[Train Station, Tokyo]
[April 12 2016, Tuesday]
[8:00 AM]

Ren: .....

(Ren is heading to school, he goes down to where his designated train is. He stops before a group of people who are waiting for the train to arrive. He yawns and stretches himself.)

Ren: ..... (First few days into Shujin, I really hate this stigma.)

Shujin Schoolgirl: Look, isn't that her?

Shujin Schoolboy: You mean that one with the red ribbon? Uh I guess so?

Ren: (Huh?)

(Ren looks at a red-haired girl with a red-ribbon.)

Shujin Schoolgirl: She's so thin! It's not fair, I've got my hair in a ponytail too.

(The red-haired girl looks to her back, checking the train station clock. Revealing her face.)

Ren: .....

(Ren notices her, glancing at her red eyes. She happens to be wearing a Shujin uniform. Ren raises his eyebrows out of surprise, as he blushes briefly.)

Ren: ...... (Wow... she... really looks cute, I admit.)

(The girl looks back ahead, Ren sighs as his eyebrows lowered and his eyes slightly narrowed.)

Ren: (What am I thinking?.... She'd probably be like the rest, steering clear from me because of my "crimes".)

(The train arrives. Ren and everyone waiting else in line goes inside. They all squirm into the jam packed car. Eventually, Ren manages to find a space, being a step away from the red-haired girl's seat.)

Ren: .....

(Ren is blankly staring at the ceiling of the train, going over his thoughts about yesterday.)

Ren: ..... (Damn what the hell was that? The school became a castle... I had this... weird power... and I met this... cat? Huh.... It feels like a fever dream.... I'm really missing home right now.)

.....

.....

(An old woman is standing in front of her seat, The red-haired girl notices.)

Red-Haired Girl: Please! Take my seat. My station's coming up.

(She stands up, Ren notices.)

Old Woman: A-are you sure? Then...

(The old woman tries to take a seat, but a businessman quickly gets in the way and steals the seat. The two are surprised.)

Red-Haired Girl: Oh wow, what speed!.....I mean!- Excuse me sir, That seat was for the lady....

(The businessman is asleep, unable to hear anything what's around him.)

Red-Haired Girl: Oh...

Ren: Want me to "wake him up"?

(She notices Ren.)

Red-Haired Girl: Oh- It's alright, I can understand his position as well.

(She faced to the old woman.)

Red-Haired Girl: I'm sorry I couldn't be any help.

Old Woman: It's alright dearie, Don't you worry.

Red-Haired Girl: Please allow me to carry your luggage at least.

Old Woman: Thank you! Ain't it heavy though?

Red-Haired Girl: Not at all! I train plenty.

Ren: (Wow......)

[Aoyama-Itchome Station]
[8:10 AM]

(The train arrives to the station leading to the school, Ren and the girl head out from the train among a crowd of students.)

Ren: (This felt a little nauseating being in there... I better head to school as soon as I can. Better be punctual as always.)

(Ren quickly walks his way to the exit. He removes his glasses and rubs his own forehead.)

.....

.....

"Hey!"

Ren: Huh?

(Ren stops walking, he turns around. Seeing the Red-Haired Girl before him. His eyes widened up.)

Ren: !

(Ren quickly puts back his glasses.)

Ren: Y-yeah. What is it?

Red-Haired Girl: Pardon me. Thank you so much for earlier!

Ren: With what?

Red-Haired Girl: For speaking up when I offered my seat on the train.

Ren: Oh-... It's fine..

(Ren scratches the back of his head, The girl notices the tiny number "2" badge on Ren's collar.)

Red-Haired Girl: ....You're a second-year at Shujin Academy, correct? I'm a first year there myself. Thanking you totally slipped my mind back on the train, and I didn't want to be rude to be my senpai.

(She bows before Ren.)

Red-Haired Girl: Now will you please excuse me.

(She walks past Ren, the latter's eye following.)

Ren: .....

(He smiles as he watches her walk away.)

[2nd Floor Hallway, Shujin Academy]
[10:00 AM]

(Ren is being taken by his homeroom teacher: Kawakami, to discuss matters. They both stop before the door to the guidance room. It opens up, revealing out the malicious volleyball coach, Kamoshida.)

