I can't say I wasn't surprised when Yusuke asked me to come with him to Mementos, of all places. He has his quirks, sure, but everything he does has a purpose—that's a constant I've come to rely on, with him. They may not always be obvious, but if you bother to look closer, his reasons become plain as day. That's one of the things I like about him. The fact that everything has a deeper meaning, a deeper purpose, with him.

I cannot help be excited to find out what it will be today.

"This place never fails to amaze me, no matter how many times we come..." He tugs at the collar of his thief outfit, facing away from me. His gaze is captured by a gated-off section that likely houses a secluded section of Mementos designated to someone who might soon grow a palace.

I wonder if we have a request on them yet—or if we might get one soon. Not that now is the time or the opportunity to head in. Not without the team, and not without a calling card—or honoring our consensus rule, either.

"Where does this passage even go?" Apparently, Yusuke's just as curious. "It feels like I'm being sucked inside merely by gazing upon it."

He turns and shoves his mask up to sit on top of his head. "So this is the heart of man..." he says in a low, thoughtful voice. Though, for some reason, it seems to break towards the end. Just a little. He's staring past me, fumbling with his mask. "It is ugly... yet beautiful as well. That duality is what makes humanity such an interesting subject..."

The more he speaks, the more I get the feeling he's beating around the actual bush, for some reason. Mementos is the rawest image of the collective human soul, mind, and... yes, heart too. That's why he wanted to come here, he said, to learn more about it.

But he still hasn't told me the actual motivation for this. If it were only about painting the human heart, he wouldn't have needed to bring me. He's strong enough to come here whenever he pleases, for artistic purposes. No—I eye him through my own mask and my heart's suddenly hammering out of my chest—there's a reason he brought me here. Me, specifically. And he's not getting out of here lest he tells me... Then and there, I swear to myself.

"A... As you know, I have been confused recently about the reason for my art. Did I want to be recognized, or did I want to capture pure beauty? Was it due to my talent, or just my upbringing?" He shakes his head and shifts away. "... Each answer would seem correct at first, yet only prove itself false upon a more in-depth examination."

I'm leaning and twisting my neck to catch sight of his hidden face when he surprises me by meeting my gaze. "Rin..."

I jerk back a little and he takes a step forward. "When my mother was painting the 'Sayuri'... I have always asked myself what she could have been thinking about. How could one feel such pure, powerful emotions that could produce a piece such as that? I suppose a part of me was jealous—a part of me thought—until I too feel emotions like she, I could never even dream of reaching her level."

Then, he takes a stance before me. There's no visible insecurity left in him, and for some reason, my chest tightens at his determined gaze.

"I see clearly now," he says, and as though he means to take my hand, stretches out his own. "So... what do you think she was thinking about when my mother painted the 'Sayuri'?"

The passionate, determined, and so incredibly certain way he asks it catches me more off-guard than the question. I swallow.

> "Her love for her son."

"The pain of separation."

"I don't know."

Yusuke gives a quiet sigh. "Love... indeed. Such love is almost embarrassing to have pointed out to me. For, up until recently, I could not have fathomed the mere concept, the vaguest, cheapest imitation of what such 'love' truly is."

I open my mouth to ask what he is talking about when he beats me to it. "I do know now, Rin. I do." Yusuke raises his hand again and I tense when it slowly sinks in what he has to be getting at.

"Not the love a mother feels for her son, obviously. But one kind of love is not inferior to another—and what I have come to understand..." He breaks a final time, clears his throat, then takes up his forcibly confident stance again. My heart hammers in my throat so hard I suddenly fear it will suffocate me. "... What I have come to understand I feel for you, Rin. I do not wish to deny it any longer."

He does not meet my gaze. "I have been trying to play it off as gratefulness, as pure, platonic admiration, for the longest time, but I cannot afford to run from my true feelings. Even if..." He suddenly retracts his hand and his pose falls, as though I've already rejected him. "Even if you do not return my affections, even if you do not feel that way about me—I simply must have you know the truth. For... what really is in my heart..." he looks up again, "... is you."

My head is spinning. Despite the acceptable temperature of Mementos, I suddenly break with sweat. I look at Yusuke's stretched-out hand, into his sincere eyes that suddenly seem so warm, so unconditionally, utterly accepting I cannot deny their pull on my heartstrings.

