There are plenty of people worthy of the title of most remarkable, talented or extraordinary, especially at a place like Hope's Peak. But when it comes to the coolest, the verdict among the student body is unquestioned—no one comes close to Hajime Hinata.

Former Reserve Course student turned Ultimate, though his talent was never formally revealed to the school and its inhabitants. Charismatic and smart, with a willingness and ability to talk to most everyone. Humble but not a pushover, confident yet never cocky. Likely valedictorian of his year. Arguably considered to be among the most accomplished and renowned students to ever grace the halls of Hope's Peak, with very little in the way of disagreement.

"Guy's a freaking legend," Shuichi remembered Kaito telling him when he saw the upperclassman for the first time. "Hard to think of a single person who has it out for him. Nobody knows what his talent is, but it's almost like there isn't anything he can't do." His eyes glinted in reverence. "He's the definition of a self-made prodigy. Man, what I'd give to be that talented."

Kaito certainly wasn't alone in that feeling. True to his word, it really didn't seem like there was anything Hajime Hinata couldn't do. He'd never seen any person possess such widespread talent, much less wield it as effortlessly and charitably as he did.

Was Shuichi a bit envious of that fact? Perhaps a little. To be able to help so many people, and be so universally loved, wouldn't anyone want that kind of public perception?

But that would have been disingenuous towards the upperclassman. Things were never that simple for Ultimates; if they were, then Hope's Peak's existence wouldn't have been necessary. There was much more to Hajime Hinata than just his talent. He, just like everyone else, was a person with dreams and ambitions of his own, and a life he wanted to live outside of his talent.

Shuichi imagined the pressure on Hajime must have been overwhelming. So many people depended on him, some more frequently than others, and he never once complained or faltered. Everything Hajime did was of his own volition—and he did it with a smile. Shuichi certainly wouldn't have been able to deal with those kinds of expectations. Could anyone?

The only plausible explanation for Hajime Hinata's existence was that he was an anomaly among anomalies. A prodigy, even among the droves of talented individuals who walked the hallowed halls of Hope's Peak daily.

And, in truly prodigious fashion, Hajime had managed to make time for someone as minuscule and inconsequential as Shuichi.

It wasn't the first time—the two had been meeting fairly often. Every Thursday, right when classes ended and the school day came to a close. They convened in one of the many empty rooms that Hajime had decided to make use of. Naturally, no one among the administration had a problem with it. As if anyone had the guts to deny the star student of something as insignificant as an empty room after school hours.

Hajime had come up with the idea. In fact, it had been him who had sought him out in the first place. Shuichi still remembered the first time the two had spoken—it had been as simple as Hajime walking up to him and saying hello.

"Can..." Shuichi remembered the feeling of slowly working up his nerve, surprised at the sudden encounter. "Can I help you?"

"Not really," Hajime had simply shrugged, an easygoing smile on his face. "Just wanted to introduce myself. I've heard a lot about you, actually."

That surprised Shuichi more than anything. People were talking? About him? "Y-You have?"

A nod. "Yup. Isn't often that we have two students with the same talent, after all. Folks are saying you'll take the title of top detective away from the principal's daughter."

Shuichi almost felt his soul leave his body. Who had said anything like that? He'd barely notched a few completed cases beneath his belt before being admitted to Hope's Peak, and now they were comparing him to the Kyoko Kirigiri? God, if she found out...

"T-They are?" Shuichi barely squeaked out, if only for the sake of not abandoning the conversation in favor of a panic attack. Although, he seemed destined for both at the rate his heart was pounding in his chest.

If Hajime noticed at all, he didn't seem to mind. "Yeah, a few are. Though I guess you know how crazy the rumors at this school can be." His eyes widened briefly. "Or, uh, not. I guess you haven't been at Hope's Peak for very long, huh?"

It had been silent after that, almost painfully so. Shuichi had been tempted to cut his losses and walk away before Hajime abruptly cut him off. "You know, you remind me a bit of myself."

Shuichi remembered being confused at the remark. Hajime Hinata, a complete stranger, barely knew who he was, and he was already calling them similar? "What makes you say that?"

"Intuition," he answered with little hesitation. "Let me guess, you feel like you don't really belong here, don't you?"

That... was surprisingly on the mark. Shuichi didn't want to give the stranger the benefit of an agreement on his part, however. Something about showing that kind of weakness and uncertainty to another student put him on edge.

