Disclaimer: Don't own Persona 5, nor any of it's characters.
Rating: T
As stated in the disclaimer, this story takes place after Twin Kingdoms, but in the vein of Ryuji and Hifumi becoming more than friends- the start of a seeming-unlikely pairing. Enjoy :P
Kanda
"Checkmate."
"F'real? Ah man, I thought I had you back there!"
Hifumi looked up, giving a little smile even as Ryuji tussled his hair with one hand. "In a way, you almost did, Ryuji" she assured. "I had to rearrange my plans quite a bit near the end, just to deal with your unexpected moves."
He gave a sigh, presumably about having lost again, but then began to chuckle. "Well, least that's somethin'" Ryuji said, almost teasing as he started picking up the pieces; she made sure to help out. "Way better than the first times I played, by a long shot."
"You certainly do learn best by experience."
"That's how I roll."
As soon as he finished, they accidentally reached for a piece at the same time - Hifumi jolted a bit when their hands touched, but Ryuji's reaction was stronger. He pulled back so fast/hard that he accidentally dislodged the shogi board, spilling several pieces across the bench, and onto the floor.
"Ah- ah crap" Ryuji said, wincing; it wasn't long before he got down on the floor. "S-Sorry Hifumi, I didn't mean for that to happen."
"...It's fine" she breathed after a moment, semi-flustered as she gathered the bench pieces. "These things happen, Ryuji."
He didn't answer, but when he sat back on the bench/helped put the pieces back, Ryuji seemed to have a little trouble meeting her eyes. Admittedly, she had the same difficulty, if only due to her own embarrassment... not just for their hands touching period, but this incident also bringing up some recent thoughts she's had.
Having been shogi partners for several months now, she and Ryuji have become good friends, but now she believed that perhaps Ryuji might um, r-romantically 'desire' her. What just happened now could be proof of that, but at the same time it might not... because after all, it could've just been a simple accident, and it's not like this kind of thing didn't happen between friends.
Still, if her instinct was correct... she wondered what his reason was for keeping it to himself.
Was it because he didn't wish to make their friendship awkward? Or believed that she didn't feel the same way about him, and thus he had no reason to say anything?
Even if she's wrong, these thoughts were certainly making her heart beat faster as-of-late... but that's why she feels it's best to talk about it, as soon as possible. If she is wrong, they'll laugh it off (or Ryuji will try to) and soon go back to their normal dynamic, but if she's right, t-then she'll do her best to read the situation and determine her response.
That's what a Queen would do, after all.
...
Later; outside the church
"Well, I had fun" Ryuji said easily, just ahead of her as he stretched. "Next time though, let's grab some ramen to go."
Hifumi took a moment, trying to prepare herself. "I will consider it" she said sincerely, if slower - he seemed to become concerned, for he paused. "But um, before you head home. Ryuji?"
"Yeah, what's up?" he asked, half-turning toward her.
"...there's something I've noticed about you lately. I wish to ask you if this perception is correct, or not."
Ryuji's brow furrowed in confusion, but he didn't ask her to clarify. "Uh, okay" he breathed, before tilting his head as he looked at her; his voice was lower and worried. "...You alright, Hifumi? Did I do something wrong?"
Hifumi had to close her eyes, but otherwise shook her head. "I'm fine, and no, you didn't do anything wrong. It's just... about our hands touching-"
"Huh? W-What's that gotta do with anything?"
Hifumi steeled herself then, trying to think of her question as the goal, and her position as Queen is to see that it would be done.
"I have heard you state your preferred type of woman before, Ryuji" she said, trying not to stutter. "I believe we've both noticed that I, um, fit your type. So I wonder if your reaction earlier, when our hands touched... is because of that."
For a moment, Ryuji just looked at her and blinked - then his eyes widened, and he 'flinched' back in shock (somewhat). Unusually for him though, this reaction was silent, and then he glanced away from her, one hand rubbing the back of his head... a-and perhaps it was her imagination, but he seemed to be fighting down red cheeks.
