Annkoto - P5

Annkoto - Chapter 8: No Harm in Trying Something New

Makoto: "Who was that?"

Ren: "It was Ann."

Makoto: "A- Ann? How was she?"

Ren: "She said she was doing great."

Makoto: "Great huh... I mean, that's wonderful to hear."

Makoto and Ren are actually in the Shinjuku Red light district. Just before Ren took Ann's call, they were shaking off some perverts who were laying eyes on Makoto.

Ren: "Have you and Ann been doing alr-"

Makoto: "Ren look! I know that student, she's a third year like me, her name is Eiko Takao. And she looks like she's going into that cafe. Do you think it's *that* kind of cafe? Do you think she works there?"

Ren: "So...many...questions-"

Makoto: "Let's go in and investigate."

Makoto speeds to the entrance of the cafe, and Ren tries to keep up.
Once Ren enters the door, Makoto is already talking to Eiko.

Makoto: "You're Eiko Takao, am I correct?"

Eiko: "yeah what of it. and what's the student council prezzy doing in the red light district."

Makoto: "Oh hey Ren. Takao-san, do you mind if we have a chat in one of the booths?"

Eiko: "im supposed to be working but, whatever."

The three of them sit down in a booth in the back-end corner of the cafe.

Eiko: "so, Nijima-san... this your boyfriend?"

Makoto: "Oh no, that's not it."

Ren: "We're just friends."

Eiko: "shame."

Makoto: "Are you being adequately treated in this establishment Takao-san?"

Eiko: "yeah it gives good money, it's the older guys who get a little creepy, but they haven't done anything more than gawk at me. the tips they give are massive though."

Makoto: "You seem to be focusing on your pay, is your financial situation stable, Takao-san?"

Eiko: "my parents have good money, i just wanted to make my own spending money so they would get off my back about it. also you can call me Eiko, i don't care."

Makoto: "Okay, so you really have no problems with this job Eiko-san?"

Eiko: "none... why, do you want a like, job here?"

Makoto: "Nono, not at all. I'm just a bit too busy these days."

Eiko: "did you really come here just to question me? You totes got to get a life."

Makoto: "People have been telling me that recently. Eiko one last question... What do I do to 'get a life'?"

Eiko: "okay so let's see, lemme make a little checklist."

Ren whispers to Makoto: "Are you okay with this?"

Makoto whispers back: "Of course, this is what I've always needed."

Eiko: "hey, Nijima-san, gimme your phone number."

Makoto: "Huh? W-why do you need that for?"

Eiko: "im gonna text you the checklist duh."

They exchange contact information.

Eiko: "there. it's done."

Makoto (reading aloud): "Step one: make friends, pink heart emoji. Step 2: go out to places with them. Step 3: get a boyfriend, guy and girl kissing emoji. Step 4: go on dates and get to know other guys to make him jealous, sticking tongue out emoji..." her face tightens up as she continues reading it. "I'm not sure if I'll understand this right away. Do you mind if I text you about it later."

Eiko: "sure. i guess i should like get to work and stuff."

Makoto and Ren head for the nearby train station. Once they get there, they stand and wait for the next train.
Makoto looks deep in thought.

She puts her hand on her forehead: "What am I doing?"

Ren: "Are you okay?"

Makoto: "I'm sorry for interrupting you earlier... when you were asking about me and Ann."

Ren: "Did something happen..?"

Makoto: "Yes, something did happen."
...
Makoto: "Ann came with me to my house Thursday night... Don't smirk at me, it wasn't like that. Or at least it didn't end up that way."

Makoto: "We were talking about life. Emotions were high, we laughed and we cried. It almost felt like a slumber party... not that I've been to one before, but that's what I expect them to be like. Although, there was this moment, it almost felt like the world fell silent around us, and she asked me if we could hold hands. I was shocked at first, but I accepted and moved closer to her. Once our palms touched, my sister arrived. It felt like the glass room that the world made for us was shattered. I was so startled I stood up and let go of her hand. Sis walked in and started asking me a bunch of questions... I was too out of it to remember though. And Ann quickly left after that. I didn't even get to say goodbye."

Ren: "That must have hurt."

Makoto: "I understand why, it was a very uncomfortable situation, and I may have been too forward at first. Why do you keep smiling, Ren?"

Ren: "I had something similar happen to me a while ago."

Makoto: "With you and Akechi-kun?"

Ren: "Wh-."

Makoto: "I'm sorry that slipped out."

Ren: "It's okay."

A moment of silence passes. Multiple trains have passed at this point.

Makoto: "Why do I just have to make everything so awkward."

Ren: "Don't beat yourself up. It's also my fault. I thought me and Akechi were more careful about hiding it."

Makoto: "Oh, uhm I wouldn't have figured out on my own, Ann said she suspected it. I promise I won't tell anyone!"

Ren: "Ann also knows?"

Makoto: "Yes I'm sorry. And uhm if you don't mind me asking, what was the similar thing that happened between you and him?"

Ren: "We were downstairs in Leblanc one night. I made us coffee and we sat down in one of the booths together. We even held hands just like you. Sojiro opened the door to get something he forgot, and I shot up, and ended up spilling coffee on Akechi."

Makoto: "*giggles* Sorry, I don't mean to laugh, that must have hurt."

Ren: "It's okay. We actually all had a laugh in the end."

Makoto: "So you and Akechi were fine after that?"

Ren: "Yes, and I know you and Ann will be too."

Makoto: "Thanks Ren. Sorry, I also have one more question for you."

Ren: "Go ahead."

Makoto: "Am I gay?"

Ren: "That's something you'll have to figure out. No harm in trying something new."

Makoto: "Yeah, you're right."