Chapter 44: Helping

*Some of this dialogue/line from Drama CD*

Xxx

The group meeting again at Leblanc along with Futaba.

"Futaba,what do you want to do now?" Makoto asking to Futaba. "Since you know our secret, we'd like you to join our team."

"'Kay." She answer quickly.

"Just like that?" Ann surprised the orange girl replied.

"This may even ensure our investigation of Mementos goes along smoothly."

"Well...I guess." Morgana said.

"Well, Futaba's real amazing! She's gonna be a big help for us,huh?" Ryuji said as Rin nod.

"Still, it'll be a problem if she doesn't open up to us some more."

"At the very least,we need to be able to communicate normally with her." Yusuke said.

"What should we do, Ren-nii?"  Rin asking her brother.

"Let's get to know her." Ren answer.

"How?"

"First, we'll need to help her open up to us.If we each spend an entire day with her,maybe she'll get more used to being around us." Makoto said as Futaba eyes widen when she hear that.

Yusuke nod. “I see.We do have the time, thanks to summer vacation.“

“Then we have to get her out of the house and socialize where other people are.“

“Oh,then how 'bout we finish with a trip to the beach! That’s public!“ Ryuji exclaimed.

“I like sound of that!”Rin agree then she turned to Futaba. “Futaba-chan,what do you think?“

Futaba hugging her knee closer.“You said that like I had a choice, despite there being none…“

“Don’t worry about it, it’ll be fun!“ Ann comfort her.

“I’ll come by tomorrow.“ Says Makoto.

“Let me help as well. I don’thave anything planned.“ Yusuke also want to join.

“Thanks. How about we start a rotation where those who are free meet with her?“

“Hey, quit deciding-“ Futaba stand up.

“Is there a problem, Futaba?" Morgana said.

“We won’t force you.“ Ren said to her.

Futaba seat beside Rin. “There’s no problem… but… I’m not sure I’m ready.“ She mutter.

“I look forward to it, Futaba-chan!”

“Well,then it you’ll excuse me…“ The others leave.

Xxx

“Can I really do this?” Futaba said looking down.

“Good luck!” Ren said.

“We here for you Futaba-chan.“  Rin smile to her.

“Grrr, you Phantom Thieves.” Futaba walking towards Morgana and playing, pinching Morgana face.

“Why me?!” Morgana feel annoyed when Futaba messing his head. “Leave my face! Stop it!“

‘I’m worried about this.‘ Ren thought as Rin giggle watching those two.

Xxx Next Day XXX

We enter Sojiro's house and stop in front Futaba’s room door.

Makoto knock the door. “Futaba?Can we come in?“

You can hear something falling inside. “W-What are you guys doing here?" Futaba voice startled coming from inside.

“Remember,we’re starting today, Futaba-chan.“ You also tap the door using your finger.

“W-W-Wait! You’re meeting up here, not at Leblanc?“ She stutter.

“Won’t that be easier for you?“

“You demons.“ Futaba whisper.

“Anyway… We’re coming in.“

“Ah,you can’t! Give me a second!“ You all can hear she rearranged something inside.

“Hm? What on earth is she doing?“ Makoto wonder.

“She’s probably hiding stuff she doesn’t want us to see.“ Yusuke answer.

“That must be it.” Ren nod as suddenly the noise become silent.

“Hm? It’s gone quiet.“ Morgana mention.

“Well then, we’re coming in, okay?“  Makoto hold the knob and open the door.

We all surprised seeing her wearing a large mask.

“Um, Futaba-chan?“

“What is that supposed to be?“ Makoto point.

“Don’t worry about it.“ Futaba answer as she sit in her chair.

“Such avant garde design. You have excellent taste.” Yusuke said to her.

“It’s pretty good looking.“ Ren gave a compliment as you sigh and sit on Futaba’s bed.

“Mwehehe.” Futaba chuckle.

