... In which Akechi brings a special Mementos request to Rin's attention that reveals itself to be more than she bargained for... and might even cast a new light on Akechi himself, and how much he actually cares, despite the aloof façade. [Based on the unused Mementos request that should not have remained unused.]

I pull out my phone without giving it too much thought... the lesson's just ended and I've made a habit of checking on people after school, especially since there's hardly anything else to do, these days.

I don't feel like going into the palace today—and we took care of the two new Mementos requests a couple days ago. Being back at school after the whole episode with Yaldabaoth and Maruki's taking over feels almost unreal... unfortunately, that's no excuse to slack on it, as Makoto keeps reminding us.

My heart skips a beat when I make out the name in the only text notification that's hovering on my screen.

—Do you have a moment? I'd like to share something interesting.

I find myself unable to not smile. Akechi hasn't actually texted me like this in ages, not on his own accord. It is always I who has to chase after him if I want to hang out, and he's not making it easy for me. Though it is undeniably fun, and all part of his eternal game that he's so adamant to keep playing with me, I do wish he'd reverse our roles once in a while.

I know that he cares—deep down, I do, no matter how aloof and unapproachable he is acting. I've seen it—but it would be nice if he could remind me, show me himself. Just once more.

—I'm listening.

I can't help but reply at once. It takes a few minutes, but I'm no further than the hallway when my phone buzzes again.

—There's a certain man in police custody, awaiting trial...

—His accuser is a member of the Diet. According to his claims, the man assaulted him.

—But I suspect they're false charges. Something about the accusation doesn't ring true.

I stare at my phone, blink once, twice... What Akechi is saying is completely unrelated to anything regarding a potential wish to see me, but... For some reason, it's still resonating with me. The fact that he brings this to my attention—

"A false charge by a Diet member?" Morgana is peeking over my shoulder at my screen. "Wait, that's just like..."

—Perhaps you can sympathize.

I understand, just when the next of Akechi's texts arrives.

—After all, it's not too far removed from your own unfortunate story.

—With one crucial difference:

—Why hasn't the accused spoken up in his own defense?

—At this rate, a guilty verdict seems inevitable.

—There has to be some hidden reason behind all this.

I barely keep up reading with how fast he is typing. Even through the emotionally neutral screen, I can sense Akechi's agitation about this. In fact, I feel more emotion coming through from him than I have in a while.

Recently, he's been so good at keeping up his emotional walls that I realize I started having doubts whether there is actually something he cares about. Whether he cares about me the way I do about him, or whether I'm really just bothering him like he keeps saying.

Whether he meant what he said in the laundry, or—

—So why tell me?

I type, with shaking fingers.

—Well, considering what you and your group do, I imagine you could hardly abandon him to his fate...

I process that he's just referred to the Phantom Thieves as though he isn't part of us first before it hits me that he thinks we should help this guy.

Goro Akechi, the man who would have the world believe he couldn't care less about anything, least of all the fates of others, found it worthwhile to bring it to my attention that there's a person out there worth saving.

—I simply found the information and thought you might like to do something about it.

I can practically hear the suppressed regret to have sounded so involved in his previous texts in this last one, but it can't quell my joy anymore.

"Still as high-and-mighty as ever," Morgana shakes his head and I have to admit, as much as I dislike that he does it, Akechi is being extremely convincing at the playing-it-aloof part. So much so that I think our whole team's bought into it. Part of me is waiting for an opportunity to prove them wrong, and another hopes I won't have to, and that he'll let his softer side out when he feels safe enough.

Maybe all I can and should do is try to make him feel that way.

"But he's right," Morgana eventually sighs. "We can't just turn a blind eye to this. I don't care if Akechi's kind of manipulating us into it. We should help this guy out."

I nod, and think Akechi could manipulate me into helping people all he wants, I wouldn't have any problems with that. All it would do is prove that he does want to help others, even if only through getting someone else to do it.

—The man worked part-time at the Beef Bowl shop on Central Street. The "assault" occurred there too.

—I think that it might be a good place to start investigating. If you're willing to do so, anyway.

The only thing that's bothering me about the way he's wording his request is that he is putting it as though he's an outsider. With us. If he's already making me help this guy, I might as well take it as my chance to make him help himself.

—You're helping too.

I want to start typing again, to explain that I mean he's a Phantom Thief too now when he already replies.

—Oh, I'll be helping in my own way. Something about this has been on my mind.

—I'll be looking into this alleged victim, the Diet member. If I find anything, you'll be the first to know.

I feel a sudden, strong urge to hug the phone, in his stead.

Am I dreaming? Is this real? That Goro Akechi is approaching me, with the sole intent to help someone? Whether he is agreeing to avoid looking lazy, or because he is already invested in this—or both—I don't care.

—No slacking off!

I type and promise myself to hug him for as long as he'll let me, the next time I see him, for this. Or more. Depending on where it ends up being.

—Oh, I know. Remember, I am a detective myself.

Comes the immediate reply and I can't help but press my phone to my cheek, feeling an overwhelming desire to see him. Tell him in person that I understand, that I appreciate, and that he can act aloof for as long as he wants, if—

"... What are you doing, focus!" Morgana cuts through my thoughts and I unwillingly turn my head to look at him. "First order of business is gathering information. Once we loop the team in, we can start investigating."

I nod and close the messenger for the sake of the note where I keep my Mementos requests. All existing ones are done, and I've never been more excited to add a new one to the list.

For a moment, I hesitate, then type 'Dietman and the Fighter for Justice'.

I can practically feel Morgana's judgmental stare, but that's not the reason I erase the latter half of that title again. Naming these missions is almost the best part of all this, in a way, even if that's the one bit nobody is technically needing me to do. I am having way too much fun with it. But this one I can't bring myself to take lightly. Not even light-heartedly.

'Dietman and the Silent Requester', I finally type and linger on the page for a moment, then close it. It's not like anyone will ask why I chose that name.

"Huh?" Morgana hums immediately. "You've come up with some questionable names in the past, but this one I don't get at all."

I don't feel like elaborating. It'd take too much energy to coherently explain, in a way that Morgana would understand, that the final title means the same as the first one. All I did was cut the flowery, idealistic phrasing for the sake of the naked truth.

I don't have any plans for the day, so I head to Central Street at once. I use the subway ride to text and inform the rest of the team that we have a new request, and luckily, nobody questions the name anymore. Although I'm almost positive I can sense a lot of suppressed desire to do so.

"So, that thing Akechi asked you about," Morgana says as soon as I step out of the subway. "Let's see if we can learn anything at the beef bowl shop."

I nod and make my way in the direction, past hoards of busy people. Most of them are smiling, laughing, and exchanging excited chatter.

