shouldbeworking
Recent works
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The Happiness Game! by engraved (Ludicrously_Idiotic), shouldbeworking
Fandoms: Persona 5
15 Nov 2025
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Summary
The Phantom Thieves have nearly secured their route through Maruki's Palace. There’s only one section left: The Twilight Corridor. A paradise where everything is perfect, and everyone is always smiling.
In order to enter that place, the Thieves must first prove they've "completed orientation" and can be "happy." There are points, there is a scoreboard, and they’re locked together in an experimental space where wishes can be granted by simply saying them aloud. Everyone has to individually earn 100 happiness points, or no one is leaving.
So what is “happiness,” really? How does Maruki define happiness? What the hell is a quantifiable happiness point? Is there any way around this? Don’t these stupid kids realize this is a trick to get them to fall back into the thrall of Maruki’s reality? And why can’t Goro earn any fucking points?
(Or: I've been watching too much Dropout Game Changer and I’ve built an Akechi torture chamber.)
Includes illustrations by the amazing engraved!
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Summary
After months of peace and boredom, Amamiya Ren finds himself dodging undercover operatives, butterflies, and his own schoolmates when he meets an intriguing man with burning red eyes and plenty of secrets.
The Metaverse may be gone, but Ren will always be a Phantom Thief. Of course this summer trip would be anything but normal.
[Translation in Chinese is now available on ao3 courtesy of anyonehvrice!]
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The booth in the corner, shrouded deep in shadow, is living up to its name again.
Here at the Jazz Jin one can find a delightful atmosphere, delightful drinks, delightful music—a delight all-around, barring one exception for anyone unfortunate enough to notice it: the kissing booth.
“Teenagers,” Goro says derisively.
“And how old are you?”
Fuck off, Goro grumbles to himself. To Ren, he says: “Old enough at least to be above that sort of disgraceful display, thank you very much.”
“Mm,” Ren hums, absently swirling his straw around his finger. “So have you ever kissed anyone?”
Goro chokes on his drink.
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Summary
one drink goro is slightly more talkative than usual. two drink goro is very adamant that he’s not feeling tipsy at all. three drink goro is slutty. four drink goro is quiet. five drink goro is sad, and six drink goro is already asleep.
ren is there for all of them.
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His mother’s grave is already clean, which has never happened before. There are fresh flowers already beside it, which he’s never seen before. And, resting innocently beside those flowers: a single glove.
Goro places his own flowers down in a daze. Picks up the glove—gently, like it might disappear if he’s too rough with it.
It’s black leather. It’s Goro’s size. It’s Goro’s brand. It’s his glove. He knows the rest.