Instead, Hajime took his continued silence as a cue to continue. "Everyone here's just stupidly talented, right? You compare yourself to them and you start to feel a little inferior. They're all rich, athletic, talented, or all of the above—and you start to wonder about what you have that they don't."

Hajime found a nearby bench, silently motioning for Shuichi to join him. He did so wordlessly. "Believe me, I've been there. I get how you feel. That sense of anxiety and doom." Shuichi saw him frown for the first time. "That feeling of hopelessness. Of despair."

Hajime's gaze returned to Shuichi, his frown leaving and his features softening. "If it makes you feel any better, I had a rough go of things in my first few weeks. Wasn't until I made my first few friends that I got into a better place, mentally."

Honestly, it didn't make Shuichi feel a ton better. Why did he even bother telling him all of this? "Why are you going out of your way to give me advice?" He didn't mean to sound so confrontational when asking the question, but for the moment he was genuinely curious as to why a complete stranger had divulged all of this information to him.

Naturally, Shuichi had been thrown for a loop when Hajime answered him. "Do I need a reason?"

Shuichi might have been shy, but he wasn't naive enough to believe someone would tell him all of this out of the goodness of their own heart. Especially at a place like Hope's Peak. "People don't normally go out of their way to give advice to strangers."

"Fair point," Hajime conceded. "If you insist on a reason, I said that you reminded me of my old self, right? From what I've heard, you look like you could use a friend. Just like me, way back when."

Could he have used more friends? He already had Kaito, and to some extent Miu, but that was about it. In any case, it wasn't often that he had people come up to him and explicitly ask to be his friend.

Truthfully, he didn't seem all that suspicious... and as sad as it was to admit, Hajime did seem to come from a place that Shuichi understood. At the very least, that was a common ground on which they could relate to each other. So long as Hajime wasn't lying.

Still, he hesitated. Nerves from meeting a pushy stranger, Shuichi's brain rationalized. Hajime seemed to notice his plight and cut in once more. "Tell you what, I won't put you on the spot for an immediate answer. We can compromise instead."

Shuichi was broken from his thoughts. "Compromise?"

"There's this empty classroom up on the third floor of the classroom building. I use it after school occasionally, just to relax and unwind. I'm always there on Thursdays." Hajime's smile was friendly and inviting. "Feel free to drop by anytime. I won't pressure you into visiting, but I'd definitely appreciate the company from a like-minded individual."

"Like-minded... individual?"

Hajime's smile turned sheepish. "I'm sure you don't need me to tell you this, but most of the people at this school are a little... crazy. Some definitely more than others." In that, Shuichi unequivocally agreed.

"Something tells me you aren't quite like the rest of the students here," Hajime said, before adding, "Think of it as your friendly, helpful upperclassman showing you the ropes."

Shuichi was still wary. It was almost a defining trait of his, what with his profession and natural disposition. But Hajime, for all his rambling, appeared to be a nice guy, and seemed to want to genuinely help him. He'd even given him the option to think it over, and decline if he so chose to.

"... I'll think about it," Shuichi eventually decided.

That comforting smile from Hajime Hinata would stick with Shuichi for some time afterwards. "Sounds good, Shuichi."

And so it was in the present that Shuichi found himself on a familiar course. "Room 3074, on the left side of the hallway," Hajime had told him those many weeks ago. "You'll know which one it is by the way the door looks. It's a little crooked."

The door was indeed crooked, slanted a tad to the right and jutting out by a few inches. It still worked, thankfully—there was no telling how awkward it would have been to call a faculty member for help after getting trapped in a classroom by a faulty door.

Shuichi knocked, more as a show of courtesy than anything else. Sure enough, a voice called from within. "Door's unlocked." Careful as to not tempt fate, Shuichi gingerly slid the door before entering the room.

Hajime Hinata sat quietly, in the middle of the classroom by his lonesome. It wasn't a particularly elaborate setup—just two chairs seated before a long table, with all the other desks and whatnot stacked and placed near the edges of the room. The chalkboard looked like it hadn't seen use in years.

The upperclassman looked up from the book he was reading with a smile. "Hey, Shuichi. Glad you could make it." Long used to what would have normally been an unexpected show of affection from a stranger, Shuichi returned the smile before slipping into the seat to Hajime's right.

