If anything, Maruki's kept his word about not contacting me. I can't say I'm taking it with stride... considering everything that's been going on with our popularity I almost feel like I could actually use the counseling this time.

Then again, maybe it is for the best. If I were to actually see him again, all my feelings would rush back at full strength, and I really can't use any more confusion in my heart right now. Sometimes when I can afford it, I allow myself to imagine what it would be like if he came back for me. Changed his mind about whatever he considers so important he can't allow himself to get distracted. But all those daydreams do is increase my desire to see him again even more.

I can hardly believe it when his voice pierces the background murmur of the hallway, just when I'm about to head to class.

"Good morning."

There he is—I twirl around and nearly trip over my own feet as Maruki catches up to me. His smile does something to my insides that I wouldn't be able to elaborate on.

"Amamiya-san, how are you doing?" He doesn't wait for a reply. "I know this a bit unexpected, and quite last-minute, but if it's possible, would you join me for an afternoon snack somewhere? Maybe the buffet is a little too fancy for this—but what about a café?"

My heart is pounding out of my chest.

"I'm free after school."

> "Gladly!"

"Wonderful! I wanted to discuss something with you, and I thought it best to do it in a more... casual environment, as opposed to at school. Also since it'll be our last chance to do so here."

My newfound glee abates a little and I'm suddenly hit with the fact that Maruki's leaving. His job at Shujin was never meant to be permanent, but half a year went by fast, and now the thought of his leaving painfully tightens my gut. At the same time... even if he's not working here anymore, that doesn't mean I can't see him anymore, right? Perhaps it'll even be less awkward if he's no longer, at least in some sense, my teacher.

"You're really leaving?"

> "Oh, that's right..."

"Yes," Maruki hangs his head and I suppress the urge to walk over and embrace him. "My time here at Shujin is coming to an end today. It's quite the sad affair. I do have a farewell speech to give the school at morning assembly, but you and I have other things to talk about, privately."

I nod and smile, already feeling like my day's been made.

"Considering the occasion, I'll find somewhere special to take you. Even if it won't be fancy like last time... I promise you can look forward to it. Well," he raises a hand to give a small wave, "I'll see you later!"

I can't stop grinning for the rest of the morning.

Maruki's speech is as endearing and entertaining as I expected it to be, and I can't help but grin up at him the whole time, trying not to let Ryuji and Ann see my expression. Though I do feel horrible about the repeat of the microphone incident, and the swarms of girls who flock around him after he's done annoy me more than I'd like my teammates, or anyone, to know. I tell myself I don't have to be worried but the sight is irritating, still. At least my teammates decide it's best to stay out of the fan-crowd, and I don't disagree. I console myself by thinking of Maruki's invitation, and what might happen once we're off of school grounds—and not held back by a potentially hindering teacher-student relationship anymore.

I can't really think of anything else, for the rest of the day.

Time passes very slowly and I'm so jittery even Ann and Morgana notice. I tell them I'm not feeling well, and heading straight home, and though I feel a little bad for the white lie, I don't think it would be wise to tell them about what happened between Maruki and I, or how I feel about him. Not until I'm free of any and all doubts, and maybe not until I've graduated school either. If a potential romantic relationship between the two of us got out, people would just gossip more—about me, and most importantly, Maruki too. No matter if he's working here or not, Shujin's students know him well enough.

I hurry back to Leblanc and change into casual clothes. I can't say I'm not choosing my outfit carefully. Then I wait for a moment to slip past Morgana and out the door to dial Maruki's number. He tells me he's waiting at the subway station and I make my way over there as quickly as I can.

As soon as he spots me, he spreads his arms and I hug him without second thought. He's returning the embrace and for a moment I feel happier than I have in a long time. Things aren't exactly going well right now, and for all it's worth, seeing him like this might have been the highlight of my month.

"I'm happy to see you," he greets me and I nod in return, eagerly awaiting his reveal as to where we're going.

Maruki ends up taking me to a small restaurant in Kichijoji that he claims he's been curious about since he came to the area, but never gotten around to visit. We take a seat at a small table for two in the back, and to my surprise Maruki orders us deluxe tempura bowls.

"On me!" He assures when I stare in horror at the price on the menu. "I'd always passed on it due to the price, but today is special!"

My mouth is watering at the thought of how delicious the food will be, and my heart is pounding due to the quite intimate atmosphere. It feels so much like a date that I want to scream. Instead, I smile.

"But... I can't accept that."

> "You didn't have to do that..."

"Thank you so much!"

"I know. I still wanted to, so I did it."

I can't help but smile. And when our bowls are served, my mouth starts watering on its own. There are no words for how delicious it smells...

"Oh... This aroma's really triggered my appetite..." Maruki grins at me after lifting the lid from his bowl. "... Too bad I can't see anything now." I'm faced with two white squares where his glasses have become foggy from the steam.

I'm about to break into laughter when I lift my own lid, and am hit with the same kind of cloud. For the time being, it looks like I won't be able to see anything but white either.

"Same here."

