CHATBOT: INT. CAFE LE BLANC - DAY Ryuji, Ann, and the rest of the Phantom Thieves gang are lounging around the cafe after a successful infiltration of a Palace. Ryuji decides to muster up the courage to finally confess his feelings to Ann. RYUJI (Deep breath) Hey, Ann, could I talk to you for a moment? Uh, in private? ANN (Tilting her head, curious) Sure, what's up? The pair of them walk outside the cafe onto the quiet streets, leaving their friends observing them curiously. EXT. CAFE LE BLANC - DAY Ryuji and Ann stand outside, the air still and quiet around them. RYUJI (Uneasy) So, uh, I've been meaning to tell you this for quite some time, and I figured I can't keep it inside any longer. ANN (Nods) Okay, what is it Ryuji? RYUJI (Deep breath) Ann, I... I really like you. Like, more than just friends or teammates. I've had a crush on you since, well, since we first met. Ryuji nervously waits for Ann's reaction, his breathing heavy and eyes filled with hope. ANN (With a dismissive laugh) Oh, Ryuji, really? I mean, thanks, but... no, just no. Ryuji's frown grows deeper by the second. RYUJI (Embarrassed) Wait, what? You're just gonna reject me like that? ANN (Slightly annoyed) Look, Ryuji. You're a great friend, and we work well together as Phantom Thieves, but I'm not interested in you that way. I'm sorry, but that's just how it is. Ryuji's face turns a deep shade of red, feeling a mix of embarrassment and hurt. RYUJI (Softly) Oh... okay then. Ryuji turns and walks away, his head lowered, trying his best to hold back tears. EXT. CITY STREETS - CONTINUOUS As Ryuji walks alone, he becomes overwhelmed with his thoughts, causing a deep depression to slowly set in. RYUJI (A small tear rolling down his cheek) Was I just not good enough? Why doesn't she like me back... Ryuji continues walking, too lost in his thoughts to notice the concerned glances he's receiving from passersby.

CHATBOT: INT. RYUJI'S BEDROOM - DAY Ryuji's room is dark, with the curtains closed and the lights off. He's lying on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, still reeling from Ann's rejection. INT. CAFE LE BLANC - DAY At the cafe, the Phantom Thieves are gathered for their usual strategy meeting. Everyone, except for Ryuji, is there. MORGANA (Concerned) Anyone know where Ryuji is? He's usually not that late. ANN (Quietly) I think I know why. REN (Looking at Ann) It's about what happened yesterday, isn't it? Ann nods, guilt seeping in from seeing the ramifications of her actions. The group agrees they should visit Ryuji and try to cheer him up. INT. RYUJI'S BEDROOM - DAY The Phantom Thieves enter Ryuji's room, observing his unusually solemn demeanor as he refuses to even look at them. REN (Comforting) Hey, Ryuji. We were worried about you. You haven't been answering your phone, and we missed you at today's meeting. RYUJI (Mumbling) I didn't feel like going... or doing anything, really. YUSUKE (Serious) It's not good for you to isolate yourself like this. We need to talk about what's troubling you. Ryuji sighs, but sits up slowly, realizing that his friends have come to support him. ANN (Sincere) I'm so sorry, Ryuji. I never meant to hurt you like this. I've come to say that I might have been too cruel to you... but it's important to know that just because I don't have feelings for you, it doesn't mean you're not good enough. RYUJI (Shaking his head) Yeah, but it still hurts, you know? I don't even know if I can be around you without feeling... sad. FUTABA (Supportive) Remember that we're all friends here, and friends help each other through tough times. We're not just going to leave you hanging, dude. MAKOTO (Encouraging) Your friends care about you, Ryuji, no matter what. It might be difficult now, but we're here for you. Just give it some time and remember that we have each other's back. Ryuji nods, reluctantly taking in their words of encouragement. The Phantom Thieves take their friend to leave the dark room behind, knowing they need Ryuji just as much as he needs them during this trying period.