Mahiru enjoyed photography, if that wasn't obvious from her Ultimate title.

But when it came to her favorite hobby, she had preferences. She preferred pictures of people over scenery or still life or the like. She had even made it a personal mission to get a picture of every student.

The school has also assigned her to take pictures for the yearbook, and loved photographing the different school events and activities. She'd even been assigned to take pictures of Class 78, and did so with glee. She photographed the class during a track event, a school swimming event, as well as a simple one of the class as a whole. It was through those pictures that she'd somewhat gotten to know some of the students, albeit on a basic level.

But, when she was looking through the photos, Mahiru noticed something...peculiar.

One of the students, Junko Enoshima, the Ultimate Fashionista, had a strange sort of power. Every time Mahiru took a picture of her, something always ended up covering her face. Either she wasn't facing the camera, there was a strange glare, water was splashed into her face at the wrong time, there was always something.

It fascinated Mahiru as a photographer. She wasn't usually a superstitious person or someone who believed in the supernatural, but after meeting Nagito and seeing all the stuff that happens to him, she'd become a lot more open-minded. She wanted to break through this power of Junko's, and get a picture of her.

And that's what she was thinking about when Hiyoko snapped her fingers in front of Mahiru's face, startling her out of her daydreaming.

"I'm done!" Hiyoko said with a smile. Mahiru returned the smile and took her paper. That smile immediately fell as she saw that while Mahiru was lost in her thoughts, Hiyoko had simply copied off of Mahiru's work.

"Hiyoko…" Mahiru chided. "You know that you can't do that, you have to do it yourself."

"Why, when I have you to give me all the answers?" Hiyoko said in her sweet, innocent voice. Mahiru sighed.

She'd been asked by their teacher, Ms Chisa Yukizome, to try to help Hiyoko with her recently poor grades. Chisa had noticed how attached Hiyoko was to Mahiru, and so she figured she was the best fit to try to help her study. But even so, Hiyoko was stubborn.

"Because you need to figure out how to do the assignments." Mahiru said as she grabbed one of the extra sheets she had brought, expecting this very thing. As she laid it out in front of Hiyoko, taking away the other sheet, Hiyoko studied her intensely.

"We're you thinking of that girl?" She asked.

"Huh?"

"That girl that you've been creeping on." Hiyoko said. "The fashion girl."

"I-I haven't been 'creeping' on her!" Mahiru exclaimed.

"Do you like her~?" Hiyoko teased, causing Mahiru's cheeks to turn pink.

"N-no!" She answered.

"Then who do you like~?" Hiyoko asked. The image of a boy with a nice tie and pointed spike in his fair flashed through Mahiru's mind for a moment, making her blush even deeper.

"N-no one! Stop distracting me, and do your work!" Mahiru said. Hiyoko groaned, but picked up her pencil and started writing. Mahiru watched her work, making sure her own was out of sight, and started to drift off again, thinking of Junko.

Suddenly, Mahiru saw a figure outside the classroom, a figure that looked very familiar.

"Um...I think we're good for today." Mahiru said as she started to quickly gather up her stuff. Hiyoko snickered.

"Gonna chase after your crush~?" She said, but when Mahiru didn't answer, and simply ran after the figure, Hiyoko pouted.

Mahiru quickly sped up to catch up with Junko, who had her sister walking next to her. Mahiru felt a cold sweat just seeing Mukuro. Something about her always made her feel...watched. Like she had eyes in the back of her head. Either way, neither girl gave any indication that they knew Mahiru was following them several feet behind. She had retrieved her camera and was getting it ready. Junko and Mukuro rounded the corner, and Mahiru rushed to catch them.

But then she ended up running into someone.

Both her and the student fell to the ground, Mahiru accidentally tackling him. Mahiru kept a hand around her camera reflexively to protect it as her other hand landed on the student as it attempted to break her fall. The other student groaned, and Mahiru took a moment to come to her senses. When she did, she was shocked by how hard the student's chest was, which her head had landed on and that she now had her hand on to lift herself up. "I-I'm so sorry, I-" Mahiru started, but froze when she looked up and saw who she was talking to.

She was basically laying on top of Hajime, who had dropped a book he was holding. He rubbed his head as he sat up, and their eyes met. They stared at each other in silence before Mahiru's cheeks began to burn and she frantically got to her feet.

"W-watch where you're going!" She said, unable to meet his eyes again as he stood up. Despite it obviously being her fault, he didn't say anything and instead smiled nervously.

"Sorry, sorry." He said. "Is your camera okay?" Mahiru looked down at her camera, which was still on. She nodded. "And you? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, thank you." Mahiru said. She didn't know why she found such joy in his light concern for her. "So, uh, what's that book?" Mahiru gestured to the book on the floor, which Hajime picked up and dusted off.