His embarrassment was understandable though; her cheeks were probably pink as well.
She was about to say more after a few seconds, but Ryuji beat her to it.
"I guess I ain't surprised you figured it out, Hifumi" he said wearily, if looking at her now; his demeanor was something like 'now that it's out there, might as well face it', or so was her guess. "You think and plan so many steps ahead, it makes my brain hurt to consider it. Still, I was hoping you wouldn't notice, simply because I didn't wanna make you feel weird. Especially 'cause I like hanging out with ya."
"I don't feel weird, Ryuji" Hifumi quickly assured. "I too have enjoyed our hanging out. If anything, though I am nervous, I-I'm also... well, flattered."
"Huh?" he breathed, looking flat-footed. "But I thought you were sick of people trying to ask you out!"
"...Actually, I'm sick of those trying to ask me out because they see me as a famous person, and not as I truly am" she said, and this subject started to infuse her; in that moment, the nervousness practically fell away. "But someone who hangs out with me, enjoys some of the things that I do, and wants to get to know me better as a person? I would have to be a fool to turn down that kind of connection!"
While surprised by it, Ryuji didn't mind her sudden intensity. Then:
"Gah, I'm an effin' idiot!" he exclaimed, briefly clutching his head.
"Huh? What do you-?"
"I should've known that!" Ryuji continued to himself, - he kicked at a nearby pebble, which skidded away. "'Course it was the idiots you didn't like asking you out! Not being asked out in general. How did I not put that together!?"
Hifumi grasped his arm, not only to get his attention, but partly because she worried his little rant would make a scene.
"Ryuji, please; don't beat yourself up over this" she insisted. "I'm certain others have made the same assumption you did."
His breathing was still heavy, but Ryuji appeared to consider her words, slumping and closing his eyes for a time.
"...Maybe. Sorry 'bout that though, Hifumi" he breathed after a moment, weary yet apologetic. "I didn't mean to blow up like that."
"It's alright" she breathed gently, quite sincere.
"How?"
"Because it's who you are, Ryuji. An outspoken, honest man who always expresses how he feels in the moment."
Ryuji seemed to become a little flustered, looking at her with surprise before glancing downward- Hifumi realized that she's still holding onto his arm. Then after a quick glance at each other, realizing that they're standing close, she quickly pulled away.
"I- Um, forgive me, if I was too overt" she breathed, feeling her heart-rate go up, though she fought not to lose her composure. "Yet it is the truth."
"Yeah" he breathed slowly, before shaking his head to clear it. "I mean- wait, let me make sure I got this straight. You think that I like you that way - not that you're exactly wrong - and you're telling me you'd be okay with it?"
Her mouth twisted a bit, nervously intent...
"More than that, Ryuji" she said, steeling herself again. "I- I-If you did ask me on a- a date... I honestly... wouldn't mind if we did!"
To say his eyes had gone wide, and his jaw nearly dropped, were almost an understatement:
"F'real!?" Ryuji exclaimed, practically taking a step back in shock as he stared at her. "No way!"
Hifumi had to fight to remind herself that he's in shock; it was not actual denial, or it shouldn't be. Combined with the fierce warmth that overtook her cheeks, she was temporarily incapable of coherent speech.
"Wha- wait wait wait, that's not what I meant by 'no way'!" Ryuji quickly backpedaled, with quite a few gestures involved. "I didn't expect you to ask me on a date! Well, k-kinda! Just that that's usually the guy's job! I mean, I-I'm not hung over it or anything- I wouldn't mind if a girl asked me out! Far from it! I just didn't expect this at all!"
Clearly... if he had expected it, his reaction would've been substantially different.
"I- I understand that" she breathed after a few moments; it required a small effort to talk, but she pushed through. "You didn't think someone like me would be... interested in you, even after hanging out together for months."
