January 28th. After entering Maruki's Palace, the Phantom Thieves watch a series of videotapes. One of them gives Sumire a great deal of anxiety. Upon securing the route to the treasure, Sumire stops by Leblanc, where Ren comforts her and reassures her that he will always love her. She falls asleep, and Ren looks over a pamphlet for Destinyland.

Ren woke up with a stiff neck and throbbing pain in his back. "Agh…" He stretched his neck to counteract that pain and then felt another pressure. Sumire lightly snored, resting on his chest.

"I must be… a pretty good pillow."

Ren gently pat her head, before the potential ramifications of this scene crossed his mind. Sumire never went back home last night! What will her parents think? Did she tell them she was going to visit her boyfriend? The fact that she didn't go home makes it more scandalous! What will Sojiro think when I come downstairs with my girlfriend? We still have school!

Ren attempted to lean up and roused Sumire from his slumber.

"Feather Hawk, fly with me!" she mumbled while slowly opening her eyes.

She leaned up and took in her surroundings, and looked directly at Ren.

"S-senpai!? Why was I asleep with y-y-you? O-on the same couch?"

"You fell asleep after we talked last night," Ren attempted to mimic the technique Sumire had utilized the last time he strained his neck on the couch.

"O-oh, right. Ah! I have to call my dad! He must be so worried!"

Sumire pulled out her phone and called her father.

"Hello dad! Yes, I'm fine. I-I fell asleep at my boyfriend's… Yes! It's Ren-senpai! You two met on New Years, the one I… always talk about! I'm so sorry for worrying you! I'm so ashamed… It's okay? When you were his age? Mom? Thank you so much again! I have to get ready for school! Yes I have my uniform! Goodbye, love you dad!"

"You brought your uniform with you? Wait… were you planning to stay?"

Sumire's face turned crimson, and she quickly turned around and walked to her bag.

"S-s-senpai, could you go downstairs and inform Boss-san about well... This?"

Ren smiled. She really was shy, timid and aggressive all at once. It made his heart beat faster than any form of adrenaline from a fight. Taking on the God of Control, fighting Lavenza… the surge of energy he felt from fighting didn't hold a candle to how Sumire made him feel.

"Sure. It'll be fine, promise."

Morgana meowed a laugh.

"Watching you two is hilarious! We're ready to take on Maruki, so relax for the next couple of days."

"Got it." Ren calmly walked down the stairs. What was the worst Sojiro would do? Chastise him for having a girl over?

"Morning, kid. Did I hear a girl's voice a second ago?" Sojiro curiously remarked as Ren set foot on the ground floor of Leblanc. What's the worst that could happen?

"Haha, yeah. I invited Sumire over last night, and we ended up falling asleep. We were doing Phantom Thief stuff, y'know?"

Sojiro chuckled and started to pour two cups of coffee.

"You really stole her heart, huh kid? That's your slogan, right? I gotta say, I'm proud. Seems my charm rubbed off on you, even just a little bit."

Ren sat at the bar counter.

"Yeah, without your charm I wouldn't have a chance! So thank you. She loves my cooking and my coffee, too."

"Ha! Of course she does. If this curry could charm Wakaba, it can charm any girl. It's Saturday, so you two still have school, right? You should hurry up and eat."

After another minute, Sumire came downstairs, dressed in her winter uniform. Her hair fell loose against her back, and the black-framed glasses Ren adored sat on her nose. She sat next to him.

"Good morning, Boss-san. My apologies for intruding," Sumire bowed.

"It's no big deal. I'm proud to take care of this troublemaker, given he charmed a girl like you."

Sumire kept her smile, but frowned at the same time.

"I'm really nothing special."

"You are to me," Ren wrapped his hand around her shoulder, and pulled her against him.

"Look at you two lovebirds! You really should get going, though. You don't want to get caught up in the rush."

"Right. Thank you again, Boss-san," Sumire said her thanks and quickly ate one of the two plates of curry Sojiro had set before the two a few seconds ago. She downed her coffee right after.

"You really do have an amazing appetite," Sojiro chuckled again.

