Disclaimer: All characters and events that take place within the story are fictional. Any relations to real people or events are purely coincidental. All copyrights belong to Atlus.

Art by Zengoro on Pixiv. Thanks so much!

Warning: Deviants explores psychological disorders, thoughts of suicide, attempted suicide, sexual assault, and emotional trauma both from an intrapersonal and interpersonal perspective. If you or anyone you know are suffering from any of the above, please seek professional help.

Saturday, May 14

Early Morning

"We are approaching Shibuya. Shibuya. All-"

Ren had gotten used to and largely started to ignore the PA system on the trains and stations. At times he tuned in when he felt it necessary, but being a part of the Tokyo commuting crowd he was familiar enough with the sights and sounds to recognize where they were. He was almost so in tune with it that if he closed his eyes he could probably guess where they were based on the angle of the turn alone.

If there was one thing he didn't know if he could ever get used to it was the crowds. At the best of times there was plenty of space, at the worst people were packed in so tight you couldn't move even if you wanted to. Ren had to take extra care with his bag and Morgana at times like that, even resorting to holding it above his head. Those rides felt the longest.

The doors finally opened and Ren flowed out with the crowd, mind numbingly finding small windows that he slipped into to bypass those walking perpendicular to him as he made his way to the next line. Quickly descending the final staircase he saw more than a few Shujin uniforms, but only one sporting dyed blonde hair.

Ren tapped Ryuji on the shoulder, who just so happened to be mid yawn. "Yo, late night studying?"

"Yeah, no," Ryuji scoffed, looking a little regretful. "Ended up pullin' an all-nighter playin' games. Completely lost track of time."

"Really?" Morgana gave a long drawn out sigh. "Come on, Ryuji, today's the last day of exams. You could've at least given it a try."

Ryuji shrugged, having come to terms with his repeating predicament years ago. "Eh, it is what it is."

"I feel like that's one of the worst attitudes you can have going into it." They all turned to see Ann only a few feet away before joining their circle. "I get it if you're over it and feel like you're skimming over the same things but if you don't know it in the first place…"

"Lost cause," Ryuji said, a hint of finality in his voice.

"Next time we'll make sure to prepare accordingly then," Ren mused, tugging on the ends of his bangs.

"Seriously? We haven't even finished our exams and you're already thinking about the next?" Ryuji kicked the ground.

"Ugh, I just want to relax and take a break," Ann shook her head before yawning.

"Aha!" Ryuji said triumphantly. "Another late nighter here, huh?"

"Yeah, but unlike you I made one last sprint across the finish line since exams are almost over." Ann frowned, looking over her shoulder.

Ren followed Ann's sightline. "What's up?"

"Nothing," Ann said after a lengthy pause. "Just… felt like someone was watching us."

Ren expanded his senses, feeling the rush of stimuli bombard him. Voices and conversations came and went as he dismissed them after listening to a few unrelated words. Colors snapped to attention and details leapt out. A few seconds passed but Ren hadn't noticed anything yet. He wondered if it was the Student Council President. He'd noticed her a few times after school, following him.

Ann shook her head. "Must be my imagination. Maybe I'm just tired."

Then Ren felt it. The strange tickle in the back of his head that told him someone was, in fact, staring. He casually turned his head, scanning the crowd of faces. Then he saw someone. Someone not the president and one he didn't recognize.

"Attention. Please stand behind the yellow line. The train is approaching."

Ren faced forward once again as they boarded the train. He only turned around to see their watcher get onto the train car next to them. He got as close as he could to both of his friend's ears, whispering, "We might be being followed." Ren grabbed Ryuji's arm before he could turn. "Don't look suddenly. I think they're in the cabin behind us. Tall guy. Blue hair. White button up. Looks about our age."

Ann surreptitiously looked over, her movements slow and casual.

"Recognize him?" Ren asked as Ann's eyes narrowed once she spotted who Ren described..

"No."

"Should we see what he wants?" Ryuji asked, risking a peek.

