... In which Akechi brings me to the Jazz Club in Kichijoji for an unforgettable evening and grants me a first and much-desired glimpse at a more intimate side of himself.

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

I'm not sure what expectations I had for my summer break, but at least I'm catching a breather. I eye the couple of guests who still linger in Leblanc at this hour; there are more people here during the summer than usual, but it would still feel lonely if I didn't have friends to spend my summer with.

We Phantom Thieves have been doing a lot of group activities recently, and I can't say I'm not enjoying it a lot. Darts and billiards—I'm practicing, just in case. Amusement parks, food, shopping . . . I never thought I could actually enjoy being with a group of people for a longer time. I've always been a loner—the girl who doesn't speak and doesn't want to be spoken to—yet I've since come to understand the value of sharing experiences with others, especially with people who don't require you to talk or share much and won't judge if you're not being high-energy the whole time.

Ann and Ryuji are always the inciters, the ones who drag us introverts along. Yusuke isn't as extroverted as the two of them, but he loves all sorts of new experiences, and I'm always curious about his take on things; it's never like that of anyone else. Makoto and Morgana are the reasons we have an ounce of functionality, and don't forget that we're supposed to be doing chores and studying as well. I often wish I could be as efficient and systematic as they are . . . alas.

I'm not exactly sure what I am. Morgana says I'm the glue—the one who holds these bumbling misfits together, all in her big, open heart. I guess he may be right—I love all my friends unconditionally, and I like making sure everything is alright with and between them. But calling myself the only reason our group is still together seems a little . . . entitled.

I've been spending as much time as I can with them, but Sojiro also makes me help out in the cafe while I'm on break, and the fact that he's under enough stress aside, I honestly enjoy the work very much. Maybe—I think as I pour the coffee beans into the machine—once we steal Futaba's heart, it'll relieve him a little.

Then my phone, which lies on the counter, above where Morgana has curled up where the customers can't see him, chimes. I don't react immediately, but Morgana pokes me with his tail. "It's Akechi."

I smile. There's someone else with whom I've made a habit of texting more frequently. I was hoping we could go out more now that we're on break, but it seems as though he's just as busy as he is during the school year. Still, we've been texting regularly, and even though most of it is just me checking whether he's doing well, it's a nice feeling knowing that I can always have a chat with him whenever I feel like it.

But . . . after making sure Sojiro isn't watching, I put the coffee beans down and pick up my phone. I can't say I'm not a little apprehensive, especially since Akechi talked to us about Medjed. I can't deny that he has to be suspecting us, but I'm clinging to the hope that, even if he finds out, it won't be that bad. If he does, we can prove to him that we aren't evil and that he doesn't have to investigate us as a threat to society, just like I wanted to ever since we first met. And if Akechi figures us out . . . maybe he can finally be one of us himself.

I haven't told anyone about this fantasy I like to indulge in sometimes, especially since Morgana told me that he's been to the Metaverse. But, if I'm entirely honest with myself, I want him here with us. Even whenever I'm out with my friends, I often have thoughts of him—of what he is doing and whether he is as lonely as he always seems. Whether he'd want to be here with us too.

I linger on the saddening image for a heartbeat, then shake my head and force myself to focus on the phone screen in front of me. Maybe instead of daydreaming, I should actually read what he has to say.

GORO AKECHI

> Hey, good evening. I'm in Kichijoji right now.

> I've finally found some free time . . . If you're free as well, you could drop by for a bit.

> There's somewhere I've been meaning to take you. I have a feeling you'll enjoy it.

I look up from my screen, just in time to watch the last customer leave Leblanc. As soon as the door falls shut, Morgana hops onto the counter. "What's the matter? Is he trying to invite you out again?"

I nod, making my way over to collect the dishes and the payment on the table.

"Hm. Are you gonna go see him? Even though he probably suspects us to be involved with the Phantom Thieves?"

I carry the dishes into the kitchen and add the money to the cash register before I face Morgana again. I already know that I can't miss this opportunity; I've been waiting for a chance to see him ever since summer break started. I just don't know if Morgana will understand. But . . . at the end of the day, does it matter?

> "I'll commit."

"Maybe another time."

