Salutations! Good to be back on the air!
Yes I know it's been a while since someone with style has brought a Danganronpa x Persona Crossover, reader rejoice!
What's up? Here's the update homies!
Morning
Future Foundation HQ.
OST:The Somnium Files nirvanA Initiative - Naixatloz's Intentions
The Future Foundation.
Located north of mainland Japan, on a tiny island in the middle of the sea, with many boats and helicopters going in and out. A massive tower overlooked the island, lights making it almost emulate a lighthouse.
Inside, it was full of capable agents. Anyone who stepped in could see the hard work everyone was putting into their designated areas: agents going from one place to another, typing on their computers to file their reports, or being assigned their next job for the upcoming week. It was a busy day for the agency.
The Foundation was created for one purpose: to secure a future with hope for all the people of the world. Currently, it's led by the one and only Kyosuke Munakata, president of the facility and former Ultimate School Council President.
In his office, Munakata had finished encrypting some of his files and saving a couple more on a USB. Once the download board hit 100, he disconnected it and made his way to attend to important matters. He took a file from his desk and walked outside where his loyal right hand; Juzo Sakakura, waited for him.
With a simple nod, Munakata began to head for the conference room, Juzo following closely behind.
On their way there, several agents nodded towards them in respect. In the little time they've had the Foundation working they already had a full house, with every single position filled. It was to the point secretaries were dealing with backlogs of potential agents eager to join their cause.
In such a short amount of time, the Future Foundation had become a household name, truly the mark of a former Ultimate.
The pair arrived at the entrance to the conference room, where a bespectacled black haired woman awaited their arrival.
"President Munakata," The woman greeted him with a light bow.
"Chief Dogami, it is a pleasure to see you being part of this operation," The Future Foundation's president offered a handshake, and Ikue gladly accepted it. "Is everyone gathered inside?"
"Everyone is waiting. Please, after you" She pushed her glasses up, then moved aside.
The leader of the Foundation waved his hand politely, then extended it towards the door. After a moment of hesitation, Ikue nodded and went in first. Soon after her, Munakata along with his right-hand man entered the room.
Just as she said, everyone already gathered inside, sitting in their respective group's divisions, a large group of at least seven people.
The meeting room was dimly lit, with each space around the conference table having a single, empty file. Once Munakata had taken his seat with Juzo by his side, the thick and heavy doors slowly shut, locking any discussions in.
All eyes were focused on him, filled expressions of expectation, disinterest, and admiration.
"It is delightful to see all of you in time, punctuality is key in this line of work." His comment made some of the members in the back groan in annoyance, followed by the sound of a palm hitting the back of someone's head, Munakata noticed it came from the section for the 6th Division, The Special Crime Investigation Unit.
"...Your team sure is something, Ikue Dogami" Munakata thought.
Munakata suppressed the urge to sigh and decided to continue. "If you're done complaining, is time we begin"
With those words, everyone immediately focused.
"As you've noticed these last few days we've had reports of activity from the unnamed terrorist groups. Reports indicate vandalism, kidnapping, murder, and the possibility of cult activity."
The ones reading their files could see a few pictures of the recent activities the monochrome bear masked people performed, from the truck incident to the live message on the screen of Shibuya.
"We've been trying to track them for days without results, any possible hints led us to a dead end… We realized their activities are not something our normal agents can deal with, and for that reason you are all gathered here. We know for a fact they're good at hiding, but they want a public reaction out of their actions. As we speak they're most likely preparing for their next move."
"All their moves have been completely unpredictable, even for us, which likely means they were preparing this in secret. We can safely assume they've been planning for a long time, or at least long enough to meticulously prepare each move they make. It's important to be prepared for that, and for that, we've been working hard to find a lead that can take us to them" Ikue added, her last comment made all the members curious. "And I can say we finally found it"
"In your files, you'll see on the last page exactly what we're talking about" Juzo joined as well. Without question, the agents followed his direction.
In the file were pictures of four teenagers inside of the Other World, alongside any personal information relating to them, with the most glaring being the "PU" that labeled the top of each of them.
"These four individuals have shown to have the power to enter that world, and use their shadows as their weapons to battle… In simple words: Persona Users" Juzo finished the sentence and everyone gave them a good look to memorize their faces… One, in particular, found quite the interest in black haired girl, his red eye stared at her cold expression with amusement.
"And how are they linked to the situation?" Asked one of the girls in the room, with blue eyes and a yellow beanie.
"We've found out that these four students have been fighting the same criminal group we've just discussed" Munakata's words left the room speechless, some agents eyes became glazed with concern, while others smiled in amusement that could almost seem to be pride.
