18.11.2015 – Night – Inokashira Park

Even as a young child, Akira Kurusu knew very well that his life is not going to be a walk in the park. For starters, other kids never really liked him. Most just kept their distance, others tried to start arguments at first, fights later. If there was ever any reason for that, no one bothered to tell him. Maybe it was his face they didn't like, or perhaps the way he talks... In the rare moments he actually does say more then a word, that is.

Then came his father. And what a pain it was to deal with that old bastard. It's not like he ever did anything bad to him, or something. Other then an occasional slap on the butt for misbehaving. Its just that he made it abundantly clear on multiple occasions that Akira is a disappointment to him. And who could blame him really? The man is a highly respected doctor, with a lot of serious accomplishments in his field. Sure, Akira might have been among the best students no matter what school he went to, or what subject he decided to take on, but as long as that subject was not medicine, it was not enough to please Kiyoshi Kurusu.

It didn't really help that Akira's interest were far from what Kiyoshi would consider worthwhile. Computers ant technology do not count as career choices for the man.

And then on top of that came his criminal record. The one thing that instantly ruined whatever relationships he had with the few he considered friends and the rest of his family. Everyone has turned their back on him, people that swore to stick with him to the bitter end suddenly started to deny ever knowing him. Mother that was probably the only reason why he wasn't forced into his father's field and the only source of warmth in his home, didn't even look at him since the guilty verdict was handed down. Hell, once the news have spread, the whole town he lived in started to collectively spit on him wherever he showed himself.

What a surprise it was for him when becoming a castaway sent to Tokyo would turn out to be the best thing that happened to him since the day he was born. He found new friends that wouldn't throw him under the bus, he found acceptance he craved for his whole life, he found adventure he never knew he wanted, he found strength to keep going and cast away the cards life has so graciously bestowed him with. And most of all, he found love.

He found that one person that managed to make his whole world spin, someone that made his heart to flutter every time they touched. A person that he would have never met if he was not sent to Tokyo.

Hifumi Togo.

A former shogi idol.

'The Phony Princess', as she is called now that her mother's manipulations have been revealed.

And a girl with whom he was walking hand in hand at the moment.

A gentle smile was spread on her face as they walked through the night together. Inokashira park has become their second favorite spot for their dates, beaten only by the church where they met and spent hours playing shogi despite neither being particularly religious. Dates that were not taking place nearly as often as either of them would like to considering Akira's mind numbing number of nightly activities and Hifumi's attempts at getting back into professional world of shogi. There was also a matter of Akira's secret part-time job as a Phantom Thief of Hearts, along with the fact that the police is after his group.

That's what made each of those dates a truly special event though.

Each time they would go out at night felt like a well earned rest. Sometimes a literal one, as more then once they have found themselves just sitting on a bench near the lake, hugging each other and fighting the urge to fall asleep in each other's arms. Most of the time they just walked though. Preferably in places where they can be alone to simply enjoy each other's company.

Today was no different. At least on the surface.

As usual, they met at the church, played a quick round of shogi, and left. They talked, laughed, smiled and kissed, just as they always do, but there was something off about Akira the whole time, and Hifumi knew him too well to not immediately become aware of it. There was something strange in his moves, his smiles seemed almost forced, he talked even less then usual despite looking like there was something he needed to tell her. And there was a reason for that. The next day was going to be an important one in his career as a Phantom Thief. It was going to determine the future of their group and their lives. Possibly even more then that.

That day was 19th of November. The day when they will make a move on Sae Niijima's heart.

He needed to tell her what was going to happen. She deserved to know. She needed to know.

Know that he'll be gambling with his life.

Know that he might not be coming back to her ever again.

It was hard though. Telling the person you love they might never see you again is not something you just do. Especially when you know they love you back. Their date was getting closer to the end though, despite his efforts to make their time together last longer any way he could. He had to do it now. Now or never.

He suddenly froze in place, forcing Hifumi to do the same. She looked at him, instantly able to tell that something is going on. And that she's not going to like it. "What's wrong? You've been acting strange the whole night." A thought of him leaving her flashed in her mind for a split second. And that split second filled her with more horror then anything else managed to in her life. More then having a crowd of strangers following her, screaming 'The Phony Princess'. More then the thought of her father being disappointed in her. Not even her mother's icy glares that she would sometimes receive back when she was a child would compare.

