Hello there. This is Pupla talking, and I hope you are all fine.

Now then, as you probably all guessed, today's chapter will be focused on Makoto's class.

Before we start, I would like to thank Kimi and wesst1 again for both being awesome.

Second, I'm warning you guys: as this is a harem fic around Makoto, the reasons for the girls' crush on him will be explained via a flashback on their own chapters.

That's right, I waited for the 11th chapter to realize that my way of doing things in the first chapters wasn't right. So… yeah. My apologies.

But hey, if there is one advantage to that, it's that you can rediscover the story. Besides, if you are new here, I think the experience of discovering the reasons for their crushes as we progress deeper and deeper in the story via flashbacks will be way more interesting than learning it right from the beginning.

Also, it allows me to changes some things that I believe are not logical. This, and correct some grammar mistakes.

I was a beginner back then, I made some mistakes, and this is my way of atoning from them.

Also, keep in mind that the students are wearing their school uniforms in this chapters since they are in the academy. If you want to see what the DR1 students look like, just check out the photos used on the last class trial in DR1. But be aware, spoilers alert!

In fact, this whole fic will be full of spoilers… lol.

So, I hope you will enjoy the little changes!

Have a nice reading!

CONQUERING HOPE CHAPTER 1:

TRIGGER HAPPY HAVOC

The next day at morning, Makoto was heading at Hope's Peak Academy. His sister's school was at the other side of his, and since it was just 7:40 am, the street was pretty calm despite the number of students and adults who were going towards their own destination…

"Ne-ne, Makoto-onii! You're gonna watch me, right? "

And the five kids who were at his side, with Kotoko shaking his right arm trying to gain his attention, something she already had.

"Of course, Kotoko. I wouldn't miss it for anything."

"Oi, Nii-san! That means you'll have to go see me too! I want you to see the mega performance of Daimon Masaru!"

"I-I was about to ask him the same thing, Masaru-kun. I-I don't want to be forgotten by Onii-san…"

"Aniki, I know you're not forced to do this. B-But, it would really please me if you went to see what I have in store as well."

"Come on, everyone. I told you yesterday, Naegi-onii will have the time for each of us. Right, Naegi-onii?"

"Of course, Monaca. You're all so important to me, after all."

Those words combined with Makoto's smile towards them made the child's faces illuminated with joy. Masaru and Kotoko were gladly grinning and smiling respectively smiling, while Jataro and Nagisa turned their head for not showing their adoptive big brother their faces, one with tears of joy, and the other with an embarrassed, red face with an awkward smile. In all this, Monaca was only smiling at Makoto as usual.

She then asked him, "So, Naegi-onii, what do you think there will be in this event?"

"Surely a presentation of the school." answered her brother. "How it works, and hopefully how to get enrolled in it."

That got Jataro's attention. "Uh? Hopefully? What do you mean by that, Onii-san?"

"Well, you see, Jataro," his adoptive sibling said, "as all of you already know, the school originally only recruited people with what they considered talent. In music, in sports, in erudition… this is a very selective school that choose only the best of the best."

"So that's what those 'Ultimates' names are for," Nagisa concluded with his brother nodding in agreement. "I still don't get why the Reserve Course exist though. I mean, you talked about it often with us, and I can understand why those people would want to pay in order to be a part of Main Course…" he then narrowed his eyes as his hand formed a fist. "I simply can't believe that the school would do this kind of thing. To go this low just to have more money."

"I know, and honestly, it stinks. I understand that Hope's Peak Academy need money to survive…" he then sighed. "I just wish that some of those people who paid and actually worked for it have a little respect for that. But so far, none of the students here received any invitations to be in the Main Course. That's one of the reasons why I decided to take the matter in hand."

"One of the reasons?" asked a curious Masaru. "What is the other one, Nii-san?"

"Well, some of my friends are a part of the Reserve Course," he said with a smile. "I wanted to help them in every way I could."

Kotoko then laughed. "As expected from you! Makoto-onii is someone who would always help everyone!"

"You have no idea, Kotoko-fhan."

As soon as the sweet and… full voice was heard, they turned their head to see-

"Ah, Maizono-san!"

"Hey chere, Naegi-kun." Standing in front of him was Sayaka in her usual clothes… holding a piece of toast in her mouth. "Chorry, I had a tight schfedule today. Didn't haf time to eat."

"Sayaka-chan!"

Seeing her idol, Kotoko ran into her and tackled her to the ground, making the Pop Sensation released her breakfast and almost land on her butt… when she felt a hand grab her. And when she looked up, she saw-

"It's okay, I've got you."

Sayaka had sparkles in her eyes as Makoto gave her a confident face. "N-Naegi-kun…"

"Sayaka-chan's here, Sayaka-chan's here!"

Kotoko's musing made the two teenagers go back to their usual personalities, as Makoto handed her up and then bowed to her. "I'm really sorry for this, Maizono-san! I promise I'll buy you another one!"

"N-no, it's fine Naegi-kun, don't worry!" she answered with a small blush as she eyed Kotoko with a reassuring smile. "I have another one in my bag so it's okay."

"B-but still-"

"Ne-ne, Makoto-nii! Can she come with us, please?" She then gave him her pet eyes. "Pretty please? I swear I'll be good."

The Luckster just sighed in a defeated yet happy manner. "How can I say no to this face?"

"Yeah!" The Lil' Drama cheered on as Makoto switched back his attention to the Pop Sensation. "Anyway, what are you doing here, Maizono-san?"

"I was simply going back from one of my assignment," she began to explain with a giggle as she reached back her piece of toast. "And then I saw you with the kids, so I decided to follow you."

"So you were stalking us?"

Nagisa's comment made Makoto and Sayaka gasp in surprise. "N-Nagisa!"

"I wasn't! I swear I wasn't!"

The Pop Sensation's reaction was hilarious. You could see her blushing red face as she waved her hands in denial. It made Masaru laugh. "Man, Nagisa, you sure know how to talk to a girl!"

Kotoko gave him a sharp look. "Why did you said this, you meanie? She just wanted to go to school with us!"

Makoto did not interfere this time, seeing that his sister had the situation in hand, as she managed to make the Lil' Social Studies turn his head in embarrassment. He turned his head towards his friend and said, "Maizono-san?"

"I-I was just about to ask him..." she answered with a quick smile, trying to recover from the shock. "Naegi-kun… is it okay if we go to school together today?"

The Luckster blushed at this. "O-Of course! I would be more than glad to!"

Sayaka giggled at this. "Thank you, Naegi-kun. I hope I'll be a good company."

Oh, he didn't have to worry about that. After all, they've known each other since middle school.

Well, technically speaking, they could never interact, but since they both enrolled at Hope's Peak Academy, their relationship was a very good one. Both persons appreciated each other's company.

Well, one a little more… secretly.

"Ne-ne, Onii-chan!" Jataro exclaimed. "You really want to pay her a breakfast, even though she told you not to?"

"You know how he works, Jataro-kun!" Monaca answered. "Naegi-onii is the kind of people who would not say no to someone he likes!"

Makoto's blush grew brighter as he waved his hands in denial. "D-Don't listen to them! T-They're just messing around!"

"Of course, Naegi-kun." Sayaka giggled. "You know how your siblings are."

And thus, with the loud cheers of the children, another normal day for the Luckster has just begun.

"I'll wait for you at the end of the day at the fountain place. So be nice during that time, okay kids?"

"Right, Naegi-onii! I'll be watching on them, so don't worry about anything!" Monaca assured him with a smile. "Now go to class! I think you guys are already late!"

"Right. Good luck, Monaca. And have a nice day with the others!" And with that, the two older students left the Warriors of Hope at their own class, hearing them saying goodbye to their brother. Sayaka giggled and said, "Those children really love you, don't they?"

"I guess they do." The Luckster said with a proud smile." But what is sure is that I do love them. Even if they can be troublesome times to times, I just can't be mad at them. Not after what happened to them."

"I can imagine. What those kids have been through is horrible…" she then stopped herself in her tracks and looked down. "Especially Kotoko."

That got Makoto's attention. "Maizono-san…"

"I had to do bad things in order to achieve my dream, but I'm glad… THIS didn't happen to me." She began to shake in fear as her breath became rougher. "But… what kind of mother would… would do this to their own child? I can understand that they needed money, but this… this is absolutely disgusting."

She felt two hands on her shoulders, and looked up to see Makoto with a determined face. "Maizono-san, please calm down. I know exactly how you feel, but everything will be okay now. She won't have to go through this again. I promised her and the others to protect them, so everything is gonna be fine." A smile of confidence appeared on his face. "So please relax… okay?"

Sayaka stared at him in disbelief, but her friend's words and trademark smile slowly affected her as the Pop Sensation took deep and slow breaths and regained her usual composure. "Thank you Naegi-kun. I… I just can't help but imagine the pain she had to endure. And yet she keeps smiling… she's really strong."

"I know. Even I wouldn't be able to stay optimistic like her after all this." The sadness was evident on the face of the lucky man, before he found his usual smile. "But now she's in better hands. At least, I dare to hope…"

"You don't have to worry about that, Naegi-kun." Sayaka smiles amicably at him. "We all know how much you care for them. So that means you can't be a bad protector."

"This comment made the Luckster blush. "M-Maizono-san…"

"Oh! That's right!" Sayaka opened his eyes suddenly. "By the way, Naegi-kun …"

"Yes? What is it?"

"Thank you very much for what you did for us!"

Makoto blinked in confusion as he saw Sayaka bow to him. "Uh? What do you mean, Maizono-san?"

"It's exactly what it is!" she replied, still bowing. "You're the one who helped me and the others to have a fresh start, and even our fans noticed it! And it's all thanks to you!"

The Luckster scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "I-I haven't done that much, really! I just gave you an advice…"

"And you went as far as asking Togami-kun to finance our first concert as a new band, knowing fully well that he could have easily refused!" She continued despite his statement. "It's because you were there for me - I mean, for us, that we're now one of the best band in Japan…" she then lifted her head up, and smiled proudly at him. "So if anyone has to take the credit for all of this, it has to be you!"

Makoto could not help but smile at her friend's statement. She looked so happy now. Happy... and radiant.

Which wasn't really the case before, despite appearances.

Of course, she always tried to hide her embarrassment with her cute, friendly smile. But over time, Makoto had come to realize that it was just a façade.

And he had also discovered the reason for using this facade. Namely, the nature of certain actions of the Pop Sensation.

Oh, it was nothing scandalous, he thought. After all, a few pictures as a model wasn't much.

Besides, it's not like he saw those pictures. He didn't collect that kind of thing, after all, so the problem, though embarrassing, must not have been big.

That's what he thought.

Only, he had noticed that such actions… embarrassed his friend. Or rather, he had noticed Sayaka's embarrassment when she opened up to him.

And he had to admit… he was a little ashamed to think the way he did. He was a little ashamed to underestimate his classmate's problem.

So he advised her to stop doing that kind of thing if she didn't like it. He advised her to build a new path of which she could be proud.

According to him, to reach our dreams, it was necessary to work hard, and especially to deserve it.

Even if it meant making a fresh start.

But luckily, Sayaka had a friend like Makoto. She wouldn't forget what he did for her.

And she would have been so happy to express her gratitude to him personally...

If only their 'intimate moments' were not interrupted each time by someone each time.

"CLASSMATE NAEGI! CLASSMATE MAIZONO! THERE YOU ARE!"

Just like right now, when the two turned their head in shock to see Kiyotaka standing in front of them, and he did not seem to be amused.

"I volunteered myself to go look after you two, seeing that you were late and thinking about something bad happening to the two of you! And here you are, talking about personal matters in a school environment! This behavior is unforgivable, especially coming from our class representative!"

Ah… as expected from the Ultimate Moral Compass. But before the Luckster could even try to explain, the Pop Sensation stepped in. "It's not Naegi-kun's fault! I was the one who slowed us down in the first place!"

"M-Maizono-san…"

"Do you think this excuse anything, classmate Maizono?!" the Moral Compass yelled even more. "Even though you recognize your fault in this, you still have to-"

"Ishimaru-kun, stop. You are being too loud again, and this will most likely direct the attention to you."

Makoto and Sayaka turned their attention to see a familiar face. A strict yet calm voice… something that the Luckster recognized immediately.

"Ah, Kirigiri-san!"

"Hello, Naegi-kun and Maizono-san. I hope we do not disturb something important, do we?" Kyouko greeted and asked politely the two.

"Oh, nothing at all! We were just coming back to classes after dropping off the kids on their own! Right, Maizono-san?"

"R-right! That's why we were late!" she put off a smiling face… with a little mark on the side of her head.

Something that the Detective noticed quickly, while slightly smiling. "Well, you two better hurry up. Sensei already formed the groups."

That surprised the two friends. "Uh? There are groups in today's classes?"

"Yes, there is, classmate Naegi!" Kiyotaka followed, slightly calmer than before. "As a consequence of you two being late - which I still think is regrettable - Sensei decided to begin the classes without your presence!" He then opted for a friendlier approach. "But fear not! Classmate Kirigiri here already discussed the organization of the groups for both of you!"

Sayaka clicked her tongue in frustration, knowing fully what does it meant. Makoto however, did not see anything odd but did raise his eyebrow. "Uh? You did this for us? Thanks, Kirigiri-san!"

The Detective smiled and turned her head while blushing, leaving Kiyotaka to explain himself. "You, classmate Naegi, are going to be with classmate Kirigiri here, while you, classmate Maizono, are joining classmate Kuwata!"