> "The life of a four-eyes..."

Maruki and I laugh in unison and it's incredibly relaxing to have fun with him in such a casual way. For a while, I am able to forget all my worries and eat a delicious tempura bowl together with the man I love. The world is perfect for a moment... unfortunately, perfection isn't meant to last.

"I'm so glad we came here," he says after we're done eating. "Upscale dishes like that really do taste incredible." Then something in the way he looks at me changes, and he leans forward. "I wish I could just get lost in the bliss forever. It really does feel like that right now, here, with you. I guess that's why I wanted to come here. Somewhere that isn't the school."

I nod and lean in myself. He doesn't retreat when I brush my hand against his, that is lying on the table.

"But... we do have some business to talk about," Maruki reminds me. I suppress a sigh and nod. At least he's not pulling back his hand, still. "First off," he begins, "I have quite big news. My paper's done."

I had a feeling—since that was the deadline he set for not talking to each other—but his words still bring a big smile to my face.

> "Congratulations!"

"I knew you could do it!"

"I've mentioned this before, but still, this is truly thanks to you... Rin."

My heart skips a beat when I hear my first name from his mouth and suddenly wonder if it would be inappropriate for me to use his as well. We're no longer in school, after all.

"Had you not shared your experience and insight with me, this paper never would have been completed. Please allow me to express my gratitude to you once more, as..." He pauses for a moment, then suddenly turns his hand, and extends it to take mine. I don't hesitate for a second. His palm is warm and in the dim light of the intimate restaurant, it is hard to remain focused on his words, in that moment.

"As someone who is very special to me. Someone deserving of the title accomplice... or partner, whichever one you prefer." He pauses for a second. "... And as a phantom thief as well."

My heart stops... and not because he's holding my hand, this time. True, people I get close to have a habit of guessing my true identity, but somehow I haven't expected it from Maruki. Maybe I should have known better.

"So... you know."

> "How do you know that?"

"There's no need for obtuse," he shakes his head. Then, with his other hand, he reaches into his bag that's sitting on an empty chair and produces a loosely bound stack of papers that he then places before me on the table. "Why don't you take a look at the title of my paper?"

I glimpse at the title page. It says, 'Interpreting reality through cognitive psience and the alteration of reality via external influence.'

I have to read through it multiple times before I'm finally hit with how something about that doesn't seem right, Interpreting reality is one thing, but... the alteration of it?

"You know," Maruki resumes speaking, "the Phantom Thieves' act of changing hearts is rather reminiscent of cognitive psience in practice. They infiltrate a 'reality' that exists solely for their target—a reality wholly separated from the one that the public recognizes. By accessing that world, they gain the means of permanently altering their target's cognition. That is what I hypothesize as being the 'change of heart' you induce in your targets."

I'm speechless. This goes far beyond simply guessing my identity. Never before has anyone ever actually put together the means by which we operate—our biggest trump at the moment. But... should I really be that surprised? Maruki's probably the lead Cognitive Psientist at the moment. If anyone could figure us out, it's him.

Despite everything, I suppress the urge to retract my hand.

> "You really know your stuff."

"That's... a really solid hypothesis."

"Well, I did pour my heart and soul into this research for a number of years," he says without a hint of animosity or anything that would evoke concern... apart from how accurately he deduced our means of operation.

"To be entirely honest, it was all the way back in April..." His grip suddenly stiffens. "When I first came to speak with the principal here about providing counseling to his students... I actually witnessed the moment when you came out of an 'individual's reality' like I'd mentioned."

I stiffen as well. Maruki's still looking at me with utmost calm, but now my heart is racing for different reasons. Is he meaning to tell me he knew since—

"You suddenly appeared in the back alley near the school—I believe Sakamoto-kun and Takamaki-san were with you? Takamaki-san appeared to be extremely exhausted."

I break with cold sweat as I remember the day... the day Ann awoke to her persona. We had just come out of Kamoshida's palace and—

"It wasn't long after that scene that Mr. Kamoshida had his change of heart. Beyond what I witnessed, I had also been told that you three were closely affiliated with Mr. Kamoshida in some way. At that point, I was already half-convinced that you were involved. I was almost certain Mr. Kamoshida's change of heart was provoked by the three of you."

I am speechless. Of course, with how he puts it, it's not a hard conclusion to reach, and really it's on us for being careless. This is the second time something like this comes around to bite us in the ass and I could slap myself for being an idiot.

Then again... I look at Maruki, trying to calm my hammering heart. Why am I so scared? He kept our secret so far. Do I really have any ground to be worried? His eyes are earnest and his little smile is reassuring. The palm of his hand still feels warm in mine.

> "Why did you keep quiet?"

"Do I have any reason to be concerned?"

"Well... I've been researching cognitive psience ever since I was a grad student. For years I've been attempting to directly interact with an individual's cognition so I can help address their pain and despair. But..." he lowers his head, "for certain reasons, this research has never been acknowledged in academia. Despite that, I continually pursued evidence that my hypothesis is correct. It was during that time I happened to come across the 'Phantom Thieves of Hearts,' fresh from a mission. My heart began to dance... I thought to myself, maybe I could complete my research if I were to have your assistance."

