Growing Feelings

Inokashira Park

Akira and Ann walk up to the bench and sit down, "So what did you think about that buffet yesterday?" "You ate too much cake dear..." "Hey! Like I said, when will I ever get to enjoy cake like that again? Their desserts were sooo good!"

Akira laughs at her love of desserts, "Well we do make a lot of money as "you know what" so it would probably be soon but other than that it was awesome." "I'm jealous you get all that good food…and I only get the aftertaste..." "Sorry, bud."

"But, there was one thing; what made you so mad when you came back from the bathroom? Even Ryuji was scared to talk about it." "And not much scares that boy especially since he's always so loud and that pirate as well..."

He looks down shaking his head; "I don't know...When I heard the main asshole's voice in their little group by the elevator. I just got really pissed off and my head started hurting..." He looks back up; "But it also felt like I heard his voice before...But I feel bad for snapping at Ryuji though. That's what I'm most surprised about."

She shrugs, "I'm sure he understands but he did look worried about you." That makes Akira smile

"Well we are bros." "Or in Kidd's words, ship-bros." "So are you and Kidd." "Indeed we are."

Ann rolls her eyes, "Anyway, are you ready to hear my plan for getting stronger!?" He nods, "Well...you know how people who are strong aren't fazed by anything? Well I want you to say ridiculous things to me and don't hold back!" "Ooooo, this will be fun!"

"Um, are you sure that this will work?" "This sounds suspicious. Did Carmen put you up to this?"

"Well no...she suggested something else…." "Oh, it would have been the greatest to see." "A-anyway, let's get started then!"

"Um okay, well you're an airhead sometimes…." "I'm surprised you're still standing…" "So am I."

Ann nod, "Yeah, yeah, keep going!" "Wait! You approved of his insult!?" "Yeah, I asked him to; calm down."

"But that's what makes you great." "Well, that's nice."

Ann tried not to blush, "U-um...yeah! That's a good one!" "Ooooo, nice save."

Akira smirks, "That's why I like you more than a friend." "Whoa! Was not expecting that."

Ann wasn't expecting that either, "Y-you d-do…?" She shakes her head; "W-wait! You cheated! You broke the rules and that makes you the loser!" "Well that was close to what I wanted you to do..."

"I lose? I thought this was to get you stronger? When did it become a game?" "I'm confused as well…"

"W-well it was kinda like a game, I guess?" "Sweetie, you need to think before you act sometimes." She sighs; "It's not working, is it?" She sighs again but her phone goes off which she looks at, "Oh! It's my model agency; it's about my next photoshoot. I guess there are a lot of models that didn't show up to their shoots though..." "My dear Ann! Her beauty knows no bounds!"

"Oh? You're a model?" "I can see why actually."

"That's right...I never told you! Well the reason I became a model was because my parents are fashion designers. They travel around the world a lot; so I only get to see them six months out of the year. Anyway; that's why I became a model to get closer to them and I like wearing cute clothes." "Oh...so Arsene can see Ann's beauty, but not mine. Oh...how dreadful…"

"Only six months a year? Wouldn't you get lonely?" "W-what!? I do! I was just saying that's why she would be a model…"

She shakes her head, "Sometimes...but I just think about how much freedom I have." She then becomes sad, "I really didn't have friends...well till I met Shiho that is. But; because of me becoming a model. It attracted Kamoshida and made everyone start whispering insults at me…" "Uh huh...so that's the real reason you don't look at me because I'm not attractive…."

He puts a hand on her shoulder, "I'm sorry Ann...But it's not your fault that you had to deal with him..." "That's not it; I just wanted to be respectful!"

She smiles at him from his words, "Thanks! Anyway, now I'm a Phantom Thief! So I can finally be helpful to people and that's one of the reasons I need to be stronger!" "Relax Arsene, I'm just joking."

He smiles back, "Well we'll find a way to make you stronger; together." "Speaking of joking...can you stop slapping my rear and putting my head in your chest whenever we're in the Metaverse?

