Chapter Text
Mitsuru had been shocked when her father had suggested moving Akihiko Sanada into the dormitory shortly after his recruitment to S.E.E.S.
"Do you not trust him, Mitsuru?" he had asked, raising his eyebrow. As much as the expression was a test for her, she couldn't help but realize it would soon test Sanada in person if she did not dispel her father's concerns. Despite Sanada's brashness, Takeharu Kirijo was an imposing man, and his eye patch only emphasized that. She didn't hold out much hope for Sanada against her father. "If you mistrust him, then his position in S.E.E.S. is forfeit. I will not trust my daughter's life with a boy she does not trust herself."
"No, Father! I...I was more concerned with the optics," she insisted. Mitsuru had been aware that her solitary stay in the dormitory was bound to end at some point, but she had expected it to fill more rapidly. And, for at least one of the first recruits to be a girl. "Co-ed dormitories aren't common for high school students in our area."
Her father nodded in approval. "That is true, but the optics of this pale in comparison to the good that the school has done for the Kirijo name. I am willing for this slight mark against that to ensure that the members of S.E.E.S. are safe and able to defend each other at a moment's notice."
It would be safer, she admitted to herself. And I wouldn't be alone anymore. I might even be able to make a proper friend by living with a fellow Persona user. She recalled to when she offered Sanada the position on S.E.E.S. He's incredibly focused on boxing, but I am a focused person as well. We could find common ground.
"I appreciate that, Father. Thank you."
During the mornings, Mitsuru felt as if she were still living alone, as Sanada used early mornings to go on runs. She almost contemplated offering to go with him, but she would hate to intrude if the solitude was important to him. I don't want to give the wrong impression either. He seems respectful, but it's difficult to determine the source of his indifference to the girls that currently pursue him.
The first few evenings at the dorm, Sanada spent in his room, organizing his possessions. She was surprised that, on the third night, he brought a friend over. It certainly wasn't against the rules by any means, but the boy in question was...questionable. Shinjiro Aragaki claimed to be a fellow classmate, and she did seem to recognize him vaguely, but she was positive she should have known him if he attended regularly.
The last thing Sanada needs is an excuse to neglect his studies, and I don't see this Aragaki helping that effort.
Some cursory research showed that Shinjiro Aragaki hailed from the same orphanage as Sanada. Cross-checking his file, they had attended the same orphanage and same school since childhood. Aragaki also had been discovered to have the Potential and experienced the Dark Hour the same as Sanada, but his power was also questionable - and Takeharu Kirijo wasn't prepared to risk an unknown entity. "Perhaps there will be a day where we can foster an underdeveloped skill, but that is not today."
When Sanada had asked why Aragaki hadn't been recruited alongside him, she had given him that explanation. She had used it as a test, to see what kind of person he was. When presented with the idea that his friend was inferior, would he be prideful? Would he be angry?
Sanada had merely smirked and said, "Alright. That means I've got to get good, fast. Then I can whip Shinji in to shape."
She had approved of the response at the time - it showed dedication to his friend, but also a sense of reality that athletes like Sanada could lack. He was slightly proud of being superior to his friend, but isn't that typical of boys this age?
Many things were competitions for the boys, but not to the extent that she had anticipated. First, Aragaki didn't bristle when his friend discussed S.E.E.S. business. He didn't delude himself into thinking that he deserved a space on the team as well. That's helpful.
Sanada frequently teased Aragaki about his class attendance. "Now that I'm living here, I can't bounce your ass out of bed ten minutes before class. But I'll sure cut time out of my morning to go wake you up even earlier," Sanada had threatened as they both downed cups of instant noodles.
"Language," Mitsuru had warned from across the lounge, peering over her textbook. She often remained down in the lounge when the boys were there. She was certain Aragaki thought she mistrusted him, but in honesty, she appreciated the company. She was unclear of how to integrate herself to the boys' banter, but the dull roar of their bravado, teasing, and tough love endeared her to them. She wouldn't dare presume that she belonged, by any means, but she did note that they never stowed away in his room.
At the very least, they don't abhor my presence.