A.N: I tried my hand at something slightly different for this chapter, so I honestly have no idea how good you'll find it to be... Well, anyway, I hope you like it! Also, I know I said in Chapter One that I'd tell you when these chapters happen in the AOH timeline, but... I kinda forgot for six chapters? Sorry about that. Well, this chapter takes place during Chapter Five of AOH, for your information.

Chapter Eight: Guilt-Ridden

"I said move, for god's sake!"

"OUCH! K-Kyoko!"

Kyoko's fist connected with Makoto's jaw as well as his right cheek. It made the Ultimate Lucky Student take a big step back as he immediately cried in pain.

He stood there for a few moments, and if his eyes were any indication, she had hit him hard enough that he was on the brink of falling unconscious. Frankly, it was surprising he actually didn't fall just right there and then considering how strong the punch he'd received had been - even if she had not gone all out.

Still, that didn't mean he was faring well. The look of hurt all over his face all but confirmed that. He placed his hand on his face - most likely to see if anything was broken, Kyoko thought - as the first few tears fell from his hazel eyes.

But the hurt in his eyes… it wasn't only physical. Of course, being hit like this hurt a lot. Kyoko had been hit by criminals in the past and could attest to that. But there was something else. And that something else… made the Ultimate Detective go through something she never wanted to go through again.

"YUI! PLEASE, YUI, SAVE ME! YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUIIIIIIIIIII!"

The feeling of betrayal she had felt back then when her little sister had been absent… She knew how it was. Kyoko knew what had been in her eyes at this moment when the fire had begun to do its horrible work that would leave her hands scarred forever. Of course, it wasn't exactly the same she saw in Makoto's eyes - he wasn't her sister… - but anything remotely close to what she had lived… was too much for her to bear.

W-What… What have I done…? The lavender-haired girl wondered, as her mind began picturing the flames around Makoto. What have I done… to Makoto…?

The anger at her father for his usual uselessness… The bullies she had just humiliated in the middle of campus… The tens of students who had just gathered to look over the scene… Gone.

Gone, and only flames in their stead.

Flames that Kyoko couldn't bear to see for another second.

"M-Makoto!" the Kirigiri detective exclaimed, as the flames got closer to engulfing the poor Luckster. "A-Are you alright?!"

Of course, he isn't, Kyoko! Someone he considers a friend just decked him, you fool!

She blamed herself, but the flames got even closer, and the mark on the Ultimate Lucky Student's cheek didn't get any less red. If anything… Makoto looked about to fall unconscious at any moment now.

The lavender-haired girl knew there was urgency in her voice - actually more than she had shown in years. She hated that urgency. Kyoko hated knowing someone saw who she really was, once you had removed the stoic mask. But there… that didn't matter anymore.

For some strange, stupid reason, that didn't matter anymore.

"K-Kyoko…" she heard him mutter her name as he eventually fell unconscious, and the gloved hand Kyoko extended to him was never caught.

Makoto lay sleeping on the ground of the campus of Hope's Peak Academy, with Kyoko Kirigiri looking over him. At that moment, all she wanted was to disappear. A tear ran down her cheek, but she didn't wipe it away. She knew it would have been taking the easy route. The Ultimate Detective knew just how much she would have wanted to see her tears of regret back then. But disappearing wasn't an option. Not for her.

It had never been, and it never would be as long as her name was Kyoko Kirigiri.

Gasps were heard, but none of them reached Kyoko's ears. She kneeled in front of her classmate's unconscious form and wrapped a strong arm around his waist, lifting him up without any issue.

I'll do what you should have done back then, Yui. I'll save him from the flames… I won't up and disappear on him… because perhaps Makoto won't ever be you… but he'll always be my friend! And… And I couldn't live with myself if I let my best friend suffer because of me! Perhaps it was only my hands by then, Yui… But it might as well have been my heart. You almost left me to die back then… But I've grown, and I'm me.

With a new determination in the Ultimate Detective's eyes, she began to carry her unconscious classmate around. Tens of eyes were on her, but she couldn't have given a damn: they all received a Kirigiri stare that made them realize they should look away as quickly as they could. Facts were, she had knocked seven people out already, and even if she didn't want to extend that list, she dared anyone to try her.

But at least now I know how you must have felt, Yui. I feel the guilt. I know Makoto will never be you, but now I understand how it was for you. And I see why it must not have been pleasant for you. I feel dumb. I feel guilty. I feel unworthy of being Makoto's friend. Heck, I even feel unworthy of being a detective right now!