"It's a game guidebook Chiaki lent me. I was hoping to return it to her." Hajime said. Mahiru's heart deflated a little, but she smiled anyway.

"She already left. I can take it and give it to her for you." She offered. Hajime smiled and nodded. He held out the book, and she reached for it. Then, as Mahiru was taking the book, their fingers touched, and she dropped the book in shock. "Ah, s-sorry!" Mahiru said as she knelt down to pick it up. Hajime did the same however, and their heads collided, making both of them groan as they put their hands to their head. They looked at each other, and both burst into laughter.

"You okay?" He said as he picked up the book again.

"Yeah, again, thank you." Mahiru said. Once again, he handed the book to her, and she managed to keep hold of it. "I'll make sure she gets it back tomorrow."

"Thank you." Hajime said. He looked up at a clock on the wall. "Ah, I gotta go. See you later." He said, and she nodded before he turned and walked away. Mahiru watched him the entire time, and her eyes even drifted downward to his pants, which almost seemed to hug his frame tightly, especially right around the-

Mahiru mentally slapped herself. Now was not the time! She had to try to catch up to Junko! Mahiru sprinted down the hallway after her, but she was nowhere in sight. She went the only direction she could feasibly go, went down the stairs, until she eventually reached the entrance, which was empty except for a few students milling around. Mahiru silently cursed to herself. She'd gotten away. She sighed, then put her fist in her palm. She'd get that picture!

"I request your talents."

Mahiru had been stunned when during lunch of the next day, a rather large wad of money had been slapped down on her desk by Celeste, a member of Class 78. It appeared that she wanted to pay Mahiru to take pictures of her. This in and of itself wasn't anything new; ultimates were often paid—and paid well—for use of their talents, but she'd never been requested by another student, and certainly not for this much.

"I rented out a section of the dorm hallways I wish to use as a background." Celeste said.

"Um, is that even allowed?" Mahiru asked, but Celeste's icy stare shut her up quickly.

"Meet me at those dorms after school and I shall bring props to use for the picture." Celeste said as she turned and started to walk away. Mahiru once again glanced at the wad of money.

"U-um, only one?" Mahiru asked.

"One of all I need." Celeste said as she exited the classroom. Mahiru couldn't believe it. This much money for a single picture?! It seemed like overkill…

...not that she was gonna complain. It was money she could use for a new camera.

Either way, she didn't really think she had a choice so she simply pocketed the money before too many people saw it and resumed her lunch. She looked around the room, and her eyes landed on Chisa, who was staring right at her. When Chisa saw her staring back, she gave a wink, making Mahiru blush. She finished eating in silence.

When Mahiru walked down the dorms Celeste had indicated, she was stunned. The hallway had been cordoned off just enough to allow students to still pass, though it was skinny enough that only one could go one at a time. Mahiru also saw that Celeste had brought a number of props, from tiaras to magic wands to even a full size throne.

Well, Mahiru said that Celeste was the one to bring them, but in actuality, Celeste was standing off to the side as one of her classmates, a round student with circular glasses was bringing in the props himself. Mahiru had noticed the obvious power dynamic, and while she'd usually be opposed to that sort of thing, the boy seemed to enjoy it, so she kept her mouth shut. She just wished she could remember his name.

"I already know what kind of picture I want, I just want to know how you recommend I pose for the picture." Celeste explained as Mahiru approached. "I wish to convey wealth, power, and an imposing nature." Mahiru nodded, already getting an idea of what she wanted, and the best way to get that across.

"Okay, we'll need...the throne...a scepter...and a tiara." Mahiru said. Celeste nodded and snapped her fingers. The boy quickly retrieved the two items and then started pushing the throne away from everything else, up against the wall Celeste wanted, which was a deep red. "Okay, Celeste, I need you to put on the tiara and sit on the throne with the scepter." Celeste nodded again and did just that. Somehow, even the way she sat down on the seat seemed elegant. "Alright, cross your legs." She placed one of her legs on top of the other. "Perfect."

Mahiru figured a downwards angle would best portray the feeling of a "commoner" looking up at the wealthy girl. Not super far down, just a slight angle. Mahiru got onto her knees as she got the camera ready. Once in position, she held it up and gazed through the viewfinder. As she saw Celeste sitting there straight-faced holding the scepter, Mahiru felt like something was missing.

"How about...you point the scepter forward, like you're commanding an army." She said, and Celeste did just that. "Yes, now, one last thing...a sly smile." The edges of Celeste's lips curled up slightly, and Mahiru's own smile widened. "Perfect." Mahiru lifted the camera, and started taking pictures.

It was always good to get multiple. She also snapped some from different sides and slightly lower and higher angles. Celeste stayed as still as a statue, which was commendable.

