Kyoko leads both of them to an office back in the administration building. It's very plain and lacks any sort of decoration or anything to signify as someone's individual place of work. The detective moves over to the desk and pulls out an all-leather bag. She motions for Makoto to sit down on the nearby couch and she moves over to him. Taking out a medium-sized swab, she starts moving it around his mouth.
"H-Hey, that kinda tickles!"
"Don't move too much. I need to check if she's laced her lip balm with something. This is Enoshima, after all. Say ahh."
He opens his mouth as she uses another swab to take samples. She stores both used swabs in some orange cylindrical containers and moves back to the desk.
"Laced with what? Poison?!"
Taking out a few unmarked bottles, she lays them out to begin her own chemical testing.
"Doubtful, Makoto-kun. She definitely wants you alive. But this school has a bad record of keeping certain medical materials under lock and key. Along with ingredients that could make aphrodisiacs."
"R-Right. Class 77-B, right?"
The lilac-haired woman nodded.
Mukuro looked frustrated but then looked at the cool-headed detective. "You seem calm about this. Aren't you angry?"
"A detective has to stay calm, lest our judgment be clouded. That and…" Her right hand balls into a fist momentarily. "Being angry is what your sister would want."
The SHSL Soldier looks down and then nods after a moment of silence.
Kyoko pours some of the solutions on hand and studies the reaction of the samples. "You aren't feeling anything strange, correct? Dizziness? Nausea? Heat?"
Makoto takes a deep breath. "No, I feel fine so far."
"It seems the results confirm your feelings. It was…as strange as it sounds…just a kiss. What did she talk to you about?"
"Erm, well, she just blurted out that she loved me. That was the short of it." He didn't really want to get into the raw details of their strained conversation.
"We know she has an obsessive personality. It was her obsession with despair that, she claimed, caused her to do so many crimes against humanity." Kyoko sighs. "If we're to take this at face value the answer is simple. She's obsessed with you."
Mukuro could only muster a dumbfounded look. She never observed Junko ever harboring feelings for the SHSL Lucky Student. However, her life ended early on in the Killing Game so she didn't have a point of reference to what they were talking about. She knew her sister was fascinated and could only be entertained by despair. What exactly was Makoto to her?
The current substitute homeroom teacher rubbed his head. Kyoko continued with her explanation.
"The signs were there, now that I think about it. In your final showdown against her, she did mention she was 'hopelessly in love with you.' And her Alter Ego kept trying to flirt with you in the Neo World Program."
"I thought she was just messing with me."
"It seemed that way, didn't it? But as we found out when we left the old school building, the only thing she actually lied about was the air being too toxic to breathe. Putting it into that perspective, she was never quite the type to outright rely on falsehoods to scare or mislead us."
Another sigh escaped from Makoto's mouth. "I didn't even think I was her type!"
"That's a strange thing to say, Makoto-kun. I suspect this knowledge is from your own research?"
"Well, yeah." He fixes his tie. "The only people she was clearly interested in were Yasuke Matsuda and Izuru Kamakura. I—well—I don't think I'm like either of them, aren't I?"
"I only truly know of Matsuda from this world's incarnation of him. But he seems to be a loner at heart. Hinata-san as Kamakura was quite similar due to his implanted personality."
The fact that Naegi and Kirigiri were able to discuss these things so freely, without even becoming flustered, showed Mukuro how much they had gone through themselves and with each other. All the while she could only continue to bluster and shy away from her own feelings.
Makoto adjusted himself on the visitors' couch. "So what? Is it because I beat her?"
"I suspect that's part of it." Kyoko looked at him with a softened gaze. "Do you feel like she let you win?"
"She left a way to win, but to actually be able to do it…well…I wouldn't have gotten this far if it was just luck and pity, right?"
The detective could only smile at his resolve. "Indeed. That was your strength. And don't you forget it. It was only because of that we were able to move forward."
Mukuro spoke up for the first time in what felt like ages. "What do you feel for my sister, Naegi-kun?"
"Well, I told you I didn't hate her. Or you for that matter. But this is…well… it's just strange, is all. I was kinda expecting revenge, or better yet for her to not care about that sort of thing anymore. Now it's just…"
Kyoko crosses her arms. "She's not one to let you process your feelings. Had we not been on the way, I'd imagine she would continue her advances."
