X-ONE-YEAR-AGO-X

Mahiru Koizumi took a deep breath as she walked the grounds of a prestigious art gallery. To be invited to such an event sent her mind abuzz and weighed a pit in her stomach. Her father couldn't attend, her mother was somewhere else in the world, and her best friend had an emergency at home to deal with. So, she stood alone on the polished oak and among the white-marbled walls. Framed imagery hung on the walls, ranging from paintings to photographs. Before her, there was her picture; one of her classmates enjoying the School Festival at the Light Forest Institute.

She sighed, fidgeting with the second item that hung from her neck. A second-place medal for her photo. For her to get second in a competition of photography was strangely refreshing yet disappointing. It was the first time that it felt like a true competition, waiting the judges to debate between the last two photos was exhilarating. Her anxiety didn't come from the event anymore, but the idea of winning or losing. Hearing their whispers, enduring the long waiting game, as her hands turned sweaty and her heart raced. It all led to their judgement rendered and their announcement.

Her second-place slot didn't bother her. It was fair game, after all. The first-placer's photo was beautiful. The imagery, the setting, the lighting… It was all just… perfect. He, himself… wasn't that inspiring. Izuru Kamukura—his long black hair and piercing-red eyes had made a more than intimidating appearance. He took the medal when he was invited to take it, and when he was invited to speak, he simply said no. And she could tell that it wasn't out of nervousness, but a complete lack of interest. He then asked the judges frankly about the reward money. He also completely ignored her when she tried to congratulate him on his success.

Not to mention, the judges' reasoning for her placement was frustrating. They claimed that her photo of her friends wasn't 'grasping' enough. That she should take more pictures of the world—the beauty and the bad, stating that her current subject wasn't good enough. Their critique had completely spat on her entire reason for even entering the world of photography.

So, yes… She was slightly upset at the less than positive experience.

Mahiru sighed, "This was stupid…"

A male voice right beside her spoke, "What's stupid?" Her eyes widened as she turned to see a brunet with green eyes standing right beside her. For a moment, she thought he was Kamukura, and that caused her to let out a small scream as she jumped away from him.

She blushed at the very public reaction as she frowned, "J-Jeez! W-Why did you sneak up on me like that?"

He blinked, earnestly confused, "S-Sneak up on you?" He coughed as he tugged at his black suit's tie, "I was here before you."

Mahiru blinked, "I…" Her mind quickly washed over the last minute. She was lost in her own head when she came upon her photo, but she could slightly remember his presence. "S-Sorry, a lot's been on my mind."

He smiled politely, "I'm sure." He extended his hand, "Koizumi Mahiru, right?"

Her eyes narrowed for a moment before slowly shaking his hand, "Yeah, and you are?"

He replied, "Hajime, Hinata."

They released each other's hands before she gave a small bow, "Hinata, well, it's… uh… nice to meet you."

Hajime smiled, "Nice to meet you too."

One of her hands fell to her side as the other fidgeted with her camera, "Are you one of the contestants?"

He blinked for a moment. He seemed almost happy for a moment—flattered even before he shook his head, "Uh… No, I'm not." He rubbed the back of his neck, "I'm the brother of one."

Her eyes narrowed as she reexamined the brunet's face and concluded, "K… Kamukura Izuru?"

Hajime forced out chuckle, "That's… the, uh… one." He bowed to her, sighing, "Sorry about him." He straightened from the ninety-degree gesture, scratching his cheek, "I noticed how you tried to talk to him on the stage, and how he… blew past you."

Mahiru frowned, "Him. Sheesh." She put her hands on her hips, "Why was he so rude?"

He tilted his head, "Uh… It's…" He sighed, shaking his head, "Complicated. Really complicated." He gave a more casual bow than before, "Sorry again. Really."

She raised a brow, speaking incredulously, "How complicated can manners be?"

"They're not." His face contorted, teetering his head for a moment, "For him, though…"

The redhead's mind sighed, "I guess I should just drop it… Not like I'm talking to him…" She shook her head, waving off the conversation, "Forget it. It's fine." She muttered to herself, "Boys and their weird… quirks." She leveled her eyes with his, shrugging, "I guess that's just how meeting strangers work. You can't expect them all to be nice."

