Poll: How do you make a girl your girlfriend?

Anon: lol this shit again

Anon: i told u to just fucking ask her

Anon: did u tell her ur the admin?

Anon: if he tells her hes admin she might see this and reject him

Ali Baba: this is honestly kind of embarrassing you know I read this right?

Anon: oh shit is that her

Anon: you've been seeing THE ali baba!?

Anon: bro don't fuck this up tho you might have already

Anon: no more polls or no more dates lol

Buzz. Buzz.

Mishima: Shit, she saw my polls. I think I messed up.

Me: Yeah… A little bit. Not the smartest idea when you asked her to help with the site.

Mishima: I'm just so awkward I couldn't think of anything else but to ask the PhanSite.

Me: You've been doing well, I don't really think you need those polls. Remember that date you had the other day? She told me she had a great time.

Mishima: You're right… I should have more faith in myself. Thanks, man.

I rolled out of bed and got ready for the day. I decided to skip out on Yusuke's exhibition, out of fear that Hifumi would approach me and realize that I was the subject of his art. I texted him quickly to let him know that unfortunately I was unable to make it.

At that point I had nothing to do for the day, so I asked Haru to go see a horror flick with me. She agreed ecstatically.

"That movie was so scary!" She giggled. "I love being scared though, it's so thrilling. It reminds me of our times as the Phantom Thieves."

I nodded. "The movies don't really scare me as much as they used to now that we've done so much."

"I'm so glad you invited me out." She smiled. "I haven't seen you since, you know…"

Since I rejected her. We used to hang out rather frequently, coming up with plans for her to study under Sojiro and brewing coffee together, until she very strongly implied that she liked me. I shut her down, and she hadn't tried to contact me since.

"I'm sorry."

"N-No, there's nothing to apologize about. We're good friends." She pulled me towards a small café. "Let's stop here for a cup of coffee, okay? My treat!" She looked up at me and grinned.

"I know by now that I can't stop you from treating me."

She ordered the most expensive coffee on the menu for both of us. We both took a sip.

"Mmm, it's good… But, you know… I prefer Sojiro-san's coffee." She paused. "Wait, I shouldn't say that in here. That's rude!"

"The part-time cashier probably doesn't mind. You should just hope the owner isn't around."

She stirred her coffee for a moment, and looked up at me. "I actually have been wanting to talk to you about… That."

"The owner?"

"No, no… That."

"O-Oh." I adjusted my glasses. "I'm sorry we haven't talked in a while."

"It's on me as well… I could have contacted you myself." She stared into her coffee. "B-But, I was wanting to ask you… Well, is there some reason that you don't… I mean… That you aren't interested in me?"

I didn't want to bring this up. "To be honest, I'm already taken."

She suddenly looked up at me. "Oh, goodness! I'm so sorry! I hadn't realized."

"It's okay, we've kept it pretty quiet."

"If I may ask, who is she?"

"Sorry, but there's a reason we have to keep it under wraps."

"You know you can trust me. After all we've been through together. I won't push for it, but you can tell me if you feel comfortable."

At that moment, I finally felt like I could trust someone with this burdening secret I'd held for so long. So I whispered in her ear the details of the situation.

"O-Oh my! Oh my goodness!"

"I trust that you won't tell anyone."

"O-Of course not! I-I understand, completely. Wow! I never would have guessed."

I nodded. "The others know that I'm in a relationship, but they have no idea."

"I just don't understand how… After…" I put my hand in front of her mouth.

"Shh. You're being too loud."

"O-Oh right! Well… Um…" She paused. "L-Later on in the year, I'd love to meet with um… your girlfriend."

"You'll be the first one. I'll move you up the priority list."

Ugh, I'm cringing so hard right now, honestly.

I hadn't been paying attention to the PhanSite for a while because I was busy with Ryuji.

I decided to get on today so I could surprise Mishima with a few updates. Then I saw those polls he's been posting… A major turn-off, honestly.

Sounds a bit hypocritical coming from a NEET like myself, doesn't it? But at least I know how to hide stuff from the people that matter.

Where were you today? I stopped by Le Blanc and Sojiro said you'd been out all day.

Well, no matter. I just wanted to update you with the fact that Ryuji and I have another date planned. Since the dress idea worked out so well last time I think I'm going to borrow another one from Ann for our next date.

Thanks for everything.

—Futaba