A/N: Mweheheh - well I hope y'all had some time to recover after last chapter. But at last, we've reached the final day of Shuann week :( What an eventful week this has been! What I loved most was the strong and supportive community of Shuann shippers that seemed to rise up in the past couple days - all thanks to the wonderful organizers who've promoted this week very well (you know who you are!)
Anyway, back to the story! We've got one final chapter to tie up all loose ends! What could be the fate of Ren and Ann? You'll have to read to find out! Fair warning - this chapter is a behemoth, standing at almost 9k words, so please take as much time as you need to finish. I've got more to say at the end of the notes - so without further ado, let's get on with the story!
"CAPTURED MEMORIES"
[a Shuann Week series]
PART 7: Memories Forever
PROMPT OF THE DAY: Free Day
- Chapter Summary -
"Everything that Ren and Ann have been through is now on the line.
Will the memories and relationship they've forged throughout the years remain strong
- or forever crumble into the past?"
Ann eventually made a speedy recovery from her coma. Like everyone else, her doctors were surprised by her sudden awakening. Regardless, everyone was joyful that Ann was slowly recovering to her healthy self.
Except for the fact that she was unable to remember anything from the past years – nothing came to her recollection about her most recent trip around the world as an international model.
Or more importantly - her loving relationship with Ren Amamiya.
"So… You seriously don't remember what happened the last couple years?" Ryuji asked with a concerned look as he and the rest of her friends joined her on the day of her discharge. "Well, what exactly do you remember then?"
"Well… I think the last thing I remember was having the fight with Sakurai-san at Cafe Leblanc. I was super pissed off at him, so I stormed out. Then… nothing. It's all a blank space after that." Ann explained. She remained sitting in her hospital bed, now fully clothed in her casual wear as she would soon be discharged from the hospital.
"I see. Ann's lack of memory must have been due to the trauma she endured to her brain from the accident a couple weeks ago." Makoto concluded. "This case of amnesia can be normal for such injuries of extreme state. Fortunately, none of her motor functions or physical abilities have been hindered whatsoever."
"It's okay! I'm just glad to see your faces again! Plus – I could never forget my friends, heheh!" Ann chuckled as she attempted to remain positive for them.
"But what about Ren? You know – your boyfriend." Haru tried to remind Ann.
"Oh… Uhm.. right." Ann turned over to the now mysterious boy in the room with them. "I… I'm sorry.. I'm trying my best to remember you, but nothing is coming to mind."
"It's fine. I don't want you to exert any more energy. You need to focus on recovering." Ren assured her. Deep down, however – Ren felt pained that the love of his life couldn't even recall a single memory they shared together. What kind of cursed fate was he now living in? After a year of patiently waiting for Ann to come home from her worldwide trip, in addition to the weeks he spent by her side while she recovered, Ren was still far away from Ann's heart once more.
"Uhm… How is Sakurai-san, by the way?" Ann suddenly asked, much to her friend's dismay. They each looked at one another, unsure of how to respond to her question.
"We don't know, actually. Ever since you went off on your modelling trip, we haven't heard a word from him since." Haru explained. "He hasn't even worked with his former modelling agency for quite some time."
"These are only rumors, but I heard that he's been getting into some really shady shit lately." Ryuji expressed to everyone's surprise. He shrugged. "Best not to get into any further details. It's better if we just move on from him."
"Right. What's important is that Ann Takamaki is back!" Shiho expressed, leaning over to hug her best friend. "Ann – you definitely have a strong heart! You managed to face death and wake up stronger than ever! I believe that deserves a celebration! Maybe with some red velvet cheesecake!? Ahuh? Ahuuuh!?"
"Ooooooh! My love for all things sweets is definitely something I'll never forget!" Ann exclaimed as she daydreamed about all kinds of goodies that she wasn't able to eat while in her coma. "Ugh, my stomach is grumbling from the lack of cheesecake. Come on, let's go already!"
"H-hold on! We still need to wait for the doctor's orders! You can't just get up whenever you feel like it, Ann!" Makoto reminded her.
As the group continued conversing in the hospital room, Ren remained silent as he leaned against the window sill, watching while Ann talked with the same energy she always had. Ren missed her enthusiasm when she was gone – but yet, the happy sight was tainted with the reality that Ann could not recall a single memory with Ren.
Is this the price I have to pay to get Ann back?
Throughout the day, Ren silently watched Ann as their group finally exited the hospital and made their way over to the Wilton Hotel Buffet to satiate her hunger for the grandest of sweets. Ann was happily chatting away with her friends – yet ignored Ren the entire day. For the meantime, Ren understood her case and thought that she would need more time to recover in order to allow her memories about them to flood back.
Still – to be so close, yet so far away from his beloved – constantly pained Ren's heart.
"Ughh, I just want to go to sleep again." Ann yawned as the group finished their buffet and loads of sweets. She leaned her head against Shiho's shoulder and took a moment to cuddle with her while taking a quick catnap.
"Geez, don't you think you've slept enough, Ann?" Ryuji joked. He ended up getting elbowed by Haru beside him. "Ooof! Come on, I was kidding! Don't you think it's time for some light-hearted fun after all we've been through the last couple weeks?"
