"Do not be threatened by rude people because rudeness is a sign of insecurity."
Gugu Mona

Chapter 14

Kyoko Kirigiri stared at the four men in the room with her with narrowed eyes. Two she knew personally while the other two she'd seen around the school. She'd called for a meeting to discuss what Nagito Komaeda had warned them about three weeks ago at the hotel. She hadn't expected her father to bring other people with him though. They had all gathered at her father's office at Hope's Peak Academy since they were all familiar with it.

She'd told them the details already, now she just had to wait for them to gather their thoughts.

Her father, Jin Kirigiri, had laced his fingers together and was lost in thought. For a man in his late thirties, he looked young. His dark purple hair and matching eyes were the same as hers. And unlike his daughter Kyoko, Jin always had a smile on his face. He reminded her of her friend Naegi Makoto quite a lot.

By his side, Kohichi Kizakura fiddled with his white fedora, a few blond strands coming lose. His blue eyes looked at his friend in concern. After a moment he took a seat on the couch and rubbed his goatee.

Sakakura Juzo crossed his arms and turned towards Kyoko. He looked tanner since she last saw him. "So What? We're suppose to believe that there's another stalker interested in Makoto Naegi just because this Nagito guys says so?" the Ultimate Boxer shook his head in disgust. "Didn't that guy get suspended last year for causing trouble?"

Jin Kirigiri frowned. "That wasn't really his fault. He should have said something true but ever since he's become friends with Makoto Naegi, he's gotten a lot better. Besides, his luck has proven to be true. I believe him. If what he says is true, then we have to increase the security when school starts again in August. "

Sakakura scowled and pointed at the fourth man in the room. "I get why I'm here, but this guys the janitor. Why the hell is he here?"

Kirigiri and the other three turned towards the other man. She had been wondering about that as well. She did have a theory about him though, he was too watchful for a janitor…best to keep quiet and find out.

The man looked young with his shaggy dark hair and blue eyes that looked at them all with mischief before they settled on Jin. The main raised an eyebrow at her father. A question.

Her father sighed. "Go ahead."

The man nodded and leaned on the wall before he took out a badge and showed it to everyone. "I believe you all know me as Tazuna around here but my real name is Akashi Hiraya. I'm a special agent with the FBI."

Sakakura's eyes widened then narrowed as he turned to Jin. "Why the hell is an agent from the FBI here?"

Akashi cleared his throat. "We believe that we're dealing with human traffickers." Everyone's eyes swiveled back to him. "There have been similar incidents at other schools before. Several girls have claimed that they'd felt as if they were being watched before they disappeared a few weeks later."

Kyoko spoke up from her seat in the couch and crossed her arms. "And what makes you think that this has to do with human trafficking?"

Akashi took out a folder from his backpack and placed it on the coffee table where they could all see before flipping it open. A girl with short black hair and green eyes stared back at them. "This is Suzune Aikawa, fifteen years old, went missing on September 13 five years ago before her body was discovered last year in foreign countries. She had burn marks on both wrists and a tattoo with the words Property of. The last sentence was burned off unfortunately." He flipped to another page. "Erika Swanson, sixteen years old. Claimed she was being followed, disappeared a few weeks later. Her body was found three cities away, same burn marks and same tattoo."

Kyoko took a hold of the folder and flipped through the pages. A dozen other girls stared back at her. So young she thought. Kyoko frowned as she noticed something else. "All these girls went to private schools like Hope's Peak."

Akashi nodded. "Exactly. And that's not all. According to their friends and families, the girls that were taken were loved by everyone. They were kind, always did the right thing and had the ability to lift people spirits up. They had presence in a room. Sound familiar?"

"Naegi Makoto," her father said solemnly.

Akashi nodded. "We put an agent in the other private schools to keep an eye out, but three days ago another girl went missing. The agent stationed there has gone missing as well. We have reason to believe," Akashi swallowed hard and his voice grew small, "that he's dead."

Sakakura cursed. "Just who are these fuckers?"

