Persona 5: Wilted Rose (Joker X Ann Takamaki. Hanahaki Disease)

Chapter 19: I Love You.

Flashback. 2 years ago.

Ann was making her way to Shujin, it was a rainy day so she had to sit where she wouldn't get wet. She dried her shirt and took off her hoodie, letting her pigtail hair flow down. She was just standing there waiting for the rain to cool down. She hadn't noticed at first but there was a boy next to her, who was staring at her, he seemed lost in thought as he just stood there. Ann then took notice of him. Little did she know then, that was Akira Kurusu, the man she would fall in love with soon.

Ann: *looks at the person next to him*

Akira: ...

Ann: *gives him a gentle smile and then turns away*

Akira: *still staring* ...

A car eventually parks next to them. Inside the car was Kamoshida.

Ann: (Crap... why now...)

Kamoshida: *pulls down the window* Good morning, want me to give you a ride to school? You're going to be late.

Ann: *goes in hesitantly*

Kamoshida: Do you need a lift too?

Akira: *shakes head*

Kamoshida drove off to Shujin with Ann. Ann hated being in that car, but she didn't have much of a choice in the matter. He was the one keeping her best friend on the volleyball team.

A few days later, she was on the phone with him.

Ann: Will you give it a rest?! I told you I'm not feeling up to it... Wait, What?! That's not what you promised! and you call yourself a teacher?! This has nothing to do with Shiho! *hangs up*

She starts to cry a bit, and people walking just ignore her crying. All but one.

Ann: Oh, it's you... Wait, were you listening?

Akira: Not on purpose

Ann: Haven't you ever heard of privacy?! ... No, I was out of line. Sorry. So how much did you hear?

Akira: You were arguing.

Ann: I see... that is true... It's nothing at all. Nothing...

She wipes tears from her face and runs off. Trying to be left alone in her misery, but he couldn't let her. He caught up to her eventually.

Ann: Stop following me... Just leave me alone!

Akira: Are you ok?

Ann: Why...? Why do you keep worrying about me? *sub*

Akira: Let's go somewhere safe.

Ann: What the heck...? I really don't get you...

They go to a Big Bang Burger, and Ann explains to Akira what's been going on. He listened and helped her calm down, even offering to pay for her drink.

The next day came... and Shiho jumped off... she wasn't trying to kill herself; she just wanted an escape from him...

Ann found out about the plan to change Kamoshida's heart, and she wanted in, but Ryuji and Akira didn't let her, so she went into his palace on her own, which was a bad idea.

Ann: *being held by chains* What's all this about!? Seriously, I'm gonna call the cops!

Shadow Kamoshida: So, this is the intruder.