“I was wondering what you were doing. So you were looking for this?“ Morgana said point to the mask.

You stand up from her bed and spun her chair to face you. “Futaba-chan,I know how you’re feeling, but this is going to be a bit difficult if we can’t see your face." You said to her.

“We’re focusing on communication skills today. I think it would be best for us to speak face to face.“Yusuke add.

“This is so we can all grow closer as a group.” Ren added.

Futaba turned looked at you and agree take off that mask.

“That’s better.“You take that mask and put it away.

“Well then, how about we start? We’re just going to talk about ordinary topics today.“

“And what do you mean by ordinary topics?“ Yusuke ask.

“You know, things like food or the weather.“ Makoto explain.

“Well then, let’s begin with food.What do you like to eat, Futaba?“

“Organic ones.“ Futaba simply answer.

“Um,that wasn’t exactly what I meant….” Makoto said as Futaba seem quiet again. ”L-Let's try a different topic! How about the weather? I heard that this heat wave is showing no sign of stopping."

Futaba shook her head. “Dunno.I haven’t been out.“

“O-Oh right…“

“Makoto’s getting overwhelmed..." Morgana whisper.

“Th-This is odd … It wasn’t supposed to go like this…“ Makoto sigh before she looking at Yusuke. ”By the way Yusuke, what have you been doing this whole time?“ You also didn't noticed what he's doing earlier.

“The pose should be like that … and arranged like this…“ Yusuke mutter before he nod. “Ah,superb.“ Yusuke done arranged the figure with different pose on the shelf.

“Yusuke,what are they?” Ren ask.

“Some of their heads come off when I was moving them, but I made sure to rearrange them pleasingly.“ Yusuke said as Futaba scream seeing that.

“W-Waaaaaah! My children…. W-What have you done to my children? My Neo Featherman!“

“Neo Featherman? That sounds familiar…“ Makoto mutter.

“They’re awfully colorful…“ Ren nod.

Yusuke chuckled. “To keep the coloring even, I swapped some of their heads and limbs around. “

Futaba arranged back her figurines. “No… Yellow and Pink’s heads …And Red’s been hacked to bits… This is all Inari's fault…“ Futaba look at Yusuke.

“Inari?”

“Your thief costume were like a fox. According to Japanese folk, foxes like inari sushi , this inari.“

“Inari…“ Yusuke seem annoyed hearing that .

“Rghhh,they were in the perfect pose too…! It was so much work getting them set up just right. You wouldn’t know aesthetic if it hit you in the face, Inari!“

“How dare you say that to me of all people!?“ Yusuke said to her. They both start argue as you giggle seeing those two.

“You sure this is alright?” Morgana ask.

“Probably.” Ren answer while this two still argue.

“Now,now. You both should stop.“ You interrupt and stand between them. “Futaba-chan,why don’t you fix it back your Neo Featherman and told us about it.“

Futaba nod. After a minute Futaba telling about Neo Featherman topics to us as we all just listening to it.

“I see… So their versatility allows you to recreate almost any dramatic scene you can imagine.“ Yusuke said  as Futaba smile.

“Mm-hm. Victory is great for action, and Neo's got the best transforming suit.So cool!“

“Fascinating, Art depicts a flash of inspiration, but models offer a much different means of enjoyment.“

“Would you look at that! Futaba’s actually having a conversation!“ Morgana exclaimed.

Ren nod. “She seems to really be into it."

“It seems she doesn’t have a problem talking to others as long as the subject interest her.“ Makoto nod. “I supposed the topics I brought up we’re not the right ones.“

“I think if she keeps this up, the beach should be to far off.“ You said.

Futaba turned looking at us. “So this is all I gotta do? What a breeze.“ She smile.

“By the way, that Neo Featherman thing…“ Makoto mention again.

“What is it, Makoto?” You ask.

“It looks like they’ve having some sort of event at the beach we’re going to." Says Makoto.

“Wh-Are you serious?“ Futaba surprised hear that.