"Sorry, babe. It's just out of habit whenever you do something stupid as usual." Haru winked at Ryuji.
"Wait a minute. Did you just call him babe?" Ann suddenly felt a surge of energy overwhelm her once again as she showed interest in the sudden romance between her friends. Ann leaned forward as she rested her head on her hands. "Oh my gooosh! I must've missed a lot when I was gone! When did this happen? How did this happen? And most importantly, why did you even choose someone as dorky as Ryuji in the first place, Haru?"
"Why'd you gotta say it like I had no chance, Ann!?" Ryuji suddenly barked.
"As much as we'd all love to hear that story again, I think it's best that we head home and rest for the day. Especially you, Ann." Makoto suggested. "You still need lots more time to recover, okay?"
"Awwww. But like Ryuji said, I already had enough sleep!" Ann complained as she twirled a finger through her pigtail. She took a moment to stretch out her arms, fully satisfied with her meal. "Well, I guess I should head back to my apartment. Uhh, I live in the same place, right?"
"Yes. But it's not only your apartment anymore, Ann." Shiho said, motioning over to Ren who sat across from them. "You and Ren-kun have been living together for a couple years now. That's not going to be weird at all for you, will it?"
"Ohh… Uhm… No, it shouldn't be. I think." Ann responded with hesitance. From her perspective, she had lived in her apartment by herself since graduating high school. To suddenly be told that she lived with someone she loved for years was a fact that took time to process. Ann turned over to Ren and nodded to him. "Well.. I guess you can escort us back home then, Amamiya-san?"
"Definitely." Ren nodded. The pair said goodbye to their friends as they walked back to their apartment. Unlike their usual routine where Ann would cling onto Ren's shoulder while holding tightly to his hand, there was an unusual amount of space between them as they trekked home. Ann walked in silence with her arms crossed, while Ren kept his hands to himself as he tucked them into his pockets.
Throughout their commute, Ren kept his mind on the name Ann called him earlier.
Amamiya-san.
I'm simply Amamiya-san to her now.
Not Ren-kun.
Not shutter boy.
Not her loved one anymore.
…
Ren unlocked the door to their apartment as he opened the lights inside. To Ann's perspective, things had now changed overtime. Instead of the sparse space in her living room, it was now cluttered with some of Ren's photography equipment and work desk. The area definitely appeared to be as if two people lived in it.
"Uhm.. I'm gonna go shower and head straight to bed." Ann said to Ren. She kept an uneasy gaze away from him. The mysterious boy simply nodded as Ann made her way to her bedroom to prepare her belongings. In the meantime, Ren sat down in the living room and rubbed his eyes as he tried to process everything that happened today.
Ann… She is so distant from me now.. It's like I'm a complete stranger to her. Ren pondered. He sighed and wondered how he would go on about in this situation. This was such a drastic adjustment for both of them.
For Ren – it was a boy stuck in a hard spot as the girl he madly fell in love with had forgotten about him within the span of a day.
For Ann – it was an awkward situation to be in a relationship with a man she had no recollection of.
How were the both of them going to tackle this barrier in their lives?
"Uhm.. Hey." Ann's voice suddenly called from behind.
Ren turned around and was surprised to find Ann in nothing but her towel wrapped around her upper body as her bare arms and legs were exposed. Her hair was untied from her usual pigtails, allowing it to flow down to her shoulders as it was still slightly drenched from her shower. Ren couldn't help himself but to blush as Ann stood almost nude in their apartment hallway.
"Y-Yes Ann?" Ren could only muster up. He hadn't even realized how fast Ann had showered. Or maybe he was in such deep thought that time passed by so quickly without his awareness.
"Uhh.. Since we're supposedly a couple and all, did we ever sleep in the same bed together?" Ann asked..
"Oh.. Well, yes. But if you're not comfortable yet, I can sleep on the couch. It's totally fine with me." Ren assured her.
"Okay.. Yes please.. I-I mean… Don't get me wrong, it's not you.. It's just.. You know.. My memories and all." Ann gently tapped her forehead in an adorable manner that even caused Ren to chuckle slightly.
"Heheh.. I know. Even I would find it weird to suddenly sleep with a complete stranger." Ren assured once more.
"Thanks for understanding… So uh.. Good night!" Ann wished him as she walked into her bedroom and closed the door.
Ren shut the lights in their living room as he sprawled himself on the couch. His mind raced through with thoughts about Ann. Ren attempted to remain optimistic about their current situation. It was only the first day of dealing with an amnesiac Ann. He prayed that over time, the memories of their relationship that Ann had forgotten would come back to her. Ren needed to be patient. He was lucky enough to even have Ann back after her accident.
Ann… How much longer do I have to wait to truly be back with the woman I'm in love with?
….
As days had gone by, Ren gradually returned to his photography business, taking some smaller commissions for the meantime as he slowly got back into his groove. Ann remained in her apartment as she continued resting up. Her modelling agency approved of her leave for the meantime once they heard about her accident. This left Ann feeling lonely, as most of her friends would be at work throughout the day.
