⚡thunderthighs™

i think people take hamuko's more 'outgoing'/’bubbly’ exterior as a complete 180 to minato in face value and not realize you can be social and still feel lonely. personally i lowkey can equate this with autism; girls are more likely to mask because they’re more desperate to socialize (but typically find themselves unable to hold onto friendships namely because they’re ‘too weird’ or can’t relate, but i may be digressing).

imo hamuko probably taps into the meta better than minato in one aspect; players take being a protagonist as someone who behaves proactively. naturally you're going to do what the game says and do as much as you want - until you find genuine merit in it, if that makes sense.

minato and tatsuya are very similar because they're both externally cool boys but are actually awkward. they don’t know what to do with themselves, and these are apparent. you see it by how the party and narrative bosses them around. 

hamuko is thrusted into the same situations yet she doesn't have the same personality as the guys. she’s not a princess. she pushes herself. junpei and akihiko in particular notice this - with junpei becoming jealous and in time overcoming preconceptions* and he and akihiko worrying she does things just to be nice - while mitsuru protects her from sexism. in a way hamuko gets fed into continuing doing her best because of the fact she is a girl in addition to having the same traumatic and lonely background. hamuko acts more desperate to the point she would be willing to get into fights outside tartarus. there is more substance with her as to why mitsuru thinks hamuko would make a good leader; like how SEES’ blueprint involved manipulation, in a way not only does mitsuru use hamuko like how she was used by ikutsuki but also mitsuru knows how it's like being in that oppressed role to make it effective.

slight digress, but mitsuru with this also indirectly feeds akihiko’s anxiety even more. i love the idea of akihiko being in the middle and having mixed emotions after picking up on how hamuko is, becoming somewhat resentful of mitsuru while at the same time playing the part as her righthand man. it doesn't help how oblivious akihiko initially was for being in agreement with hamuko being leader despite being a girl due to proving herself. akihiko does not see gender. neither does ryoji and aigis.

( who play some interesting roles, be it aigis imparting ryoji into either protag, and pharos being born and transforming into ryoji in the flesh, but take that as you will. )

however, mitsuru and shinjiro do. if shinjiro was around during the beginning of the game, he and mitsuru would be in opposition. not only that, shinjiro and akihiko suffer from toxic masculinity. they don’t allow themselves to be emotional or intimate to hold up an intimidating, manly image despite being sensitive actually. mitsuru is, unfortunately, so entrenched in a man’s world that she is unable to do anything for either. therefore it makes sense how hamuko is able to have a social link with akihiko and shinjiro and can crack them, considering that minato lowkey plays into a similar image and needs a character like yukari to call him and mitsuru out. 

again, hamuko isn’t a princess; she is capable of rescuing shinjiro, one of the most badass characters in p3 by allowing him to tap into his more traditionally ‘feminine’ side through a completed social link. and instead of giving up on cooking altogether, fuuka with hamuko is able to embrace her strengths and interests, also feeling compelled to do whatever she can to be useful.

6. Time waited for no one, yet it’d stop under the involuntary command of a girl who achieved her revival. An overwhelming burst, one which targeted Akihiko as source for her temporal fuel. Minako lashed with a vicious rattlesnake’s speed and within her abrupt grip he was pulled, no – yanked, in. Her words had the air of a poetical death sentence, with indisputable sincerity as her delivered judgement. Her breath scalded, and his was stolen. Evident against her breast were ceased heartbeats from whom she restrained.

7. His destiny is to remain fixed and unable to speak for her power chord summons personal shockwaves from head to toe. An electrocuted hand, barely able to reach to her figure, is too disoriented to lead him on the pursuit. Akihiko could just watch as her hair aggressively jounces from behind her head, with each sharp sway spitting insults and acid on the path she paves behind. An entrance door opening and indignantly slamming shut is the sequel to a chair’s clatter, freeing Polydeuces from being disabled while the piercing sound tells of her suffering.

8. Concealed sight makes for a stronger sense of hearing. Her voice especially haunts him; patronizing words carry like Mitsuru’s except Minako scalds instead of freezes. She petrifies yet Akihiko refuses to hold himself back from fire, enduring her burns while he swiftly wheels and grabs her shoulder before auburn hair flips at him and dwindles like a flame into the night.

9. He dips his head solemnly as he speaks. Every word he’ll say is capable of blowing up in his face, like tiny fires. He couldn’t trust the flames since he always finds himself with figurative burns in the end. Akihiko might as well compare the meaning of his existence to that of an arsonist. But as cursed as he is, he never wanted to burn bridges.

10. If there was one thing she’d receive credit for, it was catching Akihiko off guard. Unfortunately for her, he now had his heart on his sleeve. Logic and empathy didn’t work nor did allowing her to come at him. What– she wanted space now? Her eyes were so on the prize that nothing he said or did went through that thick skull of hers. Bet she didn’t see him stomping over until the side of his fist slammed an inch away from her head, into the wall.

His shadow cascaded over Chie as he breathed into her face, like a carnivore ready to devour what they cornered.

>> day 1

1. kanji --

"Akihiko! You wear speedos, too?!"

2. akihiko --

“Can’t go wrong with a speedo if you want to reduce water resistance.”

He eyes Tatsumi wearing one of his own before satisfaction overwhelms him.

“Ah, I see you’re a man of culture as well.”

3. kanji --

Kanji just puffed out his chest proudly with both hands on his hips for Akihiko to see him sporting his favorite swimwear, a smile beaming on his face. It was a breath of fresh air to not hear someone demand he change immediately. The more they seemed to learn about each other the more comfortable Kanji felt Akihiko really understood him. 

“Yeah, I mean I usually just wear ‘em because they are easy ta move around in, but this one especially…” he spun around, showcasing the logo printed on the rear side. “I just like the skull! It really my aesthetic!” Day 2 of camping was off to a great start, already!

