"Congratulations!"

The cry rang out from Leblanc as the new graduates clinked their drinks together.

"Hey, careful with those," Sojiro said from behind the bar. "They cost money."

Haru said, "Don't worry, Sakura-san! I can help repay any damages that are incurred from this little get-together."

Graduation had come and gone for the Phantom Thieves. Akira had passed his entrance exams with flying colors and was looking to be enrolled into university starting sometime in early April, while Ryuji had scraped by to attend a school to earn his teaching degree and start coaching.

Yusuke had already been accepted into a school in America, and was scheduled to depart in the next few days. Ann took the entrance exams and passed, looking to throw herself into an acting career in earnest.

Ryuji's response when he heard this? "There ain't enough teachers in the world that can salvage your shitty acting."

He got a slap from that remark.

That just left Futaba sulking that she was the only one left who had to still dress in a Shujin uniform and take the train.

All of the Phantom Thieves were gathered at Leblanc, plus a few additional persons. Akira was seated at a booth with Tae at his side. Shiho, who had also graduated from a different school, was leaning on Ann's shoulder.

Sojiro and Daisuke, Akira's father, sat behind the bar and had their own bottles of beer, with Tae having nicked one for herself a little earlier.

Ryuji had not-so-jokingly offered to bring some alcohol to quote-unquote "really get the celebration going", which was quickly shot down by Makoto, so they all drank coffee, soda, and other beverages brought to the party.

"Damn, can't believe we all really graduated," Ryuji said, throwing an arm around Makoto. "Where does the time go?"

Daisuke spoke up from his spot. "Imagine how me and Sojiro feel. I feel like it was only yesterday that Akira would follow his mother around wherever she went."

"Of course you were a momma's boy," Tae said, poking Akira's side with an elbow.

Akira frowned and jutted his jaw into the air. "My mom was great, sue me."

Ann yawned said, "I'm just happy we're done. Have to say, though, it's weird seeing you two like that again."

She was referring to Akira's freshly shaved face and Ryuji's freshly dyed black hair. Due to graduation requirements, they had to get rid of the beard and blonde hair respectively. Ushimaru-sensei, the new principal of Shujin, said it was non-negotiable.

Akira rubbed at some stubble already growing back. "I feel almost naked."

"Dude, as soon as I can, I'm grabbing a bottle of dye and bringing back the gold locks asap," Ryuji joined in, running a hand through his hair. "My mom was happy, though."

"I thought your mom was fine with your blonde hair," Makoto asked.

"Sure, she's fine with it, but she wants me to stay black, y'know." When a general snicker rang out throughout the cafe, Ryuji blanched. "T-That's not what I meant!"

Yusuke framed Ryuji and shook his head. "Hmm. No, not good. This simple change has completely ruined your aesthetic."

"Wasn't like I had a choice," he grumbled.

Morgana hopped up onto the table and said, "I think it makes you look slightly more distinguished. I mean, not that that's hard to do for you."

Ryuji swatted at Morgana and shouted, "Shut up, you!"

Shiho, concerned at the sudden outburst, said, "Ryuji-kun, it's not like the cat is insulting you."

A light bulb went off over Ann's head. "Oh, that's right, you wouldn't know."

"Know what?"

Subtle as ever, Tae brought her drink to her lips and bluntly said, "Cat talks."

Shiho blinked. "I'm sorry?"

"Apparently the cat can talk," Sojiro reiterated. "Don't ask me for details, I still don't get it."

Next to him, Daisuke offered her a sympathetic shrug.

Morgana huffed and muttered, "I'm not a cat." He jumped over the booth and onto Futaba's shoulders, who only wobbled a little at the new weight.

"I imagine you are all excited to start college soon," Makoto said, leaving Ann to assure Shiho that everything would be explained later.

"I still have a little trepidation about traveling all the way to America for a few years," Yusuke admitted. "However, that only fuels the creative fire within my soul. Imagine the things I can create!"

"Remember, Yusuke, you said you'd help me design my café," Haru mentioned.

"Of course I remember," he replied. "I always keep my promise."

Ryuji snorted. "Then where's that money you owe me for that buffet I paid for?"

"Did you all hear something?" Yusuke asked, much to Ryuji's mild irritation.

"Ugh, I can't believe Inari is leaving already," Futaba moaned, flopping onto her table. "Who else am I supposed to annoy?"

"Last time I checked, Akira is staying in Tokyo," Daisuke brought up. "I'm sure he'll be a good target."

Futaba turned a gremlin grin to Akira, who threw a dirty look at Daisuke. "Why'd you have to sic her on me?"