"Yes, together." She then starts laughing making him look at her confused; "Speaking of together. Do you want to know how me and Shiho met?" He nods, "Well, I used to take art class during middle school. I was so proud of my works that I made but that's when Shiho came up to me and said that my pictures were horrible." "No promises!"

"Wow; that must've made you angry." "As well as bending over on purpose in front of me."

She laughs, "At first it did, but then she told me that she didn't want to be mean about it. She just wanted to let me know the truth and that's when she helped me and we became best friends ever since." "You know you like that."

He nods, "That's an interesting way to become best friends." "Actually it's annoying since you've done it during and after battle."

"Right!?" But she becomes sad again, "But now she's going to be leaving soon…" "Now Ann! There's no need to bring the mood down now." "Yeah, you're right…"

"Have you thought of another way to become stronger?" "Nice job changing the subject for the better." Arsene whispers.

She thinks for a moment, "Well I used to watch this anime about this villainous thief who was the heroine's rival and she would always lose to her but she was so cool because she was smart and pretty. I wanted to be like her cause even though she'd lose; she would never lose heart." "What's an anime?"

He smiles; "Admirable. But how would you do that?" "Beats me…"

"Become an action star, of course!" "Um, dearie…I don't think that would work..."

"Should I tell her the truth?" "If you want to hurt her feelings then go right ahead." Arsene whispers. "Alright." "That's a great plan Ann."

Ann beams hearing him agree, "Yes! I knew you would see that it was a great plan!" Carmen just sighs. "Anyways, I should tell Shiho tomorrow about what we talked about!" She looks at him hopeful; "Want to go with me?" "Yay! We get to see; dear Shiho!"

"Of course, it would be nice to see her again." "Yes, I would also like to see how she's doing."

"Cool thanks! Well let's head back so we can get ready for tomorrow!" Akira nods and they walked to the station

Shibuya Center Street

Akira and Ann were walking towards the crepe store since Ann wanted to go here before visiting Shiho. She notices that the crepe shop was selling them with extra crème; "Yes! They're selling them with extra crème and at half-priced! Maybe I can get a box of them and share them with Shiho!" But she then thinks aloud; "But do they allow them at the hospital? I mean she does start her rehabilitation today…" "Now dear, those go straight down to the thighs," "Eh; I can work it off laters." She hears Akira laugh making her glare at him, "Hey, what's so funny, mister?"

"Nothing, I just like seeing you get excited over crepes, it's kinda cute." "Somebody's a charmer."

Ann starts blushing, "Um...you think so…?" "My my, look at your face it's starting to get bright red." "Shut up, Carmen!" That's when Ann's phone goes off and she sees that she got a message from her agent; "Huh…I guess they're doing a photoshoot now that's right down the road but one of the models didn't show up; so they asked me to replace her. Do you want to come with me, it's down the road? Actually! Nevermind! You're coming no matter what!" She then grabs his hand and drags him to the photoshoot. They soon see her agent and the cameraman as well as all the lights. But there was also a young woman standing on the side that speed walked over to the them when she sees them.

"I can't believe I'm going to be working with Ann-senpai! I just gotta say that the show that you did last year was awesome!" The young woman says excitedly

Ann rubbed her neck sheepishly not expecting to meet a fan let, alone one that's a model; "Um...that was just a small event though but it's nice to hear that, um…"

"Oh! I'm sorry! Just call me Mika! I may be older than you but you're career is far bigger than mine!"

She smiles hearing her compliments; "Nice to meet you Mika! But hou don't have to call me senpai though..."

"Aw you're so nice! I'll just call you Ann-chan for now. Um...can you teach me how you prepare for your modeling that got you so popular?"

She looks at her confused, "Um...how I prepare...? All I ever do is sing in the shower…"

Mika looks at her disappointed, "That's all you do...? Well; what do you eat to keep your figure? I mean; I always eat green almonds but now I'm just getting sick of them."

