"Right, so you think Hajime is acting suspicious because Monokuma is singling him out?" Fuyuhiko asked to clarify, rubbing a hand over his eyes because it was too early for this.

Peko gave a quick nod, not bothering to repeat herself, and only when Fuyuhiko didn't speak up did she continue.

"I wasn't aware you were on first name with him, Young Master."

Fuyuhiko gave a sharp inhale though his teeth at that. It's way too fucking early. The sun just rose, but Peko snuck into his cottage right before. He was always happy to see her, but today might be the day of the party and he wanted sleep before it all goes to shit.

"We've just talked a few times. Guy may look like a wimp, but he's actually pretty reliable," Fuyuhiko said, wanting to tell Peko more but he was unable to.

Instead, he took a deep breath and tried his best to smile. "Thanks for letting me know that the bear is after him Peko."

"I told you I would help."

"You did. And you are," Fuyuhiko said, hoping that Peko got what he was saying. He was trying to be more open with her, but it went against everything he learned in life.

"I'm going to talk to him about it. So… don't freak out or anything if we are late to breakfast," Fuyuhiko said before remembering he stoped joining them to breakfast on the third day, "Actually, I won't be joining breakfast at all. Feel free to tell them if they ask."

Peko looked at him for a moment before nodding. Fuyuhiko almost wished she ask why he was going or even ask to go with, but he wouldn't be able to explain properly if she did.

Peko left first, out the window, and Fuyuhiko waited a little bit before leaving. Then he walked to Hajime's cottage, not caring if anyone saw him. He'll come up with some reason later if anyone asks.

He only had to knock on the door once before Hajime opened it up.

"Why the fuck aren't you wearing a shirt?"

"I was sleeping," Hajime muttered, hair even more disheveled then usual and looking more like he stayed up all night again rather than just woke up.

"Is something wrong?" Hajime asked after blinking absent-mindedly at him a few times.

Fuyuhiko just narrowed his eyes and forced his way inside without a word.

And Hajime let him, taking only a moment before closing the door.

"So, we're good to talk in here?" Fuyuhiko asked, since the note that Hajime had fucking Kazuichi give him was vague as hell.

"Yeah, Monokuma can't enter, the cameras don't work, and once the doors is closes, no one can eavesdrop outside."

"Great, that means there is no fucking reason for you to avoid answering my questions," Fuyuhiko said, and he must have falling back into his 'yakuza boss' voice since Hajime took a step back.

Then he blinked, and signed.

"Let me get changed first."

Hajime left to get changed in the bathroom long enough for Fuyuhiko to make himself at home on the couch. When he exited, his face was damp like he splashed water on it, but his hair was still dry.

"Is this about-"

"This is about you calling yourself the ultimate hope! What happened to keeping things the same?" Fuyuhiko interrupted, not letting Hajime guess what he wanted to talk about and potentially derail the conversation.

"That was… I only thought about it once we re-entered. Things are going to change even without us meaning to, and the most important thing after making sure no one dies, is stalling for time. Monokuma already thinks that because I'm calling myself that, I'm really Kamakura, and that will give us time."

"I heard that that bastard of a bear is already singling you out," Fuyuhiko said, really not liking how this was sounding.

"Uh, yeah. But I can deal with that."

"Can you really? 'Cause the problem with paining a fucking target on your back like this is that you never know who's going to take the bait! What happens when Monokuma decides you're not worth keeping around and trying making a motive catered for you? What happens if someone stars getting paranoid because of how the fucking bear acts around you, and decides to kill you?"

"That's not going to happen. The Junko AI should be similar enough to the real Junko that she'll want to keep me around until the end," Hajime said, and Fuyuhiko didn't understand how he could say her name so easily.

"How similar?" Fuyuhiko asked enough though he really didn't want to know.

"Uh… if I can to put a percent to it, around 89.7%? The AI was just a copy of Alter Ego that Junko modified but she would ask me, I mean Kamukura, for help while she was doing the killing game."

