Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 36

Days of nothing but doing work and collecting data. It all sounded so easy but was it really? Was that the usual detective work? Ugh, they were clearly not cut out for it. Honestly it was all just exhausting. Why did they agree to this?

No, they couldn’t complain! Anything to get closer, put everything together and make sure that it made sense. It was like a puzzle in the end. If there are patterns somewhere then they could easily identify it. Just treat it as hunches until the definitive proof shows up or something! And, well… It was paying off at least! A few days later and they had data to present! All it took was texting Akechi–Kun! But… Uh… Well… They were about to and yet— 

They suddenly hid somewhere from afar, having spotted him around Central Street, near the train station. But it was not just him, no. There was this other guy with the messy black hair and… A girl with a red ponytail? And even a ribbon! Needless to say she did look cute. At first they had thought however that Akechi had just been approaching them because of the guy, given that the two hung out a lot but… He was smiling at that girl too!? Uh… Wait, it's the usual smile but… Why did they bother all of a sudden? And then the trio was sitting down at a café…  And they were sitting at a table nearby all of a sudden with a newspaper right in front of their face, peeking over sometimes. And that all happened before they knew it. Ugh, they felt stupid for that. What the hell was wrong with them now!? What were they doing!? What exactly!? Hah… 

Then again, it was two guys with one girl so maybe that was just some misunderstanding… But it nagged on them regardless. For a moment they forgot their actual intentions and were just… Listening in. If there was anything said. They were close enough. Something of interest maybe? Hmm…

No, not really when they listened in. It was some… Talk about keeping some public images, gymnastics and… Uh… The Phantom Thieves, of course. Just a regular Monday afternoon. They really felt stupid now. Nothing to report here. Maybe this all was just getting to them. Jealous? Uhm… Well… If one were to ask them they would deny it but… If they weren’t they’d not be here, right? Talk about embarrassing. 

Yet when that trio was ready to head off they also snuck away… Or tried to, shortly after they departed but… 

“And may I ask what brought you here Luka?” An all too familiar voice would grab them by the shoulder, having a somewhat of a tight grip. They flinched yet could hear who it was… They didn’t want to turn around but… Had to. This wasn’t going to end well.

“Ah… Y… Yo Akechi–Kun! Uhm… Nice meeting ya here, heh…” Luka tried to play it off as a coincidence. It’s nothing, totally nothing! But who would believe him that? And that smile made it even worse! 

“I’ve noticed that you were nearby. Why didn’t you come and say hello?” He asked so politely but… There was murderous intent, wasn’t there!?

“Ah… Y… You three looked busy! I didn’t want to interrupt or anythin’!”

“Oh nonsense. I think Yoshizawa–San wouldn’t have minded. Nor our friend.”

“Er… Well… But—”

“Or did you plan on listening in on us maybe? I didn’t think you were that type.”

“Hah!?” Crap! “No no no! That—”

“Then what’s with that newspaper, hm?”

“C… Can’t I read some stuff!?”

“Haha, of course. But it is unusual for you to read, isn’t it?”

“A… As if I never read in my life!” Luka retorted quickly. That guy… “A… Anyways… You called… Her Yoshizawa–San, right?” The cover was pretty much blown anyway, wasn’t it? Minimize the damage.

“Hm? Ah yes, I happen to know her from work.” Akechi responded, calmly yet his grip on their shoulder was still tight. What was up with this grip!?

“Work? Wasn’t she an athlete?”

“So you were eavesdropping…”

“Wha– I… I just happened to overhear! Anyways, what’s that with work!? Answer!” Ah, crap! Now they sounded demanding! What was wrong with them right now!? No way this guy didn’t notice!

“You’re awfully curious…” 

“Tha— Er… I just… Didn’t expect that ok!?” Luka turned away quickly again. “C… Ca… Can’t I ask?”

“Well, since you heard it anyway… There’s nothing going on. Her father just happens to be the director of Good Morning Japan.” They heard him respond before their shoulder was finally freed, making them turn back to him.

“Th… That’s it?” They asked, a little carefully now. Ugh… This was embarrassing… They didn’t forget to take their medication, did they? They had to check at home later… 

“That’s it.” Akechi sighed. “Since when have you gotten so curious? I wonder…”

“I… I just was! Don’t look into it, please!” This was embarrassing enough. “Anyways, can we save that for later? I got something to report! It’s… About the investigation stuff.”

The moment they mentioned the word ‘investigation’ Akechi’s demeanor changed completely. He went from having that strained smile to a more serious expression from one moment to the next, looking at them as if… Startled? Wait, why was he startled? “Already? You work fast.”

“No time to lose, right?” Luka responded “Gotta make progress before we know of their next target after all.”

“Fair… Alright, let’s go somewhere private and discuss it further. We shouldn’t be doing this out in the open.”

“Y… Yes! Roger!”