This chapter was revised, improved, and added on to give more context.
Kyoto, Japan
12:45 P.M.
Plane landing in 15 minutes...
Hajime's POV
Aw man, I haven't felt this good in a while since I first enrolled in Hope's Peak Academy. I feel like things are really starting to look up for me. It is a bit of a shame Riki couldn't be here; I'm sure we would have had tons of fun. But I'm pretty sure he will be fine. I just had one tiny concern... Well, more like major concern.
WHY WAS I NEXT TO THIS GUY ON THE PLANE?!
"Ah, hello Hajime. I trust you had a good sleep." Nagito was sitting next to me. I know Natsumi is sitting next to her brother and Peko, and Chiaki wanted to be with the girls, but did I really have to be next to him? C'mon, I would have rather listened to Kazuichi talking about Sonia all day than sit next to him. Then again, he hasn't done that in a little while; I'm guessing he had a change of heart. Either that or he realized he had no chance stalking her like that.
"Yes, it was nice. Did you sleep well?"
"Yep." There really isn't anything to talk about here. I know he's just gonna bring up talent and all that, and I don't really want to hear it right now. Maybe when we are alone, but not in front of everyone.
Minutes passed with silence and soon, everyone was off in the plane in 15 minutes. Ms. Yukizome is with the other class, so we had Koichi.
"Alright, I don't really care who you pair up with. Just don't make it annoying for me, alright? Ha, have fun." Well, this guy seems to be pretty chill.
"Hajime, you'll pair up with me, won't you?" Are you freaking kidding me, Nagito? Don't you hate me?!
"U-uhm..."
"Pair up with him Hajime. I really want you two to be friends..." Chiaki came over and told me to do it. Chiaki, why? I wanted to pair up with you!
"...okay." Chiaki hugged me.
"Thank you. I promise, it's for the best." She then walked off with Ibuki, who I'm assuming she paired up with.
Sonia and Gundham paired up. They seem to be really close. That left Kazuichi paired up with Fuyuhiko. Nekomaru and Akane were together, Natsumi with Peko, Mahiru with Hiyoko, Teruteru and Mikan, and Ryota and Koichi. Well... crap. I couldn't even pair up with Mikan...
Well, today should be a rather interesting day. What will happen between Nagito and I?
Kyoto, Japan
2:30 P.M.
Kiyomizu-dera
I decided to head up here. The view looked really beautiful from what I heard, so I decided to go here to see for myself. Guess who came with me though. Yep, Nagito really is following me for some reason. I couldn't decline him though; Chiaki wanted me to try to talk to him, so here we are. As we looked at the great view, we both just stared in silence.
...
...
Eventually, I had enough of the silence, and I decided to speak my thoughts.
"You know Nagito, despite all that's happening, I can't really leave it like this to be honest. I know you can't stand Reserve Course students, but I want us to be friends."
...
...
Guess I didn't get through to him. Well, that's fine; I figured it would be difficult-
"Hajime, I don't want to leave it like this either. But... it'd just be easier if you had talent, y'know?" Wait, did he actually respond to me in a more nicer way than last time? That's a start.
"You know, screw talent."
"Huh?"
"Talent is definitely worth it. Even though I didn't go through with the project, I still can't help but wonder what would have happened if I did. But Chiaki and Riki really helped me out and made me realize friendship is worth more than any of that. I want to create memories that will last forever. Don't you feel the same Nagito?"
"..." Well, at least he understands my side and how I feel. It's probably best to give him time-
"I... I do."
"Huh?" Now it was my turn to be surprised.
"To tell you the truth, I know you and Chiaki are friends. She's the reason why I decided to talk to you. I couldn't stand your guts, and even now, I can't, but it's way more tolerable than it was before. And, I agree with what you said, I do want to make memories, because I... I don't know how much time I have left." W-wait, what does he mean by that?
"Well... I'm sure we can come to an agreement. For now, let's agree to be acquaintances, then it can become a friendship later." I held out my hand in the hopes that he feels the same. A few seconds later, he smiled and shook my hand.
