Ren furrowed his brow, squinted his eyes and intensely rubbed his chin, deep in thought. "I wouldn't embarrass my girlfriend on her birthday, would I?" Not a single noise could be heard as Ren focused intensely. Morgana didn't even say a word. He just stared, baffled that Ren was thinking so hard about this. Ren focused, images of Sumire's red face overtaking him. He could see her pouting and yelling "Senpai!" while stomping her foot. These are the thoughts that kept him sane while he avoided his parents.
After an intense three seconds of thought, Ren had his answer.
"Oh what am I saying, of course I will!"
"You really had to think about that?" Morgana questionably replied. Ren bent down and faced the cat, eye-to-eye.
"Listen, Morgana. I missed her birthday last year and I've regretted every second of it. I want to give her the best birthday she's ever had."
Morgana swatted at Ren's hair.
"But you were thinking about what you'd get from her birthday!"
Ren recoiled back in laughter. "You got me there!" He then sat on his bed and glanced at his room. It was small and drab. There was no room for decorations, and he didn't really have any desire to decorate it. The door was a miracle, as it gave him the ability to ignore his parents.
Ren sighed. "In a few days, after I graduate, I'll finally be free from this prison."
"Didn't you call Lebanc's attic a prison?" Morgana asked, tilting his head.
"I meant that sarcastically. This place is worse than my Velvet Room cell!" Ren sighed again. "Just a few more days…" he repeated before pulling out his phone.
"Happy Birthday, Ren-senpai!" Ren's eardrums were immediately blessed and destroyed by Sumire's booming voice through the phone.
Ren smiled and opened his window curtain. It was March 6th, 6:30 A.M. "Good morning, my love, and thank you."
"Are you having a good day?" Sumire asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
"I am now," Ren replied, imagining her face light up red at his response.
"I-I'm happy to hear that!" Sumire replied sheepishly.
"The only thing I've done today is exercise and talk to you, so I'd say I'm having a good day!" Ren stated between laughter.
"Oh… right… it is early. Um, Ren-senpai, you graduate on the 15th, right?"
"That's right. After that, I'm coming back to Shibuya. I'll finally be able to stay close to you for good!" Ren exclaimed, pumping his fist.
"That makes me happy, too. I would be able to visit Leblanc, and you and I could practice together again!" Sumire squealed.
"Who said anything about Lebanc, Sumire?"
"Wh-what do you mean, Ren-senpai?"
"I'm going to buy an apartment, and you could live with me."
"HUH?" Ren could imagine how red Sumire was as she listened to his proposition. A solid minute passed before she spoke again.
"I… mind…" Sumire whispered, with Ren barely picking up what she said. "What was that?" Ren asked in a smug tone.
"I wouldn't mind! I want to live with you!" Sumire blurted out. Ren laughed, and heard another voice from Sumire's side of the line.
"Oh? Does my little Sumi-chan want to live with her boyfriend? That's so sweet!"
"Mom! It's not like… well… it's… um…"
"Don't worry sweetie! I'll talk with your father about it! My little girl has grown so much!"
"Mom!" Sumire sighed, taking deep breaths. After a few more seconds, Ren heard his name. "Ren-senpai… I'll talk to you later. I need to clear this up…"
Ren laughed harder. "I don't think there is anything to clear up. Come this spring, you'll live with me!"
"Senpai!"
Ren could imagine Sumire pouting at him, a solid foot shorter than him, her hands clenched as she stomped her foot. It made his struggle at home worth it.
"I'm sorry, Sumi. We'll talk about it when I come back. After I graduate, I'll be staying at Leblanc for a bit. Is that alright with you?"
"That's fine…" she mumbled, still embarrassed. "Have a good day. I love you, Ren-senpai."
"I love you too, Sumire. Talk to you soon."
The two hung up their phones simultaneously. Ren turned back to Morgana. "She missed my birthday and Valentines. I'm going to miss White Day, but be there for her birthday. I bet she's planning something big, too."
Morgana laughed. "You sound like you're planning to infiltrate a palace!"
"This is more serious than a palace, Morgana." Ren replied stoically, crossing his hands over his knees.
"Uh-huh. Now, about college…" Morgana began, "Do you really want to wait a year for Sumire to begin? You'd be leaving Ann, Ryuji, and maybe even Yusuke behind."
Ren sighed deeply. "I've made up my mind, Morgana. If Sumire wants me to wait, I'll wait."
"Are you sure that's what she wants, though? She asked you that when she was pretty sick."
