Disclaimer: Don't own Persona 5, nor any of it's characters.

Rating: T

As stated in the disclaimer, this story takes place after Twin Kingdoms, but in the vein of Ryuji and Hifumi becoming more than friends- the start of a seeming-unlikely pairing. Enjoy :P


Kanda

"Checkmate."

"F'real? Ah man, I thought I had you back there!"

Hifumi looked up with a smile, even as Ryuji tussled his hair with both hands; she had just won the game, yet again. "You almost did, Ryuji" she assured. "I had to rearrange my plans quite a bit, just to deal with your unexpected move."

He made a sound, but began to chuckle a bit. "Well, least that's somethin'" Ryuji said, almost playful as he picked up the pieces; she helped him out. "Better than the first times I played, by a long shot."

"You certainly do learn best by experience."

"That's how I roll."

As soon as he finished, they accidentally reached for a piece at the same time- Hifumi jolted a bit when their hands touched, but Ryuji's reaction was stronger. He pulled back so fast/hard that he accidentally dislodged the shogi board, spilling several pieces across the bench, and even onto the floor.

"Ah crap" Ryuji said, wincing- it wasn't long before he'd gotten up, gathering the pieces on the floor. "Sorry Hifumi, I didn't mean for that to happen."

"It's fine" she breathed after a moment, semi-flustered but picking up the bench pieces. "These things happen."

He didn't answer this time, but when he got back up, Ryuji seemed to have a little trouble meeting her eyes... admittedly though, she had the same difficulty.

Having been shogi partners for several months now, they'd become good friends, but Hifumi believed that perhaps - just perhaps - Ryuji might be feeling 'more' towards her, and this could be further proof. For several reasons, he's trying to keep them at bay because he believed that while he felt that way - at least to some degree - she might not and it could cause problems with their friendship.

Or so she's guessed- she could be wrong about the whole thing.

But if she's right... well, it certainly made her heart beat faster to think about it.

...

Later

"Well, I had fun" Ryuji said with ease, just ahead of her, preparing to get back home - they were both outside the church. "Next time though, let's grab some ramen to go."

Hifumi took a moment, trying to keep her heart-rate down. "I will consider it" she said sincerely, if a bit slowly- he seemed to become concerned. "But um, before you head home. Ryuji?"

"Yeah, what's up?"

"...there's something I've noticed about you lately, and perhaps even earlier in hindsight. If I am wrong, please correct me."

Ryuji's brow furrowed in confusion, fully turning back toward her. "Uh, okay" he breathed slowly, before tilting his head; his voice was lower and worried. "You alright, Hifumi? Did I do something wrong?"

She had to close her eyes, though she shook her head. "I'm fine, and no, you didn't do anything wrong. It's just... about our- our hands touching-"

"Huh? W-What's that gotta do with anything?"

Hifumi steeled herself, trying to think of her question as the goal, and her position as Queen is to see that it would be done. "I have heard you state your preferred type of woman before, Ryuji" she said, trying not to stutter. "I believe we've both noticed that I, um, fit your type. So I wonder if- if your behavior now, and earlier... is a result of that."

For a moment, Ryuji just looked at her, as if trying to figure out her exact meaning- then his eyes widened/his body jolted, but unusually, he was silent. He didn't move afterward, but he did look away, one hand rubbing the back of his head - perhaps it was her imagination, but he seemed to be fighting down red cheeks.

Understandable; hers were probably pink by now.

She was about to say more, but Ryuji spoke first.

"I guess I ain't surprised, Hifumi" he said wearily, his demeanor saying 'now that it's out there, might as well face it' - still, Ryuji looked back without issue. "You think so many steps ahead, it makes my brain hurt to consider it. Still, I was kinda hoping you wouldn't notice, simply because I didn't wanna make you feel weird. Especially 'cause I like hanging out with ya."

"I don't feel weird, Ryuji" Hifumi quickly assured. "I too have enjoyed our hanging out. If anything, I'm flattered."

"Huh?" he breathed, looking flat-footed. "But I thought you were sick of people trying to ask you out!"

"I'm sick of those trying to ask me out from the start, because they see me as a famous person, not as I truly am" she said, and this infused her; the nervousness practically fell away. "But someone who hangs out with me, enjoys some of the things that I do, and wants to get to know me better as a person? I would have to be a fool to turn down that kind of connection!"

While surprised, Ryuji didn't mind her sudden intensity. Then: "Gah, I'm an effin' idiot!" he said suddenly, both hands briefly clutching his head.

