Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Yusuke sat alongside Ren and Ryuji as they waited for the girls to finish changing. Ryuji had bought himself a popsicle, but he set aside finishing it for holding the stick between his lips instead. For reasons unknown even to the artist, he found himself somewhat captivated. He framed Ryuji within his fingers, earning him a bored yet confused expression from the other.

Ren leaned over to Yusuke’s side, trying to get a good look himself. “Nice,” he muttered and nodded.

“Seriously, man?”

“Looking just fine, Ryuji.”

“Do you even hear yourself right now?”

The head of a cat popped out from Ren’s bag. “I’m with him, Joker. Ryuji’s nowhere near ‘fine’.”

“And who, might I ask, would fit your definition of ‘fine’?”

“Of course it has to be Lady Ann!” Morgana stood proud to the best of his ability. “You look below average next to her.”

“HEY!!!”

“Why do you still pine for her?“ questioned Yusuke. “Doesn’t Ann—”

Ren’s finger swiftly shut him up. They exchanged glances as he shook his head. ‘He doesn’t know yet.’

“Whatever,” Ryuji huffed. “I wonder when the girls’ll finish. . .”

Ren hummed in agreement and returned to his former position. With one hand holding his head up, he used his other to stroke Morgana’s head.

Yusuke, left to his own devices, stared at the drops of sweat running down Ryuji’s skin. When in the perfect postion, they’d shine as if they were tiny specks of glass. Clear, yet full of color.

Just like Ryuji.

He had found himself a new muse.

Yusuke approached a sulking Ryuji sitting all alone. “Are you alright?”

The faux blond didn’t bother looking up. “Not really. I was havin’ fun with you guys, I swear. I just didn’t expect t’ see those two here, too.” He curled in on himself. “Sorry for ruinin’ the mood.”

“I should be the one to apologize.” Yusuke sat down next to Ryuji. “I should have interfered. It’s what you would’ve done if it were me.”

“Don’t blame yourself for my stupid actions.”

“Your encounter with them was not due to anything you’ve done, Ryuji,” Yusuke said sternly. “It was never your fault to begin with.”

Stunned by his words, Ryuji turned to meet the other’s greenish gray eyes. “O-Oh,” he murmured. “Thanks, I guess.”

“You sound uncertain.”

“I’ve never really had someone tell me somethin’ like that to my face before.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, before meetin’ Ren. I’m still not used to it.”

“I see.” Yusuke’s bangs slowly fell out of form. “I’m still not quite used to having people I can call friends. Or those who care for my well being, for that matter.”

Ryuji reached over to fix them, calloused fingertips gently brushing against smooth skin. “Well, ya better get used to it.”

“I should say the same to you.”

He finally laughed. A wonderfully Ryuji-esque round of laughter. “What the hell are we doing? We’re supposed to be out here havin’ all the fun we can get with Futaba, but here we are just sittin’ in our feelings.”

“I’m enjoying myself here,” said Yusuke. “Spending time with you like this is indeed different from our usual hangouts, but it helped me in seeing you in a new light.”

Ryuji’s laughter quieted down as his face heated up, likely from the sun beating down on him. “That reminds me,” he said, “you keep doin’ that artist thing with your fingers around me. I get it for our whole Showtime thing, but here, too?” Confused brown eyes continued to stare at the hooded boy. “Why me?”

Yes, why him specifically? Yusuke didn’t understand it yet himself. When did he become interested in Ryuji?

Could it have been that day? When Ryuji and Makoto debuted their Showtime? It was truly quite the marvel, and everything about it felt so very them. Perhaps that was when Yusuke’s eyes began to linger a little longer. Taking in more and more detail of the faux blond and everything he stood for. It was what pushed him to think of a routine of his own. To share it with Ryuji. To have something just for the two of them. So Yusuke could admire the boy’s beauty up close.

Yes, that must be it.

To Yusuke Kitagawa, Ryuji Sakamoto was. . .

“Because you’re beautiful,” he finally answered.

“Dude, are you for real? Ren’s way prettier than me, and he was literally sittin’ in between us.”

“But he hasn’t captured my eye the way you have.”

“Woah!!” Ryuji jumped in place. “D-Don’t say shit like that so suddenly. Makes ya sound like you’re. . .”

Yusuke leaned in a bit. “I’m what?”

“Like you’re into me.” Ryuji shuffled away, returning his gaze toward the ocean. “God, this is really makin’ me come to conclusions, ‘n’ I dunno if I like ‘em.”

“What is on your mind? I’m happy to lend an ear.”

“. . . I think I’m probs more attractive to guys than girls,” he muttered.

Yusuke shifted his body a bit. “Do you dislike that?”

“It ain’t that. It’s just,” Ryuji ran a hand through his hair, “I hate it when older dudes try t’ creep on me. Which sucks even more ‘cause now I’m startin’ to believe that it’s only older creepy dudes who’re into me.” He hugged his knees closer to his chest. “Least Ann has people ‘round her age who’re into her.” His eyes followed the blonde girl running on the shore with Makoto and Futaba tailing not too far behind. They could hear her laughter from here. “Maybe we should team up to beat the shit outta those gross ass geezers.”

“Ren compliments you all the time.”

“We’re buds, ‘n’ that’s just normal for him.”

Yusuke scooted closer to Ryuji. “I called you beautiful, and I still stand by that statement.”

“Y-Yeah,” Ryuji blushed, “but you’re an artist. You guys can find beauty in anything.” He sighs. “I’m just an ugly blond monkey to everyone else, ‘cept creeps ‘n’ weirdos ‘cause that’s what I deserve, I guess.” He buried his head in his knees. “God, I really do only attract those types, huh?”

Yusuke moved closer again, until their shoulders made contact. He felt the boy next to him flinch for a split second. “What if I were to tell you that I’m attracted to you?“

Ryuji scoffed and lifted his head. “Yeah, right. If you were to be into any guy, you’d be goin’ for Ren. Hell, even Akechi could be a good match. There are so many better dudes for ya out there, Yusuke. Don’t settle for someone like me.”

Those words stung Yusuke’s heart. Ryuji looked as if he wanted to believe him, but something was holding him back.

“By the way, where are your lobsters?” He changed the subject.

“With Ren.” Yusuke had no other choice but to follow along. “I trust that he won’t let Futaba lay a finger on them.”

“Yeah,” Ryuji chuckled, “leave it to Ren Ren, pro lobster-sitter extraordinaire.” He looked somewhat relieved.

If anything, Yusuke wished he asked how Ryuji knew those men and what happened before.

“Ryuji?”

“Oh! Uh, ‘sup, Yusuke?”

“You, apparently. And I as well.”

The two stood in the nearly empty lobby. While there were few people around, they seemed to be the only Shujin and Kosei students present.

“Never took ya for a morning person.” Ryuji smiled his way.

“I’m not.” Yusuke looked outside. “I just so happened to awaken earlier than I normally do.”

“You coulda just went back to sleep.”

“I’m not tired, though.”

Ryuji snorted. “Figures.”

Yusuke tilted his head. “May I ask why you’re up then?”

“Old habit that comes back up every now ‘n’ then,” he explained. “Used to do track, remember?”