Makoto could only rub the back of his neck. "Sounds like I'm lucky."
"I'd expect some would say you're actually unlucky." Kyoko's face returned to a neutral expression.
A noise comes from the laptop on the table and the detective goes to check on it. She frowns while reading the message and looks at Mukuro.
"It seems Hope's Peak's researchers want to observe your talent. They're essentially cramming all of the practical exams together so that they get 3-years-worth of data from you."
"Whoa, hey!" Makoto stands up. "That's kinda crazy. Who wanted this?"
"The headmaster. Did I tell you?" Kyoko walks back over to them. "He'll become a full-time researcher at the academy after he steps down. Frankly, this was his actual calling than being a political figurehead of the academy. Even so he's still very interested in seeing what kind of talent Ikusaba-san possesses."
"Oh right…Kizakura-san. When he was sizing us all up."
"I apologize." She turns to the freckled teen. "They can't force the rest of us to partake in their observations because we're all at least 20-years-old. However, you're still considered a minor in this country. We might have been able to not let this happen if your parents were around but…"
Mukuro responds with her cool demeanor. "This is basically just a requirement to be a graduate of this academy, right? I can handle it."
"Well, if you're alright with it…I won't argue." She turns back to Makoto. "Let's get going. It wouldn't be a smart idea to let you wander around alone right now."
"Okay." He nods.
The gymnasium was currently in preparations for the various SHSL's practical exams. A team of researchers drabbed in lab coats along with several key members of staff were present. Kyoko was busy arguing with her father while Mukuro was dressed in a P.E. uniform going through the physical exams they were assigning her. Makoto stood against a wall, casually watching all of this going on as Juzo approached him.
"Hmph. I was wondering why some of the security cameras were still off."
"Oh, Sakakura-san. Everything alright?"
The former SHSL Boxer crossed his arms. "I figured Enoshima was behind it." He narrows his eyes. "Some of my guards spotted a strange redheaded girl roaming the campus. You know anything about that?"
"Well…that's Enoshima in disguise. Is she enrolled in the school?"
"Hah! No way. It's just a disguise. Hell, I don't even know how long she's even been hiding among the students. What a damn joke. But one guard spotted her hanging on your arm. If you were an actual teacher right now, you'd be in hot water."
Makoto just sighed. "Do you think I'm in despair?"
"You?" The burly head of security bellowed from laughter. "Unless that she-demon lobotomized you or used a brainwashing video, there's no way that'd happen. Look fine to me."
"Glad you have faith in me."
"Tch." He looks away. "Munakata told me how you shook him out of despair. There's proof behind that faith, I guess."
"I never did get to thank you. For saving me from the brainwashing video and ending the killing game."
The boxer's eyes widened for a moment but he returns to scowling. "Yeah, yeah. Are you sure you're alright in the head? I'm not your friend, Naegi."
"That's fine. I only wanted to say thanks."
"Your attitude really ticks me off. Guess that's expected from a hero." Juzo leers over at Mukuro. "And they let a running time bomb like her roam free like this. Ridiculous."
"She's…mostly fine now, I think."
"Always the idiot optimist." Juzo begins to walk away. "I'd better get back to Enoshima-hunting. She's not gonna get away a second time." He stops for a moment and opens his mouth, but then walks away without another word.
A low rumble comes from Makoto's stomach. He didn't get to eat much as he was rushing from his apartment to the campus. He looks at both Kyoko and Mukuro and they're still deep in what they were doing. Making an executive decision to not starve, he slips out of the gym.
His stomach still seemed tied to the Hope's Peak bell schedule as lunch period just began. The campus grounds were populated with SHSL students casually enjoying their break from classes or labs. He entered the on-site cafeteria – he remembers the smell of Teruteru Hanamura's dishes vividly, though he hadn't eaten it in years. Not wanting to awkwardly share a table with students he opted to sit on a bench in the center of campus near the fountain. He starts scarfing down his food while someone takes a seat next to him. Makoto stops eating like a goblin and quickly wipes his face and looks over – a familiar hoodied figure is next to him playing on a handheld console. The current substitute teacher swallows his food and just gives her a surprised look.
"Oh…um…am I bothering you?"
