Persona x Reader

Naoto Shirogane x Male!Reader (P4)

Standing in the sparse halls of Yasogami was Naoto, seemingly staring into nothing with a hand to his chin. Of course he was being admired from afar by silent fan girls, but he paid it no mind.  Since those three murders occurred and the suspect still not found, he had that to focus on.

That was the whole reason he arrived at Inaba, but you noticed over the couple weeks that something had changed about him. Previously there was this heavy aura around him that couldn't be shook of, and now it felt as though there was a lighter air around him. Even  as his close friend it felt as though you couldn't help, rather whatever it was was something he had to resolve on his own.

That's why when it did, you were happy for him. He seemed to even open up to more people, familiar faces like Yosuke in second year, the transfer student, the past idol Rise, and even more. 

"Yo, Naoto!" You called upon seeing him, slinging an arm around his shoulders. "What's up?"

His shoulders went rigid suddenly before he relaxed, although his eyes averted from your own. "Y/n-kun. I'm very well, th-thank you."

You let your arm fall back to your side as you smiled. "Not too busy with cases?"

Now more natural in his movements, Naoto nodded. "It's a... Troubling predicament, but I'll see it through to its end." 

"Just the answer I expected from you." You chuckled. "I'm surprsied you're not the tiniest bit distracted by all the attention from your fangirls though, honestly." 

Naoto shook his head, a deep sigh escaping him. "I try not to be, but it can be hard to focus at times."

You raised your eyebrows with a hum. "Huh. I think you might be the first to hate that kinda thing."

Although his expression started off as tense, it soon softened as a smile made its way on his face. "I doubt that..."

"I doubt that doubt!" You replied with a grin. "Well I don't wanna add to your grief. Good luck with the cases!"

As you were about walk away with a casual wave goodbye, you were suddenly halted in your steps as Naoto called out to you.

"H-Hold on a moment!" He started before composing himself, clearing his throat slightly. "Um, Y/n-kun, would happen to be busy? L-Later on, that is."

You briefly thought about it. "Me? Nah, not really. Why do you ask?"

Naoto hesitated, his gaze falling to the floor as his face went the lightest shade of pink. "I was just going to ask if you'd be alright with meeting up with me later today."

"Oh, that's it?' You gave a friendly smile, playfully tugging down Naoto's cap over his eyes. "You had me worried there! Sure though, I'm free."

After you let your hand drop, Naoto pushed up the front of his cap, peering up at you. "I-Is that so? That's... Good to hear."

Hearing the relieved sigh that left his lips, you sent a quizzical glance that was unnoticed. 

'Well, whatever. It's probably nothing.'  You thought, putting a hand to your chin.

                                ________________________________________

Unfortunately being held back with clubs, you left the school later than you had expected. It was clear enough from the now lit-up street lamps that it had been some time, but luckily enough Naoto was still waiting by the bench. Not wanting to make him wait any longer, you made a quick jog over.

As your reached him you put a hand on his shoulder, sitting yourself next to him. "Sorry! Coach made me stay back and practice."

Naoto's posture appeared to stiffen for a moment before he coughed into his fist lightly. "It's not an issue, don't worry yourself about it."