Chapter 1- An Accidental Discovery
If I owned any aspects of Persona... I just don't
Souji is in my spell-check and I am not risking the Yu, "you" problems that might happen. Some ages in this story are slightly illogical because canon is… well you should know that we have left canon far behind when Atlus made Q canon. Anything past that, well ignore that, too.
What that whole spiel above was saying: It's as canon as a musket.
Side-note #1: Canon-years are… non-existent. Also, do not expect me to know the layouts of places I have not been. Oh, since I don't know the layout of Tokyo very well, I'll keep it very, very, very vague. Consider it like I have not played Devil Survivor, vague.
Oh… I'll do my best to keep it T (shouldn't be too hard, right?)
Souji's thoughts
April- Tokyo University
A young man with silver hair cut in a short bowl sighed as he doodled in a notebook filled with calculations, formulas, and notes. He sat, clad in long black pants and a black jacket over a white shirt, in the back row of an expansive lecture hall filled with uncomfortable chairs that fit into something that resembled long white counters instead of desks. All the chairs faced a single podium with a large whiteboard plastered behind it. The silver-haired young man in the lecture hall was accompanied by maybe fifteen other students, all scattered among the room. At the podium, filling in for the professor, was a wizened guest speaker droning in about his exploits of engineering forty years in the past.
His doodle was slowly becoming a masterpiece for the ages as he waited for the speaker to finish. He had paid attention for the first ten minutes, but now his attention was focused on anywhere but on the speaker. It was really disappointing, if only because how simple and easy everything was to him.
He thought his years at Tokyo University would be a lot harder than his previous schooling. His high school classes were so easy he was able to sleep though them and still test to the top position every single term. His entrance exam into his first choice university was the same drivel as everything else, extremely easy and boring. It was not even worth taking the practice exams and attending cram school. The only thing that had a chance of keeping him out of Tokyo University was him falling asleep during the exam. He made it into the university for more of a challenge, but he found that most of his classes were just as boring as ever. The silver-haired young man had even chosen a more difficult career to pursue, but he still could not find enjoyment in his classes. It was all… so easy, and that was so boring.
It probably would have been more interesting if he had more friends, but he could count the number of his friends on one hand, and that included acquaintances. It probably did not help that none of them were in his career track, either. It did not matter, though. As soon as he finished this year and the next year, he would be finished with Tokyo University and then he could move onto the boring grind of work.
There was no specific bell, but eventually the guest speaker lifted up his head to look at the large analog clock that hung behind the back row. When he saw that it was fifteen minutes past when the class was supposed to end, he ended his speech with another long-winded, superfluous spiel that lasted five minutes. When the guest finally stopped speaking and dismissed the class, the silver-haired young man put away his doodles into a slightly-oversized school bag and headed for the exit of lecture hall.
The young man did not even acknowledge the other students as he headed towards the door. In reality, he was surprised half of them even bothered showing up to today's waste of a class. Whether they had shown up or not did not really matter to him, he just continued towards the exit.
The moment he stepped through the door, into the first-floor hallway, a tenor voice rushed into his left ear, "Souji!"
Souji turned in the direction of the voice to see one of the few people he could almost consider a friend walking towards him. The friend was wearing blue pants and a frilly white shirt with something that resembled a stemless red rose plastered over where the left shirt pocket would be. He responded to his friend's exclamation, "Teddie… what are you doing in this building?"
It's a valid question…
It was a valid question for two reasons. The first reason his friend with short blond hair gelled to the side was not expected to be in this building was because he was not going for a career that had anything to do with mathematics or science. The second reason he did not expect to see Teddie in this building was that the concept of attending class was a foreign one to him. As soon as he entered the university, a year after Souji entered, he spent most of the days partying and chasing girls. It did seem more interesting that what he usually did, but it was rather reckless. He still never knew how Teddie made it into this university in the first place.
Despite Teddie's shortcomings, Souji still considered him something close to a friend. He considered him a friend just for the fact that he was more interesting than most of the other people in the university. He was just someone to talk to when he got sick of the boring students, professors, and others in the department.
Teddie broke Souji out of any thoughts the silver-haired young man might have had when he answered, "I can't come see one of my friends?" He frowned. "That's so… cold."
Souji rolled his eyes and then apologized, "Okay, okay… I'm sorry." He looked at the blond. "So… what's up? How was last night's party?"
Teddie held massive parties every weekend at the place he rented with his two roommate, one his age, and the other a year older. The parties he held were usually the reason Teddie missed his Monday classes. He was not averse to holding weekday parties either. It was just up to however the young man in his second year of university was feeling that day.