Ryuji seemed to deflate for a moment, rubbing his face with one hand. "...well, yeah" he said, less intense but sincere. "I know I look rough, and I got issues and all that shit. I know it don't help my chances, but- but even despite that, it's why I always keep looking. I just never thought 'bout if someone actually... asked me on a date."
As he finished, his cheeks turned redder.
While still nervous, Hifumi managed a little smile at the sight - not just relieved that he's nervous too, but also thinking Ryuji truly is interesting. He's outspoken and driven, always aiming to move forward, and yet seemed to have a contrasting issue with self-esteem, though she believed it's better than it was before.
If nothing else, because he had become friends with Akira.
"Well I... I have implied that we could, Ryuji" she spoke, gentle - he jolted, as if he just remembered she was there. "That is... i-if you wouldn't mind."
His first reaction was a sound, blinking several times; his expression was absolute 'Holy shit; is this really happening!?'.
It seemed quite likely, given his disposition and general choice of words...
Then Ryuji shifted: "Yes! Absolutely!" he said in a rush, before he briefly clamped a hand over his mouth. "I-I mean-"
Hifumi giggled a bit, this relieving a part of her own nervousness- whew.
"That is... all I needed to hear" she managed to say, feeling a little unsteady. "Though... I would like for us to determine what days are good first, if you don't mind."
/
Later
Shibuya
Once he got off the train, Ryuji was still in a daze, barely looking where he's going... holy shit.
Hifumi Togo, the humble, smart, pretty shogi girl, had asked him on a date! Well kinda asked, but fact is he's going on a date on her now!
Him! With her!
Sometime while he was walking home, he dug out his phone and quickly opened up the Chat, immediately typing - he made sure to keep an eye out where he was walking, but otherwise typed really fast. From the look of it, only Ann, Yusuke, and Haru were on at this time; even so, he's gotta tell them now or he'll go crazy, and this news would get out sooner or later anyway.
Ryuji: Yo guys, you're never gonna believe what happened to me!
Ann: I'm sure it won't be that big, Ryuji. Wait, is it bad or something?
Yusuke: I certainly hope not. He said he was playing with Hifumi-san today, as has been added to his normal routine.
Haru: What did happen, Ryuji-kun?
Ryuji: It ain't bad, Ann. Just big news!
Ryuji: Hifumi asked me out on a date!
Ann: Wait, WHAT!?
Haru: Congratulations, Ryuji-kun! You must be so happy!
Yusuke: My word, this is a surprise! I did not foresee this development occurring at all.
Ryuji: Me either, Yusuke! But yeah, I'm happy, Haru. And surprised. And really really nervous, really.
Ryuji: Gah, I'm repeating myself!
Ann: Hifumi Togo seriously asked you on a date, Ryuji!? If you're making this up, you'd better stop now!
Ryuji: I ain't making it up, Ann! I'm serious!
Ryuji: Like, Phantom Thieves level serious!
Yusuke: That is indeed a serious level to claim. Thankfully we are having this conversation over text.
Haru: Either way, I doubt Ryuji-kun would have lied or joked to us about dating a famous shogi player. Oh, I should have said 'infamous' now, because Hifumi-san is still working her way up from before.
Ann: ...yeah, I doubt that too, Haru. I was just so in shock that I wasn't thinking straight.
Ann: Sorry, Ryuji.
Outside the phone, Ryuji had to resist a sigh; he's not surprised that Ann thought he might be boasting or whatever, specially at first when she were shocked. Plus he was typing so quick that he didn't really tell the whole story, like that Hifumi wouldn't mind going on a date, but hadn't directly asked him... b-but he'll be sure to tell them when he sees them in person! Yeah!
Still, it'd be nice if sometimes she could pretend to take him at his word, even for a little.
Ryuji: Forget 'bout it, Ann. I'm as surprised as anyone that Hifumi asked me out, seriously! But like hell that I'd turn her down!
Ann: I would've been shocked if you had said no.
Yusuke: Indeed. Such a response would be highly out-of-character regarding your personality, Ryuji.
