The morning light crept softly into Y/N's room, nudging her awake. She blinked against the brightness, trying to gather her thoughts, which drifted in a hazy mix of yesterday's events. Her heart clenched briefly as she remembered Akira and Makoto's connection—a glance that had told her everything she'd been avoiding. But the memory of last night didn't end there; another thought slipped in, unexpected yet steady: Akechi walking beside her, his voice calm and gentle as they shared the quiet streets home.

With a sigh, she sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed and stretching. Last night's realization had weighed heavy on her, but somehow, Akechi's presence had made it easier to bear. She didn't understand why he'd stayed with her or why he'd offered her that small bit of reassurance. But it lingered in her mind, even now.

She moved to the mirror, brushing her hair as she took in her reflection. There was a subtle warmth from last night, as if that simple walk had made the world a little less confusing. Akechi's words replayed in her head: "You're just figuring things out. A little lost, maybe, but you're not alone in that."

As she fastened her school uniform, her gaze flickered toward her phone resting on the nightstand. She thought about what it might be like to send Akechi a quick message—something simple, maybe even a thank you for last night. She felt a flutter of nerves at the thought but dismissed it. After all, he was only a new acquaintance, someone she hadn't really expected to cross paths with like that.

But she couldn't shake the feeling that he'd understood her in a way no one else had. And now, that small glimmer of comfort was something she wasn't sure she wanted to let go of.

Her fingers brushed over her phone before she slipped it into her bag, deciding against texting him just yet. She couldn't help but feel that reaching out would be taking a step forward she wasn't quite ready for. But, maybe later, she'd find the courage to start that conversation.

For now, she left her room and began her day, feeling a quiet but unfamiliar sense of anticipation, wondering if she'd see him again—and if maybe, just maybe, she'd work up the courage to say more.

>>@thetrainstation<<

The train station was buzzing with morning activity, people moving in every direction as Y/N waited on the platform. Her fingers toyed with the strap of her bag as she glanced down the tracks, trying not to think too much about the day ahead. She was still distracted by yesterday's events, her mind drifting between the bittersweet ache of her feelings for Akira and the surprising comfort she'd felt walking alongside Akechi.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed someone stepping up beside her until she heard a familiar voice.

"Y/N?"

She blinked and looked up to see Akechi standing a few feet away; his expression caught between surprise and amusement. He was dressed in his usual attire, looking just a bit out of place among the hurried commuters. His presence made the crowded platform feel strangely still.

"Oh, Akechi!" She managed a small smile, her pulse quickening. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Neither did I." His gaze softened slightly as he glanced around. "I had some business nearby, so I thought I'd take the train back."

Y/N nodded, feeling the sudden urge to fill the quiet between them. "Busy morning?"

He shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Nothing too exciting. Though the commute is always... lively."

She chuckled, feeling the awkwardness slip away. "Yeah, it's a bit hectic, isn't it? I always feel like I'm just one wrong step from getting swept away by the crowd."

Akechi chuckled softly. "I could see that happening. Maybe I'll have to keep an eye out for you if we ever happen to commute together."

His tone was light, teasing, but there was a genuine warmth in his expression that made her heart give a small, unexpected flutter. It was strange to feel so at ease around him, especially considering how little she really knew about him. She wondered if he felt it too—that quiet sense of understanding between them.

Before she could respond, the faint rumble of an approaching train cut through the noise. Her train would be here soon, and she felt a slight twinge of disappointment, realizing their conversation would end as quickly as it had started.

"So... do you come here often?" She asked, realizing too late how cliché the question sounded.

Akechi raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Are you... trying to pick me up, Y/N?" He replied, his voice light but with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Her cheeks flush, and she laughed, brushing a hand through her hair in embarrassment. "No! I just meant... well, you don't seem like the kind of person who spends much time on trains."

"Touché," he replied with a smirk. "It's true; I prefer other means of getting around. But it has its charm." He glanced toward the tracks, his gaze thoughtful. "Sometimes, a crowded platform is the perfect place to feel a bit... anonymous."

She nodded, feeling that unspoken understanding settle between them again. There was something comforting in his words, as if he, too, felt the weight of people's expectations and understood what it was like to drift a little.

"Well, maybe I'll see you here again," she said softly, feeling the words slip out before she could stop them. Her train pulled up, and she glanced at it reluctantly.

