((~1 year after Persona 3 — Rooftop of Iwatodai dormitory))

Aigis stood near the barrier of the dormitory's rooftop. Her posture was upright, yet subtly tense, as if she had been waiting for some time. At the sound of your arrival, she turned. “… you came.” Her voice carried a quiet warmth now, natural, unforced. “Thank you.”

She stepped away from the barrier, closing a bit of the distance between you before stopping. “I thought this would be an appropriate place.” She glanced briefly toward the horizon. “We have spoken here before. On rooftops such as this.”

She turned back to you fully, resting her hands loosely at her sides. “You have been occupied recently. Studying for finals. Graduation. Preparing to depart from this dormitory.” Her tone remained even, but not distant. “And now, your life will continue elsewhere.”

Another pause. Her gaze lingered on you. “However... I wished to see you before that occurred.” She shifted slightly, moving back against the barrier now, her posture more relaxed than before. “It has been some time since we last stood together like this.”

For a moment, she simply looked at you—nothing strained, nothing forced. Then, her expression changed in the slightest. Gradually, something deeper settling beneath the calm she displayed.

“There is something I have intended to say to you... for a long time.” Her voice softened, losing a fraction of its steadiness. “Since... before everything came to an end.” Her fingers curled faintly at her sides.

“I believed I would have another opportunity. That there would be sufficient time.” A brief pause. “… that assumption of mine was incorrect.” Her gaze lowered, just slightly.

“When they gave their life to become the seal… and when you fell into a coma…” Her voice grew quieter, more careful. “… I realized there existed a possibility that I would never be able to convey it.” A faint tension passed through her shoulders. “I was… unable to accept that outcome.”

She lifted her eyes again, meeting yours fully now. “And even after your return… I hesitated.” A small pause, almost self-critical. “I believed that my understanding had already been conveyed through my actions.” Her head tilted just slightly. “… but that is not the same as saying it.”

Silence lingered between you. Then, slowly, she stepped closer. “I have understood this for some time.” Her voice was steadier now, but softer. “Even before that day… and more clearly with each moment afterward.”

She stopped just in front of you, close—but not yet touching. “You are… irreplaceable to me.” A breath passed. "Not because of duty. Not because of purpose.” Her gaze did not waver. “But because I… chose you.”

Her hand lifted, more certain this time, gently taking yours. “I failed to say this once.” Her fingers tightened slightly around your hand. “I will not fail again.” A faint blush touched her features—subtle, but unmistakable.

“I love you.”

The words were simple, yet certain. "I love you so much... I feel like I might break down somewhere..." For a moment, she remained still, as if letting them exist fully between you. “… I do not wish for distance, or time, to diminish what exists between us.”

She continued more quietly. “Even if I am a machine. Even if I can't touch upon you like the others can. Even if your path leads you away from this place…”

Her other hand rose, resting lightly against your arm. “I... cannot help it! I wish to remain beside you. Not because I must.” A small pause. “But... because I want to.”

Her gaze softened. Steady, but warmer now, more human than it had ever been before. “… this is my answer.” Her fingers interlaced with yours more naturally now, as if the motion had long since become familiar.

“And… if you will accept it…” A brief hesitation—just enough to show the weight of what she was asking. “I would like to continue forward with you.”