Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 25

Anja is weird… But not weird as in ‘ they are weird by default ’, no. When you were ready or forced to spend time with them this was something you get very easily used to. All it was in the end was a change of names and pronouns. But nothing more than that. It was still the same person, a lesson he learned very quickly. And yet also something not many grasped to understand somehow. It may not be common but that did not make it ‘weird’.

However, they have been showcasing behaviors which are ‘weird’ for them. Mainly because they felt completely out of character. Even now they seemed a little strained, their grip a little tight when they had dragged him away as usual, only to visit Kichijoji, preferably Penguin Sniper. And that had been their intention, clearly, heading right there for either a game of darts or pool. At that point they were even disregarding his protest, if he ever made any. He knew better by now, nothing could stop the young woman in their way. So the protest was fruitless. Though he had not bothered to do so for a good while and would not bother either way. Not because he was very fond of their company but because there was literally no other way out! So it was best to endure it! Or so he would tell himself… Because their presence was always confusing, as either Anja or Luka… It gave him a headache and a bit more to worry about. Honestly he didn’t even understand why they weren’t keeping their distance nor had tossed him aside. He has fulfilled his purpose to them so… Why? Hah, maybe that is just something he will never come to understand in the end… Why do they refuse to back off? He didn’t get it, at all. No matter how far he shoves them away, they always bounce back before he knows it. And today was not an exception but… It had a different feel to it.

Because during the game of pool Anja had been barely focusing..Not that they were any less clumsy or anything like that but… Well… It was more than usual. Not just that but they tended to space out one way or another. They were not the most skilled opponent he had faced but they would usually not slack off like this. Head in the clouds, staring into an empty space and having their turn a minute later. Not just that but they weren’t as talkative as they usually were and their comments were in a rather forced, upbeat tone.

“Whoops, missed again~” They said while rubbing the back of their head. “Then again, it doesn't matter if I play against Akechi–Kun. I’ll lose anyways~”

It was only worth an eye roll at most. Goro couldn’t believe how he was hearing this. This was painful on anyone’s ears. And yet that was not the weirdest part yet. Because that would follow shortly after.

“Say say, does anything look different about me lately?” They suddenly asked, forcing him to take a closer look at the moment.

Honestly he could name several things when observing them – Their eyes seemed to have bags right beneath, their hair was even more of a mess, skin pale and… Did they by chance gain a bit of weight? Their clothes looked a little tighter. It was a tiny bit visible. And yet he dared not to say any of these observations out loud, at least not one by one. “Hmm… You are looking more tired than usual.”

That had them a bit surprised, blinking for a moment. “Huh? I do?”

“W… Was I supposed to notice something else?”

“No, nothing like that…” Anja responded, waving their hand back and forth for a short moment. “I was just curious.”

Curious? “How so?”

“Haha, I… do feel a little sluggish lately. So I wanted to know if it was obvious or not. And Akechi–Kun has a pretty sharp eye~” The last part they added with an attempt to smile as usual. “So I wanted to ask you first.”

Was that really all? He wasn’t buying their excuse in the slightest. Something just felt… Off. He had to admit that much at least. This conversation– Why was it concerning him so much? It shouldn’t and yet… “Really now? If you feel unwell you should go home and lay down.”

“It’s not that. I’m sleeping more and all but–” Yet then they interrupted themself, staring for a few moments into an empty space yet again, staying silent before suddenly: “Ah! Now I remember! I think I forgot to take my medication lately! Crap!”

Their… What? “M… Medication? Anja, what–”

“Oh, it’s nothing bad! Just something I should take everyday but… It slipped my mind! After all, it’s been a busy week!”

Something they have to take everyday… That they forgot to take… Wait wait wait! Were they just casually sharing that they had to take some medicine for one reason or another!? And so casually… This… Was something. How could they share this so easily around? Unless… Was it an excuse? 

“Shouldn’t you take this more seriously?” Goro sighed, unable to hold that back.at least. They shouldn’t say this so willy nilly. 

“Eh? W… Well–”

“To be productive you also need to be healthy. Or did you forget that?”

“Of course not! Uh… You really sound like Doctor Takemi–San…”

“Please, go home and take some rest. It looks like you need it.” Of course it was an opportunity to get them off his back for the day. And yet– No. There was no other reason behind it. He had to get her away from him somehow.

“Eh? But we’re not finished here!” Anja protested, a slight pout on their face. “Let’s finish that game at least! Meanie!”

“In your condition? Not a chance.”

“Akechi–Kun! If you don’t then–”

“Not even causing a scene will get you out of this. I can escort you home if you like.”

That had made them change their expression suddenly, staring before reluctantly turning their head away. “F… Fine… I’ll go home… But you’ll make up for this tomorrow!”

And yet, despite this conversation… Goro did not believe a word Anja said. There was more to this, wasn’t there? They were hiding something… But that wouldn’t be the first time.