"I thought so," he grumbles. "Just be careful. More so than ever. Akechi can't find out that we're the Phantom Thieves, especially not at a crucial time like this. So don't give him any more fodder . . . If you spot an opportunity, maybe you could even try to divert his suspicions away from us."

I nod before I pick my phone up again. Maybe Morgana is right . . . with Medjed on our backs, now isn't the time to take risks.

I hang up my apron and lean on the counter as I type.

RIN AMAMIYA

> I'll be right there.

"Hey, are you leaving?" Sojiro comes out of the kitchen, eyeing me and then the apron in its designated place.

I nod, picking up my bag that Morgana is already occupying, and he sighs. "I mean, I guess there aren't any customers here anymore . . . Turn the sign over on your way out, will you?"

I give him a big smile and nod again before twirling around and skipping toward the cafe door. I don't care about containing my excitement anymore, and I swear I hear Sojiro mumble something like "That girl . . . trouble . . ." behind my back before I'm out the door. Little does he know, I think as I flip the sign from "Open" to "Closed" and make my way toward the subway.

Akechi doesn't reply until I'm already almost there.

GORO AKECHI

> I had a feeling you'd come. I'll be waiting, then.

I practically run to "Penguin Sniper" from the Kichijoji subway station. Akechi is waiting as always; he's sipping a takeout coffee, engrossed in something on his phone.

"Ah, Amamiya-san, good evening." He slips his phone into his pocket and smiles at me. I can't help but notice he's gone back to using the honorific, despite not using it that one time in front of Ohya. "I'm glad you came. I'm not going to pass up an opportunity to spend time with you. I hope you know that."

It only hits me how much I've actually missed seeing him face-to-face now that I'm back here. I contain the fluttering excitement in my stomach and nod, sliding my hands into my pockets. Right back at you.

"As I've mentioned, there was a place I wanted to visit with you. It seems like an adequate time now. It's a special place for me. I'm hoping you'll like it too . . ."

My heart skips a beat, and I give him a bright smile. Is it working? Is he finally letting me in? I do feel like my bond with him will grow stronger soon, and I have to suppress the urge to draw any closer . . . Maybe later. When I've convinced him to drop the "-san."

"So, what's the plan? Are you gonna let Akechi take you out again?" Morgana asks me out of my bag, and for the first time, I wonder if Akechi can hear him and where he thinks the odd voice is coming from. It's not exactly a quiet corner, especially at this time of night, but still.

Dismissing the thought, I face Akechi and put my hands on my hips.

> "I will, but only if you stop saying '-san'."

"Maybe another day . . ."

His eyes widen for a moment, and I feel the familiar pride that always comes with surprising him. "Huh . . . well, if that's what you want." He shrugs, and a smirk dashes across his face. "The place I was referring to is actually really close; just follow my lead . . . Amamiya."

I can't help myself from doing a little happy bounce on the spot, and it works—for a second, Akechi's composure slips, and he lets out a quiet snort like he's torn between the desire to break into honest laughter or facepalm. He ends up doing neither; he simply offers me the arm I'm already reaching for and starts walking.

"Hm . . . I'm gonna walk around then. Let me know when you're leaving, and be careful." Morgana slips out of my bag, as he does.

Akechi and I may only have walked for a minute or so when he comes to a halt again, in front of a warmly lit entrance paved with red bricks. "This is it," he says, pointing up at the sign above us. "It's a rather nice place. Not quite an apology for that little incident back at the cafe, but rest assured, we're safe here. I'm a regular."

I almost laugh at how he's using the word "safe" as though we've ever been in any danger and squint up, barely making out the name in faded red letters: "Jazz Jin."

"It's a spot to take some time off . . . I guess that's why we're here today, isn't it? To do it together?"

I note that Akechi's released my arm, and he's not looking at me but rather at the big sign in front of the entrance that seems to display some kind of information on what drinks and performances are available. He seems . . . uncharacteristically apprehensive, but not like back in the aquarium. There, it was almost like he was setting himself up for disappointment, whereas here . . .

I step closer, not entirely sure what exactly it is yet, but this place really must mean a lot to him. I feel a sense of deep appreciation and honor, coupled with giddy joy, that he's deeming me worthy to share something so apparently personal.