"Agreed." Well, I feel better now. I really hoped we could be friends. He doesn't seem like a bad person; his way of thinking is insane and disturbing, but that's his way. It's unique to say the least. He's unique.
"Oh, I'll also apologize to Riki when we get back. I did provoke him a bit."
"Haha, he told me. But he probably isn't mad at you. Trust me, it usually takes a LOT more than that to get him upset." We talked for a good while, then we headed to the movie theater. When we got in, we saw Chiaki and the girls there watching the same movie. We decided to stay away from them, but it didn't matter anyways. Chiaki made us go to where they were at.
"You know, it's called a girl's day for a reason Chiaki. Girls only. Why is Hajime and Nagito here?" Ouch, Mahiru. I mean, she's right. But still ouch.
"C'mon, it's fine. Besides, I want to talk to Hajime." That got a rouse from the girls. Did she really have to say that out loud? I couldn't help but blush.
"Ooooooh! Chiaki and Hajime kissing in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Ibuki sure was a bit loud, even when the movie hasn't started yet.
"A-Ah I-" I couldn't even get to say anything because the girls moved away to make sure I'd be next to Chiaki. Nagito grabbed my shoulder and said,
"Have fun."
...
...
The movie we chose to watch was a horror movie. Of course they chose to watch that kind of movie. I never really found much interest in these movies to be honest. They try too hard to make them scary nowadays. Some movies do this well, but most of the time it doesn't go that way.
At one point, a ghost came on the screen yelling, and most people screamed, Chiaki included. She got so scared she clinged on to my arm for support. U-uhm... I mean, I'm not complaining but... Argh.. why is it so hard for me to express my feelings?!
"H-Hajime, I'm s-scared... Can I h-hold on to your a-arm?"
"S-sure..." She hung on to my arm and never let go for the rest of the movie. As this was happening, the girls and even Nagito were looking at us like, "Make the move already!" What do you want me to do?!
...
...
After the movie was over, we left the theater. That was a rather... interesting movie to say the least.
"That movie was so cool! It made Ibuki scared 100% of the time!"
"I wish Riki was here. I'd cling to him for support." Hiyoko puffed her cheeks out.
"Aww, you can do that when we get back." Mahiru seemed to reassure her.
"Thank you Hajime for watching the movie with us. You too Nagito."
"A-ah, your welcome." I blushed.
"No problem, Chiaki."
"W-Well, n-now what?" Mikan seemed to be nervous.
"Let's go to the amusement park!" Mahiru exclaimed.
Guess that means we split up here. Back to hanging out with Nagito again-
"Hajime, wait!" Chiaki stopped me for some reason.
"W-what is it Chiaki?"
"You forgot something..."
"Hm? I didn't forget anything-" I didn't even get to finish the rest of the sentence as Chiaki kissed my cheek. W-Wow! Who would have thought she would be that bold?
"B-Bye!" Chiaki walked off with the girls. They seemed to be celebrating her bravery. I was just left there stunned, touching the spot where she kissed me.
"Something tells me that won't be the last kiss you get from her." Nagito was teasing me now?!
"L-Let's just go somewhere else." I had stuttered a bit as we walked off in the opposite direction.
Kyoto, Japan
6:30 P.M.
Amusement Park
Natsumi's POV
I can't remember the last time I went to an amusement park. It looks so pretty with all the lights. Haaa, I wonder if Hajime would like to ride the ferris wheel with me. It's such a shame he has feelings for Chiaki, otherwise I'd make a move on him.
"Hey Natsumi." Peko called out to me. Oh yeah, she was still with me for some reason. Go with Fuyu already!
"What is it Peko?"
"Do you know where Fuyuhiko is?" Hm, really? She usually knows where he is at all times.
"He should be here. We ran into him earlier. Try the ring toss. That's where we last saw him."
"Okay." Peko ran off and went to find him. She's never usually that slow. Is she okay? As I was walking I ran into Kazuichi. Oh yeah, this guy is the Ultimate Mechanic.
"Oh, hey Natsumi! Having fun so far?"
