1,919Temporal King: Well one key factor is, Joker does not how or when Akechi attacked Haru's father.
gleamfang: Well a big part of it is that the harems in the Persona games, in the canon runs, are really only called that by fans because P3's original release had no punishment for them. Because social links/confidants, what lead to the romances? Those are all very private and intimate. And the relationships are then secret. In canon Persona Games the "harem route" is just cheating. It is why we have framed the romances outside the social links as much as possible, plus we had it all start with Shiho and Ann logistically talking about boys they like just how friends do.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: It's the way thigns are sometimes, haha. Might wanna swap to a different sweet treat.
kira444: Because, in the game, the harem route is literally outright cheating.
Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:
Tony Anderson: Glad you've enjoyed this chapter. And yeah, life has been kicking Grey and me in the teeth this month.
Obiki Doragon: Yeah, no. That's corporal punishment, and we draw the line at that.
Neo Infinity: Trust me, I still have PTSD against the Arahabaki and Decarabia combo the first time around.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Running out of cookies? NEVER! To the Cookie Factory! ...But don't bring Cookie Monster, he'll eat the whole place out.
kira444: Well, considering that SMT and Persona games actively discourage harem routes, we wanted to have fun. And, as we said before, this story was Pre-Royal and Strikers.
UltimateCCC: Yeah, maybe.
Temporal King: Well, we'll see what happens with Ren and Akechi.
DJPlaysGames: Wait and see, we have plans.
Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.
Co-written by GhostKaiser23
AUTHOR'S NOTE
And we are back with another brand new chapter, I hope you have all been enjoying the story so far! Haha!
September is a busy fucking month for me. Ugh.
Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 58
Awaken The Musketeer, Fire MiLady!
The Phantom Thieves leapt through the corridors and skidded through to the next room, Joker still carrying Noir without thinking. "Um, Joker. I think Noir can walk now." Dove asked.
"Huh?" he blinked, looking down at the floofy one in his arms. Noir was blushing under her mask as she was being carried like a princess. Not -disliking- it, but it did make her look cute. "Oh, sorry, Noir." He apologised and put her down.
"It's. Not a problem." She reassured him.
"So, where to, Noir? Or have we entered uncharted territory?" Fox asked.
"Oh, right. Yes. This way." She pointed... and went into the opposite direction.
"Err, Noir." Mona spoke up.
"S-Sorry! Sorry." She laughed awkwardly as she went to open another door.
Dove and Panther looked at each other, giving the signals of:
'Is she okay?'
'I don't know.'
'We need to help her.'
'Definitely.'
The two nodded and walked side by side with her.
"Did something just happen?" Queen asked Oracle.
"Ooh, yeah. I think so." She nodded.
'Interesting, Joker and Noir were like a Gallant Knight rescuing a Princess.' Fox thought to himself as he pictured the scenario. His hands quickly coming up to frame the two of them
"Found something, dude?" Skull asked.
"Possibly." He responded.
'Huh, looks like we're all back together.' Mona thought with a smile.
SHWOOM!
"Here we go." Noir spoke as she opened the doors. Inside, there was an overlooking ledge to a lower floor. And down there, was the sound of heavy trudging metallic feet.
"You guys hear that?" Oracle asked.
"It sounds like someone making yakisoba noodles with huge paddles." Skull answered.
"Your first thought is food?" Queen deadpanned.
"It's been a long few days." He groaned.
They walked through the door, seeing the 'people' below. Plain-looking cylinder robots, almost like they were 1950s tinker-toy wind-up bots. Heads lowered, trudging along as they toiled away working in this room; conveyor belts and parts being brought in and out, tall and lanky robots with tall heads working as managers as they spoke loudly. "Work! For the company! Work! For your lives! Work-!"
CRASH!
A smaller robot crashed down and crumbled, having shorted out, the lights of their eyes grew dim and the arms went slack.
"Replace this one! Your lives for President Okumura! Work! Work! Work!" The tall robot spoke out.
