A.N: Hello again, everyone! Here is my contribution for Kyoko Kirigiri's 2021 birthday. I have it take place during my series, although it works in any Pre-Despair setting at Hope's Peak. I hope you like it!
"Damn, being a student of Hope's Peak Academy sure can be draining!"
Makoto and Sayaka sweatdropped. Maybe you could say that if you actually went to class sometimes… The Luckster thought, choosing to cut Leon some slack on that one.
However, he couldn't disagree with him, either. After all, he was an ordinary boy and had always lived accordingly: being an Ultimate in a school that was the center of attention of all Japan was not something he was used to.
But he was trying to adapt, whereas the Ultimate Baseball Star wasn't trying so hard. He was the easy-going type, after all.
"So, do we have anything scheduled soon? Like mandatory classes or something?" Sayaka asked, taking out her e-handbook and opening the calendar. Makoto and Leon peeked at it as it turned on. "Let's see here… Oh, there's someone's birthday soon!"
Immediately, the Ultimate Lucky Student's mind was at work to remember whose birthday that could be. He remembered most of them, and the last one they had celebrated was Sakura's, on the 13th of September.
"I think it's Kyoko's birthday, right?" he suggested.
"Yeah, you're right; it says it there," the Ultimate Pop Sensation confirmed with a nod. "On the 6th."
"Guess we're not throwing a party for Kyoko, then," Leon said with a sigh. "Bummer."
Sayaka frowned. "Yeah, I doubt she'd want one, to be fair."
Hm, I know Kyoko's not really the openest student in the class, so it makes sense they'd think that, yet… A couple of moments he had shared with the Ultimate Detective flashed through Makoto's mind. I know she'd not be entirely averse to it either. Or at least, I don't think so. Not anymore.
It was the norm to throw birthday parties in the class, per Hope's Peak Academy's traditions. Still, it would obviously be more complicated to organize one for someone who didn't want it.
For example, Byakuya's birthday had not been celebrated… although it was mostly because, aside from the Luckster and Toko, no one had wanted to organize it. Not that the Ultimate Affluent Progeny had minded.
In her case, Kyoko wasn't the most popular student in the class, but no one disliked her (apart from a few exceptions). She didn't have many close friends (Makoto was pretty much the only one with maybe Hina and Sakura), but she didn't have many 'enemies,' either.
Makoto had no doubts they would be able to organize something nice for her… with the hopes that she would enjoy it.
"I think we should still do it," he said after a moment of silence. "I mean, I know that Kyoko's not really the warmest and all, but she's changed quite a bit already. Besides, it wouldn't be fair to her not to do anything for her special day."
Sayaka and Leon smiled knowingly. Makoto sighed, knowing what the silent message they were trying to convey was. He wouldn't even try to deny it, knowing fully well that it wouldn't change a thing.
"I guess you're right. We'll have to ask the others to help, though," Sayaka answered. "But I'm sure she'd appreciate it, still. Especially if she knows you're the one who suggested it, Makoto."
She smirked at him, prompting Makoto to cross his arms and pout in embarrassment. His relationship with the detective was… complex, to say the least. They were friends – close friends, even – but that was it.
What made it so special (and caused all of this teasing) was that it was difficult to befriend the lavender-haired girl. But with time and effort, Makoto had broken through her barriers somewhat.
Still, that didn't mean they were anything other than friends.
"Alright, then it's settled: we're getting people on board to make it a great birthday party for Kyoko!"
His two friends shook their heads amusingly as they continued to walk together.
"A birthday party for Kyoko, you say?"
Makoto nodded. "Yeah. Her birthday is in a week, pretty much, and I'd like to organize something for her."
The Luckster was walking back to the dorms with Hina and Sakura after class. He was close to the two best friends, and he knew they were Kyoko's friends, too. Talking about it with them was – in his mind – a good idea.
"That sounds like it could be cool!" the swimmer added with enthusiasm. "I love parties! And besides, I have to see you and Kyoko get all lovey-dovey, don't I?"
The tan-skinned girl smirked teasingly at him, making Sakura sigh and shake her head disapprovingly. However, as old as it was now, Hina's teasing wasn't something Makoto minded. The Ultimate Swimming Pro was – along with Sayaka – the kindest girl he knew, and it was no secret that Hina cared for Makoto and Kyoko almost as much as she cared for Sakura.
"Would the two of you be up for helping me with organizing?" Makoto asked after blushing in embarrassment. "I have Leon and Sayaka on board, but a couple more pairs of hands would be nice."