"It's only a matter of time before they die," Munakata's words could describe exactly what they were all thinking. "Or that is what I would originally have thought if it wasn't because we discovered they're involved with Hope's Peak"
A certain pair of crimson eyes twitched.
"Hope's Peak finally has Persona Users working with them… These kids are their response team after years of being out of action. And by the looks of it, they're quickly adding more members to their forces, just this morning I received the news that they have one more addition" Juzo opened his own file, and showed a picture of the new member: Makoto Naegi, and just like with the others they had all his information.
"Well, I'll be damned! Even wimps can awaken a Persona huh?" One of the figures snorted after saying that, his red eye shining through the shadows that covered his corner of the room.
"Seriously?" The blonde girl sitting next to him sighed in shame and avoided looking at her partner.
Munakata's expression became one of distress, massaging his temple to keep himself from saying anything inappropriate. "Anyone can awaken the potential, what matters is the strength of their hearts. If they have a strong spirit they'll have the strength to tame their shadows. it doesn't matter the age, or body type for that matter"
"You're telling me even a baby can be a persona user then?" He genuinely asked, but in the end, he got a slap on the back of his head for a second time.
"I need you to focus," Munakata raised his voice, the room already silent became death silent now.
A large man in the back raised his hand, and Munakata nodded allowing him to speak. "We know we can't allow Hope's Peak to increase their numbers, but with this and the group tormenting the city what is our best course of action?"
"I'm glad you asked," Munakata nodded, placing his hands behind him. "Our objective is to cut the numbers of Hope's Peak before they become a dangerous threat, we will gather everything we can from the enemy from them and then we'll make sure we shut down their actives for good"
Another hand raised, this time from a girl, from the shadows her purple eyes and messy hair stood out the most. "And… How are we going to do that?"
"As we speak right now, they are all attending classes like normal students…" Munakata explained.
Munakata took the top picture from his file showing it to everyone. "This is their leader, and currently he's being assigned to be in Yukizome's class. She will gather everything she can and give us an opening to intervene"
"And by intervene you mean….?" The male next to the girl with pink eyes asked, a noticeable blonde hair could be seen through the little lights the room had.
"We are going to convince them to quit their activities with Hope's Peak, plain and simple," Munakata responded.
"...If they refuse?" The buffed fellow asked.
"...Then we get rid of them" Munakata responded as if it was the obvious answer. The silence in the room was inevitable, while a few people found it amusing others didn't like the answer given by the president.
Ikue's body stiffened by this declaration.
"..With all due respect, Sir, they're children," One said, stating the obvious. "No more than 17 years I presume."
Munakata sighed, he expected as much. To respond he knew what was needed to be shown to have them rethink the situation. Munakata picked up a projector from his suitcase, and placed it on the desk. With the press of a button, an image of the leader and his persona appeared.
He pressed a few more buttons, showing another image of the boy as he appeared outside of the Other World.
"As you can all see we cannot take this lightly," Munakata said, once the image had settled on the boy's eyes, "...What you see here, is his eyes when he is outside that world. Yellow" He paused briefly and then changed the picture to him in that other world. "If you looked closely at his picture in your folders, you already noticed another thing…Here his eyes in that world are Red. Red in the Other world, Yellow in the real world… You all know very well the danger it means. Right?"
The statement by Munakata caused everyone's mouth to go dry, their eyes reflecting surprise, shock, and outright fear. Ikue blinked a few times, trying to put together the words said by her boss but…it didn't make sense.
"Now you understand what I mean? If we allow them to continue, this will only serve to have disaster in our world again we can't allow it. We are here to protect, to make sure the citizens live a life full of hope. So… Have I made myself clear?"
There was an uncomfortable silence as a few started to feel annoyed, and others felt conflicted, until Juzo stepped in
"You better remember this is the Future Foundation. We fight for the future of the people, to ensure they live safely and face the threats they can't. This is a threat, we have a double threat in our hands… You either help us or let the future burn"
Still, no one said anything. But the effects of his words did their part, as many of the eyes in the room softened, remembering their cause.
"No need to remind us" The girl in the yellow beanie said, leaning forward, holding her chin in her hand, "It's with us or against us in the end, right Sonosuke?" And her lips became a smirk, resting her cheek now in her hand.
"Hmh" The blond boy hummed in agreement, "Wouldn't be too hard to take them."
"I-I wouldn't underestimate them, Ruruka…" a sickly pale girl with a face mask over her mouth girl in the beanie, Ruruka, simply ignored her.