"Disgraceful." Fox whispered.
"This is how he sees his employees?" Panther asked in horror.
Joker flinched as he saw this, knowing how vile this sort of toxic work environment was. Not that he worked in one... but the demeaning treatment of life was something he couldn't stomach.
"I can't watch this." Queen frowned, almost whimpering a bit. Disgust pooling deep within her
"We need to keep going." Dove whispered.
"Alright, but this is still messed up." Oracle whispered.
"If this is how Okumura sees his employees, I'd be happy changing his heart quickly." Skull commented. "No-one deserves to be treated like that."
"Completely agree." Fox responded.
"Remind me to thank Sojiro when we get back." Ren whispered to Mona.
"Gotcha." The cat nodded.
The group pushed forward when they reached another door, guarded by a small group of Shadows. "Think we can take them?" Dove asked.
"Easily." Joker answered as his swiftness carried his feet and leapt onto the drone-like Shadow and ripped its mask off.
SHATTER!
The shadows roared as they were ambushed, leading to their 'real forms' being made and the Phantom Thieves getting the jump on them.
"Follow our lead, Noir!" Joker called out.
"R-Right. I can try!" She answered as she gripped her axe... but she saw the efficiency and strength of the group. She felt like an outsider and only Mona was on her side.
"Noir, come on!" Mona called out, cheering her on before he darted forwards
"R-Right. I. I can-"
SLASH!
BASH!
VRRRRR!
'-'t do this.' She thought as her sight looked on at them. Noir lowering her head in shame for a moment, fear and dred filling her... but as she looked on at the others, rushing forwards without fear. To help her, to save her. To help her father and his very victims... They were confident, strong, and imposing. And all she could do was watch in awe at them. But they did not act as if she was a burdon, did not see saving her as a chore. Or even a requirment, the friends just... melding together perfectly.
"ARSENE!" Joker proclaimed as he attacked with his main Persona.
"HRAAAARGH!" Arsene proclaimed as he sent Curse magic down and defeated the Shadows.
"Noir?" Dove asked as she saw her just standing there.
"Huh? Oh, s-sorry." She apologised.
"Are you okay?" Dove asked.
"Y-yes. I'm fine. I'll. I'll open the next door." She answered, walking towards the large door and repeat the process. The group walked inside through the corridor into the room.
"By the way, you seemed fired up last time we met the first time." Skull commented. "Was that an act Mona put you up to? Y'know, the 'beauty thingy'?"
"Oh, that was um." Noir muttered before speaking up. "I was trying to be a 'heroine of justice'."
"Err... is that a joke?" Skull asked.
"You moron." Panther frowned "Don't be so rude. Especially with half the shows you watch."
"Okay, yeah. True." Skull mumbled in slight shame.
"Ever since I was young, people around me have never seen me for who I really am." She responded. "They would be kind to me just to please my father, and would get money or gifts in exchange." The group listened to this and was disheartened. Haru had never had a real friend before them. "Adults, teachers, even friends. It seemed like everyone smiled at me for their own personal gain." Noir explained.
"That's why you kept everything secret at school." Queen realised.
Noir nodded before smiling. "But female superheroes I used to see on TV were so great! They always fought for others, not themselves. And they were always happy. I wanted to be just like that! Even though I knew it was just a fantasy... I still looked up to them."
"Heh. Everyone goes wild over heroes at some point." Skull admitted, thinking of himself. "It's fine having someone like that on our side; right Joker?"
"Of course." He nodded, smiling at Haru's genuine feelings and knew this was the start of Noir's journey as a Phantom Thief. She was their friend, their family. And as the door began to open, he knew they where ready to shatter any Shadow in their way!
However, someone else was behind the door, and it wasn't Shadows...
"F-Father?"
