And bam! Surprisingly, I'm feeling excited to put in a new chapter of this story! Now, this is going to be a bit shorter than last chapter, but nevertheless it's gonna detail the first half of Subaru's first day at Yasogami High!

Of course, I wanted to thank the people who reviewed, favorited and followed my story! 27 follows in 10 days? I'm humble to hear you guys liked it so much! Now, onto responding to some of the reviews!

Dcraus: First off, those two sound like really cool ideas! I'll consider them and see if I can make it work.

Marckaizer: Foreshadowing~ But let me just say this, Subaru's journey won't be easy.

Wilted12: 1, 2, 3! VICTORY!~ Ha! But yes, sometimes I tend to miss a few grammatical mistakes when I write. I'm glad you enjoyed the first chapter, and I hope you enjoy this one!

aLLen Vth: I understand your surprise, but trust me when I say I got a plan for those two, and how I'm going to have them build up slowly but surely! Also, I'm glad you think I got Subaru's emotions and worries spot on. It's pretty stressing trying to figure out what makes him tick in a town like Inaba.

Guest 1: Thank you, I'll be sure to deliver!

Guest 2: Well, I hope you enjoy what I give.

KIabOriz: Yes, why I think I do.

Alex Acost: Something we can both agree on! Subaru and Chie will get along nicely, though also some quirks and issues will be addressed as the year goes on!

Now after responding to them, I want to clarify and remind you that I do not own Re:zero or the Persona Series, please support the official release whenever you can!

I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!


Chapter 2: New School and New People.


Fog? Subaru's consciousness awakened in another vivid dream, and immediately he was met with a hazy white cloud in his vision. To say he was surprised is an understatement, but even more of an understatement is his reaction to the hazy white.

"…wait a minute…isn't this like?" He only vaguely remembered, but the situation became eerily familiar to the dream with Igor and Margaret. However, instead of a smoothing presence and movement…he was standing still on flat red tiles with black stripes. And the other difference.

"This is…uneasy." Subaru found himself frowning, the lack of sight made him hesitant to take the first step…which is why he cursed himself for slowly trudging forward. The walkway stretched on for what seemed like minutes, leaving Subaru on held breath and leering eyes, trying to focus in front of him and not to walk off the only path.

Because, yeah, who thought not putting rails on a path would be a wonderful idea? It's a safety hazard is what it is!

Regardless, the more he walked the thicker the fog seemed to get…and the more did Subaru's heartbeat become apparent to him. The dead-silence save for his footsteps and heartbeat, unsettled Subaru. What was going on? Where's Igor and Margaret? And if this is a dream, then what kind of dream is this? All these questions and yet nobodies bothering to answer—

"Do you seek the truth?"

!?

Halting his feet, Subaru hitched a breath, his eyes darting around the fog but finding nothing. The voice didn't come from one direction, but rather echoed throughout the fog. Immediately, Subaru spoke. "Hello!? Who's there!?"

Faint chuckling and a deep hum followed from ahead of him. Seemingly as if he was being drawn to it, Subaru continued to step forward. He kept moving forward, but slowly escalated into a sprint as the walk turned to minutes, and his sprinting turned frantic. "What the hell is this!? What do you want!"

"If it's the truth you desire, come and find me."

Dammit, you want to mock me. Is that what this is? He grunted between his strides, his speed picking up as he continued to look out for where he stepped, making sure not to fall…before he slammed face-first into something and falling on his bum. Groaning and wincing from the pain, he widened his eyes once he noticed the black and red squares seemingly overlaying on each other into a door. In the center, laid a pulsing red glow…

The hell? Subaru quirked an eyebrow, though he felt a deeper echo from behind the door, unsure what would be behind the door. In fact, for a dream, this entire scenario left him panting and his heart pounding. As if, this entire dream was one giant red flag of death. And while Subaru may be a blustering teenager...death is a fateful end that he does not want to meet.

And yet, he outstretched his right hand to tap on the center…and with a hiss and slowly outward retreating squares opening the path toward the center, the fog thickened and with it…only a vague floating human figure. Too obscured in the fog to make out, Subaru needed to peer deeper as he narrowed his eyes…and yet what would he say here?

"HEY! YOU FREAK-A-ZOID!" That. Obviously, he wasn't happy about the scenario…and he still didn't understand exactly what was going on. But nonetheless, he found himself getting into a make-shift stance. Fists-forward and all that. While he is no boxer, he's sure he can pack a punch.

Thanks to calisthenics!

"What do you think you're doing, showing up in my dreams like that!" He shouted with bluster and gestured to the fog around them. "And besides, what's with all this fog! This isn't anything like Silent Hill, so I'm due an answer!"

"Impatient, arrogant child…" The figure simply floated, and sadly the fog kept Subaru from having a clear look…but the imperious tone sneered. "If you truly wish for the truth…then prove me wrong."

