"Hello? Earth to Akira?"
Ann snapped her fingers in front of her constantly-drowsy classmate. He made a small, almost inaudible gasp in response. Ann moved her face towards Akira's to take a better look at his seemingly tired face.
"Hey… You okay? You've been spacing out a lot lately." Ann asked, moving back to her seat and resting her cheek on her hand.
The whole group was at Leblanc, spending the last few days they had before Akira's departure. Ann and Makoto were sitting across Akira, Morgana on the bar counter, Haru and Yusuke on the bar stool, Futaba standing near the bar, and Ryuji sitting beside Akira. They were supposed to plan on something to do that day instead of just sitting there, which they have done a bit more than a lot. But they couldn't make much progress when the star of the meeting kept surrounding himself with his own thoughts
"Oh. Sorry." Akira replied. Quick and insightful.
"Not feeling too good today?" Makoto asked, while straightening up her sitting posture.
Akira covered his mouth and yawned. He still had that just-got-up-from-bed face going on even though he already washed his face beforehand. Akira had always looked sleepy, but it was rarely this visible and noticable.
"No, I'm okay." Akira said while softly rubbing his eyes. He was lucky he had that bedhair hairstyle, otherwise he would look even more like someone who stayed up last night because of some nightmares or something. "Just been getting less sleep these days, I guess."
"You wanna go get some rest and do this some other day, man?" Ryuji asked, face turned and concerned, looking straight at Akira's face. On most occasions, almost always, Ryuji sat beside Akira. Because even though he was friends with every other team members, he was the closest to his ex-leader. And Akira didn't mind at all constantly sitting beside him. His noisy voice often stayed him awake anyways.
"Or maybe you should get Sojiro's coffee. It should help you stay awake, right?" Futaba suggested, with both her hands on her back, her usual cute pose.
"That is true. The distinctive and refreshing taste of Boss' homemade coffee is certainly a treat people don't want to miss. It would certainly keep you awake." Yusuke nodded to himself, smiling, like he learned something completely new and interesting.
"That's not what I mean, weird Inari." Futaba scoffed at the tall, slender male. With no concern about her being the other unusual one in the team. Futaba always liked picking on Yusuke, and Yusuke always went along with it. Probably because they both have their own unique way of thinking.
"It is true that Boss' coffee tastes wonderful, though." Haru smiled. She always had been a fan of both Boss' coffee and curry, and always considered Sojiro a culinary professional. Which is why she liked to request Sojiro to taste her handgrown vegetables.
"As expected, it is not something to be understood by someone who has no appreciation nor understanding on the beauty of flavors." Yusuke smiled, seemingly proud.
"Grr…" Futaba growled. It's more adorable and mischievous than threatening, really.
"You two just won't stop fighting won't you?" Morgana sighed while licking his paws.
"Aren't you the same with Ryuji, Mona?" Ann asked playfully.
"C'mon, Ann. Don't compare me to a frickin cat." Ryuji exhaled, an expression of disgust formed on his face.
"I should be the one saying that, yellow-haired moron!" Morgana hissed at Ryuji, stiffening up his body as if ready for a fight.
"You askin' for trouble, idiot cat?!" Ryuji stood up suddenly, his hands clenched. The table shook a bit because of his motion.
"Bring it on, dimwit!" Morgana readied himself.
They both just growled at each other.
"Hey, I know you're all having your own fun, but I think we should tone our voices down a bit." Makoto said, pointing at Boss crossing his hands near the kitchen. They all went immediately silent after that.
"Uh… Sorry, Boss." Ryuji said, apologetic.
Sojiro just went, 'heh'. "You kids just enjoy your time. The cafe's not open today anyway. But like what Miss Nijima said, think about these old ears of mine." Sojiro said while looking around in the fridge, probably making sure the curry stock is enough for the next time the cafe's open.
Nobody actually expected Sojiro to close the shop today. It wasn't any sort of special day or anything. The cafe was open yesterday, too. Akira thought it was either because he was in a good mood, or he's being extra nice knowing that soon his cafe attic will no longer have any occupant in it. But nevertheless, they were all grateful to Sojiro.
"Thanks for lending the place for us!" Ann said with that cheerful voice of hers.