"You can count on me," the martial artist replied without needing to think. "You organized a party for my birthday. It wouldn't be right not to repay the favor for the others, especially Kyoko."
"Yeah, count me in as well, Makoto!" the swimmer seconded, smiling. "Kyoko's so cool! Besides, I'm sure she'll love it! She probably wouldn't say it, but… you know."
Yeah, that's what I was thinking too… The Luckster smiled. "Thanks, you two. I'm sure Kyoko will be very grateful. I'll try to see who else I can get on board to help now."
Sakura nodded in understanding. "Alright. Feel free to come to see us again when you need our help to start with the preparations. We will be prepared to help at any time. Right, Hina?"
"Yeah, for sure!"
Makoto smiled gratefully. "Thanks, girls, I really appreciate that," he said. "Well, I'll be back once we begin preparations! See ya later!"
Enthusiastically, the Ultimate Lucky Student rushed down the hallway, knowing who he wanted to ask for their help next.
"Mondo! Taka! Chihiro!"
The trio of great friends turned around and noticed Makoto running towards them.
"No running in the hallways, Professor Makoto!" Taka shouted, pointing his finger at the Ultimate Lucky Student accusingly. "How many times must I tell you?"
Makoto panted as he caught up to them. "S-Sorry… I just needed to talk to the three of you."
"What's up, dude?" the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader asked.
"I wanted to ask the three of you if you could help me with something, actually," he explained, earning their interest. "Kyoko's birthday is on the 6th, and I wanna throw a party for her, but I need help to organize it."
Mondo smirked and slapped him in the back. "Haha, my man Makoto's finally making a move! Way to go, dude!"
The Luckster blushed as Chihiro giggled. "Is Mondo right, Makoto?" the Ultimate Programmer asked, smiling sweetly. "Are you doing it because you have a crush on Kyoko?"
"H-Hey, not you too, Chihiro!" he complained, pouting. "I don't have a crush on Kyoko! I'm just doing this because she's a good friend! Besides, we do this for pretty much everyone, don't we?"
"Professor Makoto has a point," Taka stated, adopting a thinking pose. "I believe we need to organize a party for our classmate, even if I admittedly lack the knowledge needed to do so!"
"Yeah, we'll help you, Makoto," Mondo said, showing him a thumbs-up. "But are you sure that Kyoko chick will like a party, man? I mean, that doesn't really sound like her type of thing, y'know?"
I wonder how many times I'm going to hear that today… The Ultimate Lucky Student thought, scratching his head. "Maybe, but we won't know until we do it, won't we?"
"Guess you're right," the biker admitted with a nod. "But I ain't that good at organizing stuff, man. That's only Taka's thing. Could bring the drinks, if you want, though."
"That'd be helpful!" Makoto exclaimed with a grateful smile. "And I was thinking Chihiro could help with playing the music? You know these things, right?"
"Yes, I'd love to help with that!" the programmer said with enthusiasm. "I'll just need some wireless speakers, and I can set everything up!"
"Alright, then I will go ask Headmaster Kirigiri for his permission!" the Ultimate Moral Compass added. "And with Professor Makoto's guidance, we will organize a great party for our classmate!"
Makoto beamed at the news. "Thanks a lot, you three! You're all lifesavers!"
"Nah, you're welcome! We all know you wanna date that chick pretty badly, and you're our pal, so of course we'll help ya!"
"But I don't wanna-! Never mind…" the boy sighed, knowing that he wouldn't convince them, anyway. If there was a thing these three had in common, it was their stubbornness, although it took different forms. "I'll contact you again once we begin to work on the party, okay?"
"Very well, Professor Makoto!" Taka said and saluted. "With that, we hope you have a wonderful day! And no more running in the hallways!"
The Luckster sweatdropped before leaving the three friends alone, happy that he had found more people to help him.
"I wish you could be more useful to me, Headmaster."
"Apologies, Kyoko, but I'm afraid I cannot help you more than I have."
"I'm used to it by now. I don't even know why I even come here in the first place anymore."
Both Jin and Kyoko sighed, albeit for different reasons. It was usual for the Ultimate Detective to investigate around the school, and whether she liked it or not, she often found herself inside the Headmaster's office to ask him questions.
Her father's office.
However, much to his dismay, he wasn't so helpful to the talented detective. This wasn't bringing them any closer. It was actually doing the exact opposite.
"I guess you are. Moving on… you turn eighteen tomorrow, Kyoko. This is an important day," the man said, smiling at the girl. "Have you perhaps planned anything?"
