This chapter was revised, improved, and added on to give more context.
Hope's Peak Academy
5:30 P.M
Reserve Course Building, Music Room
Riki's POV
Me and Kirigiri-san have been searching the music room for any clues. Seems like she already found numerous clues already. I guess that's the power of the Ultimate Detective for you. Just as I was about to give up searching clues and leave the rest to her, I found something that struck me as odd.
"Hey, could you check this out?" She came to me and took a look at it. What I had picked up was a picture of a broken vase in the music room. Now that I think about it, there was a vase that broke in here. I thought it was the window that broke; well, it did, but that must have happened earlier. Then I started sweating and getting worried because I only knew one person that could have taken a picture like this...
...
...
Mahiru... what were you planning to do with this? I must have look pale or bad, because Kyoko immediately pressured me. Should I tell her, or keep it a secret? If I tell her, there's no doubt Mahiru will get involved, and I don't want that to happen. But if I keep it a secret, I break the trust of Kyoko and Jin and face major consequences. Damn it! What do I do?
"Aiuchi-kun, if you know anything or whoever took this picture, you need to tell me right now. If I have to find out later, I won't hesitate to have you suspended for withholding information. Tell me."
...
...
Sorry, I didn't have a choice. I just hope nothing bad happens.
"Alright, you win Kyoko. Are you always this persistent? That's a great trait you have." It seemed to make her blush a bit, although I could tell she was still looking serious.
"T-Thank you. It's an important trait to have being a detective and all. Now, tell me what you know." Well, here we go. No turning back.
"I'm pretty sure you are aware of the events that happened here a few days ago, correct?"
"Yes, the incident between Sato, Mahiru's best friend, and Natsumi, Fuyuhiko's sister."
"Well, I was also involved. Sato was about to kill her when I stepped in and took all of the hits for them." I showed her my bandages as proof of that.
"Yes, I know that as well. Are you still okay by the way?"
"Yeah, it took a little while to heal, but I'm good. Thanks for asking. To continue on, after that, she was about to nail the final blow when Mahiru and other people had stepped in and stopped her from going any further. But just before I passed out, I had heard a flash. I didn't know what it was at first, but now that I think about it, it had to have been Mahiru taking a picture. The reason I believe this is because she is the Ultimate Photographer, meaning she has her camera with her at all times. That's the only possibility I can think of."
"Hmm... Are you sure you aren't up to being a detective? That was pretty good thinking and good resilience from you."
"It was one of my dream jobs as a child. Maybe it's still on the table."
"Okay, well that gave me a lot of information. Thank you for telling me. And, I wasn't really going to have you suspended for withholding information. I was just getting the information. That's all."
"Oh, well don't worry about that. I know you wanted the story from all sides. So, are you gonna interrogate Mahiru?"
"Well, I have to. But don't worry. I won't pressure her too bad. You have my word. I should get going. See you sometime."
"Bye." Well, she seems alright. Maybe it won't be as bad as I thought.
Hope's Peak Academy
6:00 P.M.
Main Course Building, Class 78
Junko's POV
Man, it feels good to spread despair! HAHA! There really isn't anyone at this school that even come close to stopping me!
...
...
Actually, I think there might be someone, and they don't even know it.
...
...
Where's Mukuro? She knows not to be fucking late! All of a sudden, Mukuro comes in later.
"Where the hell were you?!"
"I'm sorry sis, Makoto needed my help. Hiro tried to sell his organs!"
"Heh, seems like that's all you've been doing lately. You love luck boy, don't ya?"
"N-no... I don't. H-he's j-just a friend."
"Yeah, stop lying. I bet you'd love to fuck him, wouldn't ya?! Especially since your the dominant one... Ha! Too bad you have so much competition. Sayaka, Hina, Celeste, and even Kyoko definitely feel some kind of way towards him. Are you jealous?" Mukuro blushed very hard. Such a ugly human being.
