Chapter 19: Everyday Life with the (Former) Ultimate Housekeeper


Hello again ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls; Ultimates of all ages! wesst1 back again once again!

I don't know about you, but I've been waiting for this one! Makoto and Chisa! Forbidden love between teacher and student! Munakata left with nothing but his lotion and a closet to hide in!

Well alright, maybe not that last one, but I am a fan of this pairing. There are those I like better, but I do wish there was more of this one.

I'm just going to get this out of the way right now, I don't like Munakata or Sakakura, so don't expect a lot of good things to happen to them. Or at least don't expect a lot of good things to happen to them and last for long.

So, now that I've probably spoiled this chapter…on with the chapter.


Present Day

"…promised to have a picnic with me! You're late!" Yukizome scolded.

I did agree to that, I know that much. But what does she mean late, I…crap! Naegi thought as he looked at his phone to check the time. "I am running late. Sensei, I'm sorry I-" Naegi began before he felt a wave of killing intent hit him. "I-I mean, Chisa-chan, I didn't forget you! I really am running late!" Naegi could only hope that she was in a listening mood, Yukizome had a thing about people who didn't make time for her.

"I know. You made time for all the other girls. Reminiscing. A rescue. It looked like fun. I guess there's no room for me, is there?" Yukizome asked sadly as she began to trace circles on the ground. *Sniffle*

"Nononono! I know I lost track of time, but there's always room for you, Chisa-chan! Please don't cry! I'll make it up to you! I promise!" One would have thought Naegi would have known better than to make promises like that at Hope's Peak.

"Spread this blanket out next to that tree," Yukizome ordered as she pointed at a nearby tree.

"Of course!" Naegi did as he was told. She seemed to be letting him off easy.

"Now, sit against that tree."

"Sure, Chisa-chan!" Naegi had a pretty good idea of what she really wanted him to do.

Yukizome walked over to Naegi, sat down, and leaned against his chest while wrapping one of his arms around her. "I'd like to start with a sandwich," Yukizome told the student.

"A-anything for you, Chisa-chan," Naegi stammered. Yukizome had wrapped Naegi's arm around herself in such a way that her breasts were right on top of his arm. Once Naegi calmed down, he started to feed the woman who was snuggling into him. Naegi was willing to do a lot for people, but even he knew how bad this would be if the Headmaster or the public found out. The last thing he wanted to do was make trouble for Yukizome. Well, I don't mind spoiling her a little. Although I guess this is a lot. She does deserve it though. She works so hard for us and never asks for much in return, Naegi thought. Teacher or not, Yukizome was his friend too. He and the students had always considered her to be one of them.

I'm so happy! Makoto-kun is feeding me! Calm down, Chisa. Be careful not to let anyone find out about this. Ahhh! I've always wanted to do this with the man of my dreams! I used to think it would be… No, forget it! He wasn't who you thought he was! Chisa mentally scolded herself as she shook her head.

Naegi felt the movement and asked, "Is everything okay, Chisa-chan?"

"Everything is fine. Just remembering some things. But I'm okay. I'm okay because you're here," Yukizome whispered that last part, but due to their proximity, Naegi heard it.

He knew what she was remembering. Because Yukizome never asked for things in return for all she did, it was easy for some people to take her for granted. Especially if said people were particularly ambitious. I wish that had been the only uncomfortable truth she had to face. Sometimes the people you put your faith in just aren't who you thought they were, Naegi thought, remembering the events that led him here.

In order to clear her mind, Yukizome had decided to recall those events too. Makoto-kun may spread himself too thin, but he'd never lose sight of what, or who, is important. Although it is hard when everyone is important to him.


Hope's Peak Academy-Girls' Dorm

First Day

Once everyone had settled in, Yukizome found a spot where she could be alone and made a call. She always looked forward to speaking to Munakata Kyosuke, she had been carrying a torch for him since their time as students.

The former Ultimate Student Council President was a very serious man. Upon graduating from Hope's Peak Academy, he set his sights on the Headmaster's chair. To reach this goal, he would attempt to root out the problems at Hope's Peak Academy, the Steering Committee. To do that, he had asked his former classmates, Sakakura Juzo and Yukizome Chisa to take positions at the school. They would work together to find information as well as potential staff for the overseas branch of Hope's Peak that Munakata was starting.

While Sakakura made it a point to remember his true purpose as head of security, Yukizome had enjoyed her time with Class 77-B and that wasn't going to change any time soon. It may not have been part of the plan, but she was the teacher of Class 77-B and she loved it and her students.

*Click* "Yukizome." Not exactly the warmest greeting, but Yukizome knew that Munakata was probably just focused on his work.

"Kyosuke-kun, can't you at least call me Chisa on the phone?" Yukizome asked.

*Sigh* "Status report, Yukizome." Straight to business, as always.

Yukizome pouted, not that Munakata could see, but complied. "Class 78 has arrived, and they seem like an interesting bunch of kids."

"Yes, I looked over their talents. A few celebrities, the Kirigiri Jin's daughter, the young programmer who made a splash recently. And of course, the Headmaster insists on continuing that lottery." Munakata spat that last part, clearly, he didn't much care for the title of Ultimate Lucky Students.

"There's actually a funny story about that! See, when we were dividing up the students for dorm assignments…"

Munakata cut her off. "I'm sure it's hilarious, but I already know how troublesome Lucky Students can be. Anyone with any involvement with Hope's Peak is familiar with Komaeda Nagito's escapades."

Yukizome was annoyed that Munakata didn't listen but hid it as best she could. "This is different though. Naegi-kun…"

"Yukizome, don't forget what it is we're trying to do. Anything else is a distraction. Now if that's all, I need to get back to work. Good-bye." *Click* Munakata hung up.

Yukizome was not happy. Not that it would make a difference now, but Yukizome continued talking as though Munakata was still on the other end. "You won't believe it. An oversight by Kizakura-sensei has led to a boy being put in the girls' dorm that I'm in charge of. Huh? No, he seems harmless enough. The girls and I gave him warnings, but I don't think we need to worry. How has your day been going? … *sigh* Same as always, right? No time for anyone else," Yukizome finished as she pulled her phone away from her ear. She took a minute to glare at her phone, as though that action would get her message across to Munakata. This wasn't how she had imagined her life going. She imagined settling down with her high school sweetheart and starting a family. She enjoyed her job at Hope's Peak, she wouldn't complain about that, but her relationship with Munakata didn't sync up with her fantasies.

He's hard at work. It will change once the overseas branch is set up. He'll have more time then, Yukizome told herself. That belief was what kept her content with her relationship, such as it was.

Yukizome decided to make some rounds around the dorm to calm herself down. She saw Naegi outside with Maizono and managed to pick up what was being said. Naegi thought that they hated him, Yukizome decided that she would have to clear that up soon. Until then, Maizono had done a good job of comforting him. Yukizome couldn't help but envy how close those two seemed to be. She really envied how they listened to each other.

Yukizome had thought that once she graduated, she wouldn't feel jealous of high school girls anymore. As she would soon discover, this year would prove that she was mistaken.


Hope's Peak Academy-Girls' Dorm

Fifth Week of Classes-Sunday

Yukizome had hoped that perhaps a good night's sleep would have helped Mioda bounce back after what had happened at Black Box. Unfortunately, that hadn't happened and Mioda had seemed even more depressed this morning.

Yukizome hated when one of her students was unhappy. Yukizome hoped she never had to learn the pain Mioda was feeling right now, finding out your friends weren't who you thought they were is always a terrible experience. Yukizome felt she shared some of the blame, she had learned that Black Box was a hipster club after Naegi and Saionji had brought Mioda home last night. She had a feeling, but she wanted to believe that things would work out. I should have suggested some other place. Maybe the Titty Typhoon, although I don't want my students near a club that doubles as a dive bar, Yukizome thought.

She shook her head. This wouldn't help Mioda. She had to think of a way to cheer up her student.

"Y-yukizome-sensei?" a timid voice called.

"Hmm? Oh, Tsumiki-san. Naegi-kun? Do you need me for something?" Yukizome asked.

"Well Sensei, it's about Mioda-senpai," Naegi began.

"Is she any better, Naegi-kun?" Yukizome hated to admit it, but there had been things she had to take care of today and thus had little insight into Mioda's current condition.

"Not really, Sensei. That's why we're here. Tsumiki-senpai told me you know how to play guitar. Do you still play?" Naegi asked.

"I don't play regularly, but I practice every now and then. It helps me connect with Mioda-san. Why?" Yukizome asked.

"I was wondering if you'd be willing to help me put on another concert. The kind Mioda-senpai wanted. With her songs and all her friends. Her real friends," Naegi told her.

"I like the idea Naegi-kun, but you can't have concert with just me playing. Mioda-san could pull it off, but I can't," Yukizome reminded him.