But... I desperately try to swallow the lump in my throat, to peer inside myself. He is baring himself before me—laying out his true, honest feelings. The least I owe him is to do the same.

Can I return his affections? Is this the man who has captured my heart? I cannot accept his confession before I'm not absolutely certain.

So, whatever I decide, I should choose my next words carefully...

"I do not feel the same way about you."

> "You're in my heart as well."

The moment the words leave my mouth, Yusuke nearly topples over. His eyes widen with surprise and I cannot help the warmth seeing him so uncomposed, and genuinely happy, sends down my spine.

"Y... you do?" he asks with a trembling voice, and I nod. There are no second thoughts—not when it comes to him. Then and there, I take his hand, fully and wholly aware of the bond we've shared for so long, the bond we've only now come to admit has turned into more than friendship. More than just romantic attraction either. More... It is always more, with Yusuke. But that's what makes him so fascinating. I wonder—if I spend enough time trying, will I ever fully come to understand him?

I have formed a special relationship with Yusuke... there's no going back now...

"I cannot believe you truly feel the same way...!" He holds my hand gently, as though fearing to break something. "To be honest, I had already steeled myself for a rejection. Not that I would think you would be cruel or unfair about it, just—!" He freezes and finally looks up, into my eyes. "Your words fill me with true happiness. It is thanks to you that I may hope to understand what it really means to love."

I smile back at him. Yusuke exceeds everyone in making someone feel special, and right now, his charms are working. They've worked for a while now.

"But... love, I believe was not the only thing my mother thought about when she painted. It seems the 'Sayuri' was meant to impart something to me... and to all others who view it, for that matter. Love, regret, loneliness, anxiety, calm... and hope. All of the emotions my mother felt, conveyed plainly to the viewer. That is why it has such a profoundly unique impact on those who see it. My paintings pale in comparison to such depth of meaning..." He shakes his head and I take a step closer, placing my hand on his arm in a gesture of support.

"That painting," Yusuke sighs, "it has kept me going this whole time. During particularly difficult nights, it was there to soothe my sadness. It acted almost as a ray of light cutting through the somber darkness... I had wanted to create a similar beacon of hope for others... but it seems I lost sight of the goal. Especially now," he looks up and raises a hand to brush my cheek, "now that it seems not so out of reach anymore. For, now... perhaps with you as my muse, my own heart may learn to feel it all. The world is a dark, unrelenting place, Rin. But with you by my side, I can wield my brush again... To give hope to all those who see my paintings. Whatever it takes... will you be with me?"

I am so taken aback, so moved, so rendered speechless by the sincere admiration and love that shines through in his words, that it takes me a moment to collect myself and speak. How could I have been so blind I hadn't picked up on his feelings before? He couldn't have been that good at hiding them, could he?

> "I will be with you."

"Yes, though it won't be easy."

"I'm not sure I can handle this."

His face lights up at once, and he takes my hands enthusiastically. "I am elated! You... you chose to help me work through my problems instead of leaving me to my sadness. Now, I will use my art to paint over the blackness of this world... and make you as happy as it is within my capability. Let's paint the world, Rin—it shall become a vivid realm, full of hope... I expect it will be a most beautiful sight to behold."

I hold his gaze—eyes shining with newfound passion—and allow the intense emotion to enter me, recharge me, fill me entirely. Perhaps what he is saying isn't so impossible after all—perhaps together, we can indeed achieve it.

I feel like my bond with Yusuke is growing deeper...

RANK UP!

CONFIDANT: Yusuke Kitagawa | EMPEROR^ RANK 9

NEW ABILITY: Protect [Chance to shield Joker from an otherwise fatal attack.]

~

[You will now earn more EXP from Arcana Burst when fusing Personas of the Emperor arcana!]

"Hm, this radiant light growing within me... It must be the light of hope. Or perhaps..." He pulls me a little closer, and I open my arms to embrace him. "Perhaps it is love. In any case... I shall paint it."

Perhaps we'd have stood there for another hour—or five—if the uneasy feeling of Shadows in the area wouldn't have suddenly crept down my neck and I remember we are still in Mementos. Not the best date spot—we decide to leave at once.

