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Ren’s first Shujin school festival had been… eventful to say the least. He had to admit that it was nice to have Futaba join them, but then there was that weird takoyaki stand, and God, that speech-interview thing with Goro goddamn Akechi that sailed just a little too close to the fucking wind.
Ren winced as he watched Makoto navigate the interview, grimacing just as she did over his faux-pleasantness. He had tried to out the Phantom Thieves, but he ended up humiliating Makoto. He deserved to gag over some spice.
The meeting that Akechi called after his appearance was nothing short of awkward for all of them. Even more awkward was him joining forces with them; none of them wanted him around, least of all Ren, but it seemed to be a necessary evil to keep themselves safe. Ren and Morgana had then shared with their teammates the fact they suspected Akechi was Black Mask, something both Makoto and Futaba had worked out long before. Their tolerance for the “Ace Detective” (Futaba scoffed at that moniker - Akechi wasn’t shit compared to Naoto Shirogane, the original ace detective) plummeted below zero, and it was all Ren could do to stop Ryuji from going after him right that second.
So Ren was rather relieved when the festival was over. He was exhausted. He was making his way to the school entrance, when his phone pinged. In fact, it pinged a few times.
Hey, Ren :) do you have any plans after this? I’ve just finished up - all the girls are bombarding me with questions about Akechi-kun… I don’t know any of the answers they want either.
Oh, I know! Why don’t we go to the post-festival party together?
Makoto using a smiley face in her message was so goddamn adorable that he couldn’t help but smile too. He’d be honoured.
That sounds good :) I’ll come find you in the gym.
I’m glad to hear that. It’ll be a nice change of pace and it’ll be nice to spend some time together. I don’t ever want to hear the name Akechi again.
You and me both, Mako. See you soon.
As he made his way over to the gym, Ren checked his other messages. One was from Ryuji, with Mishima and pissed with Akechi, asking him if he wanted to hang during the party. Ren declined the offer, but told him that he and Makoto would probably see them there anyway.
The other was from Kasumi. For once, her phone didn’t seem to be glitching out, and she too invited him to the post-festival party. He sighed. As harmless as the red-headed first year seemed, he didn’t want to give her the wrong idea, and besides, he had a girlfriend he was very much into. So he declined that invitation too, and she responded that she’d probably head home then.
Ren slipped his phone into his pocket, then let his hand join it as he opened the gymnasium doors. There was some dance performance going on, but he was too focused on looking for—
“Hello, Ren.” Ren turned to find Makoto standing just behind him, her hands behind her back, a gentle flush on her cheeks.
“Hey, Mako. Who’d of thought we’d meet in a place like this? Come here often?”
Makoto giggled behind her hand, leading them back to where she was sitting at a table alongside Haru.
The fluffy-haired teen gave Ren a warm smile and waved, before she turned her attention back to the performance on stage. Out of sight, under the table, Ren took Makoto’s hand. She bit her lip and smiled as he did so.
“I think you did a great job keeping Akechi at bay,” Ren whispered, using the opportunity to get a little closer to her and knocking his knees against hers under the table.
“I wish I felt the same,” she sighed, squeezing his hand. “I thought I had a handle on it. I’m pretty good at public speaking, but Akechi-kun…” she trailed off. “I feel a little humiliated. I put him on the spot and put us on the spot. What if he had said our names?”
Ren rested his head in his hand and looked at her. “Akechi would have never done that,” he said confidently. “He hasn’t got the balls for one. He has had multiple opportunities to out us all, and very publicly for that matter, but he hasn’t. He needs us as our metaverse selves for something, which I’m sure we’ll find out about very soon. He’s not exactly coy when it comes to gloating.”
“No, true,” Makoto acquiesced and looked down, thinking back to when she and Akechi crossed paths at cram school one afternoon earlier in the year. “Sorry, I’m a little distracted by this whole thing. Are we really no match for him?”
Ren squeezed her hand again, stroking his thumb over her knuckles. “Don’t worry, Mako. Try to enjoy this evening.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, inching a little closer, wanting him to press his lips to hers, despite where they were. “I—“
Makoto was just about to suggest they go somewhere a little more private, when the MC announced that it was time for a Shujin tradition: the Student Sharing Special.
