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

Chapter 93: Big Boy Decisions

Alright - Persona 5

"Huh? Wait, so...you and Makoto's sister are DATING?"

"That's surprising..."

"What's surprising? The fact that I'm dating a girl, or the fact that I'm dating someone at all?"

"Come on, you know that's not what I meant. I'm just surprised, is all."

The bell had rung, signaling the end of another long day at Hope's Peak Academy. The students of Class 78 were scattered around the room, chatting in their usual cliques. Some were packing their bags, others were finishing up homework, while a few were making plans for the weekend. It was a typical afternoon.

But a few of them had stayed behind to hear the recent news about Toko and her date with Komaru.

Even though some time had passed, it was refreshing to see that Toko wasn't mumbling or hiding behind her usual sharp-tongued insults. In fact, she looked serious, if not a little anxious.

Against her better judgment, and swept up in the gossip, she'd decided to come clean about it. If they resented her for it...oh well. But if there was one thing she had learned from the other students, it was that they were surprisingly tolerant. Even of people like her.

"You know, in the back of my mind, I always kind of thought you guys were more than friends," Sayaka noted. "I suppose I was correct."

"So, are you guys gonna...ya know, go steady or anything?" Hina asked.

"Go steady? What does that mean? Are you gonna start holding hands in the hallways and make out behind the bleachers after P.E.?" Hiro asked.

"No! God, no! She doesn't even go to this school..." Toko hissed. "She just...I want to see where things go. I'm still trying to figure it out."

"Well, do you have a date set?"

"Well, it wasn't MEANT to be a date... but we're both going out for ice cream this weekend."

"Oh, that sounds fun."

"Yeah...I hope so."

Makoto had decided to stay out of this conversation. He didn't want to comment on the fact that his classmate and his sister were going out; it didn't feel appropriate. He also didn't want to bring up the fact that he'd had a hunch his sister liked girls. He was sure Komaru wouldn't want him to mention that.

He just hoped Toko wouldn't do anything weird and that they'd get along well.

Still, he knew it wouldn't be long before someone approached him to ask about it. And, lo and behold...

"Wow...to speak so openly about that to people," Chihiro Fujisaki remarked. "Fukawa-chan sure is brave..."

"It's not really bravery. She's just trying to be honest with us. It's a good quality," Makoto said. "Besides, it's just a good sign of how much she's developed as a person, right? This is a pretty big thing to trust people with, after all."

"You think so? I think it takes a lot of courage to tell people about something like that," Chihiro said. "I don't know if I'd have the guts to do something like that."

He suddenly lowered his head, clutching his skirt.

"Actually...I KNOW that I wouldn't..."

Makoto wasn't sure what to say.

During the class trip to France, Makoto had discovered the truth about Chihiro. That he was a boy dressing up as a girl to gain the respect and acceptance of others. Following Chihiro's wishes, Makoto had kept the secret since their return home. It wasn't his place to out Chihiro to everyone, and he wouldn't do that to a good friend, regardless of gender.