Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 194

By the time the trio had left the Palace the sky had started to slowly turn darker. They were outside, busy dusting themselves off. It was sure something and Lukanja had not expected something like this from the get go. But finally, after so long, they could say that it was over. In fact, they felt so relieved that they suddenly stretched and they were not the only one. Ole as well had moved his paws to the front and then moved backwards, his tail up as he let out a loud ‘Meow!’ through the streets. They couldn’t help but chuckle. The two were in perfect sync! Though this moment was a little short lived by Akechi suddenly speaking up.

“Hah… You’re not hurt anywhere, are you?” He asked, crossing his arms while eyeing them.

“Haha, don’t worry about me! I’m fine! Never felt better!” They responded, noticing the grin on their face. It was wide, wider than ever before. When was the last time they managed to grin like that? Felt like ages. Honestly, it was as if a heavy weight had been lifted off their shoulders.

“You're taking this… Rather well.” He commented. They saw just how caught off guard he was which made them tilt their head. Though it wasn’t out of curiosity, not necessarily. it was more… Playfully. If that made sense.

“Am I? Hmm…” They even pretended to think for a moment before responding cheerfully: “Guess I am~”

Akechi only sighed, somewhat annoyed. “Back to being a pain, aren't you?”

Ah, the quip they had slowly gotten used to. Or rather quickly. Honestly, it was relieving. Especially since he said it like he meant it. Not this stupid Detective Prince persona where he pretended to be all polite and proper, not getting under anyone’s skin. No, this was unfiltered. And they really wouldn’t have it any other way. Besides, it made messing with him even more fun. 

They leaned a little forward after all, the grin not leaving their face as they looked up at him. “If you hated it you wouldn't have rushed in to help me, would you?” They pointed out ever so shamelessly. Huh… They were suddenly in the mood again for that. Well, not a bad thing, right?

They noticed something rather sudden however. His cheeks suddenly flushed red and he turned his head away, to the side, trying to cover it up with his arm for a moment. “Tha–” Though he dropped it when speaking. And yet he wasn’t facing them while talking.“D… Don't get any wrong ideas! This wasn't just for your sake!”

They wanted to comment so badly as they got even closer, trying to catch a glimpse from his face yet he always moved it out of sight. Ole was probably following along with his own head, wasn’t he? Just moving it when Lukanja was moving right after Akechi tilted his head away. 

But the fun only lasted for so long when someone had to join the party, interrupting this. But not like they minded. “Oho~? The boy is a Tsundere~” A voice said yet nothing materialized. But then again, Pipistrello didn’t have to.

They didn’t even question it anymore, only joining right in. “Right~?” 

“Shut up!” Akechi mentioned loudly, frustrated sounding. Ah, they were both getting under his skin here. Also it seemed that he heard Pipistrello too. Good, no need to mediate. Yet when he finally faced them again he had calmed down, his face turning all serious again. “Ahem… More importantly, what about the treasure? Did you take it with you?”

Hearing him ask that made them suddenly flinch, as if guilty. The… Treasure? They knew what treasure but… “Oh, er… Well—” Lukanja stuttered ever so slightly yet before they could come up with an excuse Pipistrello just had to interrupt yet again, shifting the topic once more.