Akechi met her eyes and nodded, a hint of a smile still on his lips. "Maybe so. And... have a good day, Y/N."

As Y/N settled into her seat on the subway, the rhythmic clatter of the train beneath her felt almost meditative. The rush of the city was distant now, the buzz of conversation and the shuffle of feet blending into the background. She pulled out her earbuds and scrolled through her playlist, eventually landing on Ricky Montgomery's "Talk to You."

The familiar strum of the guitar filled her ears—a soft ache to the melody that felt just right for the moment. She closed her eyes for a beat, letting the lyrics take over her thoughts.

"I wish I could talk to you, pull my chair right up there next to you, and talk to you, oh baby... (what? no!)"

Y/N sighed softly, letting the words sink in. The longing in them, the simple wish to be heard, echoed something deep inside of her. Her thoughts wandered to Akira again—unavoidable, like a ghost that clung to the quiet corners of her mind. She'd let herself hope for something, even if she knew it wasn't likely to be returned the way she wanted.

But today, unlike before, the ache didn't feel as sharp. It wasn't the hollow feeling of rejection, not anymore. Instead, it was an accepting sort of hurt, a quiet understanding that some things weren't meant to be—and that was okay.

As the subway passed through dark tunnels and flickering lights, the train's motion felt almost soothing, like the world outside was a little less pressing. Akira wasn't a part of her everyday anymore, but there were moments, like this one, when his absence was felt more clearly. She thought about their interactions—the way he had made her feel, those small moments when she'd imagined there was a chance.

But now, it wasn't the desperation for things to be different. It was a kind of peace in the quiet acceptance. Maybe there was more for her to explore in the future—maybe even something she hadn't realized yet.

The song drifted on, the hum of the subway stilling her racing thoughts. "I wish I could talk to you..." The words felt like an echo of what she used to feel—unspoken, unsaid—but no longer urgent, not anymore. She was learning to let go, just a little, and it wasn't as painful as she had feared.

With a soft breath, she rested her head against the cool window, letting the music carry her through the ride, accepting that life was moving on, even if she wasn't quite sure where it would take her.

As Y/N stepped off the train and into the familiar hustle of Shujin's morning crowd, she couldn't shake the quiet ache that lingered from the ride. The soft rhythm of Ricky Montgomery's song still hummed in her head, but the thoughts of Akira, of everything unspoken, made her heart throb a little too sharply. It wasn't so much pain now—more like an old wound that had settled into a dull throb.

"Hey, Y/N!" Ann waved as she spotted her in the crowd, and Y/N smiled back, walking over.

"Hey, Ann," Y/N greeted, trying to push the lingering thoughts away. "How's it going?"

Ann flashed a grin. "You know, the usual. Just trying not to get run over by the mob of students." She chuckled. "But, hey, have you heard anything new about Kaneshiro's palace?"

Y/N gave a small sigh. "Nothing new, really. But I'm starting to think it's going to be a bit more complicated than we originally thought."

Ann tilted her head. "Complicated? What do you mean?"

Y/N hesitated for a moment, running a hand through her hair. "I mean, he's definitely hiding something— bigger than just money. He's not just targeting teenagers, but his cognition is locked behind several safes."

Ann nodded thoughtfully. "I get that. Kaneshiro's palace felt different from the others, like there's something deeper going on in his warped mind. Maybe we're not hitting the right spot yet."

Y/N was about to continue when she noticed Makoto standing nearby, eyes slightly averted, as if distracted by something. She wasn't looking at either of them, her stance a little stiff, like she was avoiding fully engaging. Y/N hesitated before glancing at Ann.

"Hey, Makoto," Y/N greeted with a casual tone, stepping a little closer.

Makoto shifted, as if startled by Y/N's approach, and gave a small nod. "Morning, Y/N." There was an odd tightness in her voice, an almost forced politeness that didn't sit right with Y/N. Makoto was usually warm, at least in public. Today, however, there was something... off.

Ann caught the awkward pause and laughed lightly, the sound a little too loud. "I swear, Makoto's always so serious. You could use a bit of fun, don't you think?"

Makoto's lips twitched, a flicker of something unreadable passing through her eyes before she turned to Ann. "I'm fine," she said quickly, but it was clear she was holding back from something more. The slight distance between Makoto and Y/N hadn't gone unnoticed.