Haru: But he has said yes, and I'm thrilled for you, Ryuji-kun! Any plans for the date thus far?
Ryuji: Not yet, Haru. Hifumi weren't sure of her schedule, so I'm gonna wait for her to chat me back, then we'll talk 'bout a place.
Ryuji: Still, I'm racking my brain trying to figure this shit out. She said she wouldn't mind if it was fancy or casual.
Ann: Even on the first date?
Ryuji: Yup. Hifumi said nearly anything should be fine.
Yusuke: That is unusual, but it seems that it will be quite beneficial, Ryuji. If you date in a location you're comfortable with, it will be easier to make conversation and admire her beauty.
Yusuke: Plus it will help keep your memory on the important details, when we all receive the story of said date. I am particularly looking forward to the passion that erupts from your hearts.
Haru: And you've been hanging out with each other for months, so it'll be even easier that way too.
Ryuji: That's true, Haru. But don't be effin' creepy, Yusuke!
Yusuke: Whatever do you mean by that?
Ann: Don't mind him, Yusuke. Also, I'm not really sold on your first date being super casual, Ryuji, but it is your affair.
Haru: Oh, an affair! That sounds so romantic already!
Ryuji: Don't be getting no weird ideas either, Haru. Anyway, 'course I'm gonna do my best, casual or no casual.
Ann: Just promise me that at the end, you give her an extra-special smooch to compensate! ❤
Ryuji: Goddamnit Ann, now I'm gonna be all nervous again!
Yusuke: My goodness. Ann is ever so bold to suggest such a thing, and with such a symbol. Perhaps I must learn from her example to heighten my own various expressions.
Haru: Ann-chan, you didn't have to tease Ryuji-kun.
Ann: Sure I did Haru! I'm probably never gonna get the change to tease him about his first date ever again!
Ryuji: IT'S NOT FUNNY!
Yusuke: But first I believe I must discover how to send symbols in text...
That night
Home
Man, it's been awhile since he saw his mom that happy...
Laying stomach-first on his bed looking at location magazines, Ryuji gave a smile as he lifted his head, still seeing mom's reactions in his head. The fact that he had a date was good news already, but when she saw Hifumi's picture - a pic Akira had snapped of them playing shogi - it's like she'd lit up or something, amazed and proud that he'd 'scored' someone like her. Not that he minded: she'd been gradually getting better ever since he made friends with Akira and the others, proud that he's growing up a little, though she was also kinda-sad 'bout it. Heck, she was even proud of him for having been a Phantom Thief - she'd had a heavy suspicion after seeing the broadcast calling out Shido, though she only called him out after the whole Christmas fight - and working hard to stop bad people.
Though, he'd gotten a motherly earful for putting himself in danger, and all that... but guess he'd had that coming hehe.
Back to the locations stuff though, that reminded him: Hifumi must be dealing with some stuff right now, as she still hadn't chatted him back. If this were a girl he'd asked on the spot, he'd be super-nervous right now, thinking that maybe she wasn't gonna call back at all, but Ryuji knew her: even if seriously late, she'd take the time to answer when she could.
That aside, he's still nervous in general...
Why wouldn't he be? A girl he didn't think would like him that way, actually did like him enough to think that they should date and figure it out for real!
Was he lucky or what!?
Ryuji shook his head, trying to get himself to focus: let's see, they'd frequently played at Kanda's church or Cafe Leblanc, while also hanging out at Shibuya's arcade, and going to Ogikubo for ramen or Tsukishima for monjayaki. Those places seemed like good... mmh, what's the word- oh yeah, 'fallback' date spots, but definitely not first-date material - he then marked Ginza and Miura Beach as 'maybe'. That expensive sushi place was good, but he couldn't make that a regular place to go on a date, not without wasting all his Phantom Thief money... plus he's not sure Hifumi would accept him making it a regular date spot in the first place, on account of it being so expensive. The beach could happen on another date, but definitely not the first; he didn't wanna risk making her uncomfortable in any way, particularly knowing how he'd react to her in a swimsuit (even if all he'd do is look).
