Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 121

Another day, another time to start conversations. Though in this case it was a little... Frightening, to say the least. Truth to be told Lukanja was never great at conversing with people but what else was new? Strangers especially and while with Haru–San it was more due to her being afraid of slipping up, Nijima–San's younger sister Makoto was a bit of a different story.

Honestly, it was a surprise to them that she had been the one who was approaching them. They had even asked her if it was related to the current operation going on. Because what other reason would she have but to approach them for that reason alone? Yet they had been in shock and in a bind when the reasoning had been a completely different one.

"No, it's nothing like that. I just wanted to chat with you for a little while, if you don't mind." She responded and it made them only stare at her in disbelief. When this had been said Makoto had sat down at the table, right on the seat across from them in the middle of the café. They had really believed that it was something for the mission yet it wasn't. It was meant to be a mundane talk apparently. And that... Was... Well... It was...

"Ch... Chat?" They asked, sounding rather careful than anything. "Uhm... Is it really just that? Or—"

"Yes. I thought I may get to know you a little better." She responded calmly. "Since we're already working together. Besides, I don't really know much about you. You're always so... Quiet."

They flinched when she said that, a little startled even. "I... I'm sorry! It's just—"

"Ah! No, I didn't mean it in a bad way!" She corrected quickly, to their surprise catching on that she may have said something to set them off. Well, Makoto didn't set Lukanja off per se yet they were thinking exactly that... It was a bad thing altogether. "It's just... I'm a little curious is all."

"Curious?" They repeated, caught off guard when hearing that. "Did I do something? A... Are you... Well... Suspecting me—"

"No, that's not it!" She interrupted quickly. Though with each time they became a little more nervous. What was this conversation to begin with? They didn't know what to say or talk about. Did Makoto really just choose to talk to them and nothing else? It was a little hard to believe. Usually someone came over needing at least something from them, no matter how small. Even if it was just 'listen to this'. So hearing that was just a bizarre thought to them. "I really just want to get to know you a little better."

All they could do at that point was nod slowly and softly yet they were still not too certain at that point. Then again, maybe it was just because they were just not used to something like this in any capacity. Just... Talk... Just talk. Yeah, nothing more but a chat. A simple chat. Just that.

They repeated that word in their head over and over. 'Chat'. Just have a chat. Though honestly, the reason they probably did that was to convince themself. Or rather remind themself. It was no big deal. It was just going to be that, a chat. Nothing else but a chat. Just a chat. Just a— Actually, the longer they kept this going the more they noticed that it only got them more nervous. And that was probably the worst feeling imaginable. How were they supposed to talk in such a state!? They must look like a big weirdo right now! In front of Nijima–San's little sister nonetheless! That only made it worse! Or... Was that also why this was just too much? Why were they so nervous? Ah, they can't think! Not at all!

"Uhm... Lukanja? Are you alright?" Makoto would throw them off completely however, having them look at her or registering the face again. Right, she had been there all this time. She could see whatever grimace they were making, even if unintentionally. "You look a little pale. Are you under the weather maybe?"

"Huh? N... No. I'm just fine!" They responded, trying to sound all calm. Yet they were anything but. How do you hold a conversation!? How do you do that!? How!? Seriously, how—

"You're nervous, aren't you?" A blunt statement, one which had them flinch. Yet... That was also the truth, as much as they wanted to deny it.

"Th... That... Well..." Talk about hitting the nail on the head. Even if they didn't want to say that, not even confirm it. Yet their behavior was probably all the confirmation Makoto needed.

"It's fine. We can go at your pace. I won't push anything."

"I'm so— What?"

"Did I say something wrong?"

"N... No. It's just..." Just what actually? Their mind went blank there for a split second. They couldn't exactly say what or why. They had started that sentence without any follow up in mind. How would they put it into perspective to begin with? That was the actual question here. Or one of them at least. She didn't say anything wrong though! Not at all! It's just them being a mess right now. Nothing personal, it just always happened when talking to someone new, especially in a one–on–one conversation. Not to mention that they could feel themself fumbling around now. Great...

"Maybe you should take a deep breath first?" Makoto suggested. How could she remain calm during any of this!? Or was she good at masking— Wait, she was probably used to this. Though she didn't back away or excuse herself either. No, she seemed to be in no rush nor did she push it in any way. That was surprising, to say the least. Very much so. But... Huh... Maybe they had been reading too deep into this from the get go? There seemed to be no need to get so worked up after all. Maybe...

So they followed the advice, doing exactly just that, receiving a nod in the process.

"Good. Again, there's nothing to worry about. We can take it slow, alright?"

They nodded again. This was... Awfully considerate. Not to mention that she was willing to handle someone like them without any question... Maybe this conversation won't be so bad in the end.

Lukanja just had to remind themself to keep calm during all of this. Makoto won't bite after all! Or so they hoped at least...