Ren: !

(He is then followed by the red haired girl and a school staff member in a suit. Kamoshida and the red-haired girl notice Ren and Kawakami.)

Kamoshida: I see you're already getting on top of the problem I'd mentioned this morning, Ms. Kawakami! I appreciate the support.

(The girl smiles at Ren.)

Red-Haired Girl: Thank you again.

Kamoshida: Oh, you know this guy, Yoshizawa?

Yoshizawa: Yes, he lent me a helping hand earlier.

Kamoshida: I recommend you steer clear of the likes of him if you have any consideration of your future. Remember the discussion we just had? There a number of students in this school you shouldn't get involved with. This one's at the top of the list.

(Yoshizawa's eyes widened, realizing the identity of Ren.)

Yoshizawa: Oh- The delinquent transfer student?

Kawakami: Sorry to interrupt, but I need to use the guidance office.

Kamoshida: Oh, pardon me. We should be going too- don't want to get in the way of guiding this delinquent and all.

(Ren's eyes sharpened in anger, hearing Kamoshida's words. Kamoshida and the staff member walk past Ren.)

Ren: .....

Yoshizawa: Please excuse us.

(Yoshizawa bows before the two. She then walks away past the two.)

Yoshizawa: .....

[May 30 2016, Monday]
[Shibuya]

(Yoshizawa is seen to be conversed by a middle aged man.)

Yoshizawa: Sorry, But I'm in a bit of a hurry.

Middle Aged Man: You go to Shujin, right? I heard things have been rough there lately, what with that violent incident. You wanna go talk about it somewhere?

(Yoshizawa expresses anger on her face.)

Yoshizawa: Thank you for your concern.

(Ren, from afar, is wearing his school gym clothes. He hears the conversation ahead as he walks his way to the park, He then sees Yoshizawa and the man.)

Ren: .....

Yoshizawa: However I really am in a hurry, So if you'd excuse me.

(Yoshizawa walks away.)

.....

(But the man then immediately grabs her hand, stopping her from walking away.)

Yoshizawa: Ah-

Ren: !

(Ren's eyes widened.)

Middle Aged Man: Come on there's no need to be shy.

(Yoshizawa begins to express discomfort.)

Yoshizawa: Like I said-

Middle Aged Man: If you're busy, I'll put my number in your phone so you can call me later. Sound like a plan?

Yoshizawa: Stop it!

Ren: (Damn- I can't overlook this.)

(Ren quickly approaches the man with a threatening intent, Yoshizawa notices him, her eyes widened.)

Yoshizawa: Ah?!-

Ren: Hey!

(Ren quickly removes the man's hand from her.)

Yoshizawa: !

Middle Aged Man: The hell you want?!

Ren: You're hurting her.

(Ren glares at the man with his fists closed and ready. Yoshizawa quickly gets behind at Ren's back. The man notices.)

Middle Aged Man: W-What the?

(The man begins to slightly display fear before Ren.)

Middle Aged Man: W-What're you getting so jumpy about? Like you're anything special!

(The man quickly walks away.)

Ren: (Prick.)

(Ren calms as Yoshizawa sighs out of relief, he notices her before the latter does. She quickly backs away as her eyes widened.)

Yoshizawa: T-thank you so much Amamiya-senpai!, I'm sorry for the trouble!

Ren: Are you okay at least, Yoshizawa?

Yoshizawa: Yes, I'm fine. It was... pretty scary, though.

(Ren smiles as he blushes briefly.)

Ren: I'm glad you're alright.

(Yoshizawa shyly looks away, she stammers. Ren notices.)

Yoshizawa: ..... Ah- um...

Ren: Hmm?

Yoshizawa: May I... ask you something? So what made you step in to help me?

Ren: .....

(Ren's memory about stepping in to help the woman from being groped, flashed before his eyes. Leading him to his false crime.)

(Ren briefly displays a pained expression.)

Ren: I-..... I couldn't look the other way.

Yoshizawa: I see... Well I apologize for something so strange. You're heading to the cleanup group right?

Ren: Yeah? You?

Yoshizawa: Well-.... Wait.... cleanup?

