February 2nd. After their Destinyland date, Sumire and Ren doubled down on practicing together, physically and mentally preparing themselves, knowing Maruki would make a move soon. Sumire woke up on February 2nd with a chill in her spine.

As Sumire prepared herself for school, she knew that today, or tomorrow, could be her last day as herself. She knew that wouldn't be the case, it couldn't be, but that thought clung to the back of her mind. The feeling of dread and defeat weighed her down like a ton of rocks crushing her. Part of her wanted to tie her hair up and throw her glasses away right there and accept it. She performed her entire morning routine with these thoughts echoing in her mind.

The path to school was long, too long, and felt as though it went on forever. Snowflakes fell and blanketed her vision as she walked to school. The snow piled up on her shoulders, and her feet dragged through the infinitely deep path. She felt lost, cold, and alone.

Kasumi's the one they want, anyway.

All Sumire's fault!

Why can't I just leave it behind me?

Maruki's voice echoed.

I gave her strength… so she doesn't have to suffer.

Everything began to fade as doubt took over her thoughts completely. Was she really so selfish and pretentious as to try being herself? Was everything she'd done in the past few weeks with Ren just her attempt to lash out against a world that didn't want Sumire Yoshizawa?

Why? Why?

Her father's cries of anguish echoed in her mind.

What a fool she's been. A sad, deluded fool.

Sumire looked up and wanted to scream, but nothing escaped her mouth. The snow wouldn't stop.

She thought she knew herself now. She knows she does. She was Sumire Yoshizawa.
But now, she didn't even know what that meant. She felt like she was torn in two, facing Kasumi and Sumire, and couldn't piece together which she should, or even could be.

Whose dream was it? The World Stage? Maybe Dr. Maruki was right. Maybe everyone would be happy with her being Kasumi Yoshizawa.

Sumire slumped against the wall surrounding the perimeter of the school, she felt the solid grip of two hands clasping her shoulders.

"Sumire? Sumire! Hey!"

Her dull, lifeless eyes slowly opened fully as she saw Ren shaking her, tears streaking down his face.

"A-Amamiya-senpai?" she muttered, her heart screaming to be released from her chest. She wanted to run from him.

"Sumi!" he cried, "What's wrong? Please…" his voice was filled with desperation.

"I-I…" her voice cracked, "I'm sorry…"

"Sorry for what? Come on, you're going to freeze out here!" Ren picked her up and ran through the school gates, beelining straight for the nurses office. The students paid them no mind, caught up in their deluded happy fantasies.

"Why…?" Sumire mumbled.

Ren practically broke the door off of its hinges, with it sliding open with immense force. He placed her on a bed.

"Sumire," he took her hand, "Talk to me."

Sumire stared at the ceiling as her mind raced. The warmth of her hand in Ren's slowly worked its way up her arm and into her chest. Slowly, her eyes regained their life and shine. She shot up from the bed directly into Ren, who hugged her with his free arm. He ran his finger over the heart ring, holding her left hand tightly. Tears began to stream down her cheeks.

"R-Ren-senpai… I'm so sorry."

Ren moved his arm and placed a hand on her cheek, wiping a tear away. He smiled, one so genuine and heartfelt that Sumire couldn't help but feel like he was lifting the weight off her shoulders by himself.

"Sorry for what? Being Sumire? You're not a saint."

"I-I started to run away again… I kept thinking about all of the awful things… the what-ifs… I'm just… I'm so stupid."

Ren kissed her on the forehead, which sent a warm sensation through her entire body.

"So what? I'm a bigger idiot for dating you, then."

Sumire couldn't help but giggle. He wouldn't stop saving her, no matter how many times she faltered.

"Ren-senpai… thank you, again. I keep breaking our promises… but you keep pushing me forward anyway."

"I want to see you become the best Sumire Yoshizawa you can be, remember? We're just getting started. After we defeat Dr. Maruki tomorrow, we'll be free."

Sumire fully embraced Ren at this point, and he slowly ran a hand through her hair.

"Don't worry about the what-ifs, okay? If you want to talk anymore, I'm always free for you."

Sumire sniffled.

"I… there is something I want to talk about. I think you've finally helped me fully realize what that is, Ren-senpai."

She backed out of the hug and wiped her tears. "We look like a couple of fools," she giggled, both of their faces red and stained with tears.

"That's because we are, but I have faith in us fools to get through this. This fight will be nothing compared to the World Stage," Ren replied, pressing his forehead against hers.

