*Hearing about that app, Robin turns and looks over to the girl*
...Something wrong..?

Despite the headphones over her ears, she was surprisingly perceptive, at least enough to hear the other person.

"I'm sorry, did you say something?"

I'm good with tech. Lemme see.
Don't worry. I won't steal.

*Gamma is walking around, he seems to be returning from somewhere outside the city as he goes through the walkway to avoid a crowd. He can't help but notice the girl's strange behavior, but rather than acknowledge it directly, he stays a few feet away*
You doing alright kid? Most people would be home by now.

His pants could vaguely be heard as he ran over to catch one of the last trains for the night. He had not expected a study session to last more than an hour but he was doing poorly in English. Whatever help was available, he would gladly take that offer.

Akira raced down the staircase to the platform and sighed in relief once he figured out he wasn't so late for the platform. He stood amongst the drunk businessmen and the few occasional students that wondered about. Hugging his school bag close to himself, Akira settled himself against the wall. He was a few feet away from the young girl but jumped when he heard her almost yell. Being the good samaritan that he was, he turned to the girl and gently spoke out to her.

"Is everything alright? Do you need help?"

She eyed the gathering group around her, the commonly narrowed eyes she had suddenly widening. She rubbed the back of her head, flipping her bright green hair.

"Like hell I'd give you my phone, this thing probably already is a virus. Also, shouldn't I be asking you the same thing? Unless you guys have an insane amount of free time like I do..."

*Gamma looks at the small crowd gathered around the girl. He seems tired, yet used to this sort of occurence. Like a factory worker who's been in his position for months, he decides to ignore the others attempts to get the girl's phone, and focuses on calming her down. As such, he speaks with a smile, and an obviously forced optimism in his voice*

I simply stayed at a lake for too long. I was on my way home when I saw you just standing here. Most kids your age would be with their family well before now, so I thought I would see what's up. You don't have to tell me a thing of course.

Akira awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. He looked upon the other group of people and noticed he looked like some awkward suitor towards the young girl. Akira sighed and toyed with one of the curls of his hair. He should back down considering the others around him.

"Right, right. Sorry if I scared you off or something." Akira muttered under his breath. He couldn't go in and act like a hero outside the metaverse. The world was facing harsh times where people couldn't trust one another with their earsers much less a phone.

She gave a smile and chuckled, her voice still decently loud but probably because she didn't know how to monitor her voice after being muffled so long.

"Well, you don't seem like bad people, so I guess I can let you in on this, not like it's a super major personal issue or anything. There's this freaky looking app on my phone that won't go away, take a look."

She held out her hand, pointing to an app on her phone, a small red icon that might be recognizable to the others appearing on the screen.

*Gamma recognizes the app, and decides to take a step back. He seems totally bored, aside from the fact his eyes keep wandering between the girl and the rest of the group*
*Gamma speaks nonchalantly, and puts his arms behind his back in an attempt to seem even more relaxed*
Afraid that doesn't look familiar. You tried deleting it yet? Who knows what it could be.

Akira returned her smile and softly thanked her for trusting him with her phone. Akira lifted his glasses up to his forehead and squinted at the app. Akira wished he hadn't taken off his glasses. It didn't shield the shock on his face upon learning the girl had a Navi app. Not only did his mind swarm with shock but he was also worried for the other. What possible dangers could occur now that she had the Navi app? Would she be transported to a palace like him and Ryuji upon their first time finding the app? No, Akira had to keep calm. He needed to figure out a way calmly settle this.

"I have the same app on my phone, too." Akira replied and gave her back her phone. He took his own phone out and showed her the app on his. Well, she could be safe if you never figured out the coordinates of a palace but knowing fate, it was unlikely.

She shook her head and huffed a sigh. Her eyes were darting around all over the place, clearly she wasn't comfortable with looking strangers in the eye, but talking with them didn't seem too problematic.

"I even tried a system reset, killed the OS, nothing. Still kept popping up. It's really freaky too, and I can't track its activity with any other apps or settings on my phone. What a weird little thi-"

She immediately paused when Akira said he'd seen the app before, her shy gaze setting on him and locking itself there.

"You've seen it?! What does it do? Why is it on my phone? Where'd it come from? Is it dangerous?"

It's not dangerous at all! It makes you were meant to save the universe! That is the metanav. An app that let's you go into someone's heart. Not literally though.

I have it on my phone too!

*Gamma remains a little ways away from the group. His eyes are squarely on Akira now. He seems to notice that Akira is more experienced with these matters than most. However, he still has the presence of mind to reply*

Interesting... Have you tried actually opening the app? Might be worth seeing what it does, no?