4. akihiko --

Akihiko noted the skull, but he definitely noted toned glutes. He nodded. A gratified grunt.

“Looks great, man.” Who knew what he referred to exactly.

Next to them awaited two inflated biscuit-shaped watercrafts as the river gently rocked them. Off a folding camping chair, Akihiko plucked a life jacket in each hand, tossing one to Kanji.

“Safety first, of course,” he said before slipping into his. A few proper shifts into gear later, “Alright, ready to go tubing?”

5. kanji --

Oh right! Safety first! After what had happened the previous day with the bears, the last thing Kanji wanted to do was risk anything that would lead to further disaster for the weekend, (which was why that morning he had taken the precaution to properly tie the food up in a tree, just case). He nodded and quickly buckled in. It made his whole body feel a bit stiff and bulky, but it was for the best.

Sunblocked and ready to go, Kanji got situated on one of the inner tubes with a small rope to quickly tie them together. “There. Now neither of us can get separated, just in case!” It was time to shove off and off they went! They were finally floating down the river.

6. akihiko --

So they did. And Akihiko appreciated the bustling waters, as his preferences align closely with vitality over inertia. But that didn’t keep him from seizing the plastic oar at his side and accelerating their ride despite the weight!

“Let’s spice things up, Tatsumi!” Every movement, every muscle contract, drove his voice into sounding predatory as though he was challenging Mother Nature herself.

The tubes lurched left and right. Slapped against stones and bounced off. The river responded with brazen splashes to wherever, including slick strikes to the face. Despite deliberate instability, Akihiko, laughing, aimed to prevail — and nonetheless keep his junior safe. At one point their tubes jounced and nearly flipped, but instead arrived a reward: a startled trout flopping onto Kanji’s thighs.

7. kanji --

Kanji was…certainly doing his best to behave for once! After the almost life-ending episode with the bears from yesterday the last thing he wanted was to cause anything that would further ruin this trip for the two of them. Yet now today it appeared to be Akihiko’s turn to endanger them both, tossing the inner tubes about on the river waves and rocks. The blonde was clinging to the safety grips on his own flotation and shifting his weight to keep them from toppling over but then -    FLOP!

A trout? Kanji almost panic had it not been for an otherwise harmless fish. Quickly, the younger emperor grabbed it by it’s fin, holding onto it tight and away from him even as it wiggled violently in his grip. “A-AH! The hell do I do with it?! Aki, slow the damn tubes down for a moment!” Was he suppose to actually release it? He was about to let go but then…they did sort of lose a good amount of food from the other day. This would be great to cook for dinner when the get back to their camp site. “Should we…k-keep it? Eat it?”

8. akihiko --

“Now would you look at that!” Akihiko exclaimed nearly breathlessly at their delicious arrival. “Keep it! We’ve earned it!”

His hair soaked in the winds and waters, appearing erratic. Moist bangs padded his forehead and trickled downward. Their tubes swayed and coursed on its own, while he was visibly catching his breath; the oar stayed clenched in his hands now in cessation.

Overhead, shady clouds were rolling in, issuing a forewarning. Akihiko took note of that.

“Hey, let’s go back.”

9. kanji --

“Huh? But we just started! We can’t go back right now. Besides, it’ll be harder to haul everything up the trail instead of catch the bus at the end of the-” Kanji couldn’t finish his protest with a massive wave of river water splashing in his face, and sending him overboard from the tubes. It had taken every bit of strength to not lose grip on the fish from slipping away in the water. However…with both hands holding tightly by the fins…something else had slipped away.

Kanji gasped when he finally came up to the surface and reached for the inner tube with one hand, looking around the river in a panic. “A-Aki! We got a situation here! I uh…I lost somethin’ and I don’t think I can just…climb back on the tube! My swimsuits’ gone!”

10. akihiko --

Akihiko reeled forward in alarm. Hell, he nearly jumped in himself. “Kanji?!”

Immediately, thank god, he spotted arms floundering. Next, a full head. Then the rest of his friend — almost. Out came the news, which frankly did not make a lick of sense. How does one lose a speedo clean off within a minute like this? Based on observation, Akihiko knew damn well that shit hugged his glutes intimately.

Needless to say, he was flabbergasted.

“You serious?” he asked, but judging from the other’s terror, Akihiko already knew the answer. “You’re serious.”

He gazed off into the distance and took a deep breath, at a loss himself.

Thankfully, his brain explored all seven stages of grief in ten seconds. “Okay, uh, it’ll be okay. Don’t worry about it.” They were both men, after all. “What matters is getting you out of…”

From the corner of his eye. In the background. A large bear emerging from the ensemble of trees and bushes and making its way towards the river. It dipped its paws in and masterfully fished out a black—

“…KanjiYourSpeedo—”

11. kanji --

Akihiko may have gotten over this rather quickly, but Kanji on the other hand was still in an internal state of panic. The beach episode had been one thing, his speedo not being tossed about violently to a point where it was impossible to see within the waters. This…this was an entirely different story. There wasn’t even seaweed around to cover himself with for the time being! All he had was a fish!

All hope seemed lost until Akihiko piped up, seeming to have sighted the treasured swimsuit only for all light within Kanji’s soul to sink into the darkest despair once more. A familiar, fuzzy friend seemed to have gotten hold of it along the river bank ahead. It was the famous mother bear and her two cubs from the other day.

         ………..

Kanji was going to FIGHT!

“HEY! THAT’S MINE! GIVE IT BACK!” Without any further thought, Kanji started to shift his way through the roaring waters in the bear’s direction, fish flailing about in his hand all the while.

12. akihiko --

“Tatsumi!” Akihiko rocked in his tube. “Wait!”

Yet he didn’t pursue him. He watched the other wade in the river so mightily it was possible for it to split in two… and reveal Kanji’s own crack.

With speedo in her clutches, the bear peered up at the approaching challenger in all his glory. She bore her canines as means to intimidate, ready to throw down — until the fish writhing in his hand soon caught her bloodthirsty sights.