Ren stood up and walked to his door. "I… don't know, Morgana. I'll think about it."
Morgana sighed before standing up, stretching, and hopping into Ren's bag. Ren exited his room and began his day. As it passed, he received numerous texts from his friends and confidants, all wishing him a happy birthday. Despite living with them, he didn't see nor hear from his parents that day. He spent his birthday alone with Morgana, his conversation with Sumire being the peak of his day. Every day after that was the same. His nightly phone calls with Sumire were the best part of each day, the only part worth looking forward to. Before he knew it, it was March 15th.
Ren tugged at his undershirt. He never got used to his school's uniform. The Shujin uniform felt so much more proper. All the insanity he went through probably had to do with it. Every day in the countryside slowly ate away at his sanity. He wanted to go back to the city. Most of all, he wanted to be near Sumire again. Today was the last day of those thoughts, though.
"This will be our final mission as a duo, Morgana." Ren stated to his feline friend while stretching his neck. "It's been a very boring ride, honestly. Nothing happens here." Meowed the cat.
"I know. It's kind of unfair, considering we encountered the Metaverse in Shibuya, but even then, there was so much to do."
"I feel like there was a wider variety of fish too…" Morgana sighed.
"Let's get going." Ren swung open the door, his bag slung over his shoulder. He walked to school, his focus locked solely on his path to the school. In just a few hours, he'd be free to leave this boring country town. "How could anyone possibly have fun here? Imagine if we had awakened to our powers here, Morgana. What would Mementos look like?" Ren mindlessly rambled, distracting himself as he passed by his fellow students.
"I'm honestly not sure," Morgana replied, popping out of Ren's bag. "If we weren't in Shibuya… I have no clue how we would have done what we did. No use thinking about it now, though."
"Yeah, you're right."
After a few more minutes of walking, Ren reached the school. Along with a swathe of other students, he headed inside and made his way to the gymnasium. Chairs lined the gymnasium in rows. Each row was meant for a particular homeroom. Ren took his seat while the gymnasium slowly filled up, each class guided by their homeroom teacher. Through his time here, he didn't bother to make friends. Ryuji was right. Everyone here still had labelled him, even though he was proven innocent. Despite that, he was still at the top of the class. Thankfully, he was an expert at masking his emotions.
"I really hope Sumire makes it..." Ren thought to himself, pinching his nose. He left his bag with his parents, who were seated near the back of the gymnasium. The ceremony formally started, and everyone went through the procedures. Ren was called up to retrieve his diploma. As he walked up, he eyed his fellow graduating students, taking note of their cold glances, their empty ones, or the total lack of. The principal was the only one to give him a smile.
Ren began walking down from the stage, returning to his seat. As he did so, he caught a glimpse of an older man wearing a white jacket with a pink shirt underneath in the back of the gym. Standing beside him was his best friend and sister-figure, Futaba, and next to her his kouhai, his girlfriend, his future wife, Sumire. A wide smile overtook his face as he stepped down and returned to his seat. The ceremony wrapped up with a few more speeches. The students stood and bowed one last time before being filed out. Ren pulled out his phone and saw a text from Sumire.
Sumire: We'rewaiting at the front gate! Congratulations!
Ren: Alright. Be there soon.
Ren approached his parents, who gave him a pair of faint smiles. He could tell they were made in jest, if anything.
"Thanks for holding my bag."
"To think you'd be at the top of the class…" His father commented.
"I have a friend to thank for that," Ren replied stoically while throwing his bag around his shoulder. "Thanks… for coming."
"Of course. Congratulations," his mother replied.
Ren bowed. "I have some people to see, if you'll excuse me."
"Right," his father commented in an indifferent tone.
Ren took his leave and made a slight detour before going to the front gate. Outside of the gymnasium, he found his principal.
"Amamiya-san. Congratulations once again."
"Thank you." Ren took a deep breath. "I wanted to ask if it would be alright if I left today. I already made my choice, but I wanted to inform you. Of everyone here, you put the most effort into investigating my situation, and I wanted to thank you for that."
The principal smirked at Ren's request.
"Under normal circumstances, you would be required to stay a few more days. However, due to your status as the top member of the entire class, I believe I could pull some strings. You may go wherever you please."
A wide smile took over Ren's face. "Thank you!" He bowed, turned around, and made his leave, finding his way to the front gate, where his quarry waited. Leaning against the wall surrounding the school were Sojiro, Futaba and Sumire. Sojiro was the first to walk up to him.
"Congrats, kid. Come here."