He chuckled, "Yeah."

Mahiru tucked her hands behind her back as she turned back to her framed photo, "So, what do you think about it?"

He was silent for a moment before smiling at the photo, "I think it's amazing."

She only sighed in response.

Hajime blinked, "Eh… Did… Did I say something… wrong?"

The freckled girl shook her head, "Words like "awesome" and "amazing" aren't words of praise at all." She looked off to the side, speaking somewhat bitterly, "They just… come off as insincere."

The brunet turned back to the image, "Hmm…" He rubbed his chin, "Um…" He let out a breath, turning to her, "Well, I don't much about photography so I can't really give you great feedback, but…" He scratched the back of his head, "How should I put it…? It…" He let out another breath, speaking almost reminiscently, "-helps me remember the importance of what's right in front of you." He let out a small laugh, "I mean these are the moments we want out of life—amongst friends… happy. And they're gone in a second." He smiled, "And you… preserve it. So, everyone can remember that. The importance of the moment before it passes."

Mahiru blinked for a moment before smiling and turning back to the image, "That's… a really good comment." And for some reason, there was a bit of heat to her face.

The sound of a phone buzzing ended the conversation as Hajime frowned, "Speaking of moments passing…" He fished out his phone, smiling apologetically at Mahiru, "Excuse me." She nodded, smiling understandingly, as he took a few steps away to answer the call, "Hello?" He frowned as he listened, "The photo can no longer be sold by myself or Kamukura." He paced, shaking his head, "A contract has already been signed to enter the competition. The photo belongs to the art gallery, and if you want it, then you must buy it from the gallery." He sighed with a smile, "Yes, well, it is out of our hands." He pulled the phone away from his ear as some voice shouted at him from the other end. Hajime quickly ended the call with a scowl, "Prick…"

Mahiru's face contorted, "What was that?" While her mind questioned, "You refer to your brother by his last name...?"

The brunet sighed, shaking his head, "Someone who's been calling me about Kamukura's photo for the past day." He pushed his phone in his pocket, "He's called me thirty times today." He rubbed the back of his neck, "I want to block his number, but… We might strike a deal with this guy down the line, so I guess I just have to deal with it."

She blinked, "Someone wants to buy it already?"

Hajime shrugged, "Kamukura has an audience." He teetered his head, "And with how rare he does this stuff, they're a… annoying group."

She raised a brow, "Why're you getting those calls?"

He chuckled, shrugging, "I kinda asked for it." He teetered his head, "Literally." He rubbed his arm, "So, you know, I reap what I sow."

"Yeah, there's no point in complaining; considering."

"Yeah."

"So, you're his assistant?"

He shrugged, "Basically." He tucked his hands into his pockets, "I'm heading to the same high school as him to…" -he trailed off for a moment before finishing, "-to make sure he doesn't get into anything crazy, too."

"Really?"

"Yeah, Hope's Peak Academy."

She smiled as her eyes widened, "Oh, I'm going there too!"

Hajime laughed, "Maybe we'll run into each other." He looked off to the side, "I always wanted to attend that school…" He rubbed the back of his head, looking off into space, "I guess I do… in a way…"

"Must feel weird, following your brother around."

He chuckled, shrugging, "I'm trying to look past that… It's… a bit difficult, but it's not something I should whine about forever."

"Well, it's good that you're trying to change."

He scratched his cheek, "Thanks."

Hajime looked at her framed photograph—though, he didn't seem to focus on it. His eyes seemed soft while a genuine smile graced his lips. Conflict… fear… something… She couldn't put her finger on it, but there was a whirlwind between his ears. Her hands drifted to her camera.

The click of a shutter made him blink before turning to the Ultimate Photographer.

He blinked, "Huh?"

Mahiru lowered her camera, looking at its screen, "I couldn't help it." She looked off to the side, "Just so you know... it's not like I wanted a picture of you or anything." She shrugged, "Your suit just contrasted really well against the marble."

He chuckled, "I'll take your word for it." He tilted his head, "Could I see it?"

She extended her camera towards him, "Sure."

He leaned in, "I think I get what you mean…," while unintentionally entering her space.

