Author's Note: I know I said before I wanted to make a few more chapters but I changed my mind because I wanted to continue focusing on other things and decided to end my story like this to what has become of Yusuke, Akiko and all of their friends in the future. I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I did.
Ten years later
An alarm clock rang very loudly in Yusuke's ear, and he reached over to slam on the off button. It was so peaceful and warm in bed with his wife - Akiko Amamiya... no, Akiko Kitagawa is who she is now. The idea of having to get up and make preparations for today's events was so tiring and bothersome. Lying beside his wife and stroking her naked body in his arms made things so much better. Still, he knew today was very important and Akiko isn't the type of person to let him sleep in for long. Sighing softly, he revealed in the comfort of her body in his embrace, her delicate head resting on his bare chest as if the two of them are still protecting each other from the outside world.
"Ugh, c'mon honey," Akiko grumbled, yawning a bit. "We need to get up. Don't want to disappoint our friends if we're late, do we?" Ten years had passed, and she was more radiant than ever. A true beauty. No longer does she wear glasses. Hair looked so elegant, shimmering in the rays of sunlight peering through the window. The light touched her skin, seemingly making her body glow angelically.
Yusuke smiled in true bliss, mock pouting as he buried his face in her neck in attempt to kiss and nibble her neck. "Can't we stay in bed much longer, my love? I don't want to leave this room until I make love to you again."
"Maybe we can do it again tonight," she giggled, gently pushing him back. "Right now, we have to get up. If Makoto finds out we're late because we had sex, she'll never let us hear the end of it. And you know how Ryuji and Futaba can get whenever they make jokes about our love life."
Groaning, Yusuke relented. "Very well."
The couple dragged themselves up and out of bed, redressing themselves in the nightwear they had carelessly thrown to the floor in the midst of last night's throes of passion. Today is a very special day - the opening ceremony in downtown Shibuya of Yusuke's art exhibit. All of their friends will be there, and nobody wanted to miss it. Though it wasn't like they hadn't seen their friends just yesterday. When they'd been in college, everyone had always been so busy focused on their studies and what they wanted to do in their lives. And now, with everyone leading the lifestyles as successful adults, they still spent more time together than ever.
So much has changed when they made new friends who joined their team and encountered new enemies to defeat.
Futaba Sakura, adopted daughter of Sojiro and a playful hacker with impressive computer skills, and often taking pleasure in teasing poor Yusuke and his relationship Akiko, nicknaming him Inari because foxes in the old stories ate inari sushi.
Haru Okumura, a lovely and elegant heiress with the mannerisms of a princess who enjoys gardening or making coffee but can be quite a sadist when she used an axe to chop down shadows in the Metaverse.
Goro Akechi, a traitorous yet tragic villain who masqueraded as a charismatic detective was nothing more than an assassin, the man in the Black Mask who Madarame had spoken of before. The culprit responsible for many psychotic breakdowns and mental shutdowns... and the illegitimate child of Masayoshi Shido, a very dangerous man and the monster responsible for ruining Akiko's life.
Nonetheless, Yusuke couldn't help but feel sorry for Akechi. In some way, despite his anger at the young man for trying to murder Akiko, he felt a kindred spirit with him when it comes to cruel, controlling and abusive father figures. If things had been different and had he never met Akiko or the Phantom Thieves, Yusuke felt that deep down, he'd been just as hideous as Akechi. Still, he prayed for the false detective that he'd find peace after he was viciously gunned down by a horde of shadows.
And how long ago it has been when the courageous and marvelous Akiko protected them from Yaldabaoth, who had masqueraded himself as this Igor person from that strange yet intriguing blue velvet room where Akiko often visited in her sleep, by putting a bullet through the head of that false deity. He can still recall the look of courage and determination in her eyes when she said, "Be gone." And destroyed that monster on the spot.
He was glad to have captured it in his memory because he wanted to recreate the confrontation on canvas, and he had succeeded. Just like Joan of Arc, a warrior willing to fight for her country and sacrifice herself to save her loved ones. At least Akiko wasn't burned alive like Joan after she turned herself in to the police in order to protect her team, and on Christmas Eve of all days. Although she did spend one night of exchanging gifts and a moment of intimacy with Yusuke before she left without saying goodbye.
It broke Yusuke's heart when he found her letter that next morning. Right when they defeated the abomination enslaving mankind, his beloved gets locked up in juvenile detention. Nobody wanted to accept the fact that Akiko was behind bars, especially Yusuke. Makoto explained in order to overturn a sentence, they need definitive evidence to prove Akiko's innocence.
