Ayu: Created page with "'''Log: 2025-11-04 Girlfriend's Privilege''' '''Cast:''' Ren Amamiya, Minako Arisato '''Where:''' Meguro, Tokyo '''OOC Date:''' November 05, 2025 '''IC Date:''' August 06, 2012 (Monday) '''Summary''': ''SEES is going on a trip to Yakushima, and Minako has bought a new swimsuit. Before she shows it off to her teammates, though, she decides to show it off to her datemate Ren at one of Tokyo's local public pools. They have fun!'' ---- Ren Am..."

2025-11-25T06:02:38Z

Created page with "*'''Log: 2025-11-04 Girlfriend's Privilege''' *'''Cast:''' Ren Amamiya, Minako Arisato *'''Where:''' Meguro, Tokyo *'''OOC Date:''' November 05, 2025 *'''IC Date:''' August 06, 2012 (Monday) *'''Summary''': ''SEES is going on a trip to Yakushima, and Minako has bought a new swimsuit. Before she shows it off to her teammates, though, she decides to show it off to her datemate Ren at one of Tokyo's local public pools. They have fun!'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Ren Am..."

New page

*'''Log: 2025-11-04 Girlfriend's Privilege'''
*'''Cast:''' [[Ren Amamiya]], [[Minako Arisato]]
*'''Where:''' Meguro, Tokyo
*'''OOC Date:''' November 05, 2025
*'''IC Date:''' August 06, 2012 (Monday)
*'''Summary''': ''SEES is going on a trip to Yakushima, and Minako has bought a new swimsuit. Before she shows it off to her teammates, though, she decides to show it off to her datemate Ren at one of Tokyo's local public pools. They have fun!''

----

<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
The high temperatures of August means that staying home in one's non-air-conditioned room is a death sentence. With how his room gets deliriously hot now, and with how their last date was derailed by a certain Detective Prince, Ren's been texting Minako about the two of them hitting the pool at some point during the summer. (Ren didn't pack a lot of clothes when they moved here from Inaba, but a swimsuit was one of them, thank god.)

When Minako mentions she's going on a summer trip with her clubmates very soon, and it'll involve swimsuits, the time seems right to commit. Ren's happy for her, but it's only a reminder of how nice it would be to cool down in the water. Fortunately, Minako seems excited to go to a pool with them--and so they agreed to go out to one as a date to make up for the last one.

After doing some research on local public pools, courtesy of pamphlets and magazines found at Shibuya Station, Ren's found a promising place: the Meguro Citizens Center Gymnasium Pool. It's very close to Meguro Station and it's ''very'' cheap, with adult entrance being a mere ¥200. They agree to meet at the station and walk there, and so they do, with Ren carrying a towel and sunscreen and so on in their shoulder bag. Once they arrive, they just need to rent out a coin locker and change, then head on over to the 50-meter standard-size pool.

Ren's there first, and waits near the entrance of the main building for Minako. They've left behind their non-prescription glasses, and changed into dark blue swim trunks with a red-and-white waistband and black cord. Their feet are protected by a pair of sandals with a black thong, and they have a long pool towel slung over their shoulder. The sun's bright today, so even with sunscreen applied, they keep to the shadows as they wait.

The pool itself is hopping. There's lots of people there already, swimming, lounging, playing, chatting. Ren's left it up to Minako to bring anything extra, like a beach ball or something like that, but even without that, they're excited to swim with her.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
Minako is happy to go to the pool with them. A little nervous because it means wearing a bathing suit with her boyfriend, which -- well -- that's something. She walks out of the changing area, wearing a patterned pink-and-white bikini. The top ties behind her neck, and she still has her red hair tied up with the XXII-shaped threads in her hair.

She walks up to Ren, her feet in red sandals. She has sunscreen, too -- which is for the best, as she leans to the pale side.

And he might notice, on her left thigh, there is an old scar. It has faded, but whatever caused the injury years ago must have been fairly serious.

She looks Ren up, then down, then up again. Then, with a laugh, Minako flicks at her own hair. "Mm-hm," she says. "I'm glad to see I have good taste~"

But then she breaks into a giggle at such a forward line, and shows it's ''also'' a joke. "Hi, Ren."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
It's not easy to take in that faint scar on Minako's thigh, since there's so much to appreciate when she walks out in that plaid pink bikini--and even though Ren ''does'' notice it, why would they bring up a scar and make her self-conscious?

