I finally decided to stop being self-conscious and write something for ShuAnn week for once.

This takes place in continuity with my Persona 5 Royal fanfic, Find Your Flame. I will be referencing it a couple of times in this oneshot. So if you are confused go check out that fic first, I know I only put two chapters out and went on hiatus because... irl crap and well low self esteem, but I'm getting back into writing again. Working on first re-editing all the past chapters for my Ace Attorney fic, then gonna update that fic with a new chapter. Then get back to posting an update for FYF. I also have a tumblr blog for Find Your Flame if you want to learn more about this universe you can go to my tumblr blog for it, the username is "p5rfindyourflame". I would post the link but ffnet doesn't let me do that :/

Okay I know this is a rambley preamble for a oneshot but bare with me. If you wanna learn more about these OCs that get referenced, namely Ren's family (He has two siblings, and his parents have a... complicated relationship atm) I go into it in more detail in Chapter 1 of my fic, Find Your Flame.

Ren's mother doesn't get her name mentioned here by design, but Ren's mother is named Rikumi. I also reference another OC in the fic named Hayato, as well as Hifumi. See in my ficverse, Hifumi and Yusuke are actually friends at the start before Ren meets them, and my OC Hayato is included in my little Kosei trio. Hayato also has a giant crush on Hifumi. This oneshot takes place during the Madarame arc, it was a bit of a challenge to remember certain things that won't be revealed yet.

I do hope you'll check out Find Your Flame and want to learn more about these planned characters and arcs. But that's enough of me rambling, enjoy the oneshot!


Ann tugged her sleeves down, her cardigan just barely warding off the chill of the AC blasting above her in underground walkway. She was on her way to the underground mall; she didn't have anything specific to buy—maybe something for Shiho. Or maybe something nice to treat herself with. She wasn't really sure. The plan was just to window shop; really, she was just blowing off some steam.

Ren said they all needed a day or two of rest. He was gonna resupply on some items, sell some things he found in Madarame's Palace.

Yusuke, Hifumi, and Hayato were still just getting the swing of things when exploring Palaces. Ren didn't want to overwhelm their newest members, even if Yusuke was antsy. She understood why, they all did. But Ren was right. Running themselves ragged wouldn't do any good.

Ann slowed her steps as she passed by the smoothie stand. Despite the cold AC blasting around the station… it was getting a bit warmer outside so maybe a smoothie would be nice. There was apparently a new flavor with collagen in it—supposed to be good for your skin.

But then Ann shook her head. She wasn't particularly thirsty. Maybe another time.

She then headed down the stairs and walked into a store to start browsing. She smiled to herself thinking maybe some new headphones would be nice to buy for Shiho. She had been complaining last week to Ann that she's been wanting to get some new ones. Her old pair was on its last legs.

Ann played with the hem of her cardigan and smiled. She could probably grab some bandages or medicine too; help Ren out with resupplying.

She then started rifling through some sunglasses that caught her eye. There were some very cute ones in there. They'd go great with the outfit her dad sent in the last "care package." Maybe something in pink or red would look super cute with that blouse he bought.

That's when she noticed an older woman in the aisle across from her. She was looking over some wrist watches.

She had black hair that reached her shoulders, they had a feathery look to her hair texture. Almost frizzy, but not in a way that looked like she walked out of bed just now… it sort of reminded her of Ren. Probably because she had on glasses too.

The woman had on a black business jacket with white blouse underneath. Her sleeves were cuffed with a cute white pearl studs on them. And a matching black skirt that stopped just above her knees, with brown pantyhose, and designer black pumps. She also had on lovely pearl studs for earrings, and a matching gold necklace with a single pearl hanging from it.

Probably in her late thirties if she had to guess. Gorgeous in a really striking way—like the kind of beauty that turned heads without trying—she already could think of her dad and mom wanting to put her face on the cover of a magazine. She just screamed "sophisticated and stylish" vibe.