Ann's routine with Ren was initially quiet at first, with the pair silently eating breakfast in their kitchen before Ren would head on over to work. But on his off-days, Ren would ask if Ann wanted to do anything for the day, believing that spending time with her would help jog her memory. But Ann hesitated and said she'd rather remain in her bedroom for the time being.
"Are you sure? We could go out for a walk if you'd like. I hear the weather is going to be really nice at Inokashira Park today." Ren suggested.
"Uhm… No thanks. I'll probably just rest up more. Thanks anyway." Ann replied.
Ren remained patient with Ann's recovery. He did not want to push Ann to do anything she wasn't comfortable with. With her feelings of him gone momentarily, Ren persevered in building that trust once more.
Overtime, Ann eventually regained most of her strength and opted to hang out with her friends whenever she had the chance.
"Hey! So I'm gonna head out with Shiho and Haru for the day." Ann called out as she made her way straight for the door.
"Oh.. Okay, have fun." Ren responded as he remained focused on his computer desk while he worked away. As the door closed, Ren looked back for a moment and sighed. Ann seemed to be in a hurry to get out. Ren sorely missed the sweet goodbye kisses she always gave him whenever she left for an outing. But Ren couldn't do anything if it wasn't in Ann's will.
Weeks continued to pass as Ren and Ann simply lived together in the same space. Their relationship remained stagnant with no growth whatsoever. Ren continued sleeping on the couch of his own apartment, constantly in deep thought on how to progress his bond with Ann. But whatever attempts he did to reach out to her, nothing seemed to work. Ann always seemed to push him away. Gradually, Ren was unable to handle the reality he was living in and yearned for the days when Ann was affectionate to him.
She needs more time. She just needs to remember at her own pace. It's not in my place to force her into this relationship she's forgotten. Ren kept telling himself.
Ren was able to keep his sanity with the console of his friends. Ryuji and Yusuke would often check up on Ren. They constantly listened to his struggles with Ann's memories and how distant she was with him throughout their days living together.
"She'll open up to you eventually, bro.. If I truly know Ann, she's one who needs time to heal." Ryuji assured Ren as the men hung out at Cafe Leblanc.
"Indeed – Ann will soon realize her forgotten feelings about you and come running back. You must remain strong-hearted for both of your sakes." Yusuke comforted.
It was only then that a heartbreak from Ann's past would haunt the both of them, putting their bond to the boldest of tests.
…
Ren worked away on his laptop once more – editing a photoshoot he had done earlier that week with his good friends – Ryuji and Haru. Out of their circle of friends, none of them had expected for the couple to get together. And now – after years of having known each other and growth in their own relationship, Ryuji had managed to pop the question to Haru, much to her joy as she happily accepted his proposal. Ren offered to take pictures of them to promote their upcoming wedding within the next year. At Haru's request, they managed to take some romantic photos against a beautiful sunset among Inokashira Park.
I'm glad they got their fairytale ending. Ren thought to himself as he skimmed through Ryuji and Haru's photos, smiling at how happy the engaged couple looked. He chuckled for a moment, reminding himself of a comment that Ann made prior to discovering that the two were about to get married.
"Holy shit! Ryuji and Haru!? Together!? Damn…. WHAT KIND OF SORCERY IS THIS!?"
Ren sighed. As much as he was happy for their friends, he couldn't help but wonder if he and Ann would've been down the same path sooner had it not been her accident. Ann was still being distant. She opted to go out on her own accord and hang out with Shiho or Makoto, instead of putting aside time for Ren. What was he doing wrong? Did Ren not try hard enough? But Ren thought he needed to be patient and give Ann time to recover. It had been quite awhile since her accident – so maybe needed to pursue harder?
"Hey! I'm heading out again." Ann hollered out as she exited her bedroom and made her way to the exit.
"Seeing Shiho again?" Ren raised an eyebrow.
"Oh nope.. I'm.. I'm actually meeting up with an old friend." Ann assured. Ren noticed the pause that Ann made, as if she didn't want him to know what her plans were.
"Old friend? Who is it?" Ren decided to ask. He noticed an uneasy look from Ann as she stopped in her tracks.
"Uhm… I'm seeing Sakurai-san." Ann confessed, keeping her back turned against Ren.
"W-What? Why? D-Don't you know what he's done to you in the past?" Ren confronted her. His heart began to race at the thought of Ann reconnecting with her ex-boyfriend again. For the past few weeks, they hadn't heard of any good details regarding Sakurai-san's well-being. All Ren knew was that he was hanging out with the wrong crowd after he gave up his modelling agency for unknown reasons.
"He.. He texted me, Ren. Said he was feeling down and needed someone to console with. I'm meeting with him at Cafe Leblanc just to talk." Ann explained. "I… I just can't let him suffer on his own with the addictions he's been bound to for awhile now."
"What.. What the hell is that supposed to mean, Ann?" Ren suddenly escalated. The way Ann was explaining things seemed like she was talking to Sakurai-san behind Ren's back the entire time. His emotions began to teeter towards anger, but Ren did his best to hold it together.
"Ren… Please.. I.. Haven't seen him so long.. I've been hoping to have another chance with Sakurai-san ever since we broke up." Ann said with a monotonous tone.
