Chapter Text
Friday: 07/27
Yasoinaba, welcome to Yasoinaba.
The station’s electronic voice called out as Yu stepped out of the train and onto the platform, the early summer sun beaming down overhead. Travelling all day isn’t exactly how I imagined I’d be spending the first day of my Summer break. Yu thought as he readjusted his duffle bag and walked down the steps. It feels like it's been so long since I was last here.
He stretched his stiff arms over his head until he heard a satisfying pop. I’m pretty sure I remember the way to Dojima’s house from here, it shouldn’t take too long. Yu took out his phone, quickly checking the map to refamiliarize himself, Yeah… That’s an easy walk . He took another look taking in the familiar sights and fresh country air. It’s good to be back. I can’t wait to see everyone-
“Ah, good I made it in time.” A familiar voice called out from the entrance to the parking area, a voice that made Yu’s heart skip a beat. His eyes snapped to the entrance where… Nami was waiting with a large yet reserved smile.
“Nami!” Yu exclaimed, running up to his girlfriend and immediately pulling her into a tight, loving embrace.
Nami stifled a giggle as she returned the hug, the two of them relaxing completely in the other’s arms. “I missed you too…” Nami whispered.
The two remained like this for a few minutes, only pulling apart when they overheard the amused mutterings of some passersby which caused a faint blush to appear on their cheeks.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were going to meet me here?”
“Because-” Nami smirked, “I wanted to surprise you.”
Yu rolled his eyes before leaning in and leaving a chaste kiss on Nami’s blushing cheek, “You’re sweet.”
“You give me too much credit.” Nami giggled, “I simply wanted to be the first one that got to see you.” Nami subtly grabbed Yu’s hand, she shyly glanced off to the side, “Aaaaand… I’ve been looking forward to this day for weeks and I didn’t want to wait any longer.”
“Haha, I know how you feel… But we’re together now and we’ll be able to spend every day of the summer together.”
“Yes we will… And after all this time apart, there is nothing I want more.” Nami said, putting her feelings and desire out in the open. “I hope you’re ready, I have some plans for us.”
“Haha, oh really? Should I be worried? I don’t think you ever suggested days out before.” Yu chuckled, looking at his girlfriend with a teasing grin.
“Hush you.” Nami huffed, rolling her eyes. “A lot has changed in the months you’ve been gone… but don’t worry, I know you’ll enjoy them.” Nami lightly tugged Yu’s arm, “I’ll tell you about those later, for now, we should make our way to Junes.”
“Junes? Shouldn’t we be going to Dojima’s house?”
“We could but… He won’t let you in.” Nami said with a snicker, “The others are planning a surprise for you so when you arrive Dojima will just tell you to go to Junes anyway.”
“Should… You be telling me this?”
“Probably not. However, they were trying to get me to wait with them at Junes even though they knew I wanted to see you so…” Nami shrugged her shoulders, a devious glint appearing in her eyes. “Just act surprised when we get there.”
“Pfft, haha. Alright, I can do that.” Nami’s laughter joined his as they began their walk away from the station and back into town.
“I nearly forgot to say but I love what you’ve done with your hair,” Yu said, leaning back a little to get a better look. Instead of the usual free-falling style, Yu was used to, her long silver hair was tied up into a loose, slightly messy braid. “When did you start putting it like that?”
“Hmm… A couple of months ago I think. One night Nanako came home from school and asked if she could try braiding it. Apparently, some girls in her class taught her… I saw no reason to say no. When she was done I… Quite liked it so I asked Rise to help me learn how to do it myself.”
“It looks great,” Yu said, his voice full of sincerity. “It suits you.”
“T-Thank you.” Nami gently stroked the braid bit of her hair. “It was… A surprising challenge learning how to do it but I’m pleased with the results. Although it has led to Nanako asking to play with my hair now and then.”
Despite faux annoyance in her voice, it was clear to tell she enjoyed it. “That reminds me. How have things been at Dojima’s since you moved in? We’ve been so busy I keep forgetting to ask.”
“It’s been enjoyable. I have to admit, particularly after you left, being home by myself was… Lonely.” Nami tightened her grip on Yu’s hand. “So I couldn’t have been happier when Dojima offered.”
Yu smiled and stepped a little closer until his and Nami’s shoulders were almost touching. “That’s great news. I’m still a little surprised that Dojima asked.”
