Begin!

~Normal POV

10/25 - Tuesday

The Shujin school festival took up two days. School would end early on both days, and then in the afternoon, various game stalls and food stands would be set up in the halls outside the classrooms. Despite the tense situation, guests were still welcome, so the whole team was able to attend. This first day would be spent with people wandering the stalls. And tomorrow would be the guest speaker assembly; with a party afterwards in the evening, complete with dancing and performers in the gym. When the gang got here, the place was already super packed. Ryuji figured it must have been because of the school's fame lately. (Not to mention, people had probably learned by now that Akechi was going to come tomorrow.)

For today, however, Akira made a special request of the team: try to have fun. They weren't just going because it would look odd if they sat it out for no reason; they were going because it was for their own good. Everyone was so stressed out that the team desperately needed a day off to unwind. And going to a festival was the perfect way to do it. They still had to be wary though. There were likely to be undercover police officers around…

Despite how crowded most of the halls were, the gang managed to find one that was almost entirely empty. It was the one that held Ann and Akira's class stall. Akira couldn't help thinking of the irony of having a stall that was supposed to resemble a maid café, for their homeroom that was headed by Kawakami. Though, thanks to her and Akira's deal, she was able to quit that job. (Of course, if he had his way he'd have never seen a real maid café himself at all… but Caroline and Justine forced him to bring them to one recently… that was probably the most uncomfortable hang out with them yet.)

Thanks to the privacy of the hall they were able to sit and talk freely, albeit about how paranoid they were becoming. It wasn't helping their stress, but at least they weren't being bothered by anyone… Until…

"Oh! Everyone's all here!"

The thieves were startled by the sight of Akechi approaching them. He seemed to be in another oddly good mood today… He greeted them with a bright smile. "Good afternoon! I'm glad I was able to run into you here."

"Akechi-kun? The panel isn't until tomorrow," Makoto said, quizzically.

"Yes, you told me so over the phone, but here's a little trade secret of being famous: always check out your venue beforehand." Akechi looked around curiously. "So, this is Shujin, hm? It looks so ordinary. Hard to believe it's such a focal point for a city wide investigation."

The detective then noticed Haru sitting with them. "Hello, I don't believe I've seen you- Oh, wait, yes I have… I saw an image of you in Okumura's case file." He frowned sympathetically, "My sincerest condolences for your loss. I was actually watching the news when it happened myself…"

"Thank you, Akechi-san; you watched it?" Haru asked.

"Well, I was at work, but I happened to catch sight of it on Sae-san's computer. Nearly made me vomit… I'm heavily disappointed in the broadcasters for not cutting it sooner, to think they'd linger on it so long… Shameful." Honestly, he had a point. It was odd how long they kept the camera going during the incident… "Anyway, I heard some detectives were interviewing people here recently. I hope they weren't too rough on anyone."

"Aren't they your coworkers," Akira asked. "Wouldn't they tell you if they'd done that?"

"That is technically correct, but you know me, Akira, I work best on my own down at the office. I usually only speak to Sae-san or the chief detective."

The detective then noticed their plate of takoyaki that they'd gotten from the stall. None of them had eaten any of them yet. "Do you mind if I have one of those? I'm starving."

"Knock yourself out," Ryuji answered, smirking.

"Thank you, we'll call it my performance fee." Akechi grabbed the largest piece, which also happened to be the only one that was bright red and full of very spicy filling. (The student in charge of the stand had told them it was "Russian style," meaning the special one was extra hot.)

"Uh, wait you probably shouldn't-" Ann tried to warn him but Akechi ate the small treat in one bite without thinking.

Akira and Ryuji tried to keep their smirking discreet as the boy started coughing and trying to hold it together from his horrible decision. While Futaba was giggling softly. That was certainly one way to get rid of Akechi's annoyingly good mood.

"I tried to tell you! Eating it in one bite is a bad idea…"

Akechi coughed again before shakily replying, "I a-appreciate the concern… But it's fine! I love spicy food… Ahem, I'll, uh, see you all tomorrow…" He left them alone again, likely rushing to find the nearest water fountain.

