#shinjiro being a cooking guy made me so happy

[minhtblue]

cooking up some katsudon with shinjiro \o/

[crescentfool]

hi! do you perhaps have more thoughts on your p3 actor au? cause I cannot for the life of me stop thinking about it

i hope you're having a wonderful day!! 💖

hi anon, i hope you didn't mind the wait for me to answer this ask! wanted to put some thought into it 🙏

for the p3 actor au i think these could be some fun thoughts. mostly blooper/cut-content oriented because i'm that kind of person:

elizabeth's actress is one of those people who literally lives their role (nearly identical to it), even when the cameras aren't rolling. i love thinking about SEES hanging out and they're like "you know we aren't filming, right?" (but they appreciate her quirky nature)

minato's actor sometimes brings his switch to set and may play it during his break times. i like to think that at some point his headphones accidentally unplug while he's playing and then whatever scene going on needs to be refilmed because there was a "WOOMY" noise in the background.

i think that aigis and ryoji's actors should be best friends, actually. as a treat. this is self-indulgent of me, really. unfortunately i can't elaborate.

re: aigis's costume design, i think that there won't be much green-screening needed (since cosplayers have managed to make the design before! which is really impressive!). compared to everyone else though, i think she'd have the longest make-up routine/prep-time... sorry to aigis's actress 😔

pharos would be played by a child actor and i think he should be friend's with ken's actor. i don't know how that would work but ken should have some more people his age on set tbh 🤧

ryoji's actor definitely got his scarf snagged on something during filming... maybe the escalator at port island station...? in a similar vein, i would not be surprised if chidori's headband or aigis's shoulder part fell off mid-filming and they had to take a temporary break afterwards.

on the show's social media, for halloween, the cast took a special featherman-inspired photo! but also i think it'd be cute if the actors went to a haunted house together and filmed their interactions.... not that it'd be much scarier than tartarus, LOL. i can see yukari just being fed up with junpei's attempt to make the visit even scarier than it needs to be.

i think if anything about the show/set would be leaked online... it would be through junpei's instagram live or something like that 😔 i am very sorry about this but also i think that junpei would be very happy and proud of the cast's work. he'd just be so happy and be like "HEY GUYS check out what the director sent-" and all the comments is everyone else telling him "NO"

i think shinjiro, fuuka, and hamuko would occasionally cook group meals for the set! nothing beats a good ol' home-made meal! 🥺 and really, i think shinjiro would make nice gestures and just help the others on cast a lot, even after october 4th is filmed.

also something that has vaguely crossed my mind: "the cast of persona 3 reads your tweets / posts." specifically akihiko and mitsuru... i just think that they'd both be fun yknow 🥴

this is silly but i think that during december 3rd when ryoji comes and gives his lil' info-dump on what SEES has to do- he should sneeze in the middle of it. ruin the immersion y'know 😎

also in general i think it's cute whenever there's cast interviews or "see how well the cast members know each other" (and those kind of things..?). other than the full-cast, i think i can see there being group interviews with the senpai trio™ (mitsuru, akihiko, shinjiro), ryominaigis + hamuko, the second years (fuuka + junpei + yukari), etc. etc. any grouping could make for some fun questions!

and lastly.. obligatory ryomina because this is me we're talking about... ryoji has absolutely gone off script during some scenes. i could see him either referencing that one evangelion thing (i was born to meet you) or just turning it into a confession scene... LMAO.

okay that was. a LOT more thoughts than i thought i had, oops!! admittedly i have not thought about this au in FOREVER so it was nice to think about it again!!! i tried to make it a bit more balanced in terms of giving more than one character spotlight

thank you for the nice wishes anon- and i hope you enjoy the thoughts on p3 actor au! have a lovely day and take care 💗

[randoimago]

Persona 3 for the ask game?

I like how even if I do a little self indulgent Ask Game, Persona is still the most asked for fandom 😂

Ask Game Here

3 male characters I love: Akihiko, Shinjiro (😭), Ryoji

3 female characters I love: Rio, Fuuka, Saori (ngl I almost put Yukiko here as a joke cause I do love her and was so happy by that little cameo)

3 romantic ships I love: Tbh I don't really know much about the ships for P3 besides seeing a lot of things about Makoto/Yukari being like the canon ship. If I have to choose what I like based on what I've seen in game though...

Rio/Kenji (she deserves better), Chidori/Junpei (they both deserved better), Akihiko/Kotone (I romanced everyone - besides Ken - that I could on FeMC route and I loved the Akihiko/Kotone stuff)

3 platonic dynamics I love: Mitsuru/Yukari (Coworkers/one-sided enemies to Best friends was really nice), Akihiko/Shinjiro (😭😭), Yuko/Rio (their friendship is really cute ngl)

3 favorite moments in canon:

I love in Shinjiro's Social Link, just him trying to teach Fuuka to cook because I've known Fuuka couldn't cook for the longest time (since her SL began much earlier), but it was very funny to watch him try to fix that mess. It was a cute moment too.

Seeing baby Yukiko was so much fun ngl. Getting to just see that area of Persona 4 and then staying at the Amagi Inn was such a cool little cameo thing to do in P3P. It made me really happy.

Junpei's relationship with Chidori was so good tbh, I was very suspicious in the beginning (like most people I'd assume), but the way that they got closer and Junpei being the only one she really trusted. Not to mention that her Persona became his?? God it was heartbreaking and so sweet.

3 favorite headcanons:

The fact that Akihiko was apparently a crybaby as a little kid (solidarity), I love the idea of just Shinjiro causing Akihiko to cry and then being awkward with trying to comfort Akihiko but also not wanting to suck up his pride and apologize. Mini Akihiko going, "I'm not crying!" while bawling his eyes out is so adorably pathetic.

Shinjiro being a reluctant mom to the others. Cooking dinner and making sure they all sit the fuck down and eat. Doesn't care if Junpei doesn't like vegetables, Shinjiro won't cook him anything else if he doesn't eat them. Fuuka can only help in the kitchen if all the things are measured out. She can just pour ingredients in the bowl under his supervision. It's tiring, but Shinjiro does have a small smile on his face since it does feel like everyone coming together as a family.

Chidori and Junpei would've exchanged pictures. She'd draw different things for him and he'd attempt to draw too, not doing a good job, but it's still fun. They'd co-draw something one time and Chidori wouldn't edit a single line of Junpei's because she loves the fact that he's even trying for her.

3 least favorite things about it:

I only played P3P so I don't know a whole lot about P3, but I do remember when I started playing that the audio is so crunchy. I was unbelievably worried that it was going to be that bad throughout the whole game (it wasn't, but that first fight was bad sound wise)

I've only played as FeMC and I wish she had more options. I love how much more chaotic she seems to Makoto, but maybe let me smooch more of the guys pls and thank you (this is more of a nit-picky thing than anything). Oh the Ken "romance" is very not it too (I didn't do it, but the fact that it's an option is not great). I thought that'd be a yikes even back when this game was released, but what do I know.

This is probably also a nit-picky thing, but I really wish you could move around like you can in P4 and P5. The visual novel style isn't bad, but I really enjoyed being able to just walk around different locations instead of moving a joystick and hope that I click on something interact-able.

[houseisekai]

House Isekai: Valentine’s Day Special

House Isekai Masterlist

----

[Mezame no Waltz - Gakkou Gurashi OST]

Yuki hummed happily as she stepped through the dorms of Garreg Mach Monastery, boxes of chocolates in her arms.

She finally arrived at the entrance to House Isekai’s classroom and opened the door.

Inside, Byleth, Megumi, Towa, Sharon, Doomguy, Sara, Angelica, and Cocytus turned to look at her.

(Megumi) “Yuki-chan?”

(Angelica) “Oh yikes, that’s a lotta boxes!”

Angelica, Sharon, Doomguy, and Towa walked over to Yuki and helped take some of the boxes.

Each one of them had a box yet Yuki still had a tower in her arms as she sat them down on the table.

(Yuki) “Whew, thank you! That was getting heavy!”

(Sara) “Are these chocolates?”

(Yuki) “Yup! I made these with Mercedes, Ashe, and Dedue! We made it for everyone in House Isekai!”

Yuki excitedly grabbed the boxes and handed them individually to the staff members.

(Byleth) “We appreciate it, but what’s the occasion?”

(Yuki) “Well, Fodlan seems to share the same calendar as most of us, and right now it’s February 14th! Which means its Valentine’s day! Normally these are given to the people you love in our world, so that’s why I’m giving it to everyone!”

(Byleth) “Valen...tine’s?”

(Cocytus) “AH, I BELIEVE I HAVE SOME KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THIS HOLIDAY. LORD AINZ HAS MULTIPLE ITEMS WITH THE NAME OF VALENTINES, RANGING FROM ARMOR TO WEAPONS WITH HEARTS ON THEM.”

(Sara) “...So, when you say hearts you mean-”

(Cocytus) “NOT ACTUAL HEARTS.”

(Sara) “Ok, figured. Just wanted to make sure, we never know with your group-”

(Towa) “A-Anyways! Yuki, thank you so much!”

(Megumi) “You still have a lot of boxes Yuki-chan, do you need our help?”

(Yuki) “Nope! I know you guys are really busy, so leave it all to me!”

(Sharon) “If that is what you wish. Again, thank you very much, Miss Yuki!”

Yuki saluted the staff and walked off with significantly less boxes in her arms.

Doomguy was the first one to open his box of chocolates.

It seemed fairly standard, heart shaped chocolates, but several appeared to be something similar to dog treats. They had the label “For Daisy.”

And more importantly, he had a note specifically for him.

“For Slayer: Thank you for being so nice, even though you can be really scary!”

Doomguy was seen smiling through his helmet as everyone else opened theirs.

“For Towa: Thank you for working so hard!”

“For Angelica: Thank you for not hitting on us!”

“For Cocytus: Thank you for teaching Kurumi how to fight!”

“For Sara: Thank you for looking out for us and Megunee!”

“For Sharon: Thank you for being House Isekai’s retainer!”

“For Byleth: Thank you for everything you’ve done for us!”

“For Megu-nee: Thank you for being the best teacher ever!”

Everyone looked back at the door smiling. Except Angelica.

(Megumi) “Yuki-chan...”

(Sara) “Hah, bet she’ll lighten someone’s day.”

(Angelica) “...Do I really hit on people that much?”

(Everyone) “Yes.”

Rest of House Isekai under the cut!

Abyss, Denizens of Nazarick’s Room

[Oath of Loyalty to the Supreme Being - OVERLORD OST]

After saying hello to Yuri and the other Ashen Wolves, they directed Yuki to where Ainz’s group was.

Ainz knocked on the door politely and waited.

There was no response for a minute before she heard something behind her.

Turning around, Demiurge was right in front of her, looking down.

(Demiurge) “Ah, Miss Takeya. To what do we owe the pleasure?”

(Yuki) “Valentine’s Day! I’m giving everyone some chocolates, including you Mister Demiurge!”

