Persona - Chaos Butterfly 9.2

Chapter 9: Sketchbook Memories.  Part two

After the battle, Minato went to check up on Junpei, Yosuke and Teddie. They were doing much better after consuming some of the Fox's leaves which Souji purchased earlier. Rise was not far, scanning the next floor for Shadows or any other strong enemies. After a few minutes of rest and Rise reported that the next floor had nothing but normal Shadows, although she did feel a strong presence on the top floor.

They navigated halfway through the third floor when Chidori's voice could be heard again, but this time accompanied by the voices of others which none of them recognized.

"Mister, why didn't Aya-chan and Tora-kun come home last night? What happened?"

A man's deep voice rang out. "It is none of your concern, Yoshino. Go to bed like a good girl and stop asking unnecessary questions."

"But the orphanage keeps getting emptier and emptier by the day. Where did everybody go?"

"Don't make me punish you again, you insolent brat! Go the bed!"

A woman's voice came this time. "It is time for the testing. Where is the remaining female subject?"

"Please, I don't want to go through there again. It hurts so much! Let me go!" Chidori continued to cry as if she was kicking and screaming.

"You will do as you are told, girl!" The sound of a hard slap was heard.

"Kirijo-sama will be most pleased with the experiment. Three children have made it this far, but the losses will be worth it if they survive the next phase."

"Excellent. With the administration of the drugs, they will be able to control their power once the whole thing is complete."

No words could be used to describe the looks on the SEES members' faces, especially the ones on Mitsuru, Junpei, Shinjiro and Minako. As if he could read his twin's mind, Minato also wore the same expression as her.

"More memories that she doesn't remember…" Junpei said, trying to hold back his anger. "She did say that she didn't remember much from her childhood, except being surrounded by white."

Akihiko couldn't stand it anymore when Mitsuru's shoulders shook and she began to sob into her hands. He knew that she wanted to keep their relationship a secret, but seeing her in this fragile state was unacceptable. So the former boxing champ did what he could; he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. "Shhh…" Akihiko whispered soothingly in her ear. "It wasn't your fault. You and your father were never at fault in this. Don't blame yourself."

"I know, but I just can't help it!" Mitsuru said, her voice muffled by her hands. In the back of her mind she was going to get Akihiko for this later, but she was too busy basking in his comfort to care.

Shinjiro snorted softly at his friend's public display of affection, but caught himself when he looked at Minako. He also took the same damn pills like Chidori when she was in Strega, and remembered the one time he was forced to take it in front of Minako when his coughing went out of control. It felt like a knife stabbed him in the heart when he saw her expression of pain, but because she understood him better than anyone else she kept it a secret from the others. He would have to make it up to her one of these days.

The investigation Team was at a loss at what to do. Souji knew what was going on from what the twins had told him, but he was going to pry the details later. Right now, they have to move forward if they want to rescue Chidori. "Come on guys. We have to hurry!" he prompted. Mitsuru hastily regained her composure and followed the others.

Fighting their way through even more scary-looking toys, they finally found the stairs to the top floor. They stopped to assess their situation and plan their next step.

"I sense two Shadows up there," Fuuka said. "It feels familiar, but at the same time different."

"The energy readings are like Shadow Medea," Rise reported. "Most likely something her memories created, but it's stronger this time."

Souji was still not allowed to battle, so Minato and Minako took their role as leader. They slowly made their way up the stairs.

Just like the second floor, they are standing in the middle of the square in front of Port Island monorail station. However, instead of daytime it was the Dark Hour. Chidori was chained to a lamp post not far away, but what had SEES agitated were the two figures guarding her. One was tall and bone skinny, deathly pale and wasn't wearing a shirt, had long wavy hair and was holding a long-barreled revolver. The other one was slightly shorter and wore glasses, holding a suitcase in one hand and tossing a ball in the other. Both of them grinned maliciously at the Persona users.

"Damn it, what is that hippie Jesus and the cyber freak doing here?" Shinjiro said through gritted teeth. The scars on his chest began to throb at the sight of the gun.

"These are Chidori's memories, remember?" Ken said, readying his spear. "Although, it will be a pleasure to take them out for a second time."

