"When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable."
― Jess C. Scott, The Intern
Chapter 12
The sun was just starting to set when they arrived at the Renaissance Hotel & Spa. After much arguing, they had decided to spend the night at a hotel that had a hot springs to wash the paint off from the game. When they had called earlier, they'd been informed that there was no vacancy since it was spring break. However, as soon as they heard the Togami name and princess Neverminds' name, they quickly informed them that a room had just opened up.
When they finally got there, everyone gaped. The place was huge! They were expecting something fancy, but not this fancy. It was a little deep in the forest but it looked nice. According to Togami who had stayed here before, there was a small town about twenty minutes away from here. As everyone got off the bus, a woman wearing a kimono came up to greet them. She nervously wrung her hands.
"Excuse me, are you the Togami and Nevermind party?" she asked.
Sonia stepped forward and offered her a small smile. "I am Sonia Nevermind and these are my friends. I'm so sorry to call so late, I hope we didn't trouble you."
The woman shook her head. "It's fine, your highness." She glanced behind Sonia to offer Togami a smile. "We always have room for you. Both of your families come here quite often, it's no worry."
The woman clapped her hands and got everyone's' attention. "Now then, if you'd all follow me I'll show you to your room. You may call me Himiko."
As they stepped inside the hotel, everyone looked around in amazement. In the end they had decided to split the costs because some people, Hinata in general, had called their strategy cheating. So here they were. They would all be spending the night here, and in the morning they would drive back to Naegi's house to collect their stuff and go their separate ways.
There were chandeliers hanging in the ceiling. There were two front desk clerks behind a large counter attending to other clients. The bellhops were running around with briefcases. Everywhere they looked, they could see people. They weren't kidding about being full.
Himiko led them all to the elevators where they all squeezed themselves inside. It was a pretty big elevator to fill all of them. Once they reached the eight floors, they got off. There was only one door here and a large hall.
"Since you did call a little late, they only room we had that would accommodate all of you was the presidential suite. The staff will bring in the extra futons since there are only two king size beds inside. The room comes with two restrooms as well as a sliding door in the middle of the room if the ladies want some privacy." Himiko pulled out a small memo pad from her kimono. "You also requested a change of clothes while we wash the ones you're wearing now. We'll leave a change of clothes for you. And you requested the food be brought to you room. Is the party size alright?"
Togami gave her a nod. "The hot springs are all in the first floor. Since you're all in the presidential suite, you'll all get to use the private section we use for honored guests. We have them separated by gender but we also have the communal bath. We also offer massages and there's a steam room as well. Since you're all still underage, we cannot serve you alcohol but other drinks are all right. If you need anything else, there's a phone inside the room that connects downstairs to the rest of the staff. I shall take my leave now. Enjoy your stay." Himiko handed Sonia and Togami a key, bowed and left them to their own devices.
As soon as Himiko had stepped in the elevator, Sonia opened the door and ushered them inside. There was one king size bed on both corners of the room equipped with pillows of different sizes. A big flat TV was built into the wall surrounded by some expensive furniture and there were two windows near the beds overlooking the forest outside.
Naegi and Chiaki headed toward one of the windows and peered outside.
"What a nice view." Naegi said softly, and from behind, Togami tapped her shoulder.
"I think it's time we tell everyone about you-know-what." He said quietly. Naegi gave him a small nod and glanced at their friends. They looked excited to be somewhere so expensive and were busy exploring the room. She didn't want to ruin the mood but they were going to need help.
Naegi took a deep breath and let it out. "Guys? There's something I have to tell you." Something in her expression must have hinted that this was important because everyone quieted down immediately and gave her their full attention.
Naegi bit her lip and wondered where she should start. Togami peered down at Naegi and gave her hand a squeeze. "I'll do it." She sent him a relieved smile.
Togami turned back to the group and started to tell them everything.
"Are you serious?" Kuzuryu said incredulously. Pekoyama was silent at his side, but she looked at Naegi with concern. He turned and pointed at Komaeda. "You believe him?"
Saionji gave Komaeda a glare. "You sure he's not just saying stuff to get attention?"
Komaeda fidgeted under everyone's gaze. "Ah, it's only natural that you would question a nobody like me. I totally get it, but it's the truth. I had a bad feeling before and I was right about Naegi having a stalker."
