Chapter 9 - Inner Turmoil

In the hallway leading to the dorms, Yosuke spotted Yang by herself infront of her Dorm-room door, her hand wrapped around the knob with a downcast expression. Taking pause, Yosuke glanced at his partner who seemed none the wiser, humming a tune to herself whilst spinning on her heel.

"Hey, Aria, go on without me. I'll be back soon." Yosuke informed his teammate.

"Okayyyy." Aria replied before entering their room.

With near monotonous steps, Yosuke continued, slipping his hands into his pockets as he strolled up to the blonde brawler. "Is everything alright, Yang?" He queried, coming to a stop next to the girl.

Peering up, she met his gaze, "Yeah, I'm fine. Nothing much," She smiled rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly, "Just thinking about some stuff."

Yosuke stood, scrutinizing the blonde for a moment before posing another question, "Care to talk about it?" He asked, leaning against the wall.

Yang quirked a brow before a soft chuckle escaped her lips, "Sure, why not?"

-.-

The moon's fragmented bits barely served as a light source, casting a dim glow over the inhabitants of Remnant as two silhouettes emerged from Beacon's Dormitories and into the illuminated courtyard, silence reigned as the two approached a wooden bench situated in front of a fountain with the light of a single light post shining upon it.

Taking a seat, a few seconds passed before Yang broke the silence.

"...What do you think of me?" A few moments passed before Yosuke's eyes widened in surprise then slowly transition into a confused head tilt, "...What do you mean?"

Glancing at the youth, Yang's eyes gradually fell to the ground, admiring the patterns inscribed onto each brick, "When we met, what was your first impression of me?"

"Ah, so that's what you were asking. I thought you intended to confess." Yosuke chuckled, eliciting a slight grin from the blonde brawler, "Sorry about that."

Leaning back in the bench, "It's alright, but, why do you ask?"

Intertwining her fingers, the grin she had slowly faded as a deep sigh escaped her throat, "People usually think of me a certain way so I wanted to know if you'd be any different."

Yosuke glanced at the blonde before tilting his head upwards in thought as he watched a small eclipse of moths gather around the lamp embedded within the light post, "Hmm...My first impression of you was rather pleasant. You seem like a cheerful and fun person to be around."

Yang's brows rose like towers before she lifted her head with a light chuckle, "That's a first." Draping her hands over top the bench, she sighed.

"It seems others don't think of you that way." The blonde brawler shook her head, "Nope, not oneee bit."

"All they see is a girl with big boobs that's looking to get laid, either that or someone that loves to party..." Her eyes narrowed as her palms balled into fists, "They just yap about things they don't know, it's annoying."

"...That's unfortunate."

"Tell me about it. It's prolly the same for you too though." Yosuke nodded, eyeing the moths as they frolicked around the light post like children in a prairie, "While it is true that people tend to view me a certain way due to my looks, it doesn't bother me. Afterall, the me they think I am isn't always me."

Yang frowned, "I dont get it."

"For example, Ruby she would see you as someone that's capable and dependable, I see you as someone fun to be around while someone like Blake would view you as someone boisterous and annoying. That is the you that we see, which won't necessarily be the you that you are." The blue haired boy spoke as his azure orbs lowered to meet a growing pool of violets.

Yang's eyes widened as her mind sped through various interactions. She hadn't thought about it like that.

Yosuke eyed the girl silently for a moment before continuing with a soft and reassuring tone; his slender hands slipping into the comfortable pockets of his hoodie with one smooth motion, "That just goes to show that everyone sees you from a different perspective. They aren't always right but they aren't necessarily wrong either. What you do will determine if their opinion of you will change." He said, staring up at the multitude of moths, smiling softly as one with a broken wing joined the fray.

However, his smile took a wry turn as the group dispersed, leaving the handicapped moth on its own, "But sometimes, it's better to let them assume... You won't get hurt that way." He muttered, whispering the last part soft enough that his voice was overshadowed by the wind.

The girl could only smile as she absorbed the bluenette's words, "Yeah, I guess you're right." After a while, she giggled, "Y'know, you sounded like one of those wise old men just now."

"Ha, you're more of a geezer than me."

Yosuke sighed as a small smile graced his lips at the memory, his teacher often told him he spoke like an old man at times. "And what of it, 'party girl'?" He smirked, earning him a playful punch on the shoulder from the blonde brawler who's giggles had spiralled into full blown laughter.

