Chapter 7: Cries turning to Smiles; with Cheers and Hope

After a commemorable and scrumptious dinner, we had good chats about our lives before coming to Hope's Peak Academy. About Kiyotaka's feats as a elite example, he always puts the rules above all else, demonstrating amazing leadership, and making sure everyone abide to them, especially punctuality, earning him the title of Ultimate Moral Compass. As for Hifumi, he claims of his interest in the 2D realm where his fanfic creating skills is a second to none, or at least that is what he thinks.

However, the others are actually surprised upon hearing that Makoto is one out of a million students, selected to enrol in Hope's Peak Academy based on a lottery, the Ultimate Lucky Student is chosen. The others are all happy for Makoto for being picked to be here because it has to be a reason for all this. "Ah, what an amazing feat, Makoto! You are chosen from the majority, impressive."

Hifumi fixes his glasses and focuses on Makoto, claiming that, "Huzzah. Your character is really matching to those as the 'Chosen One'. As such, you play an important role in most stories."

Hearing all that complements, makes Makoto a little embarassed. He stammers as he tries to respond modestly while slightly sweating. "Well... It was just l-luck, there is all there is to it. I'm n-not what you all th-think I am."

Trying to diffuse his shuddered emotions, I pat him on the shoulder, to alleviate his mood. "Makoto, you were given a one in a million chance, that is a blessing. Besides, remember when I said that luck is an ability itself."

"Yeah... You got a point there." Makoto admits with a sigh of relief. "Mhm, you a-are a n-nice person who deserves this chance. Right, e-everyone?" Chihiro nods when she adds her support to the table.

Lastly, we turn to Mukuro to deliver the final saying. She is just staying silent for a moment, before looking at us one by one and sighs, knowing that she has to say something. "Look, Naegi. You are here in this academy now and friends support you. So, man up and be yourself." Mukuro puts her words in a laid-man terms and it is more than enough to get Makoto inspired.

"Thanks everybody. This really help me a lot. I will do my very best." Makoto makes a statement to strive his hardest. And we are here for each other. "That's the spirit, Makoto! I expect you to give it your all." Taka says with great anticipation and expectations from the Ultimate of the hour.

Looking at the time, it is a quarter to 9 at night. As we are informed that the water supply gets cuts off daily before 10pm, we thank each other for the meal before clearing out the table. I volunteer to clean the dishes while the others wipe the tables before leaving.

"Hey, Hanako. You are okay with cleaning the dishes? I mean we can help too." Makoto asks me whether it is fine. "It's all good, Makoto. I can take care of this, you guys just get some rest."

As I collect the dishes for cleaning, Makoto and the others raise their hands, waving goodbye as they leave the dining area. I am feeling quite upbeat to be able to have a nice dinner together with my new peers. But, there are still some cups on the table and I am a little short of hands.

"Do y-you need some help, Hanako-kun?" A familiar voice is heard from behind me. I turn behind, struggling to keep the plates from tumbling over. "Oh, it's you, Chihiro-san." Chihiro quickly grabbing a plate after giving a bright smile. She also helps with the cups on the table.

"Chihiro, I thought you are heading back with the others. You didn't need to help me, I got everything und... Woah..." I nearly lost my grip on one while assuring her I am handling fine.

I could see her trying hide a giggle but I guess it is my bad for thinking I could handle it alone. "Well, I thought you needed help and I was right." Chihiro makes it clear that I am in need of assistance.

"Okay, you got me. Thanks for the help." I say while returning a thanking smile of my own. We then get the tableware clean up, all of them spotlessly clean, reflecting a glimmer of shine.

Now that's done, it's about time we get ready to call it a day too. I mention to Chihiro that we should probably get going and she nods in agreement. Leaving the dining area, we make our way straight for the dormitories. But before, that...

"Umm... Chihiro? Do you have a moment?" I ask her all of a sudden. "Oh, what is it?" Chihiro responds, looking a little startled.

