This chapter was revised, improved, and added on to give more context.
I think I know who this is...
"Maki, I see you stayed the same after all these years. How've you been?" I pulled the knife away from me. Even though I know she does that as a joke sometimes, it still scares me a bit.
MAKI HARUKAWA
Talent: Ultimate Child Caregiver?, Ultimate Assassin
Age: 16
Height: 5"4
Weight: 97
Likes: Morning lake shores
Dislikes: Winter lake shores
Birthday: February 2
After she realized I recognized her, she backed off and smiled.
"Fine, now that your here. How have you been after all this time?"
"Good, all things considering. So what is your assigned talent here?"
"The Ultimate Child Caregiver. Sounds dumb, isn't it?"
"Well, it's not entirely wrong though. You were a good person back then."
I already knew Maki before because we went to the same orphanage when my parents left me a long time ago. I basically grew up with her a majority of my life. Me and her were the big brother and sister of that place. I also already know she really is the Ultimate Assassin. The orphanage we went to had training for people like her. I refused it because I felt like that wasn't my place in life. Even though she endured that training, she's been really distant. But it seems like she is still the same Maki I knew from all those years ago.
"Yeah, I missed you."
"Missed ya too. Anyways, what made you want to come here?"
"I wanted to change and be a better person. That training really broke me mentally and emotionally. Thanks to a certain person here, I got out of that state."
"Cool. May I ask who it is?"
"He's actually on his way here. We have a test to study for, so I told him to come here."
"Oh, awesome." A few minutes later he walks in. I don't think I have to guess what kind of talent he has. His clothes has given it away.
"Hey Maki Roll! Who is this?"
"This is Riki. The guy I told you about that helped me take care of the children at my orphanage."
"Oh! Nice to finally meet you! I'm Kaito Momota, Luminary of the Stars!"
KAITO MOMOTA
Talent: Ultimate Astronaut
Age: 16
Height: 6"0
Weight: 163
Likes: House plants
Dislikes: The occult
Birthday: April 12
"Nice to meet you. I'm assuming you are the Ultimate Astronaut."
"Haha! The clothes were a dead giveaway wasn't it? Yep, it's true! I passed an exam at an early age!" This guy is really positive and cheerful, isn't he?
"Really? That's cool. So, what is the test on?" Maki decided to speak up again.
"It's on math. I hate this subject."
"Then you got the right guy. Math is my favorite and best subject! I'll help you guys." I always get happy when we talk about math. It's really an underrated subject.
"Cool dude! Thank you!" Kaito would be great talking to Makoto.
Before we left, Maki asked me a question.
"Oh, one more thing Riki? Why were you blushing when you came in the library?"
"Do you really want to know why?"
"Yes. Tell me."
"Alright. This inventor named Miu had-"
"Okay, never mind. I think I know what happened. Miu is... challenging, to put it nicely. She loves to be vulgar but a good aggression puts her in her place. She's really not that bad though.
"Yep, I witnessed that first-hand. I won't get into specific details, but let's just say, Miu tried to put me in a challenging spot."
"Kokichi though, is a different story. He just rubs me the wrong way."
"Hmm? Who is Kokichi?"
"You probably don't know him. He has purple hair and wears black and white clothes. Dude loves to lie. But I feel like beneath those lies, he isn't a bad guy. He just won't show us his true self." Kaito chose to speak about him. Hmm, interesting. Seems like he would actually be a cool guy to talk to.
"Noted." Maybe I'll have a chat with this guy whenever I meet him.
Outside Hope's Peak Academy
7:30 P.M.
Streets
I helped them study until late. After that, we parted ways and I went home. Not before I ran into Hiyoko though. I ran up to her.
"Hey Ji!" She turned around and was happy to see me.
"Hey Ki!" We hugged each other then we walked home.
"So, you getting acclimated to the school?"
"Yep, it's so much fun! I get to grab people and let them do my bidding! So much fun!" Yep, that's the Hiyoko I know...
"You really like doing that don't you?"