"You're right, Ren-senpai. I have to keep my vision clear and set my eyes on the future. You showed me that. Let's meet at the school gates after classes are over."

"Sure thing."

The couple kissed one another again and went about their school day. It passed uneventfully. Sumire held onto that warm place in the back of her mind, chastising herself for having forgotten about it this morning. No matter how dark her thoughts got, or how much she wanted to hate herself, Ren would remind her that he loved her in spite of her self-hatred. She knew that one day, she would feel nothing but his love in her heart. She didn't want to let him down, or herself.

Ren barely listened to his lectures. He didn't really want to or need to. Sumire's well-being was the only thing on his mind. Trauma like that doesn't just musically disappear. It's a slow, painstaking path that a person must tread to move on with their lives. He was going to help her reach the end, and he didn't care how long it took.

As the final bells rang, Ren and Sumire walked to the entrance and met.

Sumire held her hands cupped together, strands of her hair fell in front of her glasses, her bangs unkempt compared to most days.

"Feelings better, Sumi?" Ren asked, closing the distance.

"Yes. I'm not going to falter anymore!" She beamed a smile, her cheeks slightly flushed pink. Her cheeks matched her scarf, which sat snuggly around her neck.

"You look like you rolled out of bed," Ren walked up and swept her bangs into place.

"You always look like that, Ren-senpai."

"It's my natural look!"

Sumire fidgeted in place, and her head slowly sunk into her scarf.

"Will you come?"

"Where?"

"To my place."

Oh. Ren internally screamed, panicking. She made up her mind, she said. She's inviting me to her house. We've already slept together, cuddling twice. This is it! I'm not ready!

"Sure, let's go," he replied.

"Are you okay, Ren-senpai?" Sumire puzzlingly glanced at Ren, whose face was completely red.

"Yeah," he nodded

"Let's get going, then."

Sumire and Ren locked hands and walked to the train station. They got on and went to Kichijoji.

The streets were covered in snow while Sumire eagerly led Ren through them, holding his hand tightly. He figured that she lived in Kichijoji, but he didn't know specifically where. After walking a couple of blocks down from the central hub he frequented, he found himself outside of a fine studio apartment.

"Let's head inside," Sumire commented with a smile.

The two entered the apartment, which was extremely modest in design. There was nothing outlandish or strange about it.

"My parents are still working, so it's just us right now.

Holy- Ren suddenly felt as though his heart was going to burst.

Ren and Sumire walked down a small hallway, and Ren saw two doors opened the door to her room. He could only assume the other was Kasumi's. The floor was a fine wood grain, the walls white. Her bed was placed in the corner of the room, where a large white comforter covered it. There were three pillows, one of which had a pink flower decal. Against the wall next to the bed was a white dresser with a vase of violets and a strange decoration. Next to the dresser was a header, and on the wall behind it was a large painting of pink flowers. On the left side of her room sat a large mirror and clothing stand, upon which sat her sports jacket and two hats. Next to that was a desk with various bags and purses placed neatly around it, with a small blue lamp on top.

Sumire blushed and tapped her foot against the floor.

"U-um… this is the first time I've invited a boy over to my house, my boyfriend at that… so I'm kind of nervous."

Ren nervously laughed. "I was really nervous, too. But hearing that you're nervous as well, calmed me down."

"That's good. One of us needs to be." Sumire took a deep breath, closing her eyes.

"Um… I wanted to ask you to come here today because I wanted to tell you my decision. After this morning, I'm sure of it now. You see, this is where Kasumi and I promised each other we'd be the best in the world," she briefly glanced around her room, "...Pretty much everything in here is the same as in Kasumi's bedroom. The colors are different, but not much else. That's how it always was. Kasumi kept saying we should get the same styles, the same clothes…"

"You two really did love each other. We both know you felt some negative feelings, but we all have our inner demons."

"I'm keenly aware of them now, yes. So… when I lost her, I… I just went into shock. I can talk about it now that I have some distance from it, but before, I was too…"

Sumire sighed and took another deep breath.

"I was too self-absorbed. Too selfish. I didn't even think about what Kasumi would want me to do with our dream. I just… I ran away from it all."

"I don't blame you, Sumire. After all, you've opened your eyes now."

"Honestly… in the grand scheme of things, I'm grateful to Dr. Maruki."

"Oh?" Ren rubbed his index finger and thumb between his glasses frame.