Minato took charge once more. "We'll divide into two groups for each Shadow. Aigis, Metis, Mitsuru-senpai and Ken are with me." He turned to his sister and gave her a nod. "You take the second group. Your call."

"I'll take Kanji-kun and Yukari-chan," Minako said. She then looked at Shinjiro and Junpei, biting her bottom lip. "I want to know if you two can handle this?" she asked them in a serious tone.

Shinjiro merely cracked his knuckles. "Are you kidding me? After that bastard shot me and put you through hell, I'm more than ready to kick his ass!"

"I don't care if he's already dead, as long as I get to do the honors this time," Junpei said, determination burning in his eyes.

"Souji-kun, I need you and the others to get Chidori to safety once we create an opening," Minato told his brother. "These guys aren't going to give in without a fight."

"Just like with Shadow Medea, they still have the same properties as before," Fuuka reported. "Please be careful. They're still dangerous."

Minato zeroed in on Shadow Jin and tried to slash him. Aigis joined him by shooting ammo from her fingers. Shadow Jin evaded both attacks successfully. While running, he pulled a grenade out of his pocket, pulled the safety pin with his teeth and threw it at Minato. Aigis summoned Athena just in time to protect him with her shield.

"Artemesia, Bufudyne!"

"Psyche, Bufudyne!"

With Shadow Jin trapped in a giant ice block, Ken took the opportunity add more damage. "Kala-Nemi, Ziodyne!" His thunder spell struck the ice block with Jin inside it, causing medium damage.

Furious, Shadow Jin summoned his Persona, Moros, and aimed an Agidyne spell at Mitsuru.

"I expected that!" Mitsuru said. "I summon thee, Artemesia. Bufudyne!" The ice attack neutralized the fire spell before it can hurt her. Mitsuru then proceeded to slash him repeatedly.

Just like last time, Jin would target his opponent's weaknesses and use it to his advantage. Minato had to act fast. "Odin, Thunder Reign!" It didn't miss, much to his relief.

Shadow Jin was paralyzed after getting hit. Minato didn't waste any time by ordering an All-Out Attack, causing heavy damage.

Meanwhile, Minako and her team were busy fighting Shadow Takaya. They didn't have trouble taking a swing at the hippie when he paused to cast Mind Charge. The only problem was when he casts elemental or almighty spells on them, it would cause a lot of damage to the surroundings. Fearing for her friends and Chidori's safety, Minako attacked him relentlessly with power charged physical attacks. Shinjiro and Junpei weren't holding back either. Kanji didn't like Shadow Takaya the moment he set eyes on him.

"Chi You, Primal Force!"

"Pegasus, God's Hand!"

"Rokuten Maoh, Vile Assault!"

The triple combo of heavy physical attacks was devastating to Shadow Takaya to say the least. It managed to piss him off enough to distract his attention away from Chidori. Minako was pleased when she saw from the corner of her eye that Souji and his team managed to free Chidori and take her away to a safe distance.

"You'll pay for what you did to her, damnit!" Junpei hollered. "Trismegistus, Agidyne!"

Yukari wasn't about to be left behind. "Isis, Garudyne!"

Yukari's wind spell boosted Junpei's fire. They attacked him again and again until he was burnt to a crisp.

Minato and his team defeated Shadow Jin about the same time. Both teams made their way to Souji and the rest, where they were guarding a sleeping Chidori.

"Is she alright?" Junpei asked frantically.

"I think she's just exhausted because of the fog," Yukiko said. She rummaged through their bag of supplies and took out a packet of Revival Beads and popped one into Chidori's mouth.

Chidori began to stir a few moments later. Her dark brown eyes blinked rapidly, trying to make out the faces in the fog. Chie kindly took off her glasses and placed them on the red-head's face. "There, much better!" she said, smiling.

As Chidori looked at every single person around her, she smiled when she saw one familiar face; Junpei's. A tiny blush made its way to her cheeks.

"Chidori, are you okay?" Junpei asked, taking her hands in his.

"I'm fine Junpei," she answered, still smiling. "I knew you'd come for me."

Junpei's face turned red as a ripe tomato. "O-of course. I did promise I'd protect you, didn't I? Not that you'd remember."

"Of course I remember, silly. You told me that at the hospital, where you would visit me after school."

If Junpei's eyes could open up any wider, they did at this point. "Wait, what? You remember?"