"I have to make sure I eat plenty of food to get all of the necessary nutrients for my training. Your curry is filled with plenty of beneficial ingredients. Thank you for teaching Ren-senpai how to make it." Sumire replied, setting the cup down.

"It was the least I could do after all the help he's given me. Now, you should go get changed." He looked at Ren, who was wearing his casual outfit.

"Right. I'll be right back."

Ren stood up and ran upstairs. As he looked around, the thought that Sumire had changed in here not but a few minutes before made his heart race. He lightly slapped his cheeks and changed into his winter uniform. Morgana hopped in his bag, and Ren threw it over his shoulder, running back downstairs.

"Alright. We should get going. Thank you, Sojiro."

"Don't mention it, really."

Ren and Sumire exited Leblanc and went to school.

As they stood at the gate, Ren looked at her.

"There's somewhere I want to take you today. It'll help us relax."

Sumire beamed a smile. "After practice! Which, if you wouldn't mind going with me…"

Ren excitedly shook his head. "Of course."

They kissed and entered the building, going to their respective classrooms.

The school day passed uneventfully. The couple met at the school gate again and went to Sumire's practice. Inspired by their dance in Mementos, Sumire asked Coach Hiraguchi if she could practice a duet.

"Considering how well you perform with him just watching you, I can only imagine what you could pull off together. He managed to make it through my training fine, so you can take a shot at it."

"Thank you so much, Coach!"

Sumire held out her hand, and Ren wrapped his arm around her own. They began a slow dance, their feet flowing around one another smoothly. He spun her around, holding her arm up, and for the last move, Ren lifted her up and she wrapped her arms around his neck. The two held each other for a minute, and they heard the snap of a camera.

"Very impressive, you two. I'll send you the picture, Sumire. That's enough for today."

Ren set Sumire down.

"Thank you, Coach!"

"Thanks!"

The two went to bow and bumped heads, still facing each other.
Two "Ow."'s escaped their mouths. Hiraguchi laughed.

"You two really are cute together."

"Ah…" Sumire blushed. "I've never danced so well before," Ren replied and collected himself. "Sumire, would you like to go to Inokashira Park?"

Sumire smiled and nodded. "Yes! We can wind down and relax!"

"Have fun you two~" Hiraguchi bid them farewell and left.

Sumire and Ren changed in their respective locker rooms and took the train to Inokashira Park.

As the two entered the park grounds, they took a breath of fresh air.

"Ahhhh. It's good to get some fresh air," Ren sighed in relief. "Would you like to go out to the lake, Sumire?"

"That sounds nice, Ren-senpai. Boats are really great for balance training, and I like them. Let's go!" Sumire rubbed her gloved hands together and held one out toward Ren. He took it.

"Will we be able to catch fish?" Morgana excitedly grumbled, popping out of Ren's bag.
"No."

"Man….."

"You sound like Ryuji, Morgana."

"What, no! Why would I want to be anything like that blonde monkey?"

"Hmmmm, I dunno…"

"Hmph. I'll just take a nap, then."

"A cat nap, Morgana-senpai?" Sumire asked.

"No! Wait, yes? I don't know anymore… just go have fun," Morgana sunk back into Ren's bag.

Ren and Sumire walked to the lake and began to look for any sort of rowing boat.

"Ah, Ren-senpai! Can we go in that one?" Sumire pointed at a stark white boat shaped like a swan. Ren remembered the gift Iwai had given him when he hung out with him here.

"A swan boat, huh? Sounds fun."

The two walked up to the boat and Ren stepped in first. He reached out his hand.
"My lady, if you would."

"Why, thank you, my gentleman thief!" Sumire took it and Ren slowly helped her onto the swan boat. They sat down, and Ren took hold of the oars. He rowed out slowly until they were in the center of the lake. Ren stretched his arms as he set down the oars, and looked at Sumire.

She glanced around, taking in the natural beauty. Trees surrounded the lake, making it appear as though they were far from the reaches of the bustling Tokyo streets.

"To be honest, I was pretty scared to get in the boat… but now that I'm here, it's actually pretty fun."

"Did I help?" Ren asked in a proud, snarky tone.