"Of course! If not them, then who else?"
"Where are you going by the way?"
"I'm heading to a friend's house. It's by this street here."
"Cool. I'll walk there with you." It took about five minutes and we got there. It was a big mansion. Feels like I've seen this place before. When she rung the doorbell, and a girl came out, my face went immediately pale.
It's Ayaka. Not her again... I thought I would never see her again! I put on my hoodie so she can't recognize me.
"Hey Ayaka! How are you?"
"I'm doing fine girl! Who did you bring with you?" I signaled to Hiyoko to not mention my name to her.
"Um.. A friend of mine who was walking me here. Hope you don't mind."
"No, not at all! In fact, I'd appreciate it if your friend here would join us in our festivities. Is that okay?"
No, no, no! If I do this, there's no telling what will happen!
"S-Sorry, but it's getting late. I'm in a hurry. Maybe some other time." I really need to get out of here!
"Aww, sad. I hope I'll see you again sometime, Riki."
Damn it, she already knew it was me. Well, no point in hiding now.
"Yeah, it's me. You were always perceptive of people. A good trait to have. How have you been?" When I got a good look at her face, she looked more mature and her body was more figured.
"Haha! I'm doing perfectly fine! Just taking your advice, that's all."
"Wait, Riki, you know her?" Yep, Hiyoko. Seems like I'm seeing friends from long ago all over again.
"Me and Riki used to date back in middle school. His last words were, "I hope your life is full of blossoming and hope." Such a good guy!" Has she really changed? I can't tell and I don't think I want to know...
"Why did you two break up?" I quickly spoke up.
"We decided we were better off as friends. That's all there is to it." Well, it wasn't entirely a lie. Despite that, we became friends again after a while, although we barely talked so I can't really say we were friends.
"Yeah, that's the reason." Ayaka assured Hiyoko. Well, at least we agreed on that conclusion.
"Well, I won't take up much of your time. Nice to see you again Ayaka. Bye." Well, I thought I was going to leave, but Ayaka grabbed my hand to tell me something.
"One more thing... Come by sometime. I'd love to rekindle our relationship. Heehee!" Then she quickly walked off with Hiyoko into her house.
I quickly walked off. Dang it.
My memories of heartbreak are starting to come back. Ayaka, do you really mean that or are you lying to me again?
Hope's Peak Academy
2:00 P.M.
Classroom 78
Junko's POV
A month later...
Hmph... Time really does fly by. December just started today. Let's give a recap of what I've done during this time.
1. Phase 1 has been completed. I can now continue on knowing the headmaster won't do a damn thing about it.
(Flashback)
I got a call from Yasuke while I was in Akihabara. It was around the time I was with Mukuro and Riki. We went up to the Tokyo Skytree to know more about Riki and his personal life. Two things I learned was that Yasuke managed to knock out Jin, the headmaster. He doesn't remember what happened at all. Good. Also, Riki has had his share of heartbreak. He didn't directly mention it to us, but he did say a girl broke his heart. If I can find out who it was when we get back, it'll make him so upset! Haha!
One tiny problem... I think Mukuro has another fucking crush on someone! And this time it's fucking Riki! Wanna know how I know? These were the words that he said after he said she will achieve her dreams.
"Mukuro, I do hope that one day you'll find your true purpose in life. Your sister and I can help you find it if you want to." Mukuro ended up blushing heavily and she couldn't resist those eyes and smile of his. Damn it! She better get over that shit!
If there is one good thing I will say about Riki, he has an aura around him that makes him really approachable and make you want to follow. I'll admit, even I've gotten used to it at times, occasionally showing my genuine feelings towards him. I like him a lot.
Which makes me also really hate him...
"T-Thank you..." She was at a loss for words.
(Flashback over)
2. Phase 2 is about to initiate. I need to find a place that is secluded and away from everyone. Luckily, I think I found the perfect place. After all, I found it after I failed to find Riki at the Halloween Festivities.