"This job is always busy..." Morgana sighs when we finally reach the shop. "That part-timer might know something," he points at a guy in an apron, visible through the glass door of the shop.

"Let's wait for him to come out," suggests Morgana, and I step aside to lean on the wall while I wait.

"Oh, is that him?"

I jerk away from the wall, realizing I was on the brim of falling asleep. I have no idea for how long I waited but the sun has already almost disappeared and I sense a pungent hunger.

Instinctively, I follow Morgana's outstretched paw and see a guy, not much older than I, stepping through the glass door of the beef bowl shop. I force my sleeping legs into action and push away from the wall to almost run into him, in an attempt to prevent him from leaving.

"Eek!" he cries and awkwardly supports me until I can stand on my own again. "I-I'm sorry!"

"I have a question."

"No, I'm sorry."

"Oh... No, it's... fine," he assures and brushes back his hair with a bright smile. "Um," he speaks again after a few moments of awkward silence, "can you move out of the way?"

I take a deep breath, then shake my head and pull him aside, to explain why I'm here.

"W-Who are you...?" He crosses his arms defensively, "I've already told the police about him... This store is usually a one-man operation. We don't really see other employees... And even if I do see him sometimes, we've only spoken a few times..."

I can't help but feel bad for dragging this boy into all of this, but Akechi's heated texts surface in my mind, and that what we're doing is worth it. We only want to help this guy, after all, and we can't do that without knowing the details.

Though I have to say, my hopes of learning something about our actual target, the Dietman, are not particularly high.

For a brief moment, I question why Akechi even asked me to investigate the guy we're trying to help—considering we won't be changing his heart—and whether there is something to find out here at all that will be of use.

But, at this point, my curiosity is piqued anyway.

"We want to prove his innocence."

"Please, tell us what you know."

"Hey, could you be... Toji-kun's girlfriend?"

I freeze at the part-timer's question.

"He did mention he was dating a girl from another school, and... Well," he laughs, "I think he's innocent too. He's a really bright and good kid. He has two part-time jobs," he speaks on without giving me a chance to tell him I'm not the guy's... Toji's girlfriend. "It must be hard for him, but he's always smiling..."

An image flashes in my mind, a bright smile on a face that was effectively, but not absolutely, concealing incredible exhaustion and strain. Something that stuck with me, even though half a year must have passed since he said it.

"Ah, but I can't keep complaining... Let's both do our best today!"

I swallow.

"I'm not actually his girlfriend, but I'd love to know more."

"I'm not really his girlfriend, but if you tell me more, it will help him."

"Oh?" The part-timer's eyes widen. "Oh, my apologies..." he scratches his head, "I am sorry for assuming, I just... well... honestly, I haven't spoken to him that much... Oh, but we talked about his family name being Karataki, and how it's an unusual name. And he said that his father's family name is unique too... It was... Ushiwata, I think? And we talked about how that's a perfect name for a beef bowl place... But," he gives me an apologetic chuckle, "that's really all I know..."

"Hm, Toji Karataki," says Morgana, "We figured out his name then."

Of the guy we're saving, not the guy we're targeting, I counter internally but I can hardly respond to Morgana in front of another person. I smile at the part-timer, but really, this conversation didn't yield much useful information at all.

"That's all I know, sorry," says the part-timer again and I realize that to him I must have looked like I was just spacing out. "Can I go now...?"

I hurriedly smile at him and nod, mumbling a quick thank you, and sorry for the holdup, when my phone buzzes.

I wait for him to disappear out of sight before I make my way over to a quiet corner to read the group chat.

HARU—Do we have any new information on this false accusation case?

RYUJI—I wanna help, but we got no info on this thing!

—Any leads, Rin?

I exchange a glance with Morgana. Honestly, perhaps I shouldn't be so harsh. Knowing the guy we're trying to help by name suddenly seems like the least we should do.

RIN—His name's Toji Karataki

YUSUKE—Karataki?

FUTABA—Bam, got a hit.

—Toji Karataki, goes to Kosei High.

YUSUKE—Yes, I believe I know a Karataki in my year.

—He's been balancing his reputation as one of our top second-years along with a part-time job.

FUTABA—His parents got a divorce when he was really young, and his mom got custody.

—He lives by himself, and he's paying his own tuition.

ANN—He lives alone? What about his mom?

FUTABA—Looks like she passed. Right before he went to elementary.

SUMIRE—When he was that young...?

[ALIBABA]—And about his mom...

—There's something else.

I stare at the Alibaba picture. Futaba hasn't actually used that alias in a long time, and the fact that she's switched to anonymous mode all of a sudden is worrying me. But also...

I scroll up. Count. A top-of-his-class honor student who lives alone, balances a job with school, pays his own tuition, whose parents aren't together, whose mom died when he was really young, and...

I stare at his picture, up in the row, between Futaba and Sumire. This is all a little... too familiar. Part of me wants to bring it up, to see if I'm the only one noticing the apparent parallels, or if the others simply choose to not bring it up out of... what, courtesy? But is that necessary?

My fingers hover over the screen, I'm staring at the anonymous message. His mom... I swallow. If this is going where I can't help but think it is, I'll officially be mildly creeped out. I let out a long breath before I type.

RIN—What's the matter?

FUTABA—Toji's mom's death is listed as a suicide.

I stare at the screen, barely noticing that my hand, that is holding the phone, is shaking. Against my will I find myself thinking about how much of this Akechi knew when he asked me to look into Toji. Whether he—

ANN—Suicide!?

FUTABA—I don't have anything more specific, though...

YUSUKE—A tragic turn for one so young...

RYUJI—Hey, Akechi, you got any info?

—If you're gonna contribute, now's the time...

He's not said anything so far, I realize, and swallow. But before I can type a response myself, his icon actually pops up.

AKECHI—I've been investigating.

—But I'll need a little more time. It's best I have a grasp of the full picture before I share my findings.

RYUJI—What? Have you seriously found nothing at all?

—So much for the big fancy "Detective Prince," huh?

AKECHI—I'll reach out once I have more to go on.

RYUJI—Is he even reading this!?

I clutch my phone, meaning to ask Ryuji whether HE is even reading this, or whether he is just not bothering to look at the information Futaba laid out and put it into context. Whether he is aware of just how rude he's being, just once.

Considering I felt the uncomfortable sting myself, I can only imagine how Akechi felt, discussing all this. All this that he probably knew all along.

"An honor student who lost his mom at an early age, huh...?" Morgana hums and I look at him intensely. Will he point out the obvious elephant in the room, or will he decide to pretend all this isn't ringing any bells whatsoever as well?

"Well, we're not done yet," he shakes his head, "but this is probably good intel. Let's head home for now."

