"Kyosuke, any progress on finding an entrance into Hope's Peak?", asked an old man with a shaggy beard and a worn-out jacket. Both the man named Kyosuke the old man were looking at a computer screen, showing the old school building in it.

"We don't know how, but Junko managed to make the walls indestructible, meaning that we ourselves can't get in", the man answered, wearing a neat white suit. "The only way that the participants can escape the killing game is to 'defeat' the mastermind from the inside."

"So we won't get to kill that bitch ourselves?", asked a dark-haired man with a dull jacket and a stocky build, walking into the room. "Goddamit, the nerve of that stupid harlot."

"...In other matters, how many participants have died so far?", asked the old man, looking at Kyosuke.

"So far, two individuals have been killed", answered the tall man in the suit. "Junko has recently planned another killing motive, so more deaths might be at hand."

"I see", responded the old man. "It's unfortunate, but we can't do anything else but to trust them to do the right thing."

"I doubt that they can do that, Mr. Tengan", remarked the dark-haired man, sitting down at a nearby chair. "Kids these days can't do jack shit."

"Sakakura", deadpanned Kyosuke.

"Sorry."

"In any case, we can only hope that they find the exit soon, Kyosuke. We can only hope", the old man named Tengan remarked.

"Indeed."

Back to the killing game...

Back at the building named Hope's Peak, the remaining class members gathered in the cafeteria by Sakura's request, everyone looking at Celeste, who in turn was just standing silently.

Is it because they're your friends?

Those words kept repeating themselves on the gambler's mind. Just what about the classmates would make them different from other people? And could Celeste really consider them friends? The friendships she spent two years working on just vanished. Was there a way to get them back?

Going forward, there's still so much you can do from here...

Her past self's words only kept reverberating throughout the deep corners of her mind. She was right, a situation like this meant she could do anything...

She could try to regain back her friends and past life, or betray them eventually and work towards her original goal, getting a dark castle and living in isolation.

She couldn't turn back. She couldn't delay it any longer. She had to make her choice now.

"..."

As soon as everyone sat down and accommodated themselves, the gambler began talking.

"So, I bet you people are curious as to why I called you here."

"Y-you wouldn't plan on tricking us so t-that you could kill us all later, would you?", Toko asked shakily, pointing an accusing finger on the gambler. Everyone else just stared at the gothic girl, awaiting for her response.

Just spill it already.

"I'll be honest, I would have done something like that a few weeks ago", the gambler bluntly said, surprising everyone except Kyoko, who kept a straight face. "But not anymore. I have something else planned in mind."

"And just what do you have planned, Celeste?", asked Taka with slight force.

"I've been having this plan on the back of my head for a while now, but it's time to tell everyone what really happened."

Everyone listened closely as to what she was going to say.

"...I'm going to tell everyone what happened during the past two years of Hope's Peak Academy, and about our forgotten memories."

And thus, she began explaining everyone about the events of the past two years, the disaster of Hope's Peak, and the original headmaster's plan.

"So what you're saying is, that the headmaster wanted us to close ourselves here to survive the events outside Hope's Peak?", Togami asked, closing the book he was reading a few minutes ago.

"Indeed", Answered Celeste. "We all agreed to live here for the rest of our lives for the sake of 'hope'".

"S-screw that!", retorted Toko. "How do we know y-you're not lying!?"

"True, we don't know how the outside world looks like, so we don't know if my words are true", Celeste said. "But consider this: has any one of you tried breaking down the walls?"

While at first everyone remained silent, a hand soon rose up to the air.

"Mondo."

"Yeah, I tried breaking it down with Crazy Diamond", Mondo remarked. He then clenched his fist, saying, "But it doesn't work."

"Exactly", Celeste said. "While it could mean that the mastermind is a stand user, and built this place accordingly to make it stand-proof, it could also mean that the original headmaster knew about stands, as well, no?"

"Why are you even considering the headmaster theory?", Byakuya replied. "As you said, there's no way that you can prove your words."

"...No, there is."

"Excuse me?"