"It's no big deal." Sojiro answered, his focus still on the fridge. "Felt like I needed to pay the yellow-haired boy for the chocolate anyway. It tasted pretty good." Sojiro raised one side of his mouth, making a smirky grin.
The whole group except Ryuji made a surprised face, then turned their gaze to him. Ryuji's body arched back, turned out he's not at all less surprised than any of his friends.
"Wait, you gave Boss chocolate?" Ann asked, mouth open. "Was it Boss' birthday or something?"
"No, no, it's nothin' like that. It's just…" Out of all times, it was the worst time possible for him to get reminded about yesterday's events. Even though it wasn't exactly about the Boss. "...It's just kinda hard to explain, okay?"
"Actually, I got one, too." Akira said all of a sudden, just like how he moved around back when they were still Phantom Thieves.
"Great, just great. Now what the heck do I say?" Ryuji thought to himself.
They all just looked at each other.
"Um, was it like… Valentine's chocolate?" Ann asked, putting her finger near her lips.
"I guess so. The wrapper was pretty fancy." Akira said.
All of them widened their eyes, while Sojiro just raised an eyebrow, staring at whatever's going on in his raided cafe. They weren't expecting anything like that to happen. It wouldn't be a surprise for them if Ryuji didn't get any valentine's chocolate, but they also didn't think Ryuji would be the giving end, and moreover, to Akira.
Morgana suddenly went from laying down to sitting straight up. "Wait, so that chocolate was from Ryuji?!" After Ryuji went home yesterday and Morgana came back from walking around, Akira decided to spare some chocolate for Morgana since it was a lot for him to finish himself. Akira just responded with a nod.
They all went silent, didn't know exactly what they're supposed to say. Ryuji just stood there, gripping on his pants and facing downwards, hiding his huge embarrassment. He knew, he knew well that there were gonna be loads of questions coming for him and he wouldn't know what to answer.
"Dammit that Akira…" Ryuji thought.
"Well, um…" Makoto decided to be the first one talking. "I never knew you were like that, Ryuji. It certainly is unexpectable."
"Yeah… I've always thought you liked girls." Futaba said, amused.
Ryuji just looked at the two simultaneously. "...Huh? What?"
"It's okay, Ryuji. You don't have to hide it. We're all fine with it, right?" Ann turned her face to the others, and they all nodded.
It took Ryuji almost a minute to completely understand what it all meant. His cheeks felt hot and turned bright red.
"...W-wait! It's nothin' like that at all! I swear!" Ryuji stuttered but somehow still retained his loud voice. He then poked his elbow on Akira's arm. "Man… You gotta say somethin'..." Akira turned his head to Ryuji, seeing his face. Akira couldn't help but made a little chuckle seeing Ryuji's panicked face.
"I don't mind if it actually was like that." Akira stated, facing Ryuji and making grin that looked almost condescending. The girls responded with a giggle, Morgana covered his mouth, trying his best to contain his laugh.
"So this is what it is called a masculine kind of love… I certainly am lucky to be able to observe this unique phenomenon right before my eyes." Yusuke mumbled to himself with eyes closed.
"W-what the hell, man?! You're just makin' it worse!" Ryuji shouted at Akira. If it was someone else they'd probably scream back at Ryuji and told him to keep his voice down, but Akira was already used to it since he pretty much almost always sat beside Ryuji on any occasion. It was worth the face he made when Akira teased him.
Ryuji looked away from everyone, eyes straight at the wall. He was thinking as hard as he could to not make it seem like what they thought he was doing. Because it really wasn't his intention. When he bought the chocolate yesterday, he thought it might give people wrong assumptions, but he needed something special to give to his best friend so what else could he get? He didn't expect Akira would tell everyone about it either. And he was even more pissed off by the way Akira said it, simple and to-the-point, just like how he always said things.
"Didn't he know that this would happen if he just blurted it out to the others? Didn't he care? Why the heck am I the only one acting like this?" Ryuji thought to himself.
He then remembered that the reason this topic was even brought up in the first place was because of the Boss. He knew that the Boss had no ill intentions, and he probably didn't know Akira got chocolate, too.
"If it really was, 'like that', then why did I even give Boss chocolate in the first place? Huh?" Ryuji raised his voice, trying his hardest to convince everyone.