My heart sinks as I shove the phone into my pocket and begin walking. I don't know how to feel about any of this and whether I should just do what they do and pretend all this is completely unheard of, or whether I should speak up. Point out what nobody, not even Morgana, seems to want to say.

It's an eerily similar story. And yet it is a story Futaba and the rest of them told in the chat without seeming to care about possible correlations or similarities to persons present. But... what does that mean? As wrong as it feels to think this—does the similarity... matter at all?

I feel as though it should. I stare at the ground as I slowly make my way toward the station. It feels wrong to talk about a story so similar to his, in his presence, even in the context of this guy being someone we are trying to help—as by his own request, too—without pointing it out.

But also... if Akechi's not pointing it out himself, does that mean he prefers it this way? Is that why he sent me to the beef bowl shop—so that I may learn all of this without him having to spell it out?

Why... wouldn't he want us to talk about it? This is the question that plagues me during the whole subway ride. Here's a boy who experienced something so similar to himself, their situations align almost perfectly, and yet he seems fine with acting as though this isn't the case, even taking Ryuji's nagging without complaint. Despite how talking about this must be anything but comfortable for him.

I am fighting the urge to call him, ask how he's doing, but he's offline when I open the messenger to check and I don't want to bother him even further. Instead, I open the Mementos Missions note to stare at the name.

I truly couldn't have chosen it better.

Despite how wrong it feels, by the time I walk into Leblanc, I have made the decision to remain silent. If the Silent Requester wants to treat this as a normal mission, I will respect that. Maybe it's for the best, I sigh, maybe it would just make things awkward. Maybe whatever my gut is screaming about unfairness and lacking acknowledgment is... wrong, just this once.

"Ah, welcome," Sojiro greets me from behind the counter and I shoot him a smile. "That, uh... boyfriend of yours was here earlier," his smile turns into a smirk, "he didn't ask for you, but he seems to be liking the atmosphere here for when he's working. Not that I mind, of course."

I sense a pang of guilt. Maybe I should have called him earlier, maybe—

My phone buzzes just at that moment. I pull up a chair and lean on the counter, quietly asking Sojiro if he has any leftover curry for dinner. He nods and disappears into the kitchen as I open the group chat.

RYUJI—You see the news?

I quite literally just arrived home. My stomach makes an undefinable but pungent sound when I catch the first traces of curry scent.

RIN—What news?

ANN—Did something happen?

FUTABA—You talkin' about the robbery? I'm surprised you already know, Ryuji.

MAKOTO—Robbery?

FUTABA—Yesterday, someone broke into an apartment in Yongen.

—Seems like the only victim was a part-timer who lives by himself.

RYUJI—But guess what! The part-timer was...

I freeze. Even the curry Sojiro places before me at that very moment cannot tear my eyes from the screen. It can't be...

RIN—Toji Karataki?

ANN—Seriously!?

FUTABA—Seriously. I checked on my end too.

HARU—Someone robbed his home while he was in custody? And on a fake charge, no less...

—How awful...

RYUJI—But there's something weird goin' on.

—The robber didn't actually take anything of value.

YUSUKE—Nothing? Did he give up partway?

RYUJI—No idea.

AKECHI—If I may interject...

—I myself have some details to share on this case.

My heart skips a beat the moment I see his portrait pop up. For some reason, I realize I was actually worried. About what exactly, I don't think I could tell.

Ryuji only beats me to replying because I'm already shoveling curry into my mouth.

RYUJI—About time. I was getting sick of waiting.

RIN—Got dirt on the Diet member?

AKECHI—The Dietman who brought charges on Toji Karataki...

—His name is Hisashi Morozumi.

—Most of my information on him can be grouped into two parts.

—First, regarding Morozumi's past. Before becoming a member of the Diet, he worked as a secretary.

—Around then, he married the daughter of a former cabinet minister—a secretary herself.

—That's about when he made his grand debut in the political world.

RYUJI—Man. He already sounds kinda sleazy.

ANN—You're just jealous.

AKECHI—However, Morozumi was soon embroiled in a certain scandal.

SUMIRE—What incident?

AKECHI—He was having an affair.

—Once the mess with his mistress came to light, he was almost forced to resign from office.

ANN—Wow. So he's trash.

YUSUKE—I daresay it served him right.

AKECHI—But that turmoil was abruptly cut short.

—Because the mistress ended up committing suicide.

RYUJI—What!?

SUMIRE—She killed herself...?

I release the breath I've been holding this entire time. Something about all this seems off, in a way I can't explain. Akechi continues before I can think it through any further.

AKECHI—And that's all I found on Morozumi's past.

—Now, we move on to his recent behavior—just prior to this latest incident.

—He'd reportedly been acting very strange. As if he's been stressed about something.

—Moreover, on the day of the incident, he went all the way to see Karataki at his part-time job.

—And he wasn't going as a customer.

MAKOTO—Wait... You mean to say there's some connection between Morozumi and Toji-kun?

AKECHI—At the very least, Morozumi seems to know him.

—That's all I've got so far.

—But one aspect of this seems rather suspicious. Perhaps you've already noticed it yourself?

I swallow. The odd feeling from earlier when he informed us of the Dietman's mistress' suicide...

RIN—The mistress and Toji's mother...

AKECHI—Yes. Both dead by their own hand.

—On the surface, both parties had a female figure in their lives commit suicide.

—My question is, what if these two women were the same person?

The display before me starts to blur. If what he is saying is true, that would add yet another point to my ever-growing list of similarities between Toji and Akechi. And, if that is where this is going—

YUSUKE—That would make Morozumi and Toji father and son...

HARU—Does that mean Toji-kun was falsely accused by his own father?

AKECHI—It's certainly not impossible. Do you know Toji Karataki's original surname?

I swallow again, but then breathe out in almost relief when I remember what the part-timer said.

RIN—I believe it was Ushiwata.

YUSUKE—Oh... I thought they were actually related.

FUTABA—Actually, there's one other thing that's been bothering me.

—When I put Morozumi's name in the Nav, nothing comes up.

ANN—Huh? Does he not have a Shadow?

RYUJI—Like hell! A normal guy wouldn't frame his own son!

I refrain from telling Ryuji that we just established they may not be related because I think I get what Futaba means.

RIN—There must be another reason.

AKECHI—That's possible.

—I think I have a grasp of things now. I'm going to do a little more investigating on my end.

YUSUKE—By yourself?

AKECHI—I am a detective, aren't I?

—Besides, you want to help that poor victim, don't you?

RYUJI—Damn right we do! We can't just abandon that guy!

AKECHI—Be patient, and let me do my job.