"It's as I said", Celeste smiled. "I can prove that I've known everyone for the past two years at Hope's Peak."

"Really now?", Byakuya said, standing up to face the gambler. "Prove it."

"..."

"No way to back up your claim, is there?"

A recently-remembered memory soon surfaced up in her mind. Celeste then had a plan.

"...Sakura."

"Yes?", asked the giant, also standing up from her seat.

"You've once told Makoto about the past you've shared with your rival, Kenshiro, and how you plan on defeating him to be the stronger person in the world."

"What!? I've only said that to close people!", Sakura gasped, surprised at Celeste's revelation.

"Exactly", Celeste grinned. "Sakura, you were once close friends with Makoto. So close that you've told him about your past.". She then turned to Makoto, "Sorry for eavesdropping on your conversation back then, Naegi."

"It's fine... I guess?", Makoto asked, confused.

"Aoi, I also remembered how you've ranted endlessly about your younger brother and how talented he is during the changing rooms back then", Celeste continued.

"W-what!? How do you know that!?"

"I think his name was... Yuta Asahina, right?"

"Y-yes but... there's no way you should know that! I haven't told anyone here about him!", the swimmer declared.

"Maybe not now, but... definitely so two years ago."

Byakuya only remained silent, not bothering to do anything except adjust his glasses.

"...Left speechless, dear?", Celeste teased.

"Whatever. I'll consider it", the heir responded. He then turned towards the exit, Toko following close. "This has been an interesting conversation, but it won't stop me from winning this game. Until then". He left the cafeteria once more, leaving the class to themselves.

"You guys are left to believe me if you want", the gambler announced. "If you still think I'm lying, then think that if it suits you. I've already said my piece". She then turned towards the exit.

"Wait, Celeste!"

Hmm?

Turning to face the direction of the voice, she locked eyes with Makoto, his hand outstretched.

"Whatever is the matter?"

"Why did you tell us this?", Makoto aksed. "You could've simply kept it to yourself."

"...So you didn't want me to tell you?"

"N-no no! I'm grateful!", the luckster assured. "I'm just curious. You were never like this before. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's curious about the sudden 180 you've shown lately."

The other students murmured in agreement. Kyoko was silent, indifferent as usual.

Is it because they're your friends...?

"I have my reasons, Naegi", the gambler responded, turning to the exit. "I'm simply helping everyone, as friends usually do". She then left the cafeteria, leaving the rest of the class to themselves.

"Mimi?"

"I'm not sure if telling everyone this was worth it", Celeste said to herself. "But there's a good chance this will prevent any murders from happening anytime soon."

"Mimi!", Cloakie resounded happily.

Is it because they're your friends...?

Finally solving the answer to that question, the gambler's mind soon cleared away all doubts. She knew what she was going to do.

"I'll definitely get everyone back."

...

The food court being left silent, one voice suddenly started speaking up.

"Celeste's definitely been acting weird", Aoi said, the rest of the class turning to face her. "But she said it herself; she doesn't mean harm anymore."

"But it could be a lie!", Hagakure responded. "She's the Queen of Liars for a reason!"

"No, Celeste wouldn't gain something from lying like this", Kyoko deduced. "I can't see anything that could stem from this that can be used for murder.". "In fact", she continued, "If a murder were to occur, we would all immediately suspect Celeste as the killer, putting her at a disadvantage."

"Then w-why would Miss Ludenberg do something like that?", Hifumi asked nervously.

"Because she's trying to tell us the truth", Makoto finished. "That's the only reason Celeste would do something like that.". The luckster then stood up from his seat. "That's why I trust what she's saying."

"Always one with strong words, huh Naegi?", Mondo remarked with a grin.

"H-hey, give Kyoko some credit too", the luckster waved off the praise.

"In any case, we are free to do what we want with the information Celeste has given us", Kyoko stated. "We could use this as a way to try to escape this place."

"But why?", Aoi asked. "Didn't we lock ourselves up in the first place to stay here?"

"We did, but now that Monokuma's controlling the school, staying here's not an option anymore", Makoto responded. "If we stay here, only more deaths will occur."