“What the fuck is that?” Ren asked, amused as he watched those in the audience look around, whispering as they did so.
“This event is never very popular. The older teachers seem to enjoy it though.”
Odd.
The MC cleared his throat and scanned the audience for a participant.
“How about our lovely Student Council President over there?” The MC boomed, a spotlight suddenly on their table. Makoto and Ren jumped back instinctively. “Sitting next to Okumura-chan and the second-year delinquent!”
“Huh!?” And how dare they refer to Ren that way!?
“Come on up here, Miss Prez!”
Makoto looked terrified.
“Go on, Mako,” Ren whispered, “I’ll be here, cheering you on.”
“Do I have to?” She asked, looking for a way out.
“I’ll never forget you,” Ren said dryly, causing Makoto to glare at him.
“That’s not really the proper use for that phrase…” Makoto trailed off as the MC interrupted.
“Everyone’s waiting for you, Miss President!”
“We’ll both be here, Mako-chan,” Haru chimed in and nodded towards the stage. “If you really don’t want to go though, I can always do it, I don’t mind,” she told her.
Makoto sighed and shook her head. “No, I should, it’s my job, after all.” She stood and walked to the stage amongst a chorus of chants of her name.
“That was cool of you to offer, Haru,” Ren said as Makoto made her way to the stage. “Thank you.”
“It’s no bother, it was something I’d expect any of her friends to do, especially her boyfriend.” She smiled at him, but, nevertheless, there was a vague passive aggressiveness under her sugary sweet tone.
Ren wasn’t fazed though. “No one would want to hear from Shujin’s number one crazed second-year delinquent.”
Haru laughed at that, nodding. “Touché, Joker. Is it true you trafficked elephant tusks?”
I should’ve let Haru do this! She’s much better at this sort of thing and much easier on the eye— Makoto squinted as the stage lights trained onto her. It was different when she was up here interviewing Akechi-kun; she was prepared (she had been until the interview took the turn it did) and had some semblance of control. Now though…
“Here she is! Everyone’s favourite Student Council President, Niijima-San!”
I’m the only student council president , she mused as she greeted the crowd, giving a timid wave. She had no idea she was… popular enough for people to applaud...
“So, with the Kamoshida scandal…” Really? Makoto thought. This guy was really going to jump straight in with all of Shujin’s biggest scandals this year? No, probably ever. No build up, no easing her in… just straight for the jugular?
“…I’d be surprised if you’ve had any time to study for your entrance exams! What would you like to share with us?”
Oh. Oh, she thought she was going to have to answer some questions and share her thoughts on some hot topics amongst the student body that she would be briefed on. Did she really just need to share something… unrelated to school?
Her inner conference must have taken a while, as the MC asked again. She shook her head. “Sorry, I don’t really have anything to say.”
“Okay, well, how about I give you a question?” Makoto nodded, relieved at that. She could work with that.
“Do you think the Phantom Thieves are really Shujin students?”
Or maybe not.
Ren and Haru’s heads snapped up at that. They stood up and made their way closer to the stage, standing off to the side.
“Akechi-kun was about to reveal their true identities and many students are theorising that the thieves walk among us! So, what do you think, Miss Prez?”
Makoto’s eyes widened, unable to do anything but stutter. The fright was written all over her face.
“Oh God, she’s in trouble,” Haru whispered to Ren worriedly. “What can we do? We need to help her!”
“I need to change the subject…” Ren paused for a moment before he yelled:
“I’VE ALWAYS LOVED YOU!”
Makoto’s head whipped over to the side of the stage where Ren and Haru were standing. Haru was gaping at the confession, whilst nervously wringing her hands. Her boyfriend, on the other hand, looked as cool as a cucumber right now, pushing his glasses higher up his nose. She couldn’t tell his expression from this distance, with the light, but she swore she could see a smirk.
There was an audible gasp from the audience as their attention turned to Ren.
“Now this is drama !” The MC spoke with glee, clapping his hands together. “A boy caught in the throes of bittersweet youth! A stunning confession of love!”
Makoto’s face was burning. No, it was melting from how hot she felt. The varied heckles from the audience had her more and more nervous.