"I couldn't care less," she told him, her voice cold and very uninterested. "I haven't celebrated my birthday in years, Headmaster. I don't need anyone to remind me of that, and especially not you."
"I see… That's a shame."
Kyoko gave him a funny look. "You do know that this is your fault, don't you? The shame is exclusively on you, Headmaster."
Jin had nothing to add to that. Makoto and Taka had visited him repeatedly to inform him of their intention to organize a birthday party for his daughter. He had accepted in a heartbeat, seeing in this an opportunity to do something for Kyoko.
However, her complete lack of enthusiasm made him question if he shouldn't just call the Ultimate Lucky Student and tell him to cancel everything.
The only reason I'm not doing this is that Makoto and his classmates have worked hard to organize this party… Jin thought, slowly turning all depressed. I just wish I could see my daughter be looking forward to something… anything…
"Well, I'll be going. I have work to do, Headmaster." The Ultimate Detective bowed out of politeness before turning around and leaving the office.
The man sighed again. Kyoko… What must I do so you stop hating me so much…? He wondered, glancing at the picture frame on his desk. Well, let's just hope that, somehow, Makoto and the others manage to make this work…
"Alright, class is dismissed for the day! Have a nice day, students!"
Class 78th filed out of the classroom. Makoto looked around to find Kyoko. They had made sure that no one wished her a happy birthday for the entire day. The plan was to surprise her by leading her to the party room under a false pretense.
Of course, Makoto had to be the one to bring her there. The thing is: he didn't know how.
I can't lie to save my life, and Kyoko's a detective… She's going to catch on even before I can lead her there… I feel a disaster coming from a mile away…
"Hey, Kyoko?" he called out to her, making her turn around with curiosity. "T-There's uh… I found something weird earlier when I was with Sayaka and Leon, and I wanted to know if you could have a look at it. I thought a detective's opinion could be helpful."
The lavender-haired girl narrowed her eyes on him suspiciously. Makoto knew this was a terrible lie. If she asked him any questions about it, he had no idea what he would tell her.
Perhaps I should have thought about it before actually doing it… The boy realized, wanting to slap himself for his lack of preparation. She may have already caught on, too…
"That is awfully unclear, Makoto," she told him. "What is 'something' and what do you mean by 'weird?'"
"H-Hey, I wouldn't be asking you if I knew what it was!" Makoto protested, surprising himself with how genuine that sounded. "I know you're the Ultimate Detective, so I'm sure you could figure it out."
Kyoko sighed. "I'm sorry, Makoto, but I am busy with detective work nowadays. The sooner I am back to work, the better, I'm afraid."
Makoto's eyes went downcast. "Oh… Are you sure you can't check it out? Checking it out won't take more than a few minutes."
The Kirigiri Detective seemed to be thinking for an instant. "Alright, then. You guide me there, Makoto."
"Thanks, Kyoko!" Makoto said with a relieved smile. Damn, I thought that would never work! It's a miracle that it did, really… "Well, let's go! It's this way!"
No longer worried, the Luckster guided his detective friend to the other building where the party room was. The others (almost the entire class, save for Byakuya, Toko, and Mukuro) were supposed to all be there, waiting for him to bring the birthday girl.
She didn't say a word as they walked, although that wasn't surprising. Kyoko was a girl of few words, but she made them all count. For once, the Ultimate Lucky Student didn't mind: the less they talked, the least likely it was for him to mess up.
I sure hope the others are ready… I tried to stall for time, but will it be enough…?
After a few minutes, the two classmates made it in front of the door. Makoto stopped first, noticing that his friends had done the right thing by being quiet.
"It's inside this room," he said. "I'll let you go inside first, alright?"
"Alright."
Visibly clueless (at least he hoped so), the Ultimate Detective grabbed the doorknob and opened the door in one quick swing, revealing a party room full of decorations.
"Happy birthday, Kyoko!"
The girl took a second to take in the scene and her cheering classmates before turning towards Makoto, who scratched the back of his head embarrassedly.
"Hehe… Happy birthday, Kyoko," he told her, chuckling awkwardly.
She shook her head amusingly. "Makoto Naegi… You really are a phenomenon, aren't you? I should have known something was up with you, now that I think about it."
Kyoko turned back towards her other classmates as Makoto walked over to them. The class had decorated the room with banners and purple balloons. There were tables with food and drinks, a few wireless speakers to play music, some board games, and mics to do karaokes later on (although they were pretty sure that Kyoko wouldn't want to sing).
