2025-09-23: A Struggle To Enjoy
- Log: A Struggle To Enjoy
- Cast: Shinjiro Aragaki, Myunghon Yeo
- Where: Paulownia Mall -> Port Island Station, Tatsumi Port Island
- OOC Date: September 23, 2025
- IC Date: July 15, 2012
- Summary: Shinjiro and Myunghon go on an outing in Port Island, but their attempts to have a nice work-free outing fall apart when the pair's inner sadness and guilt leads to making it bad. At the least, Shinjiro is able to request Myunghon look into the Kirijo Corporation, and also they cry at dog movies together.
<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.
It is a nice Sunday afternoon in Port Island. Despite having technically broken their trust by going to Mio and So-young, Shinjiro still wants to show Myunghon he cares, and so has invited them to come out to the mall if they're coming over to the island. It's got three motives.
One, show them he's not going anywhere. Just because he's dying... doesn't mean he's leaving. Two, make sure they don't get ambushed by hitmen. That's important. And three...
Spend time with a friend.
Shinjiro's clad in his new red coat, the first Myunghon has seen of it, identical to his old one. The beanie Myunghon gifted him is still on his head, and he's not shivering as badly as he has been, though there's still one or two momentarily.
He's currently waiting for them on a bench, which are usually cursed places where he has intense discussions, but. It's fine! He'll bulldoze right through those. He's glancing at his phone, a melancholic look on his face.
<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
Myunghon still has no idea that secret crime prevention intervention is happening behind the scenes. How could they?? They explicitly trust their crew. Myunghon is, however, preparing another trip to the Port Island because there are informants here and they also need to acquire the lay of the land, no matter how old that makes them. How about you just say 'figure out what's good around here,' like a normal teen, Myunghon?
> Just arriving now
Shinjiro might actually... miss them... for once, because he's too used to looking for black. No, instead, there's a rather nice *white* coat that's been draped around their shoulders, and they have... a nice V-neck sweaterdress with a pale gold colour, and a ruffled white blouse underneath with a ribbon tie on, along with black leggings and white Mary Janes. There's a cute messenger bag with them.
...
...
Who is this?
<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.
Shinjiro's pretty observant, but he is indeed looking for black. It takes him a long moment to recognize Myunghon as he looks up from his phone, and it's likely either Resonance or how they move their body with their wounds that gives it away.
As they approach, though, he's moving to stand. "...you look nice," he says, genuinely. "How are you doing?"
A pause, as he glances around. "There's an arcade, a record store, a cafe... or we could sit here and hang out. Whatever you want to do."
He does not mention there's a karaoke room. Those are cursed too.
<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
Myunghon does look a little bit hesitant when they pull up to him, arm still in the sling.
You look nice.
They're not really certain why they chose this outfit. It rather reminds them of when they went to the arcade with Shinobu, so it should have painful connotations, but... it goes a little bit before that as well. It's an outfit from when before they chose to be Myunghon, so it should be buried dead in their past, and yet...
Maybe they associate this outfit with being wanted. With being cared for, with being drawn around and taken to various things that represent life.
"One of my objectives here was to follow up with the informant from Club Escapade, but I will not be able to do that until much later... I was thinking I needed to also understand where to source various sundries and important items for future trips to--"
A pause, as they catch themself. "... my apologies, I've already entered work mode again."
They glance around, and then says, "I went to Chagall with Mandai-kun the other day, it is a pleasant place to sit. An arcade...? Do you play video games too, Shinjiro-ssi?"
<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.
As they seem hesitant, Shinjiro tries to break the ice, a soft smile on his face. "Don't worry about work right now, okay? Not until the club opens. I might have something to run by you for investigation, but that can wait until you're ready." He's trying to be strong, but visually, it's working, no sense of doubt on his current expression.
"Chagall's nice, the pheromone stuff seems like bullshit but I'd love to get some coffee." A beat, as he glances to the arcade. "Used to. Haven't had the time, money, or equipment. Drake Quest IX was pretty fun, though, last game I beat. ...post-game was pretty good, if I recall, and-" A pause. He's boring them, isn't he...
"Nevermind. Where do you want to go, Myunghon?"
<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
Oh, look at them. They're both trying to have a stiff upper lip. Myunghon tightens their hold around the messenger bag, and then tilts their head as they curiously listen about Shinjiro's videogames habits. "Oh! Reiko-san showed me Drake Quest... ... three. There's a nine??" They look rather flabbergasted. "Wait, what is a post-game? Like a post-game ritual that sports athletes do? Do you mail the authors and have after-service?"
