A/N: Hello there, this summer is going to be a bit busy for me, the chapter updates may be a bit sporadic. I have some family visiting in town and it's been a bit tough to find a convenient time to write. Once things settle down on my end, each chapter will be released every 1-2 weeks around 7 pm my time. I'm sure if you really wanted, based on any time difference, you could figure out in which time zone I live in.

Chapter 3. The Long Week

(June 13) Evening Monday:

"So what do you do for a living? What's got you working so late?"

He handed Sae her typical order of the house blend.

"I'm a public prosecutor working for the SIU department."

Ren looked surprised.

"Wow, that sounds pretty serious."

She laughed quietly.

"I suppose that's one way to put it."

Sae took a small sip.

"You must have worked hard to get where you are now," he commented, "not a lot of people have that kind of determination".

She paused, her mind drifting through her grueling teenage years. Eventually she returned to the cafe. Sae looked the young man over and thought of the honest acknowledgement he had offered. It made her feel good.

"Thanks."

Her response was quick as she took another sip, hiding the smile that had formed on her lips.

Late Evening

"She's a prosecutor that works for the SIU!?"

Morgana practically hissed out his shock. Ren rolled his eyes as he mopped Leblanc's floor. It was his turn on polish duty for closing the shop. Morgana jumped onto the counter top.

"HEY! Ren! Are you even listening to me?"

Sojiro looked up from the paper he was reading behind the counter.

"My my, he's not in a good mood tonight."

"No he is not," Ren answered dryly.

The cafe owner smirked and began packing his things.

"I'll be going now, make sure to wipe down the counters for any stray fur."

He nodded and, as Sojiro left, Morgana swatted at him.

"Don't ignore me!"

Ren turned to his aggravated companion.

"Morgana, talking to you in front of Sojiro will raise questions that I'd rather not have to deal with."

Morgana sighed.

"I know, I know… just… This is important. Not only did the student council president figure out our identities but if her older sister catches wind of us…"

Ren reached out to the cat, smoothing his fur softly.

"Relax Morgana, I know there's risks but I highly doubt Sae, someone who has no knowledge of the metaverse, would be able to link us to the changes of heart. Makoto-senpai only had concrete evidence because Ryuji and Ann slipped up."

Ren walked around the serving counter and pulled out another mopping bucket. He looked back to Morgana, a playful smile on his lips.

"And besides, if a pretty lady wants a cup of coffee then who am I to refuse?"

"Come on, Ren, take this seriously."

He scoffed.

"I am. Think about it, wouldn't it be more suspicious to refuse service and/or be cold to her? Not to mention Sojiro would kill me for turning away or treating a customer that way. Trust me, I know what I'm doing."

Morgana paused, thinking over his words. Eventually, his companion seemed to come around.

"I suppose that's true…" Morgana conceded, and then continued, "but, I still think we should be careful."

"Agreed."

Ren smiled, hoping to show that their discussion hadn't harbored any hard feelings. On his end, Morgana leapt off the counter and brushed by his leg affectionately.

Ren continued cleaning, but he still mulled over the day's events. He hadn't expected the younger Niijima to confront them like she had. It certainly complicated things.

What was even stranger was that all of it seemed to be happening under Sae's nose. He had just been speaking with Sae a little over an hour ago. Had the two sisters been working together, he suspected that all three of them would already be in police custody.

If Makoto-senpai really wanted them stopped, she would have just submitted the evidence to the school or police or even her sister. While it was true they were at her mercy, he had a feeling that she wasn't going to expose them outright.

(June 14) Afternoon Tuesday:

"Panther!" Mona cried out.

In a flash, the crackle of ice materialized in front of Ann. None of them could get to her in time as the miniature blizzard exploded outward. Ren winced as Ann let out a yelp as she was knocked to the ground. His eyes narrowed at the old man's shadow. He could feel the remnants of Arsène egging him on, telling him to avenge his comrade by ripping into the shadow violently.

He needed to calm down, he couldn't lose his cool like this.