"Chance? Ann.. What about our chance? How about all we've been through for the past years?" Ren spoke with ferocity, much to Ann's surprise as she was so used to his calm demeanour. Ren couldn't hold it in any longer. He needed to vent out his frustration in how his relationship with Ann seemed to fall apart. "Ann.. I've been so patient with you for these past few weeks. I let you do your own thing in hopes that you'll remember the memories we've shared together. I've been doing my best to reach out to you, but you always turn me down! Do you know how much it hurts to see the one you love – the one you've had so much history with - treat you like you're some stranger?"
"I.. I can't help it, Ren! This wasn't my choice to forget my memories!" Ann suddenly yelled back, tears beginning to well in her eyes. "Why can't you understand that I don't remember anything about the years we've been together! The moments we've shared are nothing but forgotten dreams. It's so hard for me to deal with this reality that I've been thrusted into all of a sudden - to tell me that I've loved someone that's a complete stranger from my point of view."
"I just can't handle this anymore, Ann. I just miss the old days, when we used to do everything together. Going out on our daily photoshoot dates. Supporting each other in our careers. Facing our struggles as a team. All I ever wanted was my girlfriend back. That was all I ever asked when you were in your coma." Ren laid out with deep emotion.
"I'm sorry.. Ren.. I can't offer that to you anymore… I wish I could.. But I'm not the person you fell in love with anymore." Ann sobbed as she leaned against the wall.
"No… You've always been the same Ann Takamaki I fell in love with. It's been me who is stuck in the past." Ren slowly calmed down. He began coming to a conclusion that he feared to realize.
Maybe this was fate telling them that their time together was done.
Ren stood in silence as a tear fell down his cheek, dropping onto the carpet floor beneath his feet. At the same time, Ann allowed a wave of tears to roll down her face as guilt overwhelmed her.
This was the end of their relationship. A confirmation that both needed to move on.
"I… I can't hold onto you anymore, Takamaki-san." Ren confessed. He slowly walked over to the apartment door, passing by Ann as she continued crying. Ren stopped at the doorway and gave his final parting words before leaving the apartment to think over their future. "We've grown apart.. My love for you clouded my judgement.. But if I really want the best for you.. I need to let you go, Takamaki-san."
"R-Ren..." Ann sobbed out as she watched Ren leave their apartment to give each other space. The weight of the situation overwhelmed Ann as she slowly slid down against the wall and sat down in the apartment hallway.
Ann let out a distressed cry as she was left in her lonesome once again.
Why… Why does it pain me so much to see someone I barely know leave me like that? Ann thought. This new reality that she was in had been too much for her to handle. Ren Amamiya - the mysterious boy she apparently loved with all her heart before – now a forgotten memory taken away. It wasn't her fault that she couldn't remember. But she was unable to find those feelings that Ren and her friends said she had before her accident.
"I'm sorry, Ren… I let you down." Ann sobbed silently as she tucked her head into her arms. This was such a new feeling to Ann. This strange boy confessing his eventual departure from her life somehow wrecked Ann's heart.
Was this pain Ann was dealing with remnants of her past feelings for Ren?
I.. I need to remember.
Suddenly, an object on Ren's computer desk caught Ann's eye. She stood up and slowly crept over, wiping her tears as she sat down on Ren's desk. Ann found a lone, pink photo album lying closed.
It was entitled "Captured Memories with Ann Takamaki."
"Hmm… I've never seen this book before." Ann said. She could only assume that Ren had just crafted this before leaving. Curiously, she opened the photo album and was met with a polaroid photo of herself on the first page. The photo depicted Ann sitting across a table at Shibuya Diner as she posed modestly.
The picture had a caption written above with a date and title: "First Day with Ann Takamaki'
"This photo… didn't Ren take this when we first officially met?" Ann commented to herself. Her eyes widened. Did she just remember a memory about her and Ren? How was this possible? Before she was unable to recall anything about her years with Ren. But just by looking at the picture herself, the day distinctly popped up in her mind as she vividly remembered their first official meeting.
"Ren was so shy when we first met.. But by then… I knew he was someone special." Ann smiled as she flipped to the next few pages.
The next couple photos depicted Ann in Inokashira Park. Ann smiled as she recalled the moment she first touched Ren in an affectionate manner when she grabbed his arm and dragged him around the beautiful park. The weather seemed so perfect that day as they enjoyed their very first photoshoot together.
The caption written above the pictures was labelled "Park Date with Ann Takamaki"
"Ren managed to save me when I fell into the pond. Only someone like me would be clumsy enough to almost drown in duck water." Ann shook her head in embarrassment. She blushed as she remembered Ren's act of chivalry that eventually led to their first kiss in the rain. "Heheh… That was such a magical moment. And the first time I ever had feelings for him. Although, I hadn't realized it at the time."
Ann turned over to the next page, showcasing photos of herself once again as they depicted her baking in her kitchen as cake pans, flour and batter covered her entire counter. Ann smiled at one particular photo that showed her decorating the volleyball cake she and Ren made for Shiho.
