Hey guys! Lorenzo the Maelstrom back with another chapter!

After two months of no updates, partially due to my last semester in college and graduating, I have finally come back and finished the third chapter of Persona Zero! This chapter I feel is important to develop a bit more of Subaru's character as well as setting up for the midnight channel. Because after the midnight channel and falling down to the TV world…

…well, I'll leave it to you guys to figure it out.

Either way, let's get onto the reviews!

allen Vth: Pffftttt! Nice!

Alex Acost: Why thank you for the compliments, although I feel that is the main drawing point when writing Subaru and other characters. It's important to get to know them and develop their inner thoughts after all!

Based d20 (Both Reviews): Thanks! Also…at some point…yes…

Angels-Vanguard: I really appreciated that I'm doing agood job of having Subaru react in these situations! I look forward to seeing you in the reviews!

Guest: …thank you for the idea, my dude!

SugoiMasta'69: No problem!

Random Reader Guy: Well, I hope you continue to enjoy the story in the future!

Leo0074: Yeah, the thing is, I liked seeing Subaru struggle with himself in canon, and I figured the next best thing to make him suffer and struggle before the Isekai would be Persona 4! I hope to see more of you!

Ataex: Well, I do plan on having his changed self be int eh world of Re:Zero, which itself will be a sequel story. I thank you for reading this!

SlipSpace2: Again, thank you so much for the words! I was trying to make Subaru sound authentic while at the same time pretty awkward.

Alrighty! Enjoy the chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Persona 4 or Re:Zero.

Chapter 3: New Acquaintances

Oh, man! He internally cheered for himself, despite the rough warning he had on his face. He wasn't completely sure about today, or this week of school…so Subaru had his own worries in regard to people making fun of him.

But no! Instead, he gets the next best thing! His teacher hates him now!

…

Okay, bad example.

Better example, he got two girls of his class to talk to him and want to know more about him! That's much better than his first year! Nobody even bothered to talk to him, and the few that did?

We don't talk about that.

Subaru did feel slightly triumphant, as he walked alongside both girls out the school gates. In fact, Chie seemed to be taking charge while Subaru and Yukiko followed from behind. It seemed to be a bit more…peaceful as they walked out, and Subaru could tell that the fog was starting to disperse.

"H-hey!" Suddenly, a voice cut through the silence as from behind the school gates the group found themselves with another student. Or at least, Subaru figured they were a student.

His eyes reminded him of that of a dead fish, black and seemingly hollow. It didn't help that his lips were surprisingly just as aquatic, if also unnerving for Subaru. Though that didn't bother him the most.

"O-oh, um…w-who are you?" Yukiko asked first, confused.

"You're Yuki, right? Y-you want to go hang out somewhere?"

"H-huh?" Subaru exclaimed, unsure of what he actually heard. Before it clicked in and suddenly…it hit him.

This guy was clearly trying to ask her out, but Yukiko doesn't even know this guy. I mean, Subaru's no Casanova, though he thinks he can be a debonair if he wants to, but you don't just walk up to a girl and ask them out of nowhere.

That's just common sense!

Just like it's common sense to skip an entire year of school? He chided himself for that thought, but nevertheless his face expressed shock.

"Whoa, totally out of left field!" Even Chie exclaimed though she didn't raise even a leg against this guy.

"S-so…are you coming? Or not?" He seemed to emphasize his point, his eyes boring deep into Yukiko with impatience.

"W-well…I'm not going…" Yukiko looked down, though she stood her ground while looking uncomfortable.

"…fine!" Scowling harshly, the fish-eyed student barked out as he stormed off in the opposite direction of the school, leaving Subaru and Chie…perplexed if also creeped.

"Yeesh, what a total creep." Subaru spoke as he rubbed the back of his head. "Mr. Dead-Fish clearly doesn't know when to hold back."

"…Mr…Deadfish?" Both Chie and Yukiko clearly tilted their heads for a moment, before Yukiko looked down in thought. "What did he want with me anyway?"

"Um…Amagi-san. You do know what just happened right?" Subaru quirked an eyebrow in confusion. Did she…not pick up the hint?

"That guy was basically asking you out on a date, Yukiko." Chie herself looked just as bewildered by the sudden situation, though she held her arms as she shivered in disgust. "Ugh…now that I think about it his eyes did look like a dead-fish…"

"Hence the name, Mr. Dead-Fish!" Subaru exclaimed in agreement, and…noticed whispers and murmurs from around him as he turned his head to see student's staring and starting some piece of gossip. Already, a pang of anxiety gripped Subaru's heart. "U-um, how about we get out of here? Everybodies creeping me out with their staring."

"Oh, right!" Chie was quick to agree with that sentiment, and so the group made their way out of the school gates and onto the flood plains.

Well…this is uh, awkward. Subaru didn't know what else to say as the walk past the floodplain grew quiet. He certainly kept a relaxed expression, no longer a bit of a nervous mess, but still unsure of his choice of words. Or topic, or conversation. In fact, he noticed that while Chie and Yukiko didn't mind the walk, only Chie had that nonplussed frown to her expression.

He worried that it might be his eyes, before brushing it aside and landing on that the awkward stillness is probably what's bothering her. He could guess that she's not one for standing still or for letting the atmosphere be calm and still. An energetic tomboy, and recently a Kung-Fu enthusiast?

I mean, I don't mind a woman like that but… He chuckled to himself, cringing at the memory of…the nut-kick after all.

Nevertheless, he darted his eyes back and forth when he noticed the current situation made him a bit…too eager for this scenario. Two beautiful girls walking alongside him would be any guys dream, and Subaru's not going to deny that.

But it still really is awkward. He folded his arms behind his head as he whistled, eyeing Yukiko who still looked down at the ground as they walked together. Chie breathed in before she asked a rather sudden question.