Akashi took out another file and placed it on the table. "We've only been able to confirm one."

Kyoko leaned forward to get a better look. The man in the picture had long black hair that was in need of a trim, hazel eyes and a crooked nose. He looked tall, 6'2 probably, with big biceps and a hard muscled body.

Kizakura let out a whistle. "Steroids much?"

"The man's name is Chad Cunningham. He's thirty-eight years old and he's been charged with murder, rape, and larceny. He's been present for five of the bodies that were found. The police were taking him down to the station to answer some questions but they never made it."

Kizakura frowned. "Why, what happened?"

Akashi sighed. "He killed both cops, dumped their bodies in the middle of traffic and drove off. They found the stolen car a few blocks away but he was long gone."

Jin leaned forward. "And since then you haven't seen him."

Akashi nodded.

Jin looked at each one of them in the eye before he declared, "It is our duty to protect talent. There is nothing more tragic than if hostility was directed towards those with talent. We will protect Makoto Naegi with everything we have."

Everyone sat a little straighter.

The headmaster turned towards his head of security. "Sakakura, inform Munakata and Yukizome that I want them both present for when school starts again. Munakata is fairly well in combat and Yukizome is a good observer, they'll be helpful."

Sakakura nodded. "Of course. I'll tell me my men to be cautious and to keep an eye out. We wouldn't want to let the bad guys know that we're aware of them."

Kirigiri took a sip of her coffee before speaking. "They probably thought we'd let our guard down with the arrest of Taichi Kurosawa. I spoke to him personally at the station. He's a pervert but he's not too smart. He was probably just a distraction to let our guard down, but we know better."

Akashi cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "I agree that Taichi wasn't the real culprit and I have a proposition on how we could capture those traffickers and save the other girls that were taken."

Kirigiri's eyes narrowed into slits. "No."

Akashi scoffed and glared. "I haven't even said anything yet."

Kirigiri got up from her seat and got in his face. "You want to use Makoto as bait. The answer is no. You're not putting her in danger, she's already been through enough."

Akashi didn't back down. "Look, I don't want her to get hurt either okay. But using her as bait would definitely make capturing the bad guys faster! We could even put a tracker on her so we'd know her location!"

Kirigiri looked like she wanted to punch the agent in the face. "No."

The other three males in the room looked at the exchange in surprise, none more than Jin Kirigiri as he gazed at his daughter with wide eyes. This was the most emotion he'd seen on his daughters face in a long time.

Training to be a detective in their family required them to not let their emotions get the better of them. It would interfere in their cases if they were to get emotionally involved. And his daughter was the best candidate to be the next great detective thanks to his fathers training. He couldn't help but smile a little. It seems his daughter was still capable of showing more than a blank face. Another change thanks to Makoto Naegi it seems; he was glad he'd invited her to his school.

From his position on the wall, Sakakura looked at the two still arguing before he pinched his nose and sighed. "As much as I hate to admit it, using her as bait is a good idea."

Kirigiri sent him a glare so fierce he was surprised he hadn't been incinerated. He held his hands up in surrender. "I'm just saying."

Kizakura looked at Jin. "It's your school, you're in charge what do you want to do?"

Everyone turned to look at the headmaster. Jin Kirigiri laced his fingers together and leaned forward on the desk with his eyes closed. After a moment, he opened his eyes and turned to Akashi. "We will not be using one of our own students as bait. The answer is no. We will increase security, and we will protect Makoto Naegi."

Kirigiri and Kizakura looked relieved. Sakakura just shrugged and Akashi frowned but nodded his consent.

Jin leaned back in his chair before ruffling his hair. "Now that that's been decided, this meeting is over. I will be in touch with you all and let you know about the new security measures. Until then, enjoy your vacation everyone."

With that everyone started to disperse. Jin waved goodbye to his daughter and left with Kizakura. Kirigiri followed behind Akashi as he walked down the stairs to exit the school. He was quiet but that expression of frustration hadn't left his face yet. Once Akashi had driven off, Kirigiri watched him go from the school gates.

