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

Rating: T

As the summary states, a little interaction between two characters who didn't get to in the original game, and also to give a little more love to Hifumi. Enjoy ;)

Shibuya

"It is a shame that you'll be going home soon, Akira" Hifumi said, both of them standing inside the train station. "I do not believe you'll be gone forever, but I have quite enjoyed our matches."

He nodded, smiling in his usual self-assured manner. "If you need new playing partners, I know some people."

She was a bit surprised at his tone; clearly he'd been considering it for some time. "I don't wish to bother your friends" she added, though part of her suspected it was a futile effort, as Akira wasn't a man who backed down easily. "I can easily practice my skills in mock matches with other players."

"It's no bother" Akira said without hesitation, before he smirked slightly. "Besides, we all agreed a little while ago that while I'm gone, they'll start getting to know all the people that I've acquainted. Many of them want to know more about our group as well, rather than just me."

"Oh" Hifumi breathed, not having been aware of this. "Well, if they are willing to try, I will not turn down their efforts."

He nodded, about to say something else-

-but the voice that resulted was not his, and was considerably louder: "Yo, Akira!"

They both turned to see a young man running toward them, waving a hand, his dyed-yellow hair visible from most any distance. Within seconds he'd skidded to a halt beside Akira, who hadn't moved one inch and also clearly recognized him - for her part though, she was curious; he seemed like a delinquent at first glance.

"Fancy running into you here, dude" the young man said with a grin, nudging Akira's side- both gestures were quite friendly. "And with a girl too. Were this any other situation, I would've teased that you were on a date."

Akira knowingly smirked for a moment. "Why are you here, Ryuji?"

Ryuji rubbed his head, growing a bit more serious. "Sudden change of plans" he said, shrugging. "Makoto had some busy work or something, so in her place, I was sent here. It was a pain-in-the-ass how the others went about deciding, but I lost that game fair-and-square, so here I am."

Even as Akira shook his head, seeming a bit amused, Hifumi was gradually becoming interested; judging by their responses, they were close friends. And if they were close friends, then logically this young man - Ryuji - must also be a part of the Phantom Thieves, which she also suspected of Makoto by association. He was quite unlike any other man she'd met, as not only was he open about his words, but he did not appear to be a 'tough person', as his image suggested. Or that is, he might indeed have a rough side, but he wasn't a simple jerk- clearly his interactions here were leaning away from such images.

Hmm, truly fascinating.

"Hifumi, this is Ryuji Sakamoto" Akira introduced, one hand gesturing between them. "Ryuji, this is Hifumi Togo."

"Pleased to meet you, Sakamoto" Hifumi said, graciously extending her hand-

-it was taken in an instant, his grip firm but good-natured.

"Likewise" Ryuji said easily. "But please, don't call me 'Sakamoto'; it's so formal. I'm cool with you calling me Ryuji" he continued, before tilting his head. "Wait. Would you be cool if I called you Hifumi right off the bat? Or do you prefer 'Togo'?"

Even though it is a small matter all things considered, this was surprising - not only being comfortable with an almost-stranger addressing him in a familiar matter, but also his near-instinct to ask which she preferred, rather than stating her name without regard for her opinion. This was definitely not a typical delinquent, or perhaps even one at all... perhaps some quirks that made him seem like one, his appearance included, but he is a friendly guy at heart.

"Hifumi is fine, thank you" she assured with a smile. "A friend of Akira's can be a friend of mine as well."

Ryuji grinned a little again, even as Akira looked on approvingly. "Cool with me" he agreed, hands going into his pockets and posture somewhat slouched. "But uh... I admit that I don't know nothing 'bout shogi; not even the rules. Not a chance that I'd be a good opponent, just warning ya."

Hifumi shook her head. "The truth is, neither was Akira during the early portions of our deal" she said, slightly teasing, even as that same man gave her a (knowing) raised eyebrow. "I did not mind at all, Ryuji. I merely enjoy playing shogi, no matter my opponent."

"Besides, if you playing against Ryuji doesn't work out, one of the others could fill in next time" Akira mentioned, playful.

"Come on, man" Ryuji almost complained, but he was trying not to smile.

A reaction that's reinforcing her opinion; he was truly an open man, one who's motives are quite honest.

Leblanc

A little later

"My word..."

Hifumi had thought that she knew good curry, going by her frequently having katsu curry before matches, a habit that had lasted to this day. But the curry she'd just tasted had danced upon her taste buds, much like a goddess of good luck granting her favor to the kingdom's battlefield, complete with sudden fireworks and the blue sky dragon torching enemy soldiers.

And it was brewed with such experience, that every flavor was as rich and deep as you could imagine.

"I take it that you like it, young lady" the owner said, an almost-smug smile on his face - however, it wasn't mean-spirited; he simply took pride in his shop's products. "Your reaction says more than words do."