"Yep, this place is awesome! Shouldn't you be here with Sonia or is she off with Gundham again?"
"Ahh, yeah I'm done pursuing Sonia. I realized that I don't have a chance with her. Gundham is the right one for her."
"How long have you stopped?"
"It's been a few weeks. I stopped after the Halloween festivities. They looked so great together. I'm still a bit jealous, but I'll get over it eventually."
"Aww, you've grown. I'm proud of you. And hey, there's plenty of girls out there for you! Just take your time. No need to rush into something fast."
"A-alright! Thank you for the advice! I have to go ride some rollercoasters! Catch up with ya later!" He happily ran off to one rollercoaster I've rode numerous times today. He's really not a bad guy, just a bit misunderstood. As I was walking, I ran into Sonia and Gundham holding hands.
"Aww, are you two dating now?"
"Hell yeah! We are the perfect couple made in heaven!" Sonia still needs to work on her slang, but she's getting better.
"But of course we are! No one comes close to us!" Gundham is still the same guy. Never change.
"Oh, have you seen Kazuichi?" Sonia was wondering where he was? Really?
"I was just talking to him a few seconds ago. He went to ride some rollercoasters. He got on that one." I pointed to where he was. "Are you gonna reprimand him or something?"
"Oh no! I just wanted to let him know the good news! I know he had a really big crush on me. Stalker, even I might add. But he's changed and I want to give him a chance for us to be friends."
"Okay. Just wait for him there and he'll be there."
"Thank you Natsumi! You know, your brother always talks about you a lot. He really admires you."
"H-He does?"
"Yes. He even goes to say things like you should be the Ultimate Yakuza. He's really humbled himself since the incident."
Aww, I never knew he felt that way. I'll have to have a serious talk with him about that later. But, I knew I had a great brother!
"Thank you for telling me that. I'll see you two later."
"Bye, immortal!" We went separate ways.
A hour later, Peko and Fuyuhiko found me at the exit of the park.
"Ready to go?"
"Uh, where were you Fuyuhiko?" I asked.
"Oh, I was really trying to win a teddy bear for you. And I won it; here you go." I hugged him immediately.
"Thank you so much! I'll cherish this moment."
"No problem. That's for being the best sister I've ever had."
"And your the best brother ever." After that, we walked back to the hotel.
When we got there, I started a video chat with Riki to see how he was doing.
"Hey Natsumi!"
"Hi Riki. How've you been so far?"
"Well... I saw a teacher naked for starters. Guess I'm lucky?"
"Riki, you what?!"
"Hey, I discouraged her not to do that in front of a student, but she said it was my "reward." I don't know what I did to deserve it though."
"Geez Riki, you can be dense sometimes. She probably felt like you made her really happy or something. Read the mood."
"I guess your right. After all, she was very forward that day. Of course, I'm not gonna say anything about it to anyone else. That's a secret."
"Good. Anyways, Hajime and Chiaki are pretty much dating at this point."
"Really?"
"Well, not yet, but from what I've heard, she kissed him on his cheek. Ibuki couldn't keep her mouth shut to save anyone's life."
"Haha, that's the Ibuki I know."
"So after a few days, we'll come see you again! Hopefully with those two holding hands and dating."
"Yeah, their wedding day is coming up." Riki is so funny sometimes! Maybe I should ask him out...
"Well, see you later."
"Yeah, bye Natsumi!" He hung up the phone.
Damn it! I get so flustered whenever he talks. Am I... falling for him?
Hope's Peak Academy
9:30 P.M.
Jin's POV
Damn it! Where is the damn fourth document?! It couldn't have gone that far...
"Searching for this?" A kid with a lab coat on had it on his right arm. No way...
"Yasuke... why do you have that? Give that back now or you are expelled!" What the hell is he doing here? And how did he even get inside my office?! I am the only one with the key!
"I figured you wouldn't even understand. After all, you don't even get why Riki is really here, do you?"
"W-What are you talking about? D-Didn't he get in the Reserve Course by paying like the other people?!"
"Well yes, but that isn't the only reason he is here. You really don't know?"
