Disclaimer: I own neither the series nor the story. This is an adapted from of のパスワードと数日遅れのbirthday by shot1006
Cough. Cough.
Cough Cough.
The sound of heavy coughing echoed throughout a certain apartment within the Future Foundation's 14th branch division's dormitory. The apartment was a rather simple one with amenities not unlike one would expect a single person apartment would contain. A bathroom, a living space, a small kitchen, and, of course, a bedroom.
The sole occupant of the apartment was currently lying on the room's sole bed. A blanket lay over his body while a cold towel laid over his head. His cheeks were flushed red and there was a lack of focus in his green eyes. Only the sound of coughing came from his mouth, a medicinal mask preventing the germs from spreading to the room's other occupants.
Indeed, NaegiMakoto has seen better days.
"Are you okay, Naegi-cchi?", Hagakure Yasuhiro asked. Even if the question was unneeded and could be answered simply by taking one glance at the man, there was still a clear tone of worry in the fortuneteller's voice.
"His temperature just now read 38 degrees. Symptoms include a headache, heavy cough, and a runny nose. A cold." Kirigiri Kyoko stared at the reading of the thermometer in her gloved hand as if her stare could will the numbers to go lower. Her lips curved to a small disappointed frown "Why did he even bother going to work this morning?"
"Tch. Can't he even manage his own body?" reprimanded Togami Byakuya, arms folded, to no one in particular. "Did he go frolicking in the rain or something?"
Kirigiri shifted her stare from the thermometer to Togami, her eyes narrowing. Even the scion had arguably gotten softer over the years, she had to disagree with his tone especially when Naegi was sick. However, before she reply a comeback, the sound of approaching footsteps came from the outside of the bedroom.
"Naegi! Are you still alive?!"
The door of the bedroom was vigorously opened. Asahina Aoi jumped into the already crowded bedroom a bulging plastic bag in her hand.
"Oh, Asahina-cchi!" Hagakure was the first to wave at the newcomer which was returned by the bubbly woman. "You came all the way here for a visit. Is your branch leader cool with it?"
Again, Hagakure and his obvious questions.
"Yup, Chief's nice enough to let me have a quick visit" Asahina nodded and raised the plastic bag she held in her hand. "Got some fruits on the way over and some cold Medicine from Kimura-san of the 4th branch. I heard it's some really effective stuff. Here Kyouko-chan!"
The swimmer passed bottle of medicine to Kirigiri who simply placed it on the stand next to the bed. Naegi turned to her, head heavy, and mouthed a thank you. Kirigiri was the one who voiced it. "Thank you, Asahina-san. This should help out. Although, you did not have to go all the way here just to deliver it."
"It's no problem. We don't get to see each other enough! Last time really reminded me how much I missed you guys." waved the tan woman smiling before shifting to a pout. "Really, why am I the only one who's part of a different division?"
"For once, I have to agree with you."
"Really?!" Asahina turned in surprise to the only person yet to acknowledge her arrival.
"Indeed," Togami Byakuya pushed up the rim of his glasses, a sneer on his lips. "I'd rather that I was in charge of another division instead of having to work with the rest of you."
"That I don't miss." Already used to Togami's…Togami-ness, Asahina rolled her eyes at the remark before turning to Naegi with a pointed finger.
"You'd better hurry up and get better Naegi! You shouldn't make Kyoko-chan worry so much!"
The sick Naegi smiled before speaking. "I'll make sure to. Thank you, Asahina-san."
"Um!" The swimmer bopped in place, clenched fits in front of her in a guts pose. "And after you get better, we should all hang out to celebrate your recovery."
"Yeah, we should," agreed Naegi before erupting in a few heavy coughs.
"Well, if you need help just call me anytime!" Asahina waved to the rest of her friends, turning back.
"Oh, leaving already, Asahina-cchi?"
"Yeah, Chief still needs something from me so I can't stay long." Apologized the woman. She was already jogging in place, a habit from her dislike of staying put.
"Then, till next time!" Hagakure waved. Kirigiri smiled. Even Togami gave her a nod.
"Next time! Get better Naegi!" And with one last wave she left the room as fast as she had arrived.
"A noisy woman as usual," muttered Togami. He glanced at the medicine on the table "Well at least she has her uses. I've heard of the effectiveness Seiko Kimura's medicines. Naegi, make sure to take it so I confirm the truth myself."
Agreeing with the scion, Kirigiri reached for the medicine but someone beat her to it.
"Hol' up! Let me take care of Naegi-cchi!" Hagakure held up the bottle of medicine before reading the label for instructions. He uncapped the bottle and let two pills fall into his hand. He then handed them to Naegi along with a nearby glass of water. "Says here two pills every four hours. Here you go, little dude, drink this up."
Naegi did just that with the older man helping him sit up by supporting his upper body. With a thank you, Naegi lied back down.
"See, no problem!" Hagakure exclaimed to the other two occupants of the room. "I got this! My mom was a nurse so some of that got passed down."
Togami and Kirigiri didn't even need to exchange a glance to know they were both thinking the same thing.
"You just want to skip."
"Please don't use Naegi-kun's condition as an excuse to escape from work. I'll dock your pay."
"W-what! How can you two say that! I'm really worried about Naegi-cchi, you know! I bet if I did a reading right now you'd see that-"
"Hagakure-kun." Hagakure turned to the sick Naegi. "It's nice that you want to stay but I think I'd like to rest soon so please be quiet."
"Even Naegi-cchi!? Is it cause of your cold!?"
"Quiet!" snarled Togami which Hagakure immediately followed. He spared a scrutinizing gaze to the figure in bed. "It's better if you rest soon so you can get back to work. Don't waste our time."
"Haha." Naegi smiled. He was already used to the rough demeanor of the blonde or maybe it was just the cold." Thank you for coming to visit even if you were busy, Togami-kun."
"Hmph. I'll be heading back to the office. Kirigiri, you're the branch leader. Take better care of your branch members. And Naegi, don't forget you still have a report for headquarters pertaining on your pet project." And without another word, Togami Byakuya left the room.
At his words, the luckster immediately sat up, his eyes wide. "That's right! The report-"
Whatever else he was about to say was interrupted by a fit of coughing. Hagakure moved close to him to give his back a few pats.
"Don't worry, Naegi-kun." Kirigiri spoke up after the coughs subsided. "I believe I know what report he's talking about. I'll do it instead."
"No way, Kirigiri-san! You can't when it's my fault for getting sick." protested Naegi. "I mean, you're even my boss!"
Kirigiri could only wonder where he got the energy to be so stubborn. "Nonsense. It should be no problem especially in your condition."
"But, most of it's already done. I stayed up all night doing it on my computer back at the branch." Naegi then pouted in a way that should not have worked at his age but somehow just worked
"Is that so? Then we can't let your work go to waste." A small smile with a tinge of pride settled on the once detective's lips. "I'll look it up and send it to headquarters after giving it a brief look through."
"Thanks, Kirigiri-san." With one last warm smile sent her way, Naegi laid back on the bed and closed his eyes, clearly looking to finally rest. It only took a few seconds before light snoring was heard.
"Oo, Looks like he's asleep. That was quick." Hagakure rubbed his chin as he observed the sleeping Naegi.
"I'm sure it's the effects of the cold medicine working out." Kirigiri did the same. There was a small urge in her to wipe away the bangs of Naegi's hair that clung to his forehead with sweat. She ignored it. "Hagakure. Please prepare a basin to wipe away Naegi-kun's sweat."
"Ay ay, boss!" With a mock salute, the dreadlock wearing man left the room, leaving Kirigiri and the sleeping Naegi alone.
