Persona 5: Definition of Outcast [On Hold]

Entry 3: Bizarre Events

> April, 11th. Monday.

Akira stared blankly at himself in the bathroom mirror, dressed in his new uniform, his hair unkempt like yesterday. Crossing his arms over his chest, he sneered, tilting his head to the side.

"What's up, fukcers. I'm the big bad transfer student," he chuckled menacingly. The chuckle soon turned into an awkward laugh as he covered his heated face with both hands. Clearing his throat, he shook his head and tucked his hands into pockets. He had to be serious—first impressions are everything!

"Good morning, everyone. My name is Akira Kurusu," Akira began with a confident smile. "I'm not familiar with the area, so I would be much obliged if you could all take care of me." There was a pause. Akira groaned as he ruffled his hair in frustration. No matter what he did, his speeches either sounded awkward or he was just screwing around and not taking it seriously. Massaging his face, Akira sighed and stepped out of the bathroom, giving up. As long as he smiles and keeps it short, he'll be fine.

Akira walked upstairs to his room and pulled out a small medication bottle from his bag, popping it into his mouth. Once swallowed, he got on his knees in front of the window and made a prayer for his mother. It was an everyday ritual for Akira to pray for health and safety from God, as he was raised to do so with his mother. His father didn't necessarily have any religious beliefs (despite participating in shinto rituals), unlike his mother who was a very faithful Christian. Preferring his mother much more than his father, he decided to follow her, wanting the comfort that religion brings.

Once Akira had finished praying, he got up, grabbed his bag and headed downstairs. A rather spicy aroma wafted to him as he inched closer to the cafe. Much to his surprise, Sojiro had arrived and the kitchen was filled with steam.

"Good morning," Akira greeted with a bow. Sojiro looked up and blinked.

"Oh, so you actually are going to school?" Sojiro asked, sounding rather genuinely surprised. Akira nodded, trying to hide the fact that he was nervous. Sojiro hummed in interest, looking down at his hands. "...Here, I'll feed you. Just make sure you finish it before the customers start coming in."

Akira blinked in surprise before nodding, taking a seat in front of Sojiro. Sojiro walked over to the kitchen and scooped up something that Akira couldn't see and walked back, placing a fresh plate of curry down in front of him. It smelled delicious and Akira was more than grateful to have something to eat in the morning, but... Why curry?

"What's that reaction for? Just eat it," Sojiro instructed. Akira flinched and nodded obediently, picking up a spoon and scooping up a small amount of rice. After taking a bite, Akira found himself having difficulties to stop and began shoveling it down. He could taste complex flavors within the bold spiciness, his face brightening as they danced in his mouth. He couldn't help but look disappointed at his plate when he finished his meal. Not noticing the expression, Sojiro grabbed the plate and waved his hand dismissively at Akira.

"It's time for you to go," he pointed out. Akira stood up and smiled widely.

"Thank you for the meal! It was delicious, I'm wide awake now!" Akira chirped, practically beaming. Sojiro was a little surprised to see the boy smile so and couldn't help but return a sheepish grin.

"Thanks... Now hurry over to school. You'll end up late if you get lost on the way," Sojiro instructed. Akira nodded happily and with his head held high and walked out the door. Exiting, he noticed that the shop sign was still on "CLOSED". Closing the door, Akira decided to flip it over to "OPEN" so that the old man wouldn't have to do it later. With that, he pulled out his phone, opened Navi Maps and made his way to his first train station: Yongen-Jaya.