Teddie's face produced a wide smile at Souji's question. He responded. "It was great. There were over twenty people at our place yesterday"
"That's not the most important part…," Souji folded his arms. He felt other students pass the two of them behind, going to other classes, to a cafeteria, or back to their residences.
"Oh…," Teddie quickly realized what Souji meant. He nodded and gave a short response. "Yep…"
That means… there was at least one or more pretty girls there. The question now was… did he succeed, or did one of his housemates steal his thunder? Perhaps… they all struck out?
"As long as you had a good time," Souji told Teddie.
Teddie nodded, but said. "We missed you, though. You were working, right?"
Souji gave a nod of his own, "I didn't finish my shift until late… I wouldn't have been able to meet up with you until after the party was almost over…"
Teddie shook his head, "I doubt you would arrive at the end of the party." He quickly added. "I think… you're working too hard, Souji. You're always working…"
Souji shifted his weight from one side to the other. He said, "I do spend more money on rent than you do."
"That's because you live alone, Souji…," Teddie murmured. The younger university student lifted his head and looked at Souji. His voice picked up slightly as he said. "Why don't you find some to time to relax? Do something fun for yourself, even if you don't attend one of my parties… or if you want, you can attend one of my parties? It'll be fun. I'm sure Yosuke and Kanji would be happy to see you, too…"
Teddie's housemates… It's not like attending a party wouldn't be interesting, or a bad thing. It's not like I want to get drunk off my ass, or something like that, though…
After a few seconds, Souji shrugged, "If I have some time after my next shift on Friday or Saturday, I'll try and head your way…"
Teddie smiled again, "It'll be good to see you there." He continued. "I'll be sure to find someone nice to attend one of the get-togethers over the weekend."
He means pretty girls… If anyone can do it…
Souji put his hand in his right pocket and pulled out his smartphone. He pressed the button on the side to wake it from its slumber. His eyes widened, albeit very slightly. He looked back to Teddie, "Teddie… don't you have class starting in a little less than two minutes?"
Mine starts in sixteen minutes…
Teddie quickly looked at his own phone. After an extremely short panic attack, he bid Souji farewell, and headed out towards one of the Liberal Arts buildings.
I wonder if he'll get there in time… probably not…
Souji tightened his grip on his faux-leather bag and turned away from where Teddie had been standing. He maneuvered around students who were walking in the opposite direction, or just milling around to walk towards and up to the second floor where his second class was. He walked up the wooden steps with rubber protectors over each step to reach the second floor.
He made it into the third room on the right with plenty of time to spare. He took a seat about halfway through the third row, far away from any of the other students who attended his class. The other students were only potential distractions and annoyances. The only advantage of this class was the petite female professor with short sea foam-green hair.
At least the professor is cute…
The cute professor was the best part of class, even if the curriculum was slightly more challenging than the last. He was able to stay focused enough to take notes, and not doodle… too much. However, as soon as the class ended, he still grabbed his bag and left the room without speaking to any of the other students. The other classmates were just not very interesting to him.
Souji only had two classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. For that reason, after he left his second class, he also left the building, and finally headed for the gate to leave the university. He walked down an asphalt path to pass through the wrought iron gate to leave his school behind for another day. He kept walking towards the train station, as he gazed at the little shops along the way. He stopped for only a moment to grab a quick handheld bite from a stand on his way to the train.
Souji's gait slowed for the two minutes it took for him to finish his late lunch. When he did finish, he headed down the stairs, into the station to ride the train. After he headed down the stairs, he stuck his hand in his pocket to pull his ticket out of his wallet and get through the barrier. He quickly moved to the left side of the station to wait for the next train.
The reason why he was in a hurry as he stepped onto an only somewhat crowded train was because his day was anything from winding down. He was not headed home. Instead, the train he was riding would be taking him to his part-time job that would help pay the rent for his residence. It was one of the jobs that stopped him from being able to attending Teddie's parties, if he ever felt like attending one of them. However, his focus was instead on earning the money he needed for shelter, food, and other utilities. That was why he stood, held onto an arm bar, and waited for the train to reach a different station.
When the train stopped for the fourth time after Souji stepped on, the silver-haired young man stepped off in an area quite different than the one he left from a short while ago. The shops, markets, and stands that Souji walked by were of a little a different sort, as well. He went through multiple large crosswalks, filled with ever-changing billboards and large buildings.