"Gah! I got no idea what you're saying…but you know what!?" Subaru prepared for a running sprint before rearing a punch and letting out a yell of bravado. "Here's a right-haymaker from Natsuki Subaru!"

Of course, while he rushed forward and let out his punch…he realized the figure simply shifted through him as he, quite literally, punched nothing but air. He stumbled but nonetheless continued to throw a spinning-sidekick, as he pivoted his left foot. Still hit nothing but air as he slipped and fumbled forward again.

A soft, yet malicious laugh echoed throughout…and now the fog around Subaru thickened to a worrying degree, he was starting to lose his vision and felt heavy on his body. "G-Guh…w-what the...!"

"What exactly do you wish to know? If what you seek is 'truth'," The figure dissipated into the fog, as white and grey filled Subaru's vision. "Then your search will be even hard…"

White and hazy drowsiness struck Subaru. He couldn't move, and somehow his eyes became heavier than before.

"Everyone seeks what they want to…and the fog only deepens." It intoned with a voice that spoke of assurance.

Slowly, but surely…Subaru's vision fades…


(April 12th, 2011)

A choked gasp and heavy breaths as his eyes snapped open to reveal the ceiling of his room. He felt as if he had been risen from drowning in water, and his body felt heavy from being buried in dirt…that is until he realized that the ceiling looked rather new. Different, if you would put it like that. He looked disoriented as his eyes traveled from his futon to the figurines which lay on his desk, then to the sofa and the TV with his video game consoles…and breathed a sigh of relief…

I'm at Dojima's place…

And suddenly, he blinked as if in stunned shock…before chuckling lowly. "Oh, right…I moved in yesterday…"

Of course, yesterday was his first day in the Dojima household, he remembered arriving at Inaba, then meeting his Uncle and cousin, the dinner, the magic trick…and finally him going to sleep. What that dream was, he didn't think too much of it…though it felt like a lucid dream. When he looked at the window from his warm futon, he then snapped in concern towards the clock: It was exactly 6:15 in the morning.

Oh…good, I didn't sleep in.

Though he only had an hour and three quarters to leave for school. The clock counted down, as Subaru kept looking at it…but something about him frowned when he realized exactly what he was doing. And so, he forced himself to take a deep breath and hoisted himself up from the futon. While he had more than enough time to do 100 push-ups, squats, and sit-ups, he did not want to force himself for the first day.

To him, it took a lot of willpower to even consider going to school, so he knew that if he started on his exercises right now, he'd probably skip out on school out of habit…

But it's still pretty early before I have to go…maybe I can sneak in half this morning. He rubbed the back of his head as he changed from his pajamas into his black shirt and track pants. That way, he'd be able to quickly change into his school uniform if it was needed. For now, though, he'd probably have enough time for 50 of each exercise and some breakfast before he leaves.

And so, he laid his belly flat on the ground and pushed his palms downwards on the ground as he began his daily exercise. The first half, of course.

One.

Two.

Three.

Once he began, he started thinking up a plan for his second 'first day' of school, especially since people only know there's going to be a transfer student. That said, Subaru didn't know what he would do when he arrived there. He's hoping for things to be different, but if he messes up that introduction of his you can pretty much kiss his social life goodbye.

So, then what exactly do I do? Do I do an ice breaker or something? Do I just talk to them? How do I even talk to them? Damn, this is so nerve-wracking stupid…!

He shifted his body to the sit-up position after finishing his push-ups, and his thoughts continued to travel even further into what could happen. He could end up looking like an ass, and a clown at that…who wants to talk to somebody like that? Who wants to go to school when nobody even wants to be around you? When you have to act like such an ass, to make people like you?

School…is such a pain…He noted as he finally finished his sit-ups…finally going back to his squats this time. While the squats weren't as physically draining as most other exercises, he still ended up swirling his thoughts in a more positive direction as he psyched himself up.

No, there is no way he's messing this up now! Dojima's been kind enough to have him at home, it's already bad enough he's basically living with Dojima now, he's not going to make it any more stressful by not going. Plus, it defeats the whole purpose!

I mean, nobody knows me…so it's a bit easier for me to just go…one week, give it one week, and if it all goes well, then maybe I can keep goin'! He continued to pump himself up as a grin spread on his cheeks, and slowly he finished his squats strong, before stretching one last time and…breathe in, breathe out.

He closes his eyes…before snapping them open.

"Okay…let's do this…" He spoke with determination, even with the sinking feeling in his stomach. "Still though…what time is it?"

His eyes glanced over to his clock: 6:45

"Huh…took a bit longer than I thought." He tilted his head, though he sighed as he went to get changed into his school uniform this time. The uniform itself wasn't anything too complicated, though Subaru needed to get used to wearing it. It was old-fashioned, being a gakuran-style uniform. The high-collar black jacket was subtly checkered around the cuffs and collar with a houndstooth pattern, giving them a slight shimmer, with golden buttons. The jacket was lined with white threads in place, giving it a patch but sleek look. He wore the white undershirt underneath but kept the uniform buttoned up all the same while wearing the black slacks his school required.

