Hello again, everyone!

I've finally managed to finish Rank 2 of the Social Link. I have to admit that this was a tough one because there were a few things I had to change from the original version in Portable, not to mention how I was trying to figure out how to execute the event without borrowing too heavily from the game. The last scene, in particular, was the one I had the most difficulty with out of everything I've written so far.

But, without further ado, I hope you all enjoy this chapter!

EDIT (4/29/2022): I polished a few sentences and added an extra scene at the end. I hope that isn't too distracting!

Days came and went.

Apart from doing his homework, exploring Tartarus when necessary, and finding new Social Links, nothing eventful had happened for Minato (and the rest of SEES). Not yet, at least, as far as he was concerned.

And as another school day ended, he considered his options on how and where he will spend this afternoon. Perhaps the bookstore? It would be in good conscience to visit that elderly couple again. Or maybe head to the library and study the current semester's material for the umpteenth time?

Minato was so caught up in his thoughts that he almost didn't notice someone approaching him. He soon realized they were towering over him and looked up, only to see Junpei with the usual grin on his face.

"Hey, Minato! Got any plans for later today?"

"Not really."

"Great. I was thinking about going to the movie theater at Port Island Station. Care to join me? I managed to get us tickets ahead of time!"

The blue-haired boy raised an eyebrow. It couldn't have possibly been that long since they last hung out.

I'm not sure whether I should be impressed by his persistence or not, he thought. Still, I guess it won't hurt to check out a new movie once in a while, especially with a "friend"...

"Yeah. I'll come," Minato eventually decided.

"Alright! Let's head on over there now!"

Fortunately, they didn't have to wait in line upon arrival. Minato glanced at the posters advertising various genres as Junpei immediately lit up when he noticed one for a particular movie.

"This is it! Double-Barreled Justice!" the latter said excitedly as the former turned in his direction. "I've been looking forward to seeing this one for a while!"

"What's it about?"

"Besides a few things, I don't know. But it doesn't hurt to find out, right?"

Minato only nodded in response.

"Then we better find some good seats before anyone else takes them! Let's go, Minato!"

They went inside the cinema, making their way to the auditorium showing Double-Barreled Justice. Once entering the room, they sat in one of the middle rows, getting a clear view of the large screen alongside the earlier arrivals. When the last audience members finally came and took their seats, the lights went out, and silence filled the air.

After a series of trailers, the movie soon began.

The boys exited the theater, each with different thoughts on the film they had finished watching. For Minato, the action scenes were overwhelming (but quite impressive), while the story was surprisingly more complex than he imagined. And as for Junpei?

"Hmm..."

"Something wrong?" the blue-haired boy inquired.

"Nah. It's just that the movie wasn't what I expected. Don't get me wrong; there was some pretty awesome stuff, but..."

"But what?"

"Well, the villain wasn't all that evil. When he started talking about his tragic past, that's what kind of killed it for me. It isn't cool if you had to beat somebody who didn't want to be evil in the first place. Bad guys should remain as bad guys all the way."

"I guess."

"Haha, whaddya mean, "you guess"?" Junpei grinned as he briefly looked at the sky and back to Minato. "Oh, we still got some time left. How about we grab something to eat before we get back?"

"Sure. Where to?"

A short while later, they ended up at Wild-Duck Burger. Thankfully, it wasn't as busy as the restaurant they hung out at last time, with only the usual students here and there. The Wild Card and his companion had already placed their orders by then.

"So..." Junpei began as he idly played with a fry. "I've noticed that some girls at school are interested in you. Anyone catching your eye right now?"

"No."

"Not even Yuka-tan?"

Minato's eyes narrowed in displeasure. "Really?"

"Oh, come on! I was only joking!"

"Could've fooled me."

"Man, you aren't that interested in dating, huh? You don't seem to be the kind of guy who's that desperate."

"Look who's talking."

"Hey, I resent that!"

"But it's true."

Although Junpei grumbled upon hearing that, he couldn't help himself from laughing afterward and said, "You know, you're a lot more fun than I thought. I didn't expect you to talk a little more than usual."

Seconds passed before a hint of realization flickered in Minato's eyes.

He had always been a reserved person, only speaking when prompted. He was one without much to say, who never held a genuine conversation with others, let alone those around his age. Sure, there were his relatives, but interactions had been few and far between.

Now, however? He made banter with Junpei as if they had known each other for years.

"Is... is that so?" Minato asked, barely containing his astonishment.

"Yeah!" the other boy responded. "What, still thinking we aren't friends or something?"

"Um, yes?"

"Then let's change that! Good ol' Junpei's going to get you out of your shell. You'll see!"

Minato gave an appreciative nod, sensing determination from his classmate and understanding him a little better now.

Social Link Rank Up!

"Well, let's worry about that stuff later," Junpei suggested. "You mind if I get some more fries from you?"

"Not happening."

"What? Not even a few?"

"Not a chance."

"You're so greedy! Hand them over!"

After briefly fighting over the fries, the boys eventually ate the remaining fast food. They soon left the restaurant to return to their dorm.

And that concludes the second part!

I have to say that this chapter is currently not a favorite of mine due to its rushed nature and feeling like filler. I might go back and re-edit this in the future if I'm not completely satisfied with what I have despite looking over it a few times before submission.

Please inform me about inconsistencies or errors I might've overlooked, especially the characterization.

See you all next time!