Chapter Text
You dreamt with much less frequency than in the days following the sealing away of Nyx. It didn't mean a particularly memorable one didn't worm its way into your sleep, though.
"How are you doing?" Ryoji asked, leaning onto your desk as the teacher in the background droned on about one subject or another. You couldn't hear their words over Ryoji's. Even in your dreams the lecture was as inhumanely boring as always. Ryoji, in comparison, had some bright sunshine quality to his face. Maybe it was the open window and sunlight streaming in, ignoring the fact that the sun never quite hit the classroom that brightly.
"As good as I can be," you replied. The desks were a little too small for your adult body, and you were keenly aware of how you were a little too tall for your memories to accommodate. You hadn't grown all that much, but you found your knees knocking against the desk, hands stretching far across the width of the table.
"You look older." Ryoji didn't show any sign of noticing your internal turmoil. "It's a good look on you."
Because you always thought I'd die young? "If that's true, why doesn't Minato come visit in my dreams?"
Ryoji laughed and waved it off, grinning into the sunlight, eyes completely covered by the glare. "Maybe he's just shy. Maybe I really am something your mind made up so you wouldn't be bored at night."
"Well, if you're the real thing, tell him I'm waiting."
"I would if I could," he said, and his eyes fluttered to the side of the room. Yours followed his, alighting upon the entrance of the classroom.
"Is it about time for you to leave?"
"And you as well. Shall we?" You took his hand, walked out the classroom, and woke up tangled in your blankets. Your Ryoji dreams were spottier, and only came by once every couple of months on a Friday night. After meticulously going through your morning routine, you stumbled out your apartment to shove your way into the train station despite the huge crowd in the morning. You managed to snag a rare seat, and as you settled in, decided to respond to some texts.
-
yukari 💖
How is Mitsuru anyways? She always responds to my texts so cordially...
Do you think she's busy?
You
no way!!! she probably just doesnt want u to worry
yukari 💖
I hope so...by the way, has Junpei texted you yet?
You
no
did smthing come up???
yukari 💖
You'll see
-
junpei 🍜
DID CHIDORI TXT U
THIS IS VRY IMPROTANT
IMPORTANT
You
no, why???
junpei 🍜
NOTHIGN
-
chidori 🎨
Junpei threw away my tablet pen.
Do you know where he keeps his valuables?
-
junpei 🍜
SHSE TXTING HYROU RIGH NOW ISNGT SHE
PLEAS E DONT TELL HENR WHNERE MY PLAYSTATION IS
You
i got ur back bro
-
You
hes hiding his ps4 behind his dirty clothes in the back of his closet
check behind the mustard yellow tshirt
chidori 🎨
Thank you.
I'll make it up to you.
You
beat his ass!!!
-
junpei 🍜
I THOGUTH TI EAS JUST A NORMAL PEN
WITH NO IMNK
HOW WA SI SUPPOSE DTO KNOW ITS NOT LIKE THAT
You
i think ur gonna have to live without ur ps4 now
junpei 🍜
BRO
You
bro
-
Nijima Sae 💕
Are you busy tonight?
I'd like to grab dinner with you if that's alright.
You
of course! what time?
is your little sister coming?
Nijima Sae 💕
Six at the usual place is fine.
I can ask her.
You
see you there!! 💓💞 :)!!
Nijima Sae 💕
Of course.
-
yukari 💖
I think you made Junpei cry
Lol
You
its what he deserves
im sure chidori wont actually break his ps4 tho
yukari 💖
We'll have to see
You
oh its my stop ttyl!!
-
Work progressed as normal. You did pretty decent work, and it wasn't like Mitsuru would let anyone fire you, although you might have been overestimating her generosity towards an old friend. Mostly, you breezed through your assignments light on your feet, waiting to meet Nijima for dinner.
It was an ongoing thing from having her spill coffee on you while rushing to work. You managed to even meet Makoto during your unorthodox acquaintanceship-slash-friendship, who had a cordial relationship with you. Mostly, she made vague implications about not messing around with her sister.
Really, since when had you come off so frivolous? Even if it didn't look it you still had someone—a figment of your imagination—waiting for you in your dreams. Two of them, technically, but only one of them you ever loved.
By the time five rolled around, you said your due goodbyes to the coworkers you cared about and booked it. Admittedly, the only reason you liked bullet train sushi was seeing the little bullet train zip over with your order. Makoto commented on it once or twice, in a very polite manner, but you had explained to her how you took delight in such things and she had accepted your explanation, though did not seem to buy into it.
Nonetheless, the allure of bullet train sushi called for you. You swiped your card at the turnstiles, pushing your way into the throng of people getting off work just like you, and crashed into at least ten people each time the train started or stopped moving.
Nijima was already there when you arrived, just a touch haggard from the crowded ride over. Makoto was waiting for her too, giving you a polite nod and smile of acknowledgement.