Ren tilted his head while walking up to him. "Thanks…?" While he replied, Sojiro pulled him in for a hug.
"I'm proud of you, son."
Ren's eyes widened as he wrapped his arm around Sojiro. A tear formed in his eye as the smell of curry and coffee filled his nose.
"Haha… you smell like Leblanc… and thanks…"
Tears streamed down Ren's face in full force as Sojiro patted his back.
"You really are a handful, kid. Jeez…"
Futaba smacked him in the back. "Hey! Don't be so down! Want a group hug?"
Ren groaned in pain. "Ack! Why did you hit so hard? And… fine!"
Sumire giggled, watching as Futaba wrapped her arms around Ren, barely able to connect her fingers on Sojiro's back.
Ren let himself embrace his Leblanc family, taking in their genuine love for him. The three of them began to cry as Sumire watched, smiling.
"I'm… being crushed…" Morgana meowed from the bag. After what must have been four or five minutes, they separated.
Sojiro took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "This is all too emotional for me. I need some air. Making an old man cry... "
Futaba sniffled and took off her glasses. "Ren… hold these…" she leaned up and placed her glasses on Ren. "Huh? Futaba, I can't see! Your vision is horrible! What even are these!?"
As Ren looked around, he saw a prominent blotch of red in front of him.
"I guess I'll just have to hold you so you don't bump into anyone," Sumire stated while wrapping her arms around Ren. Ren's cheeks turned a light shade of pink. "Ah… well… I won't object…"
Even with his vision blurred, he saw Sumire lean up and touch her lips against his. The two fully embraced, with Sumire reaching her hand up and taking off Futaba's glasses. She watched Ren's gray eyes shrink as his eyes came into a normal view.
"Congratulations on graduating, Ren-senpai."
Ren looked his girlfriend up and down, now up close. As always, she was wearing her replica glasses. What surprised him was the fact that she tied her hair into a side ponytail, which swung down over her left shoulder, with Kasumi's ribbon tied at the end. She wore a dark gray, plaid jacket with a white shirt underneath, along with a pair of black pants.
"Thanks again, Sumire. That's a new look."
Sumire beamed a smile. "Ann-senpai has really helped me um… level up my style points!"
Ren laughed as Sumire attempted to speak like Futaba. "Someone has been rubbing off on you. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing…"
"Hey! I heard that!" Futaba yelled, waving a fist at the sky. Sojiro walked over to the two. "Mind if I got those glasses back? Futaba's as blind as a bat without them. I'm not sure what she was thinking…"
Ren and Sumire giggled, and Sumire handed over Futaba's glasses. Sojiro took them and handed them to Futaba.
"Ahha! My perception is back to 10! Did it work?"
Ren titled his head, playing along. "Did what work?"
Futaba froze in place. "Nothing! Nothing…"
Sojiro pulled out his phone. "It's 12:30. We're a few hours away from Shibuya. Should we head out?"
Ren lifted a finger swiftly. "Hold on. I'm getting out of this town. I hope your car has enough room."
Sojiro's eyes widened in surprise. "You want to leave now? Are your parents alright with that?"
Ren squinted and eyed Sojiro down. "Are you?"
Sojiro's eyes widened even further, and Ren was afraid they'd fall out.
"Ren…"
"Do you mean you're coming back to Leblanc?" Futaba's eyes beamed with excitement as she bounced up and down.
"If I can, for a bit." Ren replied. "I want to look for apartments, but in the meantime…"
Sojiro rubbed the rim of his nose with his fingers. "Fine… fine… pack your things… damn kid…"
Ren noticed Sojiro turn around, tip his hat and wipe more tears away. He then turned to Sumire.
"Want to help me pack?"
Sumire nodded. Futaba joined her. "I want to find your dirty magazines!"
Ren held a hand up. "I can assure you I have nothing of the sort."
Futaba smirked with a cat-like, sly grin. "Is that because Sumire sends you sufficient pictures…?"
Ren and Sumire immediately turned shades of deep red. "W-W-We do nothing like that! Futabaaaaa!" Sumire pouted, gripping Futaba.
Ren shook his head and sighed. "Let's go. You two didn't have classes, right?"
Futaba raised her hand. "Nope! Just like the students here, we didn't have classes since the seniors are graduating!"
"Good." Ren turned to Sojiro. "We're headed to my house!"
"Ah, Ren-senpai, hold on a second!" Sumire reached into her bag and pulled out an intricately wrapped box in the shape of a heart. As he grabbed it, he noticed it was heavier than it appeared.
