8/26

Chie called me up, asking if I wanted to train. I told her sure and met her at Samegawa. While we were training, she would tell me about this movie she watched. "-And this guy knocked down a tree using only his leg! How does someone kick that hard...? Just practice?" I guess, though, it could just be movie editing. "Ch-Chie!" Someone called out and ran towards us. It was that guy Chie saved the other day. "Oh, hey Takeshi... W-Were you robbed again?" She asked as he scratched the back of his neck, "No... I took off right after that, right? So I thought I'd apologize..." Huh, so he DOES have some dignity to come and apologize. He doesn't have enough dignity to admit he ran away though. Chie brought it up, "Wh-What...? Were you this anal before? Tch, if you lose that sunny attitude, you won't have anything left." Wow, rude much. "... shut up!" She aggressively said, folding her arms and pouted.

"Speaking of which... What's up with Yukiko-san? I saw her with you the other day... She seemed weirdly cheerful... She had this funky laugh, y'know...?" The hell do you mean 'funky laugh'? "That funky laugh... That's how she really is." Yeah, she's gone through a lot and seeing her be herself is so satisfying, same with the others. "Oh, you've rubbed off on her, huh? I can't believe it... That's not Yukiko-san... She was better gloomy..." Okay, I wished we would let him get beaten up. Chie's fist clenched tighter as Takeshi realized I was here. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were here too. What's your name, beautiful?" Takeshi reached out to my hand but I pulled my hand away. He really thinks I would let him flirt with me after he was insulting one of my friends. Chie got between us, "Look, if you get into trouble again, I'll step in and help.". He looked at Chie weirdly, "...Huh? Oh, uh... Thanks...". "So why don't you shut your mouth about Yukiko!? You don't know anything about her! She's a good person, got it!? And don't you dare try to flirt with Yui~Chan on my watch!?" Chie...! I just hugged her from behind. She was taken aback for a bit but she still stood her ground.

Takeshi scoffed, "Wh-What the hell?" and ran away. Serves him right. The tomboy sighed in relief, "I just remembered... Way back, I saw Yukiko sitting by the road, holding a dog. I asked her what's up and she said she ran away from home... She'd picked up the dog, but her parents told her she couldn't have a pet, and that she'd have to get rid of it... She looked like she was dead or something... I tried everything I could think of to make her laugh. And that's how we became friends... From that moment on... I told myself I'd protect Yukiko... But... Somewhere along the way, I messed up, and that Shadow popped out... After that, I thought I'd try to focus on what's good about me. I swore to quit being nothing but the girl Yukiko can rely on... So... I just tried my best. At finding the culprit and stuff... just generally being more reliable... That's all. I feel like I missed the point..." She hugged me back, making me smile. "Realizing that is the first step, Chie!" "Heh, thanks. You're too kind. Maybe... half a step?" We both laughed while releasing from the hug. "I wonder if there's anyone out there... who can say, 'This is what makes me worthwhile!' I guess everyone's looking for it...".

Rank 8

"Oh yeah... That dog Yukiko picked up? It's gotten really fat at my place. Come by and see it sometime! It smells, but it's cute! Maybe I'll walk it over to your house!" Chie smiled as we started walking home.

~Timeskip~

I was sitting with Nanako while she did her homework. "For today's homework... I have to write a book report. I already finished reading the book, so I just need to write about it. A king goes deep into the forest, and..." She continued to tell me about the story. It sounds pretty interesting, I should read it. "He was all alone... so he wasn't angry or sad... The king said he was happy... But I feel sad for him... Um, big sis? Do you feel happy when you're alone?" Oh, this is... uh... honestly, "It depends. I like to be alone to gather my thoughts, but I also like being around everyone whenever I can.". She seemed to understand a little, "I see... Maybe I should write about you, too..." and went back to writing her essay. Once she was done, her bedtime was close so I took her to her room and tucked her in before going to bed myself.

8/27

Ryuto's POV

It was such a dreary day, a slow day too... damn summer rain... "Ryuuuuuu~!" I groaned at the sound of my annoying twin's voice. Why must she be my twin? "What's up?" I asked as she showed me three full bags of tofu. "Grandma asked if you could take these to Yukiko~Senpai's inn!" She had this shit-eating grin on her face that told me that Grandma asked her but she doesn't want to go out in the rain. Sigh, there's nothing else to do here anyway so I took the bag along with my raincoat and umbrella. So wait, I have to take this to Yukiko~Senpai's inn? That means I have to take the bus... I hate taking the bus, it's always stuffy in those buses. While waiting for the bus, I heard my name being called. "Ryuto~Kun!" I turned my head to the sound and saw Chie~Senpai in a pulled over car. "Oh, hey Chie~Senpai!" "Where are you going with those bags?" She asked as I told her what I was doing. "One sec..." She looked into the car and was talking to the driver. "Okay, thanks mom! C'mon, Ryuto~Kun!" Chie then rushed out of the car and dragged me into the back seat.