Fuyuhiko was right. He really didn't like knowing that. At least they wouldn't have to deal with her AI personally until they do the shut down.

"I guess it's too late for you to take it back… but you better not pull anymore stunts like this! We all came back, and I know you got a supercomputer for a brain now, but that doesn't mean you can't relay on us for help."

"Wow, you're really the only to give me the lone wolf talk?" Hajime said with a grin that Fuyuhiko rolled his eyes at.

"Yeah I am, that's how you know I'm fucking serious about it!"

"I know. I do trust you guys, and you've been a huge help alright with keeping things on track. I'm sorry I don't have more for you to do right now."

"Save it. You don't need to apologize. I know you're doing your best," Fuyuhiko said as he waved Hajime off.

Just then the morning announcement went off.

"We should get ready for breakfast," Hajime said.

"Hey, If Komaeda already made his plans, are we really just going to play along until tonight?"

"Yeah, it has the highest chance of success without changing too much or making Monokuma aware of you guys," Hajime said, and Fuyuhiko really didn't like how it sounded like Hajime was trying to shield them from Monokuma.

"You better not let yourself become a target. I will never let it down if you get Komaeda of all people stab you."

"I'm going to stop him before he even gets the knife, so there will be no stabbing. I don't get why you and Kazuichi are so worry about that."

Fuyuhiko couldn't believe how dense Hajime was at times.

"You know what? I'm out of here. Great fucking chat," Fuyuhiko said before leaving.

Breakfast was preceding like how it did the first right until the moment Monomi showed up and told them the lights weren't working in the old loge. Quickly the others moved on to talk about other locations, even if Hajime saw the other survivors (that were there) looking confused.

Expect for one.

It was… well, Hajime wish he could say he was surprised, or maybe annoyed that Kazuichi did this on his own? Hajime wasn't really one to talk since he changed things first, but it would have been nice for him to tell them before just doing it.

After a long argument that Hajime or or less checked out of, they decided the next best location was the beach. Or more likely a lot of people wanted a party at the beach. Imposter was worried about Monokuma showing up, and while that would be annoying, Hajime was sure he wouldn't interfere with the promise of murder.

But who knows if Komaeda will go along with it now. Being on the beach meant they don't have to worry about blackouts, since there is enough stars and a full moon to light the night. There was still a lot of things Komaeda could do, but problem was it wasn't just the white hair boy wanting to kill someone, it was trying to make 'hope bloom'. Komaeda was more than willing to risk his own life to do that, and Hajime knew any plans he makes will have that be a core. Which was a headache to think about. Literally, with all the difference way it could go.

Using his artificial talents occasionally gave him a migraine. At first Hajime thought it was because he got his personality and memories back, there was just not enough room his his brain. But he remembered that as Kamukura, he use to get them at the beginning, when they were still testing his talents and limitations of his new body. Hope's Peak put in all the best doctors and research into him, but even they couldn't avoid side effects.

He still got them more often during that month on the real Jabberwock Island trying to reprogram the NWP then he did during the three years as Kamukura, which was worrying. That implied that it was worst now (degradation of the project?), or he was using his talents too much (Kamukura never had the need to use his talents outside of survival), or it was stress related (Kamukura was too bored to be stressed). Hajime wasn't sure if it was one, or a combination, and there wasn't much he could do. The files from the project were all gone, Hajime can't just turn off his talents, and if it was just stressed headache, then that wouldn't be solved until they all make it out of here alive.

Point was, Hajime didn't want to think about it.

"…And what about drinks? Seems a little unfair to make Hanamura deal with the food and drinks."

"I don't mind helping with that," Komaeda said, and Hajime turned back into the conversation at once. "I saw some drink mixes at the market. All we need is a punch bowl!"

"Why don't I help you look for one," Hajime offered, worried that somehow this was part of Komaeda's new plan.

But there was no sign of annoyance from Hajime offering to help. In fact, Komaeda looked delighted.

"Fine. You two are incharge of drinks, which includes finding disposable glasses," Imposter said, pushing up his glasses.