He goes offline without saying goodbye and I put my phone down as well, unable to suppress the odd feeling that he knows more than he lets on... again.

Against my will, his last words replay before me... his justifying the solo mission by saying that it's his job. I wonder if he will ever be able to accept help without it having to be practically forced on him...

"Sounds like Akechi is onto something," Morgana says and I nod, shoveling curry into my mouth. Is he ever not?

"Let's see what our detective can come up with."

I smile at the way Morgana says that. My fingers are tingling, wanting to pick my phone back up and call him, see if I can force my help on him after all, but I tell myself it's probably for the best if I leave him be, just for the day. Tomorrow though, I smile and stand to take the empty plate to the kitchen... tomorrow I'm looking for him, whether he likes it or not.

I haven't actually seen Akechi face to face, with just the two of us, in almost a week. I feel a pang of longing. Ever since he came back—ever since we... redefined our relationship, right here, in Leblanc, that night... I smile—I can't seem to not want to see him, more so than ever. I'm still plagued by paranoia that he might one day disintegrate into thin air. Because, all along, he was only this beautiful, enigmatic fever dream I've been caught in... Too good to be true, like I sometimes think all of this... all of him... has to be.

I wonder... just a little... whether the feeling, the longing, could be mutual.

I can barely pay attention in class, the next day. My mind is on the mission, and on Akechi—I know he's always busy during the day, but I wonder if the chat will be active... if he'll be on, even if only to share news on the case.

Then, I spend the rest of the social studies class contemplating just how desperate I've become to interact with him, and whether this is still just me being in love, or a serious issue I should be concerned with... Or both.

As soon as class ends, I turn on my phone and my heart performs a skip when I see whose DM icon is hovering on my screen.

—About that accusation case... I believe I've discovered the truth behind it.

I can't say I'm not the slightest bit disappointed Akechi is texting about something work-related yet again, but considering how important this case is for him—and for me, so I've found—I'm also excited.

—Let's hear it!

I reply, and moments later, he's already responding back.

—I'll explain at the hideout.

—That's probably the best choice, so we can take our next step immediately.

I stare at the text and smile, thinking he's actually invested in a mission unrelated to Maruki, so much so that he's summoning us all to the hideout. I send a quick message to the group chat, informing everyone we'll be gathering after school, and then pack my phone away to go home.

"The next step, huh?" Morgana says from out of my bag. "Sounds like we'll be taking action..."

It's about time, I think, and squeeze past students all streaming towards the exit. Whoever this guy is, he's hurting an innocent boy—who might even be his son. We can't change his heart soon enough.

"Either way, let's hear Akechi out at the hideout. You texted the others, right?"

I nod. It's time to discuss, and vote, and then do some good.

It doesn't take long until we're all gathered at Leblanc. Sojiro brings a whole tray of coffee and biscuits and Ryuji immediately stuffs three at once into his mouth.

"Today seems like a perfect day for us to go into Mementos," says Morgana as soon as we're all gathered around the center table. "Let me check our intel..."

"Allow me to brief you on this mission," Akechi responds, pushing away from where he's leaning on the counter. I watch his confidently raised chin and the little smirk that I've never gotten quite used to seeing without melting just a little on the inside.

He uncrosses his arms and straightens the high collar of his coat. "This intel is on the young man who was falsely accused by a Dietman." Akechi takes a stand between Ryuji and Yusuke by the table and I can't take my eyes off him for a single moment. I've never given it any thought before but then and there I realize just how attractive he is when he's actively taking the initiative.

"If I recall correctly," Yusuke responds, "a man named Toji Karataki was detained for a crime he did not commit... Did you learn something more?"

Akechi nods. "The victim, Toji Karataki, and the culprit, Hisashi Morozumi... They're father and son."

Despite the issue with the last name we had yesterday, I find that this doesn't surprise me quite as much as I thought it would.

"What? But they have different last names..." Ann points out.

"Dietmen follow special rules regarding their names," Akechi shakes his head. "They are allowed to use an alias. 'Hisashi Morozumi' has been his alias since he began running for the Diet. But once I thoroughly investigated his real name, I found it was the same as Toji-kun's former last name... Hisashi Morozumi's real name... is 'Hisashi Ushiwata'."

I am staring at Akechi over the top of my glasses. He's laying it all out calmly, giving everyone time to process. Ryuji and Ann exchange glances. Haru looks at her folded hands that rest on the table. Makoto shifts and Futaba leans forward until she nearly falls onto Sumire who folds her arms and lowers her gaze. Morgana shuffles, scratching the table. Only I can't bring myself to move.

"So, Morozumi isn't a real name..." Yusuke shakes his head.

"I guess it's like the Diet members who come from the entertainment industry and continue using their stage name," says Sumire without looking up.

"I did confirm with Karataki himself that Hisashi Ushiwata is indeed his divorced father." Akechi nods and my head jerks up. He spoke to the boy in person?

A million thoughts swarm me at once—so that's where he went yesterday. I can't help but imagine the two in a room—and think that I would have given a lot to hear that conversation. Whatever Akechi and Toji discussed, it was hardly only a single question about his father.

"So, Toji-kun's real father is the cause of all this..." mumbles Haru and I think she and Akechi might know better than any of us others how he feels.

"Goddammit!" scoffs Ryuji. "What kinda asshole dumps all his crimes onto his own son to put him in jail...!?"

I blink once, twice, then stare at Akechi, who is looking as unfazed as ever. I could name you one, Ryuji, I say in my head, and... if he thought about it for two seconds, he could name one himself. It hasn't even been that long since we changed his heart... on his son's behalf.

Finally, after a somewhat awkward pause, Akechi clears his throat. "... There is one more unfortunate truth that I discovered about him."

"... There's more...?" asks Morgana.

"Toji Karataki's house was robbed immediately following the incident," Akechi continues. "No money or valuables were stolen, only one item... a teddy bear."

"A teddy bear...?" exclaims Sumire and I frown myself.

Akechi nods. "It was apparently the only present that he received from his deceased mother..."

"No..." mumbles Futaba and a shiver slithers down my spine.

"He," Akechi continues without breaking or shifting tone, "seemed quite shaken once he heard the news. Since then, he's returned to remaining silent."

"I don't blame him... considering what was stolen from him," Futaba sighs. A wave of sympathy hits me—for both Toji and Futaba. Losing your mother is a horrible fate, and losing the last remaining item you have from her...

"I'm not certain that the Dietman stole it..." Yusuke says suddenly. "But considering the timing, I'd say he's somehow connected."

"Upon realizing that he's related to Toji-kun by blood, Ushiwata fears a scandal and has his son detained..." Makoto shakes her head. "In order to keep the connection under wraps, he steals the one thing that relates him to the woman from his son's home... It's only a guess, but it would be a terrible situation if true."

