Heartwarming / Crimson AU

• The development of Makoto and Akira's relationship. You can see how they are slowly starting to like each other beyond being mere friends. Even when circumstances widen the rift between them, neither stops hoping that they'll patch things up someday.
• Akira's relief when Ryuji believes his story, without condition or question. After weeks of being condemned as a criminal based on hearsay, he's found a friend who believes him.
• Akira saving Makoto from Kamoshida, even if it did earn him a beating from the horrible teacher.
• Akira's gift of a Buchimaru-kun pencil case after Kamoshida's assault. Makoto cries tears of joy after receiving it. Even more so because nobody else did anything to recognize her birthday.
• Ann and Shiho's reunion after Kamoshida is dealt with. Even Akira is so moved by it that he doesn't mind that Ann telling Shiho their secret identities.
• Whatever Sae's faults (her many, many faults) as a caretaker and guardian, it's a delightful and uplifting moment when she realizes what her sister has been through and takes the time to listen and help her sister as the Cool Big Sis that she once was, not the neglectful and emotionally absent caretaker she's become. When she learns that Kobayakawa has been blackmailing her little sister, Sae promptly proceeds to tear him apart.
• Tae's concern for Akira's well being between treating his injuries from the beating by Kamoshida to telling him to see a therapist after witnessing a disturbing sight.
• After Makoto confesses to Haru that she's been using her as to spy on Akira, Haru forgives her and says she still wants to be friends.
• Speaking of Haru, when Akira comes looking for a job at the flower shop, she mentions nothing of Akira's criminal record, vouches for him as decent person and asks if Makoto liked the pencil case.
• After being repeatedly told that he needs to get a therapist, Akira finally finds a confidant he can vent his issues to through Lala.
• Morgana tries to stay unseen by Haru and Makoto in order to push them off the trail in their investigation of the Phantom Thieves, but when Sugimura is about to assault Haru, Morgana comes to her rescue, blowing his cover.
• Despite being something of a Bizarro Episode, the game show chapter is full of heartwarming. For context, Akira and Makoto have been at odds for most of the story, and their initially warm relationship seems to have completely vanished. However, when they're thrown into a strange obstacle course together, they come up with a misdirection plan in the time it takes them to lace up their shoes, then carry it out to perfection. It just goes to show that despite all the bickering, hurt feelings, and working at cross-purposes, they really are perfectly matched together.
• Akira finally reveals the circumstances behind his probation to the third year girls. Haru reacts by hugging him.
• After awakening her persona and defeating Sugimura, Haru is conflicted about whether she wants to officially join the Phantom Thieves. However, after talking with Yusuke, she happily realizes that at least she finally HAS a choice for the first time in her life, and knows everyone involved will respect her decision.