"Oh! And straws!" Ibuki added.

They stayed long enough for the others to get assigned jobs. Ibuki and Saionji were in charge of music (not live). Kazuichi, Tanaka, and Chiaki were doing lights. Koizumi, Tsumiki, and Sonia were in charge of other decorations. Pekoyama and Nidai's job was to bring tables and chairs out to the beach. Imposter and Akane were helping Hanamura with carrying the food from the kitchen to the beach, which was an awful idea.

It seemed like since they can't have a closed place, Imposter's plan to keep a murder from happening was to make sure everyone was too busy. No one had a job alone, and everyone knew where the others should be.

It was impressive how good Imposter was at leadership considering that wasn't even their talent.

"Let's check the kitchen first," Hajime suggested since they were already there and Hanamura wasn't going to be cooking until later.

Hajime never spent time in the kitchen in the simulation, and in real life there was a hole in the roof and the stove were rusted out. He figured it wouldn't take too long to find what they need. The disposable cups and straws they would have to find at the market. Also the drinks. But a bowl or pitcher they should be able to find.

Problem was, he didn't find any with the other serving dishing. Nor with the glasses, which was the second place he checked. There wasn't a whole lot of places in the kitchen that wasn't food storage, which only made Hajime more confused. It felt like the simulation had everything, so it really didn't make sense that-

"Whoops," Hajime heard Komaeda say, and he turned in time to see a large glass punch bowl fall out of the cabinet that he opened and smashed into a thousand of pieces on the floor.

"Don't move, I'm going to get a broom," Hajime said before Komaeda could even start talking about 'what bad luck'.

Luckily, it seemed that Komaeda didn't get cut by any of the pieces, and took Hajime advice of not moving when he came back.

"You don't need to do that!" Komaeda said as Hajime started sweeping, "This mess is my fault to being with, and cleaning is much more suited for someone as worthless as me than the ultimate hope."

Hajime almost wanted to just drop the broom and get out of there. But if Komaeda was going to come up with a new plan, now would be the time.

"It's fine," Hajime said as he quickly sweep up the pieces, not really trusting that Komaeda would stay still. "I rather not have you hurt yourself."

"Ah…" Komaeda said along with making a weird noice that had Hajime looking up from the ground.

The white hair boy was just staring at him in disbelieve. Like it was so unbelievable that Hajime didn't want Komaeda to cut himself on the glass. But as soon as he noticed Hajime was looking back at him, he looked away.

"Sorry! It seems like I can't do anything right, it might be best for me to just wait outside-"

"No. You are not going to make me do all the work just because you have low self-esteem."

Hajime wasn't sure if that was the reason Komaeda said that, or if he wanted to get away to work on his new plan, but Hajime wasn't having it either way. Komaeda for his part didn't seemed annoyed, just smiled at Hajime before looking at his feet.

"Well, if the ultimate hope wants me around that badly…"

Hajime frowned, but didn't commented as he swept up the remaining glass and placed it all in the trash. Now that was done, Hajime could continue searching…but there wasn't anywhere left in the kitchen for them to look.

"We might have to try looking in the old lodge. There should be some left over plates and we might find a punch bowl."

"How fortunate… I have a flashlight on my keychain!" Komaeda said, pulling it out to show Hajime.

"Does it have batteries?" Hajime had to ask, and Komaeda's smile fell a little before he clicked the button and it turned on.

It wasn't very bright, but Hajime had excellent night vision (due to the project). The old lodge was dusty, but they headed straight to the kitchen which wasn't as bad. Komaeda offered to hold the light steady while Hajime searched, but it still didn't help since the old lodge only had cooking supplies.

"This is getting ridiculous. Why is it so hard to find this?"

"Perhaps we should just give up?"

"And what? Have people drink sea water if they're thirsty?" Hajime shot back, voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Ah, you misunderstood me. Although, being the ultimate hope I should have expected you to be way beyond my understanding and-"

"Can you stop calling me that!" Hajime yelled, unable to take it anyone on top of the frustrations of failing to find anything.