Makoto shakes his head. "Oh, no. Sorry. I was just eating too fast." He takes a few beats before he continues. "Are you the SHSL Gamer?"
"Yes." She continues being absorbed in her current game, not even looking at him.
"And Yukizome-san is your homeroom teacher, right?"
The mention of her teacher caused her to pause her game for a moment as she looks at him. "Yes. Do you know her?"
"Oh, well, we've worked together before. I've known her for a while now." Makoto scratches his face with his index finger. "My name is Makoto Naegi. Nice to meet you, Nanami-san."
"Nice to meet you." The air was still a little awkward between them.
Makoto continued. "Do you mind if I can ask you something?"
"…okay." She looks at him expectantly.
"Do you know Hajime Hinata?"
Her eyes look upward as she raises her finger in thought. "No, I don't but…"
"But?"
"Well, my classmate Komaeda-kun asked me the same question. Am I supposed to know this Hajime?"
The former SHSL Lucky Student furrowed his brow in thought. He was quickly trying to find an excuse. "Well, um, he's actually a big fan of Gala Omega."
"Oh?"
"He's not that much older than you, I think. It's kind of hard to remember his exact age but..." Makoto lit up. "Maybe I could introduce you to him sometime? I mean, he's an acquaintance of Komaeda-san so it's not like he's a total stranger, right?"
"I…I guess. It's strange. What kind of person is this Hinata-san that somehow Komaeda-kun is friends with him? I'm kinda curious."
"Is there something wrong with the SHSL Lucky Student?"
Chiaki looks down and pulls on her hoodie a bit. "He's not close with anyone in class. I have to drag him out sometimes. Maybe cuz he always talks about hope and stuff. And he always puts himself down. It's really depressing."
Makoto smiles a bit. "You really are kind, Nanami-san."
"T-Thank you."
"Have you seen Komaeda-san lately?"
She nods. "He showed up this morning to class for the first time in a long while. We asked him where he was the past few months but he didn't really give us a straight answer."
"Do you know where I can find him now?"
Chiaki slowly shakes her head. "No one hangs out with him so the only time we see him is during homeroom. And only sometimes."
"I see. Well I'm sure Yukizome-san might be able to straighten him out a bit. Don't worry about it, Nanami-san."
His words cheer up the SHSL Gamer a bit. The bell rings, signifying the end of the period.
Not wanting to make the goodbye awkward, Makoto stood up. "Anyway, you should get back to class. I wouldn't want your teacher to get mad at me."
"Um. Okay. See you around, Naegi-san." She stands up and places her Game Girl in her pocket as she walks away. As she left his sight, he decided to finish the rest of his food and return to the gym.
His walk back went without incident as he slipped back into the gymnasium. Kyoko crossed her arms and gave him a disapproving look while he only smiled nervously in response. The periods go by as more of their physically grueling tests went on for Mukuro's study. The freckled soldier, however, didn't seem as winded as she should have been. Unsurprisingly, the physical examinations for her talent have her basically passing with flying colors. After several period changes, Kyoko walks up as Makoto shakes himself from staring into space during the entire time.
"It's the end of the day. We'd better get back to our homerooms."
"Huh? Oh, already? Right." Makoto looks over at Mukuro who is covered in sweat. "Meet me at Class 78's homeroom. It'll be the same place as you remember it."
She wipes sweat from her forehead and nods, before walking off to the girls' showers.
He looks back at Kyoko. She nods quietly and they begin walking with each other back to the classrooms.
"They didn't try anything weird did they, Kyoko-san?"
"No. They behaved for the most part. They want to see her mastery of weapons tomorrow, so they'll most likely be having observations outside."
"They really are trying to cram all these before the practice exams, aren't they? Sheesh."
"At the very least, Ikusaba-san hasn't shown to be suffering from any muscle atrophy during her captivity. Or any loss of motor abilities from having died previously. As far as I could see, she's as healthy as we remember."
Makoto sighs in relief. "That's good. Thanks for looking out for her. How have you been with all this craziness? Your dad even asked you to take over a homeroom too."
"Truth be told it has been extremely stressful. I am, after all, the headmaster's daughter. I get bombarded with questions. To be honest…I haven't had respite like this for a long while now. This may have been a blessing in disguise."
"Sure. I guess."