Again, Akihiko shouted for Kanji, but a roar cut him off. Mama bear tamed her scowl and slowly backed up, before raising a paw at the trout. She couldn’t feed her cubs beach panties.

13. kanji --

Kanji…was a very stupid boi, and this was just another fine example of proof of such. Yet in that very moment it was as if the might rapids of this river were parting like the red sea to make way for him to challenge this ferocious bear to a duel for what was rightfully his. He’d never be able to call himself a man or reclaim manhood if had to run back to camp with his frontal tail shoved between his legs!

All hope seemed lost until he noticed the bears nose flare up…and the her paw swipe at the fish in hand. He knew…right away what he must do. And so…Kanji smacked her across the facewith that trout, grabbed his speedo when it fell from her jaw, tossed the fish over for her to run after, and then quickly let the rapids carry his naked body, and his swimsuit away!

It’s true, Kanji was stupid…and it showed when the damn thing almost slipped off his body when he was climbing back into the inner tube again.

14. akihiko --

That was the end of that. Apparently. Akihiko lacked words for what just took place.

Mealless once again, it was smooth sailing from here on out.

However, by the time they returned to their destination, forewarned clouds from earlier fully manifested like a goth mosh pit conquering the sky. In fact, it started pouring while they were still in their tubes. Akihiko climbed off, with slick, uncoordinated legs dangling momentarily into the water as the material underneath made anomalous squeaks of terror. Oh, how moist this all was. At last, shore: claimed. His bare feet slapped around in the mud, unfortunately.

Akihiko extended a hand towards Kanji.

“Hey, be careful– it’s slippery. Want me to help you out? It’s a little difficult…” As he just deplorably demonstrated.

15. kanji --

Kanji…had screwed up again. He should have just let the bear have it and dealt with somehow making his way back to camp in the nude. There would be clothes there waiting for him, and it wasn’t like their current situation was any better. Now they were trodding through the mud in a rain, and he had a hole in the rear of his speedo. The weather couldn’t be helped, but now part of Kanji felt like they wouldn’t have had to throw away the fish for dinner if he had just contained his anger and impulsive behavior.

1. dojima --

Being from a small town, it was strange that he would be reached out to by a police officer named Kurosawa from Tatsumi Port Island, but it seemed as though they were calling in various people in the police force and other workers across Japan for some kind of cultural exchange for a high school. While at first Dojima was a bit reluctant he figured it would be a good way for him to see a new place as well, besides having a student shadow him didn’t seem too bad.

Once he arrived at Gekkoukan High School he made his way to the room where he was to be introduced to the student that was going to be shadowing him for the next week. The teen that seemed to be assigned to him already looked like the athletic type , no wonder they put this kid to shadow him he already looked like he could be in the police force in the future if he wanted to. Well, it was time for an introduction.

“Hey. I’m Detective Ryotaro Dojima.”

2. akihiko --

Akihiko underestimated Kurosawa’s schedule… Not that he meant to out of disrespect.

Although he’d prefer a familiar face, this turn of events — his mentor being from outside of the city — made things interesting.

When the day came to meet… Detective Dojima, was it? Akihiko could feel anticipation pecking the back of his brain and coursing through his restless legs, having him wish he had time to jog. He released some of that steam earlier though, launching a leg into Junpei’s rear after an unnecessary boisterous morning at the dorm.

Prior verbal instructions led him to promptly stop by the Faculty Office which came Ryotaro Dojima’s inevitable visit. Not that Akihiko meant to size the man up — he didn’t know what to expect — but he blamed Officer Kurosawa for imprinting on him the formal image of a cop. However, the vibes Detective Dojima gave off did not mismatch. Immediately Akihiko bowed and found himself straightening up more than required (even on a normal day).

“Nice to meet you, sir. I’m, uh, Sanada Akihiko. Welcome to Gekkoukan High School.”

3. dojima --

The kid before him seemed to be good and not a trouble maker like he had been expecting. Of course Dojima shouldn’t judge a book by his cover, but it seemed he got lucky with Akihiko.

There was a small smile on Dojima’s features after the introduction, he seemed to be a little more interested to see how these days were going to go but first maybe he should try to get to know him a bit better before getting things started.

There was a moment of silence before Dojima cleared his throat awkwardly. He usually had a stern demeanor about him but he needed to be this young man’s mentor during this time which meant he needed to at least try and be a bit more sociable.

“Sanada-san huh? It’s nice to meet you too. Tell me a little about yourself. Are you interested in detective work or did they randomly assign each of your classmates to different jobs?”

4. akihiko --

Their discussion continued once Mr. Ekoda permitted them to leave the Faculty Office, although they hadn’t strayed far. A few students were still bustling to class as another teacher berated them to move their butts, but, while tuning them out, Akihiko only focused on the man he just met.

“Uh, well. Each of us had to report our plans for the future or at least an idea. How it normally goes is that the underclassmen would get assigned to a random job, while most of us seniors have decided on a career. I’m serious about being involved in public safety, sir. I figured I could easily put my strengths to use as a detective.”

After saying that, a girl down the hall squealed for “Sanada-senpai!!!!!!” — immediately wrecking the earnest tone Akihiko had established and unbearably staining his face into a shade of red, even after the girl he couldn’t name carried on to class.

“U-uh. Th-that was..?”

5. dojima --

Well, this seemed interesting. It was a good way for kids in high school to have an idea for a potential career in their future. While Dojima had initially been a bit unsure about this, now he was hoping that he could at least make an impact on Akihiko to help him find out what he’d like to do in the future.

“I see. Well, I hope that you have a good experience, Sanada-san. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions. I’ll answer them the best I can, and if I can’t, I’ll find out an answer for you. Is there anything in particular that made you want to pursue this line of work?”

Suddenly there was a rather loud squealing from what seemed to coming from down the hall and it had been for Akihiko, Dojima couldn’t help but give the teen an amused smile.