"Well, he showed me it was possible to live my life the way Kasumi lived hers."

"You definitely didn't expect he was being literal, though."

"No… I didn't. But even so, I ran away from who I really was. I did. But, if I'd kept living as Sumire… I'd probably never have talked to you. I'd still be crying every day. Becoming Kasumi helped me come into your life. And because everything happened the way it did, I found ways to go back to being Sumire, one step at a time. I think… I really needed that time I spent as my sister. That's why I'm grateful to Dr. Maruki."

"I see. I think, deep down, I always loved you. The real you that I'm talking to now. We both thought you were Kasumi, but your emotions were always your own. Through the boldness and determination, there were cracks, and as Kasumi, you relied on me to lift you back up. Whenever you faltered, that was Sumire. So… this sounds silly, but I think I've always loved you for being… you."

Sumire giggled.

"I guess you just kept saving me, Ren-senpai. I honestly lost count of the number of times."

"You've saved me more times than I can count, too. Since we both lost count, I guess we just need to keep saving each other until we can call it even?"

"Yes! That's why I have something I need to tell Dr. Maruki, too. Or rather… I want to show him that I found a way to face reality. If he sees how far I've come… I'd like to think it might give him the strength to do the same.

Ren bent down onto a knee and took her hands.

"We'll show him together. With Kasumi's boldness, your grace, and my determination and love."

"Yes! We'll show him our resolve to be the champions of our world! I'll be the strongest Sumire Yoshizawa I can be when we do!"

"And I'll be the strongest Ren Amamiya I can be. Count on it."

Ren stood back up and looked directly into Sumire's eyes. She stared back. The fire in their eyes confirmed their desire to face reality.

"Prince, will you dance with me, a poor, foolish, soot-coated maid?" Sumire asked.

"Of course, Ella."

Sumire reached over to a small music box that sat on her dresser and tapped the figure on it. As it began to play, Ren looked down and pressed his forehead against hers. They closed their eyes and began a slow dance, Ren tapping one foot around hers, and Sumire tapping one foot around his. They wordlessly danced in a circular pattern, with Ren holding his right arm outward, and Sumire her left arm. Everything around them vanished as they danced, their bodies in complete synchronization with the music. They moved with incredible grace. Within the sea of their combined souls, Satanael reached out its own hand to Vanadis, who took it. Satanael draws Arsène from Vanadis, and she returns to being Cendrillon. Satanael and Arsène look at one another.

Arsène, the gentleman thief who committed sacrilegious acts for his own justice, helping law-abiding citizens along the way, and Satanael, the being who rebelled against God for freedom, bestowing free will and chaos upon humanity; fused together. Raoul. Ren beckoned the true name of Arsène, the man of many friends, lovers, and allies.

Raoul got on one knee hand and took Cendrillon's hand. From his the cuff of his sleeve slid out a ring, which he placed on her left ring finger. As he did, her form shattered into a million pieces. She reformed, and Sumire beckoned her name. Ella. Ella wore a white wedding dress with a wreath of white flowers around her head, a long veil flowing behind her. She held a bouquet of white flowers which she tossed behind her as they began to mimic the movements of Sumire and Ren.

Sumire and Ren kissed and opened their eyes.

"This is… our power."

Sumire took a deep breath.

"Thank you so much, Ren-senpai. If I hadn't met you, I'd never have found the strength to face myself. We'll continue to count on each other. That way, neither of us will lose ourselves. Never again."

"Never again," Ren repeated. "We'll take the World Stage and become the champions of our own world."

Sumire giggled.
"I can't wait to see where it takes us. I love you, Ren, with all my heart.

"I love you, Sumire, with all of mine."

The couple held one another for a long while.

"Let's make one more promise," Ren broke the silence, "to not cry if anything goes south."

Sumire's face went grim, but she looked at him seriously.

"It won't go that way. I promise you that."

Her tone was bold, and Ren could feel the weight behind her words.

"I promise, too."

The couple held each other for another moment.

"It's time," Sumire stated.

"It's time?" Ren asked.

"You have something else you need to do, right? I've been selfish enough today, keeping you for so long. I believe in you, Ren-senpai."

"Right… Dr. Maruki…"

"Take this with you."

Sumire untied the ribbon at the bottom of her hair and gave it to Ren.

"Show this to Dr. Maruki."

Ren nodded in understanding.

"Got it."

