Persona 5: Definition of Outcast [On Hold]

Entry 9: The Volleyball Rally

> April 13th

The morning of the volleyball rally was nothing to really comment on for Akira, the first two classes breezing by without him even getting the chance to blink. Sojiro didn't make him anything this time around, and he ended up going straight to school on an empty stomach. He grabbed a fruit bar and snacked on it before homeroom began, but even then his game face wasn't entirely on.

It wasn't until the announcement for the rally he awaken, his emotions fuling him with energy. He changed in the boys bathroom on the second floor, due to the second-years changing station being too full. He didn't really mind—in fact, he was given full on privacy thanks to the second years who quickly changed and dashed out of the bathroom in fear.

After changing in the school's red and white sports uniform, deciding to wear the jacket with the sweats, he quickly met up with Ryuji and the two walked together to the gymnasium with the throng of students. They could hear the complaints of the other students—mostly the guys as they were the ones that had to fight against the other team.

"How annoying—we've barely started high school, and already they're making us play at a volleyball rally?"

"And why are they pitting us against the teacher team? Kamoshida's gonna crush us."

"We get to see his technique live and in person, though. We should totally get spiked on!"

"Yeah, okay. You're gonna get your face smashed in. Just look how banged up the volleyball team is. What the hell goes on during their practices?"

The duo exchanged glances as they entered the gymnasium. Principal Kobayakawa started the event off with some friendly words, the students applauding politely once he finished. A third-year teacher then came up and explained how the rally was going to go. Akira found himself dazed with each word that slipped from the speakers, unconsciously following the blonde delinquent when the event finally commenced.

The duo left the gym as soon as things got started, seeing as how it was the first years up first against the team of teachers. They used that time to discuss their plan in detail.

By the time they returned, the second-years were already playing. The first-years were demolished as suggested by the scoreboard. Assuming that they accidentally excused themselves from playing, they sat against the gym wall, watching the game. Kamoshida was destroying the student team without breaking that much of a sweat. It disgusted them to see the number of girls cheering for him.

"They're so damn loud..." Ryuji groaned, clicking his tongue.

"Maybe they're just trying to stay on his good side," Akira guessed. He couldn't believe that any of those blushing faces were of romantic feelings towards Kamoshida.

Eyeing each girl, commenting on their beauty internally, Akira noticed that away from the cheering masses was Takamaki. She didn't seem to be interested in the slightest, playing with the end of her right pigtail.

"Still sticks out without a care in the world..." Ryuji commented quietly, as if speaking aloud to himself. Akira turned and shot him a questioning look.

Noticing this, he yawned and stretched his arms above his head. "Pretty boring, right?"

Akira couldn't help but grin, nodding. But when Ryuji rested his chin in the palm of his hand shortly after, he couldn't help but glance back and forth quizzically between the blondes. He recalled hearing Ryuji exclaiming her name back at the castle, so it was clear to him that they were aquitenced. But from where? And when? Was it the rumors or from a time before?