"Nice plan, Ryuji, that image was worth it," Akira said, grinning.

"I had a feeling he'd take the red one," Ryuji said, sharing a similar grin.

"...Did he truly come just to check out the venue though?" Yusuke asked, worriedly. "...Sorry, I keep suspecting every little thing…"

"I know what you mean. I'm doing that too." Makoto said, "But don't worry, I'll do my best to get answers out of him tomorrow."

"...When he got here, didn't he say that 'everyone's here?'" Futaba said, fearfully.

There was pause. That had to be a coincidence right? Akechi knew they usually hung out, he'd seen them together before…

"You're… You're just imagining things…" Ryuji answered. But his expression showed he didn't quite believe that…

They spent the rest of the day going about the other festival stalls and trying to relax. While it wasn't entirely perfect, they did all agree that it was fun being here with each other in the end. Now they just had to worry about what the panel would tell them tomorrow… Assuming Akechi was willing to answer the questions at all…

~...

10/26 - Wednesday

They'd never been more thankful to have the student council president on their side. Makoto being in charge of questioning the guest speaker was absolutely perfect. The gym was packed with people already, and Makoto was standing with Akechi on stage. The rest of the thieves were standing up in the rafters near the stage, mostly hidden in the shadows to watch. They could only hope this would go well…

"We will now begin today's panel." Makoto said into her mic, causing everyone to go quiet. "Our guest of honor is Goro Akechi."

Akechi smiled at the crowd. "I feel kind of bad considering how many people have gathered…" He said into his own mic. "I'm sure you all would have been happier to have a singer or a mascot appear, wouldn't you say?"

Most of the crowd took that as a joke. There were still a few select students who took it seriously though. They knew Mishima was one of them. Makoto resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the detective's lame attempt to look modest. When she and her fellow council members met up with him backstage, while everyone was coming in, Seiji had made an observation that Akechi seemed to be loving every moment of being here. She wholeheartedly agreed. Modesty was not in Akechi's vocabulary.

"Now, Akechi-kun," Makoto said, moving the panel along. "We'd appreciate it if you could tell us about your experiences with the Phantom Thieves. It'd be wonderful if you could let us hear more about your actual investigative process."

That was the safest way she could word it. And apparently, it worked. Akechi grinned at her. "I'm not used to being the one interrogated, so please go easy on me."

The rest of the thieves watched from the rafters while the crowd laughed at his little joke. At least Makoto seemed to be getting somewhere but they were still nervous… Ryuji was clutching the railing with sweaty hands. And Yusuke had his arms crossed over his stomach, looking paler than usual. (He often looked this way when they drove around in Mementos; he had problems with car-sickness.)

"How much do you think he knows…" Ann asked, softly.

"He's gotta know something or he wouldn't have changed his mind…" Akira assured her.

"My stomach can't take this stress…" Yusuke muttered.

Akira patted his shoulder comfortingly. "Don't worry, she's on a roll, it'll be over soon…"

Down on the stage, Makoto continued her questions. "As much as you're allowed to say, would you tell us how far along your investigation is on them?"

"Getting right to the point I see." Akechi replied, nonchalantly, "Well, if it is as much as I'm allowed to say, then everything on the tv and on the internet is all of it. We don't have any leads yet, and the methods behind their crimes are still unclear."

What a way to completely dodge the question, Makoto kept her cool though. "I see. Even with this country's power, arresting them is proving to be difficult… Is that the case?"

"Hm, I wouldn't phrase it that way…" Akechi answered. "But well, something like that."

"Thank you for answering that question." Makoto said, sincerely. Being polite was a good way to get him in a cooperative mood. "By the way, it seems you've denied a correlation between the Phantom Thieves and the murders… Why the sudden change? Until now, haven't you upheld your stance that the Phantom Thieves are dangerous? How are you so positive that they haven't committed murder?"

Akechi smiled curiously at her. "Aren't you a little too comfortable interrogating people? Why, it's as if you're a prosecutor."