“Haha, admittedly it was Nanako’s idea. I think she worked out that I didn't want to leave when I came to visit so… She asked Dojima while I was there.”
“Haha, that must have been awkward.”
“It was but… Well, you know how persuasive Nanako can be. Not to mention, Dojima was happy to have someone around with Nanako.”
“I’m just… Glad you weren’t completely alone after everything.”
“Hehe, yes. Luckily for me, they were there to make up for the absence of a certain someone.” Nami teased while all Yu could do was bashfully rub the back of his head. The conversation continued as they made their way into the Shopping District, due to the amount they had been talking over the past few months they didn’t have a lot of new things to share but… They were just happy they got to talk in person again.
As they passed through the Shopping District, a couple of things caught Yu’s attention, firstly was… How lively it was, several buildings that had been closed down when he was here last time were reopened and each shop had a… Buzz around it. According to Nami, Yosuke and his Dad reached out to the representatives of the Shopping District and… They all started to work together with the locals providing goods to Junes while Junes would advertise their stores, all of which helped Junes reputation in the town and helped bring life back to the area. The other surprise was… Namatame, who was standing in the middle of the road, campaigning to be elected to the local government. From the little he heard, it sounded like his encounter with them at the end of last year left an impact on him as he was campaigning on a platform of working closely with the town, wanting to bring new life and help the people follow their dreams without being deceived as he had been.
Once they were out of earshot, Nami told him that he had been doing this for several months now, initially, no one would go near him as his association with the case made people weary of him. Over time, however… His passion and conviction started to draw people in one by one, something she attributed to Yu and despite her dislike for the man… She was interested to see if someone so full of despair could grow past it and… Yu couldn’t help but think he already had.
Soon they arrived at Junes which felt almost unchanged when compared to the rest of the town which brought an odd sense of comfort. He and Nami took the elevator to the food court and within seconds of making their way over to the seating area… They both spotted a pair of brown and blonde hair peeking out from behind one of one of the planters.
“This… Is just embarrassing…” Nami sighed, placing her hand on her forehead.
“T-Teddie!” Yosuke growled, “Stop pushing me! They’ll see us.”
“...Extremely embarrassing.”
“They’re trying,” Yu said with barely concealed amusement as Teddie and Yosuke continued to bicker in the background.
“Ah screw it… On the count of three, one, two-”
“WELCOME BACK SENSEI!” Teddie shouted at the top of his lungs as he leapt out from behind the planter, his arms raised high in the air.
“TEDDIE! THAT WAS TOO EARLY!” Yosuke shouted back, grabbing Teddie’s shoulder as he stood up.
“Whaaat? You said on three?”
“And you did it a second early, dumbass!”
“These two…” Nami sighed, rubbing her forehead.
“The more things change.” Yu chuckled as he stepped towards his two friends, “Hey guys.”
Yu’s voice stopped Yosuke and Teddie’s argument, drawing both of their attention to him. Before he knew what was happening, Teddie rushed forward, crashing into him as he attempted to hug Yu, “S-Senseeeeei! You’re back!”
Yu pat the top of Teddie’s head, “Hey Teddie, good to see you’re still doing well.”
“Hehe, thanks Sensei! I’ve gotten a lot stronger since you were last here! I’m now a grizzly bear-”
“Hey dude!” Yosuke exclaimed, walking behind Teddie and pulling him off of Yu. “I guess we kind of screwed up the surprise a little, huh?”
“Haha, just a bit-”
“More than a bit!” Another voice echoed out, looking off to the side Yu saw… The rest of his friends rushed over with Chie at the head of the pack with a… Frustrated look on her face, “What the heck was all of that?! That was not what we had planned!”
“D-Don’t look at me it was Teddie’s idea!” Yosuke yelled back.
“And?! Why would you ever think it was a good idea to listen to him!?” Chie spun on her heel, turning her glare onto Nami, “And you! Did you seriously tell him what we were doing?!”
“No comment,” Nami said, in a voice that resembled her old deadpanned, emotionless one.
“Y-You… Arrg!”
“I knew we’d run into a snag…” Naoto grumbled, shaking her head, “Welcome back Senpai.”
“Thank Naoto,” Yu said with a smile. “I love the new outfit.”