Ann was still confused, "Almonds? I only eat those when they're coated with chocolate." "Ann…maybe you should at least lie to her…"

Akira secretly agreed with Carmen; "Yeah; Mika does kind of have a pissed off look on her face now…" "More like a murderous one…"

Mika was gritting her teeth trying to contain her anger, "Well...how many times do you weigh yourself a week…?"

Ann thinks for a moment, "Well I only do the school weigh-ins...so about twice a month?" "Ann dear, stop talking, you're just making things worse…"

Mika suddenly gives her crocodile tears, "W-why are you keeping secrets from!? Is it because we don't know each other so you don't trust me…!?"

And Ann falls for it, "Hey! That's not true! I just don't worry about that stuff! This whole modeling thing is just a hobby!" "And here it goes..."

"Yep, now she's pissed." "I'm surprised Ann didn't notice her reactions."

She has a pissed off look for a bit but then makes a fake sad face, "W-what do you mean by that Ann-chan!? Do you not care about the agencies who try their hardest to make their models well known!?"

Their agent and cameraman walk up to them hearing her outburst and they both look at Ann; "Is that true; Ann?"

Ann starts to panic seeing that they believed Mika, "H-hey! That's not what I said!" "What!? My darling Ann didn't say that!"

Mika continues her crocodile tears, "I try my hardest to help make their magazine perfect and you don't even care! Why do you get to be popular and I don't…"

They go to comfort her, "Calm down; Mika. We know you try your hardest and we'll make sure you're popular."

Mika 'wipes' her eyes, "Y-you two are so nice and work so much harder than me…thank you..."

The two men look back at Ann with disgust, "We were going to do a cover with both of you but I guess since you don't really care then we'll just use Mika. Don't worry; we'll pay for you transportation." The two men go back to getting things ready

Mika turns to Ann with a sadistic smile, "How do you like that Ms. 'Natural Beauty'?"

She finally realizes that she was fake crying, "You were faking it!" "She even tricked me! This is unacceptable!"

Laughing mockingly, Mika then gives her a look of disgust; "Wow! You really are dumb. Maybe you should just leave before you embarrass yourself." And she walks away.

Ann's fists were clenched in contained anger, "Akira...Let's go before I do something I'll regret…" "That harlot deserves to be burned!"

They go back to the crepe shop and Ann was eating an extra crème crepe that Akira brought for her, "Thank you...I needed this..." "I'm still mad…"

"You're welcome." "How come; Carmen?"

She sighs; "Now that I cooled down...I now realize that she's right. I don't take my modeling seriously. But hearing how much she does; it makes me realize that I should start taking it seriously." "Because she was able to trick me! I'm supposed to be a seductress! I shouldn't be falling for those tricks!"

"Well there you go! That's what makes you stronger. Realizing your mistakes and fixing them." "Well maybe because you care about people."

Ann thinks on that for a moment then smiles, "You're right! I need to fix my mistake about not taking modeling seriously as a start! Well after I finish this crepe then I'm going to start focusing on a training and dieting regiment!" "I….never looked at it that way...I just charmed people to get what I want but now that I met my dear Ann; I can see that I started to care about people instead of seeing them as targets to my charm."

Akira laughs, "That's the spirit!" "That's good to hear; besides there's more to you than your body and beauty."

"Anyways, let's get to the hospital! I want to be there for Shiho's first rehabilitation test." "Oh, well um, thank you; Arsene."

He nods; "Yeah. We should hurry then." "You're welcome; Carmen."

Hospital Rehabilitation Center

Akira and Ann were outside the rehabilitation room watching Shiho trying to walk on a treadmill with her hands on the rails which were on opposite sides of the treadmill. Since her legs were still badly swollen from the trauma they had suffered from falling; she started crying and yelling that she was in pain wanting to stop but the nurse kept telling her that this is all part of the rehabilitation.

