by this… Was Murdock himself.
"Kamoshida… You---" Murdock said, stunned.
Ren and the others watched in shock as Kamoshida fell to his knees and even started to cry. They soon realized… What this meant.
"... It… Worked?" Ren said, shocked.
"... It worked?" Ryuji enunciated in disbelief.
"... I'll be damned---" Kai said stunned, "---It worked…"
"...Oh Snap.." Dide said in shock
Kamoshida soon continued on, "I thought of this school as my own castle… There were even students that I sentenced to expulsion, simply because I didn't like them… I will, of course, rescind those…" He soon bowed his head, "I am truly sorry for putting innocent youths through such horrible acts… I am an arrogant, shallow, and shameful person. No! I'm worse than that…! I will take responsibility… And kill myself for it…!"
Everyone gasped at this, as they were unsure of what to say or do. That was until---
"Don't run you bastard!" Ann called out as everyone turned to her. "Shiho's still alive! Even after all the things that made her want to die! You have NO right to run from this!"
"Takamaki-san…" Kai said in awe.
It hadn't been long until they heard another familiar voice, "She's right!"
Everyone looked over and realized---Seiko was the one that had spoken up.
"Don't think running away will solve anything!" Seiko said. "For all the people you hurt--who you sabotaged! Did you think taking the easy way out is the right solution for yourself and them!?"
"....Seiko…" Dide said.
"Believe you me--When I heard of the things you've done--even blackmailing me or almost deporting someone I know! I would have wanted you to die! Same as everyone!" Seiko said as she looked at a shocked Dide. "But--That's not how it works! It's not right! The only way you'll atone is that you take accountability for your actions!"
Kamoshida seemed to agree, "Y--You're right. You're both right. I should be punished under the law and atone for my crimes… I---I did horrible things to Takamaki-san as well. In return for giving Suzui-san a position on the team… I tried to force her into having relations."
All of the students and faculty gasped at this. Murdock especially looked shocked, "I knew it---!" He said softly.
"As of today---" Kamoshida soon announced, "---I will resign from my position as an instructor and turn myself in. Someone, please call the police!"
The faculty looked hesitant at this though Murdock soon stepped forward, "I understand… I will make sure that you personally pay for your crimes."
"Murdock---" Kamoshida soon said as he was in tears, "---I… Am so sorry!"
"...Yeah…" Murdock said as he called the police, ".... So am I."
All of the students chatted amongst themselves as some of the faculty tried to stop Murdock from calling but he only ignored them.
"He did it…" Kai said, "... Son of a bitch actually did it."
"My… God…" Dide said in awe.
"This morning's assembly is over!" A teacher soon said, "Return to your classes immediately!"
They soon heard the students talk amongst themselves as they could hear them put it together.
"Isn't this just like what that calling card said…?"
"Does this mean the Phantom Thieves thing was for real?!"
"Was something done to Kamoshida?!"
"C'mon, there's no way you could steal someone's heart!"
"But why else would he start saying things like he'll kill himself or turn himself in?"
"Maybe because it almost got leaked? Don't they go easier on you if you turn yourself in?"
"I wonder what happened."
"Who knows? But man Kamoshida turned out to be one sick bastard."
"Return to your classrooms at once!" The teacher shouted.
Thus all of the students filed out of the gymnasium. The only ones who hadn't left had been Ren and the others. They were still in disbelief at what had occurred.
"His heart really did change…" Ann said, stunned.
"Holy crap.." Dide said as he held his abdomen before he turned to the group."guys--you know what this means?" Before he had a happy look, before cheering, "WE FUCKING WOOON!!!"
SMACK---Went Kai's hand on Dide's head. "Can you shut your mouth and keep it on the downlow?" Kai said.
"Right--Sorry." Dide said. "Still--We won, That means no expulsion--"
"--And no Deportation!" Ann added as the two gave a high five. "Yay!"
"Hey…" Ryuji said, "... Do you guys think this was for the best…?"
"... I think so." Ren said, "Still it's happening way too fast."
"Yeah, I had the same thoughts too." Ryuji said.
Just then Mishima soon approached the group along with two girls. To their own surprise---
Mishima bowed his head, "Takamaki-san---I'm sorry!"
The group, especially Ann, had been taken aback.
"Sorry? For what?" She asked.
"We---All knew about your situation… But we pretended we didn't." Mishima said.