"So, Natsuki-san," She turned to Subaru, curiosity glimmering and with a boyish grin to boot. "You ever heard of the Amagi Inn?"

"Y-yeah, I kinda overheard from another classmate." Subaru forced a nod, keeping a small smile out to make sure he wasn't intruding. "That, and I may have seen one of his friends get flat-out rejected…though that probably might have been expected."

"You saw that?" Yukiko asked, her brows raised up but not offended.

"Again!? Ugh, I swear I'm not there for one minute and this happens." Chie grumbled underneath not too pleased, before brushing it off. "Never mind that though, if you know that, then you know Yukiko's going to be the next heir!"

"Oh yeah…I did hear about that." Subaru nods as he cups his chin with a sagely expression. "The princess of the Amagi Inn…definitely sounds like what I'd hear from a manga."

"E-eh?" Yukiko looked a bit confused, although she didn't really seem…too bothered, at least from what Subaru could tell.

"Haha! I mean, the Amagi Inn is kind of a local treasure to have! The next-best thing, compared to the steak they make here!" Chie barks a laugh, although she does keep her pep, as she then raises her eyebrows. "By the way, 'nother question."

"And that is?" Subaru raised an eyebrow in question.

"What's with your eyes?" He turned at the sudden question when he noticed that Chie's expressed curiosity. "Like, no offense, but they do look pretty intense."

"Geh!?" Now, Subaru flinched from that with a confused albeit hurt expression, mockingly of course, not exactly too serious.

"Chie! It's not polite to ask things like that." Yukiko chided her best friend, a small frown adorning her features.

"W-what? I don't mean anything bad by it, we have the big chance to talk to someone from the big city and you don't even say anything!" Chie defended with her raised hands.

Subaru blinked before chuckling sheepishly, though at least they didn't say it looked pretty evil. "Nah, it's fine…I was just born with these eyes. I get them from my mom."

"Oh, I see! Well, I won't lie you looked pretty scary up back there when you introduced yourself!" Chie noted with her hands on her hips.

"Hey, you try to introduce yourself on the first day of class with the pressure of Mr. Overbite, and see what you look like!" He exclaimed, adjusting his collar right before groaning. "I can't help if I look evil-eyed."

"Who said anything about looking evil?" Chie deadpanned, though nevertheless shook her head before asking another…seemingly healthy question. "So, you said you only arrived to Inaba recently?"

"Oh, yeah, like yesterday recently." Subaru clarified, rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced at the floodplains, feeling…off about something. "To be honest today was nerve-wracking for me…coming here from home."

"Oh yeah, I can understand." Chie nodded before looking up in thought and turning to Subaru with a more important question. "But…what made you want to come from the big city to Inaba in the first place?"

At that Subaru vocalized his surprise, before slowly looking down at the ground.

Because…I…

He frowned in thought, cupping his chin as he tried his best to hide the thoughts in his head. Why did he come here? Pretty personal…but not at all surprising. They are curious to know their new classmate, the transfer student, so it's completely logical for them to ask a question like that.

Because I…

But…every time he tried to come up with an answer, his mind wandered…and recoiled from the answer he found. So instead…

"My parent's kinda planned all of this out for me. They said they wanted me to get in touch with my uncle and cousin." Subaru put air-quotes with his fingers, before sighing and looking to the floodplains with a more even look. "Though, knowing them, they might have wanted for me to get a new start."

"Huh? New start…from what?" Chie asked, seemingly more invested in the conversation then Yukiko.

"…nothing too important." He shook his head, and noticeably realized his discomfort when the subject turned to his parents. "B-besides, I'm going to be here for only a year."

"Only a year? That's a rather long visit with relatives…are you sure your parents are alright with that?" Yukiko blinked.

Of course, they'd be alright…why wouldn't they be? They were the ones who planned this trip…and they seemed all too eager to have Subaru come here in the middle of nowhere. It's not like they knew what he did before coming to Inaba.

And they don't need to know.

"Heh…" Subaru let out a scoff, though he meant it to be more lighthearted. "Trust me when I say, my parents aren't particularly your normal Japanese family. Just look at the amount of mayo my dad holds in his fridge."

"…mayo?" Now Chie blinked, more disturbed by the notion. "Like…how much Mayo?"

"Like, an entire fridge worth of mayo!" Subaru gestured his hands outwards, not realizing his more…open attitude. "Heck, maybe even more in the back!"

"T-that seems…pretty excessive." Yukiko let out a small chuckle, though even she could be weirded out by that.

"Yeah, but what are you going to do." Subaru shrugged, before letting out a small chuckle the more he realized. He still didn't know what else to say and let alone want to talk about it. That is, until he noticed ahead of him. "H-huh?"

Ahead of the three, a commotion stirred up with police cars pulled in, traffic cones in place, and barricades redirecting traffic. Cops worked throughout the scene, and Subaru noted a small crowd of pedestrians who were too close to the barricades.

He didn't need to ask why, considering his small frown spoke for itself.

"So, that high schooler left early and came down this street?" One housewife asked another in hushed whisper, clearly not meant to hide anything else.

"That's what I heard…but to hear that she was up there on the antenna…" The other woman nodded.

"I know! I mean, I barely even got to see it at all!"

"Because the police and the fire department brought it down a few minutes before you arrived."

"Still, it's pretty terrifying to find a dead body up there."

Immediately, Subaru felt a chill up his spine and an assault of terror on his mind. His eyes widened, disturbed and unnerved. "A…dead body?"

In Inaba? Seriously? In the middle of a country town…there's a dead body just hanging in the antenna of one of the buildings!? Unnerving…terrifying, and mortifying.