"How's your week been?" Hajime asked, returning to his book. What might have sounded like small talk from Hajime was anything but. Shuichi knew he genuinely cared.

It was why an answer came so easily to the normally reserved teen. "It's been good." Eager to move onto something more interesting, Shuichi's gaze fell onto the book Hajime was reading. "What's that?"

Hajime shrugged. "A guide on raising cats."

That was definitely an odd choice. Even for Hajime. "Do you plan on getting a cat?"

"Nah. I just thought it looked interesting." Hajime made to put the book away, inserting a placeholder between the pages. "Did you know that cats spend seventy percent of their lives sleeping? For comparison, the average human spends roughly a third of their lives asleep."

He had no idea why Hajime was under the impression that Shuichi was previously aware of this fact. Hajime was probably the only one in the entire school aware of that tidbit.

Still, it was an interesting statement nonetheless. "That's, uh, pretty neat." It was a distinct trait of Hajime to be so knowledgeable, yet never smug. Where did he even get the drive and motivation to read and study so much?

Cat facts aside, Shuichi did have a reason for visiting Hajime. A personal one at that. Though, it took awhile for him to steel himself to even broach the topic with his upperclassman.

Eventually, after a spell of silence, Shuichi bit the bullet. "Hajime... can I ask you something?"

And immediately, all of the older boy's attention was on him. "Of course, Shuichi. You know I'm always willing to lend an ear."

Shuichi was certainly aware, but still... "I just, well... it's kind of a personal thing. To be completely honest, it's a little embarrassing."

He knew it was silly. If there was anyone Shuichi could have trusted with this, outside of his immediate circle of friends in his class, it was Hajime Hinata. He was many things and had earned many titles, but loose-lipped gossip wasn't among them.

Hajime sensed the boy's hesitation and placed a hand on his shoulder. How odd it was that he felt comforted by the action, rather than nervous at what would have normally felt like an obscene invasion of personal space. "Shuichi. No matter what it is you want to tell me, I promise to help in any way I can. What kind of upperclassman would I be if I wasn't willing to give a helping hand to a junior in need?"

Why couldn't everyone be as nice as Hajime Hinata?

Taking a deep breath, Shuichi tentatively returned Hajime's gesture with a timid smile. "I know. Thanks, Hajime. Really."

"Anytime, my man." Returning his hand, Hajime relaxed into his chair. "So, what can I help you with?"

Here it went. No coming back from this. But it was as the saying went—nothing ventured, nothing gained.

"I... need help with a girl."

It was silent for a moment. Then, the unthinkable—Hajime Hinata smirked.

"Shuichi, you sly dog. I knew you had it in you."

"Hajime!" Shuichi cried out, suddenly a great deal more self-conscious than he had been previously. Hadn't he promised to help? This certainly wasn't helping, and he hadn't even told him the specific issue yet!

"I know, I know," Hajime quickly placated the detective. "I'm just teasing. What's said in this room is entirely confidential. This stays between us, promise."

Shuichi had to make sure. Call it the detective in him, but he had to be entirely certain. "Completely off the record?"

"Completely off the record." When Shuichi sighed in relief, Hajime gestured once more. "Please, continue."

Well... it wasn't like he had much else in the way of options. Kaito couldn't keep a secret to save his life, Maki would probably kill him, and Kaede... he didn't want to think about that.

Allowing himself a final breath of resignation, he took a seat across the upperclassman. Where did he even start? "So, this girl. I've known her for a long, long time. Since we were both kids."

"Childhood friends, huh," Hajime nodded, scribbling on a notepad he'd pulled from somewhere. "That's a cursed trope..."

"What?"

"Nothing. So, you've known this girl for a while?"

'Just go with it.' "Yeah, you could say that. Honestly, she's probably the first real friend I ever made. I was, uh, pretty shy when I was younger." He absently scratched his cheek. "Well, shyer."

Hajime remained silent, a prompt for him to continue. "Aside from that, I feel like I know everything about her. She's a lot different than she was when we were younger, but she's still the same girl, kind of. And she's always been there for me. But..."

"But?"

"... I feel like she's been acting a bit differently lately." There was a part of him that felt bad for talking about Miu behind her back, but again, who could he go to in this kind of situation?

A few more scribbles, before Hajime's attention returned to him. "How exactly would you describe how she's acting now?"

