The Ultimate Detective and The Ultimate Hope Gaiden: How I Met Your Mother (And How I Met Your Father)

Bonding Arc

Chapter Three: Kyoko's Warning! Makoto Rejected?

Present Day

"So, what was this hard lesson that Daddy had to learn?"

Looking into her daughter's curious eyes, Kyoko began "Well, it started not long after my first training session with Sakura. Makoto, do you want to continue?"

Nodding, Makoto continued "It was the following Monday. We had just gotten out of class and Sayaka and I were walking to our dorms after having had lunch at the Dining Hall…"

XXX

May 5, 2014

"So, this was the first class in a week that Kirigiri-chan missed, huh?"

"Yeah…she said she had some urgent detective work, so skipping class was unavoidable."

Kyoko had informed Makoto during their breakfast together that she had to cut class today due to a recent development in one of her cases that she couldn't ignore, added onto the fact that she still needed Fuhito to believe that she was still prioritizing her career above all else, a reason that Makoto grudgingly understood, even if he vehemently disagreed with it.

"I don't mind spending more time in class, but I at least need to keep up appearances for my grandfather. You don't mind going over the notes with me when I get back, right?"

"Makoto?"

Reawakening from his memory to Sayaka's concerned stare, he apologized "…Sorry, Sayaka; I was just lost in thought. What was it you were just saying?"

"…I was asking if I could ask you a question." Seeing Makoto nod, Sayaka continued with a shy smile "Do you have a girlfriend?"

Jaw dropping, Makoto stammered "Wh…What!? That's like, way outta nowhere!"

Giggling, Sayaka asked teasingly "Huh? Are you embarrassed? Does that mean you do?" Before he could answer, she gave a teasing smile and asked "Is it Kirigiri-chan? You guys have gotten really close over the past week and a half!"

Me and Kyoko? No, we're just friends! Still stammering, Makoto denied "N…no, I don't! A girlfriend…? Not at all!"

"Then…do you at least have a crush on someone?"

…You…I think… Refusing to voice his thoughts, Makoto demanded "J…just wait a second! What's going on here? Why are you asking all these questions?"

Smiling sweetly, Sayaka replied innocently "I was just curious, so I thought I'd ask. Is that bad?"

"I…it's not that it's bad…"

Before Makoto could explain himself, Sayaka asked "But it's only natural I'd be curious, right? Because we're classmates and friends, going through the same thing together."

Nodding, Makoto calmed down, admitting "Yeah, I guess that makes sense…"

Starting to lean into his personal space, Sayaka smiled as Makoto stumbled backwards in surprise, asking "…So? Aren't you going to ask me?"

His head cocked to the side in confusion, Makoto asked dumbly "Huh? What?"

…Boy you can be dense sometimes, Makoto… Sayaka giggled and explained "No, not what. Aren't you going to ask if I have a boyfriend or not?"

Again with the romance questions? I mean, it's not like I don't want to know. Of course I want to know… Instead of asking, Makoto guessed "You're really popular, right? So I wouldn't be surprised if you did…"

Shaking her head, Sayaka answered "Nooope! I definitely don't!" Suddenly becoming more meek and quiet, Sayaka confessed "…The truth is, I'm too busy for things like that."

"…Because of your idol career?" Seeing Sayaka nod, Makoto voiced "But that's such a waste! Your job shouldn't dictate your love life! If you're interested in someone, then you should just go for it! If someone's worth your attention, then they'll support you no matter what!"

"Makoto…" Sayaka's smile regained its full intensity, her meek demeanor melted away as her sunny disposition returned. "Thank you! You're right; if I ever decide to start a relationship, then everything will work out…no, I'll make it work out! Just like I made it to where I am in my pop idol career!"

Her smile's back; that's good! Though…now that we're talking about it, I am kinda curious… "Th…then…do you have a…crush on someone?"

Giggling shyly, a faint tinge of pink dusted her cheeks as she half-answered "Hmhm. I wonder. Let's just say…there's someone I'm interested in."

Someone she's interested in… Seeing Sayaka suddenly stare into his eyes, his own green orbs widened in realization as he guessed with disbelief Wait…me?

Before he could ponder any further, a soft ding broke his attention, Makoto reaching into his pocket to pull out his phone, his eyes widening as a single notification flashed across the screen.