Makoto smiled sheepishly. "Ah, excuse me, this is something I've been personally interested in, so I couldn't help it… But won't you tell us? What reason is there that you'd claim their innocence when you previously stated they were unjust?"

"She's really pressing him for an answer…" Haru remarked, softly.

"And he keeps dodging it…" Futaba commented, frowning.

Akechi, however, seemed swayed by the request at last. "Every person whose heart they changed have truly been criminals, including Okumura… Why, then, was he the only one who needed to be killed? It doesn't fit their modus operandi. And before he collapsed, he seemed genuinely regretful for his crimes, as was the case with all previous victims. I must admit… I couldn't deduce a reasonable answer to that question. That's why I believe that case should be thought of as if a different party is responsible. And if- this is all hypothetical, mind you. If the Phantom Thieves are the ones I know of, I can't possibly imagine they would kill anyone."

It was a fraction of a second. Barely noticeable, unless one didn't blink… but for a single moment Akira watched Akechi glance up at their spot in the rafters and locked eyes with him.

"No… did he just…" Ryuji said, breathing erratically.

"Oh god… did you see him look this way…" Ann asked, softly. "Did I imagine that?"

"Hold it together, Makoto…" Akira silently commanded.

Makoto was good at keeping a level head. Nobody was going to notice her sweating under all these spotlights, right? That was normal… Spotlights were hot, Akechi was probably feeling it too, right?

"Your comment just now… Does this mean the police have already identified who they are?" She asked, cautiously.

Akechi shook his head. "Oh no, the police haven't gotten that far yet. But I have my own conclusions about the true identities of the Phantom Thieves."

If they weren't stressed before: they certainly were now…

"He's bluffing…" Ryuji muttered.

"No…" Haru said, softly.

"He's- he's gotta be lying…" Futaba added, quietly.

Akechi was enjoying every minute of this. He could see Makoto standing so stiffly beside him. Trying not to squirm in discomfort in front of the crowd. But there were the little things. Her knuckles were white from holding her mic and clipboard so tightly, her eyes were wide with full attention. Both things the crowd wouldn't notice from their distance. Meanwhile, his smile was perfectly cheerful, as if he'd just told a good joke.

"You're not going to ask me who they are?" He asked, simply.

Makoto nearly dropped her mic from how much her hands were sweating now. She could hear her own heart pounding frantically. She never liked Akechi, but she'd never have thought he could scare her like this. She shouldn't have hesitated… but if she asked that fatal question… No, he had to be lying…

"...It may have repercussions on the investigation." She replied, carefully, "Are you sure you can share that with us?"

Good call on her part… use his job against him… Too bad it didn't work.

"It's only my personal opinion, so announcing that here wouldn't pose a problem," Akechi answered, "However… there is a possibility that everyone present will hear the truth before the police or media."

"Fuck… he does know…" Ann whined, softly.

"He can't know…" Yusuke said, "H-He can't have any evidence…"

Akira watched silently, thinking… It seemed that despite their best efforts, they'd walked right into a trap…

"That's quite the confidence you have." Makoto commented, trying to regain control of the situation. She needed to show him she wasn't afraid of him. "If you're so certain… then very well. Who do you think the Phantom Thieves are?"

Before they could learn what he was going to say, salvation came in the form of Akechi's phone going off.

"Ah, sorry it's mine!" Akechi said, pulling his phone out, "I'm afraid I can't turn off my phone due to my job. Oh dear, that's important. Niijima-san, would you mind if I step away for about ten minutes or so? I need to make a few texts."

Makoto held back her sigh of relief. "I'm terribly sorry everyone, but we'll be taking a short break."

"Please don't troll me online for this interruption," Akechi added, smiling. He stepped away from his podium and asked, "Is there a private room I may use?"

Makoto put down her mic. "Yes, there's the P.E. faculty office upstairs, last door on the right."

"Thank you." He started to walk past her and whispered. "Bring your friends. There's a matter I want to discuss."

