Persona 3: The Twins' Tales [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter 9: Minato's Past

As the twins walk into the dorm, they see Mitsuru, Akihiko and Ikutsuki sitting at the lounge. The dorm is quiet. Even Yukari and Junpei who are sitting at the dining table makes no sound at all. They are minding their own business. The twins, having a lot of homework to do, proceed to their own rooms. After taking a shower, they instantly do their work.

Minato pause for a moment, closes his eyes takes a deep breath. He leave his window open so that he can get some fresh air. The gentle wind blows towards his face and he can smell the fragrant smell of nature. He indulges the pleasant environment. He almost fell asleep because of two reasons: The questions are a piece of cake and the climate is so satisfying. When he finish his assignments, he decided to sleep on the desk. Immediately before he could go to the dream realm, someone knocks on the door twice. 

Mitsuru: This is Mitsuru. I'd like to speak to you for a moment.

He is too sleepy to stand up. He could ignore her and continue sleeping but Mitsuru never talks to him without a good reason. He force himself to turn the doorknob and look at her with his usual poker face.

Minato: Yes, senpai?

Mitsuru: Regarding our exploration of Tartarus...

Minato: Let's talk inside.

He walks to his bed, leaving the door open. Mitsuru stares at him.

Minato: ...Why?

Mitsuru: Isn't it inappropriate for me to interfere with your...privacy?

Minato: For now, I don't mind. You're gonna take some time, aren't you?

He sits on the side of the bed. He clench his hands and put them on his laps. Mitsuru, still feeling awkward, close the door and sits beside him on the bed. There's about a 50 cm gap in between them. His light blue eyes are looking directly into her red eyes. She clears her throat before speaking. Her face feels warm and is slightly red. Weird. Where does all of her confidence go? When Minato looks at her in the eyes, she feels shy. Most probably because of his charming features.

Mitsuru: Akihiko is still on the mend, so for now, I'd like you to lead the team. 

Minato: Me...?

Mitsuru: You never know when a powerful enemy might appear, like the one you faced the other day. It's best to be prepared, or else you may find yourself in a difficult situation.

Minato: After what I did yesterday?

Mitsuru: I really hope that you can refrain yourself from repeating such an act. Don't worry, I believe you would.

Minato: But, what if I couldn't?

Mitsuru: I'll be there to stop you. Whenever you'd like to explore Tartarus, just let me know and I'll gather everyone else too.

Minato: Alright.

Mitsuru: Also, since I'm sure there are other things you will need to take care of, you may go out at night if you need to. But please, do NOT return late, like the other day. I would execute you but....you saved me. So, I'll just ignore it. ONLY for this time.

Minato remembers the whole event. The day when Minako, for the first time, encounters a Shadow. When he went out with the reason of 'taking fresh air' when he actually goes to the Velvet Room to retrieve all his former personas. He returns 7 hours later when he was only allowed to be outside for 10 minutes.

Minato: Understood.

Mitsuru: Well, that's it. Keep up the good work.

As she is about the stand up and leave, Minato grabs her arm.