“I take it that early runs were once part of your routine.”

“Right on the mark, dude.”

The two stood in silence for at least a minute, though it felt more like five had just passed.

“So,” Ryuji spoke up, “what’re ya gonna do now?”

Yusuke placed his hand on his stomach as he looked over to the hotel’s dining area. His eyebrows furrowed as he tightened his lips into a straight line.

“Breakfast buffet ain’t gonna open for a while, y’know.” Ryuji turned around and headed toward the lobby entrance. “‘m goin’ out.” After taking a few steps, he turned back to the artist. “Wanna come with?”

“You’re. . . asking me to join you?” Yusuke questioned.

“Why not?” Ryuji shrugged. “We both got nothin’ better to do. Might as well, y’know, hang out ‘n’ stuff.”

Memories of their beach day flashed through Yusuke’s mind. “Alright, I shall take you up on that offer.” He smiled. “Let us wander about, and stuff.”

“This seems like a good spot!” Ryuji sat on the bench and beckoned Yusuke over.

“So we aren’t walking around?”

“Nah, wouldn’t wanna go too far, y’know?”

“I guess you do have a point.” Yusuke took a seat next to Ryuji. “What are we doing then?”

“Watchin’ the sunrise,” he answered. “Didn’t take me for someone who does that, huh?”

Yusuke shook his head. “Actually, I can easily imagine you doing such.”

“For real?” Ryuji raised his eyebrows.

“Very,” Yusuke chuckled. “What surprised me is that you invited me to join you.”

“Of course I would!” Ryuji beamed. “I wanted you to be the first.”

“Me?” asked Yusuke. “Why me? Why not Ren, or Ann for that matter?”

“I just thought, given that you’re an artist, you’d be able to appreciate the sunrise just as much as I do. Maybe even more.” Ryuji bashfully looked away. “Besides, I don’t think either of ‘em would appreciate wakin’ up early just t’ do this with me. Ann would complain about her lack of beauty sleep, and have you seen how grouchy Ren gets without coffee?”

“I haven’t, but judging by your tone it isn’t very desirable.”

“Oh, it’s ugly.”

Yusuke shared an amused grin that complimented Ryuji’s playful smirk. They couldn’t be any more different from one another, and yet here they were side by side. This was another side of Ryuji he was getting the chance to know; he’d be a fool to dismiss it.

“Why do you enjoy watching the sunrise so much?”

Ryuji stretched his arms over his head and slightly arched his back. “Ya really wanna know?”

Yusuke nodded. “Please, tell me.”

Placing his hands on his knees, Ryuji looked out towards the horizon. “Back when I was still doin’ track, there’d be days where I’d get up real early for a quick jog,” he explained. “There was this hill I’d run up as part of my routine, and that was where I’d watch the sun rise. And time ‘n’ time again, it’d make me realize I’m still alive.”

“Of course you’re alive, Ryuji. You have been for as long as you’ve lived on Earth.”

Silence. Followed by a strained “Damn it. . .”

“Ryuji?”

“What the hell?” the shorter teen choked out. “Why am I even cryin’?” He shook in place as he desperately tried to wipe away his tears.

Without thinking, Yusuke quietly pulled Ryuji into his arms and held him close. Once again, he felt him tense up before returning to his quivering state. For someone who’d frequently initiate physical contact, he had a habit of freezing up when on the receiving end.

“I’m sorry. God, I’m so sorry. I’m normally not like this. I-I’m really sorry. . .” Ryuji repeatedly apologized as he continued to cry. He dug his fingers into Yusuke’s shirt as he tried to bury his head in his chest. “What’s wrong with me?”

“Nothing.” Yusuke gently rubbed his back. “There is nothing wrong with you.”

He recalled the day where they told each other of their pasts and how it brought them closer together. Ryuji mentioned his father’s physical abuse toward both him and his mother. And there was the gym teacher whose misconducts included breaking his leg under the guise of self defense, ultimately ostracizing him from the entire school. A terrifying and lonesome life made to be by two despicable men.

As the faux blond’s sobs slowly subsided, Yusuke caught a glimpse of light just beginning to peek through. “Ryuji, look.” He lifted his friend by the chin and guided him to face the ocean laid beyond them. “The sun.”

“Yeah, the sun.” Ryuji sniffled. He wiped away tears lingering in the corners of his eyes. “It’s really pretty, ain’t it?”

“Indeed.” Yusuke’s heart fluttered knowing that he hadn’t fully let go of his shirt yet.

“I’m really glad I’m still alive, man.”

He watched the rising sun reflected in deep brown eyes. “I am as well.”

Yusuke walked downstairs to find Ryuji nervously pacing back and forth. “Are you alright?” he asked.

“Yusuke—OW!!!” Ryuji winced from putting a little too much pressure on his bad leg. “Ow ow oooww!!”

Yusuke quickly pulled him over to one of the counter stools. He didn’t flinch when the artist grabbed his arm, but that may be due to pain overtaking his senses.

“I think you may need to calm down first.”

“How the hell am I supposed to calm down when everything that happened is all my fault?!” Ryuji grabbed at his hair. “The reason why it took so long for us to get Morgana back is because I didn’t know when to shut my big stupid mouth up! And now he’s hurt and we can’t do anything but wait and—” His eyes glistened under the café’s faint lighting. “Why am I still part of the Phantom Thieves? I’m the most useless one here. . .”

“You are not useless.” Yusuke surprised both himself and Ryuji with how angry he sounded. “According to Ren, you’ve contributed so much to this team. The title of ‘Phantom Thieves of Hearts’ was your creation, was it not?”

“It’s just a name.”

“You designed the first calling card.”

“Yours is miles better.”

“You saved me from being trapped in that shack for the rest of my life.”

“Just because you’re trying t’ gas me up doesn’t mean you can ignore that Ren, Ann, and Morgana also helped you out.”

“You risked your life to save Makoto.”

“It was my fault she had to do that in the first place.”

“You suggested to Ren to talk to the residents in Yongen-Jaya to get more information on Futaba.”

“Yusuke, this is Ren you’re talking about. I’m sure he already planned on doin’ that way before I brought it up.”

“You brought the first aid kit for Morgana. You informed them on how to properly disinfect his wounds when you could have just done it yourself.”

“They didn’t let me anywhere near ‘im, and I don’t blame them. If I were them, I’d do the same.”

“But you’re the one who knew best,” Yusuke protested. “You are a vital member of this team, Ryuji.”

“No I’m not. All I do is eff shit up for everyone.”

“If that is you ‘effing shit up’, then I believe you should do it more often.”

Ryuji cracked a smile. “Swearing so doesn’t fit you.”

“. . . Shit.”

“Wh-What are you doing?”

“Ass.”

“Y-Yus-suke, stop. . . !”

Yusuke moved right up into Ryuji’s face. “Fuck.”

Ryuji broke out into a fit of laughter, almost falling off his seat if Yusuke didn’t pull him back in time. Holding onto the taller boy, he steadied himself by resting his head on his shoulder. It didn’t take long for Yusuke to start laughing along.

