Persona 4: Overseas Romance

Kanji POV

I was at a loss about what Naoto was going to tell us so I kept quiet and sat down to listen.

"You all know that I travel to different places to help investigate special crimes. Well, I'm going to be gone for a little longer this time because I'm leaving the country." Wait, what? "It seems that my abilities are needed in the United States so I'll be gone for at least two or three months, if not longer. I belive that's all, what do you all think?" I was speechless, but it was okay because Yu-sempai was the one to speak up first.

"That's great news, I'm sure you'll do great over there. What city are you going to?"

"I'm going to be working with an FBI group based out of San Francisco. I'll also be enrolling in a high school there for the time being."

"Man, I've always wanted to go to the States at least once in my life." Yosuke commented. "Have you ever been there Rise-chan?"

"No, but my manage always tries to get me to do shows over there. I've never really had a good reason to do so." After that Yu whispered something into her ear and then spoke up again.

"Hey, do you guys want to go do something, the day is still kinda young." He asked.

"Sorry man, I got to study some for a test coming up. It's some food safety thing Junes wants all the managers to do." Yosuke said.

"And I need to prepare for some special guests that are coming to the inn tomorrow." Yukiko-sempai added. After that everyone else made plans except Naoto who said she wanted to help me clean up the party, which I thought was kinda weird.

"You know the point of having a birthday party is that you don't have to clean up after yourself." I pointed out as a sort of joke.

"I know, but I wanted to talk to you privately." I stopped dead in my tracks when she said that.

"What?"

"I saw your face when I said I was leaving and I knew it shocked you. I want to clear the air about some things before I go." Wow, I could not have asked for a better opening. So I sat down next to her on the couch.

"That's a good idea. I got some things I need ta' say as well. But since ya brought it up first you should go first." I said so I could get my courage up.

"Okay, that makes sense. Kanji, I want you to come with me to the Unites States." I could feel my eyes go wide at that.

"What do you mean?" Was all I could ask.

"Exactly as I said, I would like it if you accompanied me on my trip. Is there a problem with that?"

"Um, well, I guess I want to know why me? I mean I'm sure Yu-sempai could help you out more than I could."

"Maybe in some respects, but not others. Yu-sempai is a good friend, but you're a better partner. Which leads me into my next point." She took a deep breath before continuing. "I-I have feelings for you, romantic ones." As if I couldn't get more shocked. Thought it was kinda funny to see Naoto blush and for her voice to falter.

"Are you sure?" I asked, because I really didn't want this to be a joke.

"Yes, I am. I think about you all the time and whenever I do I get this weird warm and tingly feeling in my stomach. Plus, I know you care about me a lot. So it would mean a lot to me if you came with me because I want to see where this goes."

"Man, way to take the words out of my mouth Naoto. I was here, ready to bare my heart to you, and you beat me to the punch. And you're right, I do care for you a lot, probably more than you know." After I said that we were silent for a bit until I spoke up. "You know I'm going to have to convince my ma ta let me come with you."

"I've got an idea that could work. But, back to the last point, what does this make us?"

"I'm not really sure. How's about we play it by ear and go from there?" I suggested.

"That sounds like a good idea Kanji." Naoto said and then she gave me another hug, but a longer one this time. I hugged her back but was interrupted by the sound of Rise squealing.

"I knew it!" She yelled and then ran off, probably to tell everyone. Naoto looked up at me blushing.

"Well, that was fast." She noted.

"I'm surprised Yu-sempai didn't tell her first."

Yu POV

Rise said she forgot something and Kanji's house so she ran back to go get it. When she came back though she was more excited than before.

"Guys, guys, you won't belive what I just saw! Kanji and Naoto were hugging each other!" I smiled, both at the fact that Kanji finally stepped up and at how cute Rise was acting right now.

"No way!" Chie said surprised. "But now that you mention it, they have been together a lot lately. What do you think?" Chie asked me.

"I say it's about time." I said simply.

"Waaait a second, you knew didn't you?" Chie asked suspiciously.

"I only knew how Kanji felt because he asked me for advice, I didn't know Naoto felt the same way."

"Well I think it's cute." Nanako added. "Everyone should have someone who likes them."

"Truer words have never been said." I commented and then we all walked to Junes to do whatever. After a few hours it was down to just me, Rise, and Nanako.

"Big bro, I'm tired." Nanako said which signaled that we should head home. So we dropped her off at Dojima's and I walked Rise home.

"So, how long do I have you for this time?" Rise asked a little depressingly.

"About a week. But I have a proposition for you. You know how earlier today you said you never had a good reason to go to the United States?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

"Well, I'm going over there for college to open up some new horizons and I was hoping you could share those with me." I told her.

"You mean like we would see each other all the time instead of every few months like it is now?"

"Exactly." Not a second after that word came out of my mouth Rise's lips connected with mine and her arms went around my neck. I put my arms around her waist and brought her body closer to mine. Long distance relationships may not have a ton of positives, but this is one of them. "I take that as a yes." I said a bit out of breath as we came up for air.

"You know it. I'd go to the ends of the earth with you." Rise said blushing. "You know, ny grandmother has to go out of town tomorrow. I'm sure we could think of something to do with all that free time." She added a bit seductively.

"Why wait, she's probably asleep by now." I pointed out.

"I love you Yu. You know that?"

"I know, but I love you more." I said as I leaned in for another kiss. Man, I love coming back to Inaba.