Chapter 20
After obtaining information on Junya Kaneshiro, Ren could finally share his knowledge openly.
Much of it was information Akechi hadn’t revealed, but it didn’t matter. Akechi wouldn’t grab him by the collar and demand an explanation for the discrepancy.
Thus, the Phantom Thieves began their new target: the bank.
As Ren had predicted, Makoto Niijima had been observing them, and she was pulled into the Metaverse along with them. Although slightly different from his past life, Makoto successfully awakened her Persona and joined their ranks.
Of course, these developments, largely similar to Ren’s previous life, had little to do with Yu.
He stood before a gift shop window, lost in thought.
“…Custom merchandise,” Yu murmured seriously. “Impressive.”
It was the end of June, and Yu had promised Nanako he would visit during summer vacation. Although summer break was still a month away, he was already browsing for gifts.
And Nanako loved Witch Detective Loveling.
So, on this holiday, he had been searching various districts in Tokyo for Witch Detective Loveling merchandise, finally finding the perfect gift in Akihabara, something he knew Nanako would adore. Of course, exquisite merchandise came with a hefty price tag.
100,000 yen.
The price made Yu wonder if he had left Japan. It was exorbitant!
The clerk explained with a smile that the high price was due to the genuine gemstones embedded in the accessories and a blessing from a Kichijoji monk for protection.
Although it sounded like an exaggeration, Yu was tempted.
“100,000 yen,” Yu sighed on the train after leaving Akihabara.
After a few seconds, he sighed again. “Looks like I need to get a job.”
There were job postings in the underground passage of Shibuya Station. Yu had worked part-time jobs in Tokyo before. He went to Shibuya and browsed the available positions and wages.
Several shops were hiring high school students. Convenience stores were a common option, and there was the beef bowl shop where Ren worked.
Yu skipped over those, noticing a listing for a flower shop at the end.
A flower shop?
He checked the address and was surprised to find it was located in the underground mall in Shibuya, very close by.
Yu called the number listed.
The phone was answered quickly.
“Hello?”
“Hello,” Yu said, still looking at the listing. “I saw your job posting for the flower shop. Are you still hiring?”
“Oh, you’re interested in the part-time job,” the woman on the other end replied, her voice gentle and cheerful. “I’ve already hired one part-timer, but they seem quite busy and don’t come in often. If you’re willing to work, I’d be happy to have you.”
Thus, Yu’s part-time job began.
Although the flower shop was located deep within the Shibuya Station underground passage, it received a surprising amount of foot traffic, with many customers specifically coming to buy flowers. Yu assisted customers in choosing and wrapping bouquets, learning a great deal about flowers from the owner in the process.
Knowledge +1. Kindness +1.
After his shift, Yu collected his wages and boarded the train home. Just as he sat down, his phone chimed.
It was a message from the Phantom Thieves’ group chat.
[Ann Takamaki: Senpai, are you feeling better? @Makoto Niijima]
[Makoto Niijima: Much better, thank you.]
Makoto Niijima, the newest member, had been pulled in by Ren that night. Ren’s Confidant ranks were increasing, and so were the Phantom Thieves’ members. Yu watched them come together, reminded of his experiences in Inaba last year.
He was happy for them.
[Ryuji Sakamoto: Alright! Then we can take down that scumbag soon!]
[Ryuji Sakamoto: Once we deal with Kaneshiro, the Phantom Thieves will be famous!]
[Ann Takamaki: Fame is secondary. We’re doing this for the people he hurt. That money in the bank is the hard-earned savings of innocent people.]
[Makoto Niijima: Yes, I’ll help you.]
[Yusuke Kitagawa: I was wondering…]
[Yusuke Kitagawa: Can we bring the money back to the real world?]
[Ryuji Sakamoto: Wouldn’t that be stealing?]
[Yusuke Kitagawa: What a shame. I wanted to bring a few bills back to examine. I’ve spent all my money on paints and art supplies and can’t afford new brushes.]
[Ren Amamiya: I thought you’d be more concerned about food.]
[Yusuke Kitagawa: Oh, right. That’s a problem too.]
[Ryuji Sakamoto: Don’t just suddenly realize that!]
They were so lively.
Yu nodded, amused. They were a truly energetic group.
He couldn’t join them right now. He had to earn 100,000 yen before summer break. He would spend the next month working, aside from school.
He accepted the challenge!
Ren was unaware of Yu’s current activities. After starting to explore the bank Palace, they rarely went out together, but they still kept in touch. Ren updated Yu on their progress every night.
