Persona x Reader

Naoya Todo x Fem!Reader (P1)

Within Mikage-cho, deep in the mall, there was an arcade. It was special to you, with its' blinking lights that just invited you in. Whenever you were free you'd go, any chance you had.

So just like any other day, you made it there, ready to beeline to your favourite machine. You didn't mean to brag (much), but you were a pro at Groove On Fight. Since you found this arcade, you made it your mission to keep your name at the top of the leaderboard. 

And that you did! It was noticed by others too, which lit a spark in you. Sure nobody knew it was *you*, but you did. And that alone made you happy.

Finding the machine, you took a seat with a relaxed sigh. However before you inserted a coin, you noticed the leaderboard. 

Above your chosen name, there was another, placing first.

"BoywithEarring... W-Who the heck?!" 

Your voice came out a little louder than usual in surprise, and you clamped your mouth shut, embarrassed. Thankfully it was drowned out by the sound of other game sounds and clacking buttons. 

You blinked at the machine in disbelief, reading the name over and over. Who could it be...? You've always been number one at this game!

A sense of competitiveness flashed through you as you gnawed on your lip. 

Well... you were here already, may as well play. But even as you scores some wins, that name wouldn't leave your head. 

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After school, you came by the arcade again. There was still a nagging in the back of your head, a curiosity that couldn't be kept at bay. What if.. he's in there now?

Probably looking suspicious, you peeked into the darkness, your eyes adjusting. Your eyes ran over every machine, looking at the faces of every patron. Then you spotted it, Groove on Fight!

And what else, a person seated in front. You lightly padded over (without really any need to) to get a closer look. He was pretty tall, somewhat blocking the screen even while sitting down. His hair was a little spiky, protruding at the ends of his head. And by his ear, a silver hoop earring sparkled from the light of the game. 

Your mouth worked quicker than your thoughts. "You!"

The boy turned, his character flying off-screen. He paused quickly. "...?"

You then realised that it was a little odd to start a conversation like that... you cleared your throat. "Y-you, uh.. you're BoywithEarring, right?"

He looked at you, his dark eyes unwavering. He nods. 

He was so quiet... You were beginning to somewhat regret this. But your pride was on the line! 

"Uh, you had an impressive score...! Nobody usually.. beats me..." You trailed off, feeling embarrassed. 

There was silence between you for a moment, when he finally spoke up. "You were the top player?"

Somewhat shocked by his voice, you tensed and nodded. "Y-yeah... Yeah!"

The boy smiled. "Cool. You like the game?"

Suddenly, you felt much more comfortable. Maybe with the shared interest. 

"I love it! It's so fun, and learning the combos is super satisfying—! Ah." You blushed, clearing your throat again. 

He smiled. "Who do you main?" 

"Oh, Solis! She's so cool, I love her style." You beamed. "You?"

"I cycle through characters, they're all fun." 

"Ah..." Playing all characters equally well, enough to get the top spot?! This guy was crazy skilled... 

"Hey, um..." You stood a little closer to the machine, feeling awkward. "Can I watch you play? M-My name is Y/n L/n, by the way...!" 

He nodded. "Naoya Todo. And sure, we can switch too. I'd like to see how you fight as well."

You smiled back at him, eyes falling to his uniform. "Wait, you go to St. Heremlin? I've never seen you..."

"I tend to blend in, I guess." He shrugged. "But glad we could meet now."

... Huh? Why did that make your stomach flip? You were here for gaming sake, not romance! But he just has this quiet charm about him, you couldn't help but be intrigued. 

Quickly, you nodded to cover up your staring. "M-Me too! Especially since you're a Groove On Fight fan!"

Naoya kept his gaze on you for a second, then chuckled softly. The rare sound of it didn't help your burning cheeks. 

To salvage your confidence, you pointed at the screen. "C'mon, show me! Or did you take my spot with cheats?"

"I'd never stoop so low." He replied, somewhat playfully as he unpaused the game. A soft smile was on his lips. But if you have any pointers, do tell me, sensei."

Aaah, this guy was going to keep causing you problems! But you didn't find yourself minding that much... 

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A/N: Requested by @AkuTidakWaras

Thanks for reading and waiting!

1. This is the game Naoya was playing in P1! It seems like fun :)

2. Naoya cycles through characters because he does the same with personas 😉 (although that's not unique to protagonists in P1/P2, hahah)