The next day, Souji's eyes opened slowly and, remembering where he was and what happened the night before, glanced down to check on Naoto. The smaller girl was still asleep (thankfully), her head on his chest with one arm around his waist, as Souji himself held her in a gentle grip with one hand as well. He slowly tried to get off the bed they were sharing, but the unconscious Naoto wouldn't let him go that easily. As he freed his arm from her, she weakly whined in disappointment, but her discomfort was replaced by a content purr as he pulled the blanket up to her chin and brushed her hair back. With a soft smile on his face, he decided to check the kitchen of her apartment for materials he could make into something edible. As he toured her small apartment, he observed the various spaces that were designated for a respective part of her life. There was a small library filled with old detective novels that were lovingly cared for, a work desk in the same room as the bedroom, and the living room was simple; a sofa was pushed against the wall, and two mats lay at the tea-table in front of said sofa. To put a finishing touch, there was a small TV, presumably used to watch the Midnight Channel during the investigation. Souji tried to focus on finding something to make, but frowned at the lack of supplies for breakfast. It seemed a visit to Junes was necessary.

"Senpai…?"

Souji flinched as he was about to head for the door, and turned to see the drowsy Naoto peeking out from the bedroom door. Taking a moment to take in her disheveled hair, half-closed eyes, and tired slouch, he thought to himself how she managed to look cute even when she was barely awake. He also noticed the softly glowing ring that hung around her neck even while she was asleep, and a small smile found its way onto his face. By now, he had made his way to Naoto to quickly pick her up and carry her back to the bed, as she looked like she was woken up by his gallivanting through her kitchen. As a result, it wasn't hard to get her to fall back asleep, and he slowly made his way to the door.

✨ After a sprint to Junes, Souji was back in her apartment making a quick breakfast as he anticipated Naoto's alarm would ring soon.

Before long, he heard a shrill sound emanating from Naoto's room, along with an annoyed groan. Souji shut off the stove and shoveled the two omelets he was making onto two small plates, then made his way to Naoto, who had finally shut off the alarm. As he arrived at the doorway, he caught a glimpse of Naoto stretching and rubbing her eyes sleepily. Coughing lightly to catch her attention, he hid an amused grin as her tired gaze shot to him and a blush spread across her face. They continued to stare at each other, a drowsy gaze meeting a faintly amused one.

Finally, Souji smiled. "Breakfast is ready." His voice seemed to snap her out of her thoughts, as she started to have a dreamy look in her eyes as she held the stare, and her blush returned with a passion. She nodded quickly before shooing a now-smiling Souji out of her room so she could freshen up a bit, then closed the door softly.

It only took a few minutes for Naoto to arrive at the living room, looking much more like her normal self, though her cheeks still had a pink tint to them. Souji motioned for her to sit, before taking a seat himself. After thanking him for the meal, they both dug in, making small talk as Naoto praised his cooking: His skill hadn't diminished.

"Senpai…thank you. F-for staying. I must be so selfish, I'm sure you wanted to spend time with Dojima-san and Nanako-chan…"

"Nonsense. There's nothing selfish about wanting to spend time with a boyfriend who can't even stay long enough to reminisce…"

Naoto looked up from her plate as she noticed the bitter tone in Souji's voice.

"Senpai?"

"I'm sorry. For not being here. If how lonely you looked when I was leaving last night is any indication, I must have hurt you by not staying…"

As he imagined how lonely it must have been to love someone and not be able to see them because life got in the way. Of course, he tried his best to visit as often as he could, but…

His eyes widened as he suddenly felt Naoto standing in front of him, with her arms around his shoulders, pulling his head into her chest in what she hoped was a comforting hug. She thought about what more she could do, and remembered how Souji would brush her hair when she was upset. Mimicking the kind gesture, she kissed the top of his head, relieved to feel Souji relax in her arms. Trying to focus on the happier times they shared together, his arms rose around her waist to pull her a little bit closer, enjoying how soft and warm she felt. Naoto smiled at the simple affection they felt, before asking, "Senpai?"

"…Yes?"

"Did you mean it…? When you said you were here to stay?"

Souji blushed –a rare sight- before responding with a murmur of agreement. She lifted his face from her chest gently, and was delighted to see a look of loving devotion in his grey eyes. Her own irises sparkled as she leaned down to kiss him, trying to translate her unspoken feelings into the passionate gesture, her fervor increased ever more as Souji responded in like. They stayed like this for a few long seconds, until they broke apart to breathe. With cheeks red and affectionate smiles, theirs eyes met.

Silently making a promise to each other, Souji stood up and pulled Naoto into another hug.

Then his cell phone rang out loudly.

