Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 54

How was he supposed to feel? The tension increased and wherever Luka went he felt that a certain someone had been close behind. That certain someone was a young woman he had recently met – Miyuki Ishikawa. No matter where or when she made sure to show up once a day when they decided to be him. The first few times he was ready to write it off as a coincidence but now? This was slowly getting out of hand. It was honestly a routine at this point.

The place was crowded, at least decently enough. Luka would avoid said crowds, as he usually did, or else he would find himself panicking at that very moment. It was more so the crowds than anything, the space which left barely any room for breathing. If he was in company he could handle it but alone? He took the long route sometimes yet that was worth it for him. As long as he avoided the big ones it would be fine.

And yet she would always show up from a crowd – May it be at the train station, the streets or even the mall during a busy day. Miyuki was always there... Always. And she would greet him, calling him out even. "Hello Luka–San~" Very loudly as if to draw attention to herself. The guy had to always stop or else he would get all the rumors surrounding him. 'How dare he ignore the Miyuki Ishikawa' or something. It was as if she was putting him on the spot. So as much as he never wanted to, simply because he wasn't in the mood, the two would get to talk. But as if things weren't close enough she even clung onto him, grabbing his arm and walking right next to him. Just like right now when both were walking through the Underground Mall.

Honestly, Luka just wanted to get some supplies for his writing but she just had to show up and was now dragging him. And he could feel the glares at him from all those guys, how envious they had to be... Everyone was watching him which made this even worse. Ah fuck! Was she that ditzy or did she do this on purpose? It was hard to say with her smile yet given her impeccable timing he wouldn't be surprised if she did this by no accident whatsoever. Talk about playing a dirty game...

"Hey, did I ever tell you how nice you smell Luka–San?" Miyuki asked him, as if in a trance. "It's rare to find such guys around. Every single one approaching me is always so sweaty or off putting~"

"Ah really?" He responded, this not really being his problem. Honestly he just wanted her gone right now! What was her business anyways!?

"Yeesh, you're not very enthusiastic today either. I'm trying to make a friend here."

"A... Friend?"

"Yeah. Akechi–San couldn't stop talking about you the last time we met. I got a little curious~" Miyuki responded, using her usual smile.

Luka couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Akechi–Kun mentioned him? That was hard to believe. Yet there was no proof for the contrary either. Maybe secretly he did have his hopes up as it would be a sign but... Let's keep it realistic. He probably mentioned Luka or Anja or just them overall barely and if so it was work related. So it was difficult to believe, at least for him. "Did he?"

"Yes. I had no idea that the two of you were so close. I'm a little envious."

"Aha..."

"Don't just 'aha' me."

"What do you expect me to say otherwise?" Right, he was horrible at conversing with strangers. Honestly he would rather run but her grip was rather tight. She refused to let go of him after all.

"W... Well... I'm trying to start a conversation here. And yet your replies are all so short."

"Sorry. I didn't have time to prepare for any interaction today." That was kind of a lie but it worked in his case.

"Not one for much chit chat? How unfortunate... But I will just have to make you like it then~"

"You're being a little pushy..." That was an understatement maybe. She didn't give up for even a second here! She never did! It was a constant back and forth. And worse of all, Luka always got the gazes at him, no one stopping to look. This was exhausting...

But he survived the other times. He will survive this one as well. The only weird thing about this was that Miyuki always sought him out... A guy with no connections whatsoever. Why was that?

For now he could only speculate yet his gut feeling told him that there was something big about to happen...