"But I must still express my gratitude, sir" she said, smiling. "This curry is excellent. What recipe do you use?"

A rub behind his head, but his smile didn't change much. "Well, it started as an original recipe of mine" he answered, his tone fairly nostalgic. "Then one day, an- a close friend of mine tasted this curry, and she wanted to know all about the ingredients. A few days later, she came up with a scientifically-enhanced version that was far better than mine ever was."

Across from her, sitting beside an also-smiling Akira, Ryuji chuckled.

"And boy is it great stuff" he said, almost cheering. "Seriously. I think coffee's way too bitter for my tastes, but Boss's curry is way too great to pass up!"

Akira nodded with arms crossed. "I know his recipes, but Boss makes them much better than I can" he said, looking at the older man-

-who scoffed a bit, but it seemed more of a front. "Always with the sweet-talking" 'Boss' grumbled, but his smirk was still present as he turned to walk away. "Still, please enjoy."

"I will, thank you."

Beneath the acknowledgment though, Hifumi was seriously considering coming to this cafe more often, if its curry was this consistently excellent. Perhaps later she can also sample its coffee, which now she's eager to try - it was likely brewed with equal care and quality, based upon what she's tasted.

Ryuji then leaned forward. "So then uh, we getting to the shogi or what?"

"Yes, of course" she answered, pulling up the board and beginning to set things up. "If it's alright, I will play one quick match with Akira right now, so that you can get an idea of what's in store for you, Ryuji."

He nodded, smiling. "Fine by me" Ryuji assured, before grinning as he nudged his friend. "Show me your skills, dude, even if you think you'll lose."

"You're in for a treat" Akira replied, knowing.

Hifumi believed his reply was referring to her 'embarrassing habit', which perhaps might make Ryuji rethink his involvement. But she could not delay showing him, so she resolved to get on with the game, and deal with what happens later as it comes - even if he suddenly refuses, she will at least try to persuade him otherwise.

"As always, I'll start" she began. "Twenty seconds per move."

Akira nodded, while Ryuji seemed to note the change in her tone, though he wasn't sure how to interpret it-

-but he will soon enough.

...

"You present a united front now, but there are gaps in your defense" Hifumi stated, quite intense. "Here is a poor soldier I captured, now turning upon his former comrades. Will you continue toward victory with a mole in your ranks, or heed this small breach yet sacrifice your greater goals?"

Akira didn't say anything at all, but just studied the board intently.

From the sidelines, Ryuji was almost entranced with shock- damn this girl was something! So nice and proper (and pretty) at first glance, and yet during this shogi business - which he's still not getting exactly, not yet - she's just like Makoto was as 'Queen', but if anything, Hifumi's a lot better about it. While it's true that she's quite intense, she didn't have the same terrifying vibe that Makoto gave out, yet had the commanding Queenly vibe down pat! And all these fancy names and details; he didn't get if those were proper shogi terms or what, yet clearly she's having fun with them, and he thought it's something he'd probably do during a match, especially if he were fired up about it.

At least, if he were good enough to know how to play.

The game continued like this for a little awhile - first Hifumi was like:

"Now the Togo Kingdom and the Akira Kingdom have clashed, and their roars echo clear across the land. Yet when your attention is focused upon this, my secret forces sweep in from behind! Shadow Fire Ambush!"

Then she was like:

"A bold move, crushing my silver general just when your own defeat was building. It delayed your destruction, but no longer! Infinity Dragon Lightning!"

And even more stuff like that, which made the game exciting for him to watch, even if he didn't have a clue about the rules or what they were doing with each piece. Still, Akira was giving her a good fight - a lot of back-and-forth, moves that surprised her, and other such stuff; even he could tell that much. Yet at the same time, he had a feeling that despite his skills, Hifumi was definitely still beating Akira... he weren't sure if that were true or not, but it was there. Plus he didn't remember if Akira had said that he won a match or anything - even in jest, and even if sometimes he didn't say much - so it must be true that this girl's skills are the real deal!

Even if they aren't professional level, mind-blowing as that shit is.

"Check."

Ryuji felt shocked again, moreso when he saw Akira let out a little sigh, if not exactly frustrated; she really beat him, just like that?

"For real?" he asked, disbelieving. "Daaammn, you're definitely the real deal, Hifumi! It ain't easy beating our leader here."

"Perhaps that's true, but I suspect in a real fight your leader would destroy me in return" Hifumi said, slightly playful. "I know his true identity after all."

True identity- wait, she meant the Phantom Thieves, didn't she!

"Wait, you know about that!?" he instinctively asked- he literally realized the second after he said that, that he just said that a bit louder than he should've. Luckily, aside from them and Boss the place was empty, otherwise he'd have been in big trouble... still, he flinched a little, feeling bad 'bout that.