Komaeda blinked at him and for a moment Hajime thought he could just agree.

"Why wouldn't I call you that? Being the ultimate Hope is an amazing talent-"

"Cause I haven't done anything to earn that title!" Hajime yelled, and forced himself to calm down.

I can't let Komaeda know that was only given to me because of the kamukura project. He needed to calm down before it let something out that he shouldn't.

"…you don't think you're worth it," Komaeda said, and Hajime was surprised he almost sounded sympathetic.

Of course he's sympathetic. Komaeda never tried to hide his options on his own self-worth. Hajime thought bitterly, not liking the similarities between them.

"I… just haven't done anything worth being called that. So I don't want anyone calling me that," Hajime said, angry gone from his voice.

"Hmm, I'm not sure I agree, but if it bothers you that much, I will refrain from calling you by your talent," Komaeda said, surprising Hajime.

I didn't think he would just stop if I asked…

"Thanks-"

"…At least, until you feel like you've done something to deserve being called the ultimate hope. Hope's Peak didn't make a mistake choosing you, and I hope I get to see you truly embrace your talent!"

"I…"

Hajime didn't know what to say to that. Of course he wasn't going to embrace his talent. It was never his to being with. He was just a talentless kid who became a lab rat that helped destroy the world.

"…what was it I wasn't understanding?" Hajime asked, hoping to move the conversation from anything close to Hope or Despair.

Komaeda looked shocked from the sudden switch in conversation, but seemed to get what Hajime as asking.

"Oh, I just think we should give up trying to find something to hold the drinks. There is only 16 of us after all. It wouldn't be that hard to make individual drinks."

Hajime wanted to argue, but he was tired, and Komaeda was right that they didn't need a punch bowl or pitcher. It would take more time, and be more tedious, but it was doable.

"…Let's just go to the market."

Komaeda was completely silent as they walked, and by the time they got there, everyone else was gone haven got their supplies for the party. Hajime lost sight of Komaeda for a little bit as they looked for drinks, but that was bound to happen when they split up. There was enough sodas that it would be fine just bring them to the beach, and Hajime found a pack of 40 plastic cups of all different colors.

"Hey Komaeda, have you found any straws?" Hajime asked as he turned down one of the aisle, only to see the boy with his arms full of power drink mixes.

"I think I saw some over by the pool toys," Komaeda said like nothing was out of place.

"…What is that?"

"Hm? What is what?" Komaeda said with that smile of his.

Not quite the fake mask-like one, but the one that clued Hajime in that he was aware he was being obtuce.

"You know what I mean. Why do you have 27 different packets?"

"Well, I thought since we aren't limited to one bowl, there is no reason to limit everyone to one favor. I also wasn't sure what everyone liked, and therefore grabbed one of everything! …I am surprised you guessed how many I grabbed though."

"I…" Hajime couldn't really come up with an argument since they already would have to mix the drink individually, what did it matter if they were all the same flavor or not?

"Go grab a bag. I'll get the straws and we can start making these."

Hajime didn't look back to see if what expression Komaeda was making as he grabbed some straws (bendy, Ibuki will be happy with that) and put his own stuff in one of the bags.

Hanamura started cooking when they got back, and they were forced to make the drinks in the dinning hall using the water jugs Komaeda thought to get from the market. Komaeda dumped the mixes between them, just as Hajime opened the plastic cups. Still, it wasn't too bad. Komaeda was still being surprising quite, but considering Hajime outburst early, he wasn't surprised by that.

It was a little mind numbing pouring water in a cup, opening a packet, and mixing before doing the next one. The only time Hajime payed attention to what he doing was when he grabbed a packet that was a little heaver then the others.

"Passion Fruit… Sakura tea?" Hajime read before making a face.

"Not a fan?" Komaeda asked, and Hajime noticed he even leaned over a little to see the packet.

"I'm not big on Sakura favored stuff," Hajime commented as he ripped open the packet.