However, his part-time work had nothing to do with this area. The only thing he had to do with the various shops and stands was walk by them as he instead walked towards the large multi-story building in the distance. As the building came into view, the definitive word of "Hospital" could be seen on the highest floor to the far right. Souji kept moving towards the hospital, eventually entering through the Main Entrance's sliding doors. Now in the lobby, he headed to the nearest restroom, and to the closest stall. He put his oversized school bag on the floor, and then proceeded to pull out a janitor's uniform. He quickly changed into the required clothes, putting the clothes he wore to school back in his bag. He reached into the bag one more time to pull out his ID.
He left the restroom, headed to the nearest elevator, and pressed the button for the third floor to reach the Medical Floor. As soon as the door opened, a sterile smell reached his nostrils. He stepped out of the elevator onto a tiled surface with white walls and repeating rectangular windows. He stopped briefly to use his ID at the lavish staff room to drop off his bag before he grabbed a cart filled with cleaning supplies, bucket, and mop. He ignored the other nurses and doctors running about, billing, dealing with codes, and in general being way too busy to notice a part-time janitor.
After he obtained all of his supplies, Souji went straight to the window closest to the staff room, pull a rag and a bottle of window cleaner out of his cart, and proceed to clean the rectangular window. It was slow and monotonous work, but it was something that would pay him good and reliable money. Still, it was really, really boring.
One done, forty-nine to go… in his hallway. Three hallways to go… At least this hospital is a lot quieter later in the day and evenings.
Halfway down the first hallway, Souji heard a seductive voice emanating from the room parallel to the window he was currently cleaning, "Souji-kun…"
Oh great… Sayoko…
Souji slowly turned his head, and then the rest of his body to look into the room. Inside the room was an elderly male comatose patient in hospice, but also an attractive female nurse in her late-twenties with dark hair tied in a ponytail. Her white and purple nurse's uniform was also a little too tight-fitting, but it might have just been the white hat she was wearing.
Souji sighed and used his off-hand to drag his cart towards the room behind him. He let go of the cart one step into the room, and continued until he only a short distance from the nurse who had called out to him. He said to her, "Uehara-san…"
The nurse standing in front of Souji smiled and said, "Call me Sayoko, Souji-kun…"
Souji nodded, "As you wish, Sayoko-san…" He asked, "How can I help you?"
Sayoko chuckled and answered, "Do you really want me to answer that?"
Not really…
"I told you the first time we met…," Sayoko started. "That it's pretty lonely here at night…"
"Sayoko-san…," Souji put on a much more mature tone than hers.
Sayoko frowned, but for only a second. "Of course…" She put on a much more serious tone. "The room next door… the patient there was just discharged. I need you to clean it up before we receive another admission."
"Sure… no problem…," Souji nodded.
Before Souji could turn back around to put his hands to his the cart to go and clean the room, he heard Sayoko's suggestive voice one more time, "If you change your mind… you know where to find me…"
Actually… you probably have multiple patients, there's a break room, or you could be writing a report… I'd be looking for a while.
Souji just shook his head in response and headed out the door to go to the adjacent room. As he entered, he made sure there were sanitary gloves in his cart. It was a messy set of bedding.
This is a job for the Aides, nah… at least this is more interesting than school…
Hours later, after he clocked out in the staff room, he headed back down the elevator to the first floor while still wearing his poor-man's scrubs. It was not worth the time at the moment to change back into the clothes he wore to university, so he continued out the elevator. He left through the Emergency Room exit, only because the Main Entrance closed down in the evening. From the hospital exit, Souji took the same route in reverse, back to the station where he left for work. He headed down two sets of stairs, used his ticket to get through the barrier, and moved to the other side of the tracks. He needed to catch that train if he wanted to get back to his residence.
After stepping on the next train, he threw his over-sized school bag on one the overhead compartments. Luckily, the car he stepped in was completely empty, so there was plenty of room for his bag. He was even able to sit down, an unheard of abnormality in the morning or afternoon.
He rode this train for twice as many stops than he did to go from the university to the hospital, and that was before he changed trains and lines to travel for four more stops. At the fourth stop on the second line, he pulled his bag out of the overhead and stepped into a more residential area. He passed towering, modern-looking apartment buildings, every single unit far beyond a university student's price range. After going through three crosswalks, he stopped at a much smaller building than any of the other buildings. The building he stopped at also looked older, a little run-down, the green paint starting to peel off in some of the dividers between units.