"Takamaki-san---" The Tall Girl said, "---I had you all wrong… I'm sorry that I spread rumors about you!"
"I didn't know at all…" The Black-Haired Girl said, "... Kamoshida was forcefully pushing himself on you… It must've been so hard for you…!"
"I'm sure there's a ton of people who want to apologize to you." The Tall Girl said, "We're so sorry!"
Ann only shook her head, giving them a reassuring look, "No, it's okay. The same goes for me too…" She soon smiled, "Besides, that's all in the past now."
"Hey, you there!" A teacher soon said as he spotted them, "Return to class at once!"
"W-Well, we'll see you later then." The Tall Girl said.
Thus they left as the group looked to Ann. "That's good isn't it?" Kai said, "At least the rumors will go away now."
Ann smiled, "Yeah, I'm glad."
"Guys---" Mishima soon said, as he had been looking to Ren, Kai and Dide, "---I… Can't apologize enough for what I did to you…. I swear, someday I'll make it up to you."
Thus he left with the others as Ren, Kai and Dide looked satisfied. "... At least he's sorry about it." Kai said.
"It's not like it was his fault in the first place since Kamoshida threatened him." Ren said.
Dide soon added, "Yeah, he basically gaslit him."
It hadn't been long before he noticed a familiar girl walking out of the gymnasium.
"Welp, we better head to class." Ryuji said.
"You coming Dide?" Ren asked.
"Uh---" Dide said, "---I'll catch up."
The group was confused at this before he went over. They noticed that he had been approaching Seiko.
"Wait--isn't that Seiko?" Ann asked.
Ryuji whistled as he said "Well talk about smooth talking, maybe this time he can finally apologize and they can be friends again! Is it odd to say ship those two."
"Pretty Sure Dide aint interested in relationships right now.." Kai told him.
"Seiko!" Dide called out as she stopped. She looked surprised.
"Dide?" She said, a bit perplexed, "... You're talking? To me?"
Dide took a moment to catch his breath. "I got something I gotta tell you!"
Seiko raised an eyebrow. At first she thought he was going to tell her off. But to her own surprise he actually bowed before saying---
"I---am SO sorry!"
Seiko looked surprised as the others watched as he continued his apology, "I--I never knew you stuck up for me like that during that even--even as a former foreign talent! You sacrificed your whole idol career for someone like me and I was too blind to see it! I never knew Kamoshida was the type of scumbag to blackmail you like that! Can you--Can you forgive me?"
"Dideou.." Seiko said in awe. She soon sighed, "... Dummy, of course I forgive you. You may be a jerk---But you're not a scumbag like him."
Dide flinched, "Okay jerk might be a bit harsh---"
"Too bad, it's what you are and I stand by it." Seiko said as Dide flinched again, "Look, I appreciate you apologizing and I'm happy you did. So I'll forgive you." She soon turned her back before stating, "But---You're gonna have to earn back my trust as a way to make up for ignoring me that whole time."
Dide flinched again as he was taken back as he said "Ehh?! Seriously?"
"It can't be helped." She turned with a smile and wink as she said "You forget my roll call was Durian in my group, right?"
Dide's jaw dropped as she said, "I'll see you, Dide~"
As Dide stood as if he was in stone the group was shocked to hear what happened.
"ooh--Ouch.." Ryuji said.
"Yep, that's gonna last an emotional scar for life.." Kai said.
Ann laughed nervously as she said, "Seiko was always like this.."
"While we're young students!" The teacher said as they flinched.
They immediately started to power walk back to class, happy with the events that occurred today.
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-After School; Hospital-
The school day came to an end. The first thing the group did was go straight to the hospital to see about Kiku and to tell her and Haruto the good news. They arrived at the hospital and reached the room without any trouble. Though they not only saw Haruto… But they saw a familiar cat with him in his bag too.
"Morgana!" The group exclaimed.
"Hey guys---" Morgana said, as he waved his paw, "---Nice to see you!"
"What the wha---" Ryuji said, "---When did you get here?!"
"I found him out front at LeBlanc." Haruto replied, "I managed to sneak him in here so he could see Kiku."
"That girl really is something else---Hiding an injury like that." Morgana said.
"Hey, you didn't warn us that a Palace could get dangerous!" Kai pointed out.
