The air near the riverbank was crisp, tinged with dew and the low hum of distant traffic. Ren spotted her there—Ryuji, now unmistakably female, leaning against a railing, hands shoved in her hoodie pockets, legs stretched out in a way that still screamed Ryuji even if her figure had shifted.
"Figured you'd show up," she said without looking at him.
"I could say the same," Ren replied with a soft smile, moving beside her.
For a long beat, neither spoke. The river shimmered under moonlight, just like the uncertainty dancing in Ryuji's eyes.
"You ever feel like you're watching yourself from the outside?" she finally muttered. "Like… this new body isn't mine, even though it moves when I say it should."
Ren nodded slowly. "A few times."
She sighed, shoulders rising and falling. "It ain't just that. It's the way everyone's looking at me now. And the way I'm starting to look at you."
He blinked, surprised by the honesty.
"I mean, shit, dude—Ren. This whole mess, this… power or curse or whatever it is—it's changed everything. I don't even know what I want anymore, except…"
She turned to face him fully, a blush creeping up her neck even as she squared her stance. Her usual bravado trembled under the weight of something gentler.
"…Except I think I want you."
It came out half-mumbled, rushed and awkward—but true. Undeniably her.
Ren stepped closer, closing the distance slowly.
"You don't have to figure it all out tonight," he said, voice low, warm. "But I'm here. And I see you, Ryuji. However you change, whatever you become."
Her breath caught, something in her eyes cracking open—relief, longing, maybe fear.
"I used to think love was just… messy, ya know? Something other people did. But then you kept showing up. Always there. Always lookin' at me like I mattered."
"You do matter," he said.
She swallowed, hard. Then, almost cautiously, she leaned in—foreheads touching first, a flicker of something softer than their usual banter.
The kiss that followed was hesitant, clumsy, but sweet. Full of surprise, laughter, and a deep yearning neither had ever put words to.
When they pulled apart, Ryuji's grin was wide and real.
"You better not treat me any different tomorrow, Ren."
He smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it."