Seeing and hearing her pain made Ann start crying on Akira's shoulder, "W-why does she have to suffer for this…she didn't deserve this…" Carmen starts crying to, "This poor dear is going through so much cause of that bastard…"

"Are you happy Kamoshida! Because of you an innocent girl is going through hell!" "It's okay Akira, he won't hurt her anymore…" "But still, she's going to be traumatized for the rest of her life!"

An hour later

Akira and Ann were now sitting next to Shiho's bed after they get back from her rehab session having had to wait for the nurse to say it was okay. Shiho looks down; "I'm sorry you both had to see me like that…"

Ann shakes her head, "No, don't say that...We both understand that you're going to be in pain. I'm so sorry you have to go through this…"

Akira nods agreeing with her, "But is there a way to make you feel better though?"

"Well..." She thinks for a moment then smiles, "Why don't you tell me what have you guys been up to? I know you've two been hanging out with each other."

"What!?" Ann says surprised; "How do you know that?"

She laughs; "Really Ann? I know you're a airhead sometimes but just by seeing you two here together says it all."

"Hey, that's mean!" Ann sighs; "But yeah; we've been hanging out with each other. He's been helping me try to come up with ways for me to become stronger. At first, I asked him to say things to me that would faze me so I can take them in stride…that derailed quickly…"

She laughs again; "Come on Ann! Even I would find that ridiculous."

"Yeah...tell me about it…" She shakes his head; "Anyway; well that's when I decided to become an action star! Which will totally make me stronger!"

Shaking her head; Shiho puts hand on her shoulder and looks at her with a blank look; "Ann...that's not going to make you stronger..."

She scoffs; "But Akira said it was a great idea!"

She rolls her eyes; "I'm sure he was just being nice."

Akira panics hearing her accusation and how it secretly was true, "Don't put me into this..."

"Fine..." Ann says sighing; "But I'm still going to try to do it!"

Shiho shakes her head because she didn't seem to understand; "Ann. Let me ask you this. Who are you trying to be strong for?"

She looks at her surprised like she should know the answer already, "Well for you; of course."

"Well that's your problem. You're not trying to get stronger for yourself."

She looks at her confused but then starts thinking about what she meant and soon looks down; "I see what you mean now...No wonder why Mika got the better of me..."

Shiho was confused about her saying another girls name, "Mika?"

"Oh yeah...I didn't tell you about her." She sighs; "So earlier today; I was supposed to have a photoshoot but there was another model. We were supposed to do a magazine cover together but she tricked me and the model agency with her crocodile tears telling them that I didn't care for their agency. At first; I got mad but it made me realize that I wasn't taking my modeling seriously and that's how she took advantage of me."

Shiho starts laughing hearing her story, "She really did get you and also sounds cool especially since she got you with her fake tears!"

"Hey! you're not being a good friend…" Ann says feeling hurt

"Aw, don't be like that Ann. You'll beat her; I'm sure of it." She smiles; "But thank you for coming to see my first rehab session; you gave me the strength to not give up."

Ann smiles, "Of course! I want to be here for your recovery."

"Thank you." She then turns to Akira, "Please keep helping her Akira."

He nods, "Of course I will."

Shiho yawns, "Sorry about that...I'm just worn out from today and I have to get ready for tomorrow's session."

Ann nods; "Okay. We'll get going then. Good luck tomorrow!"

She smiles; "Thank you and bye you two."

After they both leave her room; Ann looks down thinking about what Shiho said; "She's right...I need to be stronger for myself…" "I could have told you that dear." "Why didn't you?" "Because you needed to figure that out yourself."

"Well you always talked about wanting to be strong for Shiho but never for yourself." "Exactly! How can you be strong for somebody; if you can't be strong for yourself?"

Ann sighs, "You two are right. Like I said after dealing with Mika; that I really need to take modeling seriously. But it may not be the best thing for becoming strong, but it's a start; right?" "Now you're starting to get it!"

Akira smiles, "Yeah; it's not what you do that makes you stronger, it's achieving a goal that makes you stronger." "You need to take baby steps."