A moment later Sakakura stopped beside her and looked in the direction the agent had gone. "That bastard is probably going to do something stupid."

Kirigiri nodded. "We'd best keep an eye on him."

The Ultimate Boxer nodded his consent. "Agreed. Need a ride?"

Kirigiri shook her head. "No that's all right. But thank you for the offer."

Sakakura shrugged. "Suit yourself. See you." A minute later he drove away.

Left to herself, Kirigiri Kyoko glanced at Hope's Peak Academy one more time before walking away.


"This isn't as difficult as you seem to think it is. Just read the recipes and follow them. You'll be fine. Trust me. I'll be here to help you out as well." Makoto Naegi said from her seat at the counter.

Komaeda scowled but quickly replaced it with a weary smile as his friend gave him a look. Naegi had gotten the bright idea to make chicken fettuccine alfredo for everyone, but once Komaeda said he wised he knew how to cook, Naegi had dragged him to the kitchen with her.

Hinata and Chiaki had taken Nozomi for a walk about fifteen minutes ago so it was only Komaeda and Naegi in the house. Komaeda had protested as he was dragged to the kitchen, but his friend wouldn't relent her hold on him. So here they were at five in the afternoon, trying to make food.

Naegi left her seat to stand beside him. She peered down at the book in front of them. "Let's see, we need to boil some water first." She glanced at Komaeda. "Okay, you can get the large pot under the counter and fill it with water, I'll go look for the pasta."

Komaeda quickly took out the large pot and placed it on the sink. He turned the knob only for it to come apart in his hands. Komaeda let out a yelp of surprise as water gushed out and drenched him in seconds. There was a scream as Naegi tripped on the water and went down, sending the pasta flying.

Komaeda reached for her hand only to trip on the fallen pasta and land on top of her. Naegi let out gasp at the added weight and Komaeda braced himself on his elbows and started apologizing. They managed to get up before they tripped once again. At this point they were both completely drenched.

On the third try, they finally managed to get up and Naegi tried to fix the knob as water rained down on them. Komaeda managed to find a wrench and he handed it to her. After a few minutes, the water stopped flowing and with a final twist, Naegi had fixed the problem.

Komaeda closed his eyes and prepared himself for the lecture he was about to receive. This always happened whenever he tried to cook. At least he hadn't set the house on fire like last time. So one could imagine his surprise when he felt cool hands place a towel on his head and start rubbing.

Komaeda opened his eyes to see Naegi smiling. Komaeda gaped. Noticing his stare, Naegi stooped her ministrations. "What is it?"

Komaeda's voice sounded small to his ears. "You're not mad?"

Naegi blinked at him in confusion. "Mad? Why?"

Komaeda glanced at the sink. Naegi's eyes widened in understanding before she resumed the task of drying his hair. "Nope. Believe it or not, it's happened to me too. Its not a big deal."

It was at times like these that Komaeda was glad that Naegi was his friend. She always understood.

"Besides, " she went on with a grin, "I was feeling kind of hot anyway, so maybe it was a good thing."

Komaeda laughed softly before he took the towel from her and started drying her hair in return. Naegi laughed. He was all too aware of her see through T-shirt and tried not to glance down. He'd already seen her black patterned bra by accident.

"The hell happened here?"

Both of them turned in the direction the voice had come from to see Hinata and Chiaki looking at them with wide eyes. Nozomi had taken a seat at the couch and was looking at them all from his position.

"We were cooking?" Naegi offered sheepishly.

Hinata crossed his arms. "Well I'm not eating that."

Chiaki elbowed him in the ribs. "Just grab a mop and help clean up."

Muttering under his breath, Hinata grabbed the mob from the closet and began to mop the floor. The others picked up the fallen pasta and dumped it in the trash before they started wiping the sink.


Twenty minutes later, once they'd cleaned the kitchen, they were debating whether to order pizza when Togami Byakuya strode into the house.

Naegi beamed and gave him a wave. "Hey honey bear!"

