Chapter Text
As soon as classes ended, Akira headed straight to the stairs leading to the roof. The plan was to make one last push through the castle and get to the Treasure Room. Both Ann and Ryuji had minor things to deal with but assured him that they'll join him on the roof as soon as possible. At the very least, Akira could have a discussion with Morgana while they waited.
However that plan went right out the window when Akira opened the door and found himself face-to-face with another student. A girl with fluffy light brown hair wearing a gym uniform and holding a watering can.
The two stared at each other, surprised by the other's presence. The girl was the first to say something, "O-oh hello. What are you doing up here?"
"Uh... I..."
Akira's mind went blank. He couldn't think of a passable lie and there was no way he was going to tell this random girl the truth. Honestly, the truth still sounded ridiculous to him: 'Hi I'm Akira Kurusu. I'm here to met with my two new friends and a talking cat that only we can hear and discuss going to a magic dark dimension to steal the heart of the volleyball coach so he'll stop abusing his team and sexually harassing and assaulting female students.'
Thinking of nothing else to say besides the absolute worst thing to say, he ignored the girl and walked over to the cluster of abandoned desks. Glancing around, he immediately noticed the planters. Did Shujin have a gardening club that he wasn’t aware of? Or was it just this girl?
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard the other student speak.
“Wait a minute... you're the new transfer student aren't you?"
Akira sighed and nodded. It had quickly become a routine despite his short time in Tokyo. Now here come the comments and the questions and the...
"I'm sorry."
...Apology?
Akira's eyes widened, he turned around and was once again face-to-face with the other student. Her cheeks turned a faint pink color and she glanced to the side.
"I'm sorry that you're going through all this. The rumors and gossip I mean. I… I understand what's it's like when people don't see the real you." she said with a sad smile
Now Akira was curious. Just from her appearance alone, she didn't seem like the type of person to have unpleasant rumors surrounding her. Then again as he’s learned first hand, looks can be deceiving and from her expression, he could tell that there was something very wrong.
Even though he didn’t even know her name, he wanted to help.
Akira cleared his throat and the girl turned her eyes to him again.
"Can I..."
Before Akira could finish his question, the door loudly burst open, causing Akira to nearly jump out of his skin while the fluffy haired girl let out a squeak of surprise and dropped her watering can.
"HEY MAN! YOU READY TO KICK SOME..."
Ryuji stopped as he realized that he and Akira were not alone. He looked between Akira and the mystery girl.
“Am I interrupting something?”
The girl shook her head, “No it’s alright. I should be heading back downstairs anyway.”
With that, she picked up the watering can and walked to the door. But just as she was about to leave, she turned around and gave that same sad smile to Akira.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone you're up here. Just make sure you don't stay for too long, alright?"
With that, the girl left and Ryuji and Akira simply stared at the now closed door.
"Did you know that girl?" Ryuji asked
"Uh… We just... caught each other by surprise. That's all, don’t worry about it."
It’s not like he was going to see her again. He didn’t even get her name.