Moon through the Looking Glass (Persona 5 × Twisted Wonderland)

A little hope

Chapter 8: A Little Hope

" Mr Crowley "

Yuuki was surprised by the sudden appearance of the headmaster. However, his surprise then turned into wariness.

" Did your school's entrance ceremony end? "

" Yes, Mr Yuu. "

With those answers, Yuuki Mishima's eyes were looking into the Headmaster with more suspicion.

" What do you want Mr Crowley? "

" Mr Yuu, you can't stay here. You should return to your home as soon as possible. Your parents must be waiting for you. "

Yuuki doubted it.

" Mr Crowley, as I mentioned earlier, I have no intention to return home and I don't think my parents would be worried about my disappearance.

While Yuuki was suffering under the hands of Kamoshida and before the arrival of Kurusu, his parents turned a blind eye to his suffering. They were aware that Yuuki was coming home with bruises all around his body after his volleyball practice. There was even one time that Yuuki told his parents about Kamoshida hurting him and the other students.

" What nonsense are you talking about Yuuki? "

" You're the one that chosen to join the volleyball club don't you? "

After making him feel that it was his fault for joining the volleyball club and taking responsibility for the choice that he made, Mishima never approached his parents again regarding his many problems. The only thing that he could do was to suffer in silence every day and bear with it.

Maybe... maybe. Kamoshida would reward his suffering someday. Maybe he would give him a position and join the competition against other schools.

Yuuki held on to that delusion for a long time until his savior decided to corner him in a corridor along with Ryuji to make him talk and confess what happened with Shiho.

Until now, even though he was in another world, Yuuki felt disgusted with himself for his contribution leading to the events of Shiho's attempted suicide.

" That's.. "

" And would you believe me if I say I am from another world? Me, being chosen and arriving here was probably an accident, Mr Crowley. But I don't want to trouble you with my predicament. "

Usually, from the Isekai Light Novels and Manga that he read, the Isekai Protagonist can't return from their home anymore. Yuuki also found it hard to trust adults after Kamoshida, his parents, the other teachers, and the principal actions.

However, Crowley's next words, surprised Mishima.

" Then, how about providing you and Mr Grim a place to stay? It may take a while, but I will find a way for you to return home, Mr Yuu. If you have the desire to return home, you are welcome to tell me.  "

Deep in his subconscious, there was the sound of shattering glass once again.

With Crowley's response to his words, Yuuki could feel his heart twisting painfully.

" ...Why are you so being nice to me, Mr Crowley? "

Crowley was silent.

" If your being nice has some ulterior motives, then I don't want it. "

" I was perhaps thinking of you becoming a student here in Night Raven College. "

Is Mr Crowley insane?

" No, I don't want it. I have no intention of becoming a student here at Night Raven College. "

Yuuki has had enough of being a student. After being rejected by the Dark Mirror and ending his delusions, he realizes that he has had enough of studying and club activities.

" Are you even thinking of the repercussions of your suggestion, Mr Crowley? The students hated a magicless human like me. "

Yuuki doesn't even want to imagine the various scenarios of him suffering under the hands of those students.

" Then, my offer for a place for you and Mr Grim still stands. "

Yuuki nodded his head before informing the headmaster.

" Thank you, Mr Crowley. I am also thinking of finding various jobs in the nearest town. Don't worry, I will eventually repay you for offering us a place to stay. "

" Job... "

Crowley placed one of his hands under his chin, ruminating before offering.

" Finding a job in a foothill town... How about working for a part-time job here at Night Raven College in exchange for letting you and Mr Grim stay in the former dorm? "

Former dorm? Yuuki was curious but eventually, his current predicament was more important.

" What jobs are available, headmaster? "

" There wasn't someone who worked at the library, there was also a need for someone to sweep the leaves and litter around the streets or even wipe the windows. Or you could join the ghosts in the Cafeteria to serve dishes for the students. "

" Ghosts? "

" The professors of Night Raven College are mostly humans but the other school staff are all ghosts that I hired.  "

So Ghosts exist in this world. Yuuki wondered if he would turn into a ghost when he died in this world.

" Oh, Dear me! I forgot to mention that there would be some ghosts in the place where you would stay. "

Yuuki doesn't like the sound of that. However, if it means that he and Grim would have a place to stay, he would endure it.

" Are they nice and not troublesome? "

" Aside from attempting to scare the students, they aren't bad. However, if you aren't comfortable with that, I would gladly inform them to not cause trouble for you and Mr Grim. "

" That would be wise Mr Crowley. I thank you for your help. "

" Now, looks like Mr Grim doesn't look too well, how about we head towards your new home, Mr Yuu? Anyway... "

Yuuki was surprised when an umbrella appeared in Crowley's hands before opening it and covering Yuuki and Grim with an umbrella from the rain.

" Shall we go, Mr Yuu? "

" ....Yes. "

Yuuki nodded his head and walked beside Crowley. While walking and holding Grim, Yuuki stared towards the Headmaster who wasn't being protected by the rain. But even though he wasn't protected by the rain, Yuuki could see that any raindrops weren't able to affect Crowley or his clothes.

Watching Crowley who remained silent while walking, Yuuki's heart is twisting painfully once again.

Maybe.... he would be able to put his trust in someone once again. Maybe, Mr Crowley is different from any of the adults back in his world. Maybe, Crowley was someone who cared about zero Mishima. Yuuki could feel a little hope surface inside him.

Eventually, they arrive at the place where he and Grim would staying. It looks like a haunted house and rundown. Entering the abandoned dormitory with the Headmaster, Yuuki could see that it wasn't in the best state. It was dusty and there was a hole in the roof.

" Ahh, the place wasn't in the best state right now Mr. Yuu, but I hope that this place will be your new home. "

Yuuki nodded his head.

" I promise that I will seek some of the staff's help to renovate the abandoned dormitory. "

" Thank you, Mr Crowley. "

After that, they went to find the 3 ghosts staying in the dormitory and introduced Yuuki and the sleeping Grim to them. Eventually, Grim woke up and Crowley went to get some things. Yuuki explained their current situation to Grim and Crowley returned with some food, and clothes for Yuuki and the ghost staff.

Along with the ghost staff and the 3 ghost residents, Yuuki decided to help with cleaning the dormitory. After it was cleaned and some things were repaired, Mr Crowley left along with the ghost staff. Yuuki and Grim on the other hand decided to go into one of the rooms and started sleeping.