Naegi stepped forward and flicked his forehead. Komaeda let out a sound of surprise. "You're not a nobody Komaeda and yes," she glanced at Kuzuryu and Saionji and crossed her arms, "I believe him." At that point, Togami, Chiaki and Hinata had surrounded Komaeda and declared the same thing.
"You guys…" Komaeda looked like he wanted to cry. Naegi and Hinata gave him a smile.
Hagakure hesitantly spoke up. "If what he says is true, then we have to protect her!"
Owada made a punching motion. "Damn straight! If they think they can mess with one of our own, they don't know who they're messing with!"
Junko and Maizono attached themselves to Naegi's arms. Sakura and Mukuro suggested that Naegi train with them when she had time. Nidai and Asahina perked up at that. Naegi hummed. Learning martial arts would be useful if she were to be confronted again.
"We'll all keep an eye on her. If anyone is free during summer break, it'd be best if you could spend that time with Naegi." Ishimaru suggested.
Everyone agreed to that. Hinata raised his hand. "About that," he scratched his head and looked at Naegi. "Apparently, my parents won an all paid expense trip on a boat. They'll be leaving tomorrow but they wanted to see me before then. After words I was kind of wondering if I could stay with you during the rest of summer break." He asked glancing at her nervously.
Naegi's eyes sparkled. "Yeah! That'd be great! I have to go visit my family the last two weeks of summer vacation but I'm definitely game!"
Hinata looked relieved. Komaeda shyly raised his hand. "I'd like to stay as well." At everyone's raised eyebrow, he turned red and started waving his hands. "Ah, but only if that's okay. You don't have to listen to the likes of me, it's totally up to you!"
"Komaeda, I'd be happy to have you over. You can come anytime, don't worry about it. In fact," Naegi turned to look at everyone, "You're all more than welcome to stay."
"How do you feel about having bodyguards?" Kuzuryu asked her. "You won't even notice them."
"I could lend you my sister." Junko suggested. "She wouldn't mind."
Mukuro bowed. "It would be my pleasure."
Celestia turned towards Toko. "Genocider Sho would be a welcome addition. She could prove very useful."
Soda and Owari paled. It was true though.
Toko shook her head. "What if she goes out of control?"
Kirigiri nudged Togami on the side with her elbow. Togami gave her a glare. She returned it. After a while he gave a massive sigh and walked up to Toko. Naegi was making him go soft. Making his expression as nice as he could he pat her head. "If you could help in any way I'd appreciate it." Toko fainted and Togami rolled his eyes.
Koizumi nudged her with her shoe. "We're going to take that as a yes then."
Mioda stood up on a chair and gave Naegi a thumps up. "Okay! Now that we know what's going on, there's no need to worry!"
Tanaka offered to train Nozomi so he could guard her as well. Teruteru offered to stay over at Naegi's house but everyone turned that down immediately. Teruteru had a tendency to be a pervert.
"Now that that's settled, how about we go into those hot springs? I don't know about you guys but I could really use a good dip in the water." Leon said, as he looked at his paint splattered clothes.
At that everyone glanced down at their clothes and grimaced. True. They were all filthy. Mioda discreetly tried to clean the chair that she'd just stood on.
Kirigiri started heading towards the door. "Why don't we all head into the hot springs then. We have enough to think about now, we'll come up with something better once we're all clean and fed."
Everyone agreed and left the room. Junko slapped Toko awake. Once they were in the first floor, one of the staff came up to them and directed them to the private hot springs room and told them that there were clothes waiting for all of them and to leave their dirty clothes in the hamper and they would deal with them.
They found the private hot springs at the end of the corridor and they split up by gender. Teruteru suggested they all go into the communal baths together before Komaeda dragged him into the men's side.
Once inside, everyone started peeling of their dirty clothes and exchanging them with towels. They put the dirty clothes in the hamper and opened the door leading to the hot springs.
After quickly washing their bodies, the guys headed into the water. There was a groan of appreciation as the guys slipped into the hot water. For several minutes there was a peaceful silence among the group.
"So," Teruteru said after a while. "When are we sneaking a peak at the girls?"
There was a collective groan among the rest of the guys. Komaeda looked at Teruteru with disapproval. Teruteru glanced at his peers one by one before his eyes settled settled on Soda.