"I know I'm late but… Happy Birthday, and Happy Valentines day!"
Sumire smiled and bowed.. "I really wanted to outdo myself this year. I was away at a training camp last year around the same time. I barely made it back for White Day…"
Ren smirked, tilting the box to the side. Wrapped under it was a set of wrist and ankle weights.
"Thank you, Sumire."
Sumire's smile widened. "I know how much you like to exercise, and challenge yourself. These allow you to do both!"
Ren lifted his free hand and pulled her in for another hug. "I also get to exercise with you more, if I want to make good use of them." Sumire turned into a blushing mess while Ren turned to Sojiro. "Let's get going."
"Alright… take shotgun, lead the way." Sojiro motioned to his car. The four walked to the car and headed to Ren's house, where they helped him pack up. Ren left a note for his parents. "They're probably going to be happy that I'm gone." He thought to himself. Sumire noticed the annoyance in his face as he wrote the note. After about an hour, they had packed and crammed everything into the back of Sojiro's car, much to their surprise.
"A chocolate fountain… a giant lava lamp… the sky tree… good grief, kid!"
"Sorry, Sojiro!"
The sun hung low in the sky as Sojiro parked the car.
The four spent another hour unpacking and moving everything up to the attic. After staging everything, Ren fell on the bed.
"To think we'll be moving this again in a few weeks… ugh… I'm so hungry."
As if on cue, he heard a loud rumble from the girl laying next to him.
"Oh… um… sorry." Sumire blushed lightly, tucking her hand around Ren's.
Futaba yelled downstairs while laying on the floor. "Sojiro…. curryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!"
"I'm making it! Be patient!"
Ren stared at the ceiling. "Should I talk to Sumire now about college? It's too late to take entrance exams… so there's not much point…" He debilitated internally.
"What is it, Ren-senpai?"
Ren turned his head and saw Sumire looking at him, concerned.
"Huh? I'm just so hungry, I can barely think about anything except you."
Sumire blushed all the way up to her ears. "T-to be honest… I'm thinking about the food more."
Ren rolled around, pretending to wince in pain. "Agh! My poor heart! Sumire, you wound me!"
"Ah! I'm sorry senpai!"
Ren started to laugh, and leaned up on an elbow.
"You don't need to call me senpai anymore. I'm not even in high school now."
Sumire puckered her lips, clearly conflicted.
"But you're still so experienced, and know so much more than me. And besides, I'm still a second year."
Ren furrowed an eyebrow. "So you'll drop the senpai after you graduate?"
Sumire didn't answer for a long time. She had frozen in place, unable to comprehend the thought.
"Sumire?" Ren looked at her with obvious concern on his face. He could tell she was deep in thought.
"I'll think about it," she finally answered, followed by a deep breath.
"Fine by me," Ren rolled out of the bed and stretched. "Let's head downstairs."
"Food time!" Curry! Coffee!" Futaba rolled and jumped up.
"Sushi!" Morgana jumped into Futaba's arms from the bed.
"I hope Boss-san made enough…" Sumire rubbed her stomach.
Ren chuckled. "He knows what to expect from you now."
"Alright. Take a seat. Food's lined up by most hungry to least." Sojiro pointed to Sumire, then Ren, and then Futaba, before pointing to several plates on the bar counter. On the left were two plates of curry that were at least three or four inches tall a piece, while in the middle was one large plate, and on the right, a smaller plate.
"Where's mine?" Morgana meowed.
"Huh? Oh, right. Here's something for the cat."
Sojiro bent down and leaned back up, holding a small plate of cat treats.
"Chief…!"
"Thanks for the food!" The three sat down and all began eating. Sumire finished first, despite having the most. Sojiro smiled, satisfied that they all enjoyed his food.
"Ugh… so stuffed… can't move…" Futaba laid her head on the counter. Sumire stretched, a smile on her face. "Your curry always manages to energize me! I feel like I could run home!"
"Or you could stay with me~" Ren nudged her side, winking.
"Let me call my parents!" Sumire immediately replied, pulling out her phone, much to Ren's shock. "Was she planning to stay again? And if so, how did she know I'd come back to Leblanc today? No… that's not it. But she wouldn't have a change of clothes… unless… she plans to use mine." Ren's mind raced as Sumire spoke with her parents.
"Thanks dad! Yes! Okay!" Ren only heard her side of the conversation. She said her goodbye and looked over to Ren. "My dad will be bringing me some clothes! I can stay with you tonight!"