Snow continued to fall as Ren exited Sumire's apartment. He went to the Kichijoji station and returned to Yongen-Jaya.

"Ah, you're back," Sojiro commented as Ren entered Leblanc, "Well, I know it's a bit early, but I think I'm gonna close up shop for the day."

Ren looked at him quizzingly while Sojiro continued.

"We were so busy today, I ran out of all my ingredients. I don't even remember the last time that happened. Weird, huh? Anyway, don't forget to lock up."

Sojiro threw his coat over his shoulders, put on his fedora, and left.

Maruki… Ren thought to himself while walking upstairs. After taking off his coat, he sat on his couch alongside Morgana and pulled out his phone and began texting the group. After a brief text discussion, the group agreed that only Ren could speak to him. Seconds after Ren put his phone away, it buzzed. He quickly pulled it out of his pocket and answered.

"My apologies for calling so late. This is Maruki, by the way. I'm actually rather close by… Would you mind lending me an ear? There's something important we need to talk about… And, if you do intend to confront me, I believe there's something you have to give me first."

Ren gritted his teeth.

"You're absolutely right. I'm ready."

"Thank you. I'll be at the cafe shortly." Maruki hung up the phone.

"I caught all of that," Morgana stated, looking up at Ren, "Just as we suspected, he knew he'd have to get a calling card." His ears drooped. "I have no clue how this meeting is going to go down… hey, ah.. Ren… Just make sure you keep your guard up, okay?"

"I know. Thanks for having my back, Morgana."

Ren, holding Sumire's ribbon in one pocket and the calling card in the other; made his way downstairs. He silently prepared two cups of coffee. After a few minutes, the doorbell chimed, and Maruki walked in, wearing his casual brown jacket and black pants.

"Take a seat."

"Thank you."

Ren and Maruki sat down as the snow fell.

"Sorry for the last-minute visit. How's Yoshizawa-san holding up? I've been concerned about a potential relapse, considering her difficulties with accepting this reality."

Ren chuckled loudly and set down his cup.

"She's doing great. In fact, we're dating."

Ren's eyes narrowed as he stared Maruki down.

"She's accepted herself as Sumire, and we've promised to win the Olympics and become world champions. Speaking of relapses, she had one this morning, but we got through it, and we're closer than ever before."

Ren pulled out "Kasumi's" signature red ribbon and placed it on the table.

Maruki kept his poker face, but his eyebrow slightly furrowed.

"I see… No. That's wonderful news. Congratulations."

He relaxed his face completely.

"So… Getting down to business… I wanted to confirm with you one last time: is there no other way to come to an agreement besides fighting?"

Ren crossed his arms.

"No deal. In the past month alone I've seen way more wrong things about your "perfect" reality than I've seen right. What's the point of being happy if you don't earn that happiness?"

Maruki lowered his head, a sad expression encompassing his face. His body slouched every-so-slightly.

"The reality I created may seem distorted from your point-of-view… But it's a reality where everyone is happy. They won't need to strive for greatness or happiness, because they'll be forever free in my reality. If you just stay, you'll never have to suffer the pain of loss, or the pain from having people and things stolen away from you!"

Ren leaned forward.

"Like with you and Rumi?"

Maruki's expression changed to one of shock, his eyes widening. It quickly became sad and somber again.

"So… You saw what happened with Rumi. I'm not the one who suffered-she is… But she's still living a wonderful life right now… In this world you call a "distorted reality."

"But she still doesn't remember you, right? And you're fine with that?" Morgana piped up, his ears sunk.

"She may not be in my life anymore, but at least her own life is a happy one now. I'm not just doing this for Rumi-I want all of you to live just as happily as she is… But for Rumi's happiness to last, I have to move on. After all that's happened to her-to me-I just can't drag her into it."

"Doc…" Morgana sighed in a disappointed tone.

"...are you sure that'd be what she wants, though? Her fake happiness? Haven't you considered the chance of getting to know her again? Starting over?

Maruki went wide-eyed again, but his eyes briefly, barely for a second, flashed yellow, and he regained his composure.

"My stance will not change. Strange circumstances have led to my gaining this power-however, I now recognize it as being wholly inevitable. This is something only I am capable of doing. I promise: every person alive will be happy in the world I create… So, let me ask you the same: after really considering every option, do you have any doubts about your views?"

Ren cocked his head in confusion.

"Doubts? And by the way you said your… it sounded distant? What's the deal here?"