"I can't wait to find out what this place is!"

> "Thank you for bringing me here . . ."

Akechi turns to look at me, and I see gratitude flash across his face. "It's no problem. Although I enjoy coming here a lot, it's not like I'd ever keep it from anyone. It's just a jazz club, at the end of the day."

I listen up. The name suggested something of the sort, but I can't say I know exactly what that even means. He's really good at taking me places I would have never even imagined coming, I think and smile.

"You get to hear some great performers here." Akechi points at the sign, and I stare at the entrance with growing curiosity. Part of me wants to tell him to just go in and continue this conversation later.

"What kind of beverages do they have?"

> "Well, now I'm intrigued!"

"I love live music!"

"I'm glad," Akechi laughs quietly. "Even if you've never visited a place like this before, I believe the atmosphere will appeal to you. To be honest, the last time I was here, it reminded me of you, even though I had never taken you here yet."

I hold his firm but unreadable gaze with widened eyes for a moment before I have to look down. Something about what he just said felt like the most intimate, meaningful compliment he's ever given me, and my face grows warm. I have no idea how to react or feel. I'm not even sure what exactly it means—if it could really mean that he finds my presence . . . comforting? Special to him?

"In any case . . ." Despite not looking at him, I hear the smile in Akechi's voice. "Let's head in." I almost jump when, for once, it is him who reaches to loop his arm through mine. When I finally dare peek up at him over the rim of my glasses, he's smirking faintly, like he's proud of achieving the effect he's intended all along. And for once, I have no idea how to even attempt to retaliate.

We head through the brick arch together, and I do feel a little shy, as always when coming somewhere for the first time, so I leave paying and picking a table to Akechi, promising myself that I'll reimburse him for the 3000 yen later.

Our table is right by what looks to be a small stage, and I take a seat as quietly as I can, soaking up the serene atmosphere. It almost feels like I've entered a pocket dimension, tucked away from the real world and all its stresses and worries. The mellow colors, the dimmed light, and the gentle melody that sways the air give everything a warm, cozy feel. The more I let it sink in, the more I'm starting to think Akechi was right—that this place has "my" kind of atmosphere after all.

"Well then," Akechi says, sitting beside me and waving, presumably at a waiter. "Why don't we get some drinks?"

"I'll have what you're having."

"Anything's fine by me."

> "Give me the most colorful, ludicrous drink they have!"

Akechi laughs. "Oh, is that what you like? I know just the one. There aren't any soft drinks you actively dislike, yes?"

I smile and shake my head as the waiter, who is actually the manager that Akechi seems to be acquainted with, takes our orders. It couldn't have taken longer than a minute before he returns with a pair of large, rainbow-colored glasses that emit a pleasant, fruity aroma. "Thanks for waiting; here's your order." He grins, and I wonder how well he can see in the dim light of the club with his dark sunglasses. "We have a special performance today, so I hope you enjoy it."

Akechi gives him a nod and turns to me, gesturing at the glass. "Colorful and ludicrous enough?"

I giggle and nod, inspecting the glass that's almost too pretty to actually drink. Then I'm distracted by the sound of steps behind me, and when I turn, I see a lady in a dark dress with a bright flower in her hair, has entered the stage—presumably the promised singer.

". . . Looks like it's starting," Akechi says, leaning back and crossing one leg over the other leisurely. He takes a sip from his drink, and his eyes fixate on the stage. "Let's sit back and enjoy the show."

I nod and turn my chair to observe the singer. When the background music fades and her soft voice meets my ear, I can't look away anymore. I like all kinds of music, but I've never felt quite as entranced by a performance.

The singer's voice is smooth and magical, but the words of her song touch my heart almost as much as the delivery. I listen, utterly captivated, to a melancholy tale of loneliness and determination to persevere and take control of one's life, even in the face of a cruel and unjust fate. Eventually, my gaze begins to drift over to Akechi, who seems just as engrossed as me, and though my ears remain focused on the music, my eyes are now glued to him.

"What matters most is . . . how you bring joy to life . . . so . . ."