"Shame." Ren thought. He wanted to see her wear his clothes again. "She might have gotten new pajamas, though…"
"A slumber party it is!" Ren cheered.
Sumire retrieved her clothes from Shinichi after a brief wait. The two changed separately and sat on Ren's bed. Ren took a deep breath, figuring now was the best time to discuss the immediate future.
"Hey, Sumire. Do you remember when you asked me to wait for you before starting college? Was that something you actually wanted?"
Ren saw an immediate reaction come from Sumire. She winced, as if in pain, and frowned.
"Ah, about that, Ren-senpai… I was so sick that all I could think about was how I might fall behind the person closest to me… again." Sumire let out a heavy sigh. "I don't want to be a burden to you, and I don't want to stop you from pursuing your future. I know you want to follow in Dr. Maruki's footsteps, and I shouldn't try to stand in your way."
Sumire fidgeted nervously, rubbing her hands together. She didn't take her eyes off of Ren.
Ren nodded slowly before frowning right back at her.
"Sumire… we've gone over this so many times. Your dream IS my dream. It's our dream. Kasumi's too. Everything else is secondary. I know this sounds stupid, but I have enough money to last me for a long time without any work." Ren leaned toward her and took her hands.
"I'm going to do everything I can to help you become the best gymnast in the world. We both want to go to college, and I'm completely okay with waiting for you. I don't need a degree to help people figure themselves out. My time here with the Metaverse taught me that much. It's all just a formality, really."
Ren spoke with firmness in his voice, an unwavering determination. Sumire took another deep breath before shedding a tear.
"You're so selfless… Ren-senpai… I don't know how you fell for someone as selfish as me. All my life I only thought about how I was secondary to Kasumi, not even acknowledging her love for me. I was so bitter and lonely. You helped me open my eyes and break out of that awful cycle. But now I'm here, madly in love with you, forcing you to make up excuses to hold yourself back…"
Sumire began to cry in earnest, her cheeks turning pink as tears poured down her face.
Ren wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into him. She buried her face in his shoulder and chest and continued crying.
"Remember what I said, Sumire? I like it when you're selfish, when you're greedy. I'm going to be fine, and we're going to take the World Stage, no matter what I end up doing on the side. If we both attend college at the same time, then we'll graduate at the same time, and both be prepared to face the future after the Olympics."
"A-after…?" Sumire stated between sniffles. "I… hadn't thought that far ahead…"
Ren stroked her hair and patted her head.
"If you were to think about it, what would you do after you win?"
Sumire backed out of the hug and wiped her tears, taking a few more deep breaths.
"Well… I think I'd…" She began to turn slightly red, "I'd m-m-mar-"
"Mar?" Ren leaned in closer to her.
"M-marry you…!" She turned a deeper shade of red, "A-and then we'd… we'd… have a… a…"
"Have a…?" He pressed his forehead against hers. Her face was practically on fire.
"We-we'd have a child…!" She started shaking.
"Oh?" Ren slowly pressed her down onto the bed until he was looming over her.
"Uh-uh...a-and… then I'd become like Coach Hiraguchi!" She blurted out, her face and her hair blending together.
"So you want to be a coach… I can see that. I'd get to tease you in front of your students, too. That sounds good."
Sumire's expression immediately turned into a pout. "Ren-senpai! Will you ever stop teasing me?"
Ren immediately gave her an intense glare. "Not in your wildest dreams. You know it just as much as I do that you like it."
Sumire buried her face in her hands.
"You're not denying it~" Ren leaned in further again, nearly pressing his nose against hers.
"You're so mean…" Sumire whispered.
"And that's why you love me," Ren stated pridefully, leaning back up and assuming a sitting position.
Sumire silently sat up next to him.
"Let's get to sleep. I bet you want to practice... starting tomorrow?"
Sumire rested her head against his shoulder. "Of course I do. We'll start with morning stretches."
Ren rested his head on her head. "Fine by me."
Silence took the two as they sat for a while longer. Sleep soon overtook them.
March 25
Ren: Happy Birthday, my Violet.
Sumire: Thank you so much, Ren-senpai!
Ren: Call me… Lotus.
Sumire: That is what your name is, isn't it?
Ren: Yup. Thanks, Haru.
Sumire: I'll be coming to Leblanc soon!
Ren: Already wish you were here!
Sumire: You know I can't stay every night.
Ren: Not yet! Soon enough, we'll be in a house or apartment together!
