Danganronpa – A Story of Growth and Love

Chapter 6 – Ultimate Attraction

Note: This chapter will be split into two parts, since it's very long. If you prefer longer chapter's rather than split ones, then feel free to let me know, since I don't mind writing them to be longer. Please enjoy!

(Chiaki's POV)

Ultimate. In order to even be at Hope's Peak, you need some sort of ultimate title. But just because you an ultimate, it doesn't mean your insanely good at everything you do. Take me for example, I'm really good at videogames, but I'm pretty bad at dating sims. Just because you have an ultimate talent, it doesn't mean you're destined to be really great at everything. I didn't used to think like that, mostly because I didn't really notice it much at first. But then I met Hajime, the student without an ultimate talent. He didn't really excel at anything, but he didn't do poorly at anything he tried either. Whenever we had tests, he would get above average scores. Whenever we played games, he always tied with me sooner or later. Hajime may not have a talent, but that's probably because he doesn't really need one…I think?

Whatever the case, I really admired him for having such a positive attitude for not having a talent. Then again, I did reassure him about this stuff on the first day three weeks ago, as well as many of our other classmates. Since then, Hajime has been adapting to class 77-B quite well, especially since no one in class cares that he doesn't have an amazing talent. I'm happy that he isn't so worried anymore, but I think something is different about him…I think? There was something about him that I couldn't put my finger on, but whenever I was around him, I started to feel my cheeks heat up and my heart beat goes up.

These things I was feeling, I had no clue what they were. I needed some help to figure this out, so I decided to ask some of my classmates for help. Sonia and Mahiru were my closest friends besides Hajime, so they seemed to be the best ones to ask for some advice. I asked them if they had time to meet with me after class today and they said it would be no problem at all. We decided to meet up at some local café near the academy, since it was close and a change of scenery would be good for this conversation. Once the classes were finally done for the day, Sonia, Mahiru and I made our way to the café. After about ten minutes of walking, we got to the café, and order some drinks once we sat down at a table inside.

As soon as we got our drinks, our little conversation began. "So," Mahiru asked, "What did you want to talk about Chiaki?"

"Oh, yes!" Sonia said smiling, "What did you need our help with Chiaki?"

"Well, you see," I started, "it has something to do with class."

"If it's studying that you need help with, I'm your gal!" Mahiru said. "I'm pretty good at Math and Language."

"But if you need help with history, I'm here to help you Chiaki!" Sonia said.

"Thank you, but that's not what I needed help with." I explained, "You see, I need help with sorting some things."

In unison, Mahiru and Sonia asked "What sort of things?"

"It has to do with another student in our class, that student being Hajime." I said, "You see, whenever I'm around him, I start to feel strange."

"Strange how exactly?" Sonia asked.

"Whenever I'm around Hajime, I feel something in my chest, and I feel my face heat up. Whenever I'm with anyone else in our class like Nagito, Kazuichi, or you two, I feel completely fine. Maybe I'm having some allergic reaction to him…I think?"

As soon as I finished talking, I looked up to see if Mahiru or Sonia had something to say, but when I did, they were both giggling at what I said.

I ask them, "What's so funny?"

Still giggling, Mahiru wiped a few tears from her eyes and said, "Sorry Chiaki, I know we shouldn't be laughing. But what your feeling isn't an allergic reaction."

"It's not? Then what would it be then?" I ask.

"It's quite simple Chiaki," Sonia said, "You have a crush on Hajime!"

It took a moment to process what Sonia just said. I had a crush on Hajime?

"But I haven't seen the flags yet."

"Uh…What?" Mahiru said, "What do you mean by flags Chiaki?"

"Well, you see, in dating sims you usually see some sort of indication when it comes to finding your match. Then again, I'm pretty bad at those types of games, and whenever I do play them it doesn't end well."

"I'm not sure what you mean Chiaki, Sonia said, "But don't worry, it's natural to feel like this. Everyone goes through these sorts of feelings in their life. This is probably one of your first experiences, right?"

"To be honest, I'm not sure."

"Well Chiaki," Mahiru said, "If you ask me, I think you tell Hajime how you feel!"

"What!? Are you sure? What if he doesn't feel the same way?"

"I wouldn't worry about that so much Chiaki." Mahiru said.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Well Chiaki," Sonia said, "We know that Hajime has a crush on you!"

As soon as she said that, I felt my whole face go red. Hajime, my best friend, had a crush on me? "How exactly do you know this?"

"Well, let's just say it was chance timing when we happened to overhear Hajime." Mahiru said, "I wanted to take some photos of Sonia in the Art Room for the yearbook a few days ago, and while we walking over there to take the pictures, we just so happened to find Hajime talking with Kazuichi and Fuyuhiko near the dining hall."

"We honestly didn't mean to overhear them, but Kazuichi and Fuyuhiko have always had a problem with talking quietly." Sonia said.

"So, to reconfirm," Chiaki said, "The reason I've been feeling weird is because I have a crush on Hajime." I looked up and saw Mahiru and Sonia nod their heads. "So now," I continued, "You're saying that I should tell Hajime how I feel, and it'll work out since he also likes me?"

"Absolutely!" Mahiru and Sonia said at the same time.

I pondered on that thought for a moment, before coming to the conclusion that I should take a chance. In most dating sims, it's hard to find the right answer to what you should do or what gift your date would like, so taking a chance seemed to be the best play…I think?

"Alright, I'll do it!" Chiaki said enthusiastically, "I'll tell Hajime how I really feel about him, and I'll see where things go from their."

I got up to leave since I already paid for my drink, and was given hugs from both Mahiru and Sonia, both of whom were wishing good luck for what I was about to do. I hurried back to academy as fast as I could, but when I reached the front door, it opened to reveal Hajime on the other side.