"Thanks you guys!" Ann's phone goes off and sees that it was her model agency, "It's my model agency; they want to do a photoshoot in three weeks and Mika has specifically asked for me." Ann smirks, "Fine then! It won't be like last time! I won't fall for her fakeness again and out model her!" "You're damn right!"

"Good to hear!" He looks at the time; "We should probably head back since Morgana wants to show us something to help find our targets." "I wonder what it is…"

"Oh yeah...I swear If it has something to do with his obsession with me; I'm throwing him into a train…" "Oh great...I have to deal with Zorro. He keeps staring at my chest when we're in the metaverse..."

"To be honest Carmen; you keep trying to show your chest to me."

"I know; that's because I want you to look."

"Oh...I guess that makes sense." "Well this is awkward…"

"You have no idea…"

After Their First Mementos Trip

Ann was walking to her house from the station but Carmen was quiet the whole time because things got a little heated when Arsene snapped at Carmen for her constant groping of him and her seduction tactics during their fights causing him to get hurt; "Carmen, are you doing okay? That was pretty bad..."

"N-no…"

"I know that he shouldn't have snapped at you like that, but he has a point, not all men like that."

"But I-I'm not used to that...In my past life; every man would fall for me or would just grope me at their luxury so I would just take advantage of that. But Arsene is different; like I don't have a reason in trying to seduce him but he just has this aura around him and not only that; he's see's me as a person, not as a woman who has a 'hot body' or 'great beauty' but now...whenever I see him; my heart beats fast...I-is this what they call love?"

"From what I read and watch. But you've never been in love?"

"I told you dearie. I've never fell in love with my targets. I mean, yeah, I may have done "stuff" with them; but it was never love. So...that's why I wanted to ask if you would to teach me what love is."

She scratches her head even though she was talking to herself; "The only thing I know about love is what I see in movies…"

"Well then we must watch a movie about love! But...I want to apologize to Arsene first…"

"Alright. Once we get home; I'll call Akira."

Leblanc Café

Attic

"You were kinda harsh to Carmen today Arsene." "I know...but she needs to understand that I'm not like other men who just bend to her will."

"That's because Arsene doesn't know how to treat woman…" "Ha, you can say that again, senior!"

"Can I please tell them what Ann and Carmen think of them?" Arsene whispers. "It would be great but they may die from their egos getting shattered." That's when Akira's phone starts to ring and sees that it was Ann calling, "Hey, Ann"

"Hey Akira! Sorry for bothering you but Carmen wanted to talk to Arsene." "U-um hello...A-Arsene…"

"Hello, Carmen."

Arsene hears her take and deep breath then speaks; "IjustwantedtoapologizeforthewayIactedtowardsyou!"

"Um, I didn't understand that...Wait; are you actually nervous?"

"N-no, I-I just w-wanted to a-apologize f-for the way I-I acted towards y-you…"

Arsene were both shocked by Carmen's nervousness, "I accept your apology and I'm also sorry for snapping at you."

"Oh...thank you dear! And its okay I needed to hear that. You aren't like other men and I appreciate that dearly."

"That's nice to hear." "Aw, aren't you two so sweet."

"Well; now that that's settled; we'll get going now, Carmen wants to watch a roman…." "Shhh, don't tell them…" "Alright. It's cute seeing you like this Carmen. Well goodnight; you two!" And she hangs up.

"Well that was really interesting…" "I like this version of Carmen." "What her being nervous?" "No; the version of her not being all about seduction but just talking to a person, not an object." Akira smirks, "So; I see why you were mad at her…it's because you like her and her acting like a seductress messes with your feelings." "I-I don't know what you're talking about..."

"Hey amigo! Are you trying to take my Carmen away! You're not even half the man that I am for her!"