I knew today was going too well… A dead body on his first day of school…and he's feeling lucky he didn't see the dead body. It…would have left him noticeably frightened at the implication.

Still didn't help that somehow…his stomach churned at the thought of a dead body. He'd never get used to it…or even understand it.

"W-whoa…seriously…as in a real dead body?" Chie stuttered out as well, her own dread visible from her worried frown.

"Hanging from an antenna?" Yukiko had more morbid curiosity, but even she had the sensibility to feel a bit terrified.

"Hey…Subaru?"

Subaru snapped his head towards that familiar gruff voice, only to be greeted with the rugged, black haired cop, passing the barricade in front of them. "Dojima-san?"

"What are you doing here?" Dojima cut to the point, his voice edged and impatient. Subaru figured that considering the scene in front of them, civilians aren't supposed to be witnessing this…though Dojima acted like Subaru wasn't supposed to see it.

As if it was him he wanted to keep from this specifically.

"O-oh…we just left school…the announcements told us to go home but they didn't tell us anything about…" Subaru cast a glance at the antenna, and he recoiled at the thought. It couldn't have been up there…could it?

Dojima simply sighed, rubbing his forehead as he crinkled his brow. "I told that damned principal not to let anyone through here…"

"Hang on, you two know each other?" Chie glanced between the two, and her curiosity was a breath of fresh air for Subaru.

"More so that we both just met each other after a long time!" Subaru changed the topic with an exclamation, though he was partially glad for the redirection. "B-but yeah, this is my uncle Dojima, Ace Detective!"

"I wouldn't really go that far…" Dojima shook his head, and a rueful expression on his face signaled clearly to Subaru that the joke may not have been properly timed.

Dumbass. Subaru mentally berated himself, though he sighed as he gestured his hand to Chie and Yukiko. "Oh, and these two are my classmates! Satonaka-san, and Amagi-san."

He bit back the urge to call them by their full names, but he didn't really want to push his luck today. Finding out that there's been a potential murder is a pretty bad omen for Subaru…he didn't know whether that bad luck would extend to his introduction.

"Pleased to meet you, Dojima-san." Yukiko nodded and bowed courteously, though Chie hastily did so with a casual bow. Then again, she seemed flummoxed if also disturbed.

"Likewise…" Dojima grunted back, though he rubbed the back of his head. "Well…how should I say this? I hope you both get along with him."

The two exchanged perplexed glances, but Subaru himself seemed a bit confused…if unsure. It didn't exactly sound like he was trying to snark or be sarcastic…but something about the way he said it put Subaru off. And yet, it was a sentiment he shared.

Subaru did hope they could get along…though it took everything he had not to break out and do something stupid of him. Reckless, and brash. Lord know's he's pretty tired of always doing that mistake…it never helps…

But it's the way I know the best…

"W-we will, Uncle!" He tries to ease the atmosphere with a chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck all the same. Before he could say anymore though, someone rushed past between the four of them and headed to the nearest trash can…and apart from their green expression Subaru could tell that somebody looked sick.

"Hurrrgghhh…!" Said person that barfed looked to be wearing a blue suit with a red tie, although he looked pretty worse for wear all the same. His slacks and appearance didn't exude the same sort of authority as Dojima.

"Adachi!" Suddenly, Dojima called out with an irritated expression. "How long are you going to act like a rookie? You want to be sent back to the central office!?"

"S-so sorry…!" Adachi managed to mumble out before hurling a bit more, and Subar felt an inkling of pity for the dude.

With a sigh, and yet a more exasperated expression, Dojima shakes his head. "Go wash your face. We're gonna go around and gather information!"

He then turns to the rest of the police workers, adopting a tough exterior. "You hear that boys!? Let's get out there and catch this scum!"

The workers nodded, and that was enough to have Dojima walk off in that direction. Likely to be doing his job as a detective, although now that that happened…Subaru just stood there with Chie and Yukiko.

"So…that was your uncle, huh?" Chie chuckled nervously, though to be fair with the atmosphere it's to be expected.

"Y-yeah, like I said…Ace Detective…" Subaru joined in on the nerves, although he glanced to the side as he took a look at his imaginary watch, looking for any excuse.

"Yukiko…how about we go to Junes another day?" Chie glances to Yukiko, who apparently nodded eager.

"Y-yeah, good idea…" Yukiko agrees.

"Oh, you two heading out already?" Subaru quirks an eyebrow, though he looks surprised…not.

"Yeah, sorry, this entire day has been pretty tiring…but hey, we'll be alright!" Chie pumps a fist upwards and gives Subaru a confident smile. "Natsuki-kun, let's give it our best, starting tomorrow!"

Yep, she's definitely a fiery lady… Subaru did admire that already, if anything he looked to the side scratching his cheek. He sheepishly chuckled, "Y-yeah! Let's hope Mr. Overbite doesn't expel us!"

"Ha! Nice!" Chie snickered at that, though she does pat him on the back as she and Yukiko walked off in one direction of the street. "Well, see ya!"

Subaru just waved them off with a grin of his own and started walking straight back home. However, once he noticed that the street was empty and there was no one around, he turned the corner and let out a tense breath.

Oh god…that was…uh… Frighteningly stressful. And he didn't understand why. All he knew is that hanging out with Chie and Yukiko, even if for a walk back home was…somewhat stressful. Or heart-pounding could be the right word?

Doesn't matter…at least it was a success! He tries to allow himself a grin as he walked down the street, though he does pinch the collar of his uniform. It felt pretty tight, and he figured it might have been the wrong size but chalked it up to just the entire school day.

Either way, Natsuki Subaru didn't stay long enough in the street. The first day was a success, and that's all that mattered…now he gets to go back home.