The caption above the pictures was written as "Sweets with Ann Takamaki"
"Ren helped me bake those amazing sweets that we brought over for Shiho's birthday." Ann remembered the laughter they shared together that spontaneous day. She had many doubts on accomplishing the job, but with Ren's help. Ann was able to complete the seemingly impossible task. "Ever since that day, I knew I could always depend on Ren. But I felt guilty when we went out for coffee and I had to turn him down, knowing my heart wasn't ready for a relationship yet."
Going over to the next page, Ann was surprised to find more intimate photos of her. The next set of pictures showcased Ann at the beach in her two-piece bikini as she posed gracefully within the waters. The light of the sunset cast upon the ocean helped emit Ann's beauty in each photo.
The group of pictures were entitled "Beach Day with Ann Takamaki"
"That day on the beach. It was the first time I confirmed my true feelings for Ren. And how he became the light in my life. I couldn't be just friends with him anymore. I wanted us to be more than that." Ann reminded herself. She found herself blushing as she remembered the kind words Ren expressed to her.
Ann went over to the next page, finding photos taken later on in that same year. These took place on a late evening, with Ann in her winter outfit as she posed around Central Street during a light snow fall.
The title for the photo compilation was "A Snowy Evening with Ann Takamaki"
"That evening, my feelings continued growing stronger for Ren. And when he comforted me the following night when I felt so alone and rejected - he had given up his chance to photoshoot for Risette's concert just to check up on me." Ann thought as her heart began to flutter, reflecting through the events of that night which sealed their fates together. "The next morning I woke up with Ren. And we finally confessed our feelings for each other. I was overwhelmed with such relief knowing he returned the same love for me."
At this moment, Ann finally began to remember her entire relationship with Ren over the years. How they had planned a future together. The man that had been there for her through her toughest times – who vowed to protect her and support her dreams – who she could always depend on to make her happy. How that fateful encounter occurred when they bumped into each other outside Cafe Leblanc.
That one moment which led to creating many more loving memories between the couple.
Ren Amamiya… My shutter boy.. I remember now… I remember!
Just then, Ann's phone began to ring. Hoping for it to be Ren, she quickly took it out. Her eyes widened anxiously by the caller ID that popped up.
[ NOW CALLING: Sakurai ]
Ann mustered up the strength to answer her phone, not wanting to be rude. "Hello, Sakurai."
"Ann? Hey.. Where you at? Was wondering how long you'd be.. I'm already at Cafe Leblanc waiting for you." A gruff, young man's voice spoke from the other end.
"Uhm… I'm.. Not feeling well, Sakurai. Sorry, but I think I'll postpone our talk for next time." Ann politely said.
An uneasy silence fell from the other end as Ann awaited Sakurai's response.
"You… You bitch.. You're probably hanging out with your damn boyfriend again! I thought you said you weren't sure about your future together with him!" Sakurai's voice emitted in anger.
"Sakurai! I just said I wasn't feeling well. What made you imply that I was thinking about Amamiya-san in the first place?" Ann defended herself.
"Stop fooling me, Takamaki-san! You decide to lead me on for these past couple weeks, only to crush my hopes and dreams again of us getting back together after all these years!" Sakurai shouted. He grumbled himself for a moment, while Ann was unable to discern what he was saying. "Grr… I bet you wouldn't feel so good if something terrible happened to your precious shutter boy you keep talking about."
"Huh? Sakurai? What's that supposed to mean? H-Hello? Hey!" Ann tried talking to Sakurai, only for him to hang up on the other end. Ann's heart began racing as she tried to interpret his last words. "Sakurai… What did he mean when he said… I better call Ren."
Ann went through her phone as she attempted to call Ren's number. No answer. Ann redialed numerous times, but it kept bringing her to Ren's voice-mail. Go figure. The last thing Ren would've wanted was to talk to Ann after their argument. Ann began to worry and wondered what Sakurai was about to do.
"No.. Please be okay." Ann whispered to herself. There was no telling what Sakurai would do from his ominous threat. She hastily made her way out of their apartment in order to find Ren.
…
Ren walked among the quiet streets of Tokyo as midnight fell. His mind kept thinking about him and Ann. As much as it pained him, the only reasonable option was to break off their relationship for the time being. Ann was unable to cope with these changes since the accident, which Ren couldn't blame as this was none of her fault. For whatever reason, it was difficult for Ren to empathize with Ann's perspective on her amnesia.
I need to let her go.. If I remain in the past.. It'll only hurt the both of us. Ren thought.
A world without Ann. He faced this reality before when Ann fell into her coma. Ren thought he was lucky to avoid this fate when she recovered. But it appeared that he needed to make this decision himself - a much harder circumstance to deal with as it would be done by his own initiative.
It's the only thing we can do… I've waited so long for Ann to remember, but she just can't… I'm just at a loss right now.
"Amamiya-san." a gruff voice called behind him.
Ren turned around, surprised to find the silhouette of a tall, muscular man standing behind the light of the street lamps. Judging by their shadow, Ren could see the distinct features of the man's ruff beard and cap worn in reverse, sporting a zipped-up hoodie and jeans.
Gripped within one of their hands – was a knife.