"What do you-"

"I should've known that!" he continued, apparently not having heard - he kicked at a nearby pebble, which skidded away. "'Course it was the idiots you didn't like asking you out! Not being asked out in general. How did I not put that together!?"

Hifumi grasped his arm. "Ryuji, please; don't beat yourself up" she insisted, if sincerely - not only that, but she worried his little rant would make a scene. "I'm certain others have made the same assumption you did."

His breathing was still heavy, but Ryuji appeared to consider her words, slumping and closing his eyes for a time. "...sorry 'bout that, Hifumi" he breathed after a moment, weary yet apologetic, . "I didn't mean to blow up like that."

"It's okay" she breathed gently, smiling.

"How?"

"Because it is who you are, Ryuji. An outspoken, honest man who always knows how he feels."

Ryuji seemed to become flustered, for he merely made a sound, before looking downward- they both realized that she's still holding his arm. Then after a quick glance at each other, realizing that they're standing kinda-close, they quickly moved a small distance away.

"I- Forgive me, for being too overt" Hifumi breathed, feeling her heart-rate go up, but fought not to lose her composure. "But it is the truth."

"Yeah" he breathed, as if feeling a lot himself, before shaking his head (to clear it). "I mean- wait, let me make sure I got this straight. You think that I like you 'that' way - not that you're exactly wrong - and you're telling me you're okay with it if I were?"

Her mouth twisted a bit, if with intent - 'not exactly wrong' sounded like her thoughts were spot-on, or close to it.

"More than that, Ryuji" she said, steeling herself again. "I- I'd like us to go on a date!"

"F'real!?" he exclaimed, practically taking a step back in shock - his eyes had gone wide, and his jaw had nearly dropped. "No way!"

Hifumi had to fight to remind herself that he's in shock, and expressing such; it was not actual denial, or it shouldn't be. Combined with the fierce warmth that overtook her cheeks, she was temporarily incapable of coherent speech.

"Wha- wait wait, that's not what I meant by 'no way', Hifumi!" Ryuji quickly backpedaled - his voice remained considerably quick, and he did quite a few gestures with his hands. "I just didn't expect you to ask me on a date! Usually that's the guy's job! I mean, I'm not hung over it or anything- I wouldn't mind if a girl asked me out! Far from it! I just didn't expect this at all!"

"I- I understand that" she said, a small effort to talk at first, but she pushed through. "You didn't think someone like me would be... interested in you, even after hanging out for months."

He seemed to deflate, but only for a moment. "...well, yeah" he said, less intense but sincere; he rubbed his face with one hand, glancing away. "I know I look rough, and I got issues, and all that shit. I know it don't help my chances, but- but even despite that, it's why I always kept looking. I just never thought 'bout if someone actually... asked me on a date."

As he finished, his cheeks turned redder.

While still nervous, Hifumi managed a little smile at the sight - not just relieved that he's nervous too, but also thinking Ryuji truly is interesting. He's outspoken and driven, always aiming to move forward, and yet seemed to have a contrasting issue with self-esteem, though she believed it's better than it was before.

If nothing else, because he had become friends with Akira.

"Well I have, Ryuji" she spoke, gentle- he jolted, as if he just remembered she was there. "I-I would like an answer."

His first reaction was a sound, blinking several times before he 'recovered'. "Yes! Absolutely!" he said in a rush, before he briefly clamped a hand over his mouth. "I-I mean-"

Hifumi giggled a bit, relieving part of her own nervous tension- whew. "That is all I needed to hear" she managed to say, feeling a little unsteady (and nervous-excited). "Though... I would like for us to determine what days are good first, if you don't mind."

/

Later

Shibuya

Once he got off the train, Ryuji was still in a daze, thinking this was happening... holy shit.

Hifumi Togo, the refined, humble, pretty shogi girl, had asked him on a date.

Him.

Even as he walked home, he dug out his phone and opened up the Chat, immediately typing - he made sure to keep an eye out, but otherwise typed. From the look of it, not everyone was available right now, as only the pictures of Ann, Yusuke, and Haru were visible; well, time to face their reactions, 'specially because this news would get out sooner or later.

Still, as he typed, his daze at what happened start to show.

...

Ryuji: Yo guys, you're never gonna believe what happened to me!

Ann: I'm sure it won't be that big, Ryuji. Wait, is it bad or something?

Yusuke: I certainly hope not. He said he was playing with Hifumi-san today, as has been added to his normal routine.