Once they calmed down, Ryuji lifted himself back up and smiled at Yusuke. “Thanks,” he said, slightly out of breath, “I think I’m feelin’ a lil better now.”

“It was my pleasure.” As much as Yusuke would like Ryuji to return his head to its former position, he’d happily settle for staring into his eyes. “We were all a bit at fault in the first place. Emotions were high at that moment, but we shouldn’t have pinned the blame on you. I’m truly sorry.”

“There’s no need for that.” Ryuji looked away in shame. “I only said all that ‘cause I was angry. I really didn’t mean any of it. When Mona wakes up, I’ll apologize to him for everything.”

“And I’ll make sure he accepts it. And that he apologizes to you as well.”

“He really doesn’t need to.”

“Nonsense, you deserve one just as much as he does.“

Ryuji snickered. “What are you, my guardian angel?”

“Would you like me to be?”

“Shut up, man!!” He pressed his forehead against Yusuke’s. “I’m already happy with you just bein’ my,” he averted his gaze, “f-friend.”

Yusuke pressed back. “I’m quite happy knowing that we both see each other as friends.” He wished they were more. “But seeing your smile again is what makes me happiest.”

Ryuji blushed to the point of his ears turning pink. “U-Um,” he stammered, “after stealing Okumura’s treasure, do you wanna, uh, w-watch the sunrise again, with me?”

To Yusuke, Ryuji was his very own sun. “I’d love to.”

Neither of them realized that they were still holding onto each other.

The day to steal Sae Niijima’s Treasure had arrived. Yusuke and Ryuji sat in Inokashira Park to catch yet another sunrise. Ever since the first, Yusuke had filled several pages of his sketchbooks with drawings of them. And between every couple sunrises was a sketch of Ryuji. That’s a secret for only Yusuke to know.

“Every sunrise I watch with you ends up being my new favorite,” Ryuji confessed out of the blue. “It’s nicer knowing you’d never make fun of me for it.”

“Why would I poke fun at such a beautiful activity? I am not that low of a human being.”

“Sometimes I wonder if you’re even human.”

“I think the same about you.”

The sun slowly made itself visible. It continued its rise up as it engulfed the sky in more colors.

“Do you think it’ll work?” asked Ryuji. “I trust Ren, and I do believe in him, but I’m still worried. Like, what if something happens and we’re not there to help? What if it’s too much for him?” His entire body stiffened. “Do we still have time to change the plan? Maybe I should be the bait instead. Yeah, let’s call everyone—”

“No,” Yusuke said sternly. “We’re all aware that it’s Ren who Akechi wants. Everything is already in place, and changing things now may only hinder us in the end.”

“B-But,” Ryuji erratically bounced his leg, “didn’t ya hear what Makoto said? They might drug ‘n’ beat him once they get their hands on ‘im! I dunno about Ren, but I’m sure I can take it!! I’ve been through worse, so—”

“Ryuji, no.” Yusuke grabbed his shoulders. “I’m positive Ren will be alright. He can handle himself just fine in the Metaverse after all.”

“This ain’t the Metaverse, though!! I just don’t want Ren t’ get hurt—”

“I don’t want you getting hurt, either!” Yusuke got angry again. It’s natural to get this upset when the person he grew to adore repeatedly disregarded his own well being, right? “You’ve been through enough pain as is, and Ren knows that better than anyone. He’s not acting as bait to only fool Akechi; it’s to also guarantee our safety. If you get hurt, he won’t ever forgive himself.”

‘I won’t ever forgive myself.’

Ryuji’s lips quivered as he tried to force out more arguments, but he’s ultimately left with nothing. He surrendered to nodding and looked down at his lap. “You’re right,” he muttered. “Of course you’re right. Sorry. . .”

“Don’t apologize. It’s only natural for you to care so much; that’s just who you are.” That’s what Yusuke loved about him. “That’s why you’re so beautiful.” The sun’s light made Ryuji’s skin glow so wonderfully. Warmth radiated from every part of his body. If Yusuke didn’t know any better, he’d have believed he was touching a real painting.

Ryuji’s finally smiling again. He rested his head on Yusuke’s shoulder and looked out towards the sun. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Yusuke took Ryuji’s hand in his, intertwining their fingers and giving it a small squeeze.

Ryuji didn’t flinch this time, instead opting to squeeze him back.

Yusuke stared down at the Treasure in his hand, its form blurred by the tears welling up in his eyes. He could barely register the others’ voices; all his focus was on this pin. He could crush it to bits right here and now. Hell, it’s what he wanted to do. But Ryuji wouldn’t want that. His fingers encased it, stopping before he put on too much pressure.

“Hahaha. . . This isn’t funny. . .”

For the first time in his life, Yusuke reconsidered his stance on murder. Why did Shido get to live? It’s all his fault things turned out the way it did.

If he knew that would be the final time he’d ever get to see him, he would’ve told him. Told him of his deep-rooted affection for him. Held him till the end of time. Kissed him to the point of suffocation.

Yusuke would’ve made it known to Ryuji just how much he loved him.

However, human life itself was limited and unpredictable.

. . .

“Man, that was a close one!”

Yusuke lifted his head up. The sole boy on his mind walked up to them safe and sound.

“For real, though, why do Palaces gotta blow up all the damn time? Can’t they just disappear normally for once?”

The world blurred around Yusuke as he focused on only him. His blond hair, his graphic tee, his posture, his everything.

Yusuke fell in love all over again.

Nothing mattered anymore.

Ryuji was alive.

Yusuke discarded the treasure to shower Ryuji in his never-ending affection instead. His skin was warm and smooth to the touch, his lips were softer than expected, his face was flushed with color when he pulled away.

“Wh—” Ryuji stared blankly up at him. “Wh-Wha. . . Huh???” His voice grew quiet. “What was that for?”

Yusuke gave his sun a smile full of every positive emotion running through his blood. “You’re still alive.”

“Of course I am, dummy.” Ryuji took Yusuke’s hands in his, but didn’t remove them from his face. “You’re all actin’ like you just saw me die.” His eyes widened and shifted about, like he just heard himself speak for the first time. His grip on Yusuke’s hands tightened, and Yusuke could feel Ryuji begin to shake.

“Ryuji?” the artist softly called his name.

“Haha. . .” He laughed with an unsteady voice. “Holy shit, I almost died. . .” Ryuji hugged Yusuke tightly, almost mirroring their time in Hawaii. “I-I really thought I was gonna die. . . I-I. . . I’m so. . .”

The rest of the Phantom Thieves joined in on the hug, but all Yusuke could focus on was Ryuji and the apologies he’s spilling forth. He brought a hand up to the back of his head, making sure to reply to every one and tell Ryuji he’s not at fault.

He began to smile once again when Ren joined in.

Such a beautiful smile.

On the night of Christmas Eve, Ryuji invited Yusuke over to his apartment. It was small and cozy, comfortable enough for two people to live in. Yusuke found it all to be quite charming, being able to easily distinguish which knick knacks were Ryuji’s and which were his mother’s. Luckily, there was no need to make dinner since they already ate out.

They moved to Ryuji’s bedroom, sitting next to each other on his bed. Yusuke had noticed that throughout their time together, Ryuji had been awfully quiet. He watched the boy fidget in place.

