Annkoto - P5

Annkoto - Chapter 5: I Think You're Pretty Great Too

Ann and Makoto went to the supermarket in Shibuya, and returned to Makoto's house. This was Ann's first time in there, so she was a bit nervous, not any more nervous than she would be in any of her friends' homes though.
Makoto cooks herself and Ann a healthy dish, which is something she would regularly prepare for her and Sae. After the food is ready they both sit down at the dinner table.

Ann: "Wow, you're an amazing cook senpai!"

Makoto: "Haha thank you Ann, I cook this for me and sis all the time so it's really no big deal."

Ann: "Still, I never have such amazing home-cooked meals!"

Makoto: "Well I'm glad you enjoy it!"
They giggle together like they usually do.

Makoto: "It's really nice having you here, Ann."

Ann: "I feel the same way!"

Makoto: "I wish things at home could be like this all the time."

Ann: "Tell me about it, being stuck in your house with no-one to talk to is the worst."
...
Makoto: "Ann, could I talk to you about something... Ugh what am I doing, you probably don't want to be vented to right now."

Ann: "I'll be happy to listen to you Makoto-senpai. I owe you one for sticking up for me today, not to mention making me dinner."

Makoto: "Thanks, I'm truly grateful."
...
Makoto: "I've never talked about this to anyone... but keeping it in just hurts. My father was a police officer. I admired him to no end, my sister also looked up to him greatly. He detested the corruption in society, just like what we fight against as the Phantom Thieves. My father was going after a particularly notorious gang when he was hit by an errant truck, the impact killed him instantly."

Ann: *gasps* Makoto, that's tragic..."

Makoto: "It really was... What's worse is that I overheard my father's supervisor talking to my sister at the funeral. He was likely assassinated, and the gang hired the driver to get rid of him. Since then it's just me and sis... My father had a restless work ethic, just like Sae does now. It's a shame that I'm just a leech to her *sniff* all I am is financial expenses."
Makoto starts to cry. She's doing her best to wipe the tears away with her palms. Ann comes around the table and comforts her. She leans down and wraps her arms around Makoto's shoulders.

Makoto: "*sniff* Thank you... I really looked up to him. I even said that I wanted to be a police officer just like him someday. I haven't thought about that for so long now... Of course now I have no intention of working with the police, we're Phantom Thieves after all."

Ann: "It must be really lonely here Makoto-senpai, with your sister working so late."

Makoto: "It really is. It gets really depressing sometimes..."

Ann: "I can relate to how you feel, somewhat at least. My parents are always out working. I've been handling myself for most of my life. They call me independent and strong, but it just feels like an excuse. We moved a lot too. All the friends I made at a new school were lost when I had to start over at a new one. I actually got used to the loneliness."

Makoto: "Ann, I'm sorry... that must be really tough for you. We really are the same aren't we."

Ann: "I think we are senpai. I'm so happy to have you as a friend."

Makoto: "I am too! And it's really nice to see you have your passion in modeling. I want to have a clear vision of my future too. I used to think doing what was expected of me by others was the best way forward. I would go to law school just like sis, and see where society takes me. My whole outlook changed when I met the Phantom Thieves, but I just don't know what to do anymore."

Ann: "I wouldn't say I have the clearest vision of the future, but I'd like to help you realize your path, senpai!"

Makoto: "Really?"
She looks up at Ann witha sparkle in her eyes.

Ann was mesmerized for a second: "Y-yeah! Anything for my friend, and teammate."

Makoto and Ann move to the sofa and chat amongst themselves for a good while. They laugh together and cry together. They can sense a strong bond forming between them.

Ann: "Ahaha you're just great, Makoto-senpai."

Makoto: "Hehe well I think you're pretty great too, Ann."

Ann: "We need to have girl nights like this more often."

Makoto: "I agree!"

There's silence for a moment.

Ann: "Makoto... do you think we could maybe, hold hands like we did on the train?"

Makoto: "W- Where's this coming from, Ann?"

Ann: "I'm sorry it's just... I feel really close to you right now, and your hand was so nice and warm."

Makoto slides over closer to Ann, and lays her hand on top of hers. Their fingers start to lace automatically... until-

Sae: "Makoto I'm home."

Makoto shoots up and is shocked that her sister actually came home tonight.

Sae: "I'm sorry that I didn't message you... Makoto?"

Sae walks into the living room to see Ann sitting on the couch, with Makoto stood up next to her.

Makoto: "Hey sis! I, uhm..."

Sae: "A friend? Makoto don't you have exams coming up, you should be studying. What's gotten into you? You've never been like this."

Ann: "I'm so sorry ma'am, I was just heading back home-"

Sae: "Alright, that's good at least. Ugh first Kaneshiro and then this. If it weren't for those Phantom Thieves, I wouldn't have lost that promotion."

Makoto (softly): "You really have changed sis..."

Sae: "What was that?"

Ann: "Again, I'm so sorry. Bye Makoto-senpai."

Makoto: "Ann wait-"

The front door closes.

Sae: "You better get perfect scores on these exams."

Makoto: "..."