The next morning was the same as any other. Yu would wake up, get dressed, eat whatever delicious breakfast Makoto had planned for him, and ride the subway to school. Sometimes, he'd find an empty seat, and use the opportunity to read some books, an act that Makoto praised him for. This day wasn't going to be like most days.

"Hey Makoto." Yu began.

"Yes Yu-kun?"

"So, you remember my fight with Ryuji?"

"How could I forget? It was only a few days ago."

"Yea, well, it's just, I told him to talk to you if he wanted to make it up to me, and I'm just wondering what exactly you had him do."

"Oh. Well, I had him go and try to find some new Buchi-kun stuff."

"Isn't that supposed to be rare?"

"Well… maybe?" Makoto replied, giving a nervous and guilty smile while Yu crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. The train came to a halt, the pair arriving at their destination.

"Alright. Just curious since I hadn't seen him in a while."

"Well, if you want, we can go see him at school."

The two made their way to the school, determined to seek the former track team member out. But much to their surprise, he was actually waiting for them, right at the school gate. He waved to Makoto and Yu, a sour look on his face. Yu couldn't see any of the fire he had the last time they met. The boy just looked tired, but not the physical sort.

"Hello Ryuji-kun." Makoto greeted.

"Hey Prez. Here ya go." Ryuji replied, reaching into his bag and pulling out the Buchimaru toy and handing it off to her rather unceremoniously before walking inside.

"Hey, did something seem… off about him?" Yu asked.

"Yes. Normally, he'd be ecstatic about completing a task, and he would've made sure he did it right. But just now, he seemed…"

"Hollow?"

"That, and bored. I've never seen Ryuji-kun lack energy like that, even after a hard day of practice."

"I'm going to talk to him today. You want to tag along?"

"I don't think so. It might have something to do with your fight, so it might be best if it was just you."

"Alright. Wish me luck."

The school bell rang as Yu sat down, and Ann turned around. Thankfully, Ms. Umi was busy talking about a ratio of some kind to notice.

"Pssst. Narukami." She whispered.

"What's up?" He whispered back.

"Shiho told me Ryuji's been acting weird, and that the two of you are going to confront him about it?"

"Yea. I saw him at the gate. He doesn't look like himself at all."

"When are you going?"

"At lunch. Do you-"

"What about you, Narukami?"

Yu sat up at attention.

"As I stated, most buildings in the western world can follow a mathematical equation called the Golden Ratio. What is the name of the mathematical ratio that architecture in Japan follows?"

"The Silver Ratio."

Ms. Umi gave a huff of annoyance at the fact Yu got it right despite not paying attention. Ann turned back and gave a nod, answering the question he was about to ask.

Lunch break had arrived, and Ryuji was now a hunted man. Ann, Shiho, and Yu stalked the halls, searching for a bob of dyed blonde hair. At first, they didn't have much luck in the school itself, but Yu realized there was a place where people could go if they really wanted to be alone. He shot out a text to the others.

Yu: Everyone, get to the roof. That's the one place we haven't checked yet.

As everyone gave their replies, the silver-haired teen took off, fast walking to the roof. And just as he suspected, there Ryuji was. He was looking at his phone, a glum look on his face. But the glumness was quickly replaced with curiosity when he heard the door opened. Yu gave a simple wave as he approached. He also noticed that Ryuji hadn't eaten his lunch. Ryuji looked at Yu with confusion.

"Hey dude. What are you doin' here?"

"I actually came here to check up on you Ryuji."

"Check up on me?"

The door opened again at that moment, and this time Ann and Shiho walked through. Ryuji stood up, now on edge.

"The hell's goin' on guys?"

"We're worried about you Ryuji." Shiho explained.

"Huh? Why?"

"Why? Because you're our friend, and there have been rumors that… you haven't been well lately." Ann answered.

"Yea well, the rumors are full of bull anyway."

"Not this time, apparently. You haven't finished eating your lunch." Shiho pointed out.

"Yea well… that's 'cause… I just had a big breakfast is all." Ryuji excused.

"You're an even worse liar than Ann, Ryuji." Shiho pointed out.

"Ok, ok, fine. You two, I can understand, but why's he here? I fought him a few days ago."