"Who.. Who are you?" Ren stuttered as he took a cautious step back. He watched as the figure stood out from the shadows and into view by the street lamp light. Ren immediately recognized the figure to be Ann's ex-boyfriend, Sakurai. The former model appeared to be worn out in appearance, with baggy eyes and messed up beard. At first glance, one would have never thought that Sakurai was a model to begin with. The negative influences and addictions he fell into for the past years showed by his unkempt appearance.
"You asshole. I've always hated your righteous job of taking those silly photos." Sakurai spoke with intimidation as he continued approaching Ren. "You took my chance to win Takamaki-san back ever since the day you bumped into each other at Cafe Leblanc. You're going to pay for taking her away from me!"
"Sakurai.. Calm down. Let's just talk about this." Ren pleaded, taking a step back as he kept his hands up.
"Shut your damn mouth!" Sakurai growled. "You know how shitty I felt every time I looked at your stupid photo website and saw Takamaki-san enjoying herself with you? Those memories you shared with her were supposed to be with me! You decided to manipulate her and steal her away!"
"Manipulate? In no way did I manipulate Ann." Ren began to defend himself. "Sakurai, you always made Ann feel bad about herself when things didn't go your way. All she wanted was to be loved and cared for by someone, but you simply forced her into a relationship with you in order to benefit your own agenda!"
"SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!" Sakurai yelled as he pointed his knife towards Ren. "You didn't deserve her, you asshole!"
"Maybe.. Maybe I don't.. Not anymore at least." Ren confessed, much to Sakurai's confusion. "I never asked to fall in love with Ann. But seeing the way she saw the world – wanting to live through every moment and spend time with those she loved. Ann helped me to see past my own job and to live life to the fullest. And all I desired was to help her realize that dream as well."
Sakurai simply stood there as he gripped his knife tighter while listening to Ren's confession.
"Fate may have taken away her memories of our time together. For me, however, I'm blessed that we were even given the chance to share those moments." Ren continued on. He took a deep breath as he reflected on his feelings. "I.. I still love Ann with all my heart. But right now, we're diverging towards different points in our lives. Who am I to withhold that freedom she now yearns for in this reality she's awaken in?"
"Ren?" the voice of a girl spoke. Ren turned around and saw Ann standing a couple feet away from them. She was breathing heavily after running around Tokyo to find him. Ann had arrived and was able to hear Ren's entire speech about his never-ending love for her.
"Ann-" Ren spoke.
Before he could move, Ren felt the sharp sting of cold steel pierce into his back.
Ren yelled in pain as Sakurai plunged the knife deeper.
"NOOOOO!" Ann screamed in horror.
Sakurai let go of Ren, leaving the knife sticking from his side as he watched him fall onto the ground. It took a moment for Sakurai to process what he had just done. His hands began to shake as his entire body trembled in shock. "Shit...Shit..SHIT! What the hell did I just do!?"
"REEEN!" Ann yelled as she rushed over to Ren's side. She dropped onto the ground and helped Ren onto her lap as he breathed heavily in pain. "Nonononono… Why, Sakurai… Why did you do this!?"
Looking up, Ann saw the cowardice Sakurai run away from the scene, who was overwhelmed with fear and shame from the act he just committed.
"Ann.. Ann." Ren moaned as he gently turned his head to look up to Ann. His blood began to leak out from the knife wound, spilling all over the ground as his vision began to blur. "Ann.. I'm… S-Sorry."
"N-No! Don't apologize! I-I should be the one saying ssorry." Ann stuttered as she began to cry over him. She took out her phone and immediately dialed the number for emergency help. Ann continued talking to Ren in order to keep him conscious. "Ren.. Please stay awake.. Please… stay by my side."
Ren simply nodded as tears rolled down his own cheek. The pain of his knife wound began to succumb his body as it began to feel numb. Ren started losing consciousness as his eyelids became heavy.
"No! Stay with me, Ren! You can't die… Please!" Ann yelled through her tears. "I remember now! I remember all of it! All the years we've been together. From our happiest moments to our saddest days. Please.. Ren… My shutter boy. D-Don't leave me."
"Ann… I..I.. love.." Ren attempted to speak. Before he could finish his sentence, Ren slowly drifted off in her arms.
"Ren? Ren! REEN! NOO! PLEAASE!" Ann began to shake his body in desperation as she tried to wake him up. Ren remained silent as he laid in Ann's arms without movement. She continually cried out to him and begged for a miracle to happen. "I finally remember… All of it.. I remember everything Ren-kun.. Please...Wake up.. Wake… up..."
Now left alone on the street, Ann cried over Ren's body as the sound of an ambulance emitted off in the distance.
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"EPILOGUE"
ONE YEAR LATER..
Ann awoke in her bedroom by herself. The light of a new day peered through her blinds as she moaned in grogginess. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, Ann turned over to her clock and noted the time: 6:38 AM.
This is the day. Time for the wedding.
Ann exited the hotel bedroom and quickly took a shower as she got prepared in her maid of honour dress. The outfit consisted of long, royal pink gown that extended to the floor and consisted of an exquisite, chiffon-lace design on the upper body. As Ann prepared in her own bedroom, Makoto and Shiho walked in, sporting their own versions of the dress but had matching white colours to differentiate themselves as the bridesmaids.