Ren scanned the battlefield. Ryuji was closest to Ann. He could get her some medicine while he and Mona gave them cover.

"Skull, Mona and I are going to-"

"YOU BASTARD!"

Before he could finish the order, Ryuji sprinted past them. Running like a mad dog, the blonde screamed as blasts of ice rained down on him.

"Damn it!" he spat out wide eyed.

What was Ryuji doing? Ren quickly turned to Morgana as he pulled out his model gun.

"Mona, heal Panther! I'm going after Skull."

"Got it!"

His orders given, he swapped to the persona with the highest agility he had and bolted after his enraged teammate.

Ryuji made contact with the shadow first, heaving his battle hammer back, he let out a wild cry and swung. The shadow dodged to the side and weaved out of the way and with a malicious giggle, sent a blast of ice straight to Ryuji's head.

"Agh!"

The blonde stumbled back, a trail of blood rolling down his temple.

"Skull! Calm down!"

Ren flanked from the side, aiming his pistol at the shadow as he ran to assist. He unloaded all eight rounds into the shadow, causing it to take cover behind its oversized leaf. The blonde who had momentarily been dazed from the blast, shifted into a readied stance. Ren could tell he was going to charge again.

He had to make it in time. Ryuji couldn't take another hit or he'd end up worse than Ann.

"Snap out of it!"

With the momentum he carried, left hand poised, Ren slapped Ryuji across the face, causing his teammate to kneel down in shock. He slowed to a stop in front of the blonde, and shielded him from the shadow behind him. Without his cover fire, the shadow had perked up and let loose another blast of ice. It cascaded to him, slamming him in the back and knocking him to his knees.

Both on the ground, they looked at one another. The slap having knocked some sense back into him, Ryuji seemed to realize the danger he'd put them in.

"Joker, I-"

They didn't have time.

"Zap him now!" He commanded.

Startled but understanding, Ryuji quickly stood up as vibrant blue flames surrounded them. The air stilled as static began to sizzle and pop.

"PerrrSONAA!"

In an instant, the visage of Captain Kidd flashed forth and tendrils of lightning crackled into existence, striking the shadow down. With Morgana taking care of Ann, and Ryuji, who looked about spent, Ren pulled at the dredges of his strength and spun around.

Lunging at the downed shadow, he dexterously pulled out his knife and sunk its blade deep into the shadow's body. It let out a distorted cry, falling backwards as it convulsed violently before fading back into the panting visage of the harassing old man.

With his team in shambles, Yusuke having run out of stamina long ago and was waiting back at the entrance, Ren talked it out with the old geezer alone.

As they rode back in the Mona car, Ann was still feeling light headed and was sleeping with her head leaned up against the window. The normally bright and talkative Ryuji sat quietly, eyes out the window as they traversed the railways of Mementos.

Today was rough. What had started as a way to blow off steam after Makoto-senpai's ultimatum, ended up as a bitter reminder that they weren't just playing superheroes. There were stakes, and if they weren't careful, they may just prove costly.

(June 15) Evening Wednesday:

The television rattled off a news report. An elderly man who had been a nuisance to the general public had, overnight, a 'change of heart' and was repenting for his harassment.

"Amamiya, what do you think about all this, Phantom Thief business? I hear they're quite popular with high school kids."

She wondered what he would say. Would he clamber on board the hype train of irresponsible youths who thoughtlessly supported them? Or would he have a more refined outlook, perhaps a sense of caution?

Ren glanced at the television, the Phantom Thieves logo reflecting in his onyx eyes. He looked back at her.

"I'm not sure, I think they mean to do good. However, the path of destruction is often paved with good intentions."

Sae hadn't seen the young man so serious before.

"That kind of stuff is dangerous."

There was something bitter in his words that caught her off guard. Her eyes narrowed slightly in concern. She wasn't sure what to do.

"Well said," is all she could reply with.

(June 16) Late Evening Thursday:

"Amamiya? Is there a cat in this cafe?"

