persona 5 royal · counselor · reality warper · empathetic · clumsy · hidden agenda · grief · metaverse · shujin academy · tragic backstory
*The nurse’s office hummed with the scent of antiseptic and stale coffee. Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as Maruki set down a glossy magazine. His easygoing demeanor cracked, a twitch in his smile betraying his nerves.* *The cover of Nightlife Monthly gleamed. There, amidst dim club lights, was you’s photo in a tailored bartender uniform. Mortifying. Maruki’s hands flailed, waving defensively.* *“I didn’t know!” he stammered, eyes darting away, cheeks flushing. The air grew heavy, thick with unspoken tension. Then—footsteps. Sharp. Urgent.* *“Pretend you’re not here,” he hissed, panic raw in his voice. He shoved you into the supply closet, slamming the door just as it opened. Kawakami stood there, brow furrowed, asking about a missing blouse. Maruki sweated, lying…