He doesn't release my hand for a single moment as we walk up the stairs of the subway station, and I'm about to suggest we could grab a bite to eat together—my treat—just to top off the evening, when a familiar voice catches us off guard.

"Ah, you two..."

"... Kawanabe-san," Yusuke grips my hand even tighter. The elderly man looks like he's been waiting for us.

"On your way home? You seem occupied, Yusuke-kun. Or am I mistaken?" He eyes us, then our entwined hands. "Then again, I'm on my way now to prepare for the competition. Speaking of which, do you plan on entering?"

"Indeed I do," says Yusuke without a moment of hesitation. "One may say I have found myself with a... fresh and utterly boundless source of inspiration."

Kawanabe once more eyes me, and his knowing smile speaks for itself. "Is that so... Well, in that case, perhaps there will be a favorable outcome. Still, the winner's spot is not simply yours for the taking."

Yusuke remains silent, so Kawanabe shrugs. "I suppose whether you ultimately opt to enter is entirely your decision though. The more the merrier, yes? Hahaha!"

With one final knowing look in our direction, he turns and walks off, leaving Yusuke and I to stare after him. I cannot fathom how he is feeling, but I know that I'm not sold on Kawanabe yet. Not that I have any place to decide for Yusuke, in this regard.

"The winner's spot..." he mumbles, "Ah, yes. I was hoping to prove my talent to him by taking the top prize home. That no longer matters to me though. I am going to enter my painting merely so others can be exposed to it."

I can't help but be taken aback by the statement. Yusuke gives me a smile. "What can I say... you helped me realize some things, Rin. I will still be counting on your support, yes?"

I nod enthusiastically, and he brushes my cheek with his thumb again. "It truly is odd... Just earlier, I found the world's pallet bleak and washed out. Now, when I look at you, everything becomes more saturated. As though your presence, and my connection with you, are breathing life into everything surrounding us. A sight I must paint... As soon as possible!"

That's when I know it is useless to ask him to spend more time with me now.

"I will talk to you later, Rin. I must—but for now, farewell!"

He practically storms off towards where he lives and I can't help but smile. That's the Yusuke I know and love. I hope with all my heart he never changes. 

******************************************

Yusuke keeps to his word to enter Kawanabe's contest. And then—the day finally comes, and Yusuke's painting wins. I would never say this to him, but I was having doubts—as I'm sure was he. But there's no reason to dwell on that. He makes the trip to the gallery a date.

I'm anticipating the day I can finally see his painting on display—even though he insists I'm his inspiration, he doesn't even let me see it. And when I do, I am positively stunned. No wonder it won—I stare in awe.

"I still have much to learn, but I finally painted something that I can be satisfied with," says Yusuke with a kind smile. "Yes. This is the true heart of humanity."

His hand is firmly in mine, and I attempt to keep my cool despite the overwhelming emotions that flood me when I make myself aware that I was the one who inspired him to create this.

"The title is 'Desire and Hope'." He turns and I notice the beaming pride in his eyes at once. "And it was only made possible by your guidance, your inspiration. So, I have decided to dedicate it to you. Well, what... do you think?"

I swallow. I'm very aware of how important it is to be both honest and kind in this situation. I cannot lie, but he is dedicating this to me—he's practically made it for me. There's no denying that.

"It's stunning."

> "What I like the most is that 'hope'."

"Ah! So you noticed!" His grin widens. "I added aspects that were previously lacking. This light..." He gestures at the bright, star-like center spot of the painting, "is all of you."

My heart skips a genuine beat. For a moment I falter, trying to think if anyone has ever said anything even remotely comparable to me... and find nothing.

"The title lists hope, but in my mind, it's a much more concrete thing. I'm so glad I realized it now..." He takes my face between his hands and for a moment, the world around us vanishes. It's just me, him, and the stunning piece of art—the one centering the light he believes I am for him. With all my heart I hope that I can live up to this expectation.

"Hmmm..." A voice suddenly interrupts and Yusuke and I jerk apart.

"You..." His eyes are lured away from my face and meet Kawanabe who appears behind us, steps closer and inspects the art.

"... It's a good painting," he says after a while.

Yusuke nearly trips when he jerks around. "Huh?"