It wasn't an easy task to save Akiko from juvenile detention, but fortunately, everyone came up with their own ways to help her. Confidants whom Akiko had previously helped in the past also answered their rallying cry. Yusuke had gone to Mr. Kawanabe for help. The kindhearted art dealer understood his dilemma, explaining he's got a few connections up his sleeve which proved to be more useful than doing his own legwork. Also, hiring the FBI to dig up dirt on the entire police force was something Yusuke never expected to hear.
Those callous officers who had beaten up and drugged Akiko in the interrogation room were officially arrested by the FBI and charged with police brutality and assaulting a minor. As for the confession she was forced to sign, not only was it a false confession but also invalid. Forced confessions gained through torture and intimidation, such as threatening to break one of her legs if she refused to sign, are inadmissible as evidence. They never intended to let her go to court as they were planning on killing her afterwards, so attempted murder was added to the list of charges.
As for the woman initially involved in the assault case, she was tracked down and brought to court. With Shido stripped of his influence, he had confessed his evil intentions on raping her and what really happened that night when Akiko intervened. The girl never laid a finger on him; his injury was caused by his own doing. Yusuke silently prayed the cowardly, ungrateful wench didn't feel pressured by Shido's lawyers into repeating the false narrative that bastard made her say. Fortunately, Shido admitted he had manipulated the woman to lie on his behalf. So, the woman confessed everything and was sentenced to community service, which is a fair punishment.
After that, Akiko was free to go. Everything she had been arrested for had been wiped clean. Everyone was overjoyed their hard work had definitely paid off. And the best part? Morgana had miraculously returned to them after his cartoonish form vanished when the Metaverse was destroyed in the real world.
The mood was wonderful and happy, except for one thing. While Akiko was proved not guilty in the assault charge, she was still going to be labeled as a troublemaker and a delinquent in her hometown. Why was this brought up? Because her former crush, Karasuma, and her family had come to Tokyo and burst in Leblanc, all filled with rage.
Sae had investigated Akiko's home life and exposed just how toxic the girl's father is. Favoritism, gaslighting, emotional or physical abuse. He blamed Akiko for destroying his reputation and getting the world's most beloved politician like Shido thrown in prison based entirely on falsehoods. Even though she was proven not guilty, that man has the audacity to come here and denounce her like a criminal and, for some weird reason, is under the assumption Shido is a good man.
On top of that, Karasuma also blamed Akiko for his predicaments. When it came out his aunt is the woman involved in the assault charge and how she lied to protect Shido, gossip spread like wildfire, and everyone avoided her like a plague. People everywhere threw trash at the woman or called her disgusting names, such as 'Shido's slut.'
Karasuma did try defending his aunt's actions, unwittingly revealing his knowledge of her lies but never said anything because he believed it was nobody's business to get involved and Akiko should've ignored the situation. That only made things worse for him. Everywhere he goes, townsfolk and neighbors openly condemned or harassed him.
And what became of Reika, the spoiled, entitled and heartless brat? Her father had gotten arrested when proof of his collaboration with Shido's conspiracy came out, along with evidence of bribing the school's principal to let his daughter run rampage for years on end were exposed. Reika was also arrested when evidence of her bullying going too far had come out, and now she was in juvenile detention where she belongs.
And yet, here are two incompetent, delusional fools believing in falsehoods or, Karasuma's case, believing in his own lies. Coming here with the audacity to blame Akiko for their consequences and intent on harming her. Yusuke and the others stood their ground, using themselves as shields to stand between Akiko and her tormentors, verbally tearing those idiots to shreds for their mistreatment toward her and refusing to see the truth of the situation.
What could've turned into a bloody brawl that could've ended in someone either dead or hospitalized ended on much lighter note. Karasuma and Mr. Amamiya were arrested on the spot for attempted assault or murder when Sojiro and Sae contacted the police, those who were not in Shido's pocket, that is.
Why would that man abuse Akiko in such a poor fashion came out unexpectedly when he revealed she's not his biologically daughter left everyone speechless. Turns out his late wife had been arranged into marrying him by their parents, and she was very unhappy with him because of his strict, controlling ways. So, she turned to her childhood sweetheart, a guy known as Kurusu, for comfort.
The affair produced Akiko, who inherited her birth father's black hair and grey eyes. That's what tipped off the husband, who got this confirmation of the affair when a noisy neighbor had informed him after his wife constantly denied it. He killed Kurusu in a fit of violent rage and hid the body, beat his wife and threatened her to stay quiet. Now domestic violence and murder are added to the list of charges.
As for Akemi, she said nothing throughout the confrontation at Leblanc, pale and silent. Most likely affected by the events of her sister's innocence or her father's crimes outed. With her father in custody, Akemi was taken in by Sayaka, the kindhearted aunt of Akiko and Akemi from their late mother's side, who was living in Tokyo the whole time and sent her to a therapist to get better. Years of living as her father's favorite and refusing to stand up for her sister had left a severe mark on her emotional being. Poor girl was torn up over the sudden truth of her sister's innocence and her father's crimes, but took comfort in finally getting the help she needs and reconciliating with her sister.