Y/N felt a shift in the air, a subtle unease curling at the back of her mind. "Everything okay?" she asked, glancing between Ann and Makoto.

Makoto didn't meet her eyes, instead adjusting the strap of her bag with a small frown. "Of course. Just... tired," she murmured.

Ann, seemingly oblivious to the tension, went on, grinning. "Right, right. Always the overachiever. How about we grab lunch together later, huh?"

Makoto's response was curt. "We'll see."

There was an awkward silence, stretching longer than Y/N expected, as if Makoto's words held an unspoken weight. She made short eye contact with Ann, both a bit confused and worried.

Y/N bit her lip, feeling the familiar feeling of being on the outside of something—like there was a private conversation just beneath the surface she wasn't meant to be a part of. She wanted to say something to bridge the gap, but the words felt stuck in her throat. The strange, uncomfortable vibe between them was thick enough that Y/N didn't want to push.

"Well, I guess I should get to class," Y/N said, forcing a light tone as she gave a half-hearted smile. "See you guys later."

Ann gave her a thumbs-up, but Makoto only nodded, her eyes still avoiding Y/N's. It was subtle, but there was something in the way Makoto held herself—like there was a wall she didn't want to tear down.

Y/N tried to ignore the feeling as she walked away, the weight of the moment gnawing at her. As she entered the school, she couldn't shake the sense that something had changed between her and Makoto—something that wasn't being said.

The day felt heavy, the teacher's voice blending into a dull hum as Y/N stared out the window. Her thoughts drifted, the weight of the morning's interactions still lingering. She had spoken to Akechi at the station, but since then, the hours had dragged on, and she hadn't quite shaken the feeling of the conversation.

Instead of engaging in her usual quiet back-and-forth with Akira or Ann, Y/N found herself glancing at her phone under her desk. She wasn't sure why she was reaching out again, but she felt the need to break the silence in her head.

She pulled her phone out and opened Akechi's contact, her fingers hovering over the screen. It wasn't like it had been days since they spoke. It had only been hours. She felt a small tug of hesitation, but then she sent the message.

>Y/N: hii, it's me again!

>Y/N: how's your day going so far?

Her thumb quickly hit send before she could overthink it, and she tucked the phone back into her pocket, trying to focus on the lesson.

Minutes later, her phone buzzed.

>Akechi: Ah, it's you. Not much, just another day. How about you?

His response was polite, formal, but there was a slight warmth to it that made her smile.

>Y/N: same

>Y/N: just dragging along, the morning felt like it lasted forever

>Akechi: I know what you mean. Some days feel longer than others.

Y/N chuckled quietly to herself, relieved to have something easy to exchange with him.

>Y/N: at least it's not all chaos

>Akechi: True. A bit of monotony is sometimes welcome.

His words felt oddly comforting, and Y/N felt a small smile tug at her lips. Despite their brief exchanges, it was nice to talk to him like this—nothing heavy, just light conversation.

>Y/N: i'll survive the day..

>Y/N: hopefully it goes by fast

Akechi replied a moment later.

>Akechi: I'm sure it will. If you need a break from the monotony, you know where to find me.

She smiled at his words, appreciating the offer. It wasn't too familiar, but it was kind in its own way.

>Y/N: thanks, i might take you up on that

As she finished typing, she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Ann was glancing at her. Y/N quickly tucked the phone back into her pocket, but Ann's sly, knowing smile was unmistakable.

Ann raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a playful grin. Y/N tried to hide her expression, but Ann's eyes sparkled with mischief.

Without saying a word, Ann gave her a slow, exaggerated wink. The type that only girls who've spent too much time together would understand. Y/N blinked, feeling her face heat up a little as she caught the unspoken question.

Before Y/N could respond, Ann leaned back in her chair, letting out a dramatic sigh. "I swear, Y/N, you're always so mysterious with your little texts. Who are you talking to this time?"

Y/N bit her lip, glancing down at her desk. Ann's teasing tone was light, but there was no mistaking the playfulness behind it. She shot Ann a brief, tired look, and Ann just grinned wider in response, clearly knowing exactly what was going on.

It wasn't the first time Ann had caught her in the act of texting, but this time, Y/N felt like she had to be a little more careful with her responses. She couldn't let Ann know she was texting Akechi—not yet, anyway. But the teasing look in Ann's eyes made her feel oddly exposed, as if her feelings were written all over her face.