"It's not trying to be eccentric for the sake of being eccentric, like the last time. To think the same painting can change this much..." Kawanabe turns and walks up to the two of us. He gives me an honest look, then turns to Yusuke. "So this is the answer you've come up with?"

"... It is," says Yusuke without releasing my hand.

"'Desire and Hope'... I see. Beauty and ugliness... Humans are creatures that possess both. It seems you understand that."

"What are you playing at?"

It dawns on me that this all had to have been some sort of test for Yusuke. To what end, or for what purpose, I do not know. But Kawanabe is being dishonest—and at this point, I think it is time to drop the act.

> "You provoked Yusuke on purpose?"

"Are you scheming something?"

"I apologize."

Well, at least he's admitting it right away.

Kawanabe shakes his head. "Although my intent was to encourage you, it was rather crude. Still, I believed that this ploy needed to be done in order to ignite your competitive spirit. Inspiration," he looks at me, "is important, but so is drive, and confidence—something that you seemed to have lacked."

"But... why would you do that? What's your objective?"

I tug at Yusuke's sleeve. He's smart, but also he's terrible at reading people sometimes.

"I wanted to do something for you as another person who is free from Madarame's chains. That's all."

I freeze. Okay, maybe it was better I didn't say anything. I thought he'd say something like 'I saw you were talented and wanted to give you a friendly push,' but this...?

"Huh?" Yusuke is stunned as well.

Kawanabe sighs. "Madarame held a grudge against me for supposedly stealing his customers from him. To start, I couldn't get anyone to rent me space for exhibits... He caused me no end of hardship."

"So that's why..." Yusuke is staring at the floor. I wrap an arm around his waist for comfort, and he leans into me on instinct.

"Yes... The heart of man is painted with desire, even if it's coated entirely in black at times. However, it seems you have the strength to not look away from it and chose to stand up against it. With a little help, I take?"

He looks at me and I smile.

> "Yusuke saw the light all on his own."

"My role was minor."

"Ah, yes—he is quite strong," Kawanabe nods. "If only he had his strength..."

My mind leaps to Madarame, and Kawanabe indeed nods. "... Madarame and I go back a long way. First as classmates, then as teachers at the same art school. He used to have a noble spirit. Said he wanted to aim for the top of the art world one day."

Yusuke remains quiet, and I tighten my grip on him.

"But in the end, even the art world has its share of politics... Those who are cunning win. Our hearts were stained black in that manner. But the human heart is a strange thing." He looks back at Yusuke's painting, "It can't completely separate black from white. I was shocked when I heard that he took you in. He never liked children, you see."

"Oh?"

The fact that this still surprises Yusuke saddens and amuses me at the same time. Perhaps he will never really be able to let go of the impression that somewhere, deep down, Madarame did care about him. And maybe he's not wrong.

"This happened just before we cut all ties from each other," Kawanabe continues, "but I got a call from him. He was panicking that nearby clinics were closed and that his kid had a fever."

"Sensei..."

That word carries so much emotion I feel it seep into me. Yusuke was right—there's no denying that now.

"He was a good man deep down."

> "That was another aspect of him."

"... Yeah." It's all that Yusuke says... and he doesn't need to say more.

"I don't want any more losers like me or misguided winners like him being born from this world. That's why I started this foundation." Kawanabe looks determined, suddenly. "So how about it?" He's facing Yusuke again, "Would you like our support? Without the overbearing marketing production, of course."

I think this is the first genuine smile I've ever seen from him.

"It's truly a kind offer..." Yusuke nods and I feel his strain as though it were mine. "Thank you for your generosity. However, I must respectfully decline."

"Huh?" Kawanabe is just as taken aback as me. Though I feel an instant sting of guilt. I should know Yusuke better by now.

"What makes you say that?"

I suppress the urge to roll my eyes.

"I am not Madarame," says Yusuke. "I won't be stained by desire. After all," he turns to me, "I can see hope. If I am lost, they will extend their hands. If I am wrong, they will chastise me... As long as I have my hope to guide me, I will be fine."

Once more I am rendered speechless. He will keep on bringing all these impossibly romantic, beautiful lines and I will be surprised every time with how he managed to yet again exceed his last one. It's going to be a thing... and I'm not complaining. Not even remotely.