"Study with Kyoko in 15 minutes."

"Oh, crap! Sorry Sayaka, but I have to go; I promised Kyoko that I'd help her catch up on what she missed in class today. We're going to study in the library and I need to get a move on!"

He was about to run to his room when he heard Sayaka call out to him "Makoto?"

Turning to face her, Makoto saw Sayaka smile sweetly at him as she finished "…I'm…really glad you're here."

Slowly nodding, Makoto smiled back, answering "I'm glad you're here too, Sayaka" before bursting into his room, his door slamming shut behind him.

Sayaka smiled before walking to her own door, twisting the key in the lock in preparation for a soothing shower.

"Don't go leading him on."

Hearing the lecturing call, Sayaka turned around to see Kyoko leaning against the opposite wall, her arms folded across her chest and a serious expression plastered onto her face.

"Kirigiri-chan? Aren't you supposed to be in the library waiting for Makoto? And what do you mean, leading him on?"

"I was just coming to grab my Handbook from my room when I overheard you and Makoto talking. And don't try to play dumb with me. Your flirtatious choice of words, intimate body language, an dyour evasive half-answers could give Makoto mixed messages as to your intentions."

Smirking, Sayaka taunted "…How ironic, Kirigiri-chan. It wasn't that long ago that I was reprimanding you about hurting his feelings. Now you're warning me about hurting his feelings? Why the sudden concern? Don't tell me you're…jealous, are you?"

Shaking her head, Kyoko answered calmly "Makoto and I are just friends, nothing more. I'm sure you're aware of the fact that I wouldn't be alive right now were it not for his intervention. The truth is that I owe him a debt, and I trust him. I'd prefer to see him protected from harm if I can help it, which is why I'm warning you not to put him in a situation where he acts on a nonexistent attraction."

"…Is that everything?"

The two women glaring at each other for a few more seconds, Kyoko at last nodded before confirming "Yes. As you pointed out, I'm on track to be late for my appointment with Makoto. Good night, Maizono-san."

Sticking her tongue out, Sayaka at last turned the key into the knob and walked in her room, slamming the door shut in irritation. Kyoko sighed before approaching her own door, opening it and momentarily running in to grab her Handbook before walking back out, locking the door behind her before power-walking to the library, suppressing her emotions that had sprung to the surface during her confrontation with Sayaka so as not to upset Makoto.

XXX

Present Day

"Wow, Mommy! You and Sayaka really didn't get along, huh?"

"…It's not that I disliked her, it's just…" Kyoko took a deep breath as she looked Kiki in the eye, explaining "Kiki, I didn't have a crush on your father back then; that much is true. That being said, I knew he was important to me. I hadn't had a friend since Yui, and I wanted to keep him from getting hurt. When I overheard Sayaka talk to him, I saw the signs of ambiguity, as well as the potential for a broken heart. So I…got a little…intense and warned her about the consequences for her actions."

To her surprise, Kiki simply smiled and replied "You were just looking after Daddy, right? There's nothing wrong with that!"

Staring at her daughter in shock for a moment, Kyoko soon smiled and ruffled her hair, thanking her "Thanks, Kiki. As for what happened next…I saw your father the next day at breakfast. We were sitting at a secluded table in the corner where he told me that he had come to a decision…"

XXX

May 6, 2014

"I'm gonna ask Sayaka out!" Makoto whispered excitedly, causing Kyoko to freeze up halfway through biting her apple.

Swallowing the fruit that was already down her throat, she looked at him seriously and deadpanned "I take it you have some rationale for your intent to start a relationship with Maizono-san."

Nodding, Makoto scratched his cheek nervously, slightly blushing as he explained "…Well…last night, before we met up in the library, Sayaka and I had a conversation. And…I think she hinted…that she might have feelings for me. Plus, we kind of went to middle school together, so we already have a strong friendship. It wouldn't be that much of a stretch for her to have a crush on me, you know?"