"It does sound a little too sweet…"

"Sakura tea is already sweet, why do they need to add another fruit to it?" Hajime probably wouldn't have mind if it was just Passionfruit, but really? Sakura tea?

"Do you like tea Hajime?"

"Sometimes?" Hajime was more of a coffee person than tea, at least once he got into Hope's Peak and started pulling all nighters. "I like the more earthy ones I guess."

Hajime couldn't remember the last time he had tea that wasn't from a bottle.

"I got into the habit of making my own tea since the ones you buy are too sweet."

"Really? We should throw a tea party sometime, maybe invite Sonia," Hajime joked, but Komaeda didn't seem to get he was joke.

"Oh I could never! It's bad enough that i'm wasting your time so much, but another ultimate as well-"

"Didn't I already tell you it's not a waste of time? If you want just the two of us, that's fine, but I know that Sonia likes tea parties and she would love getting invite to one," Hajime said like he wasn't making a joke earlier.

Although, it wouldn't be that bad. Besides the whole ultimate hope thing, he hasn't talked about hope once.

"…it does sound fun," Komaeda admitted, and Hajime smiled at him.

They still need to get though the party, but it if all went well, then maybe Hajime could talk to Sonia about it. Maybe see if some of the others would be interested. Kazuichi doesn't like stuff like that, and was still trying to give Sonia space, but maybe Fuyuhiko? Pekoyama also struck him as someone who would know how to do a traditional tea ceremony, which Hajime had a talent for. Last time Koizumi did a tea party with the girls, so she might also be interested.

"It does, doesn't it?" Hajime repeated, and they ended up having a nice conversation about their drink and snack preferences as they finished up.

The party was turn out surprising well. Hanamura had to keep making trips to the kitchen to get more food, but night has fallen and the only issue was Kazuichi and Ibuki starting a small fire with one of the speakers. Hajime made sure to keep an eye on Komaeda, but he was just staying to the edges of the party. Nothing was off about him, but that wasn't enough to put Hajime at ease.

He just couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to happen.

"Haji!" Akane yelled, and Hajime didn't have much time to prepare for the bone crashing side hug she gave him.

"Hey Akane, look like your enjoying yourself."

In her otherhand was a overflowing plate of food. He had a moment of worry that she was going to make herself sick, but her current Avatar was based off her teenage self, not her real body that was still recovering from starvation.

"Hell yeah I am! Have you tried some of this stuff? Doesn't look like you've even grabbed a drink."

"Uh, I will. I was just… waiting…"

"For what? An invitation?" Akane asked, then she leaned in a little, "If you're worried about the weirdo, I'll watch him for a bit."

"I really don't mind-"

"Come on Haji, you need to relax a little. Nothing happening, and if something does, we'll stop it! So go get a plate and a glass, and I better see both half empty before you come back!" Akane said as she shoved him to the direction of tables.

"Fine, fine."

There was no arguing with Akane when she was like this. And Hajime was starting to get hungry. It might just be a simulation, but it was a little excited to be able to actually taste Hanamura's food this time.

Hajime grabbed a plate, and pilled a few things that he wouldn't have know the name before, and a few shish kebabs. Ibuki said hi by almost biting him (but he side step her before she could), then she stole a bit of his food and left to try bitting someone else.

Before anyone could distract him, Hajime grabbed a random drink and headed back to Akane. He didn't really want to leave her alone, and knowing Akane, she would make it too obvious she was watching Komaeda.

Sonia was at a table with Tanaka which was nice to see. Nidai was talking to Kazuichi and Koizumi about… something. More like Nidai and Kazuichi were talking about something and Koizumi was taking pictures. Pekoyama was walking from the entrance where Hajime figured she spotted Fuyuhiko (he still decided to the best not to go to the party, but Hajime figured he was stay close). Tsumiki was now talking to Komaeda which made Hajime curious, but it was probably fine.

"That's really all you got?" Akane commented as Hajime came closer, her plate from before already empty.