Once all the pictures were taken, Mahiru stood and started looking them over. She looked through the different pictures until she stopped at one. She was never able to explain it, but whenever she was doing this, she always got a strong feeling of joy when she landed on one, one that she deemed to be the perfect picture.

That was the whole point after all—trying to get the best pictures she possibly could, of as many things—and specifically people—as she could. That was her goal in life. And now she had one more she could add to her vast, vast collection.

"Are we done?" Celeste asked. Mahiru looked up at her and nodded. "So then what now?"

"How do you want the picture?" Mahiru asked.

"I want it framed." Celeste answered.

"Then I can go and get it printed and framed and bring it back to you tomorrow, if that's okay." Mahiru said, and Celeste nodded.

"I'll get this cleaned up so you can go." Celeste said, snapping her fingers and making the poor boy get up from his brief rest and start rushing to gather everything up. Mahiru waved goodbye and started on her way towards the entrance to the school when she suddenly froze.

She saw her.

Junko was heading outside!

Mahiru was about to give chase when Celeste stopped her. "Actually, may we do a few more? Not that I doubt your ability, but I greatly dislike failure, and would prefer trying to prevent that as much as possible." Mahiru groaned inwardly, and glanced towards Junko's shrinking form as she walked away.

"A few more quick ones." Mahiru said, and Celeste's expression changed ever so slightly.

"As the one paying you, Miss Koizumi, I believe I am the one to decide how long it may take." She said, and Mahiru solemnly nodded

The extra shoot only took a minute or two, and with Celeste now satisfied, Mahiru immediately took off, believing she could still catch the fashionista when she suddenly felt something collide into her. She only got a feeling of something soft pressed against her arm before she went tumbling for the second time in two days.

"God, again?!" She said, feeling the sting from her butt hitting the floor as hard as it had. She looked up to see who had crashed into her this time.

This time it was Chiaki, who, despite having been knocked over, was flat on her back playing one of her games, seemingly unaware that she'd even fallen. But that wasn't what Mahiru was focused on, what she was focused on was the fact that, due to the fall, her skirt had flipped up, and a large portion of Chiaki's panties were on display! Mahiru sat in shock for a moment as students continued going past, stopping to stare and whisper amongst themselves when they spotted the gamer's pink underwear. Eventually, she recovered and rushed over, shoving Chiaki's skirt back down, feeling second hand embarrassment hard.

"Chiaki, are you okay?" She asked, and Chiaki simply nodded. Mahiru sighed. "Give me your hand." Without looking away, Chiaki held out a hand, and Mahiru helped her to her feet.

"Thank you, Mahiru." Chiaki said, still not having looked up a single time. "Sorry about that." And with that, she continued on her way out of the building. Mahiru stared after her for a bit before she remembered: Junko! Mahiru rushed out the door but once again, Junko was nowhere in sight. Mahiru sighed again.

She'd get that perfect picture of Junko, she swore it!

Mahiru's phone vibrated on her desk. It was after school, and Mahiru was helping clean up from the massive mess that Nekomaru and Akane had created when they'd once again began sparring in the classroom despite Chisa's threats. Mahiru, curious, picked up the phone and saw it was an email from Teruteru. Chisa had recommended they get each other's numbers for projects, and while she'd been mostly cool with the others, Teruteru was one of the ones she'd been hesitant about. And that hesitancy was about to be justified as she opened the email. Immediately, her face paled.

Situated in the picture was an organ that Mahiru had probably only seen once, and only in an anatomy textbook. Even so, that peach color with veins under the skin leading upwards to a bright pink head was unmistakable: it was a dick. On top of that, balls hanging down below as well as a forest of brown pubic hair was also visible. Mahiru felt sick as another email came in. Against her better judgement, she opened it.

"Rate my photography~"

Now her sickness turned into anger, then into rage. She immediately set down her supplies, and started walking towards the door.

"Um, Mahiru, we're not-" Chisa started, but Mahiru ignored her as she opened the door, stepped out, and slammed it behind her. Chisa stared after her with a concerned expression.

Students in the hallway backed away in fear as Mahiru walked down the hall, her hands trembling in clenched fists as she went. Her rage curled off of her like a wicked aura. Her head was hung down low and she remained silent as she made her way towards the kitchen.

Inside, Teruteru was readjusting his pants and shirt as he set down his phone. He was very happy with himself, happy to have finally made a move on the beautiful girl. He was excited to see her reaction.

Outside in the cafeteria, he heard a door slamming open. His happiness was instantly gone, replaced by a sinister dread. As he heard footsteps approaching the kitchen, every one of them made that dread grow and grow until he was nearly shivering.