But I won't avoid that guilt, Yui. You've run, but I won't. I know it must seem hypocritical coming from me… but I'll try to earn Makoto's forgiveness. I have only a few friends - Hina, Sakura, Chihiro, and maybe Sayaka, now that we've settled our differences - and then there's Makoto. And I've befriended them after weighing the pros and the cons, trust me. But now that I've done that… I need to hold my end of the deal.

If I must apologize, then so be it: I'll apologize no matter how long it takes. Will Makoto forgive me? I don't know. I'm still a beginner when it comes to friendship, remember? Kyoko smiled. Of all the things she could have done, she smiled. But knowing Makoto… I think he can forgive me. I think I would have forgiven you, you know? No, really… now that I think about it… the person who'll need the most time to forgive me…

Hmph. That's probably myself.

"Makoto, where the hell did you put your keys?!" Kyoko frustratingly wondered as she combed through the Ultimate Lucky Student's outside pockets but couldn't find the key to his room.

In fact, the Ultimate Detective was right in front of the boy's dorm room, though she was stuck facing the door until she found his key. And even if she could be considered athletic, and that the Luckster couldn't be considered particularly heavy, Kyoko felt her arms slowly weakening, which pressed her to hasten her search.

She felt against his clothes, trying to find it - though she made sure to respect his privacy and not to touch anywhere… she had no business touching. Sure, if he was a dead body, then perhaps she'd inspect him for her investigation, but right now, facts were, Makoto wasn't deceased yet.

I'm the reason he's unconscious, but I like to believe I didn't kill him with that punch… The detective thought as she checked his outside pockets once more, to no avail, however. Even if that doesn't amount to much, I'm afraid…

Suddenly, as she felt over his breast pocket, Kyoko finally found what she was looking for. Ah, finally! She thought, shaking her head. The girl opened the pocket, only to find it completely empty. Wait, what? I can even make out the shape of it! Makoto must have inside pockets…

Of course, Kyoko wasn't about to place Makoto on the ground to find his keys (she thought she had hurt his dignity enough by knocking him out in the middle of Hope's Peak Academy, quite frankly). And considering she was holding him in her arms, there was no other choice than to reach inside the boy's hoodie with one hand.

The Ultimate Detective blushed as her hand trailed off her unconscious classmate's pecs - which, as expected, weren't muscled. She could also feel his nipple from under the fabric, which reddened her blush. I'm sorry for invading your privacy, Makoto, but it's either that or I set you to the floor and inspect you like a dead body. She noticed Makoto's lips turning into a smile in his sleep as her digits looked to open his inside pocket while keeping him safely in her arms. I… don't suppose Makoto has ever been touched on his pecs, to be honest… Not that he wouldn't want Sayaka to, I'm sure.

Kyoko finally opened the pocket and immediately took out the keys, and maneuvered to put the correct one in the keyhole. She turned.

Well, at least, she tried to turn. Realization struck her: it was already open.

Why am I not surprised…? The lavender-haired girl kicked the door to open it - since the less she needed to use her hands, the better since it reduced her chances of dropping Makoto - and entered, making sure not to leave the keys hanging on the keylock.

Now in the lucky student's room, Kyoko decided to place him on his bed, under the bedsheets so he'd be comfortable. She took a quick look at his jaw to see if it was broken and was reassured when she noticed it wasn't.

I don't know if he should consider himself lucky I didn't go all out with that punch, or it would definitely have been broken… Kyoko thought, sighing in regret. I'm supposed to remain calm in any given situation, and yet… I've done the exact opposite by snapping and hurting Makoto. I need to be better than that. I am the Ultimate Detective, and this wasn't worthy of my title.

Nevertheless, Kyoko found a reason to smile as she looked over her classmate's sleeping figure. He's peaceful, sleeping like this… I don't know if he sleeps well at night, but he's definitely resting well right now, even if had, most likely not planned for that. She sighed again. But if anything… that's quite cute.

A small blush appeared on the detective's cheeks as she thought that. But if there was one thing Kyoko hated, it was lies. Lying to people, people lying to her, but also lying to herself.

Yeah, Makoto's cute, no doubt about it. That low snoring of his is adorable, too… The detective girl found herself staring at the boy, allowing herself to relax as she sat on one of his chairs. "Frankly, if Sayaka passes you up when you so obviously love her…" she said out loud, then paused. "I might not know a damn thing about love, but even I know it'd be a mistake."

"S-Sayaka…?"

