3rd POV
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As the train rattled toward Shibuya, Ryuji leaned over to Y/N, a mischievous grin on his face. "Hey, Neko, you awake enough for ramen?"
Y/N blinked slowly, a lazy smile spreading across her face. "Barely, but ramen will fix that."
Akira chuckled, shaking his head. "Neko, huh? Fits you."
"Shut up," Y/N muttered, but there was no real annoyance in her voice. Akira's teasing always had a way of making her heart flutter.
Ann leaned in, her eyes sparkling. "So, Akira, any new plans for the weekend?"
Makoto, ever the diligent student council president, shot Ann a look. "Ann, you know Akira and Ryuji are probably busy with... their usual antics."
"Oh, come on, Makoto," Ann said, waving a hand dismissively. "Let them have some fun."
Before Akira could respond, Morgana let out a dramatic meow, leaping onto Y/N's lap. He nuzzled into her, purring loudly. She stroked his fur absentmindedly, her sleepy demeanor making her look even more like the nickname Ryuji had given her.
"I think Morgana's hungry too," Y/N said, lifting the cat to eye level. "You want ramen, Morgana?"
Morgana meowed again, pressing his head against her cheek. Ryuji laughed. "Looks like he's on board."
As they arrived in Shibuya, the group made their way to their favorite ramen shop. The smell of broth and spices filled the air, making Y/N's stomach rumble. She perked up slightly, the promise of food giving her a bit more energy.
They found a table near the back, and as they settled in, Ryuji ordered a mountain of food. "Gotta make sure Neko here gets enough to wake up," he joked.
Y/N stuck her tongue out at him, but Akira's soft laugh caught her attention. He was watching her with that same warm expression, and she felt her cheeks heat up.
"Hey, Neko," Akira said, leaning closer. "If you fall asleep in your ramen, I'll have to carry you home."
Y/N's eyes widened, a mix of embarrassment and amusement making her giggle. "You wish."
Ann nudged Makoto, whispering loudly, "They're so cute together, don't you think?"
Makoto nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Definitely. It's nice seeing Y/N happy."
Ryuji, oblivious to the quiet conversation, was too busy diving into his bowl of ramen. "This is the life," he declared between mouthfuls.
Morgana, sitting beside Y/N, let out a contented purr, clearly enjoying the atmosphere. He occasionally pawed at her, seeking more attention. "Even Morgana's having a good time," Ann noted, scratching his chin.
As the meal progressed, Y/N found herself more awake and more comfortable, surrounded by her friends. Akira reached over at one point, wiping a stray noodle from her cheek, and Y/N's heart skipped a beat.
"Thanks," she murmured, trying to hide her flustered state.
"No problem," Akira replied, his smile gentle.
Ryuji, noticing the exchange, pretended to gag. "Alright, you two, get a room."
"Ryuji!" Ann scolded, swatting his arm. "Let them be."
Y/N just laughed, feeling lighter than she had in days. With Akira by her side, and her friends around her, she felt like she could handle anything—even if it meant being dragged out of her comfort zone.
As they left the ramen shop, Akira walked close beside her, their hands brushing occasionally. Y/N felt a sense of peace, knowing that despite her sleepy nature and aversion to big groups, she had found a place where she truly belonged.
As they made their way back, Y/N noticed Makoto watching Akira and Ryuji intently. "You okay, Makoto?" she asked.
Makoto snapped out of her thoughts, offering a reassuring smile. "Yeah, just thinking about school stuff."
Y/N nodded, but couldn't shake the feeling that Makoto was onto something. Little did she know, her best friend was slowly piecing together the mystery of Kamoshida's Palace—a secret that would soon intertwine their fates even more tightly.
"Hey, Neko, you sure you're alright?" Ryuji asked, his voice laced with concern as they walked. "You seemed really out of it earlier."
"I'm fine, Ryuji," Y/N assured him, rolling her eyes. "Just tired."
"Yeah, well, just let me know if you need anything," he said, ruffling her hair protectively. "I don't want you getting sick or anything."
Akira watched the sibling interaction with a small smile, feeling a pang of envy for their close bond. He wondered what it would be like to have a brother like Ryuji—someone who looked out for him so fiercely.
As they approached the station, Makoto's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, frowning slightly. "I need to check on something. You guys go ahead; I'll catch up."
Ann raised an eyebrow. "Everything okay?"
Makoto nodded. "Just some student council business. I'll be fine."
They watched her walk away, her posture stiff with determination. Ann shrugged, linking arms with Y/N. "Well, more ramen for us, I guess!"
On the train ride back, Y/N found herself sandwiched between Akira and Ryuji, with Ann and Morgana across from them. The gentle rocking of the train made her eyelids droop, and she leaned her head against Akira's shoulder without realizing it.
Akira tensed for a moment, then relaxed, a soft smile playing on his lips. Ryuji glanced over, narrowing his eyes in a protective manner.
"Hey, don't get any ideas," Ryuji warned, though his tone was more teasing than serious. "That's my sister."
Akira raised his hands in mock surrender. "Just letting her rest, man."
Ryuji grumbled something unintelligible but didn't press the issue. Ann and Morgana exchanged amused glances, the cat letting out a contented purr as he curled up on Y/N's lap, refusing to move even as the train stopped.
By the time they reached their stop, Y/N was half-asleep, her head still resting on Akira's shoulder. He gently nudged her awake, and she blinked up at him, disoriented.
"We're here," he said softly, helping her to her feet.
"Thanks," she mumbled, trying to shake off the drowsiness.
As they walked back to their neighborhood, the sun setting in the distance, Y/N felt a warmth in her chest. Despite the secrets and the dangers lurking in Kamoshida's Palace—a world she was unaware of—she knew she had friends who cared for her deeply.
"Hey, Neko," Ryuji said suddenly, breaking her from her thoughts. "You wanna hang out with us tomorrow? Maybe do something fun?"
"Sure," Y/N replied, smiling. "As long as it doesn't involve waking up early."
Akira chuckled, and Morgana meowed in agreement, still clinging to Y/N's shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll let you sleep in."
They arrived at their respective homes, and as Y/N turned to say goodnight, Akira caught her hand for a brief moment. "Sleep well, Neko."
She felt a flutter in her chest, nodding. "You too, Akira."
With Morgana perched on his shoulder, Akira watched her walk inside, a soft smile on his lips. He felt a sense of hope, knowing that despite the challenges ahead, they had moments like these to hold onto.
As he and Morgana made their way to Leblanc, Akira couldn't help but think about the battles they faced in Kamoshida's Palace. But for now, he allowed himself to enjoy the simple pleasure of a day well spent with friends—and the budding connection he felt with Y/N.