He took a look at himself in the mirror and the first thing he did?

"This is…way different than what I'm used to." Subaru scratched his head, though he felt a bit out of place now the more he noticed the uniform. He hadn't worn a proper uniform for school ever since the first year of high school, and that resulted in a disaster…but now he found himself back in the same spot.

Wearing his school uniform…and holding in a breath. He breathed out, closing his eyes before rolling his shoulders.

Okay, Okay, Subaru…it's alright. You're not gonna mess it up this time. He psyched himself up as he slapped his cheeks harder than he meant, wincing from the pain but nevertheless mustering up the determination to take the first step.

Frowning with a strong will, he relaxed his facial expression and then walked out of his room and down the stairs before—

Huh? Immediately, he was wafted with the smell of cooked bacon, before his eyes traveled to the western table where two plates of sunny side up eggs, toast, and bacon were laid out neatly. He stared at the plate, and a thought crosses…who made this?

"Good morning." A young voice greeted politely, and Subaru glanced over to a Nanako who sat in her chair, while Subaru just continued to stare dumbfoundedly.

She can cook on her own at her age!? This well!? I barely even know how to handle a knife! He slack-jawed, leaving Nanako curiously tilting her head.

"Aren't you hungry?" She asked with a gentle tone.

"Yes, I'm totally hungry!" Subaru spoke with gusto, as he marched to his seat and thanked for the meal before taking that first bite of his bacon…and hot-damn did it taste good! "W-whoa, Nanako-chan, Dojima-san really wasn't kidding about your cooking skills!"

"Mmmm…thank you." She fidgeted in her seat but blushed seemingly out of embarrassment and joy. She ate her meal in peace as she looked softly at Subaru. "I'm used to doing this every day, but I was worried if you wouldn't like it."

"Who couldn't love cooking this good, Nanako-chan?" Subaru grabbed a piece of egg and munched as he enjoyed it. That said, he took a look around and somebody was missing. "Where's Dojima-san?"

"Oh, he had work. It was urgent business, he said." Nanako spoke about it with resignation, but Subaru noticed she wasn't as sad about it beforehand. Instead, it was as if she's grown used to this.

"Oh, I see…Detective Dojima's on the case huh?" He sagely nodded while cupping his chin, seemingly as if he were being wise about it. "Yes, Yes, I see, definitely like Detective Conan."

"Huh?" Nanako tilted her head, seemingly confused. "You're confusing."

"Ah, what else is new?" Subaru rubbed the back of his head, before continuing to finish his meal, and waited for Nanako to do the same. She looked rather fidgety about something, so she asked.

"You have school today…right?" Subaru arched an eyebrow at her question but nonetheless nodded as if waiting for her response.

"U-um…my schools on the same route to your school," Nanako spoke with a whisper before her shy smile shone through. "I-If you don't mind…let's walk together!"

Subaru widened his eyes for a hot second but nonetheless could not help but smile. "Yeah, sure, doesn't sound like a bad idea!"

Aside from not wanting to leave his little cousin alone, until they arrived at her school, he realized that the walk from Dojima's house to Yasogami High is long. Like, half-way across Inaba long, so Subaru would need some company to psyche himself up and muster up whatever will he has.

So, making sure that he has company in the form of his new cousin would help him get psyched up and motivated, since he wanted to act like the mature cousin for Nanako.

The cousin in question had her face flushed with embarrassment, and silently nodded as she focused on her meal. Subaru found it adorable how she's trying to find out how to speak to him, though a part of him chalked it up to his casual demeanor being the reason why she didn't know how to refer to him.

Yep, though it's not the worst reaction I've seen. The magic trick might've been a good impression on her, he figured. Nonetheless, after they had their breakfast, they both checked their bags and gathered their umbrellas before heading out for school. Thankfully, Subaru could always jog his way from the house to school.

Nanako's a little girl though, so maybe it'd be best to walk at her own pace until they split off.


His steps and Nanako's were echoing as they made their way out of Dojima's house and ended up on the flood plain. The walk wasn't necessarily too tense or nervous, but Subaru didn't know much about what to say, and it seemed Nanako shared that trepidation. Of course, they had reached a crossroads which split off into two directions.

"Ah, you keep going straight from here, my school's that way," Nanako said before waving goodbye with a soft smile, walking towards the direction she pointed to. "Bye!"

"See ya later tonight, Nanako-chan!" Subaru waved all the same with a wide grin, holding his bag over his shoulder and taking his steps in the rain as the long walk to Yasogami High. The long took longer than he expected, though with his umbrella he still managed to jog to his high school with seemingly no issue.