"Let's make sure he's actually following us. When we get off, let's take a long route out of the station to the exit," Ren outlined as he glanced at his phone. "We have time. At the top of the exit stairs Ann will stay in sight, Ryuji and I will take a side and step in if he tries anything. Morgana, tail the mark until he either leaves the station or until we confront him. Sound good?"

"Yep."

"Gotcha."

"You bet."

Ren nodded as they continued to ride in silence, a subtle tension hanging over them. The tight coiling of muscles from imminent action. They'd been under much more strenuous circumstances and the change rolled over them unnoticed.

"Be casual and don't look behind you," were Ren's final words as they got off the train with him leading the way. He couldn't help but notice the stiff movements and nervous glances of his friends. Morgana slipped away and disappeared in the crowd.

They navigated nonsensically around the station, stopping at stands and perusing whatever items they had there, before making their way up the staircase. Ren turned to the right, looking from the corner of his eyes down the stairs. The blue haired boy was twenty or so feet behind them.

Ann continued forward, slowing her pace and eventually coming to a stop. She pulled out her phone and appeared to be looking at something.

Ren made eye contact with Ryuji and gave him a nod, moving so he'd be out of the mark's line of sight if he was looking straight. Ryuji mirrored his movements.

A few heartbeats later and the blue haired boy made it to the top of the landing, completely oblivious to his flankers as his eyes were focused intently on Ann. Ren didn't have to motion to Ryuji- he was already moving.

Ann turned just as the boy was reaching out towards her, his hand held in place as Ryuji snagged his wrist. Ryuji placed his other hand on the stranger's shoulder. "Easy there, pal. Why're you followin' us, huh?"

The boy blinked, swiping his bangs to the side with his free hand. "Following you? I suppose I was, wasn't I?"

"You're not gonna deny it, huh?" Ann's eyebrow raised at the audacity. "Let go of him, Ryuji. You're drawing eyes."

Ryuji released his hand with a click of his tongue.

"Well, I merely wanted to ask you a question," the boy thoughtfully cupped his chin. He opened his mouth to speak when he was interrupted by a car horn.

A black sedan with heavily tinted windows rolled up next to them, the rear driver's side rolling down. An elderly man looked out to them, hands folded on themselves as the curve of his lips spelled amusement. "So this is where your passion has led you." He started laughing in the way only old men could.

"I saw you from the car," the boy continued. "And I couldn't help but chase after you- I was in such a daze that I didn't even notice Sensei's calls- but I'm glad I caught up to you."

"Uhhhhh okaaaay," Ann so eloquently responded, not sure where this was going.

"What is this guy goin' on about," Ryuji sighed.

The boy's voice hitched with a fervor that caught them off guard. "You're the woman I've been searching for all my life! Please, won't you-"

"HUH?!" Ann's eyes grew as wide as saucers, her mouth hanging open as all of them struggled to comprehend what the boy was saying. Her face tinged with a hint of red. "Wait just a minute!"

"Be the model for my next art piece?!" the boy finished with a flourish of his hand.

"... What?" Ryuji looked around like someone could answer his question.

"... Model?" Ann repeated, the conversation going in a direction that she was not expecting.

Ren choked back his laugh.

"All this time I've been drawing pieces that have left me wanting," the boy spoke passionately, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I've been in a rut- not knowing what I needed to dig myself out- then I laid eyes upon your elegance and I felt something overcome me. It must be divine intervention that has led us to meet- for my eyes to fall upon you- as you are surely the guide that will propel my art to greater heights unbeknownst to the minds of mankind!" He finally paused, chest heaving from deep breaths.

"This guy is creepy and suspicious!" Morgana screamed.

"Please, I implore you! Will you cooperate with me in my pursuit of beauty?" The boy looked like he was about to get onto his knees.

"Wait wait wait hold up!" Ryuji stepped between Ann and the boy. "Who the heck are ya anyways?"

The boy blinked, seemingly shocked at himself. He straightened, all elegance now. "I apologize for my rudeness. I'm a second-year at Kosei High's fine arts division." He bowed. "Kitagawa Yusuke." He then straightened, the almost maddened look returning to his eyes as he shoved Ryuji out of the way to stand before Ann. "I'm Madarame-sensei's pupil, who has been kind enough to allow me to stay at his residence. I want to become an artist."

