Once Upon An Us ~ Shukita [Persona 5]

Chapter 2: New Beginnings

Oh wow we're already in part two like damn 😳 I can't believe you guys actually read this lmao

Again I'm sorry for any typos or errors I might make, please ignore that. I'll fix it once I completed this story
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Ren was a bit puzzled as to what the woman's intentions are for suddenly requesting him to read his fortune. Nonetheless, he cautiously removed his doubts as he made his way inside the small room that is only lit with a candle on the table. He sat down on one of the empty chairs sitting next to it (A/N: Get it? Sitti- okay I'll stop) and began to glance around the room. There was nothing out of the ordinary, it seems. Just a pile of books sitting on the shelves and some other necessities.

His attention turned back to Chihaya, whom had taken out a deck of tarot cards and begun mumbling about something under her breath, before beginning to shuffle the cards on the palm of her hand. After shuffling for a little bit more, she then spread out the cards on the surface of the table, and looked back up to Ren.

   "Go on. Pick three cards of your choice." She instructed, waiting for the messy haired male to take his picks. Ren glanced over to the cards turned over on the table, his charcoal black orbs eyeing each and every single one. After a few more seconds of thinking thoroughly, he finally flipped his first card. The Fool, it read. He then flipped another. The Lovers, is what said. And so he flipped the last card. The Hanged Man.

   "Oh my.." Chihaya couldn't help but place a hand over her mouth in what seems to be an expression of surprise, as if she wasn't expecting that.

   "Is there something wrong..?" Ren grew a bit worried. Judging from her expression, it must be something serious.

   "You have quite the future ahead of you. The Fool says that." She replied, turning her head back to look at him. "A new chapter of your life is still unrevealed, and it's your choice whether or not you want to see it." She explained, glancing down at the card. Her eyes then wandered to the next card.

   "What does the next one mean then-?"

   "The Lovers..it means you'll meet your soulmate upon taking on this journey." Ren blinked in confusion upon hearing that. Him? Having a soulmate? Well, everyone has one, but it was just too sudden. Is he really ready for a romantic relationship? (A/N: Yes but actually no) That's something he'll have to find out for himself.

   "And last but not the least.." She continued, her fingertips trailing off the the last card. "The Hanged Man..." Her expression seems to be a look of uncertainty and hesitation.

   "Yes? What does it mean?"

   "...Ren, may I ask you a question?" He stayed silent, nodding his head to indicate a 'yes'.

   "Are you prepared to sacrifice something important to you?"
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That question has been bothering him ever since he visited the fortune teller. It all just seems so surreal, almost like it's impossible to happen. Then again, from what he heard from the rumors, her readings are always straight on the mark. Or it could be a bunch of lies that it only happened due to coincidence.

   "Dammit..!" He hissed, letting out a frustrated groan, taking a deep breath to calm himself down and think of this calmly. He glanced up to the ceiling, letting his arms and legs rest on the soft handmade cushion of the bed. Only more and more questions appear.  Nothing seems to make sense to him no matter how hard he tried. That was when it suddenly hit him. The Fool card meant that he was supposed to start a new adventure, a new path that is yet to be revealed to him. The frizzy haired male slowly sat up straight, looking over to the small window as he drew the curtains with one arm.

The purple forest was rumored to be one of the most dangerous places in the world. Once you go inside, you can never return, and that theory has already been proved by many. Not to mention there's also dangerous creatures that are said to be living inside the forest. That dream from earlier..could it be? Perhaps the answer lies within the depths of the woods, shrouded in purple mist. Ren then finally made his decision. He swiftly grabbed his bag from the wooden shelf and started putting his essentials and necessities inside that he might need. Draping his dark red cloak over his shoulders and putting the hood on to cover his jet black hair, he slowly and quietly made his way downstairs to the kitchen to grab some food and water. There's no assurance he'll be able to live after one night, but he'll never know unless he try.

Ren sprightly walked towards the door, opening it. "..Kid? Are you awake?" He immediately froze when he heard a hoarse whisper call out to him. He turned his head to see Sojiro standing by the stairs, still in his pajamas. Shit, the young male cursed himself, for he must've done something that caused for the older man to wake up.

"I— it's not what it looks like.." What do you think it looks like? He has a bag in hand that carries all his essentials, he's all dressed up so it looks like he's going out in the middle of the night. It looks like he was leaving. Permanently.

   "Care to explain?" The bearded man raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he looked down at him. Ren let out a sigh of defeat, setting the bag aside and dropping it next to him.

   "I..I need to go to the purple forest." He finally replied, causing Sojiro's eyes to widen in shock.

   "You know that forest is dangerous, especially for you! What the hell are you thinking?"

   "I know. But- I have no choice but to go."

His jet black eyes are steadily eyeing the man's brown orbs, his posture firm and steady and filled with determination and courage. Sojiro let out a long and expatriated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose and placing a hand on his hip while shaking his head. He knew he can't change the kid's decision once he sets his mind on something. "..Fine. Do whatever you want. If you disappear, I won't look for you." Sounds harsh, but he was never the type to sugarcoat on everything he says.

"Thank you, Sojiro." Ren's lips curved into a small smile, approaching him and giving him a hug, in which to his surprise, hugged him back in response. He then pulled away to grab his bag, walking out of the house and never looking back. He also borrowed one of the horses in the stable, specifically the one with the black fur.

"Let's go." Whispering into the horse's ear, the young teenager made his way to the forest, hooves tapping against the grassy road. Sojiro watched him leave from the window, letting out a sigh once he was no longer in his sight. He only said something that would probably bring confusion and curiosity to anyone who heard him.

"I did what I can do, Miyuki."
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Wooooo second chapter is finished 😚✌️
Time to disappear for a few days to write the third chapter lmao-
Ren will finally meet his love interest for this story 👁👄👁