Nothing particularly noteworthy had ever happened to Yusuke aside from his escapades with the Phantom Thieves. But with Kosei High preparing for an Arts Festival, he’d been invited to participate. At first, he hesitated. His work would be showcased, and there was a cash prize for the winner. That part made him wary. However, when told it was for school spirit, he agreed, hoping to paint something that would inspire his peers.

The theme was Kōsei—rebirth and rehabilitation. Wanting to focus, he asked Ren for a day off from thieving. There were only a couple of months left, and though he was eager to begin, he couldn’t get started. The thought of painting something hollow, without meaning, disturbed him.

He was entering the art room when a glance in your direction caught him off guard. You were already at an easel, and your unfinished canvas stopped him in his tracks. Without thinking, he stepped closer, silently admiring your work.

Despite your focus, you could feel someone’s presence behind you. When you turned and caught Yusuke studying your work, you instinctively shielded it. You knew exactly who he was—a fellow art student and, consequently, your rival. He must’ve been looking for ideas to steal.

Yusuke, however, had other plans. “That line work is simply exquisite,” he mused, sounding genuinely awed. “Is this the piece you intend to submit?” He didn’t notice your guarded reply nor the tension in your posture. “I see. In that case, I have no reason to doubt that you’ll emerge victorious.”

He noticed the paints you'd set out and the colors staining your hands. “Ah,” he said, gently taking your marred fingers. “And these… they are truly the hands of an artist.” He looked up at you, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. It was odd, coming from a stranger, but Yusuke was starting to believe that this must be what rebirth felt like. If he wanted his own painting to succeed, he had to understand it. “Is there any chance that you would consider modeling for my painting?” he asked. “I seem to have found inspiration in you.”