"Holding your hand washes any worries I have away, Ren-senpai. Feeling your hand, and knowing you're at my side… it's everything to me."

"That's how I feel."

"You're really great at rowing, you know. We were moving so smoothly… I was so surprised."

"I did my worst, I tried my best. Now, I rest."

"Oh, have you been practicing!? I guess I should expect nothing less, Ren-senpai. Even being on the water feels nice… it's like all my troubles can't reach me here. Can we stay here a bit longer? Just sitting on a lake with my boyfriend talking is enough to make me happy."

"Wouldn't trade this moment for the world."

The couple made small talk until Ren found his moment to strike.

"So, do you have practice tomorrow?" Ren quizzingly asked, resting his chin on a hand, a smirk on his face.

"I don't. I'm usually off on Sundays," she began to stroke her hair, a smile on her face, "I assume you want to go somewhere with me?"

"I'd spend every second I breath with you if I could, but yes."

"Good. That's how I feel. So where would we go?"

"Destinyland," he answered with his Joker-esque smile.

"Oh! Sumire happily clapped her hands. "I want to go on the thrill rides! I think I'll be okay if I'm with you, Ren-senpai…"

Ren thought of Sumire clinging to him as they flew down a rollercoaster. He smiled, and grinned again.

"I hear they're having a special Featherman live performance, too."

Sumire bounced up and down in her seat, starry-eyed.

"Really? A live performance? Can we go see it?"

"Of course."

"I want to meet Feather Hawk… but don't worry, you'll always be my Hawk."
"And you'll always be my Dove."

"A dove as pure as the driven snow."

"Snow again…" Sumire looked up and saw snowflakes lightly falling. They landed and rested on the lake.

"It's so pretty…" she watched, wide-eyed.

"Not as pretty as you~" he snapped his fingers, winked, and smirked all at once. Sumire blushed.

"You always steal my heart, Ren-senpai."

"I am a gentleman thief."

Sumire giggled. "We should head back. It's getting late."

"If we don't head back soon we might just need to huddle together for warmth!" Ren slowly leaned forward.

Sumire pressed her head against his. "I wouldn't mind that, but I don't want you getting a cold."

"True. I wouldn't want you to get one, either."

The two rested their heads against one another for another minute, letting the snow slowly fall on their heads. Ren picked up the oars and rowed back.

"Would you… want to stay at my place again?" Ren asked as he lifted Sumire from the swan boat. Ren felt Sumire's hand get warmer as her whole body turned red, mostly her face.

"I-I-uh-I…" her whole body trembled.

"You did bring your clothes last time," he teased.

"T-t-that's… um… that's because we just got out of the Metaverse…"

This never will get old, Ren thought to himself.

"Sure, but would you?"

Sumire's face was redder than her hair.

She stroked her hair and hid her mouth behind it, holding her hands up.

"I-I will."

Ren leaned in closer. "I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you."

"I will!" Her heart was ready to burst. Ren hugged her.

"Thank you."

Her heart exploded, metaphorically. They walked back to the station.

"I'll head home and ask my parents. They should be fine with it, considering they let me yesterday."

"Alright. I'll be ready."

They boarded the train and left.

Ren greeted Sojiro, changed into his barista outfit, and made some coffee and curry.

"So, I'm having Sumire over again."

"Oh?" Sojiro looked with a curious grin. "Well look at you. I really am rubbing off on you. I'll head home, then."

"Thanks."

"I'm happy you two can relax a bit," Morgana commented, sitting on a bar chair. "Considering the distortion of Maruki's Palace, and the fact that he has a Persona… if we can't talk this out, which we likely won't be able to, you will need to be as mentally and physically prepared as possible to take him on."

Ren set down his cup, his eyes locked on the swirling coffee.

"I know. Sumire is the only thing keeping me calm. To be honest, sometimes I do want to act like Akechi. I think about what will happen if I fail… and I want to go ballistic. I understand why Akechi goes all out in Palaces. I appreciate Maruki, and understand where he's coming from, but this isn't right. His Garden of Eden practically confirms he's lost it. He never moved past Rumi. I feel terrible for him, but at the same time, I want to punch him in the face."

He sighed.