Sayaka chose a surprised expression, while Kyouko approached her. "I thought it was the more fitting combination for both of you."

"T-Thank you Kirigiri-san…" the Pop Sensation answered with a voice which seemed polite… but in fact, was hiding venom in it. It was more than evident when they looked into each other's eyes, which produced sparkles between them. If their eyes could speak, their conversation would look like this:

Sayaka: So this is your plan, uh? Very clever, you vixen.

Kyouko: And you know what you are talking about, right Maizono?

Sayaka: Wha-

Kyouko: Do you really think I haven't see the two of you walk together at the academy? I think you had your time with him... now's my turn.

Kyouko then turned to Makoto and put her hand on his shoulder while smiling at him. "Well then, I think we should go. Everyone is awaiting us."

"Right! Let's go then!" And with that, the four friends headed to their class together, with a smile on everyone's face…

Well, ALMOST everyone.

Behind the three, Sayaka was watching Kyouko's back, narrowing her eyes in frustration. She was already annoyed that their friend interrupted her moment with him, but now the fact that another friend strategically stole him from her just to have him was getting her near pissed. She knew that the Detective has developed a liking towards the Luckster as well… and she also knew that she was not the only one in this case.

She was an esper, after all.

The clock in the meeting room show it was now 9:00 am. As for now, Makoto and Kyouko were cleaning the room as an assignment given by their teacher, who scattered the class in eight group of two, in order to be more effective, the first one being constituted of Makoto and Kyouko.

The second was Sayaka and Leon, who was pretty happy about being with the Pop Sensation, compared to Sayaka who while did think of him as a friend, could not help but being sometimes irritated by his easy-going and flirty attitude.

The third was Byakuya and Touko, which irritated the latter to no end, wondering why was she with the one who broke her heart, although the Affluent Progeny has already forgotten about all of it, as expected from him.

The fourth was Mondo and Chihiro, who entertained a brotherly relationship together, as a result of sharing their secret between them and Kiyotaka first before getting to the whole class.

The fifth was Kiyotaka and Hagakure, with the first being slightly annoyed by the latter's laughs, which was an understatement, as only Makoto, and time to time Hifumi, managed to stand the layback and dumb personality.

The sixth was Hifumi and Celestia, which seemed like Sayaka's group, with the Fanfic Creator being happy about being with the Gambler, who was in contrast slightly annoyed.

The seventh was the two best friends Aoi and Sakura, who were happy to work together as usual, even though they like to work with others as well.

And the last one was the two sisters Junko and Mukuro, who were almost always together as well, except that the two of them were arguing more commonly as for now.

Right now, Makoto was decorating the tables of the room in order to give a more relaxed and positive attitude of it. He turned to Kyouko as she was cleaning the windows and he asked, "Are you okay over here?"

"I'll manage, thank you," she answered with a smile. "As long as I don't have to lower myself for picking the used hankies and cigars, I'll be alright."

That made the Luckster groan. "You just chose the easiest task. Seriously, how much of that an adult can consume in a day?!"

"You can't blame me, I can't stand the smoke from it. Besides, you don't have to use a stepladder to access to the high portions of the windows."

"At least you've got the view from the outside!"

"You're just being lazy." The Detective chuckled, with her friend soon joining. Makoto was not someone who held a grudge for that kind of thing - well except maybe his sister - and even then he knew how to relativize.

Plus, it made him happy to see her more sociable with others. One must say, although she was not mean, she nevertheless remained distant.

He was just glad he could help him with that… and other more personal things too.

"Naegi-kun," she asked, "could you please hand me this towel over here? This one is a little too used, and I'm a busy up there."

"Sure thing!" As he walked towards the object, the Detective gave a quick and discreet glance towards the Luckster who always seemed to enjoy helping others. As he came back with the towel, she tended her gloved hand.

"Here you go, Kirigiri-san."

"Thank you."

But when she took it, her eyes opened with surprise. Her hand had touched Makoto's.

FWOUP!

That made her drop the object, falling to the floor.

Makoto blinked a few times before realizing what happened and took it back, blushing slightly. "S-sorry about that, Kirigiri-san!"

"I-it's fine," she answered looking away, trying to hide her blush as well. "I was not paying enough attention either."

"It wouldn't be the first time to see you like this, you know."

The teenagers, and especially the Detective, recognized the owner's voice immediately, as the two friends looked at the newcomer to see a familiar face, who seemed to be amused despite his authoritarian figure. "O-otoo-san..."

"O-oh, hello there, Kirigiri-kouchou! W-What brings you here?" The Luckster greeted embarrassedly. [1]

Jin Kirigiri was indeed standing at the door, observing the scene with an amused smile on his face. "I was walking around the hallways of the school to see how the progress was, and I see that the atmosphere of this room is quite enjoyable. You two sure get along very well."

The comment made the two blush again. But Kyouko did not seem to appreciate it, coming from her own father. "I-is that all you came from?"

"Not really." He then turned to Makoto with a more serious face. "Naegi, I know you've been assigned to work with Kirigiri today, but can you go look after Togami? He seems to have trouble with his partner at the library."

The Luckster sighed hearing that. "Oh… okay. I'll do what I can." His face turned worriedly to Jin "But what about Kirigiri-san?"

"Don't worry, I'll take your turn on this." the Headmaster answered, surprising his daughter in the process, even though she didn't show it.

"Oh!" The Luckster exclaimed with surprise, before turning to Kyouko. "Kirigiri-san, are you-"

"I'll be fine, don't worry." She answered without letting him time to finish. "Now go. Knowing Togami-kun's mood in general with everyone, it was evident that he would have problems with them. Especially with Fukawa-san now."

Makoto hesitated a little moment, before nodding in confirmation and bowed to them. "Right! Well, see you later Kirigiri-san! And have a nice day too, Kirigiri-kouchou!" With this, he dashed out of the room, leaving the Detective starring a little madly at her father.

"Did you really have to say that?"

"Uh?" he answered immediately. "What are you talking about?"

"You know what I mean." She answered almost coldly. "You knew where we were and when you saw us, you only wanted to make fun of us."

The Headmaster chuckled at this. "Well, as I said before, I was only patrolling to see what you two were students doing. And when I saw you two, I couldn't help it. It's always a good sight to see your own daughter being happy with her crush."

That caught the Detective off guard. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

"I'm merely stating facts, Kyouko." Jin laughed at her daughter's red face. "But you know, I think you have good taste. If I was a girl about your age, I Think I would like him too."

"OTOO-SAN!"

The laugh of the father was louder as the embarrassment of Kyouko who tried to hide the sensation on her cheeks but to no avail. It was a very touching scene of members of the same family having a good time together. Well, mostly the father for sure, but it was funny in a sense.

Jin calmed down a bit and then turned to the door with a smile. "But you do think he is a good person, do you? After what he did for this family?"

Kyouko's embarrassment stopped a little after hearing that. "Uh?"

"A student helping his own Headmaster solving a personal matter of his…" he sighed in a happy manner. "I know I sound like favoring him, and I'm maybe doing it, but I'm really glad he's attending our school."

Kyouko was a little surprised here but then smiled in agreement. "Yes. I share this sentiment as well."

Yes, Makoto was a good person in her eyes. He was an opened book for her, yet it was the best book she ever read.

It was the book that allowed her to open herself to others in general… and especially to the Headmaster of the academy, her own father.

But it was never like this before.

After all, this man she now called father was nothing more but a stranger to her at the beginning. Someone who would abandon his own daughter just to get free of his family's legacy… and to use her own mother's passing to justify that…

Someone like this was just not worthy of her attention. Or anything else, for that matter.

However, the time she passed with Makoto – because he did not let her behavior intimidate him for long – made her realize that maybe, just maybe… she didn't want to end up all alone.

That play stage they had to do was something that helped her accept that.

And when she saw her father discussing with her grandfather, the man with who he cut ties a long time ago… she was honestly surprised. Not in a good way at first, but it made her think.

And she decided she wanted to give her father a chance.

Especially when she saw him with her grand at this stage play, when he was supposed to be at an important meeting.

And to think it was because of someone who simply want to restore the relationship of a broken family… she thought she couldn't repay the debt she had towards him.

Perhaps she could have, if only she didn't have to take the photo with the other students and their families. And even then, his own family would take his free-time.

And to fuel her frustration, she noticed that she was not the only girl in the school that was after the Luckster's heart. She knew that some of them were intelligent, some again were nice, and others were cute – or heck, gorgeous, even if she hated to admit it.

And it seemed that her father with who she had a better relationship since the play noticed it and sometimes teased her daughter about it. "You know, you have to be cautious around here. You don't want to lose to a challenger, do you?"

And here it was again. Kyouko's blush returned as she turned her head to the side and said, "J-Just help me with those tables already…"

"Right." The Headmaster said before going towards the tables with his daughter who climbs down the stepladder before he stopped and chuckled again.

Kyouko who noticed it thought that it couldn't be good but asked, "What's so funny?"

"I just realized something." He said before turning his head towards her with a smile. "You called me Otoo-san when I entered the room. You're becoming less cautious, Kyouko."

"T-that's what matters to you?!"

As Makoto approached the library, he couldn't stop thinking about the tense relationship between Byakuya and Touko since... the incident happened. True, since the beginning of the year, she stalked him because of her portraying him as her charming prince, but his personality was the exact opposite of it. Authoritarian, arrogant and even cruel to his classmate, the Writing Prodigy was certainly his primary victim… and it almost destroyed her.

"M-Makoto-sama?"

Ah… speaking of which, Makoto turned his head to see her behind a pillar near the library, looking at him surprised at seeing him.

"Fukawa-san?" he asked. "Are you okay?"

"I-I am now that you're here!" she exclaimed pleasantly, coming at him. "W-What can I do for you? A-are you here to help me?"

"Actually, yes."

The Writing Prodigy was on Cloud 9 at hearing this. "R-really?!"

"Of course." He answered with a smile, which turned awkward as he explained the situation. "I've been told that your group had some... communication problem so here I am."

That ruined a little Touko's good mood. "Ugh…" she groaned in frustration. "W-why was I chosen to be with this heart-breaker?"

"It can't really be helped, unfortunately." the Luckster tried to reassure her. "I know Togami-kun can be a jerk sometimes, but-"

"He IS a jerk, you mean!" she interrupted him. "W-with all respect I have for you, Makoto-sama, y-you can't have forgotten what this p-pathetic excuse of a human being has done to me!"

"I-I know, I remember it too, but-"

"Waiting for your charming prince to back you up. As expected from a rotten woman like you."

The two turned their head to see the Affluent Prodigy, looking down at them like they were less than animals. That was his main face he gave to people he esteemed as inferior to him, which means everyone.

Just his presence made the Writing Prodigy shiver… but it was with anger. "Y-you…"

"Do you honestly think you have the right to look at me like that?" He asked rhetorically. "And don't think that your partner changes anything at all."

Makoto decided to step in, as he extended an arm towards Touko in order to stop from her doing something reckless, and spoke. "Togami-kun, I think now is not the time for that. We're not here to behave like animals, but to work together on an important project."

"A project that YOU decided to happen in the first place." Byakuya reminded him. "It's like I told you before, this is not a victory of any sort… just a mere test for a commoner like you. Don't get too cocky about it." He then looked at Touko. "And do not blame me for something that incapable is responsible for."

Makoto sighed. "I've never considered this a victory, Togami-kun." he said. "I know the hard part is to organize this properly. But let me just remind you that in order to do this, we have to cooperate and put our differences aside, no exception."

"Which wouldn't have been an issue to begin with, if only the partner I have been assigned to was not so thick-headed." The Affluent Progeny replied while turning their back on them. "Oh, forget it. If you're only here to give me useless morals, then go back to your partner. I don't need that right now. Or anything else, for that matter."

And with that, Byakuya returned to the library, leaving the two others to stare at him… and one of them was doing it angrily while mumbling something. It didn't take long for the Luckster to see who it was. "Fukawa-san?"

"How dare he…"

"Uh?"

"How dare he?!" she said louder. "M-Makoto-sama came to help that RAT! And he just shrugged you off like t-trash! He… he just doesn't deserve you!"

The Luckster smiled awkwardly at her reaction. "I-it was expected, coming from him. But he's right in a sense. Just because I managed to obtain the authorization of that event doesn't mean I'm a hero of any sort. This is a test… something very important to me. So I have to do my best here."

"B-but still," the Writing Prodigy continued, "that m-moron should be grateful! W-why was I not chosen to be w-with you instead?!"

Makoto decided to calm her down and hold both of her hands to get her attention, which he immediately had right away as Touko gasped while blushing madly. "M-Makoto-sama?!"

"Fukawa-san", he looked and her and started, "I know how much you despise him because of what he's done to you. I'll be completely honest with you, I haven't fully forgiven him either. But, I think he needs help because he doesn't understand some things we know very well. It's my job. I don't mind him talking about me like that because I got used to it. Because the time when he'll understand will come." He then smiled at her. "So don't get mad, because it doesn't matter in the end, okay?"

Steam erupted from Touko's ears and the red invaded her entire face as she rolled her eyes back and fainted in happiness, leaving just enough time for Makoto to catch her before she hit the ground.

"Oops." Makoto sweatdropped as he scratched the back of his head. "Guess I went too far here." He then picked her up before carrying her to the library. "Well, I'll have to improvise again, uh?"