Huh…home? He quirks an eyebrow at that thought…since when was he already calling this place home?

Dojima Residence, Evening

Another day for takeout, and Subaru slurped his Yakisoba with absentminded delight. Not like it tasted bland or anything, but he just grew comfortable with the taste. It's exactly what he normally would eat back with his parents, although at least now there wasn't the constant tension in the air.

Instead, there was a solemn and lonely feeling in the household.

Subaru glanced at Nanako, who kept eating her Yakisoba as well, however she didn't seem to be in a good mood. Then again, she isn't taking the idea of her father working late again. Subaru felt a pang of sympathy, but he didn't really know how to relate.

I mean…my parents don't work overnight, and they are almost always home after work. He purses his lips and figures that maybe a magic trick tonight would just be repetitive. Subaru continued to take a bite out of the Gyoza, before his attention turned to the news report in the TV.

"Dad's not coming home tonight…is he?" Suddenly, he looked up to see Nanako with a saddened expression, and yet just as accepting as before. However, he shrugs with a small, concerned frown.

"He is a pretty busy guy; it makes sense being the detective after all." Subaru passes the soy sauce to Nanako, although he tries to explain the best he can. "Besides, it's not like he doesn't care…I think."

"Hmmm…" She hums, though she looks down a bit pensive. Did he say something wrong? Or does she not believe his words? Subaru doesn't get a chance to ask as the news begins to play.

"Our top story this evening concerns a bizarre case in a quiet suburb. Around noon today, a woman was found dead near the Samegawa River in Inaba." Suddenly, the TV begins to show the school grounds, as Subaru watches with widened eyes. "The deceased has been identified as Ms. Mayumi Yamano, a 27-year-old announcer at the local television station. The initial results of the Inaba Police Department' investigation revealed…"

"H-hey…! That's where Dad works!" Nanako exclaims with concern, although she clams up for a moment…leaving Subaru to frown in concern.

"Hey, Nanako-chan, I can tell. You're worried about him." Subaru spoke with an even tone, although even he couldn't help but assume the worst.

"Y-yeah…I know it's his job…so things like this happen." Nanako nods in understanding, showing more maturity than he thought she could have.

"The body was found hanging from a large television antenna atop a local resident's roof." The announcer continued with the report. "Authorities are uncertain as to why the body was in such a state. With the cause of death also uncertain, police continue to investigate whether the death is an accident or a homicide. A thick fog common to the area has slowed their progress and plans to fully canvass the area are delayed until tomorrow."

Wait…they don't know how she died? Subaru remained pensive with an uneasy frown. First assumption anyone makes would be that she got fried by the Television antenna, but they didn't report anything like that. Just that they found her dead and dangling up on some guys roof. And the murder happened near his school of all places.

On the first day no less… Now he was considering whether today was a good time. How unlucky does that have to be?

"That's…scary…" Nanako spoke up, just as uneasy if also fearful. Needless to say, Subaru felt a pang of protectiveness. He didn't know her much, but he never wanted to see someone get hurt. Even if they just met. "O-Oh! It's Junes!"

"Geh!" Subaru croaks at that…horrible commercial in the television, as it just begins to play that forced…albeit cheerful tune. And once again, as the tune plays, he looks to Nanako who's singing along.

Damn you, advertising!

"Every day's great, at your Junes~!" She sings along, and while Subaru deflates a bit at her enjoying the song more than him, he doesn't take it personally. If anything, he puts on a smile.

"Whoa, Nanako-chan! That's a wonderful singing voice!" At least thankfully he exclaims with a smirk, trying to lighten up the mood for now.

"O-oh, r-really…? T-thanks!" She bashfully smiles softly, leaving Subaru once again grinning. "I sing it every time at school! Some of my friends seem to like it!"

"Well, maybe if you keep practicing, you'll become a pop idol!" Subaru laughs it up. "Or heck, maybe a solo-singer!"

"…like Rise-chan?" She spoke with a bit of newfound admiration.

"Yeah, sure!" He nods in support, albeit feeling pretty proud of himself for upstaging that dumb commercial.

"A-amazing!" She laughs a bit, and that much is precious to Subaru.

That little bit was enough to have Subaru…a bit more at ease today.

After dinner, Subaru and Nanako went to their respective bedrooms. Once Subaru had changed into his sleep wear and hung his uniform for tomorrow, he let out a long, albeit somewhat tired groan as he crashes face first into his futon. Today was…an endeavor to say the least. And now he has to go back to school tomorrow?

Well…lightning never strikes twice…right? Subaru tried to comfort himself with that little piece of calm. A murder happened today…but at least he has two people who know him and are acquainted with him! That's gotta count for something!

Well, either way…just gotta hope I can keep it up this week. He rolls over to the side, and slowly drapes himself in the futon as sleep ends up clutching him yet again.

(April 13th 2011)

Subaru stretched his neck as he walked along the street to Yasogami High, feeling slightly refreshed and still uncomfortable with the collar on his uniform. The morning passed by like his first day of school, so he at least got a good breakfast and managed to walk with Nanako half the way.

At the moment, he's just concerned with trying to get through the second day of class with no problem. If anything, he hopes things will go better this time. Just cross your fingers that nothing bad happens—

"Coming through~!"

"Huh, what!?" Suddenly, Subaru had to side-step to the side to avoid getting crashed. He saw a bicicyle blur past him before crashing into the nearest trash can. The sight left Subaru blinking, but he still had a small frown on his face.

Irritated, maybe.

"Hey! What the heck was that for!?" Subaru exclaims as he marches forward, but his ire was soon replaced with a mild snort. The guy in the bicycle has his head and body stuck in the bin, rolling around on the floor like some sort of gag joke in a manga.