As she looked at his peaceful sleeping face riddled with sweat, Kirigiri couldn't help but think back to the only other time she had seen the same face. It was back during the school killing game when they were all still locked in Hope's Peak. Back then, he was also indisposed by a fever. It was only her ability as a Kirigiri that she was able to know that Enoshima Junko had about to kill the boy as he laid in bed defenseless. She had rushed in to help him and prevented his murder.
'No, that's not it.'
Kirigiri thought back to whole story. At the same time, everyone else, Togami, Hagakure, Fukawa, and Asahina were examining a broken Monokuma in the gymnasium. Looking back, it was clear that Enoshima must have left it there for all four of them to find.
If Naegi wasn't sick, it would've been obvious that he would have gone with the other four. This would've allowed him to share everyone else's alibi at the time of the supposed murder. And then, when the body of Ikusaba Mukuro would be discovered, only she, who was investigating the second floor of the dormitory at the time, would be easily singled out as the blackened.
What were even the chances he'd get a high fever at the time? Kirigiri hadn't noticed any signs of fever before that. It didn't seem like Enoshima Junko had planned it as it only made everything harder to execute her. She may have instead changed her plan to kill Naegi instead but did not expect Kirigiri to save him. Was it really his talent as the Ultimate Luckster?
'To think you were already saving me even before the trial.' Kirigiri watched Naegi. His expression was much gentler than earlier. 'Yet it seems it's only at the cost of your health.'
"…I hope you get well, Naegi-kun." With those last words, she turned away from Naegi's sleeping face only to notice the grinning one of Hagakure, a basin filled with water in his hands and a towel hanging from his arm.
"…?" Kirigiri sent him a sharp inquisitive glare but that only seemed to make the man's grin widen.
"I just thought it's a shame Naegi-cchi couldn't see the gentle expression you're showing him. It's different from the usual, Kirigi-cchi!"
"…What? Gentle?" This time he was able to get a word out of her in surprise. Make it known this would be the only time Hagakure Yasuhiro would surprise Kirigiri Kyouko. And this is after being accused of being a ghost.
"Don't you think it's okay to open yourself up more, Kirigi-cchi? Not just to Naegi-cchi but to everyone else. No, maybe, especially to Naegi-cchi. I've noticed you're especially conscious about hiding your expressions when you talk to him. But it's also when he's not looking that you let your guard relax too much."
Suddenly, Hagakure started speaking with a serious tone she hadn't thought he could produce that reminded Kirigiri how he was the oldest person among the survivors. Surely having three years over her must've given him some more maturity.
"Now, if you want to really get close to him, I'll give you a special love forecast reading! Just for a million yen! It's a good deal!"
No, she took it back. It seemed Hagakure was Hagakure.
"I'm heading back" Kirgiri promptly ignored him and checked the time on the watch on her left wrist. "I also still have some jobs to do plus Naegi-kun's report."
"W-wait up! You got to help me out here! Don't the branch chief's have higher salaries than ours? I need some cash pronto! I was planning to ask Naegi-cchi for help but he got sick."
Although she knew she'd regret it, Kirgiri spared him a glance.
"…don't tell me you have debts again? What on earth do you even need so much money in this sort of world?"
To her question, Hagakure just took out a crystal ball decorated with various jewels from his vest's pocket. "Here it is! A new crystal ball worth 100 million yen! This thing will double, no, triple my readings concerning the weather."
"Please pay for it yourself," was her blunt response. After all, Hagakure really will always be Hagakure. She glanced at her watched again. All that time wasted.
She moved passed the clairvoyant who got out of her way. However, right as she was about to leave the apartment.
"Just for now, I'll give you a free reading! Today is a good time for you telling your feelings to Naegi-cchi. Like, planets aligning everything will turn alright good! It seems that there has been no progress for a long time and there won't be a good time in the near future! Now, you don't need to thank me, just lend me some money and…"
Hagakure talked fast even as his branch's head reached the door of the apartment. She glanced over her shoulder to stop him with an ice-cold look.
"Hm. If you keep saying unnecessary things, I will make sure to send you on a dangerous mission on the front line by yourself. I'm sure the other divisions would be happy for volunteers."
"W-wait a minute! Forgive me, Kirigiri-cchi! That's…that's an abuse of power, I say!"
"Oh? But those sorts of missions are the ones that pay the most. The more dangerous, the higher the pay."
"My life is more important than money! Even I know that!"
"If you want to work then start tomorrow. I will leave Naegi-kun to you."
With those last words, Kirigiri twisted the handle and stepped out of the apartment. As she closed the door behind her, she tried to settle the unease in her heart. She liked to have thought of it as Naegi's condition or leaving him in Hagakure's care, but she knew the real reason.
'First Asahina-san and now even Hagakure. Why do people keep misunderstanding that I have feelings for Naegi-kun?''
Unconsciously, her left hand clenched into a tight fist.
'…Even though I'm not qualified to like him in the first place. No, now's not the time for that. I need to send Naegi-kun's report.'
After a small shake of her head, Kirigiri began making her way back to her branch's building with tight clicks of her heels following behind.
"I've returned," announced Kyoko to no one in particular as she stepped into the Future Foundation's 14th branch's office space. It was a rather large open space where plastic separators made up different cubicles. The only room with closed walls and a door led was her office. One had to step outside to use the building's bathrooms and kitchen if needed.
No one greeted her back as everyone looked busy working. A few glances that went back to their monitor. Kyoko didn't mind the lack of response if everyone was productive and doing work. She wasn't here to make friends after all. Even Naegi would only bother with a verbal "welcome back" if he was too busy wrapped up with a report. Otherwise, he'd go up to her and ask her how things went.
Much like Ichigaya was doing now.
"Oh..Um…excuse me, Division Chief?"
A female branch member approached her anxiously. Kyoko knew this wasn't due to some innate shyness but rather it was from how unapproachable Kyoko was as a boss. She never went out of her way to befriend her staff and would decline the rare times she'd be invited to get-togethers. Kyoko then correctly guessed that Ichigaya wanted something unrelated to work.
"If I may ask, what's the condition of Naegi-senpai? Is he okay?"
The worry in the younger woman's eyes and tone of her voice looked genuine. Of course, Kyoko knew Igarashi regularly talked her "senpai". Laughed at his jokes. Asked him for help. And not just her. Naegi Makoto was a person who Kyoko believed could befriend anyone with enough time. His rather impressive title as the Ultimate Hope combined with his friendly personality made him quite popular with in the office…although he didn't seem to be conscious of it.
"It's just a cold," answered Kyoko in the professional to-the-point tone she reserved for the office. "He's taken medicine and is sleeping right now. Hagakure stayed back to look after him. He should be back by tomorrow."
"That's…that's great!." At Kyoko's words, Ichigaya smiled happily, relief on her face. It was a straightforward and lovely reaction Kyoko knew she couldn't replicate.
After that, the woman left Kyoko to go back to her desk, chatting with the other members of the branch, no doubt on Naegi's status. With that done, Kyoko headed to Naegi's cubicle. Before she could continue with her own work, she might as well finish his request first.
Naegi's work space was a small neat cubicle consisting of a desk with a few personal belongings on it, a personal computer, and a desk chair. It was a neat space with little litter as Kyoko didn't want anyone in her branch to have an untidy mess in their workspace. If not her, then Togami would make sure people would cry. She had seen it herself. And filled in the following paperwork of complaints on his behavior herself.
So when she sat down on his chair (which was boosted to the highest it could go) and booted up his PC, she didn't think it would take too long to obtain the report until she reached a certain screen.
'Password?'
The screen on the monitor showed a single window in front of a a blue background with the logo of the Future Foundation at the center. The top of the window indicated the current user, here "Naegi Makoto" and then a blank box where you typed in a password.