Ann wasn't sure why she was fixated on this woman all of a sudden who was taking pictures of the watches and letting out a frustrated sound. She then moved over to a different aisle in front of some DVDs. She picked up a Neo Featherman one and took a picture. She let out another frustrated sigh after a pause.

She then moved over to another stand, and stood in front of a display of CDs, arms folded, frowning at the selection like it was mocking her.

Ann paused, her fingers still on the edge of a sunglass rack. Something about the woman's tension, the way she kept sighing—Ann couldn't help but wonder what was troubling her so much.

The woman pulled out her phone, typed something furiously, then let out an exasperated sigh.

She then muttered, "Honestly, Reika…"

That was enough for Ann's curiosity to win out. So, she stepped forward and gave the older woman a casual wave.

Ann asked in a friendly tone, "Is everything okay? You look kinda stuck, Miss?"

The woman turned towards her and blinked. She had deep brown eyes and very red lips. Ann couldn't help but laugh to herself thinking her mother would love to know what makeup this lady bought. Ann's mom always loved red lipstick in particular.

The woman coughed but then gave her a polite smile. "Ah—yes, actually, I am. Sorry… you look about his age too, I suppose. You wouldn't happen to know what boys your age like?"

Ann blinked as well. "Boys my—oh! Uhhh… I guess? Depends on the boy."

"I'm trying to pick out a gift for my son," the woman admitted, lowering her voice a little like it was a secret. "His birthday was some time ago, but we've… not exactly been getting along as of late. I hoped maybe to send it to him after he's cooled down somewhat. But… I am embarrassed to say I don't know what he'd want. I thought a gift card felt too impersonal, so I came here hoping something would click. However, nothing is really jumping out at me, I'm afraid."

Ann tapped her finger on her chin. It really just depended on her son's interest.

If he was like Hayato, she'd suggest video games… or maybe a book on how to woo your best friend and stop being so shy around her. (Seriously, that boy needs someone to give him a push regarding Hifumi.)

If it was Yusuke… just art supplies, or gift cards to any restaurant in the area. (He really needed to eat better… or just eat more in general. From what Hifumi described… his eating habits sounded a bit concerning.)

If he was like Ryuji, then video games still, or some movies or even some manga volumes. Maybe new running shoes or workout clothes. (He was complaining about needing some new running shoes to Ren a couple weeks ago.)

And if he was like Ren, well… then what wouldn't he like? Ren's interests seemed surprisingly broad. From music, to manga, to games, to movies… Ren's tastes of genre were all over the place with any of those categories. She supposed there was always cat supplies too. But that might be more if you were shopping for Morgana, not Ren.

Ren's style of clothing was always pretty chic too. If she knew the size of this woman's son, she could probably help her pick out a cool outfit like Ren would wear.

Ren always seemed to have this cool air to him, like you couldn't help but find charismatic charm to his appearance. Much more approachable than Ryuji in terms of going based off of appearance (not that she blamed Ryuji, that's just how society usually is). Which made it so shocking that kids at school, and even some of the staff, were more scared of Ren than they were of Ryuji. She hated how all that stupid gossip persisted all because of his record.

Ann tilted her head, curious despite herself. "Okay. What kind of stuff is he into?"

The woman hesitated. "That's… the problem. Every time I think of something, my daughter tells me I'm way off. Apparently, it's 'Are you kidding mom? He hasn't liked that stuff since he was 13!' or 'What do you think he's Dad? He's 17, not a dinosaur!'"

Ann had to bite back a smile as the woman's voice took on a slightly higher pitch, probably in imitation of her daughter. Her face was scrunched up in a funny way too. She cleared her throat, her face impassive yet again.

It gave Ann the impression she was embarrassed she was imitating her daughter. She seemed like a rather serious woman, judging by how she dresses.

She then sighed, shaking her head. "Honestly… I don't know why she'd just tell me what her brother likes."

Ann chuckled but winced with sympathy. "Ahh—you definitely have your hands full."