"Just ignore him Arsene...That's what I do with Morgana's ego." "Yeah, I need to start doing that…"

May 21

Akira and Ann were on their way to the sky tower for her covershoot; "I can't believe what happened during this whole Madarame adventure." Ann says; "I mean, us going through paintings and then going through portals making us teleport different areas." "Especially the whole getting you naked threat. Dear I'm sorry; but you need to work on your acting…I should have just given you some of my seduction power." "Ugh! Please don't remind about that…" She looks at Akira with a glare, "And you! Why did you try to throw your freedom away for me so I wouldn't have to pose naked! I'm not worth that!"

"I wasn't going to let you go through that again. Because, for some reason, your body keeps getting blackmailed for someone else's desires. Even if Yusuke was a victim; that's still not right." "I'm proud of you more and more, Akira."

Ann sighs, "You know...Sometimes I hate how caring you are." "You should appreciate it dear…I know I do with Arsene."

"I swear I can hear Arsene's blushing." "Quiet you…"

"So have those romance movies been helping?" "Yes, I've been being more subtle about my feelings; like softly touching his hand and shoulders. I even gave him a normal hug when he blocked an ice attack for me and it felt nice." Carmen whispers. "Aww, that's so cute!"

Akira looks up checking out the sky tower, "This tower is really huge. No wonder your model agency wanted to do a covershoot here." "Yeah. The view of the town above would be a nice background."

Ann nods in agreement, "It should be interesting especially since Mika's here…" "Like I said dear; if you need help just ask me."

"Don't be nervous, I'm sure you got this." "We'll be rooting for you."

"Thanks guys."

Akira and Ann make it to the top of the tower and Mika and the modeling agency were already there. And since she was looking at the entrance waiting for Ann; she notices them with a smug look on her face, "Oh look! It's the airhead and her pet."

Ann glares at her when she calls Akira her pet; "Don't you talk to him like that!"

She laughs; "Aw! Did I hurt your feelings by calling your boyfriend what he really is? Boohoo!"

Ann was too mad to blush about the boyfriend comment but then shakes her head to calm down; "You know...I actually felt sorry for you when I heard how hard you were working to be a model and I didn't take my modeling seriously. But I see you're just a evil..."

She laughs, "Wow! You're pathetic! You felt sorry for me? You really are a naïve airhead! Just look at yourself; you're not even in the right clothing for this session!"

Ann was confused about what she said; "There was a special theme for this covershoot?"

Mika rolls her eyes, "Geez; how did you become popular? The theme is elegancy which I can see you aren't ready for." She starts laughing again, "Not only are you an airhead but you're not even worth the agency's time!"

Ann clinches her fists in anger, "You little...!"

She starts fake crying again, "A-Ann-chan! Why are you being so meannnn!"

The agent from before walks to them hearing Mika's crying; "Hey, what's going on!? Are you picking on her again Ann?"

Akira looks at him, "No. Mika is over here talking down to Ann for forgetting what the theme was for this photoshoot."

"And who are you?"

"I'm Ann's number one fan. She's a strong girl who puts her heart in her modeling and I won't allow Mika to ruin her dreams by lying to you guys."

Ann looked at Akira in admiration for defending her and what he said, "Akira…"

"Whoa kid." The agent says surprised; "You really are her number one fan. Alright then; I'll believe you, kid." He looks at Ann and Mika; "When you two are ready; come over to the set." He goes back to the set.

Mika looks at them in contempt, "You got lucky this time..." She goes back to the set as well

Ann turns over to Akira, "Do…you really think I'm strong?" "Hug him!"

Akira nods, "I've always thought you were strong and that's why I didn't give you any advice really. You figured out how to be strong all by yourself and Shiho helped you out. I was just here to give you encouragement." "You just have to look in yourself."

She looks at him with a look like she was going to start crying and gave him a huge hug, "Thank you Akira...I'm glad I met you..." "Now kiss him!"

He was shocked at her hugging him but instinctively hugs her back, "I'm glad I met you too. Now go show Mika who's the real model here." "Calm down there; Carmen."

"Yeah..." Ann lets go of Akira after holding him a little too long; "U-Um...Sorry..."

He scratches the back of his head feeling awkward; "I-It's alright...Uh; you should go to your shoot then..."