The MC was desperately searching the audience for the source of the confession, but Ren had done it so perfectly that it was almost impossible to say who it came from.
“What’s your relation to the guy who said it?” The MC dug for a little more info. He may not have seen who said it, but Makoto’s reaction told him that she definitely knew.
“R-relation!?” Could the ground please swallow her up now?
“Aw, look at Miss Prez. She’s as red as a beet!”
Your cheek will be as purple as an eggplant if you don’t stop , Makoto thought angrily. She didn’t want to use the fist of justice, but if she had to…
“A rare glimpse into the girly side of our stunning president! I’m a gentleman though, and it hurts my heart to bully such a sweet girl. I will let you go. Miss President, everyone!”
Makoto couldn’t get off that stage fast enough. She brushed past Ren and Haru and left the gym, not wanting to speak to anyone.
“Oh shit, did I go too far?” Ren asked Haru as they watched her leave.
“Maybe, but you did her a favour too,” Haru nodded. “She was about to crack. Maybe not in the way that she would give us all up, but more in an emotional way. That was kinda mean-spirited of the MC,” she said, glaring in his direction. “Seems like he has a bit of a crush on her too.”
Ren growled at that. “He was a bit of an ass, huh?”
“You should try finding her,” Haru suggested. “Don’t tell her I told you, but she’s probably on the roof.” She winked. “Don’t ask me how I know.”
He wouldn’t… yet. She’d done him a solid. Ren thanked Haru profusely, then left the gym.
Makoto sat on one of the ledges on the roof, trying her very best to hold herself together. Feeling humiliated once was misfortunate, but twice in one day? That was carelessness. It was one thing to have Akechi do what Akechi does best (be an asshole), but to then freeze up when asked about her team… she was overstimulated; it was too hot, the lights were too bright and too much had already happened that day.
What’s more, Ren declared that he loved her in front of the entire school. What was that about..?
She took deep breaths, reminding herself to count what she could see, touch, smell—
“Makoto?”
— hear.
“How did you know I was here?”
“A spring bird told me.” He hadn’t promised Haru he wouldn’t tell her…
“Oh.” She looked down again.
“I wanted to make sure you were okay.” Ren sat on the ledge beside her.
“I’m fine,” she lied, fingers clutching at her skirt. “It was a lot to take in. I just need to calm down.”
Ren nodded and took her hand. “Guess it didn’t help after earlier. That MC seems to have taken a shine to you.”
Makoto scoffed at that. “Yeah? Well if that was truly the case, he wouldn’t have gone on like he did.”
“Apparently being mean to someone can mean they like you…”
“Ugh!” Makoto made a face. “Surely not! What sort of logic is that to use? Well, I’m not interested! I have a boyfriend!”
Ren smirked. “Yes, you do. I’m glad I don’t have to get into any scrapes to defend your honour.”
“I can look after myself,” she replied. Makoto realised she was calming down talking to him. “About what you said—“
“He was pressing too hard about the Phantom Thieves,” Ren interrupted. “I didn’t like seeing you up there so flustered and it was unfair for him to ask you something like that. I wanted to take the heat off you.”
“Like I said, I can look after myself.” Makoto took her hand out of his grasp. “I made a fool of myself.” She looked at him. “ You made a fool of me too. I looked ridiculous up there, with him asking me all those questions about my love life.”
Ren looked taken aback. “I was trying to help,” he told her, putting his free hand back in his pocket. “I couldn’t ignore you.”
Makoto turned her head. “I wouldn’t have given anyone away.”
“No, I know!” He told her, chancing taking her hand again, to which he was grateful she didn't pull away, “I know you wouldn’t! I just thought of that time at Boss’ place when you couldn’t move, and I didn’t want that to happen to you in front of everyone.”
Makoto exhaled, placing her hand over his. “It was with good intentions, I know. Now everyone will know we’re dating.”
Ren smirked and cocked his head, expression full of mischief. “Good. I want them to know that you’re my girl.”
She blushed at that. “Well, yes. It was just as well Akechi didn’t see that whole show. That news would make its way back to my sister in no time.”
“She still doesn’t know?” He asked.