(Flashback)
Damn it! Where the hell is he?! Argh.. I'm never going to find him-
Wait, where the fuck am I?! Is this a basement? Oh, this must be the place where they had planned to go through with that project! Something tells me this place will play a pivotal role in the near future. Most preferably, my plans.
"Mukuro, make a note of this place! We'll definitely be coming back here sometime soon!"
"Noted." She wrote it down in her notebook. Such a disgusting person! Who carries that crap?
"Hey, who's there?!" Oh crap, we better go! Me and Mukuro ran off.
(Flashback over)
3. Not even one person is aware of the fact that I'm planning this. If I could get someone on my side to initiate phase two, then it's perfect. Actually, I already did! Ryota, the Ultimate Animator!
(Flashback)
Me and Mukuro went to the dorms to head into my room when I heard static coming from somewhere else. When I got to that room, I saw two people there, one big guy and another guy who looks like he's been there for ages.
"Hey! Could you turn that shit down?!"
"O-Oh. Sorry! We didn't know the door was open!" Actually, what are they doing here? Is he... making something?
"Whatcha making there?"
"A 3D animation video. Check it out." It was a video of a guy getting hypnotized. It actually made the big guy hypnotized! Wait, this could be fucking perfect! Let's recruit this guy!
"I think me and you are going to be good friends. Let's make something special!"
(Flashback over)
Haha! Nothing can stop me! I'm too invincible!
"Um, Junko?" Someone took me out of my trance. It was Makoto.
"Oh, hello luck boy! Something you want?"
"Yes, you and Mukuro's birthday is coming up soon right? We want to plan something for you two for being our classmates and friends."
"Aww, thank you!" I hugged him, although it was clearly fake emotion.
I can use this to my advantage. Let's have some fun for now...
Park
4:40 P.M.
Natsumi's POV
Man, it's getting a bit cold now. I'm glad Riki decided to hand me his hoodie, but I didn't want him to be cold either. I was walking with Riki, Fuyuhiko, and Peko. We had decided to hang out today. Riki met my parents and the yakuza household family. He was a bit surprised, but he liked it. As we were walking, we noticed there was a caution sign around the park. Wait, what happened? We noticed it was a crime scene. Did something happen?
"Hm? What happened here?" Fuyuhiko had questioned.
"Looks like something big. We should just leave it alone." Peko had assured us.
"Excuse me. Can I get through real quick?" A person with a hat came to the scene. He dropped his card.
"Sir! You dropped this!" Riki called out to him.
"O-Oh. T-Thank you!" He read the card and noticed the name.
"Shuichi Saihara... Are you a detective?"
"O-Oh. Yeah."
SHUICHI SAIHARA
Talent: Ultimate Detective
Age: 16
Height: 5"7
Weight: 128
Likes: Novels
Dislikes: Gossip
Birthday: September 7
"Hmm, interesting. There's two Ultimate Detectives."
"Y-Yeah. Kyoko is the far more impressive one though. Well, I'm in a hurry so I have to investigate."
He walked off to help out the police.
"Riki, you are really becoming the popular one you know that?" Fuyuhiko was grinning heavily.
"Yes, you have managed to befriend mostly everyone in the Main Course. Even the anti-social ones too." Peko pointed out.
"A-Ah... I'm just being myself, that's all."
"Never change that. Too many people change in this world. Especially in the yakuza industry."
"I'll take note of that."
Well, that was a rather interesting conversation. Is Riki starting to be more popular than the Main Course students?
Hope's Peak Academy
12:15 P.M.
Riki's POV
A day later...
I was having lunch with Seiko, Ruruka, and Sonosuke. For some reason, Seiko was really close to me. Well, not that I was complaining. She's really cute up close.
"So, I was thinking I should make some sweets for the occasion. It's only right. The main question is, what kind do I want to make?" Ruruka was talking about making sweets for the entire school for her final exam in the next semester. I mean, are you really thinking about it that early?
"You know, you don't have to think about it this early right?" Sonosuke mentioned it to her.
"I know, but I feel it's important! I don't want to fail!"
