Annkoto - P5

Annkoto - Chapter 17: You're Clearly Hiding Something

It has been 3 days since the Phantom Thieves began their mission to steal Futaba Sakura's heart. They had made decent progress navigating the Palace, but with all the puzzles and booby traps that Futaba's shadow had set up, it was proving difficult to reach the treasure. Once they made it to a safe room close to the top of the pyramid, Joker decided to let the team rest for a couple days, and they would wrap it up on the weekend.
The date is Friday, July 29th. Makoto is arriving at the train station closest to Ann's house. She steps out and spots Akechi heading for another gate. Makoto noted that Yongen Jaya was a stop there.
Akechi turns and meets eyes with Makoto, almost as if he sensed her presence.

Akechi: "Nijima-san! Funny running into you here."
Akechi has his cheerful smile and tone, as always.

Makoto: "Hello, Akechi-kun, and it's okay if you call me Makoto you know. A friend of Ren's is a friend of mine. And, I guess we are sort of business partners now."

Akechi: "That's right, it could be seen that way, couldn't it? I hardly consider it to be as formal as you describe, it's more so me doing Ren a few favors. It's the least I could do after all he's done for me."

Makoto: "That's very kind of you. The rest of us also benefit from your favors, after all."

Akechi: "I assure you, it's no issue. So where are you headed tonight, Makoto-san? It's hard to imagine the diligent honors student going out on a Friday night."

Makoto: "Oh, I'm just going to see my girlfriend..." She said this with confidence, but a slight hesitation.

Akechi: "I see. That's wonderful Makoto-san. I'm surprised Ren hasn't told me about this."

Makoto: "She's not quite ready to come out yet... but I really appreciate Ren. He's helped us with a lot while still respecting our boundaries."

Akechi: "That sounds like him. Perfect in every way, tsk. Hey, why don't we have a double date sometime, once your girlfriend is more comfortable."

Makoto: "That sounds great! I love that idea."

Akechi: "I'll have Ren contact you about it when the time comes. I better get going now, have fun Makoto-san!"

Makoto: "You too, Akechi-kun."

...

*Knock Knock Knock*
Ann: "I'm coming!"
She opens the door.

Ann: "Hiya Makoto-senpai!"

Makoto: "Ann!"
She hugs Ann tightly.

Ann: "W- Woah where did this come from?"

Makoto: "I've missed you."
She pulls away, keeping her arms rested on Ann's shoulders, with her hands still wrapped behind Ann's neck.

They look into each other's eyes with their cheeks turning pink.

Ann: "W- Why don't you come in."

Makoto: "Sorry, my eyes must have gotten lost in something I couldn't look away from."

They settle down inside.
Ann: "You're quite the romantic, Makoto."

Makoto: "I never thought I would be. Come to think of it, I never thought much of love. That is... until I met you of course."

Ann: "I- I... Your way with words is something special y'know that?"

Makoto: "What, am I flustering you, Ann-chan? Ahaha."

Ann changes the subject: "There is something I've been meaning to ask you about."

Makoto: "Oh really? Ask away then."