I don't miss the faint smile that dashes over Akechi's otherwise collected face as the last words echo through the room. As soon as the song ends and the odd spell it's put us under fades, he smiles to himself again. "Ah . . . the pleasure of Lyn Inaizumi performing 'No More What If's' . . . the soundtrack of my life."

I frown and open my mouth to ask what he means when he finally meets my eyes again, seemingly only now registering that I've heard him. "Oh, never mind." His smile widens. "That was only a joke. I simply enjoy this song more than I do most others."

Well . . . I smile back. At least I know what the song is called now. I'll have to look it up when I'm back home and maybe add it to my playlist.

The singer—Inaizumi-san?—proceeds to perform three more songs before she leaves the stage for a break, and Akechi and I finally dare speak. "How relaxing." He sips from his drink, and I mirror him. It's a fruity, sweet explosion that almost overwhelms me, but it's also so good that I immediately take a second sip. "I really do like coming here."

At this point, I have no trouble understanding why anymore.

"You were right about it appealing to me."

"I definitely see why now."

> "I hope you don't mind if I come again sometime as well."

Akechi shakes his head. "You like it that much? I guess I was right . . . The atmosphere does suit you."

I nod and take another sip from my drink.

"You know, work and obligations take me to quite a few restaurants and cafes, but this place really is special to me. I guess you could call it my go-to place."

It suits him just as much as it does me, I think, and I keep my eyes on his profile; he seems more relaxed than I've ever seen him. Despite the dim light, I feel like his normally dark eyes are almost shining.

I lower my eyes when he turns to face me unexpectedly. "Do you have anywhere like that?"

I consider his question; my mind immediately jumps to Leblanc. As much as Akechi seems to feel at home here, I now do in that old, half-forgotten cafe.

"A run-down cafe."

"A shop in Yongen with great coffee."

> "I live there, actually."

"You live there?" Akechi exclaims, and I remember that he has no idea where I live or what my situation is like. I know as little about his as he knows about mine, though . . . We've never really gotten to talk about it. Maybe today's the day?

"Well . . ." He shakes his head. "I'm not sure that counts as a go-to place if you don't actually have to go anywhere . . ."

I stare at him for a moment, then giggle. I've never honestly thought about it this way . . . I wonder what Sojiro would say if I told him?

Akechi smiles along, but I can see the curiosity in his eyes. There's really no reason not to, so . . . without further ado, I tell the entire story. From how I got my criminal record to how my parents sent me to Tokyo and how I ended up in Leblanc. It's . . . not particularly exciting, but Akechi listens attentively.

"So you came to Tokyo on your own, and now you live in a cafe loft . . ." he says after I've finished. "Impressive. It's like something out of a story."

Well . . . I suppose—I go over the way I told it in my head—it does sound kind of unique. But it would only really be a good premise for a book or an anime if the part about founding the Phantom Thieves was included as well, and I haven't told him that. For a moment, I wonder whether telling him that I came here in spring, just before the Phantom Thieves appeared, was a good idea after all.

"I have to say, though . . ." Akechi empties the last of his drink before placing the glass down and uncrossing his legs to face me directly. "I'm envious. You must be quite well-stocked on coffee and curry."

I nod, eyeing my glass, which is still half full. I wonder—maybe I should ask him out for once to eat at Leblanc. He'd probably love the atmosphere.

"I live alone myself, but I rarely have the time to cook my own meals."

I listen up. I'm not sure how uncommon it is for high school students to live alone, but it makes me curious about where his family is and whether that means that he really doesn't have anyone whatsoever. Before I can ask him to elaborate, Akechi already continues: "What about you? Do you ever help out in that cafe—do you make your own coffee, or do you cook?"

I smile, envisioning a day I can bring him to Leblanc and serve him some of that coffee I attempted making the other day that Sojiro said was actually pretty good.

"I help out a lot, yes."

"I can make great coffee!"

> "Why, would you like me to cook for you sometime?"

Akechi laughs. "If you're interested, I would definitely not say no. Considering I'm not an expert on cooking myself, I find it a rather impressive skill."

Well . . . I grin back at him. I suppose now I can't back out anymore. I wonder what Sojiro will say if I tell him . . . ?