These three sat together, each one being the leader of their own divisions. Ruruka's eyes were filled with amusement for the members of the team of Persona users Hope's Peak now has, while Sonosuke's eyes showed more curiosity, and Seiko's eyes reflected worry.
"Do not worry," Said a large, muscular man wearing a bull mask, "...I'm still not fully onboard on this. But I will do anything to secure the future of this city, we just have to trust we won't need to resort to unnecessary violence"
"Quite ironic coming from the Great Gozu," A boy with black hair and red eyes chided at the much larger man "...Sounds like a hassle, but the girls are cute, I might take it seriously if it gives me a chance to meet them"
"Is that seriously what you're thinking about right now, Hijirihara-kun?" A pretty short haired girl next to him deadpanned, letting her body fall onto the table.
"Was there something else more important than that Asano?" Takumi said, cleaning his ear with his pinky finger without care.
"...The tension seems to be dispersing" Another feminine voice said, half of her face was covered by a red scarf, with blue-gray hair, "Now we can focus on our next move, don't you all agree?"
"Glad to know you're still onboard, especially you Gekkogahara-san. Would be troublesome to lose members of my team." Munakata said with an expression that could almost pass for a smile,"Now that we're all on the same page… The plan remains the same as I mentioned. Yukizome will find us an opening, and we will take action at the appropriate time."
"And what about the real threat?" Gozu asked, crossing his arms. "It's important to focus on what Hope's Peak is doing. But we must remember to not forget the real danger"
"We haven't forgotten," Munakata said. "While we wait for our opening to get the intel we need from them and stop Hope's Peak movement, I need you all to patrol the city, be present with your squad division members. You are the only ones who can fight them on the same terms."
"...So we have permission to go all out? We can do it on our own without supervision?" Ruruka asked with an excited edge to her voice, her head tilting in curiosity.
" You do, all of you have been given full permission to do what you must in accordance with the level of this threat as long as this case is active, as you have all agreed to," Munakata's words made the vast majority of the room smile.
Ruruka devilishly smiled, and even giggled as the others in the room couldn't contain their own chuckles.
For a moment there was a shift in reality. To the naked eye, these people were simply laughing behind a large closed door, yet at the same time something surrounded them, writhing in many different colors, reality and unreality existing in one place.
"...Very well, President," Ruruka's smile became slightly more twisted, as she took out a candy from her bag.
"We won't disappoint you."
The meeting ended with a resounding crunch .
Lunchtime
Hope's Peak Academy - Cafeteria.
OST: Beneath Despair - Mashup
Hajime sat in the cafeteria, along with his friends, giving a good bite of a meatball sandwich. He couldn't even begin to describe the flavor- just how long has he been missing out on food like this? Hope's Peak cafeteria was truly the best!
His friends slowly began to sit around his table: Rantaro sitting next to him, Makoto to the right, and Kyoko along with Mukuro taking the seats in front of them.
"So… How has your first day so far been Hinata-kun?" Makoto asked, opening his carton of milk.
Hajime stopped chewing his sandwich and swallowed, taking a few moments before answering.
"...I guess I'm getting along with my class?"
"You guess?" Rantaro raised an eyebrow.
"I already have met people who I will be sharing class with! The red haired girl and her friends are there too, if we include Nanami and…" Hajime made a small pause, remembering certain yakuza there too. "And you could've told me that Kuzuryuu was there- It caused a complete misunderstanding when he recognized me!" He said looking at Kyoko who was just opening her Bento.
"If I told you and you recognized him first, the misunderstanding would've been worse," Kyoko said, picking up her sticks.
"I-... Uh-... " He relented rather quickly, and without a response he just sighed, shrugging it off. "Alright fair enough-"
"But that's an advantage right? I mean it is better than entering a class and not knowing anyone! That's pretty nerve wracking, but it was probably easier for you to join in, right?" Makoto said. Positivity must be his second name or something but Hajime couldn't deny the truth to his words.
"I mean… yeah, they've been nothing but welcoming. Only if I ignore the fact I had to meet with that weirdo Komaeda again-"
"Nagito Komaeda?" Makoto stopped drinking his milk. "...I see, yeah he is… A very uh…special guy?" He nervously laughed.
"Special? I think it's more like he's missing a few screws…" Hajime muttered under his breath.
"We're all familiar with Komaeda's particular behavior…" Kyoko admitted, not even she could help but feel a little overwhelmed.
"You were already familiar with him?" Rantaro asked.
Hajime realized he never told them about his two peculiar encounters with him. Well, it certainly wasn't something he'd like to talk about, if he could highlight his impression of him in one word, it'd be "annoying".