“Heh, seems like you’re popular with the ladies.”

6. akihiko --

Akihiko strived to instantly put this behind them. “Uh… don’t mind them.” Smooth, Sanada.

Yet the question Detective Dojima posed was a difficult one to react to, in a different way. After all, not even Officer Kurosawa knew the real reason for his best friend’s passing, which cemented his decision. What happened to Shinji weighed heavily on him as well, and to no one’s surprise, be understandably suspicious of the “truth”.

Good news was that that wasn’t Akihiko’s only reason at least.

But, man, being personal already made him feel awkward, albeit he tried to conceal it.

“I didn’t have a fortunate childhood to be honest… But a lot of people helped me get to where I am. There was a policer officer— do you know Officer Kurosawa? He was one of those people. A few years ago he protected me in this city…”

Truthfully Akihiko was still gathering his thoughts.

7. dojima --

“You aren’t interested in them?” Dojima had found that hard to believe. Most boys that age would probably kill for that kind of attention from girls.

Then again, maybe times were different now. After all high school felt like ages ago for Dojima. Well, it was probably better to move on from that if Akihiko wanted Dojima to just ignore it. Still he couldn’t help but notice the girls that seemed to be paying extra attention to Akihiko as they walked by.

He frowned at Akihiko’s answer upon hearing he didn’t have a fortunate childhood.

“I’m real sorry to hear that, but I’m glad to hear that you had people to help guide the way. Yeah, I know him. I’m glad that he was around for you.”

Dojima nodded, although he hoped that he hadn’t brought down the mood. He awkwardly cleared his throat. He was so awkward around teenagers.

8. akihiko --

“No way,” he said matter-of-factly, looking ahead as if he was better than that. Nonetheless, the tone in the man’s voice didn’t go unnoticed… the confoundment confusing him a bit. Not to mention personally pricked; he became consciously aware of how boys his age would kill for the attention while he himself was in comparison standoffish. Akihiko didn’t brood over it, however. Wasn’t Dojima-san’s fault.

Quiet nodding felt like an appropriate response to his condolences. He hardly sought pity, preferring to prove himself despite his misfortunes. That he was above them. He had to move forward or else the past will catch up to him, after all.

And the last thing Akihiko wanted was to feel powerless again.

“So.. yeah. I can’t forget that feeling. I want to be there for others like they were for me, you know? Or at least that’s a simple way of putting it.”

9. dojima --

Dojima couldn’t help but chuckle a little bit at Akihiko’s response, he figured that maybe the kid was just shy. Then again, kids these days might be a little different too. Before they were all about having boyfriends and girlfriends in high school but maybe now kids actually wanted to focus on their future. That’s good.

“That’s understandable. I think that’s real admirable of you to turn something like that into a positive into how you can help people. It’s good. It’ll get you far.”

Well, maybe they should move on from thinking about things that were clearly touchy subjects for the teen. He was supposed to be educating and inspiring the boy.

“Hey, how about we go out on a patrol? I could give you some tips on what to look out for.”

10. akihiko --

Tentatively, he nodded again, slowly allowing Dojima-san’s blessings get through to him considering how long Akihiko on his own paid more attention to ungiven, precarious details. What he said was the goal after all.

And then, ah yes, what he was waiting for. Akihiko cracked a smile, leading them to the entrance. “Yeah, of course. I could show you around at the same time,” he said while holding the door open to his mentor.

Luckily it was a sunny day; Akihiko rarely cut class, so today managed feeling special. Across the school’s precinct stood several columns among many types of colorful flowers, as well as a notable cinema.

“You’ve probably already been here. Port Island Station.”

Less people than usual occupied the area since it was a school day, but it wasn’t empty. Usually Akihiko would find Shinji around the other station. As they quietly observed the mix of people and inflorescence, Akihiko got reminded that Dojima-san wasn’t from the city.

1. naoto --

       ❝Ah- Sanada-san, thank you.❞ Naoto glanced up at the sudden cover from Akihiko’s umbrella. Despite the forecast and looming clouds, she’d been more focused on their stake-out to really pay much attention to the sudden rain. There was a slight chill in the air that caused her to stand closer to her current investigation partner.       Despite the trivial nature of their current task, she was hardly bothered. Sometimes an easy job was a refreshing change of pace. A faint smile even played on the Detective’s lips as she tipped her hat slightly as her gaze met Akihiko’s own.

      ❝Supposedly tonight after work most of the precinct was going to the karaoke bar, if we’re out of here soon enough did you intend on joining them? That is if we don’t freeze out here first.❞ The detective shivered. ❝I hadn’t realized it was supposed to rain today.❞

2. akihiko --

Akihiko watched her quirk that came with wearing a trademark hat and welcomed the salutation only she could pull off, a calming yet kindling eye peeked out from beneath the bill. He gave a forgiving smile; while Shirogane didn’t notice the rain until it occurred, Akihiko didn’t properly acknowledge it until after. Her smaller presence modified the wet and drab atmosphere before he realized how the weather’s behavior — aside from dropped temperature — affected his impression prior, the rain’s drumming against the roof of his umbrella being white noise. Akihiko felt more solitary before, soon to be demonstrated in his response.

“Hadn’t thought about it,” he admitted, a slight shrug. “Since you brought it up, I wonder if I should now. Maybe it would help with strengthening our teamwork, but honestly whenever I participate in those kinds of gatherings, they always end as though they don’t… work out in my favor. To say the least.”

He gave a pathetic chuckle. Memories of embarrassing (some discovered through hindsight) after-school activities should have been put to bed by now, that he grew from his awkwardness since then, but here they manifested as the foundation for a confession during a time he had claimed his place in this world.

Akihiko positioned the umbrella over his partner a little better as if to apologize for himself. “Though to be honest, I’m more of a one-on-one person than a group kind of guy.”

