Life Will Change

Chapter 34: Girl Talk

Begin!

~Normal POV

6/21 - Tuesday

Before anything else continued with their next big heist, Ann simply had to talk to Makoto first. She needed to ensure they could work together amicably without any bad blood left between them from these past weeks. As such, during lunch at school today, she asked to meet in the student council room for their private discussion.

"I'm sorry for asking you here like this..."

"It's not a problem," Makoto replied, "I find it refreshing to be called here for a non-business reason. Although, it's somewhat nerve-racking as well."

Ann shifted uncomfortably in her chair. "Yeah, I think I'm a bit nervous myself. Anyway... I wanted to apologize. I'm really sorry for everything."

Makoto cocked her head to the side questioningly. "What do you mean?"

"I made it sound like I blamed you for Kamoshida's harassment. I wanted to apologize for it, I've been meaning to this whole time."

"Takamaki-san..."

Ann continued, "I realized too late that Shiho was calling out for me... And I wasn't there to help her... I didn't want to admit my own guilt... So, I took it out on you, Niijima-senpai." She stood and bowed respectfully. "I'm very sorry."

"Hey, there's no need for that..." Makoto replied, gently. "In fact, I think the two of us are pretty similar."

"What do you mean?"

"I was unable to save anyone. Not Suzui-san, and not any of Kaneshiro's victims... I kept telling myself I wasn't at fault because I was just following orders... But that was a lie. It felt like I'd be admitting my own worthlessness had I not shifted the blame off myself. Fear of that worthlessness was probably why I acted so harshly toward you and your friends. I'm deeply sorry as well."

"I see..." Ann said, quietly. "In that case, wanna call it even?"

"Even...?" Makoto chuckled. "Good idea... How about we leave this conversation in the past?"

"Mhmm! But one more thing. You're not worthless, Niijima-senpai," Ann replied, sincerely. "You were a bit reckless, but you're the reason we found a way into Kaneshiro's Palace. And you even obtained the power to change people's hearts! You did that all by yourself, senpai."

Makoto smiled. "That way of thinking is very much like you, Takamaki-san. When you confronted me about Suzui, I realized how dishonest and small I was. You're always very direct... That's what helped me see the error of my ways. I guess I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes..." She paused before adding. "Um, can I call you 'Ann?'"

Ann grinned, "Sure! As long as you don't mind I do the same, M-Makoto..."

"I don't mind. Do you think we'll have time to grab something to eat on the way to the hideout later?"

"I think so," Ann replied, "Akira said he was gonna make a stop at our weapons supplier for you before we head in. And if you're interested, there's a crêpe shop on Central Street that totally stuffs their crêpes, we can go there!"

"Ok; do you want to split one?"

"Mm, let's each get a whole one and we'll go half and half on those. And while we're eating I can tell you a little about your new friends."

"Sure... Also, did you say 'weapons supplier...?'"

Ann laughed. "Don't worry, it's different than you'd think! We can't get real guns, they're just models that work in the Metaverse because they look real. Akira will pick out something good for you, I'm sure. He's got a good eye for reading people."