I think Makoto's reasoning through, and find I agree. She's most likely drawn the correct conclusion, even though such a train of thought sickens me.

"I hope Toji isn't being threatened to stay silent, too..." Futaba mumbles.

"I know there's still a ton we don't know yet," Ryuji leans forward, "but the one thing that's certain is that he's tryna put a false charge on his son, right? We've got their names, so let's help him out already!"

I hesitate only for a moment when I notice the minuscule twitch in Akechi's face. The corner of his mouth goes up by an inch, then falls again. Hadn't I become so practiced at watching his expressions, I probably wouldn't have even noticed it.

"Let's help Toji."

"Let's change Ushiwata's heart."

"No more false charges."

"I agree," Ann nods. "This is way too sad..."

"Yes," says Haru. "We must change his heart."

"Hisashi Ushiwata... Bingo!" Futaba points at her phone. "Got a hit!"

"Alright," Morgana leaps up on the table, "let's go save Toji!"

"As expected, it would seem everyone's on board." There's that hint of a smirk on Akechi's face again. I try my best to ignore it but something in my gut is telling me that he isn't putting all his cards on the table... yet again.

"What, something you're not happy with here?" asks Ryuji, apparently having noticed the odd expression as well.

"Not at all," Akechi says without hesitation. "I've already sent out the calling card. Let's go." He takes out his phone, takes a final look around our little assembly, then activates the Nav.

It doesn't take long to find our target in Mementos. Akechi is the first out of the bus, and we others follow so that Morgana can turn back into a cat. Ushiwata's shadow lurks at the end of the designated dead-end hall.

"There he is!" cries Futaba, "That's Ushiwata! Let's get him!"

I walk up to where Akechi stands with his arms crossed, and stare at the shadow of a middle-aged man in a coat and scarf.

"Hisashi Morozumi... Formerly known as Hisashi Ushiwata," Akechi speaks.

The shadow scoffs. "What? What do you kids want? Could it be... you're plotting against me too!? I won't fall for it, you brats!"

"We are 'too'...? What do you mean by that?" Morgana asks and I listen up.

Akechi next to me shifts, then pushes his mask down.

"Crow...?" Haru on his other side tilts her head.

"Would you just shut up!? Brats like you should just do as you're told!" the Dietman's shadow yells, then finally transforms, revealing his true form. "I won't lose to some damn brats! I have more power than they ever will!" He leaves me no time to question any further when he attacks.

The battle is relatively swift and there are no notable complications. It takes a while though, and I find it hard to remain focused. What the shadow said earlier won't leave my head, and the way Akechi reacted. No matter how hard I try, I can't shake the feeling that there's something he's not telling us, yet again.

I want to trust him but... he's making it damn hard sometimes.

"I... I lost to brats again... I'm..." Shadow Ushiwata stammers before he is defeated for good. His form reverts and I can't say it's not the least bit satisfying to see the difference in his posture, to before the fight. "Using my power to make people bow to me... It was so immature of me."

"Not just immature," says Futaba. "You framed your own child..."

"Let Toji go now. Turning your own son into a criminal is sick..." Ryuji snickers.

I watch Akechi but he doesn't even twitch.

"My son..." Ushiwata mumbles. "But he..."

Makoto next to me shifts, and I swallow. Something's... not right here.

"No, never mind..." Ushiwata shakes his head. His gaze is on the ground, pensive, as though he's contemplating more than just his own actions. "I was in the wrong. And I must pay for my crimes..." With that, he evaporates, leaving behind the usual treasure bud. When I reach to grasp it, however, all I get is a small, unidentified key.

"Is this... a key?" Yusuke asks and I nod, turning it in my hand. I look up only to notice Akechi is staring at me. He lifts his mask before he speaks.

"May I have that key?"

I grip it tighter, instinctively.

"All right."

"...What will you do with it?"

"Something came to mind, that's all. I don't intend to do anything bad with it..." Akechi looks thoughtful. A number of hair strands fall into his face, his eyes are half-closed, and he isn't meeting my gaze when he extends and opens his hand. After only a short moment of hesitation, I place the key in it.

"To make up for it," he slides the key into his pocket and produces something else, "take this."

He holds up a Skill Card. I take it and blink, surprised. 'Demonic Decree' is quite powerful, and...

"You can have it as thanks for accepting my request." He flashes me a smirk, then turns, brushing the hair out of his face and back under his helmet.

I swallow, staring at the card. None of my teammates who have requested missions before ever gave me a reward for accepting them. Sure, he took the treasure key, but... I can't help but smile. He really doesn't like the idea of asking for favors without giving something in return, does he?

"All right!" Ryuji rubs his hands together. "Now they'll release Toji, right?"

"I don't sense a presence anymore, so the change of heart should have worked." Futaba nods.

"... I'll let you all know what becomes of Karataki," says Akechi, waving a hand towards the exit. "No matter what happens." He turns without another word, not giving me any further opportunity to talk to him.

Morgana transforms into his bus form and we wordlessly climb on board.

I can't even properly focus on driving. This story isn't over yet, I think, and in only a couple days' time, it turns out I was right.

I've just packed my things together and stepped out of the classroom. It's Saturday, and none of us have heard anything from Akechi for two days. I held back on texting him since he hasn't been online at all, and whatever he is doing, I imagine it's important, having to do with wrapping up Toji's case.

I miss him a lot, of course. The longing to see him hasn't stopped growing, ever since our joint Mementos trip.

But I don't want to be a bother even more than I probably already am. If he's avoiding us... me, I'll not chase after him for the time being. I'm desperate, sure, but not that desperate.

I've just stepped out of the school gate and Morgana peeks out of my bag for the first time, presumably to ask if I have plans for the day, when my phone buzzes.

I nearly drop it from excitement when I see the Phantom Thief group chat showing an 'unread' notification... and whom the message is from.

I dart around the gate and lean on the wall, in a spot somewhat secluded from the masses of chatting students streaming out of the school, then slide down to sit, clutch my phone, and tap the screen. Morgana hops onto my lap and we read together.

AKECHI—We have some development in that case with the falsely accused.

—It sounds like the charge against Toji Karataki is being dropped.

"Wow! You did it, Rin!" beams Morgana. I nod, absentmindedly, but in my head, I think that we did it. All of us. Together.

Before I can begin typing, more portraits light up, indicating everyone's online now. Ann is the first to reply.

ANN—That's great!

—Looks like the change of heart worked!

RYUJI—Yeah! And now Toji's gonna get released!

AKECHI—I suggest you let me finish before you start celebrating.

YUSUKE—What?