He took a moment to examine one of the boxes and sure enough, there were labels for each member, including Ainz.

Demiurge nodded and opened the door for her.

(Demiurge) “Right this way.”

As she followed Demiurge, she failed to notice that several members were now eyeing her suspiciously.

(Shalltear) “Oh, it’s her.”

(Aura) “Weird, Yuki’s got a lot of boxes.”

Demiurge stopped in front of Ainz, who was in the center of the room with Albedo, overlooking a war table of some sort.

Ainz looked at Demiurge, then at Yuki.

(Ainz) “I see we have a delivery.”

(Demiurge) “So it would seem, my lord.”

(Yuki) “Yup, I got a box for everyone here!”

This made Ainz curious. Yuki making something for them?

(Ainz) “Everyone, to the center of the room.”

Everyone in the room dropped what they were doing and followed Ainz’s instruction, getting on one knee.

Ainz grabbed a box and opened it up.

“For Ainz: Thank you for being a good friend to everyone, despite our differences!”

(Ainz) “Ah, a Valentine’s box.”

(Yuki) “Oh, you know what it is too, Ainz?”

(Ainz) Lots of Valentine’s events happened when I was playing Yggdrasil. Never cared too much about these since I never had a girlfriend or whatever but...eh. Made for fun collectables throughout the years. Why discard this one? “Yes, I do. Thank you very much.”

(Shalltear and Albedo) “WHAT?!”

[Shut up, lower life form - Overlord OST]

Ainz immediately noticed that they were frothing with rage.

(Ainz) Shit! That’s right, they think this is solely romantic! “AHEM! Do you have a problem with this gift, you two?”

(Albedo) “Of course, Lord Ainz! How could the man I love accept a gift so precious and romantic from...FROM HER OF ALL PEOPLE?!”

(Shalltear) “IT’S UNACCEPTABLE!”

(Ainz) You got to be fucking kidding me-

(Yuki) “Romantic? But these are friendship chocolates! I made everyone here friendship chocolates, including you two!”

(Ainz) Oh thank god.

Yuki grabbed their boxes and happily walked over to them.

Albedo and Shalltear looked at each other with an eyebrow raised, then opened the box.

Sure enough:

“For Shalltear: Thank you for protecting us when we’re in the Monastery!”

“For Albedo: Thank you for protecting us when we’re in battles!”

(Albedo & Shalltear) “...Oh.”

Demiurge, Aura, Mare, Sebas, Pandora’s Actor and the Pleiades got their chocolates as well.

“For Demiurge: Thank you for giving us the knowledge of Fodlan!”

“For Aura & Mare: Thank you for being someone the younger students of House Isekai can talk to!”

“For Sebas: Thank you for helping Sharon and the other staff out!”

“For Pandora’s Actor: Thank you for always making us laugh with your fantastic performances!”

“For the Pleiades: Thank you for keeping us safe!”

(Yuki) “Anyways, that’s all I wanted to do! Thank you for your time!”

Yuki bowed and quickly left the room.

Ainz slowly turned to Albedo and Shalltear, who started sweating.

(Ainz) “Of all the people to be skeptical of, you really chose Yuki...?”

S.E.E.S, Dormitory

[Iwatodai Dorm - Persona 3 OST]

(Minako) “Oh, hey Yuki-senpai!”

(Yuki) “Hello! Happy Valentine’s!”

Everyone turned to the door and saw Yuki unloading chocolates.

(Junpei) “Oh, sweet! Chocolates!”

(Yukari) “Jeez, the year flew by so fast!”

As Yuki handed the chocolates out, some of S.E.E.S spoke amongst themselves.

(Akihiko) “Can’t believe she’s the same age as us.”

(Mitsuru) “It is a bit weird, isn’t it?”

(Shinjiro) “Who cares how old she is? She’s more considerate than some people I know here.”

(Akihiko) “Hmph.”

(Koromaru) Bark!

(Aigis) “Yuki-chan, Koromaru wishes to have some chocolates.”

(Yuki) “Oh, sorry! I don’t think you can eat any of these, but don’t worry! We did make a tasty treat for you!”

Koromaru wagged his tail excitedly.

(Ken) “Thanks, Yuki-senpai!”

(Junpei) “I think this is the first time I’ve gotten chocolates from a girl-”

(Yukari) “Jeez, Stupei! Is that ALL you can think of right now?! This is obviously friendship chocolate!”

(Junpei) “Hey, what’s that supposed to mean? I was just makin’ an observation!”

(Fuuka) “A-Anyways, thank you so much!”

(Yuki) “Sure thing!”

(Minato) “...You could at least say thank you before stuffing your face, Minako.”

(Minako) “Huerh?Owhrite!Thamfkyu!”

Minato rolled his eyes and finally noticed the note written to him.

“For Minato: Thank you for being so nice!”

“For Minako: Thank you for helping Yuuri out with her problems!”

“For Fuuka: Thank you for helping me with tech problems!”

“For Junpei: Thank you for helping Kurumi how to fight better!”

“For Yukari: Thank you for teaching Miki how to use a bow!”

“For Mitsuru: Thank you for being smart to help us out in battle!”

“For Akihiko: Thank you for helping Kurumi train!”

“For Shinjiro: Thank you for teaching me how to cook!”

“For Aigis: Thank you for protecting us in battle!”

“For Koromaru: Thank you for playing with me!”

“For Ken: Thank you for your help with studying!”

(Yuki) “Okay, that’s it for this group, I have to go now!”

S.E.E.S waved her off as she left the dormroom.

(Minako) “Hah, being nice? That’s a first-”

(Minato) “Piss off.”

Investigation Team, Dormitory

[Signs of Love - Persona 4 OST]

(Teddie) “Hey, it’s Yuki-chan!”

(Yu) “Hey, what’s with the boxes?”

(Yuki) “Valentine’s!”

(Chie) “Jeez, that’s a lotta boxes! Here, lemme help you with that!”

(Rise) “Oh, that’s so nice of you, Yuki-senpai! Thanks so much!”

(Teddie) “Is...Is this a confession?! I don’t know what to say!”

(Yosuke) “It’s not a confession, idiot! It’s friendship chocolate!”

(Teddie) “Yikes! It was just a joke! Why do you sound so angry? What, do you have firsthand experience on getting nothing but friendship chocolate?”

(Yukiko) SNRK!

(Naoto) “Thank you for your gift, Yuki-senpai.”

(Kanji) “Cool, love chocolate! Thanks man!”

“For Yu: Thanks for always taking the time to help out Yuuri!”

“For Yosuke: Thanks for being like a big brother!”

“For Chie: Thank you for being like a big sister!”

“For Yukiko: Thank you for the gag glasses and making us laugh!”

“For Teddie: Thanks for always making me smile!”

“For Naoto: Thank you for spending time with Miki!”

“For Rise: Thanks for helping us with the Ball concert!”

“For Kanji: Thanks for teaching me how to knit cute animals!”

(Yuki) “Alright, I have a few more stops to make, catch you later!”

Everyone said goodbye as she walked out the room.

(Yosuke) “...Wait a second, when did you give Yuki gag glasses?!”

(Yukiko) “That would ruin the surprise!”

(Chie) “Ugh, great. I thought we got rid of all those by now...”

Phantom Thieves, Dormitory

[No More What Ifs (Instrumental) - Persona 5 Royal]

(Yuki) “Hello, Valentine’s delivery!”

(Akira) “Oh, it’s already Valentine’s?”

(Ann) “I didn’t even know Fodlan had one!”

(Makoto) “They most likely don’t, but they do share our calendar year. I suppose it makes sense for those from our world to celebrate it.”

(Ryuji) “Eff yeah, hand that stuff over!”

(Haru) “Oh, how thoughtful!”

(Yusuke) “Hm, it has been a while since I’ve had any food...”

(Futaba) “Dude, you get FREE food for being a student, how the heck have you not eaten?!”

(Morgana) “Hmph...Wish I could cook chocolate, then I could give mine to lady A-”

(Kasumi) “Thank you, Yuki-senpai!”

(Akechi) “...You know how I am and you’re still giving me chocolate? Ugh, fine whatever, hand it over.”

“For Akira: Thank you for being so fearless in fighting!”

“For Ann: Thank you for all the sweets you’ve shared with me!”

“For Ryuji: Thank you for teaching us how to run and fight better!”

“For Yusuke: Thank you for your wonderful paintings of our class!”

“For Morgana: Thank you for driving us all around Fodlan!”

“For Futaba: Thank you for playing video games with me and Kazuma!”

“For Makoto: Thank you for teaching me how to be a better student!”

“For Haru: Thank you for teaching us how to garden!”

“For Kasumi: Thank you for teaching us how to protect ourselves and jump out the way of danger!”

“For Akechi: Even though you don’t like a lot of us, me included probably, thank you for all that you’ve done for us!”

(Yuki) “Okay, 3 more groups to go, see you all around!”

(Akira) “How sweet of her.”

Akechi stared at his box, then shrugging, making no comment as he ate his chocolate.

Class VII, Dormitory

[Afterschool Hours - The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel OST]

(Emma) “Oh, hello Yuki!”

(Yuki) “Hello, I have Valentine’s chocolate for everyone!”

(Millium) “OOOH, CHOCOLATE! GIMME GIMME!”

(Fie) “Thanks.”

(Elliot) “Oh, thank you, Yuki!”

(Laura) “I believe this is the first time I’ve gotten something like this.”

(Machias) “It is very much appreciated.”

(Jusis) “You have my thanks.”

(Alisa) “Aww, thank you!”

(Gaius) “These don’t look half bad, thanks.”

(Crow) “Hell yeah, hand that good stuff over!”

(Emma) “Thank you!”

(Rean) “If you needed some help passing these out, we would’ve been glad to, you know!”

“For Rean: Thank you for everything that you do for House Isekai, don’t wear yourself out too much!”

“For Alisa: Thank you for teaching me how to use the bow!”

“For Elliot: Thank you for teaching us how to play music for the concert during the ball!”

“For Laura: Thank you for giving Kurumi combat lessons!”

“For Machias: Thank you for teaching Miki how to play chess!”

“For Fie: Thank you for teaching me how to nap anywhere!”

“For Gaius:  Thank you for teaching me how to paint!”

“For Emma: Thank you for teaching me how to be a better student!”

“For Jusis: Thank you for helping us out with the more physical chores!”

“For Millium: Thank you for always making us smile!”

“For Crow: Thank you for teaching me how to gamble!”

(Yuki) “Okay, two more to go! See you later!”

(Rean) “Crow...”

(Crow) “’Sup, Rean-bean?”

(Rean) “When did you teach Yuki-”

(Crow) “GOT TO GO.”

Konosuba Gang, Mess Hall

[You should have many companions - Konosuba OST]

Kazuma sat alone on the docks as he was fishing, Megumin, Darkness, and Aqua not too far behind, speaking to each other.