"S-somebody…!" The guys groaned out for help, and Subaru was tempted to just let the guy be this time. He walked not only a few steps, before pausing. He sighs as he reluctantly went to help the guy out.

But then again, this counts as his one good deed for the day. AT least, that's the one rule he knows he can live by. One good deed a day, makes the bad luck go away!

He's still gonna get a piece of me though. The guy did nearly crash into him.

After a few minutes of getting these guys head out of the awful trash bin. Subaru folded his arms and looked at this dude with a slightly irritated expression. "Dude, you nearly could have turned me into roadkill back there!"

"Hey, I did give a warning, didn't I?" The same guy that Chie kicked in the nads sighs, rubbing the back of his head as he slowly gets up from the ground and adjusts his bicycle upright. That slight carelessness turned into a friendly smile. "But man, thanks for helping me out there…um…"

Subaru quirked an eyebrow, though he deadpans. "Natsuki Subaru."

"Oh, right, like the car brand! You're also the new transfer student!" Yosuke nods as he recognizes him now, though he does flash a small grin. "I'm Hanamura Yosuke. Nice to meet ya."

"Y-yeah, nice to meet you too." Subaru's awkward smile seems to elicit a harmless chuckle from Yosuke, and Subaru internally sighs in relief. Well, at least the dude sounds alright. As they start walking along the road, though Yosuke is strolling his bicycle as they walk.

And so far, Subaru allows himself a moment of reprieve.

"Say, did you hear about the incident from yesterday? They found that announcer lady hanging from an antenna." Yosuke leans in with some slight curiosity, and Subaru couldn't fault him for that.

"O-oh, yeah, actually I ended up passing the crime scene…" Subaru's absent-minded sentence showed that he wasn't really too eager to talk about a crime-scene like that, even if he shows a smirk.

"Really? Did ya get to see the body?" Yosuke asks with even more curiosity.

"Hell no! That's not something you ask anyway!" Subaru exclaims with a slightly incredulous expression. "I don't know if I would be able to handle a dead-body anyway…"

"H-hey, I'm just curious, is all. But you can't help but think if it was some kinda warning." Yosuke looks to the side, although even he slowly starts to delve deep. "I mean, there's no way it could have been an accident."

"How does something even get up there anyway…?"

"How should I know? Dangling a body over a roof like that…That's just messed up." Yosuke cringes, his expression churning. "Then again…it's pretty messed up to kill somebody in the first place."

Something we can both agree with. Subaru has a shiver, though he does at least find some…comfort being able to talk with the guy like this.

And hey, he didn't make himself look like an ass again! So, that's 5 marks out of 5!

"Oh…shit we're late!" Suddenly, Yosuke exclaims with a bit of panic…and so did Subaru follow.

"…OH CRAP! Dammit, I can't be late this time! Not on my second day of school!" Subaru internally panicked as he paced around with a desperate expression.

"Whoa, it's okay, I got a plan!" Yosuke exclaims, although he gives a dumb grin. "You need a ride? It is a little squeaky, but it should hold us both at the same time!"

"H-huh?" Subaru snapped out of his panic before looking to Yosuke with a baffled expression. He deadpans for a moment. "Y-yeah, I'd rather not look silly on my second day."

"Come on, dude! I don't want ya getting chewed out by King Moron over something stupid like helping me out! At least let me pay ya back!" Yosuke waves it off, though he does quirk an eyebrow.

Now…Subaru has two options. Either he surrenders his own pride in exchange for a close ride with Yosuke, potentially looking like a dumbass…or get late and possibly risk getting chewed out by Mr. Overbite.

And I don't think my heart can handle that… He sighs, before begrudgingly nodding and crossing his arms. "Alright, I'll bite!"

(Afterschool)

Well…luck's on my side today… Subaru sighs as he leans his body forward on the desk. Classes are over for the day and…well, to say that it was exhausting…no longer accurate. Surprisingly.

When him and Yosuke arrived at together, everybody did have weird passing glances…but Subaru tried not to listen to them even with his heavy chest. Although soon after that the whispers and the glances were gone. Partially because it seemed that everybody was too focused on other rumors.

At least, regarding the murder from yesterday. And in between lunch time he couldn't help but think less about some of them. They were talking about murder and a dead body like it was the latest gossip. He'd think that in a community like this they would be disheartened or even saddened.

But instead, they just talk like it's what they've been waiting for?

Honestly, he leans back into his chair with a sigh. Why's he getting miffed over something so small? It's not like he's trying to get too involved. He's just trying to get this year pass, and hopefully not fuck it up for himself and the others…

As his thought swirled, he noticed Yosuke approaching him out of the corner of his eye, and he straightened up to a calm albeit expectant expression. "Oh, Hanamura-san."

"Yo, Natsuki-san." He waves lazily, albeit folding his arms. "You look worse for wear. You getting used to this place yet?"

"Eh…somewhat. It's pretty quiet around here." Subaru makes some light conversation although he doesn't really know what else to say. He's just trying not to be weird.

"Yeah, no kiddin'" Yosuke shrugs with a smirk. "There isn't much to do here compared to the big city, but there is…that certain something you can't get anywhere else. The air's clean, the food's great…Oh, you know about the local delicacy?"

"Local delicacy? You guys have that here?" Subaru asks, dumbfounded although interested. "Like…Takoyaki or something?"

"Nah, man!" Yosuke chuckles, though he does lean in. "It's grilled steak, man!"

…

"That's…sort of plain…isn't it?" What else could Subaru say as he blinked? He would have expected something more foreign, like mushroom yakisoba, or heck, even special ramen!

But their delicacy is just…Grilled Steak?

"I know right? It ain't even that special." Yosuke then jerks a thumb to himself, smirking all the while. "I do know a place where you can get it cheap. Wanna come? You helped me out this morning, so it's on me."