He was greeted again by an annoyed Byakuya Togami, who was reluctantly tidying the different books in the right categories of the already installed by himself… again, reluctantly. "Took you long enough. This woman already is really a waste of time."

Makoto sighed again. "Please don't start this again. With what you've done to her, it would be obvious she would try to avoid you at any cost. And you should do so as well. Or maybe, at least apology to her."

That remark made Byakuya slightly more annoyed. "What do you mean, I should-"

He stopped in his tracks, realizing something. "Wait a minute… why is she on your back?"

Before Makoto could answer, a tongue licked the Luckster's face, who turned to see his friend, grinning down at him… and that only meant one thing for both boys.

"Aaah… Makoto-sama~." A moan was heard from Touko. "Being the knight in shining armor for both of us. Job well done!"

Makoto could only greet the newcomer nervously. "Ah, g-good morning, Syo-san!"

"Good mooorning, Makoto-sama!" The other personality of Touko Fukawa, Genocider Syo, the Ultimate Murderous Fiend, yelled in a proud tone. "You've got the greetings of me, your friendly neighborhood killer, Genocider Syo-"

Syo was suddenly silenced by Makoto who covered her mouth with his hand, as some random students passed by and looked oddly at the Luckster as the girl was rather pleased with the fact that he was covering her mouth.

After all, he would not want one of his friends in trouble. Even though it was a serial killer.

Makoto couldn't believe he managed to befriend her, but she wasn't so bad, honestly. She was… actually quite the comical person, if he was to be honest.

And hey, at least, nothing bad happened because of her from the beginning of their school course, so that meant something… right?

As they left, Byakuya fumed in annoyance and anger. "Oh, for the love of God…"

"It's not her fault if-" Makoto began before feeling Syo's long tongue licking his hands affectionately before realizing her while blushing. "S-Syo-san?!"

"Aaah! Makoto-sama went that far to protect my identity!" She moaned aloud as she cupped her face with her hands. "I could just do you right here and right now you know?!"

Makoto had just enough time to evacuate the steam in his ears before the Affluent Prodigy stepped in angrily. "Really now, Naegi?! You really thought that bringing that mad woman was a good idea? How unreliable are you, you worthless scu-"

SHLING!

The snob boy could not finish his sentence as two pairs of scissors appeared suddenly on his neck.

"'scuse me, you loser, what you were gonna say to my shining knight?" she menaced and gave him a death glare which would make a thousand man's piss on themselves. "Y'know, for a rich boy, you could learn one or two things from my Makoto-sama."

Makoto started to panic at this. "S-Syo-san! Don't hurt him, please!"

The Murderous Fiend turned her head in a confused way. "Ya don't want that scum to be sliced into pieces?! That's too bad, 'cause he's pretty hot, even though not as hot as you!"

"T-That's not the right way to teach him how to talk, Syo-san!" the Luckster explained while trying to keep his calm composure. "If he dies, then he will not know how to respect others."

"NAEGI!"

But the answer was enough for Syo to release Byakuya as she lost herself in her little world. "Of course! That impostor won't learn anything from Makoto-sama if I kill him! Sorry sorry, how silly of me!"

Syo's laugh make Makoto sigh in a reassured way as he couldn't help but smile, because he knew that whatever the circumstances, no matter who was in control now, his friend her was way happier now.

Even if it meant idolizing him was a way for her to make her feel better. Not that he was complaining anyway…

Better him than Byakuya, he supposed. Honestly, he was probably one of the few people in the academy with who, despite his efforts to get along with, he did not along too well.

Especially after what he did to Touko.

Even though the Luckster was known to be patient and forgiving, even for him, ruining someone's life was not something he could let pass so easily.

And Touko's attempt to suicide was certainly not playing in his favor.

Well, Byakuya started to avoid her after that, so at least… it meant that he wasn't interested him anymore, and that he would leave her alone. When he was not forced to be with her.

Besides, she found a new muse. A way better, nicer muse. That would be the new subject of her ongoing novel she was writing.

And the fact that he accepted her secret and her other side as well… to think she thought he was just another swine who was just a wolf in sheep clothing… how could she had been so blind?

And how could she had not chosen him over that heartless, blonde monster?!

"Will you two stop daydreaming?! Those books are not going to class themselves, you know?!"

Same monster who didn't seem too happy right now. "Uh? Class books?" The Murderous Fiend questioned, before shrugging it off. "Nah, that's something that suits ya better, loser."

"WHAT?!"

"W-Well," Makoto informed her, "we're supposed to it together, Syo-san."

"Really?!" She exclaimed herself as she entered her fangirl trance again. "OH MY GOD! If I can work with Makoto-sama, then I'll do it! Just give me orders and I'll do it just for you!"

The Luckster chuckled at this. "Good. We've got fifty minutes to finish all of that stuff. Just stay out of trouble during that time, okay?"

"Right-o-captain!"

"Ugh…" Touko groaned. She sighed heavily as she was currently running outside across the huge track field with some of her of classmates, each of them running at their own rhythm. The rest of them was preparing some areas of the sports facility for some other activities. In all this, Makoto was huffing heavily as he sat down on the ground. Running laps while trying to keep up with his friends was more or less exhausting… even with all of the training he did with them from the beginning.

"Naegi, here!" A voice chirped. Makoto turned to the left side to see Aoi smiling down at him as she handed him a bottle of water. The Luckster made a nod of confirmation before taking it and chugging it down. The Swimmer grinned as her friend breather out and smiled at her. "Thanks, Asahina-san…"

"Mhm, no problem!" she grinned back as she sat down next to him. "Physical education classes with Sensei are always something!"

"You said it. She is a physical education teacher, after all…" the Luckster said, looking a little happy about the attention. If there was one thing that he liked about her, it was her kindness. Really, he thought her and him were quite similar.

The difference was, she was an athlete. Not him.

And that thought made him sigh a little. Aoi noticed it and opted for a worried face. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine…" he answered quickly, before giving her an awkward smile. " I just thought that after all the training I've done with you guys, I would be… you know… tougher. I thought I would have a little more stamina than this."

Aoi chuckled at this. "That's what you're worried about? Well, let me tell you, forget about it."

Makoto looked at her in confusion. "Uh? What do you mean?"

"Naegi," she started with a big smile on her face, "remember what happened last year? You told me that I was amazing by being myself, and that I didn't need to force myself to be someone else. So you shouldn't worry about that either! We love you just the way you are!" she beamed.

Makoto was sincerely touched by her words, and could not help but blush a little. He said, "Thank you. I know I shouldn't worry about stupid things like that, but-"

"I do not consider those insecurities stupid, Naegi-kun."

A gentle voice approached, and as soon as they turned their head towards it, they spotted a certain Martial Artist, much to Aoi's pleasure. "Ah, Sakura-chan!"

"Hello, dear friends." Sakura greeted them in a polite demeanor, before asking them, "Please forgive me for my intrusion, but is it okay if I join you?"

"Sure thing!" The Swimmer answered without any hesitation. "You arrived just at the right time! Naegi-kun just needed to be cheered up!" She then gave her friend a… wary look. "Although I already did the job done…"

The Luckster could only laugh embarrassedly. "I-it's not a big deal, Oogami-san. J-Just a little… insecurity of mine. You don't have to worry about me."

"And you didn't have to help me when Kenichiro died," she answered immediately with a determined face. "But you did it anyway. And I could never thank you enough for this." When she finished, she smiled at him, in a proud manner. "So let me tell you this: if you keep fighting as you do, nothing will stop you… and I'll be pleased to assist you in any way I can as well."

It was enough for Makoto to make him look away, trying to hide his blushing face from the girls. That kindness and patience, those were attributes that Sakura also had with him. When he decided to train, she volunteered to teach him the best she could. And he was thankful for that.

Both girls had a lot of common points, and he was glad.

But right now, what he didn't notice was that those same girls looked more focused on themselves the moment he turned away. Aoi, while not the most intelligent person, knew exactly what was going on, and as they stared at each other, their eyes spoke once again:

Aoi: Okay Sakura, what was that right now?!

Sakura: I'm sorry to do this to you, but this is a fight I refuse to lose.

Aoi: What?! You really think I'm gonna give up that easily?!

Sakura: No, and that's why I will not back down from this challenge, even if it comes from you.

Aoi: Really? Well, guess what? This girl is here too, and she's planning to stay!

"Okay, kids, time to form the ranks! Today's matches are boys versus girls as usual. Everyone, do your best!"

Katana's shout was enough for both girls to snap out of their thoughts, as Makoto stood up and turned towards the girls to say, "Ah! Well, I guess we've gotta go!" He then bowed to them. "Thanks for the support, girls. I really appreciate it."

The two friends were a little surprised by this, but then decided to put their rivalry aside and smiled back, with Sakura answering first. "Anytime, Naegi-kun. As I told you before, it's always a pleasure to help a dear friend."

"You said it, Sakura-chan!" Aoi followed with a grin. "Let's go together, Naegi!"

"Sure!" And with that, the trio went together towards the dodgeball field with happy faces.

Makoto had to admit, while he thought he was going to get along with the two girls, he wouldn't have thought they would help him to get in shape like this. After all, Sakura did say he was no sparring material when they first met.

What he didn't expect either was Aoi to seek help in order to become more… girly.

And what he certainly didn't expect and didn't wish to happen… was the death of Sakura's boyfriend, Kenichiro.

The nature of Aoi's request was… a little off, to be honest. Why was she so worried about something like that? He didn't see any problems at all with her. She was kind, friendly and determinate. That, and her… forms, did help a little, he had to admit.

And he never thought he would see Sakura cry, looking so vulnerable. He never thought she would go into a depression so deep she would stop hard training altogether, to the point of her body returning to a much more feminine form.

But he was not someone that would just give up on someone in need, whenever it was a favor, or an emergency case.

True, going on a fake date with one of his classmates and pretending to be her boyfriend was certainly a… refreshing experience, but he didn't mind. In the end, his friend felt much better in the end, being herself. And he wouldn't have it any other way.

And paying tribute to a stranger was no walk in the park either. Taking advantage to a tournament to wake up Sakura from the darkness she let herself fall in was difficult considering her mood, but thanks to another student who had graduated from Hope's Peak Academy, and thanks to Aoi's support, he also managed to reach out for her. Even though she wasn't training as hard now.

Both things that the two girls were very grateful for.

Now, if only the two girls did not develop a crush on the same guy…

But then again, it added some inoffensive spices in their relationship, along with some excitement. So it wasn't all that bad.

What was bad was that they did not only had themselves as competitors, but many other girls as well.

And let's not talk about some of the boys' jealousy towards the poor Luckster, who simply had no idea about what was going on around him.

"Phew…" Makoto sighed, exhausted. Right now, he was in the cafeteria, eating lunch alone on a table at the corner near the windows. The aftermath of the activity was incontrovertible: the girls won. Sure, two of the boys were into physical activity, but the Martial Artist, the Soldier and the Swimmer did most of the job by wiping out the whole team of boys, following the instructions of the Fashionista, the Detective and the Gambler. Oddly though, when it concerned Makoto himself… the girls went easy on him. Talk about favoritism… not that he was complaining.

"Oi, Naegi!"

Ah… speaking of which, four of his male classmates approached his table. They were the Baseball Star, the Programmer, the Biker Gang Leader and the Moral Compass. "Hey man!" Leon greeted. "Mind if we join ya today?"

"Of course you can join, friends are always welcome!" the Luckster returned the smile. As the friends installed themselves, Kiyotaka went towards Makoto-

"Classmate Naegi, please accept my deepest apologies!"

And bowed directly to him, to which Makoto blinked before looking at his friend confusedly. "Uh? You're sorry? For what?"

"W-well," Chihiro began, "back at the track field, we've heard a conversation between Maizono-san and Kirigiri-san, when they said you were bringing your siblings to their classes with Maizono-san, and that's why you were late today."

Oooh… so that's what it was about.

"I-I know I shouldn't have reacted that way towards one of my dear classmates, let alone our class representative who only looked after his family…" The Moral Compass said with eyes almost watery. "But I couldn't stop myself and I yelled at you simply to ask for explanations! How outrageous and unfair of me!"

"H-hey, it's okay Ishimaru-kun!" Makoto waved his hands in comfort, seeing clearly that his friend was about to burst into tears again. "I'm not angry or anything! It's behind us now, so don't focus on it, okay?"

"I told him that shit at least a hundred times already," Mondo intervened, smiling at the sight. "But you know how Kyoudai is. Always regretting when he feels like he did something stupid. And always screaming when apologizing!"

"Like you're the type to talk," Leon said. "You always yell when something gets on your nerves."

"Ya said something, Kuwata?"

"I'm just telling the truth here."

"THAT MEANT SHUT UP, ASSHOLE!"

"Kyoudai, LANGUAGE!"

Makoto couldn't help but laugh as Chihiro tried to calm the trio. Sure enough, the four of them were really the friendlier group in the class… and also the loudest.

With Leon's laidback personality, Chihiro's quiet and shy tone, Mondo's explosive and rude outbursts and Kiyotaka's passion over good morals though shouts, the sparks of conflict could be seen every day. Yet, a compromise between the four was possible…

And to think Makoto was also responsible for this.

Well, he did not think that making them share their secrets with each other would work in the first place, because it was a touchy subject. But it made them feel closer, not just for each other, but also for Makoto, so it was fine with him.