3. naoto --

     ❝Glad I’m not the only one. I’ve never noticed a positive correlation between alcohol and group activities such as this. I believe we can gain enough rapport on the job rather than embarrassing ourselves in front of our peers.❞ She let a soft laugh escape herself as well.        She herself had some memories to share regarding group gatherings and silly games for ‘team building’. Even just the thought of alcohol seemed to have a strange effect on people and she’d rather not put herself through that sort of thing again. For others perhaps it was fun, although Naoto simply found the situations to be uncomfortable.        The soft tapping of rain on the umbrella commingling with the white noise of the streets, even with the slight chill of the air was much preferred to crowded karaoke bar that generally smelled of cheap beer and was filled with loud laughter and usually poor singing. Drinking was hardly a pastime the detective enjoyed, the thought of losing control an unwelcome one.

         ❝I share the sentiment. Groups can be overwhelming. I was actually trying to think of an excuse not to go myself. You know … there is a premier of a new noir film tonight. If you’re looking for an excuse as well, I wouldn’t mind the company.❞

4. akihiko --

Alcohol itself was fine, he just had the darnedest of luck with the socialization aspect. But Akihiko didn’t tell her that. Ace detective here needn’t any more clues regarding his insecurities.

A detective’s intuition was one thing, another was a detective’s pride. Shirogane was chock full of it, which she was kind enough to lend. Beneath the umbrella a club with two proud attendees took place. Akihiko huffed in amusement.

There came a twinkle in his eye. “Hey, now that’s something I can get behind. I’ll take you up on that offer,” he said, still holding the umbrella as they strolled across pavement. With each step Akihiko increasingly valued her but without realizing that Shirogane might’ve orchestrated this from the start.

5. naoto --

   ❝Great. I’ve actually been looking for an excuse to go myself, although I’ve never been fond of attending the cinema myself.❞ A grateful smile played on her lips, glad to hear he’d accepted her offer. The two tended to work well together, so she figured some time outside of work would be a welcomed change of pace. And a good way to gain rapport with one another.    ❝If this goes well too, I wouldn’t mind utilizing more excuses like this in the future, although I suppose it would only be fair to allow you to decide the next movie- or activity. I understand noir can be a niche genre, and from what I’ve gathered around the office, you tend to prefer movies with more action?❞ It would only be fair after all, and from branching out the little she had since her school days, she knew that much.

6. akihiko --

A small, knowing smile hinted teasing. “Books over movies, right?”

Yet Shirogane flipped it back on him. Akihiko, a deer in the headlights. “Wait—you guys talked about me?” Why did he feel embarrassed.

1. akihiko --

“You really shouldn’t have.”

2. naoto --

❝After that last expedition, I figured you could use something to take the edge off … I’m sure we all could.❞ The Detective Prince explained as she set a cup of tea on the table before Akihiko and took the seat across from from him.

After making some decent headway through The Group Date Cafe labyrinth, a majority of the group was left needing a well earned break, and for once Naoto intended to utilize it without taking time to analyze the situation … for now at least.

Setting her trademark hat onto the table, Naoto took up her own cup with a contented sigh. ❝I have to admit … at first I was a little skeptical about intermingling our teams in combat with the shadows … but I feel like we complimented each other quite well out there.❞

3. akihiko --

Talk about a 180.

To go from, and understandably so, not trusting their team (even he had already gotten used to her sharp scrutinization) to inviting one of its members for a cup of tea in a cheesy fuchsia atmosphere.

But Akihiko accepted anyway. Maybe Shirogane had the same idea: it would do good on their teams’ morale, building stronger camaraderie (aside from combining brains and brawn in making sure they got out of this debacle alive).

And, well, his interest piqued the moment she boldly approached him, for she had a distinct, serious demeanor from the rest of her ragtag group, coupled with her small stature up close. Who knew whether she debated this with the team or acted on her own volition. Akihiko took the heavy hint it was the latter especially considering the last battle. Unexpectedly, the two’s difference in skills had mingled well, nearly comfortably so.

“You’re not imagining it. I think we hit it off myself. Somehow it never occurred to me there being Persona users from other areas, but even if that’s the case, our combination’s solid already.”

He was hardly a tea drinker, picking up his cup and observing the contents before bringing the rim to his lips. That was, until what kept them separated was an automatic voice from overhead:

> “Well then… the time has come to announce your destined partner.”

4. naoto --

    ❝I doubt any of us really anticipated the existence of other persona users, although logically it was more likely than not. It now begs the question how many more are out there we don’t even know about.❞     The sudden occurrence of the robotic voice caused Naoto to lower her cup. So much for their little reprieve from battle. Taking up her hat from the table before her, the detective replaced it on her head with a sigh.       ❝I don’t understand the purpose behind these questions. A ‘Destined Partner’ could never actually be decided through a questionnaire reminiscent of those which gullible teenage girls find online.❞ After all, sometimes two who answered questions the exact opposite could be more compatible. There were far more factors than superficial questions. At least the detective felt there should be, not that she was well versed in the subject though.       Unless of course the voice had taken everything into consideration while it watched the two teams interact and battle, and the questionnaire was just a red herring. Though all of that was unlikely.      ❝We should likely rejoin the others, although I’m fairly confident my presence won’t be required.❞ After all, it wasn’t her team that had any say in the matter. Naoto knew perfectly well if they had their say she would end up with Kanji, which she still didn’t quite understand. Sure, they were the same age, but he couldn’t even properly speak with her, how did that translate to them being compatible?     Though before either could even move the voice returned,

          “Your Destined Partner is … lo and behold … “  

    As a spotlight encompassed their table, Naoto wasn’t too surprised. Akihiko was a fairly attractive young man, and she figured his personality would be a good fit for several of the girls. Though moments later it finally sunk in that it wasn’t a spotlight, but two, one on each side of the table where the pair sat.

