A/N: Hello! Wow, I haven't been on here in what feels like forever! So, I recently started playing Persona 3 Portable, and I had so much fun social linking all of the party members, something you can't do as a male protagonist. And that got me thinking, "How would social links with the the guys play out if you chose the male MC?" And thus, this story was born! I'll be writing about Junpei, Akihiko, Ken, Shinjiro, Ryoji, and Theodore. I'll also be using Arisato Minato, rather than Yuki Makoto.

A little heads up, I'll be adding a romantic option in Ryoji's and Theodore's route, and most likely in Aki's and Shinji's routes. Nothing intense, but I though it'd be nice for those who like the male protag with these guys. I personally love the idea of Minato and Ryoji together :)

So, to kick things off, I'll be starting with Junpei, my favorite character! I really want to put an emphasis on his role as the MC's best friend, something I didn't quite get from playing through Fes.

Hope you enjoy.

MAGICIAN: RANK I

The school bells rings, signaling the end of the day. You stand and bow along with the rest of your classmates, and quiet chatter slowly fills the room.

"The weather's getting so much nicer!" a girl says to her friend as they pack up their things. "It's so bright out."

You glance outside the window. It's mid-May now. Strange you've already been at the school for a month. Like the girl said, the sun is shining brightly, promising a good day. Students are walking to the front gate, taking in the fresh air. As you toss your backpack over your shoulder and assume your usual slouch, you contemplate what to do with your day. Lately, you've been concentrating on those "social links" those two people from your dream told you about. You've got three in the works, and the old man with the long nose wasn't kidding when he said those bonds would help you in your battles. The power you received from those links gave you support during the monorail battle, which could've ended badly otherwise.

Speaking of which…

Out of the corner of your eye, you can see Junpei give you a not-so subtle look. He's still pissed about what happened during that battle. Not that you care much, anyway. You don't mind being leader, and you'd also be fine with Junpei taking over. The main issue is that the others don't seem to trust him as much.

As though he can suddenly sense that you're perfectly aware of the stink eye he's giving you, Junpei abruptly turns away and gathers his bag and tattered notebooks. He walks across the room, firmly avoiding any eye contact. Just as he puts his hand on the sliding door, his cell phone rings. He digs out his phone and opens what is probably a text.

Even from where you stand, the sudden annoyance in his face is undeniable. He grits his teeth, says something under his breath. He shoves the phone back into his pocket and opens the door hurriedly, slamming it shut behind him. His footsteps are hard and fast, and in a few seconds, you can no longer hear them.

Strange. At any rate, it doesn't concern you, so you shrug to yourself and plug in your headphones. Familiar music quickly drowns out any other noise, and you hum quietly to yourself as you exit the classroom.

You lithely make your way down the stairs, two steps at a time. The first floor is pretty busy; there's a long line at the small shop and members of a club are walking by, most balancing supplies and boxes. However, what catches your attention are two guys. Right by the lockers in front the entrance, Junpei is having an animated conversation with another boy. He's got short brown hair and looks apologetic. What is his name? Kenji…? You remove your headphones, slightly intrigued.

To confirm your suspicions about the other boy's name, Junpei whines, "C'mon, Kenji! The movie's only showing today, and I've been waiting almost a year to see it." He looks troubled.

Kenji gives Junpei a half-grin. "Sorry, man, I really am, but you know I can't mess this up. Emiri's finally giving me a chance. This is a golden opportunity!" He's waving his hands, getting extremely excited. He turns his head slightly and notices you. "Oh, Minato!" He's still frantically waving, but this time, it's to beckon you over.

As you walk towards them, you can see Junpei's face visibly pale. You can't help but feel a little bad.

"Hey, hey, good timing!" Kenji gives you a big smile. "Go with Junpei to the movies, will you? I was supposed to, but… well, destiny calls." He winks. "He's got an extra ticket and everything. Don't leave him hanging!"

As you begin to say that he himself is leaving Junpei hanging, Junpei pulls down his cap and says, "Nah, it's fine. I can go alone." His mouth is twisted into a strained grin.