Standing in the centre of the room, was Noir's father. Dressed in a ridged black bodysuit, dark grey boots, light grey kneecaps, and a dark grey belt with a light grey buckle. A torso plate with dials, buttons and lights of varying colours, dark grey gloves, with his left bracer being another control panel. On his back was a black popped collar cloak with a red interior, a large fishbowl space-suit helmet with two Tesla coils pointing outwards. Inside the helmet was the face of Noir's father, an alien blue face with glowing gold eyes, his head covered by a black cowl, with a tuft of his black hair and his glasses being noticeable.
"What are you doing here?" The Shadow demanded.
"This is crazy on so many levels." Panther spoke as she saw the Shadow Okumura.
"I thought I told you not to associate with vulgar people!" He pointed towards Noir. Walking to Shadow Okumura's side was Haru's 'Fiance', Sugimura. Dark shadows spewing out from his feet. An evil laugh flowing from his lips
"That bastard." Skull growled.
"Him?! Did he come to the palace too?" Noir asked in shock and clear fear "How-How is he here?!"
"No! He might look the sam, but that's not the real person." Mona reassured as he rushed to Haru's side, a hand resting against her leg
"You mean the 'cognition' thing you told me about before?" Noir asked.
"Yes." Mona nodded in response
"What're you mumbling about?" Shadow Okumura asked.
Noir stepped forward, taking her first steps against her 'father'. "Do you recall what I said before? That I would do my best for you? This is my answer to that!"
He sneered down, looking at Noir and the Thieves. "Are those? The rumoured Phantom Thieves?" And then he began to chuckle before laughing heartily. "I see! You're handing them over as a plea for forgiveness! 'Overcome failure at any cost, even if it means betraying others.' You truly embody the Okumura motto! Very well. Join me!"
Haru frowned at her father's callousness. "Why do you only ever think about gains and losses? That's why the company has a bad reputation! All because you treat people like they're tools!"
He seemed to disregard her words, being set in his ways. "To gain, you must give. One must be resolved to give even more if they wish to stand above others."
"Here, here." Cognative Sugimura cheered.
"We are on vastly different levels. And soon, I will rise to a new stage! The Political World!" Shadow Okumura proclaimed. "The cold reality of kicking people down is a part of business! Virtue and sentiment are for losers!" As he said that, he began to laugh. "Okumura Foods shall be the foundation of my victory!"
"His company is just a stepping stone." Queen growled.
"What a corrupt heart." Dove agreed.
Joker's fists clenched as he heard that... and the first time made him angry, hearing it again just brought up... unpleasant memories. He had to hold himself back, his hand going to his gun for a moment. Skull frowning a bit as he noticed the motion
"Mr Okumura, we don't need a girl who's been soiled by thieves. Unless you make some compromises, I can't introduce her to my father." Cognitive Sugimura informed, walking up.
"She needn't be your 'lawful wife' anymore. Take her as your lover, or whatever it is you desire." Shadow Okumura answered, dismissing Haru as only a tool. A concubine. Something just for his gain.
"Fucking bastard!" Skull growled.
"Very well. I accept." Cognitive Sugimura smiled lecherously.
"'Lover'? I was raised under the company's wealth. I even accepted this political marriage for you." Noir shook her head. "This is NOT what we discussed! Father, you want me to be that man's plaything just to satisfy your own ambitions?"
"Why fret? You should be overjoyed that you're fulfilling your role as an Okumura daughter." Shadow Okumura informed, dismissing her. "This is the only value you've had since the very beginning."
"So, even your own daughter's life is a commodity to you?" Fox frowned, his hand resting on the grip of his katana.
Haru fell to her knee as she felt sick to her stomach. "I..."
"Now~, why don't you come? To my place?" Cognitive Sugimura asked, outstretching his hands and transforming into a large tinker-toy robot complete with a robotic voice. "Let's Have Fun! I'll Play With You Until I Get Bored! A High-School Fiancee! What A Turn On!" His physique was a large barrel-chested form with pocket-like markings, purple joints and a tie motif, a flat head with an antennae, red visor, and two pincer hands.
"So. Vulgar." Noir spoke as her hand turned into a fist.