"I know. That's why I'll be on the drums. Just like Mioda-senpai suggested."

"I-I like the idea too, b-but what about her songs? I'm sorry! I didn't mean to suggest there was something wrong with your idea!" Tsumiki shouted.

"I've got that covered too," Naegi said as he pulled some folded-up papers out of his pocket. Sheet music for Mioda's songs, Yukizome and Tsumiki realized once the sheets were unfolded.

Yukizome smiled. "You really thought this through, Naegi-kun. My little rotten oranges are lucky to have such a sweet, caring kōhai! Now, I assume you have time to practice?"

"I can be ready as soon as you are, Sensei," Naegi said, full of determination. This would work. Mioda would respond if they used music.

"I'll meet you in the Music Room in the Old Building in half an hour," Yukizome told him with a smile. Yukizome didn't know Naegi had a side like this, but she enjoyed seeing it. Something about Naegi as he was right now made Yukizome believe that everything would be alright.


Hope's Peak Academy-Girls' Dorm

Eighth Week of Classes-Tuesday

The whole school was shaken by what had happened. An attempt had been made on the life of the Ultimate Princess, Sonia Nevermind. While everyone admired her ability to remain composed during this time, not many were able to emulate it and thus tried to find ways to cope.

Yukizome thought that hearing Munakata's voice would help her calm down, and so, she decided to call him.

*Click* "Hello Yukizome," came Munakata's voice.

"Kyosuke, someone tried to kill one of my students today," Yukizome told him.

Anyone with ears would have picked up on how upset Yukizome was. Munakata must have had a bad connection, or at least that was Yukizome's explanation for what he said next. "How is the school planning to deal with it?"

"Well, Sonia-san is going to continue attending class, even though we've given her permission to not attend until the sniper is caught. The Novoselic and Japanese government are investigating right now, or at least that was the impression the Headmaster got from the Ambassador," Yukizome explained.

"Will Kirigiri be putting out a statement?" Munakata asked.

"I don't know! Kyosuke, one of my students is in danger! What am I going to do?" Yukizome asked on the verge of tears. Munakata's attitude was taking its toll on Yukizome.

"Continue to gather information. If the girl isn't worried, I see no reason that you need to worry." *Click* He had hung up.

"Rrrrrrr!" Yukizome growled as she tried to strangle her phone. Kyosuke, that wasn't what I wanted you to tell me! Can't you understand how I feel? Yukizome tried to see things from Munakata's perspective, he wasn't here, he hadn't bonded with Yukizome's students. But did he have to be so cold? Yukizome threw her phone of to the side in disgust. He'll get better after the overseas branch is done, she told herself. Although she was beginning to believe that if Munakata got better it was only because he couldn't get worse.

"Here you go, Sensei. You look like you could use this," a male voice said.

"Hmm?" Yukizome saw that Naegi had placed a cup of tea in front of her.

"Tea always helps me calm down. It's ready to go for whoever wants some, but you look like you need it the most right now," Naegi explained.

"What about Sonia-san?" Yukizome asked.

"She says she's fine, but I could tell how upset she is. I suggested she get some rest until dinner. Between what happened and forcing herself to remain so composed, she's probably exhausted," Naegi told Yukizome.

"Did anyone check her room?" Yukizome asked.

"Ikusaba-san checked it for anything dangerous. It seems no one snuck in and rigged the dorm to explode, so we can relax a little bit." Naegi tried to force himself to laugh, but it betrayed how worried he was.

"That wasn't what I meant but that is reassuring," Yukizome said as she took a sip of tea. "This is delicious, Naegi-kun."

"Thank you," Naegi said. After a brief silence, Naegi asked, "Yukizome-sensei, are you okay?"

"W-what do you mean? I'm not the one who…the one who could have…" Yukizome couldn't say it.

"Sensei, I can see how much your students mean to you. Of course, you'd be worried. I might not be much, but if there's anything I can do, please let me know. I'll do what I can to keep Sonia-senpai safe, but if there's anything else I can do to give you peace of mind, I'll do it if I can." Naegi's eyes were full of the same determination that Yukizome saw when he asked for her help in cheering up Mioda.

"I think you've already done it, Naegi-kun," Yukizome told him. She felt better about Sonia now. She believed that the boy in front of her would keep her student safe. Yukizome was tempted to tell Naegi other things, but she didn't want to complain about her relationship to a student, even if she did believe that Naegi could understand. For now, Yukizome was content with this, although she was a little jealous that Sonia had a knight in a green hoodie while Yukizome's knight in shining armor was losing his luster.


Hope's Peak Academy-Girls' Dorm Common Area

Tenth Week of Classes-Tuesday

"What's it like being the teacher of a princess?"

"How has Princess Sonia been coping since the hostage situation?"

"Is there anything between her and the boy that saved her?"

"Is it true that he went back to class the day after being shot?"

"What's the most annoying question you've gotten all day?"

Okay, Yukizome had made that last one up, but that was the only question she would have given an answer to.

Considering they kept asking the same questions over and over? All of them, Yukizome thought as she laid on the couch. She had made the mistake of going to the front gate to try to reason with the reporters, asking them to quit harassing the students with questions that had already been answered. Clearly that was a mistake as they had just directed their questions at her. Thankfully, security came to her rescue and she managed to get away, but the questions kept echoing in her mind. She'd have to get Sakakura something nice for putting up with the press if he managed to keep from threatening them.

Yukizome was exhausted and her head was pounding, but she pulled out her phone to call Munakata, hoping that hearing him might help her feel better. Before she could, however, a blanket covered her and a voice said, "If you're tired Sensei, I can wake you up for dinner. There's not much else I'm allowed to do around here."

"Hmm?" Yukizome looked to see Naegi standing near the couch.

"You look tired. And I heard about your experience with the press. I, uh, I learned how exhausting that can be," Naegi said. A moment later, Naegi continued. "For what it's worth, I am sorry about all this. Not about helping Sonia-senpai, but for all the attention it attracted. I know it's getting on everyone's nerves."

"Naegi-kun, you did the right thing. And this isn't your fault either. The press would be here whether you were a hero or a hostage," Yukizome reassured him.

"I guess that's true," Naegi said as he rubbed the back of his head. He was still embarrassed about the "hero" part. He didn't do anything anyone that great. He bought them more time, but he still almost got himself killed.

"I will take you up on your offer though," Yukizome said as she rolled to her side and got comfortable. She managed to fall asleep right away, completely forgetting her desire to call Munakata. When she remembered later, she found that she was glad that she hadn't called him. She was finding Naegi's presence more relaxing than Munakata's voice lately anyway.


Eleventh Week of Classes-Wednesday

Minato Inn

Yukizome Chisa could usually keep herself composed in most situations. One didn't survive long at Hope's Peak Academy if they couldn't. That was being tested tonight.

She found Munakata's number in her contacts and as soon as he picked up, she yelled, "Kyosuke, I lost kids!"

"You lost students? Yukizome, you're too lenient with them. Just because you aren't at Hope's Peak…"

"NO! One of my students brought her brothers and sisters and two of the younger ones are missing!" Yukizome yelled. She didn't know what bothered her more, Munakata's lack of sympathy or that he had automatically assumed it was her fault.

"Why did she bring her family?" Munakata asked.

"They don't have anyone else to look after them. She checks up on them every weekend and brought them here since she couldn't get home this weekend," Yukizome explained.

"Then she should be the one watching them. It sounds like they can take care of themselves just fine without Hope's Peak staff worrying about them," Kyosuke told her.

"You know what? Never mind!" Yukizome yelled as she hung up.

As soon as she heard that the guests and the inn staff were forming search parties, she went to join only for Naegi and Owari to return with the lost children. While that helped Yukizome calm down a bit, she still couldn't relax. A child had returned covered in scrapes and scratches. She tried to calm herself down with a drink after Tsumiki patched up Ataru.

"Yukizome-sensei, are you alright?"

"Oh, Naegi-kun. Thank you for helping Owari-san and her family. I'm sorry that I let this happen," Yukizome apologized.

"You let it happen? Sensei, that's not true at all. Owari-senpai and I were supposed to be watching them. They're our responsibility. You didn't do anything wrong," Naegi argued.

"Still, I…" Yukizome began.

"Sensei, you're too young to take on so much responsibility, teacher or not. You watch us and we'll watch the children. Deal?" Naegi asked.

Doki! Yukizome was beginning to understand why the girls kept falling for Naegi. He had known exactly what to say and had complimented her in the process.

"Are you sure you're okay? Sonia-senpai said she heard you yelling earlier." Naegi explained.

"Oh that…I went to someone for help and he just kept saying the wrong thing," Yukizome said, the memory of her last conversation with Kyosuke left a bad taste in her mouth.

"Was it Kizakura-sensei? I know he's been drinking a lot," Naegi wondered.