"It was over a misunderstanding Ryuji. You were just doing what you thought was right, consequences be damned."

I'm in no position to judge on that trait.

"Yea, but that ain't a good enough reason to check up on me!" Ryuji replied.

"It is for me." Yu talked back.

"Well, I-"

"Ryuji, we want to help you. But you have to let us." Ann replied, not letting him think of another excuse. The seconds felt like years as Ryuji thumped his right leg uncontrollably.

"Look. What goes on in my life ain't your business. There's just… some trouble at home, alright? You guys can't do shit to help me." Ryuji growled, Ann and Shiho taken aback by his hostility.

"Ryuji… what's going on?" Ann gently asked.

"Just leave me alone guys." Ryuji replied as he grabbed his food and walked away. But before he could leave the rooftop, Shiho grabbed his shoulder and forced him to turn towards her.

"No. We're going to help you get through… whatever's happening to you. You can try to push us away all you want, but we're not going to abandon you because you told us to."

Ryuji didn't respond, instead just shoving his way through. Once he was gone, the girls turned to Yu. He couldn't remember ever seeing either of them look so heartbroken and disappointed.

"Well that… didn't go the way I hoped." Shiho started.

"I know. That's the total opposite of how Ryuji usually behaves. Something's seriously wrong." Ann added.

"Do you think… his parents are going through a divorce?" Shiho asked.

"That would explain a lot. Like how he doesn't want us to get involved, and why he thinks we can't help him." Yu deduced.

"Well… if that's true, there's gotta be something we can do, right?" Ann asked.

"We'll find a way Ann. Don't worry." Shiho replied.

Before the conversation could continue any further, the bell rang, signaling the end of break.

"Come on. We can focus more on it tomorrow." Yu replied, ready to return to school.

The cafe of Leblanc was as busy as ever. By now, word had spread to the others about how unsuccessful he and Shiho were at confronting Ryuji. The last text he saw was of Akechi saying that he'd investigate the situation between Ryuji's parents. As Yu served the last cup of coffee, he looked around and thanked his lucky stars for a lull in the usual action. He picked up his phone and began to search through to see what he missed.

Akechi: I'll be looking into the marriage situation of Ryuji's parents.

Morgana: Isn't this a major invasion of privacy? I mean, I know you guys care about him and all, but he said to leave him alone.

Hifumi: We help people who need it, whether they want it or not.

Akechi: We've interfered with affairs that have nothing to do with us before Morgana. I don't see a reason to stop now.

Shiho: Let's wait until Yu gets a break. Then we can talk more then.

That message was about 20 minutes ago.

Yu: Alright, I'm back. Anyone still listening?

Shiho: I am! Glad to have you back! I missed you!

Sojiro just so happened to walk by right at that moment and looked over Yu's shoulder as he read the last message.

"Who's this Shiho person?"

Yu froze and turned to his boss. But then Futaba had to pipe up and make him embarrassed.

"Shiho's his girlfriend."

Sojiro looked at Yu in surprise.

"Really? You actually managed to get a girlfriend? Well, it won't last. No relationship survives secrets like-"

"She knows about my criminal record."

Sojiro's jaw dropped.

"And she still decided to go out with you? Kid, don't let her go."

"That's the plan." Yu replied.

"Hey look, I know that I might've been a pain in the ass-"

What do you mean 'might've been'?

"But not even I'm cold enough to let a fellow guy navigate the minefield that is love life without a guide."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that I'm willing to coach you."

"What do I have to do in return?"

Yu honestly didn't think that he needed Sojiro's advice, but the man was his boss, and this could be a good opportunity to deepen his bond with the cafe owner.

"Nothing really. Just make sure you don't hurt this Shiho lady."

"What?! I'd never hurt her!"

"Yea yea, I hear ya. So, first things first; what kind of girl is she? Judging by the fact that she knows about your record, I'd say she likes bad boys."

"Actually, she knows that I was framed."

Sojiro groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Work with me kid. What's she like?"

"Well, she likes to play volleyball, and she really gets into it. She's also incredibly kind, but fierce when she needs to protect someone she cares about."

"I see. Sounds like she's a good kid that'll take care of you in your twilight years. What are you planning to do with her for your next date?"