'Well, it shouldn't be a surprise.' Kyoko wasn't sure if she was annoyed that there was a password or that she should feel shame for condescendingly thought Naegi wouldn't even do the first thing tech support had told them to do when making their office account. Whatever the case, the problem was…
'I don't remember hearing a password from Naegi-kun…' She stared at the screen and quickly scanned the desk for papers he may have written down. She thought it was possible that he may have written it down, so he wouldn't forget it. Maybe even stick it to the side of the monitor.
After a few moments of searching, the same bipolar feeling of pride and shame came when she couldn't find a single note that looked like it could be a password.
It was way too cheeky of Naegi to make her feel bad for thinking less of him but also getting in her way.
Still, there was a simple way to resolve her problem. She reached into her pocket to draw out her phone and open up her contacts. Her finger hovered over the "Naegi Makoto" at the top of her directory before moving to instead lock the device.
'Naegi-kun just went to sleep. It'll be bad to wake him up.'
She tucked her phone back and faced the monitor once more. The only hint the screen offered was that it could range from one to five characters.
'If it's someone as normal as Naegi-kun then it shouldn't be a complex cipher.' Kirigiri, herself, used a password consisting of ten different letters and numbers that she changed every time she logged in. Plus, even if it didn't mean anything anymore, she had been the Ultimate Detective. She'd even liked to go back to whatever was left of the detective industry once the world had stabilized.
'For a Kirigiri, Naegi-kun's password should be easy.' In the back of her mind, it was quite lucky of her that the tech team had yet to respond to her request to lock an account after a certain number of failed password inputs. Not that she'd reach ten.
And so, with a small smirk on her face, Kyoko went to work.
'Naegi-kun's smart enough not to use the simple 12345 nor are there enough spaces for 'password'. The first password most people would use is their birthday. It should be..'
Enthustiastically, Kyoko typed in [0205]
The window shook for a second before responding: [Password is incorrect]
'Well, it's for the best.' Even if it would be easy for her, it was better that way. There's no point in a password that was easily solved after all.
'If not himself, then maybe family,' Kyoko glances at one of the two picture frames that decorated the desk. On it was a picture of his sister Naegi Komaru along with Fukawa Touko. Both were in Towa City at the moment and it was obvious how much Naegi cared for his little sister. Kyoko recalled a certain conversation he had with her where he asked her if he could send a wrapped present to the city.
'That day, he certainly said it was…' She flipped to the month of May on Naegi's desk calendar to see a red circle along with a note.
She typed it in: [0531]
[Password is incorrect]
'…' Kyoko considered Naegi's parents but after shifting through the calendar on his desk, couldn't find either. She rarely heard him speak of them, but it may be because of his anxiety on their unknown status.
Gloved fingers slowly drummed on the desk as Kyoko tried to think of another person's birthday who would be important enough for Naegi to set as his password. The man had many friends but if there had to be one person he would consider special…
Kyoko's eyes were drawn to the other photo stand on the next. Next to Komaru's, was a group photo of a group of radically different teenagers. People who didn't look like they should be friends but were. The faces of the 78th class of Hope's Peak Academy stared back at her. Her once classmates. Maybe, even her once friends.
It wasn't a perfect picture. Fukawa turned away. Togami had his eyes closed. Oogami was holding Yamada's head for some reason. The first thing anyone else would immediately point out would be how jarring it is that Enoshima Junko is in the picture. Without any knowledge of the one who ended the world, the girl fit right in. Even Kyoko's younger self looked comfortable in the class which she still felt a hard time believing.
And sitting right next to Naegi, was Maizono Sayaka. On his free time, Naegi had made a point to collect as much information on his forgotten classmates as possible: Game recordings of Kuwata or Asahina doujins and works by Hifumi and Fukawa, and of course, concerts, shows, and promo materials of Maizono Sayaka's idol group. Kyoko had seen a few of them and she could say Maizono's smile in her work is a far cry from the delighted sincere smile she showed in the picture.
Kyoko would never know the truth but perhaps the idol had been interested in Naegi…and, once upon a time, the feelings may have been reciprocated.
'If it's her birthday then,' Kyoko remembered how Naegi left an unopened box by the bamboo that was set up in the office for Tanabata. She tried to forget the pained expression he had as he left the box there and stared up at the hanging strips of wishes.
[0707]
[Password is incorrect]
'It's as expected.' A sigh escaped Kyoko's lips. It wasn't one of frustration but rather resignation. In her heart, she had always known the real password. She wasn't even sure why she didn't type in that set of numbers immediately. Maybe, she was hoping for something different, that it wasn't those numbers. She didn't know why she had hoped for such a thing but there was no doubt on how she had been actively avoiding it.
A set of numbers that were deeply and strongly carved into the heart of Naegi Makoto that it had even been used to debunk a Naegi imposter in the Neo World Program.
"I can't possibly overcome the deaths of my friends. That's impossible for me. So I won't overcome it. I'll always carry it with me. I won't forget it and continue moving forward. Their deaths and their hopes will be with me when I get out of here."
The last message of Maizono Sayaka before her death. A message that could be taken as protection or revenge. The password of the Neo World Program inscribed in Nezumi Castle to protect the students and bridge the way to the future.
'Again, she's still in the deepest part of your heart'
Ignoring the way her chest tightened in pain, Kyoko Kirigiri typed in the password.
[11037]
And pressed the enter key.
...
…
…
[Password is incorrect]
"…Huh?" Kyoko blinked once. Twice. For the first time in ages, pure surprise showed on Kirgiri Kyoko's face. She checked the screen again to see if she did input it correctly. To be sure, she typed in the series of numbers once more but…
[Password is incorrect]
'It's…different?' She released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She tried to think how or why it would be different but couldn't think of one. It was possible that Naegi had only thought of using those numbers as a password after setting up his work account but…it seemed unlikely he wouldn't have just changed it or uniformity's sake.
Still, she somehow felt relief but also regret that her only clue went down the drain.
'Maybe it was a birthday after all?' However, she had already tried Naegi and his sister. She couldn't find his parents' birthday's so as well. But if it was someone else besides Maizono then…the day was still fresh in her memory…
'…No way.' An impossible thought flitted through her mind. It had absolutely no chance to happen. Something that she could only call hubris, even delusion, but…
'If so…I wonder what kind of face I'll make the next time we talk…'
With slow deliberate motions, Kyoko typed in numbers she was very familiar with.
Badump.
Badump.
She felt her heart beat rise with every press of a button.
[1006]
October sixth. Her birthday.
As she pressed down on the enter key, she thought up excuses that no one would ever hear or understand,
'It's not like I expect it to work. I'm just confirming it. I'm just getting a document.'
...
…
…
[Password is incorrect]
'…. stupid.'
She willed down the red-hot embarrassment trying to crawl up her neck to reach face. 'There's no reason why Naegi-kun will set a woman's birthday as his password unless they were in a relationship.'
'I don't even know why I came up with such an idea….'
Meanwhile, as Kirigiri Kyoko tried to force her way through a password, she was unaware of the kind of sight she was making in front of her division.
At the moment, there was a not so subtle group of members watching her curiously.
"Yo," whispered one male member. "What's division chief doing sitting down on Naegi-san's desk? She's been there for a while now.'
"I'm not sure but I hope she's alright." Another male member whispered back "Whatever she's doing looks to be an emotional roller coaster. I didn't think she even had any other expression besides blank."
"So, she wasn't a robot. I knew it."
"Hey hey! I have an idea" a certain gossipy member spoke up. "I think she's suspicious that Naegi-san's cheating on her!"
This remark only created doubts from the other members.
