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

Bonding Arc

Chapter Twelve: Class Representative Election!

Present Day

"So what happened next?"

"Well, spring was coming to an end and the school had an annual celebration to mark the passing of the season and its shift into summer. But before we could plan it, our class needed to nominate someone who would lead our class's participation."

Nodding, Makoto took over for Kyoko "And we ended up making our decision the next day in class. You see, Kizakura-sensei came in and…"

XXX

June 23, 2014

"Alright, kids, settle down."

Koichi walked in, followed by Chisa Yukizome and a short girl with light pink hair that curled at the bottom. The class looked in surprise, wondering what the teacher of the 77th class, and presumable one of her students, was doing here.

"Alright, you may be wondering why you received a notification on your Handbooks telling you that this class was mandatory. Well, every year on the last day of June, Hope's Peak holds a school festival to celebrate the passing of spring and the coming of summer. It's a nice little break before you guys start studying for finals in July."

Grinning, Chisa interjected "Plus it's a great way to celebrate just how closely you all have bonded as classmates!"

Smiling at his colleague, Koichi agreed "Indeed; it's one of the few events where the Main Course and Reserve Course students can mingle with each other."

Makoto frowned; since befriending Kyoko, she had during one of their hangout sessions told him about the existence of the Reserve Course and how they were largely segregated from the Main Course since they attended by paying exorbitant tuition fees instead of being scouted for talent. Makoto had frowned that day, not liking the system at all, but kept his opinions to himself for fear of rocking the boat and getting expelled.

"Anyway, this festival is actually planned by the two Main Course classes at Hope's Peak. Each class nominates and elects a Class Representative who will…well…represent the class during the planning process, as well as other multi-class functions."

I see…so that pink-haired girl, she must be Class 77's Representative.

Makoto's musing was interrupted as Koichi asked "Alright, now that you guys know the drill, it's time to start nominations. Does anyone have anybody they'd like to nominate?"

Hmm…it should probably be someone who's experienced in leadership. Maybe Byakuya…except he'd try to take charge of everything. Maybe Taka…he'd certainly make sure all the rules were enforced…except that might clash with the "fun" part of the festival. Let's see…there's gotta be someone who…

"I nominate Makoto Naegi."

Makoto's deliberations came to a halt as his eyes widened in shock, the entire class shifting their gaze in surprise at the source of the nomination: Kyoko Kirigiri, who resisted the urge to squirm in her seat, uncomfortable with the entire class staring at her.

Maybe I should have waited for someone else to nominate him. Well, too late now…

Luckily for her, their gaze then shifted right to Makoto, who froze in shock, sputtering "M…ME?! Why am I qualified to lead the class? I'm completely average!"

…Your self-confidence really needs work, Makoto… Keeping that thought to herself, Kyoko simply replied "You're good at connecting with people. You've brought us all closer together as a class. Your strengths in camaraderie and collaboration make you an ideal choice to be our Class Representative."

Seeing most of the others nod in confirmation, Koichi asked "Alright, so does anyone second Makoto's nomination?"

"…I second it."

Everyone's gaze shifted to the Ultimate Soldier, surprised that the two most stoic people in class had been the ones to suggest the nomination. Mukuro blushed in embarrassment at the attention.

"MUKURO!"

Laughing, Junko pounded her fist on the desk, teasing "Go, Muku! First you save him from the mob, then you put him into power? It's only a matter of time before he falls head over heels for you!"

"I…It's not like that, Junko!"

Calming the furious blush that had appeared on his own cheeks, Makoto retorted "Anyway, I don't want power! I just want to be a normal high school student!"

…You probably picked the wrong high school to enroll in, Makoto… Kyoko deadpanned.

"A…Anyway, shouldn't someone with more experience in leadership be our representative? Like…Byakuya…or Taka?"

Shrugging, Byakuya pointed out "I'm going to be the CEO of a global conglomerate. I might as well permit a commoner to have a minor spot of leadership before I take the reins."