"I'll get more later," Hajime said as he place the plate between them (wordless letting Akane get some if she was still hungry) and took a sip of his drink.

And immediately pulled a face.

"What's wrong? Is there a bug in your drink?"

"What? No, it's just… I didn't pay attention to what I grabbed," Hajime said, taking another sip even though it was still too sweet.

Of course I picked that weird passionfruit sakura tea one.

"That's all? If you want we can switch," Akane said as she showed off her very blue drink.

"That's alright. It's not that bad."

It really was, but Hajime was committed now.

"Too bad we couldn't find any alcohol. I know baby ganster would have pulled a fit, but it would have been worth it."

"Yeah that's too… wait, why were you even looking for alcohol?"

"Eh, Teru needed it for cooking for something. I wasn't really paying attention…" Akane said as she picked her ear, only to suddenly turn back to face him and asked, "Hey do you think-"

"No," Hajime interrupted, already knowing that she was going to ask if he could 'hack' in some alcohol.

Hajime knew he was able to do that, but he wasn't sure he was ready to deal with class 77-b when they were drunk.

"Also, we're only 16, remember?"

"Wha- oh yeah," Akane said, like she forgot how they looked at the moment.

Hajime hid his smile in his drink as he looked back over to Komaeda. Sonia joined their conversation, which again wasn't a problem. They were too far away for Hajime to clear hear them, but from how Sonia was talking with her hands he figured they might have been talking about the occult. Tsumiki looked a little freaked out, but not enough that Hajime felt like he needed to head over and-

"Hinata. I need you to go help Hanamura carry over the next batch of food."

Hajime turned back to see the Imposter standing in front of them.

"Me? But I thought…" Hajime started to say, but it seemed like the Imposter wasn't interested in hearing his arguments and already started walking away.

Hajime turned to Akane about to ask what the hell that was about when she answered for him.

"Teru kicked us both out after we sampled too much of the food."

"…I surprised I didn't hear the screams earlier," Hajime commented as he stood up.

"We ran before he could. Hey, why don't you ask coach to help ya?"

Hajime looked over to Nidai, who was still talking to Kazuichi, but instead of Koizumi it was Tanaka and… Nidai was holding a bench over his head.

"I think he's busy. I'll just find someone else."

"Hey, you need to finish your food first! You can't just let to go to waste."

There wasn't a whole lot of food left on his pate. So he just finished it off, and drained the rest of his too sweet drink with a grimmer.

Most people were talking or dancing (or taking pictures) but Hajime spotted Sonia dragging Taumiki to the dance floor which left one person by themselves.

"Komaeda, I need to help carry some food from the hotel back here, do you want to help me?"

"You're asking me? But…"

"Everyone else is busy, and I noticed you were standing here alone, so unless you have other plans…" Hajime trailed off, pleading that maybe Komaeda will just tell him his plan and give it up.

"Ah, well you are right about that. Not sure how much help someone like me can be, but I'll assist you!"

Hajime found Hanamura over by the entrance of the beach, obviously waiting for some extra hands.

"Oh? When Togami told me he would find me some help, I was expecting someone with a bit more in the chest. Although… Hajime, your chest is quite board and-"

"Okay. That's enough. No one is talking until we get back to the beach," Hajime said, and thankfully, everyone listened.

Komaeda still looked happy, and Hajime didn't know if it was just being near the ultimate hope (though Hajime was happy he seemed to be honoring Hajime request to not call him that) or for the nice evening walk. Or his murder plans. Hajime can't forget about that.

It wasn't a long walk, but even with the sun long set it was still hot and shit was starting to stick to him. By the time they got to the steps leading to the kitchen he was even a little out of breath, but before they could climb up, Hanamura turned to them.

"You two stay out here until I'm done cooking. I'll holler when I'm done and we can carry it back to the party," Hanamura said, and left before they could argue.
Hajime wasn't sure it was the safest thing leaving anyone alone like this, but considering he had to deal with Imposter and Akane, it was understandable he didn't even want them waiting in the dinning room. Hajime figured he was still close enough to hear anything.

