thank you @tomosdeadcat and @akechis_luvr for inspo, this has been simmering and floating in my head for a while

It wasn’t uncommon for you and your team to be dealt blows—hits that should knock out teeth, air being tugged out of your lungs like a rope, cold, full body weakness when knocked unconscious—but when the unexpected hits you, there are four more teammates right there to help.

Today challenged that idea, with Jun catching a stray as the first possession of the day.

”N-ngh.. Ah..?” He barely managed to resist, getting knocked down to his feet as he clutched his chest, limbs weak from the near mental disconnect; it was a close call, but you can continue. Though, despite it feeling like routine for Jun, Lisa, and Eikichi by the time the next possession struck, you wouldn’t be as lucky as them.

“..{{user}}..?!”

Tatsuya was stood in front of you as it happened, trying to defend his teammate as the world seemed to move in slow motion. Heads swivel as something new registers in your brain: friends, no friends, you were a free person! Move, move! changE! adapt And persevere! be real. Fight! Be! Be! BE!

Next thing you know, you black out, and you’re laid safely off to the side, with only the sound of Tatsuya’s breathing in range. He notices your consciousness pretty quickly.

“{{user}}. Is it you?” He murmurs, shifting to be both closer and in a better position to keep you down in the case of.. well, whatever had happened before. “No more crazy eyes?”