And so, lunch went out pretty quickly, with Leon and Mondo occasionally throwing knives with the eyes at each other with Kiyotaka trying to calm them down a bit. Chihiro seemed also a little down while he talked to the others.

Makoto noticed it after finishing his own meal. "Uh? Fujisaki-kun, what's wrong?"

The mention of the Programmer sad was enough for the trio to stop and look at their friend with a concerned face. "Oi, what's wrong kid?" the Biker Gang Leader asked in worry. "It ain't because of us right?!"

"P-please do not cry!" The Moral Compass was now sweating like it was the end of the world. "W-We really are trying to-"

"N-no… it's not that…" Chihiro said sadly. "T-this is not you guys' fault."

The Baseball Star asked, "Then what is it, little guy? Come on, you can tell us."

"W-well, it's just that…" he began with the same tone, "when I told everyone I was a boy, I promised that I would be stronger…" he then began to slowly cry. "B-But even today, I-I can't stand to others in order to make them stop arguing! Even with all of those efforts, I… I still have the impression of still being weak and I hate it!"

The others were shocked at this declaration. True, he started to train for a while, but they thought he gained some confidence by now… well, guess they were wrong.

Makoto was the first one to recover from the shock. He stood up, went towards the Programmer and put his hands on his shoulders, making his friend looking at him in his eyes.

"Hey, it's okay Fujisaki-kun. Nobody asked you to gain strength in one day, okay? I know this is pretty difficult for you, but you did get stronger since the training, did you?"

"Y-yes, but I-"

"AND," The Luckster did not let him finish, "you also had enough strength like the others to reveal your secret, right?"

"Well yes, b-but it was only because-"

"Because YOU decided to confront the problem by yourself. Sure, I did propose the idea, but YOU decided to take the step on your own." He smiled proudly at him. "So don't you dare say that you're weak because that's absolutely not what I see. It's even the complete opposite."

Chihiro stared at his friend dreamfully. "N-Naegi-kun…"

"You're goddamn right 'bout that, Naegi!" Mondo joined in and thumbed up. "Don't worry about all this shit, kid! You're a man in my book!"

"So do not fear about any of this nonsense, classmate Fujisaki!" Kiyotaka followed quickly. "We're all here for you, so you don't have to be sad!"

Chihiro looked at all his friends in happiness as they smiled down at this, feeling an intense joy in his heart. "E-Everyone…"

"'sides," Leon remarked, "it's not like you're the only one who hasn't take many muscles. I mean, look at Naegi! Even with the training with Ogre, he's still pretty weak himself!"

And just like that, the happy mood was gone. Makoto could only laugh awkwardly at the comment, but the Biker Gang Leader did not appreciate that in the slightest. "Way to go, man."

"What?"

"Don't you have the impression of, I don't know, ruining the moment, moron?!"

"Hey! I'm not a moron! I'm just stating facts!"

"Oh yeah?! Well, I'm also stating fucking facts when I say that you suck at finding a girl for ya!"

"Just like you, MORON!"

"I'M GONNA DIG THAT FORK DEEP IN YOUR ASS IF YA DON'T SHUT THE FUCK UP!"

"I TOLD YOU BOTH, LANGUAGE!"

And thus, another quarrel began between the trio. As usual.

Mondo's temper was not something to play with. That, Makoto learned it the hard way once, even though the Biker apologized for what he did. But if the Luckster memorized any lesson thanks to him, it was not to get on his bad side, even though he was actually a good guy, despite his appearances.

However, if the Luckster learned his lesson, the same thing could not be said for Leon. After all, he was also a taunting teenager, who wouldn't hesitate if he had a problem with anyone… and that included the times when Makoto spent time with the girls. Seriously, was it because of his talent? Or maybe it was the ahoge.

Combine that to Kiyotaka's burning passion for rules and his indignant shouting, you can expect him to get involved with the intention of stopping the ruckus, only to create more while not realizing it himself. Even though Makoto told him sometimes when they were working together, as Taka often considers himself as his class representative's right hand, it was hard to contain himself.

And that was not good for Chihiro's shy nature. Even though he grew accustomed to this kind of scene from his friends, it still affected him in a bad way, even with his training to toughen up. This breakdown he made was proof of that.

And Makoto was certainly not going to let him cry again. Chihiro was someone for who he had nothing but respect for after what he had been through, and he knew when something was beginning to make the Programmer uncomfortable.

It reminded him of a similar case in the past. One of his former classmates, perhaps?

He went towards him and asked him with a sincere smile, "Hey, it's going to be time to go to class again. Want to go together?"

The Programmer blinked in surprise, then nodded in agreement, smiling nervously because of the situation, shredding his little tears with his arms. "O-Okay… thank you, Naegi-kun."

"Don't mention it."

Unknown from the Luckster, Chihiro also admired Makoto in a sense.

He was the one who proposed the idea of sharing their secrets to begin with, and he was glad he listened to his advice. Thanks to that, he could start to train physically.

And most of all, he could stop pretending to be a girl. He asked to be given a boy uniform when he was at Hope's Peak Academy, which shocked a lot of people when they saw the change.

But it didn't matter to Chihiro. Because now… he had the will to change. To become stronger.

All of this thanks to the efforts of his friend… his dear friend. Someone who stood up for him and allowed him to grow how he wished to be…

Like a big brother who was helping his siblings.

But that, he would not admit this in front of the Luckster.

The two friends left the cafeteria together, leaving the trio to continue their quarrel… which lasted some time, before Kiyotaka looked at the clock of the cafeteria and realized in horror something and shouted at them, louder than usual, "Both of you, stop this now!"

The two were not happy about being interrupted in their argument again. "WHAT?!"

"W-WE ARE LATE FOR THE CLASS!"

Both boys paled in realization. "OH, SHIT!"

The clock of the computer lab showed that it was 1:15 pm. Right now, Makoto, Chihiro and Mondo were preparing the room with the different decorations for event… but someone had something else in mind.

"Really kid, I'm sorry for being a fuckin' nuisance!" Mondo tried to apology endlessly to Chihiro… but his apology didn't seem like one. "It's that baseball idiot fault in the first place!"

"I-it's okay, Oowada-kun!" The Programmer tried to reassure him as best as he could. "I-I guess I became used to it…"

"Ya shouldn't!" The Biker Gang Leader yelled without wanting to. "I-I mean, I know I'm like that, but… fuck, it not like I ain't trying to be better!"

In all this, Makoto was doing his best to take care of the decorations, but some of them were really heavy. He needed someone to help him… and right now, his two actual partners were too busy talking. The Luckster was about to draw their attention to him-

"NAEGI-CHI! Where are you, dude?!"

When suddenly, a panicking voice boomed. The trio looked at the door to see a certain Clairvoyant sweating endlessly. "Hagakure-kun? What's wrong?"

"Ah, Naegi-chi! Finally, I found you!" Yasuhiro ran towards Makoto and put his two hands on the Luckster. "You've gotta help us, man! Celes-chi is taking it all out on us again!"

Makoto sighed, knowing that Celestia was not the most patient student in the academy, even if her face could say otherwise. He asked, "What's going on again?!"

"W-we were just doing Sensei-chi's errand just like she asked, dude!" he began to explain. "But then out of nowhere she just came towards Yamada-chi and started to beat the crap out of him for no reasons! Man, you've gotta do something!"

Makoto tried to stay calm at this. "C-calm down, Hagakure-kun! Don't you think you're exaggerating a little?"

"WHAT THE FUCK DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND WHEN I TOLD YOU THAT YOUR TEA TASTES LIKE TRASH, YOU PIG SHIT?!"

Welp, seems like Makoto got his answer. That outburst could only be Celestia, and everyone who heard it recognized it.

"See? She went all nuts, dude!" The Clairvoyant clapped his hands together. "Please, Naegi-chi! You're the only one that can calm her down! I don't wanna die so young!"

Makoto sighed again. He then turned towards the two other friends and asked, "Is it okay if I let the rest of you guys?"

Chihiro, who was honestly always afraid when the Gambler burst out like that, only nodded. Mondo tried to hide his inner fear as well… to average results. "G-go ahead, dude! I-I'm gonna protect the kid if something happens so don't worry! G-good luck with the witch, man!"

"R-right. Thank you." He then followed Yasuhiro who led him into the corridors of the new school building, as he asked questions. "Do you really have no clue on why is she like this?!"

"Not a single one, dude! I swear, except for proposing her to see her future, I haven't done anything this time!"

Makoto sighed at this. Clearly, this was already a reason for her to get mad, knowing the Clairvoyant's high prices. Still, it was something that even he could get annoyed of, but still, it was far from enough to make Celestia lash out like that. There simply had to be a better explanation.

And considering who were her partners, he may have already figured out that the two had something to do with this.

Not that he hated them by any means, but Hiro's questionable life decisions combined with Hifumi's passionate habits with his pervert side could be much to handle, even for the Luckster.

When they arrived at the destination, which was the guest room in this case, Yasuhiro instinctively went behind his friend. "Y-you first, dude. I-I don't want to face her wrath any longer."

Makoto sweatdropped again. "I-I don't think she's still-"

FCHTAK!

"AND THIS IS FOR ALL THE BULLSHIT YOU'VE MADE FOR THE DAY!"

"Yikes!" The older boy pushed Makoto in the room. "Okay dude, your time to shine is up! Good luck, buddy!"

"T-thanks…" The Luckster grunted in annoyance. Honestly, even if he considered Yasuhiro as a friend, his cowardice and some of his antics could be tiring for him. Even if he got used to it, it still surprised him, but not in a good way.

And it was the same amount of surprise when he saw Celestia on top of Hifumi, with a rose-shaped wipe, using it to punish the fat boy who was already well beaten at this rate.

FCHTAK!

"AND THIS IS FOR ALL THE BULLSHIT YOU'VE SAID AS WELL!"

Makoto didn't need to see or hear more to intervene. At the moment that she was about to hit the Fanfic Creator again, he grabbed her hand by the wrist. "Celes-san!"

That got the Gambler's attention. "WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU WANT YOU-"

And just when she saw Makoto's face, the fury in her eyes was replaced by surprise. It took her a little moment to realize what was going on. "N-Naegi-kun? W-what are you doing here?"

"Sorry, Celes-san, but I just couldn't let you continue to do what you were doing." He answered quickly and seriously.

Before she could ask what he meant, Hifumi tried to talk. "L-Ludenberg Celestia-dono… c-can you please… g-get off me?"

Celestia blinked a few times, before getting off the fat boy. The Luckster immediately went towards his face in worry. "Are you okay, Yamada-kun!? You're not too hurt are you?!"

"O-Oh, but f-fear not, Naegi-Makoto-dono!" The Fanfic Creator tried to speak, which was proven to be very difficult because of the hits he had on his face. "L-Ludenberg Celestia-dono was simply giving to me a sign of affectio-"

POW!

A kick in the face from the Gambler to stop Hifumi in his fanboy trance. "I think I already told you… to SHUT. UP."

Seeing that his friend was not completely calmed down, Makoto tried something else and took one of her hands in his own. "Okay Celes-san, take deep breathes, it will help."

The Gambler was surprised at the initiative but did try to calm her fury, and after a few inhales, she did recompose herself a little… even if it still didn't help that the Fanfic Creator was giggling in pleasure as he seemed to enjoy his little 'session' with her. The Luckster sighed and then called, "Hagakure-kun! Are you still here?"

"Y-Yikes!" The frightened voice of the Clairvoyant which was coming from just at the side of the room's entrance was enough of an answer for Makoto.

He told him, "Get Yamada-kun to the infirmary, okay? I'm going to keep an eye on Celes-san!"

"O-okay dude!" And with that, Yasuhiro entered the room, went to Hifumi's side and tried to pick him up by the shoulder… to no avail.

Makoto who did not want to focus on them tried to reassure Celestia, trying not be mad. "Okay Celes-san, what happened?"

But seeing that the Queen of Lies still had troubles to explain herself as her breathing was still ragged, Makoto opted for a calmer and polite approach. "You want to explain what happened while I'm making some tea for you?"

That was enough to get Celestia's attention, as she blinked her eyes in surprise before saying, "I-I… I would like this very much, Naegi-kun. Please."

"Alright. To the cafeteria that is." And with this, Makoto took Celestia's left hand and guided her to their destination.

That left a sweating Yasuhiro trying yet again to pick up his classmate. "Oh man, what a drag… Why does this have to happen to me?"

And then he heard the fat boy grunting something. "L-Ludenberg Celestia-dono…"

The Clairvoyant sighed in a reassured way. "You're still alive after this?"

"My black angel…"

"Uh?"

"My black angel is being taken away from me by the protagonist…"

"THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT?!"

"Here you go, Celes-san. I hope you enjoy it."

The scene switched to the cafeteria, where Celestia was now sipping her tea that Makoto prepared. The Luckster was lucky enough that nobody in the room, and thanks to that, he could have access to the kitchen with little trouble. And it was not difficult to make Celestia's tea as well. Tries after tries over the first year did help… and the fact that he was way more capable of doing it right that the Fanfic Creator was also playing in his favor, he supposed.

After putting her cup, the Gambler smiled. "Why, thank you Naegi-kun. You did a good job as always."

"Glad you like it." Makoto answered and returned the smile, before it faded away. "Now then… care to explain what happened back then?"

Celestia's expression was then neutral. "Well, I will explain, but first off, I would like to apologize to you for this… horrid behavior of mine. I hope I did not scare you too much."