"Alright, stop blushing, you freak. Let's pay a visit to luck boy then." Actually, I'm not looking for him. I'm looking for this Reserve Course student the headmaster was talking about. I had overheard him talking to his daughter. She will definitely be a thorn in my side later.
"H-hey wait!" I start looking for him, with her following in tow.
Park
7:30 P.M
Riki's POV
Man, that was rough. Who knew she would be so persistent? She really found lots of clues that day. Unfortunately, I had to tell her the truth about the picture. I-I didn't have a choice! She really laid it out for me. I think I need a breather. I'm going to the park.
I relaxed there for a bit when two girls walked up to me. Great, another encounter. What could possibly go wrong this time?
"Hi there! Are you Riki?" Does everybody really know me? I know I made a name for myself, but damn, you'd think some people were a bit oblivious to the fact. Oh well; that's the territory that comes with it, I guess.
"Yes, I am Riki. And you are?"
"I'm Junko! This is my twin sister Mukuro. Nice to meet you!"
JUNKO ENOSHIMA
Talent: Ultimate Fashionista
Age: 16
Height: 5"7
Weight: 99
Likes: Despair
Dislikes: Hope
Birthday: December 24
MUKURO IKUSABA
Talent: Ultimate Soldier
Age: 16
Height: 5"7
Weight: 97
Likes: Her sister
Dislikes: make-up
Birthday: December 24
There were so many questions I wanted to ask. But this one slipped out on accident.
"Huh, you don't look like twins to me. And why do you have different last names?" They both looked at each other and shrugged.
"I don't know. Guess it was accidental or something. Anyways, that's all you wanted to ask, Riki-kun?" Junko really was beautiful. And her sister wasn't too bad either.
"What made you want to Hope's Peak Academy? Surely, you two could be doing something better."
"We wanted to showcase our talents and be somewhere people will respect us." Mukuro seemed to answer that rather quickly. Junko looked a bit angry at her for that.
"So, when is your birthday?"
"Our birthday is on December 24." Junko interrupted Mukuro before she could even answer this time.
"Really? Cool. My birthday is the day after, December 25."
"Ah, a Christmas baby boy! We should definitely celebrate those days!" Junko seemed really excited for some reason. Although, it felt a bit forced to me; I didn't say anything.
"Uhm... okay, cool! Well, I had fun talking to you two, but it's getting late. I'll see you tomorrow, hopefully."
"Okay, bye Riki-kun!" They both waved me goodbye. Hmm... I have a bad feeling about those two; I can't quite place it, but they could be troublesome to be around. Definitely keep an eye on them.
Hope's Peak Academy
12:00 P.M.
A week later...
Week of Halloween
Alright, this starts the week of Halloween, my second favorite day of the year. Besides my birthday and Christmas, of course. As I got done with lunch and went back to class along with Hajime, the gym teacher told us an announcement.
"Alright, listen up. The Main Course has an activity they do every year regarding their festival. The Reserve Course doesn't do that of course, if you didn't know." All of us groaned.
"Hey, be quiet! I wasn't done! This year, they are picking one Reserve Course student to help this year and get involved." That definitely got everyone's attention.
"And the person that is chosen is..." All of a sudden, he pointed at me. Wait me?!
"Riki Aiuchi, you have been chosen. Head to the Main Course Building immediately."
"U-uh.. yes sir!" I immediately got out of there and ran, but not before hearing voices.
"Man, lucky guy!"
"He's only been here a month, and already he has the best time of his life."
"Eh, probably a good thing. All that work he has to do. He's gonna be tired."
"Those girls better not steal him before us! We still have a chance!"
Heh... never change Reserve Course.
Well, here I am at the building. I step in and head to the headmaster's office.
"Ah, hey Riki. Glad to see you here. As you known, I've chosen you for the assignment. I think you should know why."
"Uhm... could you tell me just in case?"
"Haha, it's okay. You're here for two reasons, more investigating with Kyoko, but mainly, see what's it's like to be a Main Course student. Have some fun. You earned it."