"It's so good to see you!" You offered your favorite prosecutor a bright grin, who offered a tight-lipped one in response. You weren't too sure yourself why she continued to bother inviting you out, considering you weren't exactly a paragon of charisma.
"Was the ride over rough?" she asked as the three of you wandered inside to get seated in a booth.
"Oh, nah, I'm used to it." Makoto sat with her sister, and though you noticed the gap between them, you didn't say a word. You flipped through the options on the tablet, very seriously considering your options. "Oh, I hear there's a new transfer student at your school."
"Yes, there is. I'm afraid I haven't had the chance to get to know him, so I don't know very much."
"Do you want to?" Makoto spared a glance towards her sister, who was looking through the menu with you.
"As the Student Council President, it is my duty to know about every student."
"That's a lot of students! Are you sure? Oh, can we get spicy tuna? I'm gonna place an order."
Nijima frowned as she pondered between spicy salmon and spicy tempura. "Your grades should come first. First impressions are important, but your classmates don't decide how you get into college."
"...yes, you're right." Makoto's voice quieted down a notch. Ah, good old fashioned tension.
"You really do work hard, though. It's good to have fun too! Like getting bullet train sushi. Is there anything you'd like to eat?"
"Oh, well, not especially. I think—" Nijima's phone rang, cutting your conversation short.
"Excuse me," she said. "I'm done choosing, however, so feel free to send in the order whenever you want." She accepted the call and stepped out of the booth, nodding and speaking something in low murmured tones. Makoto's shoulders slumped as soon as her sister was out of range and you sighed, smiling helplessly.
"Go ahead. Mitsuru sent in my paycheck a while back, so I've got to burn off the money somehow."
"No, it's alright, I—"
"I insist. I just want to be the one taking the plates off the bullet train," you said, and after a few more exchanges, she relented. You and your experience with fighting over the bill. As you placed the orders and stared right at the conveyor belt, waiting for the train, you decided to address the one topic you had been skirting around.
Taking a sip of the green tea, you snatched up the edamame as soon as the bullet train was in sight. "So, did you and your sister get into a fight before I got here?"
"I..." She looked even more dejected. "...that's right."
You had to chew and swallow before you could begin dispensing your endless well of advice. "Your sister has some high standards, doesn't she? You and I both know she wants what's best for you, but sometimes people are often misled into the wrong conclusions. I'll try to talk to her about it, but I want you to know this isn't something you alone should be burdened with."
"...thanks." She smiled a bit. "So you can be serious sometimes."
"Only sometimes," you conceded. "I don't want to seem weird about it, but you're like a sister to me too, you know?"
Her expression grew colder and paler. "Like an in-law?"
"What?" You snatched up the various plates of sushi coming in, leaving Nijima's portion untouched. "No, your sister is great, but I don't think she's looking for a girlfriend right now."
"So you would date her."
"What?" you repeated. "Well, she is really cool. And pretty. But there's someone else I like right now."
Makoto didn't look too convinced. "More than my sister?"
Laughing nervously, you quickly downed your entire plate of spicy tuna rolls. "I don't think I like your sister in a romantic way in the first place."
"But you would."
"Are you concerned I'm not up to standard? Or do you not like..." Oh no, was she homophobic? Too caught up were you in the euphoria of SEES being such a supportive, close knit group that you lived in a world where LGBTQ rights were normalized.
She seemed to catch your implication, and horrifically waved her hand. "No, of course I'm not opposed to my sister dating another woman. It's..."
Seeing her struggle to explain, you smiled. "Don't worry, if I wanted to date her, I'd go through you first. Speaking of, when is she coming back? I'm starting to miss exchanging workplace stories now."
Makoto looked away in embarassment, even though you didn't particularly mind. "I'm sorry...she's been busy recently."
"No problem! I like hanging out with you."
"Well...I guess that makes the both of us." Before you could interrogate her and figure out if she was being honest or just polite, Nijima stepped back in, looking a little ruffled but in control of her emotions.
"I apologize for the wait. Have you sent in the orders yet?"
"Sure have! Here, I took the liberty of unloading your plates from the bullet train. You think they'll give us free matcha pudding again?"
"It's been that way the past few times. I don't see why they'd stop now."
"It's cause we're such good patrons," you told her, and then drew Nijima and her sister into polite conversation, taking care to never overstep your bounds. You didn't fancy yourself charismatic or professional enough to force your way into their relationship, and though you felt guilty over pushing it off like that, it was mostly assuaged by the knowledge that some day in the future there would be a resolution. Just not now.
At the end of the meal, after you used your previous life's skill to secure the check and pay for your bullet train sushi, the bullet train sped over one last time with matcha pudding.
"I bet they do it just because you get a kick out of seeing the bullet train," Makoto commented. "Here, I don't really like matcha."
"Oh, thanks!" You gladly devoured her portion as well. "Then I'll have to come back again to support their business."
