31/3 2030

- Mister?

The boy was a little confused, he didn't know where he was, but he would look at the gentleman who was speaking to him, "I need you to fill out this paper with your information and we would be ready." Upon saying this, the boy would receive in his hands some kind of contract in which he needed to fill out his name and signature.

Hisoka Fukui. That name was of the boy with the orange braid writing on the paper.

—Well, that would be all. Now you are the star of our next film.

Everything would suddenly go dark for a few seconds, Hisoka would just watch as changes were suddenly observed, a velvet blue dressing room would appear before him and next to it, two strange guys would appear. A well-dressed man, but with big eyes and nose, next to him would be a boy in a shirt, also velvet blue, but with well-combed hair and bright yellow eyes.

—Perfect, the contract has been made. We'll see each other again, chameleon.

With these words, both of them would give Hisoka a smile, who would only be stunned by the whole situation.

Slowly everything would turn white, leaving the boy slightly blind, who would close and open his eyes, but in doing so, he would discover that it was all a dream. When he woke up, he would realize that he was inside the Tokyo subway, in a car to be exact.

Hisoka would be left thinking about the dream he had, for him it was strangely vivid and confusing. What did the dressing room mean? Who were those guys? Why did they call him 'chameleon'? These thoughts would be interrupted by the interlocutor on the train, who was announcing that they had arrived at "Akasaka-mitsuke" indicating the boy's destination.

His goal was to reach an apartment complex, apartment 308. Upon arrival, he would knock on the door in search of an answer, being answered by a man as tall as him, although unlike Hisoka, he would have short hair.

—Ah, it's just you, come in —the man would say— I had planned that you would arrive later.

—Yes... the truth is that I didn't want to arrive when it was dark. How have you been, Uncle Arthur? — Hisoka would say as he entered the apartment.

—Fine, fine, just a little busy, but nothing that can't be resolved. How have your mother and sister been?

The boy would stop dead for a few moments. "Well, they are fine." Although the truth was that it was a bit difficult for him to answer that, he wouldn't say that his family situation was fine, but he didn't want to delve into that.

—I see… Well, I'll show you where your room is. Follow me.

Upon entering the room, you could see some things, a closet, a desk, a bed, several boxes and his instruments: a bass and a guitar.

—Since you're here, I think it would be a good idea for us to tidy up some things. If I leave you doing it alone, you'll go to sleep very late— his uncle would say.

They would start to tidy up, which would help Hisoka think about his situation for a moment. He was in his uncle, Arthur Boyle, apartment, where he was going to stay for as long as he needed and it's not that he didn't have a place to be, but he felt that this way he could help his mother pay more attention to his sister, and it would also help him reflect on some things that were happening in his life.

After a few minutes, they should have most things in order.

—Well, make yourself comfortable for a while, you must be tired. I'll prepare something for us to eat, okay?

—Yeah, uncle, it's okay.

Arthur would leave the room, leaving Hisoka so he could relax, the truth is that he hadn't stopped thinking all day, thoughts came and went, but something that worried him was that tomorrow was his first day of school and, for good or bad luck, it was as a new student at the school.

A few hours later, when he was going to sleep, he managed to remember that dream he had on the train, still thinking how mysterious it was, maybe with this night's dream he would be able to forget it.

—It's still strange… Especially for that gentleman, he had a nose that was too big— He would say to himself.

After a few minutes, I would be able to fall asleep, looking forward to tomorrow.

1/4 2030

Luckily for Hisoka, school wasn't that far from his uncle's apartment, so he didn't have to take the train. As he was almost at school, a girl with an extravagant bun in her hair would run past, though she would stumble slightly as she passed by Hisoka. With no other choice, the boy would offer to help her up.

—Are you OK?

—He he —The girl would laugh somewhat embarrassed— Yes, I'm fine... I wanted to grab one of the first seats in class, but I woke up late...

—Surely you have some time, it's still early.

—I guess you're kind of right, though—The girl would stop to observe Hisoka for a few moments —This is the first time I've seen you around here. Are you new?

—Uhm, yes. My name is Fukui Hisoka.

—Oh great! Mine is Matsuo. My pleasure! —Haruka would extend her hand for a handshake, which Hisoka would initially look at strangely, but would accept, it was not common for him to see a girl offer a handshake.

—Well, assuming I'm not going to get that seat I wanted, do you want to go together for the rest of the tour? —Haruka would give Hisoka a big smile as she said this.

Hisoka would have to think about it for a few moments, she was not someone he knew and it was also noticeable that she looked a bit unkempt, but on the other hand he also thought that, being new to the school, he needed friends "Yeah sure, why not?"