Akiko decided to officially stay in Tokyo with her loved ones and complete her education at Shujin. Though the Phantom Thieves were retired, it doesn't stop them from hanging out, nor does it stop Yusuke and Akiko from going on more dates. There was that one time when the Metaverse returned in the form of Jails, and they had to find the culprit responsible for creating the Jails whilst on summer vacation. They made new friends on their journey, both who have awakened to Personas as well - Sophia, an adorable AI in the form of a human girl, and Zenkichi Hasegawa, a police inspector from Kyoto. After that, the Metaverse was no longer existence after destroying another false deity known as Demiurge.
Everyone had gone their separate ways once more, but just like Futaba said before, they will always be back together before they realize it. And the years had passed since then, everyone had grown up and became successful adults.
After graduating college, Yusuke had been offered to work for Kawanabe after all, as an heir to the company. Yusuke accepted, then he proposed the big question to Akiko, and she happily accepted. Oh, how beautiful she looked in that shiromuku on their wedding. All of their friends and confidants attended the ceremony, later expressing their congratulations and good wishes for their future at the party afterwards. They honeymooned in Hawaii, the place where they reunited during a school trip and this time participating in numerous activities together, including watching the sunset from their hotel room.
And when Akiko made the surprise announcement that she was pregnant, Yusuke was completely ecstatic with joy. Never in his life did he imagine the day he'd become a father and raise little ones. Perhaps he can teach them how to paint or draw like he does. Their friends each expressed their congratulations or gave them presents as part of a little party that Ann referred to as a baby shower.
Nine months later, Akiko gave birth to a healthy and beautiful baby girl - pale skin and blue hair like her father, and dark grey eyes like her mother. The parents decided to name her Sayuri, in honor of his mother's portrait, which has been moved to live among the Kitagawa-Amamiya household. And because the name means 'small lily' Yusuke had taken to nicknaming his precious daughter 'little flower.'
Now in the present time, the couple had to wake up their precious little flower so she can get ready for the grand opening. Six-year-old Sayuri yawns and pulls the blanket over her head. "I'm too tired..." she groans, "It's Saturday, and I want to sleep in a bit."
"But my little flower, if you don't come to the exhibit, I'll be forever distressed by the thought of my only child refusing to witness the fruits of her father's work on display," Yusuke explained, in the hopes of persuading his little princess to not miss out on such an important event.
Under the blanket, Sayuri rolls her eyes. "It's not going to work, Daddy." Like how any child would feel embarrassed by her father's dramatic poetic speech, she felt the same way.
Akiko, on the other hand, knew exactly what to say. "Too bad. I guess we'll have to tell your friends that you missed out on the snacks, the sandwiches, the cake..."
That got a reaction out of Sayuri. "WHAAAT!? All my friends are going to be there? And there's going to be snacks? Why didn't you tell me this yesterday?"
"It was meant to be a surprise, cupcake. Now go get dressed and I'll make you breakfast."
The little girl goes flying out of bed and rummaging through her drawers. Yusuke smiled proudly at his wife, pleased to have convinced their daughter to get out of bed sooner, although he was deeply disappointed his part didn't work at all.
Five minutes later, the three of them sat around the kotatsu table eating breakfast. Sayuri wore a formal white dress with a cherry blossom pattern, her blue hair tied in little pigtails. Akiko's hair was tied in a single braid, draped over the left part of bare shoulder and wearing a formal, one right-shoulder rose red dress. Yusuke, dressed in an elegant tux with a cyan blue tie, gazes at his wife with adoration.
"You look beautiful as ever," Yusuke commented, romantically.
Akiko smiled, returning the compliment. "Thank you. And you look devilishly handsome."
Even at age twenty-six, Yusuke is still attractive as ever, resembling more of a prince rather than an artist. This she told him before on their honeymoon, and he accepted the compliment with grace and charm.
"Blegh..." Sayuri secretly shifts her gaze to the floor, grossed out by her parents' constant flirtations.
After breakfast, they left the house and drove in the direction of the exhibit, where a crowd of onlookers and reporters waited eagerly for the museum to open. There are several banners that read the name KITAGAWA in brightly colored kanji. A red ribbon tied in front of the entrance, where a familiar looking female police officer waited patiently for the family to arrive.
"Hello, Makoto!" Yusuke recognized the officer instantly. "Are you here to be our bodyguard?"
Makoto had aged considerably well these last ten years, her hair grown longer tied in a high ponytail. She looked fascinating and courageous in uniform. "I've been assigned to keep watch over you, yes. Although, you're both two minutes late. Did you get distracted making love? Honestly, I know you love each other, but you have more important things to do other than sex." Even as an officer, she still hasn't lost that diligent firmness.
