Work Text:
“Ah! Here it is!” Junpei points at the classroom. “I’m a huge fan of this guy!”
“That’s…” Kotone squints, taking in the numerous posters of a pudgy snake. Hearts and flowers adoring the little guy. “Tsuchinoko?”
“You got it!” Junpei grins as they pass under the banner labeled Tsuchinoko Cafe. “Kotone, are you a believer?”
‘Sometimes lass it’s better to encourage then to be honest’
‘He’s so excited, he almost makes me believe.’
“Maybe he is out there.” Kotone shrugged. Then a thought: “Do you think he could be a persona?”
“Yo?!” Junpei takes a seat while Kotone takes the one next to him. “Bet he’d be a physical master, rolling over shadows!”
“Or maybe one that charms shadows with its cuteness!” Tsuchinoko with the biggest eyes anyone has ever had, as it stares down its opponent, a few cute wiggles and it’s time for an all out attack.
“Thank you for coming!” One of the lowerclassmen, a young girl with brown hair places a plate of six baked Tsuchinoko in front of them, reminding Kotone of Taiyaki, and the custard or paste that lies within. One of the Tsuchinoko is pitch black, and almost looks like it’s crying. “Careful! One of them is cursed!”
“It’s the black one right?” Junpei picks it up. “Don’t worry, fearless leader, Junpei Iroi will bear it!”
“Are you sure?” Kotone chuckles as Junpei nods. “Your sacrifice will be remembered.” She salutes him.
Junpei fits the whole pastry in his mouth, and slowly chews. Then swallows.
“K-kotone.” He stutters. “Tell Fuuka that-”
“The red bean paste is really good.”
“I will junpei.” Kotone bows her head slightly before she plucks one of the brown Tsuchinoko and casually bites into in. “It’s weird curse-
She spits it out.
“MINT TOOTHPASTE?”
“The currrrrrrrrrse.”