I then scratch my head and stuff my hand into my pocket, appearing a little restless. Moving past my stiffness, I open up my mouth and force my response. "Do you think, we can talk for a moment? It won't take long I promise."

After a moment, Chihiro agrees to have a word with me. It is about something that I find concerning for five years until she come to this school.

"So, what is it you want to talk about, Hanako-kun?" Chihiro asks curiously. I remain quiet for a second, trying to plan out what to say. "Chihiro, are you mad at me or anything?" The moment I ask the question, Chihiro flinches as she tries to make heads and tails of what I ask her.

"W-what makes you say that?" I'm not mad or anything. In fact, I'm really happy to see you." She replies instantly but I still feel uncertain. "Because... We haven't actually talked to each other for years now. After I promised to keep in touch, I was busy catching up on my activities and training regiments." I answer in a depressing tone.

"I wanted to call you but at the end of the day, I was just exhausted and oftenly I had to make some time to write stories before making the cut for editing and then publication, barely having any time to start up my computer. You are my best friend since grade school, and I couldn't even find the time to speak to you after graduating." I finish explaing, already expecting her reaction to be like.

"But, Hanako..." Chihiro tries to say something but I interupt her. "It's my fault for making false promises. You have every right to be mad at me."

Instead of what I expect her to maybe just walk off, leaving me in the dark or giving me the cold shoulder, she comes closer, taking hold of my hands. She looks into my eyes not with disappoinment, but with happiness. "Hanako, I would never be mad at you. I h-have always supported you when you begin travelling all over Japan."

I know that she is trying to ease my concerns but I couldn't help but feel wrong. "But, I could have at least... maybe text you or give a call..." She just shake her head in response.

"Hanako, it's okay. I also had to take care of something important during those years, I should have called you too. It's my fault too." Chihiro replies. She then feels something on my wrist and she opens to see. Then, a smile on her face develops along with a teary eyes.

"You kept this... all this time with you, Hanako-kun?" She points to the bracelet made with a string of beads with letters, spelling, 'C H' and follow with the words, 'Hopes and Cheers!'. "Y-yes, Chihiro... I always wear it... B-because it gives me the hope to do my best. I always remember it..." I answer with tears forming too, brought from the memories of the past.


It was about 5 years ago...

In the middle of spring, where it was so peaceful and lively. There were pink blossom leaves falling from the trees, looking at them just reminded me of the conforting wonders that exists in the world.

It was a time of celebration because it was 'Graduation Day' where we move on to the next level of education. Many were so excited and thrilled to make it through and ready for the next level.

That includes me too, I was dressed in white button-up shirt covered with a black collared vest, wearing a mortar on my head. It was amazing as I was awarded as the best student in the Ultimate division for excellent achievements in academics, sports and co curicullar activities.

I felt the joyous moment of standing on stage, experiencing the pride of a young prodigy. I was truly grateful for becoming one of the greats, thanks to the support from my mother, teachers and my best friend, Chihiro who I could see, cheering for me in the crowd.

After the award ceremony, many students were all heading home, looking forward to a party, I imagine. Some were wishing and bidding their farewells to their friends. That was the same for me too. Chihiro came running over, calling out to me and I waved to her. "Hey, Hanako-kun. Congrats to you."

I always found her complements quite sweet and I thanked her for spending time as a study partner. "Chihiro, you want to walk with me on the way out?" I stammered while requesting her company. She giggled at my nervousness before agreeing cheerfully.

Chihiro and I walked out in front of the school gate, taking a good look of the entire school since we have completed a chapter in our youthful year. Although I was a little sad, because we weren't going to the same high school next year.

"So, Chihiro, made some nice memories here, don't you think?" I ask while looking at the school, reminding me the first time meeting her. "Mhm! I enjoy those times with you." Chihiro answered, rethinking some moments.

