Shadows: Beneath The Mask | Persona 5 Royal - Book 1

II | Thou Art I

Monday - April 11 2016

~Leblanc~

As Tatsuya descends the creaking wooden stairs, the soft glow of the early morning sunlight filters through the windows of the empty cafe, shining onto the polished bean jars lining the shelves behind the counter. The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingers in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of spice.

Tatsuya's footsteps echo through the silence as he makes his way to the counter, where Sakura, plate and cup in hand, greets him.

"So, you're actually going to school, huh?" Sakura carefully places the plate on the table, his slender fingers wrapped around its edges. The dish is a vibrant orange hue, topped with steaming chunks of tender chicken and crisp vegetables. A mound of perfectly cooked white rice sits neatly beside it. As he sets it down, a subtle smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. "I'll feed you. Just make sure you're done before the customers get here."

"Curry...?" Tatsuya prods at the steaming plate of curry in front of him. The aroma of spices and herbs fills his senses, mingling with the rich scent of warm rice. He's never had curry for breakfast before, always reserving it for a heartier meal later in the day. Tentatively, he raises his spoon and takes a small mouthful, savoring the burst of flavors that dance on his tongue. The bold heat of the spices is perfectly balanced by the gentle sweetness of the rice, warming Tatsuya's entire body as it settles into his stomach. Encouraged by the delicious taste, he eagerly goes for another bite, then another, until eventually, his plate is clean and a satisfied sigh escapes from his lips. "That was delicious."

"Thanks." Sakura gracefully glides a steaming cup of dark coffee across the table, its rich aroma wafting up to Tatsuya's nose. He takes a careful sip, his gaze shifting to the large clock on the wall as he sips again, finishing the beverage in a matter of seconds.

"I should get going. Don't want to be late because I can't figure out the trains." Tatsuya stretches his fit frame and heaves his shoulder bag up over his arm, making his way towards the front door. The smooth leather strap digs into the fabric of his blazer, leaving a soft impression on the fabric. With a firm grip, he turns the handle and pulls open the heavy door, but the clearing of Sakura's throat stops him in his tracks.

"Flip the sign to 'Open' for me," Sakura says sharply, his voice cutting through the dull morning air.

"We're open already?" Tatsuya questions in confusion, scratching his head as he glances at the clock on the wall.

"'Already'? If anything, we're running behind." Sakura huffs impatiently and waves him off. "You better hurry on out, country boy."

~Aoyama-Itchome~

As the rain pours down in relentless sheets, Tatsuya quickens his pace down the concrete pavement, the street lined with small urban storefronts. The rhythmic patter of rain against the ground fills the air, creating a soothing melody that contrasts sharply with the urgency of the students sprinting to school.

With a deft step, Tatsuya ducks under a crisp red awning that extends from a nice restaurant, seeking refuge from the relentless downpour. The soft golden light filtering through the stainless windows casts a warm glow upon This back.

"Damn city railways... If it was just easier to understand..." With a heaving chest, Tatsuya finally pauses to catch his breath, raindrops clinging to his forehead as he glances down at the map on his phone. With a few swipes and scrolls, he zooms out to see the remaining distance he must cover.