She nods; "Yeah...I'll be back!" She runs rushes away

"She likes you more than a friend." "Why do you say that?" "Well the way she looks at you and she didn't want to let you go during the hug just by how slowly she let you go." "That's impossible, she's a model and I'm just a plain old country boy…Besides; you know what happened..." "You've known her for almost two months; does she seem like a type of girl who thinks about your status and wealth? You also need to let go of the past and not let it control you now." "Yeah, well; that's not going to happened. I won't risk getting hurt again..."

Ann soon comes back with a look of sadness on her face; "She outdid me again…I guess I didn't try hard enough...I even forgot the theme…" "You should have let me take over dear." "No...I need to do this myself. But now is the time I take this seriously!" She thinks; "Maybe I should look for a workout routine?"

Akira nods; "Well; why don't we go to the gym that Ryuji showed me? We can even invite him along." "Yeah that sounds like fun, even though we can't do it."

"Can we wait till tomorrow...? I just want to go home now...I'm still upset." "It'll be okay dear…"

The Next Day

Protein Gym

Akira, Ann, and Ryuji were in a middle of their workout.

Ann was trying to do some curls, "Why…are…these…so…hard…to…do?" "Don't hurt yourself now…"

Ryuji sighs seeing how much trouble she was doing with the easy stuff, "No shit…Maybe you should actually workout." "I wouldna say anythin' matey! I haven't seen ye lift a thing besides a pipe-like weapon or that giant crown. I shall train ye t' be a worthy pirate!" "S-shut up!"

Akira was doing them at a steady pace, "Yeah. It takes a little while to get used to it." "Well you do come here every night after Ryuji showed you. Even on the days after our palace and mementos visits."

Ann and Ryuji looked at him in admiration, "Whoa dude! No wonder you're never tired." "You really are amazing…"

Akira blushes from the compliments, "Uh...thanks guys. Anyway; you guys ready to get on the treadmills?" "I don't get why you don't just go outside to run..."

"Hell yeah!" "Finally somethin' ye can do!"

"Well running should be easier." "Just don't push yourself too much dear."

An hour later

Ann was face down on the floor out of breath; "I…I can't do it anymore today…" "I told you not to overdue yourself dear…"

Ryuji was hunched over out of breath as well, "I think I'm done as well…Man; I thought our running in the metaverse would help me out better." "Well ye don't run out o' stamina in the Metaverse; jus' energy."

"You guys did do a great job though." "That just means that you guys should all train together more."

Ryuji finally catches his breath and stands up, "Yeah we should!" He then checks his phone, "Ah crap! I didn't think it would be this late! Gotta go pick up food for my mom tonight. I'll see you guys later!" "Later Captains 'n Lasses!"

Akira kneels by Ann after he leaves, "Are you doing okay?" "You really went crazy on that thing."

Ann tries to get up but can't, "I can't get up...My whole body aches…" "You know what to do Akira! Carry her!"

He chuckles and walks in front of her then kneels down with his back facing her; "Here. Climb on my back and I'll take you to the drug store to get some pain medicine." "Well I wasn't expecting you to actually do it."

She looks at him with shock on her face; "U-Um...thanks." She then slowly crawls onto his back and put her arms around his neck; "I'm ready…" She was blushing "This is sooo cute!"

He gets up and grabs her legs, giving her a piggyback ride to the store.

As they were walking everyone started staring at them making him nervous; "Um...sorry; I guess this must be awkward for you…"

Ann laughs not really paying attention to the people; "Nope...I'm too comfortable right now." Carmen squeals.

"Please don't say anything Arsene...she's close enough to hear you whisper." "Well I'm glad my back is comfortable for you." He chuckles

"It's not your back that's making me comfortable…" Carmen faints. "You know I'm jealous of Ryuji and his mom's relationship. I mean; I love my parents but I rarely get to see them…"

"Really? But I thought you were happy with the freedom?"

Ann sighs, "Yeah I am but I still miss my parents…"

Akira sighs because he had missed his parents as well, "I guess I can see that..."