Suddenly, Maruki releases my hand. "And yes, that was why I approached you and your group of friends at first."

Something within me contorts.

"I hadn't mentioned any of this until now because, well... I didn't want you to take it the wrong way and suspect my motives... or anything else I've claimed that connects us. I assure you, all of that was as genuine as can be." His thumb brushes mine, carefully, as though not to cause a disturbance. "But I think that's everything I kept from you... If that changes your opinion on me or anything in regards to how you... feel, as you've told me last time, I... would ask you to be honest now. It wouldn't be a problem by any means."

He pulls back again and my heart aches. I look up at him and, despite this quite major reveal, can't bring myself to think any differently about him. Fine, perhaps he did approach me with an ulterior motive, but wouldn't he have long ratted us out, or tried to blackmail us at least, if he meant us any harm? He's been nothing but kind to me ever since we met, and even if it may be naïve, I can't help but believe him when he says he's being genuine now.

My heart has long chosen him. And I don't think I have any means to go back on that decision now.

> "I believe you."

"I wouldn't go back on our deal."

I see genuine relief in Maruki's eyes. "I'm grateful for that." He's still not taking my hand back, and my throat tightens. "And just you know, I have no intention of telling anyone about this." Maruki shakes his head and rests his chin on his hands. "You're free to change my heart as you like if that will chase any lingering suspicions. "

My eyes widen in surprise. This is a new one... and an offer I hadn't expected at all. But all it does is strengthen my belief in his sincerity.

"I know this is quite the drastic offer but I really don't want this to cause a rift between us. Perhaps this is why I am coming clean. I... I really don't want you to think any less of me, although I could hardly blame you if you did."

He looks so honestly troubled I almost stand and embrace him.

"Thanks to you, I finally know what I need to do..." Maruki mumbles suddenly, "I'm going to stand up to our current reality. I swear I'll use my research to make our world a better place. Though it'll likely be through different means than how the Phantom Thieves reform members of society."

His announcement surprises, and it doesn't, at the same time. Maruki's looking determined, but also somewhat solemn. I wonder if it's whatever he claimed he has to focus on before he can accept my confession.

This time it is I who reach out to nudge his hand with mine.

> "We all define justice differently."

"I'll do my best too."

"... Indeed." A final moment of hesitation later, he takes my hand again. "You have a strong moral compass, never losing sight of your own definition of justice. It's one of the things that draw me to you." He smiles and I smile back, my chest feels warm from the sincere words.

We remain in the restaurant only for a few minutes longer. But it's getting quite late, and Maruki insists I should be home by the time it gets dark.

Minutes later, we step out of the restaurant and he begins guiding me toward the subway station. I don't release his hand for a moment. The most prominent question on my mind is whether he wants to see me again.

"Although it's not like this is the last time we'll see one another," he answers it as soon as we arrive at the station, "perhaps a goodbye is appropriate here."

I grit my teeth and tighten my hold on his hand.

"When will I see you again?"

> "You haven't changed your stance on what I told you..."

Maruki looks into my eyes for a long while... then he leans down and places a kiss on my forehead. "I'm afraid the reason I said what I said has only become more prominent now. There is something I must do... find a way to do. Until my goal is achieved, everything else is secondary."

I swallow... hard. In an attempt to commit the way it feels when he's this close to memory, I close my eyes.

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 Councilor, granting thee infinite power...

~

RANK UP!

CONFIDANT: Takuto Maruki | COUNCILOR ^ RANK 10 [MAX]

NEW ABILITY: Wakefulness [Raises the SP recovered from Mindfulness.]

~

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

[FUSION UNLOCKED: You can now fuse Vohu Manah, the most powerful Persona of the Councilor arcana.]

"I'm going to follow the path that I believe in," Maruki says solemnly. "I sincerely hope that one day, at the end of that path... you will wait for me. To embrace happiness together—no less than you deserve. And I hope I will be able to aid you, even if you just considered it to be meddling in your affairs."

"I will wait for you."

> "I hope whatever path you take leads you back to me."

I nod and wrap my arms around him one last time. Maruki runs a hand through my hair and I suddenly have a hard time suppressing tears.

"We'll meet again," he says after I've released him. The artificial light from the station is painting his face in a ghastly pale white. "Rin..." For a moment he hesitates, then raises a hand to wave. "... No, it's nothing. Best of luck to the both of us! And once we meet again... perhaps reality won't be so cruel anymore."

I look back several times during my descent down into the subway station. Maruki's disappeared by the third time. A strange tightness compresses my chest and I swallow repeatedly.

I feel that he's made up his mind, that's why I'm not pressing him. He clearly has some sort of mission... task... something he cares a great deal about. I'm not sure what it is, but I can and have to respect that. Even if it is still driving tears into my eyes.

I wrap my arms around myself as I stand in line for the train home. The only reality that isn't cruel as you say, I think, is one where we can be together.