They push off against the wall when she walks out and grins at her as she looks them up and down. Even if she laughs to show it's a joke, they rake a hand through their black curls and pose a bit to show off. (They don't have a strict training regiment like they used to when they were still ice skating, but plumbing Mementos and Palaces means they're still in good shape.)

"Right back at you," they reply, winking. Then they approach her and brush their hand on hers, dark eyes fond. They'll let her decide if she wants to outright hold hands in public, though. "Hi, Minako. You look really cute. Is that swimsuit new?"

However she answers, they'll start walking with her towards the pool. There's lots of poolside tables and chairs, most of which are taken; it might take a bit of walking before the two of them can find a spot to claim for themselves.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
It's a relief that they don't bring up the scar. Minako doesn't like to think about it -- in truth, she tends to pretend it isn't there. It is easier that way, and it's hard to explain to people. Her memories of that day are difficult to discuss, though not difficult to recall. She looks up at Ren, and really--

That is plenty distracting.

"That's what I was going for," she says, beaming.

She slips her hand into theirs. She gives a quick squeeze. Handholding in public is, in fact, on the menu. She falls in next to Ren, walking with them towards the pool. She had been carrying a towel over one arm; she didn't want to hide the swimsuit.

Now, she throws it over her shoulder.

"It is!" she says, as she scans the tables and chairs. She can do her part and keep an eye out for one. "I wanted to get a new one for the trip. And it's only fair that you get to see it, first, too."

She winks. She wishes he could come -- but she knows that is ''really'' impossible.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
Sometimes a distraction is exactly what you need. Ren has ongoing worries of their own, with Sojiro still missing--something they haven't brought up to Minako; why make her worry needlessly too?--so getting to have fun with someone they care about is a blessing.

"You nailed it, then," they reply. Minako accepts their hand, and that's exactly how they walk together. To some, it might be obnoxious TDA--but they're here as a couple, not with any of their friends, so who cares what a bunch of strangers think?

"Awwww, so this is my own personal grand debut? I'm honored," they reply, grinning again. They can't lie, it sucks a little that Minako is going on a trip so soon after they started dating, but Ren doesn't hold that against her. She ''should'' get to go on her club trip, and it's only natural that he ''can't'' go when he's not only not part of that club, but not even a part of her school.

"You're going for--four days, you said?" they ask. "I hope you have a lot of fun. Is this the same club with Takeba-san, or is it a different one?" Minato said he was part of a bunch of different clubs, after all, so it might just be the case with Minako, too.

All the shaded tables are taken--but there are some open chairs still. A little further along, they'll come across a cluster of them and be able to claim two for their own. Once they've got their towels down and sandals off--nothing stops them from jumping right into the water!
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
Minako doesn't care what a bunch of strangers think. In a way, it's thrilling to show affection like that -- it's nice after everything. In fact, she looks sideways at Ren, and she grins at him. "Mm-hm! It's boyfriend perks," she says. Then, she hesitates. It is just for a second.

Just because, in this, she has to lie to him. A lie by omission, but a lie nonetheless.

"Yeah," she says. "The one with Takeba-chan. Most of us live in that dorm," she says. "It'll be four days. It should be nice. I've never been to an island resort before--well, not one like this. I've always wanted to go to Hawaii, though."

She drops her towel on one of those open chairs. Minako looks back at Ren and grins. "All right," she says. "Pool, here I come!"

She walks up to the edge, checks the waters to be sure no one is right there, and then hops in. Minako goes underwater -- and comes up a moment later, her hair now soaked through and plastered back onto her head.

"Aaah, that's a ''lot'' better!"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
"What an excellent perk," Ren teases. But then Minako pauses--very briefly, but long enough that they notice. ...oh damn, maybe she's thinking 'perk' like--oh, they didn't mean that. She probably didn't either and only thought of it after it left their mouths. They're going to pretend they didn't notice the double entendre and spare her the embarrassment.

"Oh, you all live in a dorm together? Is that what that's about?" Ren wonders, blinking once. Didn't she say Gekkoukan's student council president lives there too? And she found Fuuka... "Is Yamagishi-san part of that club too? I remember you saying she was going to be moving in." They consider this, then wonder, "What kind of club is it, anyway?"

An island resort... "That ''does'' sound really nice. Hawaii would be cool to visit." In fact, Ren's school trip is going to be to Hawaii--unless for some reason it's changed to Paris--but they haven't heard about that yet, because they don't involve themself in school news. They generally aren't wanted, and they aren't going to force their company on others.

It feels way nicer to spend time with people who actually like them, anyway.