She shook her head. “I barely see her as it is, and I know that if she found out, she’d come down on me like a ton of bricks. She’d say that I have to focus on my studies, and that having a boyfriend would take my attention away from that.” Makoto could feel fury building up inside of her.
“That’s stupid,” he told her. “We’ve been dating for a month and I don’t think any of your scores have dropped below ninety-nine. I think, if there’s anyone who could balance their studies and having a study buddy, it would be you, Mako.”
Makoto’s frown softened into a somewhat smile. “I guess you’re right. I’m sorry for what I said before. You’re surprisingly reliable in a pinch.” She paused. “I don’t mean to sound rude!”
“Don’t worry about that. Thank you.”
“My sister always says that if I get married, my husband should be someone dependable like that.”
Oh, oh no, oh no, not again. Speaking my thoughts out again!? In front of Ren, again!? It’s been a month! He only said that he loved you so they would stop asking about the Phantom Thieves! Ugh! No!
“Forget I said that!” He was never going to forget! This would be pure fodder for him to tease her with!
“Say that again?” Ren playfully asked, head tilted and leaning in.
“Oh! Um… anyway, with Akechi-kun—“
Ren cut her off with a kiss. It was a gentle, closed-mouth peck, but it stopped her in her tracks, just like the first time. Once her brain was re-engaged, though, she twisted her body towards him and reciprocated, tilting her head, deepening the kiss and shuffling a little closer. His hand moved to her waist, hers into his hair, and he held her against him.
“It seems,” Makoto breathed as she pulled away, “that my final post-festival party has been quite the memorable one.” The fact that this was the last time that she would take part in such an event was bittersweet, and at the back of her mind somewhere, was a little voice that said that she should’ve made the most of the ones before. She was different then; withdrawn, quiet, without friends. At least she had one that she could hold as a decent memory, despite how silly she felt. She still had this. They still had this.
She was still close enough for him to reclaim her lips, should he want to. He did want to, going back to kissing her almost as soon as she’d finished speaking. Makoto wasn’t complaining either, responding just as enthusiastically. This was a good end to a disastrous day.
“Do you want to go somewhere after this, just the two of us?” Ren asked her once they paused. He had his arm around her again, rubbing her shoulder. Her head dropped to his shoulder, and she could feel his cheek against her forehead.
“I’d like that,” she whispered. Any time with him was time well spent. “The crepe stand in Shibuya has started selling donuts, and I’ve not tried them yet. I’d like to go there, if that’s okay with you? Maybe we could have a walk around?”
“Definitely. I love donuts - I can’t remember the last time I had one. If it helps to expand your horizons…”
Makoto pulled back to look up at him, unimpressed. “I have had donuts before, Ren!”
Later that evening, when Makoto was alone and tucked up in bed, she realised something that had been bothering her before had been forgotten amongst all the kisses on the rooftop.
Ren had said he loved her.
She felt a chill, despite being cocooned in her Buchi-bed. He said he loved me, told the whole school, and then said that it was to take the pressure off me . That was acceptable, of course, but that was the first time Makoto had really considered that Ren Amamiya may be in love with her. He didn’t expressly deny the fact, did he? Then again, she didn’t ask him outright either, and the pure thought of asking him made her feel sick. There was no way she wanted to know the answer. It was too early in their relationship to even consider it.
Wasn’t it? She thought then about her own feelings for Ren. She liked him a lot, she was sure of that, but love was a huge step.
Did her heart beat faster when she saw him? Yes, of course.
Did she love the feeling when he took her hand, when he embraced her, when they kissed? One hundred per cent yes.
Did she genuinely enjoy his company? Also yes.
She missed him when he wasn’t with her. She felt the slightest pang of jealousy when he talked to other girls - less so with Ann and Futaba, but a little with Haru, and definitely when it came to Kasumi.
“Oh God…”
Makoto Niijima was in love with Ren Amamiya. She had thought that the realisation would hit her, and there would be fanfare and grand gestures. That’s how it was in the movies. It even happened in that one episode of Buchimaru and Friends . This was real life though, and the thought made her sad. She’d been in love with him for some time, and hadn’t realised it.
He just didn’t feel the same.
Makoto slept badly that night.