They were all surprised that Ryuji could actually say something logical and not just random sentences. But it was soon broken by the Boss himself.
"I didn't even think of valentines when I saw mine." He brought over his chocolate box that he apparently kept in the fridge since there were still some chocolates inside. "See for yourself. Actually, don't bring in this old guy to your lovey-dovey stuff."
They unnecessarily gathered up on the counter, taking a good look at the chocolate box. And the Boss was right. The box looked classy, but it had no valentine vibes to it. It had nude, goldish colors that seemed fitting with the cafe's color scheme. It was definitely suiteable for boss.
"Ooh Sojiro's right!" Futaba excitedly said. "I'm gonna take one, Sojiro!" Futaba then took one piece of chocolate and chewed it down. Sojiro just smiled at her, he never thought Futaba liked dark chocolate, though. He thought Futaba was more of a milk chocolate kind of girl.
Ann then looked over at Ryuji and made a smirk. "Well, what do you say about that, Ryuji?"
Ryuji got his mouth shut. His mouth was repeatedly opening and closing, but no words came out from his mouth. He was extremely panicked. "Wh-I… uh…"
"Ryuji got his own reasons." Akira said, in a low voice. Akira thought it was too much for Ryuji by now, and he didn't want to seem like a bad friend, doing absolutely nothing while his friend was getting cornered like a mouse. It was fun and entertaining seeing Ryuji like before, but he didn't want to cross the line.
Ryuji glanced at Akira, then looked back at the others. "Y-yeah! It was just a gift, that's all there was to it!" Ryuji pressed his words even more, though still sweating himself.
Ann put her hand on her chin, "Hmmm… Oookay then~" Ann said, with a voice not at all convincing. She always liked to tease Ryuji, especially if it's about this kind of stuff. Even more because it was with Akira.
"To be honest, to me, it doesn't matter either way. I think it's adorable if you're with Akira. You two have always seemed so close anyway." Haru giggled. "But don't you think we should decide where to go by now? I don't want to bother the Boss even more."
"Haru's right. That's the main reason we gathered here in the first place, right?" Makoto agreed.
"I guess you're right…" Ann went back to her seat, looking at her phone. She opened a travel guide site, searching for good places to hang out in Shibuya. Makoto went along looking on Ann's phone, she wasn't the type that go out to these kind of places a lot, so it was nice to be friends with Ann who knows more about it. Ann always had a good time telling Makoto about her favorite places to go too.
The ones near the bar-Haru, Yusuke, Morgana, and Futaba all gathered up to look at some travel magazines Haru brought from home. She had a lot of them, since her father and her often go out of town and country for business purposes. Haru turned out to be pretty knowledgeable about popular and great places to visit, a total opposite from the other three, especially Futaba who only decided to go out of her room almost half a year ago.
Akira just looked at everyone, smiling. It was always nice to see his friends gathering up like this. He himself knew quite a lot good places to go because of his wide connections, though he probably haven't visited all of them. So he decided to just let his friends pick for him. He was the type of person who liked to go with the flow anyway. Unless he felt the need to go against the stream.
Suddenly Akira heard a sigh. It came from beside him, from Ryuji. He was just sitting there, body slumped over. He's usually hyped up talking about places for them to go to, but he didn't seem to be in the mood, or his mind was somewhere else.
"You okay?" Akira asked Ryuji, speaking inbetween the crowd noises his other friends made.
Ryuji turned his head slightly to Akira, almost lazily. "Yeah… I'm good." Ryuji said.
"Doesn't seem like it." Akira said. He arranged his posture to face Ryuji more comfortably.
Ryuji made a frown at that, but it looked more sulky than aggressive. It wasn't that visible either, with his torso bent forward. "I just got reminded of yesterday because of that talk just now."
"And is that a bad thing?" Akira asked, making some hand gestures.
Ryuji scratched his head. "Well, no. It's just, y'know… It's kinda embarrassing when you think about it now." He turned his gaze away from Akira, he really hoped Akira didn't know how awkward he's feeling right now.
"Why?" Akira asked. Simple, yet difficult to respond to.
Ryuji turned his face to Akira, looking straight at him this time. "Why? I dunno, man." Ryuji let out another sigh. "Maybe I just felt like such a wuss, like I let myself down. It wasn't supposed to turn out like that."
