Persona 5: Exchange Student's Tale

Chapter 5: Spywork Can Go A Long Way

I wasn't lethargic at all anymore, I had more than enough adrenaline to put a stop to it. My mind flooded with questions. Who was that Igor dude that flung me down there? What was the "game" he mentioned? How did I summon the Headless Horseman? What was that monster? What was that place? Could I go back? Is it even a good idea to back? I comb over the whole incident in my head, and land on one specific word.

"Mementos..."

My phone had said I was leaving Mementos, and Igor did say something about that weird app that appeared out of nowhere. I checked my phone and sure enough, it was right where it was on the plane. I was right about to tap on it, but I heard a knock on the bathroom door. Jiriso's voice came from the other side.

"Weylyn, you'd better not be asleep in there! You still need to catch the train!"

I checked the time on my phone and saw that I'd been in here for half an hour. Looks like my mind wandered for longer than it felt like. I should hold off on checking the app out until after school, I can't mess around and be late. I hurriedly take a shower, throw on my uniform, give the old man a wave to signal my leave, and get out of the house with just under an hour to spare. Jiriso told me to take the train to Shibuya, and then to Aoyama-Itchome, Shujin Academy's location. Tokyo trains are hell to ride, they pack people in like sardines so there's a ton of body heat, and the seats are always taken. Upon arrival to school, the first thing I hear intrigues me. Two boys in the school's volleyball team uniform are gossiping in front of some lockers. There's about fifteen minutes before class starts, so I should have time to listen in. I leaned against the wall and put on a spaced out expression.

"You seen that new transfer student around yet? You know, the one with the criminal record?"

"Nah, he hasn't shown up yet. Honestly, I hope he doesn't show at all. we don't need another guy walking around primed to go off. I mean, We got enough of that with Sakamoto."

"I hear you on that one. He just struts around with his blonde dyed hair and his bad attitude acting all cool, even though he doesn't have any friends. I really don't get that guy."

Ah, the perks of eavesdropping. Sakamoto, eh? I should keep a lookout for that guy.

"Oh! Did you see that new bulletin post? We got a new exchange student. Some American dude."

"Is that him right there?"

Ah, the downside of hiding in plain sight. Damn, they're coming over here. I really don't enjoy the gossip types... but they seem to know a little about that frizzy haired guy, and I could get a bit more information out of them.

"Yo new guy! How's your Japanese?"

At least they're civil to strangers.

"I like to think its alright. Couldn't help but hear bits and pieces of what you were saying there. What's this about a criminal?"

They glance at each other with semi-serious expressions, then turn back to me.

"Someone leaked info about him onto the school website. Apparently, he walked up to this guy on the street and just tried to kill him. No provocation, nothing, just randomly started wailing on him."

I see, so its a rumour. I'll definitely have to talk to him myself then.

"Another thing, you also mentioned that blonde guy, Sakamoto. What's his story?"

"Oh, you wanna stay away from him too. He's a hot headed friendless idiot that tries to act like he's the coolest person alive."

What is wrong with these guys? There's no way he deserves all the hate they're throwing at him.