“Is there a reason why you invited me over?” he asked.

Ryuji jumped a bit. “U-Uh, yeah. . .” He lifted his head up slightly, enough that he could see Yusuke from the corner of his eye. “I wanted to talk about, um. . .” He bounced his leg up and down. “The night we stole Shido’s Treasure. You. . . k-kissed me.”

Yusuke nodded. “I did.”

“It kinda made me rethink all the times we were alone together. You called me beautiful at the beach, hugged me while I was cryin’ in Hawaii, cheered me up while we waited for Morgana to recover, and knocked some sense into me when I was panicking over our plan goin’ wrong. It was always you.” Ryuji now fully faced Yusuke. “Right before I took off for the lifeboat, I saw your face. You looked like you wanted to tell me something.” He scooted closer. “That kiss being ‘spur of the moment’ ain’t gonna fly this time. Why did you really kiss me, Yusuke?”

Yusuke felt himself get drawn in. He placed one hand behind Ryuji and another on his thigh. Their faces inched closer together, and right before their lips could make contact, he whispered four simple words:

“Because I love you.”

Their second kiss, but the first in which Ryuji reciprocated. His hands snaked up to grab Yusuke’s lapels as he tried to deepen it. Yusuke tangled his fingers in Ryuji’s hair, pushing him down onto his bed. The impact made them break apart, staring into each other’s eyes.

“W-Wow. . .” Ryuji panted. “That was. . . Wow. . .”

Yusuke nuzzled his face into the crook of Ryuji’s neck as he held him close. “I love you.”

“Yeah, I hear ya.” Ryuji stroked the back of his head.

“I love you.”

“Is that seriously all you’re gonna say?”

“I love you.”

“You really like that ‘L’ word. Will you stop if I say it too?”

Yusuke just hummed in response, earning a hearty laugh from the other.

“Alright, I get it.” Ryuji lifted up Yusuke’s head and planted a kiss on his forehead. “I love you too, Yusuke.”

“. . . I want to sleep over.”

“For real?!”

“Please.”

“I’m not even sure if we still have a spare futon.”

Yusuke mustered up all his strength to flip them over, making Ryuji yelp in surprise. “I’ll just sleep here with you.”

“What am I supposed to tell my mom when she sees us?”

“I’ll introduce myself as your lover.”

Ryuji playfully tugged Yusuke’s cheek. “You’ll end up freakin’ her out if you call yourself that. Just ‘boyfriend’ is fine.”

“So on the off chance your mother finds us sleeping together, you’d like me to call myself your boyfriend.”

Ryuji’s face burned bright red. “Y-Yeah. You’re my b-boyf-friend.”

Yusuke kissed his cheek. “Your boyfriend,” he parroted, followed by another kiss. “Your boyfriend.”

“Oh God.” Ryuji rolled his eyes. “Are you gonna repeat this now?”

“Until you fall asleep in my arms.”

“I gotta piss, man.”

“I shall carry you to the restroom.”

“Can you even do that?”

“. . .”

“Thought so.”

Yusuke wakes up to the sight of Ryuji snuggling his chest. As much as he wishes to continue admiring him, the distinct lack of a shirt during the winter season is something he simply cannot look past. He carefully pushes himself up only to realize he, too, lacks a shirt. In fact, he slept fully nude.

Oh.

Oh.

Yusuke didn’t need to check the sleeping boy to come to this conclusion. And yet he still wants to, so he does. Unfortunately, he isn’t as stealthy as Fox. His hand brushes against Ryuji’s shoulder, causing him to stir.

“Mngh. . .” the blond boy grumbles, slowly blinking awake. “Yusuke, mornin’.”

“Good morning, dear.” Yusuke pulls the covers up. “You’re not too cold, are you?”

“Nope, just fine. Why—” Ryuji freezes. His hand travels down under the blanket, and his blank face quickly morphs into dread. “Oh God, did we—”

“Yes, I believe we did.”

He immediately sits up. “Yusuke, I can feel your gunk leakin’ outta me.” Fear drips from his every word. “Ooooohh my God, I really made you do that. I even told ya to pull out.” Ryuji covers his face. “Shit, babe, I’m so effin’ sorry. I gotta stop listenin’ to the horny parts of my brain.”

Yusuke frowns. “Was it not good?”

“No!! N-No, it. . .” Ryuji glances at him then looks away. “It felt good. You felt. . . g-good.” He grips the blanket. “That was my first.”

“For real?”

He snorts loudly. “Oh, that sounds so wrong comin’ from your mouth! But yeah,” he smiles timidly at Yusuke, all the tension leaving his body, “for real.”

Yusuke pulls Ryuji closer. “It was my first time as well. If my ‘gunk’ makes you uncomfortable, I’ll happily help you get rid of it.”

“Whatever you say, man.” His boyfriend rolls his eyes. “Next time, we’re makin’ sure we’re prepared. I’ll buy all the shit, so don’t worry.”

“We can just shop for them together on our next date.”

“Dude, I don’t think any couple does that as a date.”

“We shall be the first!”

“Eff that!!”

The two share a laugh while basking in the sunlight. Ryuji’s eyes fall to his phone on the floor. He reaches over to grab it, checking the date and time. Just one look causes his eyes to almost pop out of their sockets. “Shit!!” He jumps out of bed.

“What seems to be the matter?”

“We slept in!” Ryuji haphazardly grabs at his clothes littered around Yusuke’s room. “New Year’s! Shrine visit!! Gotta go!!!”

“New Year’s shrine visit. . .” Yusuke ponders for a moment before quickly following suit, almost tripping over himself. “New Year’s shrine visit!”

“Are you sure it’s alright bringin’ me here?” Ryuji cautiously observes the crowd. “I mean, look at me. I stick out like a sore thumb!”

“That makes it all the easier to find you.” Yusuke squeezes Ryuji’s hand. “And Sensei was hoping to get the chance to meet my muse turned partner.”

“Does Madarame know that I’m, um, a dude?”

“He does.” Yusuke kisses the back of Ryuji’s hand. “And he’s very accepting, so there’s no need to worry.”

Ryuji’s ears start glowing pink. “You’re way too much for me sometimes.”

“I can be more.”

“That a warning?”

“More like a threat veiled as a promise.” There’s a sly glint in Yusuke’s eye.

Ryuji slightly shivers under his gaze. Before he can get a chance to respond, he catches something out of the artist’s view. “Ren Ren!!”

Yusuke follows Ryuji’s gaze to find Ren staring forlornly at the painting he holds in very high regard. They both make their way over to him.

“I see you’ve come here as well, Ren,” he says. “You have quite the eye for art, I must say.”

Ren just nods.

“This painting here is a self portrait of my mother, and it is finally receiving the public attention it deserves,” Yusuke continues. “It’s on display for this week only, so I’m glad we have this chance to view it together.”

“Oh, I see Madarame!” Ryuji points out. “I’m gonna go talk to ‘im.”

“I can join you—”

“Nah, it’s all good.” Ryuji gives Yusuke a little nudge. “You stay ‘n’ chat with Ren, ‘kay?”