"That Naegi-san? No way."
"Naegi-san wouldn't do that!"
"Can he even do better?"
"Well, with his status as the guy who beat that bitch Enoshima, pretty much."
"The guy's too nice though. I don't think he'd have it in him."
"Maybe, he's dating the other person without realizing it?"
"I don't think Kirigiri-san is someone who could feel jealousy."
"I don't think she could even feel."
Amidst the chaos she had unleashed, the gossip wasn't done. "But what else would she be doing other than searching his PC's history? I'm sure she's already checked his phone."
"Hold up. Let's all calm down before she notices. I think I may know the reason she'd be suspuscious." The eldest of the group rubbed the stubble on his chin before turning his eyes to the next oldest member. "Nagasaki, weren't you making a big fuss that you had a date with Naegi-san the other day?"
"Th-that's wrong." stuttered the smaller woman, not liking how everyone turned their attention to her. "We just went out to buy a gift. Naegi-san needed a woman's opinion on the matter."
"Well, she wouldn't know that would she?"
"That must be the real reason."
"I can't believe that the chief could get so easily jealous."
"Then, I'll explain myself properly to the Kirgiri-kaichou!" Nagasaki adapted a guts pose. While it was true that she, like most of the members, were intimidated by their boss, something else rose past that fear. "I don't want two people to break up because of me!"
"Ah...she left."
"She did."
"This could only end really badly."
"More like it just got more interesting."
"I wouldn't mind if they broke up though."
"Quiet, you."
"Excuse me, division head?"
"What?" At the unexpected sound, Kyouko looked away from the monitor to see another female member of her staff calling her. Nagasaki, if she could recall. She had been concentrating so hard that she didn't even notice the smaller woman walk up to her.
Hiding her impatience, she willed herself to calmly turn to the older woman.
"Is there something wrong."
"Ah well, you've been at Naegi-san's seat with a difficult face for a while now." Nagasaki tried to keep eye contact with Kyoko's blank stare but failed. "I'm just wondering if everything's alright?"
'…it seemed that I've been here for a while.' Ignoring the thought on how her actions may have looked for everyone else, Kyoko decided to just lay the truth.
"Due to his current sickness, he just asked me to submit a report for headquarters for him."
"I see. So that's the reason." There was a sigh of relief Kyoko wasn't sure the reason for. "It's just that for a moment you looked sad, then your face turned red, then you looked frustrated."
"Is…that so?" Kyoko tried not to think about how she had been watched. The space was public after all. Still, was she really expressing so much?
"Well, I'm at least happy that you're not investigating if Naegi-san's cheating on not."
"What….?" Kyoko blinked at those words.
'Cheating? Naegi-kun? With who? No, more importantly…'
"Naegi-kun was going out with someone?" she asked Nagasaki who actually cowered behind how much ice there was laced in her voice.
Kyoko knew Naegi wasn't going out with anyone. That shouldn't be. However, it wasn't as if she was part of his life 24/7. There was the faint possibility of him developing a relationship with a woman Kyoko never knew about. He already made friends with everyone else in the branch before she realized it. It was the same when they were back trapped in Hope's Peak where he'd easily befriend anyone he'd meet.
An image of Naegi hugging an unknown woman came to her mind. Kyoko tried to settle down her chest as it itched and tugged while an unknown disgusting feeling coursed through her veins.
Unaware of the feelings going through her boss, Nagasaki continued.
"What do you mean? Isn't Kirigiri- kaichou going out with Naegi-san?
"What….?" The exact same word from earlier came out of Kyoko's mouth at the question. Whatever thoughts and feelings she had disappeared as her mind stopped.
Until now, she's heard thoughts that she has had feelings for Naegi-kun, and even remarks that Naegi had feelings for her. However, this was the first time she's heard that they were both dating. Could something like that really happen with one of the parties not knowing?
Her confusion must have shown on her face as Nagasaki looked equally confused. "Eh? Aren't you guys a couple? Did I misunderstand? Then that time…Naegi-san must've…"
Seeing Nagasaki distraught at her own words allowed Kyoko to calm down. It seemed both of them were upset for different reasons so it would be better if Kyoko was the one who took control again.
"Calm down, Nagasaki-san. Naegi-kun and I are not in such a relationship. I'd like to ask why there was such a misunderstanding in the first place."
Nagasaki stilled at that, shuffling in place for a moment, before finally replying with an unsure tone. "Well, Naegi-san recently consulted me on getting you a birthday gift. He said he wanted a woman's opinion on it."
Kirigiri nodded, not letting the any of her thoughts show on her face.
That was right. It had been her birthday a few days ago. Asahina, Hagakure, Togami, and herself had a small get-together at a restaurant. Asahina had managed to drag Togami there while Hagakure had brought a cake. Naegi had wanted to join but he had to meet-up with someone of great importance to an important plan he had been working on recently. He still had called her after and they both spent a good portion of the night just talking to each other and watching the same moon.
She didn't even realize that he never gave her a gift.
"We went shopping for your gift a day before and when the cashier asked if it was for me, Naegi-san replied "It's not for her. But…I want to give it to an important person.' "
Although Nagasaki's impression of Naegi was awful, Kyoko still couldn't prevent help but feel her cheeks getting a little warmer when she thought of Naegi saying those words. She crossed her arms, as if the action would settle her emotions.
"Even if your story was true, those words wouldn't necessarily mean an important person was someone he was in a relationship with. Naegi-kun could just be humoring the cashier. I'm also sure he thinks of all his friends as important."
"I…I see. You're right, chief." Nagasaki bowed her head in acknowledgement. It was true that it had been presumptuous of her to think so but there was still one other thing. "But when I asked Naegi-kun why he needed help, Naegi-kun told me, 'I want to confess to Kirigiri-san when I give this gift, so it has to be special.' So I thought you guys were dating by now."
"!?" Of a day full of surprises, this may have been the biggest for Kirgiri Kyoko. She may have gotten a heart attack from how fast the organ started beating from just the thought. To think an office clerk working under her could surprise her in a way Enoshima couldn't.
'Naegi-kun wants to confess to me? But…that can't be. There shouldn't be any reason to. After all, I only do things that would make him hate me.'
Kyoko thought of the time she hadn't spoken a single word to him when he wouldn't tell her about his suspicions on Oogami Sakura being a mole.
'If I had thought about it harder, it was clear he wanted to but had his own circumstances. It was not like I hadn't kept my own secrets from him yet he didn't mind how secretive I was'
There was also the time she had sent him to go to the hidden room behind the toilet even though she knew it was dangerous. Then when she heard he was attacked, she didn't apologize.
'Still he did not blame me for it.'
And of course, in the fifth-class trial…
'Such a thing…'
Even in the final trial, when she had sworn to herself that she'd never do such a despicable and weak act again, when the time came to make the same choice, her safety or his, she had still hesitated and considered repeating her worst mistake.
'…I don't have any qualifications for being liked by Naegi-kun.'
"Wait, did he say confess?" The words of the woman in front of her broke Kyoko out of her melancholy.
"What….?" This was the third time today and, to be honest, Kyoko was getting tired of it. Was this woman teasing her on purpose?
"I'm sorry I got it wrong!" Nagasaki bowed low. "I believe he actually said 'I have something I want to tell Kirigiri-san.' But…that's really the same isn't it?"
"…not at all." Kyoko was surprise with how low and tinged with disappointment her voice was. And it seemed Nagasaki picked up on that.
"I'm sorry! I'm really sorry! But surely, it's a confession. I'm sure it's a confession! Didn't Naegi-san say anything when he gave you his gift?"