"I suppose Hanamura is the type of ultimate who prefers to do his work alone. What a shame. I was hoping to watch him in his element," Komaeda said, turning to Hajime with that disappointed look of his and Hajime left his heart race.

"Uh, yeah…" Hajime didn't know what to say as he looked away from Komaeda and tried to calm his heart.

Why am I reacting like this? It's just Komaeda…

It was true that Komaeda often often do or say things that would make his heartbeat increase, but it was nothing like Hajime was currently experiencing. It was closer to what he would imagine running a marathon would be like, but after the project his body ever reacted like that.

"…Hinata? Are you alright? You're looking a little pale."

"I'm fine," Hajime got out, though it felt like his tongue turned to lead.

Hajime was firmly looking at the pool, and not the boy next to him, so he almost jumped when he felt a hand on his arm.

"Maybe we should sit down? You swaying in place a little…"

Hajime turned to look at Komaeda who was wearing that fake smile of his, but his eyes held nothing but concern in them. Hajime let himself be guided down to the steps, but when he sat down things didn't get better.

Hajime finally noticed how he was even more out of breath now than when they arrived. His heart rate was way too high for what should have been rest. His fingers tips were starting to get numb, and there was a dull pain in his abdominal region that he didn't notice before.

"I… think somethings wrong…" Hajime said, but his speech slurred a little.

"You… didn't have that drink did you?" Komaeda said, and Hajime looked up to see the white hair boy looked terrified.

What?

"But I thought my luck would be enough for someone else to drink it…" Komaeda muttered to himself.

"What?" Hajime asked out loud, unable to figure out just what Komaeda was implying.

"It wasn't suppose to be for you! Someone else would die, then I would get blamed and you would be able to leave…"

Slowly it clicked.

"You poisoned the drink…?"

"No, I just handed it to you. The ultimate hope being stuck on this island does no one good, and I thought I could help you escape, but It seems I can't even do that much right!" Komaeda ranted, pacing even though Hajime didn't recall him standing up.

Hajime could only watch as he realized what Komaeda has been up too. It felt like his thoughts were coming at a snails pace, something he hasn't experience since before the project, but he finally understood. Komaeda's reason to start the killing game this time wasn't to see the ultimates overcome despair or to test to see who's hope was the strongest. It was simply to get the dumbass who claimed to be the ultimate hope off the island.

Hajime noticed that the packet was heavier than the others, but discarded it. He never thought that Komaeda would manipulate himself to be the killer. Though he should have. Komaeda did the same thing with Chiaki, even if that was by chance. By his own luck.

Hajime opened his mouth to get Komaeda's attention. He wasn't sure if he wanted to yell at him for once again trying to kill someone, or for trying to kill someone on his behalf which was worst. But instead…

"Charcoal can be used to neutralize drugs," Hajime was pretty sure he said out loud, but it was hard to tell.

He figured a bit too late that if the mix drink packet had the poison, then Komaeda must have crushed up an ridiculous amount of over-the-counter drugs that were in the market. Most being acetaminophen based or Antihistamines. If it was know, and there were drugs that could be taken to neutralize it. But the pharmacy was on the second island, and the hospital on the third, which is why Hajime was thinking charcoal.

Not that he knew why he was telling Komaeda this. It was more likely he was just going to-

"S-stay here! I'm going to get Mikan… Please don't die Hajime!" Komaeda practically yelled, and it was only than Hajime noticed how terrified the boy looked.

Then he was running off, sideways which Hajime noticed was off but he was tired.

Even if he doesn't get Tsumiki, I should be fine. Hope's Peak did test my tolerance for all types of drugs, and I felt way worst then I do now…

The black dots that he didn't noticed before started filling his vision, and soon after, he fell unconscious.

A/N: This is still one of my favorite chapter's that I posted so far. Though chapter 8 is close.

Thank you everyone who has read, reviewed, or favorited this story. Hope you all have a good night/day!