"T-thanks!" Wow, he has to be one of the best headmasters I've ever met!
"So, here is your assignment and the students you're partnering up with." I looked at the list, and already I had a good feeling. Look at the names!
Assignment: Put up posters and cook food for the Halloween Festival!
Students:
Ruruka Ando - Ultimate Confectioner
Sonosuke Izayoi - Ultimate Blacksmith
Hiyoko Saionji - Ultimate Traditional Dancer
Celeste - Ultimate Gambler
Riki Aiuchi - Reserve Course Student
First off, I'm am looking forward to seeing Ruruka Ando again. We have an... interesting history. That's all I'll say for now. Sonosuke is someone I also know as well. He can prove actually useful for this task though; I'm just hoping he won't be rude or mean. What kind of talent is the Ultimate Gambler? Does she just takes risks or something? Either way, she should be interesting for sure. But mainly, Hiyoko? I still feel like I know her, but I can't picture it yet. Maybe this would be the perfect chance to confirm it.
Well, let's go see them.
Hope's Peak Academy
12:15 P.M.
Classroom 76
When I walk in, they all turn to see me. Well, here we go.
"Long time, no see Riki! Did you miss me?" Immediately, Ruruka runs up to me and hugs me, which made Sonosuke a little jealous. I'm guessing they are dating or something? Well, they were always the closest among us four. Good for them! However, but it only made Hiyoko more upset. Lucky me...
RURUKA ANDO
Talent: Ultimate Confectioner
Age: 18
Height: 5"3
Weight: 99
Likes: Scones
Dislikes: Snack food
Birthday: November 20
Ruruka and I are childhood friends, knowing each other since elementary school. Ruruka and I were known as the Sweet Talkers. We basically were troublemakers back then, but we got out of anything just by bribing or talking them out of it. Well, to be more accurate, she was the brawn, while I was the brain. Out of everyone, she is definitely the most aggressive and bossy out of all of us. I had feelings for her, but I never got to ask her because she moved away after 5th grade, and also because she was just closer to Sonosuke. After that, I never saw her again. I've heard she came here, but I kinda thought she'd change her attitude a bit. Seems like she is the same though. Not that I'm complaining; I like her the way she is.
"Yep, you are exactly the same as I remember. I did miss you. How have you been?"
"Perfectly fine! I have a boyfriend! You know who it is! Sonosuke!" The blacksmith stepped up. I called that.
"Long time, no see Riki. How've you been?"
SONOSUKE IZAYOI
Talent: Ultimate Blacksmith
Age: 18
Height: 5"9
Weight: 154
Likes: Sweets
Dislikes: Rust
Birthday: February 20
"I'm doing good man. Nice to see you and Ruruka finally tie the knot. It's about damn time." I grinned.
"Yeah, Seiko said the same thing, heh."
"Ah, she's here too?" I gasped in surprise. Seiko was a close friend to me.
"Yeah, too bad she's in another group though." That definitely sucks.
Sonosuke was more calm and chill unlike me and Ruruka back then. They got together around the end of 3rd grade. He's a bit more chill and relaxing than Ruruka, although he isn't afraid to protect her if things get a bit hectic, which they most likely do around those two. Honestly, I thought their personalities were gonna be a problem. However, seems like they are doing just fine. I wonder what life would have been had I confessed to her instead of him... Oh well, the past is the past. No point in thinking back then.
Speaking of childhood friends, Seiko was the first of the three I've ever met. She's a shy but good girl. In fact, out of the three, she was the closest to me, sometimes literally. It's like she clung on to me whenever she felt that way. Did she like me? Who knows? I can be a bit dense and oblivious sometimes. Anyways, she loves taking care of people and she's definitely a pro at it. I remember one time when I was really sick, she came over my house(well, more like snuck into the house through my window) and made sure I was good. And she even got back to school too! Definitely my favorite of the three, although no one needs to know that.
Next, I turn to a girl I've never seen before. She was wearing a goth-Lolita dress. Seems like she really loves her fashion style.
