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“Hey, Sis. Can I ask you something ‘bout your boyfriend?” Labrys asks out of the blue one day, unsure on how to start this conversation. Talking about the late Makoto Yuki was one of Aigis’ favorite pastimes, but Labrys would always notice a certain degree of sadness in her sister’s voice whenever she told stories about him. Labrys hates seeing Aigis sad even if the latter would assure her things are okay. Aigis had made peace with Makoto’s death after all, even if she still misses him dearly.
However, Labrys can’t deny the fondness and joy Aigis expresses whenever she retells stories about Makoto, and it was fascinating hearing about her sister’s past adventures. Labrys was even amazed by the fact that Makoto had chosen Aigis to be his girlfriend. At the end of the day though, Labrys knew Makoto Yuki is a sensitive topic to bring up, which is why she has to word her next question very carefully.
“Hmm? What would you like to know about Makoto-san?” Aigis responds back as she looks at her sister curiously, wondering where the sudden question came from. The two robot girls are spending time together by taking a shopping trip at Paulownia Mall after they were given the day off from Mitsuru.
“Well, my question isn’t specifically about Makoto-kun. It’s rather about your relationship with him. You told me you confessed to Makoto-kun first, right? How did you know you were in love with him in the first place?” Labrys explains, and there’s a reason why she’s asking Aigis all these questions. Whenever she’s not spending her days with Aigis or the Shadow Operatives, Labrys would often travel to Inaba to visit the Investigation Team.
They were the first people to have accepted Labrys as a friend despite being a robot. If it wasn’t for the Investigation Team, the older android girl would’ve remained stuck inside the TV World living under a lie. Even though everyone in the Investigation Team has gotten busier with their lives, those who stayed in Inaba would always make time to hang out with Labrys whenever she visited.
Recently, however, Labrys started experiencing a strange feeling inside her. It wasn’t a bad feeling per se, but it was a feeling that the android girl had trouble understanding. Labrys isn’t having this new feeling all the time. For some reason, it only comes around whenever the android girl is near Yosuke Hanamura, one of the members of the Investigation Team back in Inaba.
Yosuke was the first person who truly understood Labrys. When they first met inside the TV world, Yosuke saved Labrys from getting hit by a falling monitor. Later when Labrys was forced to accept the truth about herself and her past, Yosuke was the first person to console her. Just like Labrys, Yosuke also lost someone important to him and regretted not being able to save her. It was Yosuke who reassured Labrys that she’s not alone and decided to be her friend despite the latter’s robotic nature. After thinking it over, Labrys has an inkling of what this new feeling might be, but she needs a second opinion first.
“Let’s go sit down at the bench nearby.” Aigis suggests and leads her sister towards a bench near the water fountain. Once the two sisters sit down, Aigis turns her head to face Labrys. “Sister. You wish to know how I realized my feelings for Makoto-san was love, is that correct?”
“Yeah. If you don’t mind tellin’ me that is.” Labrys answers and begins to feel her face heat up from embarrassment, but the older android girl remains strong.
“May I ask what brought this on?” Aigis smiles eagerly at Labrys, who can already feel her embarrassment going into overdrive. The android girl could run off instead of answering, but that’ll only delay the problem. With no other choice, Labrys decides to spill the beans.
“I’ve been havin’ these weird feelings lately. At first, there was nothing wrong when I visited the Investigation Team in Inaba. Everything’s started off pretty normal. Then one day, Yosuke-kun and I were hangin’ out like usual except it was just us two alone together. I’ve been tellin’ him what I’ve been up to, and then he gave me this wonderful smile. He tells me how happy he was knowin’ I’m havin’ fun and enjoyin’ life. After that, I began havin’ those weird feelings I’ve mentioned.” Labrys rattles on, and saying these words out loud leaves her a blushing mess.
“I see. Can you describe the weird feelings you’re experiencing?” Aigis’ requests, leaving Labrys puzzled. Describe them? The older android girl isn’t sure if she can best describe her feelings, but then she thinks back to her memories. The day Yosuke gave her that smile. Suddenly, Labrys thinks back to all the times Yosuke had smiled at her. Soon after, Labrys recalls their adventures in the TV World. The memory of Yosuke saving her from the falling monitor. The memory of Yosuke helping her accept the truth about herself as well as her shadow. The memory of Yosuke reassuring her that she isn’t alone. The memory of Yosuke playfully asking her out on a date to the announcement room at the fake Yasogami High School. Suddenly, that weird feeling comes back in an instant.