"Thank you for letting me get this off my chest. I don't want to discuss it with Sumire. She's already had to go through so much."

"This is nothing, considering all you've done for me. I'll listen to anything you need to say."

Morgana was determined, a fierce look in his beady little eyes.

"The warmth of her hand and her smile… I'll be fine. I don't want to lose that."

"Hold onto those feelings. Those are real."

"Yeah…"

The bell chimed as the door slowly opened. Sumire walked in, wearing her blue dress.

"Hello, Ren-senpai, Morgana-senpai."

"Hi. Want some curry?"

"Hello Sumire." Morgana waved a paw.

"That sounds good, yes." Sumire sat down next to Morgana. "You eat curry every day, right Ren-senpai? Does it ever get bland?"

Ren chuckled "Surprisingly, no. When combined with the coffee it always manages to blow me away. Of course, sometimes I make it sweeter, or spicier, or add some secret ingredient. I always get a kick out of watching the others try my recipes."

"Boss-san must be proud."

"I think he is. He doesn't show appreciation much, but he's a big softie."

Sumire took a spoonful of curry and ate it.

"This is… chocolate!?" her eyes widened in delight.

"That's right. Of all the secret ingredients, that one is one of the hardest to guess. Good job." Ren mimicked Sojiro's movements and voice.

"I see. I've been cooking a lot more, and I often use little chunks of chocolate in my one dessert I treat myself to once a week."

"Once a week? Man, Ann would have a heart attack if she heard you say that."

"Does Ann-senpai like sweets?"

"She loves them! Practically can't go a day without 'em!"

"Wow. She manages to keep her amazing figure in spite of that. She'd be a great performer."

"Ann has her own way of performing. A bit different from yours, but I digress. You two would be good friends."

"I'd love to spend some more time with her!"

Sumire finished her meal and the two went upstairs.

"Hold on, shouldn't we slip into something more comfortable?" Ren stopped in his tracks as he reached the top step, Sumire already in the room.

"Oh, right… Ren-senpai, would you mind going back down while I changed?"

"Not at all." Ren walked back down the stairs hurriedly. His mind started racing. What kind of pajamas does Sumire wear? Considering the stunt she pulled last night, what if she brought something crazy? What if Futaba recommended her something absurd? She wouldn't wear it, she's too modest, right? Don't overthink this, Ren!

"I'm ready." Ren heard Sumire's voice embarrassingly whisper from the staircase.

"Alright."

Ren walked back up the stairs and saw Sumire sitting on his bed, neatly folding her coat. She placed it on top of the rest of her clothes, all neatly folded in front of the bed.

She was still wearing her glasses, and she wore a black tank top alongside red pajama pants.

Ren let out an audible "Phew."

Sumire nervously stroked her hair. "Um… I'll go downstairs while you change."

"You look cute," Ren managed to say, his heart threatened to break his sternum.

"These are my normal pajama clothes… plain… like me…"

Ren took Sumire's hand as she walked past him.

"You're not plain. Far from it. You're the future gymnast world champion and my girlfriend."

Sumire slowly turned and looked at him, a warm smile growing on her face.

"You're right… I'm sorry that I keep saying things like that."

"I'm going to make you love yourself as much as I love you. And let me say, that's a whole lot, so I hope you're ready."

Sumire's face went red.

"I-I want to love myself as much as I love you. I want to be the Sumire that Kasumi was proud of."

"I'm holding you to it, as long as it takes."

"Yes… um…I'll be going down now."

Ren let go of her hand, and she went downstairs. He then changed into his casual nightwear, a long-sleeved black shirt and dark-green pajama pants.

"Alright, I'm ready."

Sumire walked back upstairs, carrying Morgana.

"Let's sit by the heater for a minute."

Sumire and Ren crouched down next to one another, holding their hands in front of the heater. Their arms pressed against one another, and they remained quiet for a few minutes.

"Oh… um… I'll sleep on the couch," Ren broke the silence.

Sumire turned her head and looked up at him. Even crouching, he held a considerable height over her.

"I… um… I wanted to sleep… with… you… ah…" Sumire tried to speak quickly but only found herself losing her own words as she realized what she was saying. Her face was as hot as the heater.