"You won't fail. Your the best confectioner we all know." I decided to give her some encouragement.
"Y-Yeah, you will surely pass."
"Aww thank you! You guys are the best friends I could ever have!"
"What about you Sonosuke? What is your exam on?" I felt like I already knew, but I still asked just to be sure.
"I have to sculpt some things based on the items they give me. It should be easy considering I'm the Ultimate Blacksmith. Nothing but just regular work for me."
"Cool. And I'm assuming your exam is on making something useful in a quick amount of time."
"Y-Yeah. You always seem to know everything."
"Well, I wouldn't say that. After all, there's always something I don't know." I winked at her, insinuating that I had feelings for her, but kept it low-key.
"L-Like what?" She got a bit closer to me blushing heavily, as expected of what she would do. Closer that our lips almost touched. Mmm... is she going to do it? I feel some teasing coming soon...
"Oooh! When is the wedding?" Ruruka must have noticed it(anyone could have noticed it, you idiot!) and teased us about it. Yep, can't say I didn't call that.
"U-Umm... I-I-" Seiko was very shy and did not know how to answer, so I decided to speak in her place.
"Aw c'mon. There's no way she's fallen for an average guy like me." Maybe I shouldn't have downplayed myself like that, but I felt like it was the most safe option to get out the situation.
Just for Sonosuke to side with his girlfriend, and keep the conversation going!
"You know you aren't average though. In fact, I'd go as far as to say you are important to all of us. Especially Seiko. You are the one that broke her out of her shyness."
"A-Aw, c'mon. Your making me blush here."
"Well, what's stopping you from making a move?" Ruruka asked the big question. Are we really going to continue this line of questioning? I thought we were just talking about exams! Let's just make up an excuse to get out of this.
"I have to go to the bathroom." I went to get up, just for Seiko to put me down. Surprisingly, with some good strength too.
"S-Seiko?"
"C-Can you answer the q-question?" Seiko, why do you want to know?! Well, there's no getting out of this.
"Um... I just think that... there's better people out there for her. I don't know if I'd be the one to provide her with what she wants." That came out with a bit more emotion. Did I sound too sad right there? I shouldn't have said that-
"T-That's not t-true!" Seiko took me out of my thoughts.
"Huh?"
"Riki, I was a really shy girl in elementary school. Do you remember when we first met?"
"Yeah, it was a moment I will never forget."
(Flashback)
I was walking home from school. When I got to the park, that was when I noticed a girl wearing a mask starting to cry.
I decided to walk up to her and see what the issue was.
"Um, hey? Are you okay?"
"N-No. I'm lost and I don't know how to get home! My friends were supposed to be here, but they got in trouble!" Ahh, I see. Well, I can't just leave her like this.
"You can come with me. I'm heading home this way." I pointed to the left.
"T-Thank you." As we walked, I decided to talk to her, since I might be seeing more of her.
"So, what's your name?"
"S-Seiko Kimura. H-How about you?"
"I'm Riki Aiuchi. Nice to meet you."
"N-Nice to meet you as well."
"So, besides your friends taking a while, how are you?"
"I-I'm fine. Just being m-myself."
"Cool. Never change. You are really special."
"H-Huh?"
"I saw you rescue that animal the other day. It was really noble of you. A-Actually, I look up to you."
"T-thank you. T-That means a lot to m-me." We just blushed at each other as we kept on walking; I noticed two people running toward us later on.
"Hey! Wait!" We stopped to let them catch up.
"Seiko! I'm sorry we didn't tell you. I thought we were gonna get out early than that." It was a girl and a guy. Wonder who they are.
"I-It's okay. Aiuchi-kun helped me out a lot." She blushed a bit when she looked at me. She's really pretty now that I got a good look at her.
"A-Ah, I didn't do much. I did what anyone would have done."
"And he's humble! Aww! You two would be perfect together." W-What?!
"Anyways, excuse her. I'm Sonosuke and this is Ruruka. We are Seiko's friends."