So it was that conversation… Trying to choose her words carefully, Kyoko looked at Makoto as she cautioned "Are you absolutely certain? Think carefully on your choice. I don't mean to criticize your judgment, Makoto, but there's always the chance you could have misread the signals she was giving you. I've seen a handful of murder cases where the culprit killed their victim out of a misunderstanding…"

"Hold on!" Makoto interrupted "Sayaka would never…"

"I'm not saying she would. However, there's still the chance for you to be hurt, and I'd rather not see you come to class with tears in your eyes, or holed up in your room out of depression." Kyoko's eyes softened, her voice lowering to a barely audible volume as she admitted "As my friend, you're…important to me, and I'd rather preserve that nearly boundless positivity of yours if it can be helped."

Kyoko…I'm…that important to you? Touched by her confession, Makoto bit his lip, choosing his words carefully as he informed her "Kyoko, I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate your concern…but I still need to do this tomorrow. If I hold back out of fear, then I'll just end up living in regret. So all I can do…is hope that everything will turn out okay, you know?"

I was afraid you'd say that… Kyoko felt a shiver of dread tingle down her spine as she thought I just hope I'm wrong about this… "If you're certain. Just be careful, okay?"

Nodding with a soft smile on his face, the two went back to their breakfast, Makoto munching on his omelet while Kyoko went back to sipping her coffee.

XXX

May 7, 2014

"Hey…Sayaka?"

"What is it, Makoto? And why are you so nervous?"

The two of them were currently sitting on a grassy hill in the greenhouse, at Makoto's suggestion. Makoto was starting to sweat, anxious about his next question.

"Um…I was wondering…we're close friends, aren't we, Sayaka?"

Nodding, Sayaka giggled as she confirmed "Of course we are, silly! We did go to middle school together after all!"

His smile losing some of its anxiety, Makoto gave her a bashful smile as he asked "So…since we're so close…I was wondering…" He took both of her hands in his own, surprising Sayaka as he asked "Sayaka, would you like to go see a movie with me? And maybe…grab some dinner afterwards?"

Sayaka's eyes widened, realizing exactly what Makoto was asking. Her eyes drooped as she reluctantly withdrew her hands from his grasp, fiddling with a strand of her blue hair as she bit her lip, trying to figure out what to say next.

"Sayaka…"

"Makoto…you're a really sweet boy, you really are! It's just…I…like you…just not…like-like you."

Stammering while trying to figure out where he went wrong, Makoto asked "B…but…what was all that about on Monday? When you were asking if I had a girlfriend or a crush on someone? And when you looked me in the eyes and said there was someone you were interested in? That wasn't…to see if I was single and to hint at a crush on me?"

So she was right…I did lead him on… Kicking herself for giving Makoto the wrong signals, Sayaka took a deep breath and confessed "The truth is…Leon's been acting sweeter in the past month than I expected…and we've found a mutual interest in music…so I was starting to wonder if I should ask him out to see if we were compatible. And since you and I are really good friends…you seemed like the only boy in our class I could come to for advice."

So she wanted…my advice?

Makoto felt torn; of course being responsible for giving Sayaka the resolve to chase after her crush was heartwarming, but he also felt disappointed that it wasn't him she was interested in.

Looking down guiltily at her lap, she apologized "So yesterday, after class…I asked Leon out, and he said yes…Makoto…I'm so sorry…I didn't mean to…I swear I…"

"It's cool, Sayaka, really…" Makoto forced out, though he couldn't keep the lump from forming in his throat, nor the sadness in his smile. Gingerly standing up, he excused himself "I have to go do some homework. I'll see you in class tomorrow, Sayaka."

"MAKOTO!"

But Makoto didn't even stop; without missing a beat, he continued walking out of the greenhouse, leaving Sayaka alone, the chickens in the chicken coop her only companions now.

Sighing, she moaned "…What have I done?"

XXX

"I take it your attempt didn't go as planned, am I wrong?"

Makoto had been crying in his room when he heard the doorbell ring. Gingerly getting up to see who it was, he opened the door to see a pensive Kyoko on the other side. Seeing him look at her in surprise, Kyoko let herself in, Makoto not really objecting as he closed the door behind her, watching her walk over to the chair at his desk, turning it around to face him as she sat down in it, Makoto walking back to his bed to sit down on the mattress, his fingers interwoven with each other in his grasped hands as they sat in silence until Kyoko broke it with her question.

*Sniff* "…Was I…that obvious?"

"…You probably didn't notice, but you ran by me in a hurry as you entered your room. Your rushed pace was remarkably different from your usual, leisurely walk. It could have meant you were in a hurry, but given what you told me yesterday, it seemed more likely that it was due to the fact that you were suffering from heartbreak and wanted to deal with your emotions privately."