Ann raised her hands in mock surrender and sat back in her seat, turning her attention back to the front of the class. But her playful expression never wavered.

Y/N, feeling a little out of her depth, did her best to ignore the tension. She focused on the lesson in front of her, but the brief interaction with Ann lingered, making her heart beat a little faster than usual.

The rest of the day felt like a blur. Classes dragged on with an unbearable slowness, each lesson blending into the next. The chatter of the other students around her felt distant, a muffled hum that she could barely focus on. Her mind kept drifting, whether it was back to the conversation with Ann, or thoughts of Akechi's polite messages, which lingered in the back of her mind like a quiet hum. It was as if everything was happening in slow motion, the hours stretching out endlessly.

History, and even literature felt like an endless cycle—she did her work, took her notes, zoned out during discussions. Even the usual brief glances exchanged with Akira or Ann didn't bring the same spark they once did. Her thoughts kept shifting back to that moment in the hallway when she'd seen Akira and Makoto's shared smile. No matter how much she tried to push it away, the sting of that memory kept creeping in. And yet, it was quieter now, more like a dull ache rather than the sharp, overwhelming pain from before.

By the time lunch rolled around, Y/N was almost relieved that the monotony would end soon. She could barely muster the energy to engage in her usual casual conversation with Akira and Ann, so she opted to take her lunch to the courtyard for some much-needed peace and quiet. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy their company—it was more that her mind had become consumed by thoughts she couldn't sort out.

The bell for afternoon classes rang, and she trudged through the rest of the school day, each moment feeling like it was dragging her deeper into the routine. When the final bell of the day echoed throughout the school, signaling the end of the day, she was already mentally exhausted.

As she gathered her things and walked out to meet Ann and Akira, she was interrupted by Akira's familiar voice, sounding a little more urgent than usual.

"Y/N, do you think we could head to the palace today?" Akira asked, a slight frown on his face. "It's been a while since we've done any real work in there, and I don't want to lose any more time."

Y/N blinked, momentarily snapping out of her thoughts. The monotony of the day had made her forget about the Phantom Thieves' business. The mention of the palace had her mind shifting gears almost immediately, the idea of working with the others suddenly drawing her attention.

She almost stared at him for a few seconds, her mind and heart fighting over which emotion chose to control her words.

"Oh, right... the palace," she muttered, shaking herself out of her reverie. "I suppose we could go. It'll be a good change of pace, actually."

Akira smiled, his face softening a little. "Great. We'll meet up later, then. I'll send you a message when I'm ready to go."

Her phone buzzed again, a message from Akechi. She hesitated before picking it up, but this time, her mind wasn't on the text itself. Akira had caught her texting. The curiosity in his eyes, the way he had spoke- it was all coming back too quickly.

"Who's texting you?"

It had caught her off guard, and she didn't know what to say.

"A friend," She brushed it off, pretending it wasn't anything serious. But the truth was, there was something about texting Akechi that was harder to ignore now.

Akira had just nodded, returning to whatever it was he was doing beforehand.

It wasn't like the usual chatter with classmates. Akechi's messages had a weight to them, a sharpness that kept her on edge, but there was also something strange—a flicker of something else. She was learning more about him with every exchange, and it unsettled her. He wasn't the perfect enemy she had once thought him to be.

She thought back to that morning at the station. Their brief conversation had felt almost... normal, even friendly in a way that was unexpected. Akechi wasn't someone she was supposed to understand, someone she was supposed to keep her distance from. But somehow, with each text and each encounter, he was becoming more than just the enemy. He was becoming a person.

The thought made her stomach twist, and she felt a wave of guilt wash over her. She couldn't let herself get too comfortable. He was still their enemy, no matter how much she talked to him or how much she might come to understand him. The distance between them—whether it was from a digital screen or face to face—was there for a reason.

She didn't dare to look at Akira after the slow realization overtook her face; her lips grimaced. How would he react when she was all friendly with his enemy? Who on live TV, stated he wanted to take them down.

but.. he was nice to her.