"Huh?" Kyoko's train of thought was interrupted by Makoto uttering a word, though weakly. Does Makoto talk while sleeping? She wondered, narrowing her eyes on her sleeping classmate. And if he uttered Sayaka's name, that must mean he truly loves her…

She knew it probably wasn't alright to listen to him while he couldn't do anything to keep what he wanted to keep private… well, private. But the violet-eyed girl also knew she just couldn't up and leave Makoto alone. Not after what she had done to him.

And thus, she began talking to him.

"I don't know if she loves you back, Makoto, but there's one thing I know," Kyoko said softly from her chair, knowing it was silly to talk to someone asleep, but she didn't feel like stopping. "You're a special friend to her. How do I know?" she let out an amused giggle. "Well, you're the same for me, Makoto. You're my best friend, and that's why I regret what I did to you so much. You were kind enough to befriend me, and I hurt you."

"K-Kyo… K-Kyoko…?"

"Yes, it's me, Makoto. But don't wake up yet if you need to sleep," she told him, feeling her heart melt as she heard the boy's cute voice. "I've just done something bad to you, and I hope that when you wake up, you'll be able to forgive me." But again, knowing you… you most likely will.

"I don't know if I've ever told you this, or if you've figured it out, but…" the detective stopped, wiping off another tear. "You're the first person I befriended in ages, Makoto. You see… I had a friend once, her name was Yui. To be honest… we were so close, I considered her my sister." Why… am I even telling him this? Sure, he's sleeping and probably won't even register it, but still… "But then something happened, and we just couldn't be friends anymore. Well, I know someone as apparently optimistic as you would have found a way to remain friends with her if you were in my shoes… but we're different, Makoto. And that's why I couldn't befriend you at first.

"You never went through what I went through, or at least, I hope you didn't. But… I think there's a part of you that really made me change - and I hope, made me better than I once was. Well, that doesn't mean I'm perfect, and I still make lots of mistakes, like punching you back there…" Kyoko stopped for a moment, trying to organize her thoughts - Ultimate Detective style. "But I know I can get better, both as a detective and as a friend. I… I just need some time, okay? Do you… Do you think you could give me the time I need to become a better friend to you, Makoto?"

He's not gonna answer, Kyoko. He's asleep. The detective rolled her eyes. I really don't know why I'm even talking to him right now. I could honestly just wait for him to wake up in silence and leave it at that. And if it was just talking to him, I suppose it would be okay, but asking him questions? I know he won't answer… What the hell happened to my thoughtful approach to things?! But still… I feel like talking to Makoto like this is putting my mind at ease… No reason to stop, I guess.

"You see…" she resumed, crossing her legs. "My detective work is stressful, at times. Maybe you think that, but it's not because I'm the Ultimate Detective that it becomes easy. Criminals are always becoming cleverer, more cunning with their plans. Well, some are absolute idiots, but in most cases, when I work, I have to focus on nothing else than my goal. But sometimes… some things happen that slow my investigations down, and I hate it. It's like… I don't know… All the pressure I've contained within me just comes out, and I get angry and sometimes do stupid things. This is what happened earlier. Something - or rather, someone - caused one of my investigations to slow down, and it angered me. Still… I know I shouldn't have snapped at you and punched you. It wasn't fair of me. You did nothing wrong, and I hurt you. That goes against my morals as a detective. Honestly, it makes me consider whether or not my room for improvement as a detective is actually on the field or not. I can surely improve… but maybe not at catching criminals.

"I'm starting to realize that I've treated my life as a criminal case ever since I lost my friend, but maybe it isn't the way it should be." the detective wondered aloud, though - of course - she got no reply from the sleeping Makoto. "Looking at things from a neutral perspective is what I do best, and this is what is asked of me. I doubt I'll ever be able to change that. But perhaps… I might be able to appreciate things a bit more. People, too. I don't believe I can be a good person like you, Makoto, and it's not my role to be. Don't get me wrong: I don't think I am a bad person either. What I mean to say is that a detective has to look further than the 'good and bad' spectrum. I fight for justice, and I fight for the truth. That's what being a detective entails.

"But still… I am a detective, and I'll always be at heart. That's the person I've grown up to be, and that will not change." the girl continued, her voice alternating between melancholy and relief. "Our views of the world are different. You've never actually told me, but I know you're the kind of guy to believe in the good of this world. You're an idealist, and that makes sense: you entered Hope's Peak by chance, so you must believe that anyone can achieve their dreams if fate is on their side. I don't disagree with you, but I cannot say I am in total agreement either. Idealism can guide one person. It can help them pursue their dreams. But can idealism lift people? Can idealism stop criminals? Can idealism make the world a better place for the innocents? I wonder…"

Kyoko closed her eyes and took a deep breath. If I'm asking him this, it must mean that I at least believe it might be possible. In and of itself, this is already a significant change for me.