Makoto felt her heart stop. She glanced at him unsurely, hoping she'd heard him wrong… But he merely smiled cheerfully at her and walked away…

~...

Akechi calling everyone for a meet up in private was not likely to be a good thing. The problem was, they had no idea how he could possibly know. Either he guessed from simple observation or he was just bullshitting… The former explanation seemed more likely in Akira's mind. They all met up in the cramped P.E. faculty office, ready for whatever the detective was about to throw at them…

"Alright… We're all here, what do you want to talk about," Makoto asked, carefully.

Akechi didn't answer at first. He went and set his briefcase down on the desk and silently opened it in front of them, smiling without a care. Akira recalled he never actually opened that thing in front of him in such a way that he could see its contents before. Inside was a laptop, assorted pens, a novel, and a notepad… with a curiously unlabeled phone number written on the top page… Akechi moved the notepad aside and grabbed something under it before closing the case back up.

"You know," He started, "The word phantom in Phantom Thief is quite interesting. It implies that the thieves disappear from sight like ghosts. Of course, I don't believe in ghosts, but I do believe in these." He spread out a set of photographs before them.

They'd never thought about what it looked like to an outsider when they entered the Metaverse. For some reason, it wasn't a concern. Nobody was going to think twice about a group of teens using their phones, right? But evidently this is something they should have considered much sooner… When they entered the Metaverse, it looked as if they were vanishing out of thin air, and Akechi had photographic evidence of them reappearing in reality outside of the Okumura Foods HQ… Akira stared at the images silently, keeping his impassive expression, unsure of what to do or say first. While everyone started shouting indignantly about how he had to be fucking with them.

"That's gotta be shopped!" Ryuji yelled. (Honestly, he had a point, it could look that way to anyone else who saw it.)

"I have video footage too." Akechi replied, casually, silencing their protests. "We only have a limited time before the crowd gets worried, so please, let's not feign ignorance. You know that these are real. Now, when I took these images it was two days before Okumura got his calling card, so about a month ago. And right after I did, the strangest thing happened, I hope you might explain it to me." He held up his phone. "This had been downloaded onto my phone without my knowledge."

Akira held back the urge to scoff. No. That had to be a mistake. "Oh, come on… Igor, you're fucking with me…"

When nobody interrupted, Akechi kept going with his story. "I saw how you used it and managed to figure it out myself to follow you. Once I'd activated it, I ended up in a bizarre space station of sorts. Naturally, I did a little exploring, trying to figure out what was going on. But while I was there, I was eventually confronted by another person. He was vicious looking, had a black mask, er, well it was more of a helmet really, I didn't see his face because of it. He took a shot at me, in the arm, the second he noticed me. I'm not licensed to carry a firearm for work so I had no means to defend myself. He had me completely cornered, my only thought was, 'I can't die here… I need to determine the truth…' And just when I thought I was about to die, I heard a voice inside my head urging me to stand up and fight. When I obeyed, I awakened to an odd power, gained a strange bit of new attire, and managed to escape the fight with my life. I took these pictures after I escaped. I believe this power is something all of you must possess as well, if you're to survive in that place. And through reasonable deduction from there, I can say with all confidence that you are the Phantom Thieves and you've been using that strange phenomenon to do your thievery," He finished with a satisfied smile.

There was a long pause. Akira stared at Akechi unsurely. Well, he figured it out. Why wasn't he trying to cuff them and take them in? It's not like they'd be able to resist at this point. And he had a Persona too? Igor had to be joking. They were thieves for god's sake, why would a cop be useful to them?

"We didn't kill anyone!" Haru shouted, in an almost hysterical tone.

"Of course you didn't!" Akechi replied, sincerely. "Okumura was your father. What reason would you have as a loving, devoted, daughter to kill him? And what reason would your friends here have to betray your trust in such a gruesome way? And as for the Shujin principal, well there's simply no motive. If you had Kamoshida arrested then the problem was solved, right? He's rotting in prison and he'll never harm anyone again. Killing the principal would accomplish nothing. That's why I don't believe you're murderers. No, it is far more likely that the black masked man is the real culprit; he had the temperament for it. Violent, unwilling to risk any loose ends, shoots first without asking questions. He's our man."