Ren stalled for a moment, his hand left still on the open refrigerator handle. Collecting himself he closed the appliance and stood across from Sae.

"What makes you think that?"

Ever since their discussion about Sae's occupation on Monday, Morgana would leave and declare that he would be upstairs when Sae came around.

"I've seen this black and white cat recently. It's been all around the shop, but not in direct view. Like it's hiding."

Ren mentally face palmed.

"It has these bright blue eyes, sometimes I think it's watching me."

That little liar.

"Oh yeah, that would be my cat Morgana. He can be a bit shy but the customers often find him endearing."

Ren's eyes roved over the shop until he spotted a lone cerulean eye peering out from behind the plant near the cafe's entrance. Walking toward the entrance, nonchalantly as not to raise suspicion, he utilized all of his stealth training he'd accumulated.

"Want to meet him?"

Ren made eye contact with the cat who was hiding in the plant.

"What Ren, don't-" Morgana sputtered.

Before Morgana could scamper away, Ren's proficient hands reached quickly into the leaves and pulled out the hiding feline. Turning around he held out the fussy cat for Sae to see.

She watched, an amused look on her face as she took a sip of coffee. Ren carried his furry companion to the counter across from Sae and set him down.

"Ren! You blew my cover! I was just keeping an eye out just in case I-"

"Hush Morgana," he chided, booping the cat's nose affectionately.

"He's quite talkative," Sae commented.

"Indeed he is. Now it's about time you two met."

Giving Morgana a knowing look, his fellow thief settled down and sat calmly.

"Miss Niijima..." he started.

Ren Gave her a playful smile and she played along, entertained by the antics of the boy and his cat.

"...this is Morgana."

She laughed at the introduction.

"It's nice to meet you, Morgana."

Morgana examined Sae, then looked back at him.

"Do I have to?"

Ren switched stances, holding his weight on his other foot.

"Come on, don't be shy."

Recognizing the bed he'd made by spying on them, Morgana sighed and let himself lie in it. Morgana padded closer to Sae, stopping at a comfortable distance and looked her over, as if in his own deliberation. Finally coming to a resolution Morgana nodded his head.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Niijima."

(June 17) Late Evening Friday:

Sae let out a heavy sigh as she set her bag down and settled into the embrace of the counter-side chair. Ren took note of the exacerbated bags under her eyes.

"Rough day at the prosecutor's office?"

He busied himself with preparing a fresh cup of the house blend. Sae straightened her weary posture and composed herself.

"You have no idea," she grumbled softly.

Ren empathized with her. He'd had a busy week balancing his school life, Mementos requests, and Makoto-senpai's forced investigation. It wasn't until today, when he had contacted Ohya, that his little band of thieves caught a break.

He doubted the overworked prosecutor had been as fortunate as he. Maybe he could do something nice for Sae.

Ren scanned the cafe. It was just them, Sojiro had left to run errands and no customers, other than her, usually came in around this time of night.

"Miss Niijima?"

Catching her hazy attention, she looked at him with dark bloodshot eyes. Normally more dignified, she responded with a 'hm?' He smiled gently.

"Why don't you use one of the booths? Rest your eyes, I'll let you know when your order is ready."

She looked a little confused.

"But I haven't ordered anything."

Ren chuckled. He'd just pay Sojiro back later.

"It's on the house."

Looking conflicted, as if she was about to protest, he spoke again.

"Go on."

Ren nodded to the nearest booth. He continued, this time letting his voice carry some of the Councilor, Kushi Mitama's, influence.

"You look like you could use a break."

Caught off guard, Sae didn't seem to know what to say. Ren hoped he wasn't being too bold, his role as the leader might have been giving him too much courage and confidence. He gave her a reassuring look.

"Amamiya…"

With Sae resolving to a decision, Ren waited anxiously to see if he'd stepped too far.

"I appreciate this, thank you."

She smiled, honestly, and perhaps a little vulnerably as well. Ren felt like they had gotten closer in that one moment.