"Thank you, Satonaka~San and Chie~Senpai." I bowed in my seat as Chie's mom chuckled. She's a regular at the tofu shop and would come at least once a month and get some ganmo. "Don't worry. You work at Marukyu, right? The fact you help out your grandmother with the store, you're a good boy." Chie's mom chuckled as I tried keeping the tofu together. "So, has Chie been a good Senpai?" That made Chie~Senpai cough what she was drinking, "M-Mom!". The older Satonaka stopped at a red light, "What? He's a good young man and quite the looker!". I could feel heat approaching my cheeks, "Heh, she is a great Senpai, ma'am." I could tell from the back seat that her face was heating up, it was kinda cute. "You hear that, hon? You're doing something right." Satonaka~San nudged her blushing daughter while she kept looking out the window.

We made it to the Amagi inn quicker than I thought. Chie~Senpai and I stepped out of the car in silence. "So... your mom is nice." She blushed more with a sigh, "I'm sorry about her... she can be a bit much...". My hand patted on her back, making her face me. "Don't worry, my grandma was like that with me whenever a girl walked into the tofu store. It became less after Rise moved in though." After a while of staring at each other, we started laughing at how embarrassing our family members are. And here I thought that she only had kung fu on her mind. I guess I shouldn't be this closed minded about my Senpai, huh? "And here I thought you were just a brooding teenager, Ryuto~Kun!" Heh, even she was closed minded too.

~Timeskip~

Yui's POV

Nanako and I finished our dinner and went straight to her homework. "I'm doing my art homework today. I have to make something out of stuff I find in the house. A milk carton, a paper towel tube... Knitting wool, origami paper... What else do we have?" Hmm... I would suggest she learn how to make a kumihimo but maybe not now.

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

Nanako kept thinking what she was gonna do while I went to the door. It was Kanji and Rise! "Senpai said that Nanako-chan was doing her summer homework. You should've told me! But, it looks like I picked the wrong day to come. I can't do any of this art stuff." Yeah... when we were kids, she couldn't spin a pot. Kanji stepped up, "Let me see what you've got." and proceeded to make something of incredible detail. Something an elementary student couldn't make. Well, at least Nanako was having fun watching Kanji. Once he was done, the little girl thanked them before going upstairs for a bath while I spoke with the others until they left.

8/28

I was just walking in the shopping district when Rise walked up to me, asking if we could talk in private and led me to the hill overlooking town. "Thanks for coming up here with me, Senpai! When I first got to town, I used to sit here and do nothing... I would just listen to the sound of the river, the sound of the birds, the sound of the rain... I felt I could forget 'Risette' and find myself that way... But... Senpai, have you ever thought that you're pushing yourself too far, or that you were just acting...?" Heh, hit the nail on the coffin... "All the time... at home, when we're in the TV world... I have to compensate for what I'm lacking.". Rise took hold of my hand, "Really...? Then you might even be a better actor than Ryu and I. But I see... You've been through a lot too..." she rubbed the back of my hand with my thumb. "I feel like I've been able to relax after coming to Inaba. Meeting all of you, laughing together... Watching the store, reading comics, hanging out with Ryu normally, playing with the cat... When I was at my parents' house, I was on my best behavior around them... Oh, but Grandma doesn't ask me anything. Y'know, like why I quit or what I'm thinking of doing next... She just talks about tofu. She says... I'm like tofu. I had to ask her what that meant. The way she explained it... Tofu looks weak and fragile, but it's actually pretty resilient. Even though it stands out because it's not like any other food, it can be mixed in with any recipe or flavor... Tofu is incredible. I'm nothing like that... I... I was actually bullied at school before I made my debut..." Rise...