Yet, when Akira had asked her about the texts, she'd panicked. Her heart had skipped a beat, and she'd quickly deflected, making it sound like just some casual conversation. Because, in truth, it wasn't really any of Akira's business, was it? Not in the way he was hoping. But the look in his eyes, the curiosity, made her feel like she needed to explain herself, even though she didn't want to. She could've just said it was nothing, but instead, she'd brushed it off, unsure of what else to say.

Y/N exhaled slowly, the weight of the moment still pressing on her. She wasn't supposed to be close to Akechi. Not like this. She wasn't supposed to understand him or feel this strange connection, even if it was still tentative. But it was there, and the more she thought about it, the harder it was to ignore.

The phone buzzed again. Akechi's name flashed on the screen.

She stared at it for a moment, fingers hovering, before she quickly locked the screen, sighing. The sense of something growing—something she couldn't quite define—was gnawing at her, but she couldn't let it change anything.

It wasn't like she was interested in him, right? She didn't want a relationship with him. She couldn't. She didn't even know if she could trust him. But the idea that she was getting to know their enemy—that she was letting him get closer in any way—felt dangerous. Yet it felt so... natural. Like a slow burn she couldn't put out, no matter how hard she tried.

She put the phone down on her desk and looked out the window, watching the soft streetlight flicker in the night. Akira was curious about her, but she couldn't bring herself to share anything real. Not with him. Not yet. Not with anyone.

Akechi, the enemy.

Akechi, the person.

It was getting harder to keep the two separate.

And that realization unsettled her more than she cared to admit.

>>@thehideout<<

The group had gathered at the familiar, dimly-lit attic of Leblanc—their hideout. Dust floated lazily through the air, lit by the soft, warm glow of a few lamps. The smell of coffee lingered, as always, grounding them in the real world before they dove into the unknown.

Y/N sat cross-legged on the worn couch, leaning against the armrest as she watched the others trickle in. Akira was already there, of course, adjusting his glasses and scribbling last-minute notes in his planner. Ryuji slumped beside him, half-focused and half-impatient, tapping his foot on the ground. Ann and Makoto exchanged quiet words as they leaned against the counter, with Ann occasionally casting a look over at Y/N, as if checking in. Yusuke was last to arrive, his sketchbook tucked under one arm, a focused look in his eyes.

"Everyone ready?" Akira asked, looking around at his teammates. He was met with nods and quiet affirmations, though there was a tension among them. Kaneshiro's Palace had been intense so far, and they all knew the stakes were higher than ever.

Morgana leapt up onto the coffee table, his eyes narrowing as he addressed them. "Remember, this is a bank crawling with Shadows and security measures. We've barely scratched the surface, and Kaneshiro's got this place locked up tighter than any other Palace we've seen."

Y/N swallowed, feeling the gravity of his words. The Palace was different from the others they'd encountered—more ruthless, more methodical. Kaneshiro's greed was overwhelming, almost tangible, and she could feel the weight of it pressing on all of them.

Makoto's fists were clenched, her eyes were sharp. "We have to stay focused. This isn't just about stopping him—it's about saving everyone he's been exploiting. People are counting on us."

There was a beat of silence as everyone absorbed her words. Then Ryuji chimed in, trying to lighten the mood as usual. "Yeah, yeah, I get it! Let's just get in there and show this guy we mean business!"

The others chuckled, and the moment of tension broke slightly.

They gathered their belongings, preparing themselves mentally for the shift into the Metaverse. The quiet confidence, the shared determination—they were ready.

As they stepped out of Leblanc and headed towards the subway station, the night air was cool against their skin, a reminder of the world they were fighting to protect. They walked as a group, keeping their heads down as they moved through the streets, blending into the late-night crowd until they reached their entry point.

Finally, as they reached the secluded spot near the station that would take them to Kaneshiro's Palace, Akira held out his phone and gave a nod to the others.

"Everyone ready?" he asked, his voice steady.

One by one, they nodded, gathering close as they focused their minds on the strange, twisted bank that awaited them in the Metaverse.

The colors around them started to swirl, reality folding away like pages turning, and the shadowed city transformed.

When the world finally settled, they found themselves standing at the entrance of Kaneshiro's bank—a towering, ominous structure shrouded in shadows, its vault-like doors sealed shut.

"This place isn't going to get any easier," he said quietly, scanning their faces.

"We've seen his defenses—Kanashiro's not holding back, and he's definitely aware of us."