"No! Haru's Persona won't stand a chance against that-!" Mona panicked, worried for her safety.
"Don't worry!" Oracle called out, as Cognitive Sugimura attempted to attack her.
"What are you talkin' ab-" Skull tried to argue, seeing the robotic cognitions arm rushing towards Haru...
SLAM!
Only to be stopped dead in its trakcs.
Holding back the large metallic arms, was a delicate pink-sleeved arm, holding a black fan. And fully revealing a Persona standing by Haru's side. It appeared to be wearing a black and pink Rococo style dress, with red and pink vertical striped puffs on the sleeves of the dress that extended to her elbows and wearing pink gloves. The bottom of the dress was pink in colour with golden trim around the dress, which has a golden lip on the centre of the dress that makes it resemble a smiling face. There are black and red curtain drapes around the dress underneath, a pink heart-shaped frill around her waist with a red bow tied on the drapes and a knife next to the centre of the heart-shaped frill.
"She hadn't awakened to her real power, that's all!" Oracle explained with a cocky smirk, the others looking on in fear
Noir stood up as she wiped the tears from her eyes, looking up at the Cognition of her 'fiancee'... and she was determined.
"How! Dare! You!" He glared.
"H-Hnn! Gah!" Haru grunted as she held her head. She collapsed to the ground as she held her head, feeling her Persona calling out to her.
...
And somewhere, a spotlight was fixed on her.
"I see you finally made up your mind. My dear, fated Princess." The Persona called out, standing by her side. "Freedom for you must stem from betrayal. If you still yearn for it now. Then you must not err. Now tell me; who shall you betray?"
"My heart. Has been set! You should know!" Noir proclaimed as her eyes turned golden and glared right at her father and her 'fiance'.
"Yes, that gaze! I can finally display my TRUE strength!" The Persona smiled joyously. "I am thou, thou art I!" She extended her fan-holding arm in excitement to her other half. "Let us adorn your departure into freedom with a beautiful betrayal!"
Haru swatted her hand, creating a curtain of rose petals that came in between of her and the vile men in the Palace.
CLANK!
CLUNK!
CLANG!
CACHUNK!
"Huh!?" Cognitive Sugimura and Shadow Okumura looked in fear. From under Haru's Persona's dress... were two Gatling guns, a massive missile and a massive musket pointed *straight* at them!
"GEEZ!" Skull's eyes almost popped out of his head.
"Farewell, dear father!" Noir proclaimed. "I am no longer your subservient puppet!" And pointed towards him.
"Then so be it. You're worthless!" Shadow Okumura proclaimed back. "Deal with them how you wish." He ordered the giant robot.
"You Poor Thing. I'll Toy With You Until You Break!" The Robot proclaimed.
"I don't expect you to come to reason at all." Fox frowned.
"Uh-huh. We shoulda just told you this from the start, asshat!" Skull called out.
"We're the Phantom Thieves, here to take your bride!" Mona agreed.
"Let's do this together, Milady!" Noir proclaimed.
"Of course!" Milady answered.
"Holy moly, welcome Milady." Arsene thought to himself.
"Ara, ara." Milady smiled as she noticed Arsene.
"Milady, Mapsio!" Noir called out, readying her axe ready for the attack. Summoned from Milady were spheres of multicoloured phantasmagoria, attacking the large robot and the two smaller robots to aid him, summoned by Shadow Okumura.
"He's down!" Oracle called out.
"Good work, Noir!" Joker called out.
"Just got the goobers now!" Skull readied his bat to knock some metallic heads.
"'Goobers'? Really, Skull?" Panther deadpanned.
"What would you call them?" He snarked.
"'Bolt-Brains'?" Dove laughed.
"Damn it, that's good." Skull chuckled.
SMASH!
Queen's fist punched one of the smaller robots in the head while the others were 'talking'. "One down!" She called out.
"We'll handle the one on the right." Fox responded.
"What about Sugimura?" Panther asked.
"Leave it to me!" Noir answered confidantly.