Akira put a hand on Ryuji's shoulder, patting it softly. "I don't think it's bad thing." He smiled. "You're just staying true to your feelings, like the usual Ryuji I know."
That, that smile of his. The smile that exactly made Ryuji feel too comfortable than normal. The smile that made Ryuji feel like the lesser one. Ryuji knew well Akira didn't mean it that way, but he just couldn't help the feeling. He loved to get comforted and supported by his best friend, but he also thought he's being too weak getting treated like so. Akira was the one going away, so why was he the one who needed encouragement? It was really frustrating for Ryuji, who protected his pride and who liked to show off his strength.
"You don't need to act nice to me, y'know? Don't… make me depend on you too much, man. I mean, I appreciate it but, cut it out a bit? Sometimes I just need a good scolding telling me to toughen up and not some pitiful comforting." There, he said it, Ryuji thought. Yesterday's incident had been bugging him for all night. He had mixed feelings about it. But luckily he was somehow still able to get a plenty amount of sleep. It was less than usual, but Ryuji usually slept like a log anyway.
Akira stayed silent and stared at Ryuji's eyes for a while. "You didn't like it?" Akira asked.
Ryuji put a hand on his forehead. "No, it's not that… I-uh, I liked it, it's just-"
"Then shouldn't it be okay?" Akira said before Ryuji was able to finish his sentence. "I liked it too. You relying on me, I mean. Because I've been doing the same to you."
Ryuji's eyes widened. He didn't think Akira would say that. It was almost impossible to predict what Akira's thinking anyway. He always looked so calm and composed, like nothing was affecting him. He was the complete opposite of Ryuji who blatantly show what he's feeling and thinking, Akira liked to keep it to himself and say something only when he needed to. It didn't even come to Ryuji's mind that Akira was actually relying on him, too.
It was really refreshing to know that. It gave Ryuji the feeling of self-worth, the feeling that he actually meant and could do something for Akira and not the other way around. "Really, Akira?"
Akira simply nodded at that, still with that ever-so-charming smile of his.
Ryuji didn't say anything for a short while. He was still surprised, with his mouth open. But it slowly turned into a grin, into a wide smile.
He then wrapped his arms around Akira. "Yeah! You can count on me too, man. Leave it to me!" Ryuji let out a satisfied laugh. The others noticed his sudden remark and moved their focus to him.
Akira chuckled at that. "I'm counting on you."
They both just laughed together. Their friends didn't know what was going on with the two but it was nice to see them getting all jolly like so.
"You two seem like you're having a great time." Makoto said, with a smile.
"What's up? Have you finally accepted your feelings, Ryuji?" Ann giggled.
Ryuji growled. "Would you just let it go-"
"Yes we finally discovered our love for each other." Akira suddenly wrapped an arm on Ryuji's waist and pulled him close.
It was the others' turn to get surprised. Ann squealed and Futaba made a funny shocked face, while Makoto and Haru let out a small laugh. Morgana let out a big laugh that only sounds like a loud 'meow' for Sojiro, which made him turn his focus from the kitchen to the cat in utter confusion. Yusuke stared at them with full interest.
Ryuji went bright red by that. "W-what the hell, man?! Stop it! They're getting the wrong idea!" Ryuji said while pushing Akira's hand away from his waist.
Akira stared for a while at Ryuji's face. Then, with no self-restraint, Akira let out a big laugh which surprised everyone. Even Morgana had never seen Akira laugh like that before. They all have their mouths and eyes open wide, like something unbelievable just happened right in front of them.
Akira then slowly turned down the laugh and wiped his eyes slowly from the tears that formed because of it. "Sorry about that."
"What are you laughing about? I've never seen you laugh like that before." Morgana said, moving his body forward in amusement.
"Ryuji." Akira said.
"Huh?" Ryuji said.
"I was laughing at Ryuji."
The others looked at each other and Ryuji's torso moved backwards in surprise. "Huh? What?"
Akira turned to face Ryuji but then quickly followed by another laugh. He covered his mouth this time. "Your face… that face you make."
"My face? What about my face?" Ryuji asked, genuinely surprised.