Her grasp on my hand tightened, "I wasn't good at talking, and always looked at my feet... I was alone the entire time... well, of course I had Ryu! But because of the bullying... I kept him at arm's length. I didn't have a problem with that. No one expected anything of me and Ryu was busy with his own stuff. And then... the application my relative sent without telling me or bro passed the first audition. Neither of us were interested in being an idol, but... I wanted the chance to change myself and he went along with me... And just by chance, we won. Haha... When it happened, I panicked, thinking maybe I should turn their offer down. Then I thought... if I appeared on TV, I could make friends and I could get closer to Ryu... That was literally the only reason I went through with it... and he followed me. After a while... I realized something. The person everyone likes, the one they say 'hi' to on the street? That's not the real me. Risette is the one everyone likes... The fictional character they sold the public... heh, it's the same with you, isn't it? You don't have to deny it... I won't be mad. You're with me right now because I'm Risette, yeah?" What...? She... really thinks that?

My hand grasped onto her face as I pulled her forehead to my lips, kissing it softly. "Not at all, Rise. I care about you and that's why I'm hanging out with you." She blushed and turned away. "I'm sorry. That wasn't a fair question... But I'm happy you said so. When I got back to school after my debut, no one bullied me... I was happy at first, with people I didn't even know talking to me... But they weren't suddenly interested in Rise Kujikawa... They wanted to hang out with Risette. The bullying stopped, but... I felt like none of them saw the real me. In my heart, I've always thought... 'This isn't the real me...' Funny, huh? I was the one who wanted to change, and... But none of that matters now! I'm done being Risette! Now I have people who know the real me. Plus, I have the power that can help everyone... I love that! This time, I'm going to change into a Rise that everyone can like! Keep an eye out for her, Senpai!" Heh, she is cute. I can also tell she's not sure who she is but I know she will.

Rank 5

With Rise yawning, I thought it was time for me to walk her home.

Once I got home, I saw Nanako, head into her homework. "Hey big sis! I have to write a paper about my favorite animal. Hmm... Which one should I choose...? Oh, I know! There's a picture of it on that shirt that Dad bought... What's it called? A platypus? I'll write about platypuses!" She began eagerly writing. Heh, when school work was the one fun thing you could do. "The platypus lays eggs. And they have poisonous claws!" She nudged me, "Question! Is it the male or female platypus that has the poison claws?". I'm pretty sure... "It's the male one, right?" Nanako smiled widely and nodded, "Correct! You're smart, big sis!". After a while, she finished her homework and I put her to bed.

8/29

Ryotaro's POV

Ugh, Adachi isn't back from his errand... There hasn't been much to do in the office so I asked him to get me a coffee. Even if there isn't much to do, doesn't mean I can't look over these files. Also... I need to call the household so I can ask Suki~San how things are going over there. Well-

*RING* *RING*

Huh? Oh, speak of the devil... "Greetings, Dojima~San. I wanted to make contact with you about our side of things. We've been making desserts for her birthday along with getting the ingredients for her cake. Rest assured, they will be ready before we arrive in Inaba." With a sigh of relief, I thanked her and told her things on our end were good as well. We have been in contact with each other since that mini meeting in the tofu store and everything seems to be going to plan. "That's good. I will make contact with you again when it gets closer to Small Lady Yui's birthday. See you." She said before hanging up and I returned to my work. "S-S-Sorry Dojima~San for the wait!" My lousy partner said, while hastily placing my cup of coffee next to me as I just sighed and kept up with my work.

~Timeskip~

Yui's POV

My homework took a while to do but I was able to finish a part of it in time to help Nanako with hers. "This is the last thing I have to do for my homework. I just need to write a picture diary. Umm... 'Big sis... and Dad...' Um, let's see... August 27th... Ah... I don't remember the weather... Um, big sis? Did it rain the day that we worked on my art homework?" I really don't remember, I'm starting to think I have a memory of a goldfish when it comes to these things. "I think it was raining all day...?" The little girl tilted her head, " ...Was it? Mmm..." she mumbled before drawing in her book. "'Big sis... and her friends... helped me... a lot... with my homework... They were so nice... I like them so much...' ...No! Don't look!" Heh, that's adorable. After a while of her drawing, she told me she finished her summer homework. With a smile, I decided to tuck her into bed before going to sleep myself.

8/30

Nothing much happened today other than Chie inviting me out to train. She was improving a lot but nothing much happened other than that. She was also acting weird a little, but I didn't pay much mind to it. Right now though, Nanako and I were watching TV when we heard the door open. "... I'm home." Dojima called out, making Nanako look expectantly. "Oh, welcome back! Um, Dad...!" She got out the slip of paper, most likely for her Parent-Teacher Interview thing. "Later, Nanako..." He sighed as she kept trying to give him the paper. "B-But, this paper..." Dojima finally got the paper and started reading it, "'Scheduling of Parent-Teacher Interviews'? A survey, huh...?". The little girl's fist clenched, "... Fine. It's fine... It's fine already! You don't have to write anything! You don't have to come! It's just another case to you, right? It's more work, isn't it? Bad people and everyone else are more important to you than me, huh!? You're not 'real'... You're not my 'real' Dad!" Nanako blurted before running out of the house!? "Nanako!?" I called out before rushing out as well. No... please, Nanako!?