"W-what? Really?" Now Subaru isn't really one to pass up free food, so he just sort of lets out a wide smirk at that. Guess his one good deed for the day paid off after all! "Sick! I'm not one to deny free food!"

"Oh? And what about me, huh?"

Suddenly, surprising Subaru and Yosuke, Chie walks up to them with an expectant albeit pouting expression. Yosuke immediately sighs, while Chie continues to…pout. "Where is my apology? My Trial of the Dragon?"

"You always gotta be around when I start talkin' about food…" Yosuke shakes his head, though Subaru follows with a bit of an awkward chuckle…and an unprepared mindset.

Crap, she's here…. Like, it's not that he was complaining or anything! It's just sort of like…well, in his opinion he thought that today was going roughly well. And this…awkward scenario left Subaru reeling slightly.

"How about it, Yukiko? Don't you think he should treat us, too?" Chie looks to Yukiko, who had been sitting in her desk just in front of Subaru.

She stands from her seat, looking to the group with a polite expression. Subaru could have sworn that she knew what to say. "I-it's okay, I'll pass…I don't want to gain any more weight. I need to help out at the inn today, anyway."

"Oh right, is it always busy there?" Subaru asks out of curiosity, though with the rumors running around he needed at least some information.

"Y-yeah, as of recently." Yukiko answered readily, although she doesn't seem to be pressing any further.

"Wow, Amagi-san! You stated training to take over the business?" Yosuke asks with a pep to his voice.

"It's not like that! I just help out when it gets busy." She asks, although she looks to the door with expectation. "Either way, I should be going now."

And just like that, Yukiko hastily walks out the door, although even that has a sense of grace Subaru expected from her. In some Shoujou manga she would definitely be the main lead, he thought, although he let out a small smirk at that.

"Oh well. We should get going too." Chie states as she looks to the two guys, although Yosuke looks pretty out of shape.

"Do I seriously have to treat two people?" Yosuke mumbles, although he does look a bit nervous this time around…and Subaru does sigh for a bit. Subaru doesn't feel like it's fair, and these two know each other like nobody's business.

"I mean, if it's no trouble I can always sit this one out…" Subaru awkwardly chuckles, rubbing the back of his head and playin git off like a joke.

"Dude, there's no way I'm going to treat her to steak again!" Yosuke exclaims, waving his hands before Chie got up on his face. "Besides, I told you! This is to pay me back for helping me out, otherwise I'd feel bad."

"What's that supposed to mean? You barely ever take me out for some steak anyway, what's the big deal if you treat two people this time?" Chie narrows her glance, before huffing and turning to Subaru with a surprisingly easy-going smirk. "Besides, there's no need to feel bad about it! You're getting steak!"

"U-uh…" Subaru blinks with his mouth ajar, although he does hum in thought as he looks down. They do have a point…it's not like he'd be a bother, or at least that's what they say. And he is hungry.

Been craving some good steak for a while, actually… Subaru thought with a hungry smirk, before slapping his cheeks hard, surprising both Yosuke and Chie. He didn't care about the stinging pain anyway! He's at least not getting ditched this time, and there's no way he should refuse an offer for free food!

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Subaru stands up, and for the first time excitedly pumps his fist. "Let's go get some steak!"

(JUNES Department Store)

I've been cheated…!

These were Subaru's thoughts as he tapped his foot and twitched his eyebrow, although his expression turned deadpan all the same. He sat outside the food court, him, Chie, and Yosuke currently sitting down.

What he was looking at right now was Takoyaki, but not even the expensive kind. If anything, for something made at a department store the food they serve is absolutely underwhelming…

Which is to say not that bad…but not what he was promised.

"Dude…what the heck is this?" Subaru asks as he throws a deadpan glance at Yosuke.

"This is the cheap place you were talking about, seriously!? They don't even have grilled steak here like you promised!" Chie seemed to be the most irritated if her harsh glare showed.

"Yeah, well, once you hopped on the freeloader train, I had to change my plans. I wanted to show Natsuki-san the beef steak, but you're just going to have to settle with the Takoyaki." Yosuke shakes his head at Chie, before throwing an apologetic glance at Subaru. "Sorry, but you gotta understand, Satonaka-san is such a pig that I don't think my wallet would be able to handle the price…"

"I still feel cheated." Subaru sighs as he downs a Takoyaki ball, munching on it with a small, resigned frown…before humming in content and a neutral smirk. "Still pretty good though."

"Ugh…why did you even take us to your place?" Chie groans with her folded arms.

"Dude, this isn't my place or anything." Yosuke sighs, as if he's had to explain this constantly many times although this is enough to pique Subaru's interest.

"Mmmm?" Subaru hums as he stuffs yet another Takoyaki into his mouth, surprisingly enjoying the street food despite his previous complaints. Yeah, he likes Takoyaki, sue him. "Whatcha mean?"

Yosuke looks at Subaru, and nods in realization. "Oh, right. I haven't told you yet, huh? I moved here from another city about six months back. This location just opened up, and my dad was assigned to manage it. So, our entire family came out here."

Subaru swallows his Takoyaki and widens his eyes. "Seriously? What a funny coincidence!"

"Yeah, tell me about it." Yosuke lets out a small chuckle and grabs his soda cup. "Here, this is to welcome you to town."

"Well, thanks for the warm welcome, I guess." Subaru shrugs, though he takes his cold cup and lets a smirk play his lips. Although, he claws at the tight collar of his uniform all the same.

"No problem, dude." Yosuke flashes a grin, before winking at Chie wryly. "Satonaka-san, yours is on me too."

"Yeah, I know." Chie sighs in acceptance as she takes her cup too, before she raises it to a toast, followed by Yosuke and Subaru.

