AUTHOR'S NOTE:

So, uh.. I'm new to even reading fanfic, and I'm surprised to find myself writing one of my own. But.. P5 Royal's true ending felt a touch off to me in some ways, especially compared to the OG true ending, and also with the last interaction with Sumire. I think they were going for something understated with her, and I can appreciate where they're coming from on that, but I just felt compelled to write something more for them, particularly as a couple.

This story contains one of my interpretations of the protagonist's personality and background. I chose the name 'Asuma' just because ever since he came up in Naruto I thought it was a rad name, not to mention an awesome character.

Anyway, thank you so much in advance for giving my story a look! I tried to make it as genuine to the characters as possible, so hopefully my cognition lines up accurately ;P Feel free to leave a comment if you like it or would like more.

Ok, sorry for my rambling - please enjoy!!

Thanks again :)

An Unexpected Party

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On the outside, only a select few would be able to perceive it, but on the inside, Asuma felt like a torrent of emotions was swimming within him. He was determined to breathe deep, accept that he was needed back home, and just strive to optimise his new set of circumstances..

Just like he did one year ago.

Yes. He could do it. He HAD to. He was leaving Leblanc either way, so he might as well keep positive and choose to move forward. And there was absolutely no way he'd allow any of the past year to be wasted. The Phantom Thieves - all his 'confidants' - were the best thing to ever happen to him, even with all the physical, emotional, and mental stress involved. He was dead set on keeping their communication open and hanging out as often as possible.

Yes, today may sting like a goodbye, but no. Our friendships are only just beginning, he thought to himself. After all, you don't change the hearts of despicable criminals, overthrow an evil god, and avenge truth itself (even when the lies would be much more comfortable), for nothing. Things aren't ending, they're just shifting a little, and we can totally handle that. Thanks to modern tech, it'll be super easy, barely an inconvenience.

Looking around the packed subway, Asuma sighed with a slight groan, letting out a bit of his frustrating mixed feelings. Even though he believed what he was telling himself, he had to admit he'd miss the status quo that had developed. He'd miss the city - all the parks, temples, restaurants, and hangouts. He'd miss sipping coffee with Sojiro in the mornings as they prepped to open the cafe. He'd even miss studying for exams with the group, although just forcing Ryuji to focus was 99% of the battle.

Asuma chuckled to himself.

.

"Yongen-Jaya. We've arrived at Yongen-Jaya," the intercom announced amiably as the doors opened.

I just wish I could've had time with the one person I wanted most, thought Asuma as he headed back to Leblanc. I just had to fall for an Olympic-hopeful gymnast, didn't I? Practice, practice, practice..

He sighed with a slight smile, I'm proud of her though. She's grown so much even just these past few months, as an athlete AND internally. Her fierce resolve coupled with effortless grace is as inspiring as it is perplexing. Just 6 seconds with her makes me ready to take on the world.. Though honestly, I'd rather just spend more time with her.

A full smile creeped across his face as he recalled the past year. There MIGHT have been a COUPLE occasions when the group was ready to infiltrate, but Sumire unexpectedly texted him at the last minute, asking to train together, so - "I'm sorry guys, I forgot I had a prior commitment. We can carry on tomorrow, right? Right. Gotta go!"

Asuma stepped in front of Leblanc's door and checked his phone for the time, as was his custom. Cool, I have plenty of time to relax before Morgana chews me out to go to sleep. I love the guy, but man can he be strict!

He went to put his phone back in his pocket, but noticed he had, evidently, received a new message from someone. As he unlocked his phone, he recounted the day, inquiring to himself if he missed saying goodbye to anyone. I'm pretty sure I got to everyone..

He looked at the contact name: World Champ.

"Senpai! Practice got out early, and I was wondering.. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I mean.. Could we please spend some time together before you have to leave?"

"YES!" exclaimed Asuma in an exuberant whisper, his fist squeezed tight in victory.

"Sure thing, my champion. But wait, aren't you still pretty far away?" he replied.

"*Sigh* Sadly, yes. It'll take quite a while for me to make it back to Leblanc. We'll probably only have an hour together - if we stretch it - before I have to head back here."

"I mean, I didn't expect I'd be lucky enough to see my stunningly gorgeous girlfriend at all today, so I guess I'll take it *wink*"

"Senpai, you stop that!" Asuma could just see her now, her face a ripe tomato as she looks around, self-consciously trying to avoid drawing attention to her startled state. "Um, anyway.. Yes, I'll be there as soon as I can. I love you!"

Light bulb.

"You know what, Sumire - that's not enough. I need to see you, to be with you. We've both been through too much for that weak a goodbye. I have a wild idea. You in?"

Asuma couldn't see it, but Sumire was on the verge of hyperventilating. What does he mean? A "wild idea"?? He better not be expecting some kind of *gulp* ADULT goodbye! I know we've been dating for a few months, but surely he understands my heart isn't ready for something like that. Surely he understands tha-..

Sumire stopped herself, then exhaled the stress. Yes. I know he knows.. I jumped the gun before, that day.. She bit her lip at the memory, attempting to stifle a smile. That day, when I was so sure he could never feel the same way as I do for him - I mean, how could someone as amazing as him care for an idiotic screw-up like me? He was always so together, so confident, so handsome.. Me, on the other hand! She shook her head in a bout of self-disgust. He always said otherwise, but I was sure I still looked so weak, so foolish, so unsteady to him.

But I had promised myself that I'd be honest and direct with my feelings moving forward; that I would never again allow myself to become lost like I used to be. I just figured I'd own up to it, and finally move past all those emotions that were distracting me from my studies and my workouts. It was even challenging to maintain focus in the Metaverse; every time I defeated an enemy, all I wanted to do was run into his arms and hear him say he was proud of me. Once I confessed my feelings, he would establish we were simply close friends. And it might've stung at first, but I would have gotten through it, because he'd still be there, cheering me on.

Astonishingly, however, Asuma actually loved her back. And it was in that worn-down, dimly-lit cafe that their romantic relationship officially began. It was without a doubt the best day of her life, thus far. Yes, she could give the benefit of the doubt about this "wild idea" of his.

"So, um.. Care to elucidate upon this 'idea?' I admit, it would be great to spend more time together."

Her phone soon began to ring, contact name: Charming. Hoo boy, Asuma. What are you scheming? She braced herself and answered his call.