It's been a while since I wrote in this thing. We had our final fight with Dr. Maruki on the third and dismantled his so-called 'perfect world'. After that, reality reverted to the way it's supposed to be. As a result, Akechi wasn't there to turn himself in for me, so I did it straight after Christmas. I only just got out of prison today, thanks to the others tracking down the woman Shido was harassing last year and convincing her to testify.

The others held a big welcome back party for me at Leblanc. Sumire was busy with gymnastics, but the others were there to welcome me back.

Once the party was over and everyone went home, I called Sadayo over because I felt the need to confess what I'd taken away from her.

"My perfect world, huh?" she said after I finished explaining everything. "That must've been nice, being able to be open about our relationship. And having Takase-kun still be alive."

"Do you regret us changing things back?"

Sadayo remained quiet for a moment as she considered her response. "No. No, I don't... think so. Of course, those two things would be ideal, but our entire relationship would've been built on a lie. We came together through our respective suffering. You were accused of assault and forcibly transferred here and I was held accountable for Takase-kun's death and made to pay off that fake debt. In a perfect world, neither of those things would've happened. So, what were we supposed to believe brought us together then? Whatever perfect, schmaltzy history we were given, it wouldn't be real. At least, that's what I think."

"You're so mature."

"You're the one who went up against a guy who could change reality and beat with your convictions as well as your fists or powers or whatever you guys use."

"Only because I had you there to help me work things out."

"It's good to know that I can be a reliable teacher in any reality." She beamed.

"Was that ever in doubt?"

"It was until you said that." She blushed.

"I haven't seen you blush like this since Christmas. I've missed it."

"Well, I've not missed this teasing."

"Yes, you have."

"Yes, I have. I really have. Because I've missed you."

She let me kiss her to show how much I'd missed her.

"That was magical," she said once the kiss ended.

"Today isn't magical just yet. Now, Christmas Eve. That was magical."

"It was. I'm glad the you in this reality didn't turn himself in before then."

"Same. I'd hate for a moment like that to not be shared by us both."

"We could always recreate it, just to be sure." Her tone was that rare suggestive one.

"It's a shame there's no snow out."

"The snow wasn't what made that night magical, dummy. Geez..."

"I know. You were." I wrapped my arms around her and let the heat from her cheeks warm us both for the rest of the night.