Out of everyone, Naoto’s appearance had changed the most, gone were her old more boyish style of clothing and her blue cap, now she was wearing a more feminine style white sleeveless shirt and a dark blue skirt. “T-Thank you.” Naoto muttered, her face gaining a faint red glow, “I-I still have my other outfits but… I wanted to broaden my options this year.”
“You look great-”
“Oooh! What about me Senpai!” Rise cheerfully interrupted, pushing her way to the front of the group. “I think my new outfit brings out my mature qualities, doesn’t it make your heart skip a beat?”
“Rise,” Nami stated, glaring at her friend.
“Whaaaat? You know how much effort I put into this outfit, can’t I ask for an honest opinion~” Rise sang, her teasing, mischievous expression giving away her true intentions.
Yu placed his hand on Nami’s shoulder, “You look great Rise… You all do. I’m a little embarrassed since I’m pretty much the same.” Yu joked.
“Ah don’t be like that Senpai,” Kanji said, crossing his arms. “You changed a lot too, you probably just can’t see it.”
“I’m with Kanji,” Naoto agreed, “None of us could remain static. Even if we’re not aware we’ve all continued to change.”
“Exactly-”
“Yeah but not all of us change like you, riiiight, Kanji? I still can’t believe how different you look, hehe.” And Teddie was right, Kanji’s old scruffy blonde hair was now neatly combed together matching his more mature yet still dark outfit, his new fashion showing off his maturity while still maintaining elements of his previous rebellious streak.
“You want to say that again, asshat? You know I’ll still kick your rude ass!”
“Waaah! S-Sensei! Saaave meee!” Teddie wailed running behind Yu causing a round of laughter to spread through the group.
Haha, I’m missed this… Being back in Tokyo was nice but… This really is home. Yu thought as they all settled down… All except for one. Yukiko continued to snicker and laugh long after the rest of them had stopped.
“Arrg… Sorry about her.” Chie apologised. “Her sense of humour has gotten worse recently.” Chie lightly poked Yukiko’s cheek, snapping her back to reality. “Are you back with us, Yukiko?”
“H-Huh? O-Oh right, sorry about that.” Yukiko muttered, a hint of embarrassment flashing across her face. “I-It's good to see you again, Yu.” She took a deep breath, “I’m glad you’ve been doing well.”
“Thanks. I’m happy all of you have been doing well too.”
“Of course we are.” Yosuke Rejoined the conversation. “We can’t just sit around talking about the good old days, even while you’ve been gone we’ve not been slowing down.”
“And it makes me very proud to witness. After all, this is why I placed my hopes in you all.” Nami said, her lips curling into a sinister grin “If you had all become stagnant then… I would have to consider restarting my test. So it is good you’re all continuing along your paths-”
“Awww don’t act like none of that applies to you too, Nami~” Rise sang, as she leapt on Nami’s back, “You’ve been growing just as much as us~”
“R-Rise! G-get off!” Nami exclaimed, any semblance of composure shattering as she tried to shake Rise off of her… Which only encouraged her to cling on even tighter causing another wave of laughter.
I’m glad… Even though we’ve all changed… Yu’s lips formed a wide smile. They’re still the same friends I know and love.
Things started to settle down once Nami managed to finally shake Rise off, just as Yu was about to suggest they move over to one of the tables, his phone started ringing. “Hello?” Yu said, taking his phone out and answering.
“Hey, it’s me.” Dojima’s voice called out from the other end of the phone.
“Hey Uncle, sorry if you were wondering where we were-”
“Nah don’t worry about that. Nami told me her plan. But that is why I’m calling, have you both met up with your friends?”
Yu nodded, “We have, we’re at Junes now.”
“Perfect. They asked me to lie to you when you tried to come home but… Well let's just say I’m glad Nami took care of that for me. I’m such a bad liar you’d have seen right through me.” Dojima chuckled, “Anyway if the little surprise is done, why don’t you all come over to the house? I’ve got a good meal waiting for all of you.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I did. Everyone has been looking forward to you coming back so we have to celebrate a little.”
Yu rolled his eyes as a warm, comforting feeling spread through his chest, “Alright, alright, I’ll tell the others and we’ll make our way over.”
“Great, see you soon. And Yu… Welcome back.”
Dojima hung up before Yu could reply, he exhaled a short sigh as he put his phone back in his pocket and told everyone about Dojima’s request which… Perhaps unsurprisingly they all already knew about it. Not wanting to keep him waiting, they left Junes and made their way towards Inaba’s residential area.