(Yoshizawa grabs for her phone, her eyes quickly widened as she gasps.)

Yoshizawa: Look at the time! I'm so sorry, I haven't even thanked you yet- OH NO! I forgot my gym clothes at school! I'll see you at the cleanup, soon.

(She quickly bows and leaves as Ren watches.)

Ren: .....

(He smiles again.)

Ren: (Huh, she looked cute being like that.)

(Ren then begins to feel a slight tingle within his heart, as he blushed. He notices the sensation.)

Ren: (Wait..... am I?..... feeling something for her? No- maybe I'm just caught in the moment. I better get going.)

[Inokashira Park]
[5:00 AM]

(Ren and his friends, along with the rest of the Shujin High students have finished cleaning up the park. The rest leave, while Ren rests on a bench and lays down his bag next to him, Morgana pops his head out.)

Ren: *huff*.... *huff*.... *huff*....

Morgana: *sigh*..... I don't know the best way to put it... But that sure was a crappy time out there.

Ren: Who knew cleaning up a park would be this tiring? I even found.....

Morgana: ..... What?

Ren: I-.... I don't wanna talk about it.

Morgana: I don't know much about what humans are like but I'm just gonna assume it's something.... vulgar? If that's the right word?

Ren: Yeah, something like that-.. yeah.

Morgana: Okaaaayyy.....

"Oh?"

(Ren's eyes shifted to where the voice came from, he sees Yoshizawa in her gym clothes, approaching Ren. His eyes widened as his heart briefly pumped up.)

Ren: Yoshizawa!

Yoshizawa: I've finally found you! I was trying to find you so I could thank you properly this morning. So... Where'd the other people in your group go?

Ren: They ditched me.

Yoshizawa: I see.... I'm pretty much in the same situation. If it's all right with you, why don't we eat our soup together?

Ren: Sure thing. Well... This is soup, though...

Yoshizawa: Great, then let's drink it together!

(The two head to the stand where the soup is and get themselves a soup. They both sit back down to the bench.)

Yoshizawa: Thanks for the food!

(Yoshizawa sips in the soup from the bowl.)

Yoshizawa: I want to thank you again for this morning. That man was even more frightening than he might have appeared to you... So I truly appreciate what you did for me! Thank you so much.

Ren: Heh, you're welcome. It was nothing.

Yoshizawa: Y-yeah- Sorry- I'm not even finished! There's one more issue I need to address... I'm also sorry for what happened the other day!

Ren: The other.... day? About what?

Yoshizawa: The run-in we had outside of the guidance office. Mr. Kamoshida had just told me about you a moment prior, so I sort of spoke without thinking there... I heard some of my classmates gossiping about you, too.

Ren: Wait... really?

Yoshizawa: Yes, people are discussing all sorts of things behind your back.

(Ren leans forward from the bench, and lets out a sigh.)

Ren: Of course... why am I not surprised.

Yoshizawa: I don't like gossip or rumors and the like... And I know this'll sound strange since I just met you, but you don't seem like the kind of person they describe. It'd be a different story if all those rumors were actually true, though. What were all the crimes I'd heard? Burglary, murder, and.... elephant tusk trafficking, was it?

Ren: W-w-wait I'm not even capable of any of that! Elephant tusk trafficking? W-what?!

(Yoshizawa smiles, seeing Ren's confusion.)

Yoshizawa: That's what I had figured! Rumors can't be trusted at all, yet everyone starts shaking in their boots whenever they hear your name.

(Yoshizawa's eyes widened as she realizes something.)

Yoshizawa: You know what, it just hit me- I haven't introduced myself yet!

Ren: Oh- haha.... Ren Amamiya.

Yoshizawa: Oh, I'm sorry to make you go first, Amamiya-senpai. I apologize this was such a long time coming, but I hope we can get along well! I believe you already learned from our meeting at school that my-

(A boy passing by the two with a balloon accidentally lets go of it, it flies upwards, Yoshizawa notices. She makes a huge leap and grabs for the balloon and rolls as soon as she landed.)

Ren: !

Morgana: W-what the hell just happened?!

(Morgana notice something on the ground that's near where Yoshizawa sat on.)