"Hahaha, no, it was a friend from my class. He hasn't been very understanding lately," Yukizome admitted.

"If you want to talk, I'm here. Unless it's too personal," Naegi offered.

"I appreciate that Naegi-kun, but as a teacher, I shouldn't burden a student with my problems," Yukiaome said.

"Sensei, we aren't at school and if my math is right being a part of Class 74 means there's only four years of difference between us. We'd probably look like friends confiding in one another. And I can keep secrets, I promise!" Naegi coaxed.

We might look like a lot of things if a stranger walked in. Especially if you keep being so sweet, Yukizome thought as she felt her face heat up. "Thank you Naegi-kun, but I promise I'm alright. I'm sure everything will work out. I probably just caught him at a bad time," Yukizome told him. She believed that, but she was getting tired of giving Munakata chances.

"Well, alright. I can't force you. Just remember, I'm more than happy to help if you think I can. You're always helping us, Sensei. Don't be afraid to let us return the favor. I'm going to make sure the kids are alright and then I'm heading to bed myself. Good night!" Naegi said as he excused himself.

"Good night, Naegi-kun," Yukizome called. When she herself fell asleep, she dreamed of her future. The man in her dreams who until now had been Munakata, now had his face covered in shadow. He also seemed shorter and his hair was darker. Yukizome had a hard time looking Naegi in the eye the rest of the trip.


Hope's Peak Academy-Girls' Dorm

Fourteenth Week of Classes-Saturday

Yukizome had waited until all of her students fell asleep before she put her plan into motion. Her conversation with Naegi was still fresh in her mind. She didn't think Naegi would suggest children were being abused without a good reason.

It had been a while since she had done any late-night espionage, but this was certainly a worthy cause. After donning her catsuit and a mask for good measure, Yukizome opened the window to her room and jumped to the ground.

"Brrr!" Maybe such a thin outfit was a bad idea on such an unseasonably cold night. To make matters worse a light came on in the dorm's kitchen window. Someone was awake and they heard her.

"Whoever you are, leave now or I will call security!" Naegi's voice yelled.

"W-wait Naegi-kun, It's me!" Yukizome shouted as she took off her mask.

"Yukizome-sensei? Why are you dressed like a ninja?" Naegi asked before he averted his eyes. Yukizome's outfit left nothing to the imagination and the cold called attention to parts of her body Naegi knew he should not stare at.

"I wanted to help. I thought I could find something to help your students," Yukizome answered.

"Do you know where to start looking?" Naegi asked.

"I thought maybe I could find something to help in the main building. At the very least I could find out where the kids live and go from there," Yukizome explained.

"Sensei, I'm happy you want to help, but I don't want you to take any risks if you don't have to. I couldn't live with myself if you put yourself in danger because for me. You'd be breaking and entering for evidence that would be illegal and then you'd get in trouble," Naegi told her.

"I know. I just…" I just want to show that I can help you. Yukizome had no idea why she thought that. Why would she want to show Naegi that she could be useful to him?

"I know you want to help. Just knowing you want to help this much means so much to me. And I'm sure the children would say the same if they knew. But don't worry, the chance to help them will come, I'm sure of it. I'll find a way to save them, one that won't put you or anyone else I care about at risk!" Naegi said, determination burning in his eyes.

Doki Doki!

Yukizome clutched her chest as her heart beat wildly again. Naegi knew just what to say to a woman, she had to admit. Huh? Oh! No wonder Naegi-kun can't look at me, Yukizome said as she realized just how hard her nipples were and just how thin her outfit was. Wait… Naegi-kun must have… "KYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Yukizome shrieked as she covered her breasts with her hands. Luckily for her, the buildings were soundproof.


Hope's Peak Academy-Faculty Lounge

Sixteenth Week of Classes-Monday

The previous evening had been hard on Yukizome. One of her students had almost been raped, kidnapped, and then sold into sexual slavery. Thankfully, none of those had come to pass as Naegi had managed to save the young dancer. Unfortunately, talk of the events of last night had dominated her class today and Yukizome couldn't help but think that it was some sort of punishment for not reigning in her student earlier.

Yukizome, of course, felt terrible for making Saionji's experience the previous night about herself, but Yukizome couldn't help but think that if she had gotten Saionji to behave sooner, much of what had happened could have been avoided. Instead, Saionji's behavior had escalated to such a point that Naegi took matters into his own hands, leading Saionji's most recent targets to voice their grievances. Prideful as she was, Saionji couldn't accept that maybe her pranks had been dangerous and mean-spirited, which led to her avoiding her friends.

Yukizome had recounted all of this to Sakakura along with her own fears of her failings as a teacher. The response was not what she wanted to hear.

"School needs to keep these fuckers on a tighter leash. These kids are out of control," Sakakura said.

Yukizome looked like she had been slapped when Sakakura said that. "What is that supposed to mean? Teenagers act out. Teenagers get in trouble. It's my job as a teacher to-" Yukizome began.

"Our job is to help Munakata become headmaster! Our 'jobs' here are cover and the students are just a distraction. The students can fuck up all they want as long as it doesn't damage the school's reputation. That makes what Munakata is trying to do harder," Sakakura reminded her coldly.

"I didn't forget that or anything, but as long as I'm here, I can help the students. That is part of why Kyosuke-kun wants to do this isn't it?" Yukizome asked. Before this, that question would have been rhetorical, but now she really did want an answer. Weren't they trying to help the school and the students?

"If you can do both, go right ahead. Just don't forget why we came back to the school. And keep those brats under control, last thing we need is a scandal to make our job harder," Sakakura said as he left the room.

Yukizome wanted to respond but she couldn't think of a response. How did one respond to that? "We're here to help the school, screw the students." How did that work? Didn't Munakata and Sakakura want to help the school? That had been what she believed.

Maybe he just had a bad day. It's possible he just misspoke. It wasn't the first time that Sakakura and Yukizome had butted heads on the students, but Yukizome had never heard Sakakura speak of the students like that.

Still, Yukizome wouldn't be deterred. She would help Munakata and be the teacher her little rotten oranges deserved. She didn't need to choose.

"Yukizome-sensei?"

"Huh? Oh Naegi-kun, how are you feeling?" Yukizome asked as she took in her surroundings. She must have left the faculty lounge without realizing it. It looked like she hadn't gotten very far, she appeared to be in a hallway.

"I'm fine. Between the hospital and Kimura-senpai and Tsumiki-senpai when I got back, I feel great. I wish I had been able to go to Hope's Peak Elementary today though," Naegi told her.

"Your students mean a lot to you, don't they?" Yukizome asked.

"They do. Even if I wasn't worried about their home lives, I want to be there. They're a great bunch of kids," Naegi answered.

Yukizome smiled, and then a thought struck her. She thought that it was odd to ask a student this question, but Naegi always seemed to know the right thing to do or say. "Naegi-kun, if you had to choose between your students and your friends, what would you choose?" Yukizome asked.

"I'm not sure I understand the question, Sensei. I can't think of a scenario where I would need to pick one over the other or where my friends would make me choose," Naegi responded.

I wish I was that lucky, Yukizome thought. "I guess it didn't make much sense. Your friends are good people," she declared.

"Of course, they are. A lot of them are your students. And you're one of the most amazing people I've ever met. You've did a great job teaching them," Naegi declared.

Doki Doki!

Yukizome's face turned scarlet before she said, "T-thank you, Naegi-kun. It means a lot that you think so."

"It's true though," Naegi said. Checking remembering what he was doing, Naegi said, "I had better get back to class, I see you later, Sensei!"

"Study hard, Naegi-kun," Yukizome called after him. Yukizome wished she hadn't asked Naegi that question. He gave the only answer he could give; it wasn't his fault that Yukizome was learning uncomfortable things about her own friends. She was sure there was a reason Sakakura and Munakata were acting so coldly when she mentioned the students. They were good people, so the must care at least a bit about the students of their alma mater. She didn't need to choose between her students and her friends.

She really hoped she wouldn't need to choose. She wasn't as sure of her answer as she used to be.


Hope's Peak Academy-Girls' Dorm

Seventeenth Week of Classes-Sunday

Yukizome knew very well that when she started teaching at Hope's Peak Academy, she would be dealing with a great deal of stress. As much as she loved her students, she knew just how stressful being the homeroom teacher of Class 77-B was. She thought they were the wildest students Hope's Peak would ever see and that things could only calm down going forward. Although Class 78 was better behaved most of the time, they had their moments. After watching the news this morning and hearing about what had happened at the docks, the first thing Yukizome did was check on Celes and Naegi. Thankfully they were okay.

Yukizome couldn't remember the last time she was glad that she didn't have to teach but today was certainly one of those days. Between the wall her students had destroyed yesterday and Celes's and Naegi's experience last night, she needed a break. Once she had inspected the repairs her students had made to the main building, Yukizome headed back to the dorm to try to squeeze in a quick nap. The wind picked up just as she had reached the door of the dorm and that was when she saw it…

The wind had blown her ponytail into her peripheral vision and there was no mistake, Yukizome saw a gray hair.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" she shrieked.