Hinata let out a snort as he covered his mouth to keep himself from laughing.

Whatever Togami was about to say was quickly forgotten as he sent an incredulous look at his girlfriend. Ever so slowly, he said, "What did you call me?"

Naegi took out a small memo pad. "Honey bear. No good huh." She crossed something out in the memo pad.

Togami raised an eyebrow, "What is that?"

Naegi noticed him starring at her memo pad. "A list of nicknames I'm trying out. What do you think about huggy bear?"

Hinata was outright laughing at this point. Komaeda tried to cover his laugh with a cough and Chiaki's lips were twitching.

Togami's eye twitched. Then he shook his head at her. "Neither. Anyway we have to go, Togami Industries is merging with Trinity Industries and we'll be having a huge party to announce the merger. Father insisted you all attend, so we're all going shopping for clothes before the party starts."

The heir didn't give them a chance to argue before he started herding them outside into the limo.

"By the way, why are you two wet?" he asked as he looked at Naegi and Komaeda.

"Cooking accident, huggy bear." Naegi replied.

Togami's eye twitched in annoyance before he smirked. "Just get in the car snicker doodle."

"Okay, I'm sorry!"


"So…how do I look?"

Naegi examined herself in the mirror and put a hand on her stomach. "I should really lay off the junk food."

Chiaki clicked her tongue at her. "Nonsense. You look great Naegi. Right?" she turned towards the owner of the shop who was helping them pick out dresses.

The woman, Erica her nametag said, nodded in agreement. "You look lovely."

Togami had dropped them both off at a boutique and ordered the employees to pick something out for them both before he and the other two males went to another store a block away to pick out suits.

Another woman, Sasha, stepped into the dressing room and started fiddling with Naegi's hair. "Are you going to wear it up or down?" she asked.

"Up to you," Naegi said with a smile.

Sasha nodded, put her blond hair into a high ponytail, and turned towards Chiaki. "That dress suits you quite well. How about you wear your hair up?"

Chiaki glanced down at the pink sleeveless dress she was wearing and nodded. It really did suit her Naegi thought as she glanced at her friend. It perfectly displayed the usually hidden curves that Chiaki had. Naegi smirked. She couldn't wait to see Hinata's expression when he saw her.

"I'll start doing your hair and make-up while your friend finishes selecting a pair of heels to go with that dress." Sasha said as she started leading Chiaki to the other side of the store.

"Heels?" Naegi squeaked.

Erica nodded in sympathy. "Of course. Don't worry, I'll help you find some that aren't too high for you."

Reluctantly Naegi trailed after her.

About half an hour later, Naegi stood in front of the mirror once again and inspected how she looked. She couldn't help the smile that appeared on her face as she took herself in. Sasha had decided to curl her hair and it framed her face perfectly. She hadn't used much making, claiming she didn't need as much. A bit of mascara, some red lipstick, and some eyeliner and she was all set.

The eyeliner made her green eyes stand out and she ran her hands over herself. In the end she had gone with the dark blue sleeveless dress that came up to her knees, and Sasha had found some black heels that weren't too high to walk on.

"Oh wow. Naegi you look beautiful."

Naegi turned towards the voice and whistled as her eyes as she took in Chiaki's appearance. "Me? Have you looked at yourself? You look amazing Chiaki!"

Chiaki blushed and glanced at herself in the mirror. Sasha had put her hair up and curled some of the strands that fell on her face. She had on a light shade of red for lipstick and the eyeliner made her eyes stand out. The pink heels she wore made her a little taller and matched with the pink sleeveless dress that she was wearing. And as before, her curves definitely stood out.

Behind them, Erica and Sasha admired their work with smiles on their faces.

"Oh that's right!" Sasha said as she left the room only to come back seconds later. "These would go perfectly with your outfits." She placed a necklace on their palms.

Naegi and Chiaki glanced at the necklaces in wonder. They both had a heart with a crystal inside it. Naegi's was blue and Chiaki's was pink. Nodding, they both put it around their necks and glanced at the mirror. It did look good they thought.