"I do not believe we have met before. I am Celestia Ludenberg. But please, call me Celeste."
CELESTE
Talent: Ultimate Gambler
Age: 16
Height: 5"5
Weight: 101
Likes: Castles
Dislikes: D-ranks
Birthday: November 23
I don't know why but I feel obligated to greet her in that manner.
"Likewise Ms. Celeste." She seem to grin at those words. Like to see people appreciate the humor.
Finally, I step up to Hiyoko, who just grins.
"Hello, lover boy..." There she goes with that again.
"Heh... hey there Hiyoko."
After the introductions, we decided to get started on the project. Well, more like Ruruka gives out orders, while the others do the rest. Well, it's okay. She needs to make the sweets anyways. While we were putting up posters, I started talking with Celeste a bit more.
"So, what's a D-rank? Makoto told me about your ranking system."
"Haa, Makoto is such a lucky guy to be the highest rank so far in this school." She slightly blushed at that. "Well, if you must know, it's my way of determining if people are actually worth my time. D-rank isn't the lowest, but it means I don't value my time with you as much." Ouch, that sounds kinda harsh.
"So is there a rank that is lower than D-Rank? Has anyone even reached lower than that?"
"Yes, and they were executed the very next day. Hee, just kidding. Or am I?" Okay, this girl is definitely freaking weird! Why does she like lying so much?
"Sounds like it is tough to move up the ranks."
"Yes. Can I tell you something now that we are alone?"
"Of course. What is it?" This doesn't sound good.
"I know you know about everyone except me, but I don't really like our members. Especially Ruruka. Who does she think she is, bossing me around?"
"Yeah, that's one of her negatives to be honest. She's always been like that. Even from elementary school."
"Hmm, a bold statement to make about her. You don't seem like the type to call someone out on that kind of thing."
"Oh, I've told her numerous times; of course she doesn't listen though. Do you want me to put up the rest of the posters?"
"I see... Yes, thank you. My feet are killing me."
They clearly aren't; you haven't done anything! I just said it to move the process faster. Maybe you'd actually get some work done if you took off those heels! But, I'm kinda afraid to say it out loud. Something tells me Celeste isn't joking about moving lower than D-Rank. Just stay quiet for now.
...
...
"Hey Riki, can I ask you something serious?"
"What is it?"
"How would you feel moving up to C-rank?" That was fast. I thought it was tough to move up. We've only talked for ten minutes and now I'm already going places!
"T-that fast? I thought there was gonna be a test or something."
"Well, there is, but there's no need to. You already have the qualities of a C-rank. Possibly even A-rank." She starts blushing again. Ah, so you also have a hidden mask.
"Well, I'd be honored."
"As expected for someone of your caliber. It's a shame your a Reserve Course student. I'd like to hang out with you more."
"Well, whose to say we can't hang out outside of school?"
"Okay, then I will give you my address. Please come visit at your own convenience." She gave me a card with her number and address on it. Alright, guess we're going places.
We kept talking like this for a while until all the posters were put up. After that, I headed over to where Ruruka was at. I found her at the cafeteria. She's really working on those sweets.
Sometimes, I feel like Ruruka's sweets are like a drug. If you eat some, you are put under a spell. One time, I ate one of her sweets and I felt... what's the word I'm looking for? High? A bit out of it? I don't know. The other thing is, I don't remember what happened that day after I ate the candy. Do I even want to know? Maybe I should talk to Sonosuke, he's ate them numerous times.
"Hey Ruruka. We just finished putting up the posters. Anything else you need me to do?"
"Ah, Riki! Yes, I need your help! Could you come here? I need help reaching this shelf."
As I went to go and reach for the shelf however, Ruruka pulled herself closer to me and had me backed up against the wall. All of a sudden, it got quiet as she got even closer to me, our foreheads touching each others. Wait, what is she doing? Did I do something wrong? Why is she doing this; you have a boyfriend! What if someone sees us in this position?!