Makoto nod. “Yeah, I saw it when I was checking out the beach. I’d imagine they’d have the specific their homepage.“ Makoto said as Futaba quickly go on her computer and Google it.

“ ‘The Phoenix Ranger Neo Featherman Explosive Summers return to beaches, come and see the show.‘ “ Futaba read those news. “No way, how did I miss this?“

“This summer, the Neo Featherman will appearing at the beach. It says you’ll be able to meet them after the show too.“

“With this heat, the beach is going to be scorching hot. I don’t thinks these people are sane.“Yusuke said.

“Still,this makes you want to go to the beach, doesn’t it, Futaba?“ Morgana asking to her.

“Mm.” Futaba only nod as you walked towards her.

“I hope we can help Futaba-chan make some nice summer memories.“ You exclaimed.

“Yeah, let’s all work together to make this unforgettable.“

“I’m gonna meet the Neo Featherman!“  Futaba exclaimed happily about it.

“Well then, should we leave now?“ Makoto said.

“Oh, Futaba-chan,tomorrow can you come to Leblanc?“ You ask her as she nod. ”I’ll invite Ryuji and Ann tomorrow.“

Futaba pout. “Fine.”

“See you tomorrow, Futaba-chan!“ You all leave the house.

“Bye-bye.” Makoto said as she and Yusuke go back home.

You about to walk when your brother walking another direction. “Ren-nii,where are you going?“

“I have part time today. So I must get going.“

“Where?At Iwai-san or flower shop?“

“Convienece Store at Shibuya.“ He answer.

You gasp. “What? Another one?!“ You exclaimed as he nod. “Can I have job too? “

“No.”

“Why?”

“No reason. Just no.“ Your brother said.

You frown. “Fine… I just have to go home now.“ Ren pat your head and leave along with Morgana.

Xxx Next Day XXX

You and Futaba waiting for Ryuji and Ann at the Leblanc. Your brother have plan with Makoto this morning. He said he will back on afternoon after he hang out with Makoto.

“Futaba-chan?” You called her as she turned looked at you. “You okay?“

She nod. “There’s no customer, I’m alright.“

Suddenly a sound of bell can be heard from the door.

“Yooo.”

“We’re here!“ Ann and Ryuji arrived bringing two plastic bag along with them.

“Sorry we’re late. We were out buying stuff and I got a little caught up in what to get.“ Ann said.

“It’s alright Ann.“ You replied seeing the snack they bought.

“Rin-chan ,where’s Futaba?“ Ryuji ask as Futaba coming towards you guys but with a big mask again making they shocked.

“Wh-Whoa!That freaked me out… That you Futaba?”

Futaba nod. “Yup.Welcome.”

“Why you wearing that?“ Ann ask.

“Habit.” She answer. “Anyway,bring it."

Eventually we spend time together at upstairs. Eating snacks, chatting and playing games.

“Those two sure having fun.“ You said as seeing Futaba and Ryuji still playing games.

“I’m glad Futaba enjoy our conversations.“ Ann smile as you hear footsteps coming .

You saw your brother and Makoto arrived.

“Ah, welcome back you two.” Ann said.

“They seem to be getting along well“ Ren said .

“Yup, they’ve been like that for ages.“

“Looks like she might be ready to go the beach already.“ Makoto said.

“Yeah.” Ren nod.

“Well then, Makoto, how about we buy 'those' tomorrow?“ Ann said to Makoto. “Can’t go to the beach without those.“

“Yeah, that sounds like a plan.“ Makoto reply.

“Yes I win!” Futaba exclaimed. “All right, who’s next?“

“Me!” You take the controller and play the games.

“By the way, Ren…“ Ryuji take a seat beside Ren. “What were 'those' girls were talking about buying?“

“Dunno.”

“What’s on agenda tomorrow?“ Ann ask.

“How about we have her try helping around the store?“ Morgana said making Futaba jump.She almost drop her controller games but you managed catch it.