Haru: What did happen, Ryuji-kun?

Ryuji: It ain't bad, Ann. Just big news.

Ryuji: Hifumi asked me out on a date!

Ann: Wait, WHAT!?

Haru: Congratulations, Ryuji-kun! You must be so happy!

Yusuke: My word, this is a surprise! I did not foresee this development occurring at all.

Ryuji: Me either, Yusuke! But yeah, I'm happy. And surprised. And really really nervous, really.

Ryuji: Gah, I'm repeating myself!

Ann: Hifumi Togo seriously asked you on a date, Ryuji!? If this is you making stuff up, you'd better stop now.

Ryuji: I ain't making it up! I'm serious, Ann! Like, Phantom Thieves level serious!

Yusuke: That is indeed a serious level to claim. Thankfully we are having this conversation over text, or you would have shouted that to the world.

Haru: That aside, I doubt Ryuji-kun would have lied to us about dating a famous shogi player.

Ann: ...yeah, I doubt that too. I was just so in shock that I wasn't thinking straight.

Ann: Sorry, Ryuji.

...

Outside the phone, Ryuji had to resist a sigh; he's not surprised that Ann thought he might be boasting or whatever, specially at first.

Still, it'd be nice if sometimes she could pretend to take him at his word, even for a little.

...

Ryuji: Forget 'bout it, Ann. I'm as surprised as anyone that Hifumi asked me out, seriously! But like hell that I'd turn her down.

Ann: I would've been shocked if you had said no, all things considered.

Yusuke: Such a response would be highly out-of-character regarding your personality Ryuji, and vastly concerning in addition.

Haru: But he has said yes, and I'm thrilled for you, Ryuji-kun! Any plans for the date thus far?

Ryuji: Not yet. Hifumi weren't sure of her schedule, so I'm supposed to wait for her to chat me back on that, then we'll talk 'bout a place.

Ryuji: Still, I'm racking my brain trying to figure things out. She said she wouldn't mind if it was fancy, or casual.

Ann: Even on the first date?

Ryuji: Apparently. Hifumi said nearly anything should be fine.

Yusuke: That is unusual, but it seems that it will be quite beneficial, Ryuji. If you date in a location you're comfortable with, it will be easier to make conversation, and admire her beauty.

Yusuke: Plus it will help keep your memory on the important details, when we all receive the story of said date. I am particularly looking forward to the passion that erupts from your hearts.

Haru: And you've been hanging out with each other for months, so it'll be even easier that way too.

Ryuji: True enough, Haru. And don't be effin' creepy, Yusuke!

Yusuke: Whatever do you mean by that?

Ann: Don't mind him, Yusuke. Also, I'm not really sold on your first date being super casual, Ryuji, but it is your affair.

Haru: Oh, an affair! That sounds so romantic on it's own already!

Ryuji: Don't be getting no weird ideas either, Haru. Anyway, 'course I'm gonna do my best, casual or no casual.

Ann: Just promise me that at the end, you give her an extra-special smooch to compensate! ❤

Ryuji: Goddamnit Ann, now I'm gonna be all nervous again!

Yusuke: My goodness. Ann is ever so bold to suggest such a thing, and with such a symbol. Perhaps I must learn from her example to heighten my own various expressions.

Haru: Ann-chan, you didn't have to tease Ryuji-kun.

Ann: Sure I did Haru, heehee. I'm probably never gonna get the change to tease him about his first date ever again!

Ryuji: IT'S NOT FUNNY!

Yusuke: But first I believe I must discover how to send symbols in text...


That night

Home

Man, it's been awhile since he saw his mom that happy...

Laying stomach-first on his bed, Ryuji gave a smile as he looked up from the locations stuff, thinking it was a really good thing. The fact that he had a date was good news already, but when she saw Hifumi's picture - Akira had snapped a pic of them playing shogi - it's like she'd lit up or something. Not that he minded: she'd been gradually getting better ever since he made friends with Akira and the others, proud that he's growing up a little, though she was also kinda-sad 'bout it. Heck, she was even proud of him for having been a Phantom Thief - she'd had a heavy suspicion after seeing the broadcast calling out Shido, though she only called him out after the whole Christmas fight - and working hard to stop bad people.

Though, he'd gotten a motherly earful for putting himself in danger, and all that... but guess he'd had that coming.