Souji closed his eyes for only a moment before grasping onto the iron railing of the cement staircase. He climbed up to the third floor, and stepped off to the walkway on the open side of the floor, covered only by an overhang and a continuation of the iron rail. He stopped in front of Unit 307, and dug in his bag for a set of keys. He inserted the key first in the lock that would undo the deadbolt, and then the inserted the key in the lock that would allow him to turn the handle. After the locks were undone, he opened the reinforced wooden door to enter his apartment unit. He entered the doorway of a slightly-rundown unit that he had been living in since a short while before he graduated from high school.
As he took off his shoes and picked up an envelope, pushed through the mail slot, that gave notice of his monthly rent, he looked beyond the entryway into his overpriced for this condition, underpriced, old three-room unit. Against the back wall was a mish-mash set of cheap kitchen equipment, including a small stove, combo fridge/freezer, and sink to wash the dishes. There were also drawers under the counters for silverware, and a single small cabinet for the dishes. There was a small blue couch on the right side of the room, one arm against the wall, with a cheap TV facing the open side of the couch. On the left side of the room had a small wooden desk with a flimsy chair where he did most of his projects, homework, and such. He did most of his homework late at night on a low-end computer with slow internet access because he did not get back from work until well past dinnertime. Near the desk was a futon of a similar color to his couch and a small dresser. Close to the futon was a door that lead to sort of a guest room that contained another blue futon and another dresser, exact copies of the ones in the main room. Between the futon in the main room and the door that led to the guest room was a second door that led to a small bathroom. There were the basic necessities, like a shower, toilet, and sink, but nothing beyond a hamper in regards to washing clothes. If he wanted to wash clothes, he would have to go back down to the first floor to Unit 100. It was not the greatest-looking apartment, but it was habitable.
Souji moved towards his futon, and left his bag there. He quickly discarded his work clothes, and then went to the bathroom to throw them in the hamper. From the hamper, he walked to the dresser, and threw on gray sweatpants and a white long-sleeved shirt. The silver-haired young man went to what could be considered his makeshift kitchen and pulled out some leftovers he had made. After he pulled out a plate and silverware, he transferred some of the leftovers to the plate, and headed to the couch to eat something that resembled like a meal. He washed the dish and silverware after consuming his very late dinner. From there, he went to his desk pull out some materials to study for his Tuesday and Thursday classes. He had weekly quizzes in his first class, so he needed to be ready.
It's going to be a long night.
Souji finally hit futon well into Tuesday, but sleep never came easy. His thoughts were filled with the reason why he moved into this single unit during his final year before he went to university. It all came down to his family situation, and his parents' work situation. His parents' work forced them to constantly move for long periods at a time. For those long periods of time, Souji would be shuttled around to friends, or whatever family member was willing to take him in for a short while. Every time he was forced somewhere else, it meant he left his friends behind, his school behind, and any other semblance of a relationship with anyone. For that reason, Souji found it was not worth connecting with people, both at his original school, and wherever he was sent. He was just going to be sent somewhere else, so it was not worth making friendships.
The last straw that forced him into isolation was a more than a few years back, the last time he did try and make a friend or two. He was taken in by his uncle in a rural town. He was a single father who was somewhat neglectful towards to his daughter. Therefore, Souji became close to his cousin, and eventually his uncle. He was forced to go there, but then forced to go back to return after a year. It was as if there was no point in making friends with his cousin or uncle that he had not seen since the day he had left.
As time went on, and the more times he had been sent away, Souji became more self-efficient than a normal teenager. When he believed he had necessary tools to live on his own, Souji moved away one last time. This time, however, it was to live by himself. He would be self-sufficient, and he would not have to worry about being moved here or there. The only contact he had with his parents was a small monthly stipend that came a week before rent was due. The stipend was enough for food bills, not the rent. That was the reason why he took jobs like the one at the hospital. He needed money to pay for rent, tuition, and other necessities. It was not desirable, but better than moving around every year.
It was not as if he truly wanted isolation from everyone. He had a guest room for a reason. His cousin was supposed to start at university this year, and she was supposed to have checked in with him before the year started. According to his uncle, there was a plan for her to room with him, even for the simplest offering of Souji repaying the kindness of the two of them letting him stay with them a few years back.
The problem was that his cousin never checked in with Souji, and she was obviously staying somewhere else. She was not attending Tokyo University. She was attending an all-girls university, so Souji could not find her through a student directory. According to his uncle, she did not even carry a cell phone, or at least he did not know the number if she did have one. In other words, it was a lot of effort and time Souji did not have to expend. He was sure he would run into her at some point, even in a city as big as this. He would figure it out, and maybe she would finally be his roommate like his uncle wanted him to. It would make his breakfasts better, for sure. It was something that Souji could not worry about, though.