Along the way everyone caught Yu up to what they had all been up to lately, such as Yukiko taking on more responsibilities at the Inn which was helping ease the burdens on her Mother or Rise’s plan to return to her idol activities, something she had been working on over the last few months with her re-debut planned for after the summer. Like with Nami earlier, most of this was stuff Yu was already aware of but… Getting to hear it directly from them and see how excited they were about it in person… It was impossible to keep a large, almost goofy smile from forming across his face.
Once they arrived at Dojima’s house everything moved by in a blur, everyone took their shoes off and made their way over to the table in the living room where Dojima was waiting for them with a… Large, varied spread of food. While they all settled in Yu took a moment to head upstairs and drop off his bag, lingering in his old room as the memories flooded by… Although he perhaps lingered too long as Nami soon appeared behind him and pulled him back downstairs to rejoin the rest of them.
“Man… I always think I’ve ordered too much but every time you kids prove me wrong.” Dojima chuckled, taking a sip of his sake. “You’ve already ploughed through so much…”
“Haha, it’s your fault, Dojima!” Chie declared, taking a large bite out of one of the meat dishes, “You got such a good spread, we can’t help ourselves!”
“I… Think you’re the only one with that problem, Chie-senpai…” Kanji grumbled, luckily for him, Chie was too engrossed in the food to notice his comment.
“It is nice but… I was hoping I would have time to make something too.” Nami muttered with a glum expression.
“Oh? What were you thinking of making?” Yu asked.
“I… I’m not sure. With everything else going on in preparation for today I didn’t have the time to think about it but… I was hoping I could show you how much I’ve improved since you left.”
“Don’t worry we’ll have plenty of time.” Yu subtly placed his hand on top of Nami’s “I’m just happy you kept at it.”
“O-Of course I did…”
Yu chuckled as he looked back at Dojima, “By the way, where’s Nanako? I thought she’d be here.”
“Ah, she’s at her piano lessons right now. She’ll join us as soon as she can, you coming to visit is all she’s talked about for weeks so she’ll be running, haha.”
“Piano…?” Yu questioned, tilting his head to the side.
“Yeah… Wait, you didn’t know? I thought Nami told you.”
“Hehe, sorry but I… May have lied about that.” Nami snickered, “Nanako wanted to keep it a surprise so I… May have said I told you so Dojima wouldn’t mention it.”
“Nami…”
“What?” Nami shuffled a little closer to Yu, giving him a playful wink. “It was Nanako’s request, I was simply helping her.”
Yu… Had no come back for that so instead… He stole a bit of sushi off of Nami’s plate, drawing some ire from her which he completely ignored, focusing on Dojima. “Is she enjoying it?”
“A ton, she comes home with the biggest smile on her face after every lesson,” Dojima said, his expression taking on a warm, fatherly tone. “It was… Kind of a shock when she told me she wanted to learn but… I guess she remembered her Mother used to play… It's a shame Chisato couldn’t teach her but…” Dojima sighed, “It makes me happy to see her taking after her.”
“That sounds great. I hope I’ll get to hear her play before I go.”
“Pfft, haha, have no fear about that.” Nami interrupted, “She is already planning on playing for you. I believe the only reason she went to practise today was so she could be as ready as possible.”
“Haha, that… That sounds like her.”
“Yep, she’s growing little by little. I couldn’t be more proud of her.” Dojima took a long sip from his sake, “Oh before I forget, I figured you’d all want to get a final update on the case last year.”
Everyone perked up and focused their attention on Dojima, “Did… Something happen?” Yosuke asked with trepidation in his voice.
“Nothing bad, don’t worry.” Dojima shook his head, “Firstly, Namatame was let go scott free.” He exhaled a frustrated sigh, “No one could reproduce his supposed methods not even himself and the only other evidence on him was the diary which wasn’t enough. He did come and apologised to me personally but all I told him was to do better with the chance he was given.”
“He… Seems to have taken your words to heart.” Yukiko added, “He came to apologise to me for what he did and he also promised he'll make up for what he did and… From all the speeches he’s been giving lately, I think he’s serious.”
“I had heard about that, I thought it was ridiculous when I heard it but… If he can change the town for the better then maybe I will consider forgiving him.” Dojima chuckled and shook his head. “But that’s not the important part… Adachi is going to be in prison for a long time.”
“He… Was convicted?” Yu asked.
