The next day at school, Steven tried his best to take Maruki's advice to heart. He had the headache meds, but he didn't find it necessary yet. Steven thought today was to be a calm day, and he hoped he wouldn't jinx it just by saying that.

After school, he bumped into Akira in the hallways. They quickly apologized, and Steven saw Akira go into Maruki's office.

'Huh, looks like he did want to meet with Maruki. I don't think Ryuji still wants to either.'

As he walked out of the school, he saw Ryuji, Ann, and a black and white cat.

"Dammit Akira. I still don't think we should trust that counselor." Ryuji mumbled

"Come on, Ryuji. He Isn't that bad." Ann said.

"Hey" Steven approached them. Ann and Ryuji turned to him. The cat hid in the bag Ann was holding.

"Oh, it's you." Ryuji said flatout. 'Right right' Steven thought to himself. 'He doesn't trust me as much.'

"Steven, can you please convince Ryuji to go to Maruki?" Ann asked.

"Ryuji, Maruki isn't that bad." Steven made sure to choose his words carefully. "He can give you advice and he is a great listener. He can also help you get over your trauma."

"I still don't want to talk to him but I will take his snacks"

"Don't bother, it's all just fruit snacks." Ann pointed out.

Ryuji shugged. "Food is food." Steven nodded.

The cat in Ann's bag meowed at her and Ryuji. Ryuji looked confused and turned to Ann. Ann looked at the cat and whispered something Steven couldn't hear.

"Are you headed to the station?" Ann changed the subject. "Want to walk with us?"

Steven considered this an opportunity to learn more about the Phantom thieves, and make new friends.

"Sure!"

"Those rumors," Ann said on the way to the station. "Some of them appear to be false, but something seems true about them, y'know?"

'Huh? Are they going to figure me out?'

"What are you getting at?" Steven asked. He could almost feel the neon blush creep up his face.

"Akira is considering adding you to the team. We just.." Ann paused. Ryuji continued "You seem a little weird for our team. Even if we haven't known each other for long, we get a weird vibe about you. You can still join though"

'Are they gems? Can they feel my power?' Steven thought worriedly.

"Can we have your number? So we can meet up."

"Huh? Oh, okay."

They exchanged numbers. The cat meowed at Ann but they ignored it.

"I have to go home. See you at school."

Steven walked past them and got on the train using a train pass Maruki gave him.

'I can join them! Though, of course, they are to find out about my power soon. Maybe being a phantom thief involves my gem? But, lets hope I can stay safe this time.'

He shouldn't tell Maruki about this, or see him a second time this week. Other people have to talk to him too.

Steven couldn't shake off the feeling that he should have not spoken too soon, and that there is danger to come.