"I-It's okay, don't worry." The Luckster sweatdropped at this. "I've honestly seen worse coming from others." He then tried to be more serious. "Besides, if it's anyone you should apologize to, it's to Yamada-kun, not me."

Celestia sighed. "That's too bad. He seemed to like it."

Makoto frowned slightly at this. He knew that Celestia was trying to stay calm, and he also noticed that when he mentioned Hifumi's name, she crossed her right leg… which was the sign that the two other boys did something wrong. "Okay, Celes-san. What did Yamada-kun or Hagakure-kun do?"

The Gambler looked at him in surprise, not expecting him to say that… guess he figured out what happened. Sighing again, she decided to spit her frustration out.

"Oh, it seems like your luck guided you on the right tracks, as expected from your title." she started in her usual demeanor. "And you also had the luck to be late so Kirigiri-san would decide to choose to be with you this morning, and your luck struck also when Fujisaki-kun and you were chosen to be together in this afternoon."

Makoto noticed Celestia's hidden annoyance. "So they really did something stupid, uh?"

"Why, yes. You have no idea." The Gambler's tone was still neutral. "It seems like my luck has started to run dry, as my day began with Hagakure-kun's constant tries to let me see my future for his ridiculous high prices when he knows that I hate wasting my money on such useless concepts. How would you like that?"

"I wouldn't blame you for yelling at him, honestly," Makoto answered while scratching the back of his head. "I've got to admit, Hagakure-kun's antics can be annoying, but I never really yelled at him yet. Probably because I'm not the kind of guy who would lash out like that."

"Yes, that must help." Celestia continued. "Or maybe it's because you forget that his predictions are on a fake crystal ball, which he always get somehow. And this is even more frustrating to know that he spends his time buying this worthless garbage without learning any lessons. Add to all of this his alien and ghost bullcrap, and you get the longing of hanging yourself as fast as possible." The anger in her voice began to be clear in her voice. "So, I'm really happy that YOU can stand this attitude, but I simply CANNOT."

Makoto frowned his eyes slightly. "Okay, that's an… understandable reason why you would be angry like this towards him. But that still doesn't explain why you lashed out at Yamada-kun… even if he can also be annoying."

Here, Celestia had even more trouble to hide her fury. "Oh? Doesn't it suffice for you? Well, perhaps Yamada-kun's bizarre antics with 2D girls would piss you off when you know that he would try to take a pick of any girls each fucking TIMES we go to the public bathroom?! Unless it would be his obsession with anime and fanfictions, which could be tolerated of course, if not for the fact that the subjects of them are completely DISGUSTING and completely INAPPROPRIATE in a school environment!?"

Makoto sweatdropped at this. "I've got the impression of hearing Ishimaru-kun right now…"

"But you want to know what would actually send you over the edge like that?!" The Gambler exclaimed, almost at the verge of exploding. "Certainly the fact that this MORON who stalk you at every possible moment, while you try to AVOID him, would literally HARASS you during all the time you're supposed to be WORKING, just to create a goddamn manga story WITH YOUR TRUE NAME!"

Makoto widened his eyes in shock. "W-what?!" So Hifumi discovered Celestia's true identity, then? And he was going to use it, probably against her wishes.

"Do you understand now, Naegi?!" Now, the Gothic Princess was absolutely furious. And even if it did happen sometimes before that, it still shocked the Luckster. "That nuisance who keep harassing me all the times had the nerve to come right in front of me, just to tell me that he knows my name, and want to EXPOSE IT in his trashy work! Do you think he DESERVES his punishment no-"

"Celes-san."

Said girl stop dead in her tracks as she felt two hands on her own and looked up to her classmate… while giving her a smile. "Okay, I understand why you did it now… but I don't think he meant to offend you in any way. I simply think that he wanted to help you."

That caught her off guard. "W-wha…" She then tried to find an attack. "H-how do you think that putting my name in his otaku nonsense would do any help to me?!"

"Maybe he noticed that you were ashamed of your real name?" Makoto would not back off this easily. "Maybe he wanted to make a story with a situation similar to yours, and maybe he wanted to make the protagonist realize… that her name was not important?"

Another crack on her shield could be seen as her tone began to get darker. "…and what if some people recognized my name? They would use it against me, a-and you know how I hate to be powerless more than anything against those runts."

Makoto chuckled because his guess was correct. Because that was the real reason for her outburst.

She was afraid of her security.

"Celes-san," he muttered with a very soft voice, "I don't know how he manages to discover your real name, but I'm sure he meant no harm like this. Besides, I've told you this before, and I'll say it again: you could be named Ludenberg Celestia or anything else, I would still see a dear friend of mine."

Thankfully for her, he did not see the slight blush on Celes's face.

Yes, he was the only person who knew her true name, Taeko Yasuhiro. After all, he was the only B-rank material in the school.

Well, at the very least, until Hifumi managed to discover her secret. But considering she did not intend to tell him in the first place, that didn't count.

True, he was the one who made her tea most of the times, but Makoto could also do it, and he could do it better.

He wasn't the one she had fun with, despite the fact that she lost sometimes against him due to his talent, which she could usually hate.

Heck, he wasn't the one who taught to have fun in general and with the others to begin with, considering what her talent implied.

And he certainly wasn't the one who earned her trust enough to make her reveal her true name.

Well, it was more of a test, to be honest. She wanted to test Makoto's genuine attitude, and as far as she knew, she addressed herself to the right person.

After all… a person like her deserved the perfect person to be with her. And he earned that right.

Just like she earned someone like him by her side.

She simply hoped that she would go far with someone like Makoto around.

CRASH!

Well, what she was hopeful of was that it would be farther than the cup of tea that cracked itself on the ground.

"Ah, sorry Celes-san!" And that ended their moment, as Makoto kneeled down to pick up the shards left, trying to not cut his hands. "Phew, luckily your dress wasn't stained! Man, I can be such an idiot sometimes!"

The Gambler blinked in surprise before sighing in a happy content. "It's fine Naegi-kun. I believe I was also at fault here." She then closed her eyes. "You truly are a B-rank…"

"Uh?" The Luckster blinked in surprise. "You said something?"

"Not anything important, don't worry." And with that, Celestia stood up as well. "Naegi-kun…"

"Yes?" Makoto turned towards her to see… The Gambler bowing to him. "I believe I have to apology yet again for this… emotional moment."

Makoto couldn't help but chuckle at this. He was glad she learned to open up a little… at least with some people. "I-It's fine Celes-san! It's not like you've done anything to me!" Makoto then looked sheepishly at her. "You still need to apologize to Yamada-kun thought."

She sighed hearing this. "I suppose it can't be helped…" She then eyes the Luckster with a smile. "Do you think I can get him not to reveal my name?"

"Well, I think so-"

"NAEGI-CHI!"

The familiar voice of the Clairvoyant was suddenly heard, much for Celestia's displeasure. "You haven't moved! That's good! Ikusaba-chi sent me to look after you and - uh?"

Yasuhiro stopped dead in his tracks as he noticed Celestia narrowing his eyes… in a deadly manner, which could only mean one thing.

That he was going to get the hell out of here right before that time bomb exploded on his face.

Yasuhiro gulped. He was not going to sleep peacefully tonight.

"I would apologize to you for my behavior, Yamada-kun." Celestia reluctantly apologized to an injured Hifumi at the infirmary. "I shouldn't have lashed out at you just for proposing an idea."

Inside were the two concerned people, with Makoto who was watching the scene in relief. The Clairvoyant was waiting not too far away from the room, still fearing an unexpected outburst… which could always happen when Hifumi would worship her, which she would have appreciated in other circumstances.

And since he did not want to hear any more angry eruptions, he had blocked his ears. That's what Celestia warned him about. This way, she wouldn't have to worry about him.

"Oh, but fear not, Ludenberg Celestia-dono!" The Fanfic Creator answered with an understanding tone. "I completely understand that my initiatives were directed in a wrong way, even though it had good intentions!"

"That's good." The Gambler said. "Next time that you have an idea like that though, I would like you to come to talk to me in a more closed place if that's not asking too much of you."

"Understood, my lady!" Hifumi greeted before he turned towards Makoto and said. "Of course, that means that YOU cannot betray Ludenberg Celestia-dono either, Naegi Makoto-dono!"

The Luckster blinked in surprise. "Uh? Me?"

"Correct!" The fat boy affirmed. "I would not like to see you take advantage of the situation like a coward, even though I do not see you in any negative way! I simply ask you not to do something that would hurt Ludenberg Celestia-dono's feelings!"

The Luckster sweatdropped at this declaration. "O-of course I wouldn't do that, Yamada-kun…"

Well… that was unexpected.

Even if Makoto got used to Hifumi's manners of speech, he had to say, some of his mood swings still left an impression on him.

"Did you really need to say that? You know Naegi-kun wouldn't do something like that."

Everyone's attention turned towards Mukuro, who was now at the entrance, observing everyone, followed by a still frightened Yasuhiro. "Uh, I-I don't think it's a good idea to enter now, Ikusaba-chi…"

"Why not? I'm not a scared cat like you." The Soldier answered with an annoyed tone. "Remember, I was the one who helped you pick up Yamada-kun in the first place. You couldn't even get him out the room. Not to mention, I had to force you to look after them until they arrived."

"I-I was only afraid that Celes-chi would still be mad, you know?!"

"Nevertheless, I thank you for the initiative, Ikusaba-san." Celes addressed Mukuro in a tone as polite as possible. But as their eyes met, their true conversation could be as clear as water:

Celes: Waiting for the perfect moment to strike, uh?

Mukuro: You know it, dear Lolita girl. It's my turn to have time with Naegi-kun now.

Celes: Oh, you can actually be smart, you bitch.

Mukuro: Did you forget I'm a soldier? And if it's any war that I will not back down, it's this one, girly. Just watch me.

"You're welcome, Celes-san." Mukuro answered, hiding the conversation with their eyes very well. "I wouldn't like you guys to be late for the next class. And speaking of which…"

She formed a vice grip on Makoto's right arm, which he noticed immediately by blushing. "I-Ikusaba-san?!"

"Come on Naegi-kun." The Soldier told him, ignoring his embarrassment. "Sensei asked me to bring you to the classroom as soon as possible. Probably because she wanted to talk to you regarding the event."

"R-Really?" He asked, before turning towards the three others, mostly Celestia. "Are you really going to be-"

"Ara ara… I guess it can't be helped then…" The Gambler sighed in a defeated demeanor. "Don't worry about me Naegi-kun. I'll be alright for the moment. You can go see what Sensei want from you."

That displeased Yasuhiro greatly. "W-what about us dude-"

"Alright then. See you in class!" Makoto told them, before turning towards Mukuro. "You lead the way, Ikusaba-san."

"O-of course. Follow me." The Soldier blushed before nodding and leading her crush to their destination, leaving the three others in the infirmary… and one of them seemed relieved for some reason.

"Well, it seems like our dear protagonist has an unexpected mission!" Hifumi said in a happy and proud tone. "As expected from him, everything shall go just fine as always!"

"Maybe so…" Celestia said, then widened her eyes in shock… slowly remembering something. "By the way, Yamada-kun?"

Said boy flinched immediately. "Y-Yes, my lady?"

The Gambler turned towards him, smiling at him… while a dark aura could be seen around her. "What was that comment about Naegi-kun taking advantage of my secret? Need I remind you that YOU were about to do so? I believe I need to educate you once more."

"W-wait, that's not what I meant at all! P-please, let me explain!"

In all this, Yasuhiro ran away, not wanting to get involved into this mess. For him, this was becoming a loooong day… and he only wished for it to end.

"Ah, Naegi-kun! Finally, you're here!"

Katana greeted Makoto with a smile while the latter apologized. "Sorry about this, Sensei! I got some… problems on the way."

"I can imagine. Being the class representative must not be easy for you, but I thank you for what you do." The older woman said, before turning towards Mukuro. "Thanks for bringing him here, Ikusaba."

"Hm, no problem." The Soldier simply answered.

Makoto then asked, "So, what did you wanted to tell me?"

"Well, I just received some orders from the Headmaster himself."

"The Headmaster? He passed here?"

"He just wanted to make a recapitulation about what he saw today." She then smiled at him. "By the way, you have his congratulations again."

That made the Luckster blush and look away. "O-oh, I haven't done anything special Sensei. I-I just did my job, nothing more."

"Naegi-kun, stop. We all know that you've done amazing things for us."

Said boy turned his head in surprise to see Mukuro smiling at him. "I-Ikusaba-san?"

"You've been very helpful for all of us, Naegi-kun," she continued while kept her smile, something that she didn't do often, "even though you don't realize it. So don't try to brush it off like it was nothing."

It was something which touched the Luckster's heart. She became friendlier with people in general. And considering what kind of talk they had together, like family talk, the two were close.

Because in the beginning, she was a very distant person, despite not impolite at all. Coming from a soldier, it would be expected since she has some social difficulties…

But she wouldn't have expected to fall in love with someone on her first day here. With someone like Makoto on top of that. Average at best, yet… that smile… that pure, honest, genuine smile… she had the feeling she couldn't get enough. She felt like… a normal girl. Not a soldier at all.

And someone who was accepted, on top of that.

Maybe other people can call this a childish crush, she thought. But… the feeling in her chest… although it was scary at first, she learned to embrace it.

It didn't please her sister much at the beginning, though. And it still doesn't really please her… but not for the same reasons as back then.