Ren was shocked. They had cuddled on the couch, and slept there, accidentally… but willingly? That was a whole other section of Mementos.

"Oh… um… okay…" Ren turned just as red as her. "Let's get situated, then." They stood up, walked over to the bed, and sat next to one another.

"Would you want to be on the inside or outside?" Ren asked, fidgeting nervously.

"I-inside…" she muttered in reply.

Sumire climbed onto the bed and laid down. Ren adjusted himself and laid next to her. At the same time, they each moved a hand to one another's glasses and took them off.

"We had the same idea, huh?" Sumire giggled. "I feel like I could get lost in your eyes…"

"I'm already lost in yours," Ren replied with a smirk. "Let's get a lot of rest. We're going to be running around a park all day tomorrow."

"Yeah, you should get some sleep!" Morgana meowed, sitting next to them.

"Right… um… goodnight, Ren-senpai."

"Goodnight."

The couple laid in anxious silence, their rapidly beating hearts keeping them from actually falling asleep. Eventually, sleep found them as they held hands, their bodies firmly clung together for warmth.

Sumire woke up more rested and satisfied than she could ever recall having been in her life. She leaned up and rubbed her eyes. The sun had risen, and she could smell coffee.

"So this is what Ren-senpai wakes up to every day…" she spoke to herself.

As she finished talking to herself, Ren opened his eyes and sat up.

"Ah, good morning Sumi-" as he looked at Sumire, he saw that her right shoulder strap had barely slid off. He quickly turned away.

"Good morning, Ren-senpai. What's wrong?" she leaned around him on the bed, making the situation worse.

"Sh-sh-" Ren closed his eyes and pointed at his own shoulder.

"Ah!" Sumire felt her whole body go volcanic as she looked down.

"Imsosorry!" She quickly adjusted her strap and hid beneath the blankets.

"It's fine... " Ren whimpered, his heart racing. He let out a deep breath in an attempt to stop his intense heartbeat. His whole face was warm, red, and tingling. "I'll uh… go make breakfast curry…"

Sumire, barely audible, managed to whisper, "Okay."

Ren quickly leaped out of the bed and practically sprinted downstairs.

"Woah, hey there. Slow down, kid. Did you have an "eventful" evening?" Sojiro smirked, detecting Ren was embarrassed out of his mind.

"W-we didn't do anything like that! That was just a new experience and- wait no not like that!"

"I'm only messing with you. You really do remind me of my old self." Sojiro chuckled and began pouring two cups of coffee. After a few minutes, Sumire came downstairs wearing her blue dress and red winter coat. A plaid green ribbon was tied in a bow at the end of her hair.

"Good morning, Boss-san. Apologies for intruding, again."

"It's no big deal, really. I've had plenty of stragglers stay here before."

"Thank you for the food."

"Yeesh, you're more polite than the fluffy-haired one… oh, right. Where's the cat? I got food for him too."

"I'm right here, Chief!" Morgana yelled as he jumped to a seat.

"Ah. Here you go." Sojiro set down a small plate with cat food on it, and then prepared two plates of curry.

"I assume that since you had her come over you're doing something special today? A date?"

"We're going to Destinyland, in Maihama."

"Well, don't let me stand in your way."

The couple ate their breakfast and set off for Destinyland. Ren paid for the admission, and the two entered the medieval-style entrance, the gate opened. As they walked in, they blinked and saw a tall castle, the roof painted purple. Crowds of people strolled through the park. They saw a Ferris Wheel, a few rollercoasters, a small railroad, a large pirate ship, a western-style shooting gallery, a theater, a haunted mansion, the Featherman exhibit, and a sign for "Cinderella's Masquerade."

"There are so many exhibits… which one do you want to go to first, Ren-senpai?"

'Hmmm… well, first off…" Ren led Sumire to a small shop that held headbands with fake sets of animal ears.

"Pick one," Ren gestured to the wall holding the sets.

"Oh, um… okay…" Sumire walked up and debilitated, after a minute, she put on a pair of fake, red bunny ears. She reached up on her tip-toes and placed a pair of black cat ears on Ren's head.