And so they both went together on the short journey that was left for them, upon arriving, they would find out that they were in fact in the same class, 3-C, so they went to their class together.

One of the first things they would do in the day would be to go to the assembly that was called in the morning, in which the director was sitting with a man at the podium, this man was wearing a white coat, as if he were a doctor.

—Well, first of all, I want to wish you a good start of the year to all the alumni, here at Hoshi academy hoped that you a good recess. Starting with what brought us here…

From the stands, Hisoka and Haruka would be sitting together.

— Ugh, I hate assemblies, especially the ones at the beginning of the year… They always say the same thing, that we have to maintain our performance and try to improve it. —The boredom that the girl felt regarding the event could be noticed.

—I don't know, at my previous school they didn't usually have assemblies.

—Well, you got lucky then, the truth is, that I don't like em' at all.

After a while, the principal would give the floor to the person accompanying him, introducing him as the school counselor, Mr. Fujii Daisuke, an adult man who already looked somewhat older.

—Well, I just have to welcome you to this new school year and, if you need help, you can come to my office and I will help you with all pleasure.

—With that we conclude the assembly, you can return to your classes.

With this, Hisoka and Haruka would begin to return to their classroom.

—How tedious, I've always thought that they could only tell us those things through the school newsletters or I don't know, the school diary— Haruka would sound annoyed saying this.

—Well at least it means we don't have classes the first few hours... Look on the bright side.

—That's a good point, but it doesn't stop me from being terribly lazy.

Haruka would inadvertently bump into someone, causing him to drop the papers he was carrying.

— Huh - Oh, sorry! — As she spoke, she would bend down so she could help pick up the papers. —I didn't notice, excuse me sir-

Looking up, she would realize that she had bumped with the same man who was at the assembly, Dr. Daisuke.

—Oh, don't worry, this happens to me more than you might think. I appreciate you helping me out.

—Don't worry! It's just my responsibility for causing it…

As they picked up the papers, the doctor would glance at Hisoka, "Wait a second… You're Fukui Hisoka, right?" This would make an impression on the boy, he wondered how the doctor recognized him.

—Yes sir. Why do you ask?

—This is just a nice coincidence, I just needed to get in touch with you, I need to ask you for some information. If you could come by my office after your classes, that would be perfect.

—Some data? Huh… Sure, I can do that.

—Great, I'll see you there then, Fukui-kun.

After finishing collecting the papers, Mr. Daisuke would continue on his way, saying goodbye to Hisoka and Haruka.

—Data, what a curious thing, don't you think? —The girl would say.

—Yes… Although I find it more curious how he recognized me.

—I guess he saw a photo of you. If he's the counselor, he'll probably takes care of it every time there's a new student, or so I think.

The hours would pass and classes would end, making Hisoka remember what the doctor asked him to do, so he set out to find his office so he could talk to him. Upon arriving, he would notice how tidy the office was, with some shelves full of folders and those full of papers.

— Ah, Fukui-Kun, I was waiting for you, come sit down. I just need to ask you a few questions.

Hisoka would sit in front of the desk the doctor was using "Sure, I have no problem."

—Well, let's get started. —The doctor would take out a notebook to write down. "Your full name is Hisoka Fukui and you were born on April 8, 2013. Correct?"

—Yes, correct.

—Well, as I understand it, you live with your mother and your sister.

—Actually… I moved recently, now I only live with my uncle.

—So, he's your guardian?

—Yes, apparently.

—Well, remember to talk about that with your teacher in charge… Still, can you tell me about your family? Your sister and your mother to be exact.

—Uhm… Well, my mother's name is Fukui Elizabeth, she works at the police station… She's a detective.

—Well, what about your sister? I understand that she is also a student here.

—Her name is Elly Fukui, she's my younger sister. And yes, she also goes to this same school, I don't know what her class is, though.

—Okay, no problem, now tell me about your uncle.

—His name is Arthur Boyle, he's my mother's brother. He runs a shop, although I can't remember what was the shop about... We live in an apartment.

—Yes, don't worry about that, knowing that he is in charge of a store is enough for me. —The doctor would tell him with a calm voice, trying to tell him that he was okay.

From this, the doctor would ask Hisoka more questions, asking him about what he was like as a child, how he got along with others, things like that.

—Doctor, excuse me for asking, but… What are these questions for?

—Ah, that, I have to interview all the new students, so I can create a profile for them in case they come to my office or in an emergency. You see, I'm in charge of the students' well-being, so I have to keep an eye on how you're doing.