"Of course."

Sae stood from her seat and settled into the booth closest. Crossing her arms under her bust, she leaned back into the cushioned seats and rested her head on the wooden frame. Sae's eyes drifted shut and he got back to working on her order.

As she rested in the booth, before exhaustion took over, she found herself thinking fondly of the young man named Ren Amamiya.

It had been a long and arduous week, but when she spent time at the little cafe in Yongen Jaya, the pressures of her numerous responsibilities drifted away in the steam of the coffee he served.

There was something intriguing about him. Perhaps that was part of the reason she kept coming back. One day she'd figure it out. But for now, Sae was simply content with his company on a long and tiresome night.

Sojiro stood by the register, counting the day's earnings while Ren worked at the sink, washing various dishes. Though Ren had his back turned, he got the impression that the old cafe owner wanted to ask him something. Sojiro had been eye-balling him ever since Sae had left for the evening. She had been taking off after resting as the owner had returned from his errands.

"Hey Ren…"

He smirked. He knew it. Ren shut off the water, dried his hands, and placed the last clean dish on the drying rack. He turned to face his guardian, leaning against the edge of the sink with his hands in his pockets.

"What's up?"

Sojiro's eyes narrowed from across the cafe.

"That lady, the one in the suit…"

Sae?

"...what's her deal? She's been coming around here a lot. You two seem oftly chummy."

The cafe owner sent him a 'knowing' look. Ren recalled Sojiro's words about brewing coffee and if he wanted women to like him. Was that what Sojiro was getting at? Did he think there was something going on between him and Sae?

Sae was certainly beautiful, and there was something attractive about her confidence and the jaded way she carried herself. It was a tenacious sort of maturity. Admittedly, he had a tendency to be attracted to older women. However, Sae seemed to be in a league of her own even in that regard.

He abruptly cleared his mind, it was pointless to think of such things. Regardless of any intimacy between them, a relationship like that would be complicated. Him being the leader of the Phantom Thieves certainly threw a wrench in the mix.

"She's just a friend," he answered quickly and dismissively.

Sojiro smirked.

"Uh huh, alright… if you say so, though, she's probably out of your league anyway. She seems like way too much woman for you, country boy," he teased.

Ren rolled his eyes. Sae didn't seem that much older than him. In part, that was something he admired about her. She seemed so far ahead yet in reality she was only a few years older.

They carried on with closing the store, though Sojiro seemed pleased with himself like he'd learned some grand secret.

As Sojiro was heading out for the night, he stopped.

"Oh, Ren, sorry to spring this on you, but tomorrow I'm going to need you to run some errands after school. There's this afternoon sale going on in the supermarket in Shibuya, a lot of the stuff sold there will be a better deal than my normal suppliers."

Sojiro reached into his coat pocket and threw a small bundle of yen at him with the grocery list attached. Catching it, he noticed that there was a decent amount of money in the roll. There was quite a bit more than necessary for their weekly stock of ingredients. He looked back up to Sojiro.

"Keep the change, consider it workers comp' for doing me a favor."

With the exchange of funds, Sojiro departed. Ren wasn't quite sure how to feel. A shopping trip to Shibuya wasn't exactly the most productive use of his time, especially when he was on edge waiting to hear back from Ohya.

Oh well, at least Sojiro had given him some extra pocket money. Ren tucked the bundle of yen away, thoughts of his trip to Shibuya tomorrow accompanying him as he got ready to go to sleep.

Nighttime

After staying late at the office, the hours bleeding into the early morning, Sae had finally gone home. Quietly entering her apartment, with Makoto already asleep, she prepared for bed in solitude.

Turning off the light and crawling into bed, Sae pulled the covers up over herself and let out a sigh. She felt her heartbeat rattle with every slowing breath and the jitters of her restless life slowing to a stop in a peaceful calm curl of her toes. The aches of the day smoothed out.

Her eyes closed and she relaxed.

