Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 124

“A’right! It’s time for some one on one time between the dudes! Whaddya say? I know a ramen place! Just come with me, ‘kay?”

It had been a surprising reaction for sure. Mainly because most guys Lukanja had known who gave off similar vibes to Sakamoto–san… They would be after them in no time. And they would always have to put a stop to it. But this? This felt different. Not in a bad way mind you. It was just that, different.

Though they had not really expected an invitation like this. Especially since they barely knew the guy. No, really, the two had not talked all too much. They never really saw a reason to honestly. So it had them even more surprised that when he had approached them out in the open during a free day, just around lunchtime, and asked if they wanted to come along and pay a ramen shop a visit. They had no reason to decline and so they had accepted the offer yet had also asked: “Is it because you don’t want to go on your own and no one’s available right now?”

They got a sheepish chuckle as a response, the blonde scratching himself behind his own head. “I mean, you ain’t wrong.” They didn’t mind though. They just wanted to know. And yet he had added the following shortly after: “You also seem pretty chill. Surprised you’re hanging around that guy to begin with.”

“You mean Akechi–Kun?” They asked yet they knew the answer altogether. Hence why they had not waited for a nod or a ‘Yes’ in any way. Or any confirmation really. All they added was: “I mean we happen to work together. Usually people around us are way older. Maybe that’s why we’re so close actually.” Though that was a bit of a lie, wasn’t it? At least that wasn’t the reason why the two stuck together to begin with. Yet they couldn’t say that out loud.

They heard a groan for a moment yet Sakamoto–San shrugged it off pretty quickly in the end. In fact, it almost looked as if that had not just happened. Or rather he just was indifferent enough towards it or something. “Nevermind that. Let’s just get goin’. I’m starving!”

Needless to say the guy was certainly eager to stuff himself. And Lukanja themself was somewhat amazed just how much he managed to get down. They could never do such a thing! Then again, their circumstances were a little different. Mainly because of their body’s condition… Thinking back on it was a little annoying, to say the least. Sometimes they were just cursing it. Eating away so carelessly, not having to worry about being suddenly put to a halt… 

Actually, now that they had thought about it, seeing Sakamoto–San dig in and act so carefree made them envy him a little. Being born with their body was a bit of a pain, there was so much to look after. Now, no one says that there aren’t any problems someone with a male anatomy had to face on the regular. But looking at him just made it feel as if it was so much easier. Better than dealing with an ohko worthy nuisance every time. A certain monthly visitor so to speak. 

But even then, just fully embarrassing it all like this with no shame whatsoever… They couldn’t say that they hated it. Oh how they want to stuff their face like this as well without a problem. Just be carefree, shove the food in there and be done with it. Just one of many things… 

Honestly though, they were surprised that this thought had even crossed their mind. They didn’t feel that way when they had talked to Kitagawa–San. Nor had it come up ever in Akechi–Kun’s presence either. There was just something with Sakamoto–San which made them a little envious. They couldn’t really point their finger at it either. He wasn’t a bad guy and it seemed to be kind of fun with him around. That was nowhere near the problem in any way. It was just… Something they could hardly explain. Was it the attitude causing this? Or— 

Ah, the more they had thought about it the less it made sense, even to them. It was a bit of a headache honestly and maybe it was best to not dwell on it too much. In fact before knowing it they got a bit of a confused expression in return.

“Dude, you good?” Sakamoto–San asked them, getting Lukanja out of their current headspace before knowing it. “You barely touched your stuff.”

“Ah— Right! Sorry! I was just lost in thought.” They responded quickly, shaking their head. “Sorry, I’ve been a little tired is all.” Yes and no. They were tired yet them staring off in space had nothing to do with this.

“If ya say so. So anyways—” And before knowing it they got caught up in a conversation. One which was surprisingly casual, just a conversation between two dudes. Yeah, nothing more. Just two dudes eating and talking. Being treated like a dude despite someone being fully aware of their circumstances…

It felt a little reassuring. Maybe you just have to look to find the right people sometimes. Or dudes in this case. Because as brief as this was… Sakamoto–San seems to be someone not sweating the details in that regard. They didn’t hate it. No, they liked it in fact, also being one of the guys to someone…

That still didn’t change the part of the envy they were feeling in that regard. At least they could tell that it wasn't anything  personal.