"Your name was almost Akira?"

"Yeah, but they decided to go a bit more western for my name, so Akira is my middle name, oh and Kurusu is my mother's maiden name"

"Akira Kurusu, huh? When I first heard it, it felt weird to think of as your name, but actually, it kinda works."

I don't know how I feel about the name "Akira Kurusu," but it's kind of nice.

"Another timeline, Mona. After everything we've been through, it could actually exist somewhere in the multiverse."

Mona and I are just passing the time as we're on the train back to Yongen-Jaya. It was only two days ago that Sojiro messaged me, and I still don't fully understand why I'm going.

I've missed this. I miss the days of riding crowded trains to get to school. I miss hearing gossip about targets and things to do. It was like a fun game, trying to get a seat so I could read my books on the train, meeting my friends every now and then. In fact, maybe I'll move back here one day.

After a surprisingly short conversation with Mona, we decided to head back for a while. But I didn't tell anyone except Sojiro, so I'm going to surprise them... actually, let's get everyone first!

"Mona, let's get off here."

"But this is Shibuya?"

"I know, but I wanna surprise everyone and bring them with us."

"Lady Ann will be at the underground mall!"

That was easy.

Ann's POV

Haru and I have been shopping for almost two hours now; she's surprisingly picky about what to wear, but I don't mind.

I've picked out some cute outfits for later. I can't wait to show Shiho. I'm so proud of her. She's been doing so well at her new school. When she said she wanted to try volleyball again, I was really confused at first. But she said she didn't want what... that man did to her, hold her back. I'm so proud of her.

I know I said that already but I really am.

"Do you wanna stop at Leblanc for lunch?"

"Ooo, yeah, I miss the boss's curry. Let's head to the checkout."

The chill vibe of Leblanc reminds me of Ren. I miss him and Morgana. I can't remember a time when they weren't in my life.

Lines are boring, it kinda makes me miss the days we'd just sneak through Palaces.

Lipstick, eyeliner, Ren... Wait.

Ann: "REN!?"

Morgana: "And Morgana!"

I run over to give them a hug before I realised I've dropped all my stuff.

Ann: "What are you guys doing here!?"

Ren: "Oh Mona was missing you so he begged me to come surprise you."

Morgana: "That's not true! I mean I did miss you guys a little but... wait no. THATS NOT WHY!"

I chuckled, "I missed you too, Mona."

Morgana lets off an adorable meow, he really can be cute when he's nervous.

Haru: "It's so good to see you both!"

Oh wow, I forgot Haru was there for a second.

Ann: "We've got to catch up! How's school? Have you made new friends? Did you miss us?"

Ren: "Woah woah woah, I'll be answering your questions shortly ma'am, but I wanna meet up with everyone first, but I can answer one question now... yes I did miss you."

He's making me blush! With that smug smile on his face. Oh no. Both I and Haru are.

Morgana: "Ahem! Where is everyone?"

Haru: "Oh! Right, Makoto should be at home with her sister, Ryuji is at some gym, and Futaba is hanging out with Yusuke."

Ren: "Futaba and Yusuke?"

I was surprised at first too.

Ann: "Yusuke said he wants to use Futaba's mask as inspiration, and well... Futaba got tired of gaming alone."

Ren: "Supply and demand at its finest. Let's grab Makoto..."

Ren seemed shaken when he said that.

Sojiro's POV

This kid is weird. He just appears out of nowhere and doesn't say much, just been in the attic all day. Reminds me of when Ren first came here. Maybe that's why I asked him to come.

Ren was just a teenager whose society had failed him. I mean, what kind of world do we live in? A teenager tries to stop a woman from being sexually assaulted and gets arrested for it? That's bull.

Still, he never had any disgust in his eyes. I've learned to read people when they come to my shop. That kid? He had a heart of gold. I knew that from the moment I saw him, but I treated him harshly.

Maybe a part of me was jealous of his resolve. He saw something wrong and tried to help, unlike me, who just ran away from it all. Still, he was so nice that he wore me down.

Never happened with a guy before. He just wouldn't give up, now he's like the son I never had. I really should've asked him to stay like I'd planned six months ago, but I didn't want him to end up running from his responsibilities too, he's the one who taught me to never give up.

Wait a second. Do I miss him? No, that's ridiculous. It's only been two months since I last saw him; I can't miss him already.

The door opens.

"Welcome back!"

I feel a rising urge to go hug him. Is he taller?

Ren: "It's so good to see you, Sojiro."

Sojiro: "Likewise."

He's brought all his friends with him; they're a loud bunch, but they're good kids. Isn't Ren a bit too close to Futaba? He is, right?

Futaba: "Sojiroooo for some reason Ren really wants to meet the guy you let stay yesterday."

Oh, yeah, right.

Sojiro: "KID! GET DOWN HERE!"

I forget his name.

A relatively short boy slowly walks down the stairs. Even when he reaches the bottom, he just stands in front of everyone, saying nothing.

Sojiro: "Well, don't just stand there. Tell them your name."

New Kid: "Makoto Yuki, nice to meet you."