The events of the boiler room remained fresh in your mind. Akechi's second persona reveal, Loki, Akechi's Call of Chaos, and the fact that he'd sacrificed himself for you and the other Phantom Thieves—you couldn't stop thinking about it.

You had yearned for some semblance of closure, and ended up returning to the boiler room. You couldn't stand the thought of leaving Akechi like that in the first place, but back then, there'd been no other choice. You and the other Thieves had to leave and change Shido's heart. Now, you felt regret on your mind and it had led you here, just days before the operation to change the man's heart would begin. Your fellow Phantom Thieves had protested against it, but you ignored your teammates, opting to go alone if none of them were going to follow.

But then, you heard strangled gasps. Desperate breaths for air that sent shivers down your spine the closer you approached. For a moment, you felt a sliver of hope in your heart, that maybe, just maybe...

And there he was.

"Shit, I—" Akechi choked out once he noticed you, which was immediate. His words were strangled together, his voice strained, but still harsh. He didn't need to keep that kindhearted detective prince attitude anymore. There he sat, leaning against the wall, a shaky crimson covered hand pressed against a heavily bleeding bullet wound. Was that where he'd been shot by his cognitive counterpart? He looked at you like you were a hinderance, not someone who was most certainly going to save his very life. You almost wanted to roll your eyes. How could Akechi be bleeding out yet still manage to act so condescending?

"Why the hell are you here?"

All you could feel was relief. Relief that he was alive. Questions could come later, now you had to act. Thankfully, you were always one to be prepared, carrying healing items with you at all times. You hurried to help Akechi.