Although for Subaru there was a sort of relief in his chest at this little moment. It's not like he knew these people enough to be friends, but he did like their company already. Heck, even with school having been a hassle and anxiety-inducing, after class at least he wasn't alone. Chie and Yosuke were seemingly having small discussions as the time passed, while Subaru exchanged courteous nods and a few words while slipping in with his own opinion.

Okay, Okay, everything's…going smoothly. He nods, although he does let out a sigh.

"It's only been half a year since this place opened up, but I haven't been to the local shopping district much since." Chie leaned her head on her hands, glancing to Yosuke. "A lot of stores there started closing, and…"

Subaru arched an eyebrow as she notices her expression. Like a kid who got caught saying something embarrassing, she sort of clammed up with an awkward glance to Yosuke. "Oh, uh…"

"…You can't blame it all on Junes, can you?" Yosuke says it as if he constantly has to be reminded of it, although it's only a subtle detail Subaru picked up. He also noticed the resigned sigh that left the conversation at a standstill.

But Subaru did have something to say about this. "W-well, you can't deny that Junes does have some good prices. Plus it's reliable, if a bit commercialized…and has a stupid commercial to boot."

He glances with a petty glare to the side, leaving Yosuke and Chie humming in confusion. "What do you mean, Natsuki-san?"

"Junes is a bit obnoxious with their song, but you can't entirely blame the stores closing down on just Junes." Subaru casts a supporting glance to Yosuke, who looked a bit surprised to receive it. "Blame it on unfortunate circumstances…"

Silence hung in the air, with Yosuke looking befuddled while Chie had her eyes wide.

Shit, that was insensitive!

"W-w-well, that's just my opinion! Don't take what I say that seriously, I ain't an authority on this business!" Subaru rubs the back of his head while chuckling nervously, before taking a casually awkward sip.

"Well…you did have a point." Chie looks upwards, less tense than before. She simply shrugged as she leaned behind her seat.

Yosuke on the other hand had a small noticeable smirk, before he glanced to the left and his smirk turned into an eager grin. "Hey…it's Saki-senpai!"

"Huh?" Subaru blinks before he turns to wear Yosuke was looking. Sitting just a few tables away from them, seemed to be a girl who looked older than both. Judging from the way Yosuke called her, she's an upperclassman. Her beige long hair frizzled and yet laid down her back showed her…tired expression.

"Sorry, be right back!" Yosuke excused himself as he stood from his seat and made his way to Saki-senpai.

"…don't tell me, is that his girlfriend or something?" Subaru had a mildly annoyed frown for some reason. Now, he didn't want to be an ass, but Yosuke couldn't have had a girlfriend! Not with that laid-back attitude?

"Ha, he wishes!" Chie lets out a scoff, although she had an amused smirk.

"Oh! Oh, well, that's uh…I should have expected that." Subaru blinks as he looks to Chie with an embarrassed expression. "Well, then who is she?"

"That's just Konishi Saki. Her family runs a liquor store in the shopping district." Chie explains, tilting her head. "I think she's working here part-time though."

"Ah, I see." Subaru nods, although he takes a look at Yosuke and Saki, his sanpakugan eyes narrowing down as he tried to get a better look.

Yosuke looked a bit more cheerful as he talked with Saki, who seemed to be politely keeping up with the conversation. It gave off the impression that Yosuke enjoyed her company a lot, maybe a bit too much. However, something about her sagging shoulders and lowered frown seemed to imply a lethargic mood. Then again, she could just be tired from working here.

Eventually however, the conversation ended rather shortly as she caught Subaru's glance and she made an…off putting face of confusion. She rose from her seat and made her way to Subaru, leaving the former shut-in slightly recoiling in his seat.

Oh…oh shit, seriously? Subaru had a twitching smile, although the closer she got the more he noticed her features and her lady-like expression. Now, all of a sudden Subaru understands why Yosuke was a bit smitten. But no! He has to keep a straight face, even if this is a surprisingly off-putting scenario!

Okay…just put on your best smile. He takes a quick breath before putting on a courteous smile as Saki stops right in front of him.

"Are you the transfer student?" Saki asked curiously, although she tilted her head for some reason.

"Y-yeah! I'm Natsuki Subaru, nice to meetcha." Okay, nice save. He introduced himself without stuttering, perfect. "You're Konishi Saki, right?"

"Oh, did you hear about me already?"

"W-well, more like Hanamura-san just ditched us to go to talk to you! Then again, I can see why…" He chuckles nervously, before he slowly realizes the implications.

However, Saki simply let out a harmless, forced giggle as she waves it off. "Well, either way, good to see you and Hana-chan hanging out.

"Hana-chan!?" Subaru exclaims, pointing a finger at Yosuke with an expression of betrayal. "Are you two seriously, that far already!?"

"Wha-!? Dude, what the heck are you talking about!?" Yosuke recoils backwards as well, leaving Chie snickering from the ridiculousness. "She's our senpai, of course she's gonna call me that!"

"But it's just not fair! Having an upperclassman calling you 'Hana-chan' like that? You are way ahead of me!" Subaru waves his hands back and forth before having a defeated expression as he leans back into his chair.

"Guys, Guys!" Chie gestured her hands for them to calm down, before launching a smug smirk. "You two can talk about this another time when she's not listening?"

"It's alright, Satonaka-san." Konishi shakes her head, seemingly not offended in the least. " I think it's great that you two are getting along. Hana-chan just doesn't hang out with the other guys."

"Huh?" Subaru arches an eyebrow. "What do ya mean?"

"W-well, not necessarily…and not even on purpose." Yosuke's nervous chuckle showed, although Subaru only grew more confused.

