Taki quickly takes Yosuke up on his offer to sample the famous steak croquettes of Inaba. Back in Tokyo, he and his friends would often spend their afternoons visiting various establishments around the city, playing at being critics. It's a nice callback to a familiar pastime, and the chance to eat some meat is always welcome.
The two of them seat themselves on some crates in front of the croquette stand and quickly dig in. The batter is crispy and light, and though the meat is a bit tough the flavor is quite nice.
"Sticking chunks of steak in croquettes. . .man, this really is the country, huh?" Yosuke asks rhetorically. "Well, it is good. . .though it's tough. Chie called this stuff 'tender and juicy'. . .what kind of teeth does she have. . . ?"
"Forget her teeth, man. You need to watch out for her kicks," Taki jests.
"I swear, she cuts it just a little bit close sometimes when we're fighting Shadows," Yosuke chuckles. "Not a bad way to work on my reflexes, I guess."
During a lull in the conversation, the two overhear the gossiping of two women walking past.
"He's from Junes. . .Yasogami High School, right?"
"His classmate. . .Sat. . .? Went out of business. . ."
"This shopping district could disappear, and yet. . ."
As the women walk away, Taki can feel their venomous gazes bore holes straight through Yosuke.
"Sorry about that," Yosuke apologizes for some reason. "You know me, I'm infamous around here."
Taki feels a surge of camaraderie for Yosuke and an urge to defend him. "No, it's not fair to you. I'm going to—"
As he moves to go confront the women, Yosuke halts him by grabbing his arm.
"Don't bother, okay? Though I really appreciate that you're willing to stand up for me like that. . ." Yosuke says with a grateful smile. "It's mainly my parents, anyways. I'm not personally involved. There's nothing I can do about it." Yosuke shrugs. "I don't think there's anyone in Inaba who doesn't know me, at school or around town. . .not that I mind, but. . .it sucks that I always gotta mind my manners."
"I feel you. Especially having moved from the city to the country? Everyone knows each other here, it's kind of scary. Really have to watch yourself out here. Back in Tokyo, everyone was just a random stranger. Though that doesn't mean I went out of my way to be rude or anything. Just didn't have to try and put on a fake face for everyone," Taki reminisces.
"Right?! Seems like everyone's on a first name basis out here. Pretty rough if you're not from the area." Yosuke punctuates his agreement by voraciously gulping down the last of his croquette. "Still, this croquette is damn good, huh? I'm gonna have another. You want one too, right?"
"Well, since it's your treat. . ."
". . .Next time's on you."