"Whoa, Whoa, Whoa!" Suddenly Subaru looked behind him and yelped as he managed to jump out of the way of a bicycle, before hearing a crash. He slowly got back on his feet, but nevertheless looked a bit…nettled.

"Hey! What the heck was that for!?" He exclaimed, though the brief flash of anger turned to wincing sympathy when he noticed the auburn-haired teenager cradling…his jewels. He probably hit extremely hard when he crashed.

"Ow…! Ow…!" The teenager winced in pain, and Subaru couldn't help but feel bad. Still, he didn't know how helpful he'd be in this situation, so he walked off…continuing on his trip.

The trip was long, and along the way he noted some students that didn't notice him, others did but didn't comment, and overall, it confirmed Subaru's small hope.

They really don't know anything about me…this is awesome! He withheld a wide grin, as he made his way and finished his sprint to the school gates. It was clear they used electricity to open and close, but every student looked hasty in their approach. Then again, closed gates meant it was closed or you were tardy, and the one-way road to school emphasized the risk. The school stood upon a hill of Sakura cherry blossom trees starting to bloom on both sides of the courtyard, which offered Subaru a warm welcome to his first day of the second year.

Now to hope they don't question my first-year record. He played with the collar on his jacket, before taking a few shaky breaths as he made his way inside the school. The first thing he needed to do. Get to his classroom. It couldn't possibly be that bad, and if he's lucky he might get a beautiful homeroom teacher!

Yep, just gotta look on the bright side…


Chie Satonaka isn't a difficult person to get along with. Heck, aside from a few rules you absolutely do not break, if you wanted to be her friend it was merely a matter of asking. That and not trying to hit on Yukiko, that biz is off-limits! But darn her luck, she got stuck in the worst homeroom class of the year!

Kinshiro "King Moron" Morooka is not the kind of person you'd look at first glance and ever think he's a philosophy teacher. In fact, you'd be forgiven for thinking he's an old loony who constantly looks down on the younger generation as a bunch of degenerates. Which he is, but he's expelled people for calling him out on that.

"Hey! Did you hear that a new transfer student is coming to our school?"

"Really? From the city?"

"Yeah, though it's a bit weird they decided to transfer here of all places…they got unlucky that's for sure."

Well, the gossip is a pleasant distraction, though Chie's not one to participate in it…even if it does make things a bit more interesting for everybody involved. Even if she got the worst homeroom teacher ever, at least she felt a mixture of relief and camaraderie when Yukiko was assigned into the same homeroom. Two best friends can get through anything, even if the giant dragon filled with bile and fire, would be King Moron!

"Huh…a transfer student from the city, just like you, Yosuke." She commented with interest, looking to the student behind her and to the left…and he looked hunched over his desk. Either dead or sleeping, Chie didn't know what was up. "Um…you alright?"

"Don't talk to me about it." He bemoaned with nary an inch of movement, leaving Chie and Yukiko both confused yet not too worried. It's Yosuke, he tends to be exaggerated about things like this.

Despite his hair being slightly spiky and swept to the side, his defining feature is usually the orange and red headphones he wore around his neck. He usually wore the same thing every day to school, so it really did allow him to have some comfort in having his own style.

Chie figured that at least, though in her opinion it looked tacky.

A grinding sliding door was slammed rather forcefully, open and yet leading the way to one of if not the worst teacher you could ever have. Thin as a noodle and shorter than most, Chie reckoned she could kick this guy's ass to kingdom come if she wanted, but she'd never win in a battle of words.

He was crude, rather belligerent, and nasty to be around. His overbite was massive to the point of looking like an oversized badger, his horrendous combover was a crime against fashion…and to top it all off?

"Alright, shut yer traps, ya degenerates!" He's got no respect for the student body!

She noticed a student taller than him and noted particularly his hair, and he seemed…well, is shaky right? His face looked stiff, his entire face looked stiff and really…expressive. Regardless, he began to write his name on the chalkboard, the characters forming to make the name "Natsuki Subaru."

Like the car brand? She would have chuckled, but her face was just as stiff and unflinching with King Moron being present.

"I'm Kinshiro Mooroka, your homeroom teacher from today forward!" His voiced snarls boomed to everybody's ears, and it didn't take long for him to begin with his infamous ramblings. "First things first…just 'cause its spring doesn't mean you can swoon over each other like love-struck baboons! Long as I'm around, you students are going to be pure as the driven snow!"

Same shit as always, every student rolled their eyes, as if this wasn't an unusual thing. This certainly doesn't make it much easier for the new student whose face started flicking and slowly his eyes…well, his eyes were open wide, but Chie couldn't pin something on him.

They were somewhat scary if also peculiar. For a moment she did feel bad about him, and even more when she noticed his nervous smile.