"Sensei! What's wrong?" Naegi asked as he rushed to check on Yukizome.

"I *hic* I *hic* I'm getting gray hair!" Yukizome wailed as she tried not to cry.

Naegi took a good look at Yukizome and asked, "Where?"

"In my ponytail!" she whined.

"Sit down, let me see," Naegi said as he guided her to a nearby couch in the common area. "May I?" Naegi asked.

Yukizome nodded sadly as Naegi examined her hair.

"Oh, I see it. Sensei, the best way to treat this is to wash your hair," Naegi said seriously.

"What will that do?" Yukizome asked annoyed. Washing her hair wouldn't get rid of a gray one.

"It will get the paint out. Feel it. It's sticky. It's still a bit wet, see?" Naegi asked as he held out one of his fingers.

Yukizome saw that he was telling the truth, on Naegi's finger was a smudge the same color as her gray hair. Which now that she got a closer look, was the same color as the wall her students had to repaint. "Hahahahah!" Yukizome laughed as relief filled her.

"I know we aren't easy to deal with Sensei. I'll try to talk to the others about it. But you don't need to worry. Your hair, just like you, is still young and beautiful and will be for a long time," Naegi told her.

Doki Doki!

Yukizome couldn't help herself this time and acted on the feeling in her chest.

She kissed him.

She kissed a student.

Not on the lips, but on the forehead. But once she realized what she had done she panicked.

"N-naegi-kun, I…"

"I'm glad you feel better, Sensei," Naegi said as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

Yukizome relaxed a bit. Naegi wasn't making a big deal out of it and none of the girls or staff saw.

"You were just happy; it wasn't a big deal. It's not the first time that's happened," Naegi explained.

"It isn't?" Yukizome's mood soured when she heard that. Was she jealous that other girls had kissed Naegi?

"My sister does that whenever I help her 'avoid a crisis.' Then she acts like she poisoned herself. I'd rather help you, at least you aren't acting like kissing me because your relief overpowered your self-control is the end of the world," Naegi said.

Doki Doki!

What does that mean? Is he attracted to-? No, he was making a joke, Yukizome was a little disappointed at that realization, but hid it well.

"Thank you, Naegi-kun," Yukizome said.

"You're welcome, Sensei. Any time you need me, I'll be happy to help. I won't ask for one, but I wouldn't say no to another reward," Naegi said only half-jokingly. The truth was, he woulnd't have minded at all.

Yukizome turned red, playfully smacked his shoulder and said, "Students shouldn't flirt with teachers!" She managed to convey authority, playfully at least.

"I'll wait until I graduate then, oh Goddess of Hope's Peak Academy," Naegi replied.

Doki Doki!

"Maybe you can, but I don't think I can," Yukizome mumbled to herself as she turned red from Naegi's new title for her.

"What was that last part?" Naegi asked, once again serious.

"Nothing!" Yukizome squeaked.


Hope's Peak Academy-Gekkogahara's Office

Eighteenth Week of Classes-Friday

After Pekoyama's attempt at seppuku, Yukizome had ordered her to see Gekkogahara for therapy. However, Pekoyama was not the only new patient Gekkogahara was seeing this week.

"… My student tried to kill herself. I don't know what I would have done if Naegi-kun hadn't stopped her. The worst part is, I didn't know how serious she was about doing it. I thought it was enough to keep weapons out of her room. I didn't think she'd try in someone else's room. Does that make me a failure as a teacher? Am I able to protect my students?" Yukizome asked. She was still pretty shaken up by the whole ordeal.

"I don't think it does. From what you've told me, you and the others tried to do everything right. All we can ever really do is our best. Sometimes that's not always enough and people find ways to harm themselves. It's unfortunate, but it's true. We were all lucky that Naegi-kun was there," Usami answered.

"He always is," Yukizome said with a dreamy smile.

"What are your thoughts on Naegi-kun?" Gekkogahara had Usami ask.

"He's wonderful! He's always trying to help everyone. When he's determined to help, he gets this look in his eye and it's just… A-anyway, my students have improved a lot since meeting him. Perhaps not academically, but there were always things they wouldn't tell me about. Things I wasn't able to help them with. They opened up to him and now they seem so much happier!" Yukizome exclaimed.

"Go on," Usami urged.

"And he takes excellent care of things around the dorm. It's so nice to have someone taking care of me for a change. I have much more free time these days thanks to him. I wish he was here more than three years; I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back to how I expected things to be. He's perfect," Yukizome finished.

"I thought you'd say that," Usami noted.

"What do you mean?"

"Do you realize that you haven't mentioned Munakata-san once in our entire session? You've begun talking about Naegi-kun the way you used to talk about Munakata-san," Usami pointed out.

"W-well, Kyosuke has been busy and he hasn't really…" Yukizome struggled to find a way to put the next part of that statement.

"Had time for you?" Usami offered.

"That and he's been dismissive. Sakakura has too, now that I think about it. I know Kyosuke is busy and security is a rough and thankless job, so I don't want to be too hard on Sakakura either, it's just I wish they'd be a little more supportive. More…" Yukizome tried to think of her next words.

"More like Naegi-kun?" Usami asked.

"Yes. I-I mean no! I mean… Gekkogahara-san, what's happening to me?" Yukizome asked.

"As a teacher, you really shouldn't be attracted to students. As one young woman to another, I sympathize with you. Naegi-kun is very sweet. There is definitely more to him than meets the eye. He's a real cutie too!" Usami gushed.

"Gekkogahara-san! This is serious, I could lose my job for this!" Yukizome cried.

"I won't tell. It's all moot anyway, Naegi-kun believes, and I agree, that it would cause a lot of problems for the school if he dated while a resident of the girls' dorm and judging by the progress, or lack of it, which I assume is due to the luck of another Lucky Student, with fixing up the damaged rooms at the boys' dorm, Naegi-kun is probably going to be with you through for the rest of his time here," Usami told Yukizome.

Yukizome forgot about the boys' dorm. They had forgot that Naegi's stay with them was always meant to be temporary. If there was ever space for him with the boys, he would have to move in with them. What would he do once that happened? He had an ever-growing list of female admirers he could date.

Clench

Yukizome's heart ached at the thought of Naegi dating anyone. Anyone who wasn't her, at least.

"It's because…because he and Kyosuke are so similar!" Yukizome concluded.

"…How?" Gekkogahara didn't see it and doubted anyone else would.

"Kyosuke wants to help Hope's Peak too! He can be kind! He's sacrificing a lot for the sake of the school and all of its students! He and Naegi-kun would get along great," Yukizome concluded.

"If you say so," Usami responded. Gekkogahara didn't know Munakata Kyosuke as well as Yukizome did, but she remembered him as an ambitious man, not at all like the humble, Lucky Student of Class 78. Maybe Yukizome just saw something no one else did. She had been infatuated with Munakata for quite some time, after all. Whether or not those good points existed, it wasn't Gekkogahara's place to say.

"I'm sure I'm just missing being with Kyosuke. If I see him again, I'm sure everything will go back to normal for me," Yukizome said.

"If you think that will help. I believe that's all the time we have today though," Usami said.

"Thank you for your time, Gekkogahara-san," Yukizome said before she left the office. I'm not attracted to a student. I'm just seeing Kyosuke in Naegi-kun. I'm sure of it. I mean anyone would, they both… despite the similarities she had given Gekkogahara, Yukizome realized that she couldn't think anything other than Munakata's vague goals to compare the two. She had many specific instances of Naegi helping the school and the students simply because they were his friends or because it was the right thing to do to choose from. Munakata however, she really wasn't sure what specific steps he had taken to help the school or students.

It's because he keeps our conversations short. Next time I see him, I'm sure he'll have a whole list of ways he's helped everyone! Yukizome told herself. She couldn't help noticing that she had to force herself to believe that.


Hope's Peak Academy-Girls' Dorm

Nineteenth Week of Classes-Friday

Naegi Makoto was not well. Physically he was fine. Mentally, not so much.

It had started already. The media frenzy that he knew was coming the moment he made a move to help his students. He'd have to find a way to visit them today, but he right now he didn't feel up to it.

Naegi didn't know why this didn't bother him last night. He assumed the adrenaline and the pain in his hand before Kimura and Tsumiki treated it had distracted him, but now that he had time to think, he couldn't help but think he caused a lot of problems since coming to Hope's Peak.

And not just for Hope's Peak Academy, but for the other Hope's Peak programs. The Lil' Ultimates suicide note had mentioned him. Of course, the note had mentioned that his kindness showed them that there was something better out there, but Naegi couldn't remember that detail at the moment, he was too focused on all the problems he had caused, forgetting how he had always done what he could to solve them.

