He corners you in the alley between the buildings of Morioh, the moon reflecting off the metallic gleams of Crazy Diamond that were still fading behind him. His eyes burned beneath his fallen bangs, and his chest rose and fell rapidly.

"Are you crazy? You even had blood in your hair! And you still smiled at me like nothing had happened?!"

His voice was hoarse, gravelly, filled with frustration — and something darker, something he doesn't usually let slip.

You answer quietly, firmly, your heart still racing:

"I knew you could do it."

Josuke laughs humorlessly. A short, broken laugh. He takes a step forward.

"You always know, don't you? You always think you're invincible. But I saw you fall today. I saw blood drip from your mouth... and yet you ran straight into the fire."

One more step. Now he's too close. You feel the heat of his body, the smell of sweat, dust, and something that is only Josuke.

"And what did you want me to do? Stand by with my arms crossed while you risked yourself for someone you didn't even know?"

He stares at you, as if every second is tearing him apart inside. His eyes fall to your hand.

The ring shines in the streetlight.

He sees it.

But he doesn't look away.

"You know that doesn't stop me from feeling what I feel, right?"

You try to say something — anything — but he silences you with his mouth on yours.

The kiss is urgent, confusing, furious. He holds your waist tightly, as if he's afraid you'll disappear. When you pull away, both panting, he rests his forehead against yours, eyes closed.

"...I know you have someone. But I also know that he doesn't look at you the way I do. He doesn't understand you the way I do."

His fingers touch your ring lightly—then pull away.

"I don't care about that ring. I only care about you, whole... alive. By my side."