"I don't quite remember asking for a birthday party," she told them all, her voice distant and somewhat cold before it turned a little warmer. "However, I do appreciate it. Thank you to all of you."
They all cheered again as Chihiro let the music play. Sayaka and Hina walked over to the Ultimate Detective and the Luckster, smiling at the two friends.
"Geez, we were worried you weren't gonna like it!" the Ultimate Swimming Pro said to Kyoko. "But if you want to thank someone in particular, thank Makoto!"
"Yeah, he's the one who came up with the idea, and we just helped him prepare for it," Sayaka added in agreement. "He was really insistent, too! He was sure that you would like it!"
Makoto's cheeks reddened, and he considered himself lucky that no one brought it up.
"I do appreciate it, don't worry," Kyoko told the two girls with a faint smile on her lips. "It has admittedly been years since the last time I celebrated my birthday, but I suppose I don't mind that changing."
"Yeah, there's always a time for things to change!" Hina added, smiling at her friend. "For now, we all hope you enjoy this party, Kyoko!"
The Luckster watched as his two classmates and Kyoko continued to chat, happy to see the Ultimate Detective seemingly enjoying her time.
So far, so good…
"Okay, everyone, please assemble over here!"
The students in attendance at the party did as Makoto told them and joined him in the middle of the room. It was two hours into the birthday party, and so far, everything had been going well.
Everyone seemed to be having fun – the birthday girl included –, which was what Makoto wanted. For now, though, it was time for something else.
"I'm sorry for interrupting, but it's time to give Kyoko her presents!" the Ultimate Lucky Student announced, gesturing to a pile of present boxes next to him. He smiled at the detective. "Would you come pick them up, Kyoko?"
Kyoko nodded. "Alright." She walked over to her best friend. "You didn't need to get me so many presents, though. But I do appreciate it."
"Here's the first one, from Hina and Sakura," Makoto said, giving her a red and purple present box.
"Thank you, Makoto." She took the box from him and carefully opened it, taking out a lavender sportswear. "Oh, that should come in handy during PE and my training sessions. Thank you, Sakura, Hina." She bowed.
"This one is from… Oh? There's no label on this one…" the boy said, frowning. "Well, no big deal. I guess the person in question forgot. There you go, Kyoko."
She nodded and took the box before opening it, still as carefully as before. However, the quietest gasp escaped her mouth when she did. "What… is this…?"
"H-Huh? What is… it…?" Makoto's eyes widened in shock as Kyoko took out a skull from the box. "Whaaaaaat?!"
The entire room shared their surprise as they stared at the 'present' from the unknown sender.
"Hm… I suppose whoever gifted me this didn't want me to lack biology knowledge," the lavender-haired girl stated ironically. "This could always be useful during a murder investigation, I suppose."
An awkward feeling filled the room before Makoto coughed and handed Kyoko a third present box, letting her set the unexpected 'present' aside.
"There, this one is from Sayaka and Leon, Kyoko," he said.
"Thank you, Makoto." After opening the box, Kyoko noticed a pair of expensive high-heels and a make-up set. "Oh, thank you for this. I don't know much about make-up, but I appreciate this. I could need new boots, too." She bowed again with a smile.
The Luckster picked up another box from the pile. "This one is from Celeste, Hifumi, and Hiro… although you probably would have guessed that."
He sweatdropped as he handed her the box, which she opened before pulling out three presents: a crystal ball and a set of tarot cards, some manga, and a book titled 'Mastering the Art of Deception.'
"I, uh… don't know what I could do with the crystal ball and the tarot cards," she admitted, scratching her temple. "But I appreciate it, as well as the books. I figure who they're from, too."
Celeste chuckled a couple of feet away while Hifumi seemed relieved. Makoto took the fifth box and gave it to the birthday girl.
"This one is from Chihiro, Taka, and Mondo," he said. "I was jealous when I saw it, to be honest."
Kyoko's eyes narrowed as she weighed the box, which was way heavier than the others. She opened it with curiosity, her lips forming an 'o' of surprise when she noticed the contents.
"I… I can't accept that," the girl said, taking out a brand new and expensive-looking laptop. "This must have cost you a ton, you three."
"Hey, we wouldn't be offerin' it to ya if it was too expensive!" Mondo told her. "Besides, Chihiro worked really hard to make it work extra well, so ya better make good use of it!"
The Ultimate Detective sighed. "Alright, then. Thanks a lot, you three. This will be most useful to me during my investigations."
The three friends smiled at her while Makoto handed her the last present box of the pile, blushing as he did.
