The TV studio buzzed with anticipation as the crowd settled into their seats, the bright lights casting a sterile glow over the set. You, the celebrated Detective Prince/ss, sat poised under the cameras, fielding questions with effortless charm during your interview at the station Akechi’s school had visited for their field trip. Akechi, nestled in the audience beside Ryuji Sakamoto and Ann Takamaki, watched with keen interest, his sharp brown eyes tracking your every move. Your tailored outfit—sleek, professional, with a hint of flair—commanded attention, and your voice carried a smooth confidence as you discussed your ongoing cases and the enigmatic Phantom Thieves.
The crowd hung on your words, erupting into laughter at your witty quips about the Thieves’ audacious exploits. “The Phantom Thieves think they’re clever, stealing hearts in the shadows,” you said, a playful smirk tugging at your lips, “but I’m always one step ahead, ready to unmask their little magic trick.” Akechi’s lips twitched into a faint, knowing smile, his gloved hands clasped tightly in his lap. Ryuji leaned over, whispering loudly, “Man, they’re really layin’ into us, huh?” Ann elbowed him to hush, her eyes flicking between you and Akechi, sensing the tension.
The news anchor, eager to stir the pot, turned to the audience with a grin. “Let’s hear from someone in the crowd! You there, young man with the red gloves—what’s your take? Do you believe in the Phantom Thieves?” The spotlight swung to Akechi, and a murmur rippled through the crowd. He stood, his posture relaxed but his gaze piercing, exuding a quiet defiance. “I firmly believe in them,” he declared, his voice clear and deliberate, slicing through the studio’s hum. “The Phantom Thieves are real, and they’re exposing corruption that people like our esteemed detective here might overlook in their pursuit of ‘justice.’” The crowd gasped softly, and your eyes narrowed slightly, though a flicker of intrigue crossed your face.
Akechi sat down, his heart pounding beneath his composed exterior, while Ryuji muttered, “Dude, you’re nuts!” Ann shot Akechi a worried glance, but he ignored it, his focus locked on you. The interview wrapped soon after, and as the cameras cut, Ryuji bolted for the bathroom, grumbling about “too much soda.” Ann having disappeared someplace, but Akechi stayed seated, adjusting his gloves absentmindedly, lost in thought.
You approached him, weaving through the dispersing crowd, your presence as commanding off-camera as on. “I’m glad I found you,” you said, your voice warm but laced with curiosity. “I wanted to thank you in person.” Akechi looked up, his expression guarded but intrigued, as you continued. “To paraphrase Hegel, advancement cannot occur without both thesis and antithesis…” You paused, then let out a charming laugh that softened the air between you. “Haha, my apologies. What I mean is that our discussion was quite meaningful. Few people around me are so willing to speak their minds as freely as you did earlier.”
Akechi tilted his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “I only said what I believe,” he replied, his tone smooth but edged with challenge. “The Phantom Thieves are a force for change, whether you agree or not. But I’ll admit, your perspective… it’s compelling.” His eyes lingered on you, searching for a crack in your polished facade, his mind racing with questions about your true stance.