"... let's go."

As soon as you quietly say that, you feel it.

There's something growing in your chest, something powerful. It's pulsing faintly, but it's there, nonetheless.

Junpei quickly tries to say, "Dude, it's fine-"

"Okay, great, thanks Minato!" Kenji gratefully pats you on the back. "Well, don't want to keep Emiri waiting any longer! Wish me luck!" With one last confident wave, Kenji dashes outside, joy radiating off of him in waves.

Of course, the minute you and Junpei are alone, the first floor is completely empty, like everyone had suddenly evacuated. The line at the store has disappeared, and the cashier is nowhere to be seen, probably in the bathroom.

"Uh…" Junpei scratches the back of his head. He seems a little less annoyed, maybe even defeated. "Look, dude, I'm fine. Go do whatever you have to do." There's a hint of bitterness in his voice as he adds under his breath, "I'm sure you're busy, seeing as you're such a leader."

You ignore his side comment and instead begin walking to the front doors. "Port Island Station, right?" you ask as you open the door.

"Minato-"

But you're already outside and don't hear whatever else Junpei has to say.

A few seconds later, Junpei joins you. "...yeah, Port Island Station," he eventually says.

You nod, and the two of you begin walking again, the silence hanging heavily between you two. This silence continues all through the train ride, Junpei making no effort to talk. You're content, though, with listening to your music.

After arriving at Port Island Station, you notice Junpei looking around apprehensively.

You also look around. Port Island Station is as cheerful as ever. Even with it ironic name, Raffelsia is filled with customers asking for different types of flowers. Screenshot seems pretty busy, too. Nothing seems off.

"I'll pay for food," you offer. Besides stronger personas, training in Tartarus has had an unexpected benefit; you're making good money each time you train. At this rate, you'll be set for life.

Junpei stops searching and looks at you. "Huh? Oh, sure… thanks." His nervousness has disappeared, and he seems a little happier. "Oh, yeah, the movie is this American film… superheroes and stuff. You sure you want to go?"

You've already gotten out your wallet. "Sure. Let's go." The feeling in your chest grows stronger.

"Alright…"

The two of you enter the theater, Junpei handing in the tickets, you paying for the food. The two of you find seats in the middle, and the movie starts shortly. It's surprisingly good. The action is top notch and makes you want to go out and defeat some shadows. You glance over at Junpei a few times during the movie. His eyes are shining, a big smile etched onto his face. His enthusiasm is contagious, and the two of you end up cheering loudly for the hero, much to the chagrin of the other movie-goers.

A seemingly short two hours later, you and Junpei leave the theater. You're feeling particularly courageous. Junpei turns to you, saying, "Dude, that was awesome! That guy was so strong. He was able to protect everyone, everyone respected him, and he got the girl. I wish…" He trails off, looking self-conscious. "Uh, I… anyway, that was a great movie."

"I liked it too," you agree, and name a few parts that really stuck out.

Junpei brightens noticeably. "Cool, I'm, uh, glad you liked it too." He pauses. "Thanks for coming with me." He shrugs his shoulders sheepishly. "I appreciate it, man. I'd been waiting awhile to see it, and I, I guess I would've felt like a loser if I had gone alone."

You nod in return. "No problem. I had fun."

He laughs. "Yeah. So did I." He gives you a grin.

Suddenly, these words echo through your mind as that power you'd been feeling explodes through your whole body:

Thou art I… and I am thou…

Thou hast established a new bond...

Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Magician Arcana...

Though you've already experienced this a few times, it's nonetheless overwhelming, and you feel a bit unsteady.

"Minato, you good?" Junpei asks. "You look like you're about to fall over."

You affirm you're okay, and the feeling of immense power slowly subsides.

"Oh, okay," he says, sounding relieved. "Uh, wanna head back to the dorm? We should go to Tartarus tonight, so let's save up some strength."

You say, "Good idea," and begin walking back with Junpei.