"This, uh… is from me," he said, feeling his cheeks getting hotter by the second. "I-I hope you like it."
The detective shook her head amusingly as she accepted the box. It was a violet box with a small ribbon holding the strings, similar to the one she wore in her hair.
Opening it, Kyoko smiled as she noticed a couple of mystery novels inside, as well as a note written in the Luckster's cutely messy handwriting.
"To Kyoko,
I know that not everything has always been easy for you before and that you usually don't care much for your own birthday. However, I hope that, from now on, you can enjoy your special days as much as you deserve to.
Please know that I'll always do my best to help you with your issues.
Happy birthday!
Sincerely,
Your friend Makoto.
PS: I got you mystery novels since I know it's your favorite genre!"
Reading the note brought a blush to the Ultimate Detective's cheeks, although she tried to hide it from the others. She made the mistake of meeting Makoto's gaze with her own, however, making them blush even more. Kyoko felt her heartbeat accelerate as she held the note close to her chest.
"Thank you, Makoto. I really appreciate that."
The rest of the room looked at the two Ultimates knowingly, although no one made any comments, instead letting their two classmates deal with their embarrassment on their own (which was probably just as devious).
"W-Well, um… I guess everyone can go back to what they were doing now," Makoto said awkwardly, desperately trying to move on. "Have fun, okay!"
As the students went back to their own activities, Kyoko shook her head and returned to her own party, deciding that even though it wasn't the most flashy or the most expensive, Makoto's present was definitely her favorite.
"Thank you for doing this for me, Makoto."
"O-Oh, well… you're welcome, Kyoko," Makoto said, closing the door of the party room behind him. The party had lasted for a few more hours after the Ultimate Detective received her presents. After doing some cleaning, the students had left, leaving the Luckster and the girl of the day alone. "You deserved a nice party, you know?"
She nodded, although it was more in acknowledgment than in agreement.
"Oh, and by the way!" He extended something in her direction, which she looked at with curiosity. "Someone placed this in front of my door the other day. There was a note telling me not to open it and that it was for your birthday."
"Someone placed it in front of your door?" she echoed, accepting the black present box. "The last unlabeled box I got contained a skull. I'm not sure if I want to open this, to be honest."
Makoto sweatdropped. "Yeah, I understand. Well, I was asked to give it to you, so my job here is done. I hope that whatever is inside, you like it."
"Alright. I will make sure to check it out once I'm back in my room," the Ultimate Detective said. "For now… I suppose this is where we part ways for the day, Makoto."
"Yeah, I guess you're right," he answered. "Did you collect all of the presents you got?"
"Yes, I did. It is a pretty large bag."
Makoto chuckled as she said that. "Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow, then! Bye, Kyoko!"
"Have a nice day, Makoto. And thank you again for all of this. I am grateful."
"No problem! I had fun organizing it! And happy birthday again, Kyoko!"
With that, the Luckster rushed out of the building towards the dorms, making Kyoko sweatdrop.
Alright, now let's see what *you* contain…
Sitting at her desk, Kyoko opened the mystery box. She would be lying if she said she didn't have a hunch of who it was from. To be honest, she also had an idea of who had 'offered' her the skull she had received earlier.
Tearing it apart carefully, the Ultimate Detective took out a couple of pictures and set them on her desk. A long sigh was the only thing heard inside the room for a while.
Of course. I suppose my hunch was correct, then.
Looking at the pictures, the girl noticed they were pictures of her younger self, probably around six or seven years old. In them, she was blowing the candles of her birthday cake and playing with her new toys. There was also one of her in her mother's arms, smiling in happiness.
She didn't need any clues to determine who was the mystery sender of that box. And while they were lucky she was in a good mood (or she would have thrown them away), that didn't mean it was the final present she was looking forward to the most.
That… must be one of the last times I celebrated my birthday with my family… She thought. I can't even remember it… This all seems so distant to me now…
Standing up from her desk chair, Kyoko paced around her room and stopped to stare through the window at the night's starry sky.
But today was… nice. I am now running late on my detective work, but I suppose this was worth it. I would never have thought that anyone would be kind enough to organize a birthday party for me when I chose to enroll here…
She giggled, a genuine and fully-stretched smile appearing on her lips.
You really are something else, Makoto… But… I suppose it is what I like about you…
The End.
A.N: I hope you liked this story! Kyoko is my favorite DR character, and writing for her birthday is always fun. Feel free to read the story I wrote for her last birthday, which is much longer. Anyway, please leave a review, and I hope you have a nice day!