"You will be the closest," Tae mentioned. "What with you moving into my place and everything."

"You're moving in together?" Haru asked. "When?"

"Next few weeks," Akira said. "I figured Boss would like to have his storage space back."

"Nuh uh!" Futaba proclaimed. "That will be my dwelling from here on out!"

" You're moving into the attic?" Akira asked. "Why?"

"I'm almost an adult, and this little birdie needs to leave the nest at some point." Futaba jumped a little from her balled up position on her seat. "Also, it'll be a perfect living situation for when I take over the coffee shop."

Sojiro spat out some of his drink into his mug while Haru beamed brightly. "You're also going to be running a café? I know, we should do some form of partnership! I'll have to let Okumura Foods know about this, they'll need to send over some paperwork I'm sure, but I bet it'll be a lot of fun!"

"Now, hold on-!" Sojiro tried to interject, but he was immediately interrupted by Yusuke.

"I'm sure I'd be able to offer some design work for Leblanc as well," he offered. "As inviting as this aesthetic is, I feel it can be modified to be brought to its full potential."

"No one is doing anything to my place!" Sojiro loudly protested, leaning on the bar. He pointed at his daughter. "What makes you think you're taking over my business?"

Futaba shrugged. "Who else is going to do it? You are getting up there in years, Sojiro."

"I'm not that old," Sojiro muttered. He gave Daisuke a glare when the younger (by a year, Sojiro would point out) man gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"I know I'm looking forward to my acting classes," Ann said. "It'll be nice to not have to worry about my modeling career for a little bit."

"You sure that's a good idea?" Ryuji asked with a wolfish grin. "I mean, you know your modeling's a sure bet, but your actin'? Ehhh."

Ann glared at him. "I'll be winning an Oscar before you know it, just you watch!"

Ryuji turned to Makoto. "What's an Oscar?"

She shrugged.

Ann pouted. "And what makes you think you'll be a good teacher?"

"I'm going to be a track coach," Ryuji corrected. "I ain't gonna be winning any smart rewards, but if I know how to do one thing, it's run. I can teach kids how to run."

Ann nodded her head and conceded the point. "Okay, yeah, that's fair. But if I do get a steady acting job, I expect you to pay up."

"For what?! This ain't a bet!"

"Because you have no faith in your friend! Let's see…" She brought a finger to her lip and pondered her next move. "...How about you… pay for dinner for me and Shiho?"

Ryuji huffed out a laugh. "I'll pay for the whole damn buffet, how about that?"

"Deal!" Ann exclaimed, a bright smile on her face. Next to her, Shiho rolled her eyes and grinned at her.

Haru hummed to herself before she said, "You know, you've never told us what it is you want to do, Akira."

His eyes widened ever so slightly as everyone waited for a response. He coughed into his hand. "What do you mean?"

"Haru is right," Makoto agreed. "I want to be a police officer, Ryuji wants to be a coach, Ann wants to be an actress, and so on and so forth."

"Yeah, what do you plan on doing?" Ryuji asked, leaning forward in his seat. "Not gonna be some deadbeat and let Dr. Takemi do all the heavy liftin' I hope."

"Oh, there's no way I'd let that happen," Tae assured him, placing her hand on Akira's.

Akira gave her a nod and let go of her hand. He looked at everyone's waiting expression.

As he opened his mouth to speak, a knock sounded on the door to Leblanc. Most of the attendees of the party looked at each other, confusion evident on their faces.

"Are we… missing someone?" Makoto asked.

Yusuke began counting off the guests on his hand as Haru replied, "I do believe we're all accounted for…"

"That Mishima?" Ryuji asked, scratching his head. "I thought he had a date tonight."

Akira stood up, thankful for the interruption, and shimmed out of the booth. "I know who that is, give me a second."

He walked up to the door and opened it, revealing Hideaki Nakamura and Kazuya Tanimura.

The two Tokuyama students looked tired and worn down. Hideaki turned to Tanimura and said, "See, I told you it was here."

Tanimura sneered and proclaimed, "I knew where I was goin' the whole time, Nakamura. You just kept wanting to see the sights."

"Was not! You kept getting us lost!"

"Did not!"

Akira laughed and clapped them both on the shoulder. "Good to see you two. Come on in, I'll have Sojiro make you a cup of coffee."

"Does he have cream and sugar?" Nakamura asked.

Sojiro seemed quietly incensed by the comment, but didn't raise a fuss.

"Everyone," Akira said, raising his voice. "I'd like you all to meet Hideaki Nakamura and Kazuya Tanimura, friends from Meguro."

Ryuji greeted them first, offering both a lazy wave over his head. "Yo, good to see you two again."