I swallow. As little as I wanted to think about this, the last couple days, as much as I wanted to tell myself he is simply wrapping up the case, in the back of my head, I couldn't shake that uneasy feeling I've had since even before Akechi took Ushiwata's key.

That he's busy with whatever he's not telling us. That something is going on, and that he's waiting for the right moment to tell us, like always.

That something about all this isn't as it seems.

RIN—What's the catch?

AKECHI—The charge for assault has been dropped, as I said.

—Which leaves Toji Karataki open to an entirely different charge:

—Extortion.

HARU—What!?

I stare at the message, and part of me wants to echo Haru. But I have a feeling that's not necessary. My heart's beating at the back of my throat and I sense Morgana tighten his grip on my shoulder.

RYUJI—Hey, what the hell happened? Are you behind this shit!?

AKECHI—Don't misunderstand me.

Akechi is taking a long time to type. Longer than he normally ever does, and I'm tempted to ask Ryuji what he means, or why he would immediately jump to accusations.

Another part of me wants to leap up, go and find Akechi myself, and shake him until he starts telling us what he knows as soon as he learns it.

AKECHI—The truth of the matter is that he is not the poor, innocent victim you saw him as.

—And that, really, is the point.

The... point? I've already frozen in my spot, and have to make myself aware I'm holding my phone way too close to my face. Karataki is—

AKECHI—Allow me to clarify...

—First, the key that Ushiwata's Shadow left behind was the key to a safe deposit box at a bank.

—Inside said box was crucial data proving him guilty of tax evasion.

—It seems this went on for several years during his tenure as the cabinet minister's secretary.

MAKOTO—Ushiwata was committing tax evasion? Wait, so you mean the extortion was...?

AKECHI—Yes. Toji Karataki was using that information to threaten Ushiwata.

—All in an attempt to take revenge against his own flesh and blood, most likely.

Without intending to, I mentally go back to my list of similarities between Akechi and Karataki. Only then do I realize that I'm far less surprised about being able to add another point to it.

Not because I suspected Karataki myself, but because something about it... makes sense. I'm not as surprised as I should be that what Akechi's been keeping from us is another similarity between them.

But, this also means that—

AKECHI—It seems that the real key to the safe was hidden in the teddy bear.

FUTABA—So... he wasn't panicking cause he was worried about losing his memories of his mom...?

AKECHI—I imagine the continued threats eventually pushed Ushiwata to his limit. Thus, the assault charge.

"So, while Toji was in custody, he stole the key to the safe deposit box..." mumbles Morgana. "That must mean he planned to steal the evidence in the safe too..."

I nod instinctively, but mentally, I'm far away. My thoughts are running, circling around how much of this Akechi figured out before he told us to change Ushiwata's heart, and why he kept it secret.

Did he think we wouldn't have helped Toji if we knew he wasn't innocent?

I blink a couple times, eventually having to admit to myself that he probably did. More importantly though, I can't actually answer the question as to whether we would have accepted this request if he had been honest. My gut tells me that we shouldn't refuse to help someone just because they're not completely innocent, but... what would the others have said?

What would we have ultimately done?

SUMIRE—So he wasn't keeping silent out of fear...

AKECHI—It was out of self-preservation. To expose Ushiwata would have been to expose his own extortion.

—A couple months of silence, doing his time? He could simply wait that out and begin his extortion anew.

—But after the change of heart, Ushiwata confessed everything.

—All guilty parties have been arrested, including Karataki. And that is how this case ends.

RYUJI—What the hell...

Case closed, I think and hear in my mind, and feel a tiny shiver. I'm staring at the messages and trying to fit everything I'm seeing and learning now into how I've viewed the situation with Ushiwata and Karataki so far.

And how much Akechi actually knew, and kept from us and... why. Before I can ask, Makoto beats me to it.

MAKOTO—Akechi... Did you know all this would come out? Have you known from the beginning?

AKECHI—Should I have?

MAKOTO—You were the one who brought this case up in the first place, right?

—I could see you gathering all the necessary information and coming to this conclusion on your own.

YUSUKE—Are you suggesting he brought this case to us knowing all of them would be punished?

AKECHI—While I'm flattered that you view my deductive skills so highly... I didn't know everything for sure.

I don't believe him. My teeth and fists are clenched, and I try to suppress the agitated trembling. I don't believe him for a single second.

But why is he still not admitting it? Why didn't he just tell us all he knew, from the get-go? For a few seconds, I try to ignore that I probably know why—fear of us rejecting the mission. And... disregarding whether we would have rejected it, had we known everything—for some reason... I brush back a stray strand of hair and shove my glasses up—Akechi wanted us to do it. He wanted it so badly he kept all this from us—there's no way I'm believing he didn't know.

He wanted to punish Ushiwata... he wanted it so badly that he approached me and asked for it, despite his aversion to asking favors. So badly that he worked harder than any of us others, investigating and gathering information.

I swallow, then something hits me. Was it about punishing Ushiwata... or about helping Karataki?

A motion on the screen that's been still for a minute or so now, after Akechi's last message, disrupts my thoughts. It's him again, but—

AKECHI—I have to say, though...

—It was astounding to see you all so ready to accept the victim as some blameless paragon of virtue.

RYUJI—You bastard!

I'm confused. For a tiny moment, I am. Then an uneasy feeling begins rising in my chest, like a premonition that helping... saving Karataki—a boy who must have reminded Akechi of himself, in a way that he probably couldn't let slide—was not the only reason he did all this after all.

I have to know.

RIN—Why did you do it?

My question is followed by a few moments of silence. Akechi's taking his time with typing again and I have a hard time not to skitter around nervously.

AKECHI—This is my wake-up call to the rest of you.

I freeze, and so does Morgana. The uneasy feeling has now reached my throat, to form an uncomfortable clump.

AKECHI—Not everyone has the luxury of being heroes of their own story.

The words, ultimately only a few among hundreds of others that are being sent back and forth in this group chat, daily, burn themselves into my mind. I don't think I can ever forget them. No least because I am absolutely certain he is not talking about Karataki, now.

A familiar feeling that I have no name for, grips my heart. A feeling I would like to ignore, but one that he can evoke time and again, whenever he says something that sounds like he shouldn't be saying, even be aware of it.

Why does what I'm feeling whenever he says something like this strangely remind me of... guilt?

AKECHI—If you let yourself trust other people that easily, that blindly, it's going to get you hurt someday.

—I won't be here forever, to watch and make sure this doesn't happen.

There's no way to convey emotions via texting, or even tone, but I find myself almost tearing up when I process the words.

"Akechi..." Morgana next to me mumbles. "But, you're just like..."