"It's funny." Akira said, still letting out a small laugh. "You're really interesting to look at."
"What? What is that even supposed to mean?!" Ryuji shouted.
"Actually, I think I know what Akira meant." Futaba said, looking at Ryuji's face, chuckling.
Then the whole cafe just laughed, except Ryuji that pretty much had no idea what was happening.
After the satisfying laugh, Ann decided to speak up about their travel destination.
"Hey, guys, about the place, how about we go to Shibuya Mark City? It's not too far and it pretty much got everything in there." Ann suggested.
"Ah! That place!" Yusuke suddenly stood up and shouted, everyone gasped in surprise. It really was hard to guess what's going on in the artist's head. Yusuke was similar to Akira in terms of quietness and unpredictability, but Yusuke still talked more than Akira. Even though it was mostly about art and beauty.
"I've always wanted to see Tora Okamoto's incredible piece, The Myth of Tomorrow." Yusuke closed his eyes and put a hand on his chest. "That mysteriousness... yet it also gives out such strong energy... I can't believe a painting could provide such wide varieties of emotions. It really is a fascinating piece. I would like to see it myself, if I may."
"Is that the enormous painting on the 2nd floor?" Haru asked in confirmation, even though she already knew the answer. Yusuke nodded in return. "I once read that the whole painting is 30 meters wide. It's really incredible."
"Well Inari would undoubtedly be happy going there." Futaba said, with a face that almost looked like she's sulking. "But what about us? What else is there?" Futaba asked. The place she had been familiar with are pretty much only Yongen, Shujin, and Akihabara, so she could be pretty hesitant in going somewhere else since even now she's still a bit nervous around new people.
"There are a lot of shops and restaurants, too." Ann said. "Don't you want to taste some new good food? Or maybe go shopping with me? I think I've seen some clothes that would suit you great!"
"Oh, r-really? New clothes…" Futaba mumbled to herself.
"Yes. It would be nice to have some spare outfits every now and then, wouldn't it? You might find something you like, too." Makoto said with her soft tone whenever she's talking with Futaba.
"Okay, then… But don't leave me alone there!" Futaba said. Her being stuck in a big crowd is pretty much a nightmare for herself and the others.
"Don't worry, we'll be with you." Haru smiled.
"So it's decided then. We're gonna go to Shibuya Mark City. Any complaints?" Ann looked around. She was asking but she was pretty much making an intimidating smile, forcing the others to still go there in the end anyway.
The others shook their head. They didn't mind and know any other good place to go anyway.
"Alright! Great!" Ann looked at her phone to check the time. "But It's already kinda late…" The phone clock displayed 5 PM on the screen.
"Wait? We've been doing nothing here for that long?" Ryuji said. "But we got here at 1 o'clock straight!"
"Well… It's probably because we took quite some time deciding where to go. And Akira didn't seem like he's in his best condition today." Makoto said.
"And we spent some time getting these two together, too." Ann grinned at both Ryuji and Akira. Ryuji just snapped at her.
"Should we postpone it to tomorrow?" Haru asked.
"That might be a good idea. We wouldn't get to do much if we go today anyway." Ann said. "Anyone got plans tomorrow?"
"Nope" Ryuji said.
"I'm on standby." Yusuke said.
"I don't have plans." Makoto said.
"I think I'm free tomorrow." Haru said.
"I'm probably just hanging around here." Futaba said.
"I'm free for you whenever, Lady Ann!" Morgana said.
Akira just shook his head.
"It's settled, then! We're going to Shibuya Mark City tomorrow!" Ann said, happily. "Let's meet here at 10, okay?"
They all agreed.
They then spent some more time at Leblanc, just chatting until it's nighttime. They rarely have time to just sit together and talk about their daily lives, anyway. When they gather like this, it was usually for a team meeting regarding the Metaverse or for upcoming exams. So it was refreshing for Akira and the others.
After it hit nighttime, they all decided to call it a day and Akira accompanied them to the station. Akira always did that, it was just a right and polite thing to do, though it was also because he wouldn't mind spending more time talking with his friends. Besides, the station wasn't far from Leblanc anyway.
Finally, they arrived at the station, and it was about time for them to depart. They all said their goodbyes and go their own routes. Akira, with Morgana on his shoulder and Futaba beside him, waved at them until the train departed, then went straight home.