Ren was preparing for bed when something occurred to him. He’d gone and declared his love for the Student Council President in front of the whole goddamn school. That was pretty badass of him, but he also put Makoto on the spot. He’d told her that it was to divert everyone’s attention from the Phantom Thieves and at the point he said it, it was simply the first thing he thought of.
Oh fuck . Makoto had asked him about it, sort of, and he’d just brushed it off like it was no big deal. What must she be thinking!? What had he been smoking when he said that? It was the first thing that came into his head - but why?
Because you love her, trickster . He heard Arsene’s voice at the back of his mind. How did his persona get it before he did!? That didn’t seem fair.
Well, she obviously wasn’t thinking along those lines, else she would have asked him about it more. She could be pretty direct. What’s more, it’s not like she responded in kind, was it? She could have just said I feel the same .
That made his stomach drop.
Ren Amamiya was in love with Makoto Niijima and had been for a long time.
She just didn’t feel the same.
Ren also slept badly that night.
The thieves held a meeting the following day to discuss the plan of attack regarding Akechi. There was an air of tension and nervousness around the group; the last infiltration had ended badly (and Haru’s presence served as a constant reminder of that fact) and none of the group were too eager to jump back in with both feet.
Makoto especially, Ren noticed, was quiet. She normally took the lead in these discussions, but today, she was somewhat detached. They all had a lot on their minds. He thought it odd that she didn’t opt to sit next to him though.
Akechi was set to join them in just a while, and they needed to have all their ducks in a row before he arrived. Right now though, that wasn’t happening.
“I say,” Makoto cleared her throat, “that we hear him out. Let him say what he needs to say, then we make a decision. It would be a bad idea to reject him outright without more information, not to mention the fact he’s Black Mask - who knows what sort of response he’d have if we turn him down.”
The team murmured affirmatively amongst themselves. “What if he goes rogue and just dobs us in anyway?” Ryuji asked.
“Then he won’t have any allies left,” Ren said, crossing his arms. “He’s merely the puppet here, the strings are being pulled by someone else.”
“Amamiya-kun is right,” Makoto nodded. The others looked at each other at the use of her honorific, Ren included. “If we gain some of his trust, we may be able to find more information about who’s at the top.”
Futaba hummed at that, tapping away at her computer. “We’ll get that info, don’t you worry.”
The team ultimately agreed to work with Akechi, and agreed to disband the group once their work was done. Ren could tell that Makoto was bristled by the fact they’d have to use her sister to get ahead, but remained stoic throughout the exchange.
“Mako-chan,” Haru asked, once Akechi had left. “Are you okay?”
“Huh?” She whipped her head round to look at her fluffy-haired companion.
“The next target is your sister. That can’t be easy,” she said, placing her hand on her arm.
“I knew Sis had a palace. It’s not news to me.” Her voice was devoid of emotion and her team mates gasped.
“You knew?” Ren said, shocked. She had not mentioned once that Sae had a palace; not amongst the group, nor one-on-one. She hadn’t even alluded to it.
“Yes. I checked her name in the nav. I’d hoped that it wouldn’t come to pass, but…”
“It was kinda obvious thinking about it now,” Futaba mused, “her behaviour is getting more and more erratic, after all.”
“She wants to win at all costs,” Makoto nodded. “I’ve known for some time. She’s changed.” Her voice broke a little when she spoke, signalling that she wasn’t as unaffected as she made out to be.
Ren had asked Makoto to hang back whilst the others were leaving. He could tell that she was itching to go, but he had to speak to her.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” He asked, guiding her to sit opposite him in a booth.
“How exactly do I slip that into conversation? The time was never right.”
“You know I would listen to anything you had to say, Makoto. Especially something like that, and especially because it’s you. If it affects you, it affects me too.” He reached across the table to take her hand, but she pulled it back.
“It was something I needed to work through on my own, and Akechi got there before I managed,” she huffed. “It doesn’t matter now. We’re changing her heart.”
“We are…” All Ren wanted to do was support Makoto through something that was obviously causing her pain. “Why won’t you let me in?”
When Makoto’s eyes met his, she could tell he was pleading with her. She really wanted to, she wanted to share the burden, but her heart wouldn’t let her. She was still reeling from the other night, and she was tired. Too much was going on for her to order her thoughts for herself, let alone him.