"Good morning, Ann!" Shiho happily greeted her. She took a moment to stop and stare at Ann as she sat there elegantly in front of her bedroom mirror. "Awww! Ann, you look so beautiful in that dress!"
"Heheh, thanks Shiho! You're not too bad yourself." Ann teased with a gentle smile.
"Uhm.. I guess we should start getting our hair and make-up done as soon as possible." Makoto chimed in. She rubbed the back of her head embarrassingly. "Mind if one of you guys help me? I'm not the best at applying all this stuff on my face. And I don't even know what to do with my hair."
"No worries! I've got you all covered!" Ann exclaimed as she took Makoto's arms and guided her in front of the mirror. Ann playfully twirled her fingers around through Makoto's hair. "Rest assured, Shiho and I will make sure you look like a queen!"
The ladies spent an hour applying their make-up and styling their hair into extravagant dos, conversing about how the wedding ceremony would go in the next few hours. As the ladies finished, the bride of the ceremony entered the room.
"Haru! You look amazing!" Ann exclaimed, rushing over in order to give her a big hug.
"Why thank you, Ann." Haru spoke with gratitude. She was currently dressed in a royal white wedding dress. Her hair was tied up and curled into a ponytail, with the veil fastened on top of her head. In her hands, Haru held the bouquet of flowers that each bridesmaid and maid of honour would be holding for the ceremony. Haru happily handed them over to her friends.
"You feeling nervous? You're about to give away your life to one of the most rowdiest guys I've ever known." Shiho asked, referring to Ryuji as he was elsewhere doing his own preparations with his groomsmen.
"No worries, Shiho-chan. I've learned a couple tricks over the years in order to tame my beloved prince." Haru giggled.
"Oooohh.. Seems like you've really got him on your leash now! That's awesome!" Ann commented, simultaneously finding it hilarious that Haru managed to become the more dominant partner in her eventual marriage with Ryuji. Ann took a moment to hold Haru's hands and admired her friend's appearance as she prepared for her big day. Ann had to use every ounce of her energy to ensure she didn't cry and ruin her own make-up.
"I'm so happy for you Haru. You finally found the prince you've been looking for." Ann expressed with genuine joy. "Although, it's still hard to imagine that Ryuji managed to sweep you off of your feet."
"Thank you, Ann. I appreciate all the love and support you've given to both of us." Haru smiled back. She took a moment to look down and tightened her grip on Ann's hands to comfort her. "And don't worry, Ann. You'll soon have your happy ending as well."
"I know… I believe in that." Ann replied.
The ladies eventually finished their preparations as they all climbed into the horse carriage which Haru's family rented out. The inn they stayed in was located out in the countryside of Japan, with sprawling green meadows surrounding the peaceful location. The horse carriage carried the ladies to the setting where the wedding itself would be held - which was a large barn built and decorated in the shape of a castle. Many of the Okumura and Sakamoto family members were running around, ensuring that all the preparations were completed by the time the ceremony began.
"Aaaaah! There's my beautiful bride!" Okumaru Kunikazu – father of Haru, happily greeted his daughter as she stepped out of the horse carriage. He embraced Haru into his arms as the two hugged. Unlike Ann, Okumaru-san was unable to hold back his tears as he was overwhelmed with joy on the momentous occasion.
"Father, please save the crying for after the I do's, heheh." Haru consoled her father.
"I'm sorry dear, I'm just so grateful of the woman you've grown to become." Okumaru-san said as he stared proudly at his daughter. "Come now! We must not let Ryuji-san see you before the wedding!"
Haru giggled as she was dragged by her father into the barn. She waved over to her bridesmaids and winked at them. Next time they would meet, Haru would have her ring upon her hand and be officially the wife of Ryuji.
"Well, I guess all we have left to do now is wait for our groomsmen to show up." Shiho expressed.
Just then, another horse carriage arrived, carrying the groomsmen. The first to come out was Ryuji – dressed suave in his simple black tuxedo as he walked confidently for his special day.
"I know, I know, I look pretty good in a suit, don't I?" Ryuji smirked as he walked up to the ladies, posing pridefully as he tugged at his bowtie.
"Just shut up and let me hug you." Ann rolled her eyes, embracing her friend. She took a moment to stare back at Ryuji and smiled. "You know, I never thought you'd end up finding someone who could tolerate your brash attitude. But I guess anything goes when it comes to love."
"What can I say, I'm a super lucky guy." Ryuji shrugged his shoulders.
"Yeah yeah yeah, just make sure you take care of Haru, okay?"
"No worries - by my life I will." Ryuji smiled back and gave a thumbs-up to Ann. He paused for a moment and sighed, patting Ann on the shoulder as he comforted her. "Don't worry. You'll get here someday. And I'll be there to support you every step of the way."
"Thanks, Ryuji." Ann playfully slapped him on his shoulder and gave him one final hug before he entered the barn for his wedding.
Ann watched as Makoto and Shiho paired up with their respective groomsmen. They waved over to Ann as they entered the barn where they would meet later on. At first, Ann was amused that both Yusuke and Makoto were paired together, much to both of their dismay at the awkward situation put upon them. But they agreed to put aside their differences for the benefit of their friend's special day.