"Right, now I don't like wastin' time, so go ahead and introduce yourself!" King Moron turned to the boy in question, and Chie waited for him to introduce himself.


Shit, Shit, Shit, Shit, Shit, Shit! Worst case scenario, worst-case scenario!

Today was going…horribly, down the shitter, burning down! First, he ends up getting Mr. Overbite for a teacher, and he has a foul mood for someone who should be his teacher! The flinching presence he imposed crushed Subaru's confidence. By now the only reason he even managed to make it this far is that Subaru was worried if he didn't, Mr. Overbite would expel him on the spot!

Now here he was standing in front of the entire class… with a stupid grin on his face. Say something you dumbass! Say something!

Anything, that isn't like dad! He wasn't sure how he'd do this. But he already knew that he made a mistake with trying to…act so bombastic and energetic last time. If anything, that just made him look like a class clown…

"Hey, you gonna stand there like an idiot?! Introduce yourself!" He flinched and snapped back to Mr. Overbite with a shaky grin, though he took a deep shaky breath and stared ahead of him.

Okay, that's a plus…just say it and introduce yourself!

One…two…three!

"MynameisNatsukiSubaruit'sapleasuretomeetyou!" Subaru blurted out his introduction as he bowed stiffly as a board, and with a clumsy speech for that matter…immediately he sweats profusely at that idiotic introduction!

Dumbass! What the heck was that!? I bet barely anybody heard your name!

"Hmph! Friggin' spineless…" Mr. Overbite sneered, leaving Subaru with a twitching eyebrow. "Now, this sad sack's been thrown from his own city out to the middle of nowhere like yesterday's garbage. A deserter, and no different from a wounded, defeated warrior, so you girls better not get any ideas about hitting on him!"

"It's not like I'm from the gutter or anything…besides, that's a sweeping generalization…"

And suddenly, the entire class went stiff and silent. Subaru arched an eyebrow, looking pretty confused why everybody looked so terrified…before he looked to his left and noticed Mr. Overbite's…pulsating vein and snarling scowl.

Oh shit…did I say that out loud!?

"Smartass, aren't ya? That's it, you're on my shit list! Effective immediately!" He snarled with no mercy, leaving Subaru frowning in confusion and aversion.

Subaru stumbled towards a quick apology, but—

"Listen, here, you shifty-eyed brat! This ain't your city full of perverts and whores, so I don't want to hear you complainin' and mopin' about things like this! I bet you're the kind of brat to stay in your room all day aren't ya!"

…at that, Subaru grimaced from the sharp words, his eyes frowning harshly. Of course, before he could let out a simple retort—

"Excuse me, Sensei!" Suddenly, cutting through the tension and the ranting, a girl with bowl-shaped hair, dyed light brown and hazel eyes. Her school attire had to be underneath, the light green high collared jacket that Subaru immediately figured was the kind of wear worn by a tomboy. Of course, while she did look like a tomboy, she actually looked somewhat attractive to the former shut-in. "Is it okay if the transfer student sits here?"

Nice SAVE! Subaru sighed in relief to himself, his heart pounding in his chest from the sudden tirade of insults.

"Huh? Fine, sure" Morooka brushed it off, turning to Subaru with a mean glare. "Well, city boy? You're seated over there, so get your ass over there and siddown!"

"Y-yessir!" Muttering quickly, Subaru shifted his feet to the seat next to the bowl-haired girl in the middle row…before slumping over his shoulders and heaving a long sigh. "Oh, sweet merciful buddha…that was…terrifying!"

"Y-yeah, King Moron's pretty intimidating, if also a bit of a butt at times." The bowl-haired girl noted with an awkward smile, though she checked to see if he was alright. Which Subaru felt all the more flustered to even say anything. "Just be sure to watch what you say around King Moron, he'll make things worse if you give him a chance."

"King Moron…?" Subaru let out those two words with wide-eyes and…suddenly clamming up when he had a good look at the bowl-haired girl from before. She…certainly looked more boyish in features, but nonetheless is attractive for Subaru.

Not that I would say that aloud…that'd be a death wish. He didn't know exactly but complimenting her at this point would be…well, an invitation to getting punched or kicked…or both.

"It's pretty much what we call him around here. The worst, isn't he?" She nodded though she leaned in to note Subaru's reaction before she tilted her head. "Hey, are you alright? You look…stressed."

Shit, what face was he making right now? Oh, right, the kind that speaks nervousness when interacting with a girl like her for the first time! Nevertheless, he managed to mutter out…a few words. "…y-yeah, I'm fine…just kinda…stunned for a moment."

"Stunned?" Her eyebrows wrinkled in confusion. "By what?"

"What did I just say, city boy!?" Snapping Subaru back into reality, he turned his head towards the teacher upon his podium and put his hands in front while waving.

"W-what, it's nothing, Sensei!"