But they're on the hook to where to go. And it can't be about work.
They're still curious about what Shinjiro has for investigations.
"... I would not be able to operate many things in the arcade right now, given my arm. So let us try the movie theatre."
<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.
"Yeah. They're releaseing Drake Quest X, but it's an MMO, so I wouldn't play it anyways." He pauses. "Mass multiplayer online. You play it with people across the world." Though, he then pauses again about the post-game.
"A post game is like... the after-story. Once you beat the main plot, the game still has things for you to do, right? The extra credits."
"That's fair, yeah. We'll have to cross outside the mall proper back towards the station, but I'm fine with that. Gives us time to walk and talk."
Shinjiro gestures back towards the entrance. "You watch movies often?"
<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
Myunghon looks like they're discovering a lot of things about games they still don't know. "Mass... multiplayer online. I suppose that makes sense. Games seem to be more fun when they are shared with other people. Shinobu-ssi is very excited about the games she enjoys, as is Reiko-san..." It's mostly about other people, huh? Well, in a way, that's their charm point too. But a post game is... extra credits. "I see... like extra assignments."
They start walking, and Myunghon's steps are a little more cloppy, but they seem entirely used to it. In fact, the shoes aren't new -- and neither's the jacket. They look like something that's been salvaged time to time from wherever it is they store their clothes, only in the back. A snapshot in time...
"No... I admit I don't," Myunghon confesses, as they leave the pleasant airy nature of Paulownia Mall and onto the bridges. It's like Daiba again all over. "But I have been thinking of whether we should have movie night at the Cardboard Dragon. It would not be difficult to set up, and apparently the Baestation III is already a movie player."
They glance down the bridge for a moment. "When did you first move here, Shinjiro-ssi?"
<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.
"Yeah, they are. Except when it was me and Aki playing a competitive game. But we're the type to get into fistfights about anything, so." It seems in good cheer, despite Shinjiro talking about teen-on-teen violence. "Exactly, but they're optional. You can stop playing after the 'main assignment' if you want."
Shinjiro walks with Myunghon, considering the movie night and their appearance a like. Why did they dress up like this? Was it simply for a disguise, or maybe because they like to dress this way? No, the clothes are too old, too salvaged. Maybe...
It was because he asked them to hang out? But that seems weird. That can't be it.
"Movie night would be nice. I can get some stuff I like, show it to everyone."
But then, Myunghon glances down for a moment, and he follows their gaze. "I've always been here... my first memories are of the orphanage here, and the first time I lived elsewhere was when you lended me that safehouse."
A pause. "But I've always liked it here. Tokyo's too busy. Sumaru's... well, crazy, no offense. Sometimes it's the good crazy, though."
<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
"F-fistfights? With that other boy? Hmm... well, I suppose I could see it," Myunghon reflects on when they met Akihiko in Kaneshiro's Palace. They're going to have to think about Drake Quest IX now, though, because 'pick up on what people like and engage in that hobby' is, ultimately, a people-pleaser thing, but it's one that tends to work because, well, people like being seen and validated.
Myunghon definitely still feels foolish for dressing this way. They're not a girl anymore. They don't like it when the nurses call them Ms. Yukichi. These are clothes made for Myorei Yukichi. Shouldn't that logic flow? It's not flowing. "I have a change of clothes to the ordinary as well, but..." They stammer out of nowhere, before realising they're suddenly speaking up about Point D when they've been simmering away with Points A to C in their own head.
"... hmm. Dressing outside the norm does make me conflicted. The suits have always been such an easy deflection," Myunghon admits. "What kind of movies do you like?"
Shinjiro's always been at Tatsumi Port Island. "... so it was that early..." Beat. "No, it does look like a nice neighbourhood. Very planned, but that isn't always a bad thing. Tokyo and Sumaru both have natural urban sprawls that really take you by surprise. And... yes, you know how wild Sumaru can be."
<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.
"We've known each other since we were four. It's normal." No, Shinjiro, it isn't. He seems to take it in stride, still watching Myunghon. But when they notice and talk about the clothes, his hand goes to his head sheepishly, rubbing the back of it. "Ah..." A pause. "...do you want to wear it? Clothes are about what we want, not what anyone else wants. Look at me, I wear a coat in the summer. Doesn't matter what people think... it's what I want." And need, but...