After a few minutes of laughter, the two of them sat in a calm silence on the bench, their gazes fixated on the light of the shattered moon as a gentle breeze rustled their hair.

"Is there anything else you'd like to share, Yang?" Yosuke asked, his gaze trailing across the tranquil skies above.

Yang leaned back, intertwining her fingers behind her head with a smirk, "Nah, besides what we've discussed and the Ruby and Weiss situation, there's nothing else I feel like sharing at the moment."

Yosuke's curiosity prompted him to ask, "And how are Ruby and Weiss doing? Have they managed to reconcile?"

Yang shrugged slightly, her expression thoughtful, "Well, when I talked to Ruby about it, she said they still hadn't made up. But, seems to be Ruby is putting in extra effort to show Weiss that she can be a capable leader. I even saw her studying."

A soft smile graced his lips as he responded, "That's good to hear. I believe that when Weiss returns, they'll find a way to mend their friendship."

"Yeah,"Yang nodded in agreement as she got up and stretched, "It's getting late. So I'll be-" She began to say, but was interrupted by the loud rumble of her stomach, followed by an awkward silence.

Yosuke chuckled lightly as he eyed the blonde, "Hungry?"

"Ya think?" Yang retorted, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I knew I shouldn't have skipped lunch..." She mumbled to herself under her breath.

Yosuke's gaze lingered on the blonde for a moment, a warm smile forming on his lips. "Let's grab something to eat, the cafeteria should be open at this time, hopefully."

"I like the sound of that." Yang replied as the two stalked off towards the school cafeteria.

-.-

Yosuke turned the knob, the soft click indicating the unlocking of the door. With a gentle push, it swing easily revealing the dimly lit room. Stepping inside, the faint thuds of his footsteps broke the silence as he made his way to his bed.

'Everyone's asleep.'

He glanced around the room, noting the stillness and the slight movement from the bed beside him.

'Is she feeling uncomfortable?' He thought to himself before taking a step closer. He approached the figure, his cerulean eyes observing the shifting form. Pink hair framed a troubled expression.

'She looks rather... perplexed. Is it a nightmare?' Yosuke mused, eyeing the pink-ette for a while.

'I feel like a stalker for standing by her bedside like this... Maybe I should head to bed.' Shaking his head, he decided, however, before he could turn around the pink-ette moved as the sheets shifted along with her, revealing her rather ample bosom wrapped tightly in a black crop top.

Sighing, Yosuke stood conflicted.

Should he help out and she awakens she might mistaken him for a pervert and the situation would be rather awkward or should he not help out and let her fix it when she wakes up, though, he'd feel guilty in a way for not covering her despite knowing what happened. Wrestling with his thoughts for a while, Yosuke chose the former.

Extending his hand, he gently adjusted the sheets, attempting to provide comfort. As he did, he heard her whisper in her sleep, stirring his curiosity. He leaned closer, listening to her uneven breaths and faint whimpers.

'She doesn't sound like she's doing alright, I should wake her up.' Yosuke thought, a frown gracing his features. What kind of dream could she be having for her to look this discomforted? Could she have simply contracted a cold? But given the healing capabilities of aura, that possibility seemed highly unlikely.

Though, before Yosuke could stir her awake, Saya murmured again, the action tugging the huntsman even nearer to the girl, so close he could somewhat feel the heat of her.

"...Mom...Dad..." Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she donned a saddened expression, tears threatening to spill from the corners of her eyes.

"Don't go..."

He knew that face... that expression.....

That feeling.

He knew it all too well. Afterall, he wore it for years, everyday he woke up and every night he fell asleep he donned that very same expression. Day after day, night after night, he donned that face filled with pain as he stared into the same shattered glass of that broken building, with his eyes only reflecting that single prominent feeling of hurt.... Pain.

Grief

Sorrow

"I ████ you!"

Bad.

This is bad

Yosuke's soul shivered at the remembrance, eyes widening before forcefully tearing away from the sleeping beauty—This is really bad. He had better go before he hears something that might trig-

"Please, don't go..."

His heart skipped a beat as memories pushed to the forefront of his mind-He didn't want to see it, he didn't want to remember it! That day...That forest—

Calm down!

Images of a crimson-tinged forest flashed before Yosuke's eyes as his memories came rushing back like a flood, sending him into a heart wrenching emotional spiral as he recalled all the events one by agonizing one.