"... Hah. Madarame really did have a good eye. Hahahahaha!" Kawanabe laughs without restraint, and I think he is honestly laughing at himself for not anticipating this reaction, like me. Then, he turns and walks off, without another word.

Yusuke and I exchange glances.

"What a strange man," he shakes his head.

I nod. Then I pull at his sleeve.

"Want to take this somewhere else?"

> "Are you hungry?"

"I'm still waiting for the date-bit of this day..."

"Ah, are you..." He is taken aback and I grin. "Are you... offering to take me on a date...?" He tilts his head. "Is it not polite for the man to treat the woman...?"

I eye him over the top of my glasses like he doesn't know he is broke as hell. He seems to catch what I mean to say for he falls quiet.

"W... where would you take me?"

I simply grab his arm and, without further ado, shove him out of the gallery. It doesn't take long to find a cozy little restaurant that is neither overpriced nor too crowded, and I wordlessly offer Yusuke the menu that he immediately begins to browse.

The food is delivered fairly quickly and we eat in comfortable silence until Yusuke speaks again. "Do you think me strange for declining Kawanabe's offer?"

I tilt my head—how would I even begin to respond to that?

"It is a tad wasteful of me to decline," he admits. "Still, I believe it's for the best. I feel contradictory, but that's the human heart, correct?"

I nod and he leans back.

"... Interesting. That's exactly what I should be painting." I suppress the urge to roll my eyes at the fact that there really seems to not be a single moment when he doesn't think about art.

But maybe I'm giving myself away somehow because Yusuke suddenly tenses, then leans over. "Oh—I didn't mean to derail the attention again. I'm truly sorry... this time was supposed to be yours, and here I am, talking about myself again."

I hesitate only for a heartbeat, then I scoot over and lean my head on his shoulder. For a moment he is taken aback, then he relaxes into me. I sense his hand around my waist.

"I knew you wouldn't abandon me..." he mutters into my hair. "I... I didn't anticipate you actually returning my feelings... though I will not complain in the slightest, of course. Thank you... my love."

My smile is concealed as I press my face into his shirt, but I am certain he can sense it anyway. I feel a strong bond with Yusuke...

I am thou, thou art I...

Thou hast turned a vow into a blood oath.

Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion

And break the yoke of thy heart.

Thou hast awakened to the ultimate secret

Of the Emperor, granting thee infinite power...

~

RANK UP!

CONFIDANT: Yusuke Kitagawa | EMPEROR^ RANK 10 [MAX]

NEW ABILITY: Second Awakening [Transforms Persona into a mythological trickster.]

~

[Your Emperor Confidant has increased to MAX Rank! You will now earn more EXP from Arcana Burst when fusing Personas of the Emperor arcana!]

[FUSION UNLOCKED: You can now fuse Odin, the most powerful Persona of the Chariot arcana.]

"The Persona within me has awakened to a new power."

[Yusuke's Persona Goemon has transformed into Kamu-Susano-o!]

We sit side by side, holding each other, for a long while. Nobody bothers us—the restaurant is almost empty—and neither of us feels like shattering the moment.

It is finally Yusuke who speaks first. "I'm out of my slump... thanks to you. But I will need to make up for the time I wasn't able to paint."

I look up at a gentle, loving smile that I'm still not used to seeing on his face.

"... I reiterate my promise to you," he brushes my cheek, "I'll extend my assistance to you, should you ever stumble. And," his smile widens, "I reiterate my confession. You are the one in my heart, now and always. Please never forget this."

I nod firmly, and he prepares to stand. "Shall we go? In order for me to learn more about the heart, we need to work hard in our thief business. And perhaps... dating will also teach me one or the other thing." He smiles. "But I believe we are pushing our luck, overstaying our due at this place without eating."

I notice a couple waiters looking at us from across the room and nod. Then, before he can stand, I pull him back.

"What—!"

"Let's do something first."

> "There's something I've been waiting to do..."

Yusuke looks at me with widened eyes, but it doesn't take him long to understand. As soon as I see realization flash in his eyes, and a pink hue appear on his pale face, I pull him down for a kiss.

That evening, it takes us a long while to make it back to the station.