"Doesn't look like nothing! First, and only warning, brat! If you hit on Satonaka again, I'll personally toss your ass out of here for good!" He continued to glare at the rest of the students who started gossiping amongst themselves, and immediately Subaru clenched his face in tension…though he looked down at his desk and took out the stuff he needed to start homeroom. "That goes for the rest of ya, as I hope you're aware. Now keep quiet while I start homeroom!"

Great… Subaru noted as he realized everybody paid attention and he started sweating over his brow. On my first day at Yasogami High, my teacher hates me…everybody in this class, and I had to get my ass saved by a cute tomboy.

Just my fucking luck…

And so, began the first long day of school for Natsuki Subaru.


After school.

"That's all for today. Normal Lectures will start tomorrow."

Sweet relief! Subaru let out a sigh of relief, shared with the rest of the student's in-class 2-2, as most of them started packing their bags and gathering in their own little niche groups to talk with.

Leaving Subaru to be the only one sitting at his desk like somewhat of a moron. It wasn't like he didn't want friends, heck, he tried making friends a while ago…but there was like this wall between him and the others he couldn't quite put together. It didn't help that being a fish out of the water, Subaru had a few instances where he needed to get his breathing in order just to make a good impression.

Luckily, he did, so nobody was really making fun of him. They were gossiping, but Subaru overheard them and found them to be somewhat harmless.

Still, his eyes traveled to King Moron who didn't notice him and already headed out the door with little interest. He muttered something that Subaru didn't hear, but he let out a sarcastic scoff when he made sure Mr. Overbite couldn't hear him.

Packing his bags, Subaru grunted before—

"Attention all teachers. Please report to the faculty office for a brief staff meeting. All students must return to their classrooms and are not to leave the school until further notice." The PA blared with a crisp tone, explicitly announcing its message. Mr. Overbite grunted as he turned to his students.

"Well, ya heard the announcement. Don't go anywhere until you hear otherwise." He grunted as he left the class, and immediately the conversations turned a sour tone regarding King Moron, as they called him.

"This is the worst…of all homeroom to teachers to have, we have to be stuck with King Moron!"

"I know! The guy just gets on your nerves without even trying!"

He'd have to agree, Mr. Overbite has one nasty mouth for someone who's a teacher. It's sort of like having those old mentor's in the manga, except they have absolutely no respect for the students they are teaching!

As these thoughts waved in his head, sirens screamed by the school grounds. Subaru turned his head towards the window and noted a couple of students leaning to get a closer view…as far as the window would allow them of course.

Subaru did the same, though the first thing he was met with was thick fog obstructing everybody's vision. It had only been raining this morning, and now it's pretty foggy outside? Dang, Inaba sure did have some crazy weather.

Subaru's hometown didn't have that much fog or rain for a city, so it simply was cloudy or at times sunny.

"Is the fog always this thick around here?" He muttered to himself, mostly because he didn't know that fog could be this thick…but it reminded him of something somehow.

"Eh, it's Inaba. When it rains, it's best to expect some fog along the way." The student to his right adjusted their glasses, shrugging all the while. At first, Subaru didn't know if he was talking to him, or the guy across him…so he just sorts of shut up. "Hey, have you heard anything about the paparazzi, lately? They're looking all over for that announcer."

The student across from Subaru then leaned in interested in anything to talk about, and Subaru instantly felt relief that the conversation had nothing to do with him. Much easier to handle, that's for sure!

Subaru just let the two talk as he stood in the middle, though the two did not look too bothered for whatever reason. "Oh yeah, Mayumi Yamano-san, right? I hear she was found in the shopping district once or twice."

"Yeah, well get this…she's staying at the Amagi Inn for the last few days!" The student with the glasses grins as he divulged the juicy information.

"Whoa! No joke!?" Immediately the student who'd been interested in this gossip looked from Glasses to another girl that Subaru should have noticed by now…but never did.

Subaru once more found himself flushing a bit, though for different reasons this time. This girl looked stunning like the typical Japanese Beauty. Tall and slender with unblemished pale skin, long black hair held by a red band, wearing a red sweater over her uniform giving her a striking appearance from the rest of the class. Her black stockings surprisingly made her look more delicate than before.

He did notice that the gossiper decided to go to the girl in question, and Glasses shook his head with a smirk. "Oh, man. He's actually going to attempt the Princess Amagi Challenge."

"Wait…there's a challenge?" Subaru voiced out in shock, though not because he was appalled. He was kinda missing out on that, though he didn't pay too much attention.

"Oh, right, you're the transfer student!" The student looked at him in brief surprise. "Welp gotta tell you now before you embarrass yourself like that love-struck baboon. Ugh, now I'm sounding like King Moron."