"At the time, Naegi-kun had to go to headquarters to have a meeting with the 7th division head." In fact, she was supposed to accompany him as his divisions head but he had insisted that she should rest up because it was her birthday. Really, he didn't need to concern himself so much
"Then that means, he hasn't…," A look of realization followed by sadness was shown in Nagasaki's face. In her mind, she had ruined Naegi's surprise of a confession. Maybe if she left fast enough… "Ex-excuse me!"
"Wait." The single word from her division head froze the woman in place.
"…recently, Hagakure Yasuhiro has yet to set a password for his account. He told me he didn't have any ideas on what to set it as. The passwords I use are too complex for him to remember so do you have any suggestions?"
"Well, if it's a password then a birthday should do, right?" Nagasaki tilted her head in thought. "Or maybe the name of an important person? He always talks about his mom so maybe her name."
Kyoko nodded even if it wasn't the answer she had been hoping for. "That's true. Thank you, that should be enough."
"Then, I'll go back to work!" With another bow, Nagasaki left but not before adding one last thought. "Kirgiri-kaichou, it would be nice if you could confess to Naegi-san!"
It seems that there was another misunderstanding, but Kyoko was too tired of correcting those at this point. Maybe she'll post a memorandum to clear everything up in the future but for now she turned back to the PC and the cursed password entry screen.
She didn't like approaching the idea that he also used letters as it made her list of possible choices grow exponentially. However, it didn't seem like she had a choice in the matter. Thankfully, it seemed that the letters were automatically capitalized so that made it slightly easier.
'The name of an important person…'
Komaru was too long. Sayaka was too long. If so then…
[NAEGI]
[Password is incorrect]
'…it would have been too embarrassing for my pride as a detective if that had gone though. If there's no one else then I have no choice but to brute force it. If I know Naegi-kun, then I'm sure it's not that hard.'
And so she started typing in any words she could think of.
[PARKA]
[Password is incorrect]
[161CM]
[Password is incorrect]
[AHOGE]
[Password is incorrect]
[LUCK]
[Password is incorrect]
[HOPE]
[Password is incorrect]
'That cheeky Naegi-kun!' With the last rejection, Kyoko gritted her teeth, not expecting to face such a difficult struggle. She tried to examine the keyboard to see if any buttons were more worn out than others, but it didn't look like so.
It was not only a slight to her pride as the Ultimate Detective but also that-
'After all this time, I don't really understand anything about Naegi-kun.'
If she was his boss, his friend, then a password of at least five letters or numbers should have been easy for someone like as normal as him.
'This isn't the only time…'
When she had found the headmaster's personal computer, a password was needed to open a hidden compartment, and she had been unable to solve that one as well.
Back then, she had thought of it as hopeless as she did not know or understand the person who had left her years ago.
Now, she couldn't even guess it for someone who she talked to everyday.
She was disqualified as his boss and maybe even his friend. Had she really overestimated how close they were? Did she only know so little about him? After all, it was always Naegi who wanted to know more about her, it was always Naegi who dared to approach territories about her even Kyoko herself did not fully understand.
Even if she was the detective, sometimes it felt like he knew her more than she knew herself.
'That's right. Back then, Naegi-kun was also the one who opened the computer.'
She hadn't even thought someone who threw her away would set her own name as their password. Even Enoshima had been able to guess it right.
'[KYOKO]…my name…'
Unconsciously, she followed the Naegi in her memory as he typed in the code to her father's computer and pressed enter.
[Authentication completed]
"…?"
Naegi Makoto was dying…or at least he felt like it.
His head throbbed in pain, his throat was hoarse, and with his eyelids felt like they weighed a ton each. With great effort, he willed his eyes to open to see the insides of his room.
"!?" In front of him was a sight that he never expected. Hovering above his bed was a stranger in a white coat and a black mask. The most worrying thing was how the person was brandishing a large survival knife that looked poised and ready to strike.
Naegi tried to get away but his body was too heavy. He couldn't move at all or do anything as the knife descended to his chest
"Stop right there!"
A dignified voice echoed throughout the room surprising both Naegi and his assailant. The knife stopped right before it could draw blood and the masked stranger turned to the entrance of the room.
"The mastermind I presume. Or perhaps Ikusaba Mukuro?"
At the entrance of his room stood Kirigiri Kyoko, her posture in what looked to Naegi to be a fighting stance. Naegi tried to get up, tried to warn her of the knife, but his body was too weak.
"Kirigiri-san…knife…. watch…"
The assailant didn't wait for him to finish as the person bolted for the door. Kirigiri tried to catch her but the knife in the masked person's hands made her hesitate. The stranger jumped into the hallways with the girl looking to follow suit.
Right before she did, she moved to closer to Naegi who was still lying on the bed, breathing heavily. She watched over him for a moment before saying,
"You're okay…"
To Naegi's ears, she had said those words with undeniable pure relief. Then without another glance, she left the room to start her chase.
'Ah.' As unconsciousness started to pull Naegi back to sleep, he felt his chest grow a little hotter from the last sight he saw. 'Kirigiri-san has such a kind face.'
…
Bzzt.
…
Bzzt. Bzzt.
"Huh?" When Naegi Makoto opens his eyes once again, he sees the ceiling of his apartment's bedroom. He heard something vibrating nearby which must have been the reason why he had woken up.
"…A dream?" Makoto didn't remember back then what happened that night due to his fever but what he just dreamt…was that his memory? He'd just have to confirm with Kirgiri-san then.
'Kirigiri-san…she must have left…'
Still not fully awake, Naegi instead chose to fumble for his phone which he had left by the bedside. It had finally stopped vibrating, but the screen still showed the reason it did. A bunch of messages were listed on the home screen ranging from questions on how he was feeling to standard get-well-soons.
The most urgent looking one, however, was the one that looked to be from headquarters. The contents of the mail urged him to send his report immediately.
'Report? Didn't I tell Kirigiri-san to…'
"Ah!"
It was at that point that Naegi Makoto realized he had made a terrible mistake.
"Ah! AH! AH!"
He had forgotten that how he had locked his PC. No, the problem wasn't that it was locked, the problem was that the password to open it…
He tried not to think about it, how a girl he wasn't dating would feel when she learned he set his password to her name. He really tried not to think about it but…
'To be honest…it's a bit creepy, Naegi-kun.'
Naegi Makoto was dying…or at least he felt like it.
He wasn't even sure why he did such a thing.
It had just been a few days ago when he was at headquarters. After his meeting with Gekkogahara-san, he had called Kirgiri-san to apologize that he hadn't been there for her birthday. After a few hours of talking, Kizakura Koichi, the 3rd division head, overheard his chat and, unsurprisingly strong armed Naegi to go drinking with him. He wasn't exactly clear on exactly what happened that night, but he had somehow been convinced to change his password to Kirigiri-san's name.
'The power of drinking is scary.'
Naegi checked the time on his watch. If he hurried, he could still make it to the branch office!
He jumped out of his bed only to see Hagakure going through his drawers.
"What are you doing, Hagakure-kun?
"Naegi-cchi!" The older man jumped, holding a rosary bracelet in front of himself defensively with one hand. On the other hand was…
"Are..are those my boxers?"
"Nah, you must be seeing things. "At his words, Hagakure hid the hand holding said underwear behind his back.
Naegi's eyes narrowed at the obvious lie. There was something fishy going on and if Hagakure was involved, it had something to do with a scam or a ponzi scheme. He wanted to inquire further but he didn't really have the time.
"I'm heading back to the office. I still have something I need to do!" He grabbed the vest that was strewn across the sofa in his living space and made his way to the door.
"Oy Naegi-cchi! You sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine!" Naegi pumped a clenched fist at Hagakure. "That medicine really did the job!"