Whatever his intention, I'm suddenly beyond certain it wasn't malicious in the slightest. No, he... I swallow again, but the lump won't go away. He wanted to—

RYUJI—You!? Watch out for!?

YUSUKE—What are you talking about?

AKECHI—Nothing in particular. But...

—These things happen all the time. It really shouldn't be that surprising. That's just the world we live in.

I can see his face before my inner eye, closed off and grim, defensive. The thought is driving more tears into my eyes. I want to tell the others to stop being upset, but also, can I justify such a request believably?

My eyes are glued to his last message. 'That's just the world we live in,' isn't sitting right with me, almost as much as my friends' dismissive words. I'm suddenly reminded of the God of Control, and how, in the face of utter lack of support, I held on to my ideals, and to my desire to save humanity. No matter how many bad people are out there, I grit my teeth, I would never give up on the world as a whole. There's always hope.

Akechi's bitter words only fan my own desire to prove him wrong.

RIN—Is that really true?

AKECHI—Didn't I just tell you? Nothing good can come out of keeping faith in people who haven't earned it.

Then, should we have left humanity to be enslaved? I want to yell. Should we have given up and allowed the God of Control to reduce their lives to mindless, soulless existences?

The tiny voice in my head that is screaming he isn't entirely wrong, I block out. I can't afford to compromise this belief of mine, especially in the face of so much unnecessary negativity and bitterness.

When Akechi doesn't say anything for almost half a minute, my resolve crumbles faster than I'd like it to. I'm almost ready to cave. To apologize and tell him I understand what he was trying to say, even if I don't personally agree with it, when he finally texts back.

AKECHI—In any case, I've said all I wanted to say on the matter.

—Sorry for taking so much of your time.

His portrait goes dark and I feel like someone stabbed a knife into my chest.

No matter how long I stare at the chat, nobody speaks anymore. Only the voice in my head, the tiny one, that told me to apologize and tell him what I really think, isn't quite so tiny anymore. It's yelling.

"Do you think we're too trusting of other people...?" Morgana breaks the silence, at last. "I know what Akechi's trying to say, but... I think I still want to believe in humanity..."

I nod, hugging my knees to my chest tighter. The voice is yelling louder and louder with each passing second, it is yelling the reason for why he did what he did, and, against my will, guilt and shame don't stop driving nails into my heart and tears into my eyes. I understand, rings in my head, over and over. But unless I actually say it, he's not going to hear me.

It takes almost ten minutes but when I finally heave myself up and dust my coat off before grabbing my bag and darting out of the school's vicinity, I know what I have to do.

"Where are you—?"

I don't reply to Morgana as I push through a crowd of people, all headed for the same subway line. The ride feels much too long, and despite my best efforts, I can't stop nervously jittering.

When I finally rush into Leblanc, all I do is drop Morgana's bag and grab my essentials—phone, purse, keys—then call in Sojiro's direction that I'm going out to find someone important, someone I owe a conversation, and that he shouldn't bother waiting for me. Moments later, I'm out the door again.

I am already halfway to the subway when I realize that I have no idea where I'm actually going. I pull out my phone, and even though Akechi's offline, I dial his number. He doesn't pick up, not then, and not when I try again, five minutes later, either. Part of me wants to just sit down somewhere and cry, but a much more powerful part is determined to find him.

Except I have no idea where he lives—and even so, who knows if he's at his apartment now? Mostly for the lack of better options, I board the subway regardless and only when I exit again, realize my instincts have led me to Kichijoji.

But Akechi's not at his usual spot, next to the Penguin Sniper place, and I'm overcome by crushing despair. The last place I think worth checking is the Jazz Club—if he's not there either, I would really not know where else to look.

But, when I arrive, the owner tells me he's not seen Akechi in over a week. "Tell him to come by again when you see him," he winks at me, but I can barely see him through a veil of uncried tears.

"Hey, you don't need to worry that much." Apparently, my emotions are written all over my face. "He can take care of himself. He'll be fine. Did you have a fight or something?" he adds after a short pause.

I shake my head at first, then nod. It wasn't exactly a fight, but the emotions I'm feeling are almost the same. That pungent desire to talk things out, not leave anything unresolved, that drives me to actively pursue people who are attempting to avoid outstanding conflict.

"I need to talk to him."

"It's complicated."

The man laughs. "Yeah, I gathered as much. Well, if you want, I can tell you, should he show up here."

I nod and squeeze out a word of thanks, then turn to leave, unable to fight the crushing despair any longer. I hate feeling helpless, as though there's nothing I can do, and it's been a while since I've felt it this strongly.

Nothing even happened, I try telling myself as I walk down the lively street. The sun's already set and sparkling, pretty lights speck the streets. Everything bustles with life and excitement. I can't help but feel like a ghost, unaffected by the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Nothing happened... right? I grit my teeth, burrowing my exposed hands deep in the pockets of my coat. Nothing... except a man who thinks we all still resent him, tolerate him at best, going out of his way to teach the only thing he probably thinks he can contribute—the truth about our own... naivety... And earning nothing but rejection and accusations for it.

Sure, he didn't go about it in a particularly honest way, but... I wonder if that's a lesson you even can teach nicely. I might as well admit to myself that we probably wouldn't have accepted his request, had we known the full story.

Yes, nothing happened, I think again, and sniff. Nothing, except how a man who would have the world believe he couldn't care less about others, went further out of his comfort zone than I thought he ever would, to try and help... save someone... from becoming like himself... Before it would be too late.

No matter whether it turned into a lesson for us in the end, I refuse to believe a desire to save Toji wasn't a huge part of why he brought it up to me in the first place. The way he spoke about it, the lengths he was willing to go to in order to have it seen through—he dedicated days of work to it, visited Karataki in person, even asked me for a favor—it had to have been personal.

He wanted to save this boy... I swallow, tightening my hands into fists. He found the information and realized what was happening—that, if nobody stopped him, Toji would end up down a very similar path to his own, for a very similar reason—and did everything in his power to prevent that.

I don't have any hard evidence exactly, but I am as certain as I could be with just the subtext and the emotional cues I've been picking up from Akechi, throughout this mission.

And... 'If you let yourself trust other people that easily, that blindly, it's going to get you hurt someday.' I still see the words before my inner eye, and suddenly think it's the most genuinely caring thing he's ever said to all of us.

'I won't be here forever, to watch and make sure this doesn't happen.'

But you could, I scream in my head. You could stay... forever. For so much more than just to make sure we aren't being too naïve.

I want you to stay forever.

The thought that he might not be planning to stay, after Maruki will be defeated, is too painful to indulge in. I've lost you before, I think and mindlessly kick a pebble. Are you telling me I'm not done losing you yet?

"Isn't it a bit late for you to be wandering about here?"