Madarame? Ren looked at the old man in the back of the car. Didn't Nakanohara mention him? From Ryuji and Ann's expressions the name rang a bell as well.

"'Madarame' as in Madarame, renowned artist and the Master-of-Many-Styles?" Ann probed, seemingly knowing info that the rest of them weren't privy to.

"The one and only," Kitagawa almost puffed up with pride.

"Yusuke."

Kitagawa only then became reminded of his master's presence. "I'm sorry, Sensei! I'll be just a moment!" He reached into his pocket and produced three tickets. "Madarame-sensei's exhibition will be at the department store near Shibuya station tomorrow. Please, I insist you come and see his work in person. I'll be there, and we will have the opportunity to speak further." He then turned to Ryuji, a look of disdain plastered on his face. "I judge from your uncouth demeanor that the fine arts are lost on you. But I extend the invitation to you regardless. I will not dare withhold such beauty from anyone. Perhaps it will move you."

"Effin rude…"

"Thank you so much!" Ann spoke over her friend and pushed him behind her. "We'll consider it."

Pleased, Kitagawa nodded. "I look forward to seeing you there. Until then, have a lovely day." He turned and got into the car, the window rolling up as it drove away.

"Madarame, huh?" Morgana revealed himself, eyes following the car.

"That guy mentioned his name in Mementos, didn't he?" Ryuji folded his arms. "Seemed like any other old man to me."

"Old men aren't free of evil," Ren muttered, turning to Ann. "What do you think? Think we should check it out?"

Ann's brows furrowed. "I couldn't tell if anything was off with Kitagawa, but I think we should. Nakanohara was adamant about us doing something about a 'Madarame.' It could be a coincidence, but we did say we would check it out."

"Ryuji? Morgana?"

"If it has to do with Thievin', count me in," Ryuji smirked.

"I trust that Kitagawa about as far as I can throw him," Morgana bristled. "But if Madarame has a Palace then we may have our next target."

"Why don't we check right now?" Ryuji grinned, excitement evident.

"Later, Ryuji. We have exams to focus on. We'll meet up after school," Ren decided for the group. He doubted they'd be able to stay focused if they started thinking about Madarame and his Palace, if he had one.

"Fine," Ryuji relented. "But not a second later."

After School

Kasumi gave a sigh of relief as the final bell rang, signaling the end of exams. She felt fairly confident in her performance- a contrast to her gymnastics. That earned her a heavier sigh. Kasumi forced the thought aside. She didn't want to think about it on her day off.

Instead her mind wandered to her last free afternoon, where she had attempted to follow her second-year senpais. After meeting with Niijima-senpai they searched the immediate area and quickly gave up. They had vanished with no explanation. It stumped both of them and only solidified their reasoning that the suspects were, in fact, the Phantom Thieves. Who else could disappear in broad daylight if not their namesake?

Practice had kept her away from any other tailing but apparently Niijima-senpai had it covered on her end. Kasumi had yet to receive any news, however. As she made her way to the lobby she wondered if that would change today. She approached the short, dark-brown haired girl that stood prim and proper.

"Exams fared well for you?" Niijima-senpai opened with small talk, the confident grin speaking volumes about how she felt about her own performance.

"Not my strongest performance," Kasumi admitted with a pout. "But I certainly didn't perform poorly. So any news?"

Kasumi noted the frown and knew the answer before Niijima-senpai said a word. "No… the three of them met together a few other times, but I quickly lost track of them. The only time I managed to stick with them was when they went into a cafe. All they did was study," Niijima-senpai gave a short laugh, as if she couldn't believe it. "But like we spoke earlier, you are free to accompany me today in our little investigation, right?"

Kasumi grinned devilishly. "I am. This makes it feel like we're up to no good. I like it."

Niijima-senpai's smile matched her own. "That makes two of us. You said you had an idea for making us more inconspicuous?"

"Oh, I do indeed. I'm sure you'll love it."