Back to the locations stuff, that reminded him: Hifumi must be dealing with something, as she still hadn't chatted him back. If this were a girl he'd asked on the spot, he'd be ultra-nervous right now, thinking that maybe she wasn't gonna call back at all, but Ryuji knew her: even if seriously late, she'd take the time to answer when she could.

That aside, he's still nervous in general.

Why wouldn't he be? A girl he didn't think would like him 'that' way, apparently liked him enough to think that she could!

Ryuji shook his head then, trying to get himself to focus again: let's see, they'd frequently played at Kanda's church or Cafe Leblanc, while also hanging out at Shibuya's arcade, and going to Ogikubo for ramen or Tsukishima for monjayaki. Those places seemed like good... mmh, what's the word- oh yeah, 'fallback' date spots, but definitely not first-date material - he then marked Ginza and Miura Beach as 'maybe'. That expensive sushi place was good, but he couldn't make that a regular place to go on a date, not without wasting all his Phantom Thief money... plus he's not sure Hifumi would accept him making it a regular date spot in the first place, on account of it being so expensive. The beach could happen on another date, but definitely not the first; he didn't wanna risk making her uncomfortable in any way, particularly knowing how he'd react to her in a swimsuit.

Just then his phone buzzed, and he took it out-

-Hifumi was calling!

His hand briefly shook, then he grunted and got a hold of himself.

*click* "Hello?"

"I'm sorry that I'm late in getting back to you, Ryuji" came her voice, a bit worried. "Various things were piled upon me today, and I could not use my phone."

A little smile, thinking that she's as modest as ever. "Knowing you Hifumi, I thought it was something important" Ryuji said easily on instinct, though his heart kept beating fast - but hey, whatever works is good by him. "And it worked out, as I'm still trying to decide a location, right now even. I know you said you'd be okay with anywhere, but..."

"But you want our first date to be special?"

"Yeah. O-Or at least, ya know, make it memorable."

"Well, if that's what you insist upon, I won't argue. Still, I believe it will be memorable regardless... considering it will be my- my first time dating."

Part of him felt surprised, at least until he remembered Hifumi's situation; before they changed her heart, Hifumi's mom had been running her life, which included no dating. He tried to imagine what it was like, but couldn't... all he could think of was his time with the track team, trying to keep each other going, and trying to impress girls at the same time.

Maybe it would've worked too, if things were different...

"Honestly, it'll be my first date too" Ryuji breathed, quiet - he flipped the page, finding this one talking 'bout 'Inokashira Park', which he's half-sure he heard of somewhere before. "If I weren't so focused, I'd probably be shaking right now, or maybe trying to run it off. I ain't gonna let it stop me, but even still."

"Understandable. Still, I'm glad to hear that you're nervous as well; it comforts me, a little."

He felt several things at that, before he stopped as he looked up something specific about Inokashira Park-

-that'll be perfect!

"Oh" Hifumi breathed; Ryuji only just realized he hadn't responded for several seconds. "Perhaps that was too overt of me."

"Nononono, it's fine" he said quickly. "I agree with that, seriously. It's just that I got distracted, because I finally found a place that seems good for us!"

"Really? Where?"

"Heard of Inokashira Park, Hifumi?"

"Vaguely. I know it's a spot near Shibuya, but little else."

Ryuji grinned. "Then in that case, prepare to be surprised" he said, all teasing-like - good thing too, as he forgot about his nervousness. "You'll be in for a treat. When are ya free?"

Hifumi sounded a bit more flustered, thanks to this tone. "I- I should be available at the end of the week, three days from now, at 3 PM Ryuji. As well as two days after that, around a similar time, though I will still need to be home in time for dinner on both days."

Having gone over his own schedule, he already had his answer. "That fifth day won't work for me, but the third should do nicely" Ryuji said in an instant, and then he pumped his fist. "So it looks like we're going on that date!"

"Y-Yes, we are! Oh dear, now I'm even more nervous about this."

"We both feel that way, Hifumi. But like I said, can't let it stop us."

"Of course. Still, I will- I shall meet you in Shibuya around 3 PM, near the train line that connects to Kanda, Ryuji. Agreed?"

"Looking forward to it!"

...

Later on, his phone buzzed again to his surprise; someone else was calling? Opening it up, he saw the Chat was active, with pics of Akira, Makoto, and Futaba-

Their messages read:

Makoto: Is it true what I heard, Ryuji? That Hifumi Togo asked you on a date?

Futaba: I'm freaking out trying to figure how that works. Even the opposites attract app is being fried! DX

Akira: Ryuji, you lucky dog.