"He doesn't have too many friends, so I hope you two get along good. Hana-chan's a good guy, but he can get nosy sometimes. You gotta tell him right to his face when he starts to annoy you."

Subaru opens his mouth before chuckling and waving his hand. "Well, I wouldn't really say that he's nosy…more like stingy with his money."

"Hey, I thought you liked the Takoyaki!" Yosuke defends his case with a folded arm, and a oddly confused frown.

"I did, but only because you didn't want to pay steaks for two people!" Subaru launched a smug grin as he turned his chin up in triumph. "If that isn't stingy, then what is?"

"Come on dude!" Yosuke bemoans as he shakes his head.

"All jokes aside, he really is a nice guy." Saki smiles softly at that, and Subaru couldn't help but rub the back of his head. That was meant for Yosuke, but hey, Subaru doesn't care. "Well, my break's just about over. Back to work I go…laters!"

She sighs softly before walking off, leaving the group and a disappointed Yosuke. "Oh, uh, Senpai…!"

"Haha…Saki-senpai says I'm annoying, but she's even nosier than me." Yosuke tries to play off the snub with a smirk and chuckle, although Subaru couldn't help but sympathize for a moment. "She has a younger brother, and she treats me pretty much the same way..."

"Definitely bro-zoned right there…" Subaru mutters to himself on that as he takes another bite of his Takoyaki. "You have my support."

"Support on what?" Yosuke arches an eyebrow, before he turns to Chie who had a smug smirk.

"Haha, I get it! So that's how it is…!" Chie begins to giggle mischievously, and then sways her arms in a dramatic gesture. Like a stage play. "The daughter of a local family-run liquor store and the scion of the invading chain…! Hoho, the flame of forbidden love!"

"D-due, it's not like that!" Yosuke denies it as he rubs his neck with an embarrassed flush to his face.

"Oh really? Well, I know just the thing to cheer up that lovesick heart." Chie laughs it off with a cheerful smile.

"A Shoujou manga?" Subaru comments slightly, although it's clear that he doesn't focus too much on what he's saying.

"Nope!" Thankfully, Chie doesn't seem weirded out by that.

"Dude, I'm not some fangirl." Yosuke chuckles awkwardly with a deadpan expression.

"It was just a suggestion people, not an answer to your problems…" Subaru whistles as he takes a sip of his drink, although he snickers slightly.

"Either way…ever hear of the Midnight Channel?" Chie speaks with a sense of wonder and excitement in her tone. "You're supposed to look into a TV that's switch off, alone, exactly at midnight on a rainy night. While you're staring at your own image, another person will appear on the screen…and they say that person's your soulmate."

"Soulmate? Seriously?" Subaru arches an eyebrow, and lets himself a chuckle.

"For a second, I thought you were actually going to say something useful." Yosuke's sardonic remark and unamused expression spoke volumes. "How can you get all excited over such a childish urban legend like that?"

"Childish, huh?" Chie slams her hands on the table and leans towards Yosuke with a pet frown, and for a moment Subaru just sips from his cup as if the tension just got thick once again…

Kill me.

"Of course, I don't! What do you think Natsuki-kun?" Yosuke glances at Subaru for some agreeance, before gesturing to Chie. "You don't honestly believe what she's saying do you?"

"Uh…" Subaru blinks and glances to his left.

"Natsuki-kun, you gotta at least try it!" Chie looks to him, searching for some agreeance to his stance.

"Uh…!" Natsuki held his open jaw as he sweated bullets for what should be a simple question. A Midnight channel that shows you who your soulmate is? Come on, he's not that dumb…only a friendless, desperate loser would even try that!

…

And I'm one of them… He despairs at that obvious thought; however, he chuckles awkwardly as he blurts out. "Uh, yeah, sure, I'll give it a shot!"

"Good! It's going to be raining tonight! Let's all try it out, then you'll see!" Chie nods in agreement with a smug smirk towards Yosuke.

"Try it out…? Wait, you haven't even tried it yourself!?" Yosuke asks in disbelief, and even for a moment Subaru looked at her with his own disbelief. "Wow, I'm trying to remember the last time I heard something this stupid…"

Subaru awkwardly shrugs all the same, taking another sip of his soda. It doesn't really matter whether the rumor was true or not, because Subaru doesn't want to ruin or even denounce what Chie's suggesting for fear of alienation.

"All that aside…you know that 'incident' yesterday? You guys think it was murder?" Yosuke brings up the question, although Subaru twinges with an uncomfortable grimace…followed by Chie's own blanched expression. "Oooh, what if the culprit behind it was still lurking around…? Heehee…"

"Dude, I don't even want to think about that piece of nightmare fuel!" Subaru shakes as he rubs his arms and throws a petty frown.

"Sheesh, you shouldn't joke about stuff like that. Now who's the childish one…?" Chie frowns all the same, and even she looks somewhat unnerved. "All I'm saying is, you guys should try it out tonight."

Try it out tonight… Subaru quirks his brow, although he does look down pensively. If what she says is true, he might get a bit of context over whether he has a soulmate. Heck, maybe if he's lucky, his soulmate might be attractive!

…

He hides a sigh and smiles to hide his growing shame and embarrassment.

Yep, definitely a story fit for desperate losers…

Now, I hope everybody enjoyed this chapter, even it may be a small one. However, I wanted to get a few thoughts out of my head here.

Subaru here is acting less like what we're used to in his first episode of canon Re:Zero sure, but I feel that it works considering that while he may be in a different environment and different town, it doesn't change his insecurities or reservations. That is because the root of his issues are heavily involved with his self-worth and his dad, which is something we're going to see more of in the next chapter!

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Make sure to leave a review, and favorite and follow if you want to see more of this!

I'm the Maelstrom, and I will see you on the horizon!