Y/N took a deep breath, remembering the maze of laser grids and towering security safes they'd encountered on their last run.

Oh, right. codenames.

This was only her second palace- she'd joined the thieves early on in madarame's palace after akira- no. Joker, teleported to the metaverse without realizing she was still there.

"We really need to figure out a way around those lasers," she added, crossing her arms thoughtfully. "They're everywhere, and even with Mona scouting, it's a challenge to map out a clear path."

Queen's eyes flicked toward Y/N, and for a split second, her face was unreadable. Then, with a slight tilt of her head, she replied, "Yeah, well... that's what we've been trying to do. Every run has been about making progress, even if it's in small steps."

Y/N turned her head to look at Queen—unsure of what she actually meant by that.

what the fuck?

The words were even, but there was an edge beneath them, a subtle reminder of the hard work they'd all put in so far. Y/N blinked, feeling the slight bite in Queen's tone. Before she could respond, Panther stepped in, her voice upbeat, as if smoothing over Queen's remark.

"We're getting close, though," Panther chimed in, flashing Y/N a small, reassuring smile. "And now that we know more about the layout, maybe we can finally push past that whole mess and find the main vault."

"Forreal," Skull added, fists clenched with renewed energy. "We're so close to nailing this creep. Let's just keep our heads in the game, and we'll figure it out together."

Queen nodded, her expression softening a bit as she looked away, though she stayed silent. The moment passed, but the tension lingered in the air, settling into the team's shared determination as they moved forward.

what was hers again?

she looked around at the thieves, creeping into the bank— hoping someone would refer to her at some point so she knew who she was.

oh, right- rosé.

The team moved swiftly, stepping into the wide, dimly lit vault area where shadows loomed, pacing like restless guards.

"Alright, team," Joker said, tightening his grip on his knife. "We do this by the book. Everyone ready?"

Queen adjusted her gloves, her eyes narrowing at the shadows blocking their way forward. "More than ready. Let's make this quick."

Y/N nodded in agreement, a quiet confidence filling her as she felt the familiar connection with Messiah- her persona.

"Right, then," Joker said with a nod. "Let's go!"

He ambushed the nearest shadow- ripping off its mask, and battle commenced.

Joker was up first. He analyzed the enemy's weak points, settling on a Shadow known to be weak against Curse.

"Alright... Here goes!" He called forth Arsène and launched a swift Curse attack, targeting the Shadow in front. The blow landed hard, staggering the enemy.

"Nice one, Joker!" Queen called, eyes flashing with determination. Her turn followed immediately, and she aimed a punch powered by Johanna straight at a different enemy, exploiting its weakness.

"Rosé, your turn!" Joker prompted.

Rosé stepped forward, calling upon Messiah.

"By the myriad truths!" She sent out a blast of Almighty energy toward a menacing Shadow on the right. The room crackled with power as the attack struck true, the shadow screaming as it died.

is it rosé like the wine? or.. like the flower, maybe?

she had no time to think before the baton passed over to mona.

"Looking good, Rosé!" Mona praised before springing into action. With quick reflexes, he darted between Shadows, claws slicing as he struck one near the back.

Their rhythm felt strong, each turn flowing into the next. As they went through their rotation, Joker kept everyone on point, calling out weaknesses, while Queen, Rosé, and Mona executed each move with precision.

The Shadows dwindled one by one, each team member holding their ground with fierce determination. By the time the last enemy fell, they were breathing hard but victorious. Joker took a deep breath, surveying their surroundings.

"Perfect teamwork," he said with a grin, and Rosé shared a quiet, satisfied smile.

The rest of their journey through Kaneshiro's palace felt like a blur to Y/N, almost as though she were moving on autopilot. Shadows appeared and were dispatched in a matter of moments, the rhythm of battle carrying them from one hall to the next. Joker led the way, his focus sharp, his orders precise. Queen tackled obstacles head-on with a silent determination, and Mona scouted ahead, darting back to give updates on their route. Rosé followed with a quiet intensity, offering support where needed but feeling a strange distance in her chest—detached from the usual rush of victory.

They mapped out their route with careful precision, strategizing where to slip past lasers, avoiding the guards and winding their way closer to Kaneshiro's vault. Soon, they'd carved a clear path to the treasure. The others spoke with a sense of accomplishment, but Y/N felt almost out of place as they wrapped up their discussions, her thoughts drifting elsewhere, even as she exchanged final plans with the group.

