Persona 5 Royal: Makoto X Male Reader OC- The Forgotten Shadow (Part 1)

Morning in the East (Chapter 131)

(Morning July 14th)

*Your POV*

Spending the night at Kawakami's...somehow... Are startled awake as a violent shake stirs your eyes open.

Kawakami: Ahh? Y/N?! What the hell are you doing here?

Kawakami, skin exposed in her underwear, sits on top of your groin and stares at you, shocked and flustered. Trying to get up, she hunches over in pain from her injuries. You catch her and let her ease onto you. Embarrassed as well, you let her relax before speaking.

You: You were drunk when I arrived. And somehow, you pulled me to you and then passed out drunk onto me. You didn't want to let me go, so I tried for a while. I must have passed out from exhaustion. Besides, are you feeling okay? You were a little-

Blushing, you remember that the small kiss she gave you might not be the best idea to reveal to her. You sink back and wipe your face before gently lifting her up and setting her down on the couch. Kawakami plays with her hair a bit before hiding her face.

Kawakami: Agree to not talk about this?

You: Agreed.

Kawakami: G-Good... You should probably leave for school. Make sure you do well on your exams.

You: You, of all people, should know I will. I'll come by sometime soon, preferably sober.

Kawakami: R-Right.

Exiting her apartment, you head to the station and realize the time. The long wait on the train caused you to stir. When the doors opened, you burst out into a full sprint out of the station and straight to school. Bypassing some teachers as they try to scold you about running. Barely making it into the classroom before the final bell rings. A long sigh of relief exits your mouth.

*After School*

After another day of successful exams, you leave the room and head downstairs. A pair of voices you recognize are heard in the nurse's office. Eavesdropping, you catch the tail end.

Kasumi: Thank you, Doctor. I really appreciate it that you keep these sessions with me.

Maruki: It's no worries, Kasumi. Make sure you keep doing your activities after school.

Kasumi: That's the plan. Well, have a nice rest of your evening, Doctor.

Maruki: You too.

The door opens, and Kasumi is startled by you. Nearly tripping over herself, you grab her hand and hold her up to you. She blinks and blushes as your faces are close. Standing back on her own feet, you let her go, and she shakes her head slightly.

Kasumi: Senpai?

You: Kasumi? Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.

Maruki: Is everything okay?

You: Yeah, sorry, Maruki just wanted to stop by for a moment. Is now a bad time?

Maruki: Actually, we just wrapped up. Please come on in.

Kasumi: Excuse me.

You: Oh, yeah, I forgot Kasumi.

Kasumi: Yes?

You: You want to join me and my friends for the fireworks festival that's coming up? They won't stop talking about it.

Kasumi: Oh, umm... I would love to go, but...

You: Hmm?

Kasumi: I'll think about it. After this week's exams, I have a lot going on.

You: Sure thing, just text me when you do.

Kasumi scampers away, and you close the door behind. Sitting in the chair, Maruki places some snacks on the table. A bright smile washes over him quickly.

Maruki: So, how is my friend doing, huh? Hopefully, you aren't running into trouble.

You: Quite the opposite; I solved a couple of them.

Maruki: Is that so?

You: It's not that important. I just had to take of some friends is all.

Maruki: I see. Well, help yourself. 

You: Sorry, but I got to see some friends soon, so I need to make this brief.

Maruki: Sure, what do you want to talk about?

You: I think I figured out what was causing my illness.

Maruki: Aren't you perfectly healthy? Why bring this up now?

You: Because... I think it might be coming back...

Maruki: That's impossible! You should be fine like how I-...

You: Takuto?

Maruki: I...I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me...

In a daze, Maruki falls into his seat like something drained the life from him.

You: Are you okay?

Maruki: I think so... I'm sorry, what were we talking about?

You: U..Umm.. I mentioned that the Cognitive World seems to be the reason I got my illness.

Maruki: R...Right I mean... Sure.

You:....

Maruki: I-... What are your symptoms?

You: Uhh.. Let's see.. I just recently spent a lot of time in the Cognitive World... And I have been feeling like how I was before.

Maruki: Hmm... That is an odd one. Any physical symptoms like coughing or vomiting?

You: I've got a familiar cough, but it could be something minor. This is just my speculation, but I think I need to retire from using that world for anything else unless it is important. I fear any reckless indulgence will only lead to my body degrading.

Maruki: That is tough... I am sorry for putting so much on you, Y/N.

You: Don't worry about it. I had my time there, but I think if I want to feel better, I should focus on myself here.

Maruki: Yeah, that would be best. Honestly, you helped me a great deal already and all of my research along with another, I think I have completed everything I needed. Please do retire from going into the Cognitive World.

You: Are you sure?

Maruki: Positive. You deserve to live a life.

You: Heh... Sometimes it feels different than that.

Maruki: Perhaps. Go on; you have people waiting on you. I won't be going anywhere for a while.

You: Thanks. I'll talk to you some other time, Takuto.

Takuto: I'll see you. Just don't lose the path you're on, don't make me work my butt off again.

You: Again?

Takuto: Now now, just go. No use to talking to me now unless you really want to hold them up? 

You: Right, farewell Maruki.

Leaving his office, you walk to the front entrance where your friends await you...