Taka on the other hand passionately refuted "If I'm barely qualified to lead the Public Morals Committee, why would I be at all suited to represent us for a festival? Besides, with your superior knowledge of games and fun, I cannot think of anyone more qualified to be our Class Representative than you, Professor Makoto!"

…I take back what I thought earlier about not minding the title…

"Alright then…" Koichi started, directing the class's attention back to him. "Does anyone have any other nominations? Does anyone object to Makoto's placement on the ballot?" Seeing complete silence, Koichi declared "Alright, then. Since Makoto is the only candidate, he wins by default. All he has to do is accept the election, and he'll be the new Class Representative."

Wait…I get a choice?

Seeing Makoto's surprised expression, Koichi confirmed "Yes, we can't make you if you ultimately don't want to. It's ultimately your decision. Should you decline, we'll simply hold another nomination process and exclude you from consideration."

Any consideration he might have had for dropping out was immediately dashed as the rest of the class looked at him expectantly. Although he still felt extremely nervous, he felt his anxiety start to trickle out of his mind and heart when he crossed stares with Kyoko and Mukuro, subtle warmth and encouragement sparkling within their violet and greyish-purple eyes.

Sighing, Makoto surrendered "I'd hate to disappoint everyone after they've expressed so much confidence in me…alright, I'll do it."

Most of the class applauded, akin the Ultimate Lucky Student blush in embarrassment as Koichi nodded and gave a small smile.

"Excellent. Now then, to get you oriented, you get express permission to skip class in order to attend planning meetings. Lecture summaries and homework assignments will be sent to your e-Handbook so you don't fall behind. To start, you'll leave with Yukizome here so she can get you acquainted with her class."

Chisa giggled in glee as Makoto got up from his desk, feeling the jealous stares of his classmates on his back.

"Welcome to the Spring Festival Planning Committee, Makoto!" Moving behind the pink-haired girl, who seemed to look at him with a partially unaware expression, Chisa introduced "This is the Class Representative for Class 77: meet Chiaki Nanami, the Ultimate Gamer."

"Nice to meet you…I think."

I think? Nevertheless, Makoto smiled, bowing his head as he greeted "It's nice to meet you, Nanami-senpai."

Clapping her hands once, Chisa announced "Okay! Now that you're both acquainted, let's head over to my classroom so I can get you acquainted with my other class and you two can work out meeting times. Follow me!"

Chiaki followed the cheerful Chisa put of the classroom, Makoto following closely behind her as the trio vanished out of sight.

"Okay!" Koichi announced, recapturing his class's attention "Makoto may get to cut class, but we still have work to do. So, turn to the first chapter of your final novel on your e-Handbooks."

The rest of the class activated their e-Handbooks, opening the digital copy of "The Dutch Shoe Mystery, By Ellery Queen."

XXX

Present Day

"I can't believe you were the first to nominate Daddy back then. I figured it might have been Sayaka, or Auntie Hina."

Blushing slightly. Kyoko admitted "I'm…not entirely sure why I did, either. It just…sort of happened."

Makoto smiled, but let the subject drop. Realizing that neither he nor Kiki were going to push it any further, Kyoko breathed a sigh in relief.

"I'm a little curious, did you get even a little jealous at all? I mean, Daddy was going to be spending hours alone with a girl who wasn't you!"

Shaking her head, Kyoko replied "I'll admit…it was a little strange. Having spent so much time seeing your father in and out of class, only to go a week while barely seeing him at all…it was a change. But no, I wasn't jealous. Remember, your father and I were just best friends; we weren't attracted to each other yet. And even if I did love him, I knew that they were simply spending time as colleagues, not sneaking out on dates."

Nodding in acceptance, Kiki replied "Okay, Mommy."

Frowning in nostalgia, Kyoko reminisced "I didn't end up seeing him until the day of the festival. And when I did…"

XXX

June 30, 2014

"You look exhausted…" Kyoko deadpanned as Makoto sat in front of her at their usual table.

Kyoko took note of how his hands shook as he tried to get some egg and rice into his mouth with his chopsticks. Not to mention his usually lively green eyes, which were now half-shut, their shade now dull, and dark circles formed underneath them.