"She's not wrong," the woman muttered. "He used to love anime, games, and music. I… think he still likes that stuff now. But I know tastes can change… new things keep popping up that grab the attention of you teens. I honestly have no idea. It's embarrassing, really. I used to know everything he liked."

Ann gave her a gentler look; she couldn't help but feel bad for the woman. It's obvious despite for whatever reason she's not getting along with her son, she does care about him. She hoped they'd be able to make up.

"I suppose I could always call up his father or ask him to put Raito on the phone to ask but… no, that would be an awkward conversation." The woman sighed and put a hand on her cheek.

Ann tilted her head in confusion. The woman just waved her off and straightened her glasses, her serious expression returning.

"Sorry… I shouldn't be dumping my family's mess on you, young lady," she said and straightened her posture. "So… do you have a boyfriend? Male friends? What do they like? Perhaps we can settle on something that is at least popular with boys your age, that should be a safe bet."

The way she started talking, she sounded more like someone interested in marketing than a mom for a moment. It was a little awkward. But it seemed like the woman felt out of her element. Ann couldn't help but kind of pity her.

Ann loved giving gifts to Shiho and her parents. Her mom always said it was Ann's love language, that she was so thoughtful and great at it. Ann gave the woman a small smile, maybe she can help this woman get her son something great.

Ann just giggled. "No boyfriend yet, not really looking at the moment. But I do have plenty of wonderful friends. Their interests do range, but at least three of them like video games… however they genres they all like can vary."

The woman crossed her arms again and frowned. "That won't do…"

Ann laughed and then started thinking about all her new friends. Maybe using Ren as a basis would be the most helpful. Ren wasn't exactly a picky guy. He liked a lot of things. So really that could be anything you could find here, he would appreciate. She knew he wouldn't complain no matter what he got.

Still, she had started to notice the little things he got excited about.

Ann shook her head, trying to picture what she would give Ren a gift right now if he was standing in front of her.

She glanced at the shelves nearby—rows of CDs, posters, manga sets, anime keychains.

"Well…" she tapped her chin. "I know some guys who are into totally different stuff—one's sporty and wild, another is more shy but easy to get along with, one guy is obsessed with art… a lot, and has weird eating habits but a good guy. And another…"

Ann stopped and smiled as her first meeting with Ren flashed into her mind. Then how he came to her after that phone call with Kamoshida and listened to her every word. And what he said to her before her awakening…cheering her on. His big dopey smile he tried to hide, and mask it with a more casual expression when she handed him that Risette poster when they hung out recently. He got all awkward after that. Trying to keep his cool and not have a huge grin while he hugged the poster close and refused to let Morgana touch it. It was kinda adorable, actually.

A quiet giggle slipped out. Her face started to soften as a bigger smile curled onto her lips. Something warm and fuzzy bubbled in her stomach—she quickly cleared her throat and shook it off. No idea where that came from.

"Sorry—umm… right one of my other friends, he's the really calm and cool type, very chill and friendly. He isn't the pickiest guy—but he and another friend of mine… both of them really have a thing for idols, two idols in particular."

Ann started to giggle again, thinking back on how Ryuji got into a debate with Ren last week about idols and who was "better".

Both of them liked Risette but Ryuji clearly was a bigger Kanamin fan. Ren however was obviously a passionate Risette fan, even if he tried to play it cool.

Hayato and Hifumi then joined in, saying they liked both their music. But then poor Hayato had gotten dragged into the debate, Ren and Ryuji demanding him to agree that their favorite idol was superior.

Yusuke and Morgana said they have never heard of Risette or Kanamin and didn't understand why it was a debate. The offended gasps that came from Ren and Ryuji was not something she expected from them.

Ann just bit her lip and tried to cover her mouth while she tried to suppress her giggles. The woman next to her just raised a brow.

"Uhh—sorry 'bout that… just thinking about how goofy my friends were when they got into a debate about which idol was better."