Ren set down his Frui-Tea as Ryuji went to town on the Nostalgic Steak. "So what can you tell us about Madarame, Ann?"

He waited a few moments as Ann took a couple extra bites of her ice cream tower. He wasn't bothered by it since he knew how quickly you had to eat the thing unless it became a melted mess on the table. It was good, sure, but after a while it all tasted the same. From Ann's reaction, though, every bite seemed as good as the last and Ren felt himself reconsidering.

"Right, sorry gotta eat this thing quick," the apology fell a little flat as she shoveled strawberry ice cream into her mouth. "I don't know much. I only saw some of his artwork and a little about him while I was watching a TV special. I actually liked some of them."

"Who cares about the art? Is he a bad dude?" Ryuji crudely cut to the point.

Ann rolled her eyes. "I was getting to that. He takes a bunch of apprentices before letting them loose in the world. Some of them do okay, but a lot of them seem to disappear into obscurity. He only has one apprentice now, who went unnamed due to obvious reasons. But I do remember the special mentioning that they were a high schooler."

"That guy we met earlier?" Morgana asked, huddled in the corner of the booth so as to not be seen. "Kitagawa Yusuke?"

Ren did a quick search on his phone before showing them a picture of Madarame from the web. "Must be. This is definitely the guy we saw in the back of the car."

Ann spoke between bites. "Anyways, that's all the special said. Obviously they didn't say anything that would put Madarame in a bad light. It was more of a promotional airing for Madarame's art exhibit in Shibuya."

"Wellll there's one way to find out," Ryuji wriggled his eyebrows before opening the Nav on his phone. "Ma…da…ra…me… What's his first name?"

"Ichiryusai," Ren answered.

"Ichi… ryu… sai…" Ryuji repeated as he typed it in and hit enter.

"Target confirmed."

Their eyes snapped to one another's, the message clear. Madarame had a Palace.

"What else do we need again?" Ryuji asked.

"A name, distortion, and the location." Morgana answered quickly.

"Any ideas?" Ann opened the metaphorical floor.

"We'd just be shooting in the dark," Ren rubbed the fringes of his hair. "We could guess all day and never get it right."

"Agreed. We need to investigate further. We should go to the art exhibit tomorrow," Morgana suggested. "Madarame and his apprentice will be there. Maybe we can overhear any conversation they're having or even talk to them. Get an idea of what they're like."

"You think this Kitagawa guy is in on whatever is going on?" Ryuji wondered.

"Innocent until proven guilty," Ren brushed Ryuji's thought aside. "Our person of interest is Madarame. I agree with Morgana's plan. Let's go to the art exhibit tomorrow at noon, find out what we can. I'll try to get in contact with Nakanohara, see if he can shed some light on this if we come up dry. Are we in agreement in moving forward with this?"

No words were spoken, just a silent agreement and nods of the head.

Ryuji cracked a lopsided smile. "Looks like the Thieves are back in business."

Yoshizawa-san took them on a little detour after confirming that the three second-years had stepped into the diner- the same one Makoto had followed them into once. A quick shopping trip, makeup application, and wig adjustment later Makoto barely recognized herself or Yoshizawa-san in the mirror. A different hairstyle and color really did make the world of a difference.

Yoshizawa-san, now with wavy, shoulder length black hair and a cute beret to top it off, sat sipping her drink as they listened to the input of the small microphone Makoto had snagged from Sae's room. She didn't question why it was in her sister's room, but she knew it existed. She was just… borrowing it. It handily had bluetooth functionality and was currently linked to earphones, one for each of them.

This was fun. Makoto wondered if her dad had felt like this when going undercover. Here she was wearing a disguise and listening in on a conversation through a microphone and earphones. She felt like a spy.

Unfortunately, they had missed a bit of the earlier conversation as Makoto had to figure out how to adjust the microphone sensitivity. Even then they had to strain to hear the words from the booth next to them. After that was said and done she had to sit as still as a statue to keep the microphone from catching her clothes rustling.

"Looks like the Thieves are back in business."