"Wouldn't you like to see Sonia in all her glory?" he prompted the mechanic. Soda blushed and looked down. Teruteru looked at Kuzuryu. "Let's not forget that Pekoyama is there as well. Wouldn't sneaking a peek be nice?"
Kuzuryu turned red and sank lower in the water, stubbornly silent. He had to admit, he did want to see but not without her approval. Nidai glanced at Kuzuryu in sympathy and tried to change the topic to something else.
"This hotel is nice, isn't it? I saw a ping pong table on the way here, you guys want to have a game before we go back to our rooms?"
A few of the guys nodded and said they were interested. Teruteru frowned and tried to divert the conversation again. He looked at Togami who was leaning on the edge with his eyes closed.
"Naegi is on the other side as well," Togami twitched. "She has some nice curves." Teruteru finished thoughtfully. Togami opened his eyes and glared at him.
"Don't you dare." He said before closing his eyes again. At that moment they heard the girls on the other side raise their voices.
Hinata glanced in the direction of the girls' side and frowned. "Seems lively over there. I wonder what they're doing."
Someone squealed. It sounded like Naegi. "Junko! Wait! Don't touch me there!"
All the guys immediately quieted and listened closely. On the other side of the wall, Junko laughed. "These are so nice! How do you keep them tucked in?" Naegi let out a tiny scream.
"Oh those are nice! But not as nice as mine!" that was Owari's voice.
"Are we comparing bobbies? Mine and Tsumiki's aren't bad either! And let's not forget Pekoyama's and Asahina's too!" that was Mioda. "Here, feel them!"
All the guys on the other side tensed. Teruteru and Soda had gotten out of the water and had their ears pressed on the wall.
Someone cleared their throat. "Enough of this. Let's just enjoy the hot springs." Kirigiri said.
Junko laughed. "Aww, the rest of you are just jealous because you're flat chested right? Its okay, you still have time, I'm sure they'll grow." She snickered.
Toko stuttered in anger. "I bet all the food you guys eat just goes to those things you call breasts!"
There was a moment of silence before Asahina spoke up. "Probably." Toko let out an angry scream before they heard the splashing of water.
"Here Naegi, I'll wash your back for you." Junko said. There was a muffled reply before everything went silent again. The guys relaxed and Teruteru and Soda glumly made their way back to the hot springs. There was a sudden flash on the girls' side and the guys looked over in confusion.
"Koizumi, did you just take a picture of us?" Sonia asked. There was a moment of silence before Koizumi muttered a small no.
"If you wanted a picture, you could have just asked." Junko said. "Here, me and Naegi will pose too!" Naegi gave an indignant cry as she was pulled to her feet.
Togami opened his eyes and glared. "Enoshima!" He snapped.
Junko gave a small whine. "You're no fun!" she shouted. After that, there was silence once again as the girls started chattering amongst themselves.
Teruteru spoke up. "Shall we compare our dicks size then?"
Everyone looked at him in horror. Yamada and Leon discreetly moved away from him. Teruteru huffed. "You guys are no fun!"
"I came here for a relaxing soak, I'm not going to give that up because you're being a pain in the ass." Kuzuryu said from his position.
Nidai turned to Kuzuryu. "By the way, I didn't know you had muscles. It looks good, do you do any training?"
The yakuza stood up and flexed his biceps. "Yeah, it took me a while but I was able to get a six pack."
The Ultimate Manager nodded in approval and looked at the other guys. "Togami, you're pretty ripped too."
The Ultimate Heir gave him a cocky smirk. "Of course."
Ishimaru, Owada, and Leon had some very nice muscles too. Unbeknownst to them, the girls were listening quietly. Junko and Toko had gotten up and were trying to take a peek at the guys from the holes that they'd just made.
"Peeking is a crime, you know." Fujisaki said in disapproval. They hushed her.
"I'm waiting for Ishimaru and Owada to make a move. Its so obvious they have a thing for each other." Junko said.
"Besides," Toko said while turning to glance at the girls, "Every girl loves yaoi."
They couldn't argue there. It was true. A few of them had some yaoi manga stashed in their rooms somewhere.