"Even if I did, you guys knew what you were getting into---" Morgana said before he looked ashamed, "---I just didn't think injuries you'd get in that world would carry over."
"YOU THINK?!" Dide exclaimed before he covered his mouth before looking around as he whispered. "You are LUCKY I can't do this right now in the hospital. But seriously, you never gave us an instructional manual on this sort of thing! You think we can just--Wing it on our own."
"Well yes----but no." Morgana said.
Dide only had a look as he said "Wait till we get outside."
"Uh---Maybe let's not start a fight in a hospital." Ann said.
"Yeah---" Haruto said as he went to open the door, "---We're here to see Kiku not start anything that would get us kicked out."
The moment Haruto opened the door, the boys in particular had been a little bit shocked about Kiku's predicament. Yes, she was awake but---
---She had been in the middle of getting dressed. She had just been putting on a shirt as she was drying her hair since they saw it was wet.
"O-Oh my---" Morgana said.
"Wait a minute Kiku this isn't---" Haruto started to say though he couldn't find the words.
"D---" Kiku started to say before---She started to throw all the pillows, "---DON'T LOOK!" One of the pillows successfully knocked Haruto down as he was now unconscious.
"AH, HARUTO!" Morgana exclaimed.
"So-Sorry!" Ren exclaimed immediately, turning his back despite the fact he was getting bombarded; his face looked a little red.
"NOPE!" Dide shouted as he ran away, "NOPE! NOPE! NOPE! NOPE! NOPE! NOPE! NOPE!"
"SORRY KIKU!!" Ryuji exclaimed as he ran too.
Kai immediately had his head up to the ceiling, "It's okay---It's fine---It doesn't bother me, it doesn't bother me---" His tone soon changed, "---IT BOTHERS ME! IT BOTHERS ME A LOT, WHY DIDN'T YOU LOCK THE DOOR?!"
"I DIDN'T THINK SOMEONE WOULD COME IN WITHOUT KNOCKING FIRST!!" Kiku exclaimed as she did her best to cover herself with what she got.
"WHAT THE HELL KIND OF A LOGIC IS---" Kai shouted as he looked at her, though he immediately turned back when he realized Kiku was technically half naked, "---SHIT, SORRY!"
"P-Please get dressed." Ren said awkwardly as he was resisting the urge to turn around.
Ann sighed as she shook her head, "... Boys will be boys I guess…"
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-One Dress Up Later-
After everything had calmed down, Kiku had gotten dressed in light red casual PJs, as the others were now sitting in her room despite the awkward tension.
Kiku on the other hand looked a bit mad as her cheeks had been a little puffed.
Haruto was on his knees just continuously bowing his head. "Kiku-chan please, I am so sorry!" He said with a bit of tears, "I promise I had no ill intentions, and I meant to respect your privacy I swear!"
"Dummy Haruto, you should've known better!" Kiku said as she turned her head, "Just for that I'm gonna have your pudding share tonight!"
"Ahhh, Kiku-chan---" Haruto said as he ugly cried, "---Don't be cruel!"
"As I suspected… She's showing no mercy." Morgana said.
"... Man she's really letting him have it…" Ryuji said.
"You shouldn't be talking, you invaded a girl's privacy too!" Ann said as she hit his arm.
Dide was in one of his disguises as he said "I should have known better. I apologize as well.."
"ARE YOU SERIOUSLY IN DISGUISE AGAIN?!" Kai shouted as he tried to take it off . "GET IT OFF! YOU'RE SCARING PEOPLE WITH THAT FRO YOU GOT ON!"
"NO!" Dide shouted as he resisted. "YOU REALIZE PAPARAZZI WILL SHOW UP AND IT'LL MAKE IT WORSE!
"W-What were you even doing?" Ren asked, "I honestly thought you wouldn't wake up."
Kiku awkwardly shifted, "W-Well---I woke up this morning. And after the doctor explained the situation, I helped myself to some breakfast… Read a book Yukihara-san left for me… Then I decided to take a shower the room provided…"
"...And you forgot to lock the door." Kai said as he smacked himself.
"I didn't think I needed to, like I said!" Kiku argued as her arms flailed a little.
"Man you're a scatter brain." Kai said, making Kiku puff her cheeks further.
"Be nice." Dide said. "We're glad you're okay. You gave us a bit of a scare."
"Y-Yeah, sorry about that." Kiku said.