Makoto had to refrain from approaching them then and there. The unmoving Yoshizawa-san helped keep her butt planted in her seat in their booth next to the Phantom Thieves. It was true. The three of them really were the Phantom Thieves.

Noise from behind told her that the Phantom Thieves were leaving. Makoto didn't move a muscle until Yoshizawa-san nodded at her. Makoto stopped her recording and pulled the microphone from beneath her collar and stowed it in her bag. She took a deep breath in and out, still in disbelief.

"I guess it's true, then." Yoshizawa-san stared at her drink, deep in thought.

"Our suspicions were correct," Makoto could barely keep from laughing. "And they seem to have their eyes on Madarame Ichiryusai, huh?"

"Indeed," Yoshizawa-san pulled out her phone and did her own search. "Quite the well-known artist."

"I've heard of him before. He did a really famous painting called Sayuri, if I recall."

"I think I remember hearing about that," Yoshizawa-san hummed. "They made plans to go to his exhibit tomorrow. Do they plan to steal a painting?"

Makoto didn't answer Yoshizawa-san's obvious attempt at a joke. "They're going to gather intelligence. Something about…" Makoto listened back to her recording. "No clue, they don't say." It was weird, it almost sounded like there was a cat in the background.

"But four names did come out of this: Madarame, Kitagawa, Nakanohara, and Morgana," Yoshizawa-san counted off her fingers. "I don't recognize any of the names other than Madarame's." The girl frowned, a bit discontent. "We didn't really gleam anything other than confirming that they are who we think they are."

"You say that like it's not an important discovery."

"It is. But after all the reasoning we'd done I would have been disappointed to be proven otherwise. Not to mention the disappearing act they've pulled on us," Yoshizawa-san cleared her throat, leaning forward. "Let's discuss the names they mentioned. Do any of them sound familiar to you?"

"No, but Nakanohara sounds important," Makoto started. "Amamiya-san mentioned that they could possibly shed some light on this. He sounds like an informant of some sort. I'll check the school roster and see if we have a Nakanohara- the name doesn't ring a bell to me. Morgana sounds like they're the playmaker. I've never seen the three hang out with anyone else at school or from what I've observed otherwise. From what they said Kitagawa may be an accomplice to whatever Madarame is doing, although even they sound unsure as to what Madarame is actually doing. It must be what they're hoping to find out tomorrow."

"So they're trying to find a reason to target Madarame?" Yoshizawa-san looked almost… relieved.

"That'd be my guess. They said they needed something. It didn't really sound like they knew," Makoto played with her wig. "How much are those tickets to the exhibition? We might even be able to meet this Kitagawa if they're already involved with Madarame."

Makoto waited as Yoshizawa-san searched the web. "About the price of a movie ticket."

"Are you free tomorrow?"

"I am, actually," Yoshizawa-san beamed. "But I was thinking I wouldn't go with a disguise at all. They aren't totally against me being around. At least not Amamiya-senpai."

Makoto squelched the wince at being reminded she was particularly disliked. "That's probably for the best. Should I go like this?" Makoto gestured to the wig and her clothes.

Yoshizawa-san only waited a moment before shaking her head. "I don't think you should go at all. On the off chance they recognize you and they see us together that might ruin any chance I have of integrating myself into their circle."

"What if we worked independently? I'd just be another face in the crowd rather than someone that is accompanying you." Makoto did not want to be left out of this. "Two sets of eyes and ears lets us cover more ground. You can stick next to Amamiya and I could explore the venue freely."

"That works," Yoshizawa-san agreed, biting her lip. "Shall we convene at noon?"

"11:30," Makoto suggested. "It'd be best to get a lay of the land before they come. That, and they could arrive earlier. We can't lose our chance to find out how they change hearts. Any info on their process will be beneficial. It can help me plan for our steps going forward."

"11:30 it is, then."

Sunday, May 15

Daytime

Ren slipped the stamped ticket back into his pocket, resisting the urge to crumple it. Bad habit.