It is then that I hear steps behind me again and see the singer make her way back onto the stage, presumably to continue the performance, and Akechi smiles. "I usually come here when I need some time to really think on my own. So being here with you is quite refreshing. You know—" He leans back again and crosses his arms. "You're the first person I've ever brought here . . ."

Once again, I feel like this is huge, much more so than it seems. The honor I felt earlier blooms in my chest again, and my heart swells with pride. I want to be someone he wants to bring here and share his passions and fears with. Somehow, I can't help but think that his bringing me here was the biggest step in that direction yet.

"As I've mentioned, I didn't really mean to keep it from anyone, just . . . for some reason, I've never quite felt like bringing anyone here until you."

I return his smile, leaning forward, just as the music starts playing again. Inaizumi-san's voice fills the dim room like a soothing, warm blanket, and I find myself actually able to hold Akechi's inquisitive gaze. I feel our bond growing deeper, and it brings me more joy than he'll probably ever know.

RANK UP!

CONFIDANT: Goro Akechi | JUSTICE ^ RANK 4

NEW ABILITY: Sleuthing Mastery [Chance to reveal all of one enemy's affinities at the start of battle.]

~

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

"Hm," he says quietly, after a period of serene silence. His eyes aren't on me; instead, he's looking past me like he's trying to solve a difficult problem. I scoot around to look at what he's so transfixed by, but before I get the chance, Akechi rises from his seat. "I've never given it any thought to try this because I've never brought someone else here, but . . ." He rounds the table, and I am faced with his outstretched, open hand in the signature leather glove. "What say, would you like to dance?"

I freeze in my seat and only now see what he's presumably been looking at earlier . . . There are a few couples in the back, moving to the music. My heart hammers at the back of my throat, and I look down at the tips of my shoes, hoping the dim light will conceal the redness of my face. I'd love to jump up and down from joy . . . It almost feels like back when he kissed my hand; that same type of overwhelming excitement swells in my chest now. But also . . .

I still can't look at him. I have no desire to embarrass him or myself in public. It's not the technical kind of dancing that the other couples are doing, but . . . I've never been particularly graceful and tend to trip over my own feet, especially when I'm nervous. And I'm brimming with anxiety now.

> "But . . . I am a horrible dancer."

"I'd just embarrass you . . ."

Akechi doesn't move an inch. "That's quite alright. Just follow my lead and move to the music; you'll be surprised at how much you can do, even without practice."

I clench my hands, almost ready to say screw it to the screaming anxiety in my head and do it. Because I really, really want to, but . . .

". . . If you are looking for a way to decline, you can just tell me directly, you know?" He retracts his hand, and it feels like he stabbed a knife into my chest. "But if you do . . . don't let it be the fear of failure that holds you back from trying new things. You'll never know unless you give it a try, yeah?"

I take a deep breath and finally look up. He's right. And I couldn't honestly pass up an opportunity like this . . . I'd never forgive myself.

Determinedly, I smile, then raise my hand, which Akechi immediately catches in his. He pulls me up from my seat, and my stomach clumps into a tight knot, but I don't let that stop me. I focus on the giddy butterfly feeling that's slowly but surely taking over as he leads me toward the others and finally spins to face me.

He doesn't release my hand; his other hand is suddenly at the small of my back, and I forget to breathe, consumed by the act of processing that I'm supposed to place my hand on his shoulder. For a moment, we just stand there; all I can hear is the soothing melody drifting around us like soft ocean waves, and all I can see is his smile that he doesn't lose for a single second.

Then Akechi starts moving, and I quickly find out that he was right—all I have to do is follow along and focus on not tripping over my own feet . . . which is decently challenging at the beginning, but by the second song, I've grown more confident.

He's not holding me particularly close, but it's still somehow the most intimate moment of my life. I have very little experience with actual romance or dating—I haven't even been on a date since middle school—and though I've enjoyed teasing my friends in the past, being here . . . with a man who makes me feel things nobody's ever made me feel before . . . is very different from a bit of casual flirting.

I lose all sense for the passage of time . . . and probably all sense in general, as I give myself over to the experience. I only notice that something is different when Akechi stops. His smile widens, and I register that the music has stopped.

