Ren huffs a quiet laugh and nods. “I hear that a lot.”

So what if he’s a bit weird? He’s already accepted that he doesn’t entirely fit into the mold dictated by Japanese society. If he did, he would’ve kept his head down and turned a blind eye to that woman who needed help. Ren may not bleach his hair like Ryuji, but that doesn’t make him any less of a misfit.

“I know you like a challenge,” he continues, “but that can’t be the only reason for any of this. I meant what I said - whatever we agree to from here on needs to be because we both honestly want it.”

It’s a big decision, and even though Ren is certain, it’s not fair to demand Akechi make up his mind so quickly.

“You don’t have to give me an answer right this second. Just think it over, OK?”