"R-Ruruka?"
...
...
Hope's Peak Academy
5:30 P.M.
Hajime's POV
Hmm... It's been twenty minutes. I thought Riki would be done by now. Every group has their activities done with, according to Chiaki. So why isn't he coming?
"Chiaki, I have a bad feeling. Where is Riki?"
...
...
"I don't know. I didn't see him when I was doing my assignment. Maybe they aren't done yet?"
I guess I can't fault her. She would have known if anything was wrong. Once again, it's me and Chiaki alone. She's so beautiful in the sunset.
"Absolutely beautiful."
"Huh? Did you say something Hajime?"
"U-uhm, the sunset! Yeah! The sunset is really beautiful."
"Y'know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you two have a crush on each other!" We both turned around to see who it was. Of course, it's Ibuki. I sighed in relief.
"Hey Ibuki. How are ya?"
"I'm doing great! Chiaki has done such a great job getting our class together! One time, we had-" Chiaki has closed her mouth before it even got that far.
"C-can we not talk about that day please?" What happened on that day? Now I'm really curious.
"Okay! I'll just whisper to Hajime about something." She then got close to my ear and whispered to me...
"Boing, boing!" All of a sudden, my face went completely red. Are you serious?! I thought it was going to be something lighthearted! Ahh, now I can picture it and I can't stop myself from blushing! Someone please help me!
As if something came to save my prayers, Riki finally came out the building. I immediately ran up to him.
"H-hey Riki. How was the festival preparations?"
...
...
"H-huh? Oh, sorry Hajime. I spaced out for a bit. What did you say?"
Is he okay? He looks completely out of it.
"Um, are you okay man? You look really pale."
"Y-yeah! Just... sorry, man. I n-need to get home. I'll tell you about it tomorrow. See ya..."
I don't think I've ever seen him look that upset before. For that to happen, something serious must have happened. Chiaki and Ibuki both had looks of concern on their face.
...
...
Riki... I hope you aren't stressing yourself out.
Hope's Peak Academy
12:15 P.M.
Main Course Building, Class 76
A day later...
Riki's POV
Once again, I'm back here. Seems like everyone is here again. But when I turn to look at Ruruka, I can't look at her the same anymore.
That moment, it was like she flipped a switch on me. I never seen that side of her before.
(Flashback)
Hey Ruruka. We just finished putting up the posters. Anything else you need me to do?"
"Ah, Riki! Yes, I need your help! Could you come here? I need help reaching this shelf."
As I went to go and reach for the shelf however, Ruruka pulled herself closer to me and had me backed up against the wall. All of a sudden, it got quiet as she got even closer to me, our foreheads touching each others. Wait, what is she doing? Did I do something wrong? Why is she doing this; you have a boyfriend! What if someone sees us in this position?!
"R-Ruruka?"
...
...
All of a sudden, she started crying and buried her face onto my shirt.
"W-what's the matter Ruruka?" I just hugged her and held her tight to comfort her. After a while, she calmed down a bit, though her eyes still looked red.
"I-I'm sorry! I-I didn't mean to do that... It's just... my boyfriend Sonosuke has to leave for the rest of this semester."
"W-why?"
"His blacksmith duties. His parents are really piling a lot of work on him. I don't think they approve of our relationship!"
Hmm... his parents didn't always like Ruruka whenever we came over to his house. But for them to still have that kind of a grudge after so long is really freaking petty. She continued to speak.
"After we graduated and moved away from your neighborhood, we started dating. But a month later, when we went to his house to tell them the news, they looked really fucking disappointed. Like, "This is who you chose son? You could do so much better!" I will never forget how he came to my defense quickly. But because of it, they have been overworking him to the point he gets really tired when he goes to class. I'm so tired of it! I'm sick of the hate and the fake love! I just want someone to really love me right now..."
Whoa, she had that bottled up inside of her for so long. Ah... I'm sorry Ruruka. If only I could just tell her something, anything! But no words come to mind. All I could do was just hug her.