She was surprised with just how strongly she was attached to that boy. Not a moment passed by without the thought of him somewhere on the back of her mind, or the desire to be close to him erupting in her heart like a volcano. There was no one else in the whole world that she felt more connected to. Especially now that she also knows what its like to have the world suddenly turn its back on you, with the shogi community making her an outcast. They would have cast her out even if she haven't left it herself.

As soon as her words reached him, she felt a twitch from his hand. He looked away for moment, just long enough for her to notice. Reading others came naturally to her, especially with her experience in reading her shogi opponents, and someone as expressive as Akira was like an open book in her eyes. It really came in handy when it comes to communicating with him seeing how little he talks. Though even without that, she would still be able to tell that he was nervous and needed to get something out of his chest, even if he doesn't really want to.

She found it best to comfort him before probing further. Nobody was around to see them, so she allowed herself to place both of her hands on Akira's shoulders, gently squeezing them as his arms automatically found their way to her sides. "Does it have anything to do with the Phantom Thieves?" Talking with him often involved guessing what's on his mind, something Hifumi became increasingly good at the more time they've spent around each other, even before they officially became a couple. He looked away again and his grip on her sides hardened ever so slightly, telling her she just hit the nail on the head. "Please tell me what's wrong..." Her arms went around his neck, pulling her up to his face. She gave him a quick kiss before lowering herself down again and hugged herself into his chest, closing her eyes.

A quiet sigh escaped his lips. "You're right… It's about the Phantom Thieves..." His voice was quiet, as if he was afraid of someone overhearing. He slowly wrapped his arms around her, hugging her to his body. "We're going to get rid of a traitor in our ranks." Her eyes opened again. Akira never talked about his work as a Phantom Thief, so she knew nothing beyond him being one. A leader too. She didn't expect to hear that they have a traitor among them though. "For a couple of days I will be gone… If everything goes right."

She lifted her head off his shoulder and looked straight into his eyes. "If everything goes right? And what if it it doesn't?" Silence. His eyes moved away from her face and wouldn't return to their previous position until she grabbed his head and forced him to face her. "Tell me… Please..." Panic seeped into her voice. More then she would want to.

His throat suddenly felt dry. "...Then I won't be back… I'll..." Each word was felt like a red-hot iron ball going up his throat. He still couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence. He couldn't just say that he will die if this goes wrong. But she knew that's what he meant. He saw her whole body freeze in place with her eyes focused on him, horror slowly spreading on her beautiful face.

"What..." She finally spoke up. "What do you mean you will…" He didn't answer. Only held her tightly against his chest.

"I'm sorry. This is the only way..." She felt downright useless. She had no idea how she could possibly help him, or what he could possibly be planning. There was no way to have him change his mind either. She knew more them most just how determined Akira can be when he's serious. And if his eyes were any indication, he was very serious about this. The only thing she could think of, was to cry. And that's what she did. She lowered her head back onto his shoulder just as she felt first tears roll down her cheeks.

His hand found its way to the back of her head, slowly running it through her hair as his other hand tightened its hold on her. "Promise me..." She muttered, barely loud enough to be heard. "Promise that… That you'll come back… Please..."

". . ."

19.11.2015 – Night – Togo Residence

"Hifumi... Is everything alright?" She heard her mother speak. There was a mixture of hesitation and concern in her voice, a genuine one. That was almost new to Hifumi. It's been a really long time since she heard her mother be concerned about her, and she had to admit, it made her somewhat warm inside. Still, the hesitation in her voice was still there, and hard to miss. They both knew that the relationship between them will never be as it once was, that even if they manage to completely heal it, there will always be a scar to remind them of all that transpired between them. "You were acting strange since you came back from school. Did something bad happen?"

"Its... Nothing..." It wouldn't convince anyone with half a brain functioning, let alone her mother, and Hifumi knew that. She really was acting differently the whole day long, especially so after returning from school. She has found out that Yusuke Kitagawa – one of the people she knew Akira is friends with, was absent from school. She had a feeling that he might be connected to the Phantom Thieves in some way, possibly even being a member, but after checking Shujin Academy she felt her theory was all but directly confirmed. Akira was absent as well, along with all people he hangs out with, including even the student council president. Supposedly they are all helping the student council, but she knew better. She just knew that what Akira was talking about has already started, or at the very least, he's getting ready for it.