“Okay.” Yusuke gives his boyfriend a kiss on his forehead. “Stay safe, darling.”

“Babe, this is an art exhibit!” Ryuji laughs. “How much danger am I really in here?” He quickly walks off into the crowd.

Yusuke turns his attention back to Ren. “Now, where were we?”

“Did he just say Madarame?” he questions.

“Indeed he did. Madarame is my sensei. Do you wish to meet him as well?”

“N-No, that’s alright.” Ren’s expression is barely readable with his glasses glinting a glaring white. “You can just tell me about him.”

“If you say so.” Yusuke raises an eyebrow, but continues regardless. “Sensei was the one who took me in and cared for me after my mother’s passing. He also spent countless days throughout the years advocating her work to the public. He’s a truly kind soul, and I cannot thank him enough.”

“That’s. . . great. . .”

“Why, thank you. Ah!” Yusuke steps forward. “Why don’t you come join us for dinner? Ryuji will be there as well, and we can invite everyone else while we’re at it. Sensei’s been very interested in meeting all of you. He’ll even pay for the meal!”

“Has Madarame always been a good sensei?”

“Yes, I believe so.” Yusuke tilts his head to the side. “Why do you ask?”

“Just wondering.” Ren looks over at his mother’s self portrait, now wearing a very sorrowful expression. “It must feel good to witness all his hard work finally pay off. The ‘Sayuri’ looks great there; I’m glad I got the chance to see it in person.”

Yusuke’s eyebrows raise higher. “The. . . ‘Sayuri’? That’s not the painting’s name. It’s—” He shakes his head. “No, wait. That isn’t it, either.”

How can he forget the name his own mother bestowed upon herself?

Something isn’t right.

“I’ll be waiting for you.” Those are the final words out of Ren’s mouth. He turns towards the exit, and all Yusuke could do is watch him leave as a faint memory flashes through his mind.

“Ren. . . ?”

What in the world was that?

“I’m back!” Ryuji returns to Yusuke’s side. “Huh? Where’d Ren go?”

“He just left. He informed me he couldn’t stay long.”

“For real? Man, that sucks. I was hoping to catch up with him myself; I’ve barely seen him at all since the shrine visit.”

Yusuke looks down at the familiar piece of paper rolled up in Ryuji’s hand. “What’s that?”

“It’s a missing person poster.” Ryuji unfurls it and brings it up to Yusuke’s eye level. “Probably flew in from outside. Looks to be a Shujin student.”

“Oh, I’ve seen this before.” Yusuke takes the sheet. “We helped Ms. Sakamoto put these up near the end of November.”

“My mom? First time I’m hearin’ about this.” Ryuji tilts his head in confusion. “Why was she puttin’ up missing person posters?”

“Well, it’s because. . .” Yusuke falters. “No, that’s not it. Why. . . ?”

His memory usually isn’t this horrendous.

“Yusuke? Babe?”

“N-Never mind.” Yusuke folds the paper and tucks it into his pocket. “It’s nothing.”

“If ya say so.” Ryuji rests his head on Yusuke’s shoulder. “Whoever that kid is, I hope they get found soon.”

“. . . Me too.”

“Oh, looks like you’re all here.”

Yusuke closes the door behind him as he follows Ryuji inside Leblanc.

“Way to be the last to arrive at your own meeting,” Morgana snidely comments.

“That was my fault.” Yusuke bows his head. “I almost made us miss our train. Apologies.”

“Hey, don’t be like that.” Ryuji pulls Yusuke in by the hip. “We still got here on time.”

“Eugh,” Futaba gags. “Did you really call a meeting just to show off how in love you guys are?”

“Not in the slightest.” Ryuji scans the group. “Boss gave us the okay to talk here, yeah?”

“Yep, no need to worry.” She gives him a thumbs up.

“Cool.” Ryuji crosses his arms. “Then let’s get to it: has Ren talked to any of you in the past week?”

“You too?” Ann sits up. “He walked up to me while Shiho and I were out shopping and started asking if I was okay living like this and stuff. After first, I didn’t really get what he was saying, but the more I listened the weirder my chest started to feel.”

“He asked me the same thing while I was out with Sis,” Makoto speaks up. “There’s been a gnawing at the back of my head ever since.”

Yusuke looks at Ryuji. “I’d like to believe I’m happy with the way my life is now. However,” he places a hand over his heart, “I just cannot seem to shake off this inkling of doubt festering within the depths of my soul.”

Ryuji grumbles to himself. “Do you think you’re runnin’ away from something, like, super important?” He receives surprised looks from everyone. “Just a thought, but it’s been on my mind for a while now.”

“Maybe,” Futaba thinks aloud, “the reason why we all feel this way is because deep down we know Ren’s right, but we were all too scared to admit it.”

“So we just feigned ignorance. . .” Haru looks down at the table. “I was with my father when I had my talk with Ren-kun, and I caught a glimpse of something. Something that shouldn’t have happened, but feels too real to have been falsified.”

“Same here!” Ann perks up.

Yusuke raises his hand. “I too received something of the sort. It seems we’ve lost sight of something very dear to us after all.”

Futaba scrunches her face up, the palms of her hands rubbing against her temples. “I-I know, b-but I’m too scared to r-remember! If I do, then. . . Mom. . .” She puts her hands on the table. “But I also don’t wanna feel like this anymore.”

“Futaba-chan. . .” Haru reaches over to take the youngest member’s hand in solidarity.

Ryuji stuffs his hands in his pockets. “So Ren’s been tryin’ all this time to tell ya somethin’ important. Wonder what he’s doin’ now?”

“He left around noon,” Morgana answers. “Said something about meeting with Akechi.”

“Of course he is,” he sighs. “That’s Ren for ya.”

“The scene I saw during my talk with Ren featured all of us together,” Makoto remembers. “I don’t know how to explain it, but our bond in it felt. . . real.”

“That’s what I felt, too.” Morgana closes his eyes. “I don’t think I can accept this situation as it is. I’m. . .” His piercing blue eyes flare up with newfound resolve. “I’m done running away from my problems!”

Shattering glass resounds in their minds, and the Morgana they knew disappears and is replaced by a cat.

“Wha—” Ann looks around. “What just happened?”

“Oh yeah!!” Futaba glares at the feline. “Why were you a human, Mona?! You’re supposed to be a cat!”

Morgana slams his front paws against the table. “I am not a— Wait. Yeah, I guess I am a cat.”

“How did we never realize that before. . . ?” Makoto questions.

Yusuke stares at the cat with a perplexed expression, pondering just how they all forgot such a crucial detail.

“Looks like you guys’re finally gettin’ closer.”

“Ryuji. . . ?” The artist seems to be the only one to catch that. His tone of voice mixed with the expression on his face exudes melancholy. Witnessing this side of Ryuji is a new experience for Yusuke, and he isn’t sure how to take it.

“As much as I’d like to continue this, there’s more important things to do right now!” Ryuji quickly changes his tune, pulling the door to Leblanc wide open. “Ren needs us more than ever!!”

“Right!” Morgana hops out of the booth and makes his way onto Ryuji’s shoulder. “It wouldn’t be fair to keep him waiting any longer. Let’s go, team!”