"Not without me," they say with a smile, and follow her to the edge. Like Minako, they check to see that nobody's in the way and hop in after her. The water's actually pleasantly warm, especially compared to the heat of the air, and when they too surface, it's with a refreshed breath.

"You said it! It's been so hot in my room lately, I feel like I'm going insane. This'll keep me going a while longer," they half-joke. Wading away from the edge, they playfully swat the water, splashing Minako a tiny bit. "Race you to the other side of the pool," they say with a grin, and then half-turn and dive to begin swimming.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
"Yeah," Minako says. "Yamagishi-san joined it, after... uh... the whole incident. And the student council president is also the club's captain. It's an academics-focused one. Which, if you've ever met Kirijo-senpai, ''totally'' tracks. The vacation is a reward for not totally bombing out exams."

She smiles at them. The statement about that comes easily. The guilt about how much she left out is squared neatly away.

"Maybe some day," she says to them. Then she laughs when Ren leaps into the water after, and she swims up closer to him -- though she holds her hands up to shield herself from the mild splash. "Yeah, it's really ni--"

There is a race.

Minako yelps, and then she starts hurriedly swimming after them. "Hey! You're not leaving me in the dust, mister!"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
"Oh, that's cool," Ren says, both of Fuuka and of the nature of the club. It strikes them as odd that Minako would be in an academics-focused club, and that this vacation is a reward for 'not bombing exams' as opposed to 'doing well on exams,' especially when that student council president has a pretty severe reputation based on what they've heard from Yusuke--

But who are they to remark on how another school goes about their business? They don't think Minako's lying, and if this club is so robust they have their own dorm, they could see Minako being in it for the social component.

Right now, though, there is an impromptu ''swimming race'' to be had. Of course they're not leaving Minako in the dust, they're in a pool! Ren half-turns through one stroke to see if Minako's keeping up, and seeing her swimming close in their wake, they laugh a little, completes the roll, and continues swimming. Though it's technically a challenge, they're not interested in going all-out against her--at least, not right now--and so it'll be a close race to the finish. When they touch the other side of the pool's edge, they pull themself up, out of breath but smiling widely as they turn to Minako.

"Nice form," they tease her.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
It isn't, strictly speaking, a lie. It just leaves off the part that she doubts Ren would believe: that there is a twenty-fifth hour to the day, that the school turns into a tower, and that Shadows endanger people. Who could believe such a thing?

And really, she ''is'' in SEES for the social component too. The social component is just hard to separate from what they must do.

Minako pulls up ''just'' after Ren. She laughs, cheerfully, though she is out of breath. She comes up next to them, gripping the wall, and she glances back at the length of the pool. "You, too. I'm glad in shape for this, I haven't been swimming in awhile."

But she is in the volleyball club -- and that gives her a regular workout.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
Exactly. They don't think Minako's lying, and she isn't!

And that's the trick, isn't it? There's plenty Ren isn't telling her either. Why would you say something crazy like that to someone you think is "normal"?

"Me neither. Not since... last summer," Ren says with a little laugh. "It's good exercise, though. You stay cool, it's low impact on your body, and it's just a lot of fun." They pause, giving Minako a curious look. She looks in good shape too--that's obvious just from looking at her earlier; she isn't just thin, she's ''toned''--but if that club she's in with Yukari is an academics club...

"Are you in a bunch of different clubs too?" they wonder as they float next to her. "I mentioned before, but your brother was telling me he's in a bunch of different ones himself. It sounded to me like he's really into club activities--it was the first thing he asked me about."

It's sort of funny, since he doesn't seem like the socially gregarious type. There is that old saying about book covers, though...
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
And this sense of normalcy is a cornerstone of their relationship. Minako ''wants'' that normalcy -- that sense that she can have some of the happiness that she is fighting, in secret, to protect. That she sometimes thinks she wants that happiness for as long as she can have it...

Well, she doesn't bring that up to herself.

"It's a ton of fun," she agrees. She smiles, her head tilted for a moment. "Hey, is this the first time you've gone swimming since you moved to Tokyo?"

She cracks a smile -- then, she nods. "I'm in a bunch of clubs, too," she says. "But, the big sports one that I'm in is the volleyball club. We've got some matches coming up. Once I'm back," she says. "So that helps keep me in shape."

Which might be why she is in good shape.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
It is. It's part of why Ren agreed to date Minako at all, despite their reluctance. They can feel powerful in the Metaverse, and they have their friends they made through the Metaverse, but as a normal person, they're still... persona non grata, for the most part. Getting to feel like a normal person with Minako, who already knows and accepts the truth about their conviction... It really does feel good.