"I remember everything, including all of you…and Tartarus." She said the last word in almost a whisper. She then looked at the faces of the Investigation Team. "I don't know any of you though."

Mitsuru was now stroking her chin thoughtfully. "This is fascinating. After we defeated the Shadows of those two, she regained every memory that happened during the Dark Hour back in 2009."

"But how come she didn't get a Persona after we defeated the Shadows?" Rise inquired.

"Because Izanami isn't here anymore to awaken a person's inner Shadow," Souji answered her. "The ones we fought were merely Yoshino-san's memories."

"That's right," Teddie interrupted. "The nature of this place is to reveal a person's heart. I guess once we defeated her inner demons that Chidori-chan's memories were awakened easily. Then again, you said she used to have a Persona."

"This is fine and all, but can we please get out of here?" Chie said, interrupting everyone's thoughts. "We should probably take her to the hospital anyway."

"I agree," Naoto said. "We should take every precaution to ensure that Yoshino-san is in a stable state."

Junpei vigilantly stayed by Chidori's side until they made it the Entrance Hall, Yosuke leading Chie by holding her hand so she wouldn't fall behind. After they exited the TV World, Junpei took Chidori to the hospital, accompanied by Mitsuru and Akihiko.

The rest decided to head back home after having a meal at the food court. At Yosuke and Junpei's expenses, of course.

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Chie jogged on her way home, distracted by her thoughts. She was glad things turned out well, and while she felt kinda angry at Yosuke for being so reckless and dragging everybody into that mess, she couldn't really be angry at him once knowing his reasons. She only wished he would be over Saki's death and realise that she cared about him more than just a friend.

However, what Chie wasn't expecting to see was Yosuke, sitting near the river, staring blankly at the water. For a minute, Chie simply stood and watched him. His headphones were over his ears; she assumed he had music blasting, as usual.

There was a light breeze that ruffled his hair around the headphones, and Chie found herself staring much longer than she intended. She sighed. "I can't believe I fell for an idiot like him." Even with his knees pulled up to his chest, he managed to look handsome.

Chie dared to take a few steps closer. "Yosuke?" She spoke hesitantly.

There was no response. "Figures." She rolled her eyes. She was about four or five feet behind him, standing so she was just barely able to see the frame of his face– it was narrow without being skimpy, and masculine without being creepy.

Again, Chie sighed. "I suppose now is as good a time as ever."

"Um, Yosuke, I know you're probably not listening at all, but I just thought you should know…" She froze as she saw him move, looking at his mp3 player for a few minutes before resuming his staring contest with the water.

Chie let out a breath of relief before continuing. "Well, I-I know what you're thinking, and I'm not being a wimp for not actually saying this to your face, it's just… nerve-wracking to have to face my feelings like this because I… I do like your company." She laughed nervously. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that… I like you, Yosuke… And I have for a while. But you were, are, and always will be too preoccupied with Saki Konishi to pay me any mind at all, s-so it's alright…"

It hurt her immensely to say this, but she knew it was true. Looking at Yosuke again, she bit her lip. "The unattainable boy… for me, at least. He's not even listening, anyway…" Chie sighed. "Why do I even bother saying the first thing that pops into mind?"

Turning on her heel, she began to walk away when she heard a voice break the silence.

"You really think that, Chie?" She gave a start and whipped around to see Yosuke, headphones off and around his neck, standing and facing her. He looked perplexed.

"Wh-where you listening to that whole thing…?" She counter-questioned, causing him to look away and scuff his shoe against the ground.

"Well, let's just say I never had any music playing…" Yosuke rubbed his neck.

Scowling, Chie stormed up to Yosuke and punched his shoulder harshly. He let out a wail of pain.

"Ow, what the hell, Chie?!" He rubbed his shoulder, sitting down where he was before. "What was that for?"

"You could have said something instead of making me look like an idiot!" Chie fumed, her cheeks red out of anger and embarrassment.

"I didn't know that you wanted my input!" He retorted, closing his eyes and rubbing his pained shoulder.

"D-does it hurt that much? Jeez, I'm sorry… I guess I don't know my own strength." She moved her hand to massage his shoulder, but it ended up right on top of his. Both of the second-year students blushed.