Thankfully, Akira looked at him like everything's cool.

"She figured it out herself" he said, like it was obvious, before nodding at the board. "Anyway, I concede."

Hifumi gave a slight bow. "I graciously accept your surrender" she answered, sounding like she'd said that quite a few times.

A chuckle came from behind the counter. "It's about time, as Akira still has his regular duties to take care of, among other things" Sojiro called over, looking like he's trying not to grin. "I imagine that's why Ryuji has to help you in the first place, young lady."

"Good luck, man" Ryuji said then, teasing - Akira just nodded to both of them, then stood up and left the cafe. Ryuji watched him go before sliding over to his friend's former spot, knowing that now's the time to fulfill his promise, no matter how many times he's gonna lose.

Probably a lot, since even Akira hasn't beaten her... but he can try and show endurance.

"Alright, so first I gotta learn everything" Ryuji started, before losing a bit of steam; he couldn't help but think that sounded cooler in his head!

Hifumi giggled once though, which surprised him (in a good way). "Why don't we just start with what each piece is, and how they move? Nothing more."

"Uh, sure thing."

...

Gah, it may have started that way, but it sure as hell didn't finish that way - no way in hell he's gonna remember all this, and even if he did, it's not like he'll win. But on the bright side, Hifumi really proved that she's a kind girl; she never showed that she were getting impatient with him, or looked down on him for not being as smart as her, or anything like that.

Plus all that shogi talk she'd done earlier? It's like all that cool superhero shit where they called their attack names and stuff, which he found really sweet!

"So, Ryuji, have you learned everything?"

He gave a little sigh. "Everything that I can process right now, sure" Ryuji admitted, rubbing his head. "The King gets captured, and you lose, no matter what. Pieces mainly move forward, though they can sorta move backward, I guess. Pawns get more badass in enemy territory, if they get that far. Also, pieces you take from the other person... can be placed in certain areas to make surprise moves, or get more pieces."

Hifumi looked at him with a smile, nodding. "Those are the basics, more-or-less."

Ryuji just sheepishly chuckled, hoping his grin would prove that while he isn't gonna win, he's gonna take this seriously anyway; it's all he can do. "Well, just don't be surprised if you gotta explain everything over several matches" he said, making sure she weren't surprised. "I learn more by doing than just hearing about it."

"Of course."

"Oh, one other thing" he added, real quick. "Thanks for playing with that 'no-captured-pieces' handicap. Seriously."

To that, she just held a hand near her chin. "How could I not?" Hifumi questioned. "If I did, it would be exceedingly easy to crush you before you could resist. Then how would you learn from your mistakes?"

Ryuji grinned; she sure is confidant, but not in an arrogant way, and he liked it already.

"Yeah well, bring it on!"

A small-yet-brief smirk, but one of enjoyment. "That's precious" she replied, moving one of the forward pieces one space closer, before regarding him. "Hopefully you have the might to back up your words. However, the Togo Kingdom takes all challenges seriously, so prepare to be crushed."

While on the outside Ryuji kept grinning as he looked down at the board, inwardly was a different story. No matter what strategy he came up with, she'd see it and then counter it... no wait, that's it; pick a strategy, go through with it for a bit, then switch them around (but also don't make that too obvious).

Maybe it won't help him win, but it could make things interesting, at least.

Ryuji moved a piece ahead one space too, exactly opposite her own. "Yeah, well the Skull Kingdom says your army's days are numbered!" he cheered - a lot of surprise crossed her face. "We're out for your blood, and will keep coming back from the dead however many times it takes to defeat you. So begins the war; hope you're ready for it!"

When seconds went by and nothing happened at all, he finally noticed the surprise on her face... in fact, it looked like she's a little stunned.

"Uh- what is it?" he asked slowly, before blinking. "Wait, did I say something wrong? Crap, did I make an illegal move already!?"

After a moment, Hifumi quickly shook her head. "Not at all, Ryuji" she quickly assured, if looking at him rather strangely afterward. "That's just... that's the first time anyone has ever... bantered back at me during a match."

"Huh? Really?" Ryuji breathed, totally surprised.

No one else did the banter with her? Not even Akira when he hung out with her all those times, talking strategy that the Phantom Thieves could use?

She soon chuckled, which surprised him even more, at least until she looked at him again.

"But I must admit, matching wits with an opponent who banters back - no matter his actual skill level - is making me very happy" Hifumi breathed, smiling-

Damn she's got a good one, on top of being pretty too.

-"So please, let us continue this game in earnest" she urged.

Still a bit distracted by her smile, his first response sounded a lot like 'Uhh', before Ryuji pulled himself together. Yeah, she's got a great smile and she's pretty, but he ain't here for that; he's here to help Hifumi out in Akira's place, and that's what he's gonna do because it's important - and really, despite all the things he didn't get, he's having fun hanging out with her thus far, so it's all good!

