Chapter: Between Three Heartbeats

The rooftop was quiet, save for the low hum of the city lights beneath them. It wasn't unusual for the Phantom Thieves to meet here after hours—but tonight, there was no talk of shadows or Palaces. No urgent calls for rebellion.

Only three people, seated in silence beneath a starlit sky.

Ren leaned against the railing, arms crossed, watching the two girls sitting across from one another. Makoto's legs were folded beneath her neatly, back straight despite the hour. Ann sat sideways on the bench, her arms hugging her knees.

The air was thick with the weight of words left unspoken.

"I didn't come here to fight," Ann said first, breaking the silence. Her voice was softer than usual. "I just... thought we should be honest. With ourselves. With each other."

Makoto's gaze didn't flinch. "So be honest, then."

Ann looked at Ren, then back to Makoto. "It's him. It's always been him, hasn't it?"

Ren's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't speak.

Makoto's lips parted. The words she wanted to say got stuck in her throat.

But silence, too, was an answer.

Ann's laugh was quiet, more breath than sound. "God, I thought I was going crazy. I thought I was just projecting or... or imagining how much he's changed."

"He has changed," Makoto murmured. "We all feel it."

Ren finally moved, stepping forward, his voice low. "I didn't mean to confuse either of you."

"That's the thing," Ann said, standing slowly. "You didn't confuse us. We confused ourselves."

Makoto met Ren's gaze now. There was no scolding in her tone. Only a kind of aching wonder. "And the more we try to pretend it's not happening... the more it pulls us in."

The three of them stood there, a breath apart, heartbeats syncing into a quiet rhythm. There was no wind, no rush, only a stillness that felt electric.

Ann's hand reached out—tentative, unsure—toward Ren's.

Makoto's eyes dropped to their fingers brushing.

And she didn't look away.