"Seriously, you even gave Amamiya a heart attack!" Ryuji said as Ren flinched, "He literally turned pale the second he---"
Ren immediately smacked his mouth shut as he looked embarrassed. Though Kiku on the other hand looked stunned by this as she couldn't help but turn a little red. "You were… Really worried about me?" She asked.
"Y-Yeah." Ren said awkwardly.
"Amamiya-kun…" She said before she couldn't help but smile, "... Thank you, and… I'm sorry for scaring you the way I did."
Ren only nodded as he still had an awkward look on his face as he turned red, as he couldn't get rid of the image of what happened earlier that day.
"So---" Haruto said as Ren seemed to snap out of it, "---Did you see Kamoshida today?"
"We did…" Kai said.
Kiku and Haruto and seemed to perk up. "And? Did he---?" Kiku started to ask.
"... He confessed---To everything." Ryuji said, "In front of the whole school and teachers!"
Kiku and Haruto looked shocked by this---Morgana on the other hand smiled.
"...It worked?" Kiku said.
"It---Really worked." Haruto said, stunned.
"What did I tell you?" Morgana said.
"Yeah, yeah, don't go rubbing it on our faces." Kai said, "Still---At least confessing is better then a mental shutdown."
"I'd say it's an A+ for effort right?" Ryuji said.
"Did we just get lucky?" Ann asked.
"I don't think so---" Morgana said, "---It seems like we have to persuade a Shadow without killing it, then send it back to its real self. Our targets won't undergo a cognitive collapse if we do that."
"So---We can get 'em to confess with no bad stuff happening to them?" Dide asked.
"It works for me!" Ryuji said with a smile.
Ann shushed him, "Not so loud someone might hear!"
"Takamaki-chan---" Kiku soon said, as her expression softened, "---How is your friend? You saw her recently right?"
"Oh that---" Ann said, "---I went to see her before we came here to visit you---" They saw that she had a brightest smile, "She regained consciousness!"
At this the group looked relieved.
"That's great!" Ren said as he had a smile of his own.
Ann sniffled a little, yet she still had her smile, "It was just for a little bit, but I got to talk to her! I was able to tell her that Kamoshida admitted to what he did…!" Her expression softened, "Shiho, she… She told me she was sorry… Looks like she found out that I was flirting with Kamoshida for her sake…" She couldn't help but give a soft laugh, "...And here I was, wanting to apologize to her…"
"That's great---" Kai said, "---At least she was able to pull through."
"Yeah---" Ann said, "---Though her mom is thinking of transferring her to a different school… After she recovers."
"... That's fair." Ren said, "Still it could be good for Suzui-san. At least she'll be able to make a fresh start."
Kiku smiled before turning to Dide. "And Dide--How is Seiko?"
"Oh I apologized to her." Dide said as he laughed nervously. "Though it's gonna take a while for her to trust me again."
"I'd call that progress." Haruto said.
"Yeah---" Dide said though he looked troubled, "---I GOT A LOT OF WORK AHEAD OF ME AND THE ROAD WILL BE ROUGH..."
"DUDE, WHY DOES IT LOOK LIKE YOU SAW WAR?!" Ryuji shouted.
"... Still I'm surprised---" Kai said, "---You were able to hold yourself back like that in the Palace."
Ann shook her head, "It wasn't like that… I just wanted Kamoshida to apologize to himself."
"You really kind Lady Ann." Morgana said.
Ryuji sighed, "No matter how much of a shit bag he was, finishing him off woulda left a bad aftertaste, huh?"
"That's not it either." Ann said, as the group looked shocked, "I think revenge is better served if I make him repent. Realizing what he's done, he'll grovel for forgiveness for the rest of his life… You know? I just believe there are fates worse than death."
The group stayed silent as they took in everything. "... Remind me not to get on your bad side." Dide said.
"Hear hear." Kai said.
"That reminds me---" Ren soon said as he turned to Kiku, "---Do you still have the medal?"
"O-Oh yeah." Kiku said. She rummaged through the bag she had before she placed it on the table that was provided.
"It's still hard to believe that a crown turned into this." Haruto said.
"Yeah, I mean---" Ryuji said, "--I still can't believe Kamoshida was the only guy that had that Palace."
"Well---" Morgana said as the group looked over at them, "---It's not necessarily limited to him. It's something anyone could have if their heart became warped from their desires."