Akira sighed. Everything he just said sounded probable… but he couldn't believe it. Simply owning the Nav didn't mean he'd used it.

"Alright, detective, that's a pretty story you've got there. But I'd like a little more proof. You saw us in the Metaverse?" Akira asked.

"Yes, for a few brief moments before you all ran deeper inside. I lost track of you fairly quickly though. Naturally, I didn't want you to spot me."

Akira nodded. "Naturally. Well, you could be bullshitting. Having the Nav doesn't prove you've used it. We can't enter the Metaverse in this area anymore, but lucky you, we have a much easier way to test it." He set his bag down on the desk and Morgana hopped out obediently.

Akechi gave Akira a puzzled look. "You carry a cat around with you…?"

Akira made a gesture to Morgana. The cat said the first thing that came to mind. "You have a Persona?"

Akira watched the detective carefully. At first, the boy said nothing, he merely stared down at the cat with wide eyes.

"...I'm sorry I must be going crazy from overworking; did that cat just speak to me…"

"Yep, he's been to the Metaverse," Ryuji said.

"And I'm not a cat!"

"His name is Morgana; he's our teammate," Ann explained, "He taught us about that place."

Akechi looked politely bewildered. The Phantom Thieves were crazy people who talk to their cat… Well, it wasn't what he was expecting… but since he heard the cat talk it was hard to disprove their claim…

"Er… right… Um, ahem, Morgana? Were you also the one who instructed them on how to change hearts…?" Akechi pinched his nose in frustration and mumbled. "My god, I'm talking to a cat… as if my boss doesn't think I'm weird enough already…"

"Yes, we go into the Metaverse, we call them Palaces, to steal the core of their desires: their Treasure. And those whose Treasure has been stolen have a change of heart." Morgana answered.

Akechi laughed nervously. "Ah, there's certainly no way anyone could figure out such an MO."

"Well, detective… you know our secret… What are you going to do about it?" Akira asked.

Akechi tried to regain his composure. "Ahem, well, as I said, I believe you. You're not murderers. Although I don't completely understand your methods, all you do is simply reform people. That other man has to be behind the murders. However, the police have already decided that the Phantom Thieves did it… They'll arrest you at this rate. But don't worry: this evidence has been kept strictly to myself. I have not told a soul."

"They're going to treat me as my father's murderer!?"

The detective nodded with a frown and went to put his pictures back into his briefcase. "Sadly, yes. I myself cannot overlook such a grave mistake. I have called you here because I wish to strike a deal… If you agree, I may be able to save you from this."

Akira raised a confused brow at him. "You want to bargain with thieves?"

"I am willing, for the sake of justice. If you decline then I'm afraid I'll have no choice but to show the police this evidence. If you're willing to cooperate, even for just a short time, then together, we can get you out of trouble and I can catch the true culprit."

"That ain't a deal! It's blackmail!" Ryuji shouted.

Akechi shrugged dismissively. "Say what you will. The justice I uphold will not tolerate criminals who kill people at their leisure. You've heard that Sae-san is heading the investigation about you, correct? Let me tell you a little secret: The higher ups are only concerned with settling the case. They want to capture the culprits behind the psychotic breakdowns and end the commotion. Those are the ones putting pressure on Sae-san. I can only imagine her impatience."

"What of evidence?" Yusuke asked, "How do they intend on proving it?"

"That's the truly tragic part. Even if there is no objective explanation to the method, it's over once causality is established. Sae-san can't make rational judgments at the moment. If someone innocent were caught on suspicion… Well they'd close the case the second they got a confession. Whether true or not."

"Sis…"

"I'm afraid Sae-san is that desperate."

"...Can't say I'm surprised…" Akira said softly. "I know firsthand that the cops don't always give a shit who's right…"

"I know that, Akira, and that's why I, shamefully, request your help." Akechi said, stiffly. "In return, I'll turn a blind eye to what you have done. But, once we catch the real culprit, you put an end to your thievery. Those are my terms and they are not negotiable."