"Well, Yusuke wanted to stay in bed, but I was insistence on getting to the exhibit on time," Akiko explained, shooting a playful smirk at her husband, who groaned disappointedly. "Have you seen Ryuji, Ann and the others anywhere?"
"Not that I know of, but I... Oh, look! There they are!" Makoto's sharp eyes search the crowd and discovered a familiar shade of platinum blonde hair bobbling up and down as the owner rushed over to greet them.
"Hey, guys!" Ann was more beautiful than ever, famous as a model. Hair cut short in a pretty, wavy bob, dressed in a gorgeous pink low-cut gown, accompanied by her formerly blonde athlete husband, Ryuji, who wore a tux with a yellow tie in order to appear formal despite having a baby carrier strapped to his chest where little Rose slept, and guiding their six-year-old son, Riku, to where he located his friends.
Riku very much resembled his mother in terms of fair skin, platinum blonde hair and attractiveness, while inheriting his father's dark brown eyes which stared in memorization at Sayuri in a pretty dress. He shyly waved hello and she returned the gesture with equal affection as she complimented his choice of tux.
"Thanks..." he replied shyly, "but it was my mom's idea to wear it. I hate it."
"I don't think it looks so bad on you," Sayuri tried to cheer him up.
Up next came Morgana, transformed into a human courtesy of Lavenza years ago, has become quite a handsome gentleman, accompanying Haru, CEO of Okumura Foods and the newly popular Cafe Noir which was opened to the public last week, both as her escort and her husband. She wore the most ravishing violet halter-neck gown anyone has ever seen, hair grown longer and tied in a lovely bun. Their triplets followed them like cute ducklings, two boys and one girl sporting light auburn hair and dark blue eyes.
Followed by Futaba, hair cut short and sporting glasses similar to her late mother's. Although not used to formal attire, she wore a regular, short-sleeved, semi dark green dress, just for Yusuke's sake. She didn't want to get married or have kids, happily working as the head of cybersecurity and settling for the part of being the cool aunt for Sayuri and the kids.
"Glad to see you could make it, Mrs. and Mrs. Inari." A famous nickname for the couple, courtesy of Futaba. "And here's my favorite honorary niece, Inari Junior." She knelt down and gave Sayuri a high five.
"We're all so excited to see the exhibit!" Haru exclaimed. "I look forward to seeing your work on display!"
"We wouldn't miss this for the world," Morgana added, his smile resembling a feline, almost a reminder of what he used to be.
"Thank you," Yusuke graciously replied. "I hope you enjoy the thirty pieces that I have created over the years. It wouldn't be right to keep them at home where they'll collect dust. I wish for the whole world to witness the splendor of my work."
Ryuji's jaw dropped, surprised at the number of paintings his friend had created over the years. "Thirty pieces!? Holy crap! That's a lot of-Ow!" He got elbowed in the waist by his wife.
"Language!" Ann scolded. Gesturing toward the children, reminding him not to say cuss words, especially when they're at a special event.
"My bad..." Ryuji massaged his waist, still feeling the pain. "But that's good work, dude."
With that aside, it was time for the grand opening. Yusuke steps forward and moved effortlessly up the short set of steps, just passing the rope. His wife and child follow close behind. He clears his throat and fixes the microphone to get everyone's attention. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for being here on this fine day. Today, we're here to celebrate the opening of my art exhibit. Inside, there are thirty pieces that I have painted from my previous ten years of work. I just hope you all enjoy them as much as I have. Darling, if you please..."
Akiko hands him a small pair of scissors, and he uses them to cut the red ribbon.
"I declare this art exhibit open!"
The crowd cheered, and cameras began snapping off left and right. One by one, people gradually entered the exhibit to admire the numerous amounts of beautiful paintings, each set of five art pieces located in six different rooms. A buffet was set up for guests to come and enjoy a nice meal or drink as Yusuke wanted his visitors to feel welcomed. Sayuri and her friends snuck off to steal some cake and sandwiches, devouring their treats under the table.
Yusuke wandered off from the crowd to find Akiko looking at one of his finest works he had always been so proud of - Desire and Hope. She looked up at him and smiled, glowing as ever. Tears welled up in Yusuke' eyes as his emotions built up inside him. Never in his life did he think it would be possible. In the beginning, he was a poor, tormented pupil to a slave-driving monster. Now here he is, a famous artist and happily married to the most amazing woman who had rescued him from drowning in the pools of vanity and hell. He had no need to worry about their love fading, for he knew it will grow stronger every day for the rest of their lives.
He bent down to embrace her, whispering, "Thank you."
"For what?" Akiko asked.
Before he kissed her, Yusuke said, "For being my desire and hope."
THE END.