"No. If you know anything, tell me now!"
"Heh... then sit down sir. Your gonna be in for a very long story. Let's start off when the committee had initiated the Izuru Kamukura project and was looking for a student at the Reserve Course..."
Kyoto, Japan
9:30 A.M.
Hotel
Hajime's POV
A day later...
Another day of waking up. Well, at least the beds are comfortable. I decided to go to the balcony to look at the beautiful sun. Who would have thought that this trip could possibly change everything? I made progress with Chiaki. I think today is the day I confess my feelings to her. I just hope feels the same...
"Ah, your already up. Good morning, Hajime." Nagito just woke up a few seconds ago.
"Good morning. I think today is the day."
"Hm? The day of what?"
"I think I'm gonna tell Chiaki exactly how I feel about her."
"Oh. I'm not surprised. We all seen the signs already you know."
"Yeah, yeah. I just wish Riki was here. He would have been going crazy."
"He probably already knows. He's very intelligent. That's probably gonna be the first question he asks when you two meet again."
"Haha, your right. Well, there's one tiny problem."
"Really? What is it?"
"I want it to be just me and her. I don't want anyone interrupting us. That way, I won't be so nervous."
"Oh. If that's the case, then let's talk to the boys. They should have a plan we can initiate. In fact, they are probably all up now. Let's go."
"Alright." We went to the main floor, and sure enough, there they all were sitting on the big couch. Seems like the girls were on the other side of the floor, sitting on the other big couch.
"Hey guys. Your the last ones here." Kazuichi had a map planned out for today. "Alright, so today I got a perfect day for us. It's gonna be the best day ever!"
"Before you say anything, I believe Hajime has something to say to ask of you guys." Thanks Nagito.
I whispered to them to make sure the others didn't hear.
"I want to confess to Chiaki. Alone preferably." Then the guys started congratulating me quietly.
"Hey, that's what up!" Kazuichi patted me on the back.
"I'm proud of ya, buddy!" Fuyuhiko was very encouraging.
"Of course you do immortal fiend!" Gundham is being his usual self...
"Heh, the signs were there all along." Ryota seemed not surprised.
"So, what's the plan?" Nekomaru was really involved now.
"Well, that's the problem. I don't know what to do. I was hoping you guys would help me..." I hope they say yes...
"Leave it to us! I have a great plan!" Kazuichi comes through again. I'll make sure to get you a girl someday. "Alright guys, bring it in. Here's the gameplan..."
...
...
I wonder what the girls are talking about over there...
Kyoto, Japan
9:40 A.M.
Hotel
Chiaki's POV
"So, check it out girls. I have something planned for us today. We're going to go to these places!" Mahiru had pointed out five places we were going to:
- The Movie Theater
- The Flower Shop
- The Antique Store
- The Beach
- The Water Park
Basically, we were going all out today. Really? I'd much rather be playing video games... So tough... I'm currently playing Smash Bros on my 3DS and I can't beat this random! Damn Bayonetta user...
Just when they were planning to leave, we were stopped by Hajime and the boys. Is something wrong here? Kazuichi spoke up.
"Hey girls! Listen, whatever plan you have, we're going to join ya! Except for Hajime and Chiaki; they can't come with us." Hmm? Really?
"Oh really? And why should we comply with that? You just want to see us in bikinis don't you?!" Mahiru got a bit angry.
"What? N-No! I'll just whisper it to you." He then whispered something so that we couldn't hear them. After he got done, she seemed to understand and even encouraged it.
"Well, that actually works perfectly with me! Okay, change of plan girls. We're going to have some fun with the boys, while Hajime and Chiaki stay here and find something to do! Bye!" They all just left us. Well, I'm happy because I'm alone with Hajime. Yay.
"W-Well Chiaki, can we head to the movie theater first?"
"S-Sure. Lead the way."
This day is going to be so much fun!
Kyoto, Japan
1:00 P.M.
Park
So far, the plan seems to have worked, albeit a few mistakes here and there due to me being nervous. I really want this day to be perfect. Besides the fact that everyone else was rows behind us cheering us on. How Chiaki didn't see or hear them, I'm surprised. Well, here we go. This should be the perfect place.