Tuesday morning involved Souji hurrying through his daily ritual of washing up, dressing in similar to clothes to what he wore to school yesterday, and making toast and sunny-side up eggs. The breakfast dish was taught to him by his cousin that lived in that rural town. After putting his plates in the sink, he put the necessary notes and books for his classes in his school bag, along with his work clothes for the night. Before he left his room, Souji went to his desk, opened the bottom drawer, and pulled out the necessary amount of money and put it in an envelope.
He locked up his unit after getting his rent money together, first the regular lock, and then the deadbolt. He stopped by the Office, which was next to the Laundry Unit 100, to drop the rent off. His trip to school was a two-line switch where they were packed like sardines. It required people to use paddles to squish businessmen, women, and students into the trains. He arrived just in time to get a decent seat for his class, and just in time to ace the quiz. It also gave him time to listen to his teacher drone about design. The second class, it was not so different than the first, minus the quiz.
Another A, another day… more notes, more preparation for the workforce…
It was much of the same for the afternoon, night, and the next couple of days. He went to work at the hospital, took notes while half-listening to the instructors, and came back to eat hastily prepared meals from the mornings or the weekend. The only difference in those next two-and a-half days was a quiz in a different course on Thursday, and the fact he did his laundry when he got back from work that day as well. Despite those two anomalies, he expected Friday to be pretty much the same, too. Saturday was always different because he did not have any classes on Saturday. Though, something could always change. For some ridiculous reason, he could give into Sayoko's teasing or something.
Souji only had his second out of the two classes he normal had on Monday and Wednesday on Friday. After listening to the cutest professor he had for as long as he could bear listening to her, Souji left the lecture hall after putting away his notes and books into the oversized bag. As he left the hall, just as Monday, he again was beset by a voice that called out from his right side, "Souji!"
The silver-haired young man turned around to see someone different than the one who called out to him on Monday. It was however, someone who lived and frequently partied with Teddie. It was a young man with fluffy brown hair who was in the same year as Souji was. He wore red pants, a white shirt with red patterns, and a medium-dense jacket with faux-fur around the hood. His grades were better than Teddie's, and he was going to probably earn a fair bit more money than Teddie after the two roommates finished school. There was a better chance Yosuke would find a steady job, settle down with a single girl, and be a normal member of society. Souji just felt that there was this chance Teddie might never settle down in any one thing, job or woman.
Regardless of his thoughts on anything, Souji looked at Yosuke and said, "Yosuke… How's it going?"
Yosuke nodded slightly, while showing a slight smirk. The students from Souji's "second" class, as well any of the others that released at that same time filed past the pair. The fluffy brown-haired young man said, "Teddie and I decided to have our weekly party tonight. Do you think you can make it tonight?"
Tonight… Could I even make it back from work in time?
Souji frowned slightly before he answered, "I don't know. I don't think I will get out of the hospital until your party is well underway…"
Yosuke shrugged his shoulders in response, "It's going to last a long time. Arriving late won't mean too much…"
"That's true," Souji nodded. "I guess I could just come in after work…"
Yosuke gave something that looked like a friendly smile, "Cool… it'll be nice to finally have you attend one of our parties…"
"Alright…," Souji said. He shifted his weight, crossing his arms. "I just have to remember exactly where you live…" Souji shook his head before Yosuke could remind him. "I know pretty much where you live, so I'll be fine…"
"If you need help…," Yosuke started to explain.
Souji cut him off, "No… I'll just listen for the rambunctious noise that permeates through the city…"
Yosuke let out a small chuckle, "Can't wait to see you there…"
We'll see… I'll just need to hurry my ass out of the hospital…
After his conversation with Yosuke, he hurried out of the university just like he always he did after his classes. He picked up a quick bite on the way down to the station to take the train to the hospital. After he left the train, he started the long walk towards the hospital. He changed once he entered, and took the elevator to go to the staff room to clock in. Souji grabbed his cart and cleaning supplies, and headed out of the staff room to clean windows, floors, and recently-vacated rooms that Sayoko asked him to clean.
Thankfully, she's not teasing me today… Must be busy…
After long hours at his hospital, Souji clocked out, and headed down via the elevator. The only difference from the norm was that he changed back into his regular clothes in the hospital before he left, instead of changing back into different clothes when he returned home. He headed out of the Emergency Room exit, ID card and scrubs in his large bag.