Asahina glanced at Naegi who was still washing her body. "The waters great Naegi! Come join us!" Naegi glanced at her and after washing the soap off her body; she made her way into the water. Junko, Celestia, and Saionji crowded around her and started touching her.
"How the heck do you get your skin to be so soft?" Saionji asked her as she felt her back.
Celestia touched her cheeks. "No blemishes either. Very nice." Celestia commented.
"And don't forget her boobs! Aren't they a nice size?" Junko said as she cupped her from behind. Naegi let out a scream before Junko started tickling her. Soon after Naegi was practically in tears from laughing so much.
Chiaki swam up to them and looked down at her own chest. "It must be nice." She said. Fujisaki and Toko patted her shoulder in sympathy. In order to lift the other girls' spirits, Sonia started tickling Koizumi who was at her side. Soon a tickle fight ensued.
Meanwhile, the guys on the other side were looking in the girls' direction. Hinata gulped. "Sounds fun." He muttered.
"Wait, wait!" Naegi laughed. "Not there! You can't-" Naegi let out a moan. Togami straightened.
Junko snickered. "Oh you like that huh?" Naegi let out a small groan. Owari had gotten a hold of Fujisaki, and the petite girl was letting out some interesting sounds.
Yamada, Teruteru, Soda, and Hagakure had gotten up and had made holes in the wall.
Hinata and Komaeda had gotten up as well and were trying to pry them away. Togami and Kuzuryu cracked their knuckles and made their way over too.
A fight soon ensued. Togami and Kuzuryu were trying to pry Teruteru away from the wall. The Ultimate Cook was screaming bloody murder and would not be moved.
"Oh! I can see Junko and Naegi!" Hagakure shouted from his position.
By his side, Soda was laughing evilly. "Oh man, I think I just found Sonia and Owari! If only there wasn't so much smoke, we could see better!"
At this point, the rest of the guys had gotten up as well and were trying to remove their friends from the wall. They were so busy fighting amongst themselves that they didn't notice that the girls had gotten quiet.
"You damn perverts." A voice said from above. The guys stopped their fight and glanced up. Junko, Pekoyama, Owari and Asahina's heads were looking at them with disgust. Immediately after, a barrage of buckets hit them in the face as the girl started launching items at the guys.
Naegi, Toko, Kirigiri and Maizono had given the other girls a ride on their shoulders so they could launch items at the guys. They managed to poke some of the guys in the eyes that sent them howling in pain.
Mukuro and Sakura just watched in amusement from where they sat.
"This was fun." Mukuro commented.
"Indeed." Sakura said.
Once everyone got out of the hot springs they were pleased to find new sets of clothes for them. It was just a blue kimono, but at least it was clean. Some of the guys had bruises on them. Teruteru in particular had a huge bump on his head.
"Totally worth it." The Ultimate Cook said.
As they exited the rooms, they made their way to the Ping-Pong tables at the corner.
Immediately everyone split up. There were only three tables so they decided to play doubles. On one table, it was Kuzuryu and Pekoyama vs. Junko and Mukuro.
On the second table it was Togami and Naegi vs. Hinata and Komaeda. And on the third table it was Ishimaru and Owada vs. Soda and Hagakure. Everybody else took a seat on the couches they had in the room and took a few snacks from the vending machines.
Junko let out a battle cry and hit the ball with her paddle with such force that Kuzuryu had no choice but to duck to avoid getting hit in the face. Junko clicked her tongue and Pekoyama narrowed her eyes. Mukuro tried not to laugh. The battle was so on.
On the second table Togami launched the ball the same way that Junko did and Hinata had no choice but to duck.
"That was so cool Togami!" Naegi said from his side.
Togami gave her a nudge. "You try."
Naegi beamed and threw the ball in the air with the intent to hit it the same way Togami had. What happened next though was unexpected. Naegi's paddle fell from her hand and was about to hit Komaeda when it did a turn and hit Hinata in the face. Hinata went down.
The others blinked. Naegi let out a tiny scream and scrambled to Hinata's side while offering apologies. Tsumiki magically appeared with a first aid kit next to them.
Table three had actually been successful in starting a game which was surprising since the members playing tended to get in trouble a lot.
"Let's try that again." Naegi said from table two. Hinata rubbed his nose and shot her an angry look.
Komaeda tried to calm him down. "Now, now. It was just an accident. Let's move on shall we?"