Naegi was so lost in his own head that he didn't hear Yukizome approach.

"Naegi-kun? Are you alright?" she asked.

"Oh, Sensei! I'm…well, I don't think I'm alright. Not really," Naegi admitted.

"What's the matter?" Yukizome asked.

"Well, with reporters spending so much time around the school, I'm expecting something big to happen. It has me thinking about everything that's happened since I arrived at Hope's Peak Academy. It feels like all I've done is cause problems at the school," Naegi said.

"What exactly do you mean?"

"Well, if I hadn't convinced Owari-senpai to bring her family on our trip, Mari and Ataru wouldn't have gotten lost," Naegi began.

"That's true."

"If I hadn't taken matters into my own hands with Saionji-senpai, she wouldn't have been attacked on her way back from her tea ceremony," Naegi continued.

"That might be true."

"I can't help but feel like Fuwa-senpai's attempt on Kuzuryuu Natsumi-senpai's life had something to do with me."

"It's possible."

"And the note my students left when they tried to jump off the roof mentioned me. They thought that they had upset me and that was apparently the last straw for them," Naegi finished.

"I see what you mean, Naegi-kun. And you've got that wrong!" Yukizome exclaimed, intentionally using what many claiemd was Naegi's catchphrase.

"What do you mean, Sensei?" Naegi asked.

"Naegi-kun, even though you are connected to these events, that doesn't mean that they're your fault. You didn't mean for any of those things to happen. And even when things went wrong, you did everything in your power to fix them," Yukizome reminded him.

"That's true," Naegi agreed.

"I know you're worried about what's going to happen. And I know that when that happens, it's easy to forget the good that you've done. Don't blame yourself for what happens next, Naegi-kun. You did the right thing; sometimes bad things just happen. That optimism of yours is going to be needed more than ever," Yukizome told him.

After a brief silence, Naegi said, "I think I'm going to be alright now, Sensei. Thank you!"

"It's what I'm here for, Naegi-kun," Yukizome said with a smile. She wasn't lying. Hope's Peak Academy was going to need someone who could see what laid beyond the storm that was coming. For the first time, Yukizome didn't believe that person was Munakata, but Naegi.


Hope's Peak Academy-Girls' Dorm

Twenty-Sixth Week of Classes-Saturday

It had been a rough time in the history of Hope's Peak Academy. For the past six weeks, new scandals were popping up, all centered around the Hope's Peak Academy Steering Committee. With the arrest of the Steering Committee and the actions of Naegi and Headmaster Kirigiri, most of the anger directed at the school and those involved with the school had been quelled. There were still a few holdouts, but for the most part people were willing to give the school and the staff a chance to make things right.

This evening though, Yukizome wasn't thinking about that. She had gotten a call from Munakata this morning and he had informed her that he was back in Japan. He had invited Yukizome and Sakakura out for drinks tonight, not exactly the romantic evening Yukizome would have liked, but since Munakata had told them he would be in Japan for some time, she figured that there would be time for romance later.

"Have fun, Sensei," Naegi told her as he and the girls waved to Yukizome and wished her luck.

"I will!" Yukizome called back. Or I would if Sakakura hadn't gone on ahead. Kyosuke invited us both and I get ditched right at the beginning. Well, the three of us were inseparable back when we were students. Maybe he was just eager to see his best friend. At the very least, I don't think I was taking too long, Yukizome thought as she headed to Dohyō Shiro, a bar named for its signature cocktail.

She found her friends right away, much to Yukizome's displeasure, they had started without her. Judging by the empty sake bottles near Munakata, he had started before either of them.

"Thanks for starting without me you two," Yukizome said as she sat down.

"Give us a break, Yukizome, these past couple weeks fucking sucked," Sakakura countered. He didn't have as impressive a collection as Munakata, but he was close.

"Granted, but you didn't have to leave or start without me," Yukizome said as she sat down. She then ordered, "Slipper, please."

"A little light, isn't it?" Munakata asked.

"I've never been much of a drinker, Kyosuke. You know that" Yukizome informed him.

"Yeah, but you're stuck dealing with the problem every day," Sakakura said.

"Problem?" Yukizome asked.

"The little bastard you got stuck with because Kizakura fucked up," Sakakura answered.

Kizakura-san screwed up and I got stuck with a student? Do they mean… Are you talking about Naegi-kun? And you still haven't explained what you meant by 'problem'." Yukizome had a feeling she wasn't going to like the answer.

"Months ago, he convinced you and one of your students to bring her family on a trip. Two small children got lost in Aokigahara Forest in the evening because he and the girl couldn't keep an eye on them," Munakata began.

"That was an accident. And they found Mari and Ataru," Yukizome countered.

"That may be, but they shouldn't have been there in the first place. They live on their own and their sister checks on them only once a week. If she doesn't worry about them, they don't need some common, Lucky Student to worry about them," Munakata persisted.

"Kyosuke, that's horrible!" Yukizome exclaimed. Was he always like this? Was it the alcohol?

"He's horrible? What about when that other student of yours was going to get raped, kidnapped, and sold? That lucky shit got that ball rolling," Sakakura reminded her.

"How is that Naegi-kun's fault? True, he shouldn't be the one disciplining students, but he didn't send her out that evening. She went to that tea ceremony of her own free will. No one could have predicted what happened!" Yukizome shot back.

"Perhaps, but he has been involved in everything that has happened this year and his actions continue to draw the wrong kind of attention to Hope's Peak Academy. Sakakura and I could continue and list all of what he has done, but two things should now be clear: One, he oversteps his boundaries. Two, you can't control him," Munakata told Yukizome.

"Are you blaming me for the school's problems now?!" Yukizome was trying not to lose her temper, but Munakata and Sakakura were testing her.

"Of course not, but as a teacher, you need to keep him on a tighter leash so that things like this no longer happen. I was informed that you are the one who suggested the Ultimate Mentor Program to him. I'm sure you agree that it was a mistake to do so," Munakata said.

"W... what are you even saying, Kyosuke?! He - he was the one who allowed this whole thing to happen! Without him, those children would have died! Without him, who knows what would have happened to my students?! To their families?! He's trying to make things better at school! Isn't that what you wanted all along?!" Yukizome asked. She was past anger now and was getting scared. How had she misjudged these two so badly?

"All their problems started after they interacted with him! Those children, your students, all of them were fine before he came along! As Ultimates, we are the hope of the future and we march forward no matter what. We aren't so fragile that we need a fake Ultimate to worry about us!" Munakata reminded her.

"You're talking like we're a separate. Ultimate or not we never stopped being human. And why did you qualify it like that? A 'fake' Ultimate? When we need someone, why should it matter how much talent someone has when they reach out to us?" Yukizome asked.

"Yukizome, you need to understand something. You let a mere Lucky Student delude you. Let me tell you right now, an Ultimate that is led astray by a common student is no longer an Ultimate." Munakata told her.

Sakakura decided to chime in. "Munakata gets it Yukizome. His Ultimate Talent revolves around leadership. He'll be the one to lead Hope's Peak into the future!

"So, we know what's best for the world? Ultimates are now the ones who guide the world and pretend to be god-kings and queens? You'll destroy Hope's Peak Academy with ideas like that! No one is asking for that!" Yukizome shouted.

Both Munakata and Sakakura emptied the contents of another sake bottle before Munakata proclaimed, "Exactly! We'll preserve the world's order and guide it to a brighter future on no one's request! It is what we must do! The Ultimate Act of Charity from the Ultimate Students of Hope's Peak Academy!" Kyosuke proclaimed.

"'A-Act of Charity?!' Do you even hear yourself? You talk as if you own the Ultimates!"" Yukizome yelled.

By this point, the whole bar had gone silent. Hope's Peak Academy was still on very thin ice with some people and everyone was trying to catch what was being said in an effort to learn if the school could still be trusted.

"That's what he's saying! He's gonna be Headmaster soon, so he's got to tell people who's in charge and how things should be!" Sakakura announced.

"Everything about what you two are saying is wrong. What's gotten into you? Tell me it's just that you've had too much to drink. Tell me you're both too drunk to know better right now," Yukizome begged.

"Yukizome, you've been spending too much time with those wild and unruly students. It doesn't help that they pretend that the Reserve Course is equal to the Main. I'll talk to Kirigiri and get you reassigned to-" Munakata began.

*Smack!*

All three were shocked that Yukizome had slapped Munakata, her more than the other two. The slap was hard from the sound of it. "Don't you dare try to take my students away from me, Munakata Kyosuke!"

"OI! YUKIZOME! The fuck is your problem?!" Sakakura shouted.

"What's wrong with me?! What's wrong with YOU?! How can you just be so... heartless?! How can you two just behave like this?! I thought you wanted to make the school better!" Yukizome shouted back.