Akira paused. The other's strangers explanation had set all eyes on him and he must not be exposed as the phantom thief considering all events that had taken place. He took a deep breath and faked another smile and calmed his composure. "Well," Akira began. "Not to alarm you but that app is indeed malicious for those unprepared for its effects. I've had experiences with this app before. Let me walk you home so you're at least safe."

Akira knew what he said was alarming in itself but how else was he supposed to put it when someone else had given away the app's true meaning without proper explanation. He knew as the leader of the phantom thief that without someone experienced, the other could get hurt. Akira had no idea how he would have managed without Morgana and he didn't want the girl to suffer the possible fate.

She raises a brow at the varied responses and seemingly gets more suspicious, but she avoids confrontation about it.

"I tried but it's kinda confusing to navigate. I don't really get the interface at all. If you know something about it why don't you just say it already. What have I been selected for a secret evil society or something?"

*Gamma seems to relax a little, relieved that someone else thought it unwise to simply start talking about such unusual things. He allows himself to look at the girl again, though he remains wary of Akira, Gamma gestures towards him as he speaks with a smile*

I'm afraid I don't know much about it. Simply saw it on my own phone one day. However, this kid seems to know what's going on. So I'm with you that I'd like for him to explain exactly what this app is and means.

Akira merely laughed at her conclusion. His tone lighthearted and calming. "Something of that sort but I guess... How should I put it?"

The teen's brows furrowed as the looked deep in thought. Usually Morgana was there to explain such oddities to other MetaNav users but he, unfortunately, had stuck the poor cat with Sojiro for the night as he went to study with Makoto. Akira's lips drew into a thin line. His face finally serious. "It's not quite something that's really understandable. If anything, that app is beyond our conception. It-" Akira looked around him for good measure before responding. "It needs a certain 'key word' to navigate. Usually these key terms relates to an individual's whose known for being corrupt. Then you're taken out of the realm you and I know and are put into theirs. It's usually a palace of some sort for their most inner dark desires. I know this is all strange and alarming to you but I have that app, too. I've experienced it first hand and I don't want you to somehow get hurt from it."

She was as baffled as ever, staring around the area. Clearly she was getting uncomfortable.

"Uhh... Are you okay? Maybe on some medication or something. You can't be serious about all this... did I mention you have a quick mind being able to come up with all this on the spot. Perhaps we got off on the wrong foot. Yoshiko Takenomi, pleasure to meet you... I think. My 'friends' call me Takeno if you like. So what's your name...?"

Akira merely sighed. He expected this much to happen but either way. He attempted to maintain his calm and collected composure. He knew there was no way the other would be able to understand all that he was saying in one sitting. He would have to show her but he didn't want to expose her to such events if she was in denial.

"Akira Kurusu. Feel free to call me Akira and perhaps you're right. I've been seeing a local doctor who isn't very well known for her "accurate" medical practice but please. Let me walk you home. I haven't been able to get rid of the app on my phone and perhaps something bad would happen. There's always safety in numbers." Akira reassured with one of his dealbreaking smiles.

*Gamma lets out a sigh, as he steps closer to the group again. He's done putting on a friendly demeanor, and instead adopts a more business-like approach, offering a hand to Takeno*

Nice to meet you miss Takeno. You may call me Gamma. I know it sounds a bit ridiculous, but its what most people call me. I hope you two do not mind if I accompany you as well. Akira here said it himself, safer to go in a group, is it not?

Takeno looked a little uncomfortable but she shrugged anyways. She walked slowly to the entrance of the underground walkway.

"I don't live far away, should be about a 20 minute walk. But I'm warning you, try anything funny and I'll ring your neck with these headphones, got it?!"

Take looked pretty fierce, but the threat was obviously hollow. She had nothing on her that was dangerous and her physique was hardly optimal for fist fighting.

*Gamma seems almost happy to hear Takeno's threat. At the very least, he loosens up a little and only glances at Akira as he follows Takeno*

Of course, I would never even consider such a thing. Though I'm sure you're capable of defending yourself, may as well discourage the more reckless folks.

*Gamma glances at Akira as he says this. He clearly doesn't trust Akira, but thinks better of saying anything about it*

Akira put his hands up in defense to show her that he truly meant no home. He looked over at Gamma. The other had done quite the 180 back there but he didn't suspect much out of him. The other did have the app on his phone but Akira presumed he could trust him just a bit.