It was taking a toll on her. Bigger then she would have liked. The awareness that the love of her life might be fighting for his life while she can't do anything was dragging her down, and she just couldn't hide the fact.

After hearing her answer, Hifumi's mother decided to press harder after a moment of thinking. Some parents would decide to give their child some space and wait for them to open up themselves, but not her. Truth be told, she used to be one of them. But now, she knew better then to leave her only daughter alone with her problems. "Hifumi, I know things between us have not been so well for a long time… But I meant it when I said I want to fix things. I promised things will be different., that I won't become what I used to be again..." She sighed. Her failure as a mother, as a parent was undeniable, and she struggled to realize what could possibly be clouding her eyes for so long that she didn't notice just how much she's been hurting her child. "But I can't do this on my own Hifumi… I need you to help me, to talk with me about what's bothering you. Can you please do that? I only want to help..."

Hifumi listened to every word in silence, not lifting her eyes from the floor. She found herself struggling. There was no doubt in her mind that what her mother said was true. She really meant all that she said. But she didn't know if she's ready to close the gap just now. It was just too large. The women had downright planned her life out for her. Made her a mere stepping stone for her own desires. And she wouldn't have stopped on her own. Hifumi knew well enough that it was the Phantom Thieves and Akira who she has to thank for that. Not her mother's guilty conscience. But despite that, this was still her mother. The closest family she has. If she genuinely wants to make amends, who is she to stop her?

The conflict inside of her only grew, until she felt her mother's hand on her shoulder. "Hifumi..." She looked at her mother, right into her eyes. This was the first time in a long time for both of them. Hifumi spotted tears forming I her mother's eyes, immediately feeling them in her own as well. From then it wasn't long before she caved in, letting her mother hug her while she did the same. Both of them quickly wiped the tears from their eyes, silently standing in the middle of their home wrapped in a tight embrace.

"I..." She started, halting to carefully think through what she wanted to say. "I've been… dating someone..." Her mother felt her heart stop for a second. The ban on dating she has placed on her was technically over, but… It didn't mean that the women has actually wanted anyone to date her daughter. After all, in her mind no one was good enough. Still, she was not going to voice her... reluctance. She's been controlling Hifumi's life for long enough and she was not about to start again. "He didn't do anything bad… well, maybe he did, but I don't know..."

She paused again, trying to figure out exactly how much can she tell. Akira was a wanted criminal after all. She doubted her mother would be happy with the fact that she's dating the leader of Phantom Thieves, who recently were branded as terrorists. "Yesterday he… Said he has a problem. A serious one. The kind of problem that will follow you no matter where you hide. And, well… he said he's going to be gone for some time… And I'm just worried… Really, really worried..." Silence fell between the two, but neither made a move to let each other go.

"That person you're dating… Was it that boy I met in the church?" Her mother finally asked, having gathered her thoughts. Hifumi muttered a 'yes' and nodded. "Then you have nothing to be worried about." She finally pulled away, resting both of her hands against Hifumi's shoulders. "That kid has something about him… Something big. I don't know what his problems are, but I know this… He will come back to you. People like him always do… And once he's back, you're going to bring him here… I… Have things to discuss with him."

Hifumi wanted to believe that. She really did. But she couldn't, not fully at least. The uncertainty was still there, and it wasn't going anywhere, until she sees him again. Still, her mother did succeed in bringing her hope up a notch. "Thank you… Mom." She hugged her again.

"You're welcome… Now come on. You should have some rest. It's getting late." They separated again, and after one final look into each other's eyes, Hifumi left for her room.

Half an hour and a cold shower later, she has found herself facing more problems though. For once she couldn't sleep. There were too many things on her mind for her to even take a nap. The other source of her currant distress, was the phone lying on her bed. For the past several minutes she has found herself struggling to keep her hands away from it. She really wanted to call Akira now, to see if he's alright. Each time she managed to convince herself that he shouldn't do that, that she might put him in more danger if she does.

But at the same time, she's also been coming up with excuses for actually doing it. Each new one more irrational then the others. It wasn't long before she grabbed the phone and opened the app they use to communicate. Her finger hoovered over Akira's name on the contact list just long enough for her to halt herself and place the phone back on the bed. It was only a matter of time before she caves in, and she knew it. Deciding she has to take action while she still has some of her rationality with her.