"Oh…?" The woman blinked.

"They're so funny sometimes," Ann said with a grin. "I gave one of them a Risette poster and he got so flustered trying to act like it wasn't the best thing he'd ever been handed. When he told our other friend, they both agreed Risette was awesome and pretty, as well as Kanamin. But it then turned into an argument about which idol had the better music and dance moves."

At that, something flickered in the woman's eyes. They widened with surprise. She started combing through her hair, and looked as if in deep thought.

"Risette…?" She repeated, a soft little smile breaking through. "He used to adore her. All her CDs. Said she was the cutest girl to ever walk the Earth. Demanded to be taken to the next small town over because he heard rumors she was staying there with relatives and wanted to meet her."

Ann smirked. "Someone definitely had a celebrity crush then."

She then played with her earing a bit while she snickered to herself. That just sounded so cute, that woman's son probably wouldn't like that thought however, if Ann had to guess.

"So… I am to assume she's still popular with kids your age then?" The woman asked.

Ann just flashed her a smile and nodded. The woman let out a sigh of relief.

"I hadn't thought of her in years. But if she's still popular…" She started eyeing the CDs, looking for Risette, "This could definitely work then."

The woman then pursed her lips into a frown. Ann tilted her head.

"Is something wrong?"

The woman looked sheepish. "I don't know which CDs of hers he owns. He probably has them all if he's still a big fan."

"Oh! Don't worry!" Ann said brightly. "There's a new album out too! Like just came out! Your daughter might know which CDs he owns. You could also buy some merch of hers if you are unsure, I can help with that!"

The woman looked down at the CDs again, then smiled at Ann. "Thank you. I really appreciate this."

"No problem," Ann grinned, already flipping through the Risette section. "Happy to help. I mean, you're still making an effort, after all. That's important, and I feel that would shine through!"

The woman didn't answer immediately. Her gaze lingered on the shelves, on the sparkling blue and silver album cover. She lightly licked her lips and picked up the CD, taking a picture and sending a text message.

"I hope he agrees with you," she murmured, before her phone buzzed and she read her text; a heavy frown on her face, "Of course he already owns this Sapphire album. Reika, you could be more helpful for once and tell me what he wants…"

Ann furrowed her brows. She then looked around and found some Risette themed earbuds. They were gold and black, matching colors to Risette's newest album. Sapphire was new too, but her son probably didn't get this. She then rifled through the CDs' newest releases section and found the movie soundtrack that Risette was doing covers for.

She then lightly tapped the woman on the shoulder. "Here you go!"

The woman just blinked and accepted the items.

"Risette is working on the music for a big movie coming up in August. But they're releasing the soundtrack earlier, with just the Risette tracks that is. These earbuds are themed around the new soundtrack." Ann explained with a smile.

The woman glanced over the items handed to her from Ann then flashed the teen a half-hearted smile.

"Say!" Ann then lightly tugged at the woman's sleeve. "The movie Risette is doing the album for is actually based on a mystery novel written by her fia—oops I mean new husband!"

Ann kept forgetting she's not Rise Kujikawa anymore, her name is now Rise Narukami.

The woman just tilted her head down at Ann.

Ann just held a finger up, "Be right back! Wait here!"

She ran to the book section, and looked for it. It was called…. Fingerprint—Fingerprint something? She scanned each row and then finally found it.

"Here it is! The Moving Fingerprint!" Ann exclaimed, grabbing one and running back to the woman.

She remembered the movie was going to be titled something else, but it was based on this book. "The Phantom in the Fog," is what she was pretty sure the movie was going to be called, she'd need to double check. she remembered Ren talking to the group about it a little over a week ago. And he wondered if they'd all like to go see it together when it came out during their break.

"Here, this is a book of the movie I was just talking about! The one Risette's husband wrote." Ann said as she put the book in the woman's left hand. "My friend who likes Risette also expressed interest in seeing this movie, maybe your son would love a gift themed around this new album and movie perhaps?"