Morgana: Oh look!

(Ren notices it too, he picks it up. It happens to be a pocketbook. He inspects the contents. Yoshizawa gives the ballon back to the boy.)

Yoshizawa: Got it just in time, here you are. Don't let go of things you like, okay?

(The boy nods and walks away. Yoshizawa walks back to Ren.)

Yoshizawa: Sorry I didn't mean to run out on you like that.

Ren: So you're Kasumi Yoshizawa?

Kasumi: Huh?

(Ren hands back the pocketbook to Kasumi.)

Kasumi: Oh! I guess you sleuthed me out before I got to tell you. Well you've cracked the case- I'm Kasumi Yoshizawa, a first year!

Ren: That was impressive there.

Kasumi: Oh you mean that back there? Oh, it was just some basic gymnastics. It's not that difficult once you get the hang of it- just a hop, skip and a jump!

Morgana: Gymnastics, huh? Didn't you learn some of those before? I saw you dodge like crazy when you first awakened your Persona.

Ren: Yeah but- I didn't even complete mine. I guess they all came back to me like it was second nature.

Morgana: Well I was just thinking about how the Phantom Thieves need to get some sweeter moves, too.

Ren: Good point.

Kasumi: What's the matter? Amamiya-senpai.

Ren: Nothing, I just realized how much we have in common. In a way.

Kasumi: How so?

Ren: I do a little bit of gymnastics too when I was younger. Well I didn't caught on to it, but I still managed to get some of the moves down.

Kasumi: W-wow! I really didn't expect someone like you to do gymnastics too. Quiet a coincidence!

Ren: Yeah, well... I wanna ask, if it would be alright if I could go along with you. I do really wanna get the hang of it again.

Kasumi: Wait you want to do gymnastics with me? That makes me so happy! I'd be honored if you allowed me!

(Kasumi smiles out of joy.)

Kasumi: The only problem is... I have a favor to ask for myself as well-... if you wouldn't mind...

Ren: Alright. What is it?

Kasumi: Lately, I haven't been getting the results I want from my performances, and I'm worried that I'm overthinking things... so it would be wonderful if you could give me some advice whenever you have the time.

Ren: You want my advice?

Kasumi: Sure I do! I'd love if you were willing to lend me an ear from time to time.

Morgana: Sounds like a sweet deal, don't pass this up!

Ren: Sure thing, I'll do what I can!

Kasumi: Thank you! Then we've cut a deal, heheh...

.....

(The two spend time together training, Ren learns all of the basics of gymnastics again and quickly becomes proficient in all kinds of flips. Kasumi is amazed at Ren.)

.....

.....

(The two parted ways for the day.)

[Shibuya Station]
[7:00]

Morgana: Ahh, it's great seeing you two train! And the way you did that cartwheel flip, I love it when you do that!

Ren: Heh... yeah. I didn't expect her to be such an amazing and understanding person.

Morgana: Yep, indeed!

.....

.....

Morgana: Wait a minute- is that also why you accepted this deal?

Ren: What are you implying?

(Morgana's eyes narrowed out of suspicion as he glares at Ren.)

Morgana: You have a crush on her, do ya?!

Ren: W-what?! No! Why?

Morgana: You know I caught you blushing after you stepped in for her! I kept it to myself for a bit thinking if it was just you at the moment. But this awfully smells like you're really interested to her!

Ren: S-shut up! Get back in the bag.

Morgana: Hmph... Okay then, simp.

Ren: W-what the- huh?!

(Morgana goes into the bag as Ren heads down the stairs.)

Ren: (Am I really... into her?... I admit, I haven't felt this way for a long time. Especially to a girl who's nice to me? Am I really that... lonely? Nah, I'm way over my head again.)

.....

(Many months pass by, Ren and "Kasumi" often talk to each other about their hobbies and interests. Ren gets to learn about her past. His questioning over his love to her begins to blossom into being true. They would both go on several dates. In time, Kasumi begins to develop feelings for Ren back, showing deliberate signs of it to him.)