"Do not think that this makes you the Messiah, Naegi. You are just doing your job as you said it yourself, even though I recognize you did a decent job."

And then, the feeling of pleasure was replaced with one of surprise when Makoto turned to Byakuya standing just in front of the door with some of his classmate.

"Man, could you just say something nice for once?!" Shouted an irritated Leon, whose annoyance was shared with Mukuro for having Byakuya interrupting her moment with Makoto.

"B-but, he added a nice comment after that," a hesitating Chihiro tried to help the Affluent Progeny. "S-So maybe he's trying to help him-"

"A-as if he knows w-what help means," interrupted Touko, looking at the rich boy with disgust. "U-unlike Makoto-sama, this j-jerk does not have any heart."

"Well, it's not like he was a complete douchebag here," Aoi continued, "so I guess it's not as bad as usual?"

"He's making efforts on his attitude," Sakura confirmed in her serious tone. "We have at least to admit that."

"You can stop whenever you want…"

Seeing that Byakuya was getting more and more annoyed, Katana decided to intervene, trying to calm everyone. "Now now, everyone. There is no point about having a quarrel now." Then, she addressed herself towards Makoto again. "Ahem. As for your orders, Makoto, the Headmaster decided to have you dedicated to the 77-Bth class tomorrow."

That surprised the Luckster, and it surprised his classmates even more, and beginning with Mukuro, who looked at her teacher shocked. "W-what?! But why?!"

"As their exams are approaching," the teacher explained, "he considered that this event would prepare them for what the school has planned. Not to mention, they like his presence a lot. They must have heard the news by now, and I'm sure that as we speak, they must be celebrating."

"B-but we need him too! He's our classmate, and our class representative!" The Soldier exclaimed all the while tightening her arms around the Luckter's. "Why can't they just do it on their own?!"

Makoto didn't expect this reaction at all, as a blush appeared on his face. "I-Ikusaba-san?!"

But she wasn't the only one who voiced her opinion about the matter.

"Yeah, man! I wanted to show him what kind of music I wanted to play!"

"I-I also wanted to ask him what kind of program I should prepare…"

"I-I need Makoto-sama to inspire me! Without my muse, I-I can't do anything!"

"I also wanted to go with Naegi for some swimming practice! It's not funny when he's not here!"

"I had the same idea for Naegi-kun, except it would be dedicated to martial combat training."

Each student gave their reasons why they did not want this to happen, even though the decision was already taken. Makoto decided to stop them. "Guys! Listen to me!"

And as he said that, everyone stopped and looked at him. He then gave them his trademark smile to them. "You guys, I'm really touched that you would think that I'm so important for you, and I'm sorry that I can't spend more time with you guys, but it can't be helped. The decision was already taken, and if I have to go to help the other classes, I will do it."

"R-really?" A surprised Mukuro said. "B-but Naegi-kun, what will happen if we need you?"

"Then you'll simply work together in order to solve the problem." The ahoge boy simply answered. "You need to count on the others help as well, not only mine. Or else, you will be completely dependent on me, and that's not a good thing at all."

"Well said, Naegi." The Affluent Progeny said with a smirk. "At least you recognize that when the times comes, you have to fulfill your duty, and you also recognize that we don't always need you." He then turned to the others. "All of you, memorizes it. If you don't take his wise words seriously, you'll end up completely useless and ineffective in the future. Like a bunch of children."

The others frowned at him in frustration, but Katana spoke. "They are both right you guys. You can't just force him to be with you all day! He has some duties to accomplish."

The few classmates opted for a disappointed face before most of them complied with a very, small smile on their faces. Mukuro nodded at Makoto and smiled at him. "Alright, Naegi-kun. We'll try to do as you say."

"Good." the Luckster said. "And that goes for everyone else too. Please pass the message around so they can hear it, too."

The friends nodded in agreement before Katana spoke again. "Alright! The rest of the class should arrive soon! Let's clean up the class before they show up, everyone!"

"Right, ma'am!"

Makoto sighed as stared tiredly but happily at the cleaned window. Today was… eventful to say the least. He went to school with Sayaka and the kids, then clean up the meeting room with Kyouko before working with Byakuya and Touko, along with her 'other self'. Then, he had Aoi and Sakura who comforted him about some bothering thoughts of his before doing dodgeball, and ate lunch with Leon, Chihiro, Mondo and Kiyotaka. Finally, he helped Yasuhiro and Hifumi from an outraged Celestia that he comforted, and he received his instructions for tomorrow and was now waiting for his teacher to end the day.

Meanwhile, the other girls were getting impatient. They all had a moment together with the Luckster, which was interrupted by different reasons. And now that they knew that they would not really have another one until at least the event, they decided to walk home with him to try their chances again… and maybe confess their affection for him.

Now then… only one player did not a single move during the day, and this person was no other than Junko. Mukuro knew that her sister had also a crush on Makoto, and knowing how cunning her sister could be, she noted mentally to be aware of her. Finally, Katana said, "Okay everyone, that will be all for today. Class dismissed."

Makoto nodded as he stood up and-

"Naegi/Naegi-kun/Makoto-sama!"

Some people called out making the Luckster flinch in surprise. He looked around to see most of the girls around him looking at themselves, and once again, their eyes spoke:

Sayaka: Hey, I asked him first!

Kyouko: Nu-uh! I was here first!

Aoi: Oh hell no girlfriend!

Touko: D-don't stand in m-my way!

Sakura: I'm sorry to say this but I believe it was me who asked first.

Celestia: I prefer to warn you girls now, this is my win, so BACK OFF!

"…?" Makoto noticed the six girls staring at themselves intensely before he felt a gentle hand on his left shoulder. He turned around to see Junko smiling down at him while the girls looked at her.

"Naegi-kun? I think the kids' class is going to be finished soon. Do you want to wait for them together?"

Happy to see the Fashionista getting more sociable, Makoto quickly nodded with a smile. "Sure! Thanks, Enoshima-san!" He then turned to the girls and said, "I'll see you guys during the events, good luck with the organization!" He then bowed and left the classroom with Junko, with the latter tilting her head back to give the other girls a smug face.

Junko: Looks like I won this round, you girls. See you around, toodles~.

The six other girls: OH THAT SNEAKY BITCH!

In all this, the boys stared at Makoto and Junko walking in the corridor together, with Leon sighing. "Man, it's always the lucky one who gets all the attention. I wish it was me there."

"Uh, dude," Mondo said, "you do realize luck is Naegi's talent, right? I mean, sure, it sucks for us, but it ain't like we can do anythin' 'bout it."

"But you cannot deny the fact that Naegi-Makoto-dono's luck with the opposite gender is spectacular!" Hifumi boasted proudly. "It really seemed like an anime where the protagonist unknowingly ends up having a harem!"

That comment obviously pissed off the male students, but Kiyotaka was the first one to tell him off about this. "Classmate Yamada! You should know that harems are not allowed in a school environment!"

"Uum… guys?"

Kiyotaka turned around to ask, "Uh? What's wrong, classmate Fujisaki?"

"Has anybody saw Ikusaba-san? I haven't seen her in the classroom, but she's not in the corridors either."

Then, a chuckle was heard. Mondo asked. "Oi, the hell you're laughin' at, shaman freak?"

Yasuhiro only answered, "I don't need to use my talent to know that something is gonna go out of hands."

The clock just outside the door showed 16.45 pm. Right now, Makoto and Junko were waiting near the Elementary School Division for the five siblings of the Luckster.

Junko grinned as her plan was already in motion as she asked Makoto, "Hey Naegi-kun, how are things going with the kids?"

"Well, pretty sweet actually!" he answered with a smile. "At least I think so."

That did not get unnoticed by Junko. "You only think so?"

"W-well," as the Luckster began, "I'm not sure if I'm being a good big brother. I mean, sure I take care of them, but…" he then lowered his head sadly. "I'm not that sure if I'm doing a good job. They've been through so much… I just hope I brighten up their lives, even if it's just a little."

The Fashionista laughed at that. "Oh, come on now, don't be ridiculous! You don't even know how good you are for those kids! They keep calling you their saviors, for crying out loud!"

Makoto chuckled at this. "I-I guess you're right. I just have my little worries, you know…"

"Well, you shouldn't worry about that." Junko then began to approach him. "Because I don't think that you could do more to us than being just you."

The Luckster noticed that she was up to something and blushed. "E-Enoshima-san?!"

"You're amazing in your own way, Naegi-kun." She then pressed her chest against his making him blush even more. "And I'm sure that I'm not the only one who believes that."

"I told him that just a few moments ago, Junko."

"GAAAAH?!" Junko yelled in surprise. "Mukuro, what the hell are you doing here?!"

The Soldier was indeed here, watching the scene with a displeased face. "I was simply following you two to wait for the kids so we could walk home together, and here I am finding you flirting with him."

Makoto decided to get off Junko as he tried to defend himself. "I-Ikusaba-san, that's not it at all. I'm sure that-"

"Hey! That's so mean of you, Mukuro-nee!" Junko complained with a pout on her face. "You just interrupted something really important! What have I done to deserve to be treated like this?!"

"Being you, Junko-chan. Nothing more, nothing less."

That caused the twins to enter an argument with Junko's mood switching. "Mukuro-nee is just a big meanie!" she said in her cute persona, pointing a finger towards her sister. "Don't you know that bad children are punished for not treating their sweet little sister rightly?!"

"And don't you know that kids who take advantage of their beloved older sister must also be punished?"

"That logic is total bullshit!" shouted a Junko who switched to her rock star personality. "I'm perfect, so why the fuck should I apologize to a prototype, uh?!"

"Maybe because without the prototype, you wouldn't have existed?"

This time, Junko was shocked... or at least, she looked like it. Makoto could only sweatdrop as he watched the scene when suddenly-

"Waaaaaa!" the Fashionista cried as she grabbed the Luckster's head and pulled it between her breasts. "Naegi-kun, Mukuro-nee is being mean again! Please help meeeeee!"

Mukuro gasped softly, and Makoto's blush only grew brighter after that, which made Junko grin to herself. "E-Enoshima-san?!"

"H-Hey!" the Soldier protested while blushing of jealousy. "What do you think you're doing?!"

"I'm taking Naegi-kun for me!" the younger sister replied with a little smirk. "Since he's nice to me and you're not, I'm taking him for myself and my only!"

"Oh no you don't, missy!" Mukuro snatched Makoto out of her sister's grasp… only to put his head in the same position.

Which of course did not help the Luckster's red face. "I-Ikusaba-san! N-not you too!"

But the Soldier completely ignored Makoto's pleas. "Don't worry Naegi-kun. Even if mines aren't as big as Junko-chan, I'm sure you'll find it quite comfortable."

"Oh yeah?!" An enraged Junko took back Makoto's head and replaced it in its initial situation. "Then he'll find mine both comfortable AND soft!"

And thus began one of the greatest war between the two sisters: claiming Makoto's head for their chests. Each time a pair of hand grabbed his head or neck, the Luckster could only feel pain, so much that he couldn't even enjoy what he was experimenting. "Y-you girls..." he pleaded in vain as he felt he would soon pass out.

"Enoshima-onii? Ikusaba-onii? What are you two doing with Naegi-onii?"

The two sisters stopped and released Makoto, as they looked around to see five kids staring directly at them, with one of them smiling at them. "Naegi-onii, I didn't think that they liked you this much! That makes Monaca so happy!"

This made the two sisters blush as the other kids joined in, with Masaru being the first one, laughing out loud because of the situation. "Ah! You sure know how to have the girls giving you attention, Nii-san!"

"I-I would like some attention, too!" Jataro complained. "E-even though it would be from Onii-san… I'm not good with girls like him."

Nagisa advanced toward the girls and asked, "What are you doing here? Obviously, it isn't only for waiting for us."

The girls were a little surprised by this, but Kotoko arrived to the rescue. "Nagisa-kun! You don't want me to kick you again, do you?! They just wanted to talk with Makoto-onii, that's all!"

In all this chaos, Makoto managed to get up and calm himself down. He then said, "She's right Nagisa. Try not to be impolite with my friends okay?"

Nagisa turned his head blushing. "I was simply asking."

"Actually Naegi-kun…" Junko spoke. "Kotoko is right. We both wanted to thank you."

"Uh?" The Luckster turned his head to see both of the girls… smiling at him. Junko started.

"As we've said before, you maybe don't realize it Naegi-kun, but… you are really important for both of us. You helped us resolves our problems without any hesitation, and you made us realize what was important in life."

Mukuro continued. "You know, it's been one year and half we're together in this academy. We shared so much together during all this time, and we've met so many people: our classmates, for example… but it's only now that we can really say that we are truly friends. Because you made us realize that our way of thinking was wrong. So in short, you are our savior. And I am not exaggerating."

Makoto was completely taken aback. Such warm words coming from two of his closest friends… he couldn't help but blush. And the chock didn't stop when the two girls came and hugged him by both sides, as Junko said those words to him. "And that's our way to thank you. By promising you that no matter what will happen, we'll always be at your side." The sisters conclude by both saying at the same time, "Thank you… Naegi-kun."

Makoto could not believe what he heard. The warmness he felt… it was indescribable. He hugged the twins back as he said. "I-I… I don't know what to say, you girls."

"Then don't say anything." the Fashionista answered. "Sometimes, words can't describe how you feel… but actions do. And I believe this action is the best thing we've done so far."

"I feel the same way." the Soldier concurred. "It's as if we're reborn on the same level now, all thanks to you."