"You needn't worry about me too much, Makoto-kun. Being involved in three killing games makes one a bit more resilient to the normal stress of everyday life."
"You were always tough, I know. But I can't help worrying. You can go overboard sometimes."
"You too."
A small giggle escapes Kyoko's lips as Makoto groans from being teased. They find themselves both outside of Class 78's homeroom.
"You're a lot more expressive. It's still surprising to see, Kyoko-san."
"Yes, well, bottling emotions used to be seen only as a strength in my perspective. But I never knew how to actually connect with people, even during our peaceful class times. We were friends with each other but we were always distant."
"You have a point. I knew we were all friends before but… well… I was never really close to you before, was I?"
"To think it took The Tragedy for that to change. And it was almost too late when I realized my mistake."
Makoto went quiet as he knew exactly what she was talking about. "I think you've already made up for that thousandfold."
She motions her gloved hands over where the poison started spreading through her body during the final killing game. "Maybe."
"Look, we're family. You, me, Togami-san, Hina-san, Hiro-kun, Fukawa-san and Komaru. Nothing will change that. There's no need to guilt yourself over the past anymore."
"I…very well, then." Kyoko gives him a long stare as she stands next to him. After a few moments she gives him a surprise embrace as Makoto is taken aback. Recovering from the shock, he returns the embrace. After a few moments they break off from each other. An awkward silence lingers between them before the former SHSL Lucky Student breaks it.
"Ah, I should…get back to my class. And you're almost late to yours."
Her voice is a little high. "Y-Yes, of course. Of course. I will see you soon, Makoto-kun."
Kyoko quickly walks off while Makoto ponders over what just happened. He turns and opens the door to the classroom while there is some shuffling from inside, with a few of the students still standing from their seat as he enters. The elder Naegi could only narrow his eyes as they give him all curious looks.
"You know… eavesdropping is a nasty habit." The substitute teacher closes the door behind him.
Leon broke the standoffish silence first. "Dude! Are you and Kirigiri together? That sounded like a pretty intense convo, y'know?"
Makoto crosses his arms. "We aren't d-dating currently, no."
"Why not?!"
The brown-haired young adult with an ahoge only shook his head.
Sayaka looked a little envious, but interrupted Leon's tirade. "Is this the proper time for a date? The school is barely hanging on as it is. Please don't tease Naegi-san, who is only here to help."
"Thank you." He waved it off. "Either way, I'm not here to create gossip or more trouble for the academy. I just want to remind you all that the practical exams are at the end of this week. I understand that you are all Super High-School Level talents, but please take them seriously. Especially since all eyes on Hope's Peak now because of the riots, the proctors and judges will definitely be grilling you guys hard this time around."
"Yes, of course Naegi-sensei!" Kiyotaka stood up straight from his desk. "If any of you require assistance, don't be afraid to ask me or the rest of your classmates!"
The bell rings to signify the end of the school day. Makoto smiles gently as the rest of the class stands up from their seats to leave. "You all have a good afternoon. Stay healthy. It's getting really cold outside." After his words, most of the class left the room to go on with their own days. He starts to tidy up the room as he waits for Mukuro to arrive. Looking back at the emptied desks, Leon is taking his time grabbing his things, throwing a glance back at him.
Taking the obvious bait, Makoto asks, "Something wrong, Kuwata-san?"
"Uh, well…y'know, I've been meaning to ask. How do you do it?"
"Do what?"
Mukuro shows up back in her casual clothes while Leon's mouth goes agape and he looks back at Makoto. "That! All these chicks are around you, and you're not even trying!"
The freckled girl just gives a confused look before she crosses her arms with a frown.
"Er… I don't know what image you have of me in your head but…it's not like you think it is."
The SHSL Baseball Player looks frustrated and confused. "Seriously, I don't get it. Sure, I've dated a lot of chicks but someone like you… even Sayaka-chan wonders about you."
"Well I will say that I just act like myself. I'm not a pickup artist or anything."
"Really? That's so damn cheesy, guy." Leon put his hand behind his head then turned to Mukuro. "Okay, what do you think of Naegi-sensei?"
"…what?"
"Are you totally into him too?"
"Th-That's, um…" Her face goes red and then she immediately leaves the room.
"Ikusaba-san, wait—!" Makoto sighs.
"See? What's your secret, man?"