With a decisive move she got up and stepped out of her room. She could hear her mother in the bathroom, but she ignored her for mow. Her irrational thoughts returned again, calling for her to come back, call him. They suggested that he might be waiting for her to do so, that he's waiting for her encouragement. She shook them off again, reaching her hand out to the drawer where her mother keeps all of the medicine in. There were sleeping pills there, and she didn't hesitate to take a few. She quickly swallowed them along with some water.

She probably took more then she should, but it was getting increasingly difficult for her to care. By the time she was back in her room, she could already feel the pills kick in. And by the time she sat down on the bed, she was already knocked out cold.

20.11.2015 – Afternoon – Church

"Is there something wrong, child?" She heard the priest speak up, just after he made his move. With her mother at work, and no schoolwork to keep occupied, she found herself wandering aimlessly around the area. She has even visited the cafe Akira is staying in, hoping to see him there. Naturally, she didn't. She has only met the owner and some orange haired girl using a laptop there. For some time she considered going in and asking about Akira before ultimately deciding against it and moving as far away from the area as she could before she gets any other stupid ideas into her head. Eventually she ended up in the church. Priest's office to be precise. She was playing shogi with him now, trying to use it to get her mind off things.

It wasn't working as well as she thought it would, but it was better then nothing, and it was always nice to talk with the priest, even though he knew she was not a believer. Still, she was hoping to not let him know something was bothering her. And she failed miserably. Her usual flare was gone. The passion with which she always played was nowhere to be found, and the priest noticed the moment they started to play.

"...No, but I'll be fine. Thank you." She grabbed the cup of tea he prepared and took a long sip.

He didn't speak up again, deciding not to press the issue. For a while the only sound that filled the room was the TV playing in the background. She found herself thinking long on her next move. Way too long. But suddenly, she lost her focus completely, just as the news report aired through on the TV playing behind the priest.

"And now we return to a continued report." Her eyes drifted towards the screen. "This morning, the police have announced they've detained a suspect who may in fact be the leader of the Phantom Thieves group. " She felt her heart freeze in place as her eyes shot wide open. The shogi piece in her hand fell back on the board. "What is surprising, is that the man in custody is only a minor. Seeing how fast the police has announced his capture, it is believed they are confidant in the outcome of this case." Ignoring the priest's concerned calls to her, Hifumi got up from her seat and stepped in front of the TV. "The man reportedly continues to remain silent, refusing to indicate any possible accomplices, however, considering the number of charges brought against him..."

"Hifumi-san." The priest suddenly snapped her out of her trance, forcing her to look away from the screen with a hard move of his hand. He was immediately met with her pale face and two trails of tears running down her cheeks. Her bottom lip was trembling as a quiet cry escaped her mouth. "W-What happened? Why are you-?" She completely ignored the man, turning her attention back towards the news report.

"...he is just a high-school student, how do you think he contacted the others?"

"The police can monitor any online communication, his accomplices may slip up eventually."

"Still, it seems the Phantom Thieves' most recent targets have gone comatose. Actual harm has been done here."

"Yes, but seeing the lack of physical violence, their method is still a mystery. Regardless, the police is looking into attempted murder charges. We've also received information that the young man was placed on probation for assault."

"Because of his previous record he had to leave his home town, perhaps his motive lays there."

Her legs felt weak. If she had any doubts before, they were gone now. They were talking about Akira. "...We have breaking news. The young man being held in custody has committed suicide. The police has confirmed his death, although details have not been released."

". . ."

". . ."

". . ."

". . . No." Her heart stopped again, nausea filled her head and her legs finally gave in to gravity. She couldn't believe what she just heard. She didn't want to believe it. "Akira..."

"I repeat, the suspect has committed suicide while in custody. This station will continue to report any further updates as they arrive."

She felt the priest's hand on her shoulder, but she immediately pushed it away as her own hand moved towards her pocket, searching for her phone. It wasn't there though. She quickly realized that she has left it in her room to make sure she doesn't try calling him. A conviction she completely forgot about now as she hurried out of the office and run out of the church through the back entrance. She run through the streets, ignoring anyone calling for her or standing in her way. Her heart was racing the whole time, threatening to burst out of her chest.