—I understand, thanks for answering, I was a little afraid it might sound a bit rude.

—Don't worry, it's just part of the job.

They would both be interrupted by a knock on the office door, followed by a man calling the doctor's name. "Daisuke? Are you there?" The doctor would respond saying "Yes", indicating that they could enter.

Following this, a man in a suit would enter the room, he had a somewhat mysterious smile for Hisoka, but he did not represent any kind of danger.

—Daisuke! Old friend, am I interrupting something? — The man in the suit would say.

—Don't worry, we were almost done anyway. Do you need anything, Takumi?

—Of course, I came here for a reason. I need to discuss with you what happened the other day, you know.

At the mention of this, the doctor would change his calm expression to one of surprise for a moment, to then come back to his regular expression.

—Of course, of course. —Daisuke would look at Hisoka. "Okay, Fukui-kun, I think that's it. I'll take care of the rest, don't worry."

Hisoka would nod and begin to get up from his seat, but would be interrupted by a hand on his shoulder, it was Takumi's.

—Wait boy, I have a question for you.

—Uh… Yes? —It was obvious how confused Hisoka was .

—Do you use BunnyComp?

—No… The truth is no, I feel like it's not for me.

The truth is that Hisoka was not much of an installing apps on his phone, and the BunnyComp, a virtual companion app, did not really catch his attention.

—Perfect! Because I have something for you— Takumi would take out of his jacket pocket, a small device shaped like a somewhat cartoonish rabbit's head and offer it to Hisoka.

—Thank you, but what is this?

—This little device is an add-on to the app we're testing, because you see, I'm the president of Takahashi Corporation. Does that ring a bell?

—Not much, I just know that they have released a couple of applications.

—Among those BunnyComp boy, and I was just going to look for someone at this school to help me test this, someone who hasn't used the app before.

Hisoka would feel a bit weirded out by the whole situation, like he wasn't supposed to be there, but his cooperative nature kept him from saying no. "Well, I guess I could help you with that."

—That's the spirit! You see, this device will help you make your BunnyComp experience more personalized, just plug it into your phone and follow the instructions.

—Okay, when I try it, I'll try to inform you. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll proceed to leave.

Hisoka would say goodbye to both misters and begin his journey home.

Her first day of school wasn't what he expected, but it wasn't a bad experience either. He met a new classmate and, apart from the afternoon's events, nothing strange happened to him. He wondered if his sister had a similar day, but he didn't have time to check on her.

As the day drew to a close, Hisoka would be playing his bass, in which he would remember the device that the strange man he met today gave him. "Sure, I promised to use that device, right…" with that, Hisoka would proceed to do as he was asked, with the device connected to his phone, he would proceed to use the BunnyComp app.

—Welcome! It seems that you have a creation device connected. Would you like to use it? Press yes, if that is the case.

Hisoka would do as the app asked and press yes. The machine would ask him to scan his retina, so he followed the instructions until the process was complete.

—That would be all! Thank you for trusting us and enjoy the company of your new partner. Thank you very much!

With this, the app wouldn't display the companion he mentioned, leaving Hisoka baffled. "Huh, maybe it was a mistake using this thing…" He thought to himself "Actually, it's getting kind of late already… I'll check on it tomorrow" and with that, he would proceed to sleep.

2/4 2030

Upon arriving at school, Hisoka would find the doctor talking to a rather tall boy with long blond hair and glasses. The orange hair would manage to listen a bit of their conversation before interrupting them.

—Well, then we'll discuss it further in the afternoon.

—Yes, Fujii-san, I won't take up any more of your time.

—Don't worry, it's not a bother.

Hisoka 's presence and call him over for a second, at which point the other boy would start to leave.

—Fukui-kun, I was just thinking about you, I wanted to ask you a favor.

—Yes? How can I help you?

—Look, I need to fill out your sister's profile, so I wanted to ask you the favor of giving me another view of what she told me.

—Sure, don't worry, I'll be there.

The doctor would say goodbye to Hisoka, leaving him thinking for a few seconds. "Elly 's profile, huh." The latter would leave Hisoka somewhat thoughtful before entering the school.

The hours would pass and it would be afternoon again, Hisoka would head to Daisuke 's office, meeting Haruka on the way

—Hey Fukui! What a coincidence, don't you think?

—Yes… What business is it of yours here, Matsuo?

—Ah please, just call me Haruka, don't worry. —She would say in a way that would sound sympathetic —Nothing, I just came to talk to the doc about the athletics club I attend.

—Oh, I see, so let's see if he's in here.