Sumire: We still need to talk about that…
Ren laughed to himself as he put his phone away. Over the past two weeks, he had begun scouting houses and apartments in Shibuya that were close to the University of Tokyo. He figured if there were any good college to go to, it'd be there. With a quick flourish, he dressed himself and walked over to the table in front of the staircase. Wrapped in a very elaborate wrapping was Sumire's present. Not only was there a new pair of glasses, but Ren had also gotten her a new baton and ribbon for her performances. He had to work closely with Coach Hiraguchi in secret to figure out how to get one custom made. Not even the former Phantom Thieves knew. With this baton and ribbon, the whole world would see how much he loved her.
"Earth to Ren? Helloooooo?" Morgana swatted his tail against Ren's nose, causing him to sneeze and break away from his thoughts.
"Ahchoo! Morgana, why?"
The cat cleared his throat and spoke in an affirming tone.
"You still need to sort through everyone else's presents. Makoto and Haru are still busy with college, but Ann, Ryuji and Yusuke should be able to make it today, though."
Ren looked over the table, investigating the large box sent by his friends. "Let's take a look, then." After pulling up a chair, Ren pulled out the notes meant for him. Each gift had two.
Hello, Ren. Haru and I decided to get two separate presents, though they are both wrapped in the same package. I got Sumire a mini cactus. As strange as that may be, I saw a certain charm in it. Hopefully, she will too. "A mini cactus…? I wonder if it's Buchimaru themed…" Ren thought. Underneath Makoto's handwriting was another small paragraph.
Hello Ren-kun! I got Sumi-chan a Big Bang Burger plush! There's a secret inside its mouth, under its tongue! Make sure she sees! "A secret? What is it, a bunch of coupons to Big Bang Burger?"
Ren laughed at the thought, and made his way downstairs. It was only 11 in the morning. He pulled out his phone and created a group chat for the remaining members.
Ren: Hello, everyone. As you may be aware, today is Sumire's birthday. I hope you all got presents.
Ryuji: All set here!
Ann: She's going to love mine! I think.
Yusuke: I have fully prepared and secured…
Ren: Great! Head on over when you can.
Yusuke: The package.
Futaba: She won't be ready for this. My ultimate weapon…!
Ren: Futaba, please, nothing dirty.
Futaba: What? I would never…..
Ren shook his head at the thought of what Futaba might have done. He debated calling Sumire's parents. "I still have her mother's number from when she got sick…" He thought, looking through his contacts.
"Hello?"
"H-hello, Yoshizawa-san." Ren nervously spoke.
"Oh? Is this my daughter's future husband again?" He could hear a mischievous tone in her voice.
"...Yes. I was curious if you and Shinichi-san would like to come to Leblanc and celebrate Sumire's birthday with my friends and I."
"That sounds wonderful! I'll inform Shinichi when he gets out of work! You can call me Akane, by the way, or mom!"
Ren twitched an eyebrow and felt his cheeks turn red.
"I'll see you later, then. Thank you."
"Was she a stay-at-home mother?" Ren questioned himself, but figured he didn't need an answer.
After an hour or so, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Futaba and Sumire made their way inside.
Ann immediately jumped in for a hug. She wore her normal outfit, but kept her hair down. "Sumire! Happy Birthday! It's so good to see you! How long has it been?" Sumire hugged her back. "I don't think we've seen each other since the summer, Ann-senpai…"
"Thank god we have phones! I see you've been taking my fashion advice!"
Ann backed out of the hug and eyed Sumire up and down. She wore the same outfit from Ren's graduation, with her hair loose against her back.
"You've been a huge help, Ann-senpai." Sumire bowed.
"Ahhhh, it's good to be back." Ryuji bent back on a bar stool, wearing his purple jacket and ZOMG shirt, along with a pair of black pants. "Really missed the smell of this place. Happy Birthday, Sumire."
Yusuke chuckled, already sitting in a booth seat. "Happy Birthday indeed. It is nice to see most everyone gathered once more." To Ren's surprise, Yusuke was still wearing the Kosei High uniform. Ren titled his head curiously.
"Yusuke. Why're you still in your uniform? Didn't you graduate?"
Yusuke planted his hand under his chin. "Quite observant, Ren. To tell the truth, I did not finish my laundry completely. I was distracted." Ren looked to the obviously wrapped, large canvas that sat next to Yusuke. "By that?" He pointed to it.
"Indeed. Worry not, though, for this will, as Futaba would say, "knock your socks off."
Futaba immediately began snorting in laughter. "Totally worth it!" She wore her traditional outfit, a large green jacket, a video-game decal shirt, black shorts, and tall black boots.