"Still, you should be resting." It was unusual "Do you really need to send that document today?"
"Yeah! Definitely!" Well, that was partly true. He did have to send it today, it's just that there's a bigger crisis in front of him.
"Well, it's still yesterday in some parts of the world! Just tell her that!" Hagagure grinned cheekily. "That's what I always do."
"Does it work?"
"…No. But this time, I have a feeling that it'll work! No, not a feeling, a divination that you it'll work! It must be the power of my new crystal ball!"
"…Um sure, Hagakure-kun."
"That's a good dude." Hagakure then turned to Naegi with an uncharacteristically serious face. "Still, if it's that important. Don't push yourself, okay. We don't need you getting sick anymore. Also, Kirigiri-cchi would kill me, if you still were and I let you."
"Hagakure-kun..." murmured Naegi before a set of keys were thrown at him. He caught it and recognized it as his own.
"I'll fix this place up. Say hi to her for me!"
"I will! Thanks, Hagakure-kun!" With one last smile, Naegi Makoto left his office in a rush, dearly hoping he could make it before his self-induced execution.
Hagakure waited a few moments after the door closed before holding up the boxers that he had been clenching the whole time. "The Ultimate Hope's underwear…. This is going to make me rich!"
Line
"Naegi-kun? What are you doing here?"
The moment Naegi stepped into the office space, he, of course, bumped into the last person he wanted to see.
"Ki-Kirgiri-san?!", half-screamed half-shrieked the luckster at the sound of her voice. He couldn't say anything else as a gloved hand encircled one wrist and practically dragged his body into her office.
Once they arrived, she gave him a quick once over before asking, "Are you really well enough to be here? You shouldn't force yourself if you're still feeling under the weather."
Naegi took a second to calm himself and check Kirigiri expression. Her tone and face showed no hint of disgust or contempt or that he was some sort of insect, so it didn't seem like she had opened the computer yet.
"No, I'm fine! I'm fine!" Naegi waved his hands as if that gesture was proof enough. The relief he felt leaked into his voice. "The medicine worked really well!"
"Really?" Her eyes narrowed as she held her chin with two fingers." Then what's your temperature?"
"Ah…well." Of course, he had no time to check that. He had been too much in a rush. Even till now, her nature as a detective always left him helpless to her questioning.
Kirigiri sighed in disappointment. The sound never failed in bringing up guilt in Naegi's stomach.
"Sorry."
"It can't be helped then." Suddenly, much too suddenly for Naegi, his boss raised her bangs with one hand and moved closer and closer until they were just a breath away from each other.
"…"
"…"
In front of Naegi, the face of Kirigiri Kyoko hovered as their foreheads touched. While her eyes were closed trying to concentrate on measuring the heat, Naegi's own eyes were wide as saucers as they drank in every detail on the woman's face. Details like how long her eye lashes were and how beautiful her pale skin glowed and how if he just moved his lips a little he could take a taste of her peach colored-
'W-what am I thinking!' The brunette screamed in his mind. 'This is Kirigiri-san after all! She's just worried about my physical condition!'
He was caught up in an internal struggle on how exactly her hair could smell that good when Kirigiri separated herself from him and she spoke up.
"It does seem like your fever has gone down but that doesn't mean the cold is gone." She noted with a clipped tone. "I'm not sure why you came back but please return as soon as possible, Naegi-kun."
Even after doing something that almost gave Naegi a stroke, Kirigiri's voice was as dignified and as calm as usual. He couldn't help but feel admiration that she'd care so much about someone with a cold. He was sure she'd do it for anyone else.
"Well, I received an e-mail from headquarters to send the report already." Naegi began his reasoning for returning. He rubbed the back of head. "I forgot that I had locked my computer, so you couldn't get it."
"Well, you could have just emailed me the password then-" Of course, that was impossible. "But it's fine, I already sent it to headquarters."
Naegi's hand froze mid rub. Not only his hand but his whole body froze up at what her heard.
What. What? What!?
But…that meant…
"Naegi-kun." Kirigiri continued ignoring the meltdown happening inside the shorter man's mind. "You forgot to lock the computer when we sent you back home. I opened it without any problems."
"R-really?" was the only word Naegi could sputter out as relief spread throughout his body, equal to the time he found himself still alive after his failed execution.
He wasn't even sure how. He was sure he locked it even though he was still feeling the worst of the sickness at the time but maybe he didn't? Could it have been Alter Ego again? The AI always did know when to save him.
Well, he tried not to think about it too hard because in the end he was saved!
"Please don't be so careless next time even if you're sick. In the first place, please don't show up to work, if you are sick." chastised Kirigiri but Naegi was too relieved to feel bad about the lecture.
"You're report also contained many errors which I took the time to rectify."
"Sorry."
He at least tried to look like he felt bad but the grin on his face refused to go down. He tried to settle himself down, to not show his relief before she would notice and ask him about it. It was only then that he felt something poke his chest.
His eyes widened in recognition on what the object was. He glanced around. They were both alone in her office. Right now, everyone would be busy working. There also were no signs of other people in the corridor. Indeed, it had been a while since the two of them were last by themselves.
'This is an opportunity, isn't it?'
For the past few days, he had been trying to give her the gift he had left in his pocket for some time now but there was no opportunity due to how busy the woman was.
"Um, Kirigiri-san." Naegi gathered up determination within him as he felt his inner chest pocket with one hand.
"Yes?"
"I know it's late but-"
"Excuse me! There's a report I need you to check kaichou."
Suddenly, Asumi-san stepped into the office. Naegi knew her as the one who always shared sweets had been sent by her parents with the other members. He had made friends with her with their shared interest in idols.
'The same pattern as usual.' Naegi thought with a hint of bitterness. The main reason why he hadn't been able to give her his gift was because whenever he approached her when she was free she'd immediately be pulled aside by other people. It really was just his luck.
"I'm sorry Naegi-kun but I still have work to do. Maybe, next time"
He already knew what she was going to say to him. His shoulders slumped down a little as he realized another opportunity had passed.
"I'm sorry, I'm having an important talk right now. Can it wait for a moment?"
To his surprise, different words left her lips. Both he and Asumi looked at her with wide surprised eyes. Naegi couldn't believe that she'd put aside any work. It worked out for him sure but still didn't think she should call it important.
As for Asumi…
"Oh! OH!" Her eyes darted quickly between the two before a small blush settled on her cheeks. "I'm, I'm sorry! Take your time! Please take your time."
She immediately retreated, closing the door behind her.
After a few moments of silence, Kirgiri turned back to Naegi. She combed a strand of hair behind her ear and looked him in the eyes.
"Well, Naegi-kun, you wanted to tell me something, right?"
Naegi blinked, still not really believing the stroke of luck he had. He used the lack of feeling to his advantage and reached into his vest to bring out a rectangular boxed wrapped in a red ribbon.
"well, I really wanted to give it to you that day but…"
"A birthday gift?" To his relief, Naegi saw a small smile grow on Kirigiri's lips as she received it. She examined the box for a moment before looking back at him. "You know, you could've given it if you allowed me to go to headquarters with you."
"No way." Naegi shook his head with a smile. "I couldn't let all of Asahina-san's work in getting Togami-kun to go to waste. Hagakure-kun also spent a long time baking the cake you guys ate."
"He baked it?"
"Yeah." Naegi rubbed his chin. "He said he was more used to baking brownies and cookies, so a cake was fine with him. You think it's important to have a birthday party."
"Well then," Kirigiri raise the box in her hands and fingered the ribbon. "I wonder if I can open this here?"
"Um, sure," was Naegi's reply with a small amount of doubt.