My head jerks up and for a second I think I'm dreaming, but no... I've unintentionally made my way back to the Penguin Sniper place and there, a couple paces past the entrance, stands a familiar figure in a yellow trench coat.

"What are you doing here?" Akechi asks and uncrosses his arms, then takes a step in my direction. But before he can do anything else, I've already leapt forward and wrapped my arms around him as tightly as I can.

He makes a startled sound, then, a few moments later, finally relaxes. "What the hell are you doing here?" he asks again, quieter this time. "Aren't you supposed to be in bed, or with your friends, or—!"

"I'm sorry."

"I needed to see you."

"I was looking for you."

"... What for?" Akechi grabs my collar and pulls my head back to look at me. His expression isn't giving away any strong emotions, but something about him seems even gloomier than usual. "I lied to you, and then I manipulated you into saving someone you wouldn't have condoned saving if you had known the truth," he says calmly. "I hope you at least don't forget—if I was able to do it, so will others if you don't start being more careful."

I don't release him. Don't even ease my grip.

"You were only trying to help."

"You didn't have any bad intentions."

His mouth opens slightly, then closes again. "Heh," he shakes his head. "Even so. There's no reason for you to apologize. You did nothing wrong." He pauses, then glares down at me. "And if you're waiting for me to apologize, you may wait until the end of your precious world. I'd do it again any day."

I let out the first genuine laugh in a while.

"Why would I not want you to help someone again?"

"I should not have let the others get angry with you."

"I don't expect you to apologize for trying to help."

"That—!" Akechi looks away for a second, then frowns. "That is not the point!"

Yes it is! I think and stare up at him over the top of my glasses, giving him my most sincere smile.

"Either way," he places his hands on my shoulders and gives me a stern look, "get mad at me all you want, I don't give a shit. What matters is to make certain that you never forget this—none of you. You may not like it, but this world will exploit every bit of carelessly given kindness. I'd hate to see yours go to waste."

Akechi lowers his voice further the more he talks, and by the time he's finished, he's practically whispering. I feel the leather of his gloves on my exposed cheeks, thumbs gently tracing skin that has grown sensitive from the cold. His eyes are half-closed, and I'm not sure if he's looking at me, but... he doesn't have to.

Despite the chilly winter air, I feel an incredible warmth grow in my chest. My smile widens.

"I understand."

"Thank you."

His head jerks in my direction and I could swear he rolls his eyes. But I also watch the corners of his mouth twitch up, ever so lightly. "See, this is exactly what I'm talking about. Carelessly given, undeserved kindness. Stop it! Before... it's too late."

I place my hands on top of his.

"What happens when it's too late?"

"It's not undeserved."

"I don't think I will."

Akechi is speechless again, for a brief moment. Then his hand is suddenly on top of my head, pushing down with playful anger. "The hell am I going to do with you?"

He doesn't release me until I'm a laughing, hopelessly disheveled mess. "How am I ever supposed to trust you to take care of yourself if you tell someone who's lying and manipulating you, even admitting to it, that your kindness isn't undeserved?"

I cling to his arm, trying to catch my breath from the fervent laughing.

"One day, you'll learn to help without lies. Until then, I'll take what I can get."

"I am an optimist, you know that."

"You're helping... the only way you know how. I can't not support that."

"Is that what you think," Akechi grins down at me with a raised eyebrow, but beneath that cocky expression I think I make out genuine appreciation. "Well, I suppose you'll have to wait and see."

I nod and lean my head on his shoulder without releasing his arm. He's not trying to shake me, and when I slide my hand into his, he entwines our fingers readily. I'm happier than I've been in a while, I think and pull him even closer. And I've achieved it all without Maruki's help.

"... Just don't run away from me again, okay?"

"I really missed seeing you, by the way."

"Is that so...?" Akechi pauses. "Heh, you really are weird, you know that?" When I don't reply, he sighs. "Fine. I know I've been laying a bit low recently, it's not because of anything you did. I just..." he hesitates, "I needed some time to think a few things over. Come to terms with... well."

I lift my head to look at him, but he is avoiding my gaze.

"Either way, it's irrelevant now. I know my path." He throws me a look, but not one like I expected. This one almost sends a shiver down my spine. Not because it's meant to be scary, but because the sheer amount of determination in it is... intimidating.

"I've known all along, really," he shrugs. "But for some reason, there was still... well." Suddenly, his arm wraps around my shoulders. "I'm not running away anymore," he says more solemnly than I expected. "I give you my word on that."

I nod and the warmth in my chest grows. Does this mean I'm getting my wish? That he'll... stay? I lean into him and smile... Very few things he ever said to me have brought me this much happiness.

We remain silent for a minute or two... it's a comfortable silence, full of warmth and promises. I'm almost sorry to disrupt it, but—

"What did Toji say?"

"You spoke with Toji, didn't you?"

The question's been on my mind, and now that he's told us everything anyway, I don't see a reason to not ask it.

Akechi sighs silently. "Not much. By the time we spoke, I already knew about his extortion plan, and when confronted, he confessed readily. Of course, he wasn't exactly... happy to see me, or to hear that his case was being looked at closer, considering he meant to go to prison for it to stay secret."

In short, none of the people Akechi attempted to help, during this entire mission, showed an ounce of gratefulness.

"One day, he'll be grateful."

"He'll understand it was for the best someday."

Akechi scoffs, but I believe to make out the hint of a smile before he turns his face away. "He better take the incentive to reevaluate his priorities. That's what I told him, too, just in case you were wondering." He tightens his grip on my hand. "To think about why. And whether it's all worth it. Some more sappy shit like that. You get the idea."

I press my face into his coat to suppress laughter.

"Just like you did, eh?"

"Sounds like you're talking from experience."

"I would have given a lot to hear you say sappy shit."

"That may have played a part," he admits. "But still, our situations are less alike than they seem. It's not too late for him yet. Not if he takes my advice, anyway."

We've been slowly walking, away from Kichijoji's center and towards the subway, but then and there, I force a stop. This time, it is I who release him, then cup his face in my hands.

"Don't say that."

"It's not too late for you either."

"It's only too late for you if you give up."

Akechi looks at me as though he means to say something, then averts his gaze. "That's debatable," he shrugs.

I pull him down and kiss him, hoping the emotions I seem unable to convey with words can get through to him non-verbally. That I mean every word I say, and that I would give up on myself, on the whole world... before I'd give up on him.

I've made that mistake once... I settle into the embrace he's finally reciprocating. I'm going to know better than to make it ever again.

What he tried to do for Toji, and for me—for us—will not be in vain. I will make certain of at least the part that I can influence. And I'm not giving up on him either... Whether he likes it or not.