The exhibition was surprisingly open. A high, black-painted ceiling added to the illusion that it was a cavernous space. The art pieces stood alone or scarcely paired on the walls, giving plenty of space for groups of people to admire them. The crowds had thankfully thinned slightly as groups left for lunch or to go about their business. While still crowded, it wasn't the bottleneck that Ren thought it would be. A small blessing.

"Smancy place," Ryuji summarized the simple elegance with an inelegant word. "Not a place I'd find myself on a day off."

"I like it," Ann said, wandering to the closest painting. "Look at this one. I can't even see the brush strokes."

"It almost looks like a print," Ren added. "Could've fooled me."

"I assure you, all these are original paintings using traditional art," a new voice softly spoke from behind them."

Kitagawa Yusuke approached them, dressed in his school uniform. He looked subdued compared to yesterday. He probably had had a long and early morning, given the small bags under the eyes that focused on Ann. "You came!" The offered smile deflated as he focused on Ryuji, the tone much less enthused. "You came."

"Not my first choice," Ryuji muttered.

"Thank you so much for the tickets, Kitagawa-kun," Ann raised her voice, drawing a few surrounding eyes as she reached out to the newcomer. It made him squirm. "We really appreciate the invitation today. I was actually looking forward to seeing a few pieces."

"It was no problem at all…" Kitagawa again looked troubled. "I'm sorry, but I just realized I don't know your name."

"Takamaki Ann. But please, Ann is fine."

"A pleasure to meet you."

"Ryuji."

"I didn't ask," Kitagawa sniffed as he gestured for Ann to follow. "Come, I'll be your guide and give you insight on Sensei's works. Perhaps we can discuss my proposition as well."

"Uhh," Ann looked back, uncertain, before Ren shooed her away. "Okay, thanks!"

"You're letting him go with Lady Ann alone?!" Morgana hissed and struggled to escape.

"Hey, stay in the bag! They don't allow pets! We've been through this," Ryuji snapped.

"Kitagawa is more open with her. She can get more information than we can," Ren adjusted his now still bag. "Come on, let's…" his voice trailed off as he noticed a red haired girl turn the corner and spot him.

Seeing anyone from Shujin was a surprise since it wasn't exactly a fine arts school. It was something unexpected and unanticipated and put Ren on the backfoot. It had nothing to do with the blue and black polkadot top and the white skirt that bared Yoshizawa's toned legs up to her mid thigh. Not at all.

Ryuji followed his eyes and gave a low whistle "I can see why you're lookin'. Cute and great legs."

Ren didn't resist the urge to slap Ryuji on the back of the head as Yoshizawa approached, waving. "Fancy seeing you here, Senpai. I didn't take you as an appreciator of fine arts."

"I won't deny that it's not something I was interested in," Ren admitted, before gesturing to her. "Ryuji, this is Yoshizawa Kasumi. A first-year at our illustrious school. Yoshizawa-san, this is Ryuji."

"Sup."

"Nice to meet you!"

"Came to admire Madarame's work?" Ren wanted to slap himself. Of course she was here for that.

"Oh yes," Yoshizawa laughed almost… nervously as she adjusted the front of her shirt. "My family actually has a couple of his pieces. Copies! Not the originals- we can't afford that." Her face started to turn red as she stumbled over her words. "What about you?"

"Ann wanted to take a look and Madarame's apprentice happened to give us tickets. So… here we are," Ren shrugged, an easy smile resting on his lips. "It would have been rude to let those tickets go to waste."

"His apprentice? I didn't know one was here," Yoshizawa looked around as if she'd spot them.

"Yeah," Ryuji almost spat. "Kitagawa Yusuke, that pretentious prick."

"Kitagawa?" Yoshizawa repeated, the way the name came out of her lips drawing his attention. It sounded like she'd made a realization.

"Followed us from one station to the other, if you could believe it," Ryuji's voice hitched, enjoying being the storyteller. "He started tailin' us but Ren spotted 'em. We led him on a little-" Ren cut him off with a wave. "What?"

"And at the end of all that he gave us tickets," Ren finished, wanting Ryuji to leave out their unusual way of handling a tailing party. "I take it you've already made the rounds?"