"Alright, Takeno. Feel free to lead the way. I'll follow right beside you." Akira reassured. He gestured the other to lead the way and followed her. Akira attempted to make idle small talk in order to gain the other's trust to some degree. Of course, they did step off on wrong footing from Akira trying to explain the app but he didn't want to seem more like a creep than he already did.

*A strange girl runs through, her chrome reflecting the light in all directions as she makes her way past everyone, including Takeno. Her long blue ponytail and a messenger bag wave behind her like banners as she runs and makes her way out of the walkway. She takes a moment as she brushes past Takeno and nods*

"Yo, sorry Miss Greenie. Didn't mean tah shove yeh. I'm in a bitta a rush, so sorry!"

*She turns and keeps going to whatever her destination may be...*

Take took a few glances at Gamma and Akira but she didn't really bother looking at them throughout most of their walk.

"So are you two out here normally? I usually get a good idea of the regulars out here but I'm not known for being the most... aware."

Take barely even noticed the girl until she brushed by, not really bothering to stop walking, but her pathing did alter a little.

"Is it just me or does she have a bit of a shine? I'm seeing some weird stuff lately..."

Akira had relaxed during the walk. He allowed himself to relax and allowed a natural smile to set in. Of course, he was still on guard. He was waiting for the the off chance that the app would plunge them into the metaverse. He was ready to protect the both of them in case that time happens.

Akira had been lost in thought until Takeno suddenly spoke. He let out a soft hum and glanced at the girl. He listened to her question fully and softly chuckled. "Well, of course, you aren't the most aware."

Akira gestured to the other's headphones by lightly tapping on them. "I'm usually not out this late. I was over at a friend's house studying. I'm also fairly new to the area. I just moved here for the meanwhile." Akira informed. "What about the both of you? It can't hurt to know new people."

*Gamma relaxes more as the group walks on, he would still glance at Akira occasionally, but is much more willing to take his eyes off of Akira as their walk progresses. His attention is drawn by the strange girl, but he doesn't say anything to them. Instead focusing more on Takeno*

I've been out here before, but normally not this late. There's a lake outside the city that I like to visit occasionally. It seems I lingered there too long and ended up late. There are definitely all sorts of strange things around here, but you probably noticed some accessory of hers and attributed it to them. After all, she did run by in a hurry.

Take shrugged again, holding her hands together. She squinted at Akira for a moment.

"Studying this late? Either you're dedicated or clearly up to something. I won't judge! I live around here so naturally I hang out around here. Though, I only started really talking to people recently. Or more accurately, listening. It was actually around the time I got this app that I started doing that..."

*Gamma seems somewhat intrigued by the timing of the apps appearance*

And what is it that you've been hearing? Perhaps there's some sort of relationship between this change and the app. After all, these sorts of things are rarely a result of coincidence, are they not?

"Sure, whatever you say. I don't remember much of the conversation but it was something to do with leaving for somewhere... I thought it was some video game but I heard a conversation about a place called... Memos.. yeah I think that's right."

Take adjusted her head phones and looked around, pointing at a decently generic looking house. She examined the lights, noting that the house seemed dormant.

"That's home. I doubt Father will be home today, he's usually pretty busy. He'd still be waiting to scold me to death if he were home."

*Gamma nods, seeming to understand what Takeno was talking about. He then searches his pockets to find some scratch paper, and begins to write down a set of numbers*

I know this likely seems sudden, but would you mind if I gave you my phone number? Of course, if you're the one who has it I won't be able to bother you, but if anything... Strange happens you will be able to contact me and I may be able to help. Don't worry about it, just keep it as a bit of a precaution I suppose.

*he finishes writing down his phone number and extends the scrap of paper towards Takeno*

"Wow, how forward! I wouldn't take you for the flirtatious type. I'm kidding of course... I'll be sure to let you know. I hope I'm not getting looped up in something I'm gonna regret later..."

She reached for the paper and started folding it up until the paper started resisting her efforts. Her soft greyish eyes settled on Gamma directly as opposed to elsewhere.

"You guys said something about navigating earlier... If this thing really is a navigator... Sorry just thinking out loud."

*Gamma chuckles a little at the joke, seems somewhat relieved at the promise. He seems to be genuinely smiling as he answers*

It's a navigator of sorts... Not very useful under most circumstances, but well, let's just say this world's a lot weirder than you might think.

*Gamma checks his phone, and begins speaking hurriedly*

My apologies miss, I seem to have lost track of the time again. I really ought to be heading home, especially now that you're back safely. Until we meet again I suppose.
*Gamma waves at Takeo as he walks off, back in the direction they came*