"... uh." He pauses about his favorite movies, and waits til they're in a quiet position away from other foot traffic. "...I've always liked the Incredible Pet Stories series." Oh, oh no. His coolness cred, disintegrating... "Also some comedies, I guess."
As they get further across the way to the station, he considers. "I've never had adults I can rely on until I came to Sumaru. Everyone wants something from you... but you guys seem different, though. So I guess I feel a bit like Hirasaka's a place I can maybe call home, too."
<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
Clothes are about what *we* want, not what anyone else wants.
That should be true. That should be a simple thing to understand. But it's never been true for Myunghon. From the Sevens uniform and how Myorei used to wear it to signify how strict and perfect she's taking academia, to the business skirts and suits that she wore as part of Frey Pharmaceuticals, a woman was often viewed by how she dressed -- far more than men ever were. ... but even outside of formal and business occasions...
You look so lovely, Rei-chan. Perfect and beautiful.
They still remember the day the sweater was presented for them. No, for Myorei. Those eyes only had eyes for Myorei, didn't they? But it wasn't just her. Her friends all dressed in a way that seemed effortless and confident that made them wonder what it is they lacked that they had, to make such a statement like clothes are about what we want true.
"I do, but it isn't easy," Myunghon gently says. "To be honest, I'm somewhat the same way, dressing warmer usually is more comfortable than not."
Shinjiro likes the Incredible Pet Stories!! Myunghon looks up with a somewhat startled look, but then smiles. "... show me one, sometime?"
They've nearly crossed the bridge now. Incredible how normal and comforting Iwatodai is now, when Tartarus will rise, there, in the distance, where they can see the school. "Hmm... I'm really glad you can feel that way about Hirasaka. You're always welcome anytime."
<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.
Shinjiro, watching Myunghon, wonders if he's coming off too strong about that. But, they want to wear it, so... "I guess the best thing in life is to be authentic, then. Do what makes you feel like you." A pause. "...sorry, I'm..." He shakes his head. He doesn't know how to just 'be social' anymore, does he?
But about the movies... his smile returns. "Sure. You'll cry, though." Wait, really?
Hirasaka, though, as they cross to the station... "It doesn't feel like it's been that long, right? It probably hasn't. But time feels different when you're protecting each other. Bonds that should be shallow feel... more intense. I'm not wrong, right?"
<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
I guess the best thing in life is to be authentic, then. Do what makes you feel like you.
Myunghon feels the mask slipping. They don't want the mask to slip right now. It has to be extra-perfect and rigid. Shinjiro asked them out to hang out, and this isn't a time to be unconfident, to question how, even after awakening to a Will of Rebellion, all they could imagine was a selfless, martyr-like Rebellion that indulged their deathwish. That, for all the talk of bonding together, being comrades, there's still self-sacrifice and posturing there.
When you've convinced yourself the only thing that you truly own is weakness, there's only one kind of person you can be yourself around: someone exploiting you.
This is HEAVY, but Myunghon gets a nice side-distraction as Shinjiro tells them they'll cry. "W-wait, why... no! Hold on, you aren't tricking me into watching a movie where the pet dies, are you?"
"... the bond of being comrades. Esprit de corps, they say in some languages," Myunghon muses. "It is true that when we are faced with life and death situations, the emotions do become stronger and intense, you are correct."
<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.
As he speaks, Shinjiro notices the change in their breathing... he doesn't say anything at first.
"Of course not...!" He exclaims as they ask about the tricking. "Those movies are the worst. How are you supposed to let the fluffy little guy die? No, this is like... firefighter dogs and stuff."
But, about esprit de corps... that's where Shinjiro decides, as they reach the station, to stop for a moment. "...am I bothering you? I feel like I'm bringing your mood down... sorry." A pause. "Would you... rather talk about something else? I guess I forgot how to talk about anything else but work..."
He seems to feel guilty, already reading into the situation and choosing the most obvious, truthful, clear answer to his mind: it's his fault. He's not a good friend anymore.
<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
The mask IS slipping. "No...! I just..." Myunghon trembles gently. The last time they saw each other, they'd basically broken down fully because of what he confessed to them about. Now the clock's still ticking in their mind. A year, he said. But a year is a lot more insidious when it becomes 365 days... 364 days... 363 days... even though it's not even a guarantee. He's not going to just die exactly 365 days from now. What if he dies sooner? Comorbidities have a way of dovetailing ontop of one another.
