Indeed, Yoshizawa Kasumi also felt that lately, she and her sister were in an awkward position.
Originally, they had been the only two people who knew about Rinto's secret—the special ones entangled in his Phantom Thief identity.
Not even his closest roommate, Kawaragi Momoka, knew about it.
So, despite openly pursuing Rinto, they never really considered that rock-loving older girl a rival.
After all, Momoka was simply too weak a competitor.
For a healthy 17-year-old boy like Rinto to live with her for three months without any developments meant he clearly didn't see her as a woman. Probably.
But now, their special status was rapidly disappearing.
Their exclusive three-month head-start evaporated instantly with the sudden arrival of Takamaki Ann, breaking the twins' monopoly—even though they'd only had three months.
There's a saying: Girls in this world can only be divided into two types!
Either they're childhood sweethearts, or they're thieving cats!
Even if it was only three months, the Yoshizawa twins were undeniably Rinto's childhood sweethearts—there was no question about that!
…But the problem was, Rinto clearly valued the concept of "comrades" very highly.
The way he looked at Ann, to the sensitive eyes of teenage girls, was undeniably full of affection!
This is troublesome, Kasumi thought as she half-closed her eyes, contemplating their situation.
"You know, in all those Phantom Thief stories, the assistants and support teams are pretty important, right? Even if we can't fight in the Metaverse, as long as we help Rinto-senpai diligently here in the real world, we'll gradually build up affection points…"
"But we'll never catch up to Takamaki-senpai like that!"
Sumire was utterly anxious, her expression practically apocalyptic in its despair.
To be honest, even Kasumi felt her sister was being a bit extreme.
Sumire's emotions were spiraling out of control. This situation surely wasn't that dire yet, right?
Then again, that just proved how deeply Sumire loved Rinto—first loves were always intense like this.
Sumire didn't notice her sister's thoughtful silence, biting her lip anxiously instead.
"I want to be with Senpai, to be his girlfriend… but no matter how many times I've confessed, he always brushes me off, never taking me seriously."
"I know he doesn't really see me clearly yet... his heart isn't set on me. If I can't become his true comrade, he'll never really notice me. He'll just treat me like some unimportant kouhai. I can't accept that, I won't, I won't, I won't…!"
Kasumi gently comforted her sister, softly stroking her back:
"Mm-hmm, I understand. Sumire, you're the cutest girl in the whole world—Rinto-senpai will definitely fall for you."
She soothed Sumire's anxieties, knowing her sister often frightened herself this way, overthinking and creating unnecessary stress that hindered even her gymnastics training.
If only Sumire could be more confident, her performance would surely rival Kasumi's, allowing them both to realize their dream of becoming champion twins much sooner.
Love sure is troublesome… Kasumi inwardly sighed.
Still, she swiftly put on her usual sunny smile:
"Sumire, don't worry. I'll help you with everything I've got."
"Rinto-senpai is still just a boy, after all. I wake him up almost every day, you know, and he definitely reacts every single time! With your charm, Sumire, capturing his heart will be easy!"
"Right now, he's just distracted by the issue with Kamoshida. As long as we support him steadily, keep encouraging him, he'll definitely come to like you—I guarantee it."
"…Mm, thanks, Onee-chan…"
Sumire sniffled softly, calming down a little under her sister's wholehearted reassurance.
Maintaining emotional stability was also part of an athlete's daily routine.
The two sisters had always confided everything to each other; they'd long grown accustomed to this kind of mutual comfort.
"…Oh, right, Onee-chan."
Sumire raised her head from Kasumi's embrace, glancing at the phone resting by her sister's pillow.
Tentatively, she asked.
"Onee-chan, do you still not have that Metaverse Navigation app on your phone?"
"…Mhm, I don't have it yet."
Kasumi replied, her smile steady and unchanged.
That only increased Sumire's confusion:
"Takamaki-senpai had interacted with Senpai briefly through part-time work before. Sakamoto-senpai didn't even know him, yet both received the app… Just how does that app appear? I can't send it to anyone myself—it's really creepy."
Kasumi smiled reassuringly again.
"Well, it's the Metaverse—something that mysterious, who knows how it really works? Anyway, it's getting late. Let's sleep now, okay?"
And just like that, Sumire obediently complied.
Kasumi quietly flipped her phone screen-down, slipped it under her pillow, and embraced her sister as they drifted off to sleep together.
---
For the next two days, Rinto's schedule was packed.
Each morning, he rose early to prepare breakfast and bento boxes, leaving a portion for Momoka so she'd have something to eat before going off to her part-time job.
At lunchtime, he'd eat together with Ann.
Neither of them paid any attention to their classmates' curious stares, pulling out their identical bentos and casually chatting across their desks while everyone watched.
Ryuji Sakamoto had been resting at home these two days, unable to attend school.
Because he couldn't explain the injuries covering his body, teachers and classmates naturally assumed he'd been fighting outside school, causing his already poor reputation to plummet further.
Luckily, now that he had found his resolve, mere gossip and whispers couldn't affect him anymore.
Meanwhile, Rinto took Ann and Morgana to explore the Palace, steadily building their teamwork.
It was exactly as Rinto expected.
Those who awakened Personas had significantly enhanced physical capabilities within the Metaverse.
Ann, previously an ordinary girl physically, could now effortlessly leap onto rooftops, truly becoming like the Catwoman her costume implied.
"Honestly, though, this outfit is really embarrassing."
Ann blushed slightly, glancing at the tail protruding behind her.
Her tight-fitting outfit accentuated her figure perfectly, the physique of a magazine model unquestionably superior to her peers.
A vivid, lifelike tail was even attached to her waist with a metal clasp—the cosplay-level detail was impeccable.
Rinto chuckled, spreading his hands helplessly.
"It can't be helped. These clothes are the subconscious manifestation of your rebellious side. They're bound to be flashy. Honestly, mine's pretty embarrassing too. Out of the Metaverse context, doesn't it look like something straight out of a chuuni anime?"
Ann laughed. "You say that, but you still look really cool, Rinto-kun! Like a superhero from a tokusatsu show. It suits you perfectly."
She slapped his shoulder cheerfully, radiating a casual camaraderie.
Getting her accustomed to her Phantom Thief outfit was also part of their training—adapting to the Metaverse was essential.
They'd already decided that once Ryuji returned to school, they'd raid Kamoshida's Palace together.
His anguished confession at his awakening had resonated deeply with them all. Now, more than ever, they wanted to help Ryuji make Kamoshida truly repent.
Then, on the third day after the Phantom Thieves officially formed.
While having lunch with Ann, Rinto received a text message.
After confirming the content, he quickly turned to Ann.
"Sorry. I've got something to take care of after school today, so let's pause the Palace training for a day."