Just then his phone buzzed, and he took it out-
-Hifumi was calling!
His hand briefly shook, then he grunted and got a hold of himself.
*click* "Hello?"
"I'm sorry that I'm late in getting back to you, Ryuji" came her voice, a bit worried. "Various things were piled upon me today, and I could not use my phone."
A little smile; she's as modest as ever. "Knowing you, I thought it was something important" Ryuji said easily, though his heart kept beating fast. "And I'm still trying to decide a location, right now even. I know you said you'd be okay with anywhere Hifumi, but..."
"But you um, want our first date to be special?"
"Yeah. O-Or at least, ya know, make it memorable."
"Well, if that's what you insist upon, I won't argue. Still, I believe it will be memorable regardless... considering it will be my first time dating."
Part of him was real surprised, at least until he remembered Hifumi's situation; before they changed her heart, Hifumi's mom had been running her life, which included no dating. He tried to imagine what it was like... but all he could think of was his time with the track team, trying to keep each other going, and trying to impress girls at the same time.
Mmh...
"Honestly, it'll be my first date too" Ryuji breathed, quiet - he flipped the page, finding this one talking 'bout Inokashira Park, which he's half-sure he heard of somewhere before. "If I weren't so focused, I'd probably be shaking right now or maybe trying to run it off. I ain't gonna let it stop me, but still."
"Understandable. Still, I'm glad to hear that you're nervous as well; it comforts me a little."
He felt several things at that, before he stopped as he looked up something specific about Inokashira Park-
-wait, he remembers that place now! That'll be perfect!
"Oh" Hifumi breathed; Ryuji just realized he hadn't responded for several seconds. "Perhaps I was a bit too forward?"
"Nononono, it's fine" he said quickly. "I agree, seriously. It's just that I got distracted, because I finally found a place that seems good for us!"
"Really? Where?"
"Heard of Inokashira Park, Hifumi?"
"Vaguely. I know it's a spot near Shibuya, but little else."
Ryuji grinned. "Then in that case, prepare to be surprised" he said, all teasing-like. "You'll be in for a treat. When are ya free?"
Hifumi sounded more flustered, thanks to this tone. "I- I should be available at the end of the week, three days from now, at 3 PM Ryuji. As well as two days after that around a similar time, though I will still need to be home in time for dinner."
Having gone over his schedule, he already had the answer. "That fifth day won't work for me, but the third should do nicely" Ryuji said in an instant, and then he pumped his fist. "So it looks like we're going on that date!"
"Y-Yes, we are. Oh dear, now I'm even more nervous about this."
"Well, w-we both feel that way, Hifumi. But like I said, can't let it stop us."
"...Of course, Ryuji. Still, I will- I shall meet you in Shibuya around 3 PM, near the train line that connects to Kanda. Agreed?"
"Looking forward to it!"
...
Later on, his phone surprisingly buzzed again; someone else was calling? Opening it up, he saw that that wasn't it: the Chat was active, with pics of Akira, Makoto, and Futaba!
Their messages read:
Makoto: Is it true what I heard, Ryuji? That Hifumi Togo asked you on a date?
Futaba: I'm freaking out trying to figure how that even works! The opposites attract app is being fried! DX
Akira: Ryuji, you lucky dog.
Ryuji weren't surprised word had spread by now... it would've been nice if he could've told all of them, but he started typing back and his excitement rose.
Ryuji: It's true, Makoto, guys. Hifumi and I are going on a date and everything!
Makoto: I knew you and Hifumi got along surprisingly well, but this is truly unexpected.
Akira: Morgana would like to express his disbelief.
Ryuji: Yeah, well tell the cat to can it dude. Once I got proof of our date in photos, he'll have to accept that it's damn well happening.
Makoto: Let's not get carried away here guys.