They rarely called, as Ren wasn’t talkative, so they mostly communicated through messages.
Exchanging goodnights had become their routine.
After sending the calling card and completing the bank heist, Makoto still hadn’t met the elusive outside member who only appeared in the group chat and never joined them in the Metaverse.
Ren had invited Yu, but Yu had declined, saying he was busy with his part-time job.
A part-time job.
Ren looked at his messages thoughtfully.
It had been a while since he had worked any of his part-time jobs, whether at the convenience store, the beef bowl shop, or the flower shop in the underground passage. He didn’t need the money, and his stats were already maxed out from the start due to his second playthrough. He didn’t need to work to improve them.
However, sometimes, no one invited him out, leaving him unable to progress any Confidant ranks.
His phone had been silent all day, except for Yu’s morning greeting.
He checked the calendar.
Although no one had invited him out, he could work at the flower shop today.
With this thought, Ren headed out.
“Where are you going?” Morgana asked from the cafe entrance. “If you’re free, we could make infiltration tools or train.”
“I have something to do,” Ren replied calmly. “I’m going to work at the flower shop.”
“To cultivate your kindness stat,” Morgana nodded. “Not bad.”
Ren, accustomed to walking with his head down, his glasses and quiet demeanor helping him avoid attention, arrived at the flower shop. Before entering, he heard a familiar voice.
“Welcome.”
Ren paused, looking up sharply. Yu, wearing an apron and uniform, stood by the entrance.
“Oh, it’s Ren?” Yu was wrapping a bouquet. “Are you here to buy flowers?”
Ren shook his head. “So you work here.”
“Yes, for the past few days.” Yu handed the bouquet to a little girl in a pink dress, ruffling her hair as she exclaimed, “Thank you, big brother!”
The girl skipped out of the shop, clutching the flowers, and into her mother’s arms.
“What kind of flowers are you looking for?” Yu asked Ren with a smile.
“Actually, I’m here to work,” Ren looked around. “Isn’t the owner here?”
Yu finally looked surprised. “So you’re the other part-timer the owner mentioned?”
“She’s in the restroom.”
Just then, the owner returned, her eyes lighting up when she saw Ren. She had received an urgent call from her family while in the restroom and needed to leave, but she was hesitant to leave Yu alone in charge of the shop.
But now, Ren was here.
She quickly explained the situation, entrusting the shop to them and promising to return later, then disappeared like the wind.
Yu and Ren looked at each other.
Yu chuckled. “What a coincidence, Amamiya-kun. We’re truly fated to meet.”
Ren: …
Why was he calling him “Amamiya-kun” now? Hadn’t he been calling him “Ren” quite happily before?
Changing into the uniform and apron, leaving his bag and Mona in the back room, Ren joined Yu at the front of the shop.
Yu and Ren had completely different personalities.
Yu was naturally gentle and approachable, his striking appearance putting customers at ease. He handled customer interactions and flower selections. Ren, quiet and reserved, wasn’t good at communication and preferred to work behind the scenes, but he was meticulous and detail-oriented, so he handled the flower arrangements.
They worked together seamlessly, surprisingly in sync.
After the last wave of customers, Yu exhaled softly. Only one customer remained, waiting for Ren to finish a bouquet.
He turned to watch Ren trimming flower stems, his slender fingers expertly wielding the scissors, the transparent lenses of his glasses reflecting the vibrant red of the flowers, creating a striking contrast.
It was hard to imagine such a flamboyant color complementing this seemingly innocent boy.
After the customer left, satisfied with their bouquet, Ren put down his scissors and looked at Yu.
“What?”
“Nothing,” Yu replied. “I just think you look very focused when you’re working. It’s quite captivating.”
Ren: …
Three dialogue options appeared before him again.
[Am I captivating you, then?]
[Think before you speak next time.]
[…]
He hesitated, then tentatively chose the first option.
“Am I captivating you, then?”
Yu paused. “Huh?”
He, too, began to hesitate.
Ren felt a sense of vindication.
This man, with his complete lack of personal space and tendency to speak without thinking, finally had a moment where he was at a loss for words!
However…
Yu remained silent, and Ren suddenly realized his question had been inappropriate.
An awkward silence hung in the air.
Just as Ren was about to tell Yu to forget about it, the owner returned, carrying her bag.
“Sorry!” she said breathlessly. “Thank you both for watching the shop!”
“I’ll give you both a raise!”