Scratch that. Two words: "annoying" and "weird".
"I am," Hajime responded, shrugging. "I remember meeting him once on the train, he just made fun of me for being a reserve student."
"I'm going to guess he regrets that," Mukuro mentioned, opening her soda can.
"You have no idea" Hajime chuckled. "The second time uh, it was more peculiar"
"Define peculiar," Makoto said. "If it's about Komaeda-senpai, you need to be more specific…" He scratched his cheek a little with a nervous laugh.
"He uh…found me when I got my ass kicked when I tried to save my mom by myself" Hajime placed the sandwich back on his plate to take his bottle of juice. "He woke me up and guided me to the Jazz club"
"Jazz club?" Makoto tilted his head. "I didn't know Komaeda-senpai was into jazz… W-well, I'm not one to judge!"
"It makes sense, you're not the type to seek refuge in a jazz club of all places" Kyoko mentioned, eating some of her rice.
"...Wait, what do you imply by that-"
"Simply that you'd be trying to look for a hotel room, realize you don't have enough to pay for a one night room. Resigned, you would have moved to a motel, regretting booking the first free room they had available due to the noises in the room next to you" Kyoko casually stated.
No one said anything, the three other members of the team stared in silence at Kyoko before looking at Hajime waiting for his answer. The boy was just as stunned as the rest.
"...Am I wrong?" Kyoko asked, Hajime could swear there was a smile on her face.
"...I-I did think of the option but- Okay! First, you have no clue the motel could have been fully booked! That's just a random guess!" Hajime stated, tapping the table with his finger a few times.
"More like a hard read" Rantaro muttered, but loud enough for everyone to hear. Mukuro nodded in agreement.
Kyoko took a drink from her bottled water before continuing, "It was a Friday night, without a doubt the motel would have been full…Meaning, no sleep for you"
Hajime snapped his fingers, he had to try and argue with the detective who could make an intuitive guess to what he had cooked for breakfast.
They shared a small laugh for that. Kyoko knew him better than Hajime gave her credit for.
"Regardless! It wasn't his idea for me to stay in the Jazz Club, it was actually from this girl I met there" Hajime continued.
"Girl? In a Jazz club? Wow, ain't that the perfect 'set-up'" Rantaro teased, holding his hands together and leaning, Hajime pushed his head away.
"It wasn't like that!" Hajime quickly said. "...She was just a very kind girl, told me I could stay and gave me the spare clothes you saw me in the morning"
Rantaro had to bite his finger, he was just serving himself on a silver platter.
"Really? And who was this girl? You didn't mention her when we went to pick you up" Kyoko placed her sticks on her plate, tilting her head to the left, very curious.
"Oh, well her name is-" Before Hajime could answer, said girl made her appearance.
"Hinata-kun?"
Hajime turned to the left, encountering none other than Kaede, along with what seemed to be her friends, but her eyes shined when meeting him. She told her friends to excuse her for a moment before rushing to his table.
"Akamatsu…!"
"W-what are you doing here? No! Sorry, that sounded mean! It's just! You're wearing the main course uniform! You didn't say you were a reserve student?" Kaede nervously laughed, waving her hands a little.
"Not anymore," Hajime said with a confident smile.
"Not anymore…?" Kaede tilted her head, but quickly began the pieces together. "Wait so you-"
"You're looking at the first transfer student from the reserve course. Hajime Hinata, Ultimate Counselor at your service"
"Ultimate Counselor? That's so fitting! You are great and easy to talk to! But it's incredible! Congratulations senpai!" Kaede couldn't contain her excitement and held Hajime's shoulders and began to shake him a little, making the boy laugh.
"Ahem" Kyoko interrupted. Kaede stopped and looked at the detective, still holding Hajime by the shoulder, and slightly leaned towards him. "So, I take it you are Akamatsu-san…?"
"Oh! I'm sorry! Where are my manners? Yes! That's me! I'm Kaede Akamatsu, Ultimate Pianist! Nice to meet you all" Kaede politely said while keeping herself behind Hajime, he didn't seem bothered by it.
This didn't go unnoticed by the group.
"It's nice to meet you!" Rantaro said first, "Although I think we've seen each other a few times before"
"Amami-senpai, right? You're a third year with Momota-kun!"
"Yeah, we're in the same class too," Rantaro added, he was about to say more but noticed how Kaede stared at the space between Hajime and him.
"Do you mind if I…?" Kaede politely asked, smiling a little.