Sumire cleared her throat. "Thank you, everyone. Shall we talk for a bit before I open my presents? It's been so long, and I'd like to catch up with everyone."
Ryuji leaned forward excitedly. "Me first! So, I've been running like crazy, and with my physical therapy, my leg has gotten a lot better! I'm almost back up to my old times! The school was pretty great, and I'm gonna go to college next. I actually got a track scholarship!"
"That's amazing, Ryuji-senpai!" Sumire clapped, wide-eyed in amazement. "Ehh, it's nothin really. It's just what I've always wanted to do." He humbled himself and turned to Ann. "What about you?"
Ann clapped her hands together. "Well… my modeling gig has been a huge success! I'm really popular! It feels so good when I read fan mail from girls that want to be like me! I've been doing it the way I want to, and it feels great! I've even got to see Shiho a few times!"
Ryuji rubbed the back of his head. "How is she, by the way?"
"She's doing great! She's the strongest girl I know, and you better believe it!" Ann answered.
"That's great to hear, Ann-senpai! I wished I looked as good as you…" Sumire trailed off.
Ren instantly flicked her forehead. "You're the prettiest girl in this room. No ifs, ands, or buts."
"Senpai!" Sumire pouted.
"I disagree!" Morgana interjected. "Quiet, kitty!" Futaba pinched his cheeks.
"I do wonder if any artist will ever be able to capture Ann's beauty… Ah. As for how I've been, my art studies have been quite successful. I've begun proving myself quite the capable independent artist. No longer do I live in Madarame's shadow!" Yusuke answered dramatically, as he always did.
"Amazing… you're all so talented!" Sumire's eyes sparkled as she admired her senpai.
"You're too kind, Sumire! You're the most amazing of us!" Ann answered cheerfully. "You're working to become an Olympic gold medalist! Not everyone can do that!"
Futaba leaned over the booth she sat in, behind Sumire. "She's right, Sumire! Nobody knows about my hacking skills, but everyone will know about your success! I'll guarantee it!"
"Oh… um… thank you, everyone!" Sumire began bowing. The group continued to make small talk, with Sumire's parents eventually arriving at Leblanc.
"Hello, everyone. My name is Shinichi Yoshizawa. Thank you for taking care of my daughter."
"And my name is Akane Yoshizawa. I also must thank you."
The couple bowed.
"Ah- there's no need for that! Sumire's been a great friend to us!" Ann waved her hands, flustered.
Akane walked over to Ren and Sumire, and began looking Ren over.
"My, this is my first time seeing him in person. You've got a good eye, Sumire." Sumire immediately began blushing. "M-mom!" Ren leaned back, a smug look on his face.
"Akane-san, listen. I'm the luckiest man in the world, dating Sumire."
"Shouldn't you be calling me mom? Akane winked at him. Sumire turned a deep shade of red. "Wh- mom! We're not-not-"
"To be fair, Sumire, you two are basically married," Futaba butted in.
Shinichi and Sojiro began chuckling. "It's good to finally meet you." They both stated, shaking hands. Sumire cleared her throat, and stood tall.
"Excuse me, everyone. Before we celebrate any further, I would like to take a moment to honor my elder sister, Kasumi."
Everyone in Leblanc went silent as they took some time to honor Kasumi. When the time came, Shinichi spoke.
"I would like to thank you all here for taking care of my daughter. Kasumi might be gone, but I find immense comfort in knowing that Sumire isn't alone. From what I hear, you all have supported her as she slowly works her way toward her dream, and I am forever thankful."
Sumire walked over to her parents, hugging them. "Kasumi was smart, wise, naturally talented, and… the best older sister I could ask for. She may be gone but… she lives on as a part of me. We shared a dream, and I plan on accomplishing it, no matter how long it takes."
Akane sniffled, wiping a tear from her eye. "Thank you, everyone."
The family stayed like this, with the group making their peace. After a few more minutes, they separated, and Sumire called for the celebration to begin anew.
Sumire carefully examined the booth where everyone had placed their presents. She had to choose between Haru and Makoto's, Futaba and Sojiro's, Ryuji's, Ann's, Yusuke's, Ren's, and her parents.
"I'll start with Ryuji-senpai!" She grabbed a medium-sized box, wrapped in yellow and black. She opened it and pulled out a pair of running shoes that were perfectly fit.
"Ohhhh… thank you, Ryuji-senpai! How did you know I needed a new pair?"