"Hm?" She gasps remembering that he was on probation so he couldn't see his parents; "Oh...I forgot you don't get to see your parents either."

He looks down; "Yeah...it really does suck…" They continue to walk in silence

"Oh!" Ann says out of nowhere; "Speaking of loneliness! Shiho is done with her rehabilitation in two weeks!"

Akira smiles at her from hearing the news, "That's great to hear!"

"Mhmm; I guess she's been doing great! She says that her legs have gotten less swollen and that she doesn't feel as much pain as before! I'm so happy for her!"

"I'm happy to hear that as well."

They go the rest of the way in silence and after a while they make it to the drug store then Akira goes to the pill section and find the pain pills; "Hey Ann; I have to put you down."

"Huh?" She says waking up; "Oh sorry...I fell asleep..." Ann gets off his back; "I'm still in pain but I should be able to walk now. Thanks again!" "Huh...? Did I faint?" "Seriously"

"Told you she liked you more than a friend." Arsene whispers. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But I...I can't..." "Well these should help you out." Akira grabs some painkillers; "Well let's get going then."

They get out of the store after paying for the pills; "Well I'm going to go home and take some of these then pass out. I'll see you later; Akira and Arsene!" "Goodbye, dear Arsene and Akira!"

Akira and Arsene say their goodbyes and the girls leave; "I know when I'm going to confess to Akira!" "Really!? When will that be!?" "After Shiho's rehabilitation is over and is released from the hospital…" "That's actually the perfect time!"

A Day After Madarame's Confession

Ann was sitting in Shiho's hospital room while her parents were waiting for the doctor to give her the release papers; "You finally get to be released from the hospital! I'm so happy for you!"

Shiho smiles, "Thanks!" She then looks down; "But I will be leaving right after I get released from here…"

Ann sighs, "I know...But it's for the best…!"

"Hey! There's no need to be sad! We can always talk and I can come visit you whenever I fully recover."

"I guess you're right. Then we can eat as much crepes as we want!"

That makes Shiho laugh, "You and your crepes! So where's Akira? It seems like you two are always together especially now."

Ann blushes and coughs nervously; "Well...um...that's what I wanted to talk to you about." She looks at her smiling; "I-I think I'm in love with him…"

She smiles; "Really? After only two months? He must be a great guy!"

Ann smiles big; "You have no idea how great he is! He's always there for me and he's reliable! He doesn't label me! He sees me as a person instead of a girl with a "'hot bod' and a 'beautiful face'! Oh! I get so lonely if I don't see him or if he's not around! And he makes my heart beat faster when I do see him!" Ann just keeps going on and on about how great Akira is.

Shiho smiles and puts a hand up indicating her to stop; "Okay Okay! I see why you're in love with him!" She puts down her hand; "Though I'm glad you found somebody that you can love."

Ann smiles, "Thanks! But it's weird! I never thought I would fall in love during high school especially with everything that happened at school."

She looks down; "Speaking about school; I wanted to go on the school roof before I leave today."

"Are you sure? Wouldn't that bring back bad memories?"

Shiho nods, "Yeah...But that's why I want to go back. I need to make sure about something."

"Okay; I understand." Her face turns into confusion; "But would you be able to climb up the stairs?"

Shiho laughs, "Of course not; I'm going to need help up the stairs. I may have recovered but it's still kind of difficult."

"It's going to be hard though…"

"Well why don't you ask Akira to help us? It will give you a chance to confess your love to him on the rooftop. Just like your romance movies you love so much." She laughs.

"W-what!? I-I'm not ready for that yet!"

"Too late! I already hear the doctor talking to my parents. Can't change it now!"

Ann growls and sighs; "Fine...I'll do it, let me go text him…" Ann brings out her phone and texts Akira:

"Hey! Can you meet me at the front of the school? Shiho is leaving today and she wants to go to the roof before she leaves. Can you help me help her to the rooftop? There's also something important I need to tell you..."