“That’s perfect!“ Ann exclaimed. “It’ll be good to have her up in front of strangers.“

“Eep…!Nope, nope, nope! Showing up in the shop at lunchtime be like, super crushing hard mode.“ Futaba shout.

“You don’t have to deal with customer of you don’t want to. Maybe you could dry plates in the back.“

“....... “ She looks down for a sec.

“I’ll be there too, Futaba-chan.“ You reassure her.

“R-Really?! Alright, I-I can do it… I'll show you!“

“That’s great Futaba.“ Makoto said as she smile.

After that they all leave.

Xxx Next Day XXX

“Today’s the day we’re having Futaba try and help out at the café, right?“ Morgana ask as you nod. “Well you two should get ready now.“

Daytime

Ren-nii explain to Sojiro to let Futaba help out the café.

“But I’ve never had her do anything like that before. Is she gonna be ok?“ Sojiro ask.

“We’ll be there for her, Sojiro-san.“ You replied.

“Don’t worry. I did graduate the middle school last year….” Futaba spoke. “I’ll be fine if I just think of this as my first summer job at high school!“  She exclaimed.

“Well in that case… how about you wash the dishes? Just don’t push yourself too hard, okay?“ Sojiro said to Futaba as she do her job.

While you do your chores you hear something crash and Futaba seems flinch about it.

“Hey, are you all right?“ Sojiro asking her as suddenly there’s customer coming in.

“The usual, Boss. Extra strong.“ Customer said as he taking a seat.

Sojiro nod. “Sure thing.“ He turned to Ren-nii . “Keep an eye on Futaba for me. And Rin-chan come help me.“

“Okay.” You prepared the cup.

“Alright, I’m gonna let you brewing a coffee today for that customer.“ He said as your eyes widen.

“Huh? That too sudden.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be here watching you and besides I promise to teach you how to make coffee,remember?“ You nod as he teach you step to step brewing the coffee. ”Not bad.” Sojiro compliment you.

“That’s not so hard though.“ You smile.

“Alright,I’m gonna let your brother serve this coffee to customer and you wash your hand.“ He said as you walked towards sink and wash your hand.

Suddenly you hear a customer scream. You turned seeing Futaba the one who served the coffee but she wearing that mask again.

“Yo, here’s your coffee.“ She said.

“When in the world did she…“ Sojiro sigh as you approach Futaba.

“I'm sorry about this sir.“ You apologize and bowed to customer. "Futaba-chan , be more polite to customer.”  You whisper to her.

“H-Here is your coffee…sir.“ She said.

“A-Ah thanks..” Customer reply as you and Futaba bowed at him again.

Xxx Evening Xxx

You all done work today along with Futaba too.

“Did you see?! I did my job right!”

“You did great!“ Ren-nii said to her.

“Huh.Turns out this is pretty easy.“ She laugh.

“To think Futaba go out and talk to a customer herself… mask aside, I’m impressed.“ Sojiro said. “Looks like people can change.“

“Mwehehe…” Futaba laugh again.

“Alright,Futaba you should head home now. I still have some work to do. You two lock the door after this okay. “ Sojiro inform as you two nod.

“Sojiro you don’t forget what I told you this morning, aren’t you?!“ Futaba said to Sojiro.

“Oh,right.“ Sojiro looks at you. “She told me she wants you sleep over and company with her tonight.“

“Me?”

Sojiro nod. ”She to shy asking you about it.“

"Sojiro!" Futaba exclaimed with a light blush on her face.

Sojiro giggle seeing her like that and waiting for your answer.

You look at her. “Sure ,I would love too, Futaba-chan!" You saw her smile and jumped happily.

“Great let’s go!“ She grab your hand.

“Well I see you tomorrow Ren-nii. Good night.“ You leave with Futaba and go to her house.

Xxx

Hey hey,sorry for took so long to update.

Published: 6 May 2020