It did take Rantaro by surprise, it is a bold request. Not that he minded, if anything it peaked his curiosity. From what he knew of Kaede she was a very cheerful, honest, kind girl who loves to tease now and then. It's not like she'd be the type to interrupt something, but then again…she and Hajime did seem close.
"Well… Sure," Rantaro shrugged slightly before making enough space for Kaede to sit next to Hajime.
"So, Akamatsu-san, right? You were the one who aided our lead- Ahem… Friend , when he got lost in Towa City?" Mukuro bit her tongue, shaking the old habit from her mind. Not that Kaede seemed to notice.
"Oh! Yep, I did. I just asked for that little favor and they let him stay the night, Perks of being the Star of the club" Kaede winked, and proceeded to snap her fingers into a finger gun.
"We really appreciate you taking care of him… He's a little stubborn and sometimes needs someone to watch over him to avoid major problems" Kyoko said, Kaede snorted at this.
"Oh, you don't say? I could hardly tell."
"Hey!" Hajime said out loud but Kaede just giggled in response.
"Soo- You're Kirigiri-san, right?" Kaede attention went back to Kyoko, curiosity perking in her purple eyes. "I've seen you around but never actually met you, and looking you up close… Have we met before?"
Kyoko was taken by surprise by this… She took her hand to her chin, examining the pianist for a couple of seconds, scanning for any familiarity but ultimately she just shook her head in denial.
"Not that I'm aware of… I've seen you around the school too and heard of you, but this is my first time seeing you face to face" Kyoko answered. "...Although I do recognize we have similar eyes, maybe that gave you that impression"
Kaede hummed a little, tipping her lip with her finger "I guess you're right… We do have similar eyes. Oh!" She suddenly gasped. "That means you and I have the prettiest eyes in the entire Academy!~"
Her compliment made Kyoko smile a little, waving her hand in denial. She wouldn't deny there is an attractive display in her eyes but this isn'-
"Don't you agree, senpai?" Kaede suddenly said, leaning her head towards Hajime.
Hajime choked on his drink, spitting a bit of it, and started coughing. And Kyoko was taken by surprise too, blinking a couple of times. Kaede sure is bold.
"Ahaha! Calm down! I'm just joking! Unless you don't agree we have prettiest eyes?" Kaede raised an eyebrow, smirking at the poor coughing boy as Makoto patted his back.
"...I-" Hajime slightly blushed, first looking at Kaede, then looking at Kyoko, then back at Kaede. "...Ask me tomorrow?"
"Smooth," Rantaro commented, earning a glare from Hajime.
"You two seem to get along" Makoto mentioned, smiling nervously, it's not that he feels uncomfortable but there's no denying it can feel a little overwhelming how easily Kaede could act around Hajime and joke with him, even including Kyoko in the mix. She made it look so easy it was almost uncanny.
"Ah-!" Kaede noticed his smile, and as well as the looks from Kyoko and Mukuro, "S-sorry! I didn't mean to make you all uncomfortable."
"Ah! No, No!" Makoto quickly saved his hands in denial. "I didn't mean- No! That is not what I tried to say! It's just… A little-" Makoto trailed off, scratching the back of his head.
"Surprising," Kyoko finished, "It's just surprising… We never expected Hajime-kun to have a friend so…"
"Bold?" Kaede finished, her smile becoming more soft and her voice more calm. "I get that a lot. When I get excited I kind of just roll out, you know?"
"I completely understand! I think it is only natural to get excited around friends" Makoto quickly added, as Rantaro nodded in agreement.
"Besides, our Hajime seems to enjoy it" Rantaro mentioned, causing Hajime to glare at him for a second time, this time the green haired responded by simply shrugging. "Am I wrong?"
"Ahem. Ignoring that…Relax, as you see I'm surrounded by introverts, except for Naegi-kun behind me. It doesn't hurt to have someone else to balance things more"
"Oh, that makes sense" Kaede hit her palm with her fist. "It's natural you want to hang out with introverts like you!"
"Yeah, of-... Hey! I'm not an introvert!"
"I dunno, I think she has a point.'' Rantaro mentioned holding his chin. "But don't really avoid people either… You're a combination of introvert and extrovert, introxvert!"
"That doesn't make any sense-!" Hajime deadpanned.
"The word combination might not. But you do fit the description of a combination of both introvert and extrovert" Kyoko said, taking the topic seriously which made Rantaro snort a little, covering his mouth with a fist to hold his laughter.
Kaede laughed at this, calmer and soft this time. Hajime just rolled his eyes and smiled a little before returning to eat his sandwich.
