Phantom Thieves of Hope - A Danganronpa X Persona 5 Story.

Chapter 65: Some Fun in the Sun

Tokyo Daylight - Persona 5

Today was the day that the Phantom Thieves had been waiting for for a long time now. It was a bright and sunny morning when Makoto and his friends decided to escape the city and spend a day at the beach.

It still didn't feel real that the team was going to be able to spend the next three days in a luxurious beach house, and Makoto wasn't sure what to do with the excitement.

To make matters even better, after hearing that she'd been invited, the other detectives at the Kirigiri Agency practically insisted that Kyoko go with them and that they would handle her workload for a few days. Kyoko had accepted this but had warned the other Phantom Thieves that the papers on her desk would need her full attention after she got back.

Mr. Nanami had been kind enough to pick the kids up and drop them off at the seaside. Something Chiaki was less than thrilled about, but something the rest of the Phantom Thieves were extremely grateful for. Both Hajime and Toko had also agreed to go to the Naegi's house to be picked up with them.

By the time he arrived at the Naegi household, Shuichi, Kyoko, and Kaede were already in the back of the car, with the far latter waving at them enthusiastically.

Before today, Shuichi and Makoto had helped Hajime pack a swimsuit, and Komaru had done the same for Toko, who apparently didn't have one before today, though in retrospect, that wasn't very surprising. The siblings had packed their beach bags with sunscreen, snacks, and their favorite books, as well as some additional stuff for their teammates use. Their excitement was palpable, but they couldn't escape the cringe-worthy antics of their parents as they bid them farewell.

"Make sure to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, dears," their mom called out, waving a bottle of the stuff in the air.

"And remember to stay hydrated, Komaru! We don't want a repeat of what happened when you were 7," added their dad, handing her a water bottle.

Makoto and Komaru exchanged amused glances, trying to maintain their composure as their parents continued their well-intentioned but embarrassing send-off, while their two stragglers tried not to laugh at them. Even after Hajime and Toko climbed into the car, the Naegi's took a little longer to prepare.

"Have fun, my little beach bums, and don't forget to eat your fruits and veggies!" Mrs. Naegi exclaimed.

"Mom!" Komaru spat, "we're not children anymore!"

"And we're not going on a year-long voyage either! We'll be back in a few days! You won't miss us that much!" Makoto added.

Despite their complaints, Makoto, Komaru, and Kotoko quickly hugged their parents/foster parents, trying to dodge any additional advice, but not before their father slipped a bag of sliced apples into Makoto's backpack.

Finally on the road, Makoto and Komaru ignored the teasing from the other Phantom Thieves and sighed in relief as they left their parents' well-meaning but cringe-inducing comments behind. Chiaki patted them on the shoulder sympathetically, much to her own father's confusion.

 Beach Time- Persona 5 Strikers

Arriving at the coast, the sun was shining, the seagulls provided the soundtrack, and the ocean breeze carried the promise of a perfect beach day. The sound of crashing waves and the salty sea breeze greeted them, setting the perfect scene for a day of fun and relaxation.

Mr. Nanami gave Chiaki a few last-minute warnings about staying safe and sticking to her friends, before he drove off. Once he left, the majority of the team could not keep their excitement contained, and as they stared out among the golden sands, they freely let it loose!