"G-Get. Away. From Me!" Robo-Sugimura grunted as he tried to get up, but was still downed.
Noir was steadfast, seeing her robotic cognitive fiance on the ground. Under her feet. Honestly, it was weird for her. But she knew that she would move forwards from her father's machinations.
CLICK!
Pulling out from her... somewhere. In her arms. Was a large weapon. Not her axe, but a Grenade Launcher!
"... Oh Shit!" Both Skull and the robot looked in shock.
"Goodbye." Noir answered, firing right at the Cognitive Fiance and blasted him into scrap.
KABOOM!
The explosion was large, dramatically. Rubble and broken machinery falling all around them like rain
"Whoa." Dove whispered in shock.
"Yeah, agreed." Mona nodded.
"H-Hnn. Hah, hah, hah." Noir panted as she fell to her knees.
"Noir!" Joker went to her. "I gotcha."
"Thank you. I. What happened?" She asked.
"It's the 'first time use' drain. You'll get used to it." Dove reassured. "It happened to all of us."
"We should head back. I don't think we'll be much use if we're down a member. And I think one 'revenge' is good enough for you today." Panther added, helping Noir up.
"I. Hope I'm not. Too heavy." She apologised.
"Don't worry, we can handle it." Joker reassured. "C'mon, there should be a point we can leave."
"How? How'd you know these things?" Noir asked.
"We've done this a few times. We know." Fox explained.
*Outside the Palace*
Haru was clinging to Ren like a life line, her legs shaking as she gave a series of deep and shakey breaths "Here, this might help." Makoto spoke as she put a bottle of water in front of Haru, all of them were back at LeBlanc.
"Th-th-thank you." She whispered, stammering her words.
"Sheesh, she's shaking more than a cat come in from the winter." Ryuji muttered.
"What was that?" Morgana asked.
"Not you, Morgana." He apologised.
"Hmm." He grumbled.
"Hmm~." Futaba hummed to herself as she saw this, seeing Haru acting like a puppy clinging to Ren. And how this might help 'influence' things for later. "Hey, anyone hungry? I think Sojiro might have made some curry earlier."
"Is food all you can think about?" Ann asked.
"Hey, I'll have you know, that after Awakening your Persona, you need to replenish those calories." Futaba answered. "PlusSojiro'scurryisacureall." She muttered quickly.
Ren smiled and subtly shook his head. "How're you feeling, Haru?"
"Better. I think." She whispered. "But that was... Intense."
"First time always is. You did well, though." Ren reassured. "All of us had a tough time with our Awakenings."
"Is that true?" Haru asked, still hugging Ren's arm.
"Yeah, it is." Ann nodded. "I can think of when Shiho and I first Awakened we needed sugary drinks to get our energy back."
"So, what do I do now?" Haru asked.
"Rest. And plan. That's what we should do." Morgana answered.
"Go home Haru, and sleep up. Tomorrow we will get you new gear, as a team. And the day after... We are getting that treasure route." Ren assured her
"O-Okay. But... I don't want to go home. If it's not too much trouble. May I stay here?" Haru asked, not wanting to face her father right now.
"Err, there's not enough room here for two." Ren admitted, not wanting to take advantage of Haru's state.
"I can tell my parents it's a sleepover." Shiho offered.
"I. I wouldn't want to impose." Haru asked.
"Don't worry about it. We'll make it a girl's night." Ann reassured.
"On that note, I should head back to my dorm." Yusuke informed.
"My mum's probably going to wonder where I am too." Ryuji agreed.
"Come on, we can stay at mine, my parents are almost never home." Ann added on as she gave Haru a slight hug, looping her arms with the arbourn haired ones "We can stay up for ages and just veg out, do some hair and just relax!"