Getting to her house didn't take her long as the church is not far away from it, especially with her running the whole way there. Once she reached the entrance, she grabbed the doorknob and tried to open it, only to find the door closed. Her mother still hadn't come home. Hifumi reached for the keys in her pocket and moved them towards the lock. The first few times her trembling hands prevented her from actually putting the key in, forcing her to hold it with both of her hands.

Upon entering the building, she barely remembered to pull the keys out and closing the door again before rushing into her room. Her hand reached for the phone on her desk and with a few moves of her fingers, she picked Akira's number and called.

Her legs were trembling in panic as she waited for connection. It never came though. "We're sorry, the number you've picked is currently unavailable. Please, call later or leave a message after hearing the signal.*BEEP*" She fell onto the floor, still pressing the phone to her ear, listening to the silence.

"...A-Akira..." She called out, some part of her hoping he'll respond. "P-Please, say something..." He said nothing. "I-It can't be true… Y-you can't be g-gone…" She waited for what felt like hours, waiting for a reply that never came. "Akira..." Her hand couldn't longer keep the phone up any longer. She dropped it on the floor, just as tears started to fall. "AAAAAAAAA!"

21.11.2018 – Togo Residence – Night

"Akira… Please respond… Please..." Her finger pressed the send button again. She has done it so many times ever since she heard it. Heard that Akira killed himself… She didn't want to believe it, to even think it could be truth... Even though a part of her kept telling her she'll have to eventually.

If one was to look at her now, they would never believe she was ever considered an idol. Her hair was rugged, a far cry from they were before, her face was covered in dry tears and her eyes red and painfully dry. She has closed herself in her room, completely refusing to leave even when her mother all but begged her to at least eat something. And all that time she's been sending messages to Akira. All filled with her begging cries; all left unanswered.

She stared at the phone's painfully bright screen, praying that a response will come this time. It never did, and once she realized it, she hugged her knees tighter, placing her head on top of them as another wave of tear-less sobs came over her. "Please come back...Please… Akira..." She felt bad, downright horrible. Her stomach felt as if it was twisted so badly she would have thrown up if she hadn't done so already. The throbbing pain in her head made it hard to focus on anything. The lack of sleep was getting to her, but no matter what she couldn't make herself even close her eyes. Her legs hurt from sitting still for so long, as did her back.

But the ache in her heart was stronger then all of those. Or at least, it felt like it was.

She didn't even realize when her hand grabbed her phone again and she typed in yet another message. And yet again, no response came. She almost expected it by now. She has lost count of how many messages she sent to him. All left with no answer. She kept asking herself why it had to happen. Why didn't she even try to stop him. Was it because she knew he wouldn't budge? Because she believed he will come back? Why would she even believe it when even he didn't believe it enough to promise that he will return? Or was it that he just didn't want to give her false hope? Whatever the answers were, the questions wouldn't leave her mind no matter what she did.

Her hand reached for the phone again, this time consciously. Another message sent, another one left without an answer… Or at least, that's what she thought at first. Because just as she was about to put the phone back down and start crying again, her phone received a message.

You have new messages(1)

From: Alibaba

". . ."

You have new messages(2)

From: Alibaba

"...What? Who is..." She finger tapped on the phone, revealing the message

Geez, Joker sure has a noisy girlfriend...

Do you even realize how many messages you've sent?

Her confusion only grew. Who is this 'Alibaba'? Why does he even have her contact info? She was about to type in a reply, but more messages started to come in. Faster then she thought possible to type on the phone.

Over 300!

And I had to filter them all out to make sure they don't actually reach his phone..

Yer kinda interfering with our plans sweetheart...

I mean, I get it that you're sad and all, but most people wouldn't send over 300 DAMN MESSAGES!1!1!1!1111!

Plans? Was that one of the Phantom Thieves writing?

WHAT ARE YOU A FAN OF '300' OR SOMETHING?

Caps Lonk, sry

*Lock

Anyways, listen closely, 'coz this is the last time you'll hear from me.

Probably.

Akira's going to be fine, everything is going as planned.

You can calm down now and stop sending those damn messages.

If I see one more, I'll publicize all text messages between you two that I can find on your phones on 4chan. I expect it to be a meme by the end of the day if what I've already seen is any indication.

Goodbye.

'Wait! Who are you?' She typed in as quickly as she could.

Error. Address does not exist.