"Meaning we have to start cooperating eventually, whether we like it or not", the detective finished.

"I see...", Mondo said to himself. He then also spoke up, saying, "Then if that's the case, I'll gladly assist in helping everyone bust out of here!"

"Me too!", declared Taka proudly. "I'll do whatever I can to prevent any more deaths happening!"

"Same here!", Aoi chirped.

"I'll help too, if it means I can get outta here!", Yasuhiro happily stated. "And I guess I wouldn't mind some friends..."

And so, everyone in the cafeteria slowly agreed to help each other get out of here. Even Mukuro, who now sounded more serious than her usual energetic attitude.

...

Speaking of, Mukuro was in her room once more. The gathering that Celeste planned had already ended, and it was soon close to Nighttime. Fallen Soldiers was floating next to her, being as arrogant as ever.

"Do you ever just shut up?", asked the soldier.

"No, no I don't", replied her stand, not even hesitating at the answer. He then continued, "Remember, I am a material incarnate of your soul. Something in your life has made you intolerant to petty insults."

Looking of into the distance, the girl replied, "Yeah..."

"Any news from your sister?"

"No, she still hasn't said anything", Mukuro responded. She then lied on her bed, pulling on the sheets. "But regardless of her answer, I already know what I should do. I'll help everyone get out of here, and give my sister the despair she wishes."

"Hmm, the time for that sure is approaching fast", Fallen Soldiers stated. "Your sister plans doing something in two days if no one kills each other. You're gonna have tell everyone who you really are eventually, possibly before then."

"I know that", the soldier said, already trying to sleep. "I just don't know exactly when."

"Meh, you'll figure it out", Fallen Soldiers dismissed. He then turned to his user, "Good night."

"Night."

Meanwhile...

Celeste was laying down at her bed, Cloakie playfully floating around her. Seeing her stand act childishly always made the gambler have a small smile, and this was no exception.

For the first time since the killing game, the gambler finally felt relief, like if something was lifted off her shoulders. While Celeste didn't exactly know what the cause could be, she could definitely tell it has to do with her confession earlier.

Why did you tell us this? You could've simply kept it to yourself...

Celeste still remembered the question Makoto asked.

"Always one to open your mouth, huh pipsqueak?", the gambler smiled before remembering a new memory.

A year ago, at Hope's Peak...

"Happy Birthday, Celeste!", Makoto celebrated. The gambler simply stood there in shock, surprised at how the classroom looked like. Everyone had a birthday hat, and Hifumi was carrying a velvet-flavored cake. Even Byakuya had a musical blowout in his mouth, perfectly adorning his stern face.

"...Makoto, what's the meaning of this?", asked Celeste politely.

"Well, Kyoko told me beforehand that your birthday was gonna come soon, so I planned a surprise birthday party", Makoto explained. "To my luck, the teacher allowed us to celebrate it here!"

"Really now?", Celeste asked, turning to face Kyoko, who had a small smile.

"Hey, it's your special day, at least be happy about it", remarked Mondo, who had a yo-yo in his hand.

"I'm definitely grateful about it", the gambler dismissed. "It's just that... no one has celebrated my birthday before in a long time..."

The class soon fell silent at her response, a few seconds later, Celeste felt a hand touch her shoulder. She turned to see Makoto smiling.

"Well, at least that changes now", Makoto assured. "Because now you have friends to cheer your special day with!"

"Damn straight!", Mondo beamed.

"Language!", Taka shouted at the bike rider, who gave the moral compass a playful noogie.

"Cmon, Celeste!", Aoi beamed, pulling into the gambler's arm into the center of the classroom. "We got a photographer to take a picture of this special day, so let's get ready!"

"You... you guys did all of this...", the gambler tailed off to herself.

"Sorry I'm late!", a red-head girl with a camera rushed into into the classroom. "So who's the birthday girl?"

"She is!", Aoi pointed at Celeste, who was still processing what she just heard. Everyone considered her a friend. A friend. Something she never thought she would be...