"N-now will you answer my question?" Yosuke whispered.

Chie blinked. "What?"

"Do you really think that I'm still yearning after Saki-senpai?" Yosuke asked.

Chie tried looking many places; the ground, the grass, the river, his shoulder, their hands, anywhere but his eyes. She soon realized that when the two were this close, eye contact was actually the least awkward. "Well, y-yeah, I guess…"

Yosuke's shoulders slumped, causing him to wince. "Chie…" he started, massaging his shoulder, which was when Chie stopped holding his hand and instead opted to sit next to him, opposite the shoulder that was in pain. "While it may be true that I did have something of a crush on Saki-senpai for a little while, I… I came to realize that the feeling wasn't mutual. I had always suspected it, so it wasn't too difficult to get over her." The way he said it told Chie that it was the exact opposite. "Besides, if it weren't for a certain girl, I'd probably still be visiting her grave on a daily basis…"

That piqued Chie's interest. "You like someone, Yosuke? Who is it?"

Yosuke looked away from her. "She was never someone I'd even think about falling for, but one day, she ran off ahead of the rest of us and I was really worried about her, so I did everything I could to get to her in one day. And while Saki-senpai caused me more emotional grief, this girl definitely causes more physical pain." Yosuke continued to tend to his shoulder, even though it didn't even hurt that much anymore.

Looking over at Chie, he could see her gears ticking. His eyes widened upon realizing what he had just said, so Yosuke quickly moved the conversation forward. "B-but enough about that! It's getting late and we both should be going home. I don't wanna get you in trouble" Standing quickly, he made a run for the exit. "I'll see you tomorrow!"

Chie raced after him. "Wait, Yosuke!"

He stopped, turning to her. "Y-Yeah?"

She gave him a kiss on the cheek, causing the pair to go scarlet. "Thanks…"

He smiled warmly. "N-no problem, Chie…"

"Oh, and Yosuke?" She asked again, quieter.

"Yeah?" Their voices were nearing whispers.

"I'm glad that our feelings are mutual." Chie smiled blushing.

Yosuke smiled and leaned down to capture Chie's lips in a quick, sweet kiss. "Me too, Chie... Me too…"

Away from them, a certain silverette boy and a raven haired girl watched them from behind a tree with pleased smiles, glad their best friends had finally found love in each other.

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Inaba Municipal Hospital, evening…

After thorough tests on Mitsuru's insistence, the doctor didn't find anything wrong with Chidori, only that she was exhausted. He prescribed her some multivitamins and told her to get some extra rest.

"That went surprisingly well," Akihiko said, relieved the whole ordeal is over. "The only problem is where she will stay for the night."

"Indeed. I guess she will have to stay at the inn with us for the time being," Mitsuru said. "But you will have to sleep in a single room. Ours is crowded right now."

Junpei held one of Chidori's hands. "Ya hear that, Chidorita? She's gonna let you stay with us!"

"B-but, I don't want to burden you!" the red-head squeaked, eyes wide. "And I told you not to call me that!"

Mitsuru's expression softened. "Please, I insist. It's the least I can do for you right now." The guilt of having Chidori suffer under her family's brutal experiments was still eating at her.

Not having the energy to argue, Chidori reluctantly followed Junpei and the two seniors to the Amagi Inn. Junpei wouldn't stop chattering the whole way, at one point Akihiko had to smack him because he was getting on his nerves.

Chidori's nervousness ebbed away at the scene. Despite having the bad memories that she would rather forget return to her, all of that didn't matter as long as she was by her beloved's side.

They were greeted by the rest of SEES including Souji and Yukiko. After Mitsuru and Akihiko explained the situation, Yukiko left to take care of Chidori's room arrangements.

After they had dinner, the girls practically dragged the gothic-loli to their room much to Junpei's displeasure. The guys didn't bother to stop them since they wouldn't be caught dead involved in the dreaded girl talk.

"So Chidori, how long will you stay here for?" Yukari asked, already changed into her sleepwear. So were the rest of the girls.

"I don't know," Chidori answered. "Mitsuru-san told me I have to leave soon because she doesn't want me to get in danger. You guys are still fighting Shadows, aren't you?"

"Y-yeah, I guess she does have a point," Fuuka said.