Barely nodding, Makoto slurred "Chiaki and I had to pull a couple all -nighters to get the festival done in time. I haven't caught a wink of sleep in like two days." Catching view of her beverage, he reached for it, moaning "Ooh, coffee!"

"That's…my coffee…" Kyoko objected too late as Makoto downed the beverage in one gulp, sighing as his eyes started to get part of their shine back, opening all the way.

Now having the energy to express emotion, Makoto gave her an apologetic look as he replied "Sorry, Kyoko. I just…really needed coffee."

Normally, Kyoko would have been exceptionally displeased if someone drank her morning coffee. However, seeing just how tired Makoto was, not to mention his complete lack of formalities when mentioning his upperclassman counterpart, left her concerned enough about his health to let it slide.

"It's fine; I'll just grab another cup before the festival."

"Can you grab me another one too please? I'm starting to see why you love Civet Coffee so much!"

Looking at him in concern, she cautioned "I don't want you to get addicted to caffeine. Besides, rather than consume more coffee, it might be more beneficial for you to go back to bed and get some sleep before the festival."

"But I…" *yawn* "I don't wanna be late. Nanami-senpai and I are supposed to open the festival together!"

Rolling her eyes at his obstinance, Kyoko decided "Then I'll come and get you before you're scheduled appearance. It isn't until one, so that should be plenty of time."

"Really? You'd do that? Thanks, Kyoko! You're…" *yawn* "The best friend…a guy could have."

Makoto failed to notice Kyoko's light blush as he dragged himself out of the dining hall and into his room.

XXX

"Makoto?"

Kyoko stood in front of his door, ringing the doorbell as promised. But for all her ringing and light knocking, Makoto gave no indication that he was even on the other side. If it wasn't for their conversation earlier in the morning, she would have stopped ringing and knocking long ago and gone to search elsewhere.

Kyoko frowned, remembering just how tired he had been when he dragged himself to their table, realizing He must have been really tired…

"Yo! Kirigiri!"

Kyoko saw the bulky form of Mondo Owada approaching, Taka following closely behind him.

Seeing Kyoko's questioning expression, Taka clarified "The Headmaster came by and told us that Makoto hadn't come to his designated spot to prepare to open the festival, so I suggested we go search for him."

"Yeah; what he said. Anyways, didn't you volunteer to go get him so he wouldn't be late?"

Nodding, Kyoko explained "That's what I've been doing, Owada-kun. I've been knocking and ringing his doorbell, but he hasn't answered. I think he might still be asleep."

Taka clenched his fists and narrowed his eyes, seething "To be late on the day of the spring festival…such tardiness is unbecoming of a Class Representative!"

Sighing, Mondo interjected "…Anyway…we just need to wake him up if I understood that." Seeing Kyoko nod, Mondo proceeded to kick the door with his foot, the collisions creating earthquakes that could be felt down the entire hallway as he roared "HEY, MAKOTO! WAKE THE FUCK UP!"

…Boys and their testosterone… Kyoko sighed as Taka tried to restrain the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader.

"Owada-kun! That's enough; you'll destroy the door!"

"Oh yeah?! Well if you're so smart, why don't you tell us what to do?"

Nodding, Taka answered "Simple; we'll just open the door and go inside, then we'll be in a better position to awaken our Representative."

"That's stupid" Kyoko scolded. "There's no way a sleeping person wouldn't lock their…" Kyoko's voice died as Taka twisted the doorknob, opening the door before walking in with Mondo, leaving Kyoko standing outside to utter dumbly "…door…" Apparently he would… Kyoko sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she scolded "Makoto Naegi, you are unbelievably careless…"

With that, Kyoko walked inside, her eyes gazing at the scene of Mondo and Taka standing on either side of the slumbering Makoto, a thin line of drool streaming down his smiling lips.

He looks…peaceful… Kyoko thought, for a moment happy that Makoto was at least getting rest.

Unfortunately, Mondo did not have the delicateness required to hesitate; grabbing the Ultimate Lucky student by the shoulders, Mondo shook his delicate frame, yelling "Wake up, man! Get your ass up!"