“I can’t, Ren.”
“Please, Makoto. I’m begging you.” He paused. “Why did you refer to me as Amamiya-kun, earlier?” That made his blood run cold.
“I was being professional,” she responded, standing. She needed to get out of there before she exploded. “Ren, I think- I think I need some time alone.” She headed for the door.
“What? Are you breaking up with me?”
That made her pause. His voice was barely audible, and it broke her heart to hear.
“No, no, I’m not,” she responded gently, turning and walking back to him. “I need some time alone to work through my thoughts.” He may not love her, but she loved him, and he still deserved respect. She put her hand to his cheek, and he covered it with his. “I promise, I’m not breaking up with you.”
He merely nodded and let her hand fall away. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I’ve got some council work to do tomorrow,” she told him, “I’ll see you at the next meeting.”
Her gaze lingered on his a touch longer before she finally left Leblanc.
Ren sunk back down into the booth and put his head in his hands. He barely registered the bell jingling as he wallowed.
“Ren?” He looked up to find Ann standing by the table.
“Hi Ann. Sorry, did you leave something behind?”
She shook her head and sat opposite him. “I was just chatting with Futaba. I saw Makoto leaving and she looked pretty upset.” She tilted her head. “You guys had an argument?”
“Kind of, but not. I don’t know what to call it,” Ren sighed. “Would you like a coffee?”
“It’s a little late for me, but if you have any hot chocolate going..?”
The two made small talk as he made Ann the hot chocolate she requested, making sure to top it off with lots of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. She sat at the counter as she sipped at the beverage.
“This is so yummy,” she smiled. “Now, tell me what’s going on.”
Ren explained what had happened the day before. Turned out Haru had told her what had happened, given the whispers she’d heard throughout the school day about Miss Prez and the second-year delinquent. “I said it because I wanted to help. And now…”
Ann stared at him. Men really were a whole other species sometimes. “You’re telling me you said - no, declared - that you loved her in front of the whole school , and then didn’t back it up!?”
“She said she was embarrassed. I didn’t want to embarrass her by mentioning it again, and I thought we’d resolved it all. Then today, she’s barely talking to me.” Ren didn’t know what to do.
Ann rolled her eyes dramatically and leaned forward over the counter to give his cheek a gentle tap. “You can be such a moron, Amamiya.”
He put his hand to his cheek. “What was that for?”
“Makoto’s not upset because of what happened when she was on stage,” she exclaimed, exasperated. “It’s what you said! You told her you loved her! And? Do you?”
He nodded without hesitation. “Yes, I do, but she doesn’t feel the same. She said she wanted some space.”
The blonde could’ve laughed at his ignorance. “Ren, she looks at you like you hang the moon! There is absolutely no way that she doesn’t feel the same way. You said that, then didn’t bring it up again… imagine how confusing that can be. And you know what Makoto’s like..! You’re just as bad as each other.”
“She didn’t say anything about it again either,” he muttered, and Ann looked thoroughly unimpressed.
“No way did you just say that. I think you better give her the space she asks for and, when she comes back, have a serious conversation with her. You owe her that much!”
Christmas Eve
Makoto pulled back from Ren’s bare shoulder to look at him. The two were laying together in a tangle of sheets and not much more. “So, you’re telling me that you actually meant it?” She frowned. “You meant it back then!?”
“Yes, I know, I know,” he put a hand over his face. “Talk about an idiot.”
“Not your finest moment, I agree,” Makoto said with a grin, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
“I was so young! I didn’t know what to do!” He whined dramatically. “Then came everything after… I barely had a chance to bring it up again.”
Makoto hummed. “It was at the back of my mind,” she admitted, “but things took such a dramatic turn…” she shook away thoughts of the events of November, propping her head up on her elbow.
“Though I was hurt at the time,” she said, “I probably should have told you myself. But then… but then we wouldn’t have had this,” she whispered, tracing mindless circles across his chest with a single finger. “And I wouldn’t want to change anything about tonight.”
Ren beamed at her, grabbing her wrist and pinning her to the bed, hovering above her. “Guess what?”
“What?” She giggled as his hands went wandering.
“I love you.”
And that, he truly did.