Slowly, she undid the ribbon then worked her way to undo the wrapping paper. Eventually, she reached a box which held-
"A pendant?"
"Yeah. I knew it immediately suited Kirigiri-san when I saw it."
'It' was a golden pendant with a light purple stone at its center. Nagasaki-san had suggested to him to look for accessories she could wear but let Naegi be the one to decide on which to get. After seeing that necklace, he knew there wasn't any other choice.
"Thank you, Naegi-kun. It's lovely." A rare happy smile bloomed across her face which only made Naegi feel hot inside once more. Was his fever returning? He hoped not.
"Well, then let's put it on immediately."
"Huh…?"
Turning her back to him, Kirigiri used one hand to lift long lavender hair that revealed a milky nape. The other was stretched, holding the pendant. ""If you could, Naegi-kun"
"S-sure."
Swallowing hard, Naegi stepped close enough to once again be hit by the dizzying scent of lavender. He took the pendant with from with his left hand and positioned it by the side of the next. With a mumbled whisper of "Excuse me", he reached over her front with his right arm to grab the other end and enclosed the gold chain ends together.
When he stepped back, he was sure the heat in his head wasn't from a returning fever. Kirigiri turned back to him, the light purple stone hanging above her chest, easily sticking out from her the black formal attire she wore.
"What do you think?"
"…It really suits you." Well, Naegi had thought anything would have suited the woman but he knew that wasn't the right answer.
"Yes, I like it as well. You always have the best gifts." Kirigiri tilted her head down to look at the gift, gloved fingers grasping the pendant. Just seeing her hold his gift made Naegi think how all that time spent struggling thinking about it was worth it.
"It's a little embarrassing when we're at work so I'll keep it inside my clothes for now. "With the hand grasping the pendant, she tucked it into her blouse. Naegi made sure to look away when she did so. "I'll wear it on holidays, if that's fine."
"No, that's fine! I mean, it's yours after all. You don't have to wear it all the time…"
Naegi waved his hands to assure her though it was more because he was finding it hard to look at his friend knowing she was wearing the gift she gave him. He didn't even know why she asked him. He didn't mind that she didn't want to show it off at work. If she did, it may start strange rumors and people would start asking questions he didn't think he could handle. He was happy enough that she was wearing it, after all.
Really, today had been too much for his heart. He should get back and rest.
"Well, then, I should head back to my room to rest up." Naegi eyed the door before turning back to his boss. The idea that only he knew she was wearing a pendant under her clothes, one that ha gave, was sent shivers down his spine. "Kirigiri-san, I'll leave you to your work."
"What?'
"…Yes?" Naegi blinked. He noticed the surprise on Kirigiri face. Did he say something strange?
"Well…Naegi-kun…"
"Uh..yeah…what is it?" Kirigiri turned to the side, one hand clutching the elbow of another. There was a rare hint of nervousness in her posture. Maybe, even anticipation.
" …I wonder if you have something else to tell me."
Naegi tried to think of what this "something else" was. Was it an apology for missing her birthday? Was it another report he had forgotten? Was it related to his fever? His mind shuffled through multiple the many truth bullets in his head, but it took him a long while to realize the correct one.
The whole situation told him that Kirigiri-san knew he had a birthday gift for her. That was why she allowed him to talk and she'd only know that from was the person who helped him out, Nagasaki-san. He then remembered that he had also told Nagasaki-san something else he wanted to do…
"Never mind. I'm sorry if I asked for something strange. Please take care."
Unfortunately, time looked to have ran out as Kirigiri shook her head and tried to brush away what she just said. If this was a game, it would be clear that Naegi had missed his chance and had to reload. However, life wasn't a game.
"…wait."
Right as Kirigiri was about to walk past him, Naegi grabbed a hold of one gloved hand. Even over gloves, he could still feel the warmth of her palms. He ignored how she stiffened under his hold but appreciated that she did stop in place.
He knew that this was the only time to say it. The next opportunity may not ever come again. If he didn't say it now, he'd never do it. If anything, that she had given him another opportunity to do so, to speak his mind, to get closer to her, just like she always did even back in the Class Trials, only made solidified what he wanted and needed to tell her.
"Kirigiri-san. Thank you."
"…what?"
Naegi raised his head and locked his eyes on her. "I've wanted to thank you, Kirgiri-san. Thank you for always helping me. Whenever times are hard or I feel sad, you always help me when I'm about to crumble."
To his surprise, Kirigiri's reaction wasn't happy or even smug. It was surprise and something else as she turned her gaze to the floor between them.
"I..I didn't do anything Naegi-kun. You don't know how strong you are. You move forward with your own power. Rather, I've only lead you into dangerous situations. I've even betrayed you."
Kirgiri spits out the last sentence with a shudder Naegi could feel through the hand he held.
"Even so, you still called me your friend. You still supported me when I was about to fell into despair and betray you again."
She turned her face back to him, her expression cloudy. There was a sadness in her eyes that Naegi had never seen before.
"I'm just being spoiled by your kindness…"
Little by little, Kirigiri's voice grows fainter.
"From the beginning, I never had any qualifications for your thanks."
This was the first time Naegi had seen his friend so vulnerable, so weak. He didn't know why she felt like this. He wasn't sure why she was acting like this. The Kirigiri Kyoko he knew was stronger and invincible, but then again, could he truly say he knew Kirigiri Kyoko?
However, no matter the answer to that question Naegi Makoto knew what he had to do. He had to tell her his feelings properly. She needed to know much she had helped him and how much he was thankful for! Even if it was embarrassing, even if he wasn't sure how to put it into words, he'd break through her arguments and make sure she received his feelings properly!
Because, no one should make such a sad face after being thanked!
"You've got that wrong." To his words, she looked up in surprise and this time Naegi made sure to lock his own clear gaze with her own. He squeezed tightly her hand he held, as if that would prevent her from looking away once more.
"Kirgiri-san, do you remember the first time we really talked?"
"…that was after the first trial."
"Yeah. At the time, I was shocked and saddened by Maizono-san. Not just her death but what looked to be also a betrayal. To be honest, that could have been when I'd have fallen into despair."
"…"
"But at that time, you went to me and said: 'We may never know the feelings of the dead, but you could still figure them out.' It was only thanks to your words that I did not have to think of badly of Maizono-san. You gave me the option that I could choose hope instead of despair for something I'd never know…I wonder if you didn't talk to me back then that I'd still be afraid of believing in people."
From the look in her eyes, Naegi knew Kirigiri was giving all her attention to his words. He continued.
"And when I said that I'd move forward and carry their deaths with me, you didn't laugh. Even though I rejected your suggestion of overcoming their deaths, you didn't say I was wrong. Then when you said you had hope in my answer, well, I was happy. I was really happy. If you say I'm strong, then it's only because you helped me become that way."
Naegi knew that if she had reacted differently that night, it was possible he'd never have had the ability to move forward. He'd have lost his hope.
"But, I've only used you for dangerous situations. Even at that time, I thought to sacrifice everything to find out the truth." The grip of the glove hand he held slackened. "And I did."
"That's different. Danger was something we could never escape in that school. Besides, you always told the information you found, didn't you?"
"Beware of Mukuro Ikusaba"
"That key was the type that could open all the doors of the academy."
"If you really were just using me, you wouldn't have told me so much information, right?"
Naegi was sure if he had revealed the Monokuma Key, it would have been Kirigiri-san who was carried to the press machine.
"But even so, in that classroom trial..!"
"Kirigiri-san." With the softest tone he could muster, he loaded the newest and definite truth bullet into the cartridge of his mind. He looked straight into her lilac eyes as he fired the truth that would convince his case.