They quickly dropped the previous topic, assuring the owner it was no problem and that they would be happy to help again. And of course, they wouldn’t refuse a raise!
Changing back into their regular clothes, they left the flower shop together, walking side-by-side in silence.
Morgana, risking discovery, peeked out of the bag.
“What’s going on with you two?” he asked. “The atmosphere is weird.”
“It’s nothing,” Ren pushed him back into the bag. “Go back inside. Don’t let anyone see you.”
“Don’t push so hard!”
The train arrival announcement chimed. It was Ren’s train back to Yongen-Jaya.
Still silent, Ren pushed Mona back into the bag and walked towards the platform.
Just then, Yu called out to him.
“Ren.”
Ren stopped, turning to Yu expectantly.
“I’ve been thinking about that question,” Yu said, a rare look of uncertainty in his eyes, his light gray eyes clouded with a sense of vulnerability.
“I don’t really feel a strong sense of belonging in Tokyo.”
“I was born here, but I’ve always been lonely. My parents were always away on business trips. Last year, in Inaba, I made many friends and was very happy. I told you before, I haven’t fully moved on from that time.”
Ren remembered, even recalling when Yu had said those words, shortly after they met.
“Some people say that where you feel happy is home. I think I considered Inaba my home, so I often miss it, long for that sense of belonging.”
Ren, hands in his pockets, nodded. “And?”
“So, when you asked me that question at the flower shop, I suddenly realized… I think I’ve finally adjusted to life outside of Inaba. I still miss it, but I’m no longer as lonely. And it’s all thanks to you. Because I met you, I’ve forged new bonds.”
“Thank you, Ren.”
Yu smiled gently, not a bright, sunny smile, but one filled with warmth.
“Following that logic, yes,” he said.
“Ren, you are captivating me. There’s no doubt about it.”
The train doors closed. The passengers had boarded, and those exiting had left the platform. Only the two boys remained, facing each other.
At the peak of their youth, bearing the weight of responsibility and the sincerity of their emotions.
Neither of them spoke. There was no need for words.
The previous awkwardness dissipated, and a smile seemed to touch Ren’s eyes.
Mona, inside the bag, sighed: One moment they’re awkward, the next they’re fine.
Humans were so confusing.
Just then, both Yu and Ren’s phones chimed, the notification sound for being mentioned in the group chat.
They exchanged glances, taking out their phones. Ren walked back to Yu’s side.
Standing shoulder to shoulder, they checked the messages.
[Makoto Niijima: Midterms are coming up! You guys need to start studying!]
[Makoto Niijima: All Phantom Thief activities are suspended until after the exams.]
[Ryuji Sakamoto: Aaaaaah! Exams again?! I feel like the last ones were just a few days ago! Help me!]
[Ann Takamaki: …I hate math.]
[Yusuke Kitagawa: Speaking of which, the art exam is also coming up. I need to find some inspiration.]
[Ryuji Sakamoto: @Ren Amamiya @Yu Narukami Help me, you two geniuses! Give me some more exam tips! I’ll memorize them all this time!]
[Makoto Niijima: @Yu Narukami Are you a good student, Narukami-kun?]
[Ann Takamaki: He’s first place in the third year at Sōyō High. Even the Detective Prince, Akechi, can’t beat him.]
[Makoto Niijima: That’s great! There are a few problems I need to discuss with someone, but you’re all second-years.]
Ren sighed softly, typing a message.
[Ren Amamiya: Let’s have a study session, then. Where should we meet? The family restaurant again?]
[Ryuji Sakamoto: No way! That place is too small for all of us. And there are too many kids there lately. It’s too noisy.]
[Ann Takamaki: Yeah, is there somewhere quiet and spacious?]
[Ryuji Sakamoto: How about Ren’s place? I remember he lives alone on the second floor. Plenty of space, and the cafe is quiet.]
Ren thought to himself: Hideout 3.0 was about to unlock.
He agreed in the group chat, then turned to Yu. “Can you come?”
“If it’s in the evening, yes. I only work on weekends and after school,” Yu stretched his shoulders. “My body is stiff from working lately. I feel like my joints are creaking.”
“I’m going to Leblanc for some coffee,” Yu said with a smile. “I want that premium 200 SP coffee you make.”
Ren calmly turned and walked towards the arriving train, Yu following close behind.
“Want some curry? I just bought the ingredients this morning.”
“You can make curry?”
“Yes, 200 SP premium curry.”
“I’ll have… actually, just one serving. I can’t eat ten.”
