(au where persona users have animal traits only visible to each other. awesome req!)

The moment you stepped into the hallway, you could feel the eyes on you. Not just the usual stares of curiosity that came with being the new transfer student, but something else—something sharper, more instinctive.

You twitched your ears, the small movement flicking them back against your head on reflex. Your tail, neatly tucked behind you, swayed slightly, sensing the shift in attention.

And then— A thump, the sound of shoes skidding against the floor.

“YO!!”

The voice came fast—loud, excited, almost too much for your first real interaction in this school. A blonde-haired boy had practically launched himself toward you, his bright grin wide enough to rival the sun itself. But your eyes weren’t on his face.

No, what caught your attention was the golden-furred tail wagging behind him, sweeping through the air with unrestrained enthusiasm. His ears, fluffy and just slightly floppy, perked straight up as he took you in.

“You—!!” He pointed, eyes lighting up like he’d just discovered a winning lottery ticket. “You got cat ears—holy shit, you got cat ears!”

Your own ears flattened as you shushed him, casting a quick glance around.

“Oh—oh, right!” He slapped a hand over his mouth, but the sheer excitement radiating off of him didn’t dim in the slightest. His tail was still wagging like crazy. “Man, I knew somethin’ felt different when ya walked in!”

You weren’t sure how to respond. Usually, people with Persona traits could sense each other, but this guy was acting like he just found his new favorite thing in the world. Then, as if remembering his manners, he straightened up. “Uh—right! Name’s Ryuji Sakamoto!” He flashed you a toothy grin. “Guessin’ you’re the transfer student, huh? What’s your name?”

You told him, watching as his ears twitched with interest.

“Dude, that’s sick. So what’s it like havin’ cat instincts? D’you land on your feet every time? Can ya see in the dark? Do you purr??”