"You know Amami-senpai and Kirigiri-san sure have their reputation, but I haven't heard of you" Kaede's gaze went to Mukuro. "You're new here too?"
"...Uh? Ah I, yes… I'm Mukuro Ikusaba the Ultimate Soldier" Mukuro introduced herself, trying to be polite but lacking social skills made her look shy.
"Soldier!" Kaede whistled impressed. "For a girl with such a pretty face is hard to believe you're a fully trained soldier"
It was Mukuro's turn to cough, blushing at the unexpected compliment. How was she supposed to react? No one had called her pretty before…
"Ain't she a cutie? She's even blushing!" And Kaede continued with her attack, causing Mukuro to bury her face in the table. Never before has anyone on this team considered someone would be able to put Mukuro against the ropes like this, yet Kaede did it with ease.
"You're a cruel woman," Hajime said, staring at her as Mukuro kept hiding her face from everyone.
"You like it," Kaede winked at Hajime. "But I'm serious! Tell me she isn't pretty!"
"I'm dodging that bullet, ask Naegi," Hajime said. He quite enjoyed being alive.
"Huh!? Me!?" Makoto almost jumped out of his seat in surprise, crushing his milk in his hand and spilling it all over the table. "Aw man-!"
"...Let's avoid saying the joke everyone has in their minds right now, shall we? We try to be family friendly here" Rantaro said, and as expected a few laughed, except for Mukuro and Makoto who kept whining.
"Wow, you guys are nothing like I expected, you're no different from any other group around here," Kaede admitted, looking at Mukuro, before turning to see Makoto.
"Why would we be any different? Is this because of those rumors I've been hearing around?" Makoto asked, cleaning his hand with a few napkins.
Frankly, it was hard NOT to, everyone was talking about Rantaro all the time, the awful things he had heard… It surprised him how mean other students could be left to rumors and their own ideas.
The moment Hajime began his friendship with him, and reconnected with Kyoko things just got worse, there were rumors about a reserve student clinging to two Ultimates, and many other things…
As a matter of fact, he is now very sure new rumors had started again, not only with Hajime joining but by having his "group"
Makoto could see a few students looking this way when they entered, and more turned to see their table the moment Kaede arrived.
Is not a surprise Kaede being quite popular would attract attention, even more, how she got along with Hajime… He can only hope the things they say won't be too mean.
"Personally I didn't believe those rumors, but it's hard to ignore the reputation some of you have, always avoiding people or keeping conversations at a minimum, I'm glad I can confirm none of that is true," Kaede happily said.
As the group continued with their small chat, different groups in the cafeteria stared at their table, many were just badmouthing them, others had a pinch of jealousy as girls such as Kaede and Kyoko were sitting next to the cataloged freaks Rantaro and now Hajime too for being an ex-reserve course.
One table in particular couldn't stop staring at them the moment they arrived.
"Well would you look at that, I guess the freak did really replace you!" Hiyoko venomously said, enjoying the expression of confusion on Mikan's face.
Mahiru responded by pitching her cheek. "What did we say about bullying Mikan?"
"Ouch! Ouch! N-nothing nothing!" Hiyoko responded, but Mahiru just stretched her cheek. "Fine fine fine! Not doing it, not doing it!"
Mahiru released her cheek. Hiyoko began to rub it, staring down like a lectured puppy.
"I never saw any of them eat here in the cafeteria, let alone share a group table", Ibuki hummed, crossing her arms and tilting her head. "Ah! Let's go talk to them!"
"Huh?" Mikan blinked a few times before being pulled by Ibuki, her arm around her shoulder colliding cheeks together.
"Why not? We can meet the new guy and see what's going on! You have that look in your eyes Mika-chan! I can see it!"
"U-uh-" Mikan struggled to respond, it's true that she wanted to talk with Rantaro but it'd be rude to interrupt right now…
"No! You two will stay here," Mahiru quickly said. "It's rude to arrive just like that uninvited."
"Akamatsu-chan did it!" Ibuki pointed out.
"That's different, she clearly has history with…" Mahiru snapped her fingers a few times, trying to remember his name. "Hinata! With Hinata-kun"
"Sooo? He's in our class! We have the right to get to know him more!" Ibuki puffed her cheeks.
"Once we get to meet him more in our class! Otherwise, it'd be plain rude! So sit! You two stay here!" Mahiru pointed at their own table.
"Y-you know, I-I'm not saying this a-as an exc-cuse to g-go and interrupt but… W-we do k-know Amami ourselves s-so… It wouldn't be r-rude if it's to say h-hi to him?" Mikan nervously said, playing with her fingers a little, her cheek still pressed against Ibuki's.