Once I made it outside, I looked everywhere but couldn't find her anywhere nearby. Where could she be!? "Is she out there, Yui?" Unfortunately, I shook my head at him. "What's gotten into her...?" This time it was my turn to clench my fists, "That's not important, Dojima. We need to find her, now!" I ordered while he looked down. "Yeah... Yeah, you're right. Now's not the time to stand around asking questions. Let's split up!" With a nod, we went our own separate ways. Sigh, we can't find her with just the two of us, we need more help. I texted everyone in the group chat,

(Y- Yui, Yo- Yosuke, C- Chie, Yu- Yukiko, K- Kanji, R- Rise, Ry- Ryuto)

Y- GUYS!

K- S-Senpai? What's up?

Ry- It's late, Yui...

Yu- Is something wrong?

Y- SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG, NANAKO RAN OUT OF THE HOUSE?!

Yo- SHE WHAT?!

C- I'll look around my neighborhood. We'll help however we can!

R- Chie~Senpai's right! Don't worry, we'll find her!

Ry- Yeah, we just need to calm down. Try not to overreact.

Yo- HAVE YOU GUYS FORGOTTEN IT'S A CHILD?!?

Yu- I'm pretty sure we haven't forgotten. But freaking out won't help us find Nanako~Chan, right Yosuke~Kun?

Yo- Ugh, you're right. Ted and I will look around Junes.

K- I got the North side of the shoppin district.

R- That leaves the South side to us, Ryu!

Y- Th-Thank you all!

Yu- It's no problem, Yui~Chan! Now, we have to start looking!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Heh, you guys are awesome. Well, I'll leave the shopping district to Kanji, Rise and Ryuto. Yosuke and Teddie are tackling Junes, Yukiko is most likely looking around her inn while Chie is checking her neighborhood. That just leaves her school and the floodplain... well, floodplain it is! The moment I got there, I heard Dojima's voice call out for me. "Yui! Did you find Nanako?" Apologetically, I shook my head. "Dammit... Where is she...?" His gaze lifted as it rested on something. I tried looking at where he was looking and I saw Nanako, sitting at one of the benches under the shaded area. The father called out to her quietly before looking down, "... Could you... talk to her? I'm not her 'real father,' huh...? Yui... You should go pick her up. She'll listen to you..." Dojima... he's hurting, especially hearing Nanako say he isn't her 'real dad'. He has to be the one to talk to her but, I understand why it has to be this way.

I nodded at him, "...Sorry about this. As long as Nanako is okay... I'm fine... Please." He doesn't want her to run again, huh? I can respect that. I walked up to her, her gaze never left her feet. "Big sis... c-can we go home...? I'm sorry..." Nanako... "It's okay, let's go home sweety!" She took my hand hesitantly but we stayed sitting on the bench. I told her it was Dojima that found her, "...He was looking for me...? Did Dad say anything about the river? Did he forget about Mom...? He never talks about her... I wanna see Mom..." Sweety... I took her into a tight embrace. I know why Dojima doesn't wanna talk about Aunt Chisato. I... remember her name, too... he doesn't wanna be reminded. I looked at Nanako's face, she was fighting back tears. Yeah, her face is incredibly similar to hers. Dojima... I'm so sorry...

Rank 7

"Dad must've forgotten Mom. There aren't any pictures of her at home. He probably threw them all away... Is he going to throw me away, too...?" I patted her head and kissed her forehead, "He hasn't forgotten. Just... keep loving him. He loves you, that's a fact. Know that he is indeed your real father.". Nanako's grip went to my skirt as it lasted a while. She looked up and I guess she saw Dojima, looking at us. "...I'm going home. Let's go home together. Me, you... and daddy..."And with that, we all went home. Nanako was between me and Dojima but she only held my hand. I hope everything gets better tomorrow... Before we made it home, I texted the others that we found Nanako, to which they all responded that they were so glad. I tucked her in as Dojima left for his room. Sigh, I wish I could help them...

Social Links

Fool Arcana= Rank 7

Magician Arcana= Rank 10 (MAXED)

Priestess Arcana= Rank 10 (MAXED)

Empress Arcana= Rank 5

Emperor Arcana= Rank 3

Hierophant Arcana= Rank 5

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Sun Arcana= Rank 7

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