Working With Phantoms

Going From Zero to One Hundred

May 17th

Madran got out of her 2nd block in school and began to make her way to lunch. However, along the way, she ran into Sheila and Ann.

"Oh, hi, guys, what's up?"

"Um, Madran, remember how Yusuke asked if I wanted to model for him? Well, since yesterday and the very sealed door in the palace, um..."

"You're accepting the offer? Um, that's fine."

"Well, I'm doing it to get that door open. Um, Ryuji and Akira are already accompanying me, but I would like some... female backup as well."

"I can go. That's fine."

Ann nodded.

"Sheila's busy with some other stuff, so thank you."

"You're welcome. Um, I'm going to lunch now, bye."

Madran ran off to lunch, and once school ended, she found herself with Akira's group and going to that shack that Philemon had mentioned earlier. Once they got there, Madran saw that Yusuke was waiting for them.

"Oh, hello, Ann."

Ann nodded.

"Hey, is it ok if my friends stay with me for a bit? I can be a bit... antsy sometimes."

Yusuke nodded at that, and the group went into the shack.

"Um, where's your room?"

"Right over here."

Yusuke led them to a quaint little room that was scattered with various art supplies, little bedding material, and a large window.

"Wow, this place is..."

"Ann looked around and smiled a bit.

"Neat."

Yusuke took a seat at a large canvas, and Ryuji and Akira sat in various chairs. However, problems began when Ryuji began speaking.

"Hey, Yusuke, just to be clear, don't try anything funny with her."

Yusuke gave Ryuji a deadpan glare in response.

"You seem to be misunderstanding. I have no interest in Ann as a member of the opposite sex. I merely wish to paint a portrait of her."

Madran, who stood in the corner, looked around.

"I hope this bareness isn't caused by Madarame..."

"I'm getting a feeling of not being wanted here. We should be careful about what leaves and enters our mouth."

Ann was moved around a bit by Yusuke until she assumed a pose of sitting on a few boxes and giving the canvas a sly, charming look.

"Um, does this work?"

Ann began to make a face resembling Sheila whenever she landed an ailment, and Yusuke nodded.

"Yes. You don't have to hold the face forever, but please, keep still."

Yusuke retrieved many art supplies and began to work at the canvas. Eventually, after a thrilling conversation with Nightingale about the benefits and wonders of Capitalism and the things that make it rather harmful, Madran looked back to see Yusuke staring at the canvas with a serious expression.

"...so, in conclusion, Capitalism is very good unless- wait. What's he doing?"

"Hmm. He may be having an issue."

Madran looked over to Ann, who also looked confused.

"Is... is something wrong? Did I do anything?"