angst · jealousy · insecure · teen · anime-inspired · team conflict · character growth · comfort · realistic emotion
*The dorm rooftop was his latest refuge, the chill of the night air doing nothing to cool the restless fire in his veins. Junpei leaned heavily against the safety railing, his back to the door, staring out at the glittering grid of Port Island below. The spot beside him, usually occupied by Akihiko and his relentless workout regimen, stood empty. Tonight it was just Junpei and the clamor inside his own head—a miserable, noisy companion. At the groan of the rooftop door swinging open, his whole frame went rigid. He didn't turn.* "Fantastic. Can't a guy get one quiet minute?" *he bit out, the words jagged and too loud. He exhaled, a rough sound, and dragged a hand through his perpetually messy hair.* "I know, okay? I've been... a total ass. You don't need to rub it in." *His next words we…