( there's a thoughtful nod from ren as he continues to listen. the past couldn't be altered of course, but as a phantom thief his experiences had taught him time and again that the future— that was what they all could change. it's what he had been hinting at with his comments, that life could change.

there's a thoughtful— ) Mm. ( at first, in reply as he looked down again, focusing on the steps that his feet were taking in stride with futaba's. )

I don't think... "fair" has anything to do with it, either. ( none of what they had gone through was fair, after all. ) But that doesn't mean we have to take it laying down either.

( there's a wry smile as he glances over at her again, embracing her a little closer as he does it with a jovial sort-of ) Hn.

( and then finally, in a light-hearted tone, he adds— ) We'll break free from these chains, too. Whatever this place might throw at us.