Ren noted the sense of disappointment that radiated from Makoto, though, he couldn’t blame her. Morgana was part of the team after all, even if he was a cat in the end, he still was their friend in spite of everything. For him to have to stay behind, away from the rest of the phantom thieves, it must have been lonely; however, it couldn’t be helped, at least he was home safe.
Turning his attention back to Makoto, he merely quirked a brow at what she asked him. For such a trip, certainly it would be too expensive for the average high schooler, though Ann might be able to manage it… Yusuke was unfortunately out of the question. Ryuji might, if he wasn’t buried in his studies, trying to take on the mantra of responsibility that Ren had left behind. It was lonely, but, the boy was just happy to be able to visit. Perhaps, he and Sojiro could work something out, allowing him to visit more often.
“No, but, that’s alright,” he smiled, looking towards the sky. “Its the thought that counts, after all, I do live over four hours away.”
The news of Makoto’s studies, and her sister’s well being, it was more than enough to bring that same smile back to Ren’s face. They had both changed so much in such a short amount of time, and honestly it was encouraging to know that the world was slowly changing for the better. Their world, at least, centered in the heart of Japan. Leaving the station, Ren couldn’t help but shield his eyes, being inside all day leaving him quite vulnerable to the sunlight.
“The future, huh?” he inquired, a small frown forming on his lips, his hand touching his chin. When he had been labeled a delinquent, he hadn’t really given much thought on his plans, after all, a criminal can only go so far in society. It seemed that habit hadn’t quite left him yet, a year later after being acquitted of his assault charge. “I… Haven’t thought that far ahead, honestly. I suppose I’m free to do what I want now, aren’t I?”
Not used to having longer hair yet, you couldn’t help but have your hand travel to this one so you could fix it a little, before you idly played with it as you walked and listened to Ren. Knowing that no one had the chance to visit made your smile to drop slightly and feel a little guilty for making the assumption that someone visited even if it wasn’t you.
On the other hand, that didn’t matter to you at the moment, mainly because you were trying to think positively about what you two were doing now; your current meeting was more than enough to pay for the time you were separated from your friend.
“I’m sorry to hear that...I promise that one day, I’ll gather everyone so we all visit at the same time.” After adding that, you smiled again as well. “It would be great to be all together again. I’m sure it would be really fun, like in the old times.”
Stepping out of the station alongside him, you blinked twice at the change of light, before looking back at him and letting your arms and shoulders to relax for a moment now that you were outside.
“Indeed...you can do whatever you want, because that’s what we fought for.”
“How’s everyone treating you back at home, though?...it would honestly be stupid if people didn’t know the truth behind your case...it would be really unfair if you were still being treated as a criminal after all.”