"Nice to meet you two. Are you okay from here Seiko?"
"Y-Yes." She then quickly hugged me. "T-thank you!" She walked with Sonosuke and Ruruka. Guess they live the same way.
Those three are an interesting bunch. I think we are going to be good friends.
(Flashback over)
"It was really an interesting moment to me because my first thoughts of you three were "I hope that isn't the last time I see those three." And luckily, it wasn't and look where we are. Is there a reason why you mentioned that Seiko?"
"I-I had already f-fallen for you the moment you h-helped me."
O-Oh... I had never known that.
Seiko is a very dear friend to me. Whenever something happened, she was always there for me, even when it looked bad. Of course, I always was there for her. Even though me and Ruruka were the main people that people seen together, people always thought me and Seiko were a couple. We were basically inseparable back in elementary school. I had fallen for her, but I had also fallen for Ruruka as well. But with Ruruka, it was more of a looks thing. Her personality is kinda crappy. Sorry Ruruka. But with Seiko, I love her personality. She kinda reminds me of my adoptive mom. Nice and really supportive of the people around her. And to me, she is really cute. Am I missing out on something here?
I feel like if I don't get Seiko to be with me, I'll probably never have another chance at love again...
"Seiko... I feel the same way. I just think now isn't the best time." Let's have a special day to ourselves.
"O-Oh... I u-understand..." She looked really sad. I'm sorry Seiko. But I'll never get over teasing you!
"No, I meant, I want to take you out on a date."
"H-Huh?"
"I mean, if that's okay with you."
"O-Of course!" She immediately got closer to me and held my arm.
"We'll meet at the park at 2:30 tomorrow. Is that okay?" Tomorrow was a school holiday, so everyone was off that day.
"Okay! See you then!"
"Heh... Just like we said.." Sonosuke chuckled.
Lunch time was over and Seiko and Ruruka was ahead of us. Me and Sonosuke walked behind them.
"What's your motive here?" Sonosuke was curious.
"I want to ask her out appropriately. I don't want her to think I just did it in the heat of the moment. I want it to be genuine."
"Ahh, I see. Well, good luck." He smiled.
Seiko's House
2:00 P.M.
Seiko's POV
A day later...
H-Here we go... My first ever date. I want it to be right.
"Here, put this on!" Ruruka was helping me get ready. She tried to put makeup on me, and all sorts of other things. I got a bit angry at her and told her I just wanted to be casual.
"Sorry. I just want you to be happy."
"Thank you for caring Ruruka. I promise I will be happy no matter what on this date, okay?"
"Okay! Put this on." It was a white shirt with blue shorts. After I put it on, she gave me a necklace and bracelet.
"Good! Are you gonna go with the mask on?" Should I?
...
...
"I-I'll carry it, but I won't wear it. I want Riki to see me for who I am."
"Ooooooh! So adorable!" After a while, we walked to the park together where Riki and Sonosuke were waiting. I guess he was doing the same for Riki.
Park
2:30 P.M.
Riki's POV
I'm a bit nervous, I won't lie. Me and Sonosuke had been preparing for ten minutes already. I had on a jacket with a green shirt and blue pants. It was getting cold so I wanted to be prepared.
After a while, I seen Seiko and Ruruka. Whoa, Seiko looks really nice. But most importantly, she didn't have on her mask. Heh...
"H-Hi Riki."
"H-Hey Seiko. Well, shall we get going?"
"Yes. Let's go."
"Have fun you two!"
"Be good teenagers."
We walked, holding hands. Man, I feel so good right now. And it's not just because I'm with a girl.
It's a girl I really love and admire.
As we walked through the park I noticed two people training there. I already knew one of them but the other one was very tall and buff. Is that a guy?
"Hey Hina." Hina stopped and saw me. She waved at me.
"Hi Riki! Oooh, are you on a date with Kimura-senpai?"
"Yep. You training with someone?"