"Y-you really don't need to thank me…" the Lukster said, not able to think about what else to say.

But Monaca did. "Aaaw, you're even closer from Monaca now!" she said while smiling.

"That's too cute to handle!" Kotoko squealed with happiness, before turning to Nagisa. "See Nagisa-kun? Stop doubting about Makoto-onii's friends already!"

While everyone else was laughing at the comment, Junko remembered her time with Makoto at the beginning of the year, and was pleased that her current relationship with him was… much safer than back then.

Why, do you ask? Simple: because he was filled with hope… and God knew how much she hated this. Because for her, hope was harmony. A just heart, moving toward the light. Nothing more, nothing less.

It was the exact opposite of the despair she loved so much. For her, despair was messy and confusing. It swallowed up love, hatred, and everything else. Because not knowing where you will end up was despair. Despair was what you cannot predict. Only despair's unpredictability could save you from a boring future.

That was to be expected. Since she was born, she could predict how things were turning out. That's how she gained her true talent, the Ultimate Analyst… and it bored her to the point she wished she had never been born. Only the sensation of despair could save her, no matter who felt it… even if it was her.

But unlike everyone else in her class, Makoto was the only who she couldn't read him, even with talent. Which was even more frustrating when she saw him with the same genuine smile on his cute face… that only wanted her to mortal kombat finish him! She wanted to twist that smile into one cracked of despair!

So she planned to do something. She wanted to make Makoto realize that she couldn't befriend her. Simply because he was not like him. And also because she was getting tired of all this hopeful crap of his.

So in order to do that, she wanted to set pranks, then blame Makoto for it, in the hope (note the irony here) of him hating her in return and giving her the despair of not having any friends! Just like she did with the others, who were now avoiding her.

Besides, her plans about bringing the world into no-ending despair were waiting! She had to finish her first year with something big before passing to action!

That was her original plan… and she remembered how it backfired on her.

And looking back… she couldn't be happier with this fact.

Because, the way she felt now… she wouldn't have it any other way.

"And you're saying you did this on your own, Naegi-kun?"

"No-"

"I did. I just… wanted to try something different for a change, Kirigiri-kouchou. I didn't think it would hurt people. And neither did Enoshima-san. That's why I'm taking the blame here."

She couldn't believe it.

And it didn't please her at all.

Why was this little idiot trying to defend her?! She manipulated him into thinking they were going to help the teachers, despite him knowing her tendency about getting in trouble. And she blamed him!

That's why they were in the Headmaster's office in the first place!

So why?! Why was he not discarding their friendship?!

"Phew… about time someone understood that girl…"

And why did the Headmaster sounded so happy about it?!

"Alright, Naegi-kun." Jin stood up from his desk. "Since it's your first time, and since we're at the end of the year, I'll let you off the hook this time with Enoshima-san. But don't do this kind of thing again, okay?"

"I-I won't, sir…"

"Good. You're dismissed."

So that was it? She went through all of the trouble to plan this out… just to backfire like that?!

Normally, she wouldn't have been bothered by this too much. The despair of defeat could satisfy her in a sense, although not for long.

But this time?

She felt nothing.

And this was the worst kind of despair she could experience.

"Hey, Enoshima-san? Are you okay?"

Oh… of course he would notice that something was wrong with her. "Oh… yeah. I'm fine."

"O-oh… well, let's get out, okay? I think we need to talk."

Oh, yes. They had to talk.

She had to know why.

He's been acting like this since the beginning. So helpful, so nice… so hopeful.

That way, she could find a way to crush it!

And to think she'll have to wait for her big plans for… THAT.

"Sure, sure…" she grumbled. Both of them then exited the room-

"Naegi-kun! Are you alright?!"

"We-we've heard that the Headmaster wanted to see you! A-are you in trouble?"

"Classmate Naegi, I hope you have an explanation for all of this!"

"And we would like to know what Enoshima-san has to do with this as well."

Only to be assaulted right when they closed the door.

Giving names, Sayaka, Chihiro, Kiyotaka and Sakura were the one who asked Makoto what this meeting was about, looking worried about their class representative. They didn't seem to pay that much attention to her, anyway.

Or they do, but only to put the blame on her afterward.

Wait… that was it! It was her chance to put the class against her for good! That way, the plan would still work-

"Ah, don't worry, you guys! We just had a little discussion with Kirigiri-kouchou and Enoshima-san, nothing to worry about, guys!"

Oh no. Here he goes again.

"You sure, Naegi?" Leon questioned, looking at the Fashionista with a questionable look. "'cause you know how this chick works, ya know."

"I'm pretty sure she tricked ya, pal." Mondo growled a little. "Comin' from her, that wouldn't surprise me."

"That would be indeed a logic scenario." Celes added, also giving Junko a suspicious glare. "And a boring one as well, if I were to be honest."

Junko, of course, took offense of that. "Hey! I'll let you know, my plans are-"

"Don't worry, you guys! I asked her to help me with a project of mine, but… well, it backfired on me, simply put!"

Oh hell no.

Everyone looked at him in a curious way, Hiro speaking for them. "Wait, you mean you did something, Naegi-chi? What was that?"

"Well-"

"It was something to do with the whole class, right Naegi-kun? You wanted to surprise everyone so we could end the first year happily, right?"

This time, the attention shifted on Mukuro, and everyone was surprised by what she said.

Especially Junko, who could only stare at her, mouth half-opened in a stunned trance.

And a glance which clearly meant 'What the fuck, Mukuro?!'

"Really, Naegi?" Aoi asked. "But… why choose Enoshima-san of all people?"

"That is quite the interesting choice indeed!" Hifumi added. "Enoshima Junko-dono is not the most… appropriate partner to get along with, to be honest!"

"W-why choose her, Makoto-sama?!" Touko shouted, clearly looking astonished by Makoto's choice. "I-I could have helped you better than this b-bimbo could ever have!"

"HEY!"

"Well, I think it's because… she missed many things with everyone else here."

"Uh?"

Oh please NO.

"I noticed that she was a little alone lately," Makoto began his explanation. "So I thought why not remind us that she was a part of our class, you know?"

"I'm sorry, Naegi-kun." Mukuro spoke again. "I was the one who asked to help me in the first place. I didn't expect you would end up in this kind of situation, and I should have."

what?

"Oh, no problem Ikusaba-san! I'm just glad no one got hurt in the end!"

Was Mukuro… betraying her?

Was she fucking serious right now?!

"Well, regardless, you little surprise plan failed." Byakuya scoffed, before turning away. "Thank you for wasting my time."

Everyone gave him a glare, before Kyouko turned back towards Makoto. "Anyway, we understand, Naegi-kun. If you say nothing bad happened, then there is no reason not to believe you."

No. This was NOT happening. NO!

"Don't worry, guys. I appreciate the worry, but everything is fine."

"Very well. I shall report this to Ochitsuite-sensei. She's also been worried about you." She then turned towards everyone. "Now that we've seen what was going on, I think it is time for us to go to our own rooms. We will have to prepare ourselves for the final days of the first year. We have a lot of work ahead of us."

And so, she left, slowly followed by everyone else, with some giving the Fashionista a glare before going…

Especially the girls.

In the end, only remained Makoto, Junko and Mukuro, who approached both of them and said, "I'm going home now, Naegi-kun. I'll let you and Junko have your little talk."

Junko then looked at her incredulously, mentally screaming, 'Don't you dare, you little-"

"Right. Good evening Ikusaba-san."

"You too."

She dared.

Junko could only stare at her sister in fury. She dared to leave her to bite the dust?!

then again, she should have seen this coming.

After all, Mukuro liked to spend time with him, so of course he would have time to tell her things that would lead to this.

She was so going to pay for that.

"So, Enoshima-san… I think we have some things to talk about."

Ah… but before that, she did had to take care of HIM first, that was true.

"Why?"

"Uh?"

"Why… did you do it?"

"Isn't it obvious? Because we're friends-"

"You mean friends usually manipulate other's sisters?" Junko scoffed annoyed. "Yeah, right. If that's your vision of things, I'll pass, thank you."

"That's not it and you know it." Makoto responded, looking serious. "I don't like seeing you in trouble. The time when you do so and lose friendship… I honestly wish I could help."

Junko snorted and crossed her arms. "Huh! You just don't understand."

"While I don't, I still don't like it. Especially since you seem to enjoy inflicting yourself such pain. I would even think that you set yourself up on purpose!"

Ah… so he noticed. Not as idiotic as he seemed.

A crown popped on her head as she entered her royalty persona and declared, "If you really cared about me, then you would let me be."

"Really? I don't think so, Enoshima-san." Makoto was not startled by her change of mood in the slightest, surprisingly enough. "Because you still inflict despair to others. And this… this is never a good thing."

"Hmph!" She huffed, staring at him intensely. "Like I said, if you cared like you said, then you would leave me be. Just like that hopeless sister of mine!"

"First off, don't insult your sister, it's rude." The Luckster was not backing down from this. "Secondly, what do you find in despair? Why do you like to inflict despair to others and to yourself so much?"

So he was going into it until the very end, uh? Very well. Might as well give him the motivation.

"Despair… I an emotion that I enjoy." She said, while talking with her normal voice, all the while approaching her face towards Makoto's so he would see her eyes, which were creating a spiral of pure madness, which intimidated him a little. "For me, despair is not just a goal, a set of principles, a lifestyle, or even an instinct… it's simply what defines me as Enoshima Junko, the Ultimate Despair! It is my characterization! A chaotic and unpredictable girl that will not die with a boring future!"

"But…" Makoto protested. Within, Junko was already seething in rage. What the fuck was this kid's problem?! What a pushover-

"I prefer to see Enoshima Junko as herself."

"EEEEEEEEEK?!" Junko released a high pitched scream before shutting her mouth with her right hand, her face completely red. "W… what's wrong with you, saying things out of the blue like that?!"

Makoto was himself surprised at the reaction. "W-what? What I meant was, I prefer seeing you being you!"

"AAAIIIIEEE?!" She screamed again at those misleading words-

Wait… misleading? Misleading?!

"W-well…" Makoto started embarrassedly. "I-I didn't mean anything like that when I said that. But… I really meant it. Even though I like your colorful personality in a sense…"

What?!

"I prefer to see Enoshima Junko as herself. I don't want to see another personified version of you, nor do I want to see the Ultimate Despair… but I want to see you as yourself."

WHAT?!

No reaction from the Fashionista was made when the words left his mouth. And Makoto wouldn't lie if he said he wasn't scarred by this silence.

So he decided to break it. "E-Ensohima-sa-"

"GAAAAAAAAH?!"

And he shouldn't have.

"A…are you out of your goddamn mind?!" Junko yelled, looking so furious and… confused. "W-who are you to say things like that in front of me, as if you knew me better than anyone else?!"

"B-but-"

"SHUT UP! Stay away from me, and don't try to talk to me ever again, you weirdo! WEIRDO!"

And with that, she ran away, leaving a very confused Luckster, who could only sigh at what just happened. "Ah… I guess I overdid it, uh?"

"What's going on here?!"

Uh?" The Luckster looked at Jin who opened his door. "I've heard some squeals. Did you… did you say something to make Enoshima like that?"

"U-uh, well… that's a pretty long story, sir."

Fortunately, Junko did not see or hear that, nor did she care.

She could not believe what happened.

How dare this little runt humiliate her in front of everyone like that?!

And the fact that there was no one did not change anything! Everyone must have heard that for sure!

And what kind of bullcrap was that?! He being herself?! Was he a goddamn moron?!

But most of all…

WHY WAS HER HEART BEATING LIKE THIS?!

She hated this feeling! She hated this so much! She was a pure mess of emotions right now, and that… that was maybe chaotic in a sense, but that was so not Enoshima Junko material!

And it was all HIS fault!

She wanted him to hate her as she despised him, but in the end, she's the one who had a burning hatred towards the Luckster now!

'I swear, if this little punk shows up in front of me again, I'll REALLY mortal kombat finish him! Or better yet, fin a weapon to atomize this little bastard to oblivion! I never want to see that fucking hopeful face of his EVER!'

Those were her thoughts as she ran home.

But what she didn't know… was what was going to happen next.

The beginning of a new chapter of her life.

"Why is Mukuro taking so long, damn it?! It's not like searching food for me is that hard for the Ultimate Soldier! Shit, she's even more useless than I thought!"

Junko's ranting echoed as she was currently hiding in her bedroom at home, waiting for her sister to come and bring her the food she asked.

It couldn't be helped. It's been three days since… THAT happened. She couldn't control her feeling anymore, because of this… THIS guy.

And it freaked her out.

Playing impatiently with her twin tails, Makoto's words were still resonating in the Fashionista's head.

"I prefer to see Enoshima Junko as herself. I don't want to see another personified version of you, nor do I want to see the Ultimate Despair… but I want to see you as yourself."

Seeing Enoshima Junko… as herself? What did he mean by that?

"What a load of BULLSHIT!" she boasted with a proud tone. "The true Enoshima Junko loves despair! Heck, it's what's define her! It's what defines ME! Why the hell would I even listen to such crap like that? And coming from HIM?!"

Then… why did her heart react like that when he told her this? Why was it… pounding like that? As she tried to no avail the answer to this painful question-

DRING!

"Sorry, Junko. I had some problems on the way back home."