"Then stay until the Summer Festival is over," Minako suggested. "I'm pretty sure Junpei-kun wants to spend more time with you, and why not have some fun while you're at it?"

At the mention of the Summer Festival, the girls got excited and began to talk about their plans during the summer, what games they would play and food they would eat. Girl talk ensued right after; shopping, clothes and gossip.

Yukiko poked her head in. "Excuse me guys, Chidori-san's room is ready."
The girls were a little disappointed that their 'girl time' had to end so soon, but they understood Chidori's need to rest. Minako and Yukari were more than happy to loan her some of their clothes and even offered to help her get settled in.

After helping Chidori, Yukari had a sudden idea. "Hey, let's take a quick dip in the hot springs then we can go to bed."

"Why not? I don't feel sleepy right now anyway."

The two girls took all their necessary bathing items and head for the hot springs.

It wasn't long before Yukari felt sleepy and she was ready to hit the sack. Minako decided to take a walk in the garden before doing so, still clad in a yukata. Her hair was let down for it to dry faster.

An almost-full moon was out tonight, and illuminated the garden with its pale light, but not as bright. Fireflies were dancing among the trees and bushes around the koi pond, adding an extra touch to the atmosphere. Minako felt her worries melting away as she stared at the beautiful scenery.

Footsteps could be heard somewhere behind her. Minako turned around and saw Shinjiro walking towards her. He was wearing his usual black turtleneck and brown pants, without his coat and beanie for once.

"Hey," he greeted, standing beside her.

"Senpai, how did you know I was here?"

"I saw you walk out of the hot springs with Takeba. Aki challenged me to a ping-pong game earlier…that guy doesn't know when to quit," Shinjiro said, rubbing the back of his head. "It went on for a while because your brothers decided to join in."

"Oh…" was all she said before staring at the fish swimming in the pond, admiring how their scales glittered like jewels under the moonlight.

Shinjiro could only stare at her in awe. "She's gorgeous..." He thought. It was rare to see her hair let down like this, and he preferred it like that. The moonlight was shining down on her face at all the right angles, making her look more like an ethereal being than human.

"Senpai, is anything wrong? You're awfully quiet," she said, looking up at him.

Minako's voice snapped Shinjiro out of his stupor, making him blush. "Crap, I hope she didn't catch me staring at her!" The last thing he needed was being labeled as a lecher. "I…I was just thinking about something, that's all," he answered. It was true in a way, as he remembered the monologue he had with himself when they listened to Chidori's memories of her childhood back in the TV World.

"What kind of stuff?" Minako asked shyly.

He wasn't going to lie to her or himself anymore. "I was just thinking about how to make it up to you. For saving me from myself and staying by my side even after all the things I've done, after all I put you through," he answered, lifting one hand to cup her cheek. "Three years worth of time, I swear I'll make it up to you…and the others as well."

"Senpai…"

Shinjiro chuckled lightly. "You don't have to call me that, you know." A short pause. "Shinji is fine. And only because it's you."

Minako's entire face turned crimson, which Shinjiro found to be oddly cute. "B-b-b-but…"

He now had his hands out of his pockets and held her face with both, silencing her with a kiss. Shinjiro knew this was out of character for him, but because they were alone, and only in front of her that he could let his guard down this much.

When he pulled away, Minako's face was burning. Feeling proud of himself, he decided to tease her some more. "By the way, you look hot in a yukata. I can't wait for the summer festival," he whispered in her ear.

Minako let out a squeak and did the only thing she could to cover her embarrassment; bury her face in Shinjiro's chest. "The guys aren't going to let you live this down, you know…" she mumbled through his sweater.

"I don't care," he said, wrapping his arms around her. "As long as I get to stay with you."

They stayed like that for a while, watching the fireflies. When Minako didn't move, Shinjiro realized that she had fallen asleep in his arms. "Only you…" he smiled inwardly, before picking her up and head back inside the inn.

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"Hey, have you guys noticed how Junpei didn't make a single perverted comment to us last night?" Yukari questioned the SEES girls over breakfast. They invited Yukiko to join them, which she gladly accepted. It was rare for her to have breakfast with friends, so she very much enjoyed the company.