"Well… I was planning on taking her to a movie."

Sojiro shook his head with a scowl.

"Boring. Bland. Predictable. What exactly have you done so far?"

"Well, I've been nice, and-"

Sojiro immediately facepalmed upon hearing that.

"Nice? Seriously? You expect to go places just by being 'nice' kid?"

"Hey, what's wrong with being nice?"

"Look, being in a relationship with a guy who's just 'nice' is like drinking a cup of joe that's lukewarm. Sure, it gets the job done, but you can do better, and you know it. Women love passion, nice guys finish last because they only do the bare minimum, afraid to take risks. You're not gonna get any action for just acting like a decent human being. Now, please tell me you didn't take her to dinner on your first date."

"Actually, we did karaoke. I asked her friend what she liked to do, and we did that."

Sojiro nodded his head in approval, a smile gracing his face.

"Ah, did some homework did you? Good going. But don't rely on her friend too much. There will come a time when you'll have to know her well enough yourself."

"If I do well enough."

"And you will so long as you follow my advice. Now, you said she did volleyball? Did she do it because her parents forced her to, or because she wants to play?"

"She's really into it. She actually broke my nose because she kinda saw me as a rival."

Sojiro let out a hearty chuckle at that.

"Wow. So, she's a competitive girl, huh? In that case, I advise you go to the Odaiba Seaside Park. Lots of carnival games there, you might even win a prize for your lovely lady."

"Huh. That's… actually good advice. Thanks Sojiro. At least you make sense when you teach me about love."

"Huh? The hell's that supposed to mean?" Sojiro asked.

"An excellent question Sakura. What exactly is that supposed to mean?"

Yu's face went white at the sound of his guardian's voice. Standing in the doorway was Sae Niijima, her eyes focused squarely on her ward. And she did not look happy. Sojiro, however, tried to defuse the tension.

"Ah, welcome Niijima-san." He greeted.

"Hello Sakura. You didn't answer my question, Narukami."

"W-well, it's just, I didn't have to use any of your five-star restaurant dining skills, or your ballroom dancing lessons last time."

"Five-star restaurant dining? Ballroom dancing? What the hell Niijima? He and his girl are highschoolers, not celebrities."

"True, but it helps to be prepared."

"Look, a relationship is more than just fancy stuff. Sometimes, just being with each other's enough to make it work."

"Only sometimes though. Us women enjoy being pleasantly surprised."

"Not all, believe me."

"But it wouldn't hurt to have some extra skills."

"What good is having extra skills if you don't use them?"

"What makes you think he wouldn't use them?"

Sojiro shook his head, exasperated.

"My goodness, you're persistent. And how on earth do you think you're qualified to give advice on love life, sweetheart?"

"I've given people at work the same advice I gave my ward. All of them have been happily married for years now, or are on their way to getting married. And don't call me sweetheart."

Sojiro huffed.

"Yea, and let me tell you how that happened; they took your advice, and did the exact opposite."

"Sae's a girl dad. I'm pretty sure that means she's qualified more than you on what the ladies like." Futaba chimed in.

"Well, at least we know she inherited her brains from her mother." Sae replied, earning a frown from Sojiro.

"... Your order?"

"Blue Mountain. And don't make it too hot." Sae answered, a triumphant grin on her face.

"Sure. But first, I'd like you to answer a question." Sojiro replied as he started to go to work.

"Ask away."

"Remind me; between the two of us, which of us is happily married and has a child of their own?" Sojiro replied, a smug smirk on his face.

Sae just sat there, her triumphant grin quickly turning to a bitter scowl.

"... Is my drink ready yet?"

"Here you go."

Sae took a sip and cringed.

"It's cold."

"Just like your bed. And let me give you a piece of advice. Drop the 'Ice Queen' act if you want to find a lover. If you can get a partner, you'll be able to share what they earn, which will allow you to spend time with your sister and not break your back before you're forty. And who knows? Maybe instead of being stuck with just giving advice about love, you could actually find it and start a family that you can actually spend time and make happy memories with. But hey, I don't know what I'm talking about because I'm not a girl, right? Just a little something to chew on sweetheart."

Sae glared at the barista before paying for the coffee and storming out, not even bothering to finish the cup. Yu prayed he wouldn't pay for Sojiro roasting his guardian like a coffee bean.