She then gave me a grin and brought up one of them. "I r-remembered that one time, when you were startled by an owl once during the school camping trip. You couldn't even sleep after that." I tried to remain composed as I refuted. "W-well, that owl caught me off guard, that's all, Chihiro." She couldn't resist laughing and I complied to laughter too but it was a good laugh.

It was just wonderful, making memories with friends, no; an irreplacable and invaluable friend. I wouldn't trade it for the world. "I want to give you a present, Hanako." She told me with a smile while reaching for something in her bag. I asked her what the gift was in anticipation.

She took the gift out and opened her palm. It appeared to be an pretty bracelet of beads. "I made this for you during some arts and crafts lessons." I took the bracelet and admired its craftmanship; the thought and time making this for me was delightful.

"I love it, Chihiro. I will always wear it wherever I go. In return, I should also give you something too." I quickly pulled out a drawing from a transparent folder, it was a drawing of me and Chihiro, making flower wreaths for each other in the school gardens, placing on each other's heads.

"Wow, what a beautiful drawing. You looked so cute with that on your head." Chihiro said while gazing it. "I guess. But, you looked twice, no, ten times cuter than me. The very definition of cute." I teased her unmeasurable cuteness and she toughened herself up.

Behind us, we could hear our parents calling. My mom and Chihiro's dad were waiting for us and we greeted. "Hello, mom and Mr Fujisaki."

"Congrats, Hanako. I know you had it in you, you were always a hardworking boy." Taichi Fujisaki praised me and I humbly replied, "It was thanks to my mom, you and Chihiro for helping me get here. For that, words can't describe my gratitude."

My mom also gave me and Chihiro a hug. "Mom... Thank you " I said. Then, my mom got an idea to mark this special day with a photo which Mr Fujisaki agrees to the idea.

Pulling both their cameras, my mother and Chihiro's father were ready to snap a picture as Chihiro and I chose a photogenic spot near the school gate. Both of us stood close to each other, just centimetres apart, producing the brightest smile for the photo.

As the countdown began from 3 to 1, the cameras flashes and the photo produced were a keeper. Knowing that in life, there are meetings and there are also farewells. It was time for me to search for my calling. Before heading off, I wished her goodbye, "See you on the other side, Chihiro." while holding on tight on my wrist with the bracelet.


That was the last time we saw each other, travelling on different paths. But, I have never forgotten about my best friend as I always carry the memories and friendships we fostered throughout the years. I yearn for the day to see her again. And the Heavens above hears my plea and graciously granting me the chance to reunite once more.

"Hanako-kun, I really missed you and I am so overjoyed to see you again." Chihiro says with tears forming in her eyes. "I feel the same too, I am happy and blessed to be classmates with you again." I reply with a joyous tone, I also couldn't help but cry with her.

Then, I dried my and her tears away, telling her, "We're going to have a great time together with new friends. Isn't it exciting?" She implies with a thrilled look, exciting for starting school tomorrow. "Of course. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the gang." I replied with the same level of excitement as her.

"Umm... Hanako. Could you please tell me about your adventures all around Japan sometime?" Chihiro asks me, eager to listen to my 5 year journey. "Certainly, I promise, Chihiro. So, I will be seeing you tomorrow for breakfast." I promise her before calling it a night.

"Ok. Good night, Hanako-kun. Sweet dreams." Chihiro smiles and wishes me goodnight. "Good night to you too, Chihiro-san." I return with a wave good night before entering my room.

Without wasting any time, I quickly dive into the bathroom to take a shower, then brushing my teeth and lastly drying my hair before getting into my nightwear. I then toss myself onto my comfy bed and begin staring at the ceiling.

I stare into wonder, thinking about how awesome today is. And I can't wait for class to start tomorrow and meeting the other Ultimates. Today is a great start; lots of places to explore in the school, meeting and enjoying dinner with my new peers and reuniting with my best friend.

Marking the start of the first day in Hope's Peak Academy, what lies in store for us is the question on my mind right now. I am ready to be out there, showing them that I'm one of them- an Ultimate.