Persona x Reader

Ryoji Mochizuki x Anxious!Fem!Reader (P3)

No matter how many times you retread the words on the page, you couldn't pull an answer from your mind. 'What is your future career?'

It wasn't an uncommon question at this age. Teachers would often say to the class about getting good grades for a good future, and your parents would ask what your plans where. It wasn't as if you were avoiding the question, but you just couldn't think. What did you want to do? What was it that you could do? 

For a while your friends shared in your uncertainty, which brought some comfort. But recently it seemed that they were set in their ideals when the sheet of paper was passed out. It was beginning to feel that it was just normal to know what you were doing all of a sudden. But then where did that leave you? 

Another sigh left your mouth, you weren't sure how many times it had been now. But somebody else did.

"Hey now, what are you sighing over?" A light, cheery voice asked. "You'll ruin your pretty face if you keep frowning like that." 

Looking it up, you saw the source of the voice. "Ryoji..." His compliments usually had an effect on you which he adored, but you were too caught up in your thoughts to dwell on it right now.

His own expression became worried. "Something wrong?"

Instinctively you looked down at the paper, and he followed your gaze. He reached for it when you quickly put your hands down to cover the text. 

"It's nothing, I- I'm just hungry! That's all!" You scrambled for a lie, not the most convincing one. Knowing this, Ryoji smiled at your attempt.

"I don't think that's it." He replied, and so it became a game of moving the paper away from him. It was tough to avoid him, and eventually he took to tickling your side to make your drop your arm.

He grinned triumphantly, both at his victory and the sound of your laugh, swiftly taking the paper from you. 

"'What is your future career?' So you've been thinking over this, huh?" He said. Defeated, you could only nod.

"Well, why so stressed over it?" He continued.

You lay your head on the desk tiredly. "What can I do?"

Ryoji raised his eyebrows, not expecting such a reply. "What do you mean?"

"I..." You clenched your fists tightly. "I don't know what I can do. What kind of career would I be useful for? Everyone's made up their mind already, and I'm... I can't think at all."

There was silence for a moment as Ryoji registered his words, when a warmth was felt on your head. Ryoji's hand stroked your hair at a rhythmic pace, it could have almost put you to sleep. 

"I haven't thought of the future much either, you know." He admitted softly smiling. "You're not alone in that."

You pouted although he couldn't see it. "... But you'll be fine, Ryoji. You could do anything you wanted to."

"You think so?" He leant closer to your head. "Do you think I can get married to you then?"

Instantly you raised your head, and became even more flustered when you saw his close his face was to yours. "That's... Um..." 

"Hehe, that's such a cute reaction." Ryoji grinned. "But I wasn't kidding. If I could think of one thing I'd want in the future, it'd definitely be that."

Mind already frazzled, it was difficult to respond. "I'd... Be okay with that too." You finally said, eyes firmly directed at the desk. Even then though, you could see Ryoji's face light up in the corner of your eye. 

"B-But I can't put that on the paper!" You continued, and he laughed. 

"Maybe not." He agreed. "But, I don't think you should be so stressed over it."

Glancing over to him, he smiled softly at you. "I think it's probably normal not to know what's next. The future is... Uncertain after all." 

"Really?" You asked quietly, and he nodded. 

"Yep. Besides, most people who wrote something will probably change their mind later. So don't let your hair go grey thinking it over." He joked, ruffling your hair again. 

Slowly you had began to smile again. "That does make me feel better... But I still don't know what to write for now." 

"Is 'Ryoji's wife' still off the table?" He questioned innocently, and you blushed. 

"O-Of course it is, I can't put that!" 

He laughed for a few minutes and you although embarrassed, you ended up giggling as well. 

"Well, it's up to you. But I think you can do anything you want to do. Remember that, alright?"

With his repetitive flirting and jokes, it was difficult for some people to see when he was serious. But at this moment, you knew he was being sincere. You smiled, looking at the paper with a newfound motivation.

"I will... Thank you, Ryoji." 

"No problem, honey." He looked proud when your face flushed at the nickname, and your head returned to the desk. He began to laugh again. 

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A/N: Requested by @-MINDREAM ! 

This was easier to write, since I think it's something we've all thought about at some point. Just keep at it!