Author's note: haha imagine having consistency in uploads, this post was made by me gang. this is gonna be a bit of a chill chapter but things will pick up, dw

Inside the cafeteria, Celestia began to brew some earl grey. Taka solemnly prepared some maki rolls and Hina found a box of doughnuts she's sharing with Chihiro and Sakura. Makoto stood in the doorway, trying to figure out who to sit with. Surprisingly enough, Sayaka and 'Junko' waved him over!

"Hey hey, Naegi!" 'Junko' twirled her hair

"You guys seem cheerful, what's up?" He immediately felt more at ease, seeing the two happy

"We figure there's not much point in being blue! We're Ultimates! If we work together we'll get out no problem!" Sayaka beamed, passing over a cup of grape soda "Still like grape soda, Koto-ala?" She winked

Makoto flushed, nodding. Seeing this, 'Junko' grinned

"Ooooh, what's this, a history?" She leaned forward "Gimme the tea-"

"We were just friends in school. I'm amazed she even remembers me, considering I never stood out much" Makoto chuckled sheepishly
"Of course I remember you! We played Rhythm Heaven together!" Sayaka giggled "You would never give up, even if I was better at it. You've always been so determined…"

Mukuro regretted asking. This killed her. She wished he never fell for her.

"... I've never seen the city like this…" 'Junko' quietly sighed, looking out from the roof of a fancy barbeque house.

"Neither have I… I almost wish I used those ladders sooner" Makoto giggled, referring to the large maintenance ladder bolted to the brick siding.

"You're really cute when you're rebellious"

Makoto flushed "Wh-"

'Junko's' smile faded into one of melancholy. "Oh, don't put too much weight in what I say. It's for your own good."

"What do you mean? Are you feeling all right?"

"... If someone you liked or trusted turned out to be someone completely different all along, how would you react?"

"I- Junko? Is something wrong?"

Mukuro backed away towards the ladder, her emotions swirling, her mission being compromised. "Don't look for me." She hopped down the building, ditching her heeled boots and booking it

Makoto quickly climbed down after her, not listening. He's terrified she might be in danger. She's terrified of the fact she wants to be caught.

He paused after a long while of running, huffing and panting as he held his knee. Hyper-mobile knee cap be damned!

She quickly changed and shoved her stuff in her bag, probably able to fool him if not for a straw-blond lock sticking out of the zipper.

"Naegi, are you all right?" She asked softly, grateful to give her voice a rest.

"I'm fine, just-" He noticed the hair, everything just clicking. "Ohh… I-it's okay Mukuro!"

"Huh?" She asked, before a pain shot through her heart like a bullet seeing what gave her away. "I'm sorry Naegi- I… Just wanted to be popular, like her." She may have been discovered, but she'll die before Junko will.

"No, it's okay! Really!" He tried to reassure her "You're like a cool secret agent! That's awesome!"

"You're not mad that you fell in love with an imperfect replica of someone famous?"

"No- Wait- I'm in love?" He seemed surprised.

"... You sent me roses."

"... OH MY GOD I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU!"

So Mukuro is morosexual. "But… You don't know me."

"Well, maybe if you let me, I could?"

"... You drive a hard bargain, Naegi."

"What about you, Junko? Do you know anyone here?" Sayaka asked softly

"Like, only Togami. We met at this super Lamesville Gala." 'Junko' filed at her fake nails, much to her sister's dismay.

"Galas? Like the kind with horse divorce?!" Makoto nearly hopped out of his seat in excitement

"Do you mean Hors D'oeuvres?" 'Junko' tried to keep a straight face

"Is that how you say it?" He asked, staring at the table in embarrassment.

Sayaka patted his shoulder as Taka set down a plate of the sushi. Makoto politely waited for the girls to get their sushi first, tapping his chopsticks together as though he were about to drum. Aoi was right, it was easier to think on a full stomach.

Taka set down a plate of sushi and sat across from Mondo.

"Woah Woah Woah, square, who invited you?"

"At my former school I had a rotation of tables I would sit at to improve morale and keep high friendships," Taka stated flatly, his motions almost robotic. He's holding on by a thread.

Mondo knows how that feels. He knows what that is. What Taka needs is someone to 'rehabilitate'. To teach. And what better rebel than Mondo? Besides… Mondo kind of misses Taka's earlier demeanor.

So he places his feet on the table and eats his sushi without chopsticks. Just his bare hands.

"Mr. Owada!" His eyes widened, before dropping to their previous, half-closed state "... Carry on. Sorry."

"Nah, what were you gonna say? Huh, punk? You got a problem?"

"I'm not a punk!"

"Huh? What was that, punk?" Mondo smirked

Taka groaned, clutching his head "Rrgghh- MR. OWADA! SIT UP STRAIGHT IN YOUR SEAT, FEET OFF THE TABLE AND USE YOUR UTENSILS! THIS IS NOT APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR IN A SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT!"

There he is. Mondo thought to himself, doing as he was told. "Damn, if you say so."

"Nnnno swearing, either!" He huffed.

"Do you take milk in your tea, Hifumi?" Celestia gently poured the steaming tea into Hifumi's teacup

"Yes, please!" Hifumi smiled, writing down some vague story ideas

Celestia carefully poured some into the beautiful black and crimson cup. Her personal tea set.

"You know, Hifumi, I must admit that your stories are quite captivating."

"Y-you read my stories?!" Hifumi's disbelief was only blocked by the steam from his cup fogging his glasses

She nodded, a bit embarrassed "I loved your continuation on the canceled anime 'Moonlight lovers: Vampire showdown'. You captured the characters and tone amazingly, and I love your fan character."

"You like vampires then, Celestia-chan?"

"I can't get enough of them. Such a tragic affliction, craving blood." She sighed softly "I've adored them as long as I could remember."

"Duly noted! Do you ever do roleplays?"

"Only in person. I've wanted to do so digitally, but I'm having trouble finding anyone interested… I'm lucky that the group I play with is so understanding and welcoming."

"Maybe if we get out of here, you could introduce me? My mom wants me to make new friends…"

Celestia smiled "Do not fret, mon ami. You already have."

Bit by bit, fragment by fragment, hope is blossoming. The Mastermind is seething. She calls her traitor to come to her office that night.

"Dial up the lone wolf act and seed some distrust while I get the motives ready. You did copy their hostages too, right?"

"Yes, ma'am. I've also been sending footage of the killing game participants' copies to the actual hostages. Their reactions are filmed and saved for your viewing."

"Ohh, Togami, you really are the perfect choice for me." She smiled. When she praises him like that, it's hard to feel as guilty about it.