"Hajime, this day has been awesome so far. I really thank you for taking me out. Hehe." She was blushing furiously. I couldn't help but blush too.
"N-No problem. I just wanted to repay you for helping me realize myself. Actually, no even beyond that. I thank you for saving my life."
"W-What do you mean Hajime?" Well, no turning back from here. You got this Hajime!
"Ever since I got here, I always had this feeling that talent was so important. And I wanted it so damn bad that I almost gave up my whole existence for that. Even though it would have gave me what I wanted, it wouldn't have felt right. I would never want to forget the memories that I've experienced. And the person who helped me realize that was you Chiaki! You taught me that talent doesn't mean anything. The memories and being more confident is more important than anything. I had a lot of fun, playing video games with you, hanging out with you and Riki, but especially when we are alone and we talk about whatever we want to. Your such an amazing girl, and somedays, I don't even feel like I deserve you sometimes."
"H-Hajime..."
"But even so, I don't like you, Chiaki. I LOVE you! More than an acquaintance and definitely more than a friend."
Chiaki only could blush and look surprised by what I said. Well, I have been waiting to get that off my chest for a while. Now here come's the million dollar question.
"Chiaki, will you go out with me?"
"H-Hajime! Of course I will! Come here, you!" She jumped at me and I held her by her legs as we kissed passionately for a little while. Haha, I feel like the best man in the world! After we pulled away, everyone came out and congratulated us.
"Congratulations dude! I knew you could do it!"
"About freakin time!"
"You two are so adorable!"
"Hajime, you better treat her right! Or your gonna have to speak to Ibuki!"
"Great job immortal! I should change your nickname to Master!"
"You could do worse than him. He's a reliable guy."
"HEHEHEHE! NEKOMARU WANTS TO GIVE YOU TWO A BIG HUG!"
"Hajime, someone wants to congratulate you!" Natsumi pulled her phone out and Riki was on the video screen.
"Hey, I heard the great news. Great job man! Chiaki is so lucky to have someone like you. Be more happy for yourself!" I smiled happily.
"Thank you Riki! I'll see you tomorrow!"
"Alright, take care!" She hung up the phone.
After all that, we were pretty exhausted so we decided to eat at a restaurant. I was sitting with Chiaki, Natsumi, and Ibuki(she really wanted to sit with us for some reason.).
I just couldn't help but continue to smile. I mean, this day went by so fast, not to mention it went excellent!
"Oooh, Hajime is still smiling! You must be really happy!" Ibuki noticed, as expected.
"It's just, I still can't believe it. I'm just happy this isn't a dream!"
"Aww, it's okay. I'll always be here for you Hajime." Chiaki gave me a kiss on the cheek.
"You two really are perfect for each other." Natsumi was giggling.
As we were talking, I looked over to the other tables. Sonia, Gundham, Kazuichi, and Ryota were at one table talking. Seems like Kazuichi made up with those two. Good for him; I'm glad of how much he changed.
Fuyuhiko, Peko, Mahiru, and Hiyoko were sitting at one table. Nekomaru, Akane, Nagito, and Mikan were sitting at another. Lastly, Teruteru and Koichi were at another. Poor guy. Teruteru would be more appealing if he stopped trying to be a pervert.
Soon, the day ended and it was time for us to go back to the hotel. Me and Nagito were grinning when we got back.
"This trip couldn't have been any better for me. Mentally and physically."
"I'm proud of you man. Keep being happy. You should be able to smile no matter what." Nagito was actually being good for once.
After we took our showers, we went to bed. Good times...
Hope's Peak Academy
9:00 P.M.
Jin's POV
Reserve Course Basement
If what Yasuke said was true, I should find some sort of clue here. When I headed down to the basement, I seen many equipment being used here. Not only for one, but two people. What the hell is going on here?! The project should have only been for one person. Who initiated the project? It was the committee. I should be able to find them, but for some reason, I could not. Where are they?