"Thank you for protecting me from Enoshima the day before the classroom trial." Naegi continues with the brightest smile he could muster. "If you only cared for pursuing the truth, you would have pursued Enoshima-san immediate, right? But instead you bothered to check if I was safe."
"…So, you remember."
"Yes, and I'm glad because I never get to see such a gentle expression on Kirigiri-san's face."
"…"
"I know that you think of yourself as a cold person, but I know that's not true. I understand that you try to act by yourself to not involve as many people while at the same time you wholeheartedly seek out the truth."
Naegi readied the final bullets in his chamber as he prepared to shoot down every one of her shields down, hoping, praying, that his thoughts would get through to her.
'Even if it's embarrassing…'
"I've been saved by you many times."
'Even if it was selfish,'
"…Thank you. Thank for always helping me…"
'Because I don't know when the next opportunity would come.'
"Of course, when you're in trouble too, I'd also want to help you out.
'I need to say it.'
"So…"
The world around Naegi disappeared as the only thing that mattered was the person in front of him. The only sound he could hear was his own heartbeat as shot out the final truth within him.
"So I want you to stay by my side."
…
He remembered.
He remembered why he had been so desperate.
When he had gone to headquarters, he had heard a certain rumor and even if he wasn't the type to be privy to such things, its contents were too important for him to ignore.
[Kirigiri Kyoko was to be transferred to Future Foundation Headquarters as an on-site detective.]
It made sense. The woman was amazing. Using her talents as a detective, she could easy investigate hiding places for despair or even for rescue parties. Even Togami-kun acknowledged her as a boss although he warned her that he'd kick her out and take her place he ever judged her useless.
Really, why was someone that amazing in the PR department?
That was why he had worked himself to exhaustion on a report for headquarters, hoping that maybe they would send him as well.
That was why he had told her to stay and celebrate her party with everyone else as it may be the last time she could meet them.
That was he had been weak enough to go out drinking with Kizakura looking for some company.
That was why he set her name as his password.
That was why he felt like right now was the only moment he had left.
He had no idea what Kirigiri thought but, when he thought of her words,
"Even if everyone in the outside world is gone, even if the world is steeped in despair, as long as I have people like you around, I can face forward and keep moving."
Somehow, he had selfishly, foolishly, believed that she'd always stay with him forever. However, if she preferred becoming a detective for the future institution, their roads would become far too different than they already were.
He knew it would be better for her.
He knew it would be what she wanted.
'But I…'
'I don't know why. I don't know why I feel this way but…'
'I want to stay with Kirigiri-san.'
….
Naegi didn't know how long they both just stood there in silence. It could have been seconds or minutes or hours. He couldn't even see Kirigiri's face as she had bowed her head down after he told her his true feelings.
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…is it okay?"
After what seemed like eternity, Kirigiri finally spoke. She raised a face painted with unease. Her eyes probed his own, not with the cold precision of a detective, but shaky hesitation of a woman.
"I…can I stay by your side, Naegi-kun?"
"Of course. I want you to stay by my side, Kirigiri-san."
At his words, her face started to brighten up a little. There was no beautiful smile or wide grin. There was no rambunctious laughter or whole-hearted giggle. There was nothing like that just a fraction of ease but Naegi still felt like he had never been so blinded in his life.
"I understand, then if you want it…"
She took a step forward and this time it was her who took his hand.
"…I'll stay by your side."
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…but there's one condition."
"Condition?"
"…will you stay with me on my next birthday?"
"…Yeah, I understand. Next year, and the year after as well, let's celebrate together again and again."
"Are you seriously telling me those two aren't dating yet?
"Well, yeah, Kirigiri-kaichou told me that 'Naegi-kun and I are not in that kind of relationship.' "
"But no matter how you look at them, they're totally lovers aren't they?"
"Hey hey! When I went into the office by chance I was driven away because, in the Chief's words, they needed an "important talk". Then Naegi-san put on a necklace on her and they started flirting like crazy. Even from the outside, they totally look like a couple."
"You heard what they were saying?"
"Hey guys, it sounds like they're done."
"Wait, I think she's coming days way!"
"Oh f-"
"…What are you all doing here not working?"
Kirigiri Kyoko glared at the gossiping staff, her arms folded. The aura of anger she was able to produce made everyone forget that she was much younger than all of them. Behind her, Naegi waved awkwardly.
"All of you are working overtime without pay."
"….Yes, ma'am."
"So you're sure you don't want to transfer to headquarters?"
"Yes. I have judged that my abilities are most useful heading this division.
Kirigiri Kyoko stood in front of a monitor as she explained her reasoning for rejecting her caller's offer. The voice of an old man responded to her, one that perfectly matched the image of the Kazuo Tengan, the current head of the Future Foundation.
"That's a shame then. I've heard about your abilities from your father when he was still alive so I wanted to use those abilities by all means."
"I'm sorry but that's my final decision."
"No, no, I'm the one who should be sorry for being so pushy. An ability only can be truly demonstrated to the fullest when you use it for those you care about, right?"
"…I agree."
"Alright then. Say hello to Naegi-san for me."
The monitor died as the video call ended. Kyoko repressed a shudder. There was also something off about how Tengan's words recently. It almost reminder her of a certain remnant of despair that had was obsessed with chasing his own brand of hope.
It was also worth noting that it seemed even the president of the Foundation misunderstood her and Naegi's relationship.
Although…
[KYOKO]
…maybe it wasn't a complete misunderstanding either.
No matter how much she thought about it, there was no reason for Naegi to have set her name as his password. Even if she could just ask him, she preferred not tp.
'If possible…if it's possible that Naegi-kun thinks of me that way…'
She had thought that she had only done horrible things to him until now, but he had shot each one of her reasonings down.
'But if Naegi-kun really thinks of me that way, then what do I think about Naegi-kun?'
She had thought she wasn't even qualified to think of such a thing. She had thought that she had no right to like people after all she's done.
"…I still do not understand it yet.'
As a detective, she knew she still lacked enough evidence to pin down exactly what she was feeling. As a woman, she knew she still lacked enough experience to readily declare what was in her heart.
"…There is no need to be impatient…"
His words were a promise.
"I want you to stay by my side"
And if they could keep that promise tomorrow, the year after tomorrow, and the year after that, and all the other tomorrows following then maybe someday, surely, the answer would come out…
Kyoko raised one hand to her chest and grasped the pendant hanging from her neck.
…surely.
Notes:
I literally did this in one day holy fuck and it shows but goddamn am i done with this. Next chapter in a few hours.
One of my many complaints of DR3:
Kirigiri tells Naegi "I will always be by your side." And yet he just kinda goes "Sure. I'll do what I can." You'd think there would be more of a reaction. Like dude, at least blush like you did a moment ago. So in a way, this gives that some context. Maybe.
Changes:
In the original story, Hagakure told Kyoko to her face that he wanted to sell some of Naegi's organ as they would be lucky. And, yeah, especially when he's sick and defenseless, I'm sure pretty sure Kyoko would murder him on the spot so that was the first thing I knew I needed to change. Cause holy fuck Hagakure. I made him more likable.
I also made it third person as I'm never comfortable writing first. I know I still can't get the characters nor I don't think I ever will so I'm not touching that.
Comments:
I tried to flesh out some of the subthemes of the story but I dunnow how that went. One thing I like yet dislike about Japanese writing is that there's very little explaining, mostly dialogue and action. I like that you can interpret how people feel but at the same time some days you just want that fluffy prose.
I'm not too sure why Kyoko gets so emotional but I tried my best to go with it.
But yeah, I really enjoyed this. Shot 1006 is probably second favorite Naegiri writer on pixiv so go check out his stuff if you can read japanese. He just posted the fourth part today too.