Fuuka put down the toast she was munching, and looked deep in thought. "Now that you mention it, he was rather quiet." She then waved her hand as if to brush the statement aside. "No way, that can't be. He's Junpei-kun, always loud and noisy."

"That can't be right," Minako said. "Not a day passes by without him making one dirty joke."

"He and Yosuke-kun are very much alike. But the only person he's like that with is Chie…" Yukiko commented. She gasped when the other girls turned sharply to look at her.

"That's it!" they cried out in unison, but quickly sat down when they were shushed by the waitresses.

"Good morning, ladies!" Junpei greeted politely. Chidori was walking right beside him, and they were holding hands. "Don't wait up for us. We're heading out to Junes."

"Bye!" Chidori waved. The girls snickered behind their backs when the two of them left the inn.

Yukari cleared her throat to gain everyone's attention. "I rest my case. Now let's focus on another topic. Minako-chan, why was Shinjiro-senpai carrying you back to our room last night?" She grinned when her best friend's face turned cherry red.

"None of your business!" Minako shrieked, ignoring another reprimand from a waitress.

Girlish laughter ensued at her expense.

"Good morning. You girls look like you're having fun," Minato greeted. The girls scooted over to let the guys join them.

"Mind sharing with us?" Souji asked. He noticed Minako's red face and concluded that the other girls were making fun of his sister.

Shinjiro smiled at Minako when he took a seat beside her, but it was replaced with a scowl when the other girls looked at him. "What?"

"Nothing," Yukari said sweetly, resting her chin on her interlaced fingers. "Just some friendly interrogation is all." The other girls smirked at her statement.

Not wanting her boyfriend to go ballistic in public, Minako hastily changed the subject to Dojima and Nanako's return to Inaba, turning the awkward mood cheerful once again.

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Chidori wanted to buy some art supplies and basic clothing since she didn't bring anything but the clothes on her back. She was wearing a pair of jeans and a white blouse which Yukari and Minako let her borrow. Her long red hair was tied up in a high ponytail with a cute butterfly clip on the right.

This was entirely new for Junpei. He never saw her in anything but that white Lolita dress and the dagger headband she used to wear. She was cute in that get-up but this…she looked stunning! All he could do was stare at her while she browsed the aisles at the stationary department.

After shopping, the two of them went to the food court to rest. As Junpei was paying for their drinks, the smell of grilled steak caught his nose. He cringed when he remembered just how much steak his best friends ate the day before, and how thin his wallet had become. Luckily, there was still enough to buy him and Chidori a decent meal on their 'date'. "This can be considered a date, right?" he thought sheepishly.

They decided to walk pass the Samegawa flood plain before heading back. Chidori was so entranced by the beautiful scenery, she decided to stop at the gazebo and use the new items she bought to paint a picture.

Again, Junpei was mesmerized. "If only she realizes how pretty she is right now…" he sighed mentally.

Halfway through her painting, Chidori put down her painting and decided to speak up. "You've been staring at me the whole day, you know."

"Huh, what's that?" Junpei said, blinking dumbly.

If Yukari and Minako were here, they would have made fun of how stupid he looks right now.

"Is there something wrong with my face, or what I'm wearing?"

"What? No way!" Junpei scoffed. "What gives you that idea?"

"It's just that I'm not used to wearing these kind of clothes," Chidori admitted shyly, looking at the ground. "Do I look weird, Junpei?"

Junpei took off his cap and scratched his head, trying to find the right words. "Uhh…no, you're not weird at all, Chidori. You actually look good wearing normal clothes. It's refreshing."

Chidori's pale cheeks turned a healthy shade of pink. "You think so? Everybody just calls me a freak, and I don't think I can fit in anywhere."

"I don't think you're a freak," Junpei said. He remembered his conversation with Chidori's roommate on the phone yesterday, and frowned. "But you are different than other girls. I guess that's why I'm attracted to you in the first place," he added.

"Really?"

"Yeah!"

"Are you sure you didn't pick that line out of a movie?" Chidori teased, the edge of her lips tugged upwards into a sweet smile.

"Hey, I resent that!" Junpei retorted playfully. He began to fantasize about seeing that smile every day when he wakes up in the morning. "I'd be the luckiest guy on the planet."

Chidori returned to painting her picture, not minding that Junpei was staring at her again with a goofy grin on his face.