"Fine." Hinata bounced the ball on the table and let out a battle cry as he hit it with a paddle. "Hiya!"
Togami and Naegi stood there stunned as the ball flew past them and hit the wall behind them. They hadn't even seen that…
Komaeda and Hinata high-fived. Hinata gave them a sheepish grin. "You have to hit it back you know."
Huffing, Togami retrieved the ball and furrowed his face in concentration. "Round two."
Mitarai and the ultimate imposter looked back and forth from Junko and Togami's tables. Things had started to heat up. Everyone else had started playing cards in the corner.
Half an hour later, Himiko came to inform them that their food was ready. She didn't even bat an eye at the bruises that some of them had. She'd played Ping-Pong before and knew how competitive it could be.
Togami helped Naegi to her feet and guided her out of the room. Komaeda and Hinata had won the last game, but only because somehow Naegi had managed to hit herself in the face with her paddle with such force that she collapsed. Thank god for Tsumiki though. She was at Naegi's side in an instant.
Junko's team had tied with Kuzuryu's team. But according to witnesses, mainly Mitarai and the ultimate imposter, it had been an epic game. Mukuro and Pekoyama had a few bruises, which was interesting.
And back with Owada's team, it seemed that Owada had snapped and broken a paddle because Soda and Hagakure kept arguing back and forth on how to properly hit the ball with the paddle. Ishimaru had reprimanded him about the paddle before stepping in to stop Soda and Hagakure from punching each other out.
As one, they all got into the elevator and headed into their room on the eight floors. Once inside, they were greeted by a giant long table in the center of the room with a variety of food. Owari and Soda rushed to the table and hastily took their seats before they grabbed one of the plates and started digging in.
Everyone else calmly took a random seat and started eating as well.
"Oh my," Celestia said. "This is quite good." Maizono and Fujisaki both nodded in agreement.
Owada stole a piece of Ishimaru's salmon and started eating. Ishimaru, too busy scolding Hagakure and Asahina on their table manners, didn't notice. Fujisaki frowned at him.
Sonia, Kirigiri and Koizumi were calmly drinking tea on the side. Junko was trying to feed her sister something she had mixed together.
Naegi and Hinata were trying everything they could get their hands on while Komaeda and Togami were patiently waiting with a glass of water for when they choked. Which they would. Chiaki and Tanaka were feeding his hamsters while Pekoyama and Toko tried to discreetly pet them.
All in all it was a very lively dinner. Afterwards since it was still a little early, everyone split up and went to try some of the other things that the spa had to offer. Most of the girls went to get a massage on the third floor while some of the guys went to try out the sauna.
Naegi and Togami decided to go into town. Komaeda and Hinata had wanted to go as well, but Chiaki and Maizono pulled them from their collars into the Ping-Pong room.
Once they'd made it into town, Togami pulled them both into a clothing store.
Naegi was studying the different types of sweaters they had before Togami tapped her shoulder.
"This one suits you," Togami said, pointing to a dark green long sleeved dress. Naegi stared at it in wonder. It was pretty she decided. And it wasn't long, which she liked. Perhaps a pair of boots would go well with it. She wasn't one to wear dresses but she wouldn't mind wearing this one.
"It would look good with those cat ears you have in your room." Togami snickered.
Naegi gave him a cocky grin. "Oh I bet." She wiggled her eyebrows. "It'd look better if that was all I was wearing."
Togami's eyes widened. Naegi laughed, took the dress from the stunned teen, and brought it to the counter. A few very nice scenarios were going through the heirs' head at the moment. It was only when Naegi called to him that Togami followed after her. Best to think about that later.
In the end, Naegi had bought the dress and due to Togami's insistence, she changed out of the blue kimono and put on the dress and some boots that Togami had bought her. Togami himself had bought some skinny jeans and a dark shirt with a jacket. According to Naegi, he looked like a thug. But a very hot one.
Once outside, Togami offered Naegi his arm. Naegi gave him a smile and latched onto his arm and began walking around the town. They hadn't noticed before, but the town was pretty lively. It looked like a festival was going on.
"So," she said glancing at Togami," is this like our first date?"
Togami scoffed. "If it was, we've be at one of the five star restaurants that my family and I go to and we'd have been picked up by Hideki." Togami shook his head. "I suppose you could call it the prologue of good things to come."