Maruki turned and looked toward the Leblanc entrance.

"I suppose it's more accurate to ask, "Do you two gentlemen have any doubts?" You're here, aren't you… Akechi-kun."

The doorbell chimed and Akechi walked in.

Ren's eyes widened, even more confused. Morgana jumped up.

"Akechi…"

In his passive-aggressive yet nonchalant voice, Akechi spoke.

"...You caught me."

"Oh, it was just a hunch," Maruki tapped his saucer, "This issue doesn't only affect you, Ren-kun… Akechi-kun, this involves you, too."

Ren quickly glanced between the two of them.

"What do you mean? Akechi's involved too? Wait…"

My cold, dead heart.

Akechi gazed off and grunted.

"What do these two have to do with…?" Morgana thought out loud.

Maruki leaned forward.

"The relationship you two share is very unusual… A detective and a phantom thief. Despite being enemies, your relationship isn't based on hatred or ill will… That's why I found it so tragic when I learned what happened in Shido's Palace… Say, Ren-kun… Didn't you regret how things ended with him? You two came to a deep understanding of one another… yet you had no choice but to leave Akechi-kun to his fate. That's why I created a reality where you two could have a fresh start together."

The lightbulb in Ren's head practically exploded from shock.

"That would mean the Akechi in the real world is…" Morgana exclaimed.

"Get what I'm saying?" Maruki leaned back.

"The Akechi before me was like Wakaba and Okumura… which means…" Ren regretfully stated between gritted teeth.

"I genuinely didn't want to tell you like this. I didn't want to make it seem like I'm holding him hostage… But no matter what you may think of me, I just want you all to accept this reality and move on with your happy lives."

Akechi glared daggers at Maruki.

"...And that matters, how, exactly? Don't tell me you think dangling my life before us is going to have any impact on our decision."

Ren laughed, half in sadness and half expectedly.

"You knew this whole time, Akechi."

Akechi turned to Ren.

"Well, I lacked conclusive evidence… But after I fought against you all, I had a gap in my memory that ended with meeting up with Ren again. There were also the cases of Wakaba Isshiki and President Okumura which you also realized… Of course I'd find all of that suspicious too."

"I see. I had a feeling telling the truth of the matter still wouldn't dissuade you, Akechi-kun…"

Maruki looked away from Ren and toward Akechi with a sad expression.

"'You think dangling my life before us is going to affect our decision'" That's what Akechi -kun said a moment ago. If that's how you see it at this point, I'm fine with it…"

He turned to face Ren again with a smile.

"But I'm still going to ask you, one last time: Will you accept the reality I create for you? You were the guiding light to my research. You showed me the way so I could make my dream into reality. I have nothing but gratitude for you-not a single ounce of ill will. That's why I wanted you of all people to understand…"

Ren lowered his head slightly, his hands digging into his legs under the table. Maruki stood up.

"Perhaps I shouldn't ask you for an answer on the spot like that. I'll be going now."

Ren looked at the ribbon sitting on the table and regained his composure. He reached his hand into his pocket.

"You forgot this." with the flick of his wrist he tossed the calling card to Maruki. It slid across the table and into his waiting hand. Maruki's expression remained a smile.

"Ah, that's right. I've heard your calling."

He put the calling card in his pocket, and the three felt Maruki's presence become more tense, though his face remained smiling.

Maruki walked past Akechi and turned his head.

"And, about my question-let's do this… I'll be waiting in the Palace tomorrow, just as I promised. If you still haven't changed your mind by then, we'll meet there. But, if you don't show, I'll take that to mean you've accepted my reality. See you." He turned his head and exited Leblanc.

"...What are you gonna do?" Morgana worriedly asked Ren.

"Hmph. I'd like to speak with Ren" Akechi looked down at Morgana, his face stone-cold.

"Akechi… gotcha. I'll leave the decision up to you, Ren-let me know when you've reached an answer"

Morgana jumped from the seat and made his way upstairs, with Ren's assistance. Ren walked up to Akechi and put his hands in his pockets. Akechi looked directly at Ren, his own fire burning in his eyes. The rest of his face was calm, yet he spoke with an utterly serious tone.

"...I will carve my own path for myself. I refuse to accept a reality concocted by someone else, stuck under their control for the rest of my days."

Ren remained silent, biting his lip.

"All you have to do is stick to your guns and challenge Maruki." Akechi's tone grew resentful, his eye twitching.