Is there anything wrong with wanting a happiness as long as one can have it? Ren doesn't think so. Especially not when Minako's the one who convinced them of it.

"Yeah. I don't know Tokyo that well--well, I know it a lot better than I used to. But I only find out about places if I read about them in guide books or people tell me about them or whatever. There's a ton of places in the city I haven't explored," they reply. "I didn't learn about ''this'' place until yesterday." They shut their eyes and breathe a contended sigh. "I'll have to bring my friends here next time..." They smile and crack an eye open, effectively winking at her. "...now that you've gotten a chance to see me in my swimsuit first. Girlfriend's privilege."

So Minako ''does'' have a lot of clubs. They really are twins. Ren smiles back. "You both like to keep busy, huh?" The volleyball club, huh... Yeah, a sports club ''would'' keep busy over the summer too. "Invite me to your next match. I wanna watch you win," they say warmly.

...Though saying that reminds them of how Akechi interfered with their date at Chagall Cafe... Their smile fades as that thought returns. Minako said she was fine, at least, but Ren doubts he'll leave it at that...

"Ah, sorry," they say, shaking their head. Their smile doesn't quite return, but their expression isn't so clouded anymore, either. "I was just remembering that guy at Chagall Cafe all of a sudden. He's the competitive sort, too," they explain.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
"That makes sense... I don't know a ton, either," Minako admits. "I know more about Port Island. And Sumaru, from when I lived there. But... I guess I give you a reason to look things up, huh?" She flashes a smile -- and then she laughs.

"And it's a great privilege~" she says, with a laugh.

Then, her head tilts to the side. Minako smiles at Ren, and she nods to them. "You've got a deal," she says. "It's in about two weeks."

A beat, then, as she sees Ren's smile fade. Minako tilts her head, as she looks at them -- and sees their expression uncloud. "Akechi-san?" she says. "I didn't realize. He was... a hell of a customer," Minako says. "And kind of a jerk. What is he competitive with you about?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
"Yeah. I sure don't mind an excuse to get to know Tokyo better," Ren replies. They spent their entire life growing up in a small country town, and some might get a culture shock over moving to such a huge metropolis after that--and that wasn't ''not'' true for Ren, but Inaba always stifled them. City living actually suits them just fine... their personal circumstances notwithstanding.

They grin. They're glad she appreciates ''her'' perks, too.

"Awesome. I'm looking forward to it," they reply, lips slipping into a more subdued but crooked smile. It remains as they sigh and roll their eyes at the mention of Akechi's name. "Yeah."

They pause at the question. It's a ''good'' question, all considered, and it's something they absolutely can't answer. "Mostly billiards," they reply, because that's technically true. "But we've also played darts and chess." They make an annoyed, disgusted noise that nonetheless doesn't ''really'' carry any dislike in it. "Mostly he beats the crap out of me at them. It's incredibly frustrating. ''I'm'' the one who should feel competitive to ''him''." They pause. "...I guess I do, at that."

Their expression returns to neutral as they consider Minako. He's... probably jealous, huh. All considered. It's unfair, but one can't help how one feels. "What exactly did he say to you, anyway?"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
"Billiards...?" Minako asks, with a blink. It might seem like she won't accept it -- there's a thoughtful look on her face, a sort of consideration that might seem like she isn't sure that's all there is. "I can see that. I know people get really into it. And... you know, anything can become competitive."

She blinks, though, and shakes her head. "He's beating you a lot, but he's competitive?" she says. "That's kinda weird. I wonder why? If he wants to compete with you specifically, instead of... you know, find someone with the same level of experience."

And it seems to bother them, too.

She considers Ren's question for a moment. She debates deflecting -- it's embarrassing. But, it would be obvious, and it might make it worse, the next time that they talk to Akechi. "Akechi-san... he was asking why I liked you. And I don't think anything I could say would have satisfied him. Like he didn't think what I feel is... I don't know."

She frowns. "Real, I guess."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
"Yeah. You remember when we ran into each other at Bookworms, and I picked up a beginner's book on it?" Ren rubs the back of their neck. "That might've been why."

They fall silent when Minako comments on the strangeness of it. They've thought about that too, of course. They have a decent idea of why, but...