“Wait, how are we supposed to find Ren-kun?” Haru asks.

“I think I got a clue as to where he is.” Morgana paws at Ryuji. “Skull?”

“You got it!! Lead the way, Mona!”

It may just be Yusuke’s imagination, but this Ryuji feels. . . distant.

They managed to make it time, with Skull rushing right in to block a fatal attack. That’s to be expected from him, but Fox can’t ignore his bubbling dread.

Yoshizawa lies unconscious in Joker’s arms, relief washing over him.

“I can’t believe it,” the man in white murmurs. “You’ve all thrown away your happiness just to come here? How. . . ?”

Noir gets a good look at him. “Dr. Maruki. . . ? Is that you?”

The man nods. “That’s right. More importantly, why are—”

“This is your Palace, ain’t it?” Skull questions.

Maruki is the Ruler? How in the world did Skull figure that out so quickly?

“That is correct,” Crow, now donned in black, confirms. “He’s the one behind the creation of this distorted reality.” He glares at the therapist. “Isn’t that right, Maruki?”

“. . . All of this was done for your sakes.”

“For our sakes?” Queen repeats.

“That’s right,” Maruki stands straighter. “I only wanted to grant your wishes. Each and every one of them.”

“What do you mean ‘our wishes’?” Panther hisses. “What makes you think we wished for any of this?!”

Fox sees Skull flinch in his peripheral vision.

“Are you sure about that?” Maruki questions. “When there’s one piece of evidence right in front of your eyes?”

A tentacle sprouts from behind the Phantom Thieves, grabbing one before any of them have time to react.

“SKULL!!!” Fox and Joker yell simultaneously.

“Ack!! S-Stop, yer crushin’ me!” He lets out several pained grunts as he tries to free himself.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” Panther draws back her whip. “Let him go this instant!”

“It looks like not all of you have realized it yet.” Maruki makes a small gesture with his finger, tightening the tentacle’s grip on Skull as it takes him higher.

“Wh-What are you talking about?” Oracle’s knees begin to shake.

Something clicks within Fox’s mind, but he cannot trust himself to decipher its authenticity. It isn’t until he witnesses the rest of the Phantom Thieves contemplating that he realizes the outcome he so desperately wished to be false may not be far from the truth.

“Skull. . .” Mona crosses his arms, furrowing nonexistent brows. “It was back in Shido’s Palace. He. . .”

“We were stranded on the sinking ship,” Oracle continues, voice trembling. “Th-There was a lifeboat, but it was s-so far away; we couldn’t m-make it in time. . .”

“So Skull, reckless as ever, made a run for it.” Queen looks down in frustration. “For us.”

“He reached the boat.” Noir’s hands tighten together. “He saved all of us.”

“B-But. . .” Panther calms down, coming to the same realization as the others, “he was still up there.”

“And we tried to reach him as fast as we could.” Joker turns his gaze away from Skull, as if the sight looks too familiar for him to handle. “But we weren’t fast enough. The ship exploded, and he. . .”

“. . . Died.” Fox’s eyes return to Skull suspended above them. The explosions from that night echo through his mind. The heat flaring up against his face. The smell of salt water entering his nose. The sight of a lone boy hanging on for his life, watching them from afar, waiting patiently for his turn, disappearing from their view. “Ryuji. . .” His muse, his sun, his love.

“Your collective desire to see your friend again brought him back to you,” Maruki reveals. “By fighting me, rejecting my reality, that also means erasing Sakamoto-kun.”

“NO!!!” Skull struggles harder. “Don’t listen to him!” He glares down at the Palace Ruler. “And don’t—urgh!—don’t you go usin’ my life as effin’ leverage!!”

Before Fox could open his mouth, a swift slash through the tentacle brings Skull falling towards him. He lunges forward, catching him just in time.

“I’m in agreement with Skull here.” Crow lands in front of the Phantom Thieves. “To think you’d reveal this hand so early, it almost screams desperation.”

Skull lifts himself out of Fox’s arms and makes his way to stand proudly next to Crow. “Guess this was all it took for us t’ finally see eye-to-eye.”

“Enjoy it while it lasts.”

The rest of the Thieves stay back, unable to say a word. All Fox—Yusuke—could do is stare at the back of Skull’s—Ryuji’s—head.

“If you plan to change my heart, so be it,” Maruki breaks the silence. “But it looks like you all have things to discuss between yourselves first. Yoshizawa-san also needs her rest, and the same could be said for the rest of you.”

Yoshizawa stirs in Joker’s arms, and Maruki disappears in a flash of white.

“February 3rd,” he announces. “I’ll give you until then to hear your final decision.”

Yusuke hasn’t gone to see Ryuji since that day. It’s not as if he didn’t want to, though. His head had been clouded with endless thoughts and doubts. But what he despised most was how willing he was to defy Ryuji’s own wishes.

Even in the Metaverse, he kept his distance. Instead of staying by his side in the safe rooms, he chose to sit as far away as possible. He didn’t want to say anything because there wasn’t anything he could say. But the pages filled with Ryuji claim otherwise.

Maybe getting his non-Ryuji thoughts out in the open may help him. So he asked Ren if they could talk. And to his luck, he felt as if he’s found himself all over again. The leader helped him to settle his feelings toward this reality, and even more with Ryuji.

Today is the day he’ll finally talk to his dearest.

Yusuke stands in front of Shujin Academy, ready to intercept the one person who’s been on his mind. Unfortunately, this has caused him to gather a very unwanted audience. Several students have stopped to observe him. He hears whispers about his appearance and murmurs of his relationship status, but he pays no mind to any of it. His heart is only for one person.

“Huh??” Ann’s voice resounds over the crowd. “What’s going on?”

Three figures appear exiting the building, but his eyes only fixate on the head of short bleach blond hair. Once his face comes into view, Yusuke makes his move.

“Beats me. I haven’t heard about anything big that’s supposed to be happenin’ right now—”

“Ryuji!!”

“Wh— Yusuke!? The hell are you doin’ here??”

He meets Ryuji at the top of the stairs and takes his hand. “I wish to speak with you.”

Ryuji’s face flushes pink. “H-How long have you been waitin’?”

“Long enough to draw a crowd,” Ann dryly comments.

The whispers have increased in volume, but their overall tone has turned from curious to condescending. It seems like none of them understands Ryuji’s beauty the way Yusuke does.

“H-Hey, um,” Ryuji’s hand shakes in his, “if we’re gonna talk, can we do it somewhere that isn’t, well, here?”

Yusuke opens his mouth to respond, but is quickly interrupted by Ann.

“Oh my God, can you guys just quit staring already?” she shouts at the observing students. Ren joins her by glaring daggers at anyone he catches looking their way. As soon as the crowd dissipates, the two give the couple comforting smiles, and Ryuji is able to calm down.

“I was hoping we could talk in private myself. Is that alright with you?” Yusuke asks him, earning a small nod in response.

“You two go ahead,” Ann gives Ryuji a small nudge and wink, “Ren and I need to do some talking ourselves.”

Ren gives them a thumbs up. “Let’s get to the station first.”