"...I wouldn't mind coming again," Nijima said and stood. Makoto exited the booth after her sister. You followed behind too, finishing your anecdote from work. The two laughed at the right time, both quiet, polite ones.
"I'll see you soon!" You waved the two of them off, and made your way to the train station, hooking in your earbuds. Flipping through a few songs in your playlist before settling on one you liked, you closed your eyes and waited for the announcement of your stop.
Maybe it really was time to get a car...nah, too much work. Well, you did have a license, but cars were expensive and parking was annoying. But wasn't it a waste of a license? And wouldn't it look cool pulling up to work in a fancy, bright blue Audi or something? But again, insurance and parking... You wrestled with your thoughts as you kicked off your shoes and set down your bag on the couch when a text from Nijima surprised you.
-
Nijima Sae 💕
Thanks for today. I needed the distraction.
You
anytime!!! 💕 i'm always here if you need someone to talk to
don't hesitate!!
Nijima Sae 💕
Thanks. I appreciate it.
-
Really, if you were actually ready to start dating again, Nijima would be your number one choice. Besides her character development arc, she had an endearing personality, if not a bit of a workaholic. You managed to roll into bed with a cheesy grin, which lasted all of about two minutes before the thought of Minato stilled your giddy thoughts.
Right. No sense in getting all worked up when it felt like betraying your ex. You had one of your rare dreamless nights, though maybe you would've felt less guilty had one of your dream versions of Minato come to admonish you.
The next day you were rinsing some cups and plates at LeBlanc when Ryuji stepped in, hunched over with his hands in his pockets. You directed a smile in his direction and wiped your hands on a towel, returning to the counter. Pretend you have no idea who he is, otherwise it'll be creepy.
"Can I help you?"
"What?" He whirled around. "O-oh, no, sorry. I'm waitin' for my friend."
"Kurusu? I don't think he's up yet. Why don't you go check on him?"
"Nah, I can't do that. We're not that close." They hadn't cleared Kamoshida's palace yet, and it wasn't like you could speedrun a social link that fast. You gave him your most sympathetic look.
"He gets up very late, though, so if you have plans you should just go knock some sense into him."
"Well...I guess..." He laughed a bit nervously. "Uh, thanks." He went upstairs and you returned to washing the dishes, ignoring the sound of someone tumbling out of bed and hitting the floor. Sure enough, Akira stumbled downstairs a few minutes later and into the bathroom to brush his teeth.
"Coffee?" you asked, despite already having brewed two cups. You discreetly pushed the sugar in his direction as Ryuji approached, looking embarrassed. "I'll pay, don't worry. Kurusu needs more friends anyways."
"Thanks." He wasted no time dumping in plenty of sugar. Not like you could judge. Junpei used to always complain about how you brewed the best coffee but only ordered hot cocoa at Chagall. "So...you, uh, work part time here?"
"I do." Akira exited the bathroom and picked up his bag from the table, letting Morgana climb into it. "Oh, perfect timing. Coffee?"
"Thanks," he replied, and sat down next to Ryuji. "I can pay."
"What, you think I'll let a high schooler pay?" You shook your head jokingly. "You should just focus on having fun with your friend. Oh, I never did get your name."
"Sakamoto Ryuji," he supplied. "Thanks again for the coffee!" He drank the rest of his with one swallow, and turned to Akira. "C'mon, let's go."
Akira downed the rest of his coffee too and you took their cups, ready to begin washing dishes again. "Don't stay out too late," you called. Akira gave you a small nod and you returned to the sink, letting the water and soap wash away the coffee residue. With a twinge of nostalgia, you thought about how Ken was just around their age now. You'd have to check up on him sometime, even if you knew he was likely doing perfectly fine as a high schooler.
Sojiro returned not too long later. "Is he out?" he asked.
"With a friend of his." Something like pride brightened up your face. "Haha, our kid is growing up. Already at the age where he's hanging out with his friends."
Sojiro rolled his eyes. "Who said I wanted a problem child like him as my kid?"
"You say that, but he's growing on you, right?"
He gave you a long stare. "Don't think that just because you're a longtime employee I won't hesitate to fire you."
You laughed gently at that anyways. "Won't forget it, Boss. How's Futaba?"
"...she's doing fine. She thanks you for the signed poster of the pink Featherman."
"Pink Argus," you admonished him. "And it's no problem."
"I appreciate it anyways." You spent the rest of your time exchanging slow conversation with Sojiro and serving the occasional customer. Akira returned at the end of your shift and you said your farewells on the way out. Another peaceful day had passed.
The easygoing manner of your days was a small comfort, though it made you think of something else. "Celebrate life's grandeur, brilliance, and magnificence, huh?" you mumbled, beginning your walk down the street with slow, steady strides. And then you snorted. "Right, how could I forget the rest of that quote? The arcana is the means by which all is revealed..."