Dissonant Harmony [G. Akechi x Reader]

juukyuu

The entire audience was abuzz as people awaited the start to the school festival's panel. As requested, I sat on the auditorium floor with Haru and Futaba to "raise less suspicion to the group" even thought I already knew that Akechi knew.

It's weird to be caught in the middle. Even if Akechi knows I'm not truly working with him, we still have some connection. Deep down, the only reason I joined the Phantom Thieves was so that I'd have a form of protection against Shido. Akechi can't help me out there anymore. 

Akechi and Makoto make their way onto stage at the front of the auditorium and the chatter died down to a mere whisper.

"Well then, we will now begin today's panel," Makoto said to the crowd. "Our guest of honor is Akechi Goro."

"I feel kind of bad, considering how many people have gathered. . . I'm sure you all would've been happier to have a singer or a mascot appear, wouldn't you say?" Akechi asked.

Laughter, mostly among the girls, broke out. I smiled and sent Haru and knowing glance.

"We'd appreciate it if you could tell us about your experiences with the notorious Phantom Thieves. It'd be wonderful if you could let us hear more about your actual investigative process," Makoto prodded.

"I'm not used to being the one interrogated. . . so please go easy on me," Akechi said, pausing for more laughter.

"As much as you're allowed to say, would you tell us how far along your investigation is on them?"

"Getting right to the point, I see." He moved his right hand around while he spoke; a common habit that I'd noticed for a while. "Well, if it's as much as I'm allowed to say, then everything on TV and the internet is all of it. We don't have any leads yet, and the methods behind their crimes are still unclear."

Well that's bullshit. I know for a fact he knows more. The agency may not, but he definitely does.

"I see. . ." Makoto tapers off, but I could tell she wasn't ready to back down yet. "Even with this country's power, arresting them is proving to be difficult, is that the case?"

"I wouldn't phrase it that way. . . but, well, something like that."

"Thank you for answering that question. By the way, it seems you've denied a correlation between the Phantom Thieves and the murders. Why the sudden change? Until now, haven't you upheld your stance that the Phantom Thieves are dangerous? How are you so positive that they haven't committed murder?"

"Aren't you a little too comfortable interrogating people? Why, it's as if you're a prosecutor," Akechi joked.

I can't seem to figure out if that was a jab at her sister. . .

"Ah, excuse me," Makoto started unfazed. "This is something I've personally been interested in, so I couldn't help it. But won't you tell us? What reason is there that you'd claim their innocence when you previously stated they were unjust?"

"Mako-chan's really pressing for an answer," Haru whispered.

"I had a feeling Akechi wouldn't get away easy today," I mumbled back.

"Every person whose heart they changed have truly been criminals, including Okumura," Akechi said. "Why, then, was he the only one who needed to be killed?"

Oh, I don't know. Because Shido says so? Because you're trying to frame them?

"Why is that?" Makoto asked.

"I must admit. . . I couldn't deduce a reason." Akechi's pulled out a fallen face. "That's why I believe that case should be thought of as if a different party is responsible."