     ❝M-Me?!❞ She felt her cheeks heat up, desperately attempting to conceal her face behind the brim of her hat. There had to be some sort of mistake, right? What was she supposed to do now?

5. akihiko --

Thank god he wasn’t drinking. Akihiko would had showered his so-called destined partner with lavender tea and spit. Instead he noisily slammed his cup down onto its saucer. “Wh-what?!”

He couldn’t help being embarrassed. And hot from the burst of heat radiating from the sudden spotlight.

Akihiko squinted, immediately sensing bullshit, nonetheless. After all, despite the two discussing compatibility just a second ago, they were speaking battle-wise. They hardly knew one another. Akihiko doubted whoever was setting them up had much information on the two to even play the part of a clairvoyant and was merely toying with them.

( Unfortunately, two, hated memories resurfaced: his persistent fangirls pairing themselves with him and invading his personal space – and SEES’ encounter with the Arcana Lovers shadow back in July. )

Being manipulated like this… This alone was enough to provoke him and send him onto his feet, arms raised.

That was— until the floor specifically beneath him collapsed.

He didn’t know what occurred those few seconds, but he found himself in the opposite scenery now bright and vibrant, his sense of smell assaulted by pollen. Akihiko landed on his ass. When he attempted to get up, he realized his left hand had stubbornly grasped onto.. another hand. Shirogane’s hand. Akihiko could only glare at this awkwardly enforced development.

“Unh.. uh..?”

6. naoto --

   Raising to her feet, Naoto anticipated this all to be an elaborate introduction to the labyrinth’s guardian and that soon enough they’d be back in the heat of battle. What she didn’t anticipate was the floor giving way beneath her.    A moment passed before she was able to reclaim her composure, immediately shifting into detective mode as her eyes scanned her surroundings in an attempt to assess the situation. Somehow the labyrinth seemed to be gone, in it’s stead a flower field with a single path ahead, not a soul in sight. An odd warmth in her hand soon drew the detective’s attention, steely eyes shifting to her hand to identify the source …   Instinctively, Naoto attempted to withdraw her hand, but to no avail, some unforeseen circumstance held their hands intertwined. Despite the fluster felt in the back of her mind, Naoto knew she had to take control of the situation, considering her companion’s expression.

  ❝Ah- Akihiko, are you alright? I’m not sure what’s going on, but our hands seem to be stuck like this-❞   Before she could finish, the mechanical voice returned, only making it harder for Naoto to keep her composure. More of that destined partners talk … what was this all about? None of it made sense. All Naoto knew was that the voice’s messages were becoming somewhat ominous.     ❝… We might as well keep moving. Hopefully whatever is ‘waiting ahead’ will remedy our current situation a-and reunite us with the others.❞

7. akihiko --

Akihiko tugged (while being considerate of her, mind you), but no matter the struggle, her hand remained encased in his. Snug in a glove.

What in the world…

“Yeah, I’m okay.. for the most part. How about you? Sorry… Uh, I’m not doing this,” he swung their arms a little to imply, “on purpose. Just… ignore it, okay?” Akihiko resigned beside himself, closing his eyes in defeat. Then a sigh. At least Shirogane kept a level head. “Right, moving forward is all we can do. Let’s go.”

At first he didn’t particularly notice their difference in strides down the single path especially since he focused on getting to the source of this madness. Be it because of his nature, but keeping Shirogane close to him like this unconditionally made him felt comfortably protective. Yet realization slowly ceased his steps. Their situation that was clinging together now branded as security and a yearning for independence certainly clashed, and Akihiko bashfully peered down from the flaw.

“…I’m dragging you along, aren’t I? Sorry… It seems I was getting ahead of myself.” He looked at her, finally. “I won’t do it again. But try to stay close to me, okay?” Said with a small smile. Hopeful. Genuine. “I’ll make sure nothing happens to you throughout this.”

As they continued beneath reoccurring heart-shaped arches, Akihiko quietly considered what the mechanical voice said thus far. Something something about discussing love, love and marriage, but he hardly gave the topics much thought before. Almost as if a mental wall had been established. However, this cursed atmosphere made the idea inviting, relevant at present, with the desire to break the ice building up inside him.

“So, uh… ever gone out with anyone before? Would you want to?”

8. naoto --

    While Naoto had given the initial insight to hasten through this particular area, Akihiko’s sudden charge caught her off guard, initially stumbling ahead until she managed to catch her footing. Her head shook at his comment, a sudden realization making itself known to her when he’d mentioned protecting her. While the detective wanted to point out her occupation and it’s hazards, not to mention the revolver she kept holstered at her side … it was practically useless now.     Her dominant hand was currently occupied by Akihiko’s own, so even drawing it at the moment would be a struggle, and stuck together the way they were, the only option she had was to work cooperatively with him. A sigh escaped her as she gave a small nod.    ❝It’s alright, and the same goes for you as well. While I may be petite, I am a detective. Let’s just hope that combat won’t be an aspect while we’re here.❞  The quiet as they walked hardly bothered Naoto as they traversed the strange path, although the voice’s words bothered her. What did they mean? And what could it possibly mean lay in wait for the two … Hearing Akihiko speak again drew the detective’s attention, although it was admittedly the last thing she expected to hear.

      ❝G-Gone out? Where is this coming from?❞ She looked away quickly, attempting to conceal the pink hue that was overtaking her cheeks. ❝N-No … not really. I’m usually so entrapped in my detective work I don’t think about that sort of thing … ❞ Another silence held her for a moment. ❝… Wh-what about you? I’m sure someone had to have caught your eye whom you’d probably much prefer to be stuck here with …❞

9. akihiko --

Akihiko nodded after she made clear of her capabilities, quietly satisfied with how practical and assured she sounded. Appearances aside, Shirogane did not compare at all with other girls, more specifically his fangirls. They would have had definitely taken advantage of this situation, possibly grabbing more of him than just his hand…

Anyway, it seemed he worried for nothing, although that wouldn’t stop him from being protective. Sorry—just his nature.

