The foregoing is how things could have been, in one possible reality. But... should I have chosen my words differently?

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> "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 face falls and for a moment he looks like he means to break into tears. Then a look of noble yet desperate defeat enters his eyes. Like someone who's seen and accepted the inevitable doom that lies ahead long ago.

"I understand," he says almost solemnly, but I see the stark disappointment. My heart contorts with pain, on his behalf, but I cannot allow myself to be dishonest with him. I know he would by far prefer true rejection over fake acceptance... as would I. It would be disrespectful to us both, to try and pretend, for the sake of sparing heartache, that I feel what he feels.

"It's quite alright..." He sighs silently, "I have steeled myself for a rejection. It still aches hearing it, but... Thank you for being honest, at least."

I nod. It's what I owe him... and all I can give, at the moment. My heart is not his. The face of someone else—someone special—appears before my inner eye and I shake my head in apology.

"Well, no matter." He straightens out his back. "I must accept my fate and allow the emotion to fuel me. Even if you do not return it—love has opened my eyes, and as relentless as this pain I feel now is—it too has the potential to fuel me. Rin," he turns to me, and my own guilt stings harder.

"You were probably right that my mother was letting herself be guided by her love for me when she was painting the 'Sayuri.' But I believe that was not the only thing my mother thought about. There is much pain in her art as well."

He turns and gazes around us, at the hazy, grotesque shapes of Mementos. "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. "How could I have hoped to convey true beauty with my limited palette...!?"

I wish to comfort him, but I restrain myself. Until both of us had time to come to terms with what has occurred between us today, I should probably hold back.

"And yet... that painting 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. Now, more than ever, I feel as though I am the one in need of a guiding light, more than ever..." He mumbles the last part more to himself and I bite my lip.

"Look," he turns back to me. Seeing the fresh iron in his eyes saddens me more than I'd like to admit. "The world is a dark, unrelenting place, Rin. But that is why I am going to wield my brush again... To give hope to all those who see my paintings. I cannot ever lose sight of this task again."

I cannot help but feel proud of him, at that moment. I've rejected his confession, most likely broken his heart, but he isn't retreating into himself—not hiding or wallowing in his misery. No, he is using it to fuel him. To help him achieve this dream, a dream that would bring him true happiness.

> "You've really changed, Yusuke."

"That's a great idea."

"It won't be easy."

"Yes, thanks to you," he says and immediately catches himself. "... Not in any negative sense—I am all but grateful, you have to believe me. You chose to help me work through my problems instead of leaving me to my sadness. Perhaps that is why my heart picked you—but no matter. Now, I will use my art to paint over the blackness of this world. It shall become a vivid realm, full of hope... I expect it will be a most beautiful sight to behold. Perhaps you will see it someday, Rin..."

I hold his gaze determinately and nod. With all my heart, I hope he finds his beauty... and himself.

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..." He's turned away and I watch his silhouette against Mementos' dreary palette. "It must be the light of hope."

My heart skips a beat, hearing him speak of hope, and I smile. Yusuke is strong, and I have to believe that our bond has been strengthened instead of shaken by this revelation. I care about him deeply—just not in that way. Maybe, with enough time, he will grow to care about me in that way only as well.

"... I shall paint it," says Yusuke, already focused on his artistic crisis again.

He's so deep in thought he seems to not notice the Shadows that begin to draw nearer. As soon as I point the imminent threat out to him, we make our way out of Mementos.

We walk up the stairs of the subway station and I'm about to bid him farewell when a familiar voice catches us off guard.

"Ah, you two..."

"... Kawanabe-san," Yusuke startles.

The elderly man looks like he's been waiting for us. "On your way home? You clearly have time on your hands, Yusuke-kun." He eyes us and shrugs. "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.

Kawanabe nods. "Your pride may not be too pleased with the outcome. After all, 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 look, 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, though it is notably melancholic. "Well, I will talk to you later, Rin. Farewell."

He nods one last time, then walks off towards where he lives and I can't help but smile. That's the Yusuke I know. He's not going to stop fighting... and one day, we may find our friendship stronger than ever. As always... as it should be.