Yet she didn't mind at all.

"Well then, everyone gather together for the picture!", the red-haired girl smiled, turning on the camera. Soon enough, everyone gathered around Celeste, who was in the middle of the picture. The gambler took a small peek at everyone. Everyone was smiling. Even Byakuya dropped the serious guy act and gave a small smirk.

"Aaaaaaand SMILE!"

FLASH!

...

Later in the evening, both Kyoko and Celeste were walking back home, the gambler having a plethora of gifts from her classmates.

"So how was the party?"

"It was definitely the best one I've had in a long time. Makoto sure is something else."

"Indeed."

There was just one person who still didn't give the gambler a gift, though.

"Kyoko, you're the only one who hasn't given me a gift yet", Celeste said with a smirk on her face.

Blushing a little, Kyoko responded, "I was actually hoping that I could give you this gift while we were alone."

"Oh?"

Blushing a little more, the detective pulled a small box from her pocket, handing it to Celeste.

"I didn't know that you wanted marriage so soon, Kyoko."

"I-it's not that!", the detective dismissed in a panic before regaining her composure, albeit with a blush. "It's not that."

Smirking at her response, the gambler opened the box, revealing a pair of earrings. But they weren't just any earrings.

Raising the earrings to see them with more detail, the gambler studied the intricate details the ear pieces had. The earrings were small poker cards, both of them aces of hearts.

"I made them myself...", Kyoko stated. "I had to practice a little before perfecting them, though. It was my first time making something like this, after all."

The gambler did not give any response, instead looking at the earrings a little more. After a few moments, she put them on, placing her older earrings inside the box.

"...Do you like them?"

The gambler, not responding to her answer, instead approached the detective. Closing off the distance between them, she suddenly began kissing the lavender-haired girl, her tongue not hesitating to taste her girlfriend's tastebuds.

"Mmmph!?"

Despite surprised at first, Kyoko returned the kiss with fervor, both girls savoring the tang of their tongues. Kyoko's arms were placed behind the gambler's neck, the gambler placing her hands on the detective's hips and back. Both girls' line of thought was thrown out the window, only focusing on the passionate kiss.

Celeste could only indulge in the sweet smell of lavender her girlfriend had. She felt that she could kiss her forever...

Both girls pulling back for air, the gambler spoke, pulling back her hair, "Your gift was definitely the best thing I've ever received today. Let me return you the favor, at least for a moment."

"Y-you could have warned me, though...", the detective stammered lightly, blushing as hard as ever.

"Hmm, I could've", Celeste remarked. Getting close to her girlfriend's face, she continued, her tone becoming more sultry, "But seeing you like this is worth it."

"...Goddamit Celeste", the detective said, her blush perfectly countering her fake frustration.

"Now then, shall we continue?", the gambler asked.

"...We're outside, though. Anyone passing by can see us here", the detective responded.

"So what?", Celeste dismissed. "It's their problem if they see us..."

Both girls continued the kiss, the falling evening perfectly reflecting warm light on their passionate love.

...

Back at Celeste's room, the Killing Game...

Celeste could only smile at the forgotten memory, the rest of school already sound asleep. She couldn't help but giggle under the bed sheets. To think she was capable of doing something so daring.

To be honest, though, it only made her wish for Kyoko more.

She could only hope the detective would feel the same eventually.

Nonetheless, this was definitely the best day of the gambler's life.

Author's Note: Chapter 26 done! Okay, two things right off the bat:

• This was definitely the longest chapter I've written in a long time. Seriously, three thousand words!? Holy cow, I didn't expect so many words! Nonetheless, I'm glad that I have reached heights like this, and I can only hope that I can continue writing long chapters like these!

• This was the most romantic chapter I've written thus far, and it's my first time writing romantic fluff! God, it was hard writing the romantic scene (it was fun, tho). What do you think? Did I do a good job expressing Celeste and Kyoko's relationship?

Leave all your opinions below so that I can read them and improve upon them! As always, thanks everyone for the support! Until the next entry, I'll see everyone later!