"I do. That's why we need to rid ourselves of the Reserve Course. They could never be our equals! Then, we must work on the Ultimates themselves! This wild behavior is beneath them! If one aspires to be called 'Ultimate' they must act the part! With dignity and grace! Those wild students will become perfect ladies and gentlemen, ones who..." Munakata began.

Yukizome once again interrupted him. "Who will act the way you want them to act! I'll admit that they go overboard, but that's part of their charm! That behavior that they learned made them Ultimate Students and you want them to throw that away?"

"No matter what I must do, no matter what sacrifice needs to be made, I will make True Ultimates!" Munakata told her.

"Who is the one sacrificing? You want...I don't know what you want but it doesn't sound any different from the Steering Committee wanted to do. Remember them, you said they were the problem with Hope's Peak and we needed to deal with the for the good of the school. I know the goal was to make you headmaster, but this is-" It was Yukizome's turn to get interrupted.

"Yes, without the Steering Committee much of our work has become meaningless. But there are other ways to replace Kirigiri Jin as headmaster," Munakata explained.

"You just wanted to blackmail them into making you headmaster!" That realization hit Yukizome hard.

"Because that's what he's supposed to be, Yukizome! He's the one who deserves this! That's why we've doing this whole thing!" Sakakura told her.

"...So, this is it, huh? You did... whatever you did back at your headquarters just to... to satisfy your ego?!" Yukizome asked.

"Don't talk to me that way, Yukizome!" Munakata ordered.

"I will speak however I want! You... you never cared about anything else but your goal, did you?! The students, the problems, none of that mattered to you! You just wanted that seat and claim all the glory! Y-you... were you just using me too?! And what about you, Sakakura?! Are you just going to let him talk that way?! Are you just going to let yourself be used too?!" Yukizome demanded to know.

"What's gotten into you? We did this because we believed in Munakata!" Sakakura reminded her.

"I did this because something was wrong at Hope's Peak and I wanted to fix it! I did this because I wanted to help the students! All the students! Not some 'chosen few! I-I believed you wanted to change things for the better, because I thought we were doing something good! ...But all of this is just a lie!" Yukizome informed them.

"It's the reality of things, Yukizome. I didn't think you would think differently... but it seems like I had too much trust in you," Munakata sighed.

"'Too much trust in me'? I had too much trust in you! I thought that you were being too cold, but I never once doubted that you were a good person. This is cruel!" Yukizome yelled.

"This is the real world, Yukizome! Wake up! The strong rule and the weak bow. It has always been like this, and there is no reason why this would change anytime soon! The only thing different are the labels. Now it is the 'talented' and the 'talentless'," Munakata explained.

"Yeah! It's like I told you! Fuck those students! What matters is the school's reputation, nothing more!" Sakakura added.

Yukizome had heard enough. She left some money on the bar, splashed her untouched drink in both of the men's faces, and stormed out of the bar. She was so upset that she didn't even hear the applause her action had garnered.

"Oi Yukizome what the fuck!?" Sakakura screamed.

"Leave her for now, Sakakura. She'll come around," Munakata told the former boxer as he turned back to the bar.

Sakakura glared at the other patrons who were still focused on him and Munakata. "What the fuck are you assholes looking at!" he yelled.

The patrons all went back to what they had been doing prior to focusing on the former Ultimate students. Many were still silently praising Yukizome for what she had said and done. Maybe Hope's Peak wasn't a lost cause after all.


Yukizome felt so stupid. Why didn't she see this coming? She knew why, she saw but ignored it. She thought she loved Munakata, but really, she just loved the image she had of Munakata. And the worst part? The worst part is, she was sure that she would have stood by Munakata if she had heard him admit all of this a year ago. Before she had met…Naegi.

Naegi actually was everything she had believed Munakata to be. Humble. Kind. Understanding. Attentive. She can't even remember why she had ever thought that Munakata had those qualities.

Don't cry. You knew all of this and ignored it. Just forget about Kyosu- Munakata. I need, dammit, I need a drink! Kizakura-san is always good for one, Yukizome thought as she returned to Hope's Peak.

Kizakura had just finished moving the last of his stash into his office. Most people would have been surprised to learn that he had his own office given how much time he spent in the headmaster's office, but it was true. Really, it just served as another place for him to store his liquor. Or rather, now his only place.

"Can't let the students get ahold of any of this. Hope's Peak is in enough trouble," he said as he finished placing the last few bottles on a shelf. He had just finished taking them out of his room at the dorms.

*Knock, knock*

"It's open!" Kizakura told his visitor.

*Slam*

An angry looking Yukizome stormed into Kizakura's office and headed right for his strongest drinks. As she began taking bottles, Kizakura approached her.

"Yukizome, I know I told you that you could come in and help yourself when you needed it, but…"

Yukizome turned and glared at him. He could feel the anger behind it pierce his soul.

"Like I said, take all you need. I'll just be over here," Kizakura said as he backed away and sat at his desk, resisting the urge to hide under it until the threat of Yukizome's anger had passed.

Yukizome made herself at home and started drinking. Kizakura took his own swig of liquid courage before he asked, "What happened?"

Kizakura would later be glad that he refilled his flask before this conversation. Between Yukizome's anger and what he learned about Munakata and Sakakura, he needed it.


Dinner had ended a while ago, but Naegi was still hard at work in the kitchen. He figured Yukizome would have eaten out with her friends but if she hadn't, at least something would be waiting for her when she got back. Once he put the finishing touches on it (at least until it needed reheated) on the meal, Naegi heard someone at the door.

*Knock, Knock*

That's strange. Yukizome-sensei wouldn't knock, so who could that be? Naegi wondered as he went to get the door. When he opened it, he saw Kizakura with… "Yukizome-sensei!?" She was hunched over and red-faced. Naegi had expected her to drink, maybe not this much, but what surprised him was that Kizakura brought her back.

"She stormed into my office and raided my stash," Kizakura said, answering Naegi's unasked question.

"I thought she was with her friends, though," Naegi said, still confused.

"Yeah, I'm going to need to tell Jin-kun about why that ended so soon. Could you take care of Yukizome-san?" Kizakura asked.

"Why does the-?" Naegi began to ask.

"Nothing that can hurt Yukizome-san, she didn't do anything wrong," Kizakura cut him off.

"Okay. I'll take her," Naegi said as Kizakura draped Yukizome over Naegi's shoulder. As Naegi positioned her, he said, "Alright Sensei, let's get you to your room. I'll get you some coffee."

"You're shoooo shweet, Mako-kun. I luff you sho mush," Yukizome slurred as she hugged him tightly, his face buried in her chest.

"I…uh, I appreciate that. Love you too, Sensei," Naegi said uncomfortably. He had to be careful here, Yukizome didn't seem like a mean drunk, but he was going to be careful anyway. Turning back to Kizakura, Naegi asked, "No one saw this right? I know the public is watching us very closely these days and I don't want anything to happen to Yukizome-sensei because of this."

"No, I was careful. You'd be amazed what kind of skills I need to scout you kids," Kizakura told him. "I really do need to go, but I'll need her to back me up once she sobers up, so tell her to come to the Headmaster's Office tomorrow," Kizakura added.

"I will," Naegi said with a nod as Kizakura left. Now came the task of getting Yukizome to her room. Naegi soon came to his first obstacle. Stairs.

Yukizome was light, but Naegi was still concerned. Her hangover was going to be painful enough, he didn't want her to fall down the stairs if she began to move. As if reacting to his thoughts, Yukizome decided to speak up.

"Carry me!" Yukizome ordered.

"Just give me a minute to figure out how, Sensei," Naegi pleaded. Piggyback probably isn't the best idea. Getting help would be the best idea, but I don't want Yukizome-sensei to look bad in front of the others over this. Guess there's not much choice, Naegi thought as he repositioned Yukizome and then picked her up bridal style. He silently thanked his more athletically inclined friends for including him in the workouts. Now he didn't have to worry about angering or embarrassing Yukizome or humiliating himself.

"Hm, hm. Mako-kun ish sho forward," Yukizome said as she snuggled into Naegi's chest.

Naegi turned red when he heard that but reminded himself, She doesn't know what she's saying…probably. Still, he wouldn't deny that he was kind of enjoying this. Most boys his age would love to have a teacher as beautiful as Yukizome in their arms, and Naegi was no exception.

Once up the stairs, Naegi carried Yukizome to her room. After shifting her around a bit, Naegi managed to grab the doorknob while supporting the woman in his arms. Unfortunately, the door was locked. "Sensei, can you unlock your door?" he asked.

"Mmmm, not taking me to your room? Shuch a gentleman. Let'sh play 'Find the Key,' it'sh on me shomewherezzz," Yukizome suggested.

"U-uh, w-well Sensei, I can't carry you and search you at the same time. I'll owe you later if you just unlock the door." Naegi hoped his attempted offer worked.