He shuddered, before pointing at the gossiper and beauty again though the conversation seemed to be a bit awkward. "That girl over there is the heir to her family inn; Yukiko Amagi. She's one of the two most popular girls in Yasogami High, up there with Ai Ebihara. She's rich, elegant, beautiful, and smart, which makes her pretty popular with the male student body. Of course, a few female admirers wouldn't be surprising either!"

He smirked silently to himself, as Subaru noticed that the gossiper from before walked away with a gloomy look on his face. "Alas, sadly not anybody has ever managed to date her, even if she's still single. Trust me, people have tried, and not a single one succeeded."

"Not a one? Seriously?" Now Subaru looked intrigued, if proud that he was talking to a classmate with seemingly no problem.

"Zilch, my man. Doesn't help that she's constantly working at her family inn, so it's impossible to know what she likes in a guy. Then again, most of the guys who did ask her out were…boring, to say the least. Rumors do say that she'd only take a dashing prince, or at least her very own prince charming. I'd believe with how she's the closest girl to being our princess of Inaba…but then there's…Satonaka-san."

"Huh? W-who?" Subaru quirked an eyebrow in question.

"She's the one who saved you from King Moron." The student explained quickly, before getting on to a small shudder. "I hear she's not much of a bad person but get anywhere close to Yukiko without her approval…and she'll kick your ass out the window, people say."

"Huh…sounds scary." Subaru chuckled awkwardly, though he didn't really want to think much of these rumors. Rumors spread quickly, but they rarely are ever accurate. Besides, it's not like he wants to indulge in gossip…just sort of blend in at school so that it doesn't become an anxiety-inducing scenario.

"Yeah, definitely. Well, that's all you need to know for Yasogami High. Just be sure not to step on anybody's toes, and you should be just fine!" The student smirked before following his friend out of the classroom, leaving Subaru quirking an eyebrow and glancing absentmindedly around the place.

There were still students around, and as far as he knew nobody asked him any questions…so he just went back to packing his bag—

"Attention all students," The intercom blared once again, and Subaru reflexively snapped his head upward. "There has been an incident inside the school district. Police officers have been dispatched around the School Zone. Please stay calm and contact your parents or guardians as soon as possible, and quickly leave the school grounds. Do not disturb the police officers. Head directly home. I repeat…"

Oh good, he gets to leave early then. A breath of satisfaction and mixed in relief let out of his throat, leaving his shoulders relaxed. He managed to get through the first day, and thankfully he didn't make that bad of an impact!

Or any impact that would be embarrassing. Well, that's good enough for Subaru Natsu—

"Hey, new guy!" Subaru nearly jumped from the energy erupting out that voice, and immediately he recognized the same bowl-haired girl from before, or Chie Satonaka, as he now knew. Yukiko stood behind her patiently, but Chie had that vibe that you get from a childhood friend. Of course, you wouldn't know from first look unless you were well-acquainted with anime tropes like Subaru Natsuki!

God that sounded lamer than it should have been. He slapped himself internally, but put on a small smile as she walked to him—

Aw, shit! She wants to talk to me! Okay, okay, it should be all right…just…breathe, and don't say anything stupid.

Sure, he felt visibly nervous, but Chie didn't seem to be too bothered by that, as she had a friendly smile with her brown eyes. Yukiko glanced at him before looking down to the floor again.

"So, you're going home by yourself, right?" The former Chie asked hands on her hips and casually offering. "Why don't you come with us?"

"O-oh, seriously?" Subaru looked a bit excited, though he reined it in slightly when he noticed his nervous laughter. "R-right, I'd like that…but I don't think we've properly introduced ourselves."

"I mean, you already did this morning!" Chie chuckled as she waved her hand in jest. "But yeah, I understand! I'm Chie Satonaka, and this is Yukiko Amagi, my best friend!"

"Oh, nice to meet you too," Yukiko nodded with a soft bow, though she seemed surprised to be included in the conversation. "Sorry, this is so sudden…"

"N-no, it's fine…thanks for uh, coming to talk to me," Subaru noted with his own increasingly excited laughter.

"See? He doesn't seem to have much of a problem, so I don't see why you worried! I just want to ask you a few things along the way back home." Chie waved off their worries, though she lightly punched Subaru in the shoulder.

That gesture left him a bit…unsure of how to reply, but he nodded dumbly as a result.

Now, why was he having so much difficulty here? Well…he didn't want to say it…but…

They really are cute…! His inner teenager screamed out loud with enthusiasm. Bro, you're really lucky they even came to ask the new guy to walk with them both!

Dude, it's cool and all, but try not to make yourself look like a loser in front of them okay? The more rational and critical voice of his inner mind echoed.

"R-right, I mean…I need something to get my mind off of Mr. Overbite…" Subaru muttered to himself, though Chie tilted her head with a curious expression.

"Mr…Overbite?" She blinked for a moment before snorting, and Subaru could have sworn that even Yukiko stifled a sound with her mouth. "Y-you mean, King Moron?"