"Or are you really so spineless that you'd fold over some bullshit, trivial threat on my life?"

Ren tensed up and hardened his expression. He stared directly into Akechi's soul

Why did Maruki allow Ren to choose? It was simple, Ren thought to himself. Maruki trusted him to make the right choice. Without him, Maruki wouldn't have gotten to this point. He trusted me to choose between the ideal reality and the original, "cruel" reality. Which one was better?

In the ideal reality, Futaba lived happily with her family. Morgana and Ren, her quirky brothers, Sojiro her pseudo-father and Wakaba, her mother. Ann was happily enjoying her life with Shiho, who never was abused by Kamoshida and attempted suicide. Makoto lived happily with her sister and father, who was a crime-fighting cop that had a soft side for his daughters. Ryuji was just an acquaintance of Ren, a track star who supported his mother and had a ton of friends. Yusuke happily painted under the tutelage of his Sensei, Madarame, who was a kind and caring father-figure. Haru was learning how to run a business under her father, President Kunikazu Okumura, who was alive and well. Akechi was a detective prince, my rival, and best friend. And Sumire… Sumire was an unstoppable force, moving ever-forward toward her goal of being a world-class gymnast, defined by her boldness as "Kasumi Yoshizawa."

I'd probably be a renowned student who was popular with everyone. But… I don't even know what I would want my happiness to be. Ren realized that he wouldn't be able to find happiness in Maruki's reality. His happiness was embodied by Sumire Yoshizawa. All of her flaws, her imperfections, her smile, her laugh, her clinginess to him, and her own desire to take care of him more than he could take care of himself. He already knew his answer, and he had already heard his friends resolve.

Ren loosened the grip he held his fist in, and calmly looked at Akechi.

"I won't fold."

Akechi smirked, as if he already knew the answer.

"Then you already know what needs to be done… I want to hear you say it aloud. What do you intend to do?"

If we fight against Maruki and win, we'll return to our original reality… But Akechi will remain dead. Ren looked toward the ribbon again.

"I won't wait a moment longer," Akechi growled at him, a displeased look on his face, "Make a decision."

Ren took a deep breath, his mind made up.

"We're stopping Maruki."

Akechi grinned, the tension in his face loosening.

"All right. I'm relieved to hear it. I will never accept this form of reality. I'm done being manipulated. Let's go back… to our true reality."

Ren and Akechi closed their eyes, and they felt the inner seas of their souls connect. Robin Hood and Loki fused together to reveal Robin Hood for who he was. Hereward.

"This is great… I feel so alive! I'll sow chaos as far as the eye can see!" Akechi laughed, and then turned his back to Ren, preparing to leave.

With his stoic expression, he spoke again.

"What's a life worth in a reality that was cooked up just to satisfy someone else? I say none. We have to win this-no matter what."

Akechi walked out, leaving Ren alone in the empty, silent cafe. He sat back down in the booth and finished his coffee. There was no going back. Despite that, he felt at peace with himself. Ren went upstairs and sat on his bed, where Morgana waited.

"So… how'd it go?" Morgana asked.

"Akechi and I agreed. We're not taking the deal."

"Good," Morgana replied, satisfaction in his voice.

"All of you chose to face reality with me. I'd be throwing everything away if I accepted his reality. All of our growth would mean nothing. Especially Sumire's," Ren's expression was still calm.

"I'm glad you held onto your feelings, Ren. I don't mind being a cat if you don't mind it."

"Oh I much prefer it!" Ren and Morgana laughed together.

"I'm going to call Sumire."

Sumire stood in front of her mirror in her pajama pants and black tank top. She thought about how she had slept in the same bed as Ren, and heard her phone buzz.

"Ah, Ren-senpai! Um… how did it go?"

"We're going to take back our futures, together."

Sumire felt a wave of relief wash over her.

"Thank you, Ren-senpai."

"No, thank you, Sumire. You're the one who helped me finalize my decision. I can't imagine being happy without you."

Sumire smiled.

"I feel the same way, Ren-senpai. We should get plenty of rest. I doubt what we do tomorrow is going to be easy."

"You're right. I wish you were here, by my side."

"So do I, Ren-senpai. But, once this is over, we could do all that we want."

Ren and Sumire laughed.

"Yeah. We can. Goodnight, Violet Dove."

"Goodnight, Joker Hawk."

The two laughed again and hung up their phones. Ren laid down and closed his eyes, imagining Sumire by his side.