There was a long silence. Akechi wanted to bargain for the safety of an innocent individual, but in the end: it was just blackmail. Akira didn't like it. He couldn't trust a cop on principle. There was absolutely nothing stopping him from simply handing them to the cops later. Even if the Phantom Thieves were proven innocent of murder: they still had a whole list of other charges piled against them…

"Well… Akira is our leader, we have little reason to keep that from you at this point," Yusuke said. "What do you think?"

"...I'll call you once I've thought it over."

Akechi seemed satisfied with this answer. "Very well, there's no need to rush into a decision right at this moment. I will patiently await your response. Niijima-san, I think the panel should end here. Let's pretend that I was called back to the office for urgent business, and you can all continue your festival without further interruption. This conversation is the only reason I agreed to come, after all."

"Sure, we can do that…" Makoto answered, quietly.

"Before you go, detective, may I ask, whose phone number is that?" Akira said, curiously.

"Pardon?"

"In your briefcase, you had a phone number written down, but you didn't label it. Aren't you afraid you'll forget who it is?" Akira clarified.

"Oh! That; it's the chief detective's number. I'm not allowed to save it in my phone; I was never told why. It's for emergencies only."

Akechi left the room first, finally letting them be alone. Once they were certain he had truly left, the group erupted in chatter about what just happened.

"Damn that fucking bastard!" Ryuji grumbled.

"He was so fucking pleased with himself…" Ann said, frowning in disgust, "I hate him…"

"What are we gonna do, Akira," Futaba asked, worriedly.

"For now, nothing. Look, we aren't gonna trust a cop, it's just the natural order of things. But, leave the thinking to me. Now, there's gonna be the post festival party going on tonight: go if you want to, but no matter what you choose, just try to relax, and let me handle it, alright? I promise, nothing bad is gonna happen to any of you."

If Akira wanted them to relax, then they probably should. And perhaps going to the party would be a good way to take their minds off it…

~...

It was late afternoon, getting close to evening when the party started. Akira sent Morgana out for a walk on the grounds so that he and Ann could go alone together. He needed this distraction too. Everything that happened with Akechi was taking a toll on his brain. There were some performers on stage at the moment, and plenty of people were dancing and having a good time. They couldn't help being envious. They didn't have to worry about the threat of being arrested for a crime they didn't commit…

The two lost track of the other Phantom Thieves rather fast. Makoto had gone off to spend time with her friend Seiji. (Who, according to her, was actually still in support of the Phantom Thieves and believed in their innocence. It was nice to know that some people did at least, however few there were.) Ryuji and Haru disappeared entirely; possibly going somewhere alone together. Yusuke and Futaba were nowhere to be seen either. Akira and Ann were standing near the back wall of the gym watching the party-goers around them quietly.

Ann sighed, "Sorry… I'm still worried…"

"Let's forget about that for now. We're here, we're alone, let's make the rest of tonight just for us."

That made her smile. "You're right… we should try to have fun here while we can."

Akira looked back at the crowd and got an idea of how they could distract themselves for a bit.

"I know it's usually no fun when the boss joins in on the party, but… wanna dance?"

Ann blushed. That was an out of nowhere question. "Akira, aren't we supposed to lay low?"

"Yeah, but honestly, it looks more noticeable if we're not joining in," He reasoned, with a playful smile.

He might very well be right… and they did want to have fun while they were here. Well, one wouldn't do them any harm, right?

She set her bag down on an empty chair and grabbed his hand. "Ok, let's go!"

Akira was right in his decision. This did help them unwind. The young couple shared a slow dance, not even caring who might be watching. For those few brief moments, they even lost all sense of their current problems. It was another of those rare moments where they got to just be teenagers again. Not shouldering the burden of clearing their names, or hiding their double lives from the public, but instead focusing solely on each other. Tonight was about them, Akira would make damn sure of it… Perhaps after this they could find a good moment to sneak out of the party… maybe go somewhere more private… It wouldn't look strange, lots of students do such things at these events…

But that would have to wait a bit. After the dancing was over, the student MC announced that there was another segment of the party: something called the Student Sharing Special.

