Chapter Text
Morning rush hour. A passing train kicking up a gust of wind. As every morning, Makoto awaited her train at the station, tucking a few strands of her hazel-colored hair behind her ear in an effort to fix the polished, outer appearance the wind had undone.
What are your plans today? Are we heading into the Palace?
Makoto looked up from her phone, letting out a sigh, a small smile adorning her lips. For once, her duties as student council president weren't the only thing on her mind. The responsibility that would usually underline her honor student persona had been set aside for something far more personal to her. A duty that she taken on for herself. Ever since she had awakened to her Persona and joined the Phantom Thieves, her position as student council president no longer controlled the rest of her life. Even if the situation surrounding her and her fellow thieves was dire, she felt strangely fulfilled. She was working towards her own goals. Fulfilling her own desires. Makoto Niijima felt free.
"That's quite the satisfied look on your face." A familiar voice rang out, the smile wiped from Makoto's face in an instant. She turned, her expression shifting even further into a subdued frown. This was likely the last person she had expected. Goro Akechi, wearing the same bland, sterile outfit he always wore. Not like Makoto had room to talk, the white blazer was also a part of her uniform, after all. Keeping appearances was something they were both rather skilled at. Still, ever since her last encounter with the popular detective prince, Makoto's opinion of him hadn't exactly been positive. Much the opposite, actually. And with her now actively working alongside the group that he was investigating; she wasn't exactly looking forward to a conversation with him. She cautiously put her phone away, her ruby red eyes reflecting in his scarlet as he continued.
"...on the other hand, that glare of yours is rather harsh. My apologies for the intrusion." Akechi tried to excuse himself, Makoto crossing her arms, cocking her hip to one side as she replied.
"What do you want?" She spat back, venom lacing each word. Akechi paused, chuckling.
"It seems I've struck a nerve somehow. Was it something I said?" The boy asked, batting his eyes, clearly having completely forgotten about their last exchange. Makoto couldn't exactly blame him, the way he had dismissed her last time. His opinion of her had seemed similarly low as his was to her now.
"...just a good-girl type of pushover."
"Really, I was just looking for idle conversation. I can't seem to sort my thoughts properly in this heat." Makoto just scoffed, uncrossing her arms again as she sighed.
"...I can relate to that, atleast. Still, shouldn't you be capable of handling such things on your own, Akechi-kun? Surely the famous detective prince won't let himself get overwhelmed by something as frivolous as the climate." Makoto said sarcastically, Akechi putting a hand on his hip, a smirk on his face.
"Honestly, I can't remember when I was last regarded with such open hostility. I must admit, it's almost refreshing. If this is about our last interaction, I can only apologize. My comment was rather crude." Makoto's expression softened. Seemed that he did remember. The honor student still seemed skeptical, reflexively fixing her hair as another train passed by.
"It's fine. Although harsh, your words did ignite a certain spark in me. I suppose I have to thank you for that, at least." Akechi looked surprised, a smile forming on his lips.
"A spark, huh? I hope it's not too presumptuous to assume that your previous look of joy was related to that, somehow?" Makoto had to think back. In a way, Akechi was right, though only indirectly. He continued once more. "My apologies-- I don't mean to pry. Still, I suppose you could say I incited a change of heart within you, no?" Akechi chuckled, Makoto looking unamused. "Merely a joke."
"I thought you were strictly against the Phantom Thieves and their methods? Or is that joke meant to make light of their ideals?" Makoto asked, an eyebrow raised.
"I suppose the latter would be more accurate. Though being faced with questions regarding the Phantom Thieves methods all day has made it quite challenging to keep such thoughts out of my head. It's to the point of irritation, if I had to be honest." Akechi let a sigh escape his lips, looking to the train tracks in thought. "Thieves that steal the hearts of those they deem corrupt. The general public seems to be singing their praises more and more. I wonder for how long this trend will continue..." Makoto brushed down her skirt, watching as yet another crowd of people was stuffed into a train car. Packed together like sardines.
"...I suppose the public wants something to believe in. It's not too indifferent from fiction, don't you think? The vigilantes that work outside of the law are often looked up to as the heroes in such stories." Akechi took a thoughtful stance, a hand on his chin as he answered.
"Given the current circumstances, reality is rather close to fiction. Still, it stands to reason that the Phantom Thieves ideals of justice may turn corrupt later down the line. Not knowing their methods, it is also hard to argue whether or not these 'changes of heart' can be considered ethical on the affected individual, despite how positively the change may affect the public." Makoto clasped her hands together in front of her, shifting her weight on to one leg as she answered.
"Your investigations did bring to light that each affected target was actually guilty of each of the crimes they admitted to, though. Right, Akechi-kun?" Akechi looked a little surprised, staring at Makoto inquisitively.
"You seem to be a lot more confident in your stance than you were last time, Niijima-san. So, you support them, then? Despite the fact both Sae-san, your own sister, and I are working to convict the Phantom Thieves, yes?" Makoto's brow furrowed a little. Akechi's tone had made that sound like a threat.
"It is my believe that there is more to justice than that which can be governed by law. In both Kamoshida's and Madarame's case, the Phantom Thieves have brought glaring societal issues and rampant corruption to light. There is value to that."
Akechi's tense expression softened into a fascinated smile. "Intriguing. You have quite the unique perspective on the matter. I feel as though conversing with you helped to broaden my horizon's a little." Makoto's eyes widened, a little surprised Akechi had reacted so positively to their conversation. She watched as he brought out his phone. "Perhaps we could chat again at another time. Your input today was quite valuable. Would exchanging phone numbers be alright with you?" Makoto blinked. She hadn't expected to be asked so brazenly, the girl stammering in surprise.
"O-oh, of course. I don't mind."
Akechi gave a content nod, looking up from his phone to watch his train pull into the station.
"Ah- perfect timing. Well, let's both do our best today, Niijima-san."
"Yes, let's." Makoto replied softly, watching as he walked off, disappearing into the crowd.
She watched with longing eyes as the train sped off, her hair not the only thing that was out of sorts this time...