“It feels warm. Every time I think about Yosuke-kun, I get this intense pressure bubblin’ up inside my heart. I can’t help but feel like my body’s gonna break down but for some reason, I ain’t scared. Rather, I don’t want to let go of this feeling. It’s so strange, you know? There’s nothing actually wrong with me, is there?” Labrys reveals to her sister. Even after explaining the weird feeling, Labrys finds herself unsure and confused. However, Aigis gives her a knowing smile. The blonde android girl has been in this exact situation years ago.
“Labrys, without a doubt, what you’re feeling for Hanamura-san is indeed love. The emotions you’re describing right now are the same emotions I felt for Makoto-san. I understand how difficult it is to make sense of them. It took me a while to realize my love for Makoto-san. You don’t have to be scared, Sister. The emotions you’re experiencing are beautiful.” Aigis explains gently. Even with reassurance from Aigis, Labrys still looked unsure.
“What should I do then?” Labrys asks as she looks at her sister for guidance. The answer to Labrys’ question is an easy one. Aigis gently takes her sister’s hand and holds it tightly.
“You mustn’t hesitate any longer. You need to tell Hanamura-san your true feelings.” Aigis’ responds, causing Labrys to pause in place. Reveal her true feelings to Yosuke? The idea doesn’t sound bad at first, but Labrys begins to feel nervous about Yosuke’s reaction and the possibility of rejection.
“Are… Are ya sure? I know Yosuke-kun sees me as a friend despite me not being human, but a girlfriend is much different! What if he doesn’t like me that way? I’m scared he’ll reject me because I'm a machine. I can’t touch him the same way a human girl can.” Labrys points out as she pulls her legs up and hugs them close to her chest. Sensing the fear within her sister, Aigis hugs Labrys to soothe her nerves.
“It’s possible your wish might never come true, but that doesn’t mean you should hold back your feelings. Life is both short and finite, Labrys. That’s why it’s important that you tell Hanamura-san the truth. Otherwise, it’ll be too late, and you’ll end up living with regret for the rest of your life.” Aigis counsels her sister and her soothing words are enough to calm Labrys down. The older android girl turns to face her sister.
“But how do I tell Yosuke-kun? I never confessed to anyone before. This is the first time I ever had these feelings! I don’t know what to do!” Labrys rambles on in a panic, Aigis places a hand on the older android girl’s shoulder.
“That’s why I’m here to help. When you confess to Hanamura-san, you’ll have to speak from the heart. Be sure to take him to a secluded area first so no one can interrupt you two. As an example, I confessed my true feelings to Makoto-san at the rooftop of Gekkoukan High School where it was just the two of us.” Aigis advises Labrys, who listens to her sister's every word and nods back with a smile.
“Thank you, Aigis. I’m glad I have you in my life.” Labrys states happily. Ever since she met Aigis and had gotten to know her, Labrys couldn’t help but be reminded of #024. It’s easy to see why. Both Aigis and #024 became more than just machines and possessed a strong love for life. They both helped Labrys become who she is now, and the older android girl can never thank them enough. Labrys couldn’t help but wonder how much of #024 was passed down to Aigis.
“I’m glad you’re in my life too, Labrys. I wish you luck with your confession to Hanamura-san.” Aigis replies with a smile of her own. As she spoke these kind words to her sister, Aigis pulled Labrys into another hug. This time, Labrys returns the gesture. Even though both girls are machines, the two sisters share an unbreakable bond that any pair of human sisters can have. Bonds like theirs is what makes them truly alive and why life is invaluable.
Yosuke Hanamura stands outside the gate of Yasogami High School. Earlier today during his shift at Junes, Yosuke received a text from Labrys asking him to meet her at the school alone. The Junes part-timer is surprised Labrys is already in Inaba since normally she’d let him and the others know when she’ll visit town ahead of time. Yosuke takes out his phone to reread the text Labrys had sent him.
“Yosuke-kun. Please meet me at your school at sunset but don’t tell anyone else. There’s something important I want to talk to you about.”
“I wonder what Labrys wants to talk about.” Yosuke wonders to himself. He is always excited whenever Labrys comes to visit. The two bonded after Yosuke met the android girl last year during a mission to the TV World. After the case with Sho Minazuki ended, Labrys would visit Inaba as much as she can despite her busy schedule. It became something Yosuke would always look forward to these days. He’s not afraid to admit that Labrys is someone very important to him, which is why the Junes part-timer felt nervous after reading her text.
Yosuke tries to think of a reason why Labrys would want to talk to him alone. It’s not something bad, is it? However, in the last couple of visits, the Junes part-timer had noticed Labrys would act strangely around him for some reason. Yosuke hoped he didn’t do anything that could’ve upset her. At least, Yosuke doesn’t remember doing anything that would’ve made Labrys upset. If he did do something wrong though, then Yosuke will immediately apologize and make it up to her right away.