"Man, who else would I be talking about? Have you seen that guy's teeth? He would make a good beaver, wood chucking wood with those dentures" Subaru exhaled a breath as he rubbed the back of his head. "How nobody called him Mr. Overbite is beyond me, but it fits just as well as King Overbite."

And now Yukiko snorted once more before hiding it with her mouth, leaving Subaru slightly…confused. Though Chie's booming chuckle didn't surprise him. Okay, that's a lie, it did, because that was a surprisingly lame joke. "Y-yeah! I have no idea why we didn't call him that in the first place! Man, Natsuki-kun, you're clever!"

C-clever?! He exclaimed internally, though he managed a grin of his own as he slowly turned a bit more confident. "Hey, it's just my thing…ya know, making people laugh and all that!"

"Well, ya succeeded then!" Chie grinned widely as well, leaving Subaru relief and overjoyed on the inside.

"U-um…Satonaka-san?" A sheepish voice interrupted their conversation, the voice belonging to another teen that had messy auburn hair. He couldn't be any taller than Subaru, though the way he carried himself looked like he was offering to an angry god. Even more so when he did bow and offered a DVD case…with fear in his voice.

"T-thanks you for lending me your movie," He stuttered with even more nervousness. "It was really awesome, like how they all moved and stuff…but uh…I'm really sorry, so please spare me your wrath until my next paycheck!"

"Your next—?" She blinked, before widening in fury.

"SEE YA LATER!" The teen waved in a rush, sprinting forward to the door.

"You bastard! What did you do to my DVD!?" Surprising everybody, and especially a gawking Subaru, she vaulted over the desks and launching a jumping kick straight towards the fleeing teen. However, what came next—

"GAHA!"

"OH…. SHIT!" Subaru gawked with a curse as he widened his eyes and cringed at…what he just witnessed. Like some sort of car crash, Yukiko had gasped, but Subaru's expression looked of that of horror and awe.

The teen dropped to his knees and cradling his family jewels. The pain a man could relate to, and certainly one that Subaru didn't want to be at the receiving end of! If there was any respect for Chie that he had, well, now fear is compounded on top of that…her kicks are lighting fast!

Note to self…do NOT piss off the girl who can kick your ass! Subaru affirmed that thought as he walked to get a closer look…and it did nothing to help the utter pain.

"What exactly did you do, trying to sleaze your way out of—" Chie's raging rants soon turned to a near wail of despair, as she noticed that the disc that was inside it…was cracked half-way through the DVD. "Wha— NO! It's completely…cracked! My 'Trial of the Dragon'…"

Trial of the Dragon…as in a kung-fu flick? That's the sort of thing Chie's interested in? Okay, pretty unique tastes sure…but damn, she really is a tomboy!

"I think mine's cracked too…" The teenager still wheezed out in pain slowly standing on both feet before squirming in pain. "Critical hit to the nads…"

"Nads…more like a hammer to the gong…" Subaru cringed at that, almost surprised by Yukiko's snort once again…who seemed surprised yet again. "Y-you alright there, dude?"

"Yeah…that must have hurt." Even Yukiko looked apologetically sympathetic.

"Does it look like I'm okay…?" He groaned out, though he didn't seem to be offended as he looked hopeful at Amagi-san. "O-oh, wait, you're actually worried about me?"

"C'mon guys, leave him. "He'll be tomorrow." Chie simply huffed, sparing not a single glance to her classmate as she walked out of the classroom. Yukiko bowed apologetically before following Chie all the same.

Now, Subaru didn't just want to leave the guy along considering his shared manly pain, so he just sort of asked. "U-um, I'd recommend an ice pack…if it helps."

"Y-yeah…t-thanks for the tip…" The teenager moaned as he inched out the door, much slower than ever before, leaving Subaru sympathetic, pitying him…and wondering just who he was.

But more importantly, all of that worry was washed away when he started walking out of the classroom…because he got lucky.

FUCKING LUCKY! He managed to not only make a good impression…somewhat, but he also got two people to talk to him and not be immediately weirded out!

Again, his luck might go right!

Man…today's…going great. He noted with a smile, before slowly returning to a concerned frown.

Too well…


Probably too well, but you'll figure it out eventually!

Now, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter I wrote today! Once again, I attempted to sneak in Subaru's character in the world of Persona, though I hope I wrote his school introduction in a way that suited his character!

Now, as for what to expect? You can certainly expect his attitude to change as the days go on, but for now he tries to make a good impression and not make the same mistake as his first year.

Of course, if anybody has concerns, I'm always willing to hear more about them, and answer them. If you want, leave a PM in my inbox, or in your reviews!

So be sure to leave a review, favorite or follow if you guys enjoyed this chapter!

This is the Maelstrom, and I hope to see you on the horizon!