Chapter Text
“Makoto. A word, please.” There was a pause before the please that made Makoto stop in her tracks.
“What’s going on?” She softly replied, unsure of what Yusuke needed. After joining the Phantom Thieves just the week beforehand, she was anxious about getting to learn all of these new personalities. And, of course, Yusuke Kitagawa’s was the one that she had absolutely nothing to base it off of.
The artist looked aside for a moment, almost to make sure that there was no else in earshot, before replying, “I believe I recall you saying that while you lived with your elder sister, you were mostly self sufficient?”
“Yes? That is correct.” Makoto narrowed her eyes as she tried to figure out what he was trying to get at.
There was a quick moment of confusion that passed Yusuke’s eyes before he cleared his throat and continued, “Well, I am sure you’re aware of my sudden lifestyle change that occurred after my…. Mentor… was taken into custody.” He spat out the last half of that sentence, “And, as such, I am now living on my own. And, as you also live without much guidance I was wondering….”
Makoto gasped in understanding, “You’re asking if I can help you with some skills for self sufficiency!”
He bit his lip, “That… that is correct.” he looked disappointed in himself, “I am able to make but one or two basic meals, and I do know how to keep a clean space. However I am unsure of many other, how to say, administrative skills that all who live alone must do.”
“You mean things like scheduling and budgeting and nutrition, don’t you?” she gave a soft smile.
Silently, Yusuke nodded.
She patted his shoulder, “Of course I’ll help. It took a while for me to learn those skills, and there is no reason for you to have to struggle to figure them out. That’s what teammates do, right?”
He shyly smiled back, “Yeah. That’s what teammates do.”
The two stood in silence for a moment, neither used to filling the space themselves.
“Anyways, give me a day or two to get some basic stuff together for you. I’ll have it for you by… our next Palace dive?” Makoto awkwardly started, “And, uh, if you could write down what you usually spend, what you need for school, and what you usually eat? That way we can work together on this?” she chuckled awkwardly.
He nodded seriously, “That does make sense. I… I really do appreciate it.” He gave a small bow and then walked away into the crowds.
“What did I agree to?” Makoto sighed.
Maybe… if I can help him…. Maybe I’m not useless.
With that thought in mind, she pumped her fists before heading home herself, resolute to be the best teacher possible for Yusuke.