Ryuji laughed and rubbed the back of his head. "Ah, just a hunch. I knew you liked exercising and I figured running was a part of your regime. I know how fun it is to get your blood flowin'."
Sumire nodded and placed the shoes to the side. "Next… Ann-senpai!" She opened another medium-sized box and pulled out a set of clothes. She saw a black, crop top, a small, silver bangle, and tan cargo pants. Under all of the clothing was a box of sweets.
"This is beautiful, Ann-senpai! Thank you! As for the sweets, I'll enjoy them once a week!"
Ann recoiled back in shock. "You only eat dessert once a week!?"
Sumire nodded innocently. "Yes! Now… Yusuke-senpai!" Sumire placed the clothing back in the box and began unwrapping the massive canvas. Once she finished, she saw a beautifully detailed painting of Ren and her in their Phantom Thief outfits, dancing in a massive ball room. They were in the middle of spinning around one another, their hands held together high above their heads.
"W-wow…." the group audibly gasped as they gazed upon Yusuke's word. He began to chuckle. "Simply amazing… one of my greatest works."
"What are those outfits, dear? They're so stylish!" Akane curiously eyed the painting. "Shit!" Ren thought. He quickly made up a lie. "This is… cosplay! Sumire and I were huge fans of the Phantom Thieves… and we made outfits based on what they might look like!" He prayed they hadn't watched TV during the Phantom Thieves announcement for Shido.
"That's so cute! The outfits are so similar!" Akane smiled, delighted. "You two really do inspire one another!" Shinichi added.
Sumire swallowed nervously. "Now… Boss-san and Futaba's!" She reached and opened a large box. Inside she saw a very large crock pot. "Boss-san… thank you!"
"That should be able to make enough curry to fill you." Sojiro chuckled.
Sumire began to lift the crock pot, turned beet red, and put it back down. Futaba snickered and laughed. "N-n-next present…"
"Here you go, Sumire!" Futaba leaned toward her and pulled out a DVD from her jacket.
"Is this… Futaba! This is a signed box set of Neo Featherman Rangers… signed by Feather Hawk and Dove! How did you…?"
Sumire hugged her kouhai, squeezing, hard. Futaba managed to piece together an answer while being crushed. "The… internet…" Sumire slowly released the hug. "Now, mom and dad's!" She opened another box and pulled out a floral, purple sundress, decorated with flower decals.
"This is so pretty! Thank you!"
"You're going to look lovely in it, sweetie," Akane giggled. "I hope your husband enjoys it~"
Sumire blushed again. "Mom!"
"I don't see the issue," Shinichi shrugged with a smirk. "Neither do I," Ren added. Sumire pouted as Ren supported her parents' teasing. "You too?"
"Always," he answered. Sumire sighed, and reached for Makoto and Haru's box. "Hmm? Oh! It's so cute!" She pulled out the mini cactus and placed it on the table. "So is this!" She pulled out the Big Bang Burger plush.
"Hey, Sumire, check inside the plush," Ren pointed at it. "Inside…?" Sumire lifted the tongue and pulled out… a large number of coupons. "Huh." Ren blurted.
"W-wow! I can get a years worth of Big Bang Burgers with these… oh… but wait… I can't eat all that." Sumire smiled, and then frowned. She looked around the room. "I'll share this with you all!"
Yusuke sighed in relief. Sumire turned her attention to the last box. Ren's. "Let's see what Ren-senpai got me…" She slowly opened the box, her every movement calculated to make Ren nervous as he gauged her reaction. She unwrapped the glasses first. They were circular and frameless. "Happy White Day," Ren commented with a smile. "Thank you, Ren-senpai!" She turned back and slowly opened the second present. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped as she pulled out the beautifully carved red wooden handle. Circling the handle was a black pattern, and carved into the wood were the names "Sumire," "Kasumi," and "Ren."
Tears formed in Sumire's eyes as she looked over the design. She unfolded the ribbon and saw it patterned with lotus flowers, violet flowers, and cherry blossoms, all flowing together.
"Beautiful…" she muttered, awestruck. Ren smiled as he saw genuine happiness in her expression. She motioned for everyone to move away, and let the ribbon fall. She then lifted her arm and spun the ribbon, causing the pattern to bend and weave, with the flowers blending together. After a minute, she put the ribbon down and folded it up.
"Thank you, Ren-senpai."
Ren walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her. "With this ribbon, the two of us will always be by your side when you perform. We'll be there through your failures, your successes, and the day you accomplish our dream."
Sumire wiped her tears away, clutching the ribbon in her hand. "Right! I'll do my best!"