Surprisingly, he was the first to speak up when she finished. "You know…about what you said earlier. You don't have to worry about fitting in anywhere," he said.

"Why do you say that?" Chidori questioned, looking at him with curiosity.

"Do you remember when you sacrificed yourself for me, and how Medea fused with Hermes and created Trismegistus?" Chidori nodded. "Then that's your answer right there. You have and always will belong here." Junpei touched his chest above his heart. "You're a part of me now, Chidori. Don't worry about what others think."

Stunned, she just kept quiet.

"I don't think the others blame you for what happened. I'm sure Mina-tan, Yuka-tan, and the whole gang already accepted you as our friend. So, whatever it is, we'll try our best to help. Don't forget that." A huge and sincere smile made its way on Junpei's mouth.

He was disappointed when Chidori's reaction was the opposite of what he expected. Instead of the clichéd doe-like eyes staring at him with admiration, Chidori was laughing so hard she was clutching her stomach. "Haha…I never thought…hehe…that you'd be the one…hehe…t-to say something so wise…hahaha…"

"Chidori...you're mean!" Junpei pouted. Suddenly he felt a soft pressure on his right cheek, and turned a bright crimson when he realized Chidori had just kissed him.

Said girl was blushing as well. It was obvious she had never done it before and hid her face behind her hands. "Oh my god I can't believe I just did that!" she repeated in her head again and again.

"Ya know, I just realized something…" Junpei said boldly, all hints of shyness gone now. "You probably never had your first kiss, dontcha?"

"Wh-what are you t-talking about?" Chidori stuttered, feeling very small all of a sudden.

Junpei was a winner when it came to recklessness, so the next thing he did was on pure impulse. He bent down a little and captured Chidori's lips with his. The gothic-loli gasped in surprise, unsure of how to act next. She was a bit disappointed when he finally pulled away.

"There, I took your first kiss and you took mine," the cap-wearing teen smiled. "Now we're even."

"You idiot…" Chidori chided, but smiling at the same time. "But I love you all the same."

He gently bumped his forehead with hers. "I love you too, Chidorita."

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Nanako was sitting in front of her house. She was so happy to be back at home even if she was away only for two days. She missed her big brother terribly, so she couldn't wait for him to come home. Dojima had even decided to buy them a special dinner: sushi. So when Souji came home, it'd be a pleasant family reunion evening.

"Lovely day today…" A boy's voice called out. "The sky is so beautiful is the sun feels so nice…"

Nanako stood up, trying to find the voice's owner. She found it hiding resting his body against a nearby tree, looking at the sky. He was young boy around her age with a very pale complexion, short faded black hair and blue eyes and a mole under his left eye. He was wearing black-and-white striped pajamas and sandles.

"Hello?" Nanako called.

"Oh, hi." The boy smiled at her. He seemed kinda lonely to Nanako for some reason. "Sorry if I startled you. I was just admiring the sky. I haven't seen such a beautiful day in a long time."

"Oh… Are you new here? I've never seen you before." Nanako asked.

"… Yes… I've just moved here." The boy said. "This is so different from where I came from…"

The boy went silent. Nanako felt he probably didn't have many friends on his old home. "Do… Do you want to play with me?"

A brief glance around - he looked kinda like a jailbird, with his stripey pajamas - and then a nod, with a finality that seemed a bit too much for a child simply agreeing to a session of play."…Okay." And he just smiled.

Nanako smiled and grabbed his hand. "C'mon! Let's go!"

The boy was surprised at the sudden gesture, but felt warm inside as Nanako took him to play near the tree.

They exchanged smiles as they played into the hours: tag, hide and seek, all sort of games. Nanako was enjoying herself, but the boy seemed to be having fun like there would be no tomorrow.

As the sun started setting, Nanako frowned a bit. "I have to go home… It's getting dark."

The boy frowned. "Me too… My… Brother is probably waiting for me…" He said before looking at Nanako. "Can I… Can I see you again?"

"Of course!" Nanako smiled. "Oh by the way, my name's Nanako. What's your name?"

He gave a tiny smile. "My name is… Pharos." He took Nanako's hand. "We're gonna be great friends, Nanako-chan."

Nanako smiled and blushed a bit at that. "Sure, Pharos-kun!"

With that, they parted ways.