(Aqua) “Oh, hey Yuki!”

(Kazuma) “Yo.”

(Yuki) “I got chocolate for you four!”

(Megumin) “Oh, sweet!”

(Darkness) “Ah, thank you dear.”

(Kazuma) “Put it over here, yeah?”

Yuki nodded and gave everyone their chocolate.

“For Aqua: Thank you for your water tricks!”

“For Darkness: Thank you for always protecting us!”

“For Megumin: Thank you for casting the coolest explosions ever!”

“For Kazuma: Thank you for always being so nice to me. And to everyone when they really need it. I know you don’t get along with Kurumi well, but it means a lot that you try to.”

(Yuki) “Okay, I got 3 left! See you later guys!”

Kazuma didn’t say anything as he smiled, looking at the box.

He shook his head and continued fishing, putting a chocolate in his mouth.

(Kazuma) “...Being so nice, huh?”

School-Living Club, Dormitory

[Yasashisa ni Fureta Toki - Gakkou Gurashi OST]

(Yuuri) “Welcome back, Yuki-chan.”

(Kurumi) “Busy day, I take it?”

(Miki) “Are those boxes?”

(Yuki) “Yup, handed them out to everyone in House Isekai! I saved the best group for last!”

Yuki gave the final three boxes to them and smiled.

(Yuki) “Happy Valentine’s!”

“For Yuuri: Thank you for getting us through the hard times we had in our world, and for never failing to look out for us, even when it hurts yourself to..”

“For Kurumi: Thank you for protecting the three of us, from last world and even now.”

“For Miki: Thank you for becoming my friend, and for joining the School-Living Club.”

Yuuri put the chocolate down and smiled. She gave Yuki a hug, which Kurumi joined in.

(Kurumi) “Come on, not gonna join in?”

(Miki) “I-I think I’m good, thank you!”

(Kurumi) “GET OVER HERE-”

(Miki) “WAH!?-”

Kurumi reached over and had Miki join in the group hug.

Miki was flustered for a moment before just sighing and embracing her fate.

Yuki had a tear running down her eye as she hugged them back.

(Yuki) “W-Why...am I crying? We’re all together...So...Why...?”

(Everyone) “...”

Yuuri, Kurumi, and Miki hugged each other tighter as sniffles from Yuki were beginning to grow louder.

Megumi looked through the door and wanted to say something, but heard a voice behind her.

(Sara) “...You haven’t told Yuki what happened to you, yet?”

(Megumi) “...No. I’ve been trying to find the right time.”

She smiled at seeing her students safe. Even though she didn’t know Miki all too well, she was glad they had found another survivor.

That means there were still people alive other than them. There had to be.

(Sara) “Well, I won’t tell you when to speak to them but, if you don’t act, then you may lose that chance forever. Not many people get a second chance like you.”

Megumi stared at her arm where the infected’s bite used to be. It was thanks to Aqua that she didn’t turn.

(Megumi) “...Right.”

Sara smiled and hit Megumi’s shoulder.

(Sara) “Come on, let’s grab a drink together. We can complain about our single lives together this Valentine’s.”

(Megumi) “Huh? But that’s never been an issue for me-”

(Sara) “Tonight it will!”

Megumi sighed but smiled, it was going to be a lively night.

Yuki opened the door and saw Megumi walk off with Sara. She wanted to say something to her but instead just smiled.

(Yuki) “I can speak with Megunee later...”

Nodding, she walked through the dorms, humming to herself. Her Valentine’s day plan was a success.

Give something to the friends she loved.

[Harmonize Clover - Gakkou Gurashi OST]

The chit-chat on the way home It's girl's secret, right Even if the 5 o'clock chime rings We talk enough yet, I wonder why?

The small four-leaf clover Fu... swaying in the breeze Hey, of course, yes, of course Hope that tomorrow will be sunny

The road I walked with everyone "The usual place" is the watchword Ah... the sheep cloud that looks like going to be burnt Dazzling Some day, days like these Even if the memories fade Hey... A lot of smile I feel like to give it now

====

Guess this kinda gives away how I feel on Valentine’s, huh? 

To me, Valentine’s is a day where you give appreciation to the people you love. Friends, family, whoever means a lot to you.

So, this is kinda my lame way of saying I appreciate everyone who follows this blog.

If it weren’t for you guys, I wouldn’t have been able to make a blog of this caliber, write something that means so much to me, or even just have fun stupid ideas with ya’ll.

I’ve been writing on tumblr for a long while, but I think this is the first valentine’s where I’ve written something from the heart.

Being able to appreciate House Isekai, something I hold dear to me, with ya’ll.

I hope you all can appreciate this too, with many more posts to come, especially Shadowbringers!

Thanks for your support, love ya guys.

- Chris

[shianhygge-imagines]

Living With Determination (Shinjiro/Reader)

I replayed P3P and just watched all the Persona 3 movies in one go... somebody help my heart. I can’t take it. ;.;

Wrote this because I always play through the game by saving Shinjiro, but I’m never happy because of the end... ;.;

|Masterlist Link|

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“This isn’t a game anymore, Y/N.” the blue butterfly fluttered past you with it’s usual whispers as you ran past it, the echoes of a gun going off bouncing off the walls.

You wanted to go faster, your legs carrying your forward despite the exhaustion and desperation. For you, who had grown too confidant in your abilities to fight off the enemy, it had all been like a game, the mortality of you and your comrades never hitting you in the face. You had been immature. You hadn’t treated anything seriously, always carrying on with that happy go lucky smirk and accepting attitude. But now, as you rounded the corner of the darkened coffin filled alley, you finally learned that the so called “game” that you were playing… was a game of life and death.

The scene before you only served to increase the impact of the realization. The still smoking revolver aimed at the figures on the floor. Cruel and mocking words escaping the Strega member’s filthy mouth. And…

“Blood” you whispered to yourself, mind barely able to process the sight of your lover on the floor, protecting the youngest member of SEES. The rest of your team sprinted forward as you backed away, thoroughly horrified by the sight of all the blood leaving from the wound in Shinjiro’s chest as Akihiko struggled to flip the taller male over. You were standing next to Minato, face the near exact same as the team leader’s; one of abrupt shock and disbelief, like someone finally made it apparent that this was reality. And then, you weren’t standing, you’d sprinted forward with a cry of despair, bringing your Evoker to your temple and summoning your Persona to cast Diarama on Shinjiro over and over again, to no avail. “Diarama!” You called out, beginning to feel weaker and weaker as you sank to your knees next to Akihiko and Shinjiro.

It began to get more and more difficult for you to breathe, and you felt as if your chest was being constricted, tears and sobs escaping your lips, “Shinjiro…” a hitch in your breathing as you struggled to speak, face growing warm as you grasped at your lover’s cooling hands, trying to warm them.“Y-you’re going to be o-okay.” you stuttered out, not really trying to convince the dying teen so much as you were trying to reassure yourself. “Don’t leave me…” you begged, bringing his larger hands up to your lips. “I love you… so much.”

And even when he was dying, those soft and kind brown eyes bore into you with understanding, always concerned about others and not himself. And you choked when Shinjiro gave you a weak smile, using the last of his strength to address you, struggling to move his hand to caress your cheek, where you held it, nuzzling the palm of his hand with desperation. “I’m glad… that I got to meet you… Don’t cry… Y/N… This is how it should be... “

The grip on your hand tightened for a moment as his eyes went glassy, before going limp and falling to your lap. “Shin-ji-ro?” your eyes went wide before scrunching up as you gave in to the sobs, leaning down to cry into his unmoving chest, not caring how much blood got on you.

“As I said, this isn’t a game anymore.” the phantom blue butterfly landed on your hand as you cried, but you could care less. Because Shinjiro was dead.

At first, it had been a game, to get close to everyone... to beat the enemy. But you weren’t sure that you would get so attached. Your happiness when a mission went right, the drop of your gut if your team wasn’t strong enough to handle a tough Shadow whilst in Tartarus... you should have known that everything was becoming a little too personal.

The times after school where you’re run around with Koro-chan in the park... where you and Junpei joked around or decided to mess with Minato a little. And then, that sulky, off-putting senpai of yours decided to rejoin SEES. He’d been intimidating, what with the long unkept brown hair hidden under a beanie which cast a dark shadow over his eyes, giving him his signature glower. Harsh words were thrown at everyone and scoldings whenever he saw something he disapproved of. At first, you wanted nothing to do with him except to become his friend, a challenge that you couldn’t help but tackle.

A game.

But then, you saw more of him. That rough exterior of his gradually dissolved away with your enthusiastic attempts at being friendly. And underneath, you saw the man that Shinjiro Aragaki really was.

He held a soft spot for the young, the damaged, the ones that had a bright future. A passion for cooking and a natural instinct to mother hen anyone neglecting their health. That care to put others before himself. And it had enchanted you, the real Shinjiro. By the end of September of the first time, it wasn’t a game anymore. You genuinely felt love for the stubborn, self-loathing Persona-user. You loved spending time with him, the faint smiles he sent you when listening to you talk about your day.

“Encore, encore!” He’d always exclaim, urging you gently to continue on your long explanations, as if he could never tire of listening to your voice.

Shinjiro... wasn’t like the rest. He was always genuine with you. He was never bored of you; his attention never wavered, brown eyes, gentle and transfixed upon your form.

And now that you thought back, it was like he knew. Shinjiro was always making the effort to preserve you in his memory, to cherish the time he had with you. He had a feeling what would happen... had listened to his heart to cherish the days remaining... but you hadn’t known, too high off the euphoria that he brought you.

But that euphoria didn’t last, did it?

The days after were spent in a depression, falling asleep in Shinjiro’s empty room, going to classes and avoiding the other members of SEES, especially Ken, who you’d previously treated as a little brother. But knowing that it was Ken that had called Shinjiro out that night despite it being Takaya that had pulled the trigger… you couldn’t bring yourself to face the young child, who was no doubt internally beating himself up as well.

“I think… this might be the hardest on Sanada-senpai… Shin-kun…” you whispered, laying on his bed and wrapped in his blanket, staring at the portrait you’d drawn of your late lover. You’d only been with Shinjiro for a month, so you didn’t know him too well, but you knew enough to know that Akihiko and Shinjiro were as good as family. “Should I go to him?” Akihiko was quite off-putting to you, what with his determination to get stronger and stronger, and the reckless lust to fight against the Shadows, but if there was anyone who could understand what you were feeling, it was Akihiko. Even still, your body resisted, and… in the end, you didn’t go to see Akihiko.

The memorial service held at Gekkoukan High School was held a few days after Shinjiro’s death. Almost fittingly, the weather that day was rainy, as if the gods were crying as well. All the students were gathered into the auditorium, yet no matter the mood of the student body, everything felt grey and empty. The first to go up and pay their respects were the third years, going up in groups of five to slowly lay down lilies on the table in front of Shinjiro’s memorial portrait. Meanwhile, you were stuck sitting with your fellow second year SEES members, planted in between Minato and Junpei. The room was mostly silent, and you were content with simply staring at Shinjiro’s face, until the two student in front of you started speaking.