Futaba: Why? Ryuji-v-Morgana be entertaining.
Futaba: Standard vitriolic-best-buds trope you see in any work of fiction.
Akira: Except I'm in control of the phone.
Ryuji: I dunno what that all means Futaba, but we've got better things to do than argue anyway.
Ryuji: If Morgana can't accept this, that's his own damn problem.
Makoto: Those statements are somewhat surprising, but I must agree with Ryuji.
Futaba: Never thought I'd see that day again o_o
Akira: So Ryuji? Tell us the details.
Ryuji: Sure dude. I'm taking Hifumi to Inokashira Park in three days, and I'm trying to have a lot planned.
Akira: I'm with you in spirit. You know that.
Makoto: I am as well, surprising as this is. In fact, if you have any troubles planning stuff, I might be able to help in some way if you wish.
Ryuji: 'Preciate the help, Akira, Makoto, but I still think I got this.
Futaba: You would. But though my mental processors are fried, go for a home run.
Ryuji: Uh... thanks Futaba, I guess.
Makoto: If I may ask though, um, what exactly does Hifumi like about you?
Futaba: Ooh! Juicy details be-a-coming!
Ryuji: Well uh, she likes that I'm honest, open, and don't hesitate when it comes to a lot of things.
Akira: Morgana wants to know how she feels about your loudness and language.
Makoto: I can already tell Morgana said it differently than that, Akira.
Futaba: Duh. Black cat be cocky that way.
Akira: He takes offense to that description.
Ryuji pretty much growled to himself- that damn cat, he swore. He so much wanted to lash out at him for this, but the moment he does, it'll be going back on his own words 'bout not fighting... just gotta keep a grip.
Moreover, it's just normal back-and-forth with them; he ain't gonna let it spoil his good mood.
Like hell he'd let that happen!
Ryuji: Hifumi don't care 'bout them, Makoto.
Makoto: What do you mean?
Ryuji: I mean, I ain't sure yet if she truly likes them, but she doesn't hate them. Usually, she just has a small knowing smile... or something.
Futaba: Tell us something vulgar you said to her then. Need data to analyze.
Akira: That's a little too personal, Futaba.
Makoto: I tend to agree. Plus there's no reason to suspect that Ryuji isn't telling us the truth at this point.
Futaba: Friends turned against me. Going into power-saving mode to convert Ryuji/Hifumi data now :9
Ryuji: The hell did she mean by that? I mean, I get she left the chat, but...
Makoto: I'd just assume she means getting used to the idea that you two are going on a date.
Makoto: It was quite a surprise, but I still wish you luck - if Hifumi has already accepted most of your traits, you can be yourself with any worries. That is the biggest obstacle, after all.
Akira: Steal her heart, Ryuji.
Ryuji: Not gonna go full Phantom Thieves mode on her dude. But still, thanks, all of ya.
After that, Ryuji exited the Chat feeling a lot, including irritation that Morgana had tried to sour this a bit. But that aside, he's going on this date and he's gonna enjoy himself - Hifumi's probably planning on the same in her own way, no matter how nervous she is. Plus at the same time, he's feeling a little proud of himself, as he hadn't blown up at Morgana's aggravating comments and he'd said there's no point in fighting anyway. Sure, he still told Akira to tell Morgana to can it, but it's definitely progress; even Makoto and Futaba seemed to think so, or at the least were surprised.
"I may be the one slowly changing myself, but it's still thanks to you dude" he thought, figuring he could see Akira giving his usual confident smirk. "I won't forget all the help you gave me with Shujin's track team."
First off, I know like many others that Joker's canon name is now Ren Amamiya, rather than Akira Kurusu. That being said, I'm keeping it the latter in my P5 fics out of simple, personal preference - no disrespect or anything intended, but fair warning to those getting used to the former.
Second, I like writing these Chat moments; having everyone weigh in makes it interesting XD Also, Christmas/Happy New Year to everyone, and hope you all enjoy this fourshot fic