"There!"

"You look adorable."

"And you look like a mischievous cat."
"That's Morgana, though.

"You two are a lot alike. It's cute."

"Heh. Alright, so, I remember you mentioned thrill rides?"

"Yes! I've always wanted to go on a rollercoaster."

"Well, we should go then." Ren gestured her toward the rollercoaster, called "Robin Hood's grand escape."

The two stepped into the seat and latched in. From what Ren could remember, it would start slow, slowly go up, and the-

The ride had started while he thought about the course, and the next thing he knew he felt Sumire clinging to him, her face pressed against his as she screamed, flying down the rollercoaster at a sharp 50-degree angle.

"Ren-senpaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!"

They continued to fly across the tracks, and after a few more exhilarating seconds, the coaster came to a stop.

"Good thing… I left Morgana with Futaba…" Ren panted after stepping off. "You alright, Sumire?"

"That was amazing! It felt like being on the grappling hook with you!"

"Hehe, yeah it did. Let's see if it got our picture."

The couple approached the photo machine and saw a picture of themselves. Ren held his arms against the seat latch, stretched back as the wind straightened his hair for him. Sumire was clung to him, her glasses lopsided as she pressed her face against his.

"I'd like to get this printed, please," Ren requested, looking at the attendant.

"Of course."

"I'm going to show everyone this!"

"I think… the ride was an excuse to cling to you… Ren-senpai."

"I see this as an absolute win. Now, I saw a sign regarding Cinderella's Masquerade… let's go there next."

Sumire closed her eyes and smiled. "Okay!"

Ren and Sumire walked to the exhibit. As they entered, the lights dimmed, and a play began.

A young, soot and cinder coated woman in rags sat curled up next to a fireplace. She was surrounded by various tools and bits of clothing. Two women walked in and began scolding her.

"Well if it isn't Cinderella! Why don't you stop slacking off and start contributing around here?"

"You're putting us to shame, walking around in those dirty rags all day. Maybe we should take those, and leave you with nothing!"

"I'm sorry, my sisters. You're infinitely more wise and compassionate than I am…" A melancholy voice, barely audible, emerged from Cinderella.

"Not that it matters to you, but the Prince is inviting all the women in the land to a ball, where he'll choose a wife."

"How will he possibly pick between the two of us?" The other sister laughed, and they left the room. A curtain covered the stage for a moment, and the scene transitioned

Cinderella stood in a fine, white room, trying to talk to the sisters, who were looking through dresses.

"Please, allow me to attend!"

"Maids are not invited! Get back to work!" One sister slapped her cheek, and they walked out of the room, their dresses chosen.

"Why…?" Cinderella screamed in despair.

"Worry not, my child," an older woman with a wand spoke.

"W-who…?" Cinderella turned to her, tears streaming down her face.

"I am your Fairy Godmother. You will attend the ball, and you will win the Prince over." She waved her wand, and suddenly Cinderella's rags transformed into a beautiful gown. Her hair was tied into a neat bun, and two glass slippers adorned her feet. The Fairy Godmother led her outside, where a carriage awaited.

"You have until midnight before the spell wears off. Now, go."

Cinderella stepped into the carriage and went to the ball. The scene transitioned again. Cinderella stepped out of the carriage, and found everyone locking their eyes on her. Even the sisters, who did not recognize her. The Prince was enthralled by her, and the two danced at the ball. She left before midnight, remembering her Godmother's warning. After another scene transition, the next day, Cinderella went again. This time, she became so enthralled with the Prince, a black-haired man, that she lost track of time. She ran out as the clock struck midnight, losing a glass slipper. Her other one remained on as her clothes went back to being rags. The Prince ran after her, but only saw a soot-coated girl outside.

Cinderella did not face him and ran off into the night.

A few days later, Cinderella heard rumors of the Prince wandering the land, attempting to fit the slipper on every girl he met. Eventually, he appeared at her step-families home.

"Miss… would you please try this glass slipper on?"

"I…"

"Prince, I assure you that this maid is nothing but that. She couldn't possibly be the woman you're looking for," one of the sisters cut in front of her.

