Real & the Ideal: A Persona 5R Dark Sun Sequel (Goro Akechi x Amamiya Ren)

17: I Won't Let It Break You

(Flashback, Kasumi's P.O.V)

"What!? Excuse me...could you please repeat that?"

I was sitting across from one of my teachers inside the staff office. A long wood and iron table seperated myself from the adult across from me, but the dissapointed expression on his face was what truly made me feel distant and far away from him.

How did he not understand? I...

"Now now, Kasumi. Nothing's been decided as of yet..."

Although I was still listening to the teacher as he spoke, I couldn't help but glance beside him at my counselor. I bit my lip in embarrassment.

Why did Dr.Maruki have to be here too?

"But, at the rate things are going, your honour status could possibly be revoked. Something so serious should, ofcourse, be brought to the attention of both your parents and yourself."

My eyes widened as I gawked at him in both shock and distress.

How could I have..?

"Um, Ushitaro-san, I've been told that her results at the latest meet were quite laudable.." I glanced Maruki's way as he spoke to the teacher. There was sympathy in his eyes, but he was still determined to see this decision turned over.

...but was it even possible?

"Isn't revoking her status as an honour student a bit of an overreaction on the school's part?"

Ushitaro shook his head mildly.

"I understand how you feel but...well, third place doesn't really cut it in this case.."

His words threw another sharp knife into my heart. Third place...I'd worked so hard, and to me, third place was such a drastic step up from how far I'd come...

But now, my teacher was telling me it wasn't enough...

"Dr.Maruki, she needs to attain first-place results for her exceptional status to be worthwhile."

I couldn't help but gasp out loud.

I had to get first place? Without it...I would lose my honours!?

"Don't get me wrong here...personally, I think her results are impressive, but...I suppose the arguement could be made that if she's going to represent Shujin and receive special treatment, it's not enough."

I lowered my head to stare at my lap as I wrang my wrists in frustration.

This isn't fair...it's not fair at all...

Maruki frowned as both he and Ushitaro-senpai looked towards me.

"Please don't shoot the messenger, okay? This is necessary to guarantee fairness across the entire student body. It's not as if you've been expelled, or the like. Another meet is coming soon - please strive for the results the school wants to see."

"Sir...putting excessive expectations on Yoshizawa-san will only be to her detriment." Ushitaro-senpai stood up, signalling the end of the conversation, but Dr.Maruki stood as well to challenge him.

"Oh!" He looked towards me, then back to my counselor with a lighthearted smile.

"That wasn't at all my intention. I just wanted to give her a little encouragement."

Despite how harsh Ushitaro was being, he still held my gaze, even as I stood up.

I swallowed heavily.