"There really isn't any. I'm being honest. I'm a pretty normal guy. My positivity is pretty much my defining feature, if I had to answer."
"A big optimist, huh…? I mean, I'm pretty gung-ho myself." The punk-inspired teen grinned and gave a thumbs up. "Though I don't think I've ever heard someone say they were a normal guy. These people around you find you impressive for some reason. Are you just that humble or do you have low self-esteem or something?"
Naegi tapped his chin. "No, I'm pretty confident in myself. I'd say I don't really care about what people think of me too much. I do get self-conscious and embarrassed but at the end of the day all I want to do is live a peaceful life and make friends."
"Not caring too much about what others think, huh…" Leon's expression suddenly sank into a more serious and thoughtful one. "I mean a star like me's gotta be larger than life right? But you just go with the flow. Huh. I kinda envy that."
"Do you really?"
"Mm. Yeah. I mean I gotta be cool for the chicks, but…maybe there's something to that attitude of yours. You don't get wound up or anything."
"Tell me, Kuwata-san, why did you want to get into music?"
"Uh, er…" The redhead looks down. "A chick I met at a hair salon was really into musicians so I kinda…wanted to get into it myself." He sighs. "Yeah, now that I say it out loud, it's pretty damn shallow ain't it?"
"Mm. If it really were that shallow I think you would've quit it by now."
"Huh?"
Makoto walks over to where Leon is standing. "There's no shame in going outside of what your talent is. It could be a different career path or a hobby you might enjoy. Some part of you really enjoys punk rock, I think."
The wannabe punker was taken aback. "Holy crap, dude. Hearing you say that makes me think you're in my corner. Heh, well, I already learned a bit about playing so…I might as well keep getting better at it, right? Baseball's always there for me, too." His spirits are raised and he returns to his normal self.
"I owe you something for the pep talk. Hell, this is better than what coach would say!" Leon extends his hand and Makoto takes it for a firm handshake. "Listen, when I'm at Koshien Stadium, you better come by and watch! Heh… I think I can start to see what people see in you."
"I'll be looking forward to it."
"You better cheer me on dude. My first major league season and we're gonna go undefeated! Then I'll rock out at one of the halftimes."
Makoto laughs nervously as Leon finally picks up his things and leaves the classroom. The substitute teacher sighs when he's the only one left.
"…I did promise I'd be at one of your games, didn't I, Kuwata-kun?" A sad smile shows on his lips as Mukuro re-enters the room. "Oh, uh, ready to go Ikusaba-san?"
Her face is still slightly rosy from earlier as she nods.
Makoto sighs as both are back at his apartment. Sitting across from one another at the table with steaming bowls of hot rice with pork cutlets and egg on top of them.
"I didn't think a normal school day would be so draining like this. How are you holding up?"
The freckled woman just looked back at him. "I'm fine. A little tired, but fine."
"That's a relief. I didn't think they'd try to spring all this on you."
"I'm thankful for what you and Kirigiri-san are doing for me. For everything."
Makoto becomes bashful at the thanks. "Ah, well, it's not a bother or anything you know! It's rougher on you, after all."
"I suppose so. Still… you are too kind, Naegi-kun." Mukuro blushes a bit before returning to her food in silence.
A few minutes pass as they both quietly eat, until Makoto breaks the silence.
"Um, Ikusaba-san, I want to ask you something."
She stops and places the chopsticks on top of her bowl as she looks at him. "Go ahead."
"I wanted to ask…I know you're loyal to your sister and all but…why'd you go along with the killing game?"
Mukuro doesn't answer right away. Her face doesn't seem to be expressing anything right away, but Makoto can see her eyes darting around slightly.
"…The way that my sister was explaining the plan to me made it seem like I could…intervene in some way. I didn't want to go against her but believe me, I had no idea what she was planning until after The Tragedy started."
"Intervene?"
"Well I… wanted… to keep certain people alive."
Makoto looked at her. "Weren't we all your friends?"
"We were friends, but—"
"We just weren't close to you, right? I remember that much."
Mukuro gazed into his face and paused. She slowly nodded.
"Heh…it's funny. I was busy trying to hang out with everyone that I never realized that people of our class were closer to certain people than others. And that I was really close to Maizono-san at the time." He looks down. "We did eventually get our memories back, you know."