"Almost. I actually only got here a few minutes ago," Yoshizawa turned an expectant gaze to him. "Would it be alright if I accompanied you?"

"If ya want."

"Ryuji!"

"What?"

Ren pinched the bridge of his nose. Now they wouldn't be able to ask questions as freely as they could.

"It's okay if you don't want-"

"No! No, it's fine," Ren held in a sigh. It'd be rude to push her away now. "Lead the way. It sounds like you know more about his work than we do."

Yoshizawa immediately brightened, a skip to her step as she pointed to a canvas. "This one is well known for-"

Each piece around the exhibit was startlingly different from another, something that even Ren could notice and appreciate as it came from one hand. He'd never known art could invoke emotion or contemplation. Before, he'd be the kind to find the nearest bench and wait for his parents to finish perusing. Having someone enthusiastically explain it all certainly helped.

"Hey, isn't that Madarame?" Ryuji tapped Ren on the arm and pointed.

Madarame was being interviewed, a small crowd surrounded him to get a look at the famous artist. Ren moved to join them as the interviewer continued.

"Madarame-sensei, it is a big topic of conversation amongst artists and critics alike that your range in style is vast. Could you share what leads you to have such varied work?"

"I believe that art should be made with the purest of intentions. There should be no outside aspirations such as riches, fame, and grandeur," Madarame said sagely, stroking his chin. "I find that living humbly in the shack I call home is the source of my inspiration. Like bubbles delicately rising from the shallow depths of a pond."

"Wow," the interviewer's eyes shined with wonder. "And you are quite the poet as well!"

Madarame brushed the comment aside with a chuckle. "Perhaps in another life I pursued such a path to bring beauty to the world."

Ryuji pulled Ren out from the crowd, Yoshizawa following. "Bet that interview's gonna go forever. Did you catch it?"

"Tell me later," Ren said, side eyeing the red head as she moved a little too close for his comfort.

"There you guys are," Ann pushed her way through the crowd to them, Kitagawa nowhere to be seen. Her frown evaporated as she noticed the outlier. "Oh, hi."

"Hello," Yoshizawa said cheerily. "I happened to run into Senpai and he was kind enough to accompany me."

"'Senpai?'" Ann raised an eyebrow at the distinction the girl gave him. "Yes, well Ren's a good guy."

"Thanks," Ren sarcastically drawled. "Is Kitagawa done being your guide?"

"Yeah," Ann hesitated, side eyeing their guest. "He had some business to attend to. Admin stuff, from the sounds of it. Are you guys done looking around?"

"Yeah, let's get outta here and get some lunch. I'm starvin'." Ryuji hurriedly made his way to the exit, prompting no argument.

Yoshizawa looked at Ren, uncertain.

Despite the cat squirming in his bag and what his brain was screaming at him to do, Ren's smile came a little too easily. "Lunch?"

"So…"

Kasumi stiffened beside Senpai as Sakamoto Ryuji and Takamaki Ann sat across from them. She'd barely traded words with either of the blondes as they made their way to a ramen shop. The tone the dyed blonde boy gave Kasumi the impression that she was being interviewed.

"First year transfer, huh? That's unusual. What's up with that? Get bullied or something? Ow!"

"Ryuji!" Takamaki ignored his protests, continuing to scold him. "You don't ask things like that. And if you do, you do it a little more delicately." She turned to Kasumi with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about him. He's. A. Special. Case." Takamaki enunciated every word with a shake.

"It doesn't bother me in the slightest," Kasumi said politely. "But yes, it is unusual. My gymnastics club found a new gym and it was a tad too far from my old school."

"Coach? You in sports?" Sakamoto's interest in her piqued.

"Yup! Gymnastics. Rhythm gymnastics specifically."

"Danggg that's badass. Don't know a thing 'bout gymnastics other than that beam and bar thing…" Sakamoto admitted. "How long've you been at it?"

"B-badass?" Yoshizawa spoke the word like it was foreign. "Uhhh since I was four."

"Four?" Takamaki sounded impressed. "I can't imagine sticking with something for that long. Especially as a kid."

