My daily life has slightly changed the past few days. Instead of eating and studying alone, I have Nagito following me everywhere and trying to help me to be more efficient. He is quite bright. His logic and intuition are very useful skills. I don't know why he is always so harsh to himself. But it seems serious. There are so many things that are contradictory about him. For some reason, I haven't been chatting with him a lot recently. I didn't have much time. It doesn't mean I'm not curious though. I think he is hiding something behind this constant calmness and serene smile. Without mentioning his devotion toward hope. Sometimes, when he looks at me he reminds me of the stray dogs and cats I used to feed around the world. I wasn't allowed to have a pet since we travelled too much. I could see comfort and relief in their eyes. I was aware that their lives were never easy. And I could bring them a bit of joy even if just temporarily since I had to abandon them every time. The ones that were not too shy would even give me affection and play with me. It also filled me with pure joy. It was an exchange. The only difference between Nagito and those animals is probably that there is no affection or any other kind of attachment. Well to be fair, I don't know. Human beings can be hard to read compared to animals. I do understand humans, otherwise I wouldn't be an Ultimate, but I never understand what they expect from me, and they think too much and always hide their true emotions. That's why I always preferred animals. They are always genuine.

I never really pay attention to Nagito when I'm working. He simply offers to bring me everything I need so I don't waste time getting them. He also planned at what time I should go to bed so I get enough rest every night. Even my parents stopped caring a long time ago. But at least, he is here to remind me I have to go to bed since I tend to lose track of time and work until dawn. The only moment I'm alone is when I'm sleeping or when I get ready in the morning. Fortunately, he is not in my class because I might actually get sick of seeing his face.

He seems very peaceful right now. When I don't need his help, he reads books quietly. I think he enjoys quietness like me. But I don't why he seems to need my company. I'm pretty sure he could easily find someone better. I wonder why he chose me. Maybe he doesn't get along with his classmates. What does he actually think of me?

He suddenly raises his eyes from his book and looks back at me.

"Is my worthless presence distracting you?"

"No… I was just taking a little break."

He looks genuinely concerned. It's like the only thing that matters to him is what I think of him. He always follows me like a shadow and I don't think that I mind having him around. I even got used to it by now. But still, he believes he is not good enough to be next to me. I really don't understand. It's not like I felt superior to him or looked down on him. Maybe other people do. This inferiority complex doesn't come from nowhere.

"Don't you want to do anything else? Staying here and waiting for me to ask for your help must be quite boring."

He looked even more worried for a second but quickly started smiling again.

"Don't worry, I'm perfectly happy that you let me be useful to you. Someone like me shouldn't ask for more. Plus, I feel safe here."

"Safe?"

"I think I mentioned how unlucky I can be. Also, I like quiet places."

I really wonder what he hides behind this smile. I'm quite curious. I always observe people from afar. Maybe it's time I finally approach one and find out if he is trustworthy. I'm used to working with people. However, when it comes to my personal life, I have no clue. I guess I never got the chance to learn. As a translator or interpreter, I never have to express my own ideas or emotions.

"It's been a while since I've done any physical activity and I really need to start again. I'm ahead of my schedule so we can go now."

"Sure, whatever you like. But I'm not exactly the sporty type."

"I was thinking about going for a walk. I never got the chance to explore the area."

Nagito kept on asking me about my talents and how I got to Hope's Peak Academy. So, I more or less briefly explained to him that because of my parent's job I had to travel all over world during my entire life. Since I didn't have any friends and my parents didn't really have time to take care of me, I had plenty of time to study every culture and every language of all the countries I was taken to. I eventually started helping my parents by translating texts for them first. Then I was officially hired as a translator and an interpreter by a few organisations. Eventually, I started helping to fix several conflicts between and within countries as a neutral mediator. I was perfectly able to get what both sides meant and help them understand each other so the conflicts would be solved peacefully. Nagito seemed captivated by my words. After walking for quite a long time, we finally sat down on a bench under a tree. I was a bit out of breath.

"You really won the Nobel Peace Prize? The ultimates never fail at impressing me.

I still can't believe I get to be around people as talented as you. And that's all

thanks to my luck, the only remarkable thing about me.

Well, if you are here, it's probably because Hope's Peak Academy was genuinely interested in you. They wouldn't waste their time for no reason.

Oh no! I would never consider myself as worthy as the other ultimates. I simply won the lottery. I'm not even worthy to speak to you. Someone like me shouldn't be so greedy and know their place…"

I could feel some grief in his words. He tried to hide it, but still, I could feel it. At this moment, I didn't know what to tell him. I don't know how to comfort a human being. If he were a kitten I would give him food. But it's never that easy with human beings. Animals need food, they also need to feel safe… and… affection? Could it be what Nagito needed at this moment? I think he needed a lot more. A human being needs love and belonging, but also esteem and self-actualisation. He seemed to really lack all of that. But I don't know how to provide all of that. I can start from the bottom of the pyramid: he seemed fed, and safe enough. I doubt anything bad could happen, right? So, the next one is affection.

As he was spacing out, I reached for his shoulder and gently pressed it. He slightly jumped with surprise. I guess he was not expecting that. He turned around to face me and hastily wrapped his arms around me. Well, I was not prepared for that. But I guess I was right once again. I gently stroke his back. I felt his warmth spreading on my body. It reminded me of when I would hug goodbye the most social strays. I felt a tiny heartache thinking about that. But this time it felt quite different. It felt warmer. I never felt like this by touching another human being. Usually it felt cold and rough even if their skins might actually be warm and soft. This time it truly was warm and soft. I could hear him whisper very lowly:

"This is so selfish of me. I don't deserve it…"

"Pardon?"

He let go of me as quickly as he embraced me.

"Sorry. I got carried away.

It's ok. Nothing to worry about."

Just like I expected. Human beings can't be true to themselves because we fear. We are scared of what others think of us, so we act to please them. It's necessary because otherwise we would never get along. However, I want to see what is beneath his mask.