The kitchen door burst open and Teruteru turned, finding Mahiru standing there. Before he could say a word, Mahiru picked him up by the collar and lifted him slightly as her eyes met his. A shiver ran through his entire body as he saw the rage burning within them.

"You...little…" she said, and she reared her fist back. Teruteru braced himself, closing his eyes, but when nothing happened after a few seconds, he opened them again. Someone had grabbed Mahiru's fist, and she'd frozen, still staring at him with red hot anger in her eyes.

"Mahiru…" Hajime said tentatively, having followed her all the way from the classroom, where he had also been helping clean.

"I...I was just going to punch him once." Mahiru said, but Teruteru saw that the anger was already beginning to fade slightly.

"First of all, I don't completely believe you, and second of all, you know that's not the right thing to do." Hajime said, his voice soft. "Aren't you the one who always criticizes the guys for being 'violent'?" That one definitely got through to her, as she let go of Teruteru and brought her fist down. Hajime didn't let go of her hand, though, which Mahiru didn't fail to notice. "Teruteru, leave." Teruteru nodded and immediately rushed out of the room. Mahiru looked down at the floor in shame of her actions as Hajime moved in front of her.

"Thanks…" she said quietly. Hajime laughed.

"Don't worry, I want to do the same thing, but you and I both know that isn't right." He said, and she nodded. "Hey, look at me." Hajime said, and Mahiru finally met his eyes. Immediately, her heart began racing. "Keep the picture and report him. That's the right thing to do." Mahiru was silent for a few moments.

"Y-yeah...you're right. Yeah." She admitted. She looked down and saw that his hand was still holding onto hers. He seemed to notice as well, and quickly let go, his cheeks turning red. This time, he looked away from her. She felt disappointment, but it was offset by her gratitude. "Again, thank you."

"I-it's no problem, really." He said. Mahiru's heart felt like it was gonna burst. God, why was he so cute?! "W-we better get back to the classroom." Mahiru nodded, and Hajime walked past her and out of the kitchen. Mahiru was about to follow when she looked out the window and saw Junko, who was apparently slacking on her cleaning. Her sister was standing nearby, and Mahiru decided to take her chance.

She ran up to the window and, after a bit of difficulty, opened it and leaned out. "Junko!" Mahiru shouted. Hearing her name, she looked towards the window. Mahiru was tempted to try to take the picture right then and there, but she wanted a closer look. "Stay there! I need to talk to you!" She didn't wait for an answer as Mahiru quickly rushed out and towards the school entrance.

It took her less than a minute before she was outside, but Junko and her sister were nowhere in sight. Mahiru growled. Where had she gone!

"Don't move."

Suddenly, Mahiru heard a voice in her ear as something sharp was pressed into her back, causing her to jump. Fear coursed through her as she sensed the person, who seemed to be a girl, behind her. Something told her she wasn't likely to win a fight if she started one, so she simply stood there as she was told.

"What do you want?" She asked.

"Depends. Why are you stalking my sister?" The girl said. Mahiru was confused for a moment before she realized. Was this-?

"I...I just want to take her picture." Mahiru said. The air was still and silent for a moment before Mahiru heard movement to her right, and before long, Junko entered her vision.

"A picture of me?" Junko asked. "I'm flattered, but why?" Junko stepped closer and narrowed her eyes at Mahiru. Mahiru couldn't help but feel like she was staring into her very soul. "Oh! You're the photographer, right? The one that takes pictures of all the students, like during events and stuff." Mahiru nodded.

"Every time I try to take a picture of you, something always obscures your face. I just want to take a picture of your face, that's all." Mahiru wasn't expecting to have been cornered like this, but she did her best to remain calm as she plainly explained her intentions. Junko stared at her face for an annoyingly long amount of time.

"You can let her go, she's not dangerous, stupid!" Junko said, and Mahiru felt the pressure on her back fade away, and then heard what sounded like a blade being sheathed. "I will admit, that's a little interesting...but only a little." Junko's eyes started to move up and down Mahiru's body, and Mahiru felt like she was being ogled like a piece of meat. She never even got this tense when Teruteru was staring. Once Junko seemed satisfied, she nodded.

"Fine, I'll do a photoshoot for you or whatever, but first...I want to show you something." She said. Mahiru raised an eyebrow, and Junko waved her hand. "It's just something another student has been working on for me. He finally got it finished, and I've been wanting to show it to someone. Originally I was gonna show it to that nurse girl, but I think you'd be more useful."

"What?" Mahiru asked.

"Come with me!" Junko said, ignoring her question as she turned on her heels and began walking. Mahiru stood there for a moment before she felt a poke on her back and Mahiru began following her, with the other girl following close behind.

Whatever this was, whatever Junko had planned, it sure wasn't going to get in the way of her getting that damn perfect picture!