That was the million-yen question, wasn't it? Describing Miu normally was a tricky task, but differentiating that from her current self felt nearly impossible.

If he had to boil it down to a single word, he'd probably have to go with... "Forward, I guess?"

Hajime let out a low humming sound. "Forward, huh?"

"Well, I mean, she was always kind of... out there, I guess," Shuichi elaborated. "But lately, I feel like she's been a lot more open with me about things. It might just be me being more aware of our conversations and her mannerisms, but I'm pretty sure this is a new thing for her."

"Mhm," Hajime had ditched the notepad, instead choosing to make direct eye contact with Shuichi. Honestly, it was a little nerve-wracking. "Quick question, if you don't mind."

"Uh, sure."

"How have you reacted to this new behavior of hers?"

Shuichi... hadn't thought of that. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what you probably think it means." Hajime apparently thought the question was pretty simple. "Don't think too hard about it. Let me put it this way—have you changed the way you would typically act around her?"

Well, Shuichi couldn't really say he had. For one, he liked to believe he was the same person around pretty much everyone. There was a word for people who changed how they acted around different groups of people (Shuichi couldn't think of the specific term at the moment), but Shuichi was pretty certain everyone saw him the same way. Shy, quiet, but generally friendly.

Not to mention what Miu would do if he demonstrated any kind of different attitude around her at any point. Knowing her, she'd probably interrogate him under the threat of some choice language and less-than-innocent imagery if she learned that he was acting differently in any way around her, doubly so if it were in direct response to her.

It was with some confidence that he eventually answered the older boy. "I'm pretty sure I haven't changed how I act around her."

Another nod as Hajime resumed writing in his notepad. "So, a positive correlation... got it." Hajime pocketed the notepad in his nearby bag, before turning to Shuichi with a posture that was eerily reminiscent of the therapists he would visit with when he was younger.

"Shuichi, dear underclassman of mine," even his voice sounded deeper. Shuichi didn't know whether to be impressed or scared at the impression. "I think I've identified what's happening between you and your friend."

"You... have?"

"I think so. Don't worry, it's hardly anything to worry yourself over." Hajime smiled. "In fact, it's something I can definitely relate to."

Really? Someone as seemingly perfect as Hajime Hinata understood his predicament? "You can?"

"You bet. Listen closely to what I have to say—this is valuable advice, from a guy who was once in your shoes." Hajime leaned in close, beckoning Shuichi to do the same. The younger boy hasn't even realized he had followed suit until the two were less than a foot apart from each other.

It felt like Hajime was divulging some big secret, or truth to the world to him. With the gravity with which Hajime was giving this "advice", his assumption might not have been entirely off.

"I'm sure you're aware of this by now, but let me remind you of the fact regardless." Hajime paused for effect, then... "Women are weird, man."

That was easily the most agreeable thing Hajime had said since he had first entered the room. "I'm... aware."

"Now, obviously there's no monolithic experience when it comes to women. Not all women are alike, just as not all men are alike." Hajime leaned closer. "However, all women find ways to be strange, albeit with a variety of different methods. You understand where I'm coming from?"

Honestly? Not really. But Shuichi would never tell Hajime that, for fear of potentially offending him. He would attempt to decipher the meaning of the older boy's words later—for now, he would listen as best he could, nodding along with Hajime as he continued speaking.

"Some use the silent treatment. Others attempt to distance themselves entirely. A select few will even employ a strategy that is far more... aggressive in nature." Hajime seemed to shiver at that last point. "And, in your case, some women will change the way they would normally act as a means of gauging a reaction. Gauging interest."

Gauging interest? Was Miu acting weird around him as a way to see how he would react? It hardly made sense—for as long as he'd known her, Miu had never been the type to pull a stunt like this. Weird as she may have been, she had never once resorted to mind games in an attempt to get a read on him. They'd been friends for forever! There was hardly a need for anything of that sort.

But still, there was no denying Miu's change in demeanor around him. She still teased him to no end, and was still compelled to make him as uncomfortable as possible whenever possible, but there were times when she had been... he didn't even know how to describe it. Warmer? Friendlier?

So the question was, why? What had prompted this sudden change? That was what he had come to Hajime for, but he was having trouble gleaming any concrete answers from the older Ultimate.

"Shuichi, surely you must have some idea of what I'm getting at," an expectant eye fell upon Shuichi, and despite himself, he felt himself growing a little nervous. "You're a smart kid. I know you can figure it out."