Mahiru glared at her, making her squeal in fear.
"I'-im so sorry-!"
"Oh don't be sorry you silly girl!" Ibuki rubbed her cheek against Mikan, causing Mikan to squeal again. "It's clear Mahiru-chan is just trying to avoid the new kid because she believes he's handsome!"
Mahiru didn't say anything, her response was to grab a spoon and use it to catapult a ball of rice right in the forehead of the musician.
"Gah-!" Ibuki rubbed her forehead, but immediately took the rice and began to chew it. "Don't waste the food!"
"Don't talk with your mouth full!"
Ibuki continued eating the free rice ball, after swallowing she decided to share the recent idea she had with Mikan, whispering it into her ear. "Let's meet them at the exit when classes are over"
Mikan opened her mouth to protest.
"Want a bite?" Ibuki offered, cutting off whatever futile retort she had.
"W-w-wait that's the same place you bit before-!" Mikan shook her head trying to avoid it.
"C'mooon! One little indirect kiss won't haaarm~" Ibuki teased keeping the rice ball close to her but not to close.
"T-t-t-that's now how it woooorks!" And now Mikan was a blushing mess.
Mahiru could only sigh at the sight of this, she slowly turned to the group still holding a conversation with Kaede. She had to admit, something about that odd group made her curious.
Back at the table, Kaede seemed to be ending the conversation.
"Well! It was really nice to meet Hinata-senpai's friends, but I should go back to my table. I think I kept my friends waiting too long" Kaede laughed a little, scratching her cheek.
"Yeah, you better return to them, don't want them believing you ditched them for us, do you?" Hajime teased, already finishing his sandwich.
"Nope! No way I would do that!" Kaede stood up, and walked a few steps before stopping. "You know! You should totally bring your friends to the Jazz Club one of these days! Trust me you guys would love it! Good food, the best music, and the drinks are on me!"
"We will consider it," Kyoko responded, smiling at her offer.
"Awesome! I'm looking forward to seeing you all again!" Kaede waved and started to walk away. "I'll call you later, senpai!"
And so, Kaede left, Hajime waved one final goodbye before turning back to his friends…Who stared at him. "What?"
"...Nothing, I'm just thinking how much fun I'll have with this," Rantaro said, leaning on the table with an arm and his cheek resting in his cheek, clearly smirking.
"Huh?"
"...Ahem" Kyoko once again, interrupted by coughing. "How about we enjoy the rest of the lunch break before returning to classes?"
"Ditto!" Makoto agreed.
"...Am I missing something?" Hajime asked, but his question was unanswered, instead, everyone continued to enjoy what's left of their meals.
OST:Beneath the Mask - Persona 5
After lunch, and attending the remaining hours of their classes, the ball rang announcing classes were over for the day. Everyone began to stand up and gather their things, Hajime noticed that during this time Chiaki didn't join… Probably busy with Monaca and those kids? The seat where she was supposed to be was left empty the entire class.
"Hey new kid!" Hajime heard someone call, he turned to the left and noticed a guy wearing a blue jumpsuit with pink hair, right, Kazuichi Soda. "We are going to hit the arcade! Wanna join us?" It was him and that Yakuza kid… Fuyuhiko.
"...Uh- I'd love to, but I have things to do after classes… If you do this often maybe I can join next time…?"
"Pfft, too bad… Oh well! If you wanna join us next time no worries! I'm usually there every day of the week, come by if you change your mind!" Kazuichi said before walking out. Fuyuhiko didn't follow right away.
"Hey, look… About our agreement, if you still want to continue our deals I suggest you keep it a secret, got it?" His voice sounded a little too threatening for his liking.
"I understand, I don't plan on telling anyone!" Hajime raised his hands, Fuyuhiko's expression softened after hearing that response.
"Good… One more thing, if you really want to keep getting the good from me, you better start coming at nighttime, daytime will be risky and if someone see us, is over"
"I completely get it, nighttime from now on… Same spot?"
"Same spot as always, make sure no one follows you, ever, got it?"
"Got it"
Fuyuhiko nodded and walked out too, joining his friend Kazuichi in the hallway.
That felt exahusting for some reason…
Regardless, maybe spending time with them wouldn't be bad, it could trigger new confidants and new personas.
"You seem to have found your place here… Despite your circumstance" Nagito said, arriving suddenly from behind.
"...Knock it off Komaeda, I already proved I'm an Ultimate" Hajime annoyingly said, the nerve of this guy is unbelievable.