Naegi couldn't help but twirl a few times in the middle of the room. At her side, Chiaki giggled and pulled out her phone.

"Want to take a selfie?"

Naegi stopped her twirling and nodded. Erica took the phone from Chiaki and took a few more pictures before they heard the bell at the front of the store.

"You guys ready yet?" Hinata yelled. "I'm dying in this suit!"

"One second!" Naegi yelled back before she took Chiaki's hand and started leading them out of the dressing room. "By the way, when are you going to give Hinata a break and go out with him already?"

Chiaki blushed and narrowed her eyes, "When he mans up and asks me out himself."

Naegi laughed. "Maybe this will give him a little boost."

And with that they both exited the dressing room and looked at their three male friends who were openly gaping at them.

They couldn't remember the last time they'd seen something so beautiful. Togami felt his throat go dry as he looked at his girlfriend. She looked absolutely gorgeous.

Naegi let out a whistle. "Damn. You guys clean up good."

That got their attention, and they promptly closed their mouths and coughed into their mouths. All three were wearing a black suit with a blue undershirt under it. It looked like they had tried to control Komaeda's hair to no avail. Naegi glanced at Togami and she bit her lip. He looked damn good in that suit. Togami gave her a cocky grin in return and Hinata kept glancing at Chiaki from the corner of his eye.

"You both look beautiful." Komaeda whispered looking back and forth.

The girls beamed and after Togami paid for the bill, they all got inside the limo and drove off.


Togami Industries had rented a ballroom for the announcement of their merger. They had selected the best hotel in the city and hired only the best people to make the place gorgeous. Each person attending the ball wore only the best designer clothes they owned.

Women wore some of the most beautiful dresses Naegi had ever seen, varying in colors. The men wore tuxedos with their polished shoes clicking the wood. The men had gelled their hair and women had done their nails; each hand held a glass of champagne. Only a select group of the press had been chosen to attend and were milling around.

They'd even ordered a string orchestra to play in the corner of the room. Chandeliers hung in the ceiling, giving the room a gentle glow. The giant staircase that they were standing on led the way to the floor.

Hinata fidgeted with his tie, Chiaki was looking around the room in amazement, and Komaeda looked a little pale.

Togami turned towards them. "Relax. You're all going to be fine."

That seemed to ease some of the tension in their shoulders a bit. Togami stuck out his hand for Naegi and she wrapped her arm around it before she offered Komaeda her other hand. Komaeda looked surprised but wrapped his arm around hers and they descended the stairs.

Chiaki glanced at Hinata before he cleared his throat and offered her his arm. Chiaki beamed and wrapped her hands around his before they followed after their friends.

After giving the waiters an order to bring out some soda for his friends Togami placed a chaste kiss on Naegi's hand before he turned and walked into the crowd. Naegi could tell that he was preparing himself to converse with people he didn't particularly care about.

Left to their own devices, Naegi and her friends decided to try out some of the food that the waiters were carrying in trays.

Naegi took a bite of her crab cake and let out a tiny moan. Hinata was busy scarfing down some of the cake that they had. Chiaki was trying to make him slow down and Komaeda was leaning on the wall with his hands in his pockets.

Naegi went up to him and offered him a crab cake. He smiled gratefully before he took the offered item and popped it into his mouth.

A little ways ahead, some women kept glancing in their direction. "Did you see that boys hair? How scandalous, he didn't even try to gel it back."

The woman on her right nodded before she covered her mouth and tried to whisper to her friend. "And that other one is just scarfing down the food!"

Naegi and Chiaki sent a glare in their direction before the ladies scoffed and walked away.

Komaeda turned to Naegi. "It's okay Naegi. I'm used to this."

Naegi pouted. "Well, you shouldn't. What they said was very rude."

A minute later the Orchestra started playing something familiar. Naegi recognized the song instantly. It was Stay With Me by Sam Smith and Naegi pulled at Komaeda's sleeve to get his attention.

