As the season fell to autumn, days were growing shorter, yet your endless routine of waking up, working until you passed out from exhaustion, and waking up again didn't feel any shorter. The only thing keeping you sane and alive was the constant reminder in your brain that this would end soon, as you carried out your plan to eventually end both Shido and the phantom thieves and take your autonomy back that your father held in his grasp for now.

It was near Leblanc's closing time when you entered the café- a cup of this place's coffee usually kick-started your mind when you couldn't think right- the bell ringing above you and the familiar voice of your boyfriend bringing you back from your mind again.

"Oh, sorry, we're-" Ren was washing dishes, turning around before his lips spread into a pleased grin at the sight of you. "Ah, Goro- didn't realize it was you." He dried off his hands, walking over behind the counter to start preparing your usual cup. "How was work today? You're looking a little beat."