"Oh, is that so?" Naegi smiled and tugged him towards the ice cream stand, "then we'd best enjoy this."
They ate their ice cream in contentment as they walked around town. Togami had given in and gotten an ice cream cone himself. As they walked, Naegi asked him about his training in taking over the business and Togami perked up. Togami started to chatter about what his father had been teaching him. Naegi listened with a soft smile and adoring eyes. He was starting to do hand gestures; he was so excited. He didn't notice he'd left some ice cream on his cheek. Naegi laughed and licked the cream off his face. Togami let out a growl, and as soon as they passed an alley, he reached for her hand and dragged in for a hot make out session.
They only broke apart when they heard a few giggles from the kids that were playing around. Naegi and Togami hurriedly fixed their clothing and walked out of the alley. As they mingled with the crowd, the sound of soft jazz could be heard. Naegi turned and saw a few men playing a soft waltz. She didn't know the name of the song but it sounded nice. She started to sway.
Togami was suddenly in front of her. "Dance with me." He said, and held out his hand to her.
Naegi stared at Togami's outstretched hand and blinked. "What?"
It had gotten dark while they were out, and the moonlight was making his eyes shine.
"Dance with me." He repeated.
"I don't know how." She muttered.
He smiled. "I'll show you."
Naegi's throat tightened and she glanced at his arm again. She looked him in the eyes, and all she could see was adoration. She took his hand and he led them to the center where others were already dancing to the music.
Togami slid his other hand around her waist, and she put one arm on his shoulder. She glanced at him as he began to move-slow steps, and another, then a turn.
The waltz got a little louder and Togami twirled her away from him and brought her back to his chest. Naegi couldn't keep her eyes off him. Her breath hitched.
It was like he knew her every move and he knew every move of hers, as if they'd danced to this very waltz all their lives. Everything around them suddenly disappeared and it was just them here. Together.
The waltz picked up once again, and Togami raised her in the air before he twirled her and dipped her down. Naegi couldn't help but laugh. Togami offered her a lazy smirk as the waltz came to an end and he brought her at eye level. They were both breathing hard, but they were both smiling.
The sound of clapping brought them back to reality. Togami and Naegi both turned and gave a small bow and curtsy to the crowd and left the dance floor holding hands.
It was almost midnight when they arrived at the hotel. They had made a few more stops at some of the stands. Naegi had insisted they play a few shooting games before they left and Togami had given in.
Togami had won her a stuffed bear and Naegi had bought them both some candy apples. As they made their way to their room in the eight floor, they couldn't stop smiling. They were in such a good mood. Togami slid in the key and they stepped inside.
Only to be blinded by the flash of a camera. Togami and Naegi blinked the stars away from their eyes to see their friends grinning at them.
"What?" Naegi asked nervously.
Junko and Toko both beamed at her. "That dance was seriously hot." Junko said.
Naegi's eyes widened. She turned to her friends. "Were you guys spying on us?"
Junko stepped up to her and clapped her on the back. "Nope. Toko and I did. We recorded some of our favorite moments and decided to share with the rest."
Togami narrowed his eyes at her. "I swear, one of these days I'm going to get a restraining order on you both."
Junko just flashed him a smile. "Nah, you'd miss us too much."
Tsumiki stepped up to Naegi. "It was a very nice dance, you both looked great."
The rest nodded and gave them a thumps up. Naegi and Togami groaned. Perhaps next time, they'd have to go somewhere farther for their date. Still though. Naegi glanced up at Togami and he gave her a small smirk and linked his fingers with hers. It had been a very nice evening.
There was another flash of a camera and Togami turned to Toko and threw his half eaten apple at her.
Yes. It was a very nice evening indeed.
It was three in the morning as Komaeda made his way downstairs to the lobby. The only people there were the two clerks sitting at the front desk and Togami Byakuya sitting at a couch in the far corner.
Komaeda put his hands in his pockets and started making his way to the heir. Upon closer inspection, he noticed that Togami was sipping some tea.
Smiling, he took a seat on the couch and turned towards the heir. "This is the first time you've called me out." Komaeda said.
Togami turned towards him and offered him some tea. Komaeda accepted the cup and brought it to his lips.