Myunghon does place their hands on the railing and looks away. "It isn't you. I can promise that much. I'm also stressed. You know that much. I've also become someone who can only bury themself in work to cope. Tsumugi called the suits I wear funerary wear. Perhaps that is truer than they think. Choosing to transgress that boundary into something personal is already causing a lot of stress. Perhaps in time Rumourmonger Merry will devour me."
They're silent for a while longer, then turns around again. "... let's try to..." A pause. "Tell me what investigation you need from me. Maybe talking about work for a little bit will center me, then... we can distract ourselves with a movie."
This sounds pathetic, and they know it, but they need to follow a strategy. A plan. It's nice when all goes according to plan.
<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.
"...I'm sorry. I just..." He trails off. Even with Myunghon's insistence, he feels bad. But he does feel the need to say... "...I really like spending time with you, at least. It's nice."
But then, they ask about the investigation. He takes a breath. He steps closer, clearly for privacy, and then, quietly.
"I would like you to investigate the Kirijo Corporation. There's... something suspicious about them." A pause. "They're the original known manufacturer of Evokers, yet Strega and the conspiracy have them. They also manufacture... my medicine, and Strega has that too." He's not going to rat out Yukari as the idea progenitor, in case Myunghon gets suspicious of her, too...
"I just... want to make sure everyone's safe. Especially Mitsuru Kirijo. If there's a conspiracy out there and she doesn't know how far it goes..." He truly believes she's innocent, clearly.
<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
It's really too late. They both feel pretty bad now, they can see it in his face, and probably he in theirs too. ... I really like spending time with you, at least. It's nice.
There's a pause, and just for a moment, some of the tension dissolves, as they offer one of those sweet, gentle smiles -- the ones they think are masking, but they do it when they clearly aren't thinking either. For all they think they have nothing good authentic...
But Shinjiro wants them to investigate the Kirijo Corporation.
"... I'm ahead of you, to be quite honest," Myunghon confesses, placing a hand at their neckline. "I've been studying them ever since I knew there were a group of young Persona-Users fighting the Dark Hour, all at Tatsumi Port Island. You can't dissect SEES' existence as natural in any way. Who were the adults in this situation. What were their motivations. And that did lead me to the Kirijo Corporation, if accidentally--"
This is a half-truth: "When I asked about that motorcycle and where it came from... and now the Evokers too." Myunghon freezes when Shinjiro mentions his medicine, though. They glance aside, crushed for a moment.
Of course, Yukari already went to them about it. That's why they're looking into it. What they said isn't untrue. They were already paranoid about SEES. But Yukari's story was what spurred them to greater action. But Shinjiro has a weakness. He believes Mitsuru is innocent. Myunghon can't afford to think that way. Perhaps that's why he needs them in this investigation.
"That was one of the reasons I was here, too," Myunghon confesses. "I'm interviewing someone tonight. I can't ask you to come with me, though."
There's a sigh, as they close their eye. ... that was centering. They feel like they're at the heart of a spider-web of information again.
<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.
Shinjiro really likes the way Myunghon smiles when they're being really themselves. It's enough to make him smile back, briefly.
But, onto business... "You're real good at that, always being one step ahead..." he muses. "Then I'll leave it to you. I wouldn't be much help in an interview, anyways." A pause... he doesn't know what to say next. There's probably a long moment of awkward silence, until...
"Thanks. I really look up to you."
<Pose Tracker> Myunghon Yeo has posed.
It's because Shinjiro looks up to them that they know the relationship can't be equal. Because as precocious and adult as Shinjiro can act sometimes, they know that they don't have a balanced relationship; in many ways they're someone people look up to, and this is what they wanted. Rumourmonger Merry wants to be Hope. Whether it's reassuring people someone's looking into whether Kirijo Corporation has any background dealings, or saving Hirasaka from the clutches of a rival yakuza gang without engaging in a bloody war...
Rumourmonger Merry has to be larger than life. Rumourmonger Merry isn't a creature of blood and flesh. They're a creature of light and stars.
But Myunghon is not the Star. They're the Devil.
"Thank you as well, Shinjiro-ssi," Myunghon gently returns the gratitude. "... I feel a bit better now. Shall we watch a movie?"
They're going to absolutely get destroyed by Incredible Pet Stories IV.