Makoto sat in silence, then nodded and confirmed "You're not wrong…Sayaka turned me down…"

Sighing, Kyoko told him in a neutral tone "…I did try to warn you about the consequences of choosing this path, Makoto. Love is volatile; while it can make people feel exceptionally happy, it can also lead to some of the worst consequences imaginable. I tried to spare you from those consequences…obviously in vain."

"Y…yeah, you did try to warn me, and I ignored it. I feel like such a fool; I should have tried to clarify with Sayaka what she meant before I got my hopes up."

Seeing Makoto whimper in front of her, Kyoko sat in silence, her eyes softening as she tried to deduce her next path forward. As good as she was with solving mysteries, her inexperience with people made her feel ill-equipped to heal Makoto's broken heart. At last she took a deep breath and began to speak.

"Makoto…I'm no expert in romance, so I don't know how helpful this will be. But…despite not winning Sayaka's heart…you still have her as a friend. Besides, I don't believe she led you on with malicious intent; she didn't mean to deceive you, nor do I think she was comfortable with having to turn you down. Am I wrong?"

*Sniff* "No…you're not wrong. I just goofed, that's all that happened. We're still friends."

"And take it from someone who spent years without any friends; being your friend is a blessing in and of itself. And in case that doesn't convince you, I've seen how content and cheery the class is during the days I've attended. Even Fukawa-san and Ikusaba-san have become more tolerable since they got to know you."

Headmaster Kirigiri said the same thing last month! So rapped up in Kyoko's words, Makoto didn't even notice her getting up from the chair until her leather-encased thumbs wiping the tears from his eyes, the Ultimate Lucky Student finally looking up at her as he gasped "Kyoko…"

Looking at him seriously, Kyoko almost pleaded with him "Don't wallow in your depression, Makoto. Our class wouldn't be the same without your boundless optimism; everyone would worry about you and be saddened by your own sorrow…me included. If you need some space, then take some time to yourself. Class is optional anyway; missing a couple of days won't kill you, and I'm sure anyone in our class would be happy to loan you their notes. And if you feel yourself getting lost in your despair, then don't hesitate to go see the school therapist. There's no shame in seeking help; you taught me that with the Akafuku case."

During their initial tour, the 78th Class learned that Hope's Peak also had a therapist to assist any students who needed professional help. As a matter of fact, said therapist was a former alumnus of Hope's Peak Academy: Miaya Gekkogahara, the Ultimate Therapist. Makoto had encouraged Kyoko to go take advantage of Miaya's services in Kyoko's final hours in the infirmary, only for the Ultimate Detective to decline.

"My pyrophobia only extends to blazes large enough to encompass large areas. I can handle small kitchen fires and household fireplaces just fine. In my case, Gekkogahara-sensei's services aren't required."

Shaking his head, Makoto declined "Thank you, Kyoko, but I'm not feeling that bad. Actually Kyoko, I need to thank you. Your pep talk…it really made me feel better. Don't worry, I'll still come to class tomorrow…and I won't avoid Sayaka either. We're still friends, and I'll cherish that forever. Thanks for cheering me up, Kyoko!"

Letting a small smile show, she released his face from her grasp, nodding as she said "I'm glad…so, you're going to be alright?"

Nodding, Makoto answered "Yeah…I'll be alright."

Nodding, Kyoko felt a rush of relief as she replied "I'm glad to hear that, Makoto. Well then, if you're really going to be okay, I'll head over to the dining hall. Would you like to come with?"

Hesitating for a moment, Makoto's stomach answered for him, rumbling as the boy blushed in embarrassment, replying "Yeah…dinner sounds good."

As they walked in the hallway, Makoto reached for her hand, gripping it in a gesture for her comfort. Freezing for a second, Kyoko recovered, squeezing his hand back once during their walk, releasing each other once they arrived at their secluded table.

XXX

"He seems to be doing better…"

Kyoko turned around, having just finished escorting Makoto back to his room when she heard the feminine voice address her. Turning around, she saw an unusually sheepish Sayaka Maizono.