“What a bummer… what does this have anything to do with us?” one of the male students muttered to another.

“Who knows?” his friend replied, equally bored with the memorial service.

“I mean, did you even know Aragaki?”

“How could I have known him? He never came to school, remember?” and you could feel your hands bunch up into fists. “Anyway, who knew that you could really get caught up in these violent incidents?”

“I don’t know if he got caught up in it. Wasn’t it probably just a fight?” You could feel Junpei shaking next to you, and you thought to stop your friend, but the next thing that the student in front of you said, made you lose it as well, “I mean, I’m sure he was that type of guy anyway.”

Junpei stood up abruptly, muttering in a dark tone, “...shut up…”

Taken aback, the students in front of you turned around in confusion, “What?”

“SHUT YOUR FILTHY MOUTH!” You responded, beyond livid that the students had the gall to speak ill about someone they barely knew, at this point, you’d joined Junpei in standing, tears slowly cascading down your cheeks. Even going as far as to put your hands on the student, you screamed, “HOW DARE YOU! YOU DIDN’T EVEN KNOW HIM, SO SHUT UP!”

“Iori! Y/N! Sit down! Please!” Toriumi-sensei scolded, and begrudgingly, you and Junpei retook your seats.

From that day onward, it seemed to be a downward spiral of despair. Despite the support shown by the rest of SEES, the incidents that followed ended shaking your resolve. Finding out that Ikutsuki was behind Strega’s existence and killing Kirijo-san… That Shinjiro would have died regardless because of the medicine he was taking… Watching as Junpei, your best friend, lost the love of his life in order to revive him… Becoming such close friends with Ryoji only to learn that he was Death incarnate… accepting the cold truth that you would all have to kill Ryoji in order to save mankind… and then to lose all those memories after the battle with Nyx… only to regain them on the day that the third years graduated… to witness Minato fall into a coma… it all came crashing down when your friend died in the hospital the very next day. Suddenly, cruelly, without an explanation.

And as per usual, all you could do, was stand there, frozen, wishing to reset.

And then, a spell hit you, forcing your eyes shut at the nausea. But when it lifted, and you reopened your eyes, you found yourself standing in the Iwatodai Dorms, Mitsuru-senpai stood in front of you, explaining that a new student would be arriving that very night. You’d blankly nodded, dazed and confused, before sprinting up to your room from the first floor lounge, and popping open your laptop, your cell phone, anything to confirm the date.

April 9, 2009

“Impossible…” you’d laughed, hysteric with disbelief… “it… can’t be…” It wasn’t March 6, 2010? “N-no way.” you whimpered, sinking to your knees. “It’s just a dream… a really, really bad dream.”

But it wasn’t a dream… the days past exactly as they had, meeting Minato Arisato, getting into a battle with the Magician Shadow… and you were suddenly hit with a realization. “I can change it…” You could change the events to come. “I can save Shin-kun. I can save them all”

It was then, that the cycle of restarts began, you living out the days with your fellow SEES members as you slowly tried to change what had happened the first time, only to fail in the end. A cycle of obsession. To save the man you love. To prevent Junpei from experiencing heartbreak. To stop Ikutsuki’s plans. To save Minato.

One reset became two, then four, and soon six. Living through six years worth of mistakes, and on the seventh, you’d finally managed to do something right. You’d gone through great lengths, doing the most obscure things to return a pocketwatch of all things to the man you love. And it was a pocketwatch, out of all things that saved your lover’s life in the end, putting him in a coma instead of outright killing him. And everyday afterwards, you visited him in the hospital, silently taking care of him, talking to him as he slept. And for the first time in six years, you felt relieved and content.

You buried your face in the sheets beside your sleeping lover, staring up at him with love and devotion, a smile on your face. “I held you as you died seven times in total, Shin-kun.” you confessed to his sleeping face, devoid of the glower and hardened features, “And now, I’ve finally managed to save you. But…” you frowned, as you ran through your thoughts, “how do I stop Ikutsuki? He’s untouchable.” Am I willing to kill him? You were, but if you were caught, you would never be allowed to see Shinjiro again.

Selfish

That’s what you thought as you let SEES kill the last Shadow. When you didn’t warn any of them of Ikutsuki’s true nature. You were able to spare Chidori’s life, allowing Junpei his happy ending… but you’d sentenced Ryoji and Minato to die.

But you had Shinjiro in the end right?

It was the assurance you kept telling yourself as you supported your lover as he was discharged from the hospital on March 2nd, wanting to scold him for being a self-sacrificing idiot, for not taking account how you’d feel if he died… but the thing was… with the disappearance of all their memories of the Dark Hour… of Shadows and Personas… was the disappearance of all the bonds you all had.

Shinjiro didn’t know who you were… just that you were an underclassman that knew his best friend, Akihiko. In fact, he didn’t even know how he ended up in the hospital. When you’d heard about this after he woke up, you’d laughed, earning a strange look from the older student in front of you, before dissolving into tears.

All that hard work… and he didn’t remember who you were.

Always the sweetheart, Shinjiro had tried to calm you down. The poor man didn’t know why you were crying, but he felt that he had to comfort you. Nothing he said could really stop the sobbing coming from your body, but it was a hug that calmed you in the end.

“Tsk, how troublesome. Don’t make a sick person work so hard. Jeez.” and you laughed, glad that, despite the disappearance of his memories for now, you would have your old Shinjiro back soon.

You didn’t leave his side, always running to find him after his discharge, helping him, just being by his side. After six years of failure, you didn’t ever want to leave him again.

Then, March 5th rolled around the corner, and you found yourself attending the graduation ceremony, supporting Shinjiro, who was getting to graduate despite all his absences. Then, when Mitsuru was giving her graduation speech, you felt Shinjiro’s grip on your hand tighten, you turned, only to be met with lips pressing against your own fervently. Caught off guard for a moment, you hummed in delight and threw your arms around Shinjiro’s shoulders, pulling him close and kissing him back, not caring that the entire student body was witnessing your kiss.

When the two of you pulled apart, Shinjiro whispered, “Come on.” And you were dragged out of the auditorium with the rest of SEES following, because Minato was waiting for you all. All of you made it to the roof in time to see your leader close his eyes for the final time, looking like he was sleeping. But you knew that Minato Arisato would never open his eyes again…

Shinjiro gripped your hand tightly as Aigis and the others took Minato’s body back to the dorms, and you leaned against the taller male’s arm in response, saddened by your friend’s death, but happy that you had Shinjiro. “Y/N?” you heard your beloved ask, his voice deep and gravelly.

“Hmmm?” you hummed in reply, closing your eyes in bliss as the wind blew soothingly on the rooftop of Gekkoukan.

“Are you okay? Being with someone like me?” there was that tone of insecurity that you recognized, and you grunted.

“Someone like you?” your eyes opened briefly to lock with brown orbs as you grinned playfully, “You mean someone kind, compassionate, brave, and handsome?” there was a upturn of your lover’s lips, just the slightest, but definitely there as he grunted, “Yes, Shinjiro. I’d gladly spend the rest of my life with you.”

“I see…” The two of you sat and watched the city skyline for a long moment before Shinjiro suddenly spoke up. “Marry me, Y/N. You graduate next year, so say you’ll marry me and we’ll go travel wherever you’d like.”

You were surprised, unable to speak, just euphoric. So you responded with your body, tackling the man you love with a cry of “Yes!” as your lips met and your eyes closed.

… and then came the wave of nausea, and your eyes jolted open.

“L/N, tonight we’ll be expecting a transfer student.”

And there you stood, shellshocked, listening to Mitsuru-senpai explain that a new transfer student would be moving in that night. And like clockwork, you ran up to your room, in denial.

“No. nononononononono. NO!” You screamed, clutching at your head in tears, “What happened? I didn’t reset! I finally saved him! No!”

A blue butterfly fluttered past you.

No matter what you do. You will reset. Because it’s not his fate to live.

“TO HELL WITH THAT! I LOVE HIM!” You burst into angry tears, yelling after the phantom blue butterfly. “I’ll save him again!”

And you will continue to reset. Never able to continue forward. Stuck. And I will not stop you.

You sank to the floor in despair, “Then, what was it all for? To dangle something that I couldn’t have in front of my face? Only to take it away?”

To make you see the he was not the only one. That just because your moon has disappeared doesn’t mean that the stars have as well.

“Stars?” you whispered in confusion, “What?”

Cherish the moments you have with the ones you love. And then walk forward with those you have left. To a future given to you by those who sacrificed themselves.

The butterfly faded away, and you were forced to take a deep breath to calm your tears, “One more time.”

Months later, in October, you found yourself wrapped in Shinjiro’s arms, enjoying the night air outside the temple. You’d eventually come to terms that you couldn’t save the man you love and have a future with him, and that realization made it so much harder to move on. And then, you’d resolved to do as the butterfly had advised, to cherish the time you had left with Shinjiro.

At first, you were probably a nuisance, constantly popping up wherever Shinjiro was even before he rejoined SEES. But slowly, you’d managed to weasel your way into his heart again, initiating a relationship with him in June. Every day that you could was spent with Shinjiro, getting to know him more, being close with him, even spent in embraces of blissful passion. If you were to be parted from him, you would love him for all he was. And in October, after being together for four months, you were hardly ready to say goodbye.

“Y/N?”

You hummed in reply, enjoying the warmth of your lover’s embrace while you still could. I wish I could make this moment last forever. You lamented internally.

“I want you to move on, Y/N.” your eyes opened lazily, confused at what brought this conversation on. “If I’m no longer here, I want you to move on, Y/N.” Shinjiro clarified, his brown eyes meeting yours seriously. “Mourn me. Don’t forget me, but move on. Look for someone else to make you happy. Because more than anything, I don’t want you to live in the past.”

Your only response had been to nod and kiss him passionately, not really wanting to let him go, but knowing that you had to. It was like he knew that his body was dying regardless. That his end would come in a mere three days.

And three days later, you held his dying body to you, crying as he died. This time, his last words to you were, “Remember my wish, Y/N.”

It had been difficult, but you’d honored his wish, moving on slowly, but surely. You didn’t turn into a social recluse after Shinjiro’s death, but you’d mourned properly, prone to bouts of crying, but also seeking comfort from your friends. Then, one night, you went out on a new moon to gaze at the stars, thinking over the words from the blue butterfly all those months ago… “Just because your moon has disappeared, doesn’t mean the stars have as well… huh?” you mumbled, sitting on the steps of the temple where you and Shinjiro used to sit. “What did it mean by stars?”

“Y/N!” your head turned so fast that it almost gave you whiplash, and your eyes found the figure of another senpai as he made his way towards the steps of the temple, “What are you doing out here? It’s chilly.” Akihiko looked as if he’d been training, panting a little from his late night marathon around the city island, but in his hand was a red sweatshirt… with white star patterns on the hem. The stars... you came to the sudden realization.