"I-" Haru started
"Wow! That sounds awesome! Can I come?!" Futaba asked in excitment
"Sojiro would probbaly be worried if you spent the night around some elses, Futaba." Makoto pointed out
"What about you, Makoto?" Shiho asked
"I need to get home as well, my sister might get worried." was her simple reply
"Actually everyone." Morgana spoke up as he caught everyone's attention "Considering everything that's happened, I think Haru would prefer to be near me. She knows me best. And, at the same time, considering what this guy has been through it is best for me to be around him right now." the cat bobbed his head a bit, jesturing at Ren, while he gave Haru a playful wink that had her eyes widening
"R-Right! Of course, yes! Exactly!" Haru stuttered out and nodded a bit, a wide smile on her face as she clasped her hands together in front of her 'Thank you, Morgana!' she thought happily
'Leave it to me, Haru.' Morgana thought proudly
"Well... I guess that settles it then." Ryuji hummed, patting Ren's back "I hope you have a sleeping bag." the blonde then walked off waving casually "Later!"
"Ye-wha?! Hey! Dude!" Ren blinked and called back after his friend
"I bid the farewell." Yusuke added dramatically as he walked off, waving behind himself as he left
"Wa-you to, Yusuke?!" Ren groaned
"So~, sleepover at Ren's. Score!" Futaba cheered as she kicked her legs playfully on a stool.
"Wait, are we all sleeping over?" Makoto asked.
"C'mon Makoto, live a little." Ann teased her.
"I. Suppose. I can call my Sister. And maybe stay over." Makoto muttered.
"That's the spirit!" Ann clapped her hands.
'Ann could charm the spots off a leopard.' Shiho thought with a smile.
"I-Wait, you're all staying here?" Ren blinked as Shiho and Makoto left with their phones, calling their homes as they did so
"Might wanna call Sojiro and ask for sleeping bags." Morgana snickered
"Hmmm." Ren frowned... but seeing Haru smiling softly he sighed. There was no way he could say no to that look... "I gave me a minute." he mumbled and went upstairs
Morgana smiled as he heard that, sitting next to Haru. 'No way he could resist.' As his tail flicked slowly and happily. He rubbed his head against her leg softly, purring gently 'Don't worry Haru, I'll get you two together. You'll be happy.' he thought
Meanwhile, upstairs, Ren was rummaging around for some sleeping bags. This... was going to be big. All his female friends here all at once.
Eventually he signed and pulled out his phone, knowing he'd need to ask Sojiro to bring a few around
'Just bite the bullet, Ren. How mad could he get?' He thought as he called him.
"Hello?" Sojiro spoke through.
"Hey~, Sojiro. It's me. I was wondering if. I could. Borrow some sleeping bags?" Ren asked.
"Sleeping bags?"
"Yeah. About... Four or five?"
"Four or-? Ren, what's going on?" Sojiro asked.
"Um..."
*Time Skip*
It was the following day and Ren's room had been packed with the girl and him lying down on the floor since he offered. 'Hmm...my back.' He thought to himself, but he did enjoy having Morgana near his side and keeping him asleep when he needed to. And said cat was snoozing gently by his side. It was so good to have him back.
"Good morning, Ren." Futaba whispered as she smiled from the couch.
"Morning." He waved gently.
"Sleep well?" Futaba asked, her hair getting in her eyes.
"Yeah, as best I could." He answered, groaning as he slowly creaked up.
"Nya~?" Morgana yawned. "Time to get up?"
"Yeah, come on, buddy." He answered.
"Hey, where's Haru and Makoto?" Futaba asked as she looked around, seeing Ann and Shiho snuggling in the bed.
"Downstairs?" Ren suggested. "Maybe they're trying coffee."
"Doesn't that stunt growth?" Futaba joked.
"Ha, ha." He rolled his eyes and got up.
Downstairs, Haru and Makoto were sitting in the booths having a cup of coffee from the pre-prepared ground beans from the previous night. "I hope I did this right, I'm not one for coffee."
"I'm sure it'll be fine." Haru reassured. "Hmm~."
Makoto blinked in shock, seeing Haru drink that so easily, but also like she had experience having coffee before. "Do you actually like coffee?" Makoto asked.
