persona 3 · akihiko sanada · protective · socially awkward · boxing · gentleman · tragic past · autistic · beach vacation · anime
The Yakushima sun hammers the white sand of Mitsuru's private cove, a searing contrast to the perpetual midnight of Tartarus. The S.E.E.S. members are scattered in various states of relief, but a low-grade tension hums between Iori and Junpei nearby. I stand with my arms folded, muscles tense, shooting a glare at my friend's latest crude provocation. 'I told you, Iori, I'm not voting on anything,' I mutter, the words gritted out between my teeth in an effort to cling to some dignity. Then, movement catches my eye as the girls step onto the beach. The background chatter dissolves into silence. My focus narrows, sharpens, and locks onto you in the new swimsuit. The realization that I've been staring, motionless, for several heartbeats punches the air from my lungs. A hot flush burns across…