"Hmmm, okay. Chisha will open her door if Mako-kun shtaysh wid her tonight and does everyshing she shays," Yukizome responded.

Naegi had planned to keep an eye on her anyway, so he figured that would work in his favor. "Sure thing Sensei, just please, open the door."

Yukizome pulled a key out of her breast pocket, Naegi was glad she didn't force him to search for it and attempted to unlock it. She must not have been able to see straight as she kept missing the lock.

"Here, let me help," Naegi said as he took her hand and guided her to the lock.

"Hmhm, Mako-kun's hand is sho shoft, but so shtrong and warm," Yukizome giggled.

Naegi Makoto was not the kind of person who would ever take advantage of a drunk woman, but dammit if Yukizome wasn't making it hard for him to resist her. "T-thank you, Sensei. Now, l-let's get you to bed," Naegi said as he opened the door and grabbed the key off of Yukizome. Watch her head, watch her head, Naegi reminded himself as her carried Yukizome across her threshold, careful not to let her hit the doorframe. With that out of the way, he brought Yukizome to her bed and gently put her down.

Naegi wiped his forehead. He found Yukizome to be light, but fear of someone walking in on him caused him to sweat a bit. Naegi's moment of respite would be cut short as his vision was filled with white. Yukizome had removed her apron and threw it over him.

Naegi was afraid to look but forced himself to do so anyway. "Sensei, what are you doing?" he asked.

"Chisha is hot," Yukizome said as she unbuttoned her shirt in front of Naegi.

Can't argue with tha-No! Bad! Make her stop, Naegi told himself. "Sensei…"

"'Shensei. Shenshei!' Call me Chisha-chan," Yukizome ordered as she continued to strip.

"Sen-Chisa-chan, please stop. I-it's going to be cold tonight," Naegi lied, even her would say pathetically.

With her bra and panties exposed, but her clothes still mostly on, Yukizome laid back in her bed and demanded, "Change my clothes for me!"

Naegi was sure that steam was coming off of him when he heard that. "Please don't make me do that."

"Mako-kun promised! Is Chisha'sh Mako-kun a liar!?" Yukizome asked as she…

Crap, she's starting to cry. "It's okay, it's okay. Just pick out what you want and I'll…I'll see what I can do," Naegi said in an attempt to pacify the volatile teacher.

"My shirtsh are in the middle drawer. Pick out a cute one," Yukizome ordered as she went back to undressing herself.

Don't look. Whatever you do, don't look. Never would have thought a school full of attractive girls would induce this much stress, but it does. Focus. Cute one. A cute one. This should be good. Hmm, guess Gekkogahara-san has been marketing Usami, Naegi thought as he picked out a white shirt with a magical girl rabbit on it.

"Mako-kun~ Chisha ish waiting!" Yukizome called.

"J-just a second," Naegi called back. Keeping his eyes glued to the floor, Naegi approached the bed, stepping over all of Yukizome's discarded clothes as he did. Jacket, top, skirt, stockings, shoes, scrunchy, b-bra. That means she's only wearing…Oh hell! Down boy, now is not the time, Naegi mentally commanded a certain part of his anatomy. Naegi reached the bed and saw Yukizome's bare legs. He briefly wondered if the rest of her was as flawless as her lower limbs. He was going to need an ice-cold shower after this. Naegi was able to climb onto the bed behind her. It's okay, if I only see her from the back, it's fine. Just like swim class in P.E. You see lots of skin, but nothing to sully their honor. "Arms up, Chisa-chan," Naegi said.

Yukizome bounced as she raised her arms. Naegi was glad her hair obstructed his view. Bouncing, bare breasts, even a view from the back, would have destroyed his willpower. With little difficulty, Naegi got Yukizome's shirt on. Before he could relax, however, Yukizome turned around and latched onto him. If she hadn't been so drunk, Naegi would have thought that she shoved his face into her chest on purpose.

"Mako-kun's hair ish sho shoft!" Yukizome said as she rubbed her cheek on the top of Naegi's head. "Mako-kun'sh Chisha ish shoft too, ishn't she? Hehe!~"

Naegi knew if he answered that, he would say and do something he regretted.

"Good night Mako-kun. Chisha lovesh you," Yukizome said as she fell asleep.

For a few minutes Naegi didn't move. Not because he was enjoying himself, not that he would admit that, but because he wanted to be sure Yukizome didn't wake up. Once he was sure that she wasn't going to wake up anytime soon, he managed to wriggle out of her grasp. She's soft, there's no arguing with that, Naegi thought as he went to prepare for when she would wake up.

He left the room, grabbed some painkillers and a glass for water, grabbed a blanket and pillow from his room, and came back to keep watch over his favorite teacher.


Yukizome felt like crap when she woke up. Her head was pounding, and she didn't want to move. Did I really drink that much? I guess I was pretty upset. Kyos-Munakata and Sakakura, I can't believe they would want that for Hope's Peak Academy. And I was helping them do it. I feel so-"Owwww!" Yukizome wailed when her headache became too much for her.

"Here you go, Sensei," Naegi said as he handed her painkillers and some water. She managed to take the pills before she realized something. Why was Naegi here?

"N-Naegi-kun! How did you get in here?" Yukizome asked.

"You…well, you weren't in any condition to make it back to your room unassisted," Naegi said trying to avoid the details of the prior evening.

"No condition…What did I…Oh no!" Yukizome cried as she remembered the previous night. "I asked you to… And I was… I can never get married now!" Yukizome panicked.

"Do-don't worry, Chisa-chan, I won't tell anyone. Anyway, I didn't see anything. Anyone would want you for a bride, I know I would…What am I saying?" Naegi asked. Yukizome's reaction had caused him to panic too. Now that he calmed down, he could help Yukizome.

Yukizome heard him, but none of it registered, she was still too upset. What do I do now? I got drunk in Kizakura-san's office. How am I going to look at him now? And Naegi-kun! I acted that way in front of Naegi-kun. Her thoughts were interrupted when Naegi took hold of her hands.

"Sensei, Kizakura-san told me no one saw you when he brought you here. And I won't tell anyone. But more importantly, something must have been really wrong for you to go overboard like that. Please, I want to try and help," Naegi said to her.

So, she told him. She told him about Munakata and Sakakura. How she had met them; what she had believed they were trying to do; what brought her back to Hope's Peak Academy; and finally; what had happened last night. "I feel so stupid," Yukizome said at the end.

"You are not stupid. You're a kind and trusting person. The teacher we all admire. You're Yukizome Chisa-sensei. And every student under your care loves you. Whatever Munakata-san and Sakakura-san are thinking, that's not on you. You've only ever tried to help and support all of us. Now let me help and support you," Naegi said.

"Makoto-kun," Yukizome sobbed as she hugged the young man.

"It's okay, Sensei. Everything will be okay," Naegi said.

"Mmmm, I liked it better when you called me 'Chisa-chan'. And did you mean it when you said you'd want to marry me?" Yukizome began to tease, still a little teary eyed.

"W-well, you were upset. I mean, I think any man would want to. A-as for 'Chisa-chan' that was a heat of the moment thing. It was from when you still…It was from last night, you kind of ordered me to," Naegi stammered.

"Hmhm, maybe when we're alone. How's that Makoto-kun?" Yukizome asked teasingly.

"I think, Chisa-chan, now that you're feeling better, you need to get dressed and talk to the Headmaster. Kizakura-san said, well he wasn't specific, but I think you told him about Munakata-san and Sakakura-san," Naegi said. He hated killing the mood like that, but Yukizome's playfulness was wearing him down. It didn't help that she was only in a shirt and panties. Why did he have to remember that?

Yukizome took a deep breath and then said, "I'll go get ready."


It didn't take long until after Yukizome had finished speaking to the Headmaster that Sakakura found himself being led out of the school by his own subordinates. Or rather former subordinates.

"You can't be serious! You can't fire me! After everything I did for you fuckers?!" Sakakura screamed.

"And don't think we aren't grateful, Sakakura-kun. But we can't have staff attempting to undermine the school, especially not with the new direction we're going in. If you only see a certain few of the students worth protecting, we can't trust you going forward," Jin explained.

Once on the other side of the gate, Sakakura saw that Yukizome and Naegi were with security. "You two did this! You'll pay for this! I'll get the both of you! Hope's Peak Academy belongs to Munakata! He's the future, not some little shit that came out of nowhere!"

Naegi just looked at him in pity. Hope's Peak Academy was supposed to raise students, not stroke the ego of whoever was in the headmaster's chair. He hoped one day, Sakakura and Munakata could understand that.

"Sakakura-san, I'm sorry it came to this. You made your choice and I made mine," Yukizome said.

Sakakura glared at the two of them before he stormed off.

"Sensei, are you okay?" Naegi asked Yukizome.

