You Were The Path I Chose | A Goro Akechi Romance

#A Heart for the Fishes

... In which Akechi asks me to join him for a day at the aquarium, and we share a first, brief moment of sincerity that may determine whether our bond can genuinely deepen.

******************************************

Whenever I can't sleep nowadays, I always browse the Phan-Site, as opposed to checking my other social media or even reading the group chat. I'm not sure when I've gotten into that habit, but for some reason, it helps me calm my thoughts.

I'm almost ready to put my phone away for the night; my lids are heavy, and there haven't actually been that many new posts since last time. But then my phone chimes, making Morgana next to me stir. "Huh. . . ? Who could that be at this hour?"

When I open IM, my gut coils together . . . because it's Akechi. I throw a glimpse over at Morgana, who has scooted up to look at my screen. "Not him again!" He groans, and I don't respond.

Akechi's been to the Metaverse before, Morgana's stern voice rings in my ear. He didn't waste any time the night I returned from our date at the cafe. I don't know when or how, but I'm beyond certain that he heard me speak when we first met. There is probably a lot that this guy's not telling you—much more than you think.

I swallow, recalling my initial shock and confusion . . . and the immediate impulse to defend as opposed to suspect him. I mean . . . if Akechi's been to the Metaverse, what reason would he have to tell me? He doesn't know that I know. If I were him, I wouldn't just tell me—or anyone—either.

On the contrary, my initial shock was quickly replaced with hope. I need to find out if he has the app. And if so . . . whether that means he's destined to be one of us. I've successfully banned all implications that Morgana made about him potentially being the rogue Metaverse user with the black mask from my head. I'm not believing something like that without evidence.

Maybe it's reckless. I force myself to loosen my grip on my phone and take a deep breath. But maybe Morgana is also being overly suspicious, as always. As far as I'm aware, Akechi is looking into the culprit behind the mental shutdowns, whereas the Black Mask is most likely causing them. Maybe that's how he found out? Maybe he's even using the Metaverse for his investigations.

Instead of listening to Morgana, I turn my attention toward the text messages on my screen.

GORO AKECHI

> Apologies for the sudden message. I was wondering if you're free tomorrow?

> A work acquaintance gave me some tickets to an aquarium.

> It'd be a waste to let them go unused, no? Would you like to come along? I've heard it's quite the popular spot.

"Hm." Morgana shakes his head. "What's the plan? Are you gonna keep going out with Akechi? Now that you know his secret?"

I feel a sting of shame for momentarily hesitating before I nod. The fact that he's been to the Metaverse doesn't mean anything by itself, I repeat to myself. Maybe he doesn't even have the app. Maybe he was pulled in against his will? It's happened before.

> "Yes, I'll commit."

"I'm gonna decline."

"I'll decide later."

"Why did I have a feeling you'd say that?" Morgana grumbles, but I'm already typing.

RIN AMAMIYA

> I'd love to!

"Listen." Before I can check my screen for whether Akechi is online and texting back, Morgana places a paw on my chest, forcing me to lower my arm with the phone.