Noticing your stare fixed onto his sweatshirt, Akihiko offered it to you with a gentle smile, “Here, you must be cold.”

You could feel the heat rush to your face as you accepted the sweatshirt, slipping it over your head and feeling the warmth rush over you. “Thank you.”

Akihiko stood in place for a moment, debating his options before motioning towards the empty step next to you, “May I join you?”

Surprised that he asked to be in your company, you stiffly nodded, “Be my guest.”

The two of you sat in silence until you spoke up, “I miss him.”

Akihiko didn’t need you to elaborate, a far-off look taking hold of his features. “I do, too.”

“I want to be angry, but it’s so tiring. It’s tiring to be sad, too.” You confessed, bringing your knees up to wrap your arms around. “I don’t really know what to do.”

“What else can we do?” Akihiko started, “We move on.”

“How?” your voice choked a little as you glanced sideways to meet silver orbs.

An uncharacteristic smile lit Akihiko’s face, and your heart sped up. “Together.”

And for the first time in a long while, you found a reason to truly smile from the bottom of your heart.

~~~~~~~~

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed my work, please consider buying me a Ko-fi!

[tacitusauxilium]

Unforeseen Circumstances // Ch.03

Unrequited love is the most painful thing to feel, and yet, Fuuka is persuaded to try her hands at getting Junpei’s attention, no matter what. However, after multiple failed attempts, what will she do when she catches the eye of the boy with the maroon peacoat? The heartache that comes with falling in love might even be more than she bargained for.

Chapter 3;; Straight into Despair

Flash back — September 4th

Fuuka knew today would be a better day. Junpei almost never did anything the day before a full moon battle. So, she knew his day had to be open. Right?

She walked out of her room, noticing that it was eerily quiet—Koromaru was sleeping on the floor near the stairs and yet, nothing. Fuuka carefully ran down the stairs as she felt her heart sank even more. Only people downstairs were Shinjiro, Mitsuru, and Akihiko.

She looked around for Junpei, as if he was a lost dog. She began by looking in every corner she could think of—behind the counter in the kitchen, the desk by the entrance, but nothing. Mitsuru noticed that Fuuka looked slightly worried and tilted her head as she closed her folder filled with paperwork for her father.

"Yamagishi, you look as if you lost something. Could I be of help?" Mitsuru asked slowly as Fuuka stood straight, a little startled, but shook her head. "Are you looking for someone?"

"Yes—well, I thought Junpei-kun was down here, but maybe I was wrong."

Akihiko was fixing his boxing gloves as he turned to face Fuuka from the couch. "Oh yeah—! He told me he was going out and won't be back until later today. Didn't say why, though."

Fuuka crestfallen—this was the second time in less than a couple days that she couldn't get any time alone with him. She began to wonder if this was even beginning to be worth it in the end. She sat down and leaned back in the lounge chair.

Now I look like an idiot. Again.

Shinjiro could sense that Fuuka was beating herself up again. "You should have listen to me, Yamagishi." He mentioned as he turned on the TV, trying to find something that caught his attention. "Iori is an idiot, remember?"

Fuuka sat up in her chair and pouted. "Yes, I remember fondly of what we spoke up, senpai. Just thought he would stay in—he did the last two times." Fuuka sighed, wondering what else she could do. "I just don't want to admit it, yet."

Akihiko and Mitsuru looked at each other, wondering what in the world they were talking about. Though, they did agree that Junpei was an idiot in his own way. "Shinjiro—" Mitsuru grinned as she knew what was happening. It happened to her a few times in her middle school years. Being duped by a guy who didn't like her back, though she was the one rejecting them most of the time. "—do you remember that dessert you made for me, a few years back?"

"Mitsuru, I made you a lot of desserts. Be a bit more specific."

"I was a small, sweet you made. You said that milk chocolate was too sweet so you make dark chocolate."

Shinjiro took but a moment to think of what Mitsuru enjoyed. "Eclairs. Is that it?"

"But of course! You made them better than the cooks at my family home, Shinjiro. You know, I would—"

"Not going to happen."

Shinjiro was quick to silence that offer. He hated the idea of charity for himself—couldn't fantom the idea of working for Mitsuru, someone who helped him so much that returning the favor didn't seem so favorable to him. Fuuka thought of the idea of eclairs, wondering what they would taste like and smiled.

"Senpai, could we, I don't know, try to make some?" Fuuka asked, beginning to pull her phone out to look for recipes. "I am sure we can work together and bring about the same sweetness Kirijo-senpai mentioned."

Shinjiro turned towards Fuuka, his hand putting down the remote and frowning. "…you want to try cooking? I thought you were still a beginner. At least, that's what our leader kept saying."

"Well, yes, but I made onigiri the other day without burning the rice." She held up her finger and pointed towards Shinjiro. "…but that's all I have been able to make." She lowered her hand, her finger curling back inward.

Shinjiro crossed his arms, wondering if they even had the ingredients to make said eclairs. He had to close his eyes and think for a while.

We have the simple ingredients, but everything else might have to be bought.

Fuuka didn't realize how deep in thought Shinjiro was. It made her a bit happy to have someone other than Minako cook with her. "…senpai?" Fuuka called out to him, wondering how deep in thought he really was. Opening his eyes, he turned to Fuuka and got up.

"I will have to go buy the ingredients. Also, we won't be able to get them done tonight. You'd want the cream to sit overnight. It'll taste better that way." Shinjiro explained slowly. "Also, while I'm gone, can you go and check to see if we have a baking sheet and parchment paper?"

Fuuka began to pull a pen and piece of paper from the desk, after she dashed over when Shinjiro decided to list off what they needed "Oooookay." She finished writing that down and turned back towards Shinjiro as he had his fist holding up his chin. "Anything else?"

Shinjiro shook his head. He moved towards Fuuka, grabbing a piece of paper and looking for a pen. Fuuka gave him hers and she couldn't believe how fast he was writing down the ingredients. A couple blinks and he was done. I am impressed—he knows more than he lets on. She thought as he read what he wrote. "Yamagishi—"

"Yes?"

"Make sure to keep everyone out of the kitchen when I come back. Because I'll need your help to make these." He shoved the list in his pocket as Fuuka watched him leave through the door.

"D-do you need help? Or an extra set of hands?"

Shinjiro stopped as Fuuka asked if he'd need some help. It was odd—no one usually asked him for help, it was the other way around usually when no one even asked for help, he'd help anyone who needed it. "…" he let out a sigh. "Sure, but I'll carry the bags, before you even ask. And check the kitchen first, before we leave." Fuuka nodded and made it to the kitchen, double checking everything she was told to find.

Mitsuru got up from her seat and forked Shinjiro a few 1,000 yen. "For this, and for yourself. And no buts." She stated as she held up her finger to him before he could open his mouth. He grinned and shook his head before pocketing the money.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, Mitsuru."

After several hours passed and many batches of horrible eclairs later, and almost close to midnight, Fuuka was happy to have at least 10 or so eclairs that were passable. Out of the 50 Shinjiro helped her made. "Well, I guess I'm good only 20% of the time." Fuuka remarked, but still felt proud of herself. "And everyone can have one—except Aigis, and Koromaru-don't want to make him sick."

Shinjiro shook his head. "I don't get it—how can you be so happy about failing 80% of the time? That's not good, Yamagishi." He pointed out as he did the dishes. Shinjiro couldn't understand how she saw the good in the bad.

"I know, but this is something good to look forward to. I couldn't make anything this great—Minako-chan will be thrilled to try these out." She smiled. "Maybe she could join us next time." Fuuka looked up at the clock, noticing how close to midnight it was. At least everyone was safe and back in their rooms. Fuuka put the good eclairs in a container and put them in a place so that Junpei wouldn't eat them all.

After crossing paths with Shinjiro to put the food away, she felt her heart skip a beat once everything turned dark—the Dark Hour was upon them and Fuuka forgot how dark it really gets. It was eerie, but something she still had to get used to. "…this still scares me after all this time." She murmured as she had to reach for the flashlight that was next to the fridge. "Perhaps we should head to bed? It's an early morning for me."

Shinjiro nodded, but added a small grunt as he could feel his Persona raging inside of him. Fuuka thought it was a sign of confirmation. Shinjiro didn't want to let go of his shirt, clenching it tightly at his heart. He couldn't let Fuuka know about this, not her, not yet. However, Fuuka felt something was off, but wasn't sure what it was. Lucia instantly pushed her towards Shinjiro, Fuuka's hand reaching out to his freed arm, and something within her made her freeze. Their eyes seemed to glaze over as their minds were filled with a vision.

It was as if they were in a warm, open meadow-Fuuka's hair blowing in the breeze, long, loose, and smooth. Shinjiro right in front of her-the air warm and the meadow filled with flowers. Their eyes gazing upon each other, as if they've known each other for a long, long time. Fuuka and Shinjiro looked older-more mature and happier, as if something came along and whisked them here, away from reality. As if it was a look into the future yet to be seen.

She didn't know if it was Lucia doing it to her or Castor doing it to Shinjiro, but it was a warm sensation going through their bodies. It was as if Lucia was trying to calm the beast within Shinjiro. Fuuka could feel something cold rolling down her face as she could tell if it was her crying or Shinjiro crying.

Somehow, someway, it worked as Shinjiro began to release his shirt slowly, his fist hurting from how hard he was squeezing his shirt. Fuuka felt as if she was in a trance—her heart pounding in sync with Shinjiro's—as she stared deeply into Shinjiro's eyes. It was, as if, a red string connected them.

Fuuka had to almost force herself to break the connection. She was in such a deep trance that the Dark Hour was already over. Fuuka didn't see anything, but Lucia made her feel many things—especially the pain that Castor was giving to Shinjiro. And the softness of Lucia trying to calm someone so untamed.

They both sat in silence—Fuuka didn't even realize that she was staring at Shinjiro until they broke off from each other. Fuuka removed her hand from his arm, her cheeks flushed red for…embarrassment? Happiness? She couldn't even distinguish what she felt. "Senpai… …I… did you see...felt what I felt?" She whispered softly as Shinjiro looked at his hand—not clammy like it usually is after a flare up.

The suppressants…didn't do half the work of whatever Yamagishi did to me. What the hell…just happened?

Shinjiro was bewildered at the fact. He just nodded silently, his beanie being pulled downward as he felt uncomfortably…at peace. "…you should go to bed. It'll be the best." He somehow let the words fall out of his mouth. Fuuka turned the flashlight off, laid it on the counter, and walked carefully out of the kitchen. Once she got to the stairs, she made a mad dash to her room, as quietly as she could.

Shinjiro put his hand on his chest—his heart pounding normally. It irked him. He reached for the pills inside of his peacoat and looked at them for a moment. For just a nanosecond, he was going to throw them away, down the sink. But he knew it was a fluke. Nothing this good could ever happen to him. Right?

Flash forward — October 10th

"Why the hell isn't anyone doing anything!?" Shinjiro yelled as he had to be pushed back into his wheelchair by Akihiko.

"Shinji, chill. They are doing all they could for her." He mentioned, trying to rub his shoulders to release tension. Shinjiro was yelling at Mitsuru, since her family owns the hospital, and not happy that Fuuka seemed to be in the same state she was at the beginning of the week. He turned towards Fuuka and frowned.