"You're not talentless, Makoto, I'm sure of it. I can't quite put my finger on it quite yet, but there is something within you that sets you apart from the others. Ms. Yoshida once told me you were this class' link with the world." she told him pensively. "Could that be the truth? Could you be a student of Hope's Peak Academy to show the Ultimates what the will of the people is?" Kyoko giggled. "Well, even if it was the case, I doubt this is something you'd realize, anyway. You seem the clueless type, Makoto. But you know… I think people like you are the reason they say 'ignorance is bliss'… You live freely, without having to think of the negative. That's a chance you have that I don't, Makoto.

"But that's also an issue."

"I-Issue…?" the Luckster muttered weakly, as if - subconsciously - he was listening to the girl.

"Yes, Makoto," Kyoko affirmed, in case his sleeping mind would be able to process it anyway. "That's why I was cold towards you. I've learned of the dangers of this world ever since my childhood. I'd like to see the world the way you see it, believe me. But I can't. At least, not wholly. Protection against deception, and never allow others to read your emotions. And whoever stands before you, don't let them push you around. Remember that, Makoto. That is a part of my creed, and the reason why the blind trust you put in people worries me to some extent. Out of all the people you trust, I'm sure a majority of them mean absolutely no harm, but it takes just one person for the house of cards to fall down. I know I have no right to say that after what I did, but you're a great person, Makoto, and I don't want you to get hurt. Some people would use your trust against you, and I don't want that to happen. As I told you earlier, you were my first friend in forever, but that doesn't mean I forgot what friendship means.

"You're my friend, and I know friends are there to protect each other. And I'll protect you, Makoto. Especially after what happened today, I swear I will."

It wasn't amazingly elegant, she had to admit, but Kyoko had - during her stay in Makoto's room - to use the bathroom. The Ultimate Detective didn't feel like going all the way back to her room and thus decided to use the lucky student's bathroom.

I have to admit Makoto keeps his bathroom organized. Who would have thought, after seeing what his desk and room look like?! Kyoko told herself, sighing in exasperation as she recalled just how messy her classmate's room was, overall. I wonder what his shower gel smells like…

Out of curiosity, Kyoko allowed herself to open the bottle and smell inside.

Coconut, apparently. She realized and placed the bottle back on the counter. It certainly smells nice. And now that I think about it, it smells like Makoto.

A blush accompanied that thought.

*ding* *dong* *bing* *bong*

Ah, the nighttime bell. 10 PM, then. Which means I stayed in Makoto's room for… She made a quick calculation before her eyes widened. FOUR HOURS?! Well… I can safely say this wasn't my most productive day ever…

The girl turned the water on to wash her hands and blamed herself for harming the poor Luckster, and thus, having to look over him for so long. She also wondered how she had knocked Makoto unconscious for so long, too.

If I had any free time, I'd help you work on taking hits and overall martial arts, but I'm afraid with the time I lost today due to my own idiocy, it won't be possible any time soon… Kyoko regretted as she dried her hands with the towel hanging on Makoto's bathroom door. That's a shame, as having Sakura in our class could have helped the two of us a lot. Well, maybe someday.

The detective opened the door and began contemplating sleeping on that chair near Makoto's desk since the boy showed no signs of waking up any time soon.

Well… if I haven't destroyed our friendship, that is. And if I can still feel a pulse in your arm, too. I didn't think I could send someone to sleep for so long with just one punch…

Luckily for Kyoko, once she stepped out of the bathroom, the first thing she noticed was Makoto - awake. The second thing she noticed was that he was absolutely out of it, with his eyes fluttering. His dazed state made Kyoko smile.

Well, that's the big jump in the unknown, I guess… Maybe I was wrong, and you'll hate me. I would probably deserve it, too. But perhaps, with some luck… we'll remain friends, and I'll one day find the courage to actually tell you everything I said in the last few hours. There's hope for me to fix my mistakes, at least…

And with one last deep breath to compose herself and try to sound less nervous than she actually was, Kyoko spoke up, addressing her classmate who seemed quite dazed.

"Ah, you're awake."

To be continued…

A.N: It was my first time writing a monologue for an entire chapter, and I sincerely hope you found it good enough. This moment was important for Naegiri in AOH, so I just couldn't leave Kyoko's POV aside. It was a fun thing to tackle, though! Two more chapters to go on this side story until it joins Chapter Seven of AOH on the timeline. Until then, though, I hope you liked this chapter, and please leave a review! Have a nice day! ^^