Shuichi's lips pursed. "I'm sorry Hajime, but I can't think of anything." And truly, there was nothing that came to mind when he thought about it.

Well, there was one theory, but that was entirely off of the table. Shuichi was a great many things, but stupid was not one of them. Nor overly confident. He wouldn't sacrifice his friendship with Miu over a half-baked assumption that he knew was wrong.

Still, Hajime persisted. "Come on, Shuichi. You said it yourself, didn't you? She was acting more forward than usual, right?" He folded his arms. "Let me guess—she's been a lot more physical with you lately."

Well, Miu was always physical with him. She'd almost dislocated his shoulder just by bumping into a few weeks ago. Though, she was being a bit gentler as of late... "Uh... I guess?"

"And has she been spending more time with you?"

Now that he mentioned it, she had. Granted, she had mentioned that she'd been in a bit of a funk regarding her work, but she had been taking more time off to hang out with him. "Well..."

"Say no more—I've heard enough." Hajime maintained a serious look, though a small smile graced his features. "You really don't give yourself enough credit, Shuichi. For what it's worth, whoever this friend of yours is seems to genuinely care about you."

Shuichi's eyes widened. He couldn't be insinuating that, could he? Surely Hajime wasn't implying that Miu...

That content smile of satisfaction lingered on Hajime's face as he continued. "As your upperclassman, it's my job to make sure you understand these things. Because I care about your wellbeing, and I want to see you thrive in the happiest possible environment."

"Shuichi, I think it's pretty obvious that this friend of yours is—"

And anything he was about to say died as the door slid open, and a nervous pair of pale eyes peered into the room. "H-Hajime... are you in here?"

Shuichi, more than thankful for the timely interruption, turned to glance at his savior. Or, well, that was what he imagined—the room's newest entry hardly looked to be the bravest or most composed, not that he had a ton of room to talk. She looked to be a girl at first glance, donning the traditional brown Hope's Peak uniform, though with a few markedly noticeable additions. Namely the abundance of white medical wrap stretching across her right leg.

If Hajime was at all put off by the interruption, he didn't show it. "Oh, hey Mikan." His eyes widened briefly. "Wait, how did you know I was here?"

The girl fiddled with her unnaturally uneven hair. Some portions of her plum locks stretched to as far as her waist, while others ended at just above her shoulders. Was that a fashion statement? "U-Um, well... I-I asked the faculty where you were, a-and one of them was kind enough to tell me you were here... and I..." her hands fidgeted nervously with her skirt. "... I wanted to see you."

Hajime responded with the patience of a man far beyond his years. "Mikan, you have my number. You know you can text me whenever you want to, right?"

The girl's face flushed. "I-I didn't know if it was alright... I-I thought you might have gotten angry with me if I texted you without your permission..."

The older boy's smile never wavered. "Well, you have my permission, now and forever. Actually, I was going to see if you wanted to hang out after I was done here." Hajime's gaze returned to Shuichi. "I don't believe you two have met, right?"

Shuichi shook his head. The name Mikan sounded familiar, but for the life of him he couldn't put a name with a familiar face. She was obviously a student, if her attire was anything to go off of.

"Well, I'll introduce you then. Mikan, this is Shuichi Saihara, Ultimate Detective and underclassman of mine. I think I might have mentioned him a few times around you." Hajime stood and put a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder. She jumped initially, before seeming to melt into the contact. "Shuchi, this is Mikan Tsumiki. Ultimate Nurse, classmate, and my girlfriend."

His... girlfriend? The two had been friends for some time, but Shuichi had never heard of any girlfriend of his, much less met her. Then again, he had hardly felt it necessary to inquire about Hajime's love life.

It seemed like a bit of a strange combination. Hajime was among the most confident and composed individuals he had ever met. That seemed to contrast heavily with the girl who meekly shuffled beside Hajime, face ablaze and seeming to feel out of place. In that regard, Shuichi could certainly relate to the girl.

Though, he didn't miss the quiet mutters that escaped the girl's slightly curled lips as Hajime's touch lingered on her shoulder. "G-Girlfriend... Hajime introduced me as... his girlfriend..." she covered her mouth in an attempt to quiet the elated giggles that followed.

Hajime didn't seem to be at all put off by her behavior. "Well, obviously. What else would I introduce you as?"