"Not really. But I will be," Yukizome said as she watched her former friend leave.


Later

"…and that's the story of how I came to be the teacher of Class 77-B. Girls, I'll understand if you don't want me to continue. I only ask that you allow me to tell the boys and finish out the year," Yukizome told the dorm's occupants.

They had assembled in the common area after Yukizome told them she had an announcement to make. Once everyone had gathered, Yukizome came clean. What happened next came as a shock to no one.

"You can't leave us, Yukizome-sensei!" Sonia yelled, although some thought it sounded like a command.

"Sonia-chan is right! Why you became our teacher doesn't matter. What matters is that you've helped us all so much since then," Koizumi agreed.

"If Sensei leaves, Ibuki will be sad. Ibuki can't become a Blues musician, she just can't!" Mioda pleaded.

"We love you too much to let something like this bother us Sensei, our whole class would agree," Nanami declared.

"Perhaps the opinion of a student from Class 78 doesn't carry much weight here, but I don't think any of us in Class 78 want you to leave either," Ogami added.

"Told you, Yukizome-sensei," Naegi said.

"My little rot- no, you kids are the best students a teacher could ask for," Yukizome said as she started to tear up.

"I do have one question though…Why have you been holding Naegi-kun's hand this whole time?" Owari asked.

"Huh? Oh, I guess I have, haven't I? Well…" Yukizome began as she thought of a good explanation.

It was all for naught though, as the others had already figured it out. "Oh my! Sensei, we must speak later," Sonia said.

The others just shook their heads. Naegi's ability to attract girls was ridiculous, but he couldn't change who he was. And they'd never want him to.


Present Day

"And then she said something about propositioning a teacher or something," a third person's voice said.

Naegi and Yukizome were brought out of their memories to see Enoshima Junko had joined them.

"'Propositioning a teacher' for what exactly?" Naegi asked. He knew the girls liked him, but not that way, right?

"Nothing! Enoshima-san is making up stories again," Yukizome answered nervously.

"Sensei is so mean, Junko-chan exaggerates, but she doesn't lie," Enoshima said in her cutesy persona. The stares she got in response forced her to add, "Well, not as much as I used to at least."

"How did you find us, Enoshima-san?" Naegi asked.

"My brain is bigger than my tits, it was fucking easy!" Punk Enoshima shouted.

"Ultimate Analyst, right. I suppose that's how you knew what we were thinking," Yukizome said.

"No. Just you. I've always had trouble with this one. Such a naughty student, giving me a hard time. Naughty students need stern discipline," Professor Enoshima explained. Inviting herself to lunch, Enoshima grabbed a sandwich, took a bite, and reverted to normal before saying, "Oh wow, these are good. Sensei, you need to make us all lunch sometime."

"I'll think about it." Yukizome said through gritted teeth. She didn't appreciate Enoshima reminding her of what Enoshima had interrupted. "Speaking of not knowing what Naegi-kun is thinking, I have to ask, what did the Headmaster want to talk to you about?" Yukizome asked.

"I think it would be best if I told all of you tonight at dinner. I'd like to know what everyone thinks," Naegi said.

"Well then, we shall keep you company until then. Hope and Despair must be kept in balance, after all," Queen Enoshima said as she yanked Naegi away from Yukizome.

"Shouldn't we help Sensei clean up first?" Naegi asked.

"I'm sure the Ultimate Housekeeper can fold a picnic blanket," Enoshima said as she wrapped Naegi's arm around her and led him back to the dorm.

Yukizome wasn't happy, but her pride as the Ultimate Housekeeper wouldn't let her ask for help after that shot Enoshima took. All she could do is blow a raspberry at the Fashionista when she was out of earshot. Not that distance kept Enoshima from finding things out.

Once she finished cleaning up, Yukizome heard her phone ring. Munakata was calling. Again. After all his texts and emails complaining about her getting Sakakura fired or his fishing for information, she had just begun ignoring him. If he wanted to apologize, he could do it in person. With that thought in mind, Yukizome once again hit the "ignore" button.


As Enoshima led Naegi back to the dorm, Naegi couldn't help but notice that his arm was buried in her…assets.

"Enoshima-san, my arm is…" Naegi began. He didn't even know what to say in this situation.

"I'm full of Despair, so I need as much Hope near my heart as possible," was Enoshima's response.

Enoshima-san sure has changed. I should be afraid of her after everything, but I can't ignore the suffering of others. And I'm especially glad I didn't with her, Naegi thought.

My Hope put my broken soul and broken mind back together. I'm more than Despair now. I'm whole and it's all thanks to him, Enoshima thought as she recalled what led her to this point.


And that's it for Chisa. For now. The girls all get more than one chapter. Some in groups, some get more one-on-one time with their man, but we have one more chapter to go before we get to that.

Ah Junko. A chapter I'm both looking forward to and dreading. I hope I don't make it too weird. Can a chapter involving Junko even be "too weird?" I don't know, let's find out next time. And we get to see what she's been up to since she went quiet, that will be fun.

Now, a chapter epilogue. It's time for the antagonist for the next school year. And I imagine most, if not all, of you already have guessed who it is. So, should we get into it?

Yeah, let's go.


In a nondescript hotel in what appeared to be a red-light district, Munakata Kyosuke had rented a room with a woman. A woman with orange hair, light blue clothes and an apron.

"I knew you'd come around Yukizome," Munakata said. He was sitting on the bed with his arm around the woman.

"Kyosuke-kun, I was a fool. Your way is the only way and I never should have been led astray by a…hahaha, I'm sorry, I can get it," the woman, definitely not Yukizome Chisa said as she calmed down. Or tried to at least.

"Forget it, I'm not feeling it anyway," Munakata said as he removed his arm.

"I'm sorry. Hahaha, it's just, the lines are like something you'd expect a supervillain to ask for," the woman said.

"Get out!" Munakata demanded.

"You still owe me my full fee there, Dr. Evil!" the woman reminded him.

"Fine, take it and get out! Your service is beneath me anyway!" Munakata yelled as he took out a wad of bills and threw it at her.

"Yet you keep coming back," the woman said as counted the money. "Why can't all Ultimates be like that cute one with the hoodie, I bet he doesn't need stupid lines to feed his insecurities," the woman added.

"Out!" Kyosuke yelled.

"I'm going. I'm going," the woman said as she opened the door. When she did, she saw Kirigiri Fuhito in the hallway, about to knock on the door. "What kind of freaky shit are you into? On second thought, I don't want to know. Here Gramps," the woman said as she pulled what turned out to be orange wig off her head and handed it to Fuhito before she walked out.

Fuhito looked at Munakata silently for a minute before saying, " When I heard you were here, I didn't believe it. Prostitutes? Really?"

"Call girl. And it was just the one," Munakata argued.

"Not from what I've heard," Fuhito mocked.

"Nothing ever happens. They're either too old; have the wrong voice; or break character. If only…" Munakata began.

"'If only' it wasn't for Naegi Makoto, right?" Fuhito asked.

"Don't say that name in front of me!" Munakata shouted.

"Very well, I'll just get to the point. MEXT got in touch with me. The Minister of Education is looking to fill the newly created role of an overseer at Hope's Peak Academy. The official title has yet to be determined, but I can tell you that someone within MEXT, an old friend of mine, received a recommendation for you for the position and asked me to locate you. Take this position and you get a second chance and a chance. A second chance at your goal and a chance at revenge," Fuhito explained.

"Why would Kirigiri Jin's father, yes, I can see the resemblance, want to help me? If you know all of this, you know what my original goal was," Munakata pointed out.

"I don't have a son. That man abandoned our way of life. My way is the true way. The only way! And he turned his back on it. He somehow managed to produce a suitable heir for me and then that stupid boy turns her against me! Do you understand now why I came to find you?" Fuhito asked.

"Kirigiri-san, I believe we share a common enemy. I look forward to working with you. Now tell me, how do I contact this person for the position. It's time the students of Hope's Peak Academy were shown the right path," Munakata said with a cold smile.


And there we go!

Some of you may think I'm too hard on Kyosuke and Juzo, and to be fair, I probably am. But how can I not be? Juzo is an angry, violent douche and Kyosuke looks like a Men's Warehouse ad that wished upon a star and became a real boy with the personality to go with it. The ad not the real boy personality. No offense to Men's Warehouse, their employees, or their customers. I actually like Men's Warehouse, but i thought the insult was too good not to use.

Actually, I hated most of the Future Foundation, they struck me as crappy knockoffs of good characters from the first two games. Only they didn't do a good job at being knockoffs. (Chisa and Miaya excluded of course , not that we ever saw much of the real Miaya. But I'll make exceptions for Seiko and Ruruka this time.)

Sorry, the DR3 anime just pissed me off and still does when I think about it.

Anyway, sorry to get off topic like that.

Anyway, read and review. Until next time, stay frosty!