Her face flushed as she hummed in acknowledgement, "H-Hm…"

Hajime straightened, smiling, "Well, I'm flattered to be in your portfolio anyway."

Mahiru nodded, looking at her camera's screen, "You're… welcome."

He blinked when his phone went off. "Hm?"

She frowned slightly as he fished it out. "Is that the same guy from earlier?"

He shook his head, "No, it's Kamukura." He tucked his phone away, "I have to get going."

Mahiru nodded, "Oh…"

Hajime smiled, extending his hand, "Well, it was nice meeting you. Hopefully, we'll see each other at Hope's Peak."

She shook it, "Yeah. It'd be nice to know a friendly face there." With that, he departed, and she was left with her camera. She looked the picture of him on her camera, fidgeting with it, "I guess… He's an interesting guy…"

X|X|X

Jin Kirigiri led the twins, in face but not in name, through a strange patch of wood on Hope's Peak campus. The trio soon came across a two-story building that was almost as large as a factory warehouse. Its walls were slightly damaged, a few of its windows lacked glass, and its roof wasn't entirely put together. From what they could see of the interior, it was complete. Its walls consisted of dry wall accented by polished spruce wood. There was a large area surrounding the building of trampled dirt. The occasional weed laid flattened against the ground.

Hajime crossed his arms, "This is it?"

Jin nodded, "Yes."

Izuru tucked his hands into his pockets, "It won't be too difficult of a repair."

The Headmaster turned to the twins, "You can use resources on campus and-"

The ravenet interrupted him, "We will handle it."

The brunet shrugged, "Yeah, we never really stopped using those connections. A few shadow companies are still running around in Japan."

"Shadow companies… Who have I invited to this school…?"

Izuru turned, "Hajime, can I have a word with our Headmaster?"

His twin shared a look with him for a moment before he began to make his way towards the dorm-house, "Sure. I should take a peek inside this place anyway. Need to see if they missed anything."

Once his brother stepped into the building, he spoke to their 'host', "Don't look so stressed, Kirigiri." The Headmaster blinked as he turned to the ravenet, "You're afraid of us or afraid for your students." He shook his head, "Such a thing isn't necessary. Though, it is strange considering you've accepted the Ultimate Yakuza and Ultimate Biker Gang Leader as students."

Jin let out an awkward chuckle, "Well… First, they signed waivers."

Izuru nodded, "I see…" He shrugged, "We can do the same if it makes you comfortable."

"What would I do if you were to break that contract?"

"Sell us out to the Steering Committee."

Jin blinked as Izuru's eyes met with his. His mind went spiraling for a moment. He slowly spoke, "N-No…" He shook his head, "I asked you to be here. No matter the situation, the both of you are my guests. I will not hold you hostage."

The ravenet shrugged, "Well, not like you could." After a bout of silence, he simply added, "That was a joke."

"I… see…"

Izuru shrugged, "If it makes you more at ease, I give you my word that we will not harm the students of Hope's Peak and, if need, we will protect them."

"I… Thank you." He scratched his cheek, "I'm surprised. I thought you were… angry with me."

"I… now recognize the necessity."

Jin sighed, "I didn't mean to insult you or your brother."

Izuru extended his hand, "I understand. My anger got the best of me, I apologize." The Headmaster shook it as the ravenet's mind motioned, "He thinks he's on thin ice, so the notion that I am willing to provide such things makes me more reputable… Of course, this is in sacrificing my professionality as he now sees me as a short-tempered individual… But he respects Hajime now and will be more inclusive about his information to the 'both' of us… A necessary act…" They separated as Hajime stepped out of the dorm-house, "Tengan was supportive of us and would've assisted me… But you're new… I'll have to build your trust…"

Hajime gave a thumbs-up, "The interior is all good." He teetered his head as he tucked his phone away, "It'll be a bit before the material arrives. Probably after class."

The Headmaster blinked, "Al… Already?"

The brunet only flashed a casual smile with a shrug on the side.

The ravenet turned to depart, "Then we should get to class—pass the time."

Jin nodded, "Of course." With the trio made their departure, separating somewhere down the trail of the overgrown forest. The excuse being that the Ultimate Hope wanted to drop off his brother at the Reserve Course buildings.