"Part of it is that I'm willing to stand up to him, I guess," they say, deciding to share what they can. "A while back, my class did a social studies trip to a TV station, and he was getting interviewed on a program they were recording that day. He was criticizing something important to me, so I disagreed with him live, and that impressed him. We traded numbers afterwards. He asks me to meet up with him every so often now."

Akechi... asked her why she likes them. Ren frowns a little too. They understand exactly what that's about, and there's no way they'll explain that to Minako. God, why are they even talking about him with her, anyway? They shake their head, annoyed with themself.

"Sorry. This topic's a downer, huh? We came here to have fun." They crook her another smile and bob away from the edge of the pool. "And I want to spend my time thinking about the girl who makes me happy." They reach out their hands for her to take. "It's my fault for bringing him up, so--" They smirk, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'll accept whatever punishment you have for me, Minako-sama~."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
"I did wonder!" Minako says, with a nod. She considers for a moment. "Well... I'd say, if you like billiards -- and darts and anything else -- on its own, that's what counts, right?"

She listens, though, as they explain. She thinks she remembers an interview that Akechi did -- she didn't pay a ton of attention, but it still rings a bell -- and that prompts her to nod with understanding. "Yeah. That makes sense, especially if he's competitive..."

She trials off -- and then she blinks at their change of the subject. She smiles, though -- if they're okay with the subject change, she is okay with it. "Sure. Besides, there ''is'' someone who makes me happy right here."

She winks, and squeezes his hand underwater. "And as for your punishment... ice cream." She nods, seriously. "On the way home."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
"They ''are'' fun," Ren admits. They've had several games of billiards with non-Akechi people, and they'd played darts before they played that with Akechi. Chess... ...well, that sort of feels like it should be with just Akechi... It's the classic test-of-wits game. They still need to practice it, though... Maybe if they could find someone to play shogi with...

"You're probably right. He's not satisfied with us just debating about it, so he challenges me at all sorts of things." After all, their arguments about the Phantom Thieves don't tend to go anywhere... Even if one or the other concedes a point, they both still adhere to their personal beliefs.

Maybe that's why Akechi keeps challenging him to games he's way, way better at. Then again, it's not like Akechi seems displeased that Ren's getting better and catching up to him, either...

But better not to pursue that topic further. Minako's happy to change the topic, and Ren smiles back. Ice cream isn't much of a punishment, but they won't argue the point with her. It's her choice, after all. "Your wish is my command, my mistress," they joke, bowing to her. "Then until then, let's go back to having fun, huh? There any pool games you like to play?"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
"That makes sense..." Minako trails off. "Especially if it's a debate on something you're going to stick to."

She smiles at them -- and there is a nod, and she tries to look imperious. Given her height -- and, well, her entire bearing -- it doesn't really work. "Splendid! Pool games, huh..." She considers, for a moment, before she glances to the side.

"I see some water polo balls over there," she says, pointing at a basket, with a few. "Want to get one of those? That sounds like fun."

She grins. "And I can show you a couple volleyball serves, too!"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
Especially then.

Especially if it's a debate on something deeply personal to both of them--a game that neither of them can lose, that both of them are striving to win.

But Ren doesn't go into all that. They just nod, and resolve not to bring it up again. It isn't fair to Minako for them to talk about this--about... him.

So they will accept her punishment and her direction. Fortunately, what she picks ''does'' sound fun, and they grin back. "One of your volleyball serves, huh? Go easy on me--I want to still be standing in the morning." They move to get one of the balls all the same.

...If one of the twins had to be at Shujin last year, god, thank god it was Minato. Ren doesn't even want to think about what Kamoshida might have tried if Minako had been on his volleyball team...

They don't bring that up either. It is, thankfully for both of them, a non-problem now. Minako can enjoy her volleyball, and Ren can remain in high school, as two normal students. Soon enough, they grab a ball from the communal basket, wave to Minako, and toss it her way before diving into the water and swimming back.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
"Hey now, I'm not gonna do something ''dangerous''," Minako says, before she cracks a smile. When they toss the ball to her, she grabs it. She can't know what they think of -- the gratitude for what hadn't come to pass -- and for the moment, she is happy.

She does like volleyball. Even if it's complicated, sometimes, because of conflicts in the club. The activity itself is a fun one.

She serves the ball -- sending it up high, before she does a leap. She doesn't fully leave the water, but she rises partway out of it, and then hits towards Ren with a laugh.

It's easy, right now, to forget her troubles.

</poem>

[[Category:Logs]]
[[Category:Season 1]]
[[Category:Season 1, Episode 1]]

2025-11-05: Girlfriend's Privilege - Revision history