"Hello, Ryuji-san," Hideaki said, dipping his head in greeting. "It's been awhile."

Tanimura offered a simple nod as a wordless greeting.

"You've already met them, Ryuji?" Makoto asked.

Ryuji nodded. "Yeah, back when I went up for a day when Akira was still there. Nakamura-chan needed a few good lessons in cardio, something I excel in."

"All that running is good for something I suppose," Ann murmured, much to Ryuji's chagrin.

Tanimura nudged Akira's shoulder. "Javier and Maria say hi, by the way."

"Aww. They do think about me," Akira said wryly, flashing him a grin.

He scoffed. "Like they'd forget about you. Too damned annoying."

"Can't help but notice you're still here," Ryuji pointed out. Tanimura replied with a one-fingered salute.

"Hey, Futaba," Akira called out. "You're not the only one still in high school now."

Futaba threw up a pair of devil horns. "Second years, Nakamura! Represent!"

Hideaki glanced over to Akira. "How did she know what grade I was in?"

Akira gave him a pat on the back and smiled warmly at him. "Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to."

Hideaki didn't seem too pleased by the answer, but followed his advice and moved to sit at one of the stools. He stopped and narrowed his eyes when he spotted Tae.

"I know you," he said uneasily, scratching his brain to figure out where. "You… you came to Javier's café once."

"Well, I did want to see my boyfriend," she replied simply, sipping on her bottle of beer.

"Boy-" His eyes widened and he spun to face Akira. "You two were dating?!"

Akira shrugged. "I mean, we still are."

Tanimura cackled behind him and clapped him on the shoulder. "Nice!"

Tae smiled. "Your friend recognizes good taste, Akira."

Both Tanimura and Akira's faces reddened at the comment, for two separate reasons. Tanimura for being caught thinking his friend's girlfriend was hot and Akira because he was always a sucker for Tae calling him by name.

"Guinea pig" was always nice, but there's something about being called by name that just couldn't quite describe.

"A-Anyway, this is a celebration, yeah?" Tanimura asked, turning back to Akira. "So? Let's celebrate, man!"

A cheer rang throughout the café as Tanimura pushed him over towards Tae. He sat back in his seat and felt her lean her head on his shoulder. He reached down and grabbed her hand below the table, giving her a warm smile.

He turned back to the group, watching as they introduced themselves to his friends from Meguro. Yusuke and Nakamura immediately jumped into a surprisingly in-depth conversation about the merit of photography as artwork, while Tanimura and Ryuji began to have an arm wrestling match. Makoto declared she'd play the winner.

Ann quickly pulled out her phone to record the match, Shiho giggling and leaning in to get a closer look.

Futaba, grabbing Morgana off her shoulders and carrying him like a stuffed animal, moved to the bar and tag teamed with Haru about her new managerial role over Leblanc. Sojiro tried his hardest to remind her that it was a long way off if it ever were to happen in the first place. The conversation steamrolled over him.

Daisuke watched in amusement before turning to look at Akira and Tae. His smile widened at his son and he gave him a small nod before turning back and trying to assist Sojiro.

That's when Akira's smile faltered. He thought about Haru's question. On what he wanted to do in the future.

He had options, of course. He had plenty of skills picked up over the last couple of years. Taking all those part time jobs, helping out his friends and confidants, all the hobbies he picked up had all built his repertoire.

All things he could do… but did he want to do them? He guessed it would be alright and there were certainly worse ways to exist in the world, but the idea of living his life doing something he wasn't passionate about made him feel… hollow.

"Hey."

He looked over to Tae. She didn't know exactly what he was thinking, but she knew something was up. Out of everyone here, she knew him the best.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

Akira turned back to his friends and family. His father had turned against Sojiro, pointing out that Futaba and Haru were right that he wouldn't be there forever. Morgana had wriggled out of Futaba's grasp and was scampering up the stairs to avoid any more hugs of death.

Tanimura and Makoto were now locked in an arm wrestling contest, with the odds leaning towards the latter winning. Ryuji, Ann and Shiho were loudly cheering for Makoto, which only served to fuel Tanimura's burning determination.

Nakamura pulled out his phone and began to scroll through photos he had taken of the river in Meguro, showing them off to Yusuke. The artist pointed out certain small ways the composition could be improved, but was otherwise glowing with praise.

Maybe he didn't know what he wanted to do right now. But that was okay. He had time. He had his friends. He had his family.

"Yeah," he said earnestly, planting a chaste kiss on the top of her head. "I think I am."

She blushed and pressed closer against him.

Most importantly, he had Tae.

And that? That was enough.