The woman quirked a brow but nodded. She then set the album, book, and earbuds on the CD display table; quickly snapping a photo of each item, before hitting send. There was a pregnant pause before she got a text back. The woman let out a loud sigh of relief.

"Well, my extremely critical daughter says I seemed to 'finally pick something that doesn't suck'. I think that's her way of saying I picked a good choice," the woman shrugged with a tired grin.

Ann couldn't help but laugh.

"Sheesh, she really is a tough cookie. But I'm glad to help."

The woman just chuckled and held her hand out. Ann grinned and shook it.

"You've been wonderful help, young lady. I hope your friends appreciate having someone like you."

She then bowed lightly; Ann quickly did the same. Before Ann could say another word, the woman scooped up the three items, and quickly turned on her heels to the cash register.

Ann frowned at the abrupt departure; she'd like to at least know her name. But she supposed she couldn't complain, it's not like Ann remembered to introduce herself either.

Ann's thoughts were interrupted when her phone started to buzz. She smiled to herself and saw it was a text message from Hifumi. She was over at the diner with Yusuke and Hayato. Ren and Ryuji couldn't come along, but she wanted to know if Ann was available.

Ann figured she didn't really need to shop anyway; she was just only looking to kill time. She responded back quickly, saying she'll be right there.


Ann quickly replied to Shiho's text. Shiho was grateful to Ann for offering to buy her some headphones, but her mom gifted her some already a few days ago as a reward for working so hard in physical therapy.

Ann hesitated for a moment before hitting send. Shiho… she was so strong. Ann smiled and hit send. She would have to think of a good reward gift as well for her friend. Something to surprise her with.

She then started shoving all her things into her bag, letting out a loud sigh. Ren just looked back at her with a sympathetic smile.

"Thanks for helping me back there Ren, I totally froze up when Ms. Kawakami called on me for the answer." Ann grumbled as she slumped in her seat.

Ren just laughed as he started to gather his things as well.

"No problem. But you really should study more Ann." Ren shook his head.

Ann stuck her tongue out. "H-Hey! I study… I just lose interest after a while! Like my eyes feel going cross eyed if a I stare at my textbook for too long!"

"And staying up late bingeing that 'wacky band of criminals' anime?" Ren quirked a brow at her.

"H-Hey! We gotta connect to our roots as… well, you know what! Besides… Rupin the Fourth is a classic! And they aren't common criminals!" Ann exclaimed defensively with an angry pout.

"Not helping yourself there," Ren laughed and rolled his eyes. "And yes, it is a classic. I was messing with you, but my point still stands."

Morgana just glared from within the desk. "Don't pick on Lady Ann, I'm sure she's doing the best she can."

"Morgana!" Ren hissed under his breath. "Pipe down, what if one of my classmates hears you meowing!"

He then discreetly blocked his desk so Morgana could jump in his bag without being noticed. Ren then turned on his heels and motioned for Ann to follow.

Ann then noticed a CD case in Ren's desk. She quickly grabbed it before he could walk away. He only took two steps before she tugged on his sleeves.

"Huh? What's up Ann?"

"You forgot this."

Ann couldn't help but be a little surprised at what she realized she was handing Ren. It was Risette's album for "The Phantom in the Fog" movie. She then smirked at Ren teasingly.

"So, I see someone is using our funds to get him some Risette merch."

Ren snatched the CD from her hands. He chuckled and shook his head.

"I would never use our funds for something like that, total abuse of authority. What do you take me for?" Ren said teasingly but then his expression grew confused. "Besides that…"

Ren then started to play with one of his bangs, that thing he always does when in deep thought or stressed but trying to mask it.

Ann just tilted her head. "Ren?"

"Ah sorry… lost in thought. It's weird you know—this was in a box with some other knick-knacks given to… the guy I am staying with. No note or anything on who it was from. He just told me some lady dropped it off."

