Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 29

“I… I… I’m so sorry for having told everyone about you and your secret!”

This was a sentence Anja had not expected to hear when going outside today. In fact she expected this to be like any other day. A day of checking the message board so desperately while going on with everyday life. And making sure to take the pills everyday of course. But other than that there had been nothing eventful on those days… Or so she would make it look like. Because things have been a little strange.

Sometimes Anja overheard the girls talk, whispering all sorts of things to another. Yet she didn’t hear exactly what. And then, on the same days, those girls approached her and asked if she wanted to hang out. Usually it would have some intentions but this time it was literally out of nowhere. It had confused her greatly and made her decline… Well, mainly because she had other plans. But that was already odd. Usually if they had no reason the girls would avoid her like the plague…

As for Luka… He had been all by himself for some time yet the dudes had come over to him again. “Hey, sorry for saying such weird stuff the other day. It was a misunderstanding!” Each of them had said it in their own words yet the result would always be the same. He was a little baffled yet glad that the guys at least came out with it. Some even got scolded shortly after for their weird if not creepy ass behavior and while Luka hadn’t seen past that he was ready to give it another shot. Should they ogle weirdly again however they’d get it from him personally, physically that is. These fists could do the talking just as much!

And yet, if one were to look at it… That things had gone so smoothly again… That was a miracle yet one could shove it to ‘Well maybe they finally saw through Maki’s bullshit’ or something. Yet things would confirm itself when the one in question had stood right in front of them as they were Anja, bowing down with the head low, not looking up for even a moment. And she continued with her apology for a good while.

“Listen, I… Don’t know what came over me! It wasn’t right! And I didn’t know how much it affected you! It… Makes it worse, I know!” Maki said, her voice trembling each time alongside her body. Though it was not out of rage, no. It was– Yet she would show it from one moment to the next, her regret filled face, the guilt written all over her expression “I made sure to tell everyone to forget about it! That it was all just a misunderstanding! Your secret will be restored, I promise! A… After all, I owe you more than anyone else!”

“Eh? O… Owe? Watanabe–San, that…” Anja stuttered, feeling overwhelmed. Honestly, she was just glad if the rumors ceased and she could continue living her life. No need to go that far. 

And yet the other female seemed to be insisting. In fact she had stepped closer to Anja and suddenly grabbed both of her hands, squeezing them. “No! I don’t want to hear anything else! Nothing can make up for what I did!” She continued. “So, while helping the others to sort out the mess I caused I will make it up to you more than anyone Anja! I will back out so you can have him!”

“Huh?” Have… Him? Have who? What? Ok this was getting weird now… “Watanabe–San, what’s gotten into you? I don’t know what—”

“It was petty jealousy which drove me that far. But that Maki will be no more!” She said, even more insistent while getting her face up close. So much so that Anja could see the… Sparkle in them? Was she excited or something!? “Instead I will make sure to bring others happiness! And I will start with yours Anja–Sama!”

‘–Sama!?’ Ok what turn around was this!? What was she doing!? How was this— “Uhm… Just Anja is—”

“No no no! It would be disrespectful towards Akechi–Sama’s future bride to be!”

BIRDE TO BE!? Ok now this girl has lost it, hasn’t she!? What happened!? What had been done to her!? No, what the hell is going on!? This is a complete 180! How did that happen!? This was just… Just… “D… Don’t get ahead of yourself, please. Besides, I’m not even intere—”

“No need to be shy! I shall make sure that you will have smooth sailing! Don’t worry about a thing! I know how to handle this!”

“Are you listening!? I said that I’m not interested! B… Besides… Akechi–Kun is… Well…” Why was she always getting involved in this mess!? She didn’t look that clingy, did she? No way… You could be this clingy with a friend as well. And yet when hearing– Ah hell no! It wasn’t like that! Not like he’d care anyways… “It doesn’t matter! Just… Don’t… It’s fine. I can han—”

“I insist! From today onwards Maki shall become your Angel Of Love!”

“Please, don’t go that far!”

And yet this conversation had gone on in circles. Yet it had shown a different side within her, one Anja did not expect. It was almost… Endearing. And yet it was also hard to believe that was the same girl who had led the rumors for all those years. Nothing was forgiven of course but that someone like this was behind the girl… As long as she won’t go overboard.

And given how sudden it was, with the change visible… It had to be the Phantom Thieves, right? Hah, so they did something. Anja didn’t know what, at least not at that point, but they helped her in the end. No… Not just her. Them.

So they were the real deal huh? It was… Nice. Having had this change occur. Beats the past things going on at least. It’s up to them to maintain this atmosphere. And perhaps… Maybe they could also get a move on in regards to their own goals, with their life ahead… Enough relying on others! They gotta go on ahead all by themself now! Full fo— 

“Oh, by the way. Call me Maki. Watanabe–San is too formal.”

“Only if you call me Anja… Please.”

“Huh!? But—”

“People might get the wrong idea! And I do get a little uncomfortable… Please?”

“Alright, Anja it is. So anyways do you have any plans today? We can discuss a love strategy if you—”

“I pass…”

“Eh? Please!? I spent the night coming up with so many strategies! At least take a listen!”

“Why are you so invested in this!?”

Then again, that didn’t mean that things wouldn’t be exhausting either way…