Full Definition of "Charm"
a : a trait that fascinates, allures, or delights
b : a physical grace or attraction —used in plural (her feminine charms)
c : compelling attractiveness (the island possessed great charm)
-Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Chapter 2: Your Charm Has Increased?
"At least we have each other, right?"
Those words were still echoing in Minato's head, even a full week later. That was all the more impressive considering all of the craziness that had happened in the last seven days. Personas, Tartarus, shadows? He still didn't really get any of it. All he knew was that he was now fighting with a group of kids trying to save the world.
There was Mitsuru Kirijo, the rich super-student and student council president.
Akihiko Sanada, star boxing team captain and girl-magnet. Both Mitsuru and Akihiko were seniors, one grade ahead of Minato.
In Minato's grade, there was Junpei Iori, class clown and the newest addition to the team.
Then there was Yukari Takeba, archery pro and most popular girl in their grade. Yukari Takeba, the girl whose life he had saved. Yukari Takeba, the one who had said the words that were now stuck in his thoughts. Yukari Takeba, the-
"Minato Arisato! You can stare at Yukari in your free time, but please pay attention in class!"
Minato felt his cheeks redden and he sunk in his seat a bit as his classmates laughed. Yukari Takeba, the girl sitting one seat in front of him, turned around and stifled a laugh, clearly entertained by Minato's mistake. It didn't help when she flashed him a smile that could've melted a shadow in an instant.
"So you've got the hots for Yukari, huh?"
Minato was walking home from school with his friend, Kenji Tomochika. Kenji was a nice guy, fun and talkative, but his pestering was starting to get on Minato's nerves.
"Of course not. She's just a friend," Minato said.
Kenji laughed. "That's not what your face said in class today. And don't you live in the same dorm? That's hot."
Minato lightly shoved Kenji. "Cut it out man. Seriously, we're just friends." Kenji gave him playful shove back and straightened his own shirt out.
"I guess you wouldn't have a chance with Yukari anyway. She would only want a real charming kind of guy." Minato punched him on the shoulder, and not very lightly.
"Whatever man. At least I don't have a crush on my teacher."
Kenji just laughed it off. "You're damn right I have a crush on my teacher! Ms. Emiri Kanou is the love of my life! And, wait, so you DO have a crush on Yukari?"
"Shut it Kenji!"
Minato was sitting in his room trying to do his homework, but he just couldn't focus. Kenji's words echoed in his mind.
"She would only want a real charming kind of guy."
Minato sighed. English homework could wait. He got up and crossed the hallway, and knocked on a door.
Akihiko opened the door. "What's up?" asked the tall white-haired senior.
"I, err, well-," Minato didn't really know what or how to ask.
"I'm in the middle of a workout, so could you talk a bit faster?" Minato swallowed his pride.
"How do I get more charming?"
"Pardon me?"
Ugh. Minato couldn't feel his legs. Or his arms. Or anything else really.
"Well, I guess girls like me because I'm strong and fit. So maybe try working out?"
Worst. Idea. Ever. Minato slowly trudged home from the gym, his pride wounded as much as his muscles. "I won't ever be as fit as Akihiko…" Minato groaned.
When he passed through Iwatodai Station however, he saw a flyer that caught his eye.
"Hagakure! World-famous tuna! Makes your skin beautiful! Turn on your charm! Now open at Iwatodai Station!"
Hm. Minato quickly checked his wallet.
One day later
"Now, now, I'm sure you're fine. Now please, get out. I need to continue my studies."
And just like that, Minato's visit to the nurse's office was over.
Minato's stomach still felt sick. And even worse, he didn't feel any more charming. In fact, he felt like that the tuna made him less charming. So much for the easy road.
His stomach was acting up again as he was walking home, so he dropped by the pharmacy at Paulownia Mall. As he paid, said thanks, and left, he saw something that caught his eye.
"Come try our Pheremone Coffee at the famous Chagall Café! Turn on your charm!"
…Well, so much for his savings account.
Knock knock
"Minato? Are you okay? I'm coming in." Yukari opened the door to Minato's room and peeked in.
Minato was asleep face down on his desk, snoring loudly. Empty coffee cups were scattered around the desk and room.
"Oh jeeze, Minato," said Yukari as she started gathering the cups. Putting the high stack of cups down, she gave Minato a light tap on the back.
"Huh? Wh-what happened?!" Minato groggily shouted, temporarily out of it.
"I guess you fell asleep while studying. You didn't look very good in class today, so I wanted to check up on you." She took a cup and waved it playfully in front of Minato's sleepy face. "Coffee isn't that good for you, ya know?" Yukari said, smiling. "What are you reading?" she asked as she bent over and looked closer at the book Minato had fallen asleep on. "Dummies Guide to Being Charming," she said, reading the title out loud.
Minato's heart stopped. "Wait, I- I can explai-"
"Do you have a crush on a girl, Minato?"
"I- uhmm- maybe?"
Yukari grinned and giggled. She picked up the book started reading the page. "Do you really think you need a book to teach you how to be more charming?" she asked, face half-buried in the book.
"Well…" Minato thought he was about to die. He wondered if they sold dis-embarrass at the pharmacy.
"Well, I don't think you need this," Yukari said, placing the book back down on the desk.
"Huh?"
"You're already pretty charming," Yukari said as she giggled and left, flashing her signature smile before closing the door behind her.
And that left Minato alone, with his heart beating uncomfortably fast. It wasn't because of the dozen cups of coffee.
Do you know the difference between a beautiful woman and a charming one? A beauty is a woman you notice, a charmer is one who notices you.
-Adlai E. Stevenson
