Looking up with a smirk, Takemi's expression shifted drastically upon seeing Shiho essentially holding Ann upright.
"Exam room, now," she demanded. Reliable indeed.
---
"It's thankfully nothing that cannot be resolved," Takemi began as she called the group into the exam room. They let out a sigh of relief. "But!"
The team looked on in worry with a nod.
"She needs to be careful, her blood sugar was very low. It may just be from not eating well, but follow up with a specialist to check for diabetes."
"NO SUGAR?" Ann exclaimed.
"Is sugar worth having to inject yourself with insulin for the rest of your life?" Takemi deadpanned.
"Nope! I'm good on needles!" Ann declared. Despite thinking about how good a crepe would be about now. "Oh yeah! Shiho?"
"Ann." Shiho nodded.
"Guinea pig?" They said at the same time.
"What the hell, Ren? Why do you keep doing this?" Ann groaned with her hand to her forehead.
"Well, she asked me not to talk about it," Ren mumbled.
"And the cute little guinea pig kept his promise," Takemi said with a wink as she escorted them out.
Shiho and Ann had dramatic fake pouts. They didn't even get a chance to ask to help! Ann leaned towards her best friend and whispered to her. Shiho blinked, then whispered back in
confusion.
"Hey Ren! Are you doing anything right now?" Ann asked with a pep.
"I don't need to be back to Leblanc quite yet. Need me to walk you home?" he asked politely.
Ann blushed and thought. 'Shit, he's dangerously kind!'
After a brief moment Ann shook her head with a smile. "No, but thank you, Ren. Would you like to head to Inokashira Park? I wanna chat a little."
---
The walk through the park was quiet and peaceful. The park was emptying out for the evening. Children laughing with their parents. Birds chirping.
"I don't like being looked at," Ann began. "I tell myself I do, but I don't."
Ren paused for a moment and considered his response.
"Do you imagine judging yourself from an angle of how you think that others would perceive you?"
"Yes, exactly!" Ann said. "Thank god someone understands."
There was a pause. "Happens to you too, huh?" Ann trailed off.
"...It used to," Ren revealed quietly. "Masks feel natural and foreign at the same time. But it helps."
"Like Carmen!"
Ren gave a smile.
"Thanks, Ren! Hey, you're good at this."
"Huh? At what?"
"Giving advice!" Ann said, nodding sagely. "Yes. You would be a good therapist."
"Huh, maybe so," Ren chuckled.
Reality shifted and time paused. The gentle voice he had come to appreciate sounded in his head. "I am thou. Thou art I. You have established a new bond. It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity. With the birth of The Lovers Persona—"
Suddenly the voice cut off like a glitch. Static rang through the area, causing feedback in Ren's head. "Found you." The calm and composed sound of a voice sounded through the air before a strong snort was heard and time resumed.
"Ren, are you okay?" Ann asked. "You suddenly went pale."
"No, it's okay, I think my blood sugar is low too. It's been a long day," Ren got out.
"Would you like an escort, Madame?"
"Just to the station is fine, Monsieur," Ann playfully grinned.
---
Picking Morgana up at the front of the station, the two headed to Yongen-Jaya.
The atmosphere between the two felt somewhat tense. Ren was sitting down riding the train while blankly staring out the window. Morgana's head popped out of his bag.
"Ren... I'm sorry about getting you scolded," Morgana whispered with his ears down, eyes downcast.
"Haha, don't worry, it's fine, Morgana. I needed it. I can admit when I'm wrong, even if I am a stubborn guy," Ren laughed.
"Well, you looked really lost in thought and irritated," Morgana said. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired," Ren assured.
---
DING
The bell on Leblanc's door had somewhat become a sign that Ren can relax. At least a little.
Sojiro was sitting at the counter watching the news. He turned his head toward the raven-haired teen and his cat.
"Welcome back, kid. You look beat."
"Yeah. I'm going to head to bed," Ren nodded wearily. His head hurt really badly right now.
"Did you eat? Drink?" Sojiro asked sharply.
"Yes. I bought something from the store on the way back. Onigiri and some tea."
"Good." Sojiro nodded. "I'll lock the place up. Go."
"Thanks, Boss. I'll be sure to do it tomorrow," Ren nodded as he began to head up the stairs.
"It's my shop, kid! It's fine!" Sojiro called up with a grunt.
---