Once the Headmaster was long out of sight and earshot, Hajime turned to his brother, "So?"

Izuru simply nodded, "He's on his way." He tilted his head, "How is the… 'nature-watching'?"

Hajime thought for a moment before speaking, "The wolves will be running over the hills come May, and the sharks are crossing international waters." He pulled on his tie, "I also heard that few zoos in America are pulling in some more animals."

The ravenet nodded, "You've gotten better at that."

The brunet laughed, "I know, right? I used to suck at that."

Izuru knew his classmates—their names and talents. In knowing these, he had no reason nor intention to really speak to them. He napped peacefully in their classroom without a scent of social interaction in the air. Sure, Hiyoko and Mahiru spoke to each other on a regular basis, but, thankfully, everyone else was relatively quiet. Sonia Nevermind's and Mikan Tsumiki's noses were plunged into books within their respective interests—the occult and human anatomy. Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu was a napper as well, sleeping his way through most of the class. There was the entrance of their drunken homeroom teacher on their first day, but he hadn't made another today. So, he was in peace.

Until Mahiru decided to speak to him, "Um, Kamukura?"

He was silent as he straightened his back. He slowly adjusted his blazer and necktie, noting the slight irritation in the redhead's face before he spoke, "Yes, Koizumi?"

She rolled her eyes before speaking, "Well, I was just curious with what you were doing for your first year. I heard Hinata went to study abroad, but I could've sworn that he said that he was attending Hope's Peak with you."

A brief frown graced his lips before replaced by his usual frankness, "You must misremember." He quickly added, "However, he and I both studied abroad—just not under the same programs." His mind thought, "Now, he and I can have separate lies… No need to collaborate a story on a regular basis…" He continued, "One was for the Reserve Course and the other for the Main Course. Though, our paths did cross a few times." His mind concluded, "That should cover our backs… I'll text Hajime the details to make sure he doesn't spin a tale about us never seeing each other during our studies… Apart from that, we should be safe…"

The redhead tilted her head, "What kind of stuff did you see on your trip?"

Izuru shook his head, "Purely business, I'm afraid." He shrugged, "I only caught sights but never captured anything." He looked off to the side, "Hajime did occasionally carry around a video camera. I'm sure he has the tapes or CDs somewhere." His mind motioned, "Documentation of our trip is important… With some edited videos and a few lies, we can build a healthy trust with those too curious for their own good… After all, spouting that we didn't record anything or collect any souvenirs for an entire year could come off as suspicious…" He remembered a previous thought, "A call might be easier…"

"That's good to know."

He shrugged, "If you say so."

She fidgeted with her camera, "It must suck though. To go to all kinds of places, but to not get a chance to, at least, look around."

The ravenet looked off to the side, "Yes, I can understand that sentiment, but… the time was well-spent. I got much done." He added ominously, "Not enough to say that my… study is complete, but… enough."

Mahiru nodded, "I see…" She smiled politely, "Well, thanks for talking."

Izuru nodded, "No problem." His eyes shifted to the short blonde within the room. The Ultimate Traditional Dancer glared at him, motioning that she was going to keep an eye on him. Though, her build, face, and hair made whatever threatening thing she did a joke to the teen of black hair and piercing-red eyes. He did respect the effort. Enough to nod in response before fishing out his phone from his pocket. "I should make that call…"

XXX

Hajime's hand automatically nabbed his vibrating phone from his desk. This was in spite of his standing presentation to the classroom—though, the teacher didn't seem to care. "Hidden in our lives are stories left untold of the things we didn't want them to know, but once you tell somebody and make your feelings known, the struggle will be over, and you'll finally be home."

Her eyes never left the book in her hands, "Please find another word for 'struggle'."

The brunet went quiet for a moment before replying, "The war will be over, and you'll finally be home."

The teacher slowly nodded, "Acceptable." She turned back to the blackboard, gesturing to the door, "You can take that call outside."

He bowed, making his exit, "Thank you very much." He slid open the door before pushing it closed behind him. He answered the call as he made his way down the hall, looking for a place to have a conversation. "Izu?"

The ravenet opened, "How's class?"