"Mondo!" Taka objected "Such a violent approach is not appropriate for a school environment!"

Before Kyoko could move to help Taka restrain him, Makoto yawned, opening his eyes and, once Mondo released his shoulders, sat up, rubbing his eyes as the figures of Mondo, Taka, and Kyoko came into focus.

"Good…" *yawn* "…Good morning, guys. What are you all doing in my room?"

"Makoto! You're late for the opening ceremonies!"

Nodding at Taka's passionate scolding, Kyoko explained "I tried to get you, but you wouldn't answer your door because you were asleep."

"Yeah, I had to come and shake you awake, dude!"

Makoto's eyes widened as he pulled at his hair, jumping out of bed as he exclaimed "Oh, man! I'm in so much trouble! I gotta go meet Nanami-senpai!"

With that, Makoto raced out of the dorms at a speed that would have made Sakura proud, vanishing from sight in a cloud of dust, making the other three sweatdrop.

Taka nodded approvingly, commenting "And I didn't even have to lecture him about bringing dishonor to the class by being late."

Rubbing the back of his neck, Mondo commented "I should get going; I have to get my exhibit ready."

As Mondo and Taka left the dorms, Kyoko thought I should probably put one of those new shirts to use and change into something more casual.

With that, she left Makoto's room and walked to her own dorm, opening the door and slipping inside, closing, and locking, the door behind her. With that, she walked over to her closet, grabbing one of the pink T-shirts with a magnifying glass logo on it before stripping her top half. As she slipped the T-shirt over her head and pulled the hem down her waist, she reflected on the events that just transpired.

Mondo Owada…his sense of tact leaves much to be desired…but he's dependable if a task requires brute force…

Keeping the thought in mind as she exchanged her high socks and boots for her white socks and pink sneakers, Kyoko got off her bed, walking to her door and opening it, closing it behind her as she began her leisurely pace to the school festival.

XXX

Present Day

"Wow, Daddy, you sure were tired! Is that why Mommy says when you can and can't drink coffee?"

Just as Makoto locked up all the alcohol in the house after Kyoko averted becoming an alcoholic when Komaru and Hina babysat Kiki, Kyoko had similarly controlled the flow of caffeinated beverages in their house after she found him nearly passed out at the dining room table, surrounded by a dozen coffee mugs.

Makoto chuckled sheepishly and confessed "…Yeah, that's why…" as re remembered that fateful day.

"Makoto Naegi, that's way too much coffee at once!"

"But honey, we're in a crunch at the school. I've got a lot of meetings and paperwork on my plate, and I need the caffeine to keep myself awake."

"I don't care! This is a real problem, Makoto. You can't be drinking this much coffee. I'm cutting you off; from now on, you'll get ONE cup in the morning, then I'm locking the rest of the coffee where you can't get it. And just to be safe, I'm calling Hajime so he can make sure you don't become an addict."

"But honey…"

"Don't HONEY me! And no buts; this is for your own good, sweetie!"

"Sweetie?"

Blinking, Makoto came out of his memory as he saw Kyoko and Kiki looking at him in concern.

Laughing it off, he apologized "Sorry, I was lost in thought…"

A concerned frown on her face, Kyoko turned to Kiki and apologized "Kiki, I'm sorry, but we might have to cut story time a little short. Your father looks tired, and he needs a good night's sleep so he can function tomorrow."

Nodding understandingly, Kiki replied "Okay, Mommy." Climbing onto her father's lap, Kiki cooed "Sweet dreams, Daddy!"

Smiling warmly, Makoto returned the hug while easing Kiki into laying down, her head cushioned against her pillow. Reluctantly releasing her from his embrace, Makoto brought the blanket up to her chin as Kyoko got off the bed, leaning down to meet Kiki in an Eskimo Kiss.

"Sweet dreams, pumpkin…" Makoto cooed as Kyoko leaned down to kiss her forehead.

"Good night, Kiki. Mommy loves you!"

Yawning, Kiki replied "Love you too…" before drifting into slumber as Kyoko nudged Makoto out of the bedroom to make sure he actually went to sleep.