“Yeah,” Ryuji murmurs.

The walk is quiet save for Ann’s chatter and Ren’s occasional voiced response. Ryuji never pulls his hand out of Yusuke’s grasp, and every ten or so steps he inches closer to his side. Once they reach the station, the four of them split into pairs. As Ren and Ann head to her house, the couple decides to take the train to Ryuji’s apartment.

It’s crowded as expected, and silence falls between the two as they’re smushed right by the door. Ryuji’s back lays up against it while Yusuke uses his body to shield him. Usually it would be the other way around, so he’s glad he’s able to do this for once. He looks down at his boyfriend as he opts for looking outside.

“Y’know. . .”

“Yes?” Yusuke perks up. “What is it, dear?”

Ryuji shyly looks up at him. “The day you guys snuck into Shujin; I didn’t tell you this before, but I thought red looked really good on you.”

What an overwhelmingly charming remark! Yusuke feels his heart quicken with excitement. However, he personally doesn’t deem such an intensely bright shade to match someone such as himself. In fact. . .

“Personally, I prefer that color on you.“

Ryuji’s body tenses from how casually those words left Yusuke’s lips. The rosy pink dusted on his cheeks turns beet crimson in seconds.

Yusuke leans in and whispers into his ear, “Case in point. I find you quite adorable like this, Ryuji.” He hears his boyfriend’s breath hitch underneath him.

Okay, maybe he should stop.

Once the train reaches their stop, Ryuji wastes no time in taking Yusuke’s hand and pulling him all the way to his apartment. Maybe he excited him a little too much. He can’t get a good look at Ryuji’s face, but the pink on the tips of his ears is evidence enough.

They make their way into Ryuji’s room, and he tackles Yusuke onto his bed. He holds onto him tightly as he snuggles his face into the crook of his neck.

“I missed you,” he mumbles. “I wanted to talk to you so badly. I know that’s stupid of me to say because we were literally in Doc’s Palace together and I could’ve talked or reached out to you at any time, but I don’t think I even deserve to do something like that after hiding so much from you and everyone.” His voice begins to tremble. “I didn’t wanna hurt you guys again, and look where that got us!”

Yusuke feels something wet on his collar.

“And then I told myself that I was okay if things between us stayed like this, because I don’t deserve someone as amazing and wonderful as you in my life and it’s not like I’m even alive anymore.” Ryuji sucks in a deep breath, clinging onto Yusuke tighter with shaky hands. “But then I remembered the way you looked at me, and— A-And. . .”

Yusuke wraps his arms around Ryuji, helping the boy calm down a bit.

“Deep down, I do want to stay with you, with everyone. But I hate living in this reality. And I care for you guys too much that I can’t let you choose this one. I love you, s-so. . .”

The first time he’s said it without Yusuke going first.

Ryuji finally looks at Yusuke through his tears. “Please don’t hate me,” he cries. “I know I’m a total eff-up no matter what I do. But please, I don’t want you to hate me.”

Yusuke’s heart breaks witnessing the scene before him. He brings Ryuji’s face closer to his, gently kissing all his tears away. “I’m sorry,” he whispers. “I’m sorry for hurting you like this, for even allowing this to happen in the first place. I could never hate you, my love.”

“B-But—”

“I was unable to face you properly because of my own unsorted thoughts and feelings,” he explains. “I was afraid that if I talked to you then, I would say things I don’t mean, words I’ll regret ever uttering.” He rubs his thumbs over Ryuji’s soft cheeks. “I’m finally able to look you in the eye again thanks to Ren’s support.”

Ryuji gives Yusuke a smile, a fairly small one. “That’s our leader for ya.”

“Indeed,” Yusuke chuckles. “I want you to know that I’ve made my decision to reclaim our true reality. While it means parting with you once again,” his own eyes begin to water, “it pales in comparison to all the memories I have of you. I would have never wished for us to be together like this if it weren’t for those.” He can feel his tears begin to fall. “Even after we say goodbye, I promise I won’t ever forget you. You shall forever stay in my heart till the day we can finally meet again.”

Ryuji pulls Yusuke in for a kiss, one that is gentle, slow, everlasting. “I love you,” he whimpers. “I love you so much.”

“I love you as well.” Yusuke returns the kiss. “To think I’d hold such a masterpiece in my own two hands.”

They continue to lay on the bed in each other’s arms, weeping together and exchanging feelings until they can no more. With the day slowly turning to evening, one thing comes to Yusuke’s mind: he deeply missed this intimacy, and his heart yearns for more of it. More of Ryuji.

“When will your mother return?”

“Another late shift. Y’know how it is.”

“I wish to spend the night with you again.”

Ryuji looks up in surprise. “For real? I mean, are you sure? I know we don’t have school tomorrow, but—” He lets out a small squeak from the leg settling itself between his own. “H-Hey. . .”

“I want to show you how much I adore you in every way possible.” Yusuke’s hands make their way down Ryuji’s back. “And to do that, I’ll need to spend every waking moment with you.” He nips at his ear. “There’s no need to worry, I’ve come prepared this time.”

“Y-You,” Ryuji whines from his touch, grinding against his leg, “effin’ perv. . .”

“I’ll let that comment slide.” Yusuke kisses his neck. “But you should know that I’m only like this for you, love.”

“Fine then.” The boy above him sends down a devilish smirk. “Show me how much you love me. But I ain’t lettin’ ya have all the fun.”

Ryuji has brought Yusuke to the beach. It brings back memories of the day Yusuke chose Ryuji as his muse. There’s barely any people around, as expected of the season. They walk along the shore, trying to find a good vantage point to watch the sunrise.

“I never imagined there would be a pier here,” Yusuke says, eyeing the elevated walkway.

“Guess we never noticed it since it was so crowded last time.” Ryuji shrugs. “Ya wanna watch from up there?”

“I’d like that.”

They walk towards it hand in hand. The sound of the waves splashing onto the shore and sand crunching underneath them put Yusuke’s mind at ease. It almost allows him to ignore Ryuji’s steps feeling a little rushed.

As they near the end of the pier, Ryuji lets go of Yusuke’s hand. Normally he wouldn’t mind it, but this time feels different. Ryuji continues walking, but Yusuke stays in place.

Something is definitely wrong.

“Ryuji,” he calls, “we are here to watch the sunrise, are we not?”

Ryuji stops at the end, back towards him. “Yeah, you are.”

Only Yusuke. It reminds him of their meeting in Leblanc that day. A detail he didn’t pick up on until after they left Maruki’s Palace.

“You’re doing that again.”

“And you caught on a whole lot faster this time,” he chuckles.

“Why would you bring me here if you’re not going to join me?” Yusuke questions. “I would’ve never begun doing this if it weren’t for you.”

Ryuji finally faces him. “You guys’re sending the calling card soon. You’ll be takin’ on Dr. Maruki and returning the world to normal. I’m not gonna. . .”

“You’ll be there with us.” Yusuke steps towards him. “You have been every step of the way. Please don’t speak as if you won’t be there.”

“. . .”

“Ryuji. . . ?”

“I’m not gonna fight him, Yusuke.”