[January 9 2017, Monday.]
[Dr. Maruki's Palace]

(The truth has been revealed by Maruki, Kasumi is happens to have died, and it is revealed that her sister Sumire is coping by taking over her entire identity. Ren becomes in a state of shock, whilst Sumire denies. Ren confronts her, turning this into a battle.)

.....

.....

(Joker and Violet stare down at each other.)

Violet: I can't stop this.... I refuse to live as Kasumi's killer!

(Violet pulls out her sword.)

Joker: Tch!

(He pulls out his dagger as he gives off a hesitant expression.)

Joker: Don't let it defy you, Snap out of it!

(Joker and Violet attack each other, his dagger and her sword constantly clash each other.)

Violet: HUP!

(Violet makes a back kick with her right leg onto Joker.)

Joker: UNH!-

(Joker is sent away, yet he recovers by driving his dagger to the ground, stopping himself skid. He looks up, seeing Violet on the air, about to drop down with her sword onto him.)

Joker: !

Violet: HaaaaAAAH!

(He quickly dodges away as she lands and misses her attack.)

Violet: Hmmph!

(Violet goes to stab at Joker's head.)

Joker: !

(Joker quickly dodges again, going to the right.)

Violet: Yah!

(She repeats the stab, Joker dodges to his left.)

Joker: Tch-

(Joker grabs Violet's wrist with his left hand and wraps her arm with his right arm, locking her.)

Violet: !

Joker: Hmph!

(Joker brings her down.)

Violet: Persona!

(Her Persona: Cendrillon is summoned. She punches Joker's face.)

Joker: UGH!-

(Joker is pushed away, he hits the ground. He quickly looks back up at Violet, who has her sword ready.)

Violet: Haaah!

(She makes an overhead slash at the downed Joker.)

Joker: Shit-

(Joker quickly raises his legs and lower body, dodging away from her sword. He recovers back to the ground by rolling himself back. Violet grinds her teeth in anger, seeing Joker unscathed.)

Violet: HMPH!

(She goes for a stab at Joker once again.)

Joker: Tch-

(Joker quickly grabs for her wrist with his right hand and stops her attack. He pulls her to his right side.)

Joker: Enough!

(Whilst grasping on her wrist, He quickly makes a palm strike at Violet's face with his left hand.)

Violet: Agh!-

(Joker quickly strikes her elbow with his left forearm.)

Violet: GAAH!

(She drops her sword out from pain. Joker notices and quickly kicks it away.)

Violet: Tch- NyaaAH!

(Violet makes a push kick, freeing herself from Joker as the two are now distanced again.)

Violet: Why are you doing this to me?! Please, just leave me alone!

Joker: Kasumi-... No-.... Sumire! *pant*... please...

Violet: YaaaaAAH!

(Violet dashes ahead, with her fists closed.)

Joker: !

(The moment Violet nears, she tries to attack Joker hand-to-hand but she seems to not even land a single punch on him as he keeps parrying each of her attacks and dodging away by flipping.)

Joker: ARSÈNE!

Violet: CENDRILLON!

(Arsène and Cendrillon are summoned, they dash against each other and begin to deal each other flurry of punches.)

.....

(Time passed by since then, Sumire began to accept her true self and joined forces with Ren to stop Maruki. The two begin to date more, with Sumire opening up to Ren more and the latter doing so in return as they became comfortable to each other.)

[January 19, Thursday]
[LeBlanc Cafe]

(The two have conversed about Sumire's her oncoming performance and her honest feelings about wanting to be stronger for her late sister.)

.....

(Sumire shyly looks down from Ren, she feels a little hesitant on what she is about to say....)

.....

(Ren notices her.)

Ren: Sumire, are you okay?

Sumire: Uhm..... Now that I'm committed to, you know, not running away from my feelings... um... T-there's something I need to tell you, R-Ren-senpai!

Ren: .....What's going on?

Sumire: Oh I-I'm sorry! I'm getting to it!.... I realized it was less a matter of showing off, and more wanting someone to watch me... T-that is, wanting someone special to watch me. Someone I'd want to have eyes only for me. And I thought to myself, well for me, that special person's obviously Senpai! So....I think that means.....

Ren: What?

Sumire: I'm in lo... I-lo... I'm in.. lo...