However, Shirogane’s immediate question to his magnified his own embarrassment, making him peek towards the sky as if he was mentally flying away and into heaven. But their hands were still interlocked.

At least she didn’t counterattack… Who knew what Shirogane was capable of there. Instead, Akihiko sensed her calmly talking herself through, and out of pity for both of them he had no choice but to play along. Tone-wise, at least…

“An actual detective, huh…?” he mumbled while his head remained upwards, at this likely simulated blue sky. “That’s really impressive, and almost hard to believe. But I think I can believe it after getting to know you… Dating would take up too much time if you’re not interested either… I’m pretty interested.” Wait.

“—I mean in detective work, not—”

Arghhhhhhh.

His flustered face drew itself her way, right about when she posed the same question back at him. He blinked, his mouth ever so slightly opened as if at a loss for words. Yet, while scratching at his cheek and then placing that hand beneath his chin, Akihiko seriously considered the inquiry, of anyone close to him since immediately anyone outside of that he couldn’t care less of.

“…Hmm, no… I wouldn’t want to subject anyone else to… this…” His hand squeezed hers, then he huffed in another direction. He couldn’t keep track of this conversation anymore. “S-sorry, I don’t know why I asked. Guess it’s the atmosphere, ha ha…”

10. naoto --

    ❝It’s not nearly as surprising as you’d think … The Shirogane family is full of detectives, so it was an obvious career choice. But thank you.❞ Not that she didn’t put in the work to garner her own fame, watching her Grandfather and starting young gave Naoto plenty of knowledge early to make a name for herself … or rather himself as the public believed. It was easier that way after all.    Hearing Akihiko seeming to understand her stance on relationships came as a welcome surprise. Even her own Grandfather often attempted to encourage her to branch out, make more friends, enjoy her youth while she could, but that wasn’t what she was after. Naoto had dedicated her life, her time to her work. It was familiar to her, and relationships … those were complicated.      Although before she could comment, he’d made the comment about being … interested? Yet again Naoto felt the fluster return, this whole situation more than she knew how to handle, before he’d elaborated. A wave of relief washed over her, although there was also a slight tinge of … disappointment?  Was that what it was?     As he attempted to continue the conversation, Naoto glanced to their conjoined hands before she began to chuckle. When was the last time she’d so openly laughed like this? She hoped he didn’t assume she was laughing at him, that was far from the case. It was simply that a sudden realization had occurred to her.

       ❝I’m sorry.❞ She finally managed amid her amusement. ❝It seems we share many opinions on this particular topic … and somehow whoever it is attempting to play fate here chose the most inept pair for this situation. Whatever they had been hoping to happen … I highly doubt they’re going to see out of us. We can hardly even talk about this without becoming far too flustered to continue.❞ The amusement once more bubbled the surfaced as she chuckled again.       ❝Instead of succumbing to this place, why don’t we shift the topic to an interest it seems we share?❞ Looking ahead Naoto noticed a fork in the path up ahead, perhaps they were finally nearing the way out of this place, hopefully without some strange sort of decision deciding which path they chose. ❝What makes you interested in detective work?❞  

11. akihiko --

Already tender enough, Akihiko nearly recoiled from confusion and pride at her change in manner. Even if it was just a moment, the sounds she made battered his ego, but speaking swaddled it in a blanket upon clarification. Shh, shh; there, there. He was thankful for a break. Akihiko caught on, softened at the humor and relatability he hadn’t expected. Shirogane was shrewd alright, making a point from their discomfort while he mentally scuttled for safety.

His savior.

Embarrassment eroded like a turtle poking its head out of its shell; Akihiko chuckled along. “‘Most inept pair’, huh? ..I kind of like the sound of that. Who would’ve thought we’d make whoever’s toying with us their biggest threat with those means.” How the table turned. For once Akihiko could be proud for not being the most romantic guy — or rather, for being the most hopeless. He imagined chucking his How to Chad book (one tip including not to be laughed at) into his dorm room’s trash bin with conviction.

Shirogane’s idea he looked forward to going along with.

“Let’s see…” Free hand returned to his chin in thought, their walk momentarily pausing before he started. “I know a guy… A police officer. He suspected our little persona group was up to something, but he always minded his business, at least when it came to details. He aided us with equipment, otherwise, but anyway… He helped me out before, and I had never gotten over it. And—I don’t know—I like the guy and how cool he was about everything.”

Akihiko couldn’t forget being scolded and personally advised as well, and although in context that could be deemed humiliating and unusual, in hindsight Kurosawa-san probably knew better than he did that Akihiko needed to hear those words. Perhaps there was fondness there. “I doubt police officers are usually like that, at least under those circumstances… Guess you’d call him an inspiration. Plus I’d get to work at my own pace as a detective.”

When they approached the fork in the path, Akihiko squinted ahead of them. He tugged at her hand as call for attention. “Hey… Let’s move forward. I see something up ahead.”

12. naoto --

    Now that she thought about it, the idea just made more and more sense. Who better to throw into such a situation than the two level-headed in the group who would be made the most uncomfortable by it? Two that would be thrown off their game in fluster as they were unable to understand the situation, and unable to help their friends as well. That had to be it.      

She once more tipped her, a slight feeling of guilt overtaking her at his comment. A bad habit of speaking her inner thoughts out loud, she hadn’t meant to make it sound so bad. Although fortunately, Akihiko seemed to take it well. Somehow, he seemed to understand her logic, able to look past the blunt nature of her words to the underlying meaning.    

Listing to his story, there was another sort of similarity the two shared. Naoto had always looked up to her grandfather in a similiar way. Even with the struggles she faced in the field, he was always in her corner. While he tended to challenge her, it wasn’t in the condescending way some of the other police and detectives tended to, he wanted her to surpass even what he was capable of.  

