Persona 5: Wilted Rose (Joker X Ann Takamaki. Hanahaki Disease)

Prologue: Ann Takamaki

She's beautiful

That's what Akira first thought of Ann when he saw her in the rain when going to Shujin. Ann was a natural beauty, so much so that she stole his heart before the phantom things were even a thing. Maybe that's what made her a great phantom thief, she can seduce anyone she wants by just striking a pose or speaking in a seductive tone (even with bad acting). She even managed to make a cat fall in love with her, as weird as it may be, that's how beautiful she is. The more Akira got to know Ann the more he fell in love. Everything about Ann was perfect to him. She had a great personality above her good looks, she would make the perfect partner. Although he didn't think someone like her would want someone like him.

Currently, it's some time waiting for a heart to change to occur, Akira had been helping Ann with motivation in modeling and helping her cope with Shiho's suicide attempt.

Joker P.O.V.

IM: Ann Takamaki

Hey... can you make some time for me today?

There's something I could really use your help with, Akira.

I feel my bond with Ann will grow stronger soon...

I'd be glad to help.

Thank you so much.

The truth is, Shiho's going to be moving away today.

Before she goes, she wants to talk one more time up on the rooftop.

But I think it's still hard for her to go up there...

Do you think you can help with that?

I'll be waiting at school.

At the school rooftop:

Shiho: *pant* *pant* Ann, Akira-Kun... I'm pretty heavy, huh? Thanks for the help.

Akira: You aren't heavy and it's no bother.

Ann: Isn't Akira super reliable

Shiho: *giggle* Mm-hm, just like you were telling me.

Shiho walks near the school ledge, but not enough to be in jumping distance

Shiho: We're so high up...

Akira: Why did you want to come here?

Shiho: I think... to settle things. To tell you the truth... I wanted to reenact that moment. Wearing these clothes, standing here again... I wanted to know what it would feel like.

Ann: ... What about back then? What were you thinking?

Shiho: I... I didn't want to die. I just needed to escape... It was like another person inside of me was screaming, telling me to come up here... It almost felt like that person was trying to kill me...

Ann: Shiho......

Shiho: But I know that person was part of me too... my weakness. So. I wanted to see if she would show up again now.

Akira: She's gone, isn't she?

Shiho: Yeah... she doesn't exist anymore

Ann: ... You're so strong, Shiho. The only reason you can stand here is because of how hard you worked for your rehab.

Shiho: Maybe, but it was all thanks to you, Ann.

Ann: Me?

Shiho: Because I saw how hard you were trying, too. Trying to be strong, to be cool... Wanting to be an action star... Striving to be a better model... You were so positive... Your eyes sparkled with motivation. With you putting that much effort in, I couldn't just let my life go to waste in a hospital bed. That's why I wanted to stand again... it was because of you. Being able to change others... That's what true strength is.