As I went to open the door to the science lab, there they were. All of the scientists there were dead, covered in so much blood. W-what the hell is this?!
"Now do you see, headmaster?" Yasuke came out of no where again. "This project was their last save and grace. If they didn't go through with it, this happened to them. Not only did that happen, but the Committee suddenly went missing. No one knows where they are. Except... maybe Chisa, Kyosuke, and Juzo."
Those three! They played a role somehow? I find it hard to believe but... Doesn't matter now. I can't talk to them anyways. Chisa is on the trip with Class 78, Kyosuke is busy as usual, and Juzo went on a leave for some reason. How convenient.
...
...
Actually, Chisa is coming back tomorrow. That will be my chance to talk to her at least and get to the bottom of this.
"One more thing, Yasuke..."
"What is it?"
"Why are you telling me all this? You know I could do something about this right?"
"Yeah, but your efforts will be in vain anyways. Your gonna be stopped by..."
"Who?!"
"Ultimate Despair." All of a sudden, I felt something hit the back of my neck and I got knocked out.
...
...
...
A few hours later, I woke up. What happened? Why am I in the Reserve Course Basement? Eh, whatever. I'll just head home from here.
...
...
"It worked. His memory has been erased. We can initiate Phase One of the plan whenever your ready, Junko."
Kyoto, Japan
10:00 A.M.
Airport
Natsumi's POV
A day later...
Well, I think I definitely needed this trip. It was definitely needed after all that's happened. Let's give myself a little recap.
1. I pissed off Sato and almost fucking died as a result of that.
2. Riki is my savior and my best friend.
3. Hajime and Chiaki are dating, and I admit I'm a little jealous.
4. Me and Mahiru are good friends now.
That seems to be it. Let's go home...
...
...
When I woke up, we were back at our hometown. Back to Hope's Peak we go. At least we only got a few months before winter break.
As we all got back to Hope's Peak, we met Riki again. Me, Hajime, and Chiaki ran up to him and gave him a group hug.
"I missed you Riki!"
"Aww, I missed you too Natsumi. That trip was definitely needed." I really was glad to see Riki again.
"Agreed, so much has changed. It definitely will be different around here now." Hajime said that a bit too happily.
As we were celebrating being back home, Nagito had walked up to us. What does he want?
"Hello guys. I won't take up much of your time. I just want to apologize to Riki."
"Hm? For what?"
"For provoking you that day. It was a lack of judgement and while I still feel the way I feel, it was wrong of me to try to force it on you. I'm sorry." Hmph, that was kinda weak, but at least he apologized.
"Don't worry man. Water under the bridge. Besides, I kinda like your way of thinking. It did give me a better insight on certain things." They shook hands as a sign of reconcile and Nagito went home.
"Well, that was rather interesting. Didn't think he'd actually do it that quickly." Hajime must have known ahead of time.
"Yeah, I was a bit upset, but not really mad at him. He's just a bit more... unique than the rest of you."
Well as long as everything is taken care of, I can finally go home and relax. These past few months have really been beneficial not only to my personality, but even my mental state as well. I really feel like I changed for the better-
"Long time no see Natsumi..." As soon as I heard that, my face went pale.
Someone that I thought wouldn't come back until the next semester came back early.
This is going to be a long month...
(Part Two Over)
Well, that does it for the first mini arc. It definitely is nice to always take a break away from the main character from time to time. I felt I was getting a bit stale with the writing at points.
Are you glad that things are playing out differently than they were in the anime? Well, get prepared. Things are about to get a bit more intense form here.
P.S. If anyone didn't know, or you already figured it out, the title of these chapters is from the game Catherine. It's the intro song on the original game, not Catherine Full Body, although you can play it on the soundtrack.
Riki, Hajime, and the others had an amazing time on their field trips. Things will definitely look different from here on out. However, things happened behind the scenes while they were gone. Will they be able to figure out what happened? What is Junko planning? And a familiar person returns. How will things shake between them and the others later on down the line? Will it be love, or more revenge? Find out in the next chapter!
As always, reviews are welcome here! :)