❝You’re not wrong. Many officers won’t be so encouraging, but you can’t let that stop you. I personally faced quite a bit of friction due to my age and … ❞ A slight pause, she didn’t always like to admit the facade she put on just to feel a little accepted, but it was the truth. ❝And my sex. Having an inspiration like that is something to hold onto. I look up to my Grandfather for similiar reasons and … It’s embarrassing, but I aspire to be like the detectives you find in Noir novels. I’ve been reading them since I was young.❞  

Turning her attention back to the path, Naoto noticed what he was talking about. Some sort of board? As they drew close enough to make out the details, the detective once again found herself fighting back fluster and embarrassment.

    ❝What in the world-❞ Clearly a photo-shopped image, Naoto noticed the mismatched skin tones from their faces and bodies, and yet still she felt an embarrassment sinking in. Her grip on his hand tightened slightly, attempting not to let this get to her. They couldn’t fall into that trap again, and yet a thought came to mind.

  ❝You don’t think … they’re attempting to force something like this upon us, right? They couldn’t-… the labyrinth wouldn’t take this that far. It’s just some sort of trick to throw us off our game …❞

13. akihiko --

Personal hardships Shirogane revealed to have experienced left Akihiko with eyes downcast, facing forward. He didn’t know the extent of her pain, but nonetheless he sensed it through her hesitance — similarly to how Mitsuru uttered grievances bestowed upon her by the Kirijo Group. She never touched upon the details with him, but at most Akihiko understood being the only daughter made the situation, the company’s future, difficult than necessary.

But rather Shirogane’s story being an unfortunate one, it left with Akihiko discovering a personal fact about the aspiring detective at his side, which may or may not explain the way she carried herself. Regardless, Akihiko had already accepted the way she was. It wasn’t that deep to him.

“Ahh, I see. I’m.. sorry you had to go through that,” he said. Then he looked at her with curiosity. “Noir novels? You mean like Sherlock Holmes, right? What’s so embarrassing about that? Last I checked it’s normal to look up to heroes.”

Even Akihiko chased after ideals himself, one example being how strong he wanted to become. And boy did that photo made all his muscles tense. Rather than saying anything at all, Akihiko snarled. What was the meaning of this?! Was this some kind of omen?! Surely, the enemy wasn’t merely misunderstood, didn’t only believe they’d made a good couple and set up an arranged marriage — forced an endgame out of their lives. A mind trick maybe? Now that would be twisted.

He was affronted.

While Shirogane kept her wits about herself, Akihiko involuntarily huddled closer. “Arggh, they’re trying to rattle us! Keep your guard up!”

14. naoto --

     Naoto shook her head. ❝You have no need to apologize, and it’s not like you’ve treated me that way. If anything it’s made me stronger as a detective, and as a person. Striving to prove them wrong pushed me to work harder … and it’s probably how I managed to make the name for myself I have.❞ She sighed softly, normally Naoto tended to be a more closed off person, although this conversation was much preferred to the alternative.     ❝Normally yes, it would be normal to look up to heroes but I’ve been around detectives my entire life, some people find it childish to look up to idealized fictional characters. I’ve been a detective since I was young, so finding interest in fiction can seem … silly. Although it’s a nice change of pace I suppose.❞      Realizing the gravity of the situation, the detective managed, somehow, to get a hold of herself. They couldn’t get worked up over this, that would only distract them. No matter what came next in this twisted game, they would have to approach it calmly if they wanted any chance at all to overcome it. A serious expression claimed Naoto’s features as she stepped in front of Akihiko, lightly squeezing his hand to grasp his attention.

     ❝Akihiko.❞ She stated firmly. ❝You’re letting them get into your head again. It’s simply a doctored photograph, not reality. This world … isn’t reality. No matter what comes next, the sooner we defeat this labyrinth, the sooner it’ll be over.❞ As terrifying as the uncertainty could be, Naoto knew it wouldn’t last. And besides, if the information they’d gathered about this world was true, they wouldn’t remember any of this when they finally made it home, maybe that’s why it was so easy to open up now. Once they were out of here they wouldn’t remember each other, and possibly would never again encounter each other in the real world.      ❝Once you’ve composed yourself we’ll keep moving. If this is anything to go by, we’re likely nearing the end of this place. I’d rather not face this places’ shadow at further disadvantage.❞ After all, as far as she knew, it would just be the two of them facing off with this entity, and at the moment she couldn’t even utilize her dominant hand.

15. akihiko --

Working hard to prove others wrong. It was as if his subconscious just spoke.

Shirogane unknowingly described his own secret—why Akihiko presented himself the way he did appearance and behavorial-wise, why he was so preoccupied with strength. He felt himself go hot for a moment, as if he had been caught with having done something naughty. This was dangerous territory in another sense. Thankfully, however, this wasn’t about him.

“It’s not as though anyone else needs to know. But be it real or fiction, it doesn’t matter. It’s important to you.” To each their own, but Akihiko never liked being snubbed for his passion for training and exercise. He would’ve appreciated having a training partner, but that was a complicated endeavor to accomplish, everyone’s excuses squirming them out of reach. “Have you heard of Phoenix Ranger Featherman R? I’d be surprised if you haven’t, it’s popular with kids and adults.” Did she get where he was going with this?

Shirogane’s inflection broke him out of his rage-induced spell. He shakily yet sharply inhaled while he listened.

“I know… I’m sorry.. I know. I’m—just alert.”

He felt guilty for reacting so obviously aggressive (oh, the irony), but now wasn’t the time. Beyond the shoddily-manipulated image stretched another long-winded path. He closed his eyes and took another deep breath. Opened them, unveiling a determined aura. “We should hurry and get out of here.”

This prompted them to continue the dreadful trek. Akihiko dared not to ruminate over these past several minutes, but he was, as if he could help it, conscious of Shirogane. She demonstrated strength back there, and to himself he commended her. Now they were back on the same page, after the same faceless target and destination.

Then it clicked.