Hisoka would knock on the door, searching for some answer, but he would get none.

—That's weird, he's usually here at this time. —Haruka would say. Impulsively she would open the door, discovering that no one was there. —Doc? Are you here?

—Maybe we should come back later.

—Nonsense— Haruka would sound a little mocking with that last bit. —He must be in the next room, come on, let's open the other door.

Hisoka reluctantly followed his companion. In the other room on a table was a device shaped like a movie tape player.

—Oh great! The doc has a movie projector. —Haruka would approach the device, about to touch it —How retro.

—Wait, don't do that.

—What? What's the worst that could happen? It's just an old projector, nothing bad will happen-.

Before Haruka finished saying what was on her mind, the machine would turn on, showing an image against the wall, it seemed to be a countdown.

—Huh, what a coincidence, although it looks like it doesn't have a tape on.

—Turn that thing off! We might get into trouble. —Hisoka sounded a little annoyed as he said this.

—Calm down, there's no one here, and I'm curious on how this ends.

4

—Yes, but what happens if it burns? These things usually burn if they don't have a tape.

3

—And how do you know that? It works for a reason.

2

— Ugh, well, but I don't want to be responsible if something bad happens.

1

—Relax, nothing bad is going to hap-.

When the countdown was over, a big flash of light would leave them both unseen for a few seconds. "Agh!" they would both exclaim. When they opened their eyes, they would find themselves in the same room, but it would feel different.

—Ugh… I told you something was going to happen. —Hisoka would say without opening his eyes.

—You said something bad would happen, but only something normal happened.

—We almost went blind, it's still bad!

Haruka would be the first to open her eyes "Hey, but no… Wait a minute" the girl would observe Hisoka for a few seconds "Have you always worn a trench coat?"

—What? —The boy would touch his clothes, noticing that he was now wearing a trench coat. He would look at his partner, noticing that she had also changed her clothes and letting her know it.

— Now that you mention it, my chest feels a bit tight.

—This is… weird…— Hisoka would start inspecting his clothes —We're not hallucinating, are we?

—Hm, good theory, or maybe we fell asleep and are dreaming together.

—I don't think that's possible, honestly.

—So, we're not hallucinating either.

They would be inspecting their clothes for a while, Hisoka would be dressed in a long trench coat, while Haruka would be wearing pants, a formal vest and a fedora. They would try to leave the room they were in, showing that the doctor's office had changed. It was still an office, but all the papers had disappeared, only a whiteboard and a desk would remain, along with a chair.

—Wait… Wasn't this the doc's office? —The girl would say.

—It seems so, but… Hmm… —Hisoka would bring his hand to his chin, scratching his beard thoughtfully.

Before they could think any further, they would be interrupted by knocking on the front door.

Hisoka would look at the door and unconsciously say, "Come in." As he said this, a police officer would walk through the door.

—Detective, I have work for you.

—It seems so. What is it about this time?

—This time it's a girl, she disappeared.

—I see. Do we have any leads?

—Yes, she was last seen at a bar in Livestreet — The guy would give Hisoka a photo of a girl, she was blonde and had long hair.

—Well, my partner and I will take care of it, I'll let you know if there's any progress. What's her name by the way?

—Junko Nakano

—Okay, we will take care of it, right, Haruka?

—Of course!

The policeman would nod and walk away, leaving the two young men alone. They would both look at each other, perplexed by what had just happened. Haruka would be the first to speak.

—W-what just happened? I felt like my body was moving on its own.

—Yes… It was strange, I was answering without thinking— Hisoka would bring his hand to his chin, scratching it.

—It's because it was actually like that, you were moving according to the script— A somewhat feminine but low voice would be present in the room.

—Who said that? —Haruka would ask.

The chair that had been facing away from them all this time would turn around, revealing that it was being occupied by a sort of humanoid-looking robot rabbit.

"How are you?" the creature would say.

Both teenagers would be surprised, especially Haruka. They would both step away from the desk, taking their space.

—Who the hell are you?! Or what are you even?! —Haruka would point at the creature in search of an answer.

—Hey, don't point at me, that's rude. Ahem. My name is Iggy and I'm your BunnyComp of trust. — She would say this last thing with a big smile and touching her black flock of hair that she had on her forehead.

—A BunnyComp…? —Haruka would say a little more calmly. —So that's what they look like.

—Indeed, now, I would like to know what you are doing here. —The rabbit would look at them with a sign of disapproval, crossing her arms.

—Well, we came to see the doc, but my partner turned on a movie projector and we ended up here. —Hisoka I would sound a bit annoyed saying that last thing.