A brief look of fear flashed across the girl's face. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to disagree with you!" The poor girl's fidgeting increased in vigor. "I-If you'd like, you could draw on me, or take off my clothes, or make me squeal like a pig! I'm good at that!"

Shuichi was aware that he had confidence issues, but he liked to think that he wasn't this bad. Clearly, the poor girl had suffered from a less than happy childhood. Bullying, maybe? Offhandedly, Shuichi shuddered to think of what would happen if he offered to take off his clothes or squeal for Miu.

"Forgive her," Hajime whispered to him in the middle of Mikan's ramblings. "She's pretty shy and isn't all that good with people, but she's a really sweet and caring girl deep down." Shuichi would trust Hajime's judgement. Anyone that was that close to him had to have been a good person.

Regardless, Shuichi didn't want to impose on Hajime any longer than he already was, especially now that he had learned that the older boy had plans with his girlfriend. "W-Well, thanks for the advice, Hajime. I think I'll be heading out now." He started gathering his things, though not without catching the curious look from Hajime.

"Are you sure? There's a bit more I think you should know about your little situation. It might come in pretty big handy."

Honestly, Shuichi had been hoping to avoid the last part of whatever Hajime had been trying to tell him before Mikan's interruption. But now that he had brought it up, he wasn't about to tell the older boy no. "I... if you insist, I'll listen." His upperclassman truly meant well, after all.

He was surprised when Hajime didn't answer immediately. Further still when Hajime seemed to be thinking something over in his head. After a moment of quiet tension, Hajime shrugged with a smile. "You know what? Never mind."

"... what?"

"Forget about whatever I was going to say. It would be a lot more satisfying—for you and your friend—if you figured this out yourself." Hajime affectionately squeezed Mikan to his form a little tighter. "It certainly was for me when I figured it out."

Shuichi felt his own face flush. Though he hadn't said it out loud, it was pretty difficult to misconstrue what Hajime was implying. He so desperately wanted to refute whatever idea or conclusion Hajime had arrived at, but he didn't have the nerve nor energy to do so.

Still, he saw the way Hajime gazed lovingly at Mikan, and how Mikan, nervous as she was, seemed to return the look tenfold. It was easy to see how happy the two made each other. An outgoing confidence incarnate who could seem to do it all, and a shy, intensely reserved introvert. Two polar opposites, yet happily and openly in love with each other all the same.

The parallels weren't lost on him.

He'd been about to leave when one last call from Hajime stopped him. "Remember Shuichi. Anything you need, you know I'm here for you. I'm always willing to listen."

And Shuichi would forever be thankful for that. "I know." He mustered his most appreciative smile for the world's greatest upperclassman. "Thanks, Hajime."

The smile was returned instantly. "Of course. Take care, man." Shuichi closed the door behind softly, taking a moment to compose himself with a steady breath. Though, he could hear the couple's voices even from outside the door as he attempted to calm himself.

"Let me get my things, and we can head out. Is there anywhere you wanted to go, Mikan?"

"I-I don't really mind where we go... so long as I'm with you."

"... you're adorable, you know that?"

"Hajime thinks I'm adorable... Hajime thinks I'm adorable...!" The sounds of a chair falling and paper scattering filled the room, followed by a suspiciously hectic shuffling of clothes and wet smacking.

Shuichi could practically feel the heat radiating off of Hajime. "M-Mikan! W-We're at school, we can't do... that here!"

"Hajime... Hajime is mine! I love you more than anyone!"

That was about as obvious a cue as any for Shuichi to leave immediately. Moving as quickly as possible away from the increasingly loud wet sounds, Hajime fought his rising blush down as he decided to head home for the day. He had experienced more than enough of Hope's Peak for one day.

Was Hajime's advice entirely helpful? That remained to be seen. Shuichi would think everything over as best he could, but in the end, there was more that he needed to know, More that he needed to see, before reaching any conclusions about the nature of his relationship with Miu.

"You're a smart kid. I know you can figure it out." It was flattering that Hajime held so much faith in him, but whether he would be figuring anything out was anyone's guess. Time would tell, right?

Still, regardless of his own struggles, there was one conclusion that Shuichi had reached today. Between his sage advice, cool composure, and ability to snag a girlfriend that was obviously smitten with him, there was no denying the legend that was Hajime Hinata. One thing was plainly obvious.

"He's so freaking cool..."