"Ugh, are they really doing that again this year?" Ann groaned.

"What are they talking about," Akira asked.

"Oh, right, this is your first Shujin festival… They call up a random student on stage and ask them embarrassing questions… Everyone hates it."

"Alright, who has something to say?" They heard the boy ask. "Anyone? ...No? I'll just have to pick someone then!"

Ann leaned back against the wall with Akira. "I guess this disorder really makes the post festival party what it is…"

"How about… the girl in the hoodie with the super bleached hair?"

Akira snorted, well that was karma if he'd ever seen it. Meanwhile, Ann's eyes widened with fear.

"HUH!?"

"Come on up!" The boy insisted.

Ann looked back at Akira for support. "What should I do?!"

"Well, we could run away…" Akira suggested, "But I think that'll look odd."

"Come on, everyone's waiting!"

There was no way out of it… Ann sighed and said she'd do it. What a cruel event. As she went up to the stage, Akira took a seat near the front, as close as he could get to her, so she'd feel more comfortable. For someone who was used to having her picture taken all the time, Ann clearly didn't want to do something like this.

"And what is your name?" The student MC asked.

"Takamaki…" Ann answered, stiffly.

"Ah, Takamaki-san. Good looks, smoking body, you don't look like you have a complaint in the world!" The boy continued. "Now then, on with the show. What would you like to share with us?"

Ann racked her brain but couldn't think of anything, no matter how mundane. "I-I don't know!" All she wanted was to get away from all this staring…

"Here, I'll give you a question instead. Do you think the Phantom Thieves are really Shujin students?"

"Huh?!" Ann shouted.

"We're all dying to know what Akechi-kun was going to say about their true identities," The boy said, "So, are they from Shujin? What do you think, Takamaki-san?"

"Ann's in trouble… What can I do to get her out of this…" Akira thought worriedly. It's not like they expected her to know the real answer, but even making one up was visibly difficult for her. She was caught completely off guard by the question. Maybe if he changed the subject that might help. But what could he say?

Well, there were a lot of things he could say, but it had to be something that'd get enough attention to draw the conversation in a different direction… Meaning he'd definitely have to embarrass Ann further in order to help her… Lucky for Akira that he knew how to keep his cool when the need called for it…

"I've always loved you!"

Ann nearly choked on oxygen in shock at what she just heard her boyfriend say. Her face went bright red. What the hell was the matter with him!? "HUH?!"

"Now this is drama!" The MC said, thankfully taking the switched topic as planned. "A boy caught in the throes of bittersweet youth! A stunning confession of love!"

"I- Hold on a second!" Ann said, shakily trying to regain her composure.

"So, Takamaki-san!" The MC asked, "What's your relation to this guy?"

"What?!" She replied.

"My, she's red as a beet! But, I'm a gentleman, it hurts my heart to bully such a sweet girl! Well, did you all enjoy our blushing beauty? Thank you very much Takamaki-san!"

~...

After that bit of humiliation, the couple was able to sneak out of the gym and up to the rooftop. It was a cool evening, and there weren't many lights around, letting them see the starry sky.

"Ugh, it's finally over…" Ann groaned. "That was embarrassing! Akira, I-I can't believe you had the courage to stand up and say that in front of everyone!"

He blushed, running his hand through his hair embarrassedly. "You were in trouble, so…"

"Huh?" She thought it over. "You… you did that to help me?"

Akira nodded. "Yeah… I couldn't just let you suffer up there like that…"

"Oh… Thank you… I really did freeze up there… I guess you were a huge help, even in a… silly way…"

"You know me, I'm always happy to help my girl," Akira replied, smiling.