"Yeah, oh you never met her yet! Sakura! Come here!" Wait, Sakura? That sounds like a girl's name. Sakura turned around and... Yep, that's a girl. I'm glad she can't read my thoughts because I was about to say something dumb.
"It's okay. Many people assume I'm a guy."
"W-Wait. You read my thoughts?"
"You said them out loud Riki." Seiko had told me. Oh shoot!
"Like I said, it's okay. I'm Sakura Ogami. Nice to meet you."
SAKURA OGAMI
Talent: Ultimate Martial Artist
Age: 17
Height: 6"4
Weight: 218
Likes: Dojos
Dislikes: Nunchucks
Birthday: September 13
"O-Of course." Now I'm just embarrassed I made that mistake.
"Well, enough of us. You got a date to attend to! Talk to ya later!" Hina and Sakura went back to training in the park. Me and Seiko continued with our date.
After a hour of walking and talking, we went to a cafe.
"S-So, how is your time at Hope's Peak so far?"
"It's really cool. I didn't think I'd fit in here the first day, but I'm having a blast! I have so many friends here. I'd be dumb to leave it all just to go to another school. More importantly, I'm glad winter break is coming up soon."
"A-Ah... your birthday is also coming up right?"
"Yep, I'm looking forward to it! I get to see my parents and family."
"And you'll get plenty of gifts."
"Well, the gifts are cool, but the memories is what's most important to me."
"As expected of y-you. You always care about the people around you. B-But Christmas Day, I want it to be m-my turn to take care of you."
"Hm, what do you mean by that? You've always taken good care of me whenever I'm sick."
"Yes, but w-what I meant w-was, I can give you a memory you'll n-never forget, i-if you'll allow i-it." That sounded a bit more flirty than expected, but okay.
"O-okay. I'm looking forward to it."
Now she has me really curious on what the surprise is going to be. Well, whatever it is, I'll cherish it forever. After we finished our food, I paid for it, and I walked Seiko back to her house before it got dark.
"So..." Seiko couldn't find a way to break the silence.
"Umm..." Me either...
I decided to break the silence by asking her something.
"Can I do something that I normally wouldn't do?"
"L-Like what?"
"Like this." I kissed her on her lips. It felt sensational and great.
...
...
...
"T-That felt amazing."
"Y-Yeah. I a-agree."
"S-So does this m-mean we are o-official?"
"Y-Yeah. You are my g-girlfriend." That felt so embarrassing, but also satisfying to say. She kissed me on my lips this time before she went back in the house.
"S-See you t-tomorrow."
"Yeah, see ya."
...
...
Hell yeah! I'm feeling like I just phased through a brick wall! That's a weird thing to say, but I don't even care anymore! I have a girlfriend! And I got my "first" kiss.
O-Oh.. that means we have to do things that couples do. Like holding hands, hugging each other, kissing, m-maybe even have s-sex. W-Whoa! I mean, it's definitely not gonna get to that level anytime soon.
...
...
R-Right? I'm still an innocent guy, right?
Alright, we are nearing the halfway point of this series. I can't wait for you guys to see what I have in store for the upcoming chapters.
Well, here's the thing. After the next chapter comes out, I won't be able to upload as much as I wanted to. That's because I have college coming up in a week. I was able to get these out in the span of almost a month, even if it may seem like it wasn't. But fear not! I'm still gonna find the time to type up and continue this series, because I'm too far in to stop now! The climax has only just begun after all... Just keep in mind, if this series doesn't update as much, you know why. I might be able to get these out within a week or two depending on the amount of time I have.
Okay, enough of that college talk. As always, reviews are always welcome! Hope you are enjoying this series!
Riki has a girlfriend! His childhood friend, Seiko. Although that is great news, bad news is that he saw an old friend after so long, and it brought back some bad memories. Will he let that affect him during his relationship with Seiko? What is the memory Seiko wants to give Riki for the rest of his life? Will all the girls that fell for him end up jealous when they find out about his relationship? And when Junko's plan is starting to become known to everyone, how will everyone adapt to the situation at hand? Find out in the next chapter!