AN: Welcome back to Broken dreams unless you're new and barely read my previous chapters before reading this one, thanks to the app's ability to read the story for you. Before we begin, I like to say April 2 is known as Autism Awareness Day, and not many people know what Autism truly is. I've come to know it as a problem on how people with this neurological order process information, meaning they think too fast that their body lags behind or that they didn't understand something because they slowly understand it in their way. The reason I bring this up is that I know some people who have Autism, and honestly, I believe they'll be okay as long people are willing to see them for who they are rather than what they have. So anyway, last time, Kasumi had her memories of Sumire removed by Dr. Maruki like Rumi before, but it's only a matter of time before the Phantom Thieves of this story do something about it.

So welcome to…

Chapter 3: Ruined hearts

April 9, 20XX

We arrived at Shibuya station, where we see a familiar head of frizzy hair. That, of course, is the trickster we come to call Joker, or as he is known as in the real world Akira Kurusu.

For those of you who read my other Persona 5 story, know that this Akira isn't the same one in that story, but the Akira of this reality, meaning he suffers what Shido did and only wishes to live an honest life. But we know that's not going to happen.

Anyway, outside in the streets of Shibuya, Akira was looking at his phone until he notices the Metaverse Navigator. Though we as fans already knew that, but remember Akira will think this is a virus.

As Akira pressed on the app, he felt an odd sensation wash over him. As he looked towards the streets, he notices that everyone around him stood incredibly still. Akira was looking around franticly, trying to see what could have caused this worrying sight. And then he saw it…

A bit far from where he was, stood an odd figure made of blue flames, with a malicious red smile and matching eyes staring back at Akira. Akira stared at the figure until the flames pulled back to reveal Akira with yellow irises with a similar malicious expression.

As he saw that, Akira fell back on the ground as time seemed to resume once more. Everyone was acting as nothing happened because, to them, nothing did.

As Akira got his bearings, a hand reached out towards him.

"Are you okay?" Asked a familiar voice.

Akira looked up to see none other than Kasumi in her black jacket with yellow highlights.

Akira got up and nodded, not saying anything, for he is currently going through the quiet protagonist phase.

Kasumi's smile faded, and she asked, "Are you new here?"

Akira nodded again and showed her where he was trying to get.

"Oh, you're trying to get Yogen-Jaya," Kasumi stated kindly, "I can show how to get there if you like?"

Akira refused at first, but with her persistent insistence, Kasumi was able to change his mind.

As Kasumi and Akira rode the line, she asked, "I see you're wearing the Shujin academy uniform. Are you transferring there?"

"Mhm," Akira simply uttered.

"By the looks of it, you're a second year," Kasumi stated, "that makes you my senpai."

Akira's blushed at her words. He never thought that anyone, let alone a girl like Kasumi, would ever call him senpai, and as cute as she did.

Kasumi smiled and proclaimed, "Well, I hope we get along well."

Akira nodded as they arrived at Yogen-Jaya station.

Yogen-Jaya

After getting out of the station, the two looked around the residential area. Akira looked at the address for Sojiro's house and started to proceed ahead.

"Senpai, wait up," Kasumi cried out as she caught up with Akira.

The two arrived at a house that plate with 'Sakura' written on it. Akira rang the doorbell twice, yet no one answered.

"Maybe he's not home," Kasumi suggested.

As Akira got worried about being homeless for the next year, a delivery man spoke out loud.

"Looks like Sojiro is at Leblanc in backstreets, best for to do my other deliveries then," the delivery man said to himself.

Kasumi smiled and headed towards Leblanc, "Looks like your caretaker is over at this Leblan place. Let's go over there quickly."

Akira quickly backtracked towards the back streets of Yogen and saw a café with Leblanc written on the sign.

"Huh?" Kasumi saw the sign near the entrance, "Coffee and curry, what an odd combination."

Akira turned towards Kasumi and bowed her head, "Thank you for accompanying me…"

It then occurred to both of them they never introduced themselves.

"Oh, forgive me…" Kasumi apologized before introducing herself properly, "my name is Kasumi Yoshizawa; nice to meet you."

Akira smiled and said, "Akira… My name is Akira."

The two shook hands before Kasumi turned to leave.

"I hope to see you sometime around Shujin Akira-senpai," Kasumi said before heading towards the station.

"Yeah," Akira said, almost as if that he knew that it wasn't going to happen with his record and luck.

Meanwhile, with Kasumi, the girl felt good about helping Akira find his way as a thought crossed her mind.

'He seems like a good person,' she thought, 'I'm sure he'll be fine.'

Sadly, Kasumi didn't know what lay ahead at Shujin or what would happen in the following weeks.

AN: And I'll end it right here… Yes, I know this is a bit shorter than the previous chapters, but I decided that this chapter should have a paradox. Both characters shall meet earlier so that I may explore untapped possibilities that you couldn't even begin to figure out. I like to thank DestructionDragon360 for your replies. Do I know you are reading this? No, but I'm pretty sure you will. I would also like to explain that my other Persona 5 fic is still in the works, but it's hard to concentrate on one story when another interesting story comes up, and you have the urge to work on it. My first P5 isn't canceled, but rather it's taken a back seat when it comes to working out the details. But for the next chapter… You think we'll follow Akira's first time navigating Kamoshida's palace, but I rather focus on how Kasumi is doing; after all, she is the main focus of this tale. Happy Easter to those who celebrate it, and please, even if Autism isn't a part of your life, remember that there are many problems people suffer from, so don't judge somebody for what they have and what they believe in, because if we don't how are we any better than those who ridiculed us.