Ah… finally, dinner is served. Well, at least she didn't get lost again… but still…

"Oh, finally you're here!" she shouted, not leaving her spot. "What the fuck took you so long?! You're not here to watch butterflies, you useless trash bag! You're here to-"

Wait.

If Mukuro was here now… and if she was heading towards her room… then…

Why was there so many footsteps heading towards it?

"Mukuro? Who the hell is here?!"

No sound was heard in some seconds. Then…

"*sigh*… I told you, she's not in a good mood. I'll have to restrain her if you want here to listen to you."

"No problem. I was expecting it anyway. Just don't be too hard on her."

"I'll try."

No.

NO.

NO NO NO NO NO NO!

The door opened. Mukuro showed up and said, "Alright Junko, it's time to-"

FWOUSH!

She easily dodged a teddy bear, which was thrown by none other than Junko… and she was not happy at all. No. She was PISSED.

"HOW DARE YOU!" she yelled endlessly. "HOW DARE YOU COME BACK WITH HIM?!"

At that mention, a certain Luckster appeared at the side of the door. "H-Hello Enoshima-sa-"

"SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UUUUUP! I won't listen to anything you DUMBASS will say!" the Fashionista hysterically yelled and tried to open the window… before she felt a powerful grip restrain her.

"Wha-?"

"Sorry Junko, you're not getting away on this one."

"So that's how it his, uh?!" she said with venom in her voice. "You prefer to betray your own sister for some random moron?! I always knew you were nothing more but a failure, but you surpass yourself you WORTHLESS BAGGA-"

FCHTAK!

A single action made Junko stop her shootings, as well as making Makoto gasp in shock.

"I don't care about what you think of me any longer, Junko!" The Soldier shouted, clearly angry because of the situation. "You've put yourself in this mess three days ago, and it's more than enough for you, and for me as well!"

Junko frowned even more. "Well, it's not enough until I say-"

FCHTAK!

Once more, the sister did something that Junko would have never expected Mukuro to do: slapping her own sister… and talking back to her.

"YES IT IS JUNKO!" she continued with a more frustrated tone. "You've done nothing more but hurting yourself AND others in your crazy-despaired trance, ME INCLUDED! And now that your classmate, your friend, and also MY FRIEND tried to talk things with you, you behave like a five-year-old kid for something that you don't understand and something that could help, and you trap yourself in a bubble that you don't need and that hurts you even more. And I'm more than ENOUGH of all that! So now you will listen to what he has to say UNTIL THE VERY END! IS THAT CLEAR?!"

The Fashionista could not believe what was going on. Her own sister, the muscles of the duo, the one who obeys to her under any circumstances… rebelled against her own sister, and went as far as landing a hand on her by her own accord.

Well… not fully by her own accord.

"Well done, Naegi…"

"Uh?"

The Luckster looked at Junko to see her looking… dangerously at him. "So messing with my mind was not enough for you? You also corrupted my sister's mind so you could both crush me?"

Before Mukuro could slap her sister again, Makoto stopped her arm, signaling her that he had control over the situation. He then said to Junko in a determined manner, "I'm not corrupting anyone here, Enoshima-san. I simply had a talk with Ikusaba-san, and she simply agreed with what I told her."

"You mean to tell me that a simple talk made her against me like that?!" she yelled in response, the tone quickly becoming aggressive again. "Oh, I'm curious about what you could have told her: that I was crazy, maybe? Or that I'm nothing more but trash?!"

The Luckster shook his head in denial. "I said that you need help from us. As your sister has said, your behavior is unhealthy, for both you and those around you. You need to stop that before it becomes too late for anyone."

Oh now that was it.

"Help?"

And it was a point of no return.

"HELP?!"

Junko never entered into a rage so intense before. Normally, the pain she was feeling in her heart would have been enjoyable for her, but in this case… that bastard just went too far. He pushed a button that should have never been touched in the first place... and he was going to pay for that.

"I've been ALONE during practically all of my life, besides for that traitorous sister of mine who's only good at fighting! Oh, and may I add," she then turned towards the Soldier, "A SISTER THAT ABANDONED ME FOR JOINING SOME MURDEROUS, MILITARY ORGANISATION WITHOUT TELLING ME ANYTHING!"

That, of course, hurt Mukuro at the bottom of her heart, as she bowed her head in shame as the painful memories went back in her mind.

Having the results that she wanted, Junko switched back her attention to the intruder. "And then, YOU came along in my life, and instead of accepting who I am, you destroy my mind by refuting who I am, the True Ultimate Despair - which is I remind you, the very essence of what I am - by telling me, let me rephrase it for you: 'I want to see Enoshima Junko as herself!' Are you implying that I don't even know who I am?! You, a perfect average boy who only got accepted at the same place I was enrolled into by luck and who knows NOTHING about what SHIT life can be, know me better than I even do?! Then answer this, Naegi Makoto, Ultimate Luckster, how can someone of your pathetic rank possibly help me, uh?! What the fuck makes you think that you could help me, Enoshima Junko, the True Ultimate Despair?! WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ME?!"

"A sense of yearning."

Uh?

"When we first met… I could see it. In both of your eyes. The sense of yearning that was hidden deep in both of your hearts."

Those words… were the words that put an instant stop to Junko's wrath and Mukuro's grip. As the sisters eyed the Luckster in disbelief and curiosity, he began his speech with determination on his face.

"When we first met at the Academy and you presented yourself to me… I could see it. The sense of yearning that was hiding in your eyes behind the facade you created yourselves." Makoto turned toward the Fashionista. "You Enoshima-san… you were the most evident for me. When you're switching between personalities like this, or even when you cause trouble… you always have that hope… that someone will understand you and… pull you out of that despair crazed trance." He then turned to the Soldier. "And as for you, Ikusaba-san, it's pretty much the same. You looked like you were a cold and merciless soldier. But behind that mask… I saw that you wanted to be considered as a normal girl… with a normal life. The only thing that stopped you was yourself because you didn't you knew how to do it and felt like even if you tried, it wouldn't work. Because on the inside… you feared that the only thing you would receive from anyone… would be orders."

The twins were simply astonished, not able to say or do anything. How did he manage to read them so… easily and so soon? Mukuro knew that Makoto was intelligent, but she never expected him to be such an analyst. Junko, on the other hand, was the one who was truly surprised. She was supposed to be the Ultimate Analyst, and yet HE was the one who saw through her, while she could not predict ANYTHING about this boy… and for some reason… she began to like it.

Makoto didn't stop. "I understand your way of thinking and the reasons that make you think like that… but I believe that you've got that wrong. Enoshima-san, your colorful personality is something amazing for me, because I learned to love it. And you Ikusaba-san, are a loyal friend who would do anything for those you care and love, which is something that I admire. Both of you has been through so much pain and loneliness that you've put yourself into a riot and you think there's no way out. But I want to tell you: stop thinking so low of yourself. Because…" He then gave them his most beautiful smile.

"I would love to see you as Enoshima Junko and Ikusaba Mukuro, the amazing persons that deserve to be accepted."

At those words, the girls didn't react immediately. Then… the Fashionista started to cry. In an uncontrollable manner, she cried as she felt the Luckster hug her in a tender and understanding manner… something that she returned immediately with all he might. The tears just wouldn't stop… and she didn't want to. And she didn't want to reject her sister who joined by Makoto who gave her a hand, which she gladly accepted in her tears. Here they were, the untouchable Fashionista and the undefeatable Soldier, crying in the shoulders of the one that Junko tried to bring down.

RIIIIING!

Makoto felt a vibration in his pocket. He looked at the two girls who did not let go of him, forcing him to take his call while trapped in the hug.

"Yeah, Komaru? What is it?"

The girls stopped for a few seconds, eyeing the Luckster in fear. Komaru… that was the name of his sister right?

"Yeah, I'm with some friends right now, sorry for worrying you. They needed me for some… personal stuff, let's say."

So that was it, uh? Of course his sister would be worried about him not coming home like he always does. And of course he'll have to come back to them-

"Oh yeah, about that. I think I'm gonna pass the night with them. You know, for having a good time and all."

What?

Did he just… decided to stay with them by himself?

"Don't worry, those are people that you can trust! Everything is going to be just fine!"

And… did he just say to his own sister that… they were worthy of trust and affection? Even after everything they've done to him?!

"Okay then. See you tomorrow Komaru! Tell Otoo-san and Okaa-san good night for me then!"

After ending his call, Makoto returned the hug completely. "I'm not going anywhere, you girls."

The sisters could only sob even more as their hug went tighter. All they could muster in their sobs was "Thank you."

Something that Makoto answered with a smile yet again. "Anything for dear friends of mine."

Time skipped to nighttime, and Makoto was now asleep on the sofa. The evening was eventful: he learned various things about the sisters, he taught them how to behave like sisters, and the most important thing of all… he helped them to identify themselves. What their true identities were… and where did they belonged.

Near him, Junko and Mukuro were watching him, happy to see that their friendship could really start there… Junko remembered something. "Hey, Mukuro-nii?"

"Yes?"

The youngest turned her head towards her sister… and bowed to her. "I-I… I'm sorry for the things I've told you today. I guess I overdid it. A-and also for the other time too…"

Mukuro was really surprised at this, for this was the first time she would apologize for something. She then looked at the side and said, "Yeah… and I'm sorry for hitting you like that. I know that I shouldn't have done that."

"It's okay, I think I… deserved it in some way. I guess I'll have to make some efforts regarding my attitude…"

"I-I wouldn't say no to that…"

"But remember, Mukuro-nii: I'll be the one who will steal Makoto's heart in the end!"

"W-what?!"

"You've heard me well, mortal!" Junko declared proudly, but not too loudly, as a crown appeared on her head. "For this night, I will give you the grace of sharing my moment with my beloved! But starting from tomorrow, I will declare war to you and anybody else that will try to interfere with him and me! Do you understand your situation?!"

Mukuro blinked again, before smirking. "This is how it is, uh? Well, guess what, your Majesty? This soldier has been through different battlefields before, and she has never been hurt before! So if you're ready to a challenge, count me in, because I'm not backing off this war!"

"Very well, mortal!" The Fashionista declared. "But do you think you have any chance against me? The Ultimate Analyst and future Queen Naegi?!"

"You bet I can!"

"Girls… please don't fight again…"

That small whimper was enough for both girls to stop their little warning before turning their attention to the sleepy Luckster. He probably didn't hear the whole 'conquering his heart' thing because he just woke up a little, so his hair was little of a mess, and his eyes were just a little opened… it was a cute sight for the sisters.

As they smiled, they turned to see each other again, and they nodded in agreement… before approaching.

"Don't worry Naegi-kun." Junko began. "That kind of thing will not happen again, we can assure you this."

"Exactly." Mukuro continued. "You've done so much for both of us, there's no way we're gonna let those efforts go to waste."

Somehow, Makoto heard it all and chuckled before slowly falling asleep again. "I'm glad…"

And then, in order to send their love in the world of dreams, they both went at each side of him-

CHU!

And kissed him on the cheeks.

"Thank you… Naegi-kun."

As the memory faded in her brain, Junko could feel the feeling in her chest return, except this time… she didn't reject it. Quite the contrary, she accepted it, because she finally knew what it was meaning.

She was in love… with Makoto Naegi. Her opposite… and also her equal. The one who accepted her and her sister. Who understood them… and she was sure of it… who would accept her love for him.

He gave her hope. True hope. He saved her from her crazy despair trance, and he now considered her as a dear friend of him… and she couldn't wait to take the next step.

"Oi oi, Nii-san! Can we please go home? I'm starting to get hungry now!"

The shouting of Masaru complaining brought her back into reality, as Makoto said, "Y-yeah, Masaru. We were just about to go home anyway." He turned towards his friends and asked, "Right girls?"

Junko was the first one to recover as she smirked and looked down at the Lil' P.E.. "Oh, of course, Naegi-kun. We wouldn't like to disturb his majesty appetite, would we?"

That caused the young boy to blush a little, while Jataro just laughed a little. "Foot in the mouth, Masaru-kun. Don't you know that girls like to be taken care of? Especially when they are nice."

"Precisely, Jataro." Mukuro chuckled and took his left hand before turning to Makoto. "You lead the way Naegi-kun."

"Sure!" And with that, he took Monaca's wheelchair, and the group headed towards their homes, in the yellow sunlight…

And in the hope of a future as beautiful as the sunset.

There. Done.

I'm quite glad about how it ended. Because it's the first time I have to really have to explore the characters' personalities... so yeah.

And plus, when I look back… I think I really should have considered Jibster's advice when he reviewed. He said I didn't have to copy what he did in order to make it work. He said I needed to make my own thing… and I think I get it now. Well, I still need to inspire myself from others, but hey, I'm still a fucking copycat. Give me a break! XD

So, in order to really give a homage to Jibster's story, I will respect his wish… by giving Junko her own reason in my story. And what I believe would truly happen in canon if given the chance. Well, it is still greatly inspired by what Jibster did, but it's still something that would go legit for me. If you happen to pass by again… thank you for what you did for me, Jibster. Not just for the advice, but for inspiring me to do this in the first place. You have my eternal gratitude for this. Really, I mean it.

[1] You saw that, right? Well, this is the way we address the Headmaster in Japan. Yup. That was the knowledge moment.

Anyway, next chapter will be focused on the SDR2 cast. Ryouta will take Hajime's place because he's the one who is attending the same classes as the rest of the guys. Logic. But Hajime will have his chapter. Just saying.

Hope you enjoyed, and see you next time!

Pupla out.