"Oooh?" Ann put a finger on her chin, but then smiled wryly. "A secret admirer?"

Ren was actually not a bad looking guy, now that she thought about it. Ren let out a snort at her guess however. He looked pointedly at a group of two girls and one boy in the back of the room. All obviously staring at Ren with disdain and worry. They were all whispering something to each other.

"Admirers are not what someone of my reputation will have." Ren shrugged as he started to walk away.

Ann frowned and followed him.

"Hey come on, you know we all admire you," Ann said, reaching out to touch his shoulder.

Morgana piped up while staying in Ren's bag, "What Lady Ann said!"

"Thanks, but I don't think that's quite the same thing." Ren gave a small grin and sighed. "Forget about it… you wanna go get a bite to eat? I want to get a little more shopping done to get us ready. But I think our Kosei friends could use an extra day of rest. So… how about we hang out a little bit after we get some shopping done? I mean—if free, of course."

Ann smiled softly, "Sure Ren. I'd love to help. And hey… why don't we go to the movies later? You know, unwind a bit!"

Ren smirked back. "Sounds like fun."

"Can we go look for some cell phone charms while we go shopping?" Ann asked.

"Cell phone charms?" Morgana popped his little head out of Ren's bag.

Ren groaned and shoved his head back in.

"Morgana…" Ren grumbled under his breath. "How many times do I have to say you need to stay out of sight while on school grounds?"

Morgana whispered out rather sheepishly. "Right… sorry about that."

Ann couldn't help but giggle at their antics. She then cleared her throat to get Ren's attention again.

"Well, Shiho has been working hard in physical therapy. I was thinking of surprising her with a gift." Ann answered while twirling some strands of her hair.

Ren eyed her sympathetically. Morgana peeked out of the bag, just barely.

Morgana whispered, "You're so kind, Lady Ann. I'm sure Shiho would appreciate it."

Ren nodded in agreement. "Sure, I should get something for her too. You could give her both of the gifts when you visit her."

What did she do to deserve so many wonderful friends? Not just Shiho. But Ren, and the others too. Regardless, she was very grateful to have them.

Ann gave Ren a clap on the back. "Thanks Ren! Now, let's get outta here! I know the perfect shop that has the cutest charms!"

They made their way down the hall and then down the stairs. Ann couldn't help but glare at some of their classmates on the way out of the school. The way they all still gossiped about him despite Kamoshida being proven to be rotten and a liar… it was so unfair.

As they started heading towards the station, Ann couldn't help but notice a first-year boy from their school reading "The Moving Fingerprint" while leaning against the wall.

Ann then softly smiled at that, thinking back to that woman from yesterday. She hoped she and her son could patch things up. She didn't seem so bad… just a bit disconnected. But she was trying. That had to count for something. With any luck… things will improve for her and her son.


Well, what did you think? ShuAnn is very dear to me as a ship. It was kinda fun writing it when still in the friendship but oblivious to catching feelings stage haha! And I just loved the idea of Ann meeting Ren's mom but neither realize their connection to Ren, are both thinking of the same person when picking something out.

Special thanks to xiaolianfa, Julie you are the best, thank you for helping with the editing!

Oh, just an FYI, I have headcanon Ren's birthday to be April 17th (Cuz smash bros lol). So he's actually 17 already. I headcanon him as the oldest of the second years, and I thought that date would be a funny smash reference.

I hope you'll check out Find Your Flame, and I see you on tumblr too if you wanna ask me any questions about his ficverse. I also have some art I commissioned for OCs and concepts on my blog, including Rikumi herself. I'm aiming to not be so down on myself about writing and push to get more writing done, and not be so perfectionist and delete every draft out of dissatisfaction because frankly I am my WORST critic. I don't want IRL problems or my own self esteem get in the way of what I love doing.

Oh, and if you like what you see here and in FYF, then message me if you wanna join my discord for my two fics! Thank you for your time! And happy ShuAnn week!