"The performance is over." He points to the stage; the singer has already stepped off. I look around and notice that we're the last ones on the dance floor. . . I quickly try to step back, feeling my face heat, but Akechi doesn't release me. He ushers me toward our table without letting go of my hand, and I let him, mostly because I really don't want to let him go.

"It seems that you had fun after all. See, I told you you'd be surprised." He gives me another smile, and only now do I understand that we danced through the entire performance.

Embarrassment clogs my throat, and I'm overwhelmed with anxiety that I've overdone it or inconvenienced him in some way. If he only wanted one dance, I've definitely overstepped, and he'd probably be too polite to tell me—

"To be honest, I may have to consider bringing you here more often, especially when they have a live performance. I've never considered that dancing could add so much to the experience, but this was the most fun I've had here in a long time."

I look up at him and see a mischievous glint coupled with sympathy and . . . I blink, but I still don't know if I trust my eyes enough to believe they're seeing genuine affection. The same affection that I feel . . .

> "Please bring me here again."

"I had a lot of fun too!"

"We should still go to my café as well, at some point."

"I might just." Akechi finally releases me and turns to pick up his briefcase. "Of course, I haven't forgotten that I wanted to check out that cafe you live in as well. I'm most interested. But it's gotten quite late . . ."

I freeze, realizing that I haven't actually checked the time in . . . hours, probably.

"We should maybe get going since the performance is over anyway."

I nod, hastily picking up my own bag. When Akechi brings me to the subway station and bids me farewell, I can't help but miss the way it felt to hold his hand. Even despite . . . or maybe actually because of the gloves.

***

I ride the subway back to Yongen, texting Sojiro that I've, in fact, not been kidnapped, assaulted, or murdered and that I'll be back in no time. Something about his concerned texts warms my heart, and I feel ashamed for making him worry. Then again, if he knew the truth about why I lost track of time, would he understand?

My phone rings when I've already turned the corner to Leblanc's alley. I consider Sojiro, but the moment I see it's Akechi, I pick it up almost automatically. Sojiro knows I'm safe now anyway . . . right?

"Hey, it's me," Akechi says, and even though he can't see me, I smile. "Did you get home safe? I hope your guardian wasn't too worried . . . It is quite late."

Well . . . Sojiro was worried, but I decide that maybe it would be better not to mention that he was the reason for it.

"Wasn't the music today wonderful?" Akechi continues. "Live performers always have this certain power to their music. But certainly, the point of jazz is all those jam sessions. A sea of improvisation, both complex and organic . . . As each player incorporates their own flavors, a natural melody is born from chaos. There's something about that strange, erratic synchronicity . . . It's a euphoria like when I manage to solve a case."

I can't say I've much interest in jazz, or this aspect of music, myself . . . I'd much rather listen to it casually than try to analyze it like that . . . but I realize that I could listen to Akechi talk about something he's clearly passionate about for hours. I'm still smiling, too.

". . . Ah, sorry," he interrupts himself. "I got a bit carried away. You're an excellent listener, you know that? Even if you're not as passionate about music as I am, I hope today wasn't boring for you."

I shake my head emphatically, then remember that he can't actually see me.

"Not in the slightest."

> "You turn everything into an adventure."

"Maybe I can become passionate about it . . ."

"Is that what you think?" I hear the smile in his voice. "Well, I have to live up to your expectations then. I won't allow you to grow bored when we're together . . . no matter what it may take. You have my word."

I believe him. And I feel an excited tingle at the implication that he wants to see me again soon.

"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed today. It was something new for the both of us and certainly worth repeating sometime. I knew it would be a good idea to bring you along."

I hum approvingly, and Akechi laughs quietly. "Ah, I should let you go . . . Somehow I always end up talking more than usual when it's with you. Expect another invitation soon. For now, please excuse me."

After he hangs up, I clutch my phone to my chest for a moment, allowing myself to bask in the afterglow of today's exceptional experience. I've been hoping he'd be more open with me from now on, and it seems as though I'm getting my wish. As I push the door to Leblanc open, I pray urgently that this is only the beginning.