Souji had a good reason to return to his black pants, white shirt, and thin black jacket attire. If he was really going to try and catch part of that party, there was no reason for him to wear work clothes to that soiree. He would feel even more out of place than usual if he stuck out like a sore thumb.
Even though it was late, and the party was probably already in full-swing, Souji did not head straight back to the station. Instead, he started walking a little in the opposite direction of the station, past the hospital, for one reason. It was because you could not attend a party without an offering, especially if you were coming in late. At least, that is what Souji thought.
The area past the hospital was highly commercialized with a mix of high-rise buildings and much smaller buildings. All of the buildings were brightly lit and was a sight for the eyes. There was a twenty-story building with different stores on every floor, while specialty shops and cafes stood out with bright signs. Souji was not looking for a large mall, or a café. He was looking for a simple convenience store. He probably could have gone back the other way. He would have found what he needed on the way to the station. He just believed he it would be easier by going this way, for some reason. The next station was not that far off, anyways.
If I arrive a few minutes later than I expected to, it won't matter too much…
He jostled around other people in a somewhat busy street, all trying to get back home after work. He could at least see pretty easily, any of the darkness erased by the illumination of the surrounding buildings. His eyes looked around as he shuffled around the others returning home from work. He knew there was a store nearby, near one of the karaoke bars, or some other kind of bar. His destination was somewhere close, and he would find it soon enough.
Souji stopped at a crossroads with a few other people waiting to cross the street, and took a gander diagonally first to his right, and then his left. On the right, in plain sight, his eyes caught sight of a small well-lit convenience store standing next to a fancy-looking two-story karaoke bar. To his left, he saw a medium-sized alleyway that was faintly illuminated by something inside of the alley.
Finally, there's that store… though…
As the light turned green, Souji headed across the street so he could walk over to the store. As he walked, he pursed his lips. He did feel a little curious at what was in that alley. It could always be something out there where he would head as far away as possible, but it could be something exciting, too. Regardless, he stopped after finishing crossing the road, and did not continue straight to the convenience store. He instead decided to turn to the left to cross the street again to investigate what building was causing the light.
You know… it could always be some random guy with a flashlight, waiting to rob whoever heads down there.
As the opposite streetlight turned green, Souji took a deep breath and headed across the opposite street. There were very few people that again crossed the street with him. The ones were walking with him turned right to continue on to some store or restaurant after they finished crossing the street. He, however, continued straight into the alley. Ten steps in, he stopped in his tracks. His mouth opened slightly.
The light that Souji noticed from a distance grew brighter as he looked forward. The origin of that light was not a single light, but many criss-crossing lights. The lights were connected and surrounded to an extensively large two-story building that seemed to be painted mainly white and gold. The building's outer entryway and doors was arched, and there were white pillars, sloped off, that supported the exterior of the building. It was an extravagant-looking building, but Souji still had no idea what the building actually was.
What exactly is this place?
Souji took another deep breath and walked closer, looking for a sign on the building. As he closed in on the building, and the entryway, he looked at the edge of the arches. There was a sign in not quite neon colors that displayed, "PDHC"
PDHC? What's that?
Souji was confused at the sign, but also interested at what it might be. He took another step forwards, and then another until he closed in on the entrance. Souji saw that right at the front of the entrance was sort of a hostess stand, and at the stand sat a young-looking petite person. The person sitting at the stand was a boy or girl with quite short navy blue hair, Souji was not quite sure, that was wearing navy blue pants and a navy blue jacket over some sort of undershirt. On top of the host or hostess's head was a short-brimmed navy blue hat that probably inhibited some people's guesses of that person's gender.
Whatever this place is… this person knows what it is… Judging that it looks like a host/hostesses stand, I'm guessing it's a club or a restaurant.
Souji walked forward until he stopped a few steps before the person at the stand. He looked up to the person who met his dark eyes with their own. Souji took a short breath and questioned the young person, "Uh… I'm not exactly sure where I am… What exactly is PDHC?"
The person sitting at the stand looked down at Souji and answered shortly, "PDHC? PDHC stands for Persona… sorry… I mean Personal Dream Hostess Club…"
Hostess…. I'm at a Hostesses' Café?
Next Chapter: The First Discovery
I found this on an old flash drive when transferring things around. So… I thought I'd post this while I do work, catch up on other things, and try to finish five other stories.