Annkoto - P5

Annkoto - Chapter 2: Out of the Blue

Makoto arrived back at her home after her time with Ann. Her sister Sae Nijima wasn't home yet, she did say that she would be eating out from now on. Makoto turned on the TV to the news channel her and Sae always watch, and started making herself dinner.

After cooking and setting up the table, she gets a notification from the Phantom Thieves group chat. Ryuji, Ren and Yusuke were talking about what happened in Kaneshiro's palace the other day. Then Ann joins the conversation.

(SMS)
Ann: "Makoto are you sure you're okay? The Mafia haven't shown up at your doorstep have they?"
Makoto: "Yes I'm sure... for now at least, thank you Ann. Though, Kaneshiro has been sending messages reminding me of our debt to him."
Ryuji: "RRRgh I Hate that guy!"
Yusuke: "Agreed."
Ren: "We'll take care of him soon."
Ryuji: "Alright! That's what I'm talking about!"
Yusuke: "Yes, for our safety as well as the other students, it's best if we change his heart quickly."
Makoto: "Well said. Shall we meet tomorrow?"
Ren: "Sounds good."
Ann: "See you guys tomorrow!"

Makoto closes her phone, and hears the front door open.

Sae: "I'm home."

Makoto: "Hey sis! How was work?"

Sae: "This case has got me exhausted, not to mention what's been happening at your school..."

Makoto: "M-my school? Is this about the mafia?"

Sae: "How do you know about that? Didn't I tell you not to get distracted with these things, what about your entrance exams? Ugh I never should have mentioned Shujin."

Makoto: "...I'm sorry."

Sae: "It's fine, just keep your focus on your studying. I'll be in my room."

Sae walks to her room, but makes sure to turn off the TV first... probably to eliminate distractions and further her point.
Makoto eats dinner in silence, alone.

...

Makoto is in her room lying on her bed. She decides to text Ann to thank her for their outing today.

(SMS)
Makoto: "Hello again Ann. I just wanted to thank you for today. I almost never go out with people. It was a lot of fun!"
Ann: "Of course Nijima-senpai!", "I'm so sorry I mean Makoto, I had a lot of fun too and I hope we can hang out again sometime! It's so nice to have another girl on the team now, I felt like the odd one out for a while there."
Makoto: "I'm honored to be by you and the other's side. After seeing the Phantom Thieves'  justice at work in Kaneshiro's palace, I know for sure I was mistaken about you all... I'm sorry for giving you such a hard time."
Ann: "You don't have to apologize Makoto, you're a part of us now!"
Makoto: "Haha that is true... Say, Ann, this is probably strange for me to ask out of the blue, and I know it's not my place but do you think you could help me?" (Makoto struggled to type this)
Ann: "Oh! Sure, what's the matter?"
Makoto: "Have you ever felt lonely?"

Makoto's eyes are watering as she's lying on her bed, holding her phone close to her face.

Ann: "Well, no not really. I've been used to the solo lifestyle. My parents are out at work for most of the year, so I've learned to live on my own."
Makoto: "I guess I'm just not used to it yet. Since my sister is always working, I'm the only one in this house most of the time."
Ann: "Well then, how about this. We need to get you out more Makoto-senpai. Spending time with friends always helps me take my mind off things, and I'm sure it'll help with the loneliness."

Makoto smiles a bit.

Makoto: "That sounds wonderful! Is that how most of the people our age spend their time, hanging out with friends?"
Ann: "Are you serious? Jeez Makoto, we have GOT to get you a social life, ahaha."

Makoto starts giggling to herself.

Makoto: "Haha you're right, I've been pretty oblivious to what normal students do in their free time... some student council president I am."
Ann: "Well you know who would be a great help? Ren, the social butterfly. And of course we should go out again soon!"
Makoto: "Oh you're right, I should talk to him. Thank you Ann, and I can't wait to go on another outing with you."
Ann: "Don't mention it, see you soon!"

Makoto closes her phone and sighs a satisfactory sigh. She's really happy that she got to meet the Phantom Thieves, and that she's now a part of the friend group.