"That's why I'm here" he said, hoping she hadn't noticed his being out of it. "So what if no one else does the banter, because I'm gonna anyway. My own little flair, or whatever it's called."

Hifumi nodded. "I appreciate it" she said, before she moved a different piece. "But do not think your banter will save you from your fiery death by Dark Inferno Rook either!"

Ryuji laughed, thinking she's got spirit to spare. "Thus far your threat of fiery death is all talk!" he answered, moving his own piece to continue this strategy; about three, four more turns of it should do. "Perhaps my Zombie Counter Death will sway your kingdom back into the dark ages!"

Still at the counter, Sojiro could only shake his head with a smirk. "Knuckleheads, the lot of them" he said under his breath, knowing.

/

Later

As much as she realized Ryuji's claims of 'all talk' were just for banter's sake, it was funny how little he could back it up. Sure he had tried to go with an unpredictable pattern, switching up strategies on a whim, but his novice skill level was still evident all-throughout; it was as if an ant tried running rings around an elephant's foot.

But she'd had too much fun to care - that was the most joy she'd ever felt in matches since a long time ago.

Truly, from the moment Ryuji had responded with his own banter (if perhaps styled after her own), Hifumi had realized that she did desire her opponents to do the same, at least somewhat, and it gave her a small confidence boost in her own. Of course it's true that many would not, even if she were to ask them to, but having met a person who outwardly indulged his spirit and did not find it embarrassing, had truly been an eye-opener in that regard. The fact that he wasn't any good at shogi, and that he had lost numerous times in a row- none of that had deterred him in the slightest, even with his mock groans that he lost. In fact, each time he had a big grin on his face, saying that he'll try and last longer next time, and eventually he'll get all the rules 'and shit'- he was surprisingly casual with vulgar language.

But even more surprisingly, she found that she didn't particularly mind - perhaps it wasn't an explicit like, but it wasn't an issue in the slightest.

"Ah, man" Ryuji breathed, stretching his arms and back- they had been sitting for awhile. "I knew I had no shot, but you beat me so badly even with the handicap. Guess I suck pretty badly at shogi."

"But despite having just learned the rules, twice you managed to last a over a hundred moves against me, Ryuji" she assured him- he was surprised, and she just smiled. "There aren't many beginners who could do that, especially since I was playing seriously during every match, even with the handicap."

A moment passed as Ryuji registered this.

"F'real?" he asked, which seemed a verbal tic of his, before he grinned. "Well, guess my going-with-the-flow thing worked in some way! Maybe once I actually get this game, I'll pose a threat to ya... doubt I'd win though. You're just that good" he finished easily, with his tone making it clear how he felt; he didn't mind that he couldn't beat her.

Perhaps he might feel annoyed in the heat of the moment, due to his temperament, but otherwise it didn't matter to him.

Hifumi gave him a little bow. "Thank you for the compliment, Ryuji" she said, sincere. "I would very much like it if you could be my practice partner again."

Ryuji was very much surprised by that, which briefly worried her. "Really?" he asked, before briefly scratching his head. "I mean, I wouldn't mind if it's okay with you, Hifumi. It's just, you're sure? I know I don't look like the most respectable guy in town, and I can be quite... gah. What I'm saying is that I don't wanna cause you any trouble, if people find out about us playing together."

"It won't be a problem at all" she assured, glad to hear that he was concerned. "I aim to rebuild my reputation through my skills, not my image or the rumors about me. People can say whatever they like about my personal life."

"Again, you're sure?"

"Quite."

Just like that, his grin was back. "Sounds good to me then" Ryuji said approvingly, even as he impromptu clapped her shoulder - while surprised, Hifumi found herself liking the friendly interaction. "Just one thing I wanna ask. Sure I'll help you out by being a practice partner and all, but can we occasionally do other things too? You know, hang out and play at other places, maybe with some of my friends sometimes, instead of always playing at the church you go to?"

She was quick to nod. "I would like that very much."

Ryuji was definitely an interesting man; she could easily see why he and Akira were friends, particularly with that grin of his, and knowing Akira was not deceived by appearances or false fronts. In fact, it was easy to see that they'd been friends for quite awhile, as they were easy around each other - she wondered if that made him one of the founder members of the Phantom Thieves.

Perhaps she can ask him later.

At the start, I'm sure some were thinking that Ryuji was an odd choice to hang out with Hifumi, and at first glance he might seem that way. But, as it turns out, they surprisingly have a few things in common; that makes it interesting when they hang out hehe XD

For anyone who's curious, I got the idea from ArchiveOfOurOwn fic 'Confidant Roulette' - by user 'vivvav' - which takes place in post-game, featuring interactions between specific Phantom Thieves and various Confidants; I highly recommend giving it a read :)