"You mean---" Dide said shocked, "---Anyone could have a palace?"
Morgana nodded, "While I would love to show you---It's best if we lay low after the events that unfolded today."
"What do you mean, it's not like anyone knows what we did in the Palace!" Ryuji argued.
Ann soon hissed her breath as the others looked, "About that… Rumors have been going around about you guys---Especially maybe Dide."
The boys flinched.
"What kind of rumors exactly?" Ren asked.
"Oh you know---" Ann said as she looked a bit unsure how to say it, "---Stuff like, you got together and threatened Kamoshida with something close to physical violence… And Dide having a guy that would deport Kamoshida to the worst place on Earth."
Dide's eye twitched at this. He grabbed a pillow before screaming in it, making them jump. Yet he still shouted as he took the pillow away, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT?! DID THEY ASSUME I'M IN THE YAKUZA OR SOMETHING?! IT'S NOT LIKE I SOLD A TRANSFORMATION BELT TO THEM ANDS NOW I'M IN DEBT!"
"... I think that comes with being famous." Kai said, "Also I'm pretty sure he doesn't know a guy that could deport Kamoshida."
Ren and Kai took a moment to think before they looked over to Dide. "... You don't, right?" Ren asked awkwardly.
"NO!" Dide shouted as it made them jump and fall out of their chairs, "I DON'T! WHAT'S NEXT PEOPLE ASSUME I GO TO THE ELDERLY TO FAKE AN ILLNESS JUST TO ROB THEM OF THEIR POSSESSIONS?!"
"Well that got too specific!" Haruto said.
"Yeah, that last one is definitely exaggerated in the rumors." Ann said, "Besides, people aren't going to easily believe that Phantom Thieves really exist. And the Calling Card's being treated like it was prank by someone---"
"THAT CALLING CARD WAS A MASTERPIECE AND I DESERVE SOME RECOGNITION!" Dide shouted.
"Don't you think you mean we deserve recognition!?" Ryuji argued.
"THAT TOO MY GUY!!" Dide shouted.
"I don't think that's a wise idea." Morgana said, "Phantom Thieves are meant to be subtle."
"Still it makes sense." Ryuji said, "We're the ones who did it, and I still don't completely believe myself."
"I know what you mean." Kiku said, "I still can't believe it. Though it would be best to lay low for a bit until the excitement dies down."
"Yeah, especially you---" Kai said, "---Considering your own wounds."
Kiku only laughed nervously at this as Haruto patted her shoulder. "So---" Dide said as he finally calmed down, "---What do we do about the medal?"
"Simple---" Haruto said casually, "---We sell it."
"Huh?!" The group, minus Kiku and Morgana, looked shocked.
"Kiku and I do it all the time when we find stuff on the streets." Haruto said, "Unless you guys want to keep the medal or something."
"Since it's made of gold we can get a lot of money for it." Kiku soon added.
"Well--I don't see the point of keeping it." Dide said, as he took out his phone, "So, let's see what it goes for----HOLY MOTHER---!!"
The moment he pulled up the price, Dide immediately fell out of his chair and dropped his phone Startling them.
"What is it?!" Ren asked.
Dide said nothing as he lifted his phone showing the group, the moment they looked their eyes widen in shock and awe.
"30,000 YEN?!" Most of group exclaimed before---
"That's all the gold medal is worth!?" Ryuji said.
"THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE CONCERNED ABOUT?!" Haruto and Dide exclaimed.
"Ryuji?" Ann soon said, "Remember that time I lent you that money in middle school---
"I DIDN'T BORROW THAT MUCH!!" Ryuji shouted.
"Wouldn't it be that much with compounded interest thought?"
"COMPOUNDED INTEREST MY ASS!!"
"Still that IS a lot of money." Kiku said, before she turned to Haruto, "Do you think he'll be able to take it?"
"Hey, it's worth a shot." Haruto said with a shrug.
"Who are you talking about?" Ren asked.
"Oh a guy we'd often pawn stuff to." Haruto said, "He said he'd give us money if we repaired broken phones, watches and what not. He'd even let us do odd jobs sometimes."
Haruto soon noticed their stares as they looked a bit scared. "NOT THAT KIND!" He immediately shouted as they soon sighed with relief, "It was just simple deliveries that's all. Nothing illegal."