"Shinjiro." Mitsuru sat on the same side Shinjiro was on and leaned towards him. "They are doing the best they can. Yamagishi had a weak constitution before she was even here. You've read her files—she never fought off illnesses easily." Mitsuru slowly explained to him, hoping that would calm him down. She hated to resort to the bitter truth. "Yamagishi might not recover—you need to understand that, Shinjiro."

Shinjiro shook his head violently. "No! Fuck that! She…" Shinjiro pulled his beanie off of his head, relieved that he only has morphine on him now and that he'll leave the hospital soon, and gripped it tightly. "…no, I'm staying until she's awake!"

Akihiko sighed as he almost wanted to slap his best friend in the face. "Shinji, if you were here, would Fuuka do this? No—she'd probably be out there fighting. Now," he turned to crouch down to his height, "Minako might actually do this, but she knows she is waiting for you. She hates to see you filled with anguish."

She does? I thought she… is she even with Aki? Then again, she wouldn't tell anyone but Aki her feelings.

"…tch." He lowered his eyes towards Fuuka again—her teal hair slightly messy, as if she was tossing and turning in her sleep. "…!" Shinjiro felt his heart beating fast, his lungs taking away his breath. Mitsuru's eyes grew in worry as Akihiko knew what this was—he saw it all too well in the past.

"Where is your—" Akihiko began to ask as Shinjiro gripped Akihiko's arm and shook his head. "But—!"

"Give me…Yamagishi's hand…!" He cried out, feeling the despair of Castor wrangling him in to reality. "T-trust me!" Akihiko nodded as their hands made contact as Mitsuru and Akihiko observed what was happening.

His mind travelled back to the first time it happened within the Dark Hour. The big open meadow with flowers around them, it made his eyes grew that Fuuka wasn't there in front of him. But, he could smell the lavender that was on Fuuka's hair, and the chocolate aroma of the eclairs again. Lucia reached out, mentally and in Shinjiro's mind, to Castor, pulling the creature into her warm arms. Fuuka's heart monitor went off—escalating pass a pulse of 100 and her heart rate in the 140s as Shinjiro shook his head. "D-don't…do anything…"

The seniors looked at each other, the alarms going off loudly and annoying—Mitsuru was about to yell at Shinjiro, but then it was over in the blink of an eye. Shinjiro squeezed her hand tightly as his breathing went back to normal—Fuuka's own heart rate and pulse back to regular ranges. Subconsciously, her thumb brushed across his own hand, making Shinjiro jump slightly.

Senpai…you should fight for me. Please.

His eyes grew—he turned to Mitsuru and Akihiko, their eyes as wide as his was. "I am…surprised. Did Yamagishi tell you about this?"

Shinjiro shook his head. "We found out about a month ago—something about her Persona…keeps my Persona relaxed when it's riled up. I…Hell, I can't explain it either." He murmured as he turned his eyes back to Fuuka—her voice seemingly gone, leaving him feel a bit lonely.

"…Shinji." Akihiko softly uttered. He was taken aback. "…is that why you don't want to leave her side?" He asked slowly. Shinjiro nodded.

"If this will get me off my damn suppressants, then why not?" He seemed to have some hope in his voice. "Besides," he wanted to add more, but nothing seemed to came to his mind but one thing, "…I feel her calling out to me."

"…could be that she is communicating with her Persona." Mitsuru suggested. Shinjiro didn't move an inch—he was focused on Fuuka. Mitsuru looked at her watch on her hand and turned back to her allies. "Listen. I don't have time—my father wants an update on Yamagishi in the next hour. I…" She almost didn't want to break his heart.

Mitsuru realized that Shinjiro had fallen for her, so hard that if she never woke, he would be a mess and irreconcilable. "…did not know you and Yamagishi were close. But, stay as long as you feel the need to. Akihiko," she turned towards him and nodded, "stay if you must, but I'll arrange for a group meeting in a few days. We need to talk about what to do about Tartarus and the shadows."

Akihiko nodded slowly, stating to Shinjiro that he'll be back-his stomach was roaring loudly as he quickly made his exit, along with Mitsuru. For the first time this week, Shinjiro was finally alone with Fuuka. He rubbed her hand with his thumb. "Come on, Fuuka. Say something more, please." He whispered softly. Mitsuru was standing outside of the doorway, not fully leaving just yet. She wondered what in the world could calm Shinjiro's Persona so easily, without negative effects. It made her curious and she looked inside the room as she could see Shinjiro's heart ache.

If she doesn't wake up, what will he do then? Mitsuru pondered in her mind. She is our only navigator--and I cannot force my Persona to navigate again. It'll be harder on me-- She stopped as she watched Shinjiro stand up, but then he sat back down, laying his head on Fuuka's bed once more.

Mitsuru-senpai...

She jolted from her spot, wondering who was calling out to her suddenly.

Do not worry. I'll be sure to lend my help anyway possible.

Yamagishi...!

Now she knew Shinjiro wasn't crazy--Fuuka could do more than she ever thought she could. It made her wish she asked more about Fuuka and her Persona when she was alive and awake.

I'll get Shinjiro back to you-just give me a few more days. ...I promise.

If you say so.

Mitsuru walked away, her arms crossed, as she felt a smile appear on her face. For now, she would have to keep this to herself. She wouldn't let her father know about the power that Fuuka holds deep within her soul, within her heart. "If you say so, Yamagishi." She whispered outloud, as she walked outside. A warm breeze passed through her hair as she felt a bit more confident about Fuuka getting better and the promise she intended to keep.

[grosserfluss]

30 day persona challenge ;

day 4: favorite social link

pretty much no competition. i looked through the rest mostly for formality, but none of them held a candle to p3p’s moon. to be honest, it’s very hard to put into words why shinjiro’s social link is so, so good. much of it has to be experienced and simply felt,��acknowledged and understood wordlessly. this is the nature of his entire role within the game, too. to have to explain why shinjiro is so well-done cheapens the meaning and the impact. but i’ll do my best.

personal narrative arc.

a lot of shinjiro’s development within the game is shown, not stated. ( sometimes it’s a little too subtle — not usually a complaint i have — such as his reasons for rejoining SEES. that whole process was rather clumsily implemented, as there was no indication of his relationship with ken beforehand, the decision felt very sudden, and there was no unpacking of it anytime afterward, either. but this isn’t what i’m here to talk about. )

this is very much the case within his social link too, and it’s done masterfully. he never really says anything about feeling closer to you, true to character, as the link goes on, but he shows it in the way he talks to you, in what he talks to you about. one of my favorite things is the fact that, in rank 1, he talks about the first time he and aki got into a fight and says “we were kids. i forgot why.” then, all the way in his rank 10, he finally tells you the story of that first fight. it’s something meaningful to him, and he didn’t forget why; he just didn’t trust you enough at rank 1 to open up about something that a.) shows a side of him he isn’t comfortable showing you yet ( of course it turns out to be a story that shows he’s a Good Egg ) and b.) is a poignant moment for him in a relationship that he treasures. but the game shows you that, by rank 10, he feels close enough to you to tell you.

his social link is also the development of his own relationship with SEES, mirroring his growing relationship with femc. he starts out only talking about aki in his rank 1 and 2: asking femc if he’s eating okay, if he’s fighting well, etc. because of course aki is his only tie to SEES. he’s otherwise an outsider if not for him. shinjiro is a guy that holds the world at arm’s length — ostensibly to protect them from him, but also partially to protect himself from himself — and one of the things i do really like about his entire narrative is that that aspect of him never really changes. more about that later.*

BUT regardless, he does become a little closer to everyone else. by rank 3, he’s asking about the rest of the team, too. rank 4, he’s going out of his way to help fuuka to cook. rank 6 is the climax of his social link where he makes that dinner for everyone, wanting to see everyone happy, wanting to contribute something to the group and, most importantly, give them something to remember him by. the fact that he loves the group enough at that point to even want them to have a fond memory of him shows how much he’s changed and opened up. in my characterization of him, i think he’s an INFJ, and trust me that’s a Big Demonstration for an INFJ. we don’t bother putting in that much emotional effort if we haven’t fully invested in the relationship.

*returning to this now. this is the other big thing i love about how shinjiro is written. i’m kind of cheating here because this isn’t just in his social link, but throughout his appearances in the plot. for all i just babbled about how he grows and comes to trust and care about SEES, he... also doesn’t. he continues to keep his distance, never gets fully emotionally attached, continues to see himself as the outsider, the one who’s never really completely part of the team or welcome, despite other people’s attempts to show him otherwise. ( see: rank 7 when he talks about everyone badgering him about making more food and therefore trying to make him feel included, and him griping about it. ) even with the femc, even when you romance him, he continues to try and keep you at arm’s length.

this is super important because it keeps his development within character. he doesn’t have an inspirational revelation and feel like a suddenly different guy at the end of his social link. he makes meaningful connections but that doesn’t completely override and defeat the internal struggle that defines him and gives him so much of his depth. it makes his arc therefore feel organic and realistic.

and finally, on the subject of organic and realistic, his romance route is one of the most seamlessly executed in the persona games. ( it’s definitely one of the reasons i ship it so hard. ) shoe-horned / awkwardly executed romance options are not a persona-specific issue; fire emblem suffers from it, and i think any game that tries to implement romance options for the mc would suffer from it. but so often in persona, the final romance route option always feels at least a little bit sudden. like you had this great platonic bond going and the character is coming to self-actualization and all this character development and then it’s like oh yeah also you can romance them and uh yes they’re suddenly in love with you or ready to reciprocate your love.

shinjiro’s romance is worked into the rest of his social link. there’s hints of it scattered throughout his dialogue. he’s evidently in love with femc regardless of whether you choose to get that extra last scene with him or stop at rank 10. i’m not saying that every romance option should be written this way, necessarily, since that would run the risk of harem writing, but it was a big part of what made the shinjiro romance route very believable. it didn’t feel sudden or shoe-horned for the sake of making him a lovers option; it felt like a natural culmination of the emotions that had already been building up.

incredible writing

the social link also boasts very strong writing technique on both the global and local levels. i’ll address the global first. one of my favorite things about what they did with shinjiro’s social link is what i like to call “the hemingway effect” because he used it prominently. this is when you write a story, a scene, etc. with something — a narrative fact, an off-screen event, whatever — influencing the story, but you never tell your audience what that “something” is. i think hemingway called it the iceberg effect, but w/e. that “something” then ends up pervading the mood and atmosphere of the story, coloring it, but is never given voice. this leads to really emotionally powerful writing, and, in my opinion, very believable characterization. why? because you don’t know what most people in real life are going through when you meet them. you are experiencing them in a snapshot in time, and you’re not going to know all the things that are influencing that particular moment. you can only feel it through how they talk, act, dress, etc., and guess. but you likely will never find out, or at least not for some time.