"...Whatever helps you sleep at night," Nagito scoffed, walking towards the exit. "We should hang out again though… I'm always in the library after classes."
First, he acts rude, then he asks him to hang out? Hajime can't understand him in the sightless and the more he talks with him, the less he wants to.
Before Hajime could reject, Nagito spoke first. "I'll be waiting whenever you're free!" Announcing that he walked out
"...Weirdo" Hajime muttered to himself, getting his bag ready.
"Hinata-kun!" Yet another interruption, this time from Yukizome-sensei, "Sorry to stop you when you're leaving but would you mind staying a little? I'd like to have a word with you."
"Huh? Uh-... I, my friends are waiting for me, though"
"I promise it won't take much of your time! It's just a little chat, since you're the new kid and all, let's get to know each other a little more! I'll be your teacher for the next two years after all" Chisa said, smiling brightly at this…With an honest kind smile like that it is hard to say no…
Well, it won't take long right? A few minutes can't possibly harm anyone. "Alright,I guess I can stay a couple more minutes"
Yukizome celebrated by clapping a few times and walking him to her desk, surely the guys can wait just a few more minutes right?
It was taking more than a few minutes… Kyoko, Rantaro, Mukuro, and Makoto waited for him at the entrance.
"...What's taking him so long?" Mukuro asked, looking at the clock in her wrist. "It's odd for him to arrive late"
"...Did he probably get lost? I know I got lost on my first days with all the hallways in the academy" Makoto said, and to be honest he still sort of gets lost sometimes but he's not going to admit that now.
"I wouldn't rule it out…" Kyoko said but, it's just a small part of her that believes that. Hajime is not stupid, and he wouldn't forget he has an E-Handbook with a map on it… So it's either something happened, or someone is keeping him from coming out. "I'll go check it out, we can't lose more time, if we end up going to the Mirror World the earliest the better"
"I'll go with you" Makoto offered, Kyoko nodded, accepting his company and the two started to walk back inside the academy.
"Keep in touch in case he comes out from another of the exits" Kyoko told Rantaro and Mukuro who nodded, that said Kyoko and Makoto continued walking inside the Academy.
Leaving for now Rantaro and Mukuro waiting.
"...Do you think she's into him?" Rantaro suddenly asked, confusing Mukuro for a second there. "Akamatsu, do you think she's getting interested in Hajime… In that way?"
"Oh-OH! Uh…" Understanding what he meant, a blush came across her face, that way implies… Certain feelings are still complicated for her to know how to deal with. "I don't know… I wouldn't really know for sure, besides… Don't our leaders have an obvious sexual tension?"
That response was way better than he expected, bursting in laughter and holding his stomach with one of his hands, Mukuro got even more confused believing she said something wrong.
"Oh-Oh God..! Even you could tell" Rantaro kept laughing, earning a few stares from confused students who were walking out of the academy.
After a good release of dopamine Rantaro calmed down and took a deep breath.
"I'm so sorry…! I just couldn't keep it, you're not wrong but trust me, I've seen this in manga before… There's always a third party challenging who joins the tensions and makes it much more fun to see"
"Fun…? I'm sorry but I'm lost, this isn't a manga, it's real life. How fun would it be to see Akamatsu joining this… Sexual tension?" Mukuro raised an eyebrow, still confused.
"And reality always surpasses fiction! Trust me on that"
"...If you say so," Mukuro just decided to let it be for now.
"While we wait for the others, want a drink? I'm a little thirsty," Rantaro offered, getting his wallet ready.
"I could use a drink," Mukuro said.
"Be right back then!" Rantaro headed to the vending machines, they weren't too far off but still had quite the distance.
For now, Mukuro was in the entrance by herself… And a few of the students coming out, or a few others returning inside.
The perfect chance to receive unexpected company.
"...So, you are one of the new students" A voice from behind caught her by surprise. No one has ever been able to sneak her from behind like this.
Mukuro immediately turned around and was met with an unexpected creepy smile.
"My name is Nagito Komaeda, it is so nice to meet you!" He gently offered his hand for a handshake.
…Damn it all.
To Be Continued
Confidants
Monomi (The Councillor) Rank 2
Kyoko Kirigiri (The Empress) Rank 4
Rantaro Amami (The Chariot) Rank 2
Mukuro Ikusaba (The Faith) Rank 3
Makoto Naegi (The Hope) Rank 1
Kaede Akamatsu (The Lovers) Rank 3
Nagito Komaeda (The Fortune) Rank 1
Jin Kirigiri (The Hierophant) Rank 2
I hope you guys enjoyed, we are back in the game people