Hajime shrugged, "I didn't expect the Reserve Course to use American poetry for a lesson in English." He found a quiet corner, allowing him the best sight of the halls, "I can't say it isn't interesting and/or occasionally boring." He made a face, "Oh and kinda full of shit sometimes." He teetered his head, "One of them was about yellow tiles and a… window or something?"

"It can feel like that sometimes."

"Why'd you call?" He chuckled, "You do know I shouldn't be accepting calls during class."

"Yet, you have."

"True."

"I wanted to insure that our… script is similar in their edits."

"Okay."

"You've filmed a few of the establishing shots of the trip, right?"

"Yeah."

Izuru explained, "I've informed a mutual acquaintance of such. You'll have to edit them and avoid any… copyrighted material." He then added, "I also informed them that we've been to multiple places for such recordings."

Hajime nodded, "Consider the script edited and the new shoots will be on their way to the reel sooner rather than later."

The ravenet replied, "Just wanted to inform you."

The brunet nodded, "Thanks for the information." He blinked before adding, "Oh, and the materials have been passed to Jin. We can start on the dorm tomorrow."

"Good to know." He finished, "See you, brother."

The Reserve Course student nodded, "Stay out of trouble, Izu," before ending the call. He tucked his phone away as he made his way back to class. He slowed to a stop at the door, rubbing his chin. "I don't really have to go back in… I really could just skip, and she wouldn't care…" He sighed, pulling the door open, "Responsibility's a pain."

Hajime made his way towards the front gates of the Reserve Course buildings. He stepped out to see a familiar redhead and a nonexistent ravenet. "Guess he didn't feel like waiting on me today…" He simply shrugged as he made his way towards the gate. He smiled and gave a small wave to Mahiru, "Hey."

She tilted her head, "Did you see Sato on your way down?"

"Uh, she might've gotten pulled away by a teacher, I think." He scratched his cheek after a bout of silence, "What's the Main Course like?" He shrugged, "I know I could ask Izu, but… I kinda already now what he's going to say."

She considered for a moment before answering, "It's really quiet." She shrugged, "Main Course students don't have to attend class so long as they're working on their talents. Most of our class isn't around."

The brunet blinked, "Really?" He tilted his head, "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

Mahiru frowned, "It kinda sucks that I don't get to see my classmates. I would at least want to try to get to know them—whoever they are." She played with a lock of her hair before asking, "How're you feeling about the Reserve Course?"

He shrugged, "It's… normal." He rubbed the back of his neck, "Which isn't that bad. I mean how else can you pick out the amazing bits."

She let out a chuckle, "Yeah, I can see that."

"Do you remember our conversation from that photography competition?"

"It's… a bit blurry."

"Right." He raised a brow, "Are you still taking pictures?"

She held up her camera, "Of course, I am." She shook her head, "What kind of photographer would I be otherwise?"

Hajime chuckled, "Yeah." He raised a brow, "What got you into photography anyway?"

"My Mom."

He nodded, scratching his cheek, "Right… uh… war-photographer?"

She smiled, "Yep." She sighed wistfully, "She travels the world, taking pictures. Of the good and the bad." She let out a small laugh, "But she only ever showed me pictures of people smiling." Her smile was present and genuine, but the brunet could tell that there was some semblance of sadness in her words.

"Is she gone a lot?"

"I…" She nodded, looking off to the side, "Yeah… She's overseas most of the year."

"Well, hopefully one day you can go with her."

She smiled sadly, "Life isn't so simple." She shrugged, "If I go overseas, my dad's gonna be all alone…" She raised her head to meet his eyes, "W-What? Why are you staring at me like that?"

Hajime chuckled, "You're… a really kind person."

Mahiru blushed as she looked off to the side, "W-Where did that come from?" She blinked when her phone buzzed in her pocket, "Ah…" She pulled out her phone, "Oh, Sato's going to be busy helping the teachers today."

He murmured to himself, "Oh, the teachers actually do stuff here?"

"What?"

"Nothing."

Hajime tucked his hands into his pockets, "Well, I better figure out where Izuru's gotten to." He smiled, "It's nice talking to you." He began to make his exit, "We should do it some more."

She chuckled as she left for the main building, "If you say so."

X|X|X

Thank you for reading and please criticize away!

Update Date: June 28th