this is exactly how shinjiro’s social link is written, except of course we’re privy to the “something” that informs his entire link, but not until rank 7 obliquely and then rank 9 and 10 much more explicitly: that he is preparing for his own death. suddenly, that realization illuminates — it colors — everything that came before. his remarks about making memories, his concerns for everyone else, the fact that he maintains an emotional distance. it gives us so much insight on his actions and attitudes. the fact that the writers decided to incorporate it using “the hemingway / iceberg effect” for much of his link really heightens the emotional impact of his social link.

in addition, on the topic of global writing, i love that you learn a little bit more about him in every rank. and not just a little more, but something new. very often, persona social links only build on one aspect of a character, one main issue or trope that they’re struggling with. and the social link chronicles the journey of their development through said issue. but arguably because they didn’t do that with shinjiro, didn’t feel pressured into developing and resolving The One Struggle, they instead had the flexibility to showcase different sides of him, which made him feel like a real, multi-faceted person that was slowly being revealed to you piece by piece. usually, the rank 1 ( and sometimes 2 ) of any social link is a baseline; it establishes how the character is naturally. for characters also central to the plot, this can often feel redundant. but with shinjiro, they were unpacking new sides of him right off the bat.

rank 1 gives you a little bit of insight into his and aki’s relationship, up until this point only teased in their joint plot scenes but never expanded on. rank 2 adds to that and shows you one of his values: that he believes in taking care of oneself, especially in relation to diet. rank 3 shows you that he cares a lot about other people and thinks about others a lot. rank 4 shows you that he’s a fantastic cook and also expands more on his thoughtful, altruistic, and tsundere personality. it also gives good insight on how he talks to and around other people who aren’t aki. i can keep going, but you get the picture. each rank doesn’t just rehash the same things we already know about him; it builds upon what we know, adds more depth, and adds new sides of him. nicely done.

secondly, the local writing is also very well-done, by which i mean the small details like the dialogue. in particular, his rank 9 scene is quite possibly my favorite social link scene in all the scenes i have seen in the persona games i’ve played ( i’ll admit i haven’t maxed all social links / confidants, so that’s a qualifier, but ). overall, i think persona 3 boasts strong narration, which is a very small thing to look at, but is important. 

> You talked to Shinjiro about many different subjects...

> Shinjiro's expression doesn't change much, as usual...

> However, for some reason...

> ...He seems lonesome.

i’m usually on the fence about narration in games because it, by nature, relies on telling rather than showing, but of course due to the limitations of animation, it’s sometimes necessary. and this is one of the times it’s done very well. telling without being heavy-handed and in-your-face. and then, possibly my favorite line in his whole social link: 

Shinjiro: Are you done? C'mon, tell me more. Encore, encore!

that one line says so much about his mentality in this moment in time. how much he loves femc ( because he’s in love with her regardless of whether you romance him, fight me ), how desperately he wants to hold onto happy memories of her, how desperately he wants her to remember him and their last moments together happily, and how much he’s willing to go against his own reticent and reclusive nature to ensure that. it also gives light to the more playful side of shinjiro that we’ve glimpsed a little here and there scattered throughout his earlier scenes ( “Tell 'em they need to eat better. They won't listen if it comes from me. Especially Aki...”; “...There's so much wrong here, I don't know where to begin...”; “...Even if it tastes awful, you better be responsible and tell everyone it's great.”; “Nah, stay put. It's way too crowded over here. 'Sides, we're trying to keep it a secret.” ). and because we’ve caught glimpses earlier, this doesn’t feel suddenly out of character; it feels like a natural opening-up, a side of you he’s willing to show around you now because he trusts you.

and of course, the heavy hinting that he gives in regards to what’s going to happen to him, without outright saying it or seeming like he’s trying to push it in femc’s face. that’s a tricky moment to write, because you want it to be clear to the audience, but you don’t want the character to talk like he’s trying to make it clear to the audience. you want him to talk like he would naturally talk — in shinjiro’s case, reserved, conflicted ( even contradictory ), introspective, and philosophical. the writers pulled it off very well. i adore that they accomplished it through core aspects of his personality, namely his tendency to send mixed, perplexing messages when he’s in a melancholy or existential mood ( super INFJ, by the way ):

Shinjiro: You look best when you laugh. ..... So don't cry, got it...?

Shinjiro: I gotta make sure I don't leave anything behind... No doubts, no regrets... .....

Shinjiro: ..... I keep telling you what to forget and what to remember... What to want and to not want... I'm... selfish, aren't I?

Shinjiro: ..... ...Hey. As long as I'm already being selfish, I want you to do one more thing for me. You don't have to forgive me... But forgive everything else... ...You'll understand later. It should be like this for a little longer... I just want it to be... normal...

all without saying so or speaking plainly, he basically tells you he loves you; expresses his anxiety about his own life, its rapidly approaching end, and shows how hard he’s clinging to attempts to exert some control over his last days; and tries to impart his last wish to you while also being self-deprecating and talking in circles around what he actually wants. in true shinjiro fashion, he never clarifies, leaving his message — and all of the emotions and turmoil that define him — up to the femc’s and audience’s intuition and interpretation to understand.

‘nuff said.

relevance to game themes

aigis is the main, big, in-your-face manifestation of p3��s core messages in the sense that she takes the part of the player, in a sense, and we are actively trying to work through the complexity of the game’s themes at the same time that we are watching her do the same. 

shinjiro, however, is the behind-the-curtain manifestation of these same themes. if aigis is telling us what p3 is trying to teach us, he and his story show us. because of this, he is massively thematically important to p3. the game’s big theme is the idea that relationships in life are beautiful and meaningful because they do not last, and, subsequently, that things that are gone continue to have meaning even if they’re not here anymore. the narrative of shinjiro’s social link embodies this, from the way he tries to make memories with others so his last days can be happy and normal, to the way he wants others to recall times with him fondly for the same reason. he even outright says it at one point, though too early in the game for the player and femc to connect it to the game’s message:

Shinjiro: Making memories is important. People can go on as long as they have good things to look back on... They'll be able to go on without being led astray...

relationships continue to have impact on us, even after they are gone. and the game uses him to show it to us, too; akihiko continues to talk about shinjiro after he dies, continues to draw strength from him and his final actions ( “he even had the strength to stare death in the face” [ not exact quote ] ), and the femc remembers him and takes strength from him in her final face-off against nyx. he is literally the last voice to lend his support to her. ( and we all know that in jrpg-speak, the last voice is always saved for the most meaningful one amirite. ) he makes a massive and lasting difference on ken, who internalizes the sacrifice shinjiro made for him, the altruism he showed him, and that informs his resolve to stand up to nyx and fight, and to become a better person, someone worthy of the life that shinjiro gave him.

even if we’re not looking beyond his death, his social link is set up to show us that ephemeral things are beautiful. when he makes dinner for all of SEES, it’s written as a powerful bonding moment for the entire group where they can all share in each other’s company and enjoy incredible food. his rank 9 is a very impactful scene where he and femc just spend the entire evening talking about whatever comes to mind, being with each other, sharing that time having fun and telling stories, and even though shinjiro and the player both know it’s going to come to an end, it’s meaningful. 

the game doesn’t have to come out and say it. shinjiro doesn’t have to come out and say it. but his narrative is inextricably tied with the message of p3. ironically, this theme is demonstrated by the man who, if you asked him, probably believes that his life was one devoid of meaning up until that last month with SEES. he likely knows that he spent his life running away, and wasted so much of it. this, of course, is why he makes the decision to come back to SEES, to try and rectify that in a way that he feels is satisfying ( by doing so, he continues to run away from other things, but he’s 17 he can’t be perfect ), and why he tries to impart that final lesson to ken with his death. but i find it beautifully done that, unlike aigis, whose story is more of the traditional happy self-actualization narrative in itself, the power of shinjiro’s narrative is one that can only be seen in the meta-text, when you step back and look at how it fits into everything else.

it’s almost like his personal narrative is redeemed by his narrative role in the game. man, i love that.

no one else really holds a candle to shinji, but honorable mentions in order: 2.) kitagawa yusuke, 3.) kamiki akinari, 4.) aigis, 5.) kirijo mitsuru / shirogane naoto / mishima yuuki

[tacitusauxilium]

Unforeseen Circumstances // Ch. 02

Unrequited love is the most painful thing to feel, and yet, Fuuka is persuaded to try her hands at getting Junpei’s attention, no matter what. However, after multiple failed attempts, what will she do when she catches the eye of the boy with the maroon peacoat? The heartache that comes with falling in love might even be more than she bargained for.

Rated: M - English - Romance/Hurt/Comfort

Chapter 2;; Climbing Up Towards Hope

Flashback — September 2nd

Fuuka was beyond excited, and it was all thanks to Natsuki. A few days ago, Natsuki won a free ramen lunch at a raffle place just down the street from the dorms. Natsuki was gonna to invite Fuuka, but realized that she had family plans and gave it to Fuuka. She stated that she could go with "that someone she adores" and Fuuka protested.

I don't have a special someone. …okay, maybe I do have someone I envy.

She had her sights on the one guy who complimented her at the beach over a month ago: Junpei Iori. Fuuka enjoyed his jokes, albeit perverted sometimes, and loved his laugh. It was the little things she liked about him, but she never knew how to get close to him. Until today.

As she walked down the stairs, she was slightly relieved to see only a few people: Yukari, who was deeply emerged in a novel, Shinjiro, who was in the kitchen preparing food for Koromaru, Minako, who was doing some homework, and Junpei, who was reading a new comic book. It seemed as if the circumstances couldn't be any more perfect.

Fuuka reached into her pocket, pulling out a brand new shiny ticket for ramen—buy one get one free—and they could go together and have fun. Just the two of them—the thought made Fuuka smile and hopeful. She almost began to skip down the stairs, trying her hardest to hide her happiness. Fuuka let out a force cough, making Junpei, Minako, and Yukari turn towards her.

