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It's not that she didn't like the countryside, but there was just something different about the Tokyo skyline.
Both are sights she holds near and dear, but for wholly different reasons.
Naoto Shirogane had lived a life that would be, by most accounts, considered otherworldly—which wasn't really incorrect, she had been to another world multiple times—but in spite of that she always found comfort in more earthly pleasures. Beautiful views, quiet scenery, musty and dank alleys that really fed into her adoration of hard-boiled detective fiction—
And of course, the love of her life.
The man to whom she had been married with for a year now, even though it feels like they've been together for ten, when they actually only met five ago. Or perhaps “met” isn't the right word. This time in 2011, she was catching wind of his name in gossip, setting up cameras and whatnot to try and catch an impossible killer. It's even stranger to think of that.
Her decision to investigate those murders back then led her down a path she could never have expected. Not regarding the TV world, mind you, but a confusion that became hate turning into jealousy and then admiration all to cap it off by transforming into an ever-burning love. If someone had told Naoto back then she'd be engaged to him, of all people, in four years time it's hard to imagine a world where she would have even acknowledged them.
Yet here she was. Standing on a balcony overlooking Tokyo in a flat she bought with him. A place where they both live. Together.
She heard his footsteps approaching from behind. Naoto didn't have to turn her head to know he was there; the relaxation of her muscles and heat in her face (because though empires may rise and fall, there will never be a day she doesn't get flustered around this man) were proof enough. They stood silent for a moment, taking in the world around them.
“What are you even looking at?”
Then Narukami spoke with all the tact of a clown at a funeral.
There were times people questioned her taste in men. Naoto did not entertain these people. If one cannot understand what's attractive about having the subtlety of a sledgehammer, they simply aren't worth her time.
It's just nice to have someone honest around. Even if they can be a bit oblivious.
Not to say Yu isn't as sharp-minded as Shirogane herself, but she can tell that he plays it up, not makes it up.
“Nothing in particular.” Naoto gave him her unphased response. “I think I just got stuck reminiscing a little.”
He didn't answer her back at first. Yu’s eyes turned to the view, just like Naoto’s.
“Do you ever think about how we got here?”
“I did just say I was reminiscing.”
“I mean all of us.” He gave her this knowing look, as if to confirm the mind-reading he just performed. “The others included.”
All of them were in college now, all studying to be different things.
Yosuke had set upon a path few would have expected. He was to learn all about the ways of the world, and perhaps even enter the political stage. Funnily enough he had become significantly less sleazy before making this choice; quite unexpected of one who wishes to enter that line of work. Protecting Inaba and the heroic ambition that guided him that fateful year had instilled a resolve to better the world as much as he could. Perhaps the tragedy of Namatame inspired him most, but regardless Yosuke was now determined to give back to the world that had put up with him for so long. To prove he was more than he seems.
Yukiko’s path had not changed. Her only dream for now was keeping the Amagi Inn alive for another generation, but that's not to say she didn't have aspirations. Somewhere deep inside was a will to make Inaba more than the “nowhere” it had come to be. A determination that would show the world what the city can do. It was a path hard walked, and an admirable one all the same.
Chie was always easy to read. It goes without saying that no-one was surprised when she announced her dream to become a police officer. What did surprise people is how she actually began to study in order to do so. The girl was not taking this dream lightly, and the way Naoto and Dojima had been endlessly forced into pushing her along that path was only a part of that. Nothing was going to stand in Chie’s way, and she's lucky to know more than a few people who'll help walk this road.
Kanji would not inherit Tatsumi Textiles. Not quite. It wasn't because he didn't wish to or wanted the store gone, but because he intended to become a teacher, and that wouldn't leave as much time for running a business. It was likely he'd still work by commission, but Tatsumi Textiles as it is now wouldn't last; a fact he'd come to accept. He'd made peace with the ways of the world. With the hearts of others. Naoto still remembers the tears of joy he shed for her and Narukami. She still remembers his resolve to be more honest with himself and the world. None of them had evolved quite like Kanji had. Compared to who he was before, it's hard to imagine they are truly the same person.
Rise was never one to falter, and even on her return to life as an idol that did not change. In fact, it was as if she was never gone; her popularity had only grown exponentially. Naoto could remember every detail of the “SAPPHIRE” poster she sees plastered around the city, from train stations to billboards. There was a noticeable difference in her performances these days, too. Rise was a lot lighter, a lot more flamboyant. One could say it looks as if she's being lifted, and another could say that just might be true. It's fairly often that one of the group runs into Rise, despite how busy her life may be now. It wouldn't be a far-fetched guess to say it's that friendship that unburdens her so. The assurance there's always people who see beyond the fame.
And then there was Teddie. Content as can be so long as he has the others. An admirable outlook on life, all things considered.
“We’ve changed a lot.” Naoto pried her eyes from the skyline, turning to face Yu. “And at the same time, it feels like we're no different from before.”
“Because throughout it all, we kept each other." The faintest of smiles formed on his face. “Just goes to show how much life changes when you've got friends.”
Naoto did not forget Narukami’s own dream. He wanted to work by her side, as a detective, but not as an equal. He wanted to fill in for things she could not do.
And so he was learning to be a counsellor.
Where logic fails, only an understanding of the heart can prevail. The power of mind over matter.
“You'll always keep me.” She said. “I can say that for certain.”
“I wouldn't have it any other way.”
Naoto was always fond of his embrace, no matter how embarrassed she got. There was nothing she wouldn't sacrifice to keep it, and knowing that keeps her going.
The world may change, new challenges will arise, and Naoto—as well as all her friends—will face that happily knowing they’ll always be fighting together.