...

Ryuji weren't surprised word had spread... it would've been nice if he could've told all of them, but he started typing back, and his excitement rose.

...

Ryuji: It's true, Makoto, guys. Hifumi really asked me out and everything!

Makoto: I knew you and Hifumi got along surprisingly well, but this is truly unexpected.

Akira: Morgana would like to express his disbelief.

Ryuji: Yeah, well tell the cat to can it dude. Once I got proof of our date in photos, he'll have to accept that it's damn well happening.

Makoto: Let's not get carried away here guys.

Futaba: Why? Ryuji-vs-Morgana is entertaining.

Futaba: Standard vitriolic-best-buds trope you see in any work of fiction.

Akira: Except I'm in control of the phone.

Ryuji: I dunno what that all means Futaba, but we've got better things to do than argue anyway.

Ryuji: If Morgana can't accept this, that's his own damn problem.

Makoto: Those statements are somewhat surprising, but I must agree with Ryuji.

Futaba: Never thought I'd see that day o_o

Akira: So Ryuji? Tell us the details.

Ryuji: Sure dude. I'm taking Hifumi to Inokashira Park in three days, and I'm trying to have a lot planned.

Akira: I'm with you in spirit. You know that.

Makoto: I am as well, surprising as this is. In fact, if you have any troubles planning stuff, I might be able to help in some way if you wish.

Ryuji: 'Preciate the help, Akira, Makoto, but I still think I got this.

Futaba: You would. But though my mental processors are fried, go for a home run.

Ryuji: Uh... thanks Futaba, I guess.

Makoto: If I may ask though, um, what exactly does Hifumi like about you?

Futaba: Ooh! Juicy details be-a-coming!

Ryuji: Well uh, she likes that I'm honest, open, and don't hesitate when it comes to a lot of things.

Akira: Morgana wants to know how she feels about your... loudness and language.

Makoto: I can already tell Morgana said it differently than that, Akira.

Futaba: Duh. Black cat be cocky that way.

Akira: He takes offense to that description.

...

Ryuji pretty much growled to himself for a moment, if from behind his own arm- that damn cat, he swore.

He so much wanted to lash out at him for this, but the moment he does, it'll be going back on his own words 'bout not fighting- just gotta keep a grip.

...

Ryuji: Hifumi don't care 'bout them.

Makoto: What do you mean, Ryuji?

Ryuji: Exactly as I said. Not sure if she 'likes' them or whatever, but she don't hate them at all. In fact, she barely reacts to them at all.

Futaba: Tell us something vulgar you said to her then. Need data to analyze.

Akira: That's a little too personal, Futaba.

Makoto: I tend to agree. Plus there's no reason to suspect that Ryuji isn't telling us the truth, at least at this point.

Futaba: Friends turned against me. Going into power-saving mode to convert Ryuji/Hifumi data now :9

Ryuji: The hell did she mean by that? I mean, I get she left the chat, but...

Makoto: I'd just assume she means getting used to the idea that you two are going on a date.

Makoto: It was quite a surprise, but I still wish you luck - if Hifumi really does like those traits, you can be yourself with any worries. That is the biggest obstacle, after all.

Akira: Steal her heart, Ryuji.

Ryuji: Not gonna go full Phantom Thieves on her dude. But still, thanks, all of ya.

After that, Ryuji exited out of the Chat, feeling a lot of things, including irritation that Morgana had to sour this a bit. But that aside, he's going on this date and he's gonna enjoy himself - Hifumi's probably planning on the same, in her own way, no matter how nervous she is. And at the same time, he's also feeling a little proud of himself, as despite his first impulse, he hadn't blown up at Morgana's aggravating comments and he'd said there's no point in fighting anyway. Sure, he still told Akira to tell Morgana to can it, but it's definitely progress; even Makoto and Futaba seemed to think so, or at the least were surprised.

"I may be the one slowly changing myself, but it's still thanks to you dude" he thought, figuring he could see Akira give him his usual confident smirk. "I won't forget all the help you gave me with Shujin's track team."


First off, I know like many others that Joker's canon name is now Ren Amamiya, rather than Akira Kurusu. That being said, I'm keeping it the latter in my P5 fics out of simple, personal preference - no disrespect or anything intended, but fair warning to those getting used to the former.

Second, I like writing these Chat moments; having everyone weigh in makes it interesting XD Also, Christmas/Happy New Year to everyone, and hope you all enjoy this fourshot fic