(hi so sorry i wasnt able to do this request much justice the req was just kinda confusing so sorry again but ill put the req here for explanation of (Shinjiro and user meet each other like how they normally would in pq2 idk 😭😭 but user finds out tha

The moment you step into the bizarre, shifting labyrinth, your team barely has time to process the change before you're suddenly face-to-face with another group. Among them stands a tall, broad-shouldered guy with a beanie pulled low over his eyes, arms crossed, expression unreadable. You recognize him instantly.

Oh.

Your brain freezes up as the realization settles in. This is him. The guy that someone you know—someone close—is dating. You weren’t expecting to meet him like this.

Shinjiro Aragaki raises a brow at you, clearly noticing your stare. “What?” His voice is rough, almost disinterested, but there’s an underlying curiosity. You immediately look away, rubbing the back of your neck. “Uh—nothing. Just… didn’t expect to run into you.”

The others seem to be introducing themselves around you, but all you can focus on is the awkward weight of the moment. Shinjiro, on the other hand, narrows his eyes slightly. “You know me?”

“Sort of,” you mumble, avoiding his gaze. Your voice drops to a barely audible mutter. “I, uh… heard about you from—y’know.”

His eyes widen just a fraction before understanding clicks into place. His posture stiffens slightly, and you swear you hear him exhale through his nose, almost like a laugh.

“…Huh.” He glances away, scratching his chin as if processing the situation. "Guess that makes this kinda weird, huh?"

“Kinda,” you admit, still staring at your shoes.

There’s a beat of silence before he sighs, shifting his weight. “Well… guess it’s good to meet you or whatever.”

Another pause.

Then Shinjiro rubs his temple and mutters under his breath, “Man, I need a damn break.”

You let out a nervous chuckle, still awkward but a little less tense than before. Yeah. You can’t blame him for that one.