In reality only mere moments had passed, his breath still shaky as he stood in the deafening silence.

'...'

Yosuke looked on, beads of sweat cascading his face as he stared on in a hollow daze, his breath trembling with each intake; his gaze lowering as his face morphed into a pained filled expression...

'I should leave her be... I'm not in any shape to help and she might not take too kindly to me meddling in her past, her brother even more so if last time was any indication.' He rationalized, quickly retreating to his own bed as he slid under the sheets and focused on controlling his breathing. He released a slow and shaky breath as a blood red canvas stained his tightly lidded eyes.

-.-

-The Next Day-

The morning sun peeked over the mountains, casting its warm light upon the walls of Beacon Academy. Students hurried through the halls, making their way to their respective classes.

Yosuke strolled down the bustling corridors of Beacon, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of the previous night.

'I hope Weiss and Ruby were able to reconcile. It would only bring them unnecessary harm if they didn't,' He pondered, 'As for Saya...' His thoughts being momentarily interrupted by painful memories.

Yosuke pleaded, tearing off his shirt, whimpering as he clumsily attempted to dress the wound-

Stop

"Train your mind to become stronger than your feelings." The words of his mentor sounded within his mind, closing his eyes he obeyed, taking a deep breath to rid himself of those memories.

'I highly doubt she would willingly share information on her past... Unless I become close enough to be considered her "friend". Currently we are nothing more than acquaintances despite us being teammates. Though, that in itself would be a challenge.' He thought, recalling their encounter at initiation. Her brother was very protective of her so it would prove difficult for him to even look her way without getting hounded.

Sighing as he rounded a corner. Suddenly, a streak of crimson barreled towards him, colliding with him and sending them both crashing to the ground.

Yosuke winced, a sharp pain spreading across his chest as he clutched the area.

"Ouch..." The streak groaned, looking up and instantly recognizing the person she had collided with. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Y-yosuke!?"

"So-sorry! I didn't mean to- Are you alright!?" The streak, revealed to be Ruby, said in a panicked tone.

Yosuke gazed down at Ruby, a warm smile gracing his lips. "I'm fine. Are you okay, Ruby?"

"Y-yeah, I'm..." Ruby began, but before she could finish her sentence, the voice of the Schnee heiress interrupted.

"Ruby! Watch where you're going! You might hurt someo-" Weiss scolded, rounding the corner and freezing at the sight of Ruby sprawled on top of Yosuke.

"Hehe, hello..." Ruby greeted, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Weiss deadpanned, her left eye slightly twitching as she stared at the scene.

"You dolt! This is exactly what I was talking about!" Weiss placed her hands on her hips as she scolded the crimson-ette, Ruby only rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly as she stood.

Yosuke rose to his feet, eyeing the interaction between the two with a soft smile, "I assume you two have sorted things out?" He questioned, dusting off his pants.

Ruby turned towards him, her smile beaming, "Yep! Now we're besties!" She shouted, latching onto the heiress as she giggled childishly.

"I wouldn't go that far, but yes, we have sorted out our differences." Weiss corrected while attempting to pry the young Rose off of her.

Yosuke chuckled lightly, "Is that so? That's good then." He smiled, eyeing the latching rose for a moment who's smile seemed so bright and innocent as if it were the purest thing in the world.

He smiled like that too.

He did.

"What are you two up to?" He inquired, maintaining his smile as he slipped his hands into his pockets.

Weiss, finally managing to pry Ruby off of her, replied, "Actually, we were just on our way to class with Professor Port." She sighed, recalling the Professor's stories of his "fun" adventures he was so very kind enough to share with the class on the first day.

Yosuke gave them a sympathetic look, even he felt reluctant to attend Professor Port's classes, and it had only been a single day.

"What about you?" Weiss inquired, crossing her arms.

"I was on my way to the library to borrow some books," Yosuke responded.

"Very well. We'll be on our way then," Weiss stated, nodding and dragging Ruby along by her hood as she walked off.

"See you later, Yosuke!" Ruby waved cheerfully as Weiss whisked her away.

Yosuke waved back, his smile lingering, before continuing his journey toward the library.

As Yosuke approached the library, he heard commotion come from around a corner followed by a pained grunt.