Souji leaned back to give Naoto an apologetic glance, and they both held looks of disappointment that the moment had ended. Fishing his phone out of his pocket, he sat back down on the chair, gently pulling Naoto down with him so she could sit on his lap. Yosuke was calling.

"…Souji?"

"Hey."

"You know how we were making plans for a little celebration since you got back?"

"Yeah, of course. Any ideas?"

"You bet. Think you can get to our 'special headquarters' in about half an hour?"

He looked at Naoto, who nodded. "Yeah, see you there."

As the call ended, Souji sighed. He wanted to spend more time alone with Naoto, but there was plenty of time for that later. Hearing the sigh, Naoto leaned on his shoulder, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Closing his eyes, he relaxed in her arms and they remained there for a few seconds. Deciding it was better if he gave Naoto time to get ready, he lifted her off him and carried her to the bedroom bridal-style, silencing her soft protests with affectionate pecks. Setting her down gently on her bed, she tried to protest again but Souji caught her in a passionate kiss that was quickly giving her a good reason to just keep him to herself for the day. It took a lot of willpower to resist, but she eventually found the strength to gently nudge him off her. As both of them tried to breathe, Naoto started to slowly push him out of the room while trying not to laugh at the pout on his face. As she shut the door behind him, the kiss on the cheek he received promised they would have time to be alone after hearing Yosuke's grandiose plans. She felt her cheeks flare up with a deeper-than-ever blush as she finally closed the door, leaning on it as she did. Souji's courageous attitude was affecting hers…a year ago and she would never be so bold as to do things like she did just now. Smiling to herself, she got ready for the day.

✨ Five minutes later, and Naoto was walking side-by-side with Souji on the way to Junes.

As the first ones there, due to how their lifestyles allow them to quickly be ready for the day, they took seats next to each other and took some time to chat about school and plans for the future. Ten minutes later, and they had finished their second cup of tea, and the rest of the team slowly started to show up.

"So, what's this great plan of yours, Yosuke?"

"It's simple! We take all the ideas we mentioned the other day and roll them into one big trip. Few hours at the beach, fishing competition, then a night at the Amagi Inn."

"Not bad….wait, you didn't buy for the girls, did you?"

"Well…"

"Yosuke…"

"What? There's nothing wrong with it, and I even bought Kanji a new one."

"Oh thanks, Senpai!"

Souji sighed and he glanced at Naoto's nervous expression as she thought about Yosuke's answer. He felt sympathetic as that she would be too embarrassed to set foot outside in a swimsuit. He reached over to squeeze her shoulder reassuringly, and racked his brain trying to think of a way to save her from the embarrassment. She quickly shot him a grateful smile, before slipping back into a thoughtful silence.

"Why don't we hold off the trip until winter? We can hit the slopes again instead.

"But don't you have to go back to the city anyway?

"Well…" Souji grinned at the recognition dawning on the faces of the individual team members' faces. Then he nodded cheerfully. The next few minutes were taken up by Souji getting cheery punches on the shoulder, hugs, and other such friendly gestures, with Naoto standing off to side so as not to get trampled. Souji, however, did catch the look of annoyance she gave Rise as the idol took a bit more time to hold onto Souji. But then Yosuke had a revelation…

"We can do both now!"

Both Souji and Naoto's eyes shot up to stare at Yosuke, who was wearing a triumphant grin.

"Yosuke, some of us aren't as open to the idea of the beach as you are."

"Like who?"

Glancing at Naoto, Souji frowned. Looking back at Yosuke, he started to speak before…

"I think it's a good idea."

"Eh?"

Souji looked at Naoto in shock as she voiced her consent for the trip, before she returned his gaze and nodded. His jaw still was slack as he shook his head in disbelief.

"Then it's settled."

Souji looked at Naoto again, noticing the light pink on her cheeks as he continued to stare at her.

"I'll plan a date when our work schedules won't get in the way. For now, let's go home and rest up."

✨ The group dispersed once again, and a short walk saw Souji and Naoto at her apartment once again. They said goodbye, and…

"Senpai…?"

"…Do you want me to stay?"

"No…you should go and be with Dojima-san and Nanako-chan. It's for the best, they haven't been able to catch up with you."

"But is that what you want?"

Naoto stiffened, before reaching up to her neck and clutching the ring that hung around it. The gesture, to Souji's surprise, seemed to visibly calm her down, as she looked up and nodded affirmatively.

"Yes. And...about the beach? I'll talk to you about it later..."

"…Alright then. Goodnight, Naoto."

A quick embrace and Souji was on his way, waving over his shoulder. Naoto watched him go until he was out of sight and entered her apartment.

Suddenly her phone rang.

'Sweet dreams, Naoto.

-Souji'

The light of the necklace ring grew stronger along with her smile.