"He maybe scary but he's a good person." Kiku said, "Actually, he might be a bit worried since we haven't been there in awhile. So it would be nice if we could see him."
"You mean me---" Haruto said as Kiku flinched, "---You're still in recovery."
"Oh!" Ryuji said, "I think I know who you're talking about! Does he own a shop where they sell model guns?"
Haruto and Kiku had been taken back. "Yeah---You know him?" Haruto asked.
"Yeah, I often visit that shop with every chance I get." Ryuji said, "And I bought the model gun from him."
"Then you can take the metal to him with Haruto." Kiku said.
"Sure thing!" Ryuji said, "And I'll take Amamiya with me!"
Ren flinched, "H-Huh, why?"
"Wait--What should we even do with the money once we get it?" Kai asked.
"I say we save it." Dide said.
"Overruled---" Morgana said, "---I say we spend it on luxurious food!"
Dide looked offended as he said, "WHAT?!" he shouted "STUPID CAT! YOU GONNA MAKE US BROKE!"
He switched masks as he soon shouted "OOGA BOOGA BOOGA!"
Morgana yowled as he jumped on Ryuji's head making Ryuji himself shriek. "OW, OW, OW, THE CLAWS, THE CLAWS!!!"
Ann soon pondered before her expression brightened, "Actually---I might have an idea."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-LeBlanc Cafe; Later that Night-
When visiting hours were over Ren, Kai, Dide, and Haruto returned to LeBlanc after they agreed what to do with the money. They returned to the attic, where Shiro and Dide's Rooster and Chicken, Harumi and Momodu had been sitting on the beds.
"Welcome back." Shiro said, as he wagged his tail, "How's Kiku-chan?"
"She's doing alright." Ren said, "She'll be out by the end of the week."
Shiro sighed with relief, "Thank goodness. I really want to see her."
"You really do like Kiku huh?" Haruto said as Shiro's tail wagged harder at the mentioning of her name.
"Still can't believe that you even agreed to do that with the money." Kai said to Dide.
"Well it helps that we get to keep some of it---" Dide said before he turned in a certain direction, "--And I am putting it into savings like a normal person, because I ain't gonna spend it all at once!"
Turns out… He had been talking to Morgana who had been hanging out in Haruto's bag, "Hey, it's not my fault I wanted something fancy!"
"Bull.Shit." Dide whispered.
"Mo-chan shh!" Haruto said, "We're already pushing it with Shiro and Dide's friends here."
Morgana looked at the two fowls as they had a blank look before it switched to anger. He flinched as he turned away "Birds---Why did it have to be birds?"
"They're a chicken and Rooster." Dide said as he calmed them down
"Aha---"
The boy's flinched as they realized---They got caught by Sojiro. "I thought I heard a cat this morning." Sojiro said.
"S-Sakura-san!" Haruto said as he put Morgana by his back, "H-Hi, th-this isn't what it looks like---!"
"Look, the dog was okay, the birds too. But a cat is just pushing it. You realize they're common enemies with each other right?" Sojiro asked.
"Y-Yes sir---" Haruto said, "---But uh---Do you remember when Kiku-chan mentioned that we had a cat too?" He soon showed him off, "Well, this is Mo-chan."
"Mo-chan huh?" Sojiro said, "He got full with that?"
"O-Oh, it's uh---" Haruto said awkwardly.
"Morgana." Ren soon said, "Mo-chan is a nickname Kiku and Haruto gave him. At least that's what they told us."
Sojiro eyed the boy's as they sweated a little. Though eventually he sighed, "He's your responsibility, understand Haruto?"
"Y-yes sir!" Haruto said as he stood straight.
"Calm down, you're not in trouble. I think we have some leftovers we can give to your new friend." Sojiro said, making Haruto sigh with relief. He soon went down the stairs as they could hear him say, "And here I wanted to name him myself."
Haruto took another deep breath, "Man I don't know what's more nerve wracking---The fact that Sakura-san sometimes scares me----Or that I have a dad now."
"... You'll get used to it." Ren said as he patted his back.
Dide added as he patted his head, "Yup, welcome to family life man."
Haruto smiled at this as he couldn't help but hug them; Kai even joined in on the hug along with their new animal companions.
Morgana even smiled at this, "... Well---Looks like things are gonna get interesting afterall."