Quirking a brow, Yosuke peered around the corner, his azure orbs trailing down the flight of stairs as they fell upon the sight of a tall blonde being sacked in the gut by an even taller ginger whilst three other boys held the blonde in place.

'Isn't that... The boy from initiation? If I recall correctly he's the leader of Team Juniper (JNPR), Jaune Arc. The other four look to be Team Cardinal (CRDL).' Yosuke wondered, quietly watching from above. He was unsure of whether to intervene since he had no clue what happened between the quartet and Jaune before he arrived at the scene.

The ginger donned a smug grinned, gripping the blonde's hair by the roots as he lifted his head to meet his gaze, "So, Jaune was it?" He started, his grin deepening, "How did someone like you end up being a Team leader? I mean, you're so weak you can't even hit a beowolf even if it stood still." He mocked as he stared into the shaky blue eyes of the blonde. His goons, presumably teammates, chuckled along with him.

Coughing, the blonde, identified as Jaune huffed as he spoke, "L-listen, I don't know what I did to offend you but I'm sorr-" Jaune's sentence was cut short as another fist slammed into his gut, wincing as he coughed.

"You didn't do anything at all my friend~" The ginger said in mock assurance, relinquishing his hold on Jaune and snapping his fingers as his goons promptly released the blonde who then dropped to his knees.

"I just wanted to do a little friendly greeting is all, y'know? Get to know each other." He shrugged, his expression still smug as he eyed the kneeling blonde, "Anyways, Jaune, I really look forward to being good 'friends' in the future, I'm sure it will be fun." The ginger chuckled darkly, his goons following suit as they sauntered off down the hallway.

'Hmm...'

Jaune grunted, holding his gut as a wry smile played on his lips, "Heh, 'Friends'... Yeah right! More like bullies..." He mumbled as he slowly rose to his feet, his knees giving way as he teetered to the side before falling on his butt.

"Ouch..." He groaned, rubbing his rear soothingly as he looked up, his glaucous blue orbs locking with yet another pair of spheres with a similar hue.

"Are you alright?" Yosuke asked, his lips curling into a small smile, extending a hand to help Jaune to his feet.

"Yeah, just a little tipsy. Heh." Jaune replied, grasping the limb as he pulled himself to a stand.

"Is that so?" Yosuke said, "You don't look too good, I think you should get yourself checked up at the infirmary. My name is Yosuke by the way."

"The name's Jaune Arc and yeah, I'm fine, really." Jaune assured, smiling before his face tightened into a wince, a sharp pain running through his body as he retracted his hand. Yosuke's gaze lingered on the blonde, scanning him from head to toe, his eyes picking up on patches of dust and footmarks all over the boy's attire.

"Are you sure you are alright?" Yosuke inquired once more, staring deep into the boy's eyes who promptly avoided his gaze, seemingly finding the ground more interesting.

"Y-yeah, my friends must have been a little too rough. Heh." Jaune replied, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly as he chuckled awkwardly, desperately looking away from Yosuke's gaze.

Friends?

While Yosuke hadn't quite heard what they were discussing, he knew one thing for sure. No one would ever act so violently towards their friends, much less beat them broken like that. Is he stupid or does he not wish for anyone to know?

Sighing, Yosuke relented, "I see. Head to class then." He said, turning on his heels, striding up the steps as he cast the blonde a final glance, "I recommend you choose your 'friends' wisely, Jaune." He advised continuing his trek up the stairs.

Jaune smiled awkwardly watching as Yosuke slowly vanished from his line of sight before clutching a tuft of his hair in a panic, '...Don't tell me he saw that!' He flailed, bonking his head on the wall as a lone tear fell from his eye, 'Friends my ass!! Ughhhhh, This is so embarrassing!!! It hasn't even been a week since I started attending Beacon and now I've got bullies on my back! And that Yosuke guy, did he see the whole thing?? Should I ask him about it??? But what if he didn't see and I end up accidentally telling him about it??? AHHH, I don't know!' His thoughts spiraled as he heaved a heavy sigh, his head aching as his thoughts overflo-

Gasp

'What if Cardin tells everyone and Weiss finds out??? She'd definitely think I'm a wimp and that would ruin any chance I have of ever dating her! Oh, Jaune you fool!!' He berated, scolding himself, relinquishing the hold on his hair as his arms dangled at his sides, his eyes looking to his feet dejectedly.

Sigh

'...Maybe I really do need that checked up.'