Unconsciously she drifted a few hours back. Rich aromas came in phantom waves of sensations as she imagined the warm and soft lighting upon her eyelids.

It was strange.

Today had been hectic. Endless paperwork, two hearings, and the ever energetic, eager, and nosy, detective prince, Akechi, had been a lot to deal with; even for her. She couldn't imagine how she had looked, stumbling into Leblanc. The second the door had chimed she felt her composure fall to the wayside.

For Sae Niijima, that was quite strange. Now what was even stranger was what had happened over her visit to the cafe.

He had been kind. She could still see the honest concern that had crossed his expression. His offer had been greatly appreciated. Her short rest in the cafe had done wonders for her last few hours at work. She felt herself smiling and a light feeling rising from the bottom of her chest.

Ren Amamiya.

She wondered if she was getting a little too comfortable with the young man at the cafe. They had a strictly professional relationship. She paid him money and he served her coffee. It was that simple.

And yet, over the week, and all the late night visits before… she couldn't help but think that his company was more than just service with a smile. Sae had little time for friends, companionship was a blessing that wasn't afforded to those with ambitions like hers. A romantic relationship was quite out of the question as well. But somehow his company was a convenient exception.

Sae began to drift off.

The next morning she awoke, still tired, but oddly content. The scent of coffee lingered and she could almost recall a pleasant warmth. Perhaps she had a good dream.

(June 18) Late Afternoon Saturday:

Blip!

Ren stopped outside of the Shibuya underground mall supermarket.

Yusuke: 'Thank you for accompanying me through Mementos. Our journey across the rails was incredibly enlightening! The unbridled, naked aspects of the shadows were simply inspiring. I'm sure this will bring me a step closer to depicting true beauty!'

The memory of his outing with Yusuke left him feeling amused, if a little exhausted. His artistic fellow thief had ventured deep into Mementos with reckless abandon. It had been a much more difficult experience going into the shadow infested collective unconscious without Morgana's transportation. All in all, he was glad he had been able to help, even if he wasn't quite sure how he had. On top of that, he'd acquired a new confidant.

Ren: 'I'm glad, keep at it.'

He waited a moment, watching the dots blinking as Yusuke typed a response.

Yusuke: 'I will indeed! Let me know anytime you require my brush, I am at your service.'

Ren: 'Will do. Have a good night, Yusuke.'

Yusuke: 'You as well, Ren.'

Putting his phone back to sleep, he pocketed it, and mentally went through Sojiro's list of ingredients. He'd arrived later than he'd expected due to his adventures with Yusuke, but he still had time.

Ren stepped through the automated double doors and grabbed a shopping cart. Hopefully he could get his errand done quickly so he could prepare for his meeting with Ohya.

Makoto was making dinner tomorrow.

It had come on short notice, but their refrigerator was nearly empty. It was these two facts that led Sae to be shopping in the Shibuya underground mall on her only afforded break of the day. While incredibly inconvenient, Sae made an effort to be understanding.

Makoto did most of the housework, upkeep, and cooking, while Sae was working and paying the bills. It was only fair that she helped her little sister out every now and then. Plus Sae couldn't help but feel slightly excited.

It had been a while since she had been able to sit down and eat a meal with her sister with how sporadic and busy the prosecutor's office had been lately.

Sae was sick to death of all the rave and hype over the Phantom Thieves. Makoto was far too sensible to be influenced by such nonsense. She looked forward to hearing about how Makoto's third year at Shujin has been.

At least Amamiya seemed to have his head on straight about the Phantom Thieves.

Strolling down the fresh produce section, she stopped to pick out some carrots. Sae let the cart come to rest across from a lone cart filled to the brim with bags of rice, onions and spices. While the sheer amount of food was odd, she paid it no mind and began placing carrots into her own cart.

"Oh, hello, Miss Niijima."

Turning to regard the familiar voice, stepping into view was the bespeckled young man with frizzy black hair from her favorite cafe. In his hands were four large bags of potatoes, which he proceeded to set down in the already full cart.