"There's something I wanted to ask you." Togami said as he took another sip of his tea. "Do you like me?"
Komaeda blinked and smiled. "Why yes I do. That arrogance of yours is quite endearing."
Togami made a face. "What a quick reply. I'm going to ignore that tidbit of me being arrogant." Togami glanced at him again. "What about Naegi?" he asked looking him in the eye.
Komaeda paused and his smile faltered before he looked towards the distance. After a while he turned towards Togami and gave him a smile. "Yes. I like her very much." He took a sip of his tea. "But I'm sure you already knew that."
Togami sighed. "Yes, I did. This is the first time I've heard it directly from you though. I know you're always watching her. I just didn't know whether you'd tell me or not though."
Komaeda hummed and leaned back on the couch. "For me, if I were to keep it a secret and not say anything, it'd make me feel pretty horrible. I don't like keeping secrets from you or the others."
Togami blinked. "You're surprisingly honest."
Komaeda laughed. "I was influenced by Naegi."
Togami stared at him. "You had intended to drift apart from us before, weren't you?"
Komaeda gave him a surprised look. "How did-?" he shook his head. "Nevermind, you're very observant." Komaeda poured some more tea into his cup and swirled it around. "Yes. I had been planning to leave you all. All my life, people had thought of me as someone creepy that they didn't want around. Someone they tolerated but didn't really want around. So when Naegi invited me to lunch all those months ago, I figured she'd get tired of me pretty quickly and want me to leave."
"But she didn't," Togami said.
Komaeda smiled into his cup. "Yes, she didn't. She actually enjoyed my company." He glanced up at the heir. "Then you came along, and I thought you were going to chase me away. You looked like you didn't want me around whatsoever." He gave small chuckle and scratched his head.
Togami looked away and grimaced. It was true. He hadn't liked the luckster at all. He'd been influenced by the rumors he'd heard of him. If it hadn't been for Naegi telling him to give Komaeda a chance, he'd have missed out on having such a good friend. Togami turned back to Komaeda.
"I apologize for my behavior back then. I'm not good at trusting others. And all the things I'd heard from other students didn't help either. However, I should not have allowed myself to be influenced so easily. When it comes to Naegi, sometimes I don't think straight. And for that, I apologize. However," he narrowed his at Komaeda. "Naegi and I have no intention of letting you go. Especially since we both seem to like you."
Komaeda looked at him in surprise before he started shaking his head back and forth. "Someone as great as you shouldn't apologize to a piece of trash like me! I'm not worth it really! I'm not worthy of anything!"
Togami glared at him and flicked his forehead. "Don't you dare call yourself trash. I am Togami Byakuya and I don't associate with trash or anyone else I deem unworthy of my presence. You are a friend. Mine and Naegi's' friend." Togami grabbed by his shoulders and shook him. "And don't you forget it."
Ah Komaeda thought and tried to shield his face. These people were just too good for him. He was no match for them whatsoever. He sniffled and a few tears slid down his cheeks.
Togami offered him a handkerchief and looked away. Once Komaeda had dried his tears, Togami looked back at him. "I need someone I can depend on. Someone that can be there for Naegi when I can't. And I feel that that person is you. From now on, I want you to stay by her side." He offered him a small smile. "Don't disappoint me Komaeda Nagito."
Komaeda's eyes widened and he stoop up and offered him a salute. "Of course! I'll protect her with my life!"
Togami chuckled as he got to his feet and clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't go dying on us now. I'll be seriously pissed." He scolded him as he started making his way to the elevator.
So many emotions were going through Komaeda's head. He still didn't feel that he was worthy of these people but he would do the best he could to stay by their side as long he could. He just hoped his luck cycle wouldn't intervene.
"You coming or not?"
Komaeda ran to the elevator that Togami was holding open for him. He couldn't help smiling at him. Togami covered his face with his hand. "Stop that." He chided him.
Komaeda just smiled wider. He was still smiling when they made it back to the room and he was still smiling when he finally drifted off to sleep.
And here's chapter twelve. i hope you guys enjoyed it!
Sorry it took me a while, i had to get surgery for one of my arms so typing with one hand took me a while.
Anyway please leave a review! let me know what you guys thought!
I'll try to post up the next chapter soon. i think it's time we heard more about Naegi's stalkers don't you ;)
