Akira walks home with Morgana in his bag. They wanted to talk but by now they'd figured out that Akira seemingly talking to no one or talking to a cat were not good looks to have in public. As such Akira was left to his own thoughts as he got off the train and headed towards Café Leblanc. It was late but Sojiro had given him a key a few days ago so Akira knew he'd be able to get in. As he rounds the corner however, he sees that the lights are still on and Sojiro is still inside.

"What's Boss doing inside the café," Morgana hisses from over his shoulder where he's peaking. Akira just shakes his head in the negative. What IS he doing there?

"Ah, you're back," Sojiro says as Akira opens the door and walks inside. He sets his bag down on the booth and unzips it fully letting Morgana out. As he darts up the stairs, Akira sits down on a stool at the bar as it's obvious from the way Sojiro's eyes were following him he wanted to speak.

"I'm sorry I was out so late," Akira says as he bows his head.

"Oh? Well uh, that's fine… I guess. I had some questions I wanted to ask you, so I waited for you," Sojiro replies. "How's school going? I'm guessing you're not causing any trouble since I haven't gotten a call from anyone saying you have. Like I told you earlier, you're not really acting the part of the delinquent."

"I might be," Akira says with a slight smirk.

"Hahaha, yeah I guess you could be for all I know. I don't know where you go during the day and to be honest, I don't really care. So long as you stay out of trouble."

"I know," Akira says.

"You going to be back from school tomorrow in a timely fashion?"

Akira thinks about Kamoshida and the potential falling out that could occur tomorrow. Perhaps it'll be nothing. Or maybe it'll be a catastrophic event for the school.

"I'm not sure. Maybe not," Akira replies.

"Hmm, well what about Friday then?" Sojiro asks as Akira's phone goes off.

Ann: Hey, I just got off the phone with my parents. They're coming home this weekend and said they'd be interested in meeting you.

-Since you guys have been with me since everything with Shiho has happened.

"Actually, I just got invited to go over to a friend's place for dinner with her parents."

"Her?" Sojiro asks. "You got yourself a girlfriend already? Even I didn't move that fast back in my day."

Akira: That sounds nice.

"No, she's not my girlfriend. She's just a friend from school. Another friend of mine, Ryuji, is invited as well."

Ryuji: Yeah, totally. We'll all be on our best behavior!

Ann: I appreciate it you guys. I'll text you the details later or tell you at school.

Akira: Sounds good. Have a good night everyone.

Ryuji: Back at ya!

Ann: Goodnight!

Akira slides his phone back into his pocket and looks up at Sojiro.

"Why? You need me for something?"

"Well I seem to recall you agreeing to pick up some work around here, so I was going to show you how to make Leblanc Coffee. You need to do it right since I run a tight ship here when it comes to the coffee and curry."

"Would Saturday work? I can come straight back after school," Akira says.

"Yeah that'll be fine," Sojiro says with a slight smile himself. "Listen you wouldn't happen to know any popular stuff a young woman might be into, would you?"

"Hehe," Akira chuckles, "you're such a lady-killer, Sakura-san."

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with that. Not that you'd know, you just admitted you haven't got a girlfriend," Sojiro teases. "Well since you're home safe, I'm going to head home. Make sure all the windows are closed for me, OK?"

"Ok," Akira says as Sojiro takes off his apron and shuts off the TV.

"Have a good night," he says with a small wave as he heads out the door and flips the sign.

Akira walks around the shop, making sure windows are closed and locked, locking the door, and turning off the lights before heading up to his attic room. As he climbs the stairs, he realizes how sore his joints are.

"Are you alright?" Morgana asks. "You look hurt."

"Are you not?" Akira says with a grin.

"We cats are very resilient," Morgana says as he flicks his tail in the air. Akira chuckles as he removes his school uniform and gets dressed into bedtime clothes. As he lies down in bed a long groan escapes his throat from the soreness of his muscles.

"I think we need to visit Dr. Takemi again…" he mutters to Morgana.

"Hearing that, I'd agree."

Akira hears his phone vibrate and ding on the floor. As he reaches for it, he grabs the old journal that Sojiro had given him. Looks like I forgot to update this in a while. Maybe tomorrow. Akira hits the button on the phone to light up the screen to see a text message from Ann.

"I thought she'd gone to sleep already," Morgana says as he situates himself to see the messages.

"Me too," Akira replies.

Ann: Hey, you awake?

Akira: No, I'm sleeping right now

Ann: Very funny lol. Did I wake you?

Akira: No, I hadn't gotten a chance to get to bed yet. I was talking with Sojiro and then realizing how sore I am from everything today

Ann: Yeah, my shoulders and really everything else are killing me. I can't sleep either.

-There was something I wanted to say to you

Akira: You wish you'd gotten dessert?

Ann: No!

-Well yes, I do but that's not what I wanted to tell you you idiot XD

Akira: LOL alright shoot.

Ann: Thank you. I finally got to avenge Shiho because of you guys…

-I'm pretty sure there was no way I'd have been able to do anything on my own.

-So seriously, thank you. I owe you all so much.

Akira: There's no need to thank me

Ann: No, I really do need to show how grateful I am.

-Anyway, that cognitive world was pretty crazy, yeah?

-What a mysterious place. I can't believe we actually stole someone's heart…

-Speaking of mysterious, did you notice as we were running out Morgana was transformed back into a cat?

"Lady Ann sure is sharp!" Morgana quips. "I'm impressed. Basically, the treasure changes the shape of things. Once that's gone, that power no longer works. Though the real reason I changed quickly back then was because I'm so incredibly skilled!"

Akira smiles at the cat. Why do I feel like you're full of shit?

Akira: He said he's amazing

Ann: Oh yeah, I forgot he reads these messages too

-Oops :P

-I think I feel a little better after talking to you. Thanks.

-We may not see results immediately, but it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

-I hope you don't mind talking to me too much

Akira: I certainly don't mind

-Don't think I could mind, to be honest

Ann: Good. I'll be messaging you more in the future I'm sure.

-Would you be available sometime this weekend to visit Shiho with me?

Akira: Would Sunday work?

Ann: Yeah that'd be great!

-Let's plan on that, then

-And thanks again for coming to meet my parents

-Just promise you won't judge me based on what you see

Akira: What do you mean?

Ann: Never mind :D

-Just being self-conscious I guess

-Well I'm in danger of dropping my phone on my face so I'll talk to you tomorrow?

Akira: Absolutely

Ann: Alright, see you then! Goodnight!

Akira: Goodnight!

Akira sets his phone down and plugs it in before pushing Morgana out of his way to roll over. Unlike Ann, Akira falls asleep immediately.