Once she had Kyoko's attention, Sayaka looked at the floor guiltily, kicking her heel with her toe in a very Makoto-esque fashion before guessing "I guess Makoto told you what happened, right Kirigiri-chan?"

Nodding, Kyoko informed her "We talked, and he's doing better now. I'd advise against going to talk to him currently though. Give him some space; knowing Makoto, he'll probably seek you out first anyways…he's not one to let a friendship die over a misunderstanding."

Nodding, Sayaka replied "That's good. At least he's healing…thanks to you, Kirigiri-chan. You're a good friend to him…better than I was. In fact, you two would probably make a good couple."

Sighing, Kyoko stressed "As I've said before, Makoto and I are just friends, nothing more…"

"You say that, but can you say for sure that you can't imagine yourself in a relationship with him? Kirigiri-chan, I don't think you grasp just how much you care about him. At even the slightest hint of him getting hurt, you chewed me out, and when your prediction was proved right, you consoled him, you healed him! Contrast that with me…"

Sayaka sighed, taking a deep breath as Kyoko's eyebrow raised in curiosity.

"Makoto and I were good friends; we had a history. But even though we were close, I ended up hurting him when he sought affection from me. Over the past few hours, I kept asking myself over and over if I could ever prioritize his welfare over mine. And…I'm not sure I can. If I were pushed against the wall, if I were ever forced into a position where I had to choose between myself and him…I can't say for sure if I'd choose him."

"Maizono-san…"

"…You on the other hand…based on your actions today...I can't see you ever stabbing him in the back…like I might if push came to shove…" Sighing, Sayaka finished "Look, I don't know if what you two have is love, a crush, or just an unusually strong friendship…All I know for sure is that you're better for him than I am."

Taking all of this in, Kyoko took a deep breath and repeated "Makoto and I are good friends. That's all there is to it." Turning around to walk to her dorm room, Kyoko dismissed "Good night, Maizono-san."

"…Yeah…good night, Kirigiri-chan."

Kyoko closed the door behind her, leaving Sayaka alone in the hallway as she breathed a sigh of fatigue. Gathering her nightgown, she stepped into her bathroom, disrobing as she let the water heat up. Once she was satisfied, she undid her braid and stepped inside the stall, letting the water soak her hair and run down her back like a waterfall, reflecting on the days events as she applied shampoo to her long, lavender locks.

Well…that was an unusually fatiguing day. At least Makoto came out relatively unscathed. And Maizono-san…I can't say we're friends…but I feel like I understand her a little better than before. She genuinely cared for Makoto's well-being; her mistakes just forced her into a situation where she had no choice. Looking at her scarred hand, she wondered "Could I have the same potential? If I were forced into a corner, would I do as Maizono-san did, and put myself before him?"

XXX

Present Day

"I can't believe Sayaka broke your heart like that, Daddy! How could she pick anyone other than you?"

Smiling sadly, Makoto wrapped an arm around his daughter, telling her "Kiki…despite what you may think, I'm not perfect. Nobody is, and especially when I was still a teenager, I wasn't going to appeal to everybody. Besides, things didn't turn out too bad; Sayaka and I still stayed friends in the end. Plus…if Sayaka and I had gotten together, then I wouldn't have been able to marry your mother, and you would never have been born."

Taking over for Makoto, Kyoko cooed "And you are our greatest gift, Kiki. Nothing could ever replace you in our lives, and we wouldn't want to give you up for anything!"

"Mommy…Daddy…" Kiki cried tears of joy, her parents beaming as they hugged her together, planting kiss after kiss all over her face until she giggled in a fit.

Once they let go, Makoto finished "Anyways, it's time for bed, Kiki."

Nodding, Kiki nestled into her pillow, he rparents bringing up the blanket to her chin, tucking her in as they cooed "Good night, Kiki. We love you."

*Yawn* "…You too…"

Once they heard her snore, Makoto and Kyoko crept out of the room, closing the door behind them.

"Well, that went well I think."

Nodding at her husband, Kyoko smiled and sighed with relief, agreeing "Yes, better than I expected. I was afraid at how Kiki would handle seeing her beloved Daddy's heart broken, but everything turned out okay."

Smiling softly, Makoto urged "Let's head to bed too, honey. After you?"

Rolling her eyes, Kyoko began walking to their bedroom with her husband in tow, eager to sleep after an emotionally exhausting tale.