"Oh yes, I've been to expensive cafes before and tried different flavours. But there's always a new flavour when it comes to smaller businesses." Haru explained.
"And I guess you haven't had LeBlanc's coffee?" Makoto asked. "Aside from the Metaverse."
"Not even then." She shrugged gently, Haru gently playing with her cup "I would like to taste Ren's coffee one day. I've heard it's good..."
"Soooo good~!" Futaba praised as she skipped down the stairs
"Oh, good morning, Futaba." Haru spoke.
"Hey. Sorry that I used the coffee maker." Makoto apologised.
"Nah, don't worry about it." Futaba answered. "Sojiro'll understand."
"I hope." She added cheekily
Makoto sighed as she did not want to get into trouble, but this might just be Futaba trolling her.
"Good morning, girls." Ren spoke as he came down soon after, wearing a loose shirt and his trousers.
"Good morning, I hope we didn't wake anyone." Haru responded.
"Don't worry. Oh, having a coffee?" He asked. "You should've woken me up."
"But you were sleeping. I didn't think it was fair." Haru answered.
"And we don't want you passing out again." Makoto added.
"Yeah, you scared us by being out of commission like that." Futaba agreed.
"Got it." Ren admitted and agreed. "So, how was 'Chez Ren', Haru?"
"Not the most comfortable sleep, I must admit. But then again I have been pampered my whole life." Haru admitted, knowing Ren was being polite and jovial.
"Remind me to get a comfy quilt next time." He smirked, which made her titter. "Who wants breakfast? I'm sure there's cereal and eggs in the cupboards." Ren offered.
"You have that in a cafe?" Makoto asked as Futaba sat in a booth.
"I managed to squirrel some away." He responded.
"He might've noticed it." Futaba answered.
"Probably." Ren shrugged as he got out some cereal.
"You don't have to-" Haru spoke.
"I know. I want to." He smiled in response. "Porridge okay?"
"Oh, yes. That would be lovely, thank you." Haru answered.
"Hey, when will Ann and Shiho be up?" Makoto asked.
"Knowing them? Hmm, give or take the next five minutes." Ren and Futaba admitted.
'How do you know that?' Haru and Makoto thought in unison.
"Want me to wake them up?" Futaba asked.
"No need for that. We could hear you from upstairs." Ann walked down the steps followed by Shiho.
"Good morning." Shiho waved, pulling her hair away from her eyes
"Sleep well?" Ren asked.
"You didn't have to give us your bed, Ren." Shiho yawned.
"I'm the leader. I have to look after you all." He strategically responded.
'Smooth.' Ann and Shiho thought as they didn't want to spook Haru with their relationship status. The two having to resit the urge to kiss his cheeks good morning
"I've already texted Yusuke... And phoned Ryuji to make sure he wakes up and see it. We're meeting them outside Big Bang Burger in just over an hour." Makoto explained
"'Big Bang Burger'?" Haru asked as she heard that. "Oh..."
"Haru, don't worry about it. We know it's a sore subject." Ann reassured.
"I understand why we must meet there. But it doesn't excuse my father's cruelty." She answered.
"True. And let's hope Big Bang Burger doesn't have a 'breakfast menu'." Ann added.
Haru remained silent as she glanced at her coffee.
"... It does, doesn't it?" Ann asked.
"My father said 'for everyone at any time'." She admitted.
'A true businessman.' Ren thought with a sigh, as he saw the black and white fur of Morgana coming down the stairs. "Looks like our last member is up."
"Yeah, sorry. I had to stretch." Morgana yawned. "So, meeting up at Big Bang Burger. Will we be discussing any plans there, or are we pre-planning?"
"Don't worry, Morgana. We've got an idea of what to do." Makoto answered, taking a sip of her drink.
"Good. Because this'll take a lot of prep." Morgana answered, before sniffing the air. "Is that breakfast?"
"Of course." Ren nodded.
"Yippe!"
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