(Sumire shyly looks away as she blushes.)

Ren: .....

(She then quickly stands up and goes near to Ren, he slightly backs away in response.)

Ren: !

Sumire: I love you!

(Ren's eyes widen as he is left paused, staring at Sumire who's blushing heavily.)

Ren: .....

Sumire: .....

(The cold silent air flows around LeBlanc, she sits back down.)

.....

(Sumire looks away with a pained expression, so is Ren but he tries to comprehend.)

.....

.....

.....

(Ren quickly exits the counter and leave the cafe.)

Sumire: Ren!-

(Sumire is left frozen.)

[Yongen-Jaya Alley]

(Ren walks away from the cafe, he stops before the main street of Yongen-Jaya. He keeps his hands at his pocket.)

Ren: .....

(He looks up at the sky, and begins to recall every moment with her.)

Ren: .....

.....

(Sumire steps out from the cafe, seeing Ren from afar. She expresses worry.)

Sumire: Ren?...

(She slowly walks towards to Ren.)

Ren: .....

.....

(She now stands next to Ren, continuing with that worried and nervous look. Ren remains still.)

Sumire: Ren?... Uhm....

Ren: .....

(Sumire looks down with sadness, and embarrassment.)

.....

.....

Sumire: Whatever you have in your mind... I'm sorry... I just really wanna tell how I feel about you, after keeping it to myself for so long.. I just hope.. you understand.

(Sumire walks away, leaving Ren.)

Sumire: Goodbye...

Ren: .....

(Ren quickly stops her by grabbing her right hand.)

Ren: Wait-

Sumire: !

Ren: I-....

(Sumire looks to her back, facing Ren.)

Sumire: Ren..... ?

Ren: I just didn't think It'd... come to this. I really want to admit Sumire.... I have feelings for you too.

(Sumire's eyes widened up as she blushes, hearing Ren's words.)

Sumire: .....

Ren: I never thought I'd meet someone like you, especially after moving here to Tokyo from everything I've went.

(Her eyes begin to sparkle, as she continues listening to Ren.)

Ren: Honestly..... deep inside, I've been alone. Alone for a while even when I was back at home. All I ever had was my parents, but even then everyone around me would turn away... Hearing you about how you felt being the shadow of your sister, I can't help but just think about the past. Even if I have so many friends with me now, I know everyone has their own demons to fight, You and I have too.

(Ren slowly nears Sumire to himself.)

Ren: I've been thrown to here, all because I wanted to help. I felt so nervous and alone being here... But.... I didn't find myself, meeting someone who cared so much about me no matter where I was. Even if I'm just trying to survive the day in school, or work through different jobs, and even venturing off into the Metaverse.... Just being with you puts my mind at ease... you only kept me going, even regardless of learning the truth about you, I wouldn't know what would happen to you if I didn't stop you. I just.... couldn't bring myself to admit my feelings to you.... Understanding what you've been through.

(Ren gently puts his hand to her face, as she continues to blush.)

Ren: Sumire... I just wanted to say..... I love you too...

.....

(Sumire blushes as she slowly sheds tears.)

Sumire: R-Ren.... You feel special to me. Something I have never felt in my life.... even after I tried to rid the guilt in losing Kasumi..... When I first met you, all these times we were together..... after learning the truth about me... You were enough to make me, cope through.... I'm grateful that I met you, Ren.....

(Ren smiles, as he to sheds a few tears.)

Ren: Sumire.....

Sumire: Ren?...

.....

(Ren kisses Sumire to her lips, locking to it. He wraps his arms around her.)

Sumire: !

(Her eyes quickly widened up as she froze due to Ren. She continues to blush.)

Sumire: .....

(She then slowly closes her eyes, feeling relaxed. She wraps her arms around him. The two continue to kiss as they hug as snowflakes begin to fall down onto them.....)

.....

.....

[Near the Sakura Household]

(Futaba is seen to be using her binoculars as she peeks through, seeing Ren and Sumire.)

Futaba: *sniff*....

(She looks away as she removes her binoculars. She happens to be shedding tears as she smiles.)

Futaba: Nice job, Ren....

(She walks back home.)

Futaba: I wish I have someone too...