The attic of Leblanc Café is dim, the rain outside casting rippling shadows on the walls. The Phantom Thieves sit around the cluttered table, planning their next move. One chair is noticeably empty.
Ann smirks, tapping her chin. “She’s late. Think she’s picking out something nice for you, Ren?”
Ryuji snickers. “Right? He’s barely said a word since she didn’t show up. Bet he’s rehearsing some cool line for when she gets here.”
Ren adjusts his glasses, his calm exterior unwavering. “Shut it. We have an infiltration route to finalise, you air heads.”
“Oh, lighten up,” Morgana teases, his tail flicking. “You’re only this serious when she’s not here.”
“They do have an unusual bond,” Yusuke adds. “It’s rare to see such effortless understanding between two people.”
Ren says nothing, though his hand stills on the notes in front of him. Just then, the door creaks open, footsteps echoing up the stairs. The others grin as Ren glances up.
“She’s here,” Ann whispers, smirking.