“Why?!” Once again, he has raised his voice. He can feel himself crumbling into a fit of desperation. “You’ve been encouraging us throughout it all, and now you choose to go against your word?”

“I ain’t goin’ against anything! I’m not fighting because I can’t!!” Ryuji yells. “I’m. . . not gonna be here tomorrow.”

Tears begin to form near the corners of Yusuke’s eyes. “What do you mean by that?”

“I’m leaving for good today.” Ryuji’s hands clench into fists. “I ain’t ever comin’ back.”

The world dulls around Yusuke, the only source of color now being the boy standing in front of him, slowly flickering out of existence before his very eyes. It’s as if his heart has stopped beating. “This is all just some cruel joke you’re playing on me, is it not?”

Ryuji stays quiet, but that alone is enough of an answer.

“No,” he chokes. “Ryuji, no. . . ! Please say it isn’t so! Tell me you’re lying!!”

“Lyin’ would only make you feel worse.”

Yusuke finally breaks down, unable to withstand the emotional overflow as it forces its way through the floodgates. The dull world blurs together to coat his vision in a murky gray. Through the muddiness and his wailing, he can sense him moving closer. Calloused fingers brush against the sobbing artist’s forehead, carefully fixing his bangs. The world slowly begins to regain color as Yusuke focuses on Ryuji right in front of him.

“This was where I fell in love with you,” he confesses, hand still outstretched. “I wanted this place to be where we say goodbye. We never got the chance last time.”

When everything happened so suddenly. When they had to leave one behind against their will. When Yusuke began harboring his biggest regret yet.

He knew this would come eventually, but he’s only now realized just how truly unprepared he is for it.

“I love you so very dearly,” Yusuke cries. “I know you’re no longer of this world,” he clutches his chest, “but I can’t bear the thought of losing you again!”

Ryuji cups his face, using his thumbs to wipe away his tears. Standing on his toes, the athlete leans in and gives Yusuke one last tender kiss.

Time begins to slow down. Yusuke wraps his arms around Ryuji’s waist, pulling him as close to his body as humanly possible. Under the sky slowly changing color, all they can feel is each other.

‘Stay,’ his lips silently beg against the other’s. ‘Stay with me. Stay for just a little bit longer. Please don’t leave me.’

And then Ryuji breaks away. “Sorry it had to be like this,” he says, wearing the saddest smile Yusuke has ever seen on him.

He pulls Ryuji’s hands away from his face, holding them tightly in his own. Greenish gray eyes stare deep into chocolate brown. “Then I guess this shall be our final moment together.”

Ryuji nods. “I’m happy knowing that it’s with you.”

They stay close to each other for just a moment longer, until Ryuji slowly backs away, hands easily slipping out of the other’s grasp.

“Thanks for thinking about me all this time.”

Yusuke tries to grab for him, but he’s unable to move from his spot.

“Thanks for staying by my side even after finding out the truth.”

Ryuji now stands at the end of the pier once again. His own tears begin to fall, but he doesn’t take his eyes off of Yusuke, and Yusuke does the same.

“I really didn’t wanna cry, y’know? But I can’t help it, either,” he says, voice beginning to tremble. “Because this really is goodbye for us.”

“It truly is.” Yusuke weakly smiles. “Farewell, Ryuji.”

“Yeah, you too, Yusuke.” Through the endless flow of tears, Ryuji is still smiling his way. “Thank you,” he whispers, “for loving someone like me.” He takes one last step back, falling off the pier and plunging into the ocean below right as the sun peaks out from over the horizon.

“RYUJI!!!” Yusuke runs to the end and looks over, only to be met with sea foam floating upon the surface. He braces himself to dive after him, but someone grabs his arm.

“Yusuke!!” Ren shouts. “There’s no point in doing that!”

“Release me!!” He tries his hardest to yank himself out of the frizzy-haired boy’s grasp, but to no avail. “I need to get to Ryuji! He’s—”

“Already gone.” Akechi stands before them. The rest of the Phantom Thieves make their way over as well. “I guess he was right in thinking you might end up doing something drastic.”

“Inari!!” Futaba cries out. “Don’t jump!” She latches herself onto Yusuke, shaking uncontrollably. “P-Please don’t j-jump off. . .”

“Ryuji. . .” Morgana trots to the edge, looking down at the sea foam. “I can’t believe he did that.” He lays down next to Yusuke, burying his face in his paws.

“Why?” Haru weeps. “He could’ve stolen the Treasure with us.”

“I don’t think he ever planned on doing that.” Makoto tears up, trying to keep her voice steady.

“He wants us to prove that we can do it without him.” Ann’s forcing herself to not let any of her tears fall. “We can still keep going even when he’s gone. We’ve done it once, and we can do it again! I’m sure that’s what he’s telling us here.”

“I guess the bond between old friends isn’t one to be underestimated,” Akechi muses. “But yes, you are correct in your thinking.”

Yusuke looks up at him. “He told you everything, didn’t he?”

The sly look in the detective’s eye softens as he meets the artist’s gaze. “I was the first one he came to about this. While he didn’t ask me to be here in case you do anything stupid, I already began making plans to come the moment we finished talking. Looks like he expected exactly that to happen, given how things turned out.”

“He knew you’d need support as soon as possible.” Makoto walks over to Yusuke and extends her hand out. “It wouldn’t be right for you to go through this alone.”

“W-We’ll a-always be here f-for you,” Futaba sobs into his chest.

Yusuke takes Makoto’s hand and slowly gets back up on his feet, pulling Futaba with him.

“Are you okay?” Ren asks, concern laced through his voice.

Yusuke nods. “I’m feeling a bit better now. I wouldn’t know what I would do if I didn’t have any of you by my side. Even in the afterlife, he continues to care for my well-being.”

“Of course he would.” Morgana nuzzles up against Yusuke’s leg. “This is Ryuji we’re talking about.”

“Kitagawa-senpai.” Yoshizawa walks up to him. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you, Sumire.” He bows his head. “As painful as our farewell may be, I am grateful to have such a wonderful group of friends to turn to for support. It’s because of him that I am able to say that. And I’m sure you feel the same towards your sister.”

“Yeah,” she nods, “I owe it all to her and her love!”

“So this is what you two have been doing together.” Ann picks up Morgana and looks out towards the horizon. “Now I wish I was able to tag along for once.”

“It’s very beautiful,” Haru adds, slightly sniffling. “I can see why Ryuji-kun loves it so much.”

“It signifies the start of a new day,” Makoto joins in, “and this is one we can all enjoy together.”

Futaba lets go of Yusuke to look out towards the sun. With both hands circling her mouth like a cone, she shouts out, “H-Hello, happy world!!”

Akechi hums. “I guess this is nice. Shame it’ll be the first and last time I do this.”

“Then I guess you better cherish it while it lasts!” Sumire adjusts her glasses. “I bet Kasumi would’ve loved this, too.”

Ren stays by Yusuke’s side, placing a hand on his shoulder. “He’d probably be ecstatic if he saw all of us watching the sunrise together.”

Yusuke stares out towards the incoming daybreak. As he wipes his tears away, three simple words come to mind:

“I’m still alive.”