"You're always going to blame me for that, aren't you?" Haruka would say, to which Hisoka would only respond with a "Yes."

Iggy would just sigh. "Well, you guys aren't supposed to be here. Come on, I'll get you out."

—But… —Haruka would answer. —What about the missing girl? Shouldn't we do something about it?

—Haruka is right, if there is someone who's missing, we have to do something. There is a reason they asked us for help.

—No buts. —Iggy would say. —This place is too dangerous for you two, you wouldn't be able to defend yourselves.

—Defend ourselves? From what? —Haruka would ask with genuine curiosity.

— Ugh … I talked too much. —Iggy would slap herself in the face.

—At least let's just go investigate the bar, like the officer asked us to. —Hisoka would take a firm stance when saying this.

— Hmm… — The rabbit thought for a few seconds. —Fine, but that and you two get out of here, I don't think it's dangerous for you to investigate the bar.

Haruka would celebrate upon hearing that; it seems that she was glad to be able to start the investigation.

—But I'm going to go with you, whether you like it or not.

" Okay," Hisoka would comment. "You still have to show us how to get out of here."

The group set off. As they left, they noticed how everything looked in black and white, as if it were a noir film. Haruka looked a bit scared.

—I think I'm regretting being here a little…

—I told you, but you didn't want to listen to me.

Hisoka looked a little curious. "Hey Iggy." he would say to the rabbit, "Why is everything in black and white?"

—Well, because we're in a movie. —Iggy would say casually.

Haruka looked a little shocked at that comment "What? What do you mean, a movie?"

—As you hear, although it seems that there is something missing and I think that the place automatically put you in the place of what is missing, that is why you have those clothes and said those things before.

—Huh, what a strange place —The boy would comment.

After walking for a while, they would reach Livestreet, finding the bar that the officer mentioned. Upon entering, they would notice that it was a seedy bar, which would make them wonder how that girl could be in that place. Hisoka would approach the bar to talk to the bartender.

—Excuse me, sir, have you seen this young lady? —Saying this, he would show him the photo that the officer gave him.

—Of course I saw her, sir. She was talking to the gentlemen back there. —He would lightly point to some sinister looking guys; they looked slightly not human.

—Well, then we'll have to ask them. —Haruka would say, starting to go in the direction of the subjects.

—Wait, Haruka! —Hisoka would go after her, followed by Iggy.

Upon reaching them, Haruka would step back a little, they seemed too intimidating up close, so Hisoka would end up stepping in front and speaking for her.

—Excuse me for bothering you, gentlemen, but have you seen this girl? —Hisoka would show the photo again.

—Hm, I've seen her, but... Unfortunately, I can't tell you so easily. —Saying this, the guy, who seemed to be the leader, would stand up, followed by his companions.

The atmosphere would become tense and mysteriously the people in the bar would disappear, including the bartender. Hisoka and Haruka would be on alert, especially the latter.

— Ugh … I was afraid this would happen. —Iggy would say.

—What's happening?! What are you talking about?!" —You could notice fear in the girl's voice.

—Calm down, I will protect you. —Iggy would summon a hammer that was three times his size, but she wielded it with ease. —Person-

At the moment of screaming, Iggy would be grabbed from behind by one of her opponent's henchmen, as would Haruka.

—Hey! What's wrong with you?! —Iggy said desperate.

—The only way I tell you this information is on a one-to-one battle. —The guy would crack his knuckles, then punch Hisoka.

Hisoka would withstand the blow, stepping back a little "Fuck… Fine, so be it." The orange-haired boy would proceed to raise his fists in a fighting stance, trying to land a punch on the guy, who was twice his size, but he would miss.

— Hehe, I'll have fun with you, meat sack. —This time, he would hit Hisoka twice, one in the ribs and another against his face, causing him to fall to the ground.

— Ugh, shit…— He sounded exhausted, they had hit him in vital points.

—Fukui, don't give up so easily! You have to get up!

—What the girl said, get up, ponytail!

Hisoka heard the screams of his companions, but he felt like he couldn't get up. Then, a deep and creepy voice began to whisper to him.

—Are you really not going to get up? Are you just going to stand there doing nothing?

—W-what…? W-who is speaking?

—What if it was your sister who was in danger? Would you just stand there too?

—N-no… I wouldn't. —Hisoka would slowly begin to get up.

—Well then, I will lend you my strength so that thou can defend those who are close to you. Let it flow through your veins and make thou fury explode. Because I am thou and thou art I.

—Understood…— Hisoka would stand up, manifesting chains on his arms. —Here I go. Persona.