"Let's dance." She didn't give him a chance to protest before she dragged him into the dance floor.

"Naegi," Komaeda looked flustered. "I don't know how to dance."

"It's okay. We can just sway back and forth."

Komaeda still looked unsure so Naegi grabbed his hands and placed one on her waist and the other one her shoulder while she placed both of her ands on his shoulders.

Komaeda turned beet red but managed to move his legs. "That's it," Naegi coaxed, "You're doing great."

Another couple stepped up next to them and Naegi smiled. It seems Hinata had invited Chiaki to the dance floor after all. Chiaki sent a smile her way and Naegi gave her a subtle thumps ups.

Once the song changed to a different one, they swapped partners. Hinata and Naegi kept making faces at each other the whole time while Komaeda had to remind them to behave and Chiaki giggled.

They got a few glares from some of the other dancing couples but Naegi and Hinata waved in their direction and they quickly looked away. Hinata snickered.

A tap to her shoulder made Naegi turn to see Togami with a hand held out in front of her. He wriggled his eyebrows at her. "Shall we give them a real show?"

Naegi smiled and parted ways with Hinata before taking Togami's hand. The song suddenly changed to something more upbeat and Naegi glanced at the orchestra to see Osamu Togami grinning at them devilishly.

Naegi inwardly groaned. Togami's father had a tendency to play around with them. The song El Gitano Del Amor by The Latin Soul Syndicate started playing and she and Togami adjusted themselves to the beat of the song.

Togami was a good teacher Naegi thought as Togami twirled her away from him only to reel her back into his chest. Naegi hooked one of her legs around his waist and Togami spun them around. She was dimly aware of the crowd parting to give them room.

The beat picked up and Naegi and Togami moved faster. Twirled faster. He dipped her down and placed a chaste kiss on her neck that had her reeling in laughter. Togami snickered before he lifted her in his arms and she wrapped her legs around his waist before he settled her on the floor and she put her back to his chest and he wrapped and arm around her stomach as they swayed as the song came to a stop.

The crowd erupted in applause as Togami and Naegi tried to control their breathing. Neither stopped making eye contact with each other.


Back in the crowd, Hinata shook his head in amusement, "God, you can practically smell all that sexual tension."

Chiaki elbowed him in the ribs but she silently agreed. Komaeda was clapping the loudest and saying something about hope. A few ladies discreetly moved away from him. He paid them no mind.

Back at the front of the stage, Osamu Togami took the mic and addressed the crowd. "Another round of applause for my son and his lovely girlfriend everyone. They know how to liven up an audience eh?" there were a few chuckles as they crowd gave another applause. Togami and Naegi did a slight bow before Togami offered his girlfriend his elbow and they went to stand with the rest of their friends.

"Now that I have your attention again, I am very pleased to announce a significant occurrence in our business world." He glanced at the side as another man with long white hair and gray eyes walked up to the stage and handed him the mic.

"My name is Sebastian Trinity and I am pleased to announce that we are working together on the merger of Togami and Trinity industries."

A collective gasp ran throughout the room. Members of the press started taking out pens and pads of paper and began writing things down.

Mr. Togami took back the Mic and addressed the press. "Members of the press, we will provide you with packets that answers all your question about this event. The merger will take a few more months to finalize." He spread his arms, "Please, enjoy the rest of the party."

The press soon surrounded them and began asking a barrage of questions. Mr. Togami descended the stage and made his way to his son and his friends. Mr. Trinity could handle the press by himself.

"Now then, now that that's done, how about we all go out to eat? It's getting a little stuffy here."

"Are you sure you don't have to stay Mr. Togami?" Naegi asked.

Mr. Togami waved a hand in dismissal. "Nah, I've done what I came to do." He turned to the other three who were awkwardly observing them. "I'm more interested in talking with you three. It's been quite a while since my son has had friends."

Byakuya gave his father a look. His father grinned and started leading them to the giant staircase that would take them outside.

Hinata gulped and tugged on his tie. "Here we go."