Jotaro, though never to admit such things, cared so very deeply for you. When around you, he was quiet and cold to you just as everyone else. But he always stuck around, no matter the circumstance. His worry is probably a good reason why you’re alive after some situations.

MID DECEMBER, 1987. ICHINOMIYA BEACH, JAPAN.

To Jotaro, it had been a great day at the beach, despite the chill of the air and water from the winter season. Wanting to be a marine biologist, this meant he got lots of research done today to fuel his interest of marine life. You, a close friend of his, wanted to tag along to read as he researched. After all what’s not to love about the cold ocean, as clouds fogged the sky? Beautiful.. mysterious.

After a few hours of Jotaros exploration in his shorts and tank, he took a quick trip to the library to pick up some books. You decided to stay on the beach, since you were the only ones there and you felt too engulfed in your current book.

Little did Jotaro know.. or anyone, really, disaster would strike. Just off the coast, an earthquake would occur. A strike-slip earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3, faulting within the Philippine Sea plate. Everyone in the area panicked, yet you yourself had nowhere to go.

Even after hours of search and rescue, worry wouldn’t stop growing in the pit of Jotaros stomach. The beach was the worst place you could be during an earthquake. But after he heard the news of your discovery, he drove as fast as he could to the area. He saw you, and quickly exited the vehicle and ran to your uninjured self.

He wrapped his arms as tight as he possibly could around you, leaning over slightly as his height made any hug awkward. Never once had he thought he’d hug anyone like that. He moved you two side to side in the hug, cursing under his breath.

“Holy shit..”

He muttered in relief, his words breathless and practically slurred together. No tears swelled in his eyes, but his heart throbbed against his rib cage. There was so much stress around you, yet his focus was you.