"Well.. Here I am." Ann sighed. This romantic day was something she could only aspire for herself in the future. The gorgeous bridal dresses, the aromatic flowers, the bustling preparations to invite her family and friends for a once-in-a-lifetime event. To be married to a man she could share the rest of her life with and forge memories until death.
But for now, Ann could only dream of this future for herself.
You'll be with him soon.
"Hey there." a voice spoke from behind her.
Ann smiled and turned around – finding a familiar face confronting her. The man sported a similar outfit compared to Ryuji's suit, consisting of the dress-shirt, vest and bowtie and slacks, excluding the blazer piece which was reserved for the groom himself. The best man walked over to Ann and gave her a heartwarming smile.
"Hi there, my shutter boy." Ann greeted, walking up to Ren as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and gently kissed him on the lips. "You're lookin' very dashing right now."
"And you're looking as beautiful as ever, Ann." Ren complimented back. Ann grinned and laid another kiss on her boyfriend's lips once again, this time holding onto the moment.
This man she loved – Ren always seemed to find his way back to her. Whether it was pursuing her after a random encounter outside a coffee shop, or surviving against the face of death after being stabbed a year ago. Ren's love for Ann seemed to triumph against all trials that had threatened to separate them.
And here they were standing together once again at their happiest. No amnesia, no clingy ex-boyfriend, no fickle feelings, no life-threatening injuries. Just pure love between a man and a woman.
*SNAP*
"Mweheheheh! That's one for the books!" an orange-haired girl with glasses exclaimed as she posed in victory, disrupting the intimate moment Ren and Ann were sharing a few seconds ago. She lowered her camera down and marvelled at her perfect shot for the wedding compilation she'd later create. "No hate on Ryuji and Haru, but you two just naturally look good together as the best couple!"
"Heheh, we appreciate it, Futaba." Ren nodded. Both he and Ann watched as Futaba hopped around the wedding area as she took more photos of the guests, before making her way inside the barn as the ceremony soon approached.
"Isn't that Sojiro-san's daughter?" Ann whispered over to her boyfriend.
"Yep. I've been training her for quite some time now." Ren commented. The energetic hermit expressed her interest in photography after discovering Ren's website. After much convincing with Sojiro-san, her guardian invested in Futaba's own camera equipment as Ren taught her the ways of photography arts. "She has a natural talent in capturing the moment. She has a lot to learn still."
"I bet you're just afraid to admit that she'll be better than you in the future, heheh." Ann teased her boyfriend. Ren rolled his eyes as Ann wrapped an arm around his. The two took a moment to marvel at the sight of the beautiful wedding location. Ren looked over to his girlfriend and noted Ann in deep thought as she observed the event preparations happening in front of her.
"Don't worry. This will be us one day. I promise you that." Ren assured her.
"I know." Ann replied. She looked up to Ren and planted another kiss on his cheek. "But right now, let's just enjoy this journey life has brought to us. I don't want to rush into anything yet."
"Same. And I'll make sure to be by your side in every memory we forge together." Ren added as he gently rubbed Ann's hands with his fingers. "There's no place I'd rather be than with you, Ann."
"Mm-hm." Ann nodded, blushing at her man's romantic words. She rested her head onto Ren's shoulder as the two made their way into the barn as the wedding soon began. Ann stopped them at the entrance - and for a moment, looked up to her boyfriend. Ann thought about how much joy she felt in the moments she shared with Ren. These memories they captured throughout the years - whether it was through photos, or by remembrance as they treasured these moments in their mind – made Ann feel blessed to have such a loving, patient and supportive man in her life.
"I love you, my shutter boy."
Ren looked back to her and reflected on his journey with Ann. Never did he predict landing such a perfect woman in his life. Ever since that day he moved in Tokyo to pursue his photography career, Ren had always planned on capturing the essence of beauty which life had to offer. He never thought that this idea that he chased after for so many years would be packaged and gifted to him in the form of one single person that he learned to love and live for.
"I love you, Ann Takamaki."
And with their heartfelt words, Ren and Ann entered the wedding ceremony – a bright future forecast upon their path which promised everlasting memories together.
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THE END!
A/N: Well, hope you enjoyed this fun journey through Ren and Ann's relationship! With this specific story idea, I've decided to end it off here and keep it nicely condensed in its own entirety. If you're craving for more Shuann content, I'm currently writing more chapters for my long-fic, "P5: The Bond That Makes Us One!", as well as having another one-shot posted, entitled "Reawakening of the Soul". I also have other projects in the works with Shuann content - including a potential Pokemon x Persona 5 crossover, as well as another series about the Phantom Thieves traveling around the world, with some RyuHaru I plan on incorporating.
It was a pleasure participating with Shuann week - and I hope that y'all managed to read up other fanfics or look at some fanart by other talented people on the internet! I've also been told that Shuann will happen again next year! More Shuann for everyone!
Hope you all have a blessed week! Bye for now :)
~ I do not own any Persona-related material. Any relation to real world events or persons are coincidental. This story is purely for entertainment usage only. The sol property of the Persona series and characters are respectively owned by Atlus Co., and SEGA ~