"R-Riki... can you just kiss me?"
"W-what? Could you repeat that again?"
"Just kiss me and help me forget about all of this, please..." Ahh, she's doing the voice again. She knows I can't refuse that voice! But, I can't do this. Sonosuke should be doing this!
Just when I was about to give in to my urges because of the past, Seiko came running in with something in her hand, forcing us to get away from each other fast. Oh, thank the lord!
"R-Ruruka! Sorry I'm late! Here you go!"
"T-thanks Seiko! Your a lifesaver!" She handed a potion(?) to Ruruka.
"Hey, long time no see Seiko." When Seiko sees me, she gasps and hugs me very quickly.
"R-Riki! How have you been?"
"Good, I've enjoyed my time here. How about you?"
"I-I'm doing great! Well, I have to go somewhere, but it was nice seeing you again. Let's catch up sometime! B-bye!" Well, at least the tension was cleared. I turned to Ruruka again.
"L-look Ruruka... I won't deny I've had feelings for you. The old me would have gave in, but I'm different now... We can't betray Sonosuke; he's our friend. I don't want our friendship to break..."
She looked sad again, so I reassured her.
"We'll talk about this another time, ok? Let's just go home for now okay?" She nodded silently, and we went separate ways.
(Flashback over)
Man... I didn't think that would ever happen in my life. I decided to go outside for a bit of air. Just when I was spacing out and thinking, I bumped into someone again. Is this gonna be a reoccurring theme for me? Only this time, I ended up falling backwards due to the person running fast for some reason.
"Watch where your going, you- H-huh? R-Riki?"
"H-Hiyoko?" She was on top of me. Now that I got a good look at her, that's when my memories came flooding back. That's right, this has happened before. Our very first meeting.
(Flashback)
"O-ow! Watch where your going, dummy!" She was really mad at me.
"A-ah, I-I'm sorry! It won't happen again!"
She pondered for a while for some reason. Then she asked me,
"What's your name?"
"R-Riki."
"Ha! What kinda name is Riki? I'd oughta call you Ki!"
"R-Really? Then, what's your name?"
"Hiyoko Saionji! And don't you DARE forget it, lover boy!"
"A-alright, Ji." She blushed heavily at that.
"J-Ji?"
"Y-yeah. Ki and Ji. Sounds like a perfect couple name to me." She then grabbed me by the collar. Uh oh, she's gonna punch me!
Well, at least I thought so before she put me down and started laughing.
"Hahaha! I like that actually! We're gonna be friends and squash ants, right?"
"Uhm..."
"Right?!" She can be really controlling!
"Y-yes!"
"Perfect! Well, see you later!"
(Flashback over)
Now I realize. It really was her. She really changed in the span of a few years. She used to be so short, she could barely reach my waist. Now she is taller than your average girl. Good glowup! After we got up and dusted ourselves off, I made the first move.
"How've you been, Ji?" When I said that, she blushed heavily. And she started tearing up?
"Y-you remember me?"
"Yeah, I'm sorry it took me a while to realize. You look beautiful, you know that? How could I ever forget you calling me lover boy?" Then it was my turn to blush.
...
...
She hugged me, crying a bit. Of course, I hugged her back.
"I-I-I missed you, Ki!"
We stood there for what felt like hours. After a while, we made up for lost time and walked into the Main Course Building to work on the second phase of the festival preparations.
...
...
"Wow, so even a Reserve Course student is capable of making bonds here? Heh... too bad he doesn't have a talent. He should go to where he belongs."
All of a sudden, it feels like Riki has a lot on his plate: Ruruka having second thoughts about Sonosuke and their relationship, getting Hajime and Chiaki together, bonding with the other students, and possibly even Junko and Mukuro. Will he manage to figure all of this out within the week of Halloween? Can he rekindle the relationship he had with Hiyoko like old times? And who is this person talking about Riki behind his back? Find out in the next chapter!