They eventually made their way out of the palace and back to the safety of the real world, emerging onto the Shibuya streets where the night air felt calm, almost too calm after the intense, surreal world of Kaneshiro's palace.

As the others began parting ways, Y/N felt herself slip back into her own thoughts, eager to head home and let the day's haze settle. But just as she turned to go, Akira stepped forward, his voice gentle as he caught her attention.

"Hey, Y/N, do you want me to walk you home? It's getting late."

She paused, surprised for a moment, but then offered him a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Akira, but I think I'll be fine on my own."

Her voice was light, but it held a new edge of distance she hadn't intended, and as he nodded in understanding, she felt an odd mixture of relief and guilt. This was the first time she'd ever turned down his offer to walk her back- or, any offer, yet it didn't feel as hard as she'd imagined.

As she walked away alone, she couldn't help but feel the slow unraveling of her hopes—each step creating a little more space between her and the lingering feelings she'd held for him.

it was easier to get over the bundle of feelings bunching up- as if she'd taken a seam ripper and gone at it with a plain-seamed shirt.

Y/N continued walking through the familiar streets, the evening air crisp as the city's hum surrounded her. She glanced down at her phone once more, just as she passed Jazz Jin, a place she'd often gone to unwind after long days. Her finger hovered over the keyboard, but before she could even type, a message from Akechi popped up.

>Akechi: Have you gotten home yet? I was expecting more from our conversation.

Her heart skipped a beat. She sighed, not exactly sure why his message had caused that feeling to swell in her chest. She wasn't sure how to respond to it just yet.

>Y/N: not yet, omw though!

She paused as the message sent, her thumb still lingering over the screen, as if awaiting some kind of sign, a reason to keep the conversation flowing. A couple of moments later, his reply came through.

>Akechi: I see. I could call you, if you'd like. It might be a more pleasant walk home if you'd prefer company.

Y/N let out a soft breath. Her fingers hovered over the keys for a moment longer. A call from him... That would be nice, wouldn't it? She was used to the oddity of Akechi's kindness, but she had to admit, something in her mind settled, as though he was someone who truly understood—even when they were at opposite ends of the spectrum.

>Y/N: im sorry, i'm almost there so it would be a minute long call haha

she typed quickly, but still couldn't quite shake the feeling of how easily she'd fallen into this rhythm. She couldn't help but feel conflicted.

>Akechi: Ah. Have a good night then, Y/N.

As she passed Jazz Jin, she stopped for a brief moment, gazing at the familiar sign before turning back towards the street. There was a flicker of regret, a sense of unease. She had spent the evening with him... once. The notion made her heart twist—she was walking so closely to their enemy, to someone who was, at the very least, entwined in a web of deceit.

Had she really gotten so comfortable with this?

What had happened to all those carefully kept boundaries?

She stared down at her phone again. This was... complicated. Yet, somehow, the thought of continuing to talk to Akechi seemed almost... inevitable. She regretted that. Because no matter how she tried to deny it, she couldn't deny the subtle pull he had over her thoughts.

And worse, she wasn't sure if she even wanted to stop it.

Her fingers danced over the keyboard once more.

>Y/N: goodnight akechi!

She hit send, slipping the phone back into her pocket as she continued home. Her thoughts wandered again.

What was this connection?

Y/N stepped quietly through the front door, the familiar creak echoing in the stillness of her home. She let out a tired sigh, sliding off her shoes and setting her bag down beside them. The dim light from the streetlamp outside filtered through the window, casting faint patterns on the floor.

As she walked to her room, she passed the living room mirror, catching her reflection—a faint smile on her face that surprised her. She brushed a stray hair behind her ear, wondering if she'd been smiling for longer than she'd realized.

With a small shake of her head, she continued down the hall, slipping into her room and closing the door behind her.

After changing into some pajamas, she sank onto her bed, the day's weight settling over her shoulders. Pulling her phone out one last time, she glanced at Akechi's last message again. She hadn't intended for this kind of companionship, this strange, uncharted territory between them. And yet, here she was.

Setting her phone on the nightstand, Y/N stretched out and pulled her blanket up, letting herself sink into the mattress. Her thoughts drifted between tangled memories, friendships, and that persistent pull she couldn't quite name.