Right after arriving at Leblanc, Sojiro told Akira that he's going back to his house and like usual, told Akira to flip the sign. It had been pretty much part of Akira's daily activities since Sojiro told him too many times already. Futaba then went home along with Sojiro.
Akira then went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and then went straight up to the attic. He changed his clothes to his loungewear and decided to just head to bed. He knew Morgana would just force him to sleep if he tried to go anywhere anyway.
Akira adjusted his sleeping position and Morgana just curled himself up near Akira's legs. He was finally ready to hit the hay but then his phone rung. Akira lazily picked up the phone to check who it was, and it turned out it was just Ann reminding everyone about tomorrow.
But shortly after, a new chat popped out. And it was from Ryuji.
Ryuji:
Hey, man. You awake?
Akira:
Yep.
Ryuji:
Did I wake you up?
Akira:
Nah. Just about to sleep.
Ryuji:
Oh shoot, sorry 'bout that.
Ryuji:
Nevermind then, 'night!
Akira:
It's fine. What's up?
A minute passed.
Ryuji:
Well, uh…
Ryuji:
Thanks for today, man.
Ryuji:
I was being kind of a jerk earlier. I mean, I was supposed to thank you but instead I became all defensive and shit.
Ryuji:
Sorry 'bout that.
Akira:
It's no problem.
Akira:
Glad you can finally be honest to yourself.
Ryuji:
Yeah.
Ryuji:
Oh, and,
Ryuji:
Why did you tell the others about that chocolate thing?
Akira:
Because I got a chocolate from you.
Ryuji:
That's not what I mean, Dude!
Ryuji:
Y'know, forget it.
Ryuji:
We should sleep for tomorrow. You don't wanna know how Ann is when she's mad.
Akira:
Right.
Akira:
By the way,
Ryuji:
Yeah?
Akira:
You look cute when you're being honest.
Ryuji:
Dude, the heck? Even on phone?!
Ryuji:
Seriously, man. Drop it. What if Ann reads this? What if Futaba tracks our chat? Who knows what they might say?
Akira:
Just saying what I thought.
Ryuji:
Wait, did you actually mean that?
Akira:
Yep.
3 minutes passed.
Ryuji:
Uh…
Ryuji:
Uh, you still awake?
Akira:
Yeah.
Ryuji:
You… uh, did you mean all you said earlier at Leblanc?
Ryuji:
You know… The whole thing after you told them about the chocolate.
Akira:
I wasn't lying when I said I don't mind if it was a confession.
Akira:
Don't know about us discovering love.
Akira:
That was pretty much just messing with you.
Ryuji:
Wait, what do you mean you don't mind?
Ryuji:
You seriously don't feel weird about that?
Akira:
Nope.
Ryuji:
Oh…
Ryuji:
So, uh… I never knew you swing that way.
Ryuji:
Not that it's a bad thing or anything.
Akira:
I swing any way.
Akira:
You can swing facing forwards or backwards, right?
Ryuji:
Dude, I'm not talking about actual swings.
Akira:
Yeah, I know.
Akira:
I mean, I don't care who that person is.
Akira:
If I like that person then I don't mind.
Ryuji:
Wow. I never thought of it like that.
A minute passed.
Ryuji:
Wait, are you saying you like me?
Akira:
Yep.
Another minute passed.
Ryuji:
You… you mean in a best friend way, right?
Yet another minute passed.
Ryuji:
Akira?
Ryuji:
Dude, don't leave me hangin' here.
Akira:
You were waiting for me to answer?
Ryuji:
Of course! I mean, I asked you a question!
Akira:
Who knows.
Ryuji:
Huh?
Akira:
I answered it.
Ryuji:
"Who knows."? What kind of answer is that?!
Akira:
I think I can't stay up much longer. I'm going to sleep. Talk again tomorrow.
Ryuji:
Wait, what?
Ryuji:
Goddammit Akira.
Ryuji:
Alright, okay. Night, man.
Akira still read Ryuji's messages until the end, but he decided not to reply anything. And Akira slowly closed his eyes, trying his best to sleep. But he was having difficulties.
Because the cool Akira actually got his heart beating faster that night.