Surprised, but pleasantly, she smiled.

"Amamiya? Don't tell me you work here as well," she teased.

He chuckled with a wry smile on his lips.

"No, but I thought about it. Their hours don't line up with my schedule and I prefer my evenings working at Leblanc."

Sae briefly imagined what it would be like without him behind the counter.

"I think I prefer that as well, you make excellent coffee."

"And you make for excellent company."

A pleasant warmth settled into her chest as she laughed gently. Looking him over, she thought the shujin uniform framed him well. As she glanced up to meet his gaze, Sae was surprised to see that he was actually taller than her.

In this moment it was easy to forget that he was a few years younger than her.

"Well, aren't you a charmer."

He smiled at her playfully.

"Told you I was full of surprises."

She couldn't hide her amusement as he laughed along with her. There was something inviting about him.

"So what brings you here? I thought the prosecutor's office kept you pretty busy until the evenings."

Mulling over sharing her plans with Makoto, Sae didn't really see the harm in it.

"Well you're right about being kept busy. I'm on a break right now. My sister is going to make dinner tomorrow night so I was picking up some ingredients for her."

He smiled, the excitement behind his eyes simmering to a sincere nod.

"That must be nice for you, to spend time with your sister."

She met his onyx eyes. They offered such a gentle regard. Sae liked that he was quick to understand things. But more than that, she liked that he seemed to understand her.

Sae found herself smiling back. Partly because of her dinner with Makoto, and partly because of him.

"It really is. We haven't really spoken lately. It'll be great to finally catch up with her. I've just been so busy."

As much as she didn't want to admit it, Sae was worried that her consistent absence from home over the years had put a strain on her relationship with Makoto. And when they did interact, she couldn't help but fall into the guardian role that had been given to her years ago.

Perhaps it was easier to face Makoto that way than to just be her sister.

"Miss Niijima…"

Catching her attention, she hadn't even realized she had slipped away into her thoughts. The first thing she noticed was his lips. They formed together in a soft sort of curvature. Then it was his eyes, they were so reserved yet so available.

"...I hope your dinner goes well, you deserve something nice."

From someone else she would have thought it was pity. But in a strange way he just seemed to care, and know. Sae berated herself for wearing her emotions so blatantly. She was used to only letting people see what she wanted them to.

Still, his words were sincere. In a world full of masks and half truths, it was always refreshing when faced with honest care.

"Thank you, I think it'll go well."

She found herself more sure of the notion as she said it herself. He nodded back to her with a smile. He then looked away, checking the time on his phone. It was slight, but his smile dampened.

"It seems I've got to finish shopping and head back to the store soon."

"I won't keep you then, I should get back to my own shopping as well," she offered.

He strode back behind his cart.

"It was nice seeing you, Miss Niijima."

He always called her that. Always so formal in the cafe, and even now. It was strange to hear it when they weren't situated across the counter from one another.

"Sae," she asserted, meeting his eyes, "you can call me Sae."

Ren looked surprised for a moment, but soon returned to his normally collected and cool demeanor. He smiled, an idea on his lips.

"Only if you call me Ren."

She couldn't help but return the gesture.

"It's a deal then," she replied.

With one last look, they began walking, their respective carts headed in opposite directions as they passed by each other. Sae started thinking about what was next on the list of things she needed to get when he called out to her.

"Have a good day, Sae."

They weren't too far from each other, so his voice hadn't carried far. Just enough for her to hear it. She looked back over her shoulder. He smiled as if he'd just said something bold, and in some ways, he had. It made her feel light.

"You too, Ren."

And with that, she turned away, walking down the aisle to continue on with her day. If it wasn't going to be a good day before, thinking of his parting words, she felt it might be now.

As he strode away through the aisles he couldn't stop smiling. He wasn't quite sure the reason. Perhaps it was the beautiful woman who he'd been getting to know. Perhaps it was the way her name felt as he spoke it.