"It's not for everyone," Yoshizawa sighed. "Most people drop the sport around ten or eleven years old. At my age it's particularly intense- you've more or less committed to aiming for the Olympics."

"Is that what your goal is? The Olympics?" Senpai turned to her, eyebrow raised. She nodded and he gave a low whistle. "That's admirable and ambitious."

"Aim for the stars, right?" Kasumi challenged. It earned her a wry grin. "It's been my goal for as long as I can remember." She did her best to hide her uncertainty, but it didn't seem to go unnoticed.

"Hit a wall?" Senpai asked, his face now fully turned to her.

This wasn't exactly how she expected this lunch to go. "Yeah, just… having some difficulties. I'll get past it though! I always have!"

The concern lessened as Senpai chuckled. "I'm sure you have."

"By the way, I wanted to show you guys this post on the Phansite," Sakamoto pulled out his phone and slid it onto the middle of the table. Kasumi leaned forward to read it, Sakamoto leaning back into his chair, smirking. "You a Phan, too?" He ignored Takamaki's glare.

"Yeah, I check on it every now and then." Kasumi could feel her pulse skyrocketing as she read the post.

"A master of the Japanese arts is plagiarizing his pupil's work. Only his public face is shown on TV."

"Plagiarizing?" Takamaki muttered, shocked.

"His treatment of the pupils who live with him is awful. He teaches nothing and bosses them around. He treats them inhumanely, as if disciplining a dog."

She dared. "Who do you think this refers to? Madarame?"

Takamaki stiffened, Sakamoto smirked, Senpai's face was stone.

"Why?" Senpai asked, all innocence. But she knew better. They just didn't know that. "Curious as to whether the Phantom Thieves will strike again?"

"I think they will," Kasumi met his eyes and held them. "I don't think the Phantom Thieves were a one-hit-wonder."

"What makes ya say that?" Sakamoto attempted to sound uninterested, but failed.

"I don't think they're the type to leave someone in need alone." That earned her a reaction.

Senpai's jaw opened then snapped shut a second later. Sakamoto was shaking his head, smiling. Takamaki had a soft expression that accepted the compliment.

"Am I wrong?" She batted her eyes innocently.

Senpai chuckled, already recovered. "Who knows?"

You do, Mr. Phantom Thief. But she'd let them off the hook for now. She had to earn their trust first.

"Say it does refer to Madarame," Senpai ventured, his eyes guarded yet shining. "Who do you think wrote it?"

Kasumi fought hard to resist smiling. "Kitagawa Yusuke." She looked pointedly at Sakamoto. "That pretentious prick."

"Reason?"

"Well you said it yourself that he was an apprentice of Madarame. He'd be one of the few people who would have that inside information, no? Or it could also be a former pupil of Madarame's."

"Not bad," Senpai gave her a playful nudge.

"Is this claim of plagiarism why Madarame's works are so varied? If this were referring to him," Takamaki clarified, quite needlessly. But again, she didn't know that.

"It would be likely," Senpai started tugging at the fringes of his hair.

"Kitagawa-kun did seem… forlorn when we were looking at this particular piece," Takamaki folded her arms. "He was adamant that we move on to another. Do you think he actually did that piece?"

"Only one way to find out, right?" Sakamoto gently elbowed Takamaki. "Gotta ask the guy. Did ya exchange contact info?"

"We did."

Kasumi stayed quiet, not sure if they'd forgotten about her as their talk continued. Her hope was quickly dashed.

"Alright, you two. Enough hypotheticals and conspiracy theories. Our food is here," Senpai reigned in the other Thieves before looking at her. "This place's broth is to die for."

Kasumi's mouth was watering as the aroma of rich broth reached her nostrils, the wispy steam promising delectable warmth. Her stomach rumbled and all talk of Phantom Thieves and plagiarizing artists quickly left her immediate thoughts. It could wait for a little longer.

A/N

Not as much Yusuke as I thought there would be, but we're approaching his awakening. Think it will be the next chapter if not the one after. Look forward to it!

Thanks again for reading and have a lovely day. Till next time!