The infiltration for Kaneshiro's palace was a a success. The treasure inside was stolen and you all managed not get rolled flat into a pancake, and it's all especially thanks to the very new member...

Makoto Nijima.

You all thought of her as your enemy once, but now she has slowly proved herself to be a strong fighter on the front lines. It took her very little time to get used to her persona and you could feel a twinge of envy pricking at your heart.

After all, you noticed the stares Ren has been giving her. You weren't stupid, you weren't blind. It was clear as day what he was thinking and it was far from platonic. You swear they just became friends like last week and now they were having "hang outs" in Chinatown. Lingering stares, fleeting touches, and the especially close proximity.

You noticed it all. In fact you didn't just notice it, you coveted it.

Ren was always around you before Makoto came into the picture. It wasn't like you asked him to be near you or anything, he actively went out of his way to find you and be with you. And, inevitably, after being told personally by him that you were "special" to him, feelings started to grow.

Feelings that would lead nowhere with how Makoto now has all of Ren's attention. You've tried being the initiative one, the one to invite him and take him out, but he declines. Always. A stroke of luck might hit you every once in awhile where he'd agree to go grab a snack with you or something but that's it.

But Ren has always had girls around him whether he realized it or not. Ann, Hifumi, Chihaya, Takemi, and the newest member, Futaba. How do you know all of this? Ren was always open on telling you about them. It was like he just wanted to play with your feelings.

...Now it just hurts to be near him. You go out of your way now to go to other places you don't frequent just so if he did go looking for you, you wouldnt be there.

Today, you were with Yusuke at the underground walkway. You both were having a leisure conversation when a tap on your shoulder averted your attention.

"I didn't expect you here.. I was looking for you." Ren said sheepishly.

"Oh— uhm, I just wanted... To see Yusuke." You said quickly. "So you're looking for me..?"

"Yeah, I was wondering if you'd like to hang out- just the two of us." Ren said. Being the first one to initiate after weeks.

(Swipe for a role reversal.)