"Come again!" The cafe owner hollered at the prosecutor.

"Wow. You did not hold back." Futaba stated.

"Of course I didn't. Someone wants to claim they're better at wooing ladies than your old man? Better bring the proof to back it up. Hey kid, how come you're so pale?"

Gee, I don't know. It might have something to do with the fact you just pissed off the woman responsible for my well-being.

"Oh, you're probably nervous about the date, right? Here, take this."

Sojiro reached into his pockets and handed Yu a 5,000 yen bill. Yu took it, his eyes widening.

"Sir… I can't-"

"You can, and you will. Use it to play some games, win a nice prize for your girl. Enjoy yourselves." Sojiro cut him off, a warm smile on his face.

"Thanks boss."

"Don't mention it."

Futaba let out a little giggle.

"What are you laughing about?" Sojiro questioned.

"See Yu? Told ya dad would warm up to you if you gave him a chance."

Sojiro let out a sputter.

"B-but don't let it go to your head! I ain't running a charity here!" Sojiro grunted.

"I know sir."

The bell chimed, signaling another customer. Two elderly people came in, and the cafe owner turned to his worker.

"Take care of these two. I'm going to take a cigarette break."

"Sure thing. Hello, may I take your order?"

Hifumi sat in her home, throwing paper into a fire. Ever since Mitsuyo's confession, the amount of mail they'd received had skyrocketed. Most of it was just hate mail, telling Hifumi that she was a whore, that they'd kill her for what her mother did, that her father was a spineless coward, and so on. Those letters were now fueling the fireplace. But there were also a handful of a different kind of letters. Almost all of these were actually from Mitsuyo's victims themselves, and even the ones that weren't said the same thing; that they didn't hold Hifumi responsible for her mother's crimes. Those she kept locked away, happy that those her family wronged found it in themselves to tell Hifumi that they weren't angry at her. It gave her an inner peace. But that peace was disrupted when her phone buzzed.

Akechi: So I did some investigating. From what I can tell, both Yua and Hirohito Sakamoto are still as happily married as before. Morgana and I even went into the Metaverse and confronted their Shadows. Both seemed to be happy with each other.

Yu: So the problem isn't at home.

Hifumi: Did you guys manage to get anything out of Ryuji himself?

Shiho: No. He just… shut us out. Told us to not get involved. It was very unlike Ryuji.

Akechi: There's only so much we can do without his help. If worst comes to worst, we can interrogate his Shadow, but I'd rather not do that.

Morgana: I'm sure we'll find a way. But this Ryuji guy isn't our only concern. We now have three more days to meet Sae.

Yu: I managed to buy a spare phone, and guess what? The Nav transferred right over to it.

Shiho: So, you don't have it on your main phone?

Yu: No no, I do. I meant that my new phone also has it now.

Akechi: That means we can meet Sae-san!

Shiho: Yea. It'll be… eventful, that's for sure.

Morgana: I'm still not sure about this.

Yu: We won't know until we try Morgana.

Shiho: When will we meet her?

Yu: I have to work tomorrow, so on Sunday.

Akechi: We can do it on our lunch break.

Hifumi: Very well. Yu, where exactly do you work?

Yu: At a cafe called Leblanc, in Yongen. Why?

Hifumi: We should meet there to discuss what exactly our plan is.

Akechi: Very well. It's been awhile since I had some of Sakura-san's coffee.

Shiho: Alright, but let's keep Ryuji in the back of our minds. Goodnight everyone.

And with that, the chat closed, and Hifumi's mind wandered back to Ryuji. He was shutting out virtually everyone close to him, and if what he asked her was any indication, he felt like he was cornered. But despite that, he came to her for help. Not Akechi, not Shiho, her. Between that, and the fact he asked her out, it was clear he had a soft spot for her, even after Mitsuyo confessed. Hifumi sent another text.

Hifumi: Hey, Ryuji, you still up?

Ryuji: You bet! What's up?

Hifumi: I wanted to play some Shogi. Think you could meet me in Kanda for a match?

Ryuji: Oh… sorry, not tonight. But tomorrow for sure tho!

Hifumi: I'll hold you to that.