“Mhmm.” Dojima nodded.
“Were… You the one that had to interrogate him?” Chie asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
“No, no. I was allowed near the case after he was brought in. We were too close, although I did hear you got the chance to question him, right, Shirogane?”
“Just once.” Naoto confirmed, “Due to our working relations I was also asked to keep my distance but as I brought him in, I was allowed to see him once. He… Was very open about his guilt.”
“That sounds about right. Because… Despite how circumstantial the evidence was, his testimony and confession alongside having knowledge only the killer would have known made it an open-and-shut case. So he’ll probably be in a cell for the rest of his life… Jackass says he’s glad because he gets treated better there than when he was working with me.”
“I’m glad he kept his word.” Yu relaxed, “So the case is closed then?”
“That’s right, it’s all done now… I couldn’t be happier. It was too much for this little town and… I don’t know but ever since it ended and that weird fog went away everything in town has just felt… Brighter.”
“I hear that.” Kanji nodded along, “The Shopping District is so lively it's actually a little annoying.”
“But it’s a good thing.” Rise joined, “Seeing everyone in the town this motivated gets me so pumped up!”
“You can say that again-”
“I’m hooome!” A familiar, excited voice called out from the front door, Yu didn’t even need to turn out to know… Nanako was home. He turned around as Nanako emerged from the entryway, a large beaming smile on her face.
“Welcome home, Nanako.” Yu said, returning a smile.
“Big Bro!” Nanako cheered, running over to him, all but falling on top of him as she hugged him. “You’re finally back!”
“Of course I am, you kept your promise so… I had to come and play, right?”
“Hehe, that’s right!” Nanako declared tightening her hold around him. “I’ve been a good girl since you left! I’ve even started to learn the piano!”
“Oh really? That’s amazing, Nanako.” Yu said, feigning surprise. “Do you think I could hear you play sometime?”
“Hehe, sure! I’d love to play for you, Big bro!”
Yu smiled and ruffled Nanako’s hair, ignoring her pout as he ruined her now-long hair. “Great, I can’t wait to hear it.” Yu stopped messing with her and pulled her in for another hug, “I’m proud of you, Nanako.”
Nanako smiled and returned, “Hehe, I love you, Big Bro- Huh?” Nanako yelped as Nami gently tapped her shoulder. “Big Sis?”
“Aren’t you forgetting?” Nami asked with a knowing smile, “Don’t you have one more surprise now we’re all here?”
“Ah!” Nanako yelped, her eyes sparkling with excitement, “Thanks for reminding me, Big Sis!” Nanako quickly pulled away from Yu and she started to move around the table whispering… Something into everyone’s ears.
“What’s… Going on?” Yu asked.
Nami moved a little closer until the gap between them disappeared. “You’ll see.”
Nami’s expression made it clear she wouldn’t say any more about it so… All he could do was watch as Nanako told something to everyone and all of them grew an eager smile once she had finished telling them. Once she had been around the whole table, Nanako stood next to Dojima, on the opposite side of the table from Yu.
“Everyone got it?” Yosuke asked, getting a round of yes and cheers from the rest.
“Well then…” Nanako took a deep breath, “One and… Welcome home, Big bro!”
“Welcome Back!”
“Good to see you, Senpai!”
“Kanji!” Rise exclaimed, flicking his forehead, “We just agreed it would be welcome back! How did you screw that up!?”
“S-Shut up! I-I was just nervous!”
As everyone proceeded to tease Kanji over his screw-up, Yu felt his heart grow warm as small tears of joy formed at the edge of his eyes, Everyone- Woah!
Yu felt something pressed against his shoulder, glancing down he saw Nami resting against his shoulder, her eyes closed as a relaxed, happy expression settled in across her face. “Welcome back.” She whispered, her voice full of quiet but tender joy.
Yu’s body froze as his eyes looked around the whole table, the sight of all of his friends together here with him… Brought a feeling of pure bliss to him as one thought crossed his mind, It was all worth it for this… Yu placed his arm around Nami, gently pulling her closer, all the months of stress, fear and anxiety as they pursued the killer through the dense fog that shrouded last year… Didn’t matter anymore when faced with this sight.
This is where I’m meant to be-
“Where we’re meant to be.” Nami quietly corrected, flashing a sly grin, “This is where we both belong.”
Yu smiled and rested his head against the top of Nami’s. “Yeah… It is.”