"Hmm? What is it Fuuka-tan?" Junpei asked, putting down his comic book as Fuuka was trying to hide her shit eating grin on her lips. "What are you so happy about?"

That was obvious, wasn't it?

"Well, I thought you would like this." Fuuka handed him the coupon to the ramen place as Junpei read it and let the gears in his head turn. "…Natsuki couldn't go, s-so I thought that maybe you'd like this and could take someone with you..."

"W-whoa! Fuuka, this is amazing!" Junpei jumped up, moving his comic to the coffee table in front of him as he walked over to Minako as she trilled her pencil in her fingers. "Heyyyy, Mina-tan—wanna go with me? It looks like it is only good for today!"

…wait. …what? But…!

"…Sure. I can take a break from studying. But," Minako stated as she noticed her eyes trained onto Fuuka's face. She could tell that Fuuka was defeated, that this was supposed to be for them both. Minako got the idea, but before she could say anything, Fuuka pipped up.

"N-no, no. You both go ahead—I got some studying to do, anyway." Fuuka waved her hand at them, trying to not let Minako know that she wasn't okay with this, but she was used to it.

Junpei grinned as he ran up to his room. This gave Minako a chance to be with Fuuka. "Fuuka, are you sure? I don't want to take this away from you. I'm sure you wanted this to be a da—"

"No. I…I think he'll enjoy it more with you around rather than me. I-I'll just try again later. Just have a great time, okay?" Fuuka smiled as she could feel Junpei rushing pass her, as if she was invisible, as Minako nodded slowly.

"If you say so—I'll at least tell you how it goes, if Junpei doesn't eat it all." Minako promised, holding up her pinkie finger as she left the dorm with Junpei in tow. Fuuka felt as if 20 pounds was just added to her back—it made her feel heavy, depressed, and a bit on the sad side.

Fuuka sighed as she moved towards the kitchen to see what Shinjiro was cooking. Hmmm…sushi. That won't be too bad tonight. Haven't had Aragaki-senpai's sushi yet. She was deep in thought as she sat on the bar stool, trying to get her mind away from Junpei, which wasn't working. Yukari slightly frowned—she wished Fuuka was more determined to go after him. There was no one on Junpei's radar, that she could of know, so why didn't he try to talk her into going?

Shinjiro could see Fuuka staring at his food, but didn't know that she was just staring and not paying attention. He waved his hand a few times in her face as she blushed lightly, shaking her head to bring her attention back to the real world.

"Tch. He's a dumbass." He mentioned as he carefully rolled the sushi together with the seaweed. "Wouldn't even know if someone's hitting on him unless they were hitting him with something."

Fuuka bit her lip. "…I'm an idiot, right?" Shinjiro blinked, surprised to hear something like that come out of her lips. "…he has someone else, I just know it. Lucia has been keeping small Intel on everyone—Minato's worn out from track meets, Ken is trying to drink more milk (and hates it), and Junpei has been even more distracted, in school and in battle. Now… now it makes sense…" Fuuka crossed her arms and laid them on the counter, her head on top of them.

Shinjiro put a couple sushi rolls on a plate and handed them to Fuuka. "So? Fuck him—there are many other people to talk to. Iori is just…stupid."

Yukari walked over and nodded, carrying her novel in her hand. "He is called Stupei for a reason, Fuuka. Don't forget that." She put her hand on her shoulder. "Besides, senpai is right—and if he doesn't reciprocate the feelings, then that's on him."

"…Yeah, I guess you are right, Yukari-chan." She giggled as she turned to offer her some of Shinjiro's sushi. "Want to try one with me? Smells like…" Fuuka sniffed it and looked at it more. "Is that crab…with cucumber and avocado?" Fuuka took a bite, a smile forming on her lips. "Ahhh! Delicious! The avocado makes the sushi sweeter—is it really that simple, Aragaki-senpai?"

Shinjiro was slightly surprised that Fuuka could tell ingredients were in it before even tasting it. He was amused to say the least. "Most of the time—fresh avocado makes the sushi sweeter or tangy, depending on who made it." He crossed his arms as both girls finished the taste testing of his new sushi. "I'll make some more for your lunches."

Fuuka nodded as Yukari licked her fingers, responding with "Yes, I'd like to have some—don't leave any for Junpei." Yukari giggled as Fuuka smiled softly, finishing up her sushi roll. Yukari made it upstairs and Koromaru took her warm seat. Fuuka looked up at Shinjiro, a small smile on her lips.

"I…I appreciate this. I hope I could cook with you and learn your techniques."

"Yeah, I'll think about it. For now," he took her plate and put it into the sink, "don't let Iori get in your head. If he is sorry, he'll apologize and make it up to you. Don't let a guy like that get you down."

Fuuka nodded and got off of her chair. "Thank you, senpai. I'll do my best—I promise." She held up her pinkie finger, knowing that her brain and her heart were two separate beings who had different plans in mind for her.

Flash forward – October 6th

Shinjiro finally opened up his eyes, feeling as if Death took his body through Hell, and Heaven, Purgatory, and back to the living an infinite amount of times. He saw Minako and Ken sleeping in chairs by his bed.

So, I'm alive. ...!

He sat up slowly, seeing the nasty stitches and staples he had down by his waist, as he instantly thought of Fuuka. He looked around the room, noticing that no one else was in the room—must have been Mitsuru who gave him his own room that was big enough for two people to stay. Either that, or Fuuka was in worse shape than he was.

Shinjiro winced in pain, grunting loudly, as it woke up Minako from her light sleep. Her eyes grew as she felt her heart skipping a beat. "Shinjiro…!" She whispered as she moved towards his bed, scooting her chair closer. "…are you okay? Are you in pain?" She asked as Shinjiro nodded after pondering if he was in pain for a few seconds. "Should I…?"

He shook his head. "I'll be fine—just want to know about Fuuka. Is she…?"

Minako bit her lip as she reached for his hand, rubbing the top of his hand with her fingers. "She is alive. Barely, but the machines are helping her breathe, currently. The bullet was luckily intact, so it didn't do any more damage. The bullet nicked her aorta and superior vena cava, meaning that she had to go into surgery immediately." Minako slowly said as Shinjiro watched her lips and could barely pay attention. "Like, the bullet went in between the aorta and superior vena cava—we believed it was because of this—" Minako pulled out the pocket watch that was Shinjiro's in the first place.

Shinjiro felt his hand shake as he reached for it—the bullet left a nasty mark on the outer shell of the watch, but surprisingly, it was still ticking. "…shit—where did you find this?" He asked, showing that he was really not paying any attention at all.

"…Fuuka had it. It was in her pocket, in front of our uniform. She… …I think she was going to give this to you, but never had the time to."

Shinjiro carefully took the pocket watch out of her hand, his hands trembling with fear, relief, but heartache came in quickly as he felt tears escaping his eyes and stinging his eyes. He was silent, and so was Minako, as they just watch the tears fall.

"…would you like to see her? I'll…have to wheel you into her room—she's in the ICU." Minako suggested as Shinjiro gripped the pocket watch and swung his legs around, ready to walk to her room. "H-hey! Shinjiro-senpai!" Minako cried out as she could see him suffering a bit. After a couple minutes of telling him to hold his horses, she got him a wheelchair, sat him down in it, and took his morphine bag with him—after convincing the doctor that he'll be back in a moment. That seem to worn down Minako herself, but was determined to get Shinjiro to Fuuka.

"Now, before you see her, Fuuka… …you might get overwhelmed and surprised by how she looks. Her surgery took half a day as she lost a lot of blood." Minako wasn't trying to sugar coat everything, but the way Fuuka truly looked, it was a sight that would scare anyone, maybe Shinjiro would be terrified, if not sick to his stomach. "If you want to leave, you let me know, okay? I'll take you back down to your room."

Shinjiro nodded slowly, knowing that he wasn't probably going to be prepared for this. Minako stopped in front of her room, noting that Yukari and Junpei were outside—they didn't say much as Yukari held a tissue in her hand. Junpei lowered his hat over his eyes, trying to hide any emotions that appeared from his eyes—on top of Fuuka and Chidori in the same hospital, and for two different reasons, he was a bit of a mess.

Minako lightly tapped on the door. Within seconds, Akihiko came to the door, looking down to see Shinjiro, as he nodded slowly and let them both in. The moment he heard the monitors and saw the tubes, he wasn't surprised at how much attention she was getting, but how much room was taken up simply by the machines was a surprise. Shinjiro almost leaped out of his chair the moment he saw Fuuka's body—it made her look so much smaller, and weaker than before.

Mitsuru was observing Shinjiro carefully, to make sure he wasn't hurting himself either, as she turned to Minako. "If you would like, you may leave. Akihiko and I will stay and take care of them both, leader." Mitsuru suggested as Minako rubbed her arm.

"Y-yeah. I'll go get Ken-kun and head back to the dorm—I think he's exhausted." She murmured as she kissed the top of Shinjiro's head and left the room, sliding the door back in place. Once she left, the tension in the room seem to grow even more.

Shinjiro carefully reached for Fuuka's hand—he couldn't believe that just one little bullet could so much damage. He turned towards Mitsuru once he grabbed her hand and carefully held it. "…is she going to make it?" Shinjiro whispered as Mitsuru got up from her seat and sighed heavily.

"…I am hoping so. As for now, you two are out with your injuries. The best of the best operated on her—she made it through but now it'll only be a waiting game. They put her in a medically induced coma so her body can heal." Mitsuru explained as she looked at her chart. "She's steady in all departments—BP, pulse, oxygen levels, you name it. But--"

"…we are out a navigator, correct?" Shinjiro finished what she might be thinking. Mitsuru lowered her chart and stared at Shinjiro. "So, what? What the hell are we going to do?! We can't let Takaya get away with this-!"

Akihiko put his hand on Shinjiro's shoulder. "Shinji…"

"Sh-…shit…" He lowered his head and rubbed the top of her hand in small circles. "…my pocket watch saved her life—and I can't do shit for her!" Shinjiro cried out in pain as he felt the pocket watch gain some weight on his hospital gown pocket. He winced as Mitsuru crossed the room slowly and sat down on Fuuka's bed. She rubbed his back as he felt a tear escape the corner of his eye.

"Shinjiro. We won't let that happen—we will make sure that Takaya faces consequences. But, for now, you need rest. We all need rest. Baby steps, Shinjiro. That is what we will do." Mitsuru wasn't sure how to comfort someone like Shinjiro—it was odd, knowing that this was happening to someone whom they all counted on to help, no matter the situation.

Shinjiro nodded slowly, letting the words get absorbed into his brain. He laid his head on her bed, watching her chest move up and down slowly, as he closed his eyes. "Sorry. I seem to fuck things up, huh, Fuuka?" He whispered as Akihiko and Mitsuru moved away from them and sat in the corner, giving him some space.

…senpai… …do…ou….hear… ….me?

Shinjiro opened his eyes, quickly, thinking that Fuuka was calling out to him, but thought he was just hallucinating. He knew the medicine was ready to lull him to sleep. He closed his eyes once again, letting sleep pull him back into the depths.

… try… lling…out to… …me …my….sona…

He opened his eyes again, wondering if the others could hear it too. "Hey—" He turned around and saw Akihiko asleep on Mitsuru's shoulder as Mitsuru fell asleep on a pillow. "…so, that's a no…" Shinjiro whispered as he turned back to Fuuka, nothing changed except her oxygen levels getting higher, as he went back to sleep, making sure that nothing would wake him up this time. Next time, he'll sleep in his own bed. For now, being by Fuuka's side was the most important thing to him and the only way he could sleep while knowing she was still alive and breathing.