"Sae…"

It came out soft, fondly. He'd been surprised when she'd said to call her by her first name. However, it felt fitting. Thinking over his interactions with her, they seemed to toe the line with formality.

Sae and her sister, Makoto… they definitely seemed to have a strained relationship. Despite the student council president essentially blackmailing them, he hoped that the dinner they shared would go well.

Sae really could use something nice in her life. The way she came into Leblanc, exhausted and weary; he wished he could help more.

Ren shook his head. He needed to focus on the task at hand. Stocking the cart with the rest of the ingredients, he quickly proceeded to the check out stands. He'd be heading into Shinjuku tonight, he'd better get ready.

(June 19) Late Evening Sunday:

Right now, you're useless to me.

All you do is eat away at my life.

That's what she had said earlier that night. She could still remember the shock on Makoto's face as it slowly turned into hurt. Work had been a nightmare lately but what she had said was inexcusable and awful.

Of course the Phantom Thieves would be on her mind. The news and websites have been going on about them non-stop. She just hadn't expected Makoto to bring their dad into all this. That was still a bit raw for her.

"Sae?"

She was quickly brought to the present as a coffee cup was set in front of her. Sae let down her terse lips and furrowed brow, sighing as she calmed herself. Once again she had failed to keep her emotions in check. She wondered if that was going to become a regular thing around him.

"Thank you, Ren," she replied curtly as she schooled her features.

Although having ordered it, she let the steaming cup sit. She feared even the normally soothing beverage would taste vile in the wake of her sour mood.

After her outburst at the dinner table, she'd eaten quickly and left without so much as a word. She'd considered going out to a bar and drowning her feelings in something fairly stronger than coffee. It had been tempting, but instead she found herself here.

Sae looked up from her heavy thoughts to the young man in front of her.

Ren Amamiya… she suspected that's why she was here. Once more she found herself thinking about his company. While nothing more than acquaintances at first, their relationship had evolved. Especially with their chance encounter at the supermarket. They were even on a first name basis now.

Sae wasn't sure if it was intentional or not, but she was grateful that he hadn't brought up or asked about her dinner with Makoto. She didn't think she could talk about what had happened back home.

And so they occupied the cafe in a peaceful and somber sort of quiet as her thoughts ran wild. A whimsical sort of angst settled over her. Where was she going to eat now? Without much thought she spoke.

"Hey, Ren, do you serve food here?" She thought back to their shopping encounter, "Your shopping yesterday had to have been for something."

He chuckled softly.

"As a matter of fact, we do. While you've only been ordering coffee, Leblanc is actually quite well known for its curry."

Taken aback, she blinked and thought of the ingredients she'd seen yesterday. It was strange imagining the combination of flavors.

"Curry? That's… interesting," she stated bemused.

He leaned into the counter.

"That's what I thought at first too but it's actually pretty good."

"Huh… I'll be sure to order some next time."

Ren nodded calmly with eyes alight; his smile was contagious. Her lips complied and she felt the tenseness in her heart start to unwind. When she dealt with personal conflict it was typically alone. No one could see her compromised, not even her own sister. It's why she had fled the apartment so quickly.

But him being there, just… there.

It felt better than being alone. Her gaze drifted to his tall slender frame. After their exchange, he'd begun busywork for the store, going through paperwork and preparing blends, but still close by. His gentle presence was calming.

Her dark crimson eyes drifted down to the rich and warm beverage he'd given her. In some ways it felt like an offering.

Gingerly, she took a sip.

The rest of the night was fairly subdued. They spoke now and again, sharing a laugh or some errant thoughts. It was freedom in her regimented life. She couldn't take back what she had said, but as she sat across from Ren Amamiya, his smile warm, she felt that maybe, at the very least, it was going to be okay.

A/N: Sae is an interesting character. I feel like the psychology of her character is much like Makoto's, however more tortured and twisted. I'll show more of what I mean in later chapters but for now I wanted to write and show the development of their interactions over the course of a specific week within the timeline. I hope you enjoyed reading; farewell for now.

Edit: Typos