"Please, allow us to try," the other insisted.

The two sisters tried the slipper to no avail. Cinderella silently pulled out the one she had.

"May I?"

The sisters, defeated, allowed the Prince to put the slipper on her foot. It fit perfectly.

"I knew it," he proclaimed, "When we danced, the grace in your movements, and the kindness you showed me, I completely fell for you."

"Your own kindness and determination enthralled me, Prince."

"What is your name, Miss?"

"Ella."

The Prince and Ella kissed, and the play concluded.

Ren heard a sniffle to his right. Sumire wiped away a tear with her left hand, and he saw the heart ring again.

"Sumire?"

"T-that story is so beautiful, no matter how many times I read or see it."

"It sort of reminds me of you, Sumire."

"Really? Well, my Prince Charming did leave me a pair of glass slippers."

The two laughed and made their way out.

"Their dance together was amazing, Ren-senpai. I wish I could be like that… Sorry if I'm getting a little carried away. I don't go to places like this much… Well, now that the play is over, what should we do next?"

"A few more rides, and then we eat food."

"Oh, good idea! There are a few more rides I want to go on, and some food I need to try… Maybe you'll share something with me?" Sumire giggled and tapped her foot. "I'm so excited… let's get going, Ren-senpai!"

Ren and Sumire wandered the park and went on a few more rides. The Pirate Exhibit, "Captain Kidd's Adventures," the Western Shooting Gallery, "Arthur Morgan's Tale," the Theater, "Carmen and the Soldier," the Haunted Mansion, which was Lovecraftian-themed, "Kos's Chasm," and lastly, the Ferris Wheel. As the Ferris Wheel rotated and their carriage stopped at the peak, they ate snacks while discussing the exhibits.

"The western gallery definitely wasn't what I was expecting. I didn't know cowboy stories could be so sad," Ren commented, "but I swear I've seen the person hosting it. Chiyeehaw… huh…"

"The haunted mansion was really scary. I'm lucky nothing could scare you, Ren-senpai."

"I had a blast in there. You were holding me the entire time. Now, let's make sure we remember this trip."

Ren leaned for a kiss, which Sumire happily reciprocated. The Ferris Wheel finished its rotation, and the two began looking for a real meal.

"How'd it get so late…? Time went by so fast…" Sumire commented with a frown. "U-um, can we stay a little longer? I kind of want to see the night parade, too…"

"Of course I want to stay with you, Sumire. And don't skirt around it, the night parade is the Featherman one."

Sumire's cheeks turned a hint of red.

"Wh- I… um… me too… and that's…!"

She puffed her face at him.

"Don't worry about that. There's something else… I forgot my gloves, and it's so cold… we should hold hands."

"Don't need to ask me twice."

The two wrapped their fingers together and set off for the night parade. As the sun set, the Feathermen jumped across various parade stands that moved around the park, fireworks, and lights flashing everywhere. While Sumire was enthralled with the performance, Ren snuck off. He returned with a large bag a few minutes later, and she was none the wiser.

"Go, Feather Hawk! Gooooooooo!" she cheered, waving her hand.

The parade ended shortly after, and the Featherman cast set up a signing booth.

"Oh… Ren-senpai, I don't have anything for Feather Hawk to sign…"

Ren smirked. "Yes, you do." From the bag, he pulled out a Feather Hawk and Dove pair of costumes.

Sumire gasped. "Senpai! H-how? When?"

"Don't underestimate a Phantom Thief," he boasted.

"Umm.. okay!" The two approached the signing booth and got Feather Hawk and Dove to sign their respective costumes.

"Thank you so much! Please, keep being heroes of justice!"

"Of course, young lady."

As Ren and Sumire walked off, Ren put the costumes back in the bag.

"Frankly, I like to think I'm the real Feather Hawk. Your Feather Hawk, at least."

"You are! And I'm your Dove!"

"That's exactly it."

"Eheh… we're warming up fast… even though it's so cold. We should get going."

The couple held hands and walked back to the train station as it began to snow. They parted ways in Kichijoji as Sumire got off first. Ren returned to Leblanc and went to bed satisfied. That settled it, once and for all.