“Yosuke-kun?” A female voice calls out to the Junes part-timer. The person in question turns around at the sound of his name and sees Labrys approaching him. The android girl is currently wearing a black suit to conceal her mechanical body. Yosuke can feel his heart pounding in his chest while Labrys shyly looks away with a faint blush on her face.
“Labrys…” Yosuke mutters softly but couldn’t say anything more thanks to his nervousness. Labrys looks up at the Junes part-time, finally able to face him. Yosuke finds himself drawn to Labrys’ crimson red eyes. He finds them strikingly beautiful.
“I’m glad you got my message.” Labrys states and gives the Junes part-timer a fond smile, causing Yosuke’s heart to beat faster.
“U-Um, yeah. I came over as soon as I got off work. So what did you want to talk about?” Yosuke asks the android girl while slapping himself mentally in order to talk normally. The Junes part-timer has no idea what has gotten into him, but right now he needs to focus. Labrys shifts her body side to side after hearing the question.
“Can we go to the school first? I want to make sure we don’t get interrupted.” Labrys requests, jerking her thumb over to the school building. Well, that’s going to be a problem. For one thing, the gate to the school is currently closed. Sure, Labrys can easily break it open, but Yosuke didn’t want them to get caught breaking and entering. He’s pretty sure they’re already trespassing since neither of them are students. Yosuke has recently graduated from Yasogami while Labrys was never an actual student.
Yosuke also doesn’t know why Labrys is worried about them getting interrupted. Yu, Naoto, and Rise no longer live in Inaba, and Yosuke made sure not to tell the rest of the former Investigation Team about Labrys’ sudden arrival. The Junes part-timer especially made sure not to tell Teddie as he knew the latter will try to tag along without permission. The bear is very annoying like that. Luckily, Yosuke made sure his shift ended an hour early before Teddie’s and ran to the school’s gate as fast as possible.
“I don’t think we can get past the gate since it’s closed. Why not talk here?” Yosuke suggests, but Labrys doesn’t appear satisfied with this option. Instead, the android girl walks closer to Yosuke and picks him up in a bridal carry.
“Whoa! Labrys, waaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!” Yosuke lets out a scream as Labrys suddenly leaps over the school gate and lands in front of the Yasogami’s school building. The Junes part-timer tries to catch his breath, not realizing he’s holding onto Labrys. The android girl stares up and seemingly has her sights on the building’s rooftop.
“Hold on tight.” Labrys’ warns, causing Yosuke’s eyes to widen. The android girl raises her right arm and shoots her forearm to the rooftop still connected to her arm by a long chain, successfully grabbing onto the ledge.
“Huh? Labrys, what are you doiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!” Yosuke lets out another scream as he and Larbys are immediately pulled to the rooftop at lightning fast speed. One second, the two were on the ground and the next, they’re now on the rooftop of Yasogami High.
“Um, you can let go of me now.” Labrys notifies Yosuke, who realizes how tightly he’s holding onto Labrys after hearing the embarrassed tone in her voice. Blushing immensely, Yosuke quickly lets go of the android girl and stumbles onto the school rooftop. After gaining his footing, the Junes part-timer looks up and stares in awe at the view of Inaba from the rooftop. The view is even made more beautiful by the golden rays of the sunset.
“It looks amazing.” Yosuke mutters in awe. It’s not often Yosuke gets to see Inaba like this. It gives the Junes part-timer a new appreciation for the sleepy little town. He once hated living in Inaba, but it was thanks to his partner Yu that Yosuke was able to see the town in a whole new lens. As Yosuke continues to stare at the view, Labrys approaches him once more.
“I’m glad you think so. Sis and I like to watch the sunset whenever we have the time. They’re always so beautiful.” Labrys reminisces while she mentally prepares herself for her confession. The android girl remembers the advice Aigis had given her the other day. Her words need to come from the heart.
“Is that why you wanted to bring me here?” Yosuke asks curiously, but Labrys shakes her head no.
“Not entirely. I wanted to give us as much privacy as possible because there’s something important I want to tell ya.” Labrys replies to him. Despite her clear explanation, Labrys fails to hide her nervousness as her face burns brightly. Yosuke notices this and places a hand on the android girl’s shoulder.
“It’s okay. Just take your time.” Yosuke reassures, and his words are able to calm Labrys down, giving her the resolve she needed to start her confession. The android girl nods her head and takes a step back.