Ann stood thinking for a moment before replying, "You're actually a pretty dependable guy… I think we'll be good together…"

Right as she said it, she regretted it. That choice of words… So implicative. So forward. Why did she say it like that?! They were still in high school for god's sake! And the implications didn't go over his head. He stared at her with wide eyes. A few interesting thoughts raced through his mind about what their future could be like…

"Uh, i-ignore that!" Ann stammered, blushing heavily. "T-Talking about the future… that's a bit too heavy for right now, huh?" She giggled nervously.

Akira grinned at her. "I don't mind at all… So, a future, huh? Any ideas what you'd want that to look like?"

She giggled. "Stop that! I'm not answering that question!"

"But this sounds like something you should consult me on…" He teased.

"Shut up!"

Why did he always tease her like this? She didn't hate it honestly, but god was he trying to kill her with embarrassment?! Teasing her was just too much fun for him.

Once she'd calmed down, she said. "I'm… still worried about… you know… But this party actually turned out pretty fun…"

"I had fun too," Akira said, warmly.

Ann pulled something out of her bag to hand to him. "Here… I have a little something for you…" It was a small container filled with cream puff treats. "I hope you like them… I made them myself…"

Akira grabbed one and tried it. "They're delicious."

"Thanks…"

He closed up the box and stuffed it into his own bag. He then checked the time on his phone. "Hm… we've got about two hours before the trains close, and the party's still going on downstairs so nobody will disturb us…" He said, slyly.

Ann didn't seem to see where he was going with that statement. "You're right we should probably-"

"Who said anything about going home yet?" He said, smirking.

Before she could question what he meant, he gently pushed her against the back wall of the roof entrance. He whispered in her ear, "I said tonight was about us… Let's enjoy our quality alone time a little longer, Ann…"

Her cheeks were on fire again. Oh, that was what he meant… "Akira…"

He paused to remove his glasses and pocket them before kissing her.

For so many days now, they hadn't had any moments like this. And was it ever satisfying to remedy it at last. One kiss quickly turned several more, then into a full on make out. Ann would normally berate him for doing something so out in the open, such acts were usually meant for the privacy of LeBlanc's attic, but she didn't mind it one bit now. How she missed his kisses, his hands running along her body… It was like heaven for them to be doing this again… He felt the same. He'd missed her so much, her soft lips, her warm touch, just her.

They lost track of how long they spent like this.

~...

After Akira walked Ann home, he returned to the backstreets of Yongen. He was smiling contentedly the whole way. In his head, he was replaying his moment with Ann on the roof… He almost felt like nothing was wrong in their world anymore. He vowed to find some way to spend more time with her soon…

As he approached LeBlanc, he found Futaba and Morgana waiting for him outside it. Morgana was sitting in her lap.

"Hey, there you are!" Futaba greeted.

"Hey," Akira replied, "Did you stay for the party?"

"I stuck around for a bit with Makoto but I let her go spend time with that guy friend of hers. I think she said his name was Seiji. Well, after that, Yusuke said he'd walk me home."

"I went with them," Morgana added, hopping into Akira's bag upon request. "I figured it'd be better to get out of the school grounds with all those people around. Somebody might kidnap me!"

"I lost track of Ryuji and Haru too," Futaba said, "Probably went somewhere to be alone. I think they like each other… Speaking of which, I don't need to ask where you've been…" She added, teasingly.

"And how would you know?" Akira asked, smirking.

"Cause Ann got lipstick all over you."

Akira casually went to clean it off with a pocket tissue. "So, why were you just sitting outside?"

"I just wanted to think… Mona kept me company… But now that you're here, let's go in. I hope Sojiro's already made curry for us!"

Akira adjusted his bag on his shoulder and followed her inside the shop. It was devoid of customers as normal. Sojiro however… looked odd. He wasn't working. Instead he was sitting at the counter staring down silently at something in his hand… Futaba didn't seem to notice.

"We're home!" She said, brightly. No reply… "Sojiro?"

Sojiro turned his hard piercing gaze to her with all seriousness in his expression. "I was cleaning up… And I found this."

He held up a very familiar red and black card, with text printed on one side… and the Phantom Thieves logo on the other.

~End of Chapter