In the quiet darkness of her room, Y/N was just starting to drift off when her phone lit up with a soft buzz, the glow catching her attention. She squinted at the screen, half-surprised to see Akechi's name appear again at this hour.

>Akechi: I hope I'm not disturbing you. I just realized I never asked—did you make it home safely?

She blinked, a little taken aback by the timing. It was rare-no, weird, for Akechi to reach out like this unprompted, especially this late. She could almost picture him, his expression just as unreadable as always, but his message seemed to carry a hint of warmth she hadn't expected.

She hesitated, her fingers hovering over the screen before she typed back.

>Y/N: i js got home not too long ago actually

>Y/N: i didn't think you'd still be up!

It took only a moment for his reply to come through.

>Akechi: I tend to keep strange hours. Good to know you're safe. Walking alone at night can be... unpredictable.

For a second, she couldn't help but smirk, imagining his concerned, almost gentlemanly tone, though a part of her questioned how much of that was genuine and how much was the charm he wore so well.

>Y/N: im fine, i promise

>Y/N: besides, I had good company

>Y/N: through text, anyway,

She half-regretted sending it, the words feeling a little too candid. But Akechi's reply came quickly.

>Akechi: I suppose even an unlikely friendship has its perks.

There was an almost playful undertone to his message, and she found herself smiling despite herself. She let her phone rest on her chest for a moment, considering her reply, before finally typing:

>Y/N: unlikely?

She stares at the word, tilting her head slightly. It feels like such a calculated word for him, as if he chose it on purpose. But why?

>Akechi: Yes, unlikely. It's not every day I meet someone so different from the circles I typically find myself in.

>Akechi: Most people I spend time with... well, they're not exactly like you.

Y/N smiles a little, trying to imagine what "circles" he means. Politicians? Detectives? People she can only imagine in movies? The whole idea seems surreal. And yet, here they were, texting each other like any two regular people.

>Y/N: is that a good thing?

>Akechi: I'd say it's refreshing, actually. You're unguarded in a way that's rare. I suppose I find it... enjoyable.

Her eyes linger on the screen, rereading his words. Refreshing? Enjoyable? Coming from someone like Akechi, that was high praise, even if it was softened by his formal tone. It makes her heart skip a beat—not out of infatuation, but out of curiosity. He seems so hard to read, yet moments like these feel like clues left just for her.

>Y/N: that almost sounds like a compliment

>Akechi: Then take it as one. Most of my encounters lack the sort of ease I feel when talking to you. I don't often have the luxury of honesty or a casual conversation.

She pauses, realizing that while she might joke around with her friends every day, Akechi doesn't seem to have that same space to just be himself. It's strange to think of him—a public figure, a well-known detective—as someone who lacks real connections. Maybe that's why he feels "unlikely" to her, too.

>Y/N: i guess that makes sense. I imagine your life gets pretty complicated.

>Akechi: Complicated would be an understatement. But maybe I'll tell you more about that someday.

She stares at the text a bit longer than necessary, sensing a subtle invitation in his words. Maybe she's imagining it, but he sounds almost... wistful. Like he actually might trust her enough to share something deeper.

>Y/N: I'd like that.

The conversation leaves her feeling something she can't quite name. She finds herself hoping to understand him better, even if he's just a distant puzzle right now.

>Akechi: Well, I've kept you up long enough, haven't I? We both need the rest.

Y/N chuckles softly. He's right; her eyelids feel heavier with each passing moment, yet part of her wishes she didn't have to say goodnight so soon.

>Y/N: probably

>Y/N: but thanks for the chat

>Akechi: Anytime. Goodnight, then.

She double tapped the message as a way to reciprocate the goodbye.

As she closes her phone, a warm weight settles over her, the kind of calm that only comes after an honest conversation. But before the sleepiness can fully take over, her mind briefly flickers back to Makoto's passive-aggressive tone earlier that day. She rolls her eyes, dismissing the thought. Whatever, she thinks. It's just petty, and she's too tired for that.

With a soft sigh, she sinks deeper into her bed, the glow of her phone fading as she places it on the nightstand. Thoughts of Akechi's words linger faintly, blurring in her mind like fragments of a dream. Makoto's little attitude? Not her problem right now.

One last, gentle exhale, and she drifts off to sleep.