“Yosuke-kun, I want to first thank you for savin’ me last year. If it wasn’t for you, Sis, and the others, I would’ve remained trapped inside the TV World or worse. Even when I was in denial about the truth, ya didn’t give up on me and helped me accept myself. You even took down my shadow, but what I’m really thankful for was you accepting me for who I am. You made sure that I’m not alone and became my first new friend. I can never thank ya enough for that, Yosuke-kun.” Labrys smiles sweetly to Yosuke as the latter is stunned silent. Taking a deep breath, the android girl continues her confession.
“I’ve always enjoyed hangin’ out with you guys. I'm so happy to have met ya. You’ve made my life so much fun. Recently, I began to feel different whenever I’m around ya. I was confused because I had never felt this emotion before. It wasn’t a bad feeling though. Quite the opposite. It was bringin’ me a new level of happiness I didn’t expect to have. So much so that my heart couldn’t contain it anymore. So after a few days of thinkin’ and talkin’ to Aigis, I finally understood what this new emotion is.
Yosuke-kun… I… I love you… I know I ain’t human. I know that because I’mma machine, I can’t really touch ya the same way a human lover can. But I don’t care dammit! My heart can’t stop thinkin’ about ya, Yosuke-kun. I’m at my happiest just bein’ with ya.” Labrys declares to Yosuke. Tears pool around Labrys’ eyes as she finishes her confession, but the android still smiles at the person she loves.
Yosuke senses Labrys’ strong affection towards him. In fact, the Junes part-timer is shocked by the confession. He didn’t expect this to happen to him. Yosuke knows he better choose his words carefully.
“I love you so much… that I can’t help but feel like my heart is about to burst.” Labrys adds and after that final sentence from the android girl’s confession, Yosuke is ready to make his choice. The Junes part-timer stares into the android girl’s eyes and smiles.
“I love you too, Labrys.” Yosuke answers proudly, having a blush of his own. As Yosuke reciprocates Labrys’ love, he embraces the android girl with a hug. Labrys is speechless, only able to utter short gasps in shock. With her cheeks turning red, the android girl finds comfort being in Yosule’s arms. After a few more seconds pass by, Labrys ends the hug.
“S-Sorry. Even though this is exactly what I hoped for, my mind’s gone blank. I don’t know what to say. The other day I joked to Aigis that my body’s gonna break down because of my feelings for ya, but now I think it’s actually gonna happen. I feel like I’m on cloud nine.” Labrys tells Yosuke with a chuckle. While Labrys’ smile grows, her tears begin to fall. The android girl wonders if this is what Aigis had felt when Makoto Yuki accepted her love. Labrys has expressed her feelings to Yosuke, and now Yosuke has entered a special relationship with Labrys. There’s no going back.
“You know, when I first saw you back in the TV World last year, the first thing that came into my mind was how beautiful you are. Even after learning you’re a robot, I still see you as beautiful.” Yosuke admits to the android girl. Truth be told, Yosuke has always harbored feelings for Labrys. The Junes part-timer just never had the courage to tell the android girl. In addition, Yosuke didn’t think Labrys would ever see him that way. After all, he isn’t special like Yu or intelligent like Naoto. He isn’t strong like Kanji or Chie or popular like Yukiko or Rise. He’s just Yosuke Hanamura, the infamous Prince of Junes. However, it’s clear Labrys believes otherwise.
“Yosuke-kun… This isn’t a dream, right? This has to be real, right?” Labrys asks with some hesitation in her voice. The confession has gone too well, and Labrys is worried that life is going to pull a cruel twist on her. The android girl must’ve fallen asleep on the train to Inaba, hasn’t she.
Seeing the panicked expression on Labrys’ face, Yosuke grabs the android girl’s face and pulls her in for a kiss. A jolt runs through their bodies as it feels like the world around them has stopped moving. The kiss lasts for more than 15 seconds until Yosuke pulls away so he can get a chance to breathe. The new couple stare at each other with their cheeks flushed red.
“Still think this is a dream?” Yosuke teases, which snaps Labrys back to reality, and his cheeky grin causes the android girl to giggle. To Labrys, the kiss felt magical, but it also means that this is indeed real. She actually did confess to her crush, and he reciprocated her feelings. Standing before the android girl is the young man who saved her last year and encouraged her to accept herself. In front of Labrys is Yosuke Hanamura, a friend she fell in love with who she can now call her new boyfriend.
“Nope, and I couldn’t be happier.” Labrys answers as she gives Yosuke a peck on the lips and takes his hand with their fingers interlocking. The Junes part-timer is unbothered by Labrys’ metal hand. Afterwards, the newly formed couple decides to spend the rest of the day watching the sunset together. As they gaze at the beautiful colors of the setting sun, Labrys rests her head on Yosuke’s shoulder. The android girl is glad she took her sister’s advice. Now that she was able to share her true feelings, Labrys looks forward to enjoying life with Yosuke by her side.