"I assumed so."
"Tell me, who were you trying to keep alive? I don't think Enoshima counts."
She doesn't respond with words, but just kept looking straight at him.
"I—I see. What made me so special, Ikusaba-san?"
More silence. She appeared very hesitant to speak. Finally after a few more minutes of an awkward silence, she says in a low and hushed voice. "You…were the first one to ever smile at me, Naegi-kun."
A look of pity overtook Makoto's features. She mustered more will to continue.
"You always did things for others and treated everyone kindly. Even to those who didn't deserve it. Even now, you're still the bright guy from way back when. You always give everyone a listen and try to give good advice. And…" She looked away. "It seemed to give rise to a hope that even my sister couldn't crush. I think I understand why Junko-chan regards you so highly. You're one-of-a-kind."
"One-of-a-kind, huh?"
"There were a lot of people filled with hope that we…dealt with. But being able to avoid death so many times seems to be part of your talent. Kind of like a metaphor, I think…"
"Hope never dies, right?" Makoto laughs softly while Mukuro rolls her eyes.
The SHSL Soldier looks back at him. "I may not be able to see or sense potential like my sister can, but I can tell you for a fact that you really are something."
"I never knew you had such a high opinion of me."
Mukuro looks down. "Mmm…yeah…and you never would have." A bitter smile appears on her lips. "I was a fool. I got greedy. I wanted you and Junko and I—"
"Wanted me, Ikusaba-san?"
That question completely blindsided her as her face goes red as a tomato and she covers her face. "I…uwaa…I…still…do…" She parts her hands as she looks back at him, who has an embarrassed expression on his face.
He was not expecting that answer. "Sorry, I didn't know. I, um, have no idea how to respond to those feelings to be honest."
Still red as a beet, she continues to look at him. "No idea?"
"Look, I… I've never been in a relationship. Even after all this time. I don't want to give a definitive answer until I know exactly what my heart wants, you know? I kinda just threw myself into work and didn't even run into anyone until recently."
"O-Oh." She goes back to looking away. "I always assumed you knew what you were doing when it came to this sort of stuff."
"What? Me? Why does everyone think I'm some kind of Casanova...?"
"W-Well, um…" Mukuro immediately stopped herself, lest she reveal her embarrassing daydreams and fantasies of what she had of Makoto. "I'm just happy that you didn't laugh at me."
"Why would I laugh? This is serious."
"It's…really embarrassing…okay?! S-Sorry."
Makoto rubbed his own face with his finger. "If anyone should be saying sorry it should be me. I didn't think I would be finding out about all this today."
"W-Well, to be honest, it wasn't like I was really hiding my feelings from you."
"I know, I know." He sighs. "I was really dense. I get it."
"Plus you had Maizono-san always around you."
"T-True." He started to feel a little bad. "Look, I'd like to at least sleep on this. There's way too much on my mind right now. I hope I don't get a headache."
"Okay. Don't trouble yourself too much, I…I don't want to burden you more than I already am."
A small smile appears on Makoto's face. "No, this is more of my fault isn't it…" He goes back to scarfing down his meal. On Mukuro's side of things, she feels as if a heavy weight was lifted from her shoulders. She couldn't help smiling watching Makoto.
Perhaps it was a semblance of hope?
ANote
PINNED: Hope all of your holidays are going well and will continue to do so!
Shirokuma: hey hey hey so like… can we talk about the weird canon relationships of DR?
BlackCapPI: What about them?
Shirokuma: there seem to be a lot of incestuous relationships in the series…
BlackCapPI: Well, it's an easy way to make someone into a villain. After all, what could be more reprehensible in Asian society than incest? I know some other countries still give it the death penalty.
Shirokuma: whoa geez, that's pretty intense for that sort of thing isn't it
BlackCapPI: I personally find it very strange. I never got into the whole nee-san and nii-san relationships that some shows have.
Shirokuma: really? how about stepsiblings?
BlackCapPI: I mean there's no blood relation but it's still really